FEATURE
Experience – Meldrum Group staff and Middlesbrough College students under the statue of Henry Bolckow in Exchange Square , Middlesbrough .
Making a difference
Meldrum Group is passionate about supporting its people and delivering social value
Teesside-based contractor Meldrum Group is proud to be bringing additional value to the area . The group employs more than 200 people in the North-East and is made up of specialist operating companies that deliver civil and structural engineering , construction , building services and facilities management . It also has a charitable arm – Meldrum Foundation .
Since opening an office in Middlesbrough back in 2021 , Meldrum has had a real impact on bringing social value to the area through the projects it has successfully delivered .
Projects such as the refurbishment of Exchange Square and the extension to Yarm School have provided many opportunities for schools and local colleges , as well as utilising the local supply chain .
Forging strong links to the area , Meldrum has worked closely with education providers in the region , providing work experience for students from the local area , including two from Middlesbrough College and a Teesside University student , who works with Meldrum one day a week .
Meldrum has also arranged for the student to have further work experience days at Lynas Engineering , a locally-based design consultant .
Meldrum opened up access to its project with Middlesbrough Council ,
Exchange Square , to allow Middlesbrough College students the opportunity to gain valuable site experience in the operational requirements of a public realm scheme , including the art of bricklaying , paving and general installation .
The firm understands the importance of this “ hands-on ” experience and how it will keep skilled labour within the region .
Meldrum not only provides handson experience , it regularly donates to charities based in the Tees Valley region through its charitable arm .
Mandy Shields , events manager for the Teesside Charity , said : “ We are thrilled with the support we receive from Meldrum Construction , which initially donated £ 2,500 in January 2021 towards our Digital Poverty Appeal , which supported disadvantaged children in Teesside by providing devices and connectivity during lockdown .
“ Since then , the staff have been supporting many of our events , including Tracy Cuthbertson , who raised £ 775 by taking part in a skydive , and attending our quiz night and annual ball , as well as three members of staff who have signed up for our upcoming CEO Sleepout .
“ The charity is a grant-giving organisation and supports charities and community groups across Teesside .
“ Meldrum is currently supporting hundreds of families through the current financial crisis with fuel and food vouchers , warm coats , shoes and uniforms , and providing beds and white goods to families in need .
“ We can only continue to support those in need in our community with amazing companies such as Meldrum .”
With a focus on driving positive change to the area and its communities , Meldrum is committed to offering long-term support to achieve these goals .
Group business development director Tracy Cuthbertson said : “ It ’ s really important to us that we bring opportunity to the Teesside area , giving youngsters an insight into possible careers in construction and engineering .
“ It ’ s about opening up possibilities for them to be more and do more than maybe their social or economic background would normally allow .
“ We don ’ t want youngsters ’ dreams to be constrained by their current situation , we want them to know what is possible if they work hard .
“ By working with local schools , colleges and universities and by providing on-site work experience , they can see what is available to them and how to achieve it .”
Over its 20-year history , Meldrum has delivered more than 170 apprenticeships and trainees and donated over £ 1m to North-East charities .
The firm is passionate about its people and about making a difference .
Meldrum is currently advertising for apprentices – find out more at meldrumcs . com / vacancies / apprenticeship-trainee-vacancies .
The voice of business in the Tees region | 127