Civil engineer eyes growth after contract successes

A family-run civil engineering firm says it is primed for growth following a string of successes.

BCE Northern is eyeing 50 per cent annual growth after contracts and framework deals bolstered its order book.

Bosses say the wins leave the business set to record £12 million turnover by the end of 2026.

The uptick follows headline projects that include work to support the expansion of Leeds Bradford Airport’s £2.5 million meet-and-greet parking hub; a £3.8 million active travel route investment at Hartlepool Headland and Marina for Hartlepool Borough Council; and a £1.2 million redevelopment of Seaburn Play Park for Sunderland City Council.

The firm, based in Low Fell, Gateshead, was additionally chosen as Northumbrian Water Group’s AMP8 water infrastructure partner.

Founder and managing director Adrian Barton, who runs the company alongside fellow directors Chris Byrne and Neil Rooney, said: “The last two years have been pivotal, not only in terms of new client workload and building on existing relationships, but through the creation of our new board of directors too.

“These factors have led to a significant increase in a very strong forward workload.”

Adrian, whose son Joe is the firm’s health and safety manager, and daughter Emily its social value and bid manager, said its progress has been fuelled by the “loyalty and professionalism” of its 40-plus-strong workforce.

He added: “Our accelerated growth over the last couple of years has enabled us to invest in our staff, including two graduate apprentices, new machinery and new technologies that are enhancing the quality and efficiency of our project delivery.

“The growth is really down to the fantastic people within the business and our trusted supply chain. 

“Without them, we don’t have a business.”

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