One year ago, Sterling underwent a significant leadership shift. After 18 years of visionary leadership, founder Jeremy Milligan stepped down, handing the reins to industry veteran Harry Virdee. As the company marks the one-year anniversary of that transition, both past and present leaders reflect on the journey so far, the challenges met, and the bright road ahead.
Passing the Torch: A Founder's Farewell
For Jeremy Milligan, stepping down wasn’t a decision made lightly. Having built Sterling from the ground up, he spent a decade and a half shaping its culture, driving its growth, and weathering the storms of uncertainty, including the turbulent COVID years. Ultimately, the decision came from a place of clarity and foresight.
“I started to realise that, for [Sterling] to continue to grow and move to the next level, it needed new ideas from the top,” Milligan explains. “I also realised… I did not have the enthusiasm for business that I once did.”
And so began the search for the right successor—not merely someone capable of maintaining the status quo, but someone who could amplify Sterling’s momentum without sacrificing its soul.
“I had met with four different potential buyers… Only Harry and the investors he brought with him had a clear vision for growth that fitted well with my hopes for the future of Sterling.”
One key factor in Milligan’s decision was Virdee’s commitment to preserving the heart of Sterling, the experienced management team and the unique workplace culture that had kept staff turnover impressively low.
A New Chapter: Harry's Vision
For Virdee, joining Sterling was something of a homecoming. “I had always admired Sterling from a distance,” he says. “They had the same ethos as me—put people and customers first.” Taking over a company with such a distinct identity could have posed a challenge. But thanks to that alignment of values, the transition proved smooth.
“The last year has been a rollercoaster, but a fun one!” Virdee shares. “Given the existing culture was already in line with mine, it was an easy transition.”
In just twelve months, Sterling has undergone rapid expansion. New hires have bolstered the business, client relationships have remained rock solid (0% attrition, a rare feat), and employee morale continues to thrive. But growth hasn’t come at the expense of culture. If anything, it’s strengthened it.
“Astounding” is how Milligan describes the transformation. “There have been some growing pains… but these have been minor and quickly fixed by a very strong management team. Morale is high, with excitement and enthusiasm for further growth.”
The Road Ahead: Growth, Innovation, and People
Looking to the future, Virdee’s focus is clear: growth through innovation, without losing sight of people. With the rise of AI across the global business landscape, Sterling is taking a proactive approach—not to replace staff, but to upskill them.
“We are combining tech with people,” Virdee explains. “It’s important to have a human in the loop, but at a higher skilled level. So, although there may be a fear of AI, it should actually lead to the upskilling of staff. This is something Sterling will be pioneering.”
This thoughtful integration of technology and human expertise could well define Sterling’s second act. A balance of ambition and empathy, growth and groundedness.
From Founder to Fan
And what of Jeremy, a year into his post-Sterling life? “Lots of golf!” he says with a laugh. The former Director is content with the transition and deeply proud of the legacy he’s left behind.
“When I set the business up, I wanted Sterling to be a workplace where people are happy to turn up to work. So more than anything, I’m proud of the team that I left.” He has only one piece of advice for his successor: “Keep on doing what he’s doing.”
A Story Still Being Written
The first year of Harry’s leadership has seen Sterling not only maintain its footing but also pick up pace. With technology on the horizon, an enduring culture at its core, and a leadership team that knows how to navigate both growth and people dynamics, Sterling’s future looks anything but static.
As the company marks this milestone, it’s clear that the story of Sterling is far from over.
