Ryebridge owner honours Child of Courage winner at Luton's Best Awards

Ryebridge founder Daniel Coyle was proud to present the Child of Courage accolade at this year’s Luton’s Best Awards.

The awards, which are run by Love Luton, have been recognising community achievement for 15 year, celebrating those truly remarkable individuals and organisations who make the town a better place to live and work.

The Child of Courage Award recognises any young person up to the age of 18 who has put themselves in danger to help or save the life of another, has battled against the odds to overcome adversity in their personal life, or has made a stand to improve the lot of themselves or others.

This year’s nominees were Haresh Sivalingam and Luton Youth Council, with Haresh taking the gong.

Haresh is a student of the Queen Elizabeth school in Luton. He was nominated for his bravery and quick reactions when a lady collapsed in front of him when he was out shopping.

Haresh was able to put her in the recovery position, and waited with her until the ambulance had arrived. He had only undertaken his first aid training a few weeks before and his quick reactions and care for the lady was able to ensure she was safe when the ambulance arrived.

Daniel Coyle said: “What a remarkable young man, and definitely someone you want on the scene in an emergency like this. His quick-thinking and calm manner ensured this lady was cared for and supported following this traumatic experience, and was in the best hands until the ambulance arrived.

“Ryebridge is delighted to support the Luton’s Best Awards each year, and do our part in recognising all that is great about our remarkable community.”

The awards were hosted by the Luton Hoo Hotel and attended by special guests including the Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Susan Lousada, the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Bav Shah, the Mayor of Luton Cllr Tahmina Saleem, local MPs, councillors, shortlisted nominees and sponsors.

The compere for the evening was Andrew Castle, a former British tennis player and TV and radio broadcaster, who was back for his 11th year, and the keynote speaker was Paul Kehoe, chair of Luton Rising.

Andrew Castle, Haresh Sivalingam and Daniel Coyle at the Luton’s Best Awards.

Seasons greetings from everyone at Ryebridge!

What better way to end 2024 than by reflecting on our milestone anniversary?

The award-winning civil engineering and building contractor, which was founded in 2009 by Daniel Coyle, has recently moved into a new headquarters on the doorstep of London Luton Airport.

Last month we recognised 15 years in business with a birthday party at prestigious hotel Luton Hoo, attended by clients, councillors, charity partners and staff.

And to add to the celebrations, we have recently been shortlisted for another prestigious accolade – the sustainability category of the 2025 Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Awards – for our work in both Luton and Southampton, with sustainable working practices going hand in hand with investment in these communities.

Daniel said: “It’s been an exciting year for Ryebridge, and we’re looking forward to lots of fresh opportunities in 2025.

“From all of the team, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of our clients, contractors and partners!”

Ryebridge backing Lighthouse to support wellbeing in construction

Helping mental health

Ryebridge has reinforced its commitment to men’s mental health by becoming a supporter of Lighthouse, the only charity dedicated to the emotional, physical and financial wellbeing of the construction industry and their families.

The company is doing its bit to support Lighthouse’s work with an annual donation, and continuing to highlight its services across all its workplaces.

Stress, depression or anxiety accounts for 20 per cent of all work-related illness in construction, and every single working day in the UK two construction workers take their own lives.

Ryebridge HSQE (health, safety, quality and environment) manager Karen Carter said: “I first heard about Lighthouse during Covid, and donated personally to help towards the support they were offering to construction employees who were unable to work.

“We were recently visited by Lighthouse’s Make It Visible team, who shared their real-life experiences in construction with staff. Our lads were so engrossed in what you were saying you could have heard a pin drop, and some of them stayed behind afterwards to talk further with the team.

“In supporting Lighthouse we’re also supporting our lads, so everyone is benefiting from the relationship.”
For information on the work of the Lighthouse charity, visit https://www.lighthouseclub.org/mental-health/

Winter roads kept ice-free thanks to Ryebridge salt barn

Keeping Oxfordshire moving this winter

A new salt barn holding thousands of tonnes of grit is playing its part in keeping roads in Oxfordshire free of ice over the winter months.

