At Willohaus, Salford our construction team have completed the brickwork facade, along with completing the first apartment, which is now ready for viewings.
The new residential development will deliver 100 affordable Passivhaus homes
Scott Delaney, Operations Director said “We’re proud to have reached this important milestone at our second Passivhaus development for our valued partners, ECF and Salix Homes It’s rewarding to see the project progressing towards completion, bringing forward high quality, sustainable homes that will have a lasting positive impact on the Salford community.” Read more here.
Our construction team have handed over Hartley Locks on Lightbody Street to client, Torus.
The £65m development contains 185 apartments, 10 townhouses and a range of commercial units within the existing railway arches.
John Hartnett said “The successful completion of Hartley Locks, Lightbody Street is testament to the dedication, skill and collaborative spirit of everyone involved
“Building next to the historic LeedsLiverpool Canal and one of the busiest arterial routes into the city centre presented unique challenges From creating a cofferdam to installing the foundations whilst protecting the local environment and creating retail space under the Merseyrail commuter route. Overcoming these challenges has made the achievement even more rewarding. Read more here.
LaystallStreetdevelopment
The team at Laystall Street are progressing well, as the brickwork has now reached roof level.
The next stages for the project include the removal of the scaffold, ahead of the external works which are set to start in the new year
Once complete, the £21m project will deliver 89 one and twobed apartments for client Great Places Housing, in the heart of Manchester City Centre
Contract win:
Acorn Primary Healthcare Centre refurbishment works for clients Eric Wright Partnerships and Eric Wright Facilities Management - works valued at £2m.
Business
ZouchBridgesteel beam’slaunchedacross RiverSoar
Our Civil Engineering team have reached a key milestone in the delivery of the £19m replacement bridge for client, Leicestershire County Council, as they successfully ‘launched’ the steel beams across the River Soar.
Georgios Kostapanos, Senior Project Manager said "The successful launch of this superstructure is a landmark moment for the entire project team
"It represents the culmination of months of detailed planning, design, and fabrication To see this structure guided perfectly into place is a testament to the skill and dedication of our engineers, site crews, designers and suppliers We are now officially on the home stretch to completing this vital new connection for the community " Read more here
The Tram Bridge project in Preston, which is being delivered by our Civils team, is reaching an exciting stage as the team have began lifting the bridge into place.
Over the last few weeks, all sections of the bridge, along with the crane, have been delivered to site and they’ve now started to lift the first section into place, with the remaining sections to be lifted over the week
The new bridge is being delivered for clients Preston City Council and Lancashire County Council, who are supporting the project The bridge has a projected life span of 120 years, providing a sustainable long term active travel route with minimal environmental impact.
Our Civil Engineering team is delivering the new Salford Rise bridge for valued client, ECF, as part of their Cresent Salford masterplan.
The team have completed pouring the last upstands on the bridge deck and the stitch wall for half of the bridge’s coping units.
Over the next few weeks, works will progress on the south approach slabs, waterproofing the deck and civils works including drainage and ducting ready for paving in the new year.
Trinity Street Cycle Crossing for client, Kirklees Council – valued at £1.6m.
Oughtibridge Active Travel Bridge for client Sheffield City Council – valued at £0.4m.
Business
Hattersleysteelwork signing
Our Maple Grove Developments team joined its contractor, Britcon, and agents from Knight Frank to celebrate a major milestone at the emerging Hattersley Trade Park.
The steel frame will support eight trade counter or employment units which are being developed at the mixed-use site. The steel work was signed by the team delivering the 57,000 sq ft development in Hattersley.
Nick Hague, project director said “Our contractor, Britcon, has made excellent progress in just a few months to reach this significant milestone We’ve had a lot of interest in these eight trade counter units and look forward to announcing our first occupiers ahead of reaching completion next summer”
“Not only will this site create jobs for people in the local area, it will regenerate a site that had previously been dormant for many years We are working collaboratively with Tameside Council to create a true mixed-use development which will benefit the Hattersley community” Read more here
Amounderness Housestartson site
Enabling works have started on site at Preston’s historic Amounderness House.
The works are being carried out by our Construction team and will pave the way for the main works to begin early next year.
