Author: Gemma Meekings

Eighth Consecutive RoSPA Gold

Category: Corporate

We are delighted to share that Stepnell has been awarded the RoSPA Gold Medal in recognition of our continued excellence in health and safety performance throughout 2024.

The RoSPA Health and Safety Awards are among the most prestigious and internationally recognised accolades in occupational health and safety. Receiving the Gold Medal, for eight consecutive years, demonstrates Stepnell’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and setting high standards across the construction industry.

A culture of care and accountability

At Stepnell, safety isn’t just a priority — it’s embedded in our culture. From our boardrooms to our building sites, we take a proactive approach to ensuring that everyone who works with us or alongside us goes home safely every day.

In 2024, we strengthened this commitment by:

  • Enhancing our leadership accountability with a refreshed Health and Safety Leadership Standard
  • Expanding our SHEQ team to ensure wider visibility and direct support across all regions
  • Rolling out new pre-start inspections and toolbox talks to better support our site teams
  • Introducing QR-coded Stepnell Go hard hat stickers, encouraging real-time near-miss and good practice reporting
  • Increasing engagement with our supply chain through open forums, and shared safety learnings
  • Expanding in-house CITB-affiliated training to ensure consistent, high-quality safety education for all teams
  • Promoting wellbeing with fatigue risk management, mental health support, and 12 trained Mental Health First Aiders

Our approach to health and safety is shaped by continuous improvement, open communication, and genuine collaboration — with our people, our clients, and our partners. In 2024, we worked alongside peers across several public sector frameworks to raise industry standards and share best practice.

Thank You

This award is a reflection of the hard work, vigilance and dedication of every single person at Stepnell and our supply chain. Whether on-site or in the office, everyone plays a role in building a safer future.

Congratulations to the entire team — and thank you for putting safety first, always.

Stepnell Achieves ISO 14064-1 Verification

Category: Sustainability

We are proud to announce that Stepnell has successfully achieved verification of our Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions inventory for the 2023-2024 reporting period, in accordance with the internationally recognised standard ISO 14064-1.

This significant milestone underscores our unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and transparency in our operations.

This rigorous verification process, conducted by NQA, provides assurance to our stakeholders that our reported emissions are accurate, complete, and consistent. This achievement brings numerous benefits:

  • Enhanced Credibility and Trust: Demonstrating our commitment to accurate and transparent environmental reporting strengthens our reputation and builds trust with our clients, partners, and the wider community.
  • Improved Risk Management: Understanding our emissions footprint allows us to identify and mitigate potential environmental risks, ensuring long-term sustainability.
  • Market Leading Advantage: Meeting and exceeding environmental standards positions us as a leader in sustainable construction, attracting clients who prioritise responsible practices.
  • Data-Driven Decarbonisation: The verified data provides a solid foundation for developing and implementing targeted decarbonisation strategies across our activities.

For our clients, this verification translates to:

  • Sustainable Project Delivery: Assurance that their projects are being executed by a company committed to minimising environmental impact.
  • Alignment with Sustainability Goals: Support in achieving their own sustainability targets and reporting requirements.
  • Reduced Supply Chain Emissions: Contributing to a more sustainable construction value chain.

Looking ahead, we are committed to:

  • Maintaining annual verification of our GHG emissions to ensure continuous improvement in our reporting.
  • Utilising the verified data to drive meaningful reductions in our carbon footprint through targeted decarbonisation initiatives.
  • Collaborating with our clients and partners to promote sustainable construction practices across the industry.

This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire team. We are excited to continue our journey towards a more sustainable future.

Stepnell Delivers Complex University Refurbishments in Oxford

Category: Construction

Stepnell Enhances Higher Education Facilities Across Oxfordshire

Stepnell is reinforcing its reputation as a trusted higher education construction partner in Oxfordshire, delivering a series of technically challenging refurbishments for two of the region’s leading institutions: the University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes University.

Currently on site at the Henry Wellcome Building at the University of Oxford, Stepnell is undertaking a £3.3 million laboratory refurbishment to modernise specialist molecular physiology and particle imaging laboratories. Due for completion in September, the works are being delivered within a live, operational research environment, requiring precision planning and collaborative delivery.

