shape
e l c o m e
WWith the half year quickly approaching, it’s always a good time to reflect on the progress we are making against our plans for the year. Despite the unpredictable and occasionally unsettling environment in the world at large over the last few months, it’s fair to say that all our businesses are continuing to prove their strength and resilience with the stability we all feel from being part of a diverse group is as important as ever. Some excellent progress against key objectives for the year has been made and there is every reason to feel proud of our achievements to date.
Working together, Maple Grove and Construction successfully achieved the final milestone on our town centre development in Burnley, with the completion of the Lidl store. The overall scheme, including the cinema and food outlets on Curzon Street, was complex and at times challenging but the final result has transformed that part of the town centre and is proving a very successful and attractive destination for the people of Burnley.
Elsewhere in the Group, the team in Civil Engineering were extremely pleased to hear that planning has been approved for their c£4.5m project to improve the public realm around Carlisle Station. We have done a number of smaller jobs in the town centre in recent times and this is a great example of how building up long term client relationships can lead to further sizable opportunities opening up for us
In the Construction business, the project to redevelop a former Runshaw College site into a new police station also got the go ahead This is a high profile job, right on our doorstep and we are delighted to play our part in creating a facility which will support our communities for many years to come
The month also saw our property team hold its annual stakeholder event in Manchester, bringing together key clients and contacts from across many sectors and specialisms It was a huge success, reflecting the extent of our businesses involvement in the North West property sector and its long standing reputation across the region
In our house building division, the Applethwaite team continued to make some great progress bringing forward new sites and selling some really high quality homes across a number of locations. Worth noting was the recent opening event at Hillside, Loveclough in Rossendale which showcased our continuous improvement in sales and marketing strategies across the business.
Looking further into May and June, we are very pleased to have been shortlisted across a range of prestigious and high profile awards. This is without doubt a credit to the talented teams behind the nominated projects and best of luck for them all on the night!
Lastly, and I’m sure you will join me in congratulating Jim Carter on his recent appointment as High Sheriff for Lancashire. This is a very prestigious and high profile role and we wish him every success in what will undoubtedly be a fascinating and very busy year.
Thank you
Jeremy JeremyHartley CEOEricWright
ChorleyPoliceStation getsthegoahead
Our Construction team, in partnership with Lancashire Constabulary, have been granted planning permission to redevelop a former Runshaw College site into a new police station.
John Hartnett, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer commented “We’re glad to be working with Lancashire Constabulary to deliver their new police station in Euxton. Our works will see us deliver the refurbishment, conversion and fit-out of the existing building, while incorporating internal alterations and associated external works. It has greater effect that the site is on our doorstep and the completion of this project will bring lasting impacts to the local communities for generations to come” Read more here
LaystallStreet takesshape
Our Construction team are working with long-standing client, Great Places Housing to deliver a new ninestorey residential development on Laystall Street, Salford
The project will see the team deliver 89, one and two bedroom homes.
The development is progressing nicely with the light gauge steel frame nearing completion.
The brick and window works have also started along with a range of internal fit outs on the lower levels of the buildingcompletion is set for summer 2026
Faringtonpavilionprogresses
Works continue to progress well at the new Farington cricket facility for clients Lancashire County Council and Lancashire Cricket, with our construction team working to deliver the final cricket pitch and the new pavilion building.
The new pavilion is coming along nicely with the steel frame nearing completion and the precast stairs installed ahead of the roofing works, which are set to begin in the coming weeks The project is due for completion in winter 2025, ahead of the upcoming 2026 season
Contract wins:
We are working with South Ribble Borough Council to deliver preconstruction services for the development of the existing market hall in Leyland Town Centre
Working with longstanding client, English Cities Fund, we are delivering the demolition of the “Old” Adelphi Building and the Centenary Building at Peru Street in Salford.
ConstructionandConstabularyrepresentatives
LaystallStreetdroneimage
Civilscompletetheir WigantoStandish CyclewayProject
Civil Engineering have completed phase two of the works on the new active travel scheme - Wigan to Standish Cycling and Walking network.
Planning approvalfor CarlisleStation improvements
Cumberland Council’s planning committee has approved the plans for Carlisle Station, including key public realm improvements and the creation of a pedestrianised square as part of the ‘Carlisle Southern Gateway’ project at Carlisle Station.
