FEATURE
Tees project – Meldrum’ s recent completion of the James Cook University Hospital Cardiac Bridge further showcases the firm’ s strength in specialist healthcare construction.
Thriving Meldrum becomes a key player in the healthcare sector
IN GOOD HEALTH
As demand for healthcare infrastructure rises, the sector is calling for new and innovative companies to enter the market to keep competition dynamic.
According to Glenigan, activity in the healthcare sector is predicted to grow to 5 % this year, with a further 7 % in 2026, providing space for the emerging players of the market to demonstrate their expertise.
And from its North-East base, one of those emerging players continues to demonstrate it has what it takes to excel.
Founded by Dave Meldrum in 2001, Meldrum Group offers a complete construction service – from infrastructure to aftercare.
With offices in Teesside, Tyneside and York, Meldrum has firmly established itself as a clear market leader, with a string of acclaimed developments to its name – including the three-time award-winning Northumbria Health and Care Training Academy in Cramlington.
In 2024, Dave and the Meldrum board made a bold move by transferring ownership of the company to its employees, putting the people behind its success at the heart of its future.
This transition to become an Employee Owned Trust( EOT) reflects a growing shift in UK business ownership, empowering employees with a meaningful stake in their work and future.
Known for its strong community ties and people-first culture, Meldrum sees its people as the key to its continued success.
Even during the transition, the company thrived, boosting operating profit from £ 1.9m to £ 2.4m – a 26 % year-on-year increase.
And healthcare projects have played a significant role in this success, contributing 10.21 % gross profit over the last three years.
Meldrum is rapidly gaining recognition for its delivery of sustainable, user-first healthcare buildings.
In healthcare, user experience is paramount to success – from patient care to functionality of operational space – and Meldrum is helping redefine how these environments are designed and built.
It was the first construction company to complete an NHS build that achieved the WELL gold certification from the International WELL Building Institute – highlighting a growing movement to enhance health and wellness through innovative building design.
Meldrum is currently delivering several significant healthcare projects, including Hummingbird House Mental Health Hub in Harrogate, Martin House Children’ s Hospice in Leeds, and the NHFM Manufacturing and Innovation Hub in Seaton Delaval.
Its recent completion of the James Cook University Hospital Cardiac Bridge in Middlesbrough further showcases the firm’ s strength in specialist healthcare construction.
Meldrum is known for its people strategy. As Dave Meldrum says:“ It is harder to teach integrity, so we recruit people with that quality and promote a culture that allows people to maintain it.”
This ethos is embodied by Ben Emery, a
Boost – healthcare projects have played a significant role in Meldrum’ s increases in gross profits over the last three years.
former university student who, after years of training with Meldrum, has just delivered his first healthcare project.
Ben said:“ Having progressed from being a work experience student two to three years ago with Meldrum, to now managing my own sites for the business, I’ m over the moon to have completed my first stand-alone project.
“ I’ m a local lad, having been born in James Cook, and having family members who work here, I’ m very proud of the work we have done.“ While the project was challenging, given the sensitivity of the area, the final product has been rewarding to see, and it has given the hospital an improvement it deserves.
“ I hope to build on this achievement with Meldrum for many more years to come.”
From people to pets, Meldrum’ s expertise spans a wide range of medical environments.
A fit-out at Linnaeus Veterinary Group, for example, was recognised by the HVAC Awards for its complex MEP installation to accommodate new ICU, ER, MRI, resus and triage areas, alongside exceptional recreational areas.
In short, Meldrum is committed to advancing the healthcare sector through innovative, patient-centred construction, creating environments that directly enhance care outcomes.
Its continued focus on purposeful building makes it clear – Meldrum is here to make a difference.
Visit meldrumcs. com
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