Nick Hague, project director explained “With our spades in the ground, MGD is proud to be part of the team bringing forward the restoration and refurbishment of this part of Preston’s history into high quality managed workspace, complementing the wider regeneration of the Harris Quarter
“Delivery of this managed workspace will play a key role in supporting the further economic growth of central Preston with more opportunities for up-and-coming local businesses” Read more here
MadGiantFoodhallopensatAnimate
The Mad Giant Foodhall welcomes Crust and Co Pizza, Eat Like a Greek and Different Gravy - three independent traders bringing a creative twist to some of our favourite street foods.
The venue also serves local craft beers, cocktails and hosts live music to create an informal space for a casual lunch with family, evening drinks with friends or just somewhere to unwind. The Mad Giant Foodhall joins The Arc, Hollywood Bowl, Argento Lounge, Cosmo, Ask Italian, Taco Bell and Wagamama at Animate, just leaving one unit available to let.
Last month, we marked an extraordinary milestone for the Eric Wright Group as we officially launched our new business, Wrightcare.
The business is at the heart of our continued strategy to create income, stability and growth across our diverse range of activities and is a huge milestone and a testament to our shared drive, teamwork, and commitment to creating a lasting positive impact on our communities. Long term projects such as these have always been at the heart of what we do and have served us well in capturing Eric’s passionate belief that a business should be inextricably linked to its people and communities A care home business, that we own, build and operate is simply a perfect extension of this philosophy
Wrightcare represents a bold step into the care sector, our very own care brand, designed to provide exceptional residential, dementia, respite, and end-of-life care with kindness and empathy at its core This milestone is the result of a journey that began six years ago, evolving from a joint venture into a fully independent enterprise backed by the expertise and ambition of our team The foundation of Wrightcare is built on values we all share: compassion, dignity, community, trust, and excellence. These are not just words; they represent how we operate, treat our residents, and support our teams. By embracing advanced digital care planning and innovative monitoring systems, we will deliver the highest standard of care whilst enhancing residents' quality of life.
Our first care home, Castlewood, is now complete; it’s a thoughtfully designed environment with residents' comfort and wellbeing at its heart. Every room is private, equipped with its own ensuite, and the home features a dementiafriendly layout. Our accessible gardens and outdoor spaces ensure residents can enjoy nature safely and freely whilst fostering a sense of belonging and connection to the wider community.
We have now opened our sales suite at our Brookdale, Grimsargh site were we are piloting touch screen technology.
The new technology will allow people to take a look around the site, explore floor plans and read information about the local area.
On the day of the sales suite opening, the team took two reservations and three early bird bookings which means they get first choice of a plot once it’s released.
Work continues to progress well on site with road and sewage works progressing, along with the first phase of bungalows The show home is to be fitted out towards the end of January with the aim of opening in February
MeadowViewopensshowhome
The team are hosting a launch event to mark the opening of their new show home at the Meadow View, Burnley development.
The event is taking place on Saturday 29 November and Sunday 30 November, offering people a relaxed opportunity to explore our beautifully designed homes
This development has 36 homes that are designed with families in mind There are six house designs including a selection of 3 and 4 bedroom detached and semidetached homes
The construction of the development is coming along nicely, with the first residents set to move in before Christmas. Read more here.
Hillside,Loveclough
Our team at Hillside, Rossendale are busy working on the first phase of the affordable homes development which are due to be handed over mid-December. Following on from this, a further seven new build private residential homes will be completed and ready for the new home owners to move into in time for Christmas.
Stormreturnpumpworks completed Business
Our water team are working at a Wastewater Treatment facility in Bury where the site team have completed the installation of the rising main pipework and three storm return pumps in one of the new storm tanks.
The pumps work by storing and returning stored storm flows back to treatment once capacity allows This installation marks a key stage in delivering 6,000m³ of additional storage, forming part of United Utilities’ wider programme to reduce storm overflow frequency across the region
Watercompletesfirstnature-basedscheme
Tremeirchion is our flagship nature-based scheme in North Wales, where our water team have worked with Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water to replace the conventional wastewater treatment process with an Integrated Constructed Treatment Wetland (ICTW).
