WWelcome to our June Business Update
AswemoveintoJuly,wearecominguptoanothersuccessfulhalfyear Acrossourbusinesseswearemaking strongprogresstowardsour2026objectives,whileour2027orderbooksarecontinuingtogrowinstrength Despitenumerousunprecendentedeventsinthewiderworld,thereisalwaysmuchtobeproudofinthe continuedresilienceofourbusinessandthequalityoftheprojectsandservicesweprovideacrossourregion.
Sincethelastupdate,ourCivilEngineeringteamcelebratedtheopeningofthenewTramBridgeinPreston It wasawonderfuloccasion,whichsawthousandsofpeoplecomedowntothesitetowatchtheMayorof Prestonofficiallyopenthebridgeandbeoneofthefirsttocrossit.Ontheday,wewerejoinedbyErictomark thisimportantmilestone.CivilsalsoofficiallybrokegroundatbothMoorParkandWaverleyParkinPreston, whereprogressisbeingmadetotransformthesehistoricpublicspaces.
ElsewhereintheGroup,ourconstructionteamhavestartedonsitewiththeirnewresidentialscheme,Regent TradingEstateinSalford.ThisnewdevelopmentisourthirdPassivhausschemeforclientECFandisbringing much-needed,sustainablehomestothecity.Inaddition,worksarewellunderwayattheteam'sextracare facilityinMaghullforvaluedclientTorus,whichfollowsonfromtheirrecentsuccessatLightbodyStreet.
OurEricWrightWaterteamreceived praiserecentlyfortheirworkatHuntington, aspartoftheirhighlift pumpingstationproject Aheadofthemainworksfortheremaininghighliftpumps,theteamhasinstalleda newsurgesystemwhichisbelievedtobethelargestsurgesystemwithintheUKwaternetwork.
MapleGroveDevelopmentshostedaverysuccessfultradecounterlaunchattheirHattersleydevelopment, welcomingover50agentsandarangeofkeystakeholderstothenewtradepark Theeventwasdesignedto supportthelettingprocessofthetradeunits,whicharealreadyprovingattractivetobothlocalandregional occupiers.Thedevelopmentisclosetocompletion,withtheteamexpectedthetakehandoverlaterthis month.
Ourimportantroleinshapingcommunityinfrastructurehasalsocontinued,withPartnershipsrecently reachingfinancialcloseonthetransformationofBarbaraCastleWayHealthCentreintoamodern neighbourhoodhealthhubthatwillbringawiderrangeofservicestolocalpeople Thisprojectisagreat exampleofdifferentpartsoftheGroupcomingtogethertoprovideacollaborativesolution,withConstruction andFacilitiesManagementsettodelivertheworks.FacilitiesManagementwillalsobeprovidingTotal FacilitiesManagementservicesattheWELLHubinRuncorn,followingitsinclusionintheextendedNorth CheshireandMerseyNHSCommunityHealthcarecontract
TheEricWrightCharitableTrustcontinuestoexplorenewwaystosupportlocalcharitiesandthe communitiesthatweworkin,andtheyhaverecentlylaunchedasecond roundofmulti-yearfunding.The newfundingroundprovidesregisteredcharitieswithgreaterfinancialstability,includingtheopportunityto deliverlonger-termprojects Thefocusisonsupportingprojectsandinitiativesthathelpolderpeoplelivewell andmaintaintheirindependencewithinthecommunity
Theawardsseasoncontinuedtobeparticularlysuccessful,withourbusinessesreceivingrecognitionacrossa widerangeofprojectsandachievements.TheGroupwasproudtowinthe‘BestHealthcareProjectAward’at thePartnershipsAwardsinLondon,whileConstructionsecured‘NationalConstructionBusinessoftheYear’, Applethwaitewon‘BestPropertyMarketing’andMapleGroveDevelopmentsDealoftheYearfor AmoundernessHouseattheSundayExpressConstructionandPropertyAwards Inaddition,wearedelighted tohavebeenshortlistedforseveralcategoriesattheEmployer’sExcellenceAwards2026.Congratulationsto everyoneinvolvedandbestoflucktoalltheteamsshortlisted.
JeremyHartley CEOEricWright Group
Asalways,thankyouforallyourcontinuedsupportandhardworkdeliveringsomeremarkableprojectsacross allourregionsandIhopeyouallgettoenjoysometimeoffoverthesummermonths
RegentTradingEstatestartsonsite
Our Construction team have now started on site at Oldfield Basin, on the brownfield site Regent Trading Estate for long standing client, ECF.
This £29m residential project is the third Passivhaus scheme following on from the success of Greenhaus and Willohaus The new development is made up of 63 one and two-bedroom apartments and 27 three-bedroom townhouses, all meeting the Passivhaus Low Energy Building Standard
John Hartnett, Managing Director said “We are delighted to have commenced works on site in partnership with our valued client, ECF, to deliver our third Passivhaus residential development for the communities of Salford It’s great to see works on site progressing The project is constrained on three sides by a railway line, a busy road to the city centre and Islington Mill Arts Club and neighbouring businesses, that will remain open during construction”
Joining John Hartnett, Dean Moran and Amy Green to mark the occasion was Salford’s City Mayor, Paul Dennett and Andrew Cartwright along with Alan McBride and Stuart Rimmer from ECF Read more here
WorkstartsatPhoenixIronworks
Our Construction team have begun works at the Phoenix Ironworks site.
The development, for client Manchester Life, is a residential-led regeneration project located in the Ancoats area of Manchester, with the scheme comprising 256 new homes including apartments, townhouses and duplexes and around 14,500 sq ft of commercial space.
Speaking on the start on site, John Hartnett commented “It’s great to see this major residential scheme now coming to life. This is our fourth project for valued client Manchester Life, following on from our successes with One Cutting Room Square, New Little Mill and One Vesta Street The new development will bring new homes, commercial areas and wellbeing and social spaces to the Ancoats area, offering something different for both residents and the local community”
ProjectHighlight: FaringtonCricketGroundandPavilion
Construction recently completed and handed over the new Farington cricket grounds and pavilion to partners Lancashire Cricket Club and Lancashire County Council.