Works started for client Wigan Council in August 2024 with the aim of delivering improved cycling and walking facilities in the Standish area. Whilst working on the project, the team developed a reciprocal relationship with Standish St Wilfred’s Football Club as they allowed part of their site to be used as the site compound during the project.
The football team have been subjected to vandalism twice since the team started on site. The first in 2024 with the Civils team stepping in to help with the clear up and more recently, with the team funding the installation of permanent CCTV at the club.
Following the completion of the project, the site team have handed back the area of grounds within the football club after tidying up the parking area, shrubs and laying new tarmac to the car park entrance.
The team have also supported the club with funds to purchase a squad set of beanie hats for the team to train in.
The Civil Engineering team are set to deliver phase one of the project which will create George Square, a new public space with a pedestrian crossing over Water Street, linking the station to the Turkish Baths and James Street. Read more here.
Contract win:
Working with Hull City Council, we will be delivering a range of public realm improvements to the High Street between Liberty Lane and Blackfriargate
WigantoStandishroute
Manchester Road, Burnley completes
Maple Grove Developments have reached practical completion of the new Lidl store on the former Reel Cinema site in Burnley.
Built by our Construction team, with our Civil Engineering team also delivering the new signalised highway junction on Manchester Road along with a package of early enabling and demolition works, the project is a great example of cross Group working on projects.
The new supermarket will create around 40 jobs and represents further investment into the local economy.
The new store is expected to open in autumn 2025.
Maple Grove host key stakeholder event
The Maple Grove team recently hosted their annual key stakeholder networking event in Manchester.
Karen Hirst, Managing Director commented "The event was a huge success, and it was fantastic to welcome over 100 key contacts across the property industry. Hosting these events gives us the perfect opportunity to connect with key advisors and partners for existing and new opportunities. I would like to thank all who came along and El Gato Negro Tapas, Manchester for hosting".
Our Water team are the principal contractor delivering works for Yorkshire Water at Long Lane STW near Rotherham.
A new process to improve the quality of the effluent has been switched on for the first time and, on the same day, we undertook an important concrete pour and started the excavation for a 600mm ID concrete pipe to connect a proposed final effluent sample chamber.
This project work continues to be a multi-disciplinary design and build effort for our Water team and is on course to be a major success for both our team and Yorkshire Water
CommunityIftarEventwithWater
Our Water team recently sponsored a community Iftar event at the Gambian Islamic Community Centre, Birmingham with representatives from across the business including operations, commercial and planning providing information on the different roles within the business.
Lisa Milner, our Water Framework Manager said “It was great to see so many people at the event, the team were encouraged by the participation of many of the young people present and impressed with their level of engagement and interest in future opportunities
“The team will now work with colleagues from across the business to ascertain the best approach to supporting individual interests, requests and providing the community with additional information
Thanks to Simon Rathbone, Faiz Adam, Martin Davies, Olivia Robbins and Mark Durrant for attending”
Applethwaitedevelopmentupdate
Hillside opening event
The Applethwaite team recently hosted an opening event at their new development located at Loveclough, Rossendale The day was very successful with the team welcoming lots of potential buyers and confirming two sales on the day. Hillside is made up of a collection of three, four and five bedroom semi-detached and detached family homes.
Ribblesdale last phase
Work at our Ribblesdale development located in Worsthorne continues with the last phase going well. The site is set to be complete by summer 2025 and will deliver 38, two and three bedroom homes.
Meadow View first phase
At our Meadow View development located in Heckenhurst, piling has completed on the first phase and foundations are now progressing. The development is made up of a collection of three and four bedroom semi-detached and detached family homes.
Lunesdale our newest development
The team have now started on site at our newest development Lunesdale located in Brookhouse, Caton where we are building 25 new bungalows for the over 55’s market - more to come on this exciting new development.
EstatesForumhostedby Partnershipsand FacilitiesManagement
The event brought together NHS colleagues from across the North West and was held at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Sewell Advisory.
Natalie Hilton, Strategic Healthcare Planner in our Partnerships team sparked conversations on the topic of ‘Optimising NHS estates, building by building’ and Barry Kilby, Head of Projects in our Facilities Management division discussed with attendees ‘The Path to Net Zero’. Feedback from the event was positive and promoted engaging conversations with attendees which we look forward to developing new partnerships from.
