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.”

Ryebridge relocates to new home at London Luton Airport

Ryebridge Construction has a new home at the heart of London Luton Airport.

The company has relocated its head office to Voyager House at 142 Prospect Way, on the very doorstep of the airport.

The move means larger, more accessible premises with an open plan layout designed to promote innovation, discussion and creativity among the locally-based team.

It will also ensure even closer ties to Ryebridge’s longest standing client London Luton Airport, where the company is a trusted and experienced landside and airside contractor for airport developments including the new multi-million pound Alpha taxiway extension and ongoing maintenance and framework contracts.

And Ryebridge will naturally continue its partnerships with Love Luton, Luton Town FC and local charities and colleges, only now from a base better placed to develop these ties even further.

Owner and founder Daniel Coyle said: “Our former head office at Barrett Industrial Park on Airport Way has served us well but we are expanding rapidly and need somewhere to grow into. When this space became available at the airport it made perfect sense to take advantage of it.

“Being even closer to the hub of London Luton Airport will strengthen our working relationship, and will also ensure our staff on-site can access head office staff easier, so it’s a win-win all round.”

Watch: Ryebridge's demolition of former swimming pool

This time-lapse film illustrates Ryebridge’s successful work demolishing the disused New Addington swimming pool and community centre in Croydon, and clearing the site ahead of future construction.

Starting on site in April 2023, the brief from Croydon Health Services NHS Trust was to prepare the land ready for work to begin on a drop-off and pick-off point for a new NHS diagnostic centre.

The building, which dates back to 1963 and had been closed for years, was full of asbestos, so the work was logistically difficult, especially as there was a live leisure centre operating next door.

The Ryebridge team ensured there was full dust suppression to avoid any inconvenience for neighbouring residents as well as leisure centre users and staff, especially when bringing down the chimney.

All material stayed on site and was used for infilling, avoiding the need for it to be transported elsewhere, and Ryebridge left behind a flat and empty site when work concluded at the end of June.

Why Ryebridge is backing the expansion of London Luton Airport

A vision for the future economic growth of London Luton Airport and its surrounding region has received the full backing of Ryebridge Construction.

Luton Rising has set out its aim to bring increased prosperity to the town through the proposed expansion of LLA, which not only represents the region’s biggest job creation programme in a generation, but is possible without any Government investment.

Chair Paul Kehoe explained: “Saying yes to the airport expansion is saying yes to the most important driver of economic growth in the region, and to Luton’s transformation into a vibrant service economy. It is central to our mission to raise the standard of living for local residents, eradicate poverty and build an economic air bridge in the heart of the Golden Triangle of London, Oxford and Cambridge.

“The new Government’s focus on growth across the country, to combat the cost-of-living crisis and to prioritise prosperity from sustainable, environmentally-friendly development, all align to Luton Rising’s vision for growth and significant job creation across Luton.”

The economic growth strategy ties in with the Luton 2040 Vision – of which Ryebridge is a partner – which aims to create a healthy, fair, and sustainable town where everyone can thrive, and no one has to live in poverty.

A report from Oxford Economics estimates London Luton Airport’s total impact on GDP to be around £830 million in Luton alone, and expansion would add 11,000 new jobs at the airport and in the supply chain across the region, with around 4,800 directly in Luton.

LLA has provided more than £300 million to support important council frontline services since 1998, together with an additional £180 million for vital voluntary, community and charitable organisations. Should expansion be approved, this impact would virtually triple.

Luton Rising managing director Nick Platts added: “Our vision for Luton is a place where growth, community investment and highly-skilled job creation is happening at scale. All of this is focused on delivering the Luton 2040 Vision and will be a catalyst for delivering a step change in Luton’s enterprise ecosystem.”

Ryebridge Construction has worked hand-in-hand with LLA for 15 years, and was recently recognised as a ‘hero stakeholder’ for the socio-economic value created because of this work, including having apprentices, hiring local people, supporting local schools and colleges, and spending with local businesses.

The company is committed to Luton’s economic growth, which includes drawing on a local pool of talent, ensuring more than 90 per cent of our site and office staff come from the immediate area, supporting flexible working arrangements while going further than the government minimum as a Living Wage accredited organisation, and using a local supply chain to support companies within the Luton area.

