A bespoke structural engineering firm is taking on graduates in a bid to help their business develop and grow.

Marshall Structures Ltd, based at Top Barn Farm in Holt, offers a personal, professional service tailor-made to suit the needs of a specific project.

The company’s founder, Paul Marshall is a Chartered Engineer with over 20 years experience in building structures. With help of Malvern Hill District Council’s graduate grants scheme, Marshall Structures received £2,000 in funding to recruit a graduate.

Radu Mihei, who attended the University of Birmingham, is a graduate engineer in Structural Engineering and is on track to become a senior engineer. The 25-year-old’s general duties include calculations, design drawings, visiting properties and more.

The aim of the Malvern Hills Graduate Grants Scheme is to support the growth of small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) by addressing higher level skills shortages. It is open to all eligible SMEs in the district looking to recruit graduates for the first time or experiencing difficulties finding the right graduate for their needs.

Gillian Hancock, Office Manager at Marshall Structures Ltd, said: “We are a small company looking to expand and grow. Taking on a graduate gives us the opportunity to take someone on who knows what they are doing at a lower cost and then to grow the business as the graduate becomes more competent and able.

“It has been a really positive experience and we have someone who can instantly benefit the company, still with room to grow.”

David Chambers, Leader of Malvern Hills District Council and Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, said: “More and more companies are seeing the benefits of employing graduates to help grow their business. Supporting a graduate and equipping them with essential skills and experience will enable them to become an integral member of the workforce.

“Offering career opportunities to local young people not only helps the economy but also improves the diversity of the district. Marshall Structures Ltd is just another example of the brilliant businesses we have in the area.”