Archive for the ‘Latest News’ Category

Durham city development is our record contract

Posted on: January 30th, 2021 by Martin Walker No Comments

It was another proud moment for Finley Structures after we were awarded the landmark Milburngate Development contract only a few miles from our works – and our largest project to date in terms of weight.

After a tremendous amount of hard work by our estimating and design team, our long-term partners Tolent awarded us the 3,200-tonne development in the heart of Durham City centre.

The project, when complete will feature an attractive mix of offices, apartments, bars, restaurants, a cinema, and a hotel to cover every need of those lucky enough to benefit from its build.

The hotel element of the project, built for international provider, Premier Inn, recently reached a significant milestone with the completion of the steel frame, right on planned schedule, in order for the following trades to complete the impressive fit-out process, due for completion in 2022.

The remainder of the development’s structures form stand-alone blocks, sitting atop podium structures made from a mixture of Finley fabricated steelwork and in situ concrete.

These individual elements of work are also advancing to programme and the progress – visible from almost all corners of the city – show just how impressive this project’s size, scale and complexity are and how Finley Structures continue to overcome any obstacles encountered to ensure the smooth and timely hand over to follow on trades despite the challenges faced by the ever present Covid-19 pandemic.

Finley Structures and Tolent have worked together for almost 15 years, with our first collaboration on the Gosforth multi-storey car park project in 2007.

Other projects also include the Nifco factory Eaglescliffe which was completed in 2011 and the Marks & Spencer store at Faverdale in Darlington three years ago.

Finley Structures managing director Julie Raistrick said: “The Milburngate contract is a fantastic project for us in terms of its local significance, but it’s also one which means a lot to us personally.

“The Finley family has significant ties to Durham with founder John Finley born and brought up less than 10 miles from the site and Val Finley right on the doorstep from Durham City itself.

“For us to get the opportunity to work on this hugely important, once-in-a-generation local development – which is changing the skyline of Durham, and will benefit an incredible amount and range of residents and visitors for many years to come is a testament to the strengths and capabilities the business has proven in our now 20 year operation.

“We are obviously delighted to be working again with Tolent, which itself started as a small, privately owned business back in 1983.”

Allan Cook, managing director of Arlington Real Estate, said: “This is an exciting moment for Milburngate as we are really starting to see phase one take shape with the completion of the steel work of the Premier Inn and the three apartment blocks which will see 153 build-to-rent apartments delivered right in the heart of the city.”

 

Steel firm shows metal during pandemic

Posted on: November 19th, 2020 by Martin Walker No Comments

A steel fabrication firm is confident about the future after enjoying a raft of contract wins since the first lockdown.

Newton Aycliffe construction specialists Finley Structures have won seven new contracts – totalling 2,000 tonnes of steel – since the Covid-19 pandemic took hold earlier this year.

The family-run firm are also currently working on their largest contract to date, fabricating and erecting a 3,200-tonne structure for the huge Milburngate development in Durham city centre, which they started before the outbreak.

Managing director Julie Raistrick has paid tribute to her staff for helping to guide the company, founded by her father John Finley 20 years ago, through unchartered territories.

Finley Structures celebrated their 20th anniversary in August this year.

And Julie said: “Our 20th celebration has been clouded by Covid-19 and the only question I’ve been asked in recent months is how our business has been affected by the pandemic.

“Yes, we have been affected, but I am pleased to say that it’s not all negative. We have been fortunate enough to have work to carry us right through the pandemic, our sites remained open, so we continued to deliver.

“We have taken all steps required to make sure our workplace is a safe place to work and the attitude of our staff has been first class.

“Our production team have worked tirelessly during lockdown to keep steel going through the factory and to ensure we achieved site dates.

“And our management team have also been hard at it – working on prospective projects and pricing up jobs.

“During lockdown, we have won seven new contracts, and there are others pending for the new year, so it’s working out really well considering, and we remain very confident about the future.”

As well as the Milburngate development for national contractor Tolent, Finley Structures have also won the 1,070-tonne Spark project at the Helix development in Newcastle for Sir Robert McAlpine, an 800-tonne project at Hexham School for Galliford Try, a 500-tonne job at Leigh Academy in Rainham for Bowmer & Kirkland and were also awarded a 600-tonne contract for BAM Construction at Benton Park School in Leeds.

Julie added: “The reason we’ve been able to move forward despite the pandemic is because we’ve established a solid customer base, a loyal workforce, and a reputation for quality and reliability.

