By Sam Hill, Group CEO
STH Plastics Group
At STH Plastics Group, we believe something simple: the people who help build a business should feel part of it. Not everyone, and not automatically, but when someone consistently shows up like an owner, makes decisions like an owner and carries responsibility like an owner, it is right that they are recognised as one. This belief is the reason we introduced a share structure across STH Plastics Group, Adreco and ISS. It brings a select group of leaders (a mixture of employees and long-term consultants) into ownership. Not because they asked, but because they earned it.
This isn’t a gesture or an HR initiative, and it isn’t about handing out shares for the sake of it. It is a signal of trust. A way of saying: you matter, we see the commitment you bring, and you are shaping the future of this group. If you want people to lead, you have to give them space to lead. If you want people to commit, you have to show commitment in return. True ownership isn’t about the percentage someone holds on paper; it is about giving people room to operate, to grow and to make decisions that carry weight.
Those who know me will know that I have always cared deeply about the people I work with, whether they are on payroll or supporting us as part of our extended team. That care hasn’t changed, but this year it sharpened. Earlier in the year, I had a health scare. I won’t dwell on it, but it forced some reflection. It made me focus harder on where I spend my time, where I put my energy and what really counts. The answer is simple: people count. How we support them, how we trust them and how we create environments where they can become the best version of themselves (professionally and personally) is what makes the difference. Since then, my focus has been tighter, my standard higher and my belief stronger that great teams don’t need micro-managing. They need clarity, support and the freedom to grow into their potential.
We are still building, we are still improving and we still have work to do. But the share structure is an important step in ensuring the people who drive this business forward feel connected to its future. It won’t be the right path for everyone, and that is fine. But for those who want to lead, build and own, not just operate, there is a place for that here. I am proud of what we are building together, and even prouder of the people who make it possible.
– Sam Hill, Group CEO, STH Plastics Group