Ryebridge also has a leading role in the Luton Development Forum, which brings together various specialists with a common goal of regenerating and rejuvenating the town.

Managing director Sean Scully said: “We recognise that Luton is one of the most socio-economically challenged locations in the country, which is why we support Luton Rising’s life-changing approach to tackling local poverty head-on, and are proud to do our part in achieving the 2040 Vision.”

Ryebridge tackle potholes to ensure Runfest goes ahead

This year’s Love Luton Runfest only went ahead thanks to the swift intervention of Ryebridge Construction.

A team from the company spent all of Saturday repairing around 50 potholes on a section of the Luton Hoo estate used for the half-marathon race around the town on Sunday.

Without their 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, added: “Sunday, October 13th, marked Love Luton’s 11th running event, a truly remarkable and record-breaking success with nearly 2,200 participants. 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.”

Ryebridge managing director Sean Scully said: “As long-standing supporters of Love Luton there was no way we could stand back and see this event cancelled, so our team immediately headed down to the Luton Hoo estate to tackle the potholes and ensure the race went ahead.

“We’re glad that this year’s Runfest was such a huge success and look forward to continuing our support in 2025.”

Ryebridge and London Luton Airport up for national Building Innovation Award

Ryebridge Construction and London Luton Airport have made the shortlist for the 2024 Building Innovation Awards.

They have been recognised in the Best Retrofit Innovation or Project for their recent work in LLA’s International Departures Lounge (IDL).

Ryebridge was contracted to construct a new mezzanine floor above the second floor IDL, and carried out all of the work in a live airport environment without any disruption to operations.

Building out was simply not possible, so it was decided to take advantage of the high level spaces above the IDL and build a new 675 sqm mezzanine level supported by a steel structure coming up from the baggage area and through the ground floor check-in area.

The foundations for the 18m steels were increased to make them more structurally sound, and the steels were then pulled through check-in, through the IDL and up to create a support for the new floor.

Penetrations in the floors and ceilings took place at night, ensuring the steels could be set in one shift after being transported into the empty check-in area.

Because there was no room for machinery in the narrow spaces in the baggage area, some of the excavation work was carried out by hand, adding to the challenges Ryebridge faced.

The project was delivered in partnership with the LLA Development Team, and required collaboration between designers, structural engineers, sub-contractors, airside operations, airport security, airport technical services, terminal duty managers and airport concessions.

The Building Innovation Awards are the UK's largest celebration of innovation and tech in the construction sector, recognising and celebrating the pioneering individuals, organisations and partnerships that are embracing emerging technologies and digital transformation in order to take UK construction to the next level.

Ryebridge managing director Sean Scully said: “We are honoured to be shortlisted in these prestigious national awards. This project was a complex and highly technical job, and its successful completion is testament to the professionalism and commitment of the entire team.”

The winners will be announced at a gala dinner and awards ceremony on October 17 at Hilton Deansgate in Manchester.

Ryebridge ensure Oxfordshire gritters are ready for winter

Winter is coming… But the fleet of gritters making sure the roads of Oxfordshire are ice-free are ready – thanks to Ryebridge.

The company has now handed over the new saltbarn at Deddington Highways Depot near Banbury, and the first deliveries of grit are being brought in over the coming weeks.

Contracts manager Ferdie Boaitey was on the ground overseeing the project from start to finish, ensuring it was completed before the start of this year’s winter season.

He explained why Oxfordshire County Council decided to build the facility: “Beforehand they had a retaining block around the site, which was open to the elements, and they kept their salt there.

“When they’re spreading the salt, they have to set it at around 12 grams per meter, but if it’s kept dry they only have to set it at eight grams, which gives them quite a lot of savings, so they decided in invest in a covered salt barn.”

With the site having experienced weeks of heavy rainfall, the practicalities are immediately obvious.

Ferdie elaborated on what the job entailed: “We came in, removed the existing foundations, stabilised the ground, levelled it off and then put in some bases and slab. We had a contractor design and install a steel frame for us, and another company precast the retaining wall units. They we added a pitch roof, timber cladding and purlins, and then there were a bit of external works. We started the first week in June and were done at the end of September.”

