e l c o m e
WWelcome to our October Business Update. Autumn certainly feels to have arrived and with that comes an increase in our focus on 2025.
All our businesses are now starting to pull together their business plans for next year Growth has been a defining feature of 2024 in some of our core businesses and many of the recent work winning successes will help shape what we hope will prove another very successful year for the Group in 2025 Another feature of 2024, which we can reflect on with some pride, is the quality of the work both secured and delivered in the period This is a huge credit to the talented teams across all our businesses and sets us up extremely well for the coming year We will, of course, share all our plans with you in more detail as they take shape over the next few months
Since our last update, we have continued to see achievement, progress and recognition across the business In Construction, our team at Lightbody Street had a visit from the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves This was a great opportunity to shine a media light on the considerable work we are doing on a significant project which will help reshape an historic part of Liverpool docklands. Alongside this, work also started on a specialist education facility at Seashell Trust. This is a £22m facility providing support for young people with complex disabilities and communication needs.
Elsewhere in the Group, our Civil’s team completed the transformation of Elland Town Centre and commenced the replacement of Preston’s Old Tram Bridge over the River Ribble. This iconic structure had been structurally unsafe for many years and our team, working with both Preston and Lancashire County Council, are now well underway with the replacement which will preserve the memory and heritage of this local landmark.
In Maple Grove, our scheme to deliver the Animate Leisure Complex in the centre of Preston nears completion and when open, it will transform both the day and night time economy in that part of the town centre. As one scheme draws to a close, another one also makes a start with the team acquiring a 19 acre industrial site just off J41 of the M6 near Penrith. More details will be provided in future updates as this site progresses.
Across in our Water business, our customers are continually looking for more innovative and environmentally friendly solutions to an infrastructure which remains under relentless pressure. Our team has certainly played a part in responding to this challenge, recently completing the implementation of a nature based treatment solution for Yorkshire Water. The successful delivery of this high profile scheme reflects the depth of capability we have in the business enabling us to adapt to the changing and, often complex, needs of its clients
On the awards, we are very pleased to see Construction, Applethwaite and Maple Grove shortlisted at the Insider Lancashire Property Awards Fingers crossed they get the recognition they deserve!
Lastly, and certainly not least, we are well underway with the refresh of our branding and the next significant milestone will be the launch of our new website A big thank you to everyone who is supporting this and we will be able to give you a launch date soon
JeremyHartley CEOEricWright Group
Thank you again for all your support and commitment Plenty to be very proud of Jeremy
Workstartsonsitefor specialisteducation facilityatSeashellTrust
Our Construction team have commenced the building and fit out of a new £22m college building for Seashell Trust, who provide support for young people with complex disabilities and communication needs.
The new building will deliver 12 classrooms and six specialist teaching spaces, along with a cafe, activity hall with an extended climbing wall, fitness suite, rebound room, a sensory integration room and a suite of flexible multi-purpose rooms. Read more here.
Exchequervisits
The Lightbody Street team recently welcomed the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves.
The development is being delivered for Torus as new affordable homes and apartments. Rachel met with James Eager, our construction director, and enjoyed a tour of the site whilst also talking to apprentices working on the scheme.
WorkbeginsatRumworth Schoolsite
Construction has started at Rumworth School with the team working to deliver a new, two-storey teaching block. The building will have 14 additional classrooms and several large rooms for group activities.
Mark Green, our construction operations manager said: “It’s great to be starting on site with the delivery of these new facilities for Rumworth School. We’ve made good progress through the summer holiday period and are looking forward to working again with Bolton Council and Clear Futures.” Read more here.
Work at the development continues to progress with scaffolding being taken down from around five of the town houses along with apartment block A. The roof and brickwork is nearing completion on apartment blocks B and C.
ManchesterCity Councilleader visitsLaystallSt
Council Leader Bev Craig and Cllr. Gavin White, Executive Member for Housing and Development, joined Adam Pickford, our construction operations manager, and the Great Places Housing team for a site visit to Laystall Street, Manchester.
The £21m scheme is in the early stages of development and upon completion will deliver a nine-storey building with 89 one and two-bed apartments.
Contract win:
We’ve been appointed by Maple Grove Developments to deliver a new Lidl on Manchester Road, Burnley. The works are valued at £4m and will involve converting an existing cinema into a new Lidl supermarket.
StartonsiteatSeashell LaystallStreetsite
ZouchBridgereplacement getsofftheground
Preliminary works have began on the replacement of the 90 year old Ashby-de-la-Zouch Bridge, which spans the River Soar on the edge of the village of Zouch, Leicestershire.
