Dovercourt regeneration works are completed

Ryebridge has now completed work on a £500,000 regeneration scheme at the seaside resort of Dovercourt.

The company was appointed to carry out improvements to the area around the Queen Victoria statue, plus steps and footpath to the Pavilion café.

The project formed part of the Dovercourt High Street Accelerator Green Spaces scheme, run by a forum of local partners and supported by Tendring District Council.

The Dovercourt Capital Regeneration Programme also includes the £1.16 million refurbishment of Harwich Library, a new car park in Milton Road, new council homes in Victoria Street, and enhanced public spaces outside the railway station, with all works expected to be finished this winer.

Ryebridge’s works focused on improving the key route between Dovercourt Railway Station and the seafront, strengthening connectivity while significantly enhancing the look and feel of the town.

The 10-week project consisted of improvements to walkways and access to Marine Parade - including resurfacing pavements, replacing worn steps, adding ornamental decorative custom brass elements and lettering, solar powered lighting posts and spotlights to the iconic Queen Victoria memorial statue.

The street level railings were overhauled and decorated, additional wayfinding signage was introduced and the statue received a wash and brush-up ahead of its illumination in the near future.

Further afield the street view was enhanced with circular planters and additional public seating strategically placed at Station Plaza, Orwell Road green space, Mill Lane North, and to various shop frontages to the High Street, Cliff Road and Kingsway frontages.

Ivan Henderson, Tendring Council's deputy leader said: “These works are a vital part of the regeneration of Dovercourt town centre and the improvements to the seafront are fantastic.”

Ryebridge managing director Sean Scully added: “This was an excellent project, breathing new life into one of the country’s traditional seaside resorts, and we hope visitors and residents alike will enjoy it for many years to come, no matter the season.”

Ryebridge boss completes 160-mile charity bike ride

Ryebridge’s managing director endured a “brutal” charity cycle ride which saw him put his endurance to the test pedalling the 160 miles between Tenby on the Welsh coast and Bristol Airport.

Sean Scully joined airport staff, fellow business partners and representatives from Children’s Hospice South West, Bristol Airport’s charity partner of the year, to successfully smash a target of £30,000.

But they earned every penny, suffering harsh cycling conditions which included riding for three miles uphill across one day, leaving their muscles burning.

On the first day alone the team of 40 cyclists completed 104 miles in driving wind and rain, navigating harsh gradients across South Wales which pushed them to their limits.

Children's Hospice South West provides hospice stays, emergency care, palliative care and end of life care at three children's hospices: Little Bridge House in Devon, Charlton Farm in North Somerset and Little Harbour in Cornwall, and the cyclists visited Charlton during the course of the ride.

This was just the latest charity cycle challenge for Sean, who has previously ridden from the Brunel Museum in London to Bristol, and 220 miles across the Republic of Ireland, but he said it was definitely the toughest to date.

“I wouldn’t do this particular cycle again,” he said, after a weekend spent recovering, “I didn’t know what to expect, and it was just brutal. The gradients were unbelievable, and the wind and rain were against us, but we hit our fundraising target so it was all worthwhile in the end.”

New apprentice joins Ryebridge's South West operation

Ryebridge Construction is proud to welcome our newest apprentice in Southampton, Keian Hurst, who is officially starting his Level 2 Groundworker apprenticeship this Monday (September 14).

Construction manager Kevin Wilson personally welcomed Keian to the company as he came in to collect his essential PPE and finalise preparations for his big first day

Keian will be undertaking his formal training at the highly regarded Civil Engineering Training Centre (CETC), part of Fareham College under the South Hampshire College Group.

Kevin said: “I am incredibly passionate about welcoming and developing the younger generation, especially since I started out in the trades himself. Having climbed the ranks from the tools, I know exactly what it takes to build a successful career from the ground up.”

Apprentice groundworker Keian said: "Meeting Kevin and getting my gear sorted makes it all feel real now. I can’t wait to get started at CETC on Monday and learn from the guys on-site. Having a mentor like Kevin who has been through it all is amazing."

Kevin added: “With the cutting-edge training from CETC and expert mentorship from the Ryebridge team, Keian is set up for a fantastic future in civil engineering. Join us in wishing Keian the very best of luck as he launches his career this Monday!”

Ryebridge MD heads out on Tenby to Bristol Airport charity bike ride

A determined Ryebridge cyclist is taking part in his biggest fundraising ride to date – a gruelling 160-mile challenge from Tenby in Wales to Bristol Airport.

