Peter Bale

ConstructionCommitmentExcellence

Company Overview

» An experienced building contractor with a wide portfolio of work from traditional refurbishment, design & build to partnering and framework contracts. Project values range from £10k to £20m

» In business for over 140 years and continues to innovate to build on successes

» Family owned including Directors who are the fifth generation ensuring a long term outlook

» A significant number of directly employed operatives and craftsmen who maintain standards of quality

» High level of senior management involvement in projects

» Head office in Rugby with regional offices in Wantage, Grantham, Nottingham, Poole and Kidderminster

» Low staff turnover and high client repeat business

» Strong environmental credentials - REA accredited installer of solar panels

Company Overview

Dashwood School, Banbury

Eastbank Court Retirement Apartments, Worcester Gladstone Road Commercial Units, Northampton

Whitecross School, Herefordshire

Company Overview

Stepnell Ltd has been engaged in building and civil engineering contracting for over one hundred and forty years. As a result of this we have an experienced and established workforce able to offer high quality craftsmanship to our customers.

The diversity of our current portfolio includes universities, secondary and primary schools, technical colleges, sports facilities, factories and warehousing, offices, crematoria, hospital work, medical centres and residential developments, let under a variety of contract conditions including JCT and partnering contracts. Our scope of work extends from refurbishment through design and build to PFI and other hybrid forms of construction. We are capable of delivering projects ranging from £10,000 refurbishments to £20million design and build schemes operating from offices based in Rugby, Wantage, Grantham, Nottingham, Poole and Kidderminster.

The Company has approximately 300 direct employees divided between managerial, administration staff and site operatives and has always maintained a high level of direct employed craftsmen in order to control quality and costs effectively. The maintenance of these staffing levels is considered essential to sustaining the reputation of the Company for good quality work and reflects an active management attitude throughout the organisation. Stepnell also has an extensive database of subcontractors with which it has worked in the past allowing easy appraisal of proposals on quality, safety, deliverability, partnership and cost.

Stepnell’s long history and successful reputation has been founded on the delivery of exemplar projects and a focus on technical understanding, programme, cost, quality of build and longevity of construction.

Over recent decades Stepnell has grown on the strength of its technical abilities and works closely with clients to ensure the optimum solutions are delivered. In developing the company Stepnell has been accredited to the Triple Standard, comprising ISO9001, ISO14001 and OHSA18001. Our procedures extend beyond the site based practices to our project management, planning and maintenance operations. Stepnell continues to be a financially strong regional contractor with an excellent health and safety record, competent supply chain and very experienced, technically able staff.

Company Overview

Mark Wakeford Managing Director

MA (Cantab) Engineering MCIOB Member of Chartered Institute of Building MICE Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers

A Chartered Civil Engineer, Mark brings a technical construction background to the forefront of Stepnell’s projects and a clear understanding of construction risk management. This has underpinned his commitment to the adoption of best practice and modern methods of management in the company which have been major drivers of growth in recent years.

Tom Wakeford Director

MEng (Hons) Civil Engineering MICE Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers MAPM Member of the Association for Project Management

Tom Wakeford is responsible for Stepnell’s Wantage office which services the Oxford market as its key geographical area. With his background as a Civil Engineer, he utilises this technical experience, good people skills and strong drive to help ensure completion to time and budget with the specified quality.

Richard Wakeford Director

BEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering ICIOB Incorporated Member of the Chartered Institute of Building

Richard joined the Stepnell group in 2002 and furthered his knowledge base on the complexities around the design and construction of building projects and the education sector in particular.

Peter Wakeford Director

MRICS Member of Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors

Peter Wakeford is responsible for the management of the existing diversified Property Portfolio of factories, warehouses, shops, offices, leisure facilities, flats and houses, including a number of Listed Buildings.

Our Directors

Bill Haynes Construction Director

Bill is responsible for all the construction contracting operations out of the Rugby and Grantham offices; he is also the Director responsible for Health and Safety. He joined Stepnell in 2007 and has over 40 years’ experience in construction contracting and has been responsible for a diverse range of schemes in different sectors, ranging in individual project values from £1 million to £30 million.

