I am delighted to welcome you to the Summer edition of our quarterly construction news update. I say “delighted” because there finally seems much more positivity in our region’s construction industry and a general feeling we have now turned a corner. Although, perhaps more realistically, it’s a different corner with new challenges.
As usual, the purpose of our publication is to provide you with the latest news from Horizon Construction, covering all our construction sectors. It also includes insight into our region’s industry and related topics which impact firms involved in construction activities.
Our first annual construction survey, conducted in April, was positively received by industry practitioners, suppliers, and the local press. The survey was completed by 40 people representing senior construction roles within 37 firms across the region. It identified several key trends in construction over the next 12 months and, again, a positive outlook for the region’s construction industry. I invite you to read the full report.
Whilst COVID restrictions are likely to be with us for some time to come, I think we are all enjoying more buoyant offices and working environments where staff can return on a considered path to more normality. In addition, we have noticed widespread recruitment activity in the industry as firms scale up or restructure operations. With sadness, we too have given our best wishes to a few leavers as they pursue changes in their career.
As a result of a high number of new business enquiries, especially since the start of the year, our team has been busy with transferring those to new contracts. We have been pleased to recruit new staff to assist with new business. This includes a new section on our careers webpage to promote future job vacancies based on expected new construction projects – in addition to current job vacancies.
With renewed commercial confidence in the economy, albeit focusing on location (location, location) and flexible working, we have recently been able to announce the award of a new commercial contract to build 26,000 sq.ft. of office space in Colchester.
Throughout the events of the last year, we have been fortunate to secure new large contracts and make good progress with ones already in development. I believe this is a testament to our team and culture of instilling much-needed confidence throughout all stages and within all areas of construction for our clients.
This year, we have already delivered a modern, bespoke and carefully considered 75-bed care home, which received glowing feedback and has gone on to be a submission for an industry award and feature as a case study. Also, our commitment to high standards has been recognised by a RoSPA Award for our approach to health and safety in construction for the second consecutive year.
We are certainly going into the Summer with a positive attitude and outlook, and ready to deal with the new challenges ahead to ensure a smooth construction experience for our clients. Our publication provides additional information in all areas mentioned above. I hope you find our publication of interest. Please contact me if you would like any further information.
Kind regards
Phil Holding
Managing Director
About Horizon Construction
Our core downloads (PDFs) about Horizon Construction provide a general overview of our construction group. Further documents are available upon request.
Construction expertise
Our series of short videos demonstrate our expertise within the sectors of automotive, education and residential construction. We are looking forward to publishing our next two videos in the series for commercial and healthcare construction.
Press activity
Key tends in construction
Horizon Construction’s research into the region’s construction industry shows optimism and a positive outlook for the next 12 months as it emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic.
After fundamental changes to working practices and the economic impact on core construction sectors, firms are positioning themselves for renewed growth through a mixture of new and old working methods. This article looks at the research to identify key trends in the region’s construction industry.
A year of constructing excellence
Horizon Construction enjoyed a year of remarkable development despite the pandemic.
Following COVID-19 restrictions and faced with much adversity, the construction group embraced opportunities to learn, develop and improve. As we emerge from the pandemic, the results have positioned the business as one of the leading construction firms in the region. This article explains why.
New projects
Commercial: New Office Complex (26,000 sq.ft.) in Colchester, Essex
Horizon Construction has been awarded a £5m contract to build high-quality offices in Colchester for NEEB Holdings. The project represents 9 office units of varying size, which cover 26,000 sq.ft. of commercial space.
Our Managing Director, Phil Holding, said:
“Naturally we are thrilled to be working again with NEEB Holdings on their Apex 12 project and the team at Wincer Kievenaar Architects.
As businesses start to emerge from a very challenging period over the last 16 months, we are noticing growing optimism and confidence through the level of enquiries received. This is supported by our recent construction survey which shows a positive outlook, businesses planning to expand their operations, and a revised approach to working from home and hybrid working environments.”
Our team is recognised as being dependable in ensuring confidence at every stage of construction. To find out how we can make a difference to your next project, please contact our team.
Project updates
Residential: 11 Houses in Wix, Essex
The 11-house residential construction scheme in Wix, Essex, is almost complete with the exception of tarmacking the new road and cleaning the properties. Therefore, the properties will soon be ready for their new owners and we look forward to showing you the finished photos. Drone footage was taken of the site during construction.
The architectual work on this project was provided by Colchester-based architects, Duncan Clark & Beckett.
Healthcare: 55-Bed Care Home in Woodbridge, Suffolk
Works are progressing at our 55-bed care home site in Woodbridge, Suffolk, for Angel Care. The scaffolding has recently been removed. Mechanical and electrical’s first fix has been completed and the second fix has just commenced. Plastering is well underway. A feature clock has been installed above the entrance of the main building. Internal work on fixtures and fittings has begun. The scheduled completion of works is in the Autumn.
The architectural team for this healthcare construction project is DWA Architects.
Healthcare: 72-Bed Care Home in Maidstone, Kent
Construction of a 72-bed care home in Maidstone, Kent, for Oakland Care is progressing well. Masonry works are nearing completion. Roof works have started. Mechanical and electrical works are underway. Completion of the project is expected early next year.
The project delivery team includes Aedifice Partnership, ADG Architects and WA Consulting Engineers.
Education: New Sport and Teaching Facilities at Chelmsford County High School for Girls, Essex
The construction of a modern new sports hall and teaching block at Chelmsford County High School for Girls is beginning its final phases. Completion is scheduled for the start of the new academic year in September.
The Junckers flooring is being completed in the sports hall, along with the installation of sport and fitness equipment. External works are well underway, including the preparation for new tennis courts. All services in both buildings are installed, and testing and commissioning is now taking place.
This project demonstrates the breadth of our construction expertise within the education sector. We are delighted to be working on this project with the team at PCH Associates.
Education: Teaching Facility Extension at St Thomas More School, Wood Green, London
The extension of an existing teaching facility is now taking shape. The roof and rendering works have been completed and the scaffolding has been removed. The plastering and mechanical and electrical’s first fix are underway.
We had the pleasure of inviting a group of children from the school to visit the site to learn about the construction process and to further their understanding of the industry and a career in construction.
The architects and project manager for this project is PCH Associates.
Completed projects
Automotive: BMW & MINI Sales and Aftersales Facility, Surrey
Commercial: New Visitor Centre for Essex Wildlife Trust, Langdon
Recruitment
Horizon Construction is on the lookout for great and aspiring talent to join our team. As a forward-thinking and innovative construction company, we are constantly planning ahead to match the growth in demand for our services with new resourcing requirements.
As well as our Current Job Vacancies, we have launched our Future Job Vacancies section on our careers page which shows the expected opportunities over the next 6 and 12-24 months.
Latest news and publications
Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date with our latest news and announcements, including construction projects and job vacancies. Our LinkedIn company page now has over 2,900 followers.
The latest news and publications on our website include:
- Corporate News: “A year of constructing excellence”
- Corporate News: “Rebecca Mitchell prepares for Chartered Procurement and Supply Professional status”
- Corporate News: “Horizon Construction wins £5m contract for new office complex in Colchester”
- Insight: “Construction Survey 2021 – Key Trends in Construction”
- Publications: “Case Study: Bostall Group Care Home, Dartford”
- Insight: “COVID-19 and Mental Health in the Workplace”
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