RyebridgewingoldinNational BuildingandConstructionAwards
ItwasanighttorememberforRyebridgeatthis year’sNationalBuildingandConstruction Awards
ThecompanywontheProjectoftheYear(upto £10m)accoladeforourworkonLondonLuton Airport’sTemporaryDropOffZone(TDOZ)
WewerepresentedwiththeGoldWinneraward atagalaceremonywhichtookplaceatthe LeonardoRoyalLondonTowerBridgeHotelon Friday
TheTDOZprojectwasinitiatedfollowingthefire andcollapseofthemulti-storeyTerminalCar Park2inOctober2023,andwasdeemedtobe timecriticalduetothelossofrevenuecaused bythemulti-storeycarparkfire ThenewTDOZinvolvedtherelocationofthe existingtaxirank,thediversionofthe pedestrianwalkwayintotheairport,anewcar park,newstreetlighting,anewtrafficsystem,a newbarrierlesspaymentsystemusingANPR (AutomaticNumberPlateRecognition),plus newsignage,liningandstreetfurniture. Theprojecthadtobephasedinsuchawayas tokeepthebusterminallivewithnodelays, whileensuringtherelocationofthetaxirank withoutdisruption,andkeepingeasyJet,goods inwasteawayandtheexecutivecarparkfully operational.
Itwascompletedinjust13andahalfweeks,far aheadoftheoriginaltimetableof20weeks, andevenquickerthanarevised16weeks, ensuringitwasreadyforthestartoftheschool holidays
RyebridgemanagingdirectorSeanScullysaid: “Whatafantasticresultandgreatrecognition forRyebridgeonthenationalstage Theaward mustbesharedbetweenallthoseinvolvedin completingthisprojectsuccessfullyaheadof schedule.”
ProjectmanagerSalvoCardinale,sitemanager MickByrne,seniorsiteengineerThangavelu “Vani”Vanithasanandprojectandoperations managerJoeHankinswereresponsibleforthe job
Aswellaswinningthisaward,wewerealso shortlistedfortheInnovationoftheYear categoryforbuildingthemezzaninefloorin LLA’sInternationalDeparturesLounge,and CommunityEngagementforoursocialvalue workinLuton
Thiswasthesecondtimewehavewonthe ProjectoftheYear(upto£10m)award In2024 wereceivedthetitleinrecognitionofHat Gardens,the£16mtransformationofaderelict wastelandintoanassetofgenuinecommunity valueinLutontowncentre.
OurnewhomeatLondonLutonAirport
RyebridgeConstructionhas relocatedtotheveryheartof LondonLutonAirport
Thecompanyhasmovedits headofficetoVoyagerHouseat 142ProspectWay,onthevery doorstepoftheairport
Themovemeanslarger,more accessiblepremiseswithan openplanlayoutdesignedto promoteinnovation,discussion andcreativityamongthelocallybasedteam.
Itwillalsoensureevencloser tiestoRyebridge’slongest standingclientLondonLuton Airport,wherethecompanyis atrustedandexperienced landsideandairside contractorforairport developmentsincludingthe newongoingmulti-million poundAlphataxiway extensionandongoing maintenanceandframework contracts.
Ryebridge’srunofawardssuccesses continueswiththenewsthatthe companyhasbeenrecognisedasa regionalwinnerintheLABCBuilding ExcellenceAwards
LABC(LocalAuthorityBuildingControl) representsalllocalauthoritybuilding controlteamsinEnglandandWales,and theawardsarethelargestbusinessto businessaccoladesinthesector.
Theyrecognisequalityinalltypesof buildingprojectandindividual contributionsintheconstruction industry,andrewardexcellentbuildings, outstandingcompanies,and partnershipsandindividualsthatgothat extramile.
RyebridgewasthewinnerfortheCentral regioninthecategoryofBestNonresidentialExtension,Alterationor Conversion.
Wehadbeennominatedalongsideour partnersLondonLutonAirportand architectsRockTownsendforourwork onconstructingLLA’snewmezzanine floorintheInternationalDepartures Lounge.
Wewerealsonamedasafinalistinfor anotherprestigiousaccolade–the sustainabilitycategoryofthe2025 CharteredInstituteofBuilding(CIOB) Awards–forourworkinbothLutonand Southampton,withsustainableworking practicesgoinghandinhandwith investmentinthesecommunities Ryebridgeandourpartnerswere shortlistedintheCarbonReduction Championcategoryofthe2025 ConstructionNewsAwards-oneofjust 12finalistsnationwide-fortakingan innovativeapproachtomoving materialsatMarchwoodPortin Southampton Thecompanywasalsoshortlistedinthe 2024BuildingInnovationAwardsinthe BestRetrofitInnovationorProjectour workonthemezzaninefloor Wewerefinalistsinthe2025London ConstructionAwardsinthefollowing categories:CommercialProjectofthe Year–mezzaninefloor;Excellencein CommunityEngagement–Lutonsocial value,andtheInnovationoftheYear categoryoftheNationalBuildingand ConstructionAwards,alsoforthe mezzaninefloor
Ryebridge’sworkonthemezzaninefloor projectwasalsoshortlistedintheAirport AchievementcategoryfortheAviation IndustryAwardsUK2025,andour invaluableworkontheTemporaryDrop OffZonewhichhelpedLondonLuton Airportrecoverfromtheimpactofa devastatingfirecontributedtoLLA winningthatcategory
BristolAirportunveilsnewapronon
siteofformer'SecretGarden'
AdisusedpartofBristol Airportcolloquiallyknownas the“SecretGarden”isa secretnomore–it’snow hometotwonewaircraft stands.