Working closely with university stakeholders including the Nuffield Department of Medicine, and project partners Gleeds and TMD, Stepnell has carefully phased the refurbishment and laboratory decanting process to avoid disruption and prevent contamination to sensitive scientific equipment such as electron microscopes.

“It is incredibly rewarding for our team based in Wantage to support a nearby institution that is world-leading in education and research,” said Mark Knowlden, senior project manager at Stepnell. “Our proven track record in live refurbishments, laboratory upgrades and sensitive heritage work, combined with our collaborative approach and technical expertise, ensures we consistently deliver high-quality, cost-effective outcomes.”

Local Supply Chain and Social Value

Demonstrating its commitment to local investment, Stepnell has directed 70% of spend on the Henry Wellcome project to supply chain businesses within 30 miles and supported employment for five local people. The project also delivered wider social value, including an initiative with Longworth Primary School, where donated laboratory equipment and £1,100 of supply chain materials were used to create a mud kitchen for pupils—achieving a 30% social value return on investment.

Completed Projects for Oxford Brookes University

Stepnell also completed several key higher education refurbishments for Oxford Brookes University in 2023 under the Pagabo framework. These included an £805k refurbishment of teaching spaces at the flagship John Henry Brookes Building, and a £350k project to realign fire containment and upgrade ventilation systems in the Gibbs Building.

Neil Ward, assistant director of capital projects at Oxford Brookes, commented: “These high-quality improvements have helped ensure we continue delivering an excellent student and staff experience. Stepnell understood our needs and completed the work on time for the 2024/25 academic year.”

Looking Ahead

Stepnell has now begun a £1.1 million refurbishment at the Townsend Building within the Clarendon Laboratory at the University of Oxford—further strengthening its position as a leading university refurbishment contractor in Oxford.

Steel Frame Complete for New Northamptonshire Mortuary

Category: Construction

Work progresses on modern facility designed to support families and essential services

Construction of Northamptonshire’s new public mortuary has reached a major milestone, with the steel frame now complete at the Riverside Business Park site in Northampton. Due for completion in autumn 2025, the new facility is being delivered by Stepnell on behalf of West Northamptonshire Council.

To mark this important step in the build, a ‘golden bolt’ event was held on site, celebrating the structural completion with partners and stakeholders. The symbolic moment recognised the collaborative efforts of all involved in bringing this essential facility to life.

Purpose-built to deliver the highest standards of dignity, care, and efficiency, the new mortuary will provide much-needed improvements to post-mortem services across the region. Once complete, the facility will offer faster support to bereaved families, funeral directors, and healthcare professionals by bringing services together under one roof.

The mortuary has been designed with sensitivity and functionality in mind. It will include private viewing and identification rooms to ensure families have access to calm, respectful spaces during some of life’s most difficult moments. The centralised location and integrated service model will also reduce travel requirements and streamline processes for key professionals.

Anna Earnshaw, Chief Executive of West Northamptonshire Council, said:

“Losing someone you love is one of the hardest things any of us will ever face. We want families to feel supported, respected and cared for every step of the way. Now that the structure is in place, we’re one step closer to providing a modern, respectful facility that will better serve families and professionals across Northamptonshire.”

In addition to improving day-to-day services, the new mortuary will provide greater resilience for major incidents, enabling Northamptonshire to respond quickly and effectively in the event of an emergency involving multiple casualties.

Adrian Barnes, Director at Stepnell, said:

“Reaching this stage is a significant milestone, and we’re proud to be delivering a facility that will make such an important difference to families and frontline services. With the steel frame complete, the building’s shape is now clear, and we’re progressing well towards the next phase.”

This project reflects Stepnell’s commitment to delivering high-quality, sensitive public infrastructure that meets the needs of communities across the UK.

📎 To follow project updates, visit the West Northamptonshire Council website.

Stepnell Supports Technical Learning at New College Swindon

Category: Construction

Stepnell has completed the core structure of a new communal area that will link two technical and vocational teaching blocks at New College Swindon.

With the reinforced concrete structure now in place and the steel framing on the external facade complete, the new central two-storey Welcome Hub will integrate the college’s Lyra and Phoenix buildings at the North Star Campus, New College Swindon’s technical and vocational teaching facility.

