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We are pleased to share some of our progress at the Towerlands Park development in Braintree, in partnership with Dandara

We commenced works in spring 2022 and our scope of works to date, includes…
🏗️Phase 1- 168 plots and 1.7km of infrastructure
🏗️Phase 2- 162 Plots and 1.0km of infrastructure
🏗️Phase 3- 184 Plots and 1.2km of infrastructure
✅Off-site sewer connection comprising 450m of thrust boring
✅Completion of 278 Works and Infrastructure improvements
✅Delivery of substructures to the neighbourhood centre

It’s been fantastic to see this development take shape over the past few years, transforming from plans on paper into a thriving new community.

We look forward to continuing our successful partnership with Dandara as Towerlands Park progresses towards completion 💙

In an industry like construction, where long hours, tight deadlines, physical work and demanding projects are part of everyday life, it’s important that we never stop talking about mental health and the importance of looking after our wellbeing.

Mental health affects us all, and everyone has their own experiences, challenges and stories. That’s why we continue to encourage our workforce to recognise the signs when someone may be struggling, start meaningful conversations, and seek support when they need it. As part of our People First approach, we regularly remind our teams of the support available to them.

Today, we’re encouraging everyone to take a moment to talk, check in with one another, and take part in a survey sharing the one thing that helps support their wellbeing. By hearing from colleagues across the business, we hope to inspire others and highlight the everyday actions, habits and support networks that can make a real difference.

Creating an environment where people feel comfortable speaking openly is key to breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health. Checking in with one another and encouraging honest conversations should be part of our day-to-day culture, helping to build a workplace where asking for help is seen as a strength, not a weakness.

Because when real voices are heard, real change happens. 💙

We’re proud to share the fantastic progress being made at our Bentley Gardens development in Basildon, delivered in partnership with Bloor Homes.

From the outset, this project was set up for success through proactive planning, strong collaboration, and a commitment to quality. These efforts have been recognised with a prestigious Pride in the Job Award 🎉

On this 269-home development, our teams have achieved:
✅ 90% of adoptable drainage installed
✅ 65% of adoptable roads completed to binder course level
✅ 55% of foundations completed
✅ 25% of plots handed over, with residents already settled into their new homes

This milestone reflects the hard work, dedication, and teamwork of everyone involved in the project. A huge thank you to all our operatives, supervisors, managers, and supply chain partners for their continued efforts.

We look forward to maintaining this momentum and driving the project through to a successful completion. 💙

As part of our 50th anniversary celebrations, we’re proud to share the ninth story in our series spotlighting some of Tamdown’s longest-serving colleagues.

What is your earliest memory of being on a Tamdown site?

My first site job for Tamdown was at Greenhithe in Kent. I worked with Mick Clarke when he was Site Manager and alongside people like Tommy Gant, who has also been here a long time.

After about three years I moved to Stone Castle, and Eamon Mahon, the Contracts Manager used to send me to different sites to help with kerbing work. I built up my all round groundwork skills as I went along, learning from experienced people. 

Did you imagine you’d still be here 26 years later?

Not really!

I’ve met a lot of good people over the years. What has kept me going is the people around me and the chance to pass on what I’ve learned.

I enjoy mentoring apprentices and sharing my knowledge. I’ve worked with some great foremen, including Alan Talbot, Danny Dacey, John Wilson and Lonny Spall. Having good people around you makes the job better.

What project stands out as especially meaningful?

Greenhithe will always stand out because it was where I started, but I also enjoyed working at Harold Wood.

To be honest, I’ve enjoyed most places I’ve worked because the teams were good. When I first started, everything was new to me. People like Shaun Moon, Lonny and John were there and helped me along the way.

Do you have any funny stories that have happened?

One that always makes me laugh happened at Greenhithe when we were pouring concrete.

I warned someone to watch the corner because the ground had started to cave in while we’d been digging there. He told me not to worry and said he’d do it himself. The next thing we knew, he suddenly disappeared waist-deep into the concrete!  We had to pull him out. We were all laughing afterwards. It just proved that sometimes you should listen to the warning.

I’ve had loads of laughs over the years, especially working with the Irish lads. They were funny guys.  I used to say to them you’re putting me under pressure and they would say “no, pressure is only for tyres!”

How have tools and techniques changed over the years?

Things are much better now.

Years ago, everything was much harder on your body. We used to do far more manual lifting, especially with kerbs. Now machinery does a lot of the heavy work for you, which is much better for your back.

