Award Recipients

Winning a King’s Award for Enterprise for Promoting Opportunity is a proud milestone for The Wiggett Group, but for CEO Reece Wiggett, the recognition reflects something much deeper than business success. “It’s about giving people the chances that many of us were given – or wished we’d had,” he says.

Founded in 2015, The Wiggett Group delivers electrical, fire and security compliance services for housing associations and local authorities across the UK. From testing electrical systems and maintaining fire safety equipment to installing security systems and supporting greener technologies, the business now serves more than 578,000 homes nationwide.

However, while the company has grown rapidly, its mission has remained the same: to create opportunities for people from disadvantaged backgrounds, while making a positive difference in the communities where it works.

Reece grew up in social housing on the Isle of Dogs and began his own career as an apprentice electrician. As the business expanded, he was determined to build a company where social mobility and community impact were part of the organisation’s DNA rather than an add-on initiative.

That commitment led to the creation of the Wiggett Academy apprenticeship programme, which has become one of the company’s proudest achievements. Over the last five years, more than 40 apprentices have completed training through the programme, with many progressing into long-term careers in the construction and maintenance sector.

Inspiring the future
The company currently recruits around nine apprentices each year and actively supports young people who may not have the traditional qualifications needed to begin training. In some cases, The Wiggett Group funds additional English and maths support to help candidates qualify for apprenticeship opportunities.

Importantly, the business focuses not only on technical skills, but also on mentoring, confidence-building and long-term career development. Apprentices work alongside experienced engineers on live projects while receiving ongoing support from mentors and technical colleges.

The wider social value programme extends far beyond recruitment. Through the Wiggett Fund, charitable fundraising and staff volunteering, the business has contributed more than £2.7 million to charities and community organisations.

Teams regularly support local initiatives ranging from repainting schools and improving community gardens to organising food bank collections and fundraising for charities including Breast Cancer Now and World Child Cancer. In 2025 alone, the company donated and raised well over £250,000 for charitable causes.

A positive philosophy
The company’s social impact work also includes careers events, school engagement programmes and partnerships with housing providers and community organisations to encourage more young people into the construction and engineering sectors.

Internally, The Wiggett Group has worked hard to create a culture where people can progress regardless of background. Several members of the senior leadership team started their careers in junior or apprentice roles within the business, reinforcing the company’s belief that talent and attitude matter more than traditional pathways.

Today, The Wiggett Group employs more than 190 people across the UK and continues to expand its services and community partnerships. Yet despite that growth, the business remains focused on the values that shaped it from the beginning.

“We are the people we serve” is a philosophy that continues to guide how The Wiggett Group recruits, supports communities and delivers services every day. The King’s Award is recognition of that journey – and motivation to keep creating opportunities for the next generation.

“We are the people we serve” is a philosophy that continues to guide how The Wiggett Group recruits, supports communities and delivers services every day