Our people have been in the spotlight this summer, celebrating academic achievements, professional development and key career milestones. These successes not only shape their individual futures but also strengthen the expertise we bring to every project and partnership. Alongside a month filled with celebrations and sunshine, we’re pleased to share some of the highlights from August in our monthly round-up.

Original Project Team Returns After Five Years to Expand School
We shared that in September, we will be back on site at Thurston Church of England Primary Academy, delivering a further expansion for Suffolk County Council and Thedwastre Education Trust.

Five years after completing the school’s relocation, we are delighted to be returning alongside Barnes Construction to deliver the next phase of its growth. The original school, completed in 2021, was designed with future expansion in mind. This latest phase will provide additional teaching space, including six new classrooms, helping the school meet growing demand from the local community.

The additional school places are expected to be available from May 2027, ahead of the new academic year, supporting the area’s continued growth and ensuring more local children can access high-quality education. We look forward to sharing more on the project as it progresses.

New Household Recycling Centre in March
We’re pleased to have shared that we are working with Coulson Building Group to deliver the new £4.68m March Household Recycling Centre for Cambridgeshire County Council.

Designed to meet the growing needs of the local community, the new facility will enhance recycling and waste management services for the region, increasing site capacity to support population growth. Improvements include level-access waste disposal areas, weather-protected canopies, improved traffic flow, additional parking, dedicated pedestrian and cycle access, and a covered reuse area for donated and pre-loved items.

The existing Household Recycling Centre will remain fully operational throughout the construction programme, ensuring uninterrupted service for local residents. The design will also improve operational efficiency by increasing the separation between public users and servicing vehicles, while allowing the site to remain operational during container exchanges. The new facility is scheduled to open in Spring 2027.

Concertus Supporting Clients Deliver New Nursery Provisions
We have recently completed 19 feasibility studies for Derbyshire County Council, helping schools develop robust business cases to support applications for Department for Education (DfE) funding for new nursery provision.

This work plays a vital role in demonstrating the need for additional early years places, whilst assessing key factors such as site suitability, deliverability, value for money and the ability to create high-quality learning environments within existing school settings.

New Signage for University of Suffolk
We’re excited to share the recent completion of high-level external signage for the University of Suffolk, enhancing the brand visibility of their striking six-storey waterfront building.

Building on this success, our team are now delivering feasibility studies on behalf of Suffolk County Council, helping more schools explore opportunities to expand their early years offer and increase access to childcare for local families.

If you are looking to develop nursery provision within your school or local authority, contact our Associate Director, Matthew Smith on Matthew.Smith@concertus.co.uk or call him on 07717302252 to discuss how we can support you.

People Behind Concertus

Harvey Barfield
Over the past five years, Harvey has balanced his role at Concertus with studying towards a Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship at the University of Suffolk, graduating with a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Civil Engineering (BSc Hons), achieving a 2:1 classification.

Since beginning his apprenticeship in September 2021, Harvey has demonstrated exceptional dedication, commitment and resilience, culminating in the successful completion of his final exams and dissertation in May 2026.

Harvey is now working towards an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status with the Institution of Civil Engineers, with the aim of completing his end-point assessment and finalising his apprenticeship later this year. Congratulations, Harvey. We look forward to seeing what you achieve next.

Reggie Buckingham
After completing a successful T-Level placement with us last year through the Colchester Institute, we’re delighted to welcome Reggie back to Concertus, this time as a permanent apprentice within our Building Surveying team.

Since joining, Reggie has already supported his first capital improvement project at Jigsaw Pre-School, gaining valuable hands-on experience and insight into construction project delivery.

We’re excited to support Reggie’s development and look forward to seeing him build his skills, gain further experience, and make a positive impact across future projects. Keep an eye out for part two, where he’ll share more about the progress at Jigsaw Pre-School.

Will Goddard
Over the past year, Will has been part of the Concertus team while completing his placement year from the University of Suffolk. As he now prepares to continue his studies at Anglia Ruskin University and work towards his Master’s in Architecture, we caught up with him to reflect on his experience.

Will shares what he’s been working on, what he’s learned during his time with us, and how the placement has helped shape the next stage of his career. We’re incredibly proud of everything Will has achieved and wish him every success for the next chapter of his architectural journey. We also look forward to welcoming our new placement students soon and supporting the next generation of industry talent.

The placement also provided an opportunity to learn about health and safety requirements, industry standards and the important role electrical engineers play in delivering successful projects. Throughout the week, they demonstrated a positive attitude, effective communication skills, strong teamwork and a real willingness to learn. A great asset to the team.

Natalie Finnigan
Introducing the new Chair of The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Ipswich Hub Committee, our Associate Director, Natalie Finnigan.

This milestone follows a significant year for the Group, having been honoured with a prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development in 2025, recognising our commitment to delivering environmentally responsible and sustainable services.

Alongside her appointment as Chair, Natalie has also achieved Fellowship of the Chartered Institute of Building (FCIOB), a significant professional milestone that recognises her leadership, expertise and contribution to the industry.

We are incredibly proud to see Natalie thriving in a profession she is so passionate about, and we look forward to the positive impact she’ll make in supporting construction professionals across the region. Congratulations, Natalie, on this fantastic double achievement!