Marking 20 Years of Excellence!

Celebrating Jason’s 20 Years of Dedication

We are proud to honour and celebrate an incredible milestone – 20 years of service and commitment from our colleague, Jason Lill. His journey with SDG Access, from his early days to his current role as Company Manager, has been marked by hard work, growth, and meaningful contributions that have helped shape who we are today.

To mark this occasion, we asked Jason to share more about his achievements and what this milestone means for him and SDG Access.

What do you remember most about your first day here?

What I remember most is feeling both excited and nervous, but also eager to learn and make a good impression.

How has the company changed since you joined?

Since I joined, the business has grown a lot while keeping the family-run core values. We’ve expanded both our services & products which have allowed us to reach a bigger customers base. Processes have improved and become more organised, which makes day-to-day operations run smoother, but the atmosphere is still very collaborative, everyone knows each other, and people genuinely care about helping one another. I’m excited to be part of the next chapter in the company’s growth.

What has been your proudest moment in these 20 years?

Honestly, I don’t have one specific moment that stands out as my proudest.

What I’ve come to value and feel proud of are the many experiences, both big and small, that have shaped my growth.

There have been times when I’ve taken on challenges I wasn’t sure I could handle. Moments when I’ve helped someone else succeed, and instances where I’ve learned something new that changed the way I approach my work or life.

Looking back, it’s the cumulative effect of these experiences, the lessons learned, the relationships built, and the progress made over time that I find most meaningful.

Rather than one defining achievement, it’s the journey itself and the ability to keep growing, contributing, and adapting over two decades that I’m truly proud of.

What project or achievement stands out the most for you?

It’s difficult to single out one project because I’ve been involved in so many, and each has presented unique challenges and learning opportunities.

That said, London Fire particularly stands out. This has been a complex and high-stakes project that required careful planning, quick problem-solving, and strong teamwork to deliver successful results.

At the same time, many of the other projects I’ve worked on have also been incredibly rewarding, each teaching me something new, whether it was navigating tight deadlines, managing resources efficiently, or collaborating with the teams involved.

Across all these experiences, I’ve developed confidence, adaptability, and strong problem-solving skills, knowing that I can tackle challenges effectively and confidently no matter the circumstances.

Who were some of the people that influenced you early on in your career here?

The person who influenced me the most from the very beginning was my dad. He instilled in me the most important skills that set me on the right path, discipline, determination, and a strong work ethic.

From a young age, he encouraged me to ask questions, tackle challenges head-on, and take pride in doing things well. Those lessons prepared me well and shaped how I approach every professional opportunity I’ve had since.

When I joined the team, I continued my growth under the guidance of Matt Gooding. He took me under his wing, sharing everything he knew about the job. Matt took as much pride in mentoring and seeing a young team member succeed as he did in his own work.

I’m also grateful to George Cameron, whose guidance, insights, and unwavering support played a crucial role in my growth in management. His willingness to share experience, offer constructive feedback, and provide encouragement not only strengthened my skills but also gave me the confidence to take on new challenges.

And finally, Simon Farrar, who has given me the freedom to navigate my own path while providing guidance only when it was truly needed. His trust and confidence in my abilities allowed me to take ownership of my work, make independent decisions, and learn from both successes and challenges.
This mix of self-direction and encouragement not only improved my problem-solving skills but also instilled the confidence and resilience that have been key to my personal growth.

How has your role or perspective evolved over the years?

Over the years, my role and perspective have evolved significantly. Early in my career, I was primarily focused on completing tasks efficiently and building my technical or functional skills. As I gained experience, I started to see how my work connected to larger team goals and organisational objectives.

This shift allowed me to take on more strategic responsibilities, contribute to planning and decision-making processes, and think more proactively about solutions rather than just execution.

Along the way, I’ve also grown in my ability to collaborate across teams, communicate effectively, and mentor others. I’ve come to value not just achieving results but understanding the impact of those results for the company and on the people, I work with.

Do you have a favourite story or funny memory from your time here?

There are so many funny moments! Most of them are the kind where you really had to be there, sometimes things were just so random or perfectly timed that explaining them later doesn’t do them justice. But thinking back on them always makes me smile.

What changes surprised you the most over the years?

Over the years, the changes that have surprised me the most are how technology has transformed almost every aspect of operations. Tasks that used to require extensive paperwork or manual effort like job documentation, reporting, and scheduling are now streamlined through digital systems.
Even complex processes, such as fault finding or troubleshooting, are increasingly supported by software and diagnostic tools, allowing faster, more accurate repairs to be carried out. The integration of technology into daily workflows has completely reshaped the way work is planned, completed, and monitored.

What excites you about the company’s future?

What excites me most about the company’s future is the opportunity to be part of a journey that combines growth, innovation, and meaningful impact. I am motivated by the company’s vision and the way it approaches challenges with creativity and strategic thinking. I look forward to contributing my skills and dedication to initiatives that not only expand the company’s reach and strengthen its offerings but also create long-term value for clients and employees. Being part of a team that is shaping the future of the business is both motivating and rewarding, and I am eager to play an active role in driving that success.

If you had to describe your 20-year journey in one word, what would it be?

Defining – The 20 years at SDG have shaped me into the person I am today.

What do you enjoy most about being part of SDG?

What I enjoy most about being part of this company is the combination of rewarding work and a great supportive team. Every day, I get to collaborate with colleagues who are not only talented but also genuinely invested in helping each other succeed.

I feel that my contributions make a difference, which is very motivating. Additionally, the opportunities to learn, take on new challenges, and grow professionally make this an environment where I’m excited to contribute and develop my skills further.