The ICTW is made of three interlinked wetlands that are built on the land facing the existing works. The existing works will continue to run during the three year trial and if the wetland continues to meet the agreed standards, the existing treatment works will be decommissioned and the area repurposed as meadow.
Allan Rowe and Stuart Ricketts, have been delivering this flagship programme, collaborating with the Welsh Water team at each step. The project is now complete, and the team have formally demobilised from site
The Tremeirchion ICTW is the first scheme of its kind in North Wales and is a core part of Welsh Water’s ‘less concrete, more nature’ strategy – using wetlands instead of traditional concrete treatment assets to cut carbon, improve resilience and enhance biodiversity
In excess of 30,000 wetland plants will ultimately be installed, supporting a significant improvement in water quality in the River Clwyd catchment, delivering phosphate reduction, and creating new habitat for local wildlife
Our Partnerships team have been shortlisted as a finalist in the OPPP Awards for Public/Private Sector Collaboration – Healthcare.
This recognition highlights the successful relocation of services from Accrington Victoria to the new Accrington Acorn site which has been delivered in partnership with One Partnership, Eric Wright Facilities Management and Community Health Partnerships.
This achievement reflects the strength of our collaboration, our shared commitment to improving healthcare environments, and the dedication of everyone involved
Thankyoucleanerday
Our Facilities Management team have been celebrating the work their cleaners do across their healthcare facilities and schools.
The team passed on their thanks to our team of wonderful cleaners - check out some of the pictures below
Newcontractat
UniversityofLancashire
Our Facilities Management team have been awarded a new contract at the University of Lancashire.
The new contract is to provide Facilities Management (FM) services at the University of Lancashire across its Burnley and West Lakes campuses.
The contract will run for an initial nine-month period, with aspirations to retain the contract when it is retendered in the new year.
The team are looking forward to further strengthening their collaborative partnership with the University of Lancashire during this time.
Ryan Pearce, managing director commented “A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to making this operational.
“We are also pleased to welcome back former EWFM employees to the business, and we look forward to working together to ensure the success of this contract”
It’s an agreement between a bank (NatWest) and us, which allows us to draw funds, repay and then borrow again It works like a ‘revolving door’ for credit – funds can be accessed repeatedly, all within pre-agreed terms and limits
What is means for us?
Over several months, we’ve been working behind the scenes to successfully complete this refinancing which has secured £30million of funding for a minimum term of three years It’s an important milestone, which provides longterm financial stability and ensures we have the appropriate level of debt in place to support the business over the foreseeable future
The new facility strengthens our ability to plan confidently, invest strategically, and continue delivering on our growth ambitions With this renewed financial platform, we can focus on developing our services, enhancing our operations, and pursuing new opportunities that align with our long-term vision
Thank you to everyone involved in the process for their hard work and commitment This achievement puts the Group in a strong position to build on our recent momentum and continue moving forward with confidence.
Apprenticesleadingthewayininnovation
We’re proud to see 22 of our apprentices stepping into something truly exciting, the Innovation Literacy Programme. This nationally accredited training isn’t just about learning; it’s about unlocking creativity, sharpening problem-solving skills, and building the confidence to think differently.
Through hands-on sessions in idea generation, prototyping, communication, and strategic thinking, our apprentices are becoming Innovation Ambassadors, ready to spot opportunities and drive improvements across the business.
The best part? The impact is already showing. Those who’ve completed the programme talk about feeling more confident, collaborating more effectively, and bringing fresh ideas into their daily work. It’s inspiring to see how quickly these new skills are making a difference.
This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a culture where innovation thrives. By investing in our people, we’re building a future-ready team that goes beyond technical expertise, one that’s creative, collaborative, and ready to shape what’s next
EmployeeEngagementandCultureSurvey: Turningfeedbackintoaction Business
In our last business update, we shared the group-wide high level results from this year’s employee engagement and culture survey, and we were delighted to see such positive feedback across the Group. Your input highlighted areas where we’re doing well, and where we can improve.