“In tough times, that’s where our resilience has come from – and it’s made me more determined than ever to build on what has been built before us.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to all the staff at Finley Structures as I’m really proud of the way they’ve adapted and fought through this year.”

Finley Structures was formed by John Finley in 2000 and has since grown its reputation as one of the leading steel fabrication firms in the UK.

From their eight-acre site in Aycliffe, Finley Structures provide a wide range of structural solutions to the construction industry and offer a range of in-house services – including estimating, design and detailing, steel fabrication, painting and installation – enabling a cost-effective and efficient all-round service to main contractors.

They have worked in the past on notable local projects including Hitachi’s train assembling facility in Aycliffe, Nissan’s leaf battery plant in Washington and Teesside University’s award-winning Curve building, as well as several other high-profiles projects across the UK.

Family-run steel firm celebrates 20th anniversary with special visit

Posted on: August 27th, 2020 by Martin Walker No Comments

A leading politician has praised family-run construction company Finley Structures as it celebrated its 20th anniversary.

Former Secretary of State and one-time Tory leadership candidate Esther McVey visited Finley Structures in Newton Aycliffe, with local MP Paul Howell, to mark the firm’s milestone.

The steel fabrication specialists, who helped to construct the nearby Hitachi Rail factory, was formed by John Finley in August 2000.

It has worked on a number of high-profile projects in the North-East and around the UK over the years, including factories for Nissan in Sunderland, Teesside University’s award-winning Curve building and the Victoria Gate shopping centre in Leeds.

It is also currently helping to construct the huge Riverwalk development in Durham city centre.

Ms McVey, currently the Conservative MP for Tatton and former Housing and Communities Secretary, said: “Finley Structures couldn’t have the 20th anniversary celebration they would have liked, but it’s all about the people.

“You don’t have a great business without great people and the vision going forward.

“Celebrating 20 years is fantastic. It shows the resilience of the founder, John Finley, who started out as a steel erector then he had the vision to start this business 20 years ago.

“Now they’re creating jobs for their local community and providing work for future generations – it’s a fantastic story.”

The Conservative MP for Sedgefield Mr Howell added: “Getting round our local companies and seeing what they’re doing is wonderful – these businesses are the lifeblood of our economy.

“We’ve heard today about the Hitachi factory which Finley Structures helped construct, but there’s also other major projects like Milburngate in Durham and the new Durham County Council head office.

“All of these big projects are coming out of Aycliffe Business Park, which is brilliant.”

The two politicians were given a brief tour of Finley Structures’ vast site on Aycliffe Business Park, which was bustling with steelwork running through its factory floor.

Mr Howell added: “We met some the staff, one of which has been with the company since it started 20 years ago, and many other long-serving employees, which shows to me the quality of a company.

“They’re clearly doing the right thing and I applaud them for their anniversary.”

Finley Structures managing director Julie Raistrick added: “We’re naturally delighted to celebrate our 20th anniversary, it’s a milestone we’re all incredibly proud of.

“We’ve invested heavily in our site, our people and state-of-the-art steel fabrication facilities over the years which saw us through the financial crisis, and we’re confident it will stand us in good stead during this current climate.

“We’re grateful to Esther McVey and Paul Howell for coming to celebrate our birthday, which was all done socially distanced, of course – let’s hope we can celebrate our 25th anniversary in a bigger way.”

From its eight-acre site in Aycliffe, Finley Structures provide a wide range of structural solutions to the construction industry and offer a range of in-house services – including estimating, design and detailing, steel fabrication, painting and installation – enabling a cost-effective and efficient all-round service to main contractors.

The firm works with major contractors all around the UK, including Sir Robert McAlpine, Tolent, Bowmer & Kirkland, Willmott Dixon, BAM Construction and Galliford Try.

Finley Structures celebrates long-lasting relationship with one of the UK’s oldest construction giants, Sir Robert McAlpine

Posted on: May 20th, 2020 by Martin Walker No Comments

The synergy and understanding between family-run Finley Structures and construction giants Sir Robert McAlpine are obvious.

Despite one being a huge, national corporation with sites across the UK, it is still a family-owned business with almost identical values to Finley Structures at its core

Sir Robert McAlpine has been a stable presence in the industry since its first contract in 1869 – the repair of a mine chimney for £2.45.

Since then, McAlpine has delivered many of the building blocks of our society, including landmarks and iconic structures that place us at the heart of the UK’s history and future landscape.