The new grounds are set to become a women’s Centre of Excellence for the North West and continue to bring through both mens and womens cricketers of the future and we’ve created a timelapse to further bring this project to life - have a watch below...
Contractwins
We’re working in collaboration with Maple Grove Developments and Preston City Council to deliver a major refurbishment of Amounderness House. The former court rooms will be transformed into flexible office space, and a new two-storey extension will be constructed – works valued at £8.4m.
Working with long standing client, ECF, we are delivering enabling works at the former Farmer Norton site in Salford – these works are valued at £2 9m
VIDEOTOGOHERE
Workprogressesat DamfieldLane,Maghull
Our Construction team is making strong progress at the £44m Maghull development for client, Torus.
The new development is an extra care facility with 129 dwellings being built on land off Damfield Lane in between an existing retirement village and a dementia care home.
The team has been working hard to complete the earthworks and piling, along with installing the attenuation tank that forms part of the drainage works. The foundations are progressing well, with the steel frame also beginning to take shape
StartonsiteatPreston Parks
Civil Engineering has started on site as the main contractor at Moor Park and Waverley Park in Preston.
Works are now underway to deliver major improvements at Preston’s much loved parks, following approval for multimillion pound investment last year.
Both projects are funded by the UK Government through a £20m Levelling Up award secured by Preston, Big Local and the Football Foundation. The Levelling Up Fund was designed to reduce geographic inequalities by investing in infrastructure and regeneration and has since been consolidated into the Local Regeneration Fund.
Gavin Hulme, Managing Director, said: “Breaking ground at Moor Park and Waverley Park marks the start of an important phase in the development of these valued community spaces. We are committed to delivering high-quality improvements that will enhance accessibility, sustainability and long-term use, while respecting the parks’ heritage and significance We look forward to continuing to work closely with Preston City Council and the local community as the projects progress” Read more here
Civilsteamvisit theAnderton CentreforStand DownDay
On Friday 8 May, colleagues from across Civils came together for our annual Stand Down Day at the Anderton Centre
The day started with breakfast and an update from the Senior Management Team, where they presented a brief overview of the business, the projects we are currently delivering and the plans and opportunities for the future
The remainder of the day saw teams take part in a variety of outdoor activities designed to support personal development, teamwork and communication This hands-on approach gave colleagues the opportunity to build confidence and strengthen working relationships.
Everyone was divided into groups and supported by dedicated activity leaders throughout the day, where they got to rock climb, throw axes, build rafts and more.
Martin Morrow, Pre-Construction Director, said: “The Stand Down Day was a great success and it was fantastic to see so many people getting involved and supporting one another. Thank you to everyone that took part and helped make the day a really positive experience.”
Contractwins
We’re working in collaboration with Preston City Council to deliver public realm works to Friargate South, Market Place, Cheapside and Orchard Street in Preston – these works are valued at £3.6m.
We’re working with Sheffield Forgemasters on the Brightside Weir scheme to complete surveys and outline designs, helping to identify the most suitable refurbishment option for an existing weir on the River Don – works valued at £250k.
CivilscelebrateTramBridgeopening
Following Civil Engineering’s recent handover of the new Preston Tram Bridge to Preston City Council, Managing Director Gavin Hulme, CEO Jeremy Hartley, Chairman Eric Wright and Alison Wright, alongside other members of the Senior Leadership Team and our Civils team, attended the official opening ceremony.
The new £8m bridge opened on Friday 22 May after seven years of closure. The Mayor of Preston officially opened the bridge with a ribbon cutting, which was followed by a procession over the bridge featuring community groups and live entertainment, as the sun shone on the celebrations.
The opening was shared with the public who turned out in their masses to witness the historic moment and be one of the first to walk across the newly built Tram Bridge.
Gavin Hulme, Managing Director, said: "Rebuilding the Tram Bridge has been a technically complex and rewarding project, and one that has meant a great deal to our team throughout the journey, being so close to home for our business. Over the past several years, we've seen just how important this crossing is to the people of Preston, so reaching this milestone where the community can use and enjoy it again is incredibly special.
"What stands out most is the way so many different organisations, specialists and local stakeholders came together to overcome challenges and deliver something lasting for the city. The finished bridge is not only an impressive piece of engineering, but a structure designed to reconnect communities, encourage active travel and become part of everyday life in Preston once again” Read more here
Business
Successfultradecounter launchatHattersley TradePark
Our Maple Grove Developments team joined agents from Knight Frank to proudly host the Trade Counter Launch event at their Hattersley Trade Park development.
Speaking on the event, Andrew Dewhurst, Director at Maple Grove, commented: “The event was a huge success and it was great to welcome everyone to the development. We’re very pleased with the trade counter units which are now ready to let. It’s an attractive terrace of prominent business space that complements the Aldi store and Costa Drive Thru.
“We’ve seen a significant uptick in interest for the space in the last couple of months and now have two of the eight units under offer with discussions underway with occupiers on another two.”
Read more here.
Our Facilities Management team has secured a six-month agreement to deliver total facilities management services at the Bridgewater WELL Hub in Runcorn, following its inclusion in the extended North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Community Healthcare contract
The contract includes planned preventative maintenance and cleaning services
The WELL Hub provides a range of health, education and wellbeing services to the local community, offering accessible support and advice in a welcoming environment.
Ryan Pearce, Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to continue supporting the North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Community Healthcare portfolio, delivering total facilities management services that play a vital role in maintaining a safe and welcoming environment.
“We look forward to building on our strong relationship with the client and delivering continued value through innovation, reliability, and our deep sector expertise.”
Read more here.
Proactiveserviceinvestigationprevents operationalandsafetyriskatBrynrefailFPF
During pre-construction investigations at Brynrefail Flow Passed Forward (FPF), the project team identified a buried low-voltage electrical cable located directly within the proposed flowmeter chamber footprint.