Secured under the Procure Partnerships Framework (PPF) and designed by Expedite, the facility is due to open in August ahead of the next academic year. The project will incorporate a centralised reception area, as well as upstairs meeting rooms, offices, welfare facilities and a multi-faith room. This will create a new entrance that affords easier traffic flow, room availability, accessibility and security provision.

Rob Speirs, regional director at Stepnell, said: “We aim to deliver the new central hub through an approach to construction that, like the design, is harmonious with the existing facilities and meets the needs of students and staff to enhance the on-campus experience.”

Externally, the scope of works will also include landscaping to enhance its visual appeal and a dedicated drop-off zone to optimise pedestrian and traffic flow.

To support its social value commitments to the project, complete construction partner Stepnell has been liaising closely with senior staff in supporting the delivery of its construction related courses at the college. A work experience programme provides students with site visits and the opportunity to be supervised while gaining valuable experience of working alongside a range of bricklayers, carpenters, electricians and plumbers.

To date, more than 120 students studying various technical and construction-related disciplines have been provided with visits to the live construction site, and this is scheduled to expand with the start of a comprehensive work experience and careers support programme that spans over 13 weeks during the summer months.

Rob added: “Through close collaboration across various construction-related teaching specialisms we are ensuring that the live site is facilitating the opportunity to enhance the learning experience of the technical college students.

“Our commitment to student engagement is testament to the strong relationship we have built with PPF to deliver phenomenal project value in the public sector.”

Matt Butcher, vice president of commercial skill & partnerships at New College Swindon said: “Students undertaking work experience is vital at New College Swindon, so for them to have this opportunity to work alongside Stepnell and gain a vast range of real-world experience is fantastic.”

Stepnell celebrates growth and impact in the South West

Category: Construction

Stepnell is celebrating remarkable growth in Bristol, underpinned by a diverse portfolio of public sector projects that reflect its commitment to quality and sustainability.

Since establishing a presence in the city, Stepnell has grown its Bristol team from an initial five employees to more than 25, reflecting the rapid expansion of its operations in the South West.

With a focus on public sector projects, Stepnell has delivered schemes across the healthcare, education, and residential sectors. Highlights include major contributions to Bristol City Council projects, partnerships with University Hospitals Bristol and Western NHS Foundation Trust, and the ongoing delivery of education facilities such as New College Swindon.

Jon West, business development manager at Stepnell, said: “Opening the Bristol office was a natural progression for us, driven by the growing opportunities in the region. In the last two years, we’ve established strong partnerships with local authorities, healthcare providers, and educational institutions.

“Our commitment to delivering sustainable solutions, including renewable energy and in-house joinery expertise through Step Energy and Stepnell Joinery respectively, positions us as a trusted partner for ambitious projects. Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue making a positive impact on Bristol and its surrounding areas.”

In total, Stepnell is set to oversee projects worth £50 million in the coming year, further consolidating its position as a key player in the region.

Stepnell’s residential projects in Bristol feature energy solutions, including solar, air-source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps and EV charging points, reflecting the company’s dedication to sustainability. Projects in Bristol routinely require the support of our in-house expertise, including Lawford Bespoke Joinery and Stepnell Plant. The company’s financial stability and family-run ethos have also contributed to its success, providing reassurance to clients and enabling long-term investment in the community.

Future growth for the Bristol office includes expanding along the M5 and M4 corridors into Somerset, Bath, and Swindon. Stepnell’s collaborative culture and dedication to training have also been a significant draw, with the team welcoming apprentices and graduates into its ranks, while supporting individuals on rehabilitation training programmes, showcasing the company’s inclusive approach to workforce development.

Rob Speirs, regional director at Stepnell, said: “With a healthy project pipeline extending into 2027, Stepnell is well-positioned to continue thriving in Bristol and beyond.”

Stepnell Supports Community Mural

Category: Public Sector

Warwick Underpass to Be Transformed by Vibrant Community-Led Mural Project Backed by Stepnell

A tired pedestrian underpass in Warwick is about to be transformed into a vibrant piece of public art, thanks to a new community mural project celebrating the town’s past, present, and future.