Many of those have been done with the help of steel fabrication specialists Finley Structures, from its five-acre, state-of-the-art site in Newton Aycliffe.

The company was launched by John Finley in 2000 and is still run by members of his immediate family today, with his daughter Julie Raistrick its managing director.

Finley Structures has worked on more than 20 major projects totalling more than 12,500 tonnes of steel for Sir Robert McAlpine since its first contract win with the firm in 2005 – a 217-tonne job at Ryehill House, Newcastle College.

Other projects since then have included Hexham Pool, Benfield School, Metroland, Walker Technology College, the Unipres factory in Washington and Nissan’s battery plant, an initial 1,100-tonne contract with further works in 2013.

Finley Structures has also worked on a 2,500-tonne project at the Victoria Gate shopping centre in Leeds and the Riverwalk development in Durham, involving 1,100-plus tonnes.

Other new projects include the Lumen and Spark buildings – part of the ambitious Helix development in central Newcastle (CGI pictured above) – and another factory for Unipress in Washington.

“We enjoy an excellent working relationship with Sir Robert McAlpine and we have since day one,” says Julie.

“But it isn’t just about winning the work or doing it necessarily just for the best price. It’s how you work together on projects going forward and have respect for each other.

“We have respect for the team at Sir Robert McAlpine’s Newcastle office, who we predominantly deal with, and we’d like to think that’s reciprocated.”

Finley Structures is one of only a handful of steel fabricators on Sir Robert McAlpine’s preferred supply chain list, which is testament to the positive working relationship the two businesses enjoy.

Julie adds: “Certain parts of the construction industry have a terrible reputation – it’s about the best price, and there’s no respect at all for the work we do.

“But McAlpine appreciate companies who not only deliver their projects professionally and on time, but operate respectfully and treat their own suppliers and staff with respect.”

Sir Robert McAlpine is headquartered in Hertfordshire but has 10 sites across the UK, including Newcastle, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, London, Leeds and Manchester.

The firm designs, develops, builds and preserves some of Britain’s most iconic buildings, shaping the towns, cities and landscapes.

On its website, the company says it aims to “continue to build on, strengthen and apply the values that have always been at the heart of our operations: an absolute commitment to our clients, our people and our partners, as well as to the highest standards of technical excellence. It is this ethos that will help guide us as we proudly build for the future”.

Mark Gibson, Northern regional managing director from Sir Robert McAlpine, added: “Finley Structures are one of our key supply chain partners in the North-East and have been an integral part of our success over recent years.

“We have enjoyed a long and successful working relationship with Julie and her team, and we will continue to partner together to develop our key capabilities around safety, quality, cost, innovation, and sustainability to meet and exceed our clients’ expectations.”

 

Finley Structures wins 12,000-metre steel deal for Durham Council’s new HQ

Posted on: March 9th, 2020 by Martin Walker No Comments

Finley Structures has won a contract to fabricate 12,000 metres of steel for Durham County Council’s new futuristic offices on the banks of the river Wear.

Work to build a smaller, more efficient headquarters for the region’s largest council began earlier this year, paving the way for a new multi-million-pound business district at Aykley Heads, creating up to 6,000 new jobs and delivering a £400m boost to the county.

Aykley Heads in Durham is already home to more than 30 businesses employing 1,300, people but in order for the site to realise its full potential, it is necessary for Durham County Council to relocate its headquarters from Aykley Heads.

The authority is, therefore, creating a new, more modern, base in the heart of the city centre, which will be less than a third of the size of the current County Hall.

As part of the construction approximately 250 new jobs have been created by main contractor Kier, which will be building the new headquarters.

The multi-national, £4.5bn group awarded Aycliffe firm Finley Structures a contract to fabricate and erect 12,000 linear metres of steel for the new office development.

It comes after the family-run steel specialists completed major works on the Riverwalk development in the city two years ago.

Finley managing director Julie Raistrick said: “After the completion of the Riverwalk development in 2018, it’s great to be back in Durham, working on another project which is on our doorstep.

“We work on projects across the country, but as a North-East firm, we love working on local projects, particularly in Durham – given that our founder, John Finley, was born just a few short miles away.

“We’re now helping to change the skyline of Durham for a generation, so we’re very proud to be leaving our footprint on the huge developments that are happening in the city.

“It is vital that local contractors are being given the opportunity to work on such an important local project, which will be Durham County Council’s new headquarters for decades to come.”

It isn’t the first time Finley Structures has worked with main contractor Kier, after the Aycliffe firm completed a 330-tonne project for them at Bishop Barrington School in the county earlier this year.