The key themes identified were:
Communication gaps – ensuring information flows clearly and consistently across teams
Career development conversations – creating more opportunities for meaningful discussions about growth and progression
Regional disconnects – strengthening collaboration and alignment across our different locations
These insights have already been factored into relevant business plans for the year ahead, ensuring that your voices directly shape our priorities.
Digging Deeper: Business-Level Results
We are now working through the survey results, business by business Once again, the findings are encouraging, showing strong engagement across the board At the same time, each business has its own unique challenges and opportunities
There is a lot of rich data and information to get through, and we have already started to partner closely with senior leadership teams to:
Understand the specific issues raised in each business
Develop tailored action plans that respond directly to employee feedback
Ensure accountability and follow-through so that improvements are felt across the organisation
Importantly, the health and safety specific questions have been fed back to our Health and Safety team. These will be incorporated into their business plans, approach, and thinking to ensure that your feedback directly shapes how we continue to keep our workplace safe and supported.
Benefits Review
From a Group perspective, we are also conducting a comprehensive benefits review. Your feedback is central to this process, and we are exploring what improvements can be made to ensure our benefits package continues to meet your needs now and in the future.
What’s Next
This is an exciting time for all of us, and whilst there is much more work to do, we are committed to keeping you informed every step of the way. Next year, you will begin to see:
Formulation of structured career development initiatives
More opportunities to connect across regions
Updates on benefits enhancements
A better flow of communications and updates relevant for your business and improved business level communications
Your feedback is invaluable, and this process is about turning insights into action. Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected workplace where every voice matters.
Theendofanera:SceptreNurserytoclose
Back in September, following consultation with employees and parents, we made the difficult decision to close Sceptre Nursery, at 12pm on Tuesday, 23 December 2025.
The nursery has been part of our community for nearly 30 years, offering childcare to colleagues and local families Whilst it has been a valued benefit by those that have used it over the years, in practice it has supported only a small number of people As we have grown, and our teams have become more geographically spread out, the demand for the onsite nursery has steadily declined with many choosing childcare closer to home
We want to sincerely thank the Nursery team for their professionalism, kindness, and support over the years and throughout this period. We acknowledge this has been a difficult time for them personally, but they have handled the transition with great care and we are delighted to confirm that all members of the team have secured new employment. We wish them every success in their next chapters!
Over the years, the nursery has brought much joy to the workplace, from children singing carols at Christmas to dressing up for charity events such as Children in Need and World Book Day. Those memories will remain part of our shared story, even as we move forward without the nursery.
StudentstakepartinsixthWOWEXprogramme
Over the October half term, we welcomed 16 students from local schools and colleges for our World of Work Experience (WOWEX).
The students spent their week immersed in our different divisional operations, experiencing challenges and tasks such as planning, bid writing, design management, quantity surveying, site management, programme planning, risk registers and assessments and engineering They ended the week with a presentation to a panel of our divisional directors
Thank you to everyone for their time and support during the programme
Prestigiousawardwinscontinueacrossthe Group Business
At the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) NW annual awards 2025, Diane Bourne won the Lifetime Achievement award
The accolade recognises Diane’s sustained positive contribution to the civil engineering and construction industries over a considerable period of time, whilst championing the industry as an aspirational career choice and inspiring the next generation
The award is a testament to Diane’s remarkable career where she has been an influential figure over three decades, with a steadfast commitment to fostering a more inclusive and skilled workforce.
Diane said “I’m genuinely humbled and a little overwhelmed to receive this recognition. I’ve been privileged to spend my career in an industry I love, surrounded by passionate and talented people who have continually inspired me.
Together, we’ve seen it grow, evolve, and open its doors to a new generation of brilliant minds. I’m proud of what
we’ve built together and even prouder to see the next generation carrying that legacy forward with such passion and purpose”.
Eric Wright Civil Engineering were also highly commended for their work at Pontefract Park in the Project of the Year up to £1 million category.
