Civil engineering contractor to create 60 jobs in Salford

Civil engineering contractor Utilities Design and Planning Ltd (UDP) has moved to a new Salford base and revealed plans to create dozens of jobs.

The company invested in a bigger site on Eccles New Road, where it is looking to bring its headcount to 140 by taking on 60 new staff.

UDP expects its turnover to hit £12m in 2018, up from £7.5m last year. It is backed by private equity firm Foresight Group.

From its new two-acre facility, the company said it will be able to take on an increased number of projects.

Mike Flynn, managing director at UDP, said: “2017 was a strong year for UDP in terms of growth, new senior management team recruits and the installation of new commercial processes and operational systems.

“We have also invested £400k in new plant and vehicles. We are ambitious for further growth and expect revenue to soar past the £10m barrier this year thanks to winning more work from long term strategic partners.”

Speaking further, Mike said UDP will expand this year with the opening of two further satellite depots in Yorkshire and the Midlands.

Foresight Group first invested in the company at the end of 2016.

Claire Alvarez, senior investment manager at Foresight’s Manchester office, is a non-executive director at UDP. She commented: “We are really pleased with the progress at UDP since our investment just over a year ago. The new management team has a clear strategy to take UDP to the next level, which we are delighted to support, particularly as this means new jobs are being created.

“Foresight remains keen to talk to business founders or owners looking for a supportive strategic partner to help them realise value or to meet their growth aspirations.”