Thelandwaspreviouslyused forstorage,andunseen airside,butwascompletely transformedthanksto RyebridgeConstructioninjust amatterofweeks
Themajorprojectinvolved creatinganewWestApronon thesiteoftheoldstorage areaandbuscharging station.
OntopofthisRyebridge installedanewemergency
watertankholdingover 220,000lofwaterfuture proofingairsideoperations
Theprojectwasinthecritical pathandhighlevelsof planningandliaisonwere requiredwithsecurity,airside operations,engineeringand theexcellentprojectteamled byTimGoodmansupported byQuantum,Hydrockand ChaseConsulting
Injustonedaymorethan 1,000tonnesofasphaltwas transportedairsideandthe projectitselfrequiredover 200temporarypasses.After thestandswerecompleted, theboundaryfencewas
movedandplaneswereon theWestApronstandsjust dayslater
Ryebridgemanagingdirector SeanScullysaid:“Thiswasa fantasticjobbyourBristol team,aheadofscheduleand withnohiccupsalongthe way.Welookforwardto continuingourexcellent relationshipwiththeairport goingforwards Special mentiontotheexcellent subcontractorswithoutwhom itwouldn’thavegoneso smoothly,includingJ&G Fencing,LincsLining,Allpower, BalmoralTanksandStardom tonameafew”
Ryebridge’s5-yearportsjourney
AlthoughRyebridge Construction’soriginscanbe foundworkingatairports,it wasprobablyinevitablethe companyembracedthe opportunitiesofadifferent, yetsomewhatsimilar, transporthub–ports
Havingestablisheda reputationasexpertsin workinginrestricted environmentswith operationalconstraints, Ryebridgewaswellplacedto deliverinthechallengingfield ofports,whereitisalso essentialthereisnoimpact onday-to-dayoperations andaneedtoprioritiseboth safetyandsecurity
Oneofthefirstcontractsto besecuredwasforthePortof Harwichentranceworksin 2019,
Thisincludedreprofilingand alterationstotheentrance androundabout,realignment offenceline,demolitionof existingdamagecontrolunit, andtheinstallationofanticollisionmeasuresaroundthe newbuilding–including bollards,triefkerbingand CCTVmastfoundations. Withtheexistingfreight entranceadjacenttothenew facilityitwasbusinesscritical thatthiswaskeptoperational forthedurationoftheworks Followingthesuccessofthis project,Ryebridgescoutedfor otheropportunitiesatports aroundtheUK,andinthe wakeofthepandemicwon thetenderforahugemultimillionpoundprojectin Southampton
ThenewSolentRailTerminal, whichstrengthensthecity’s leadingpositionastheUK’s numberonegatewayfor deep-seatrade,took18 monthstocomplete, includingafulldesignand build,andwasthefirstproject ofthistypeRyebridgehad workedon.
A£17.5minvestmentbetween AssociatedBritishPorts(ABP) andSolentStevedores,the18-
acrefacilityexpandedthe intermodalrailtransportsite tobroadentheserviceoffer byprovidingladenand emptycontainerhandling, storage,maintenance,and repairwithinasingle-site boundary
Featuresofthenewsite includedanewlydesigned tracklayoutfacilitating simultaneoustrainarrivaland departuresincreasingthe terminal’sefficiencyand extendingtherailloadingpad by130m
Thelargerintermodalsite–whichincludescontainer storagewithfullmaintenance andrepairfacilities–cannow handlea71percentincrease indailyserviceswitha125per centincreaseinnumberof containershandled
Thesuccessofthisprojectled ABPtoengageRyebridge’s servicesonMarchwood Phase1,theredevelopmentof theportfortrading,including theconstructionofavast vehicularstoragehardsurfaceareawithallkerbs, surfacing,drainage,ducts andmanholes,alongsidea newsecuritygatehouseand entrance
Theproject,whichgot underwayinOctober2023, involvedthedemolitionof existingsitebuildingsandoffsitehighwayupgrades, alongsidetherealignmentof theinternalhighwaynetwork andupgradedrailway crossingpoints,andthe installationofnewhighmast lights,siteCCTVandthe electricalinfrastructure Inacompanyfirstfor environmentalexcellence, Ryebridgetransportedthe 13,000tofmaterialneededfor theworkontwoboats, eliminating3,800lorry movementsandthe generationof307metric tonnesofCO2emissions (basedon25tonnevehicles eachtravelling10miles). Althoughthismeantdoublehandlingthematerialasit wasloadedontoandoffthe boats,itwasdeemedtobe worththeefforttoensure therewasminimalimpacton thelocalcommunity. Ryebridge’songoing commitmenttoSouthampton hasseenthecompany’s workforcegrowfrom10local peopleandsub-contractors in2022toastaffofmorethan
50peoplefullyemployedand drawnfromthelocal workforce.
