Lord Combustion Services, based on Dudley Road East in Oldbury, has two very good reasons to celebrate – not only has the company been shortlisted for two awards, it will shortly be marking 40 years in business.

Founded in 1982, the company began by servicing and commissioning gas fired equipment. In the four decades since then, Lord Combustion has expanded to include the design, installation and refurbishment of commercial heating, hot water and ventilation systems across a range of industries. Its customers include numerous schools, NHS sites and public buildings, as well as the world famous Edgbaston cricket ground.

Managing director Stuart Smith attributes the firm’s success to its workforce, saying: “The Lord Combustion team is the company’s greatest asset. They enable the business to offer an unrivalled level of service.”

Many of the staff have over 35 years’ experience, and have been trained on the company’s apprentice scheme, internal skills development programme or through its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant – a scheme which ensures those who have served in the armed forces have access to education and training. Lord Combustion have been issued with a Silver Award for their involvement.

Greg Jones, who joined the company as an apprentice ten years ago, became a member of the board of directors in January. He has now been shortlisted for a West Midlands Leadership Award. He’s in the running for a Young Leader award, while Stuart has also been shortlisted for a Company Leader prize.

The management team is rightly proud of the company’s reputation for high quality and service, and for the ongoing success of the business, particularly in the recent challenging circumstances. Stuart praises his team for their continued hard work and dedication, which has enabled the business to continue supporting care homes, health service providers and schools for children of key workers, without compromising on safety or hygiene.

Stuart also gives credit to the company’s Sandwell base. “Being in the heart of the West Midlands enables us serve a large customer base of varied industry sectors, supported by an extensive local supply chain and a large network of manufacturing and specialist services. This enables us to offer extremely efficient response times to our clients’ urgent needs.”

But while Lord Combustion remains firmly rooted in Sandwell, the company has global ambitions. As plans take shape to mark the firm’s 40th anniversary next year, Stuart is determined that the company will continue to keep up to date with emerging technologies, helping its clients reduce their carbon footprints, and leading the way in developing solutions to combat climate change.

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