David Brill Design & Build Director

MBA (Masters Degree in Business Administration) Institute of Directors Diploma in Corporate Direction MCIOB Member of Chartered Institute of Building

After joining Stepnell in 2001, David became Design & Build Director in 2005. He and his team have been innovative in their approach to projects for the Company. Attention to detail is paramount in design and planning, taking the projects from conception to completion successfully.

Derek Middleton Director

Derek joined Stepnell in 1975 as a Surveyor and progressed to be a Contracts Manager, working in Oxfordshire. In 1986, Derek became the Area Manager for the Poole Office when this opened and has since seen the region he manages grow in turnover and complexity of work. Derek was made a Director in 2003.

Our Directors

Tamworth Community Fire Station, Staffordshire

Principal Activities

Stepnell’s principal activity is Building Contracting. We carry out Development, Specialist Housing, Property and Project Management using our own in house ‘Design’ capability together with ‘Design Co-ordination’ and ‘Management’ of external designers.

Education Clients include Local Authorities, Private Schools, Higher and FE Establishments, from SureStarts and Nurseries where we have used in-house design capability, through Primary and Secondary to University Campuses and Residential Accommodation. Usually design and build and often with novated design teams.

Health Stepnell, working with Brackley Investments, have been heavily involved with the development in new Medical Centres over the last fifteen years. Stepnell also work directly for the NHS undertaking refurbishment works and complex hospital contracts, often working in congested and occupied sites. Over the years, Stepnell have completed in excess of 80 Medical Centres.

Residential Stepnell has carried out projects for Aspen Retirement and the Orders of St John (Care Home provider) in the retirement sector and care sector.

‘Blue Light’ Working for Fire and Police Authorities, Stepnell has undertaken design and build, construct only and refurbishment projects. Other Clients include the Ministry of Defence, Defence Estates, Dorset Police Authority and UKAEA.

Social Leisure facilities for schools and Local Authorities, libraries and community centres

Commercial Offices and industrial schemes for private businesses and our own

Crematoria In partnership with Mercia Crematoria Developments Ltd Stepnell have designed, constructed and project managed 9 new Crematorium developments during the past five years.

PV (Photo Voltaic) Since 2011 Stepnell have delivered, as a consortium partner, 5 new ‘Solar Parks’ generating approximately 25Mw of renewable energy.

Principal Activities

Quality Systems and Accreditations

Stepnell has developed its management practices over the years achieving quality assurance accreditation in 1994 and adopting detailed risk analysis, lean construction techniques embracing the ‘train to gain’ agenda and working with our clients on energy-saving, environmental aspects and minimising the carbon footprint of our construction projects. We have been accredited to the Triple Standard, comprising ISO9001 for quality management systems, ISO14001 for environmental management systems and OHSA18001 for occupational health and safety systems.

Our attention to quality is reflected in every aspect of the design and construction process to ensure defects are minimised and the performance of the building is maximised. Stepnell also uses the Construction Lean Improvement Programme to supplement our quality management systems.

Stepnell has professional associations and memberships with the following business organisations:

Quality Systems and Accreditations

The Hinckley Hub, Leicestershire

Office Locations

We operate approximately within a 60 mile radius of our area offices

Office Locations

Head Office Stepnell House Lawford Road Rugby Warwickshire CV21 2UU

01788 574511

Grantham Office 65 South Parade Grantham Lincoln NG31 6HT

01476 564726

Nottingham Office 27 Eldon Business Park Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG9 6DZ

01159 575520

Wantage Office Cane Lane Grove Wantage Oxfordshire OX12 OAB

01235 772772

Poole Office Unit 10 Stepnell Reach 541 Blandford Road Hamworthy Poole, Dorset BH16 5BW

01202 632324

Kidderminster Office (George Law) 35 Mill Street Kidderminster DY11 6XB

01562 820421

PV installation at Whitecross School, Hereford

Client’s Comments

“You were extremely important to the success of the project, particularly with the restrictions and complications it presented”