The barn, at the Deddington highways depot, near Banbury, was built by Ryebridge on behalf of Oxfordshire County Council, and keeps road salt in the optimum conditions for spreading while reducing wastage from exposure to the elements.

It can hold up to 2,800 tonnes of road salt, enough to grit over 23,333km of roads, and the roof is fitted with solar panels, generating approximately 50kw power for the grid.

The barn is used by a new fleet of gritting vehicles, consisting of 16 26-tonne trucks, 11 18-tonne vehicles, two 7.5-tonne trucks and one 3.5-tonne ‘baby gritter’, to treat very narrow roads and park and rides.

Ryebridge managing director Sean Scully said it had been crucial to finish construction before the start of the winter season.

“The challenge was doing the construction in an operational yard. So there was lots of work out of hours and at weekends, but it’s all about planning your work, and if you know something is going to be disruptive you give lots of notice.

“Oxfordshire County Council will recover the cost of the barn relatively quickly in terms of the wasted and unusable salt, and we hope this inspires other councils to invest in similar projects.”

Ryebridge staff trained in defibrillator use

A cohort of Ryebridge staff are fully trained in what to do in the event of a colleague or a member of the public suffering a life-threatening cardiac arrest.

A team from the company received training in life-saving defibrillator and CPR skills from Andy Lewis of East Anglian Air Ambulance.

The out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival rate in the UK is around 8 per cent if only resuscitation/CPR is attempted. However, if a defibrillator is used alongside effective CPR within the first three to five minutes, the chances of survival can increase to between 40 per cent-70 per cent.

The hour-long training covered the difference between a cardiac arrest and a heart attack, as well as how to recognise a cardiac arrest, calling emergency services, starting CPR and using a community defibrillator.

Being confident in using a defibrillator to restart someone’s heart is vital. For every minute that the patient is left without defibrillation, their chances of survival decrease by 10 per cent.

It included an element of practical hands-on, which the Ryebridge team enthusiastically participated in.

Ryebridge health, safety and wellbeing Manager Karen Carter said: “We are going to put our defibrillator in the hallway downstairs at our headquarters so other companies  in the building can have access.

“We have also registered it with the local ambulance service so they are aware there is one in the area if other people need to use it.”

Ryebridge are also purchasing some portable defibrillators to keep in company vehicles, ensuring they are able to give somebody the best chance of survival and recovery in the event of a life-threatening medical emergency.

EAAA aims to train 20,000 people each year in how to perform CPR and use a defibrillator, so they can have the confidence to start the chain of survival as soon as possible in the event of a cardiac arrest.

Any local business or organisation looking to book training can do so via this link: https://www.eaaa.org.uk/learn-cpr

Ryebridge apprentices are the next generation of construction industry

Securing the future of the construction industry

This year’s cohort of Ryebridge apprentices are looking forward to their futures with the company.

The group of seven recruits – all at various stages in their training – were tasked with predicting what they would be doing in a year’s time, with their answers put into a sealed envelope for the next 12 months.

The line-up of apprentices includes: James Arnall, studying Civil Engineering at the University of Herts; Nancy Tucker, studying Accountancy Level 2 at Bedford College; Mason Pender, in his first year of a BSC in Quantity Surveying at London South Bank University; Ronnie Costen, studying Construction Management at Oaklands College; Finn Scully, on a Level 3 Survey Technician course at Bedford College; Max Banham, studying Level 3 Site Management at Bedford College; and newly recruited Mason Hendy, who has yet to begin a course.

They reflect the company’s commitment to investing in the next generation of employees by supporting them with education, experience and insight into how the business works.

As part of their training, all new recruits are assigned a mentor within the firm who will have time put aside specifically for working with them, ensuring there is always someone they can talk to if they need advice or help.

One of the jobs many of them will be working on will be the new Alpha taxiway extension at London Luton Airport, after Ryebridge recently won the tender for the multi-million pound project.

Ryebridge founder and owner Daniel Coyle told them: “The construction industry will give you experience in many different facets of life, and as such can just be the means to get you to the next stage of your career.

