Author: Gemma Meekings

Stepnell secures two affordable housing schemes

Category: Frameworks

Experienced residential contractor Stepnell has been appointed by Sovereign Network Group to deliver two new developments in Basingstoke and Reading.

The partnership forms part of the housing provider’s new Affordable Homes Framework, supporting the delivery of high-quality affordable and mixed-occupancy housing schemes across the South of England.

Demolition is now underway at Malmesbury Field in Basingstoke, marking the first phase of a project to transform a vacant 1960s retirement scheme into a sustainable residential community. Scheduled for completion in June 2027, the development will provide 12 houses and nine apartments, all designated for affordable rent.

The second scheme, Windmill Court in Mortimer Common, near Reading, will create a 24-home mixed-occupancy residential development available for social rent, shared ownership and private sale, with demolition underway and completion also targeted for June 2027.

Rob Speirs, director at Stepnell, said:

“Securing these two schemes on the Affordable Homes Framework is a fantastic opportunity to transform two brownfield sites into high-quality and sustainable communities. We’re bringing our expertise in residential and public sector delivery, along with social value initiatives, to deliver these high impact projects.”

Stepnell is exploring a range of sustainable construction solutions, including timber frame construction and bespoke staircases created by Stepnell Group’s joinery business Lawford Bespoke Joinery, as well as photovoltaic systems and electric vehicle charging stations delivered through its renewable energy arm Step Energy. Additionally, Stepnell will be implementing innovative Nuspan insulated flooring systems that are designed and fabricated offsite to reduce environmental impact.

Rob added:

“Both schemes will be managed through Stepnell’s Southampton office, drawing on the team’s extensive residential expertise to ensure a strong local presence throughout construction.

“We will be working closely with supply chain partners to deliver meaningful social value commitments, including apprenticeship opportunities and delivering mental health roadshows for the local communities across both schemes, aligning with the core values of SNG for these works and the future pipeline of projects on the Affordable Homes Framework.”

Stepnell is one of 22 contractors that has been assigned across 12 lots of the Affordable Homes Framework to deliver 25,000 new homes through the £10.9bn ten‑year investment plan, accelerating the delivery of sustainable housing while supporting regional investment and local supply chains.

Satwinder Kukadia, development delivery director (South) at SNG, said: 

“Our commitment to delivering good affordable homes and transforming communities in Basingstoke and Deane and West Berkshire continues as we begin work at these two sites.

“These projects are replacing older buildings with well-designed affordable homes. By working to our sector leading Homes and Place Standard, we’re ensuring these homes will be comfortable, spacious, and energy efficient.”

Stepnell delivers strong profit and growth

Category: Corporate

COMPLETE construction partner Stepnell has reported a “strong performance” in its year end accounts resulting in an increase in turnover to £150 million, above its forecasts.

The reporting period to March 2026 has seen Stepnell deliver £2.8 million in pre-tax profit. Cash in the business improved significantly in the year to March 2026 to £20.8 million due to Stepnell’s focus on the performance of the company’s construction teams in delivering projects on time and within budget to clients.

Tom Wakeford, chief executive at Stepnell, said: “We are pleased with our significantly improved performance in difficult market conditions, notably the increase in profitability and cash. This provides a solid foundation for the company going forward. In the current year, the business is on track to deliver a further 20% increase to our turnover, driven by client demand from the performance of our teams, extending geography, and staying true to careful project selectivity.

“The significantly increased cash position, strong balance sheet, improved trading and a strong pipeline of work ensures the business is positioned well for the coming years. Furthermore, our repeat clients recognise the quality of work and that our teams continually deliver, culminating in our Net Promotor Score of 70, an increase from the previous year.

“Stepnell’s significantly improved performance has been delivered by partnering with clients which enable projects to be delivered through honest communications of budgets, timely problem solving and transparent understanding of risk, delivering certainty for all stakeholders.”

Stepnell’s corporate shareholder demerger was concluded on 30 September last year, resulting in Wakeford and his immediate family now owning 100% of Stepnell Group Limited and its companies. Stepnell’s continued objective is steady, profitable growth and enhanced opportunities to further support its clients and stakeholders.

Stepnell remains strong in its key sectors healthcare, education and residential which are being delivered through existing and new frameworks. The company is working with the housing association arm of Bristol City Council and has two projects on site under the Sovereign Housing Association Framework. Its work is continuing in the Isles of Scilly on the £9 million refurbishment of the grade II listed Town Hall in St Mary’s.

Stepnell made a significant investment in improving its regional offices. As well as refurbishing and extending Stepnell’s headquarters in Rugby in 2025 – an investment of more than £1.3 million – Stepnell moved its Bristol offices to larger premises and it made further improvements to its Southampton office, as well as purchasing the adjacent premises.