“Probably the best or second best learning environment in the country”

“Stepnell provided the very best in team working, skilled tradesmen, experience and excellent support”

“I felt there was a genuine sense of partnership that existed between all parties”

“Stepnell’s management of cost control, scheduling and quality have produced a building we are delighted with”

Chris Chapman, Associate, GSS Architecture - Oxford Brookes University

Colin Ashford, Principle Consultant, BRE - Whitecross High School

David Carrel, Architect, The Harris Partnership - Dashwood Primary School

Terry Cox, Deputy Director of Estates - University of Northampton.

Barrie Vearncombe, Bursar - Winchester House School

Client’s Comments

This project comprised the internal refurbishment and extensive facade alterations of the Warden’s Lodge at Merton College, Oxford, together with associated hard and soft landscaping.

The Warden’s Lodge (19 Merton Street, Oxford) was built in 1962 as a result of an architectural competition. The total floor area is 500 sq m. and it is constructed on four floors. The basement and ground floor are currently below Merton Street level.

The Lodge was designed to provide a private residence for the Warden of the College and private accommodation for visiting guests. It is also used for small functions, typically dinners for sixteen and small parties. The building was modernised to comply with modern building standards and afforded an opportunity to revisit the external appearance of the building and amend key elements of the dwelling to have a positive influence on the Central Conservation Area of Oxford.

The Warden’s Lodge Merton College,Oxford

ClientThe Warden & Scholars of the House or College of Scholars of Merton

Contract Value£615k

Programme36 weeks

Completion DateJuly 2011

Form of ContractJCT Intermediate 2011

Contracts ManagerPete McDonald

Quantity SurveyorDave Murphy

Site ManagerDes England

ArchitectAcanthus Clews Architects

PQSCyril Sweet Limited

EngineerGifford

• Coloured render that is sympathetic the the area

• modernised to comply with modern building standards

Key Features

Founded in 1517, Corpus Christi College caters for 240 undergraduates and 115 graduate students.

We were awarded the contract to carry out essential roof repairs to the Grade 1* Listed college building as well as internal remodelling and refurbishment.

Existing roof slates were removed and redressed, timber repairs were carried out and new counter batons were fitted. Prior to refitting the slate, new insulation was installed to improve the roof’s thermal performance.

Remodelling and refurbishment works were undertaken to provide en-suite accommodation and tuition rooms above the student library and dining room.

A temporary roof was constructed over the building’s actual roof to enable the construction work to go ahead in all weather conditions.

Corpus Christi College,University of Oxford

ClientCorpus Christi College


Programme17 weeks

Completion DateDecember 2013

Form of ContractJCT Minor Works 2011

Contracts ManagerJamie White

Quantity SurveyorDavid Owen

Site ManagerPhil Smith

PQSBaqus Sworn King

• Working within a live environment

• Grade 1* Listed

• Temporary roof

Key Features

Jamie WhiteContracts ManagerStepnell

“Our site team has focused on minimising disruption for staff and students, developing an excellent working relationship with staff at Corpus Christi College to ensure this”

Works consisted of the refurbishment of an existing Grade II listed building, over 4 floors, including substantial structural alterations in the basement/undercroft to form new University facilities.

The existing roof space was converted to offices and new partitioning was installed. Walls, floors and ceilings received new finishes while external doors and timber sash windows were all refurbished. The existing mechanical and electrical services were completely stripped out and replaced together with extensive new data and IT installations. External works included repairs to the building envelope, new pavings, drainage and services, all of which had to be carried out in close proximity to a busy college campus.

Working on a listed building required many of the internal and external features to be preserved. There was also a requirement to increase the height of the ground floor by breaking out its floor slab, excavating to reduce the level and laying a new

in situ concrete floor slab. At times it was necessary for mechanical plant (excavators and dumpers) to operate inside the building.

With the building being listed, it was necessary to work closely with the Architect at all stages but particularly during the minor demolition and stripping out to ensure important features were not disturbed or removed.