Managing director Sean Scully will be hoping to smash a £30,000 target for Children’s Hospice South West, Bristol Airport’s charity partner of the year.

He joins airport staff, fellow business partners and representatives from the hospice with the aim of boosting awareness of its work providing vital care and support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

Children's Hospice South West provides hospice stays, emergency care, palliative care and end of life care at three children's hospices; Little Bridge House in Devon, Charlton Farm in North Somerset and Little Harbour in Cornwall.

The cyclists will be visiting Charlton Farm in Wraxall while navigating a route which mixes flat coastal cruising with some punishing hills across South Wales and the West Country.

In 2025 Sean and Ryebridge founder Daniel Coyle joined more than 35 cyclists in another airport bike ride challenge from the Brunel Museum in London to Bristol, raising an incredible £90,000 for Great Western Air Ambulance through sponsorship and donations.

Previous fundraising cycle challenges have included 220-miles across the Republic of Ireland in support of Luton Foodbank and the East Anglian Air Ambulance, and a ride from Luton to Paris to buy school uniform, shoes and coats for local children living below the poverty line.

Sean said: “Each time we take part in one of these cycle rides I say it’s the toughest one to date, and I’m hoping this trend doesn’t continue!

“We’re proud to be supporting our partners at Bristol Airport in raising awareness and funds for such a good cause.”

You can sponsor his efforts here.

Sean and fellow cyclists in Tenby.

Ryebridge backing British female super-bantamweight champion in next fight

Ryebridge Construction is sponsoring British boxing champion Tysie ‘The First Lady’ Gallagher in her forthcoming bout.

Luton local Tysie, 28, is the inaugural British female super-bantamweight champion as well as the Commonwealth title holder in the same weight division.

On Saturday she will be fighting at the bp pulse LIVE Arena in Birmingham, her first bout following injury, surgery and months of hard work behind the scenes.

Tysie (10-2) steps into the ring against undefeated American Brandi Robinson (5-0, 1 K0) in a super bantamweight showdown.

Her sponsors include Ryebridge, which has always recognised and celebrated the proud history, cultural diversity and huge potential that exists within our hometown of Luton.

Ryebridge CEO Daniel Coyle said: “Since I founded Ryebridge Construction in 2009, it has been my driving motivation to ensure that we remain wholeheartedly immersed in the Luton community.

“But this doesn’t just extend to our core values, we have never lost sight of our Luton roots, and we maintain an ongoing commitment to enriching the lives of people living and working in the local area.

“We are now continuing that ethos by sponsoring one of the town’s rising stars - professional boxer Tysie Gallagher - hoping our support can continue her run of championship titles and fulfil her dream of becoming a world champion.

“Our sponsorship of Tysie's sporting career is another example of our aim to put Luton on the map for all the right reasons, and doing all we can to celebrate this remarkable town.

“We are also proud to support her in her other roles as an empowerment ambassador for Stepping Stones Luton domestic abuse charity, and as a coach with Boxing Saves Lives, as she continues giving back to the community which has backed her rise in the sport."

Tysie said: “A huge thank you to Daniel Coyle and the entire team at Ryebridge for their incredible support and belief in me ahead of this bout.”

Safety award for Ryebridge at Boscombe Down works

Ryebridge has been recognised with a Morgan Sindall Safety Award for its work at MOD Boscombe Down in Wiltshire.

The company has been contracted to lay the concrete on four fingers of an apron at the military aircraft testing site.

The monthly award recognised the Ryebridge site team for their high standards of health and safety, which included wearing of full Personal Protection Equipment at all times, and using four mounted pokers on their excavator to reduce the risk of HAVS (Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome).

Senior site manager Thomas Wartnaby said: “Ryebridge staff pride ourselves on maintaining the highest standards of health and safety as a matter of course, but even so it’s great to receive recognition for our efforts.

“This really was an award for the whole team, so I’d like to thank everyone involved.”

Amandeep Singh (right) collects the award on behalf of the Ryebridge team.

Ryebridge shortlisted for national award recognising London Luton Airport taxiway project

Ryebridge’s work designing and building a new extension for Taxiway Alpha at London Luton Airport has been shortlisted for a national award.