At the Insider Lancashire Property Awards 2025, Maple Grove Developments has been named Commercial Developer of the Year
The award recognises the company’s significant contribution to Lancashire’s built environment. The accolade highlights the impact of key schemes including Animate and Lancashire Central in Preston, as well as Pioneer Place in Burnley, projects that continue to deliver substantial social and economic benefits across the region. James Scott, managing director of Maple Grove Developments, said:
“We are incredibly proud to be recognised alongside such a high calibre of companies and projects Winning Commercial Developer of the Year, along with being shortlisted in several other categories, is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and commitment our team brings to Lancashire’s property market ”
Judges praised Maple Grove for the scale and diversity of its developments throughout the region, noting in particular the progress at Lancashire Central, which is being advanced in partnership with Lancashire County Council.
In addition to the award win, Maple Grove Developments received several shortlist nominations: Commercial Development of the Year for the Preston Animate scheme with Preston City Council; Property Deal of the Year for the acquisition and sale of a residential development site as part of the Lancashire Central project, alongside Rowland Homes and Lancashire County Council; Future Ambition Award for the Lancashire Central development Eric Wright Construction were also shortlisted for Construction Business of the Year
VolunteersvisitChorley HelptheHomeless
Samii Darnley, Jane Waite and Gill English spent their volunteer day at Chorley Help the Homeless.
Following their visit, they shared how the cost-of-living crisis has sadly reduced donations, impacting the frequency of emergency food support now provided every 3 months instead of twice monthly.
Our employees were moved by the dedication of the team at Chorley Help the Homeless and would highly recommend volunteering there, especially around December when extra help is needed.
SalfordRise
Our Civil Engineering team have been supporting Salford Council’s NEET (not in education, employment or training) programme for 1624 year olds, at their Salford Rise project.
The young people who enrolled on the course signed up to a six week programme, to gain employability skills, a CSCS cards and upon completion of the programme, a placement on live construction sites.
The team supported the programme by providing a four day work placement on our Salford Rise project.
TramBridge
As part of our social value commitments to Preston City Council on our Tram Bridge project, we recently supported The Foxton Centre, who support vulnerable communities across Preston.
The centres Women’s service facility needed a fuse box and wiring upgrade, and our civils team and subcontractor, Altitude Services were more than happy to support through the donation of materials and labour to complete the required works.
Materials donationinStoke
Our Facilities Management team in Stoke and subcontractor, Bagnall’s donated £300 worth of paint and equipment to support the Stoke City Community Trust
The Trust have teamed up with Knife Crime Matters to help deliver free educational resources to all 11–18 year olds, throughout Stoke and Staffordshire
People Spotlightonoccupationalhealthsurveillance
Supporting you to work well and live well
The health, safety, and wellbeing of our people is always our top priority. We want to highlight our occupational health surveillance programme and reassure everyone that it is not just a compliance measure, it’s a positive step we’re taking to support you, because its important to us that you are able to work well and live well for a long time.
Purpose of health surveillance
Health surveillance is a structured programme of regular health checks designed to:
Detect early signs of work-related ill health
Ensure any potential issues are identified and managed promptly
Monitor and assess health in relation to specific roles, activities, and environments
Whether you’re based on site, or in another work setting, this process helps ensure you are fit and healthy and able to perform your duties safely and effectively It also plays a vital role in preventing illness and injury through early detection, timely intervention, and workplace adjustments where needed.
By doing this, we aim to:
Support your long-term physical and emotional wellbeing
Promote a proactive health, safety and wellbeing culture both in work and in your personal lives enabling you to work well and live well
Contribute to a safer, healthier, happier and more productive workforce
Our commitment
We’re committed to health, safety, and wellbeing. It aligns with our Capability and Health, Safety &Wellbeing Policies and reflects our values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect, and Innovation. Through health surveillance, we act responsibly, support our people, continuously improve our practices, and uphold the highest standards in everything we do.
