VGC Group met the Mayor of Hillingdon, Cllr Phillip Corthorne, to discuss local employment, skills investment and the delivery of more than £35 million in social value across the borough in 2025.
Sean Fitzpatrick (Chairman), Ciara Pryce (CEO), Fiona Dowling (Social Impact Advisor), and Chris Ryan (COO) met the Mayor at The Parlour to outline how VGC supports the local community through construction recruitment opportunities and social impact projects.
The meeting focused on how major infrastructure projects, including Heathrow Airport and HS2, are creating jobs and long-term career opportunities for residents in Hillingdon.
From left to right: Sean Fitzpatrick (Chairman), Ciara Pryce (CEO), Cllr Phillip Corthorne (Mayor of Hillingdon), Fiona Dowling (Social Impact Advisor), and Chris Ryan (COO)
How VGC Group Supports Employment in Hillingdon
VGC is currently working on major infrastructure projects within the London Borough of Hillingdon, including Heathrow Airport and HS2. With a national workforce of over 1,800 people, the company provides employment for more than 100 people across the borough.
These roles span construction trades, site supervision and management, alongside corporate functions such as finance, HR, digital transformation and compliance.
As a local business headquartered in Ruislip, VGC shared how infrastructure investment can continue to create jobs, develop skills and support long-term opportunity for residents in Hillingdon.
VGC Group’s Social Value Delivery in 2025
Fiona Dowling outlined how VGC delivers its social impact strategy through school engagement programmes, work placements and talent pipeline initiatives for under-represented groups.
In 2025, VGC delivered over £35 million in social value, reflecting its continued investment in community-focused initiatives linked to infrastructure delivery.
Investment in Skills, Apprenticeships and NVQs
In 2025, VGC invested over £675,000 in learning and development programmes, including apprenticeships, NVQs and technical training. This investment supports sustainable careers and long-term skills development across the workforce.
Recognition for Social Responsibility
In recognition of its commitment to social responsibility, VGC Group was awarded the Hillingdon Chamber of Commerce Socially Responsible Company of the Year 2025.
Sean Fitzpatrick, Chairman, commented:
“This is an award we are incredibly proud of. As a local resident, business owner, and employer, I am delighted that my team is being recognised for the work they do—placing construction professionals across the UK while leaving a lasting legacy in our communities.”
Chris Ryan, COO, added:
“VGC Group welcomes continued engagement with the London Borough of Hillingdon and the Mayor’s team. Working together, we can align skills planning and employment opportunities with national infrastructure programmes and local priorities.”
The meeting reinforces VGC Group’s commitment to long-term employment, skills development and measurable community impact in Hillingdon.
Read More VGC Group News
Explore more VGC Group news to read about recent awards, industry recognition and milestones celebrating the work of our teams across infrastructure and construction.
Last updated February 2026