Health and safety has improved a lot too. We know more about things like hand-arm vibration and reducing strain on the body. Battery-powered tools are quieter and easier to use. The only downside is you have to keep charging them, but when the battery runs out, it gives you a chance for a break!

Do you have a moment when teamwork made all the difference?

For me, teamwork is about people helping each other every day.

If somebody is having a bad day or feeling down, there’s always someone to talk to. People genuinely care about each other here, and that makes a difference.

What makes a good site culture?

A good foreman and good colleagues.

I’ve always enjoyed working in strong teams and everyone pulling in the same direction. Winning Site of the Month at Rayleigh and Dunton was a proud moment.

It’s also the little things. We’ve had free pizza lunches on site which gives everyone a chance to get together and talk. It’s nice when managers and the office show appreciation because it makes people feel valued.

What keeps you motivated through the toughest days on the ground?

Providing for my family.

I want to be a good example for my son and show him the value of working hard. Site work isn’t easy, especially with the extreme weather, but you keep going.

One moment I really appreciated was when Rob Kendal (Managing Director) and Barry Maile (Construction Director) came out to site with champagne when I reached my 25 year work anniversary – I appreciated that. I had actually worked with Barry at Stone Castle when he was an engineer years earlier, so it was nice to see him again.

When people take the time to come out and thank you personally, it means a lot.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out?

Work safely. Learn your skills. Listen. Just keep going.

If you choose this industry, give it your best. Not everyone likes the job, but there’s a real sense of achievement when you finish something and someone says, “That’s a nice job.”

I’m quite fussy because I like things done properly. I remember working with one of our apprentices, who was laying edging. I told him it wasn’t quite straight and showed him how it should be done. We still laugh about it now. He knows I wasn’t being critical, I just wanted him to learn the right way. That’s how you improve.

If you start something, finish it properly and take pride in your work.

Thank you to Marin for sharing his stories from years gone by. We hope you’ve enjoyed this look back at Tamdown’s history. Be sure to keep an eye out for next month’s feature, where we’ll spotlight another long‑serving colleague and continue celebrating 50 years of dedication, growth, and community.

👷‍♂️A warm welcome to our new cohort of Groundworker Apprentices

Last week we welcomed our newest Apprentices to Tamdown!

We kicked off with our In-Touch Day, where they got to meet several Directors, Contracts Managers, and some of our other colleagues, who gave a great overview of Tamdown, and what to expect throughout their apprenticeship.

We are proud to support the development of future talent. And we look forward to seeing our new apprentices learn, grow and succeed throughout their time with Tamdown.

Best of luck to all of our apprentices, as they start this exciting journey. 💙

Last week some of the Tamdown Team completed the Housebuilder Challenge 2026 in aid of the amazing Youth Adventure Trust!🏃‍♂️

We had 2 teams take on the 20-mile hike along the incredible Jurassic Coast, in what was a challenging but rewarding experience.
With team A completing it in 6 hours, and team B completing in 7 hours 50 minutes.

A great effort by the team and all in aid for a fantastic course; raising a total of £4k

A huge thank you to everyone that took part and has supported us along the way. 💙

We are pleased to share the ongoing progress at our Chilton Woods development in partnership with Taylor Wimpey where it has been rewarding to see the development continue to take shape.

Since commencing with the site wide infrastructure in January 2022, works have progressed across multiple phases of the site and we are pleased to share our most recent progress:

✅ Over 11km of site-wide adoptable drainage installed
✅ Over 5km of site-wide adoptable infrastructure delivered
✅ Phase 1 Substructures 100% Complete | 200 plots
✅ Phase 2 Substructures 100% Complete | 242 plots
✅ Phase 3 Substructures 90% Complete | 135 plots
✅ New Homes handed over 72% Complete | 401 homes

Among the many milestones delivered on this project, we are particularly proud to have been involved in the delivery of the Chilton Woods Community Heat Hub, a first-of-its-kind energy infrastructure project for the UK.

A huge thank you to everyone involved in the delivery of this scheme. The commitment and hard work shown continues to play an important role in creating a high-quality sustainable community. 💙

As we continue celebrating Tamdown’s 50th anniversary, we’re proud to share the seventh instalment of our Spotlight series — shining a light on the people who have helped shape our journey. Each story brings to life the experiences of our longest‑serving colleagues, whose dedication, hard work, and personality have played a key role in building the business we know today. Their reflections not only look back on how far we’ve come, but also highlight the values, culture, and team spirit that continue to drive us forward.