Scope and responsibilities
Health surveillance applies to:
Employees identified as requiring checks based on their role, environment, or potential exposure to workplace risks – typically this would include Hand Arm Vibration (HAVS), Respiratory (Spiro), Heart health (Blood Pressure), Hearing (Auditory) and Sight (Colour Blindness and Vision)
Primarily operational and site-based employees, whose work may involve health and safety risks
Agency workers engaged for three months or more, and contractors where risk assessments identify a need
What this means for you:
All employees and agency workers are expected to attend scheduled appointments
Managers will ensure you are released from duties to attend and will follow up on any recommendations
The People team coordinates appointments, maintains confidentiality, and works with Health & Safety to guide managers on any necessary workplace measures
In short: Health surveillance is designed to safeguard you, promote your wellbeing, and reinforce our collective commitment to a safe and healthy workplace. The People team is here to guide and support you throughout this process, so please reach out at any time if you have questions or need clarification
People Peopleteamupdate:Buildingfor2026
It’s been a busy and exciting time for our People team, with lots happening behind the scenes to support colleagues and shape the future of our business. From developing new ways to grow talent, to supporting teams through change, we’re building on your feedback from the Employee Engagement and Culture survey and aligning with our social value and strategic people aims.
Here’s a look at what the team has been up to...
Early talent recruitment 2026
Work is underway to prepare for next year’s apprenticeship intake If you know someone who may be interested, keep an eye out for updates
New learning management system
We’re in the very early stages of procuring a new LMS. A user group has been established with members represented from across the business, supported by a steering group to guide the process.
Compliance training
The team continues to ensure compliance training is booked and completed across all business areas, your engagement and cooperation is appreciated.
Equipping and guiding colleagues through change
Supporting various employees in a multitude of ways, such as Nursery colleagues as the site prepares to close, new employees transferring into our business through the University of Lancashire contract win and supporting the recruitment and onboarding of nearly 30 new colleagues at Wrightcare Clitheroe
Looking ahead
Manage Wright - People Management Toolkit Rollout
The new Manage Wright –People Management Toolkit has also launched, a bitesized training programme covering all aspects of people management. Over the next year, all managers will complete this training, which will also become part of the standard development pathway for new managers
We have recently opened the Save as You Earn for 2026. A great way to save for Christmas. If you want to join, the link is on Wright People - please make sure you apply no later than 10th January!
Pay review letters will be issued throughout December, once we have confirmation from each of the businesses. We appreciate your patience.
And finally, we are also working on our People Plan for 2026, with exciting projects to come. These initiatives are shaped by your feedback from the Employee Engagement and Culture survey and aligned to divisional business plans and with our wider social value and people aims.
Servicecelebrations
Congratulations and thank you to our colleagues who are celebrating service anniversaries.
5 Years Service
Daniel Melling - Electrical Supervisor - EWW
Robert Wilcox - Electrical Supervisor - EWW
Alec Tremble - Civils Operative - EWW
Will Crompton - Electrician - EWW
Colin Cummings - Electrician - EWW
Cade Scales - Electrician - EWW
Julie Murray - Cleaning Operative - EWFM
Ewelina Ratajczak - Cleaning Operative - EWFM
Stephen Seadon - Facilities Support Officer - EWFM
James Dixon - Group IT Support Technician - EWG
Sarah Rea - Bid Coordinator - EWP
10 Years Service
Nikita Ellithorn - Purchasing Administrator - EWW
Shaun Evans - Cleaning Supervisor - EWFM
Drew Hird - Building Consultancy Director - EWP
Stuart Schofield - Regional Health & Safety Advisor - EWC
15 Years Service
Tommee Morris - Site Manager - EWW
Anthony Davies - Mobile Site Supervisor - EWFM
Scott Ellis - Group Health & Safety Manager - EWG
20 Years Service
Andrew Dewhurst - Director - MGD
Antony Mulligan - Contract Manager - EWCE
David Laithwaite - Mobile Site Supervisor - EWFM
Andrew Platt - Project Engineer - EWW
25 Years Service
Gavin Hulme - Managing Director - EWCE
JamesScottbecomes newMDofMapleGrove
James joined the Group as a director of the Maple Grove business in 2021 and has been involved in bringing forward a number of high profile schemes.
James commented “I’m proud to be taking on the role of Managing Director. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with my colleagues, clients and delivery partners to bring forward the exciting projects we have in place and to further growing the business”
The Group’s Property Portfolio Manager, Patrick Naylor has retired from the business after two decades of service at Sceptre House.
On his last day in the office in November, his colleagues presented him with leaving gifts which included a record player and a selection of travel books. We wish Patrick a very happy and fulfilling retirement
A huge welcome to our new colleagues across the Group
