GROWTH
Revamped – Middlesbrough ’ s Exchange Square .
STRONG
FOUNDATIONS
Tees Valley-based contractor Meldrum outlines growth plans
Since opening its Teesside office more than 18 months ago , Meldrum Group has continued to go from strength to strength – with turnover predicted to double from 2021 .
Meldrum has invested in the Teesside area , as well as providing support to the local economy and supply chain with new projects . The delivery of projects such as the revamp of Exchange Square , a key part of Middlesbrough ’ s Historic Quarter , provides an excellent case in point and is testament to the quality of the work the Meldrum Group produces . Refurbishing and restoring the area to its former glory included works to the 140-year-old statue of Henry Bolckow – the legendary ironmaster and founding father .
Such projects provide a backdrop to the philanthropic nature of Meldrum Group by enabling it to provide opportunities to local colleges for work experience , as well as supporting apprenticeships in the area . Meldrum Group and its charitable arm , the Meldrum Foundation , has made donations to Teesside-based charities such as the Digital Poverty Scheme and the Teesside Charity .
Cheryl James , chair of Meldrum Foundation and group HR & marketing director of Meldrum Group , said : “ It ’ s fantastic to be involved in contributing to such amazing charities . Our aim is to make a difference to those most disadvantaged in life , whether it be through their background , age , disability or illness .
“ We strive to transform their quality of life by exposing them to new experiences , or by improving the environment in which they live . The foundation believes that if we can improve their quality of life , this , in turn , benefits their friends , family and ultimately the wider community .
“ It is very important to us that we are making a wider impact , rather than simply the projects we undertake . It is about making long-term changes to attitudes , behaviours and aspirations of the people in those often forgotten about communities . There is some truly fantastic regeneration work being undertaken in Teesside at the moment and we feel we can really add that extra value needed to make sustainable and long-term change .” Meldrum is keen to provide not only “ building solutions with integrity ” but also to make a difference to the local economy by offering learning and development and career opportunities , as well as supporting the local supply chain by using local subcontractors wherever possible .
Meldrum has a number of opportunities in the pipeline , with projects in Redcar , Loftus and even as far south as Leeds , all with the aim of creating something special and long-lasting .
Tracy Cuthbertson , group business development director , said : “ There is some amazing work being undertaken by the Tees Valley Combined Authority , on the back of the great work Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen is doing in terms of raising the profile of Tees Valley and in ensuring Tees Valley is a destination that people want to live and work in . We believe in ‘ doing our bit ’ and in doing so , we feel we have a valuable contribution to make to the area . We have some great opportunities in the pipeline and look forward to building further our current growth and presence in the Tees Valley area .
“ Working collaboratively is very much part of our ethos and at the heart of everything we do . We have built some very strong relationships ensuring some fantastic results , such as our work at Exchange Square , PD Ports and our current site at Yarm School . We look forward to continuing this as we strive to bring about sustainable change and improvements to the area on behalf of our clients .”
Meldrum Group currently employs around 200 people in the North-East , with offices in Gateshead and Middlesbrough , and has supported more than 170 apprentices and trainees in its 21-year history .
The voice of business in the Tees region | 83