The two-year project involved more than 2,000 movements airside across concrete, materials and operatives, and it has now been recognised in the Airport Achievement category of the 2026 Aviation Industry Awards.

Alpha was one of the biggest jobs Ryebridge has worked on, but by drawing on more than 16 years’ experience and knowledge working in a live airside environment meant it was completed without any disruption to airport operations.

Managing director Sean Scully said: “We’d like to thank our partners at London Luton Airport for all their help in ensuring this job was successfully completed on schedule and within budget, and look forward to finding out whether the project wins this year’s award.”

Ryebridge’s invaluable work in helping LLA recover from the impact of a devastating fire by constructing a new Temporary Drop-Off Zone (TDOZ) previously contributed towards winning the Airport Achievement category in 2025.

Ryebridge completes work on London Luton Airport taxiway extension

Ryebridge has completed a major project to design and build an extension for Taxiway Alpha at London Luton Airport.

The extension is designed to optimise runway usage, allowing air traffic control to better sequence aircraft and improve traffic flow and airport capacity, thereby enhancing overall efficiency.

The two-year project involved more than 2,000 movements airside across concrete, materials and operatives, and the ability to manage this operation was crucial to its success.

Ryebridge was able to draw on more than 16 years’ experience and knowledge working in a live airside environment, often during difficult winter weather conditions, to complete the project without any disruption to airport operations.

One of the primary challenges on the project was delivering works in close proximity to the runway. This required maintaining a continuous lookout near the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and strict adherence to airside safety protocols and operational constraints.

During suitable weather conditions, the ILS could be temporarily deactivated to facilitate works; however, no activities were permitted while the ILS remained operational.

To meet programme requirements, works were strategically divided based on operational constraints.

Activities up to the ILS line - approximately 75m from the runway centreline - were undertaken under a controlled lookout system, ensuring safety while the airfield remained live.

Beyond this interface, from the ILS line through to the runway tie-in, all works were carried out during planned runway closures.

The scheduled runway possession for Taxiway Alpha works took place between 00:00 and 05:00 hours, and was operated in full coordination with Air Traffic Control and airfield operations.

This highly constrained working window required detailed task sequencing, efficient plant deployment, and robust resource planning to maximise productivity, while ensuring full compliance with airside safety and operational requirements.

All activities - including surfacing, tie-ins, quality inspections, and site clearance - were complete within the allocated possession, ensuring timely handback of the runway in a safe and operational condition ahead of the first scheduled movement at 05:45.

The scope of work included bulk earthworks to the existing ground profile and the regrading of slopes to accommodate the taxiway, the installation of a below-ground drainage system and attenuation tank, the construction of the taxiway pavement, and the provision of new AGL lighting, signage and lining.

The new taxiway extension ties into the runway at the 250-degree heading end which is used for take-offs and landings in that particular direction. The tie-in was approved to take place at the same time as the runway resurfacing project at the airport, with work taking place on nights between November 2025 and January 2026.

The sheer scale of the project was impressive in itself, and involved various materials including 2,550m3 of pavement quality concrete and 1,450m3 of wetlean concrete – a total of 4,000m3. In addition, there was 1,825 tonnes of Tarmac and 6,500 tonnes of Type 1 sub-base used.

Ryebridge managing director Sean Scully said: “This was one of the biggest projects we have completed at the airport in recent years, and its success is testament to the meticulous work carried out by our dedicated LLA team of operatives.”

Taxiway opening images courtesy of Leo Hiller Construction.

Ryebridge's SafeContractor status is renewed

Ryebridge has once again received SafeContractor accreditation for another year.

This third-party industry-wide scheme is designed to verify the health and safety arrangements of contractors in the construction industry, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation.

Certification ensures that contractors meet high standards of health and safety, sustainability, and ethical compliance, providing reassurance to clients while giving them the credibility and trust they need to stand out in the industry.

Without certification, businesses may struggle to secure work, face compliance risks, and miss out on key opportunities.

Ryebridge’s specific accreditation relates to its work in confined spaces, excavations, heavy plant and machinery, selection control of subcontractors, traffic management, and working with chemicals and hazardous substances.

SafeContractor status is a mandatory requirement in aviation and allows Ryebridge to work at any UK airport.

Managing director Sean Scully said: “Achieving SafeContractor accreditation demonstrates our commitment to prioritising health and safety, ensuring we continue to play our part in improving workplaces for our employees, clients, partners and the public.”