“Where you see yourself next year might not be where you end up, as there are always new opportunities becoming available.

“But although it’s good to continually question yourself, ultimately being happy at work is the most important thing, as your career will go by very quickly.”

Shortlisted candidates revealed for Luton's Child of Courage award

Recognising Luton’s Best

The Child of Courage category in this year’s Luton’s Best Awards is proudly sponsored by Ryebridge Construction, with two exceptional nominees on the shortlist.

The awards, which are run by Love Luton, have been recognising community achievement for 15 year, celebrating those truly remarkable individuals and organisations who make the town a better place to live and work.

The Child of Courage Award recognises any young person up to the age of 18 who has put themselves in danger to help or save the life of another, has battled against the odds to overcome adversity in their personal life, or has made a stand to improve the lot of themselves or others.

This year’s nominees are Haresh Sivalingam and Luton Youth Council.

Haresh is a student of the Queen Elizabeth school in Luton. He was nominated for his bravery and quick reactions when a lady collapsed in front of him when out shopping.

Haresh was able to put her in the recovery position, and waited with her until the ambulance had arrived. He had only undertaken his first aid training a few weeks before and his quick reactions and care for the lady was able to ensure she was safe when the ambulance arrived.

Youth Council have been nominated for the number of projects and the inspiration they provide to the young people of Luton.

They are an elected team of 15 young councillors, dedicated to improving the lives of young people in Luton, and their key campaigns are mental health, domestic abuse awareness and disability awareness.

Their overarching aim is to provide a source of inspiration for young people through various committees, projects and actions that will allow them to flourish into leading citizens and adults of the future. As the nomination said: “They are true children of courage”.

The nominees will be honoured at a gala ceremony taking place at Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf and Spa on Friday January 17.

Celebrating seven year relationship between Ryebridge and Luton Town FC

Seven years behind the Hatters

This season the Ryebridge logo once again adorns the back of Luton Town FC’s away and third shirts, keeping the company firmly linked with the club and its supporters.

Our branding also appears on the LED screens at Kenilworth Road stadium, which ensures we’re often front and centre of the action.

Ryebridge owner Daniel Coyle said: “We're absolutely delighted to be so closely associated with a club which really is at the heart of the Luton community.

“There really is no other club quite like Luton Town, and we’re proud to have been part of their journey for seven years.”

The extended partnership, which began in the 2018/19 season, has been mutually beneficial. Ryebridge has enjoyed significant brand exposure, while Luton Town have benefitted from the company’s continued support.

Chris Bell, commercial director at Luton Town Football Club, welcomed the continued collaboration: “A long association with Ryebridge has resulted in many memorable moments.

“Ryebridge is a business with a deep connection to the local community sharing the same values as us.

“I’m delighted that the relationship continues and will keep developing. It’s important to us to partner with businesses that have a positive impact locally, and Ryebridge certainly is a prominent local and national company.”

How Ryebridge are laying down roots in Southampton

We’re investing in a new base in Southampton

With plans in place for Ryebridge to open a new base of operations in Southampton, we look back on the company’s successful links to the port redevelopment.

Back in August 2022, Ryebridge won the tender to build the Solent Rail Terminal, a joint initiative between Associated British Ports (ABP) and Solent Stevedores which expanded the existing intermodal rail transport site to offer additional laden and empty container handling, storage, maintenance, and repair.

The success of this project, the first of its type Ryebridge had worked on, led ABP to engage our services on Marchwood Phase 1, the redevelopment of the port for trading, including the construction of a vast vehicular storage hard-surface area with all kerbs, surfacing, drainage, ducts and manholes.

Additionally, the company built a new security gatehouse and entrance ready for when the site is fully operational, with Phase 1 expected to be completed in the next few weeks.

The project, which got underway in October 2023, involved the demolition of existing site buildings and off-site highway upgrades, alongside the realignment of the internal highway network and upgraded railway crossing points, and the installation of new high mast lights, site CCTV and the electrical infrastructure.

