'Incredibly proud' - Huge success of Bamber Bridge construction company behind Harris revamp
‘Incredibly proud’ - Bamber Bridge constuction company goes from strength to strength a year after becoming employee owned.
A Bamber Bridge-based construction company is celebrating success in its first year of being employee-owned.
Conlon Construction, which was established more than 65 years ago, has this week reported strong financial performance for the year ending October 31, 2025.
The contractor, which has its base in Charnley Fold Lane, achieved a turnover of £55m, up from £46m the previous year, alongside a pre-tax profit of £2m (£1.72m in 2024). Group Net assets remained robust at £11m, underpinned by strong cash reserves and a continued disciplined approach to delivery.
The results reflect one of the strongest trading periods in the company’s history, driven by a focus on operational control and a “getting it right first time” approach.
Performance has been supported through a combination of carefully selected framework opportunities and direct award wins, enabling sustainable growth.
Over the past 12 months, the business has delivered a series of high-profile schemes across its core sectors spanning defence, offices, industrial, leisure, heritage and conservation, with education continuing to lead its portfolio.
Notable completions include the regeneration of Preston’s iconic Harris Museum, a new 24,000 sqm facility in Lancaster for GVS Filter Technology UK Ltd, and the delivery of one of the UK’s first schools to achieve Net Zero Carbon in Operation.
In the pipeline
Looking ahead, the business has built a strong forward pipeline. Current live schemes include Firwood Primary School in Bolton, a new SEND sixth form facility, alongside recently awarded Department for Education (DfE) projects.
Conlon was also recently appointed to the DfE’s Construction Framework 2025 – a £15bn, eight-year programme set to deliver new and refurbished education facilities across England. The business secured positions across multiple regional lots up to £12m in value, spanning the North West, North East, Yorkshire, East Midlands and West Midlands.
Guy Parker, Managing Director and Chairman at Conlon Construction, said: “We’re incredibly proud of how the business has transitioned into an employee-owned model while maintaining a clear focus on operational excellence and disciplined growth.
“This has been a year of strong project delivery and continued progress, with year-on-year growth achieved through a sustainable and controlled approach. Our strong cash position and balance sheet give confidence to our clients, supply chain and partners, and underpin the stability of the business.
“Looking ahead, our focus remains on growing sustainably – managing risk, selecting the right projects and continuing to strengthen our team and delivery capability. This is reflected in the strength of our forward pipeline, giving us clear visibility over the coming years.
“As an employee-owned business, our people remain at the heart of everything we do. That shared responsibility and long-term mindset continues to drive performance and deliver value for our clients and partners.”
Regional focus
The business maintains a strong regional focus, with 82 per cent of its workforce employed within 30 miles of its sites and more than 1,600 apprentice weeks delivered over the past year.
Conlon also continues its long-standing commitment to supporting local schools and colleges, delivering careers engagement, site visits, STEM activity and training opportunities to help develop the next generation of construction talent. The business actively supports T Level delivery and provides hands-on learning experiences that create clear pathways into employment.