The team carried out detailed investigation to identify the cable and operational function, verifying that the cable provided a live supply to the sewage pumping station.
By investing time in verification and before construction commenced, the team removed a significant safety and operational risk while maintaining programme certainty to deliver the right outcome for the client.
Neal Whittle, Managing Director commented “This is an excellent example of proactive planning, early hazard identification and collaborative problem-solving. Although this may seem a regular activity across our businesses, they also very often lead to disruption, interruptions or at worst, serious safety issues.
“On most treatment works, service locations are treated as unknown as additional assets are constantly added to existing infrastructure The team on this project has been applauded under a positive intervention and rewarded with breakfast for their efforts ”
NewsysteminstalledattheHuntingtonHighLift PumpingStationproject
As part of the Huntington High Lift Pumping Station project, our water team was tasked with installing a new surge system to replace the existing system with eight, 80m³ surge vessels and associated equipment
This work needed to be completed prior to the installation and commissioning of the remaining high lift pumps.
The team worked collaboratively with United Utilities to identify a suitable location for the new system, with only a limited number of locations capable of meeting the hydraulic requirements. The team also needed to obtain a Global Conformity Certificate before the system could be commissioned a first for both Water and United Utilities.
The surge system is now fully installed, commissioned, and operational and it is believed to be the largest surge system in the UK on a water network
Business
StPeter’sHealthCentre
Partnerships has played a key role in the transformation of St Peter’s Health Centre in Burnley, helping to deliver a £3.2m reconfiguration that has expanded healthcare capacity and improved services for the local community.
Working alongside Community Health Partnerships (CHP) and NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), the partnership reconfigured the upper floors of the seven-storey building to accommodate growing demand for community-based care The project has enabled the expansion of musculoskeletal, mental health and GP services, while supporting a more integrated care offering
Dan Stevenson-Lenard, SVP Manager at Eric Wright Partnerships, said: “It’s fantastic to see this investment now delivering real benefits for the local community Working collaboratively with CHP, the ICB and our delivery partners, we’ve transformed underused space into a high-quality clinical environment that supports a broader range of services This project demonstrates how existing healthcare estate can be adapted creatively and efficiently to meet changing local needs ”
Read more here.
Financial close has been reached on a £2 1m transformation scheme at Barbara Castle Way Health Centre in Blackburn, marking the first project within the Wave One Neighbourhood Rebuild Programme.
Led by Community Health Partnerships (CHP), NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board, our Eric Wright Partnerships team and local health partners, the scheme will create a modern neighbourhood health hub by repurposing underutilised space within the centre.
The project will support a wider range of services, including mental health, primary care network teams and community services, helping bring care closer to home Delivery will be supported by specialist teams from across Eric Wright Group
Lesley McGregor, Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to be at the forefront of bringing this national vision to life by working collaboratively across a wide multi-disciplinary team By utilising our specialist skills, we are delivering a high-quality, efficient, and sustainable transformation that will enhance patient experience and support modern healthcare delivery.”
Read more here.
DevelopmentUpdate
Applethwaite continues to build momentum across their developments and have launched new customer initiatives along with strengthening brand awareness across the North West.
Over the first five months of the year, they now have 75% of their 2026 target plots reserved, demonstrating continued demand and strong sales performance across the portfolio.
MeadowView,Worsthorne
At Meadow View, 58% of the plots are now reserved, with only 14 plots remaining Over the weekend of 12 and 13 June a Ready to Go Event was held, which was promoted to potential customers via the customer database, leaflets and advertising within the local community
The event focused on plots 1, 31 and 32, which are all fully built, beautifully presented and ready to move into immediately, with furniture included
The team has contributed £500 to Worsthorne Primary School contributing to upgrading their playground and supporting communities in which we operate.
Brookdale,Grimsargh
At Brookdale, 29% of the plots are now reserved, again demonstrating the popularity of our developments Over the weekend of the 18 and 19 June a Signature Move Event, was held which focusses on supporting customers with making their move easier A Signature Move event offers practical help in getting customers current homes on the market, and can also cover estate agency fees when customers purchase a home
Supporting communities in which we operate has really come to life at Grimsargh, the team has sponsored the local field day, which took place on the 27 June, enabling the organisers to upgrade essential equipment. The team has also donated £2,500 towards a £20,000 fundraising target to St Michael’s School to support repairs to their playground Working with the local school, pupils are designing Brookdales new resident welcome cards that will be sent when homeowners move into their homes The community have voted for a winner via Applethwaite’s Facebook page
Lunesdale,Lancashire
At Lunesdale, 12% of plots have now sold despite the show home not being open
The show home opening weekend was held over the 27 and 28 June, which saw potential customers enjoy a glass of prosecco alongside Lancashire Kitchen food pots and cupcakes in a relaxed environment whilst they viewed the show home and spoke to sales advisors
Within the community, the team has sponsored the local gala and enjoyed a fabulous day talking with members of the community At the local football club, Caton FC, the team has helped with some essential repairs to the cladding on the clubhouse, along with advertising the development on their pitch side banners In addition, the team has sponsored Georgia Simm, the ladies' skipper at Lancaster Cricket Club and wish her all the best for the season.
Hillside,Burnley
At Hillside, Phase 1 is now 80% sold and a planning application is being progressed for Phase 2 with works on site are expected to commence in 2027.
Wreacroft,Preston(ComingSoon)
At Wreacroft, in Wrea Green, Preston the team are due to launch sales at the beginning of July, which will initially be from the Brookdale sales cabin, until construction activity begins on site.
Employee benefitsfrom Applethwaite
Did you know that as a Group employee you can get a discount on a new Applethwaite Home?
Employees can access a discount of up to 5% of the value of the property (excluding any extras), up to a maximum cash value of £20,000. To qualify you must be named on the house title deeds, and the house purchase must be for your primary residence i e not for rental purposes or as a second home
IncreasingourpresenceacrosstheNorthWest
Marketing activity continues to expand Applethwaite’s reach across the North West
Listen out for Applethwaite on Hits Radio – Getting You Home with Gemma & Mike and Greatest Hits Radio – Drive Time with Simon Mayo, helping build strong regional brand awareness.