Careful planning was required for the internal ground floor reduced level excavation work where temporary mechanical ventilation equipment was introduced to provide a safe and acceptable working environment.

There was close liaison with the services consultants for the very large data and IT installation which required co-ordinating with other M & E services in confined ceiling voids.

Kingsley Park,University of Northampton

ClientUniversity of Northampton

Contract Value£5m

Programme41 weeks

Completion DateOctober 2009

Form of ContractJCT With Quantities 2005

As one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford, Lincoln College caters for over 600 undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Demolition and enabling work was required so that a new arts centre could be built within the existing grounds. The works included demolition of a lecture room, adjacent corridors and conference room staircase section of a Grade II listed building. There was also a requirement to break up and remove the ground floor slab and perimeter foundations.

The existing stone, York pavings, doors and architectural features had to be carefully removed, labelled, palletised and then stored at the College’s sports ground so that they could be used in the next phase of works and for future projects.

Following the demolition, due to the age of the site, extensive archaeological work had to be carried out before any enabling works could commence.

Additional works included strengthening of a conference room floor.

Lincoln College Enabling Works,Oxford

ClientLincoln College Enterprises Ltd


Programme14 weeks

Completion DateOctober 2012

Form of Contract JCT Minor Works 2011



Site ManagerBill Tutcher

ArchitectRodney Melville & Partners Ltd

EngineerSFK Consulting

• Working on a listed building

Key Features

Stepnell has been awarded a contract to refurbish and extend the New Library at Magdalen College, Oxford.

Our team will extend, refurbish and reroof the 1850s-built Grade II* listed Victorian building which was originally designed by John Buckler and built as a single hall school. In 1932, it was converted into a library for the Magdalen community supporting 200 students and 35 Fellows. Student numbers have since tripled, and the library no longer has the space or capability of supporting modern-day user requirements.

The basement of the existing Victorian building will be extended creating three storeys along with a new connecting single-storey extension. Works also include creation of new library areas and study rooms, flexible working spaces, a passenger lift, staircases and washing facilities. The new energy-efficient building, which will be partially built below ground level and set in a sunken garden, will have a range of sustainable features including a green roof, environmentally-friendly heating, ventilation and lighting systems as well as landscaped areas and a paved courtyard. Disabled access will also be created for the first time throughout the library.

Magdalen College Library,University of Oxford

ClientMagdalen College

Contract Value£5.9m

Programme81 weeks

Completion DateJanuary 2016

Form of ContractJCT Standard Without Quantities 2011


Quantity SurveyorAlun Bucknell

Site ManagerPaul Grandi

ArchitectWright & Wright Architects LLP

PQSGardiner & Theobald LLP

EngineerAlan Baxter & Associates LLP

• Grade II* Listed• Subterranean construction• Green roof

• Environmentally-friendly heating, ventilation and lighting systems

• Sunken garden

Key Features

Pete McDonaldContracts ManagerStepnell

“We are delighted to be working with Magdalen College and respected architects Wright and Wright on this stunning project which will provide much-needed new library facilities for the academic community”

The grade II listed Mansfield College is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford and caters for approximately 50 academic staff, 220 undergraduates, 50 graduates and 35 visiting students.

The college requires new kitchen, dining and servery facilities to replace an existing cramped Victorian kitchen located in the existing building as well as improved welfare facilities and disabled access.

The project will involve substantial alterations to the existing listed building to accommodate dining and severy facilities as well as construction of a two-storey concrete frame extension, utilising a stone and glass façade, to house new kitchen facilities, welfare and access routes.

The dining area will extend outside the new building to a purpose built sunken terrace in the quad.

The project also involves the construction of new lift inside the existing building, alterations to the Tutor’s accommodation and a new workshop.

Mansfield College East Range, University of Oxford

ClientMansfield College Developments Ltd


Programme52 weeks

Completion DateJune 2014

Form of ContractJCT Standard With Contractors Design



Site ManagerAndy Brain

ArchitectRick Mather Architects

PQSGardiner & Theobald LLP

EngineerEckersley O’Callaghan

Images courtesy of Rick Mather Architects

We are currently working on a conservation programme which will create brand new student accommodation for Oriel College at it’s Rhodes Building on the High Street, Oxford.