Ryebridge supports Reluxe in construction of new St Albans padel courts

A disused warehouse on an industrial estate has been transformed into a high-end padel court facility – and Ryebridge Construction has played its part in the overall works.

Encourt Padel and Wellness Club has opened at Ventura Park on Colney Street, just outside St Albans, offering seven indoor panoramic padel courts and wellness activities.

Beyond the courts, Encourt offers a complete wellness experience, including a dedicated recovery area featuring a sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and cold plunge facilities, alongside premium changing rooms and amenities. The club also houses a fully equipped performance gym featuring premium Life Fitness equipment, supporting strength, conditioning and recovery under one roof.

Further enhancing the offering is a dedicated Reformer Pilates studio and Wigmore Sports Pro Shop, selling equipment, apparel and accessories for players looking to elevate their game.

Commercial interior project specialists Reluxe Ltd was the main contractor responsible for the overall design coordination, project management, procurement, construction delivery and handover of the facility.

Having previously engaged Ryebridge to successfully work as a subcontractor on previous padel courts, including the landmark facility at Battersea Power Station, their partnership was revived for this latest job.

This time round Ryebridge was tasked with creating a structural steel frame, composite steel decking on a viewing platform, a glass balustrade, two staircases and lightweight concrete slab for the padel courts.

Reluxe managing director Brad Hurter said: “Encourt is a standout example of what can be achieved when ambitious design, specialist delivery and a clear client vision come together. Reluxe was proud to lead the coordination and delivery of a facility that sets a new benchmark for padel and wellness in the UK.”

Ryebridge managing director Sean Scully added: “We are grateful to Reluxe for bringing us in to assist on this remarkable development, and worked closely with them from arriving on site all the way through to handover to ensure we delivered exactly what the client was after.

“This is the latest in a series of padel projects which Ryebridge has been involved in across the country, including others with Reluxe, but the scale and vision of this particular scheme is undoubtedly the most ambitious we have seen.

“We were delighted to play our part in making Encourt’s dream into a reality.”

Built around the philosophy ‘Energise. Elevate. Excel’, Encourt has been designed as a destination where people can train, recover, socialise and connect as part of a thriving community.

Co-founder Hitesh Bhayani said: “Encourt was born from a simple observation - there wasn't a destination in the UK that truly combined exceptional sport, premium wellness and hospitality in one place. Our vision was to create somewhere people could spend an entire day; whether that's playing, training, recovering, dining or connecting with others. More importantly, we're building a community where people come together through sport, wellness and shared experiences.”

Photos by Joe Percy Photography

Ryebridge guides future generation of construction workers in career development

Ryebridge took a decisive role in preparing the jobseekers of tomorrow to enter the workplace, after taking part in mock interviews at Eastleigh College in Southampton.

Managing director Sean Scully was helping T Level Built Environment students bridge the gap between education and the workplace.

Careers advisor Jo-Anne Kirby said afterwards: “Ryebridge’s involvement made a real difference. By engaging directly with professionals like yourself, students gain not only practical interview experience but also a clearer understanding of industry expectations, workplace behaviours, and the skills needed to succeed.

“The students also found the feedback you provided particularly valuable. Your insights helped them recognise their strengths as well as areas for development, giving them practical guidance they can take forward into future interviews and career opportunities.

“Having the support of businesses such as Ryebridge is essential in bringing these experiences to life. It gives students the opportunity to develop confidence, improve their communication skills, and gain insights that simply can’t be replicated in the classroom alone. Just as importantly, it helps them see the wide range of opportunities available within the built environment sector.

“We truly appreciate your time, expertise, and willingness to invest in the next generation. Your contribution plays a key role in preparing our students for their future careers.”

Sean added: “It was a great opportunity for me to see the potential of our industry’s future workforce. I was very impressed by the standard of the students and we will be following up the event by offering work experience opportunities and apprenticeships to those who are suitable and want to pursue a career in civil engineering.

“Wherever Ryebridge works, we ensure we invest in training and apprenticeships to create local opportunities. This includes encouraging the development and education of young people through our work experience and apprenticeship programme in conjunction with local schools and colleges, and we look forward to building a strong relationship with Eastleigh.”

 Ryebridge’s Sean Scully with Eastleigh College’s careers advisor Jo-Anne Kirby

Ryebridge contracted to complete Bristol Airport apron repairs

Ryebridge Construction are back at Bristol Airport to carry out critical routine repairs to the East Apron.

