Uncategorized

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.

As part of our 50th anniversary celebrations, we’re proud to share the sixth instalment of our Anniversary Spotlight Stories — and this one shines a light on Rob, our Managing Director.

With nearly 28 years at Tamdown, his journey is a true example of what can be achieved through hard work, ambition, and a willingness to learn. Starting out as an apprentice at just 17, he’s grown through the business, taking on new challenges, embracing opportunities, and developed into the leader he is today.

His story reflects everything Tamdown stands for — investing in people, creating opportunities, and building a culture where individuals can thrive and reach their potential.

From those early days on site to leading the business today, it’s a journey built on resilience, support, and a real passion for what we do.

What is your earliest memory of Tamdown?

I joined Tamdown in January 1999 when I was 17, starting a CITB residential plant operator apprenticeship at Bircham Newton in Norfolk, which I completed in June. Straight out of school, I didn’t have a real passion for construction at the time and like most teenagers, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, but Mike Morris (former Nexus CEO) approached me about the apprenticeship programme.

Once I’d passed the course, I was straight into a machine and asked to clear the field at the bottom of Tamdown Way. Trevor Haylock (Lee’s Dad) was my mentor for the first few weeks.

I also remember my interview clearly, it was with Tom Mohan (Paddy’s dad), and he took the mickey out of me the whole way through. I had long hair at the time and he asked me if there were no hairdressers in King’s Lynn, where I lived!

The funny thing is, that interview took place in the same office at Tamdown Way that later became my office as MD, nearly 20 years later — so I really came full circle.

How has your career progressed over the years?

Early on, I used to see the leaders turning up to site in their flashy cars, and I’ll be honest, I wanted a bit of that. My first opportunity was when Mark Cain was advertising for an assistant in the Buying department, I went for it and was given a three‑month trial.

At the time, I didn’t think an office job would be for me, but it just clicked. I still remember making my first phone call to order fuel, I was so nervous. The lady on the other end must have sensed it, because she asked if I was new and whether it was my first call. 

Between 2000 and 2002, I became a Buyer, and used to cover holidays as a Plant Buyer in the plant office. Then in 2003, when Tamdown set up the West region office in Basingstoke, I was asked to go there as an Estimator (the only Estimator, which meant long hours)!

In 2006, at just 25, I was asked to step up as Estimating Manager for the Maidenhead office. We relocated the Basingstoke Office and had 4 Estimators working there. Unfortunately we shut the office after the 2008 financial crisis and managed the workload back in Braintree.

From there, my career continued to develop — moving into a Quantity Surveyor role, then becoming Estimating Director in October 2013, followed by Commercial Director, then Commercial and Operations Director, and finally Managing Director in October 2018.

Did you imagine back then that you’d one day become Managing Director?

Not when I first joined. But as I settled into my office career, I always felt like I was doing a good job, and I developed a belief that one day I could run the business — I had that hunger and drive.

Before becoming Managing Director, I successfully completed my Certificate in Company Direction at the IOD and was fortunate enough to complete a Strategy and Change programme at Hult International Business School. I’ve always loved learning, and continuing to develop myself has been really important to me.

Tamdown played a huge part in that. It’s always been a very supportive environment, if you wanted to try something, the attitude was “go and do it.” I was never held back, and that trust allowed me to grow and develop.

I’m very aware of how much that environment nurtured me, and it’s something I’m keen to give back now and create the same opportunities for others to grow. Sometimes people just need that chance, and a bit of support, to realise what they’re capable of.

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

Go for it. If you’re ambitious and prepared to work hard, there’s nothing stopping you.

You don’t have to be the most intelligent person in the room — but you do need a strong work ethic and a willingness to keep learning. Stay curious, be open to development, and keep pushing yourself to improve. That mindset goes a long way.

What does the company’s 50-year milestone mean to you personally, and what are your hopes for the next 50 years?

Reaching 50 years really underlines what a great business we are. To have evolved and remained resilient for that length of time is a huge achievement, and it reinforces everything I believe about the company.

Personally, I’m proud to have been part of it for 28 of those 50 years.

We’ve got some amazing people in the business, and that’s what excites me most, helping to set things up for the next 50 years — setting the right foundations so the business can continue to adapt, grow and succeed.

This edition leads us neatly into our birthday month in July, and Rob is looking forward to celebrating this milestone with everyone through a range of activities planned in the month.

We are proud to share that we have successfully completed Infrastructure and Groundworks on our Alconbury Weald project in Cambridgeshire in partnership with Hopkins Homes.

A huge thanks to Hopkins Homes and to all of our teams, suppliers and subcontractors involved in bringing this project to life.

We look forward to continuing our working relationships on future projects💙

We are proud to share that we are now over halfway through Phase 3 of our Behavioural Safety programme, in partnership with Titanium Talks at Colchester United Football Stadium So far 52 of our Directors, Site Managers, Supervisors and Office Staff have been through the programme, with a couple more sessions to go.

Phase 3 has primarily focused on Human Factors and takes a closer look at the mechanics of the mind, allowing us to better understand why people make certain decisions and how accidents or incidents may therefore arise.

A key part of developing a positive safety culture is learning through real-life experiences. Revisiting Justin’s powerful story of his near-fatal accident provided a clear and lasting reminder of why behavioural safety matters. It reinforces the importance of looking out for one another, challenging unsafe behaviours, and making conscious, safer choices.

A huge thank you to Justin and Pete for the insightful days and equipping our teams with a lot of important tools that we can apply to our day-to-day roles. Along with a huge thanks to Colchester United Football Stadium for hosting us throughout the course.