In a company first for environmental excellence, Ryebridge transported the 13,000t of material needed for the work on two boats, eliminating 3,800 lorry movements and the generation of 307 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions (based on 25 tonne vehicles each travelling 10 miles).

Although this meant double-handling the material as it was loaded onto and off the boats, it was deemed to be worth the effort to ensure there was minimal impact on the local community.

This activity was one of the reasons why Ryebridge was shortlisted in the sustainability category of the 2025 Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Awards.

Ryebridge’s ongoing commitment to Southampton has seen the company’s workforce grow from 10 local people and sub-contractors in 2022 to a staff of more than 50 people fully employed and drawn from the local workforce.

Recruiting first through agencies, we soon found we could pick up staff through local resources and referrals, and we have recently invested in our first apprentice, training him in the operation of a forklift and dumper truck.

We have recently been appointed by DP World to work at their base at the port and are progressing with drainage improvements and concrete works. These works will be completed to budget and on time in advance of the Christmas break.

Ryebridge has achieved SafeContractor status, a SSIP (Safety Schemes in Procurement) accreditation whereby a company’s details are verified across health, safety, financial and ethical practices – right down to specific areas such as permits to work at height, or hazardous material handling. All accredited businesses are searchable via a website portal.

The company is an ISO:9001 accredited organisation, which recognises our quality processes and focus on continuous improvement, and is also a Living Wage Accredited organisation. Basic fairness is at the heart of what the Living Wage campaign is trying to achieve, and this is why Ryebridge chooses to go further than the Government minimum.

In Ryebridge’s hometown of Luton, the company was recently recognised as a ‘hero stakeholder’ for the socio-economic value created because of its work with London Luton Airport, the town and the surrounding region.

Ryebridge was highlighted for a good balance of impact across the four key areas of work, economy, community, planet, which included having apprentices, hiring local people, supporting local schools and colleges, and spending with local businesses.

The company also incorporates a wellbeing programme for staff, invests in equality, diversity and inclusion training, manages waste responsibly and supports local community projects.

It is this model of operations which Ryebridge is keen to introduce in Southampton, embedding ourselves deeper into the city community and ensuring our name is synonymous with boosting the local economy, creating local jobs and supporting local charities.

This has already got underway, with Ryebridge sponsoring the Ringwood Seals swimming club, taking part in the Utilita charity golf day in the summer to help support people out of fuel and food poverty, and donating surplus materials to a local boxing gym for training equipment.

These activities are just the start of the company’s drive to give something back to the wider community, with talks already underway with Street Angels (Southampton) to help support their work with homeless rough sleepers.

Now Ryebridge is looking to establish a permanent base of operations in Southampton, providing job security for its locally-based workforce, and showing our commitment to a long-term future in the region.

Managing director Sean Scully said: “We’re confident that we can make a Southampton operation sustainable and so we’re looking at setting down roots in the city. Make no odds about it, Ryebridge is here to stay!”

 

Ryebridge has been transforming the Marchwood port site.

Ryebridge on the Marchwood site.

Delivering materials by sea to avoid lorry movements.

Ryebridge is also working for DP World in Southampton.

Ryebridge’s work on the Solent Rail Terminal was a big success.

Ryebridge return to Bristol Airport

Five nights at Bristol Airport

Ryebridge have been back airside at Bristol Airport, wrapping up the construction of a new fillet for Foxtrot Taxiway.

Our team has been working tight windows of a maximum five hours a night -including handover to air ops and establishing a safe taxiway - with just five nights to complete all the works. We managed security, permits, passes and full project delivery.

Night 1 – isolate and relocate edge lights and top soil strip and stone up in time for reopening;

Night 2 – Complete strip and stone up, lay dry lean concrete start land drain and plinths for lights;

Night 3- Complete dry lean concrete, complete ducting , plinths and land drain;

Night 4- Surfacing course and seeding;

Night 5 – Lining and edge light commissioning plus full demobilisation.

Airside working isn’t for every contractor but over 15 years of aviation experience hasn’t been wasted on us!