The project is being phased to avoid any impact on operations and active storage areas and the works involve breaking out the existing surface, digging to formation and a full depth reconstruction.

Working with a tight programme and coordinating with airside operations, security and the development team to avoid any impact, Ryebridge will hand back the newly constructed apron on time to keep the ever-growing airport moving.

Managing director Sean Scully said: “We are delighted to be back at Bristol Airport to carry out these essential works, and are confident of completing the project on time.

“Our long-standing experience of working in restricted environments with operational constraints, means we are aware that safety, security and the ability to minimise impact on ongoing operations is critical, and this is an ethos we bring with us to Bristol.”

Preparations underway for Europe's largest quay cranes as Ryebridge starts cycle path works

A Ryebridge team is carrying out enabling works for the largest quay cranes in Europe.

The cranes, which stand taller than Big Ben and weigh more than 2,000 tonnes each, are scheduled to arrive at DP World’s Port of Southampton terminal later this year.

They are capable of performing quad lifts, moving two 40ft containers at the same time from ship to yard in a single move, drastically reducing the time taken to load and unload large container vessels.

Designed to service the largest ships currently in operation, including 24,000 TEU megaships, the cranes have an operational lifespan of approximately 25 years.

But equipment on this scale requires the necessary power capacity to run them, and that’s where Ryebridge come in.

The company has been involved in stripping out existing cycle footpaths at Dock Gate 20, digging down between one to 1.5 metres and installing five new electric ducts and one 100ml data duct.

Spanning 1.8km at their maximum length, the ducts include a straddle corridor charging point half way, and are due to be installed by the end of April.

The project has also seen the debut of Ryebridge’s new orange PPE uniforms, which match those worn by ABP and subcontractors who already operate at the Port, and help them stand out in high traffic areas.

Ryebridge managing director Sean Scully said: “These works are essential to future-proof DP World Southampton’s trading capabilities, and the team are working at a fast pace to ensure the ducting is installed in time.

“It’s also great to see them all in their new PPE, which further supports Ryebridge’s commitment to our long-term commitment to the Southampton area.”

Ryebridge team battle the elements on lighthouse road resurfacing

Working on one of the most exposed peninsulas on the English coast is no easy job at the best of times, but add in some of the winter’s most extreme weather and you’ve got a challenge which pushed Ryebridge’s team to their limits.

The Grade II listed Start Point Lighthouse runs sharply almost a mile into the sea on the south side of Start Bay between Kingsbridge and Dartmouth.

Built by Trinity House in 1836, it stands at 92ft tall and guides vessels crossing the English Channel, but is no longer manned and is instead operated remotely from Trinity House’s planning centre in Harwich.

Ryebridge was contracted to carry out remedial work on the upper section of Start Point Road leading from the car park to a water borehole on the cliffs, taking into account the need to protect features of the Site of Specific Scientific Interest and Special Areas of Conservation and obtain permission from relevant authorities.

The road was showing signs of significant wear, with numerous potholes and defects, so the works were necessary to ensure continued safe access for both operational personnel and members of the public visiting the lighthouse and nearby cottages.

Ryebridge needed to obtain permission from a neighbouring landowner to use the narrow access track, and also ensure that the lighthouse remained operational throughout the works and access by foot was maintained.

The works involved laying 80 tonnes of SMA 57 PSV asphalt, delivered as part of a zero‑waste process in which all planed material was reused within the lighthouse car park to improve the landowner’s surface conditions.

The team endured torrential rain throughout the three-day duration of the project, which not only affected visibility and working efficiency but also contributed to localised flooding along rural sections of the approach route.

The only access to the lighthouse is via 10 miles of single track roads, meaning that larger delivery vehicles and plant could not safely travel to the site during the works.

As a result, the team was required to use smaller asphalt delivery plant, which significantly slowed down the turn‑round times and required careful sequencing to maintain material temperature and compaction standards despite the wet conditions.

High winds also buffeted the workers when they arrived at the lighthouse car park, although they had some small relief by the resurfacing actually taking place in behind the lee of a hill.

Ryebridge managing director Sean Scully said: “The combination of severe weather, poor ground conditions, restricted access, and the remote coastal environment made this an operationally challenging project - one that strongly reflects Ryebridge Construction’s proven expertise in delivering complex works in difficult‑to‑reach locations and under demanding circumstances.