Over the following 12 months, Stepnell plans further enhancements to both its Nottingham and Oxford offices to enhance our employee offering. Post year end, in May 2026, Stepnell opened its seventh office in Exeter to build on the proven delivery models and reputations of both its Bristol and Southampton offices to extend our client offering across the south of England.

Wakeford added: “Despite uncertain market conditions, the business has shown strong growth. The board has laid the foundations for a planned growth in turnover and profit, through continued project selectivity to secure the projects which better suit the company’s objectives, together with strong delivery on site.

“Key to this improved business performance has been early project involvement and formal engagement. This enables Stepnell to bring strong focus on the critical issues required to make the scheme viable and deliverable.

“We have focussed on developing our teams and they have continued to deliver high quality finished products with improved control and predictability of programme which is being reflected in 75% of our work being repeat business. Continued early client engagement continues to bring a strong pipeline of work.”

Wakeford added that price rises in materials continue to affect projects, which Stepnell manages through good long-term partnerships with its supply chain and paying the supply chain on time.

“Our governance ensures we carefully select who we work with and this is recognised through more than 75% of our work being with repeat clients where we have met or exceeded our clients’ expectations and more than 70% of our work remains with public sector clients,” added Wakeford.

“We continue to perform well on key frameworks, both nationally and regionally, allowing us to fully implement the Stepnell ethos and collaborate with our clients to identify and solve problems during the pre-construction phase. On these frameworks we deliver excellence in both social value and sustainability delivering what we commit to at the outset of each project.

“We work as a team to deliver value with robust programming across our breadth of operating geography with the right risk balance. We have secured places on targeted frameworks in the North West following the opening of our new office in Liverpool last year and recruited a new regional director for the area which provides us the opportunity for deliver as well for new clients there as we do elsewhere across our geography.”

Stepnell Appoints Dirk Pittaway to Lead North West Expansion

Category: Corporate

Stepnell has reinforced its commitment to the North West market with the appointment of Dirk Pittaway as regional director, alongside securing significant positions on the latest Procure Partnerships North West and Rise Construction frameworks.

Dirk will lead Stepnell’s Liverpool office, bringing more than 30 years of industry experience and a proven track record in delivering major public sector projects. Following an eight-year tenure as regional managing director for Robertson Group, Dirk’s appointment aims to strategically align Stepnell’s collaborative culture with the growing demand for high-quality public sector procurement in the region.

The appointment coincides with a period of significant growth for Stepnell’s regional presence. The contractor has secured places on Lot 3 (£1m–£5m) and Lot 4 (£5m–£15m) of the £1 billion Procure Partnerships (PPF) North West framework. Additionally, Stepnell has been appointed to Lot 1 of the four-year Rise Construction Framework for projects valued at more than £15 million.

Dirk Pittaway, regional director at Stepnell, said:

“I’m joining Stepnell at a pivotal moment where we can truly influence the built environment in the North West. What drew me to the business was its sustainable approach and a ‘team-first’ culture that is genuinely agile enough to respond to regional needs.

“Our goal isn’t just to build; it’s to deliver social value that stays within the local community. With the backing of our national expertise and these new framework positions, we have the credibility to provide a progressive, collaborative alternative for public sector clients.”

Tom Sewell, director at Stepnell, said:

“Dirk brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the North West landscape. His track record in public sector delivery makes him instrumental in our long-term regional growth strategy.

“The PPF and Rise framework wins are central to Stepnell’s long-term strategy, enabling public sector clients to access our services where we can deliver high-impact projects, which prioritise carbon reduction and provide community benefit.

“We are building a powerful pipeline in the North West supported by our 159-year heritage as a complete construction partner. We are committed to providing clients with the high quality of pre-construction, delivery, and post-occupancy services that Stepnell is synonymous with, supported by a can-do approach.”

Stepnell Boosts Northwest Expansion with Framework Win

Category: Corporate

Complete construction partner Stepnell has secured a place on the £428m North West Rise Construction Framework, boosting its regional presence and underpinning its wider UK growth strategy.

The appointment follows the opening of the regional contractor’s Liverpool office and forms part of its commitment to fostering long-term relationships and sustainable growth across the North West construction market, delivering high-quality, socially responsible projects through established public sector frameworks.

Procured by Regenda Group in partnership with Rise Construction Framework, the agreement runs until March 2030 and sees Stepnell appointed to Lot 1 – General Construction within the £15m+ value band, as one of five contractors selected.

The framework attracted 79 tenders for this lot, with 38 firms appointed in total, placing Stepnell within a highly competitive group of contractors operating at scale.

Craig Finn, framework director at Stepnell, said:

“This is a significant appointment for Stepnell and a strong endorsement of our approach as a responsible, long-term construction partner.

“Our focus has always been on more than just delivering buildings – we work to create real value for clients and the communities we operate in. That includes delivering meaningful social value, supporting local people and ensuring every project contributes positively beyond the built environment.