The completion of the Foxtrot fillet project means increased width, allowing for arger aircraft  (Embraer, Airbus and Boeing) to exit the runway at this location when landing on Runway 27, reducing runway occupation time, and improving flow.

The taxiway was previously restricted to smaller aircraft such as the ATR turboprop and business jets, due to the non-compliant distance from the outer main gear of the aircraft to the pavement edge.

Ryebridge team joins 220-mile charity cycle ride for two Luton charities

Four wheels take to the road

Ryebridge founder Daniel Coyle and managing director Sean Scully got on their bikes to ride for our charity partners the Luton Foodbank and the East Anglian Air Ambulance.

They joined a gruelling 220-mile charity bike ride across the Republic of Ireland which saw 29 participants pedal from Dublin to Dingle Bay, organised by London Luton Airport to help these local good causes.

Daniel said afterwards: “As a proud Luton business we are passionate about enriching the lives of people living and working locally, which includes supporting vital local charities in a bid to improve wellbeing and address inequalities within Luton society.

“This was a fantastic event, and although difficult at times, our physical hardship in no way compares to the Luton people having to struggle in poverty on a daily basis.”

Ryebridge to complete school's groundworks free of charge

Making a sensory garden into a reality

Ryebridge is proud to support Woodlands Secondary School, a Luton-based special needs school for students aged between 11-18 years old.

The school caters for students with severe learning difficulties or profound and multiple learning difficulties, many of whom also have additional complex needs including autistic spectrum disorder, epilepsy, physical or sensory impairments.

Around 18 months ago teacher Selina Young attended a Climate Action Teachers Champion (CATCh) programme, Luton’s flagship initiative aimed at helping teachers and local schools access resource and support in delivering and embracing sustainability.

CATCh has been specifically designed to help teachers embed climate change and sustainability within their learning programmes, and to help school leads and senior leadership to understand how they can access local resources, funding and support to help launch their school Climate Change Action Plan.

Following this course, and with consultation from the school’s Eco Council, she decided to create a sensory garden in the school grounds to provide a calm space to help students regulate away from the school environment.

The aim was to create a quiet, peaceful and pretty area incorporating elements which are visually appealing, smell nice and potentially even taste good as well.

With a bursary from the course she bought a wooden structure to provide shelter, but needed the area to be wheelchair accessible as well, only to receive quotes for groundworks in the region of £4-5K, which made the project impossible to finance.

Fortunately the school’s careers department partners with London Luton Airport, who put them in touch with Ryebridge, and managing director Sean Scully went to Woodlands to see first-hand what was needed: “I found the visit quite inspirational - the enthusiasm and passion for the students was quite overwhelming and we will be delighted to help complete the groundworks for them free of charge.”

A team of apprentices from Ryebridge – supervised by project manager Don Wall - will be carrying out all of the necessary work early in the New Year.

Selina said: “We’re really grateful for the groundworks, and want to raise money for Ryebridge’s charity partner Luton Foodbank as a way of saying thank you.”

Fundraising efforts will involve a non-school uniform day where students will be encouraged to wear the Foodbank’s colours of grey and red.

The proposed site of the sensory garden.

Ryebridge: keeping Luton movin' and groovin'

Two events we saved in 2024

Ryebridge was instrumental in ensuring that two major events in Luton were able to take place this year.

In May our team gave up their time over two days to help make Stockwood Park safe and accessible for one of the most exciting weekends ever for Luton. Following torrential rain it looked as though the Radio One Big Weekend would be cancelled, until we repaired the fire escape route, set down new flooring, completed various remedials around the site and helped make improvements to accessible parking areas.

Managing director Sean Scully said: “We wouldn’t let a bit of rain spoil Luton’s Big Weekend, and we were over the moon to receive a shout-out from presenter Greg James after helping out!”

Then in October a team from the company spent a whole repairing around 50 potholes on a section of the Luton Hoo estate used for the Luton Runfest’s half-marathon race around the town on Sunday.

Without our help, the popular community event was in danger of being cancelled as the course would have been considered unsafe.