The deteriorating state of the bridge means it needs to be replaced on safety grounds as there is currently an 18-tonne weight restriction in place.
Diane Bourne, managing director said: “We are really pleased to have been appointed by Leicestershire County Council Our team has considerable experience in highways and infrastructure improvements, especially the design and installation of bridges We are looking forward to starting the works and delivering this much needed, improved link for the area ”
Members of our Civil Engineering team met representatives from Preston City Council and Lancashire County Council to mark the next big milestone in the life of Preston’s Tram Bridge.
The Old Tram Bridge was demolished in just 14 days, ahead of the projected timetable, making way for a new bridge to be installed.
idge,Preston
Ellandpublicrealmproject completes
Our team have completed the transformation of Elland Town Centre for client Calderdale Council.
The public realm works have delivered wider footpaths, new level crossings, new local stone flags, anti-skid surfaces, new benches and street landscaping to make the area more attractive and help drain rainwater for flood resilience
Diane Bourne, managing director said “We’re incredibly proud to have delivered these significant upgrades to Elland’s historic marketplace as well as completing new community facilities for future generations to enjoy " Read more here
DevonshireStreet, Carlisleopens
Following the completion of public realm works, Devonshire Street is open again
The project makes up part of Cumberland Council’s city centre regeneration scheme which aims to improve the perception of the city centre, boost the economy and enlighten peoples’ experiences within these public spaces
Contract wins:
We’re working in collaboration with Wigan Council to deliver a new Wigan to Standish, multi-user cycleway and footpath - the works are valued at £1.2m.
We’ve been appointed by National Museums, Liverpool to deliver the redevelopment of the existing dry dock to form new space for the museum, with the works valued at £7.7m.
Startonsite,Zouch
Elland
Animatenearscompletion
Maple Grove’s Animate scheme in Preston city centre is nearing build completion, with our Construction team preparing to hand the building over to occupiers at the end of October.
The cinema operator will take possession before completion to enable them to get a head start with their extensive fit out works.
Scott Latta recently accompanied Maple Grove on site to give a social value briefing to the Leader and Chief Executive of Preston City Council. The council representatives heard how the site team had engaged with students, taken on apprentices and had hit local labour targets. The scheme which is due to open in February 2025 will create around 300 permanent jobs.
SteelframegoingupatLidl
Maple Grove Developments is delivering Manchester Road for Burnley Council. This is phase two of the project, following the delivery of Pioneer Place earlier in the year.
The project involves the conversion of the existing cinema into a new Lidl supermarket, with Eric Wright Construction delivering the build works for Maple Grove The project is progressing well with the steel frame nearing completion and the roofing works due to start mid-October
Twonew purchasesfor Portfolio
Our Portfolio team have purchased two new investment properties in Bredbury, Stockport and Holywell Green, near Halifax, West Yorkshire
The Bredbury Property is let to HFD Limited who are a floor covering distributor, and the Holywell Green property is undergoing refurbishment works with strong occupier interest to take a new lease on completion of the works.
These new acquisitions support the Group’s strategy to grow the Investment Property Portfolio and maximise rental income.
Newsite purchasein Penrith
Maple Grove Developments have recently purchased a new site in Penrith, Junction 41.
The site is set over 19 acres, with circa 250,000 sq ft of development space Detailed planning consent is in place for the site access and the team is working through the technical detail with the Local Highways Authority.
Power has also been secured and the detailed design around the site infrastructure is also being worked up.
The team is working towards a start on site in early 2025.
Animatesite
3Gpitchrenovationat FleetwoodHigh
Working in collaboration with our Facilities Management team, Partnerships have transformed Fleetwood High School’s 3G pitch over the summer.
The team safely removed the old, damaged turf and installed a brand new 50mm 3G surface, complete with football pitch markings.
The pitch was finished with high performance sports-grade silica sand and SBR infill, which is a rubber material that boosts shock absorption and durability, ensuring better player safety and long lasting performance The new pitch brings a benefit to students at the school as well as the local community
forInfrastructure Strategy
Our Healthcare Consultancy team, in collaboration with Community Ventures, recently released their 10 year infrastructure strategy which supports the delivery of NHS England's long term plan.
Dan Stevenson-Lenard, strategic estates advisor commented “This project underscores our ability to deliver complex, large-scale strategic solutions within tight deadlines. Drawing in on our existing relationships made it easier to know who to contact and which stakeholders would be the most appropriate to discuss the development of the strategy with. This enabled us to move forward with efficiency and develop a strategy that would deliver what the key stakeholders need now and in the future ”
PartnershipsvisitAccrington AcornandPalsHealth Centres
Our Partnerships’ Healthcare team recently visited two health care centres in Accrington alongside the new Community Health Partnerships, director Jeanette Leach.