Phil McDowell, operations director of Kier Regional Building North-East England & Scotland, said: “We are proud to be working collaboratively with local company Finley Structures to deliver the new steel structure for Durham County Council’s new headquarters.

“We are dedicated to leaving lasting legacies in areas in which we build. Currently, 95% of our supply chain for this project is within a 40-mile radius and we have three apprentices learning all about a career within the built environment.”

The new building on the Sands car park in Durham City centre will not only mean a reduction in the local authority’s running costs, it will also enable staff to embrace modern ways of working and boost trade within the city centre.

The new headquarters will accommodate 1,000 staff from the current County Hall site with 700 workstations, whilst a further 850 staff will be relocated to one of four key council office sites being developed across the county, also providing a boost to the local economy.

• Finley Structures contracts manager Fred Searle is pictured above (left) and trainee contracts manager Jack Burleigh (right) with Kier Construction project manager Jason Hartnell.

 

Production manager Phil sets positive progression trend at Finley Structures

Posted on: September 13th, 2019 by Martin Walker No Comments

Production manager Phil Metcalfe is setting a positive career progression trend at family firm Finley Structures.

The 35-year-old was just 20 when he started working for Finley’s in 2004, starting out making fittings, before working his way to the office and now heads a 40-man production team.

As well as climbing the career ladder with the firm, Phil has also passed his driving test, bought his first house, started with a young family with his wife and relocated to Newton Aycliffe from Darlington during his 15 years with the firm.

“My time with Finley Structures has seen me grow on every level,” says Phil.

After leaving school in 2000, Phil studied an engineering course at Darlington College and then worked for a couple of small structural fabricators in Darlington.

An opportunity came up at Finley Structures, programming fittings in the office for the machines, while he also worked in estimating.

“When I joined the company we had six management staff, now as the company has grown we have 17,” added Phil.

Finley Structures’ policy of trying to progress their young staff is clearly paying dividends, as two other employees are following in Phil’s footsteps.

Production controller Alex Sutherby started as an apprentice welder with Finley’s 12 years ago but has been in the office for five years now.

And ambitious young production assistant Liam Gamsby has recently been appointed production control assistant – he’s now working under the guidance of Phil and Alex.

“I’d like to make the same progress Phil has over the years,” says 19-year-old Liam, from Bishop.

“Finley Structures have shown they’re prepared to develop their staff, so there are genuine good career opportunities if you want them, regardless of how you enter the industry.”

Phil added: “I started out making fittings on the shop floor and then I started programming in the office, which is what Liam is already doing now.

“I was also a trainee estimator at the time, so I’ve worked my way through the office doing different jobs, which has given me useful experience of various sides of the business.”

Finley’s joint-managing director Julie Finley says it’s important the company future-proofs the business by promoting from within as well as recruiting other staff externally.

She added: “Young people who’ve worked on the shop floor have a good, thorough understanding of production and how it works, which we think gives them valuable tools for the future if they’re looking to progress their careers in the office.

“We’re delighted with the progress Liam has made and, under the expert stewardship of Phil ands Alex, he’ll be given all the help and guidance he needs to progress his own skills and experience.”

Finley Structures, formed by John Finley in 2000, is known for working on a string of high-profile contracts in the North-East region as well as across the UK.

The family-run firm completed the steel for Teesside University’s eye-catching Curve building and new student village, the grandstand at Middlesbrough Sports Village and the two Centre Square buildings in Middlesbrough town centre.

It also built the steel frame for Hitachi’s train assembling factory in Newton Aycliffe and Nissan’s Leaf manufacturing facility in Washington, and recently completed its 90th education project in 10 years after completing steelwork for the new Bradford College.

Finley have also worked on the Victoria Gate shopping centre in Leeds, The Gates development in Durham city and the Advanced Manufacturing and Research Centre (AMRC) in Sheffield.

• Finley Structures production manager Phil Metcalfe is pictured above (centre) with and production controller Alex Sutherby (left) with production control assistant Liam Gamsby – all three have worked their way from the shop floor to the office.

 

Finley Structures praised for steelwork at Bradford’s first sixth form college

Posted on: August 29th, 2019 by Martin Walker No Comments

Finley Structures have been praised by major contractors after completing a 900-tonne project ahead of schedule.

The family steel firm completed the steel frame for the five-storey New College Bradford for UK-wide construction giant BAM.

