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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. 💙

For some people, a career with Tamdown begins with a job application. For this month’s Stories from our Longest-Serving Colleagues feature, it began around the family kitchen table! 

As the son of Tamdown co-founder Tom Mohan (affectionately known as “Ginger Tom”), Paddy Mohan witnessed the business grow from its earliest days, from watching wages being handed out from his home on a Friday to building a career that has spanned more than four decades. 

A proud dad of three, he has progressed from Labourer to Senior Contracts Manager, and his story is one of hard work, loyalty, leadership and a deep pride in the people, projects and values that have shaped Tamdown over the last 50 years.

How are you linked to the formation of Tamdown?

My dad was one of the founders of Tamdown. Tom Mohan, affectionately known as “Ginger Tom”, started the business in 1976 alongside his business partner, Mick McDonnell. Growing up, Tamdown was always a big part of my life, so the company has been close to my heart from the very beginning.

What is your earliest memory of Tamdown?

I always remember dad working the in corner of the kitchen. He would have all his paperwork spread out around him on the kitchen table. And I can also remember the workforce turning up on a Friday to pick up their wages. That was completely normal for me growing up.  My dad lived and breathed Tamdown. He worked incredibly hard to build the business.

One summer, when I was 14, he told me, “You’re not lying around here all through the school holidays. You can help out on site.” So he arranged for me to work on the Bury St Edmunds site. He dropped me off on my first day, handed me over to the ganger man, Jim McCarthy, and left me there. Jim showed me how to operate a dumper and told me to get on with it. At the end of the day, one of the machine drivers dropped me home. That’s pretty much what I did for the rest of the summer holidays, helping out with whatever a 14 year-old labourer could do in those days.

At Christmas, I helped with the setting out for what is now No.4 Tamdown Way. I can still remember bashing pins into the frozen ground in the snow. After that, I spent every school holiday working on site.

The following summer, I worked with Keith Breen as a Trainee Engineer, and that’s when I realised I really enjoyed that role. It inspired me to go to college, where I completed my HNC. Keith and I got on well and has always been a great mentor and friend. There was always plenty of banter, although he was very good at keeping me in my place.

I remember before hard hats and high vis, the office was the dash of the van. Site phones were rare and mobiles didn’t exist. My first job on a new site was to find a phone box and make sure I had plenty of coins to make calls to order concrete!

What roles have you had during your time with Tamdown?

I’ve worked my way through a number of roles over the years: Labourer, Groundworker, Trainee Engineer, Engineer, Site Manager, Contracts Manager, Director of Operations and Senior Contracts Manager.

I’ve been running sites since I was 22 years old, so I’ve had the opportunity to build up experience across many areas of the business.

Looking back, I’ve been fortunate to see the business from almost every angle, having progressed from working on site as a labourer through to a senior leadership role.

Is there a project that stands out as particularly challenging or rewarding?

Great Notley Garden Village is one that really stands out. It was one of the first major projects I worked on, and I was involved from the very beginning, including the first infrastructure meetings.

I helped develop the drainage ponds in the Country Park, and when I look at them today, it’s incredible to remember sitting in a dusty site cabin trying to work out how everything would fit together. Now you see swans on the water, families walking their dogs and people enjoying the area. I’m really proud to have played a part in creating something that has become such an important part of the community.

There have been plenty of other moments over the years too. I’ll be driving along with my family and point things out to the kids, saying, “See that roundabout?” or “See that crane, that’s a Tamdown crane,” or “See that building up there? We did that.” I have a real sense of pride in looking back and seeing the impact of the projects I’ve worked on and know they’ve helped shape places where people live and work.

How would you describe the company culture now?

I still believe the company is founded on the same principles it started with, which is that we care. We still want everyone to go home safely at the end of the day, and that has never changed.

The culture is very much people-based. If you look after your workforce and make people feel valued, they’ll support you in return. I’ve always believed that when people know they’re respected and cared for, they give their best. For me, that’s one of the things that has remained consistent throughout Tamdown’s history and is still a big part of the culture today.