Led by Priory Pools Community Centre (PPCC) and Packmores Residents Association (PAC), the project is powered by local collaboration and creativity, with support from regional construction partner Stepnell, renowned street art organisation BRINK, and a host of local supporters.

The transformation will be brought to life by BRINK founder Tim, the creative force behind the Leamington Mural Festival, known for delivering striking murals across the region. Tim has already begun engaging with local groups to shape a final design that reflects Warwick’s community voices, heritage and aspirations. The finished mural will be unveiled in May.

Tim, founder of BRINK, said:

“Bringing street art to Warwick is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. This project is especially exciting because it’s rooted in community – the design is being shaped by local voices, memories and hopes for the future. I can’t wait to get painting and help transform a space that so many people walk through every day.”

As a key supporter, Stepnell has donated a team of volunteers to help prepare the underpass, cleaning the brickwork and applying a base coat of paint to get the site mural-ready.

With a strong regional presence and a commitment to creating social value through community engagement, Stepnell is proud to contribute to projects that have a lasting, positive impact.

Adrian Barnes, Director at Stepnell, said:

“We’re really pleased to be supporting this inspiring local project. Creating spaces that communities can be proud of is something we care deeply about, and this mural is a fantastic example of how creativity and collaboration can make a real difference. Our team is looking forward to getting stuck in and helping bring this space to life.”

The mural project has attracted further generous support from Crown Paints, who donated all materials via their Project Possible ESG programme.

Lauren Burnett, Architectural & Design Consultant at Crown Paints, said:

“At Crown, we believe sustainability means investing in the communities we serve. It’s incredible to see how a splash of colour can uplift public spaces. BRINK’s passion for transforming urban landscapes is truly inspiring.”

The mural is the first artistic initiative linked to the development of the new Priory Pools Community Centre, a future facility planned near Priory Park and the Packmores estate. The project has received funding and support from Warwick District Council, King Henry VIII Endowed Trust, Warwick Relief in Need, Warwick Lions, Warwick Rotary Club, Warwickshire County Council, Friends of Priory Park, Network Rail, Warwickshire County Record Office and St Mary Immaculate Catholic Primary School.

BRINK’s creative flair has already made a mark locally. During the Packmores Easter Event, Tim (aka Lord Numb) and fellow artist Gordon (Mig29) led a mural workshop for local teens, producing a Kingfisher mural that celebrates the historical ‘Priory Pools’ – a design that will live on at the future community centre.

Work on the underpass will begin in the coming weeks, bringing a fresh splash of colour to Warwick’s streetscape and reinforcing the power of community-driven regeneration through the arts.

For more about the Priory Pools Community Centre project, visit: www.priorypoolscc.org

Stepnell Launches Lawford Bespoke Joinery

Category: Joinery

Stepnell, a trusted complete construction partner, has launched Lawford Bespoke Joinery—a standalone custom joinery business delivering high-quality services from design consultation through to precision installation.

Based in Rugby and operating nationally, Lawford Bespoke Joinery builds on Stepnell’s 155+ years of experience in construction and specialist joinery. The new business offers bespoke joinery solutions across key sectors including commercial, residential, heritage, and hospitality.

With a skilled team of eight joiners and craftsmen, Lawford Bespoke Joinery delivers made-to-measure joinery crafted to the highest standards. Services range from intricate heritage restorations and modern interior joinery to bespoke furniture, IPS units, and acoustic panel manufacturing.

Lee Grant, Joinery Manager at Lawford Bespoke Joinery, said:

“Joinery has always been at the heart of Stepnell’s construction services. This new venture allows our team to grow as a dedicated joinery business, offering sustainable, custom solutions that enhance every project.”

The joinery team will continue to support Stepnell projects, while growing its own client base. Recent works include bespoke joinery at Oakley Grange Care Home in Warwick for Cinnamon Care, Eton College boarding facilities, and outdoor seating at Greenstone Primary School in Coalville.

Tom Wakeford, Managing Director at Stepnell, added:

“Lawford Bespoke Joinery gives us the opportunity to expand our specialist services externally while maintaining the exceptional craftsmanship our clients expect. This aligns with our strategic approach—similar to the successful launch of our energy management business, Step Energy.”