The timeframe was very close to the start of the gritting season, and Ryebridge would have faced penalties if they’d overrun, as Oxfordshire Highways are spending the whole of October filling it up with close to 3,000 pounds of salt, more than enough for next winter’s demands, but it came in on time and without any issues.

Ferdie said the grit is delivered first thing in the morning, and then again later in the afternoon: “Once they’ve had the first fill they just top it up, so won’t be shunting it right to the back.

“When they’re loading, the gritters will come up to the front of the barn.”

Ryebridge 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.

Ferdie added: “The challenge here 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.

“We handed over yesterday and I had a walk around the site with the depot manager and he was happy with the work.”

Ryebridge helps build new Rocket Padel facility at Battersea Power Station

Rocket Padel is at the forefront of ensuring the sport of padel is enjoyable and accessible for everyone – and Ryebridge Construction has done its bit to achieve this goal.

The company has helped create the new Rocket Padel facility at Battersea Power Station, which showcases a unique four-court club in a bespoke 11-meter-high glass building overlooking the River Thames.

Ryebridge was responsible for all the groundworks on the site, which was the former contractors’ compound for the redevelopment of the iconic power station, used for site cabins, materials and parking.

The eight-week project saw Ryebridge oversee the foundations, the drainage, the base and all the civils, ready for the glass and steel structure to be placed on top, and the job was completed on time without any problems.

Managing director Sean Scully said: “The sport of padel is a rapidly growing phenomenon, and Rocket Padel is arguably the UK’s leading indoor padel operator, so this was a really exciting project for our team to get involved in.

“The finished building, sitting adjacent to the striking Battersea Power Station, will house the company’s flagship courts, and ensuring it had the necessary groundworks was essential in making this vision a reality.”

Salt barn success could inspire other councils to follow suit

An innovative approach to design and planning ensured the construction of a new salt barn hit budget and met all necessary specifications.

Ryebridge Construction was tasked by Oxfordshire County Council to achieve a long-held vision for a new storage facility for winter grit to be used on local roads during icy weather.

Between five and 20 per cent of salt stored externally is lost each year as the changing weather causes it to congeal. Rainwater can also turn it into a contaminate with the potential for causing corrosion.

The council was keen to erect somewhere large enough to store the thousands of tonnes of grit it uses annually, which would prevent moisture clumping and spoilage.

The project, at Deddington Highways Depot near Banbury, has been in the pipeline since 2017, but OCC like most local authorities have budget constraints. Their approach was to split the task into a two-stage project to ascertain feasibility, cost, design and planning.

Ryebridge was awarded a pre-construction services agreement which meant the company would oversee design, planning and pricing for the scheme.

But rather than presenting a design which would also cost too much money, Ryebridge entered into a dialogue with the council to determine what its minimal requirements would be.

Managing director Sean Scully led on the project and researched into the original barn scheme which was never constructed.

He found that the original barn was bigger than the current one and on a different area of the site. The area was undeveloped and due to the location had extensive groundworks.

The Ryebridge proposal was to build a barn in the already developed land which although smaller would comfortably account for the level of salt required to support the winter gritting season. The proposal also included solar panels which would not only provide enough power for the lighting in the barn but contribute efficiency to the remainder of the depot.

Sean said: “The original plan was for a bigger barn in a different area of the site, but we knew that a smaller design would still cope with the council’s winter demands.”

The final design was built on the site of the council’s salt stockpile using traditional construction methods. It had to be completed during the spring-summer period because there was no requirement for using salt during that period, and OCC had held off importing the winter’s grit until it was finished.

Sean added: “A lot of councils can’t consider storing salt indoors because of the cost of building a barn, but I think there is a real opportunity in using Deddington as a case study for what can be achieved with a reasonable and measured investment. They will recover the cost of the barn relatively quickly in terms of the wasted and unusable salt.”

Ryebridge backs 15th Luton's Best Awards

Ryebridge Construction is proud to sponsor the Child of Courage category in 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.

Winners come from hundreds of public nominations, whittled down to a shortlist by the judging panel, which includes sponsors who all have a stake in Luton’s future and success.