The team are working collaboratively with colleagues from Lancashire and South Cumbria trust, Community Health Partnerships and Integrated Care Board to
WorkcompletedatFleetwoodHigh see how they can optimise the space and expand health care provisions.
The team has worked alongside an agency to refresh their brand and modernise their website’s security and functionality The website redevelopment brings clarity on their offerings, helps streamline messaging and highlights the 23 health centres that they manage Check out the new website here
ContractWin
Our Facilities Management team have won a new contract with Wirral Community Health Care Trust. The contract is to the value of £1.2m per year, for five years and the team will be providing TFM services to 10 of their health centres – including Marine Lake Health Centre which Eric Wright Construction built.
Developmentupdate
Following the success of the first two phases of it’s Ribblesdale, Worsthorne development, Applethwaite has now commenced on the third and final phase of this scheme of 38, two and three bed bungalows.
Sales Advisor Louise Holmes commented “It has been great to see such strong interest in the development and it’s been a delight to see the new residents settle into their bungalows”.
The development is due to be completed in the summer of next year.
Charityfootballmatch
The Applethwaite team have received handmade thank you gifts from a resident at their Pendlevale development in Barnoldswick. Thankyou
The homeowner has made the plaques, tables and gifts from the Ash tree that the team removed from their garden
They expressed how happy they are in their new home and grateful for the support they’ve received from the Applethwaite team during the whole process
Members from across the Group recently participated in a charity football tournament organised by PWA Planning to raise money for Heartbeat north west cardio care.
The Preston based charity is the North West's leading cardiac prevention and rehabilitation charity, providing services for nearly 1,000 people each week Great work and well done to everyone who took part
Waterinstallanewnaturebasedtreatment solution Business
Eric Wright Water recently completed the implementation of a nature based treatment solution at Yorkshire Water’s Bishop Wilton site.
This project is a significant achievement for our Water team and Yorkshire Water as it marks the first time this innovative technology has been successfully implemented.
A nature based treatment consists of two new Media Beds, which are designed to remove phosphorus and other pollutants from the final effluent before it is discharged into the environment.
The Media Beds use natural materials such as sand, gravel and plants to filter and absorb the contaminants, resulting in cleaner water and reduced chemical usage.
The team received positive feedback from the client for delivering the project on time, on budget and to a high standard of quality and safety.
In addition the team were highly commended for their proactiveness and collaboration when engaging with the local community, stakeholders and regulators to ensure a smooth and successful delivery.
WaterDucklingRescue
Our Yorkshire Team have rescued a duckling that had become trapped in a liquor return pump station Without the teams intervention it was a certain tragic outcome.
The duckling was taken to the site office to recover before being reunited with its family at a location not far from site.
BishopWalton,York
DivisionsshortlistedattheInsider LancashirePropertyAwards
Eric Wright Construction, Applethwaite and Maple Grove Developments have all been shortlisted at the upcoming Insider Lancashire Property Awards which is taking place at the Blackpool Winter Gardens in November.
The awards recognise businesses that are shaping Lancashire and building new communities. The event showcases companies with a vision to further elevate the region, driving growth and prosperity. Good luck to all those involved.
Categories shortlisted:
Construction Business of the Year - Eric Wright Construction
Residential Developer/Housebuilder of the Year - Applethwaite Homes
Commercial Development of the Year - Pioneer Place, Burnley – Burnley Council and Maple Grove Developments
FleetManageroftheYearshortlisting
Steve Openshaw, Group fleet and transport manager and Sue McGuigan, Group fleet coordinator recently attended the Business Car awards in London following Steve’s shortlisting for Fleet Manager of the Year.
Speaking on his shortlisting, Steve said “It was a great event and we met up with many like-minded fleet people new and old.
I am happy and proud to be highly commended in a very strongly contested Fleet Manager of the Year category, thanks to my team and the strong support from our directors.”
Refreshingourbrand andwebsite
Throughout September, we have been rolling out our new brand. Hopefully, you’ve seen it in a few places such as email signatures, presentations and internal templates.
Our new logo combines a modernised symbol which builds on the rich heritage of our previous identity, along with a contemporary typeface for our company name Each division remains under a brand umbrella of the Eric Wright Group with consistent identities
We’ve created a new section within our Management System on WrightBox – Corporate Documents, which hosts guidelines, logo files and templates for you to use within your role
We need your support to roll out our new identity so when physical items come to their end of life and you are creating new digital items such as presentations or bids, please ensure you use our new brand
If you have any questions or are unsure of anything after reading our Brand Guidelines, we are here to help. Please come and speak to the Marketing and Communications team for guidance and/or to provide us with practical feedback.