Stepnell’s launch of Lawford Bespoke Joinery reflects its commitment to providing agile, expert-led services that respond to both public and private sector client needs.

🔗 Learn more about Lawford Bespoke Joinery: www.lawfordbespokejoinery.co.uk

Embracing Sustainability in Construction

Category: Education

Our Journey with Greenstone Primary School and the RIBA Climate Challenge

In today’s construction industry, sustainability is not just an aspiration – it’s a responsibility. As we move beyond the traditional focus on operational carbon, at Stepnell, while we are implementing ways of identifying and eliminating emissions at every stage of a building’s life cycle, we are focussing on reducing emissions generated during construction. Staying ahead means continually evolving our practices to align to and exceed industry benchmarks, such as the RIBA Climate Challenge 2030.

A prime example of this commitment is our recent Greenstone Primary School project. Working in collaboration with the University of Lincoln and CarbonLEAF, we undertook a comprehensive embodied carbon assessment using OneClick LCA software. This assessment provided an in-depth analysis of emissions associated with construction materials and processes, enabling us to drive meaningful reductions in carbon impact.

“This project is a great example of a dedicated team approach to carbon awareness in procurement and delivery leading to measurable savings after tender stage.”

Dr. Rosi Fieldson | Senior Lecturer
Lincoln School of Design and Architecture
Chair, Lincolnshire Society of Architects

Innovative Design for a Lower Carbon Footprint

Designed by Lungfish Architects and built for Harworth Group, Greenstone Primary School sets a new standard in sustainable construction – and is proudly designed as a Forest School, with its natural setting, materials and layout supporting outdoor learning and environmental awareness:

  • Timber SIPS (Structural Insulated Panels) for structures, maximising efficiency and sustainability.
  • A low-impact material palette, combining timber, render, metal flashings, and brick plinths to balance durability, aesthetics, and environmental responsibility.
  • Landscape integration that enhances the natural setting and promotes biodiversity, reinforcing the school’s forest-based ethos.

Carbon Reduction Achievements

Our assessment compared tender stage estimates with as-built data, revealing key achievements:

  • A 13% reduction of upfront embodied carbon from 564.95 kgCO₂e/m² to 489.58 kgCO₂e/m².
  • Material efficiencies such as optimising concrete use led to a 100 tCO₂e saving.
  • The high timber content in the structure resulted in 134.2 tCO₂e sequestration, reducing net whole-life carbon emissions.
  • Energy-efficient site operations led to 33% lower emissions than the original RICS estimates.

Carbon Hero Rating & Industry Benchmarking

As part of the OneClick Carbon Heroes rating, Greenstone Primary School saw a notable improvement from a C to a B rating, outperforming industry benchmarks for UK schools. These insights are helping shape our future sustainability strategies and how we approach new projects.

A Case Study for Future Success

Whilst no contractual emissions targets were set, Harworth required actual emissions reporting as part of the construction process. Harworth’s innovative monthly reporting requirements align with the RICS WLC guidance and the associated real-time embodied carbon assessments proved invaluable in understanding and reducing emissions at all stages of the construction process. These lessons are also being utilised in a second school for Harworth at Thoresby Vale.

Stepnell has a structured programme in place to apply this approach across a diverse range of projects, using different construction methods and materials to drive targeted carbon reduction initiatives. These insights not only enhance our technical expertise but also strengthen our engagement with clients at the earliest design stages, ensuring sustainability is embedded from the outset.

By proactively supporting clients with data-driven solutions, we help them navigate evolving sustainability expectations while delivering practical, cost-effective outcomes that balance environmental responsibility with project goals.

🔗 Learn more about the RIBA Climate Challenge: HERE

Building a Sustainable Future

Category: Sustainability

Progress and Ambition in Construction

We’re proud to reflect on the significant progress we’ve made in embedding sustainability into the heart of our construction business and project delivery.

Sustainability isn’t just a requirement—it’s a responsibility we embrace across our operations, working closely with clients, the supply chain, communities, and the wider construction industry to drive meaningful, measurable change.

