Blackpool school revamp aids profit at construction firm

The scheme by Conlon at Thames Primary Academy involved a full refurbishment of the school’s classrooms, halls, nursery, toilets, office and storage areas. In addition to making kitchen and dining room modifications, the contractor also installed new windows, a playground and play equipment.

Headteacher, Tracy Harrison, said: “We’re thrilled with our refurbished building and the pupils are enjoying their new surroundings too.

“Considering they’ve been on-site over the last three school holidays, we hardly knew that Conlon was here and we really enjoyed seeing the pupils’ reactions to the changes when they walked in after their time off.”

Bamber Bridge based Conlon holdings has announced it has had an exceptional year, with turnover up to £55.3m.

The construction specialist said it had risen 26 per cent on the previous year in its results for the 12 months until April 30.

Pre-tax profit was £4.1m up 154 per cent.

The company said that its schedule for the rest of the year was looking equally healthy and that it had done so well thanks to construction work from the educational sector through the Education Funding Agency framework, and from health sector builds.

Michael Conlon, executive chairman said: “The business has been boosted by a number of larger-scale projects, including the first of two private hospitals in the south and a number of heritage projects, which is one of our areas of expertise. Most of our turnover growth has stemmed from projects commissioned through the Education Funding Agency’s Regional Contractors Framework. We are proud to have been the only SME in the country to be appointed this framework, which is a great compliment to our workforce and the quality of work they deliver.

“Part of our long-term strategy is to continue securing work via frameworks.

“This year marks the company’s 55th anniversary, so it is fitting that we have reached the same monetary milestone with our turnover.”