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.

Last year’s winner was Inayah Nawaz, who was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2022, and subsequently spent months in Addenbrooke’s Hospital. While there she persuaded her mother to start fundraising so other children could have the comfort of a specially designed teddy bear to help them through their treatment.

When she was finally able to return to normal life, Inayah continued to fundraise for children with cancer by taking part in sponsored public readings at events at Chaul End Nursery and at cancer charity events in London. So far she has raised in excess of £1,500.

Ryebridge managing director Sean Scully said: “These awards celebrate the truly extraordinary people and organisations who make up our fantastic community.

“Ryebridge has always championed the achievements of youngsters living in the Luton area, so to be sponsoring the Child of Courage Award this year is the perfect fit for us.

“We would encourage everyone to show how much they Love Luton by nominating your unsung heroes for any of this year’s categories, and we look forward to celebrating their stories early next year.”

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

To nominate for the Child of Courage Award or any other category, visit loveluton.org.uk/lutonsbestawards before December 1.

The launch of the 15th Luton’s Best Awards.

Ryebridge duo smash epic cycle ride across Ireland

A team from Ryebridge Construction joined a gruelling 220-mile charity bike ride across the Republic of Ireland in aid of Luton good causes.

The epic cycle was organised by London Luton Airport, and saw 29 participants pedal from Dublin to Dingle Bay over three and a half days in aid of charity partners the Luton Foodbank and the East Anglian Air Ambulance.

Ryebridge was one of the event’s platinum sponsors, and CEO Daniel Coyle and managing director Sean Scully took part in the ride, which saw them spend a staggering 21 hours in the saddle for the duration of the challenge.

After flying into Dublin from LLA on the Tuesday, they picked up their bikes after lunch and embarked on the first 36-mile stretch to Naas, split into smaller groups based on their speed and ability.

“It was wet and slow,” said Sean. “The rest of the team were all experienced cyclists, but I was the only one doing it for the first time, and it was really tough going.”

The next day saw them complete a 55-mile ride to Kilkenny in rain and wind on hilly terrain, but the biggest test of their endurance came on the Thursday, which saw the team cycle a phenomenal 80 miles to Charleville in Cork.

Sean said: “Each day was the most I’ve ever cycled, but that day was the most challenging thing I’ve ever done. One road was 13 miles long, uphill in the wind. It was the worst sporting experience I’ve ever had, it just seemed to go on forever.

“There was a lot of chatting before then, but nobody spoke on that road.”

The big finish was a further 51 miles to Killarney the next day, bringing an end to what had been a remarkable test of endurance.

“There was a huge sense of achievement and an unbelievable amount of money raised for charities which really need it,” added Sean.

“The whole experience saw some amazing camaraderie and really good friendships built. We supported each other the whole way.

“At the moment I wouldn’t say yes to doing it again though, as my legs hurt so much, but who knows how I’ll feel in a few weeks’ time!”

Dan added: “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.”

You can still sponsor their efforts at https://gofund.me/9e00c1ea

The cyclists assemble!

A much-needed pit stop.

Ryebridge delighted to be recognised as 'hero stakeholder' for Luton social value

Ryebridge Construction has been 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, planet, which included having apprentices, hiring local people, supporting local schools and colleges, and spending with local businesses.

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

The report said: “Ryebridge did more variety of activities than anyone, albeit at a smaller scale than some of the bigger companies, generating social value of £4,143,311.”

Managing director Sean Scully said: “We are delighted to be recognised for our ongoing commitment to enriching the lives of people living and working in the local area.

“What that means for us is a focus on supporting and promoting the town wherever possible, with more than 90% of our site and office staff coming from the immediate area, a local supply chain and close links with nearby colleges and schools which ensures a steady flow of apprentices and work experience students.

“This mutually-beneficial relationship also includes raising more than £400,000 for local charities in recent years - as we recognise they are the lifeblood of the local community - being an active member of Love Luton and sponsoring Luton Town FC.

“Everything we can buy locally we do, but there are just some items we can’t, which unfortunately let us down on local procurement, and although we look at this regularly when you deal with specialist items it’s always a challenge.”