Key Sustainability Milestones in the Last 12 Months

We’ve taken major steps toward our net-zero carbon and energy efficiency goals:

  • Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) Phase 3
    Completed our Phase 3 report, identifying energy efficiency improvements across our business.
  • Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) & PPN 06/21 Carbon Reduction Plan
    Published annual emissions verified to ISO 14064-1 greenhouse gas reporting standards.
  • Embodied Carbon Assessment for Greenstone Forest School
    Achieved RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge targets, demonstrating our ability to deliver low-carbon building designs.
  • ESOS Action Plan Developed
    Laying the foundations for ESOS Phase 4 with a robust, forward-looking energy efficiency strategy.
  • Maintained ISO Certifications
    Continued certification to ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) and ISO 50001 (Energy Management), reflecting best practice and ongoing improvement.
  • Head Office Refurbishment and EPC Upgrade from E to A
    Delivered operational energy improvements, contributing to reduced carbon emissions.
  • Step Energy: Driving Renewable Impact
    Our renewables and decarbonisation business, Step Energy, generated an annual yield of 353,618 kWh through its renewable energy projects—cutting 96.84 tons of CO₂ emissions and accelerating our clients’ progress toward net-zero goals.

Our Sustainability Vision Going Forward

As we look ahead, our sustainability strategy remains bold, innovative, and rooted in action:

  • Embodied Carbon Assessments Across More Projects
    Facilitating hotspot analysis to reduce high-carbon elements in both design and construction phases.
  • Collaborating to Tackle High-Carbon Materials
    Working with clients and supply chain partners to develop innovative low-carbon solutions.
  • Driving Decarbonisation Through Engagement
    Including speaking at events like Derby City Council’s Decarbonising Construction conference to share knowledge and foster collaboration.
  • PAS 2030 & PAS 2035 Certification
    Supporting high-quality retrofit and energy efficiency measures aligned with industry standards.
  • Annual Third-Party Verified GHG Emissions Reporting (ISO 14064)
    Enhancing credibility and transparency of our emissions data to support informed decisions.
  • Investment in Renewable Energy and Low-Carbon Site Power
    Installing solar PV panels and launching our own battery-powered Stepnell Cubes to cut carbon emissions on-site.
  • Transition to a Fully Hybrid/EV Company Car Fleet
    Supporting our transport decarbonisation goals and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Let’s Build a Greener Future Together

At Stepnell, sustainability goes beyond compliance – it’s about leading change in the built environment, reducing our environmental footprint, and supporting a net-zero future.

We’re excited to partner with clients, supply chain collaborators, and industry stakeholders to push the boundaries of sustainable construction and deliver buildings that benefit people, communities, and the planet.

Interested in collaborating or learning more? Get in touch—we’d love to connect and explore opportunities to create a greener, more resilient future together.

Mind Nourishing Workshops

Category: People

Stepnell Supports Employee Wellbeing Through Gut Health Workshops

At Stepnell, we’re committed to creating a healthy, happy, and high-performing workplace. As part of our ongoing investment in employee wellbeing, we’ve delivered a series of wellbeing workshops focused on the powerful relationship between gut health, brain function, and mental performance at work.

Why Gut Health Matters at Work

Gut health plays a vital role in cognitive function, focus, and energy levels—all essential for performing well in the workplace. Our interactive sessions helped Stepnell teams understand:

  • The science behind the gut-brain connection
  • How nutrition can boost mental clarity, reduce fatigue and improve mood
  • Which everyday habits support better digestion and sharper thinking

These practical wellbeing workshops also busted common nutrition myths, encouraged open conversations about lifestyle habits, and gave colleagues tools to make lasting changes.

From Knowledge to Action

The workshops went beyond theory, giving attendees the chance to prepare and taste nutrient-rich foods and drinks that support gut health and energy. From homemade electrolyte drinks to balanced meals, the focus was on easy, achievable changes that fit real lives.

💬 What Our People Said

“The practical session was brilliant! I’ll definitely be making my own electrolyte drinks from now on.” – Charlotte Hayward

“Such an eye-opening workshop! I’ve already started making small changes to my meals, and I feel the difference.” – David Crombie

Key Takeaways from Our Gut Health Workshops

  • A healthy gut supports mental performance and productivity
  • Small daily changes can improve energy, mood, and focus
  • Challenging old habits helps unlock long-term wellbeing benefits

Wellbeing in Construction: More Than a Tick Box

These workshops are just one example of how we’re creating an industry-leading employee experience, focused on helping everyone reach their full potential.

