Building better together: The value of working with a certified groundworks contractor

It’s official: the UK’s construction industry is in recovery with spending on the rise. Research from construction data analyst Glenigan predicts 8% growth for 2025, others like PwC (2.9% growth forecast) are more conservative. Regardless of rate of growth, this momentum means more projects and more work for contractors.

As these new projects move forward, there will be added pressure to ensure the contracted civil engineering and groundworks companies not only have the right staff, but the right experience and certifications as well.

Part and parcel of having the right skills and experience is the ability to work with other contractors. The key to success in any construction project is collaboration – everything from meeting deadlines and ensuring the right materials are available, to working around obstacles and other companies on site hinges on a number of moving parts working in harmony toward a common goal. And this is where working with certified contractors, skilled collaborators, communicators and planners, is essential.

Ashley Groundworks is a certified groundworks contractor that knows exactly what is needed for success. With a wealth of experience in delivering residential and commercial construction projects, Ashley Groundworks is a trusted partner to many main contractors and is well-positioned to demonstrate the role of accredited companies in project success.

The obvious answer is because certified contractors know what they are doing because they have been tested and are proven to deliver projects while adhering to industry standards and best practice. More than that, certified groundworks contractors like Ashley Groundworks know exactly how to:

• Meet site deadlines, saving time and money
• Ensure the right materials are on site and available when needed
• Plan delivery down to the last detail to keep the project on track
• Work around site restrictions and deal with inclement weather
• Deliver the project with quality and safety in mind

As the main contractor on any project, part of your role is to ensure the health, safety and compliance of the entire site. According to HSE, 138 workers lost their lives in work-related accidents in 2023/24, with the majority of incidents (37%) occurring in the construction industry – all of which highlights the need for certified contractors that have safety as a top priority.

Apart from preventing harm to workers on site and providing a safe and secure working environment, there are also potential penalties as a result of non-compliance. This includes project related fines for missing deadlines, as well as regulatory fines. As a result, you should only work with civil engineering and groundworks contractors that you trust – companies that are an extension of your own team, sharing your goals of quality, safety and efficiency.

As a certified contractor, Ashley Groundworks is committed to maintaining our high levels of quality, adherence to safety measures and providing training for all staff, from operators through to site management and supervisors.

In addition to completing risk assessments and method statements, we employ an external safety consultant to ensure all projects we undertake are compliant with health and safety regulations. Our consultant conducts comprehensive site visits, advises the team on best practices, and provides detailed reports that provide a basis for the work we do, scoping out the correct procedures and directives.

Our accreditations, certifications and memberships include:

Safety

• PQS Health & Safety Approved: Successfully assessed against the SSIP Core Criteria
• Constructionline Gold Member: Ensures we meet pre-qualification requirements appropriate to public and private sector procurement.
• SafeContractor: Verifies our health & safety credentials for a range of activities through a rigorous assessment process.

Upskilling

• Local Supply Chain: Member of LSC responsible and local sourcing network.
• CSCS: Our team members hold valid CSCS trade cards.
• CPCS: Our plant operators hold CPCS machinery competency cards.
• NPORS: NPORS qualified and trained plant operators.

Safety leadership

• CITB SMSTS: Our site management personnel are trained under the CITB SMSTS scheme, ensuring effective safety leadership.
• CITB SSSTS: Our supervisors are SSSTS qualified, demonstrating their understanding of health, safety, and sustainability principles.
• DBS Checked Personnel: For your peace of mind, all our operatives undergo DBS checks.

Ashley Groundworks has been in business since 2007, garnering experience, building trust with contractors and establishing a solid reputation for quality, safety and meeting even the most stringent deadlines. This commitment to excellence is demonstrated not only by our ongoing training and our construction certifications, but by the work we do.

Our expertise as groundworks contractors means we are adept at balancing efficiency with quality and attention to detail, ensuring projects are completed to the highest standards while keeping to project timelines.

• One example is the work we recently did for Custom Solar, installing critical infrastructure – substation and LV panel – for a large solar project. In addition to completing the work around installation, we effectively collaborated with and worked around other trades on a site where space was limited, meeting the strict deadlines to keep the wider project on track.

• In another project, on a residential site, we were contracted to install an ISOQUICK® insulated foundation system along with drainage. We met our deadlines with an efficient, safe and quality install that was completed in adverse weather and on a site where access was restricted.

Ashley Groundworks is focused on playing our part in making civil engineering and groundworks more sustainable and minimising the impact on the planet. From keeping up to date on changing legislation that affects projects, to offering a range of sustainable solutions, we consciously approach projects with this in mind. Our solutions include using recycled aggregates and using local suppliers to cut down on transport and therefore carbon footprint.

As the industry recovers and builds momentum, more projects will need experienced and certified groundworks contractors who are positioned to take on the challenge. Choosing a certified groundworks contractor like us means you can rest easy that safety, quality and timeliness are our top priorities. We understand the importance of collaboration, of working with other contractors towards a common goal and we have the expertise and experience to help you achieve success.

You can explore our groundwork services here, or get in touch with us today to chat about how we can help your project.