Organisers Love Luton gave Ryebridge a shout-out on their Facebook page, and chairperson Linsey Sweet said: “This event was made possible by the outstanding support of Ryebridge.

“Their efforts in fixing several potholes across the Luton Hoo estate not only enabled a smooth and breathtaking run but also showcased our business community's ability to achieve great things when we come together.

“Their consistent support since our formation in 2010 has put Luton on the map for all the right reasons, and we couldn't be prouder to work with such an incredible organisation that always goes above and beyond for the town.”

Fixing the potholes at Luton Hoo for Runfest.

Making sure the Radio One Big Weekend went ahead.

Ryebridge are taking care of Christmas getaways

Ryebridge was instrumental in ensuring travellers can fly to visit families or enjoy a much-needed holiday over the festive period, after planning, coordinating and delivering two weekends of annual essential maintenance work at London Luton Airport.

This year’s activity included runway improvement works, a new taxi away, stop bars and taxiway patching, and each night involved 120 operatives, seven different contractors, 70 vehicles and 200t of material, with the runway shut between midnight at 5.30am.

We check the airfield annually to ensure the upkeep of new and existing facilities and support the infrastructure for thousands of flights departing from and arriving at LLA.

Ryebridge managing director Sean Scully said: “This is just one of the many things we do behind the scenes at London Luton Airport to help keep operations uninterrupted throughout the year.”

Ryebridge is a finalist for Chartered Institute of Building award

Ryebridge has been shortlisted for another prestigious accolade – the sustainability category of the 2025 Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Awards.

Finalists in the national competition are said to represent the very best leadership and talent in the built environment sector.

Ryebridge was shortlisted for its work in both Luton and Southampton, with sustainable working practices going hand in hand with investment in the local communities where it operates, ensuring more than 90% of site and office staff come from the local area and using a local supply chain to support companies within the immediate vicinity.

Ryebridge promotes a carbon neutral strategy across all aspects of the business, including the use of low emission machinery and solar powered welfare cabins, avoiding the need for polluting generators and ensuring power to all appliances, hot water and air conditioning as required. All of the company’s machines are AdBlue which reduces the emissions of mono-nitrogen oxide.

As a civil engineering company, net zero buildings are outside the scope of Ryebridge’s work, but the company strives to achieve net zero through our conduct, including recycling waste material on site.

Ryebridge was recently recognised as a ‘hero stakeholder’ for the socio-economic value created because of its work with Luton Airport, the town and the surrounding region.

London Luton Airport’s Social Value Report 2023 was delivered by sustainability strategy consultancy Brite Green and involved 12 airport stakeholders.

Ryebridge was recognised for a good balance of impact across the four key areas of work, economy, community and planet - which included having apprentices, hiring local people, supporting local schools and colleges, and spending with local businesses.

In the company’s work on the construction of the new Marchwood Port in Southampton, Ryebridge took the unprecedented decision to transport 13,000t of material by two boatloads, even though the client had allowed for lorry movements in their planning application and it would have been cheaper by road.

However, using sea meant Ryebridge successfully removed 3,800 lorry movements from the roads around Marchwood and the surrounding area, completing a company first for environmental excellence despite not being contractually obligated to do so.

This not only prevented congestion in the local area but also eliminated the generation of 307 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions (based on 25 tonne vehicles travelling 10 miles each).

Managing director Sean Scully said: “We are delighted to have been recognised as a finalist in these very competitive awards.

“Sustainability is a driving factor in every aspect of Ryebridge’s work, and we are focused on our hometown of Luton becoming a healthy, fair and sustainable community offering opportunities for everyone to thrive and where nobody has to live in poverty.

“In Southampton we will continue working to ensure that any future projects adhere to the same principles we demonstrated in Marchwood, offering solutions which put the planet before profit.

“We are proud of all the communities we operate in and take every opportunity to remove any impact from our essential works, either environmentally or in other ways.”

The 2025 CIOB Awards ceremony takes place on Thursday May 15 at the Hilton London Metropole.