Alongside this, development-specific advertising campaigns are running with targeted demographic activity within a 20-mile radius of each location to maximise engagement and drive enquiries.
Applethwaites digital performance has also seen significant growth
From January to April:
Instagram increased from 150 views to 61,683 views
Google activity generated 13,557 views
Investments have also been made to improve the website, creating a smoother customer journey with clearer calls to action to increase engagement, capture customer data and continue building our database.
To further support this, a new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system has been introduced, allowing the team to better manage customer registrations and enquiries, deliver an improved customer experience and strengthen, marketing insight and reporting capabilities
CastlewoodCommunity SpringFayre
On Friday 8 May, Castlewood Care Home hosted their very first Community Spring Fayre with residents and members of the local community enjoying a fun filled afternoon.
The event brought together residents, past and present, alongside members of the wider community for a truly enjoyable day
Thanks to the generosity and support of everyone involved and to those who kindly donated tombola prizes, which were gratefully received. We raised over £1,100 for Age UK Lancashire and with match-funding from the Eric Wright Charitable Trust, the impact from the day has been doubled.
Wedding celebrations
At Wrightcare, exceptional care is about empowering people to live meaningful lives and achieve what matters most to them.
One of the most moving examples of this was supporting resident Mick, who came to Castlewood with a life-limiting illness and one heartfelt wish - to marry his partner of many years, Sarah. The team were honoured to help make that wish a reality through a private and beautiful wedding ceremony at the home
Reflecting on their journey, Sarah said, “Wrightcare has saved us twice now”
Building on the success of this event, plans are underway for the next gathering - The Late Summer Sizzle, taking place on Saturday 5 September.
This promises to be a fantastic day for all, featuring a delicious BBQ, lively music and a range of games to entertain the whole family Two very special (and very cute!) alpacas will be making a guest appearance on the day
The team are looking forward to welcoming everyone back for another enjoyable and memorable occasion
Moments like these define our purpose: care with compassion, dignity and humanity, while creating lasting memories
Newsupplyarrangementfor PPEandWorkwear
From the 1 July, new supply arrangements are in place for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) & Workwear. Following a Group-wide review supported by representatives from across the business, Clad Safety has been selected as the sole supplier of PPE & Workwear across the Group.
This replaces the previous arrangement with Smart Image.
Clad Safety demonstrated their ability to meet the wide-ranging needs of our multi-sector business, provide value for money and ensure that high levels of quality and service delivery would be maintained throughout the agreement. Eric Wright Water has been using Clad Safety successfully for a number of years.
What are the benefits of these new arrangements?
Fit for purpose range of products compliant with minimum quality, safety and ethical sourcing standards
Short lead times on standard stock items (branded and unbranded)
Reduced administration through a simplified order to invoice process
Enhanced reporting to allow monitoring of PPE & Workwear usage
Favourable commercial terms
Future plans in place to introduce:
recycling arrangements for end of life garments
prescription safety eye wear provision
How do I order my PPE & Workwear requirements?
Replacement PPE & Workwear should only be ordered once current equipment has reached end of life.
Complete a PPE & Workwear order request form (avalible on WrightBox)
Send order form to your Line Manager for approval
Once approved, Manager will forward the order request form to the appropriate order office (this is stated on the order form)
Timescales for deliveries, from receipt of order, supplier will deliver:
Standard stock items (unbranded) – within 2 working days
Standard branded items – within 5 working days
If you have any questions, or wish to provide any feedback on the range of products, in the first instance, please contact your Business Unit representative, as follows:
EWW – Laura Fuller
EWC – Jess Sharples
EWCE – Danny Spillman
EWFM – Chris Griffiths
Applethwaite – Steven Wolfenden
For any other enquiries, please contact Ewan Charnley Assistant Buyer or Dave West Group Procurement Manager.
EricWrightCharitableTrust
OpenFundingProgramme
The Trust recently launched its second multi-year Open Funding Programme for 2026.
This funding round focuses on supporting projects and initiatives that help older people live well, maintain their independence, and improve their overall wellbeing within their communities Registered charities are eligible to apply for funding of up to £10,000 per year for three years
Supporting charities with multi-year funding provides them with greater financial stability and the opportunity to deliver longer-term impact. This multi-year funding approach also provides the Trust with an important opportunity to build new relationships and extend its reach by supporting charities that have not previously received funding.
Through previous funding strategies, the Trust supported a small selection of charities with multi-year grants over a three-year period, which have now come to an end. Read more below on how these how longer-term grants have had a positive impact on the organisations.
Blackburn Youth Zone – Wellbeing and Targeted Support Programme
‘The wellbeing and targeted support programme is now embedded within the core offer and forms a vital part of our wider Young People Services provision across both the Blackburn and Darwen sites Over the three years of funding, we have developed sustainable referral pathways, strengthened partnerships across the borough,
embedded wellbeing approaches across multiple service areas, and created targeted programmes that respond directly to the needs of local young people. As a result, the service is now firmly established within our organisational structure and long-term delivery model. The success of the programme has demonstrated the ongoing need for accessible, relationship-based wellbeing support for young people, and we remain committed to continuing and developing this work beyond the current funding period’
N-Vision – Befriender service
‘The befriending service that we provide is invaluable and has touched so many lives including those of the befriender. The befriending service is now deeply embedded into the ethos of the charity helping to tackle loneliness and isolation.’
Inspire Youth Zone – Senior sessions
‘We have been fortunate enough to secure another 6 years funding This enables us to sustain the service longer-term The new model of funding that extends to a six-year period aligns well to our fundraising strategy and provides security to the service to enable a long-term impact for local young people. We are grateful to the Eric Wright Charitable Trust for their continued support and welcome their new long term support strategy which enables Inspire to make a longer term lasting impact’.