“Securing this place on the framework aligns with our growth in the North West and reflects the strength of our offer, our people and our commitment to delivering lasting value for clients and communities.”

The contractor will support initiatives across the North West region, including working with care leavers, engaging with Rise’s social mobility programme and contributing to community activity through volunteering and fundraising. Stepnell will also collaborate with voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs) and support engagement with school leavers.

The framework, which has generated over £100 million in social return on investment over the last decade, supports public sector clients including local authorities, NHS trusts, blue light services, housing providers and education bodies across North West England, North Wales and Yorkshire and the Humber.

Sara Lawton, director at Rise Construction Framework, said:

“As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Rise Construction Framework we are delighted to launch the latest re-iteration of Rise.

“Importantly we are looking forward to continuing to change the lives of people across our communities;  we are proud to hold the Kings Award for Enterprise for our commitment to social mobility meaning the public sector not only have access to experienced supply partners who deliver quality capital projects, but they are investing in communities each time they access our services.”

The win comes amid continued growth for Stepnell, following a fifth consecutive year of profit, as the contractor strengthens its presence across key UK regions through targeted expansion and framework opportunities.

Stepnell Completes New Dorset Ambulance Hub for SWASFT

Category: Construction

Stepnell has marked the completion of a dedicated Main Operating Base (MOB) in Dorset for the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT), enhancing the operational capacity and efficiency of emergency services across the South West.

Within the MOB, Stepnell has constructed offices and operational facilities along with dedicated workshop areas and enhanced welfare facilities for staff. Changing facilities have also been implemented including showers and bespoke changing cubicles, which have been created by Stepnell’s dedicated joinery division Lawford Bespoke Joinery.

The MOB will serve as a central regional hub for ambulance services, integrating several Trust departments and consolidating staff and services currently based at Bournemouth, Wimborne, and St Leonards ambulance stations. The new multi-functional building forms part of the Trust’s multi-year programme to modernise healthcare infrastructure, which includes a wider network of MOBs, ambulance stations, and community ambulance points.

Rob Speirs, director at Stepnell, said:

“With our team bringing extensive experience delivering healthcare infrastructure across the South West, we understand the importance of building facilities that meet the complex needs of frontline services.

“By consolidating operations, this new base will give emergency response teams a layout that strategically reduces non-clinical workloads for frontline personnel, enabling them to focus on delivering exceptional patient care and make a real difference to the lives of people across the South West.

“Through the comprehensive social value delivery – including work experience opportunities on the build – we’ve delivered not only a sustainable facility but one that will continue to deliver further opportunities and remain closely integrated as part of the Dorset community.”

John Martin, chief executive at SWASFT, said:

“This new Main Operating Base represents an important investment in both our people and our patients. By providing modern workspace, welfare and operational facilities, we are ensuring our staff have the environment and support they need to deliver the very best care to the communities of Dorset.

“Bringing teams together under one roof will strengthen collaboration, improve operational efficiency and ultimately enhance patient outcomes. We are proud to see this investment become a reality and grateful to everyone who has supported its delivery.”

New Sixth Form Centre Opens at Bishop Vesey’s

Category: Construction

EXPERIENCED further education contractor Stepnell has completed a £6.45 million sixth form learning centre in Sutton Coldfield, creating a future-ready space built for students to collaborate and develop.

Named after former pupil Robert Lowndes, who donated funds towards the project, the works included a two-and-a-half-storey extension to the existing building at Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School. This extension provides a permanent structure for sixth form learning, which had previously taken place in mobile classrooms.

With a focus on modernising the space to support collaborative learning, the new centre includes a library, additional classrooms, expanded dining space and dedicated areas for social and study activities.

Chris Kirby, contracts manager at Stepnell, said:

“Our expertise in creating dedicated further education facilities was key to delivering a modern, inclusive and supportive environment for sixth form students at Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School. The new centre not only enriches the school’s learning environment but also accommodates its growing student body, and we are proud to have helped the school achieve these goals on time and within budget.”

Working on a live site, Stepnell ensured consistent contact with Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School throughout the project, with weekly site visits to track progress and support collaboration.

Stepnell has channelled significant social value efforts, with 64% of spend on the project being directed to local supply chains within 30 miles and facilitating 34 hours of student engagement through interactive sessions, such as upskilling and career workshops. Elsewhere, 38 hours of skills support was dedicated to those looking for work in the area and Stepnell contributed over 60 volunteering hours, helping students better understand the breadth of opportunities to work in the construction sector.

Chris added: “We understand how important the learning environment is for fostering growth and encouraging engagement, so it has been brilliant to see the centre now open for current students and generations to come.”

Graham Swindells, finance and operations director at Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School, said:

“The learning resource centre was a complex project where we were dealing with limited space and a live site where normal school day to day activity had to continue.

