Cleveland Cable Co Ltd Review - Real Employee Experience

Rating:
1/5

Published: 15 December 2025

Cleveland Cable Co Ltd has long presented itself as a key player in the cable and logistics industry, boasting a network of operations across the UK.

Yet behind the façade of growth and industry presence lies a strikingly different reality.

Accounts from current and former employees paint a picture of a company struggling with outdated practices, poor management, and a culture that often seems more focused on preserving past achievements than supporting its workforce.

Reports of extreme workloads, low pay, and a lack of proper training emerge repeatedly, raising serious questions about employee welfare and operational efficiency.

This review aims to cut through the company’s polished image and provide a detailed, evidence-based investigation into what it is truly like to work at Cleveland Cable Co Ltd.

Editorial note: Content on this page reflects commonly reported employee experiences observed across publicly available review platforms. It represents opinion and commentary, not verified facts, and does not reproduce individual reviews.

Table of Contents

Company Details

General Information

UK Locations

Middlesbrough (Head Office)

Bristol

Glasgow

London

Newcastle

Warrington

Northampton

Birmingham

International Locations

Dublin, Ireland

Dubai, UAE

Saudi Arabia

Germany

Italy

Sweden

Norway

Recruitment Process

Cleveland Cable Co Ltd’s recruitment process has been described as inconsistent and, at times, misleading.

Many employees report that promises of pay increases, structured training, and career progression often fail to materialise once hired.

Onboarding is minimal, with new starters expected to “pick up the job as they go,” which can create confusion and stress from the very first day.

Recruitment seems focused on filling positions quickly rather than ensuring candidates are a good fit or properly prepared.

High turnover, particularly in warehouse, transport, and sales roles, indicates a reactive approach to hiring rather than a structured long-term strategy.

Vulnerable or inexperienced workers are sometimes brought in during busy periods, only to be let go soon after.

The recruitment process sets a negative tone for new employees and contributes to the company’s poor reputation among staff.

Pay and Benefits

Employees at Cleveland Cable Co Ltd consistently report low pay that does not reflect the workload or responsibilities expected.

Many describe sudden cuts to wages, minimal raises, and the absence of meaningful bonuses or incentives.

Benefits are limited, and staff often feel there is little recognition for long hours or extra effort.

Warehouse and transport employees highlight pay that is below industry standards, while more senior roles, such as management or sales, also appear to offer compensation that falls short of expectations.

Several former employees report being told that if they didn’t like their pay, “there’s the door,” which creates an atmosphere of insecurity.

The company’s pay structure and benefits package leave employees feeling undervalued, stressed, and financially stretched.

Work Environment and Culture

The work environment at Cleveland Cable Co Ltd is widely described as toxic and demoralising.

Employees report a culture dominated by blame, micromanagement, and outdated practices, with little regard for staff wellbeing.

Many describe being publicly berated, closely monitored, or pressured to work long hours without support.

While some note friendly colleagues as a small positive, these moments are overshadowed by constant stress and poor morale.

Staff frequently comment that the company seems more focused on past achievements than adapting to current industry standards, leaving employees feeling undervalued and frustrated.

High turnover and dissatisfaction suggest that this culture is systemic rather than isolated to specific locations or teams.

Overall, the company’s environment fosters anxiety and disengagement rather than collaboration or growth.

Management and Leadership

Management at Cleveland Cable Co Ltd is consistently described as incompetent, unsupportive, and, in many cases, hostile.

Employees report bullying, public criticism, and poor communication from supervisors and higher-level managers alike.

Training and guidance are minimal, leaving staff to navigate complex tasks on their own, while mistakes are met with blame rather than support.

Several accounts highlight that senior leadership appears disengaged, with decisions often focused on short-term operational goals rather than employee wellbeing or long-term strategy.

This lack of effective leadership contributes directly to the company’s high turnover and low morale.

Even in roles where staff perform well, managers are reported to show little recognition or reward, reinforcing a culture of fear and dissatisfaction.

Work-Life Balance, Hours and Workload

Work-life balance at Cleveland Cable Co Ltd is reported as extremely poor across most roles.

Employees frequently describe long hours, early starts, and late finishes, often with little flexibility or consideration for personal time.

Many staff are pressured to skip or shorten lunch breaks and are monitored closely throughout the day, adding to stress and fatigue.

The workload is often described as excessive, particularly for warehouse, transport, and sales staff, with unrealistic targets and expectations.

Even when employees meet their goals, the culture of blame and constant pressure persists.

These factors combine to create a highly demanding environment that leaves little room for personal life or recovery.

Job Security and Career Advancement

Job security at Cleveland Cable Co Ltd is consistently reported as very low.

Employees describe arbitrary dismissals, sudden pay cuts, and little protection against being replaced, particularly in warehouse, transport, and sales roles.