KarenHirst attendsPoole DickQuestion Timeevent
Karen Hirst, Maple Grove Development’s Managing Director recently joined a panel discussion at Poole Dick’s Survive and Thrive: A Construction Industry Call to Action event.
Read Karen’s panel discussion here.
MPvisitfortheOne Partnershipteam
Jonathan Hinder, MP for Pendle and Clitheroe, visited one of our LIFT buildings, Yarnspinners Health Centre, Lancashire, meeting colleagues from our One Partnership team.
The team alongside Community Health Partnerships accompanied Jonathan on a tour of the building and provided an overview of the LIFT model and its benefits.
eventforTackling theHousing Shortage
James Eager, Construction Director, joined a roundtable discussion with other industry professionals at the Insider Tackling the Housing Shortage event
James spoke about why there is a current housing shortage and how we are working to change this with our clients, as well as develop upcoming talent.
Business Multipleshortlisting'sacrossarangeof esteemedandprestigiousawards
Maple Grove Developments have been shortlisted in three award categories at the upcoming Insider North West Property Awards later this month The team have been shortlisted for Developer of the Year, Development of the Year with Preston Animate and Catalyst Award with Lancashire Central
At the British Construction and Property Awards, Eric Wright Construction have been shortlisted for both Innovator of the Year and the Net Zero and Sustainability award. In addition, the Eric Wright Group have been shortlisted in the Construction Business of the Year Award.
James Friedmann for Eric Wright Construction has been nominated for the esteemed Construction Manager of the Year Award at The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Awards.
Our apprentices have also been making the shortlists at the Lancashire Apprenticeship Awards with both Adnan Asghar and Ruhin Patel shortlisted for Construction Apprentice of the Year for Eric Wright Construction and Adam Simpson shortlisted for Technology and Digital Apprentice of the Year for Eric Wright Water. The Eric Wright Group have been shortlisted for the Large Employer of the Year Award.
Finally Applethwaite’s Pendlevale development at Barnoldswick, has been shortlisted for The Cowgills North West Homebuilder Awards in the category of Smaller Housing Scheme of the Year.
With the exception of The Cowgills awards, all the award ceremonies take place on the 15 May, we’ll have to wait until June to for the Cowgills award ceremony. We wish everyone across the Group every success.
ApplethwaiteandFM5-a-sidefootball tournament
Both our Applethwaite and Facilities Management teams have taken part in the Inspire Youth Zone, Corporate Cup. A 5-a-side football tournament, with some friendly competition and fundraising to support the young people at Inspire.
Richard Calderbank, Applethwaite Senior Land Manager commented "Being a local company who has developed in and around Chorley over the years, we’re delighted to have joined forces with other local businesses across Chorley in aide of an extremely vital charity that supports young people across our area."
WhatareourGroupProcurementTeamall aboutandwhathavetheybeendelivering?
The team headed up by Dave West, Group Procurement Manager and supported by Ewan Charnley, Assistant Buyer work across the business to maximise our buying power by implementing Group wide supply arrangements for commonly procured materials, plant & equipment and site services.
This process ensures best value is delivered through improved commercial terms and levels of service benefitting all divisions across the Group In addition, they monitor supplier performance, implement more efficient methods of transacting with suppliers and provide strategic, operational and administrative guidance to teams out on sites.
Recently, the team have implemented a new arrangement for our waste management (skips) used across our sites. 99.7% of our waste is now being diverted from landfill, via a fully managed service ensuring our waste is fully controlled. In addition, the contractor (Kenny Waste Social Enterprise) is delivering a number of joint social value projects.
Heather Jordan, Group Environmental Manager said: “The advantage of working with a single provider of waste management services is that we have full confidence that our legal obligations in relation to waste management are being met and we have a consistent approach to ensuring compliance with associated legislation across the Group”
A new contract for temporary site accommodation/welfare unit hire is also up and running. This has delivered an improved specification, health & safety features, consistent quality and branding all with agreed standard layouts. Carbon (CO2) emissions have been reduced by up to 50%. Costs have been reduced by up to 20% including; hire, transport, servicing and fuel/energy costs. The contractor has improved service delivery around lead times and enquiry response times.
Throughout 2025, the team will be focussing on our supply arrangement for, on-site temporary power supply, plant and tool hire, personal protection equipment (PPE), road sweepers, site consumables, building materials and electrical equipment.