“Despite these challenges, the works were delivered safely, to a high quality, and in accordance with the requirements of the client, supporting the ongoing operational needs of Start Point Lighthouse and its associated facilities.”

Ryebridge complete two-year project at Deddington Highways Depot

New state-of-the-art modular offices were craned into place at a highways depot as part of Ryebridge’s two-year work on modernising the site.

Having successfully completed the construction of a new winter gritting salt barn and washdown facility at Deddington Highways and Maintenance Depot – a design and build appointment on behalf of Oxfordshire County Council, Ryebridge was contracted to carry out the second phase of the project.

Planning approval was finally secured after a lengthy process and all conditions were successfully managed and discharged. Ryebridge then won the tender for the construction works in August 2025.

This involved the construction of new offices on the site, including a reception, meeting rooms, staff facilities, kitchen and conference room with capacity for approximately 20 people.

The existing modular offices were considered old and inefficient, and had various issues including inadequate toilet systems where water pipes froze during cold weather, a lack of disabled access and inadequate accommodation for meetings.

These were taken down and removed, and Ryebridge laid reinforced concrete slab with a full sub-structure including foul water and storm water drainage. A new manhole was fitted which tied in to the existing foul water system on site, and the slab was raised to accommodate the gradient and make the system adequate.

Any surplus spoil and concrete was removed from the site.

The new offices are eight double-storey modular units consisting of open plan and private offices, built in Aberdeen by Texo Ltd and then lowered into place on the site using cranes. They are more thermally and energy efficient and more adaptable to severe weather.

A new electric feed was installed tieing them into the salt barn, which Ryebridge previously fitted with solar panels, ensuring the offices are able to use a large portion of renewable energy.

The work also involved asphalt surfacing the outside area and creating defined pedestrian footways, disabled parking spaces and zebra crossings.

The works started on October 13 and practical completion was on February 23. The new units were installed in just five days, including being made watertight.

Ryebridge managing director Sean Scully said: “This was a natural follow-up to our successful work in constructing the salt barn in 2024, and means the depot now boasts state-of-the-art facilities across the site.

“Our collaborative partnership with the highways operations ensured the work was completed in a safe and timely manner on a live depot while leaving transport movements unaffected.

“We are delighted to report that the county council is very pleased with the finished building, and consequently we have been advised that we will be invited to tender for similar projects in the future.”

Ryebridge to bring new life to much-loved seaside resort

The historic Dovercourt area of Harwich is undergoing a major regeneration at the hands of a team from Ryebridge.

The seaside resort, which dates back to at least 1000AD, was the location for the filming of BBCTV sitcom Hi-De-Hi, and is celebrated for its sand and shingle beaches.

Ryebridge has been engaged to regenerate Dovercourt town centre by enhancing the public realm and green spaces, increasing footfall and connecting the area to the seaside, and generally improving residents’ quality of life and civic pride.

The 10-week project consists of improvements to walkways and access to Marine Parade - including resurfacing pavements, replacing worn steps, adding ornamental decorative custom brass elements and lettering, solar powered lighting posts and enhanced up-lighting to the underpass.

The street level railings are to be overhauled and decorated and the Queen Victoria memorial statue is to get a wash and brush-up.

Further afield the street view is to be enhanced with circular planters and additional public seating strategically placed at Station Plaza, Orwell Road green space, Mill Lane North, and to various shop frontages to the High Street, Cliff Road and Kingsway frontages.

Ryebridge’s contract is being funded by Tendring District Council and their partners, and will be complemented by additional works to be carried out by Essex County Council from Station Plaza to Station Lane and Station Road.

As part of Ryebridge’s commitment to social value, we will recruit a local apprentice through our partnership with Essex Employment and Skills Board, who will be mentored by contracts manager Don Wall and gain hands-on experience in civil engineering.

We will also offer two work experience placements to students from Harwich and Dovercourt High School, coordinated via the Essex Provider Hub.

We will prioritise local suppliers for materials and services, including landscaping and electrical works. Our procurement team has identified vendors within a 15-mile radius of Dovercourt, and 65 per cent of our subcontractor spend will be from within the Tendring district.

Ryebridge managing director Sean Scully said: “This is an exciting opportunity to breathe new life into this much-loved family seaside resort, giving it a well-deserved makeover to ensure it remains a popular destination for many generations to come.