InNovember2024Ryebridge wasengagedbyDPWorldto workattheirbaseattheport, removinginsitupre-cast concreteslabs,breakingout adefectivedrainand installinganewGaticand brushedfinishedconcrete slabs
Asisoftenthecaseinthis environment,theprojecthad atightprogrammewand involvedworkinginabusylive operationsyard The defectivedrainingwas causingfloodingandexternal damageandurgently neededreplacing,butby workingweekendsandlonger daysthecompanyensured theprojectwascompleted withintimeandbudget
Justoverfiveyearssince Ryebridgefirstenteredthe worldofportsthecompany hasconfirmedits commitmenttofuture projectswithinthefield, drawingonearned experiencealongsidethe recruitmentofskilled professionalsbestplacedto operateinthismarketplace
Ryebridgeapprenticescreate sensorygardenatLutonschool
Atransformationaloutdoorsprojectbuiltby RyebridgeConstructionataLutonspecial needsschoolhasbeenofficiallyopened.
AteamofRyebridgeapprenticesspentaweek transformingacornerofthegroundsat WoodlandsSecondarySchoolintoasensory gardentoprovideacalmspaceforstudents withcomplexneedstoregulateinatranquil andbeautifulenvironment ItwasofficiallylaunchedatWoodfest2025–anannualcelebrationofallthatisgreatabout theschool,includingbandperformances, craftsstallsandcommunityengagement activities.
Thegardenwasthebrainchildofteacher SelinaYoungandtheschool’sEcoCouncil,but runagroundwhenlocalbuildingfirmsquoted themastaggering£4-5,000forthe groundworks.
EnterRyebridge,whonotonlyagreedtocarry outtheworkfreeofcharge,butalsobuilta pagodaforthegardenwhileonsite.
Thefirm’sapprenticeswereinvolvedinthefull designanddeliveryofthescheme,including sourcingmaterialsandcarryingouttheactual work,providingthemwithinvaluablefirst-hand experienceofprojectmanagement. Woodlandspridesitselfoninspiringand supportingtheirpupilstoachievetheirfull potentialandthecurriculumincludesafocus onfunctionallearningandlife-skillslike horticulture,whichmeantmanyofthemwere
involvedinworkingontheplantersaroundthe sensorygarden.
Speakingaftertheofficiallaunch,Selinasaid: “Aftertwoyearsofwork,ithasbeenlovely finallysharingthisprojectwiththestudent communityatWoodlandsduringWoodfest. “Weareexcitedabouthowwewilldevelopthis spaceoverthecomingyearsandhavelotsof ideasonhowtomakethisacalming, welcoming,sensoryoutdoorexperience!Again, ahugethankyouagaintoRyebridgefor makingthisspaceaccessibletoallourstudent communityandaplaceforstudentstoenjoy foryearstocome.”
AndpupilsNicholasandMickeyadded:“Ithink it'sanicesensorygardenandIlikethewayitis setup IthasalotofspaceandIlikethe differentcolouredmirrorsandthewindchime,” and“Cool,fantastic,supermega-good!” Theopeningofthegardenwasattendedby representativesfromRyebridgeincluding managingdirectorSeanScullyandapprentice MaxBanham,whoworkedontheproject. Seansaid:“Weweredelightedtoseethe finishedgardenandhearfromsomeofthe studentswhohavebeenworkingonthesiteor makingthemostofitsfacilities.
“Thisprojectwasoneourapprenticestooka realpleasureinworkingon,andnotonlydidit providethemwithinvaluableexperience,but wasaschemetheyfeltverypassionateabout completing”
Workonberthover100yearsold
Carryingoutmajor constructionworkonan operatingberthisachallenge initself,butRyebridgealso hadtodealwiththe implicationsofremoving partsofasuspendedslab builtmorethanacentury ago.
Theproject,atBerth35atthe PortofSouthampton,involved therefurbishmentof approximately4,000m2of quaypaving,carriedoutin twophasestoensure operationalaccessis maintainedthroughoutthe works
Witharoundtwotothree boatsdockingeachweekfor periodsofbetweenoneand twodays,theRyebridgeteam hadtostand-downduring tie-up,andremove permanentfencingtoallow accesstothequayside, replacingitwithHeras fencingfortheduration.
Thequaysideitselfisa suspendedslabwithcrane railsinstalledonthetop, infilledatadepthof140mm toensurealevelsurface,and
datesbacktomorethan100 yearsago
Itwasactuallythekey dockingpointfortheluxury oceanlinerQueenElizabeth2 from1969to2008,andisnow partoftheregenerationplan forthewholeport,nolonger beinginuseasapassenger cruiseterminal
Ryebridgewastaskedwith removingsectionsofexisting concrete,andinstallingnew surfacinglayersand associatedinfrastructure upgrades,butbecauseworks werebeingcarriedoutona suspendedslabtheycouldn’t goinwiththeirusualbig diggersandconcrete breakers.
Thesolutionwastosawcut theconcrete100mmeither sideofthecranerails,and thenusehandheldmachinery tobreakuptheconcrete beforecuttingtherailsinto piecesandremovingthem. Onlythencouldaconcrete planerbeusedtoremovethe infillofftheslabin preparationforTarmactobe laid.