What have you found to be the most rewarding part of your time at Tamdown?

Developing people has always been the most rewarding part of my job. If someone is good at what they do, I like to encourage them to take the next step and give them the opportunity to try a higher role. As someone who is dyslexic myself, I’ve seen first-hand how people can thrive in our industry when they’re given the right opportunities and support.

People often think being a manager is easier, but the reality is very different. Alongside the job itself, you’re dealing with paperwork, customer expectations, supporting your workforce and sometimes helping people through challenges they’re facing at home. Sometimes promotion is not for them, but at least we have given them the opportunity.

When I look back, I’m proud of the people I’ve helped develop and the part I’ve played in their careers. 

I’m also proud of the work we do. We’re building people’s homes, often the biggest investment they’ll ever make. There’s a real sense of satisfaction in delivering a project and creating places where people want to live.

Another part of the job I love is solving customers’ engineering problems. If a client has a challenging project and isn’t sure how to make it work, I enjoy being part of the team that finds a solution. I like that puzzle-solving aspect and figuring out how to turn an idea into reality.

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to a construction management role in the industry?

It’s a rewarding career and, if you’re prepared to work hard, it can be very rewarding financially too. Construction management isn’t just for people who are highly academic. If you’re a good problem-solver, can communicate well and enjoy developing and leading teams, there are plenty of opportunities to build a successful career.

The industry has changed a lot during my career. Years ago, groundworks wasn’t always viewed as a trade in the same way as bricklaying, but that’s changed. It’s become much more professional and covers a huge range of skills, from roads and drainage to paving and hard landscaping. There’s a lot more to it than people realise, which creates opportunities for people with different strengths and interests.

One of the things I like most about the industry is that you have something tangible to show for your hard work. At the end of a project, you can stand back, look at what you’ve helped create and say, “Yeah, we did that.” 

What keeps you motivated after so many years?

Passion for what I do. I enjoy creating things and working with people to make that happen. 

What does the company’s 50-year milestone mean to you personally?

I’m very proud of the journey we’ve been on. Over the years, some of our customers have become lifelong friends, which says a lot about the relationships we’ve built along the way.

There have been some unbelievable challenges to overcome, from recessions and global events to the uncertainty of Covid. It’s certainly been a rollercoaster at times, but we’ve always found a way to keep moving forward.

I’m especially grateful for all the legends I’ve worked with over the years (too many to mention), who helped shape my career and taught me so much along the way. I still remember people like Mike Morris as a Materials Buyer, Keith Breen as an engineer, Dawn Hillman on Reception, Rob Kendal starting out as a Trainee Machine Driver, Barry Maile and Lee Haylock as Trainee Engineers and Mike Hine as a forklift driver. Watching people develop and build successful careers has always been part of what makes Tamdown special.

To have been part of that journey, and to see the company reach its 50-year milestone, is something I’m incredibly proud of.

Thank you to Paddy for sharing his stories and photos 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.

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 💙

This month officially marks an incredible milestone as Tamdown officially turns 50 years old.

Reaching half a century in business is an incredible achievement and a true testament to the dedication and commitment of everyone who has joined us in being an integral part of Tamdown’s journey – past and present 💙

We would like to thank everyone who has worked for or on behalf of Tamdown throughout the past 50 years, without your valued contribution to the business we wouldn’t be where we are today!

And a huge thank you to our customers, suppliers and local communities, thank you for your continued trust and support throughout our journey!

Over the last 50 years, we have successfully delivered thousands of projects, built strong relationships and remained committed to our values, and we look forward to continuing that for the next 50 years ahead 🥳

Happy 50th Birthday, Tamdown! 🎂🎉

It has been great to see works now progressing on our new Bloor Homes Eastern site in Haverhill.

This initial phase comprises 95 new homes, together with over 1,000m of adoptable infrastructure designed to service subsequent phases. Our scope of works includes infrastructure delivery, cut‑and‑fill operations, and all associated plot groundwork and external works.

Thank you to Bloor Homes for your continued business; we value our ongoing partnership and look forward to delivering this scheme together.