This month, we caught up with Lonny Spall, Site Manager, who has the unique honour of celebrating his 50th birthday in the very same month Tamdown turns 50. We spoke to Lonny about his journey with the business, his proudest moments, and the experiences that have shaped his time with us.

What originally attracted you to join the company over 26 years ago?

I’d been self-employed for about five years when I joined Tamdown in January 2000. At the time, Tamdown was everywhere — you couldn’t miss them.  I remember Rob Kendal was the surveyor on Oak Hill Park in Saffron Walden when I was made up to manager.

Do you remember your first day on site — what was it like?

Yes, I do, I was picked up from home at 6am by John Crick along with my gang, and we were dropped off at Great Leighs to work for Charlie Woollard, the site manager.

The first thing Charlie said when we got out of the van was, “So, what can you do, boys?” That stuck with me. Years later, when I became a site manager myself — ironically on a site where Charlie was the plant operator before he retired — I found myself saying the same thing to him!

How has your role evolved over the years?

I started out as a groundworker — an all-rounder really, apart from deep drainage. I always wanted to do my best and push myself. I knew I had ambition and wanted to learn everything I could.

I was lucky to be surrounded by experienced people early on, and that had a big influence on me — I learned by watching the standards they set. Shaun Moon, my Contracts Manager at Harold Wood played a big part in shaping the manager I became.

What has kept you with the company for so long?

I’d like to think a bit of cheeky charm has helped! But honestly, I’ve always had a good rapport with our customers, and I’ve never had bad reports on projects.

The opportunities to progress have kept me motivated too. You’re always encouraged to do more and be better. And it’s the people as well — I’ve built strong relationships across the business over the years, with people like Lee Haylock, Marcus Jones and many others.

Plus, I enjoy the banter — the ‘crack’ as we call it. That’s a big part of it.

How has the company changed since you first joined?

When I first joined, there were probably 400–500 men and around 50 or 60 jobs on the go. A lot has grown and evolved since then, but the core of the company still feels the same. The vision and goals haven’t really changed.

What are the biggest differences in site management then vs now?

The biggest change? Computers—definitely!  I’d much rather be out on site than sat behind a screen.

For me, managing the team is about being present — doing my toolbox talks, keeping the team motivated, and creating a good environment. I like to bring a bit of personality to site as well — we’ve got World Cup flags up on the cabins at the moment.

Is there anything from the ‘old days’ you still miss?

The Christmas get-togethers — those were always something to look forward to.

What projects are you most proud to have worked on?

Truthfully, I’m proud of all of them — every job brings its own rewards and challenges.

A few stand out though. Bakers Mill in Sudbury, where I worked as a groundworker with Gary Rogers and we won our first NHBC Pride in the Job award — that was a big moment.

Harold Wood was a big one too—a multi-phase job. Then there were the two concrete frame projects at Chadwell Heath.

I genuinely enjoy every job though — no two are the same, and that’s what keeps it interesting.

Can you share a memorable story?

There’s been plenty over the years!

I met Gemma Collins at Harold Wood — which you don’t expect on a building site — and Stavros Flatley as well.

One that sticks with me though — Regan, our site supervisor at Heybridge once told me not to walk across a certain area because it was so muddy… I ignored him and got stuck. He still pulls my leg about that to this day!

What has been your most satisfying achievement with the company?

I’d say it’s about staying in the job and building relationships. I love being part of a team. I take pride in the connections I’ve built with the lads and just being a steady part of the company over the years.

How would you describe the company culture?

I like Tamdown’s culture of putting people first — it aligns with my values. Looking out for each other, supporting each other — that matters to me.

There are still good touches as well, like the wellbeing initiatives. Even something simple like having pizza delivered on site — it all helps bring people together.

Have you mentored others coming into the industry?

Yes — Regan’s the one that stands out straight away. He started as an apprentice on my site and has always been keen to learn and get stuck in.

I took him under my wing because I could see something in him. He had the right attitude, wanted to progress, and wasn’t afraid of hard work. Watching him grow into a site supervisor has been brilliant—I’m really proud of what he’s achieved.

What qualities make a great site manager today?

A bit of cheeky charm! But more than anything, you’ve got to genuinely enjoy what you do — I wouldn’t still be here if I didn’t.

Positivity is important, and so is empathy. You need to understand people and make sure everyone on site is alright. That’s what makes you approachable.