Wigan Youth Zone – Creative Arts Programme
‘The three years of EWCT funding have significantly strengthened our delivery in these areas, enabling us to place greater emphasis on music, art, dance and inclusion, and to build a strong body of evidence, including case studies and impact data, which is supporting new funding applications ’
StrengtheningourCharityConnectionsand SocialValueImpactbetweentheTrustand thewiderGroup
Over the last few months, the Trust team has been engaging with colleagues across the Group and divisions to gain a deeper understanding of their Social Value commitments and explore how the Trust can further support these priorities through its partnerships with funded charities.
Through these connections, we aim to increase the connections between the charities that the Trust fund and the work they can do across the Group, along with how Group and divisional activities can support these charities further.
Both the Charity of the Year and Match Funding programmes are highly regarded with employes. The Trust are exploring several enhancements to the programmes aimed at increasing participation and creating even more opportunities for employees to engage with charitable causes, more information will follow as soon as full reviews have been completed
RebeccaMayrunsforEmpowerYouthZone
Rebecca May, Grants Coordinator from the Trust, recently took part in the Manchester Half Marathon raising money for Empower Youth Zones in Manchester.
“As I work closely with the youth zones within my role for the Charitable Trust, I know what an amazing charity they are and the work they do with young people across Greater Manchester.
I couldn’t have asked for a better day, the weather cool with a touch of drizzle - perfect running weather! �� The atmosphere was electric and the streets were lined with hundreds of supporters. I was a little bit out of my comfort zone as I mainly run trail races but managed to pace it well and get a half marathon PB.
Thank you to everyone who supported me and helped me raise a fantastic £600! This amount will hopefully be match-funded by the Trust in due course ”
Business
CelebrationsacrosstheGroupcontinuewith successesatanumberofprestigiousawards
Eric Wright Group, which includes Eric Wright Partnerships, Eric Wright Facilities Management and Eric Wright Construction, proudly celebrated winning the Best Healthcare Project Award at the Partnership Awards 2026 for the successful reconfiguration project at St Peter’s Health Centre.
Showcasing the very best of the industry, recognising projects and partnerships that are setting new standards, the St Peter’s Health Centre project won for its transformative approach to estate optimisation and integrated care delivery.
Lesley McGregor, Managing Director of Eric Wright Partnerships, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this award. It is fantastic to see the collaborative partnership work recognised, and this award reflects the dedication, expertise and shared commitment of everyone involved in delivering a more efficient and sustainable healthcare environment for the local community.”
At North West Homebuilder Awards 2026, the Applethwaite team were highly commended for the Ribblesdale development in Burnely, in the Larger Housing Scheme of the Year category
The judges said “Set against beautiful open countryside, the scheme of 38 bungalows impressed the judges not only for its quality, its eco credentials, and its immaculate presentation, but for the extraordinary care taken with every single purchaser They noted the standout commitment of the Applethwaite team in ensuring every resident's home was exactly right for them, and the genuine sense of community that has been built as a result. A scheme that could have sold twice over, and a thoroughly deserved recognition.”
We are incredibly proud to have been shortlisted in the Employer's Excellence Awards 2026 across multiple categories
• Small Employer of the Year – Applethwaite Homes
• Outstanding Employer – Eric Wright Group
• Construction Employer of the Year – Eric Wright Group
• Charity or Not-for-profit Initiative of the Year – Eric Wright Charitable Trust
We strive for excellence every day working in partnership to deliver the very best outcomes for our people, our partners and the communities we serve
These nominations are a fantastic reflection of how our values are brought to life across every part of the business - and of the commitment and passion shown by the teams each and every day.
The teams look forward to celebrating together at the awards in September
Eric Wright Construction have been named ‘National Construction Business of the Year 2026’ for a second consecutive year.
The team, in 2025, completed ten complex projects across the North West, including the first scheme over £50m. Other projects highilghted included a £22m , fit-for-purpose Lancashire Constabulary Police Station in Chorley; and the new £20m cricket facility with Lancashire County Council and Lancashire Cricket.
John Hartnett, Managing Director and Group Chief Operating Officer commented “We are proud to have won National Construction Business of the Year for the second year running. It’s a huge credit to the consistent loyalty, commitment, hard work and determination of everyone across our business.
Maple Grove Developments, along with partner Preston City Council, were also successful on the night, picking up the ‘Property Deal of the Year 2026’ award for their Amounderness House project
The team is transforming the historic Grade II Listed building into a modern, flexible workspace to drive increased footfall, support local businesses and deliver essential facilities for start-up and established companies
James Scott, Managing Director said “We are delighted that Amounderness House has been recognised as Property Deal of the Year at the awards ceremony This achievement is a testament to the dedication and collaborative efforts of our partners, Preston City Council, Eric Wright Construction, and the wider project team, whose commitment has been instrumental in the successful refurbishment and revitalisation of this remarkable building after many years of underuse It stands as an outstanding example of regeneration at its very best ”
Applethwaite won the ‘Best Property Marketing 2026’ award. Since launching their digital online presence in November 2025, the team has grown their social media following by 694%, with Instagram alone generating just short of 9k views, significantly increasing visibility within our target markets. They have introduced digital innovation into their sales cabins, transforming the onsite and virtual tour experience for potential customers.
Speaking on the win, Samantha Palin, Director of Sales commented “This is a fantastic achievement for Applethwaite. We have been working tirelessly to evolve our digital presence. What differentiates us is our fully connected marketing ecosystem. Buyers may first discover us on social media, attend an open weekend promoted via Google Advertising and radio, interact with digital screens onsite, and continue their journey through CRM-guided follow-ups. Every touchpoint is tracked, allowing us to focus investment on channels that demonstrably convert As a result, we have shortened purchase journeys, strengthened our pipeline and sustained post-sale satisfaction ”
Business CarbonSaverGOLDStandardawardedfor record17thconsecutiveyear
Eric Wright Group has been recertified with the prestigious Carbon Saver GOLD Standard after demonstrating continued year-on-year reductions in carbon emissions across its operations.
