Author: Gemma Meekings

Stepnell expands Hazeley Enterprise Park

Category: Construction

Stepnell has marked the completion and handover of several units to expand Hazeley Enterprise Park near Twyford, Hampshire, with tenants moved in and starting to operate on site.

Stepnell is transforming the site of a former chicken farm and feed mill into a thriving industrial and commercial hub for Hazeley Group. The completed scheme will provide an additional 18 light industrial units and 12 grade A office units, bolstering Hazeley Enterprise Park’s existing portfolio of 18 fully occupied units to address a shortage of high-quality business space in the region.

The first completed light industrial units include standalone unit 29 and adjacent units 30 and 31, the latter two having been let to one tenant with a breakout door installed. Units 34, 35 and 36, which adjoin one another, are also now fully occupied by one tenant, featuring an office mezzanine as well as additional HVAC, mechanical and electrical infrastructure to account for the tenant’s additional requirements to operate plug-in warehouse equipment.

Rob Speirs, director at Stepnell, said:

“Hazeley Enterprise Park demonstrates our extensive multidisciplinary expertise that is enabling us to deliver one of the most transformative industrial and commercial projects in South Hampshire, led by our growing South team based in our Southampton office.”

Prior to construction, Stepnell coordinated an extensive ground remediation programme to remove buried contamination on the former site of a chicken farm and feed mill, including asbestos, hydrocarbons and a redundant fuel tank. Stepnell cleaned and reused approximately 40,000 cubic metres of material on site, reshaping a 12-acre field into a natural swale and biozone that manages surface water and supports biodiversity.

As a result of Stepnell’s extensive remediation works, the project was shortlisted for best land and soil investigation project at the Environment Monitoring and Measurement Achievement Awards 2026.

Stepnell’s Group businesses have also been heavily involved in delivering the units. Renewables business Step Energy has fitted solar panels across the units, with electric vehicle charging provided as standard. The Hazeley Hub, due to open in spring 2027 featuring a cafe, meeting and event spaces, includes bespoke joinery created by Lawford Bespoke Joinery.

Rob added:

“The extensive remediation programme was completed long before the first unit went up. Our early involvement is a large contributing factor that has enabled these units to hand over on time with tenants moving straight in.

“Sustainability and social value run through every stage of the project, from Step Energy’s implementation of low-carbon energy management schemes to supporting local jobs and apprenticeships, with primary groundworkers based within five miles of the site and work experience opportunities on site through our subcontractor partners.

“As we continue to engage with our local supply chain to deliver the remaining units, including the first office unit which is nearing completion, we’re excited to help businesses establish a new home on this landmark enterprise scheme for Twyford and the surrounding area.”

Nikki Bream, managing director at Hazeley Group, said 

“We are very proud of the quality of the units that have been delivered by Stepnell and the fact that the whole of phase one is either already occupied or under offer – including units that will not be handed over until the end of the year. We look forward to continuing to work with Stepnell on phase two which will hopefully commence before the new year.”

Stepnell Appointed to £3bn CWM3 Medium Works Contract

Category: Corporate

Stepnell is set to strengthen its regional pipeline of public sector projects having secured a place on the £3bn Constructing West Midlands 3 (CWM3) framework.

Stepnell has been appointed to the Medium Works lot, which covers schemes valued between £2m and £15m across all built environment subsectors, underlining its track record as an end-to-end complete construction partner.

Managed by Acivico Group, which is wholly owned by Birmingham City Council, the framework will deliver construction and building services for public sector organisations with a Greater West Midlands focus, running for four years with an optional two-year extension.

Tom Sewell, director at Stepnell, said:

“Securing a place on Medium Works has been a key regional strategic priority for us. It strengthens our regional pipeline as part of our wider national five-year growth plans and will showcase our capabilities to deliver complex public sector projects that will make a difference to communities across the West Midlands.”

Contracting services under Medium Works will include new-build, extensions, refurbishment and remodelling, as well as mechanical and electrical, fit-out and civils. The framework places a strong emphasis on collaboration, social impact, public value and innovation.

Tom added:

“Our diverse public sector expertise including education, healthcare and residential projects means we understand the cost and time pressures public sector clients face, positioning us as a partner in navigating challenges, rather than simply providing services.

“Adding to this, our capabilities to provide general construction and specialist services utilising the wider Stepnell Group, including Lawford Bespoke Joinery and Step Energy, strongly position us to deliver a wide scope of services that enable long-term value generation too.

“From our headquarters in Rugby we have a comprehensive understanding of the regional construction landscape, including engaging with an extensive local supply chain network. We invest significantly in local people and businesses on every scheme, and the framework’s focus on social impact aligns with our collaborative values.”

Damian Donnelly, associate director at Constructing West Midlands, said:

“We are delighted that Stepnell has joined the CWM3 framework. Its appointment represents another important step in strengthening the framework’s offer to public sector clients, providing access to a diverse range of delivery partners and construction expertise. We look forward to working together to help our clients deliver projects that achieve value for money, generate social value and create a lasting positive impact.”