ConstructionmanagerKevin Wilsonsaid:“Thehandbreakingprocesswasvery tediousandverytimeconsuming,andbecauseof thetightprogrammewewere workinginhorrificweather conditionstokeeptheworks onschedule.
“Ithasbeenawholelearning experience,involvingtraining intheuseofthisequipment, ensuringtherewasarotation ofteamstoavoidhand/arm vibrationinjuries,andtheuse ofspecialisedPPElikeantivibrationgloves.
“Addedtothishasbeenthe challengeofworkinginan operationalberth,with regularboatmovements throughouttheweek”
Ryebridgemanagingdirector SeanScullyadded:“Thishas beenaverychallenging projectundersomeextremely difficultconditions,butwe havelearnedonthejoband willbeabletotakethis experienceforwardsto ensuresuccessfulcompletion ofotherprojectsofthis nature.”
Ryebridgehitthenewsheadlines whenthecompanyfeaturedfront andcentreinanITVreporton Bedfordshire’sbuildingboom. ReporterRosieDowsingheraldedan excitingeraforthecounty,withthe newUniversalStudiosthemepark andexpansionofLondonLuton Airportsettocontributetowardsan additional£5bnayearfortheUK economy
That’saccordingtoBedfordshire ChamberofCommerce,whichalso highlightedotherbenefitsfromthe redevelopmentofLutonHoo,the upgradingoftheA421andanew east-westraillink ITVNewschoseRyebridge–asa Luton-basedconstructionfirm–to explainhowthesevariousprojects createdaonceinalifetime
opportunity
ThereportstartedoffwithRyebridge apprenticesworkingonthenew TaxiwayAlphaatLLA,beforeMax Banham,FinnScullyandNancy Tuckerexplainedhowtheexpansion meantmoreopportunitiesand betterjobrolesforyoungsters enteringtheconstructionindustry SeniorsiteengineerVanithasan Thangavelusaiditwasanexiting time,withtheprospectofnewjobs forlocalengineersandother constructionworkers
Finally,Ryebridgefounderand ownerDanielCoylewasasked whetheritwasagoodtimetobea constructioncompanyin Bedfordshireatthistime.
Hesaid:“ThenewUniversalStudio alongwiththeLondonLutonAirport
expansionplansmeansthatasa constructioncompanybasedin Lutonitgivesusaonceinalifetime opportunity,notonlytoexpandasa businessbutalsototakeonmore apprentices.”
Speakingafterthereportwas broadcast,Ryebridgemanaging directorSeanScullyadded:“We werehappytotakeuptheofferto appearonthisreportandexplainto awideraudienceaboutRyebridge’s supportoflocalapprenticesandthe expansionofLondonLutonAirport “Everyonewhoappearedonscreen didusproud,andthiswasgreat exposureforRyebridge” https://wwwitvcom/news/anglia/2 025-06-19/universal-theme-parkcould-be-spark-for-countys-5bngold-rush
‘Herostakeholder’praiseforour contributiontoLutonsocialvalue
RyebridgeConstructionhasbeenrecognised asa‘herostakeholder’forthesocio-economic valuecreatedbecauseofitsworkwithLuton Airport,thetownandthesurroundingregion. LondonLutonAirport’sSocialValueReport2023 wasdeliveredbysustainabilitystrategy consultancyBriteGreenandinvolved12airport stakeholders.
Ryebridgewasrecognisedforagoodbalance ofimpactacrossthefourkeyareasofwork, economy,community,planet,whichincluded havingapprentices,hiringlocalpeople, supportinglocalschoolsandcolleges,and spendingwithlocalbusinesses Thecompanyalsohasawellbeingprogramme forstaff,investsinequality,diversityand inclusiontraining,andmanageswaste responsiblyandsupportslocalcommunity projects
BriteGreen’sreportsaid:“Ryebridgedidmore varietyofactivitiesthananyone,albeitata smallerscalethansomeofthebigger companies,generatingsocialvalueof £4,143,311.”
ManagingdirectorSeanScullysaid:“Weare delightedtoberecognisedforourongoing commitmenttoenrichingthelivesofpeople livingandworkinginthelocalarea.
“Whatthatmeansforusisafocuson supportingandpromotingthetownwherever possible,withmorethan90percentofoursite andofficestaffcomingfromtheimmediate area,alocalsupplychainandcloselinkswith nearbycollegesandschoolswhichensuresa steadyflowofapprenticesandwork experiencestudents.
“Thismutually-beneficialrelationshipalso includesraisingmorethan£400,000forlocal charitiesinrecentyears-aswerecognisethey arethelifebloodofthelocalcommunitybeinganactivememberofLoveLutonand sponsoringLutonTownFC
“Everythingwecanbuylocallywedo,butthere arejustsomeitemswecan’t,which unfortunatelyletusdownonlocal procurement,andalthoughwelookatthis regularlywhenyoudealwithspecialistitems it’salwaysachallenge.”
Ryebridgerecognisedforits supportofLutonapprentices
Ryebridgejoinedinthecelebrationsforthe inauguralLutonApprenticeshipAwards,a glitteringeventrecognisingtheoutstanding accomplishmentsofapprentices,employers andtrainingprovidersinthetown.