Bradford’s first sixth form college, New College Bradford, is due to open in September and will offer a range of A-Level, Level 2 and Level 3 BTEC qualifications, with a strong focus on STEM subjects and progression on to higher education and employment.

BAM awarded Finley Structures a contract to supply and erect more than 900 tonnes of steelwork along with over 2,000 pre-cast concrete planks, a pre-cast concrete lift shaft and three pre-cast concrete stair cores on a restricted site to a very challenging programme as well as supplying and installing a steel staircase.

The contract represents the 90th education project Finley Structures has completed in the last 10 years.

Finley’s contracts manager Steve Walker said: “We lost time on the programme due to the British weather, heavy winds, and heavy snow but managed to actually finish nearly a week early, which was highly commended not only by BAM, but also the end user of the new building.”

BAM Construction’s construction manager David Thomas said: “I was extremely impressed with how Finley Structures tackled what was a very short design process.

“It was a challenging programme duration, some might even say impossible, but they not only delivered on programme, it was actually finished three days early, overcoming almost two weeks of heavy rain and wind.

“The quality of the work was also of the highest standard, and all safety requirements were met along the way, so Finley Structures excel in every department.”

Once BAM has completed the circa £20m college it will provide teaching and learning space for 1,200 16-19 year-old students when it reaches full capacity.

As well as the BAM project, Finley Structures is currently working on a project at Guiseley School for Galliford Try as well as a 550-tonne project at Clapham Harris Academy for Bowmer & Kirkland and a 330-tonne contract at Bishop Barrington School in Bishop Auckland for Kier Construction.

Finley is also working on Armthorpe Academy in Doncaster and Newman School in Carlisle, both for main contractor Galliford Try.

 

Office block adds metal to Feethams development

Posted on: July 5th, 2019 by Martin Walker No Comments

Darlington town centre’s skyline is changing once again as the steel for a new office takes shape.

Newton Aycliffe construction specialists Finley Structures won a contract to fabricate and erect 330 tonnes of steel for Feethams House in the town.

The five-storey office block development in the centre of Darlington will complement the area’s ongoing rejuvenation which has included a state-of-the-art leisure complex.

The Feethams development, which opened in early 2016, is a £30m state-of-the-art complex featuring nine-screen multiplex Vue cinema, an 80-bed Premier Inn and a range of bars and restaurants.

And the £8.5m, 30,000 sq ft Feethams House – prominently located on Darlington’s inner ring road (A167) – is adjacent to the 650-space multi-storey car park which could bring 250 new jobs to the town.

The office development follows Finley Structures’ high-profile work on the Centre Square office development in Middlesbrough.

Finley’s estimating manager Andrew Workman said: “The project will see us supply and erect over 330 tonnes of steel along with placing the metal decking packs, installation of a pre-cast concrete lift shaft and 18 pre-cast concrete stair units.

“It’s a project which see us once again working close to home with main contractor Willmott Dixon, following the successful completion of the Student Life building at Teesside University.

“So we’re delighted to be working on another high-profile project which is going to bring jobs and prosperity to our region.”

The Darlington Borough Council project has been supported by the Tees Valley Combined Authority, which has invested £3.2m into the project, and has also been part-funded by the European Development Fund.

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen said: “When it comes to professional services, my top priority is to make the Tees Valley the number one destination for firms who would have previously been looking to base themselves in Leeds or Newcastle.

“In funding the development, we’re delivering the highest quality office space that’s just a stone’s throw away from the East Coast Main Line, building on Darlington’s excellent transport links. It will signal to firms across the UK that the Tees Valley is open for business.”

The proposals came after Darlington Council oversaw the construction of nearby offices to retain hundreds of Department for Education staff in the town.

Authority chiefs see the new block as a key asset in strengthening the town’s existing commercial environment, highlighting its potential as a lever in attracting new operators from across the professional services, digital and creative sectors.

They say it will also mark another significant investment in Darlington’s Feethams area, which has seen a new cinema and restaurant complex complemented by a riverside walkway and multi-storey car park.

The scheme is being marketed by property consultancy Connect Property North- East, together with Cushman and Wakefield.

 

Finley construction marks ‘new era’ for Middlesbrough town centre, says mayor

Posted on: June 25th, 2019 by Martin Walker No Comments

Middlesbrough mayor Andy Preston says a construction built using steel from Finley Structures marks the beginning of a new era for the town.

Family-run Aycliffe firm Finley Structures completed a 685-tonne project on two structures at Middlesbrough’s Centre Square development.