We offer:

  • A culture that values collaboration, integrity, and innovation
  • Access to confidential support through our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
  • Health-focused benefits like the Cycle to Work scheme and structured wellbeing sessions
  • A strong focus on mental health, personal development, and continuous improvement

Because we know that when our people feel their best, they do their best—and that’s what drives our success.

Huge thank you to Laura Bryan at Mind Nourishing for delivering these excellent workshops and sharing such practical insights with our teams.

Stepnell’s Considerate Approach at Aylesford School

Category: Construction

We are proud to be leading the extensive refurbishment and alterations at Aylesford School, demonstrating excellence in community engagement, environmental responsibility, and workforce welfare. The project, which is registered under the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS), recently received an outstanding score of 44/45 on their first report, reflecting our commitment to delivering not only high-quality construction but also positive social value.

Respecting the Community

A key focus of the Aylesford School project has been minimising disruption and fostering strong relationships with the local community. We implemented a variety of initiatives to engage with residents, parents, and students, ensuring their concerns are heard and addressed.

  • A dedicated WhatsApp group and monthly newsletters keep the community informed of project updates.
  • A coffee and cake morning was held to establish an open dialogue with local residents.
  • Site security measures, including metal hoarding and a dedicated gateman, ensure the safety of students, staff, and visitors.

These efforts contributed to the project achieving a perfect 15/15 score for community respect, highlighting our commitment to being a considerate and responsible contractor.

Delivering Social Value

We are actively contributing to the local economy and community, with a structured Social Value Plan in place. To date, the project has generated over £480,000 in social value through various initiatives, including:

  • Promoting local employment by engaging with local suppliers and contractors.
  • Supporting local charities, such as a food donation to Rugby Foodbank.
  • Educational engagement, with attendance at school open days and parents’ evenings to inspire future generations about careers in construction.

Caring for the Environment

Sustainability is a core part of our approach, and the Aylesford School project is no exception. Environmental measures include:

  • A Carbon Reduction Plan, aiming for net zero carbon emissions (Scopes 1 and 2) by 2029.
  • Use of sustainable materials and plant, including HVO and electric-powered equipment.
  • On-site biodiversity initiatives, such as tree planting, bird boxes, and river clean-ups.

These proactive steps resulted in a near-perfect 14/15 environmental score, showcasing our dedication to reducing its environmental impact.

Valuing the Workforce

At the heart of the project is our commitment to workforce wellbeing and development:

  • Dedicated training programmes encourage career growth within construction.
  • A strong focus on health and wellbeing, including mental health toolboxes and a quiet/prayer room on-site.
  • Inclusive welfare facilities, such as gender-neutral toilets and sanitary products provided for all staff.

With a 15/15 workforce score, Stepnell continues to prioritise a safe, inclusive, and supportive working environment.

Leaving a Lasting Legacy

Beyond construction, our work at Aylesford School is about creating a positive and lasting impact. By fostering community relationships, delivering social value, prioritising sustainability, and caring for the workforce.

As the project progresses, we remain dedicated to upholding these high standards, ensuring that Aylesford School and its community benefit for years to come.

Stepnell to Restore Leamington’s Historic Royal Pump Rooms

Category: Public Sector

Stepnell is proud to be working with Warwick District Council on the vital restoration of Leamington Spa’s Grade II listed Royal Pump Rooms. Thanks to substantial grant funding from Arts Council England’s MEND (Museum Estate and Development) fund, essential roof repairs will begin this week, ensuring the long-term preservation of this iconic building.

The restoration project will take approximately 40 weeks to complete, with all key services remaining fully operational throughout, including:

  • Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum
  • Visitor Information Centre and Box Office
  • Library
  • Warwick District Council’s Front-Line Services
  • The Larder Café

As specialists in heritage conservation, Stepnell has been entrusted with delivering this intricate repair and restoration programme. The project will run alongside our ongoing work on the Future High Street funded Creative Hub at the neighbouring Town Hall, further demonstrating our expertise and commitment to revitalising key historic buildings in the region.