Happy 15th birthday Ryebridge!

A glittering birthday party at prestigious hotel Luton Hoo celebrated the 15th anniversary of Ryebridge Construction.

Clients, councillors, charity partners and staff gathered in the luxury surroundings of Warren Weir to mark the milestone occasion, including representatives from London Luton Airport and Love Luton.

An auction in support of Luton Foodbank and East Anglian Air Ambulance saw guests bidding for top prizes including seats in The Boot Room for Luton Town’s clash with Norwich, signed Hatters football shirts and the chance to play a round of golf at the home of the British Masters and four-time host to the Ryder Cup, The Belfry.

Daniel Coyle, who founded the award-winning civil engineering and building contractor in 2009, thanked everyone in the room for supporting the company over the past 15 years.

He reminded many present of Ryebridge’s last celebration, marking its 10th anniversary in 2019 when the following year looked certain to be its best yet, only for the pandemic to have a devastating impact on the business.

What followed was a case of protecting the workforce and rebuilding, and over time the company bounced back, with turnover tripling thanks to the efforts of the growing team.

Daniel thanked everyone who had supported both him and the business, especially London Luton Airport, and paid tribute to Ryebridge members of staff for their commitment and loyalty.

He said afterwards: “The evening was a celebration of Ryebridge’s 15th anniversary, but also a way of acknowledging the incredible support both myself and the company have received in this time, especially during the dark days of the pandemic.

“There was a real family atmosphere on the night and the feedback I’ve had since the event has been incredible. Here’s to the next 15 years!”

Photos by Danny Loo Photography.

Ryebridge welcome Lighthouse Charity to discuss staff wellbeing

The team at Ryebridge Construction’s site compound at London Luton Airport welcomed representatives from the Lighthouse Charity as part of Men’s Health Awareness Month 2024.

The charity is dedicated to the emotional, physical and financial wellbeing of the construction industry and their families.

Rob and Dale from the MakeItVisible team talked to employees about wellbeing in construction and shared their own experiences, with an opportunity for staff to speak to them on a one-to-one basis and ask any questions they might have had.

They also spoke about how the Lighthouse Charity. can offer emotional, physical and financial support to workers within the construction community.

Their helpline offers 24/7 free and confidential advice to anyone working in construction - call 0345 605 1956.

Ryebridge supports Men's Mental Health Month

Ryebridge has reinforced its commitment to the wellbeing of its workers throughout Men’s Health Awareness Month 2024.

The aim of the November initiative is to encourage men to start conversations about their health and to seek support if they need it, including mental health and suicide prevention.

Ryebridge works closely with Lighthouse, a charity dedicated to the emotional, physical and financial wellbeing of the construction industry and their families.

According to their shocking statistics, stress, depression or anxiety accounts for 20 per cent of all work-related illness in construction, and every single working day in the UK two construction workers take their own lives.

The company has also established new links with another charity, Mates in Mind, which works across various industries, focusing on construction, as well as related sectors including transport, logistics, manufacturing, and others.

Ryebridge HSQE (health, safety, quality and environment) manager Karen Carter said: “We encourage our staff to talk about stress and mental health, and have a number of mental health first aiders available if they are needed.

“Mental health has always been a priority for us, and I’m very aware of the importance of ensuring all employees have access to mental health first aiders, signposting to support services, or where necessary independent counsellors.”

Ryebridge also holds regular occupational health days to ensure staff have access to any support they might require.

For information on the work of the Lighthouse charity, visit https://www.lighthouseclub.org/mental-health/

Find out more about Mates in Mind at https://www.matesinmind.org/

Grand opening of Oxfordshire salt barn built by Ryebridge Construction

An innovative new winter salt barn designed and built by Ryebridge Construction in Oxfordshire has been officially opened.

The barn, at the Deddington highways depot, near Banbury, was built by Ryebridge on behalf of Oxfordshire County Council, and keeps road salt in the optimum conditions for spreading, avoiding wastage and ensuring that the salt is more effective, so smaller quantities can be used.