“We hope that by successfully delivering this project on time and within budget will be the first step towards developing a long-term relationship with Tendring District Council and Essex County Council.”

East Anglian Air Ambulance provides life-saving training for Ryebridge staff

Restarting the heart of someone who has suffered a cardiac arrest is time-critical, with every minute the brain is deprived of oxygen contributing to a 10 per cent deterioration in its condition.

So training in how to effectively perform CPR and use a defibrillator is essential, because it can literally save lives.

That’s why Ryebridge Construction makes sure both site and office staff attend courses run by East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) on how to carry out these procedures in the event they come across a cardiac arrest victim.

The company has six defibrillators carried in Ryebridge vehicles, alongside others in our offices and site buildings.

Cardiac arrests can affect people of any age, but 95 per cent are the result of existing medical conditions, and 65 per cent of victims are men. For the 30-40,000 people who experience a cardiac arrest outside hospital each year, the survival rate in the UK is just 8%, but using a defibrillator alongside effective CPR within the first three to five minutes can increase this to between 40-70%.

Although CPR will keep oxygen moving to the brain and buying time before an ambulance arrives, using a defibrillator will actually shock the heart back into its normal rhythm, and ensures a much better chance of survival.

This week saw the latest group of Ryebridge staff receive training by a CPR and defibrillator instructor from EAAA, including managing director Sean Scully, transport manager Junior Charles, and trainee quantity surveyor Mason Pender, representing different roles across the company.

Staff were shown how to make a diagnosis of a cardiac arrest as opposed to a heart attack, in that the person will be unconscious, not breathing, non-responsive and technically dead, so it is crucial to start CPR immediately in order to provide oxygenated blood to the brain.

This involves tracing a path from the armpit to the centre of the chest, and pushing down hard at 120 beats per minute in a rocking motion. While this is taking place, 999 should be called and if someone else is available to help then a defibrillator should be fetched.

Automated External Defibrillators (AED) will prompt the user through each instruction from the moment it is opened, so anyone can use one if available, but being trained in the process will save time. The machine will make the decision when to shock the patient, so it is not the responsibility of the user, but the key thing is to get it in place as soon as possible.

Following the training, Sean said: “Although I knew it was important to use a defibrillator as quickly as possible, I had no idea how straightforward it was to use the machine. This training could be a life-saver for one of our staff, our contractors or a member of the public who has suffered a cardiac arrest, and while we hope it never happens, it’s good to know we’re ready if it does.”

Ryebridge sponsors Child of Courage category at Luton's Best Awards

Community spirit and inspirational acts of kindness were on display at the 16th annual Luton’s Best Awards, an opportunity to recognise individuals and groups who have gone the extra mile to contribute to making the town a better place.

Organised by Love Luton, the glamorous event was held in The Conservatory in the Walled Gardens of the Luton Hoo Estate, with special guests including Mayor Cllr Amy Nicholls, Luton South MP Rachel Hopkins, High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Camilla King, and Deputy Lord-Lieutenant Edward Phillips.

The host was once again former British tennis player and TV and radio broadcaster Andrew Castle, and

Ryebridge Construction sponsored the Child of Courage award, recognising  any young person up to the age of 18 who has put themselves in danger to help or save the life of another or has battled against the odds and has overcome adversity in their personal life or made a stand to improve the lot of themselves or others.

The winner was Lacey Hattle, a remarkable young woman whose courage is defined by resilience, grace, and unwavering determination in the face of unimaginable personal tragedy.

Two years after losing her father to suicide, she has channelled her grief into a source of inner strength, demonstrating a maturity and fortitude far beyond her years.

Her commitment to her studies became a testament to her father's memory and a beacon of hope for her own future and this summer, she achieved grade 8s and 9s in her GCSEs, and she has now been awarded a full scholarship to Berkhamsted School.

Her nomination said: “In the wake of a life-altering tragedy, Lacey could have easily become a victim of her circumstances. Instead, she has become a survivor, a scholar, and a true inspiration. Her journey is a powerful reminder that resilience is not about avoiding hardship, but about facing it with unwavering courage and coming out stronger on the other side. She is a true Child of Courage, and I can think of no one more deserving of this award.”

Runner-up was Arisha Muhammad, who excelled academically despite experiencing difficult financial circumstances outside of school, demonstrating daily that courage is not just an abstract quality but a lived reality - an ability to keep moving forward, even when the path is hard.