“From pre-construction contract engagement to building strong stakeholder relationships and engaging pupils on careers in construction, Stepnell’s quality of service far exceeded our expectations. By keeping disturbances to a minimum and the ability to adapt and pivot where necessary, this lead to a very successful conclusion where all required outcomes were met. We simply wouldn’t have the amazing building that we have now for our students without Stepnell.”

The project was procured via Procure Partnerships West Midlands Framework via direct award.

Lauren Oxland, key account manager (West) at Procure Partnerships Framework, said:

“It has been a pleasure supporting this project through the procurement stages to ensure the right contractor partner was on board to deliver Bishop Vesey’s new sixth form learning centre.

“At Procure Partnerships, it is not only important that our projects provide excellent facilities for the end user but that they leave a lasting impact on the wider community. Stepnell has exceeded social value expectations across the board while overcoming challenges of a live, operational site.”

Complete Commitment: Seven National Nominations

Category: Corporate

As a Complete Construction Partner, Stepnell is proud to announce a recent sweep of “Excellent” Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) scores. With seven of our schemes now nominated for national awards, we are proving that predictable project delivery and community-first values go hand-in-hand.

Achieving near-perfect (44/45) or flawless (45/45) ratings isn’t an accident. For our customers, these scores provide absolute confidence: a guarantee of a smooth, safe, and positive site experience with minimal disruption.

Healthcare: Precision in Live Environments

Managing complex clinical settings requires meticulous planning to ensure zero impact on patient care.

  • UHBW NHS Trust Strategic Partnership (National Award Nominee): Score: 46/45 innovation point awarded. This multi-refurbishment project spans 12 live hospitals. Our teams hold daily morning meetings with clinical leads to ensure the works are seamlessly integrated around patient needs.
  • Northampton Mortuary Facility (National Award Nominee): Score: 46/45 innovation point awarded. Beyond strict environmental controls for adjacent wetlands, we partnered with Job22 to host construction “taster days” for the local community.

Education: Inspiring the Next Generation

We are thrilled to see four educational schemes – New College Swindon, Itchen Sixth Form College, Oak Wood School, and Norbriggs Primary shortlisted for national awards.

  • Norbriggs Primary School: Score: 45/45. We eliminated logistics risks by coordinating all deliveries outside of school run times and currently mentor a local T-Level student on-site.
  • Oak Wood School: Score: 45/45. Our team delivered “Build a Business” programs and bridge-building challenges specifically designed for SEND and home-educated students.

Housing & Communities: Integrity First

We build homes by engaging neighbors in transparent, fair conversations and providing genuine local opportunities.

  • Filwood Broadway & Romney Avenue: Scores: 45/45. These projects go beyond “bricks and mortar.” At Filwood, we created dedicated training pathways for residents to progress into site management. At Romney Avenue, our team dedicated volunteer hours to the Lockleaze Community Trust garden.

Refurbishment & Commercial: Delivering on Our Promises

Whether regenerating town centres or building cutting-edge commercial spaces, we operate safely and always deliver on our promises.

  • The Royal Pump Rooms & Leamington Town Hall: Score: 45/45. To protect this busy retail parade, we utilised electric cranes to reduce noise and restricted lifts to early morning hours.
  • Stychbrook Leisure Centre: Score: 45/45. A showcase of sustainability featuring 400 solar panels. The team also spent time restoring WWII trenches at the Staffordshire Regiment Museum.
  • Hazeley Enterprise Park (National Award Nominee): Score: 45/45. A BREEAM “Excellent” project targeting significant net habitat gain.

These exceptional scores and nominations are a testament to our Teamship philosophy. A massive thank you to our dedicated site managers, project teams, and supply chain partners.

Social Value Leadership in the Midlands

Category: Social Value

In 2024, Stepnell identified a clear gap within Constructing Excellence (CE) Midlands’ theme groups. While there were established forums for Smart Construction, Climate Action, Future Skills and Building Safety, there was no dedicated platform focused on social value, despite its growing importance across the construction sector.

We proposed the creation of the CE Midlands Social Value Theme Group to address this.

Following board approval, the group was officially launched at the CE Midlands Annual Summit in Birmingham in October 2024, where our Social Value Manager, Sue Woollett, delivered a keynote on why social value must sit at the heart of construction.

Her message was clear:

‘Social value is not simply a contractual requirement driven by legislation and frameworks. It is a commercial differentiator, a driver of brand reputation, and a powerful tool in attracting future talent. But more importantly, it reflects who we are as an industry, professionals committed to improving the communities in which we live and build.‘

Alongside Natasha Heritage, Social Value Manager at Stepnell, Sue now co-chairs the group, ensuring it remains action-focused and impact-driven.

Moving Beyond Conversation to Action

From its first meeting, the group established a clear principle: this would not be a “talking shop”.