Career progression is minimal, with few opportunities for promotion or meaningful development, leaving many staff stuck in the same position for years.

Training and mentoring are limited, making it difficult for employees to build the skills needed to advance.

Several reports indicate that even competent and hardworking staff are overlooked or undervalued, reinforcing a sense of instability.

Overall, the company offers little long-term security or career growth, contributing significantly to employee dissatisfaction.

Training and Support

Training at Cleveland Cable Co Ltd is reported as minimal and inconsistent across roles.

New employees are often expected to learn on the job with little guidance or structured onboarding, leaving many feeling unprepared and stressed.

Formal training programmes or development plans appear to be largely absent, even for roles that require technical knowledge or management skills.

Support from supervisors is limited, with mistakes often met with criticism rather than constructive guidance.

Several employees describe having to figure out processes themselves while being monitored or pressured to perform, which can create a highly frustrating work experience.

The lack of proper training and ongoing support undermines both employee confidence and operational efficiency.

Health and Safety

Health and safety at Cleveland Cable Co Ltd has been raised as a serious concern by multiple employees.

Reports describe hazardous conditions in warehouses and transport depots, including poor maintenance, cluttered workspaces, and insufficient safety measures.

Staff frequently highlight excessive manual handling, long hours, and physically demanding tasks without adequate support or equipment.

Some employees note a lack of proper training or guidance on safely completing tasks, increasing the risk of accidents.

Combined with the pressure to meet unrealistic targets, these conditions create a workplace where safety is often compromised.

The company’s approach to health and safety appears reactive rather than proactive, putting employees at unnecessary risk.

Employee Experience by Role

Warehouse and Production Staff

Employees in warehouse and production roles report long hours, high physical demands, and a lack of support.

Many describe minimal training and constant pressure to meet targets, often without proper equipment or safety measures.

Pay is frequently cited as low, and recognition for hard work is rare.

Despite occasional mentions of friendly colleagues, the overall experience is described as exhausting and demoralising.

Transport and Drivers

Drivers, including HGV and Hiab operators, face extreme workloads, strict monitoring, and stressful scheduling.

Many are expected to find and load their own deliveries, with insufficient guidance or support.

Pay is often described as below industry standards, and health and safety concerns are common due to excessive manual handling and long hours.

Reports indicate management frequently applies pressure rather than offering assistance, creating a highly stressful environment.

Sales Staff

Sales roles are characterised by high targets, limited support, and poor recognition.

Employees report aggressive management, unrealistic expectations, and minimal career advancement opportunities.

Pay and bonuses are described as inconsistent, and several former staff highlight a culture of fear and blame rather than motivation.

Office and Management Staff

Even office and managerial roles face a challenging environment, with poor communication, minimal support, and arbitrary decision-making from senior leadership.

Staff describe a lack of structured training, insufficient recognition, and internal rivalries that hinder teamwork.

Although some colleagues are friendly, the overarching culture remains highly stressful and unsupportive.

Cleveland Cable Co Ltd: The Real Picture

Despite presenting itself as a professional and established cable distributor, the reality for employees tells a very different story.

Multiple reports and reviews reveal consistent issues across all aspects of working at the company.

Key facts from employee experience:

Cleveland Cable Co Ltd, while active and established on paper, scores extremely poorly in terms of employee experience.

From low pay to toxic culture, inadequate management, and high stress levels, the company provides little support or security for its staff.

For prospective employees, this paints a very challenging work environment and explains the consistently low ratings across all key metrics.

Working at Cleveland Cable Co Ltd: Pros and Cons

Pros:

Cons:

Verdict: Should You Work for Cleveland Cable Co Ltd?

Based on the reviews and factual data, Cleveland Cable Co Ltd presents a challenging environment for anyone considering employment.

Employee feedback highlights consistent issues across pay, culture, management, and support, painting a picture of a company that struggles to meet even basic workplace standards.

Key things to consider:

Cleveland Cable Co Ltd may appear established on paper, but the reality for employees is markedly different.

For prospective staff, the combination of low pay, poor management, excessive workloads, and a toxic culture makes this a high-risk choice.

Unless significant improvements are made, this company is unlikely to offer a positive or sustainable work experience.

Note: Employees report poor management, a culture of blame, and high-pressure workloads across multiple locations. Staff often work long hours with minimal breaks, outdated systems, and little guidance or training. Health and safety concerns, inefficient processes, and excessive monitoring contribute to stress and dissatisfaction.

In short: Working at Cleveland Cable Co Ltd can be highly challenging. Pay and benefits are generally low for the workload, career progression is limited, and management support is inconsistent. Prospective employees should be prepared for a demanding environment with outdated practices, high staff turnover, and a workplace culture that prioritises targets over staff wellbeing.

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