Founder of leading construction company announces new MD on 20th anniversary

Leading East Anglian construction company Bateman Groundworks is marking its 20th anniversary by making changes at the top.

Founder and Managing Director Richard Bateman is taking on the new role of Executive Chairman of the business, singled out as a national exemplar for its operations and fast-growth.

Jason Ramsey, described by Mr Bateman as being “instrumental” in driving the company’s success in the past decade, takes over as Managing Director and the day-to-day operations from his role as Commercial Director.

Mr Bateman, who started the company in 1997, will focus on the strategic development of the business, exploring new ventures and diversifications.

Bateman Groundworks has become one of the fastest-growing and dynamic small and medium sized business in the UK for its core business of providing groundworks and civil engineering for blue chip house builders.

Mr Bateman said: “As we celebrate 20 years, the plan now is to give Jason, who has been instrumental in steering the company to what it is today, the freedom to run and operate the business, giving me the time to look at how we deliver the business in a wider sense.

“There are areas we would like to explore, new directions that complement the current business and potential expansions of our client portfolio. Any new ventures would be under the Bateman Groundworks umbrella.”

The company is expecting to report large growth this year with turnover of around £23 million, up from the £16million it achieved last year.

Its teams are currently working on 11 sites across East Anglia. About 180 staff are employed on site and at its new head office at the Octagon Business Centre, Little Plumstead, near Norwich.

Further growth is predicted for 2018 and staff are currently being recruited ready for a number of potential new projects; along with capital expenditure of more than £1.62million which has been spent this year on new plant, equipment and vehicles.

Mr Ramsey, who has been with Bateman Groundworks for 10 years, has great aspirations for the company and said that future plans shall not be inhibited by regional boundaries.

“We have worked hard over the last 12 months to develop a long-term business plan that will provide growth and sustainability to the company and its employees. The company will grow according to supply and demand in the housing sector but there are also opportunities from diversifying into new sectors still linked to our core business.

“We must however ensure that any growth does not come at a compromise to our key values and continue to provide inspiration to others allowing us to exceed expectations.”

Mr Bateman and Mr Ramsey’s new roles were announced at a party for all staff and their partners to celebrate the company’s 20^th anniversary at Dunston Hall, near Norwich.

Also joining the board as Finance Director is David Lefevre, who joined Bateman Groundworks earlier this year from Group Lotus, attracted by the company’s “dynamic and ambitious team that puts people and business relationships at the centre of what they do and constantly strives to improve and grow.

“I am delighted to take on the role of Finance Director and continuing to contribute towards the sustainable growth of the business.”

Beth Bateman, Richard’s wife, also takes a board seat to lead the company’s growing Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.

Among its charity activities this year, it has committed to donating £25,000 to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH), raised £15,000 for Prostate Cancer UK, provided £12,000 funding for an employer manager to Great Yarmouth’s Anchorage Trust, which supports homeless and vulnerable young people and taken part in fund-raising for Nelson’s Journey

Bateman Groundworks is also main sponsor of Gorleston Town Football Club and supports the Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival

In 2015 and 2016, Bateman Groundworks was one of the Stock Exchanges 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain and was one of 12 finalists in the National Lloyds Business Awards Small to Medium-Sized Business category last November.

It was chosen by the Government as a national exemplar of excellence for its health and safety systems and leadership to be included on the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website.