Thegalaceremony,whichwashostedbyLuton BoroughCouncilatPutteridgeBurycountry house,welcomedrepresentativesfroma varietyoflocalbusinessesandorganisations, includingTUI,theUniversityofBedfordshireand BarnfieldCollege
RyebridgesponsoredtheApprenticeProvider oftheYearcategory,whichrecognises organisationswhichhavedelivered exceptionalapprenticeshipsprogrammesto individualslivingorworkinginLuton,including showingacommitmenttoprofessional developmentandcareerprogression ThewinnerwasLutonAdultLearning,which workscloselywithlocalemployerstoensure apprenticesreceivedhighqualitymentorship frompeoplewithrealindustryexperience RunbyLutonBoroughCouncil,LALpromotes apprenticeshipsthroughsocialmedia, partnershipsanditsPassporttoEmployment program,whichhelpswithCVwritingand interviewpreparation.
Ryebridgewasalsohighlycommendedinthe BestSmallEmployerforApprenticeships category,recognisingcompaniesthatexcelin providingapprenticeships,withastrongfocus onmentorship,targetsgrowth,and opportunitiesforprofessionalandpersonal development
Throughastructuredapprenticeship programme,Ryebridgeinvestsinthenext generationofconstructionprofessionals, combiningsiteandoffice-basedlearningwith part-timecollegecourses,providing apprenticeswithhands-onexperienceand academicknowledge
Danielexplained:“Webelievewholeheartedlyin investinginthefutureofourindustry,witha focusontappingintoLuton-growntalentby workinginclosepartnershipwithourschools, collegesandthelocalcommunity.
“Iampleasedtoacceptthisawardonbehalfof Ryebridgeandeveryoneinthecompanywho goesaboveandbeyondinordertosupportour remarkableapprenticesintheircontinued development”
We’rebackingconstructionindustry’smentalhealthwellbeingcharityLighthouse Ryebridgehasreinforcedits commitmenttomen’smental healthbybecomingasupporterof Lighthouse,theonlycharity dedicatedtotheemotional, physicalandfinancialwellbeingof theconstructionindustryandtheir families.
Thecompanyisdoingitsbitto supportLighthouse’sworkwithan annualdonation,andcontinuingto highlightitsservicesacrossallits workplaces
Stress,depressionoranxiety accountsfor20percentofallworkrelatedillnessinconstruction,and everysingleworkingdayintheUK twoconstructionworkerstaketheir ownlives.
Ryebridgehealth,safetyand wellbeingmanagerKarenCarter said:“IfirstheardaboutLighthouse duringCovid,anddonated personallytohelptowardsthe supporttheywereofferingto constructionemployeeswhowere
unabletowork
“Wewererecentlyvisitedby Lighthouse’sMakeItVisibleteam, whosharedtheirreal-life experiencesinconstructionwith staff.Ourladsweresoengrossedin whatyouweresayingyoucould haveheardapindrop,andsomeof themstayedbehindafterwardsto talkfurtherwiththeteam.
“InsupportingLighthousewe’realso supportingourlads,soeveryoneis benefitingfromtherelationship”
Dropoffzonesuccessfullydelivered
ThenewTemporaryDrop-Off Zone(TDOZ)projectat LondonLutonAirportwasa majorsuccessforRyebridge, withthedesignandbuild completedinjust13anda halfweeks.
Thiswasfaraheadofthe originaltimetableof20 weeks,andevenquickerthan arevised16weeks.
Thisensureditwasreadyfor thestartoftheschool summerholidays–the busiestperiodforairport operations–andtheTDOZ washandedoveronJuly15, wellbeforetheendofterm.
TheTDOZwasanLLAproject initiatedfollowingthefireand collapseofthemulti-storey TerminalCarPark2in October2023-which originallyincludedtheDOZ ConstructingtheTDOZwas deemedtobetimecritical duetothelossofrevenue causedbythemulti-storey carparkfire.
TheMidStayCarParkwas beingusedasatemporary facility,butthewalkfrom theretotheterminaltakes about10minutesandwas thereforenotidealfor passengers.
ThenewTDOZwasplanned forthefrontoftheterminal area,theCTA(Central TerminalArea)andinvolved therelocationoftheexisting taxirank,thediversionofthe pedestrianwalkwayintothe airport,anewcarparkforthe DOZ,newstreetlighting,a newtrafficsystem,anew barrierlesspaymentsystem usingANPR(Automatic NumberPlateRecognition), plusnewsignage,liningand streetfurniture.
Theprojecthadtobephased insuchawayastokeepthe busterminallivewithno
delays,whilealsoensuring therelocationofthetaxirank withoutdisruption,and keepingeasyJet,goodsin wasteawayandthe executivecarparkfully operational
AswellastheTDOZ construction,Ryebridgehad toworkconcurrentlyon wideningtheexisting pedestrianwalkwaytothe airport,repairingtheworn EasyWayloop,andbuildinga newsheetpileretainingwall withagabionbasketfacedin frontofittoallowtheroad intotheCTAtobeshiftedover tocreatespaceforthenew TDOZ
SoRyebridgehadto completeallthreeprojectsat thesametimeinavery restrictedtimeframe Inorder toachievethisaccelerated timescaleRyebridge implementedabespoke workingprogramme,which includednumerousgangs workingindifferentareasat thesametime,12hourshifts operatingsevendaysaweek, rapidprocurementof necessarymaterials,and utilisingknowledgegained fromenablingworksandsite investigations.