Stepnell commences Girls Boarding House at Oundle School

Category: Construction

Experienced boarding school contractor Stepnell has commenced work on a new purpose-built girls’ boarding house at Oundle School, set to transform a previously derelict site into a sustainable landmark for the school and the wider Oundle community.

Named after former headmaster David McMurray, McMurray House will provide high-quality ‘home from home’ accommodation for pupils aged 13 to 18. With extensive experience in delivering boarding houses, Stepnell has begun the main build following early demolition works that carefully salvaged 100m² of original stone for reuse within the new building.

Image credit: GSS Architecture

Tom Sewell, director at Stepnell, said:

“McMurray House is an exciting project that adds to our long-standing experience of delivering high-quality and sustainable living and educational facilities for independent schools.

“Oundle School is incredibly rich in history and character and through engagement with  pupils throughout the build we want to ensure McMurray House reflects what a modern boarding house for girls should be, supporting their wellbeing, safety and sense of community.”

Stepnell will be delivering a fabric-first approach, with low embodied carbon materials and careful attention to long-term energy efficiency. The building will be constructed using Clipsham stone with a slate roof, featuring expressed gables facing the Great Hall and a distinctive arched entrance on Milton Road.

Specialist joinery including doorsets, reception desks and IPS washrooms will be delivered by Lawford Bespoke Joinery, part of the Stepnell Group, giving Oundle School a greater certainty of high-quality delivery throughout the build programme.

Dominic Oliver, head of Oundle School, said:

“This is a significant investment in the future of the School. It will bring girls’ boarding into the heart of the town and, more broadly, will give us greater flexibility in how we use our estate.”

The design draws on the character of Oundle School and the surrounding townscape. This gives the building a strong identity and presence while remaining vernacular and homelike in character.

Anna McTaggart, partner at GSSArchitecture, said:

“This project reflects Oundle School’s wider commitment to enhancing its boarding provision while modernising the estate in a sensitive and considered way. By working closely with the school and wider project team, we have ensured that our designs deliver a purpose-built space that prioritises the wellbeing and comfort of pupils, whilst drawing on the character of the school’s listed buildings. This will allow the new boarding house to sit comfortably within the conservation area and the historic town context.”

Stepnell appoints former Lendlease MD to drive growth

Category: Corporate

Stepnell has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointment of Simon Gorski as managing director of Stepnell’s construction business, as the contractor pursues significant market opportunities and regional expansion over the next five years.

Based at Stepnell’s head office in Rugby, Simon brings more than three decades of leadership across construction, defence, justice and healthcare, including central government programmes and local authorities. Simon spent 20 years at Lendlease, most recently as European managing director of its construction business Bovis. He commenced on its major Ministry of Defence programmes, before progressing through commercial leadership, business development and senior management roles.

Simon said:

“Having led complex construction businesses through turbulent times, from Covid-19 to hyperinflation, the chance to showcase Stepnell’s growing capabilities to a wider client base and market was highly attractive.

“Stepnell has a great culture, a 159-year history, and through its recent demerger has created a platform for controlled growth, where decisions are agile and there’s a clear appetite to become highly competitive across an expanded client base. Through my extensive central government framework experience, there is a fantastic opportunity to elevate Stepnell’s capability and track record across the public sector nationally.”

Stepnell is seeing new opportunities arise across its geography and opened its seventh office in Exeter in May 2026 with further office openings planned in response to demand. The contractor recently reported a strong performance in its year-end results, with turnover rising to £150 million and a 20% increase in turnover forecast for the current year.

Tom Wakeford, chief executive at Stepnell Group, said:

“Stepnell has an outstanding track record of delivering for its clients, as shown by our high rate of repeat business. As client needs evolve, there is a growing market for construction partners who can consistently exceed expectations. Simon’s appointment is a statement of intent, bringing the leadership needed to expand our customer-focused delivery model to new clients and geographies across our construction business and the wider Stepnell Group.

“Simon shares our belief that growth must be controlled and sustainable while remaining true to our Stepnell values. We want to continue to be selective with our projects, communicate honestly on budgets and solve complex construction challenges for our clients.”

Stepnell joins Centre for Construction Best Practice

Category: Corporate

COMPLETE construction partner Stepnell has been announced as the latest corporate partner of the Centre for Construction Best Practice (CCBP), aiming to tackle complex industry challenges including collaboration, skills shortages and sustainability.

Stepnell will contribute its knowledge and site-level experience to help support CCBP’s research agenda and sector engagement programme, while its own workforce and supply chain will gain direct access to CCBP’s reports, guidance and expertise.