Our new identity will be supported by a new brand narrative. This will help us tell our story alongside our values consistently across the Group by using themes and messages to tie us all together in everything we do. You’ll see this being used over the next few months.
Finally, we are progressing well with the development of our new Group website, having now met with the divisions and begun the process of content planning. The new website will bring everything together, providing a window into our work both across the Group and within the divisions. It will showcase our values, and the best of what we do both in terms of our projects and our people.
Water Park recently hosted Group colleagues and their families for their annual ‘Summer Group Water Park Weekend’.
Around 60 people attended Water Park across the weekend, participants enjoyed a range of activities such as kayaking on the water, high ropes in the trees and the climbing wall The weather was kind for the Saturday team so they enjoyed a BBQ, whereas Sunday’s team were not so lucky and ate inside.
Feedback from those who attended was positive and we’ve had some great pictures sent in
CivilEngineeringdonate £2,000,aswildflower gardenblooms
Our Civil Engineering team, as part of their Clyde Bridge project, have donated £2,000 to Pettinain Community Hall to support them in running a range of events for the local community.
Local residents have also been sowing wildflower seeds to increase biodiversity around our newly opened Clyde Bridge project
Antony Mulligan, our Civil Engineering contracts manager commented “We are extremely pleased to make this donation to the local community centre that provides a valuable social, meeting and learning space within this small rural community
“We first attended this community centre back in early 2023 when we held our first engagement session and we were impressed with the turnout from the local residents who were deeply interested in the project and raised some pertinent points
As part of our drive towards achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions, our Tram Bridge project is using solar panels on top of the cabins to provide renewable energy for the site.
This allows the site to use emission free power for its heating and lighting and significantly reduces the need for diesel consumption, which is one of our biggest emission sources as a Group.
If you’re local you may see a pink excavator on site This is in support of Breast Cancer UK A relative of one of our sub-contractors lost her battle and a percentage of what the machine makes will support research by the charity.
PartnershipstackletheThree Peaks
Members of the Partnerships team undertook the National Three Peaks over 3 days on 3-5 October to raise money for their Charity of the Year, Wigan and Leigh Hospice Climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon on three consecutive days - a total of 25 miles, 11,000ft, the team have raised £2,350 but funds are still coming in
Team: Lesley McGregor, Drew Hird, Darren Clayton, Tom Bailey, Oliver Godfrey, Rebecca Gleave, Julie Rogerson and Emma Holland (and Andrew Dewhurst from MGD) If you wish to add to their sponsorship total, you can do so here
WildflowerGardens
Chequepresentationat ClydeBridge
CabinsatTramBridge
SocialValue
Volunteering opportunities
If you would like to know any more information, dates or volunteer for any of these opportunities, please email Scott Latta
Our Charitable Trust team works with charities to provide volunteering opportunities for colleagues.
Christie NHS Foundation Trust
A festive 5K run/walk/jog in Christmas fancy dress.
We are looking for as many volunteers as possible to marshal the run and guide participants from one area to another, or come along to be a supporter on the day.
Event
24 November Heaton Park, Manchester Timings 9am-1pm
People
Wellbeingdates People
Servicecelebrations
Congratulations and thank you to our colleagues who are celebrating service anniversaries!
5YearsService
RichardCalderbank,LandManager-Applethwaite
MattFriedmann,SeniorProjectManager-EWC
MichaelCostello,SeniorQuantitySurveyor-EWC
BrenPeach,HeadofBusinessPerformance-EWFM
KaneO’Connell,SiteSupervisor-EWFM
UnnatiChauhan,BusinessDataAnalyst-EWFM
BenDrinkall,QuantitySurveyor-EWW
GarethMelling,ElectricalImprover-EWW
JordanRudd,Electrician-EWW
KevCunniff,MechanicalProjectEngineer-EWW
KianMcKenna,MechanicalFitter-EWW
LauraFuller,ProcurementBusinessPartner-EWW
PaulFerry,CivilsSupervisor-EWW
RussellCollins,Electrician-EWW
LynseyPennington,TechnicalAdministrator-EWP
10YearsService
AnnAinscough,ClericalAssistant-EWG
KeithBrady,GroupITSupportTechnician-EWG
ChristabelleJones,SiteEngineer-EWC
GregBrett,SeniorProjectManager-EWCE
LauraJones,CleaningSupervisor-EWFM
HannahWatson,SeniorPartnershipandPropertymanager-EWP
IanHinkins,SeniorInstructor-WaterPark
15YearsService
ThomasKerfoot,SiteManager-EWC
JulieSandiford,CleaningSupervisor-EWFM
LesleyFitzgerald,CleaningOperative-EWFM
MichelleKearney,CleaningOperative-EWFM
20YearsService
SarahHooper,WaterparkTutor-WaterPark
JasonLowe,GeneralForeman-EWCE
25YearsService
LouiseSnape,FinanceCoordinator-EWFM
HannahWatson
AnnAinscough
KeithBrady
LynseyPennington
Welcometotheteam
Welcome to our new Facilities Management managing director, Ryan Pearce
Speakingonhisappointment,Ryansaid:“It’sbeengreattomeetsomanyofyouandthankyoufor makingmefeelwelcome AsIstartedmycareerasanapprenticeelectrician,itwasaprioritytoget outandseewhatlife’slikeforthepeopledeliveringourFMservices
JohnWebbkindlyhostedmeatWhitegateHealthCentreandgavemetheexperienceofaday-inhis-lifewhichsawuscompletearangeofporterageandmaintenanceactivities.