Thestaffworkingonthe projectwerealsofamiliarwith thearea,includingany existingconstraintsandthe needtobemindfulof pedestrians,vehiclesand otherstakeholders
Innovativepracticesand experiencewereemployedto createdetailedtraffic managementandphasing plans.Thiswassupportedby earlyengagementwithall operatorsandstakeholders whileensuringfulloperationa usefortheairportasa businessandforpassengers, staffandcustomers
LLAseniorprojectmanager KomalJaleelsaidafterwards: “Abigthankyoutoallthe Ryebridgeteamwhoworked ontheTDOZproject Without youallitwouldneverhave happened.Itwasamassive successandRyebridgewere instrumental”
'ItwasthetoughestthingI'veeverdone'-Ryebridgebosses completegruellingLondontoBristolcyclechallenge
AteamfromRyebridgeembarked onabrutal160-milecyclefrom LondontoBirminghamwhichsaw theminthesaddleforastaggering 15hours.
FounderDanielCoyleandmanaging directorSeanScullyjoinedateam fromBristolAirportonthechallenge inaidoftheairport’scharitypartner GreatWesternAirAmbulance
TheystartedoffatTheBrunel MuseuminLondononMondayand madetheirwayalongtheGreat WestWay,finishingatBristolAirport thefollowingWednesday Theyrode100milesovereightanda halfhoursonthefirstdayandthe remaining60milesoversixanda halfhoursonthesecond,pushing themselvestothelimitsoftheir
staminaandendurance
Seansaid:“Itwasbyfarthe toughestthingI’veeverdone.The weatherwashorrific,itwasmental tortureandIdidn’tthinkitwasever goingtoend
“Iknewitwouldbebrutal,buthad noideajusthowbaditwouldbe I’m gladIdiditasittookmecompletely outsidemycomfortzone,butnowI needtorecover.”
Partoftheridetookthemoff-road for40km,cyclingalongbridalways, towpathsandgravelroads,butthe teamworkedtogethertoovercome theseobstacles,makingsure nobodywasleftbehind Thenjust20milesoutfromBristol, theyhitthewall,andfound themselvesstrugglingtocomplete
thefinalstretch
“Ididn’tthinkitwouldeverend,”
Seanrecalled.“Itwasrelentless. Nobodywasspeaking,wewerejust desperatelypedallingtoreachthe finishline
“Icouldn’tfeelthetipsofmyfingers andtherewerepainsalltheway downmylegs.”
Theyarrivedtocheersand celebrationsonWednesday afternoon,havingraisedinexcessof £87,000forthecharity.
Danieladded:“Idon’tthinkeitherof usappreciatedquitehow challengingthiswasgoingtobe,but everypennyraisedfromourpain willbegoingtowardsensuringthis vitalservicekeepsflying,soitwasall worthit!”
TeamjoinsLoveLutonRunfest
Ryebridgerunnersputtheirbestfeetforwards tocompletethisyear’sLoveLutonRunfest
The12thtownrunningeventstartedand finishedinStGeorge’sSquareinLutontown centre,andofferedparticipantsthechanceto completeeithera5K,10Korhalf-marathon route,withthefurthestdistancestakinginthe LutonHooestate.
OurteamincludedmanagingdirectorSean ScullyandcompanyadministratorKate DowningandtheirdaughterAmelie,plus RyebridgesupporterPaulBlessing,whoall completedthe5K,andseniorplannerPatrick Gannon,whofinishedthe10Kinanimpressive 52minutes
Ryebridgewasalsooneofthesponsorsforthis year’sRunfest,joiningthelikesofLutonBorough Council,theUniversityofBedfordshire,London LutonAirportandBarnfieldCollegeinbacking theevent.
Moneyraisedfromtheracegoestowardsthe CommunityAwardsFund,establishedbyLove Lutontoprovidefinancialsupportand monetaryawardstocommunitygroups,local charitiesandorganisationsthatsupportthe peopleofLuton
Theaimofthefundistoprovidefinancial awardsforprojectsandinitiativesrunby groupsworkinginthelocalcommunityforthe
benefitofpeopleinLuton.
Seansaid:“Whatafantasticevent!It’sgreatto seethewholeLutoncommunitycometogether todosomethingtrulyamazingforsomegreat localcauses.
“Ryebridgeweredelightedtodoourbitas participantsandsponsors
“AspecialshoutouttoKamalHussainfrom CommunityInterestLutonwhohelpedAmelie toreachthefinishline
“Hewasamazing–shewouldhavegivenup andwalkedifitwasn’tforhisencouragement andsupport,andsheendedupcoming4thout of66inheragegroup”
Theorganiserssaytheeventisavibrant celebrationofcommunityactionwhichhelps fundprojectsthatmakearealdifferenceinthe livesofLutonresidents
LinseySweet,headofcommercialoperations atLoveLuton,said:“TheLoveLutonRunfestis alwaysafabulouseventanditisan opportunitytobringpeoplefromalloverthe towntogetherataneventthathighlights everythingthatisgreataboutLuton, community,diversity,teamwork,supportand fundraisingforamazingcauses
WehadvisitorsfromacrosstheUKandmany participantsfromourLoveLutonpartners whichisfantastictosee.”