Councillor Ella Billiald, Portfolio Holder for Arts, Culture & Economy, commented:

“The Royal Pump Rooms is at the heart of our community and an integral part of Leamington Spa’s history. Thanks to the support of Arts Council England’s MEND funding, we are able to carry out these critical repairs to preserve this iconic building for generations to come.

It’s also great news that Stepnell, who are already delivering excellent work to rejuvenate the Town Hall, will be managing this important project; clearly demonstrating our confidence in their ability to handle complex conservation projects with care and precision.”

Adrian Barnes, Director at Stepnell, added:

“We are delighted to be supporting Warwick District Council on the much-needed refurbishment of Leamington Spa’s Grade II listed Royal Pump Rooms. This important building will be carefully restored in collaboration with the Conservation and Heritage teams whilst minimising disruption to the building’s operations. The project allows us to continue our proactive and productive relationship with the Council.”

Councillor Billiald reassured building users that despite the scaffolding and some changes to access, it will be ‘business as usual’ throughout the restoration period, thanking them in advance for their patience and understanding.

Regular updates on the project will be provided via the Royal Pump Rooms website and onsite notices.

For more information, visit: Royal Pump Rooms Website.

Inspiring Students Through Construction Design

Category: Leisure

As part of Stepnell’s ongoing commitment to delivering social value through its projects, we have partnered with Lichfield District Council to engage Burntwood students in a unique design challenge.

Stepnell collaborated with Chase Terrace Academy to deliver a four-week project that tasked three groups of Year 8 students with designing and creating development proposals for a housing estate. The students were asked to consider key elements such as infrastructure, sustainability features, leisure facilities, and the inclusion of 10 properties.

On Thursday, 27 February, students had the opportunity to present their designs to a panel comprising representatives from Lichfield District Council, Stepnell, and Compliance Chain, a company that provides social value management software for public sector clients, main contractors, and subcontractors in the construction industry.

During their presentations, students introduced their business names, outlined their housing estate designs, and explained their pricing strategies for the properties. The panel provided feedback, praised the students’ creativity and imagination, and commended their confidence and presentation skills.

Stepnell’s Project Manager, Steve Hollins, rewarded all participants with an invitation to visit the construction site of the new leisure centre at Stychbrook Park, offering them a behind-the-scenes look at a real-life construction project.

Lichfield District Council Cabinet member Councillor Alex Farrell said:

“I was delighted to attend the presentations at Chase Terrace Academy and very impressed with the students’ confident delivery and the quality of their proposals.

“I’d like to thank Stepnell whose project with the academy supports our Social Value program, which aims to see local residents benefit directly from our procurement spend.

“It ensures that for every pound spent by the council on the delivery of goods, services, and works, that pound also delivers wider social, economic, or environmental benefits to the community. Stepnell’s project at Chase Terrace Academy is a great example of social value in practice.”

Natasha Heritage, Social Value Manager at Stepnell, added:

“At Stepnell, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed.

“Through this initiative, we’re providing students with hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world career insights to help them stay engaged in education and build a brighter future. By investing in young people today, we’re shaping the skilled workforce of tomorrow while making a real difference in our communities.”

Matt Birt, Head of Year 8 at Chase Terrace Academy, praised the initiative, saying:

“I am delighted with the impact Stepnell’s construction project has had for our pupils. The boys had to make use of teamwork, creativity, logical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills in a variety of ways.

“They have shown genuine excitement and displayed great tenacity and aspiration to tackle the challenges presented to them. All the boys who took part can be very proud of their achievement and can use this as a springboard into thinking about their future and how their school life will support them. I really hope we can run this project again and give more pupils the opportunity to take part.”

The students described the project as ‘fun and challenging’ and particularly enjoyed ‘being able to work as a team.’

“I was a bit nervous for the presentation, but I’m glad I did it,” said one student. “It helped me become more confident with talking to people I don’t know.”

Stepnell remains committed to delivering meaningful social value initiatives and inspiring the next generation of construction professionals through hands-on learning experiences.