Across the Group, we have reduced our total carbon footprint to 6,625 tCO2e for the year ending 31 December 2025, representing a 9 2% absolute reduction against our three-year historic benchmark When measured on an intensity basis per employee, the reduction was even more impressive at 19 7%, reflecting genuine operational efficiency gains across a growing workforce of over 1,000 employees
Eric Wright Group is the longest-standing construction company to hold the Carbon Saver GOLD Standard, having maintained continuous certification for 17 years, the achievement covers all of the Group's business units. The Carbon Saver GOLD Standard is one of the UK’s longest-established carbon certification schemes, requiring organisations to measure, manage, and minimise their carbon footprint and demonstrate real reductions year-on-year. Unlike other award schemes, organisations must reduce emissions to achieve certification. This is not a pledge scheme, it is an action scheme.
Highlights and achievements during the current recertification period include:
Reducing total energy emissions by 16.7%, driven by a 14.2% reduction in electricity consumption and an 8.6% reduction in natural gas use across the Group's estate
Completing a near-total LED lighting upgrade at the Group's Sceptre House headquarters, with further rollouts planned across operational sites
Implementing a full Christmas shutdown at Sceptre House, delivering a saving of 14,782 kWh in the 2024/25 period alone
Launching a procurement programme to increase the efficiency of the generators we are using on construction sites and mandating the use of electric hook-ups where possible
Approving approximately £270,000 of investment in Solar photovoltaic installations across three initial sites, alongside a new Building Management System at Sceptre House for improved base-load energy control
Growing the electric and hybrid vehicle fleet, with electric car mileage increasing by 65% over the three-year period, now accounting for the largest share of business car travel
Commissioning a spend-based Scope 3 emissions assessment and embedding carbon requirements into the supply chain through the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire process
Eric Wright Group's sustainability strategy is underpinned by:
A formal commitment to achieve Net Zero by 2040, supported by a funded roadmap of capital investments
Certified Environmental and Energy Management Systems to ISO 14001 and ISO 50001
Senior-level governance through the Social Value Leadership Forum
Mandatory environmental induction for all new starters, including specific training on the Net Zero 2040 pathway
Public disclosure of carbon performance through annual Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting
A pipeline of 22 Air Source Heat Pumps and Voltage Optimisation at 15 sites awaiting final approval
“This is not a standard that can be maintained without genuine, sustained effort. The construction sector faces particular challenges in decarbonisation, from temporary site power to complex supply chains, and Eric Wright Group has shown that it is possible to grow as a business whilst continuing to reduce emissions. We congratulate the Group on this outstanding record."
SocialValue
EricWrightLearningFoundation-Building skillsandcreatingfutures
A powerful example of how ambition, opportunity and support leads opportunities is being celebrated, as T-Level student Gareth takes the next exciting step in his career journey.
Gareth, who joined us through a T-Level placement within th Civils division, has now been offered a degree apprenticeship as a Site Engineer. His story is a brilliant demonstration of what can be achieved when the right support, opportunities and personal drive align.
Gareth’s journey began at Salford City College, and through the Eric Wright Learning Foundation, which aims to “inspire young people to discover their full potential and build successful futures” Gareth was introduced to the wide range of opportunities available within the construction sector.
Opening eyes to career possibilities and building confidence forms the ‘Inspire’ element of the Learning Foundation strategy. For Gareth, this early engagement played a key role in shaping his aspirations and giving him the confidence to pursue a career in civil engineering.
Developing real-world skills
Gareth’s placement on the Salford Rise project provided invaluable hands-on experience, bringing classroom learning to life in a real working environment Supported by the site team, mentors and the wider Learning Foundation network, Gareth developed both technical knowledge and practical skills His placement allowed him to:
Build understanding of site operations and engineering processes
Develop technical capabilities such as interpreting drawings and using equipment
Strengthen his confidence working alongside experienced professionals
Gain insight into health and safety practices in a live construction environment
Crucially, Gareth’s attitude and work ethic stood out He fully immersed himself in the experience, demonstrating curiosity, commitment and a willingness to learn
Creating opportunities for progression
Progression - is about turning potential into long-term opportunity and is another key element to the Learning Foundation’s strategy For Gareth, this has now become a reality Following his placement, he applied for and has been offered a degree apprenticeship as a Site Engineer with the business Highlighting the strength of the pathway from education into employment, supported by the Learning Foundation and the wider Group - A true wholebusiness effort and a joined-up approach across the entire business and our college partner:
Salford City College – providing high-quality teaching and ongoing support
The Eric Wright Learning Foundation – creating structured pathways through Inspire, Skills and Progression
Site teams – offering mentorship, time, and a genuinely inclusive environment
The wider Eric Wright Group – embedding social value and opportunity at the heart of its operations
This collaborative approach ensures that students are not only given opportunities, but are supported every step of the way to succeed. Gareth’s journey is a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we invest in peopledeveloping talent, building confidence and creating clear pathways into the industry.
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Partnershipsreceivespecialthanksfor fundraisingefforts
Our Eric Wright Partnerships team is celebrating a fantastic fundraising achievement, with colleagues across the business helping to raise more than £38,000 for Muscular Dystrophy UK, including a £25,000 contribution from the Eric Wright Charitable Trust.
Throughout the year, teams supported MD UK through cake sales, charity events, workshops and sporting challenges, raising over £13,000, which includes match funding from the Eric Wright Charitable Trust.
The funds have already helped to support MD UK’s Big Day event in the Wirral, providing a memorable experience for families living with muscle-wasting conditions. In recognition of the incredible support shown by EWP, Muscular Dystrophy UK kindly presented us with a special canvas artwork featuring a photograph spelling out “Thank you” to the business. The thoughtful gift was an expression of MD UK’s sincere gratitude for our colleagues’ commitment throughout the year and being able to help create a truly unforgettable weekend! Read more here.