Members identified five priority themes:

  • Stronger collaboration across CE Midlands members
  • Clearer understanding of legislation and local authority requirements
  • Improved recording and reporting, particularly around the National TOM System
  • Sharing and embedding best practice
  • Maximising measurable impact

The ambition is simple – to empower organisations to better understand, measure and amplify the positive contribution they already make, while working collectively to increase that impact across the Midlands.

Delivering Tangible Impact: Expert Advice Live

The group’s first major initiative was Expert Advice Live, developed in response to the Procurement Act 2023.

When the group came together in January 2025, we wanted to create more than a network. We wanted to create something that would genuinely support SMEs and VCSEs to grow and succeed within the construction sector.

The result was a sold-out event in November 2025, attended by over 30 Midlands businesses.

The day provided practical, expert-led insight into:

  • Social Value
  • The Bid Process
  • Social Media Strategy
  • Sustainability in Construction
  • Public Procurement for SMEs and the Voluntary Sector
  • The Social Partnership Portal

Delivered collaboratively by CE Midlands members and hosted by Browne Jacobson in Birmingham, the event received outstanding feedback:

“A room full of energy and collaboration.”
“An ambitious and invaluable event for SMEs.”
“Brilliant to see such strong collaboration across the sector.”

The impact is clear: more informed, better equipped local businesses with increased confidence navigating procurement and social value requirements.

That is social value in action.

2026: Embedding Social Value Across the Full Lifecycle

The group continues to grow, with new CE Midlands members joining in 2026 — many at the early stages of their social value journey.

This year’s programme follows the full lifecycle of social value:

  • Tender
  • Delivery
  • Measuring Impact
  • Case Studies

Each session will feature specialist speakers and practical insight, ensuring members leave with tools they can implement immediately.

The first 2026 in-person meeting took place at Stepnell’s head office in Rugby, reinforcing our commitment to hosting, supporting and driving this agenda forward.

Stepnell’s Role as Leaders

As joint chairs of the CE Midlands Social Value Theme Group, Stepnell is proud to be:

  • Shaping regional best practice
  • Influencing how social value is understood and delivered
  • Supporting SMEs and VCSEs to access opportunity
  • Championing collaboration across contractors, consultants and legal partners
  • Strengthening how the industry measures and evidences impact

Social value is embedded in Stepnell’s culture. From education engagement and skills development to volunteering, local procurement and community partnerships, we believe construction should leave a legacy far beyond the built asset.

Through the CE Midlands Social Value Theme Group, we are scaling that impact — not just for our projects, but for the wider industry.

If you are a CE Midlands member and would like to be involved in the 2026 programme, please contact:

Natasha Heritage – natasha.heritage@stepnell.co.uk
Sue Woollett – sue.woollett@stepnell.co.uk

Or visit: Constructing Excellence Midlands

Together, we can continue to strengthen social value delivery across the Midlands — and ensure our industry leads from the front.

Outstanding CCS Performance at UHBW Hospitals

Category: Healthcare

We are proud to announce an Outstanding 46/45 score in its latest Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) audit for the University Hospitals Bristol and Weston (UHBW) NHS Trust & Stepnell Strategic Partnership across the UHBW hospital campus in Bristol.

This exceptional result places the project among the highest-performing construction sites in the UK, with the team achieving the maximum 15/15 score across all three CCS categories — Respect the Community, Care for the Environment, and Value their Workforce — plus an additional Best Practice award.

Delivering excellence across the UHBW campus

The Stepnell team is currently delivering multiple improvement and upgrade projects across the UHBW campus of acute hospitals, with five live projects operating across three hospital sites.

Current projects include:

  • Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU): Refurbishment and upgrade works of the NICU.
  • Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU): Refurbishment and upgrade of the CICU.
  • MRI Suite Transformation: Conversion of a former MRI suite into new consultation rooms and essential office accommodation.
  • Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre: A major demolition project supporting wider estate development.
  • Campus-wide upgrades: Works delivered across the Trust estate, with three specific projects currently underway at St Michael’s Hospital.

The majority of these schemes are being delivered through the Procure Partnerships Framework, supporting efficient, collaborative delivery across the Trust’s healthcare estate.

Managing multiple projects within live clinical settings requires the utmost sensitivity and care at all times.

The CCS Monitor praised the team’s approach, noting that “current processes and systems have been well established to suit the specific requirements of the site locations.”

Delivering safely in a live healthcare environment

Close collaboration with clinical teams was central to the project’s success. Daily coordination meetings ensured works were carefully planned around patient care, with the Stepnell team trusted to manage critical interfaces directly.

Despite challenges such as evolving infection prevention requirements and complex decanting arrangements, the project team responded proactively — extending surveys, refining methodologies and delivering additional short-notice works to support ongoing clinical operations.