The team are keen to have regular feedback on how our Group suppliers are performing and hear your ideas on where we can make savings and efficiencies with our suppliers
Please send your feedback and ideas to Dave or Ewan.
FMteampreventover200mealsfrom goingtowaste
At cafe Aroma, located at Whitegate Drive Health Centre, Blackpool, our Facilities Management team identified an opportunity to prevent food going to waste and signed up to the ‘Too Good To Go’ app
The app allows companies to offer food that’s about to become waste to local customers at a discounted rate This helps consumers enjoy good food at great value for money and empowers companies to help protect the environment Since the team have been working with ‘Too Good To Go’, they have saved over 200 meals from going to waste, saving over 575Kg of CO2.
With thanks to Shopmobility
During the public realm works on Castle Street in Carlisle, our Civil Engineering team worked alongside Shopmobility to ensure access to Hospice at Home could continue whilst the team were paving outside the location Shopmobility provided a ramp to ensure continued access
As a thank you for their assistance and to help celebrate their 30 anniversary, a small donation was made to support the continued work of the Shopmobility team.
Womeninconstructionpresentation
As part of Civil Engineering’s social value commitments on Salford Rise, Sophie McCardle, one of our civils planners, delivered an industry presentation to Women in Salford to discuss her journey as a woman in construction
Sophie’s presentation was part of an International Women’s Day programme with Salford City Council and aligns with our ambition to open up construction to people who may not have considered a career in the industry or understand the different roles.
SocialValue
Holly’sHeartsFundraiser
There was a great turn out from our Group and Construction teams for a charity walk to raise money for Holly’s Hearts. In late 2022, our Site Manager, Mark Prince, set up this charity with his wife in memory of his daughter, Holly.
Holly’s Hearts was set up with the aim of giving gifts and experiences to children with cancer; both hospital inpatients and outpatients, including children in remission because, as Holly’s parents sadly found out, it can come back at any time.
The team walked from Sceptre House to Construction’s Chorley Police Station site They raised just short of £3,000 for the charity, which will be match funded by the Charitable Trust - great work and well done to everyone who took part
Rosemere’sWalkintheDarkfundraiser
Members of our Water team recently took part in Rosemere’s Walk in the Dark fundraiser.
This charity is close to the hearts of the team and, as a Group, we have sponsored this event for a number of years
The team walked 11 miles from Chorley Hospital to Preston Hospital - well done to everyone who took part
JimCarterbecomes Lancashire’sHighSheriff
Jim joined the Eric Wright Group in 1986 as Development Manager for Maple Grove moving on to be their Director, before becoming CEO of the Group.
Following his retirement as Group CEO in 2009, Jim became Chair of Property and Deputy Chair of the Group until he retired in December 2024. Since retiring, Jim has gone on to become Lancashire’s new High Sheriff where he will play a vital role supporting the judiciary, the Police and Crime Commissioner and Lancashire Police, along with promoting the county and engaging with communities
EarlyTalent AssessmentDay
This year, our Early Talent Assessment Days are being held over four separate days, marking our largest intake process to date.
We are excited to be assessing our biggest cohort yet, reflecting the continued growth and success of our apprenticeship programme. Through this year’s early talent recruitment, we aim to recruit 23 apprentices across a variety of divisions, each offering unique development opportunities and career pathways. Altogether, this represents a significant investment in nurturing new talent and supporting the next generation of professionals across the organisation.
People Spotlightonourwellbeingbenefits
We're all about supporting our amazing people, in work, in life and everything in between. Here's a peek at some of the awesome wellbeing benefits on offer.
Core benefits that make a big difference
Pension Power-Up: 6.5% employer contributions, rising to 10% with long service. Your future self says thanks!
Access to a GP: Chat with our in-house GP every Friday or use the virtual GP service 24/7 including second medical opinions for you and your family.
Occupational Health Checks: Annual health check-ins and tailored return-to-work support if you’ve been off long-term
24/7 Mental Wellness:
Health Assured EAP with confidential advice, counselling (up to 8 sessions per year), and helplines
Bereavement, legal, and financial support whenever you need it
Wellbeing apps like Thrive and Healthy Advantage to help you stay on top of your game
Peace of Mind, Built-In
Life Assurance: We pay the premium and your loved ones receive the benefit should the worst happen.
Income Protection: If illness or injury keeps you away from work, we've got your back with up to 3 years of financial support.