It can hold 2,800 tonnes of road salt, enough to grit over 23,333km of roads, and the roof is fitted with solar panels, generating approximately 50kw power for the grid.

The barn also removes wider concerns from the Environmental Agency about salt being unprotected from the elements - risking harmful run-off contamination.

Ryebridge managing director Sean Scully said: “It was a pleasure to take part in the high-profile opening of the salt barn, and see it filled with grit ready for the winter season.

“Oxfordshire County Council will recover the cost of the barn relatively quickly in terms of the wasted and unusable salt, and we hope this inspires other councils to invest in similar projects.”

The county’s winter preparations have also been boosted by the arrival of a new fleet of gritting vehicles, consisting of 16 26-tonne trucks, 11 18-tonne vehicles, two 7.5-tonne trucks and one 3.5-tonne ‘baby gritter’, to treat very narrow roads and park and rides. In total, 30 vehicles are stationed at three winter depots across the county – including Deddington - ready for when the temperatures drop.

Richard Lovewell, business director for Oxfordshire County Council’s highways maintenance contractor, Milestone Infrastructure, said: “With the new salt barn and gritter fleet, over 10,000 tonnes of salt in stock and 60 expert drivers on standby across the county, we’re all set for when the temperatures drop. Thanks to all the staff who have gone above and beyond to ensure we are ‘winter ready’ and especially to those who go out every year in challenging conditions to keep our network moving.”

Ryebridge started work at the depot site at the start of June, and were finished at the end of September, in time for Oxford Highways to spend the whole of last month filling it up ready for the cold weather.

The project involved removing the existing foundations, stabilising the ground, levelling it off and putting in bases and slab. Ryebridge had a contractor design and install a steel frame, and another company precast the retaining wall units. Then they added a pitch roof, timber cladding and purlins.

The company also installed an outside gantry and a steam-washer to keep the gritters clean, the salt being extremely corrosive, and removed old offices and levelled off a site for extra parking.

The story of the salt barn opening was picked up by various media, including BBC South Today television, BBC Radio Oxford and the Highways News website.

Ryebridge backs fight against Luton health inequalities

Ryebridge has given its support to a campaign aimed at reducing health inequalities in Luton.

As part of their strategic 2040 vision for the town, Luton Borough Council became the UK’s first Marmot Town, working with the Institute of Health Equity (IHE) to establish a partnership approach and coordinate actions in four priority areas.

These included housing, raising aspirations for children and young people, reaching net zero and business, employment and skills.

In 2023 the Luton public health team convened a conference of various partners showcasing how their organisations were tackling health inequalities.

A follow-up virtual conference took place today, looking at the social responsibility for tackling health inequalities.

One of the speakers was Ryebridge managing director Sean Scully, who spoke about how the work the company does in construction supported young people who were systematically disadvantaged by the academic focus of schools and colleges.

Sean said afterwards: “I was very pleased to be invited to present at the Luton: A Marmot Town Second Annual Conference today.

“I had the opportunity to highlight the work we do in the community providing opportunities for the unemployed and young people, improving the socio-economic status of the town and ultimately contributing to the drive for health equality.”

He explained: “It’s no longer true that the only option available to young people looking to find a successful career is to focus solely on an academic route through college or sixth form and then on to university.

“Instead, it is increasingly evident that more skills-based options can appeal to those students who struggle with exams and intensive learning, but this requires both increased awareness of the options available, and practical work experience and job opportunities within locally based companies.

“Before I joined Ryebridge Construction I was a director at one of the largest further education colleges in the UK, and I saw first-hand that for many young people the traditional academic path was both isolating and disenfranchising, whereas they thrived taking a more skills-based approach.

“Our use of apprentices reflects the company’s commitment to investing in the next generation of employees by supporting them with education, experience and insight into how the business works.

“Ryebridge also aims to empower young people by offering work experience across the company, making them more comfortable with the idea of learning on the job.

“We are committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity amongst our workforce. Our aim is that our workforce will be truly representative of all sections of society and each employee feels respected and able to give of their best.”