Work to the Grade 2* listed building, which dates from 1911, will include raising the roof to create a new third floor which will contain the student rooms.

The scheme will provide 12 brand new student bedrooms within a folded copper ‘origami’ crown above the original Edwardian baroque roof

In addition to a new storey to the building, we will be repairing, altering and upgrading the rest of the building.

Oriel College Rhodes Building,University of Oxford

ClientOriel College


Programme55 weeks

Completion DateJuly 2014

Form of ContractJCT Standard with Quantities 2011

Contracts ManagerAlan Lyons

Quantity SurveyorJeremy Kirk

Site ManagerKeith Batson

ArchitectMarcus Beale Architects

PQSColin S Charlesworth and Partners

EngineerRamboll UK

• Copper crown roof detail • Working on a listed building

Key Features

Tom WakefordConstruction DirectorStepnell

“We are delighted to be working with Oriel College using our expertise in working on listed buildings and in delivering student accommodation to the highest standards to create this brand new accommodation”

The extensive refurbishment of science classrooms through phased works in a live, historic building that forms a significant part of Rugby School. The Science Schools are in a Conservation Area. Works included removal and renewal of complete mechanical and electrical installations, remodelling of spaces and the construction of offices and a new link corridor joining onto the historic building.

Phase 6 comprised of the remodelling of classrooms, lecture theatres and the installation of a passenger lift whilst maintaining continued access to the building for both staff and students. The construction team worked hard to ensure the risk of disruption to the school was eliminated by pre-planning and managing potential risks and also keeping the school well informed.

Works included the hand excavation of a lift pit and the underpinning of the adjacent load bearing walls for the new lift installation. Existing internal walls were reconstructed to create the new lecture theatres with a comfort cooling system, tiered seating and plasma screen technology.

Attention was made to the separation of the working areas from the staff and students whilst maintaining safe access routes to the operational classrooms and emergency access.

Phase 7 comprised the installation of a bridge, staff office pods and re-roofing works to the main auditorium.

Working within a live School environment it was necessary that adequate segregation was provided between the working and public areas.

Entry into the working area was through an existing pair of aluminium doors. Detailed planning and consideration was required in order to ensure that the steel frame and 6m Reglit glazing, amongst other materials, could be transported through this access point in a safe and controlled manner.

Retaining the historic structure and carrying out ‘honest’ repair work to match in with the original building features was of key importance to the Design Team and the Client.

The key approach was to work closely with the Architect, and involve the Client in the decision making process to ensure that the expectations of the building and the finish were being achieved.

The objective was to employ labour and subcontractors who were familiar with this type of work and had expertise in this field, and who would be willing to be pro-active in offering suggestions and ideas that would improve the overall finish of the build.

Science School Phases 6 & 7, Rugby School

ClientRugby School

Contract ValuePhase 6 - £550kPhase 7 - £976k

ProgrammePhase 6 - 34 weeksPhase 7 - 44 weeks

Completion DatePhase 6 - September 2003Phase 7 - June 2008

Form of ContractPhase 6 - JCT 98Phase 7 - JCT Without Quantities 2005

Head Office Stepnell House Lawford Road Rugby Warwickshire CV21 2UU

01788 574511

Grantham Office 65 South Parade Grantham Lincoln NG31 6HT

01476 564726

Nottingham Office 27 Eldon Business Park Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG9 6DZ

01159 575520

Wantage Office Cane Lane Grove Wantage Oxfordshire OX12 OAB

01235 772772

www.stepnell.co.uk www.linkedin.com/company/stepnell

Poole Office Unit 10 Stepnell Reach 541 Blandford Road Hamworthy Poole, Dorset BH16 5BW

01202 632324

Kidderminster Office (George Law) 35 Mill Street Kidderminster DY11 6XB

01562 820421

Documents

Peter Bale