Respecting the community — beyond the site boundary

The CCS Monitor highlighted the team’s professional site setup and proactive engagement, including regular communication with hospital teams and visible feedback channels via QR codes.

Beyond day-to-day site management, the project team delivered meaningful social value, including:

  • Over £2,000 raised for the Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity through the Big Bristol Abseil, with team members descending 100ft from the hospital roof.
  • £1,800 funded and volunteer days donated to refurbish the NICU Butterfly Room, creating a calm and dignified space for bereaved families, in partnership with Cots for Tots.
  • Thoughtful gestures for hospital staff, including thank-you notes and treats for NICU nurses during particularly demanding periods.
  • Support for local education, including Year 11 mock interview sessions at Oasis Academy John Williams.
  • Careers engagement at the University of the West of England, which directly led to a trainee site manager joining the team permanently at UHBW.

These initiatives helped build trust, minimise disruption and reinforce Stepnell’s commitment to being a considerate and collaborative partner within the healthcare estate.

Environmental leadership in a refurbishment setting

Delivering environmental best practice within refurbishment projects can be challenging, yet the team achieved outstanding results:

  • ISO 14001-aligned environmental management and carbon reduction planning.
  • Volunteer days supporting biodiversity, including pond creation, fencing installation at Alveston Nature Area, and seven days dedicated to city-wide tree planting.
  • PPE recycling, battery banks and clear waste segregation implemented across site.

The CCS Monitor recognised the maturity of the project’s environmental systems and the team’s commitment to supporting net-zero ambitions.

Valuing and protecting the workforce

Workforce wellbeing was a clear strength of the project, with the CCS monitor noting:

  • ISO 45001-accredited health and safety management
  • Advanced safety technology including HEPAcarts, ventilated hoods and thermal imaging to manage biological and hot works risks in live environments
  • Mental Health First Aiders available regionally
  • Health and wellbeing initiatives, including blood pressure monitoring, neurodiversity awareness and inclusive welfare facilities.
  • Clear investment in career development, with team members progressing into senior roles during the project

The additional Best Practice point was awarded specifically for the innovative use of health and safety technology in a live healthcare setting.

A blueprint for outstanding construction excellence

This Outstanding CCS result reflects Stepnell’s wider commitment to delivering safe, sustainable and socially responsible construction — particularly within complex healthcare environments.

As the CCS monitor concluded, the site team demonstrated a clear and genuine commitment to the Code of Considerate Practice, embedding it into everyday decision-making rather than treating it as a compliance exercise.

Stepnell would like to thank UHBW NHS Trust, clinical teams, supply chain partners and the wider project team for their collaboration in achieving this milestone.

Stepnell Delivers Major Lab Upgrade at University of Oxford

Category: Construction

Complete construction partner Stepnell has reaffirmed itself as a leading higher education contractor with the completion of a multimillion pound lab refurbishment at the University of Oxford.

The project saw Stepnell modernise the specialist molecular physiology and particle imaging laboratories in the Henry Wellcome Building. To avoid contamination with sensitive scientific apparatus including electron microscopes, Stepnell progressed the refurbishment through sectional completion, carefully decanting lab equipment and maintaining access to a series of link rooms with specialist equipment including cryogenics.

With delivery taking place across a live and fully operational environment, the project has involved close collaboration with stakeholders, including the Nuffield Department of Medicine, who is the principal client for the project, and the University of Oxford, along with project managers TMD Building Consultancy and MEP consultants etch Associates.

Mark Knowlden, senior project manager at Stepnell, said:

“As a Wantage based firm, this has been an incredibly significant project for us in supporting refurbishments at one of the world’s most prominent academic and research institutions.

“With a proven track record in delivering higher education upgrades, our technical expertise, consideration of operating in live site environments and collaborative approach has enabled us to deliver a complex refurbishment that will support Nuffield Department of Medicine and the university’s continuous pursuit of delivering scientific excellence.”

70% of Stepnell’s costs on the Henry Wellcome project have been directed to local supply chain businesses within 30 miles, as well as five local employees being hired or retained by Stepnell on the project. Stepnell’s commitment to community engagement also extended to Longworth Primary School, where the team repurposed former laboratory equipment and donated £1,100 of supply chain materials to create a mud kitchen for pupils – in total delivering a 30% social value return on investment.

Duncan Rollo, project manager at Nuffield Department of Medicine said:

“Over the duration of the project, a positive working relationship was developed between Stepnell, the department, TMD and lab users. This collaborative approach helped deliver to successfully deliver the project including an early handover, which was greatly appreciated by all stakeholders.”

Elsewhere at the University of Oxford, Stepnell is also progressing works on a further £1.7 million refurbishment of the physics laboratory in the Townsend Building at the Clarendon Laboratory, due for completion next year.

Stepnell completes Lichfield Leisure Centre

Category: Construction

REGIONAL construction partner Stepnell has successfully completed an £11.3 million leisure centre at Stychbrook Park in Lichfield, marking a significant milestone in leisure provision in the district.