And don’t forget to have a laugh. If you can keep spirits up and build a good atmosphere, the whole site runs better.

What advice would you give to a youngster?

Stand tall, chest out, and don’t let things knock you down. Roll with the punches and just keep going.

Hard work and perseverance go a long way in this industry.

What keeps you motivated?

My family, 100%. My wife and kids are a big driver for me — I work hard to provide for them, and I’m a very proud dad, especially seeing how well they’re doing at school and my son in his new job.

Then there’s the dog, Hugo — our cockerpoo — he keeps things lively at home!

And of course, Tottenham Hotspur… although they don’t always help with the stress levels!

I wouldn’t come to work if I didn’t enjoy it. That’s a big part of what keeps me going.

You’re celebrating your 50th birthday in July which coincides with the company’s 50th year — what does this milestone mean?

It’s a big one! And with it being the World Cup tournament, it couldn’t have been better timing.

What advice would you give to someone starting out today?

Take pride in your work — no matter how small the job might seem. Even if you’re just laying a few slabs, do it properly and do it well.

That mindset will carry you forward.

Thank you to Lonny for sharing his stories and reflections from years gone by. We hope you’ve enjoyed this look back at our shared history. Be sure to keep an eye out for next month’s feature, where we’ll spotlight another long‑serving colleague and continue celebrating 50 years of dedication, growth, and community.

With health and safety at the heart of everything we do, our Construction Director, Barry Maile, recently set out to deepen his expertise by completing the NEBOSH Health and Safety Management for Construction (UK) qualification — building on years of hands-on experience in the industry.

To achieve this qualification, candidates complete in-depth training covering key areas such as risk management, construction legislation, and site safety. The assessment combines a scenario-based, open-book exam — where learners apply their knowledge to real-world situations — with a practical risk assessment carried out on a live or simulated construction site. This ensures participants not only understand health and safety principles but can confidently apply them in practice to improve standards on site.

We spoke to Barry to find out how he found the learning and what it means for him…

What motivated you to take the NEBOSH Health and Safety Management for Construction qualification at this stage in your career?

I’ve spent much of my career working on site as an Engineer and Project Manager, so I’ve always been close to construction operations. Now that I’m in the role of Construction Director and responsible for leading the Health & Safety function, I felt it was important to strengthen my understanding in this area. I hadn’t previously completed any formal health and safety training, so undertaking the NEBOSH qualification felt like the right step to ensure I’m fully equipped to lead by example and support the business in maintaining the highest safety standards.

What was the most challenging part of completing the course?

The most challenging part was knowing exactly what to write and how to structure the answers in a clear and articulate way. It’s not just about understanding the content but being able to apply it and present your thinking in the right way for the assessment – that was the tricky part for me.

How will this qualification influence the way you approach health and safety on our projects?

I’ve always had a huge respect for health and safety. Over the years, I’ve witnessed accidents and seen first-hand the impact when things go wrong and people get hurt, so it’s something I take very seriously. This qualification has strengthened that mindset even further and will help me take a more structured and proactive approach to managing health and safety across our projects.

How did you balance studying alongside your role?

I took a week away from work to concentrate fully on my studies and had lessons every day.  The assessment itself was quite intensive – a 48-hour open-book, essay-based exam that required you to apply what you’d learned in a practical way. This was then followed by an interview to talk through my answers and demonstrate my understanding.

What achievement are you most proud of from completing the course?

I think the main achievement is the personal growth that comes with it. I’m a big believer in always looking to learn and improve, so it was a good opportunity to do that.

What’s next for you in terms of professional development?

At the moment, I’m focused on my current role as it’s a busy time, so I’ll see what comes next. Previously, I’ve taken part in training with Vistage, which was really valuable in helping me navigate difficult situations in business. A lot of the challenges we face come down to people – we’re all different, and it’s about understanding those differences and knowing how to manage and work with a variety of personalities effectively.

We are very proud to announce that we are 2026 RoSPA Award Winners for the 17th consecutive year 🎉

Tamdown have been awarded our 17th consecutive gold RoSPA Award! Earning the reputable order of distinction.

Our Director of HSQE, Jon Ireland, accepted this award on behalf of the team. This is a great achievement to reflect our ongoing commitment to maintaining and continuously improving the highest standards in Health and Safety.

Thank you, and congratulations to everyone who has contributed- your hard work and commitment make all the difference 💙