Welcome to the October 2023 newsletter from Lydon Contracting Ltd. We're proud of the work we do and want to share our latest news, useful information and staff updates.
Stansted major works
After a short interlude due to council restrictions, October saw the re-mobilisation of our major project at Stansted where we will be installing a new 33kV network over a 7km route to feed a new development near the airport. Our vacuum excavator was on site day one to carry out trial holes along the next phase of works to expose known assets.
With the clocks going back this month extra safety measures have been put in place to ensure sufficient task lighting is on site to enable works to continue in a safe manner to maintain output in line with council permit restrictions.
Digging deep
Works at Milton Keynes East where we are installing a new medium pressure gas main are nearing completion with all gas pipe installed ready for final connection.
Given the depth of the utility, temporary works have been installed to enable safe access/egress for the gas engineers carrying out the connection works.
On the buses (again)
October saw another EV infrastructure project commence in Oxford, this time for Stagecoach West. Before works commenced we held a breaking ground ceremony for the Stagecoach West team and Oxfordshire County Council councillors where golden spades were used to mark the significant milestone in Oxford’s zero-emission ambitions.
This project will see the installation of the HV and LV infrastructure to feed 27 150kW DC chargers to support 55 double decker buses.
On the town
During October we commenced a project that will see the installation of a new LV supply for the new developments in conjunction with the Biggleswade Town Centre Masterplan.
Given the extent of other works going on we have had to work alongside other construction works - and manage traffic management/road closures to ensure disruption to the public is minimised.
Charging on
Since the last update from the Oxford Bus Company Depot works have been progressing well to facilitate the electrification of the Bus fleet. We are very happy to report 33 of the 52 EV charging point concrete pads have been completed along with all the underground cable and comms installed. One of the two containerised switch rooms is now in postion and two of the HV transformer bases complete.
The ground retaining works are near to completion which will allow the construction of the remaining HV transformer base and concrete pillars for the location of the second containerised switch house.
Back to Uni
During October we have been involved with Nissan Technical Centre Europe and University of Nottingham on a new Eco-housing project. As part of this research project, we have been contracted to construct a new concrete plinth to enable the installation of a new feeder pillar and air source heating unit.
Given the contours of the ground we needed to construct a new retaining wall as well as a tarmac footway to finish. We have also constructed a free-standing wall which will be used to install a new three phase EV charger for future research purposes.
Award winning team
The team working at RAF Lakenheath alongside the main contractor VolkerFitzpatrick secured a Green Apple Award on the Protected Aircraft Shelter (PAS) refurbishment project.
The Green Apple Awards are an annual campaign to recognise, reward and promote environmental best practice.
Our teams have worked around several challenging ecological constraints on site this year, including protected grasslands and numerous protected bird species, specifically Stone Curlew, Woodlark, Sand Martins and Black Redstart.
Protective measures were put in place to ensure that works could continue during the nesting season for all species, but critically in the case of the rare Stone Curlew, the nest resulted the successful fledging of a chick.
Accreditation Month !
Constructionline Gold, SSIP, Social Value & SafeContractor.
For the sixth year running we have achieved our Constructionline Gold Accreditation.
The Constructionline platform allows buyers to simplify and speed up their search for a validated Contractor, improving resource and cost efficiency.
In addition to the benefits of the Silver membership, we are assessed on additional areas such as; Corporate Social Responsibilities, Environmental Management, Quality Management, Equality, and Diversity. It ensures contractors abide by legislation in areas such as modern slavery, anti-bribery and corruption and demonstrates you have been assessed and adhere to these standards to potential buyers.
Holding Constructionline Gold demonstrates to buyers our organisation has been subjected to increased scrutiny around governance and risk management and will enable us to win additional work.
Running alongside Gold Accreditation we have also been awarded SSIP accreditation (Safety Scheme in Procurement), demonstrating to buyers we comply with Health & Safety legislation, Constructionline ‘Social Value’ and Safe Contractor Certification.
Movember Charity Quiz
We are excited to once again support Movember this year. All the men at Lydon Contracting try to grow a moustache in support of the leading charity changing the face of men’s health. We will also be hosting a charity quiz on Friday 17th November at The Towcestrians Rugby club. Tickets can be booked by emailing info@lydoncontracting.com
Meet the team
- Name: John Allen
- Role in the business: Plant Manager
- Years service: 2 Months
- Hometown: Troutbeck, Nr Windermere
Interesting Facts/Hobbies:
Growing up on a hill farm in the Lake District I was put to work at an early age driving the tractors from 8 years of age. I take a general interest in farming and farm machinery. Throughout my career I have operated all kinds of plant machinery carrying out all kinds of jobs from holiday home bases to constructing Cofferdams and installing large Klargester tanks. I have worked in waste to energy over the last 10 years and now very much looking forward to starting a new chapter with Lydon Contracting Ltd which I have been very warmly welcomed into.
Whilst not at work I like to enjoy time with family and get out and about including long walks in the countryside, exploring, and recently have started going Geocaching with my daughter Emma and my wife Michelle who also works at Lydon Contracting Ltd.
I also follow football and have enjoyed playing weekly when (a lot) younger. I enjoy watching the formula 1 at the weekend and spending time in the garden as a more recent hobby.
Quotation of the month!
This month’s quote comes from Benjamin Franklin, and American scientist, inventor, politician, philanthropist and business man. He is best known as the only Founding Father who signed all three documents that freed America from Britain. Franklin is credited with drafting the Declaration of Independence and the American Constitution.
“Energy and persistence conquers all things.” - Benjamin Franklin
Thanks for reading!
Cuttle Mill Nursery, Cuttle Mill Lane, Paulerspury, Towcester NN12 7LZ
info@lydoncontracting.com | 01327 811533 | www.lydoncontracting.com
Company Registration No. 3742284