Officially opened by Double Olympic gold medallist Rebecca Adlington OBE, the centre, which replaces the Friary Grange Sports Centre, features a 25-metre, six-lane swimming pool, an 80-station gym, modern spin and dance studios, a community room and an outdoor 3G pitch with updated changing facilities.

The project was procured through the Procure Partnerships Framework, with Stepnell appointed by Lichfield District Council as the complete design and build construction partner.

Graham Lambert, director at Stepnell, said:

“From the early planning stages through to delivery of this state-of-the-art community facility, our deep expertise in the leisure and public sectors has been fundamental to delivering a modern, inclusive space on time and within budget – encompassing the pool and fitness facilities, community room and outdoor sports provision.

“By working collaboratively with Lichfield District Council and The ReCreation Group and engaging with community organisations including The Friends of Priory Grange, we have ensured the facility meets ambitions for a high-quality, contemporary leisure and community asset that will deliver long-term health and social benefits for Lichfield.”

Councillor Andy Smith, Lichfield District Council, said:

“We know how important quality sports facilities are to residents in Lichfield District and so we are very proud of the leisure centre that we have been able to deliver.

“It’s a first-class development of a contemporary design which will help people of all ages enhance their health, fitness and wellbeing. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank ReCreation, Stepnell, The Friends of Friary Grange, local sport user groups and the council’s project team for their contribution and input.

“Thanks also to local residents for their patience and understanding while the leisure centre was constructed.”

Rebecca Adlington OBE said:

“Sharing the key milestones of this project and watching the development of Lichfield Leisure Centre from the first spade in the ground to the first swimmers in the water has been a joy!

“Opening the new Leisure Centre is a wonderful reminder of how powerful community spaces can be. Learning to swim changed my life, and I believe every child and adult deserves the same opportunity. Facilities like this make swimming accessible to everyone, helping build confidence, safety and a lifelong love of being active.”

Adrian Turner of The ReCreation Group said:

“Our partnership with Lichfield District Council has been built on a shared belief in the power of accessible, high-quality leisure for everyone. Reflective of the Olympic-level leadership and national ambition to provide communities with the pools and facilities they deserve, the new Lichfield Leisure Centre is our latest example of this commitment in action.

“The new centre represents more than a building – it’s an investment in wellbeing, connection, and opportunity for the entire community. We’re proud to support a space that will inspire people of all ages to be active, engaged, and confident for many years to come.”

Stepnell Commences Passivhaus Expansion at Houlton School

Category: Construction

Stepnell has broken ground on the major expansion of Houlton School, marked with a site visit from John Slinger, MP for Rugby. The scheme will introduce new primary learning facilities, establishing Rugby borough’s first all-through school by September 2026.

Urban&Civic – the master developer behind the wider mixed-use redevelopment of Houlton to the east of Rugby – has designed the primary school for Transforming Lives Education Trust as part of its masterplan for Houlton to meet local growth and increasing demand for places.

The standalone two-storey, timber framed structure will feature 14 classrooms, a main hall, kitchen, and a range of ancillary rooms, utilising Stepnell’s experience in energy efficient buildings that will facilitate the achievement of a Passivhaus building project.

External finishes, including brick and tile cladding with a metal roof, have been carefully selected to complement the adjacent secondary and sixth form provision at Houlton School, which was opened following the transformation of Rugby Radio Station in September 2021.

Graham Lambert, Director at Stepnell, said:

“Stepnell’s work on this landmark expansion at Houlton School will deliver a first-class primary learning environment that integrates seamlessly with the wider school.

“Our expertise in Passivhaus standards and modern timber construction, reflects our commitment to responsible and innovative building.”

Mike van den Berg, project director at Urban&Civic, said:

We are really excited to be taking on the next chapter in this iconic building’s transformation and adding to the Houlton School campus with primary provision. We are equally excited to be working with local contractor Stepnell who bring a wealth of expertise in school construction and a great local connection to the area and its future growth.”

Helen Stevenson, chief executive officer of the Education at Transforming Lives Education Trust (TLET), added:

“This really is a very exciting development and we are looking forward to seeing the building come to life.

“We are also in the process of securing our first teachers for Houlton’s primary offer, who will initially support the 30 Reception children who will be able to thrive in the buildings from September 2026. Plans really are gathering pace.”

As part of Stepnell’s commitment to delivering lasting social value, the project team will be working with the Urban&Civic community development team to engage across year groups to provide on-site learning experiences, careers advice, and employability support. The team will also work closely with the wider community to identify meaningful volunteering opportunities that further enrich local development.

Stepnell is implementing measures to minimise disruption to the existing school community, with construction utilising indirect access routes via the wider Houlton development, avoiding school grounds and ensuring safety and continuity during the build.

