Newcastle's Norstead secure major Harley Street contract

Mechanical engineering group Norstead, a division under The Metnor Group umbrella, has secured a prestigious healthcare project in the heart of London.

The Newcastle-based firm will carry out engineering work in the basement and roof space of The London Clinic in Harley Street.

This will include the installation of mechanical and electrical infrastructure systems and is due for completion in December 2014.

Around 60 staff, including some sub-contractors will work on the high-profile project, which will help Norstead retain its existing workforce.

With an expanding client base and proven track record as part of the £80 million Metnor Group, managing director Bill Thoburn said: “This is a hugely exciting project for the team at Norstead and we’re pleased to announce that we are the principal contractor for the project.

“Our vast experience of working on similar sensitive projects within education, healthcare and retail across the country have helped us secure our reputation as a leader in the field of mechanical and electrical installation services and associated maintenance support. This, coupled with the financial security of being part of Metnor Group PLC, maintains the ability for future controlled growth.

“The healthcare sector has provided Norstead with great opportunities during the recession, with an estimated £40m plus in turnover, the majority of which has been secured under the P21 and P21+ Healthcare national frameworks and with more opportunities in the pipeline.”

Mr Thoburn added that his team will be working closely with the operator to ensure this project is completed sensitively, on time, and on budget and to an exceptional standard.

The firm, which was set up in 1971, offers national coverage from its Newcastle and Maidenhead offices, and is now looking to grow its turnover to £30 million by the end of 2015, primarily through repeat business clients, along with Healthcare and Education frameworks and with future plans to roll out the expertise within Norstead to a wider geographical network.

Norstead has undertaken work within many other sectors, including retail, healthcare, commercial, education, light industrial, care homes, pharmaceutical and telecommunications, with healthcare, education and pharmaceutical looking especially strong at the moment having secured over £8 million of business in the last month alone.

The London Clinic contract is expected to add to the list of successful engineering contracts undertaken by Norstead, which has worked on some of the most high-profile building within Newcastle over the last few years, including the Northern Rock tower, Quorum Business Park and the regeneration of the Shieldfield area of the city, primarily for the student accommodation market.