The contractor’s involvement with CCBP dates back to the centre’s earliest research work, with the business taking part in industry panels and roundtables since its inception. During CCBP’s first research piece on early contractor involvement (ECI), Tom Sewell, director at Stepnell, attended the advisory roundtable that helped shape the study, with Stepnell contributing case studies and real project data that enabled CCBP to develop its final report and recommendations.

Tom Sewell, director at Stepnell, said:

“We firmly believe that transforming the built environment requires moving beyond isolated efforts toward genuine, research-led collaboration. Partnering with the Centre for Construction Best Practice as a corporate partner aligns perfectly with our ‘teamship’ values and our commitment as a progressive complete construction partner.

“Bridging the gap between academic research, client policy and site-level delivery is essential if our sector is to solve complex challenges surrounding skills, procurement reform and whole-life carbon. Through our partnership with CCBP, we are proud to help shape a more transparent, sustainable and resilient future for UK construction.”

As part of the partnership, Stepnell will continue to take part in CCBP’s research agenda and sector engagement programme, which will next turn to Whole Life Carbon Assessments (WLCAs). This will include contributing insights, data and supply chain feedback to CCBP’s reports, industry working groups and events that bring practitioners and academics together.

The partnered organisations will also aim to demonstrate that sustainable construction can deliver commercial as well as environmental benefits. By combining CCBP’s research capability with Stepnell’s project experience, it will look to show how early contractor involvement can reduce waste, improve cost certainty and lower whole-life carbon, building a stronger evidence base for future policy and procurement decisions. This builds on Stepnell’s own sustainability initiatives such as 100% closed-loop recycling, MMC, ISO 50001 and ISO 14064-1, which look to identify sustainability opportunities on its projects from the earliest possible stage.

Over the course of the partnership, CCBP will platform Stepnell across the industry through expert webinars and panels, and by building relationships with organisations that share Stepnell’s genuine commitment to sustainability.

As a corporate partner, Stepnell will also gain access to CCBP’s Member Portal which contains a database of academic research, industry reports and webinars on industry themes that can be shared with their teams and supply chain.

CCBP was established to close the gap between academia and industry by using its advisory boards and corporate partner network to ensure that knowledge, experience and feedback move in both directions, and turns into tangible improvements in project delivery, sustainability and sector culture. 

Conor Neild-Crabb, head of centre at Centre for Construction Best Practice (CCBP), said:

“One of CCBP’s priorities is ensuring that research doesn’t sit on a shelf. It needs to be tested, challenged and applied on real projects if it’s going to make a meaningful difference to the industry.

“Stepnell brings significant expertise in early contractor involvement and sustainability, making them an excellent partner as we continue our research into how the industry can deliver lower-carbon, better-value projects. Together, we want to provide practical evidence that supports better decision making across the built environment sector.”

Stepnell completes specialist mortuary facility

Category: Healthcare

Healthcare specialist contractor Stepnell has completed construction of Northamptonshire’s new purpose-built county mortuary, delivering a highly specialised facility that is the first standalone development of its kind in England.

Delivered for West Northamptonshire Council through the council’s framework partnership, the multi-million pound facility at Riverside Business Park has been developed in collaboration with University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group, Northamptonshire Coroner’s Service, Northamptonshire Police and local funeral directors.

Bringing post-mortem services together under one roof in the county for the first time, the central hub will support coronial and forensic mortuary services across the region, reducing pressure on hospital sites, while also offering capacity to support cases from across the UK and internationally.

Tom Sewell, director at Stepnell, said:

“As the first standalone mortuary of its kind in England, this highly specialised facility demanded exceptional coordination from our healthcare delivery team.

“The project required the seamless integration of complex mortuary systems and advanced scanning technology, alongside the creation of a building that delivers uncompromising technical performance while maintaining dignified spaces for bereaved families.”

Designed with both operational excellence and family experience in mind, the facility includes dedicated viewing and identification rooms, cultural washing facilities and private spaces for bereaved families, helping to create a compassionate and supportive environment during difficult circumstances.

The project presented several construction challenges, including building within a flood zone, protecting nearby wetlands and safely working around overhead power lines, requiring careful planning and close collaboration throughout the programme. Stepnell successfully secured silver in the Considerate Constructors Scheme, meeting the recently strengthened criteria.

Tom added:

“Working closely with West Northamptonshire Council and local project partners, and drawing on the expertise of our nearby Rugby head office, we’ve delivered a facility that will make a real difference to the communities it serves. It will play a vital role in supporting families and professionals through some of the most difficult circumstances.”

Cllr Andrew Last, cabinet member for HR, corporate and regulatory services, said:

“This facility is an important investment and has been built to support people at some of the most difficult moments in their lives.

“This space allows us to provide care with dignity, improve how services connect, and support families in a more consistent and compassionate way, especially at a time where trust matters most.

“That has only been possible because of the commitment and collaboration of partners across Northamptonshire, and shows what can be achieved when we come together with a shared purpose and a clear focus on doing the right thing.”

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.

Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance (opens in a new tab)
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.