NewmezzanineflooratLondon
LutonAirport'sInternational DeparturesLoungeisanother Ryebridgesuccessstory
Thenewmezzaninefloorin theInternationalDepartures LoungeatLondonLuton Airporthasbeendescribedas “themostlogistically challengingconstruction projecteverundertakeninthe terminal”.
RyebridgeworkedwiththeLLA developmentteamtodeliver theproject,withcollaboration fromdesigners,structural engineers,sub-contractors, airsideoperations,airport security,airport services,termin managersand concessions
WithLLAcontinu andthetermina busierandbusi demandforflig itwasrecognise spaceinthelou becomingincre restricted,espe peakperiodswh passengersfou uncomfortably shouldersandw sufficientseatin Thereseemedt obviouswayto capacitywithou onthecustome riskinghealtha affectinglivete operations Buildingoutwa possible,soitw takeadvantage levelspacesab secondfloorIDL new675sqmm supportedbya comingupfrom areaandthroug floorcheck-ina
Thenewfloordramatically increasesthelounge capacitywhilealsoproviding moreaccesstofood,drink andotherfacilities,withthe creationofanewrestaurant alongside
Thebiggestchallengewas constructingthisprojectina liveairportenvironment,with alloftheassociated pressuresanddemandsto takeintoaccount
Becausetherewasnoroom formachineryinthenarrow spacesinthebaggagearea, someoftheexcavationwork wascarriedoutbyhand, addingtothechallenges facedbyRyebridge
Thefoundationsforthe18m steelswereincreasedto makethemmorestructurally robustandpenetrationsin thefloorsandceilingstook placeatnight,ensuringthe
steelscouldbe afterbeingtra theemptyche Mostoftheoth tookplaceatn disruptioncau anddust,and risksposedby majorconstru activetermina Challengesinc thesecurityin ensuringthat handlerscould adjacenttowo accesstobag andpreventin dustfromope interferingwith trolleysystem Oncethenew createdtheyp andscreed,an shellandcore stairs,lift,air-h newwindowa andmechanic electricalserv Theconcretew significantas materialinreq systemwithth ofaccessbeingthroughthe roof.
Ryebridgeplannedthese worksforthequiettime betweenChristmasandNew Year,whichprovidedthe largestnightwindowatthe terminal Astheworksareclassedas airsidesoaccessformaterial andwasteawaywas challenging Allconstruction materialwasdeliveredontoa bespokescaffoldingplatform duringtheday,readyforthe teamtouseatnightand replacewithanywastewhich wouldberemovedondays.
Ryebridgemanagingdirector SeanScullysaid:“Thiswasan extremelycomplexand technicalproject,andIwould liketothankalloftheteam forcarryingitoutso efficiently.”
Aspartoftheworks, Ryebridgealsostrippedout theformerFrankie&Benny’s restaurant,withtheunit subsequentlyfittedoutfora newconcession
Celebrating15 fantasticyears
Aglitteringbirthdaypartyatprestigioushotel LutonHoocelebratedthe15thanniversaryof RyebridgeConstruction.
Clients,councillors,charitypartnersandstaff gatheredintheluxurysurroundingsofWarren Weirtomarkthemilestoneoccasion,including representativesfromLondonLutonAirportand LoveLuton
AnauctioninsupportofLutonFoodbankand EastAnglianAirAmbulancesawguestsbidding fortopprizesincludingseatsinTheBootRoom forLutonTown’sclashwithNorwich,signed Hattersfootballshirtsandthechancetoplaya roundofgolfatthehomeoftheBritishMasters andfour-timehosttotheRyderCup,TheBelfry DanielCoyle,whofoundedtheaward-winning civilengineeringandbuildingcontractorin 2009,thankedeveryoneintheroomfor supportingthecompanyoverthepast15years
HeremindedmanypresentofRyebridge’slast celebration,markingits10thanniversaryin2019 whenthefollowingyearlookedcertaintobeits bestyet,onlyforthepandemictohavea devastatingimpactonthebusiness Whatfollowedwasacaseofprotectingthe workforceandrebuilding,andovertimethe companybouncedback,withturnovertripling thankstotheeffortsofthegrowingteam Danielthankedeveryonewhohadsupported bothhimandthebusiness,especiallyLondon LutonAirport,andpaidtributetoRyebridge membersofstafffortheircommitmentand loyalty.
Hesaidafterwards:“Theeveningwasa celebrationofRyebridge’s15thanniversary,but alsoawayofacknowledgingtheincredible supportbothmyselfandthecompanyhave receivedinthistime,especiallyduringthedark daysofthepandemic “Therewasarealfamilyatmosphereonthe nightandthefeedbackI’vehadsincetheevent hasbeenincredible.Here’stothenext15 years!”
Ryebridgetookpolepositiontoback oneofthecountry’smostexciting racingevents
Thecompanywasheadlinesponsor fortheBritishPedalCarGrandPrix,a highspeedeventwhichseesupto 40teamsofdaredevilsracetheir pedal-poweredhot-rodsarounda two-hourstreetcircuitthroughthe markettownofRingwoodin
Hampshire
InspiredbythePedalCarRacesheld inthetwintownofPont-Audemerin Normandy,RingwoodRoundTable decidedtoorganiseasimilarevent backin1987,andithasnowbeen goingfor36years
Afterlastyear’seventwascancelled whentheorganisersraninto financialdifficulties,Ryebridge steppedinwiththeofferof sponsorshipandprovidedthecrowd barriersfortherace.