Ryebridge managing director Sean Scully, who presented the award, said: “There were just so many incredible stories on the night that it’s fair to say a few tears were shed on our table and many others throughout the room.

“That said, the nominees for our own award highlighted the remarkable resilience and determination of a young woman who was dealt a terrible blow at a very young age. Ryebridge is proud to back these awards and stand shoulder to shoulder with the Luton community in recognising what a remarkable town it truly is.”

Linsey Sweet of Love Luton added: “We are delighted to have Ryebridge as one of our platinum sponsors and for their ongoing support.  The 16th Luton’s Best awards was another night of huge celebrations and acknowledgement of the amazing people and organisations that do so much for Luton and for going above and beyond.”

Andrew Castle, Lacey Hattle and Sean Scully

Free check-ups for Ryebridge staff during Men's Health Awareness Month

Ryebridge is once again highlighting its commitment to staff health and wellbeing by organising free medical check-ups as part of Men's Health Awareness Month.

An occupational nurse will be visiting the company's Luton and Southampton offices to carry out PSA (prostate-specific antigen), cholesterol and blood sugar tests.

PSA tests are not typically offered routinely by the NHS, but are blood tests that a protein made by the prostate gland, and are used to diagnose prostate problems including cancer.

A high cholesterol test is the only way of measuring cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, as high cholesterol has no symptoms, while a blood sugar test will check levels glucose in the blood to diagnose and monitor conditions like diabetes.

Ryebridge health, safety and wellbeing manager Karen Carter gave a presentation to staff about the signs of prostate cancer at a recent company meeting.

She said: "Men's Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to raise awareness of the physical and mental health challenges men face, encouraging them to seek help and prioritise their well-being. During this month, there is a focus on issues such as prostate and testicular cancer, as well as mental health struggles like stress and depression, which are common in the construction industry.

"Ryebridge believes in a proactive approach to tackling these issues, and doing whatever we can to help our lads keep fit and healthy, both physically and mentally."

Ryebridge opens new office in Southampton

Ryebridge has laid down permanent roots in Southampton by opening a local office.

The company’s new premises is at New Forest Enterprise Centre, in the village of Totton, providing a workspace for office and site staff to meet up and showing our commitment to the region.

Ryebridge has been working in the area since August 2022, when we won the tender to build the Solent Rail Terminal, a joint initiative between Associated British Ports (ABP) and Solent Stevedores which expanded the existing intermodal rail transport site to offer additional laden and empty container handling, storage, maintenance, and repair.

The success of this project, the first of its type Ryebridge had worked on, led ABP to engage our services on Marchwood Phase 1, the redevelopment of the port for trading, including the construction of a vast vehicular storage hard-surface area with all kerbs, surfacing, drainage, ducts and manholes.

Additionally, the company built a new security gatehouse and entrance ready for when the site is fully operational, with Phase 1 expected to be completed in the next few weeks.

The project, which got underway in October 2023, involved the demolition of existing site buildings and off-site highway upgrades, alongside the realignment of the internal highway network and upgraded railway crossing points, and the installation of new high mast lights, site CCTV and the electrical infrastructure.

We recently completed work at Berth 35 at the Port, which involved removing parts of a suspended slab built more than a century ago and refurbishing approximately 4,000m2 of quay paving, and slot drain and concrete works at DP World.

Ryebridge’s ongoing commitment to Southampton has seen the company’s workforce grow from 10 local people and sub-contractors in 2022 to a staff of more than 50 people fully employed and drawn from the local workforce.

Recruiting first through agencies, we soon found we could pick up staff through local resources and referrals, and we have also invested in our first apprentice, training him in the operation of a forklift and dumper truck.

The company’s community engagement includes sponsoring the Ringwood Seals swimming club and the British Pedal Car Grand Prix, also in Ringwood, taking part in the Utilita charity golf day to help support people out of fuel and food poverty, and donating surplus materials to a local boxing gym for training equipment.

Managing director Sean Scully said: “We have always wanted to commit to a long-term future in the Southampton area and this new office is proof of that. There are a lot of exciting opportunities for a forward-thinking and engaging civil engineering company like Ryebridge in this part of the country, and we hope to be keeping very busy in the months to come.”

Ryebridge’s new offices: (L-R) design manager Matt Carter, project manager Robert Miller, managing director Sean Scully and construction manager Kevin Wilson.