ApplethwaitesupporttheirCharityoftheYearDerianHouseChildren’sHospi
Mark Smith, Graham Croft and Rob Harrington entered, as a team, in the Derian House Children’s Hospice Annual Golf Day
Held at Chorley Golf Club, the Derian Open saw 20 teams – made up of 80 participants – take part. The Applethwaite team came second and along with having an enjoyable day, played their part in raising £16,803 for the children and families that the hospice cares for.
Graham Croft and Joe Caunce also recently participated in a Charity Football match at Boltons Wanderers Football Ground, again in support of their Charity of the year Derian House Children’s Hospice. The match hosted by Bradley Group brought together customers and suppliers and was a great way to strengthen relationships along with raising money for this important cause.
PhoenixIronWorks recruitstwopeoplevia SkillsPeoplepartnership
At Phoenix Iron Works, Eric Wright Construction has partnered with local training provider Skills People.
Skills People Group and our Construction team have developed a strong working relationship built around creating genuine opportunities for local people across Manchester.
What sets this partnership apart is the level of engagement behind it. The team has spent time meeting both staff and learners, taking an interest in individual journeys and visiting site and delivery environments to see first-hand how the programmes are making a difference.
That kind of hands-on approach has helped strengthen the relationship and ensures that social value is delivered in a meaningful way, rather than just being treated as a requirement. Skills People Group supports this by preparing individuals for work through training, qualifications and ongoing guidance, and then linking them into live opportunities.
The partnership has seen the recruitment of two people via Skills People, one being Ernest, a 60-year-old learner from Manchester, who went to Skills People Group looking to re-enter employment Like many individuals later in their careers, he faced challenges around confidence, access to opportunities and knowing where to start again Through his engagement with Skills People Group, Ernest gained the relevant certifications and the support needed to move forward Alongside the qualifications, a key part of his journey was rebuilding confidence and readiness for work Shortly after completing his training, Ernest was put forward for an opportunity on Phoenix Iron Works and successfully secured a position as a General Operative
Ernest has said of the experience “Before I came to Skills People Group, I had been out of work for a while and it was difficult to know how to get started again, especially at my age. They helped me get my qualifications, but more than that, they helped build my confidence back up. The support didn’t stop after the training. They kept in touch and made sure I was ready when opportunities came through. Being given the chance to work on the site has been a big step for me. I’m now back working, earning again, and feeling positive about the future. I’m grateful for the opportunity and proud of what I’ve been able to achieve.”
As part of our social value commitments to Chorley, we were approached by Chorley Sheds, a not-for-profit community project, which aims at using DIY and gardening to help improve social isolation and health and wellbeing for both men and women.
Within the grounds of the Chorley Sheds, they had rotting raised planters which are used to grow vegetables These needed replacing and making more accessible for the community users who have restricted mobility.
Our construction team partnered with our supply chain QED to remove the old planters and created concrete foundations for another of our subcontractors, PLF, to build the new planters for community project.
2026Blackpool ColourRun
Once again, the Eric Wright Group has kindly sponsored the orange paint station at the Blackpool Colour Run 2026
We are in need of paint throwing volunteers as well as runners for the 3k colour run.
You do end up absolutely covered with paint, but it is all great fun and for such a worthwhile charity – Trinity/Brian House Children’s Hospice
Event details: Saturday 18 July 2026
Starr Gate Beach, Blackpool starting at 11am
If you would like more info or want to join in as a runner or paint thrower, please get in touch with Stephen Knowles.
SocialValue
TrinityStreetKirklees
EWCE staff recently spent time volunteering at Growing Works, a charity dedicated to nurturing healthy lives outdoors, based in Kirklees as part of our project social value commitments to support local community projects.
The team spent the day maintaining the gardens. The gardens are used to empower people to thrive through connection with nature, outdoor activity, learning and to promote physical and mental wellbeing, support those in need, and provide education about the natural environment - helping people of all ages and abilities build confidence, resilience, community connection, and practical skills.
£2,000donationhelpssupport women’ssafetyinLeeds
As part of our ongoing commitment to the communities where we work, Civils are proud to have donated £2,000 to Women Friendly Leeds, a social movement dedicated to making Leeds safer and more inclusive for women and girls.
Our Civils team are currently working in Leeds on the Leeds City Links scheme, and the donation will support the charity’s vital work in the city. Something that will benefit from this money is the awardwinning Women’s Night Safe Space service, which provides practical and emotional support to women and girls in Leeds’ city centre during busy nightlife hours. From offering a safe place to talk to those who feel vulnerable or unwell, the service plays a crucial part in promoting safety and wellbeing across the city
WhitegateDrive PedalforaPurpose
On 8 May, colleagues from Whitegate Drive Health Centre hosted a “Pedal for a Purpose” fundraiser at Aroma café, raising £437.37 for Home-Start Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre.
The event saw 30 riders complete 10 hours of cycling, bringing the community together in support of local families
Home-Start’s Funding Manager praised the team’s dedication, highlighting the impact of their efforts As the charity provides free, non-judgemental support to parents through home visits and group sessions, funds raised will help ensure families feel less isolated, more confident and better equipped to give their children the best start in life
WiganandLeighHospiceVolunteerDay
On Thursday 21 May, seven EWFM colleagues used their volunteer day to support Wigan and Leigh Hospice at the Robin Park Hospice shop.
Working with Assistant Manager, Rachel, the team tackled a large number of donations, sorting around 15 cages of clothing, shoes and toys. Sellable items were labelled and displayed, while others were prepared to be recycled.
With approximately 60 donation bags arriving weekly and limited volunteer support, the team’s efforts made a real difference. Well done!
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PeopleTeamNews
We’re delighted to welcome two new colleagues to the team. Carly Rhodes joined us in June as People Partner for EWFM & EWP.
An experienced People professional, Carly brings valuable expertise from her time at Speedy Hire and will be working closely with Anne Hulley and Helena Shiels to continue to provide a proactive partnering service across the business.
Anne will now support Wrightcare, Applethwaite and Maple Grove, in addition to Construction and Water Park and Helena will continue to support Water and Group Central Services, ensuring strong and consistent partnership across these areas
Brittany Hopkins joined us in April as our Early Talent Coordinator, following Emma Gardner’s move to the Learning Foundation Brittany brings a wealth of experience from running the Early Talent Programme at Places for People and is already making a valuable impact.