The2025BritishPedalCarGrandPrix
provedtobearesoundingsuccess, drawinghugecrowdsanddelivering thrilling,wheel-to-wheelaction despitethescorchingsummerheat.
AspokespersonfortheRoundTable said:“Theatmospherewaselectric fromstarttofinish,withfamilies, racingfans,andteamsfromacross theUKturningoutinforceto celebratethisuniqueandmuchlovedevent
“IntrueGrandPrixspirit,theheatdid nothingtodampentheenthusiasm ofcompetitorsorspectators Teams showedremarkableenduranceand sportsmanshipundertough conditions,pushingboththeir engineeringandathleticlimitsover thegruellingtwo-hourrace.
“Thisyear’spodiumsawan outstandingperformancefromthe PoltonBoys,whotookfirstplacewith acommandingleadasonlythe secondduototakethecrown
PeletonyRacingfollowedcloselyin second,whileDoughtyRacing securedthird
“Withfantasticcommunitysupport, excitingracing,andabrilliant displayofteamworkandingenuity, the2025BritishPedalCarGrandPrix wasoneofthemostsuccessfulto date Theeventnotonlyupheldits traditionoffunandfierce competitionbutalsostrengthened itsreputationasoneoftheUK’s mostdistinctiveandentertaining sportingspectacles Planningis alreadyunderwaytomake2026 evenbiggerandbetter”
RyebridgemanagingdirectorSean Scullysaid:“Thiswasafantastic eventforustogetbehind,and highlightsourongoingcommitment tosupportingthecommunityinand aroundSouthampton “Welookforwardtocontinuingour partnershipintheyearstocome”
Saltbarnsuccesscouldinspire othercouncilstofollowsuit
Aninnovativeapproachto designandplanningensured theconstructionofanewsalt barnhitbudgetandmetall necessaryspecifications
RyebridgeConstructionwas taskedbyOxfordshireCounty Counciltoachievealongheldvisionforanewstorage facilityforwintergrittobe usedonlocalroadsduringicy weather
Betweenfiveand20percent ofsaltstoredexternallyislost eachyearasthechanging weathercausesittocongeal Rainwatercanalsoturnitinto acontaminatewiththe potentialforcausing corrosion
Thecouncilwaskeentoerect somewherelargeenoughto storethethousandsoftonnes
ofgrititusesannually,which wouldpreventmoisture clumpingandspoilage. Theproject,atDeddington HighwaysDepotnear Banbury,hasbeeninthe pipelinesince2017,butOCC likemostlocalauthorities havebudgetconstraints Theirapproachwastosplit thetaskintoatwo-stage projecttoascertainfeasibility, cost,designandplanning Ryebridgewasawardeda pre-constructionservices agreementwhichmeantthe companywouldoversee design,planningandpricing forthescheme.
Butratherthanpresentinga designwhichwouldalsocost toomuchmoney,Ryebridge enteredintoadialoguewith
thecounciltodeterminewhat itsminimalrequirements wouldbe.
ManagingdirectorSean Scullyledontheprojectand researchedintotheoriginal barnschemewhichwas neverconstructed Hefoundthattheoriginal barnwasbiggerthanthe currentoneandonadifferent areaofthesite Theareawas undevelopedandduetothe locationhadextensive groundworks.
TheRyebridgeproposalwas tobuildabarninthealready developedlandwhich althoughsmallerwould comfortablyaccountforthe levelofsaltrequiredto supportthewintergritting season.Theproposalalso
includedsolarpanelswhich wouldnotonlyprovide enoughpowerforthelighting inthebarnbutcontribute efficiencytotheremainderof thedepot.
Seansaid:“Theoriginalplan wasforabiggerbarnina differentareaofthesite,but weknewthatasmaller designwouldstillcopewith thecouncil’swinter demands”
Thefinaldesignwasbuilton thesiteofthecouncil’ssalt stockpileusingtraditional constructionmethods Ithad tobecompletedduringthe spring-summerperiod becausetherewasno requirementforusingsalt duringthatperiod,andOCC hadheldoffimportingthe winter’sgrituntilitwas finished.
Seanadded:“Alotofcouncils can’tconsiderstoringsalt indoorsbecauseofthecost ofbuildingabarn,butIthink thereisarealopportunityin usingDeddingtonasacase studyforwhatcanbe achievedwithareasonable andmeasuredinvestment. Theywillrecoverthecostof thebarnrelativelyquicklyin termsofthewastedand unusablesalt.”
Ryebridgealsoinstalledan outsidegantryandasteamwashertokeepthegritters clean,thesaltbeing extremelycorrosive,and removedoldofficesand levelledoffasiteforextra parking.
OxfordshireHighwaysspent anentiremonthfillingupthe barnwithcloseto3,000 poundsofsalt,morethan enoughfortheirwinter demands
Thestoryofthesaltbarn’s officialopeningwaspicked upbyvariousmedia, includingBBCSouthToday television,BBCRadioOxford andtheHighwaysNews website