Iplantotakethelearningandmynetworkfrommypreviouspositionstobuildonoursoliddelivery capabilitiesandfurtherimprovethecurrentFMservicethatwedeliverandfurtherfuturegrowth It’s refreshingtoseehowcommittedeveryoneistodeliveringourservicesandourvalues,whichare heldproudly.” ReadmoreaboutRyanhere. RyanPearce
A huge welcome to our new colleagues across the Group
Eric Wright Group
Jennifer Baker - Group Marketing and Comms Manager
Robert Gavan - Group Planning & Reporting Manager
Eric Wright Construction
Benjamin Saw - Apprentice Site Manager
Carl Mullen - Trainee Quantity Surveyor
Nicholas Mannion - Apprentice Site Manager
Stuart Haigh - Aftercare Operative
Eric Wright Partnerships
Scott Pennington - EWP Building Surveyor
Eric Wright Water
Alex Jones - Electrician
Argyle Smith - Civils Operative
Aston Williams - Apprentice Civil Engineer
Barbara Leece - Document Controller
Craig Gallatley - Q&E Advisor
Dale Cooksey - Mechanical Fitter/Maintenance
Declan Brookes - Civils Operative
Dominic Woolfenden - Approved Electrician
Edward Carthy - Project Engineer (Mechanical)
Elwyn Williams - Skilled Operative
Febin Kavumkal - Document Controller
Gareth Edwards - Project Engineer (Civils)
George Jones - Electricians Mate
Kirandeep Cheema - Apprentice Quantity Surveyor
Mark Latus - Project Engineer (Mechanical)
Matthew Hunter - Fitters Mate
Michael Johnston - Project Manager
Natalie Williams - Assistant Quantity Surveyor
Oliver McGonigle - Placement
Eric Wright Civil Engineering
Alexander Cuffin - Apprentice Estimator
Chloe Reynard - Tender Assistant
Goodwin Kirk - Lead Pre-Construction Planner
Isabella Uppington - Apprentice Quantity Surveyor
James Cowley - Apprentice Quantity Surveyor
Lesley Davison - Public Liaison Officer
Sa'ad Bariwala - Apprentice Trainee Site Engineer
Eric Wright Facilities Management
Albert Adeyemi - Cleaning Operative
Amy Dix - Cleaning Operative
Anita Cunningham - Cleaning Operative
Christopher Hough - Cleaning Operative
Claire Bursell - Cleaning Operative
Craig Lee - Porter
Elizabeth Nuttall - Customer Service Advisor
Esther Thomas - Cleaning Operative
Louise Roberts - Cleaning Operative
Gary Kennedy - Cleaning Operative
Gillian D'Arcy - Cleaning Operative
Helen Hullock - Cleaning Operative
Helena Jones - Cleaning Operative
Jessica Williams - Customer Service Advisor
Joanne Carpenter - Cleaning Operative
Karen Deveraux - Cleaning Operative
Lauren Jones - Cleaning Operative
Liam Crofts - Cleaning Operative
Liam Weatherley - Cleaning Operative
Marie Fishwick - Cleaning Operative
Megan Bywater - Cleaning Operative
Ryan Flanagan - Caretaker
Ryan Pearce - Managing Director
Usman Odoffin - Cleaning Operative
Vittorio La Mendola - Cleaning Operative
Yvonnne Nagy - Cleaning Operative
If you would like to attend the annual Eric Wright Group Christmas Party please respond to Michelle Cross - mcross@ericwright.co.uk by the 31 October 2024
Pleasecontactuswithanynews you’dliketoseein thenextupdate: ewgcomms@ericwright.co.uk
WrittenanddesignedbyAmyandMichelle
