A FAMILY-owned drainage business has taken on a new boss who wants to expand the Northumberland firm’s work in the construction and civil engineering industries.
Corbridge-based Joyce Construction and Civils (JC&C), specialists in drainage, groundworks and external works, has appointed Mark Gibson as its new managing director.
A second generation family business, the company’s roots lie in drainage for the Northumberland farming community, but over the years it has grown into other markets.
Bringing 20 years’ experience in engineering and project management to the company, Gibson, 36, from Sunderland, will put his skills and expertise to good use in further developing the construction and civil works side of the business, securing larger contracts and raising awareness of the brand.
Gibson said: “These are exciting times for JC&C as its continued expansion into new markets will present new contracts and opportunities. It is my job to make sure these opportunities are maximised and that the company’s reputation for top class service continues to grow.
“I have extensive knowledge of project management and ground and sub-structure works that will help take JC&C to the next level, making it a market leader for construction and civil engineering solutions. I’m delighted to be part of such a motivated and ambitious team and look forward to my future here.”
Joyce Construction and Civils, which has just moved into new offices and a purpose-built workshop in Corbridge, boasts a highly skilled and varied workforce, many of whom have been with the company for more than 20 years. Gibson began his career at the age of 16 as an apprentice for Sir Robert McAlpine, one of the UK’s largest construction and engineering firms, and stayed with it for 20 years.
He rose to become a senior project manager there and continued to study and gained a number of qualifications including a BSc in Construction Management and membership of the Chartered Institute of Building.
It was there he first came across the firm, then known as Joyce Drainage, when he worked with it on a number of large projects.
When the opportunity arose for a managing director at the newly rebranded JC&C, his wealth of industry experience and knowledge of the business made him the perfect candidate.