The 210,000 sq ft scheme, which is being delivered by Ashall Projects, will create a 21st century business destination in the heart of Middlesbrough with Grade A offices.

Finley – which built the steel frame for Hitachi Rail Europe’s new facility in Aycliffe as well as factories for Nissan and Unipress in Washington and Nifco in Eaglescliffe – fabricated and erected the steel for main contractor Bowmer and Kirkland.

The structures have been kitted out to BREEAM standards and are within a short walking distance of public transport, parking, retail and leisure facilities.

Middlesbrough’s elected mayor Andy Preston said: “This is the beginning of a new era for Middlesbrough and the town centre.

“I’m hugely passionate, confident and realistic about this being the start of many, many more people working and live in the centre of Middlesbrough.

“While there’s no one yet signed up and ready to move in, we are talking to people and companies, and I am 100% certain that the building will be occupied soon. I’ve got a track record of letting buildings. That’s what I do.

“The building has beautiful light from all sides and panoramic views from all angles, looking out towards Roseberry Topping, the Transporter Bridge, Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art and the Town Hall.

“There was a plan to build 10 office blocks here but we don’t want another business park, so instead we’re going to create a mixture of offices, hotels, leisure and residential premises. It’s going to be an amazing place to work and live, somewhere that’s busy 24/7, that feels safe and vibrant all the time.

“So we definitely want to create more offices but we’re categorically not going to create an office park.

“What we will do is build on my election campaign promise that we will target 4,000 extra people living in the centre of Middlesbrough, creating a fantastic environment for young professionals who are looking for their first home and generally changing the demographic of those living in the town centre.”

Finley Structures are no strangers to working in Middlesbrough, having built the steel frame for Teesside University’s award-winning The Curve building and more recently the university’s Student Life building, as well as the council’s Sports Village.

The firm’s managing director Julie Raistrick said: “We were delighted to work on such an important structure for Middlesbrough, providing state-of-the-art office space in the heart of Teesside and playing a key part in the next phase of the centre’s regeneration.”

 

£500k investment in new drill and cutting machine

Posted on: March 15th, 2019 by Martin Walker No Comments

Finley Structures has invested more than £500,000 in a new state-of-the-art cutting machine to increase capacity and improve efficiencies.

The family-run business, which has been buoyed with a string of major contract wins recently, has also invested in a new 7,500 sq ft. manufacturing space to accommodate the state-of-the-art machine, which is in addition to the firm’s existing 88,000 sq ft facility on Aycliffe Business Park.

And within months of being installed, the Voortman tool has already recorded efficiencies of more than 10%, which is anticipated to increase to 15%, to accommodate a strong order book.

Finley’s production controller Philip Metcalfe said: “Our fittings department previously was four men using four machines producing 17.5 tonnes per week – now it’s two men using two machines producing 20 tonnes per week.

“The extra labour created will be used in other areas of the factory, meaning we’ve increased overall output, and we can also potentially provide fittings to other local fabricators.”

Finley Structures has been working on a 640-tonne project for main contractor Galliford Try at Durham University’s Maiden Castle sports facility.

It was the second major project to be awarded from Galliford Try, with Finley Structures also working on a 930-tonne contract at the CTAR Building in Leeds.

Finley was also boosted with a triple contract win from major national firm BAM Construction towards the back end of 2018.

The firm has fabricated and erected 380 tonnes for the Advanced Wellbeing and Research Centre (AWRC) for Sheffield Hallam University.

Also at Sheffield Hallam, Finley Structures constructed 130 tonnes of steel for the National Centre of Excellence for Food Engineering (NCEFE) which is already at the centre of an expanding network of business, industry groups, academics and engineers working to solve specific business challenges within the food and drink sector.

And the Aycliffe construction specialists is also in the process of fabricating 820 tonnes of steel for a new five-storey building for BAM Construction at New College Bradford, which is due to be fully completed by September 2019.

Finley Structures was formed by John Finley in 2000 and has since worked for nearly all of the UK’s main contractors in the construction business, including Sir Robert McAlpine, BAM, Tolent, Interserve, Bowmer & Kirkland and Galliford Try.

The firm has worked on projects the length and breadth of Britain, while also helping to construct some of the most high-profile buildings in the North-East, including Hitachi Rail Europe’s train assembling factory in Newton Aycliffe, Nissan’s car plant in Washington, Nifco’s state-of-the-art factory in Eaglescliffe and Teesside University’s award-winning Curve building in Middlesbrough.