We wish Carly and Brittany the very best in thei
Learning Management System
We’re pleased to share an update on our Learning Management System (LMS) project.
Over recent months, we’ve been progressing through a thorough procurement process, supported by a dedicated working group and steering group representing all areas of the business
ManagementDevelo
Following system demonstrations and detailed due diligence, we have now selected our preferred supplier and are finalising the remaining contract details. Implementation is planned for July to September, ahead of the system’s official launch.
More information will be shared soon, so keep an eye out for further updates.
The first five modules of the Manage Wright: People Management Toolkit have now wrapped up, covering Investigations, Absence Management, Capability, Disciplinary and Grievance
Across the programme, we’ve delivered 64 sessions, with 165 managers completing the programme, a brilliant level of engagement that’s really brought the conversations to life.
After a short breather, we’ll be gearing up to launch the next wave of modules, which include: Health and Wellbeing; Culture, Values, Engagement and Communications; Harassment, Victimisation and Bullying; and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
We hope participants have enjoyed the journey so far and taken away practical insights you can confidently use in your day to day roles
CarlyRhodes
BrittanyHopkins
PolicyUpdate:ImportantChangesYou ShouldKnowAbout
Over the past few months, we’ve completed a comprehensive review and update of several key people policies.
These changes are designed to strengthen our culture, clarify expectations, and ensure we are compliant and continue to operate to the highest standards.
We strongly encourage everyone to take a few minutes to familiarise themselves with the updated policies, understanding these changes helps us all contribute to a safer, fairer, and more supportive workplace.
What’s Been Updated
Absence Management: Revised to provide clearer guidance on reporting, triggers, support during absence, and return to work expectations
Disciplinary Policy: Refreshed to clarify procedures, expectations, and the steps involved in informal and formal processes Includes a new section setting out behavioural expectations
Anti Bullying, Harassment and Victimisation: Strengthened to reinforce our approach and provide clearer reporting routes and support options
Recruitment and Selection: Updated to ensure a consistent, transparent, and inclusive hiring process across all businesses
Modern Slavery Statement & Policy: Updated to reflect our ongoing commitment to ethical practices and responsible supply chain management
Equal Opportunities: Reviewed and updated to reinforce our commitment to fairness, inclusion, and ensuring that everyone is treated with dignity and respect, free from discrimination or bias
Where to Find the Updated Policies
All updated documents are now available on Wrightbox and on WrightPeople. If you have any questions or would like further clarification, please reach out to your manager or a member of the People Team.
We would like to acknowledge Deborah’s remarkable career with the Group and her unwavering commitment over 11½ years during which she has handled some major commercial property schemes for Maple Grove Developments (such as Animate and Hattersley) along with other significant property matters across the Group, including the purchase of the care home sites
We wish her the very best of luck in her future endeavors
Servicecelebrations
Congratulations and thank you to our colleagues who are celebrating service anniversaries.
10 Years Service
Patricia Mottram - Cleaning Supervisor - EWFM
Sharon Langton - Area Cleaning Manager - EWFM
Michele Taylor-Boocock - Commercial Assistant - EWW
Wayne Fletcher - Mechanical Fitters Mate - EWW
Michael Shaw - Electrical Engineer - EWW
Bethany Keys - Assistant Quantity Surveyor - EWC
Niz Patel - Managing Quantity Surveyor - EWCE
20 Years Service
Alison Brooks - Cleaning Operative - EWFM
30 Years Service
Paul Sedman - Chief Planner - EWC
A huge welcome to our new colleagues across the Group
Eric Wright Group
Brooke Speariett - Fleet Administrator
Carly Rhodes - People Partner
Matthew Beswick - Regional Health & Safety Advisor
Eric Wright Water
Sean Browne - Data & Systems Administrator
Joshua Lyon - Assistant CAD Technician
Ian Hankin - Civils Operative
Nazam-ul-din Amin - Commercial Assistant
Steven Harris - Design Engineer
David Gibson - Design Lead
Daniel Whitehurst - Mechanical Fitters Mate
Darren Livesey - Project Engineer (Electrical)
Owen Haines-Myers - Project Manager (Civils)
Matthew Barton - Senior CAD Technician
Richard Morris - Senior Quantity Surveyor
Miles Dickenson - Site Manager (Civils)
Craig Paterson - Stores & Yard Person
Applethwaite
Scott Dennett - Senior Quantity Surveyor
Jessica Ward - Senior Quantity Surveyor
Wrightcare
Clara Fiocca - Laundry Assistant
Kathryn Tayler - Kitchen Assistant
Ehtesham Ali - Bank Care Worker
Eric Wright Construction
James Murphy - Apprentice Mechanical and Electrical Coordinator
Luca Worden - Apprentice Site Manager
Kian Bannaghan - Assistant Site Engineer
Eric Wright Facilities Management
Harry Culkin - Caretaker
Joanne Corns - Cleaning Operative
Paul Taylor - Cleaning Operative
Scarlett Aslatt - Cleaning Operative
Samantha Abram - Cleaning Operative
Thando Mkandla - Cleaning Operative
Susan Parsley - Cleaning Operative
Karina Hagan - Cleaning Operative
Victoria Johnstone-Millin - Cleaning Operative
Courtney Kilburn - Cleaning Operative
Aileen Joyce - Cleaning Operative
Deboragh Pritchard - Cleaning Operative
Rebecca North - Cleaning Operative
Rebecca Naylor - Customer Service Advisor
Concessions
Katie Bushell - Mobile Cleaning Operative
Adam Tolley - Site Supervisor
Eric Wright Civil Engineering
Andrew Leech - Contracts Manager
Anthony Briscoe - Planner
Andrew Hulme - Project Manager
NizPatel
Pleasecontactuswithanynews you’dliketoseein thenextupdate: ewgcomms@ericwright.co.uk
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