Expansion Works Underway at Hazeley Enterprise Park

Category: Commercial

Stepnell has commenced the latest phase of development works on Hazeley Enterprise Park outside of Twyford, extending the current facilities within the park to include light industrial buildings, energy-efficient offices and a community hub.

Image Credit: Pro Vision

Addressing the shortage of quality business units in the area, Hazeley Enterprise Park will deliver 17 new light industrial units, as well as up to ten new office units. At the heart of the Hazeley Enterprise Park will be the Hazeley Hub that will include a cafe as well as meeting and event spaces, offering both tenants and the wider community a place to connect.

Stepnell has commenced remediation works of the site, formerly a chicken farm and feed mill, to ensure that the ground is suitable to support the next stage of construction.

Rob Speirs, director at Stepnell, said:

“From our nearby Southampton office, we understand the local demand for high quality industrial and commercial units within the area and the ease of access that such a development affords from the M3.

“Hazeley Enterprise Park will provide the local area with enhanced access to high-quality commercial spaces and increasing employment opportunities in the commercial and industrial sectors.

“Working on an active site requires strong site control and communication and we’ve already been proactively sending out monthly newsletters to residents to keep them informed on the project’s progress. We’re also engaging with surrounding neighbours to ensure that disruption to their working day is kept to a minimum.”

Located among parkland and woodland, environmental sensitivity is at the core of Stepnell’s work on the site. From the earliest stages, Stepnell is prioritising ecological responsibility, from utilising the 12-acre field to enhance the developments biodiversity and long-term sustainability, to planting native trees and shrubs and wildflower areas.

Supporting the sustainable goals at the core of the development, Step Energy – the energy and renewables business within Stepnell Group – has provided solar panels for the roofing, and electric vehicle charging will be provided to all units as standard. Social value will also remain a key priority, working with contractors to support the integration of apprenticeships as well as utilising local suppliers wherever possible.

Nikki Bream, Managing Director at Hazeley Group, said:

“We are pleased by the pace of work on site, with visible differences being made each day.  First-phase units and offices are due to be completed by early summer 2026, with some already pre-let to new businesses to the site.  The Hub will follow slightly later and will be a valuable addition to the Park.  Tenants, both current and prospective, are excited by the future availability on site of a versatile space which can be booked for larger meetings and events, providing the opportunity to host wider business gatherings and entertain suppliers and customers.  We are creating an attractive vaulted building, designed to allow the dual purpose of providing both tenants and the public with somewhere to meet or entertain in our beautiful, rural setting.

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Stepnell appoints senior leaders

Category: Corporate

Complete construction partner Stepnell has reinforced its commitment to regional client service and delivery on competitive frameworks with the appointment of Graham Lambert as director for the Midlands region and Craig Finn as framework director.

Graham Lambert brings extensive expertise across construction and property development, encompassing sectors including urban regeneration, education, healthcare, STEM and cross-tenure residential. Most recently, he spent six years as managing director at Vinci UK Developments leading regeneration and urban development schemes. Prior to this he held senior leadership roles at Linkcity and Leadbitter, where he gained significant experience securing and delivering public sector schemes and frameworks.

Graham will oversee Stepnell’s operations across the Midlands from its head office in Rugby, focusing on strengthening client relationships and expanding the company’s portfolio of regional projects.

Graham said:

“After more than a decade immersed in the development side of the industry, this role is a great opportunity to return to the tangible immediacy and engagement that I enjoy with securing and delivering construction projects. Stepnell’s team-focused culture and values attracted me to the position and I’m excited to help strengthen its Midlands presence, driving opportunities across key sectors and frameworks.”

Craig Finn has been appointed to the leadership team as framework director, bringing significant expertise with more than two decades of framework procurement and delivery at central and local government levels. His career includes work winning roles at Tarmac and more recently in a leadership capacity at Henry Boot Construction, where he served as a statutory board director and led preconstruction and framework strategies.

Craig will be responsible for ensuring excellence across Stepnell’s existing framework agreements while spearheading growth into new regional and national frameworks for the firm.

Craig said:

“Stepnell’s DNA is firmly rooted in regional construction which really resonates with me. It’s a family-run business with national reach and the hunger to grow, innovate, and deliver real value. My focus will be on building our presence across current and target frameworks, ensuring Stepnell maintains a nimble, sustainable and collaborative service that delivers the very best construction solutions.”

Tom Wakeford, chief executive at Stepnell, said:

“Graham and Craig’s appointments underline our commitment to strengthening Stepnell’s leadership and operational delivery. Graham brings invaluable regional knowledge and leadership that will enhance our Midlands presence, while Craig’s appointment marks a major step forward in developing our framework offering. Together they will help to align Stepnell’s capabilities with the evolving needs of public and private sector clients, ensuring consistency, collaboration, and value.”

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