Critical Illness Cover: A tax-free cash lump sum if the unexpected happens so you can focus on recovery.
Life Enhancers
Extra Holidays: Earn additional days with service.
Sceptre Gym Access: Free fitness & fun.
Sceptre Nursery: Helping out with subsidised childcare costs.
Volunteer Days: Paid time to give back to causes you care about.
Savings Scheme: Made easy, save straight from payroll and get a lump sum back in November!
Move, Smile, and Save
Cycle to Work & Purchase Schemes: Save money, get fit, and help the planet.
Dental Insurance: Keep your pearly whites shining for you and your family.
Health Cash Plan: Get reimbursed for everyday health needs like eye tests and physio.
Private Medical Insurance: Want more coverage? Get 50% off your premium with our BUPA scheme.
Celebrating You
Long Service & Big Birthday Rewards.
Charity Match Funding – You give, we give too!
Discounted Fun: Family deals at Water Park Lakeland Adventure Centre and more!
If you want to know more or sign up for any of these wellbeing benefits the window is open now!
For more information, just ask, we’re always here to help you make the most of your benefits - contact HR.
Servicecelebrations
Congratulations and thank you to our colleagues who are celebrating service anniversaries.
5 Years Service
Chris Newton - Head of Business Systems - EWG
Gordon Baguley - Senior Quantity Surveyor - EWC
Faiz Adam - Commercial Manager - EWW
Philip John Heyes - Mechanical Manager - EWW
Adam Marsden - Apprentice Electrician - EWW
Simon Rathbone - Operations Manager - EWW
Jaqueline Buckley - Cleaning Operative - EWFM
Susan Clough - Cleaning Operative - EWFM
Sharon Kelly - Cleaning Operative - EWFM
Robert Ball - Mobile Site Supervisor - EWFM
Denise Ashton - Cleaning Operative - EWFM
Becky Massey - Head of Property and Asset Management - EWP
10 Years Service
Kathryn Hart - Legal Secretary - EWG
Susan Kendrick - Office Manager - EWG
Paul Rawlinson - Site Manager - EWC
Diane O'Kane - Cleaning Operative - EWFM
Cynthia Wright - Cleaning Operative - EWFM
Ian McDonald - General Operative - Applethwaite
15 Years Service
Benjamin Purty - Cleaning Operative - EWFM
Steph Lerning - Personal Assistant - MGD
20 Years Service
Edward Rourke - Skilled Operative - EWC
Mark A Smith - Senior Engineer - EWC
Antony Buckle - Civils Operative - EWW
A huge welcome to our new colleagues across the Group
Eric Wright Water
Robert Jones - Civils Operative
Gerry Blease - Mechanical Fitters Mate
Peter Halpin - Mechanical Supervisor
Darell Smith - Electrician
Raj Hothi - Project Engineer (Mechanical)
Hamid Sikandar - Quantity Surveyor
Alex Beacall - Senior Quantity Surveyor
Daniel Thomas - Project Manager (Electrical)
Elizabeth Dallinger-McConville - Senior Mechanical Engineer
Lee McCutcheon - Electrician
Yvonne Bowen - Document Controller
Joe Johnstone - Mechanical Supervisor
David Lang - Project Manager (Electrical)
Applethwaite
Daniel Turner - Land Manager
Eric Wright Civil Engineering
Georgios Kostapanos - Senior Project Manager
Warren Pett - Senior Estimator
Darran Thorn - Contracts Manager
Eric Wright Construction
Rebecca Fox - Senior Estimator
Water Park
Thomas Ball - Grounds & Maintenance Operative
Eric Wright Facilities Management
Donna Lawton - Cleaning Operative
Thomas Rose - Cleaning Operative
Robert Jones - Multi Skilled Engineer
Kim Baxter - Cleaning Operative
Sharron Jones - Cleaning Operative
Sarah Boyle - Cleaning Supervisor
Edith Morrison - Cleaning Operative
Eva Cortes Martinez - Cleaning Operative
Abigail Savage - Coffee Shop Assistant
Miracle Obi - Cleaning Operative
Anita Upton - Cleaning Operative
Susan Almond - Cleaning Operative
KathrynHart
RebeccaMassey
SusanKendrick
Pleasecontactuswithanynews you’dliketoseein thenextupdate: ewgcomms@ericwright.co.uk
WrittenanddesignedbyAmyandMichelle
