Group plans year of a million thanks

Mar 27 2008 By The Journal

THIS year marks a very special occasion for construction group Mansell, as it celebrates the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the company.

Mansell Construction Services Ltd has grown from its early beginnings in two semi-detached houses in Grant Road, Croydon, to become one of the most respected and dynamic construction companies in the country with an impressive turnover in excess of £850m.

These days Mansell is a significant member of the Balfour Beatty Group and employs more than 2,500 staff in its 21 principal offices throughout the UK.

In the North East, the company has played a vital role in the regeneration and development of the region ever since its arrival in Gateshead in 1990 as Hall & Tawse.

Now with 130 staff, Mansell in the North East has grown from zero to a £53m turnover business in 2007. Early last year, it moved into smart new premises at The Watermark in Gateshead.

Regional managing director Bill Aitchison said: “We are proud to be part of an organisation that has achieved 100 years in business.

“Since the company’s formation in the North East in 1990, the Gateshead branch is particularly proud to have contributed so much to the development of the region, such as work we have undertaken at the Byker Wall; King’s School, Tynemouth; Project Genesis in Consett; and the creation of Metro Riverside Park, which marked the start of the business regeneration of this area of Gateshead in 1995.” Mansell is involved in constructing, regenerating and restoring communities.

The ethos of the group is to be the construction partner of choice, with local teams offering customers a highly attentive and reliable service, supported by a significant national resource.

Through developing a reputation for reliability, personal service and innovation, 80% of Mansell’s business comes from customers for whom it has previously worked.

Mr Aitchison said: “One of Mansell’s greatest assets is that it is an intrinsically regionally-based company and we take great satisfaction from providing first-rate facilities and resources which directly meet people’s needs. Constructing communities – places where people can live, work, learn, meet, travel, have fun and be cared for – is what we do best, and it is a great privilege to be able to contribute so actively in this way to the commercial and social development of the region.”

Mansell’s North East business has been actively involved in a diverse range of regional projects, from education, health and affordable housing through to fit-outs, refurbishments and commercial and industrial developments.

To this end, the company is currently working on a wide variety of projects across the region, from the regeneration of the Byker Wall estate through to the Project Genesis development in Consett, County Durham, and the creation of new business parks from Teesside to Alnwick in Northumberland.

This year, in celebration of its centenary, Mansell plans to raise £1m for charity, giving back to the communities of which it is a part.

The North East business unit has therefore been challenged to raise £23,000 for its nominated charity, NSPCC, and plans are already being made for a wide range of events such as client golf days, five-a-side staff football tournaments, sky-diving, and potentially even an expedition up Mount Everest.

“We’re very pleased to be fundraising for such a worthy cause,” said Mr Aitchison.

“Mansell has enjoyed terrific success throughout its history and this is an excellent way for us to give something back.

“Many thanks to all who support the company and all the work that we are doing across the region – we look forward to continuing to serve the North East to the best of our ability for many years to come.”