In July, we celebrated several exciting project milestones, shared progress on education projects across Suffolk, and continued to invest in the future of our industry through people development and engagement. From the official opening of a new early years building at Melton Primary School and major school expansion projects, to successful market engagement events for the new Link14 Framework, it was a month filled with collaboration, progress and positive impact across the region. We hope you enjoy reading our July round up.

Excitement as Special Guest Opens New Early Years Building at Melton Primary School
We are proud to celebrate the completion of a new early years building at Melton Primary School in Woodbridge, which will provide an additional 30 places for children.

Officially opened by Ipswich Town Football Club player Fin Barbrook, who cut the ribbon to mark the occasion, the facility will help meet the growing demand for early years places and support children as they take their first steps in education. The new building has been carefully designed to support both learning and wellbeing, incorporating dedicated quiet spaces, toilets, and a staff workspace while supporting a seamless transition into primary education.

We are proud to deliver this project with our partners, Seamans Building, on behalf of Suffolk County Council and East Suffolk Council. Read more about the project here. Watch here.

Exciting Developments are Underway at Northgate High School
Join our Trainee Architectural Assistant, Oliver Langner, and Director Stuart Boardley from Brooks & Wood Ltd as they discuss the latest on-site progress.

We are thrilled to share that we are expanding both the dining and social areas of the sixth form and enhancing the main school’s dining area on behalf of Suffolk County Council. This expansion will provide students with a more vibrant and accommodating environment.

We are proud to be part of this transformative project and can’t wait to see how these new spaces will positively impact student life. Watch here.

Expansion of Ipswich High School Starts on Site
We are pleased to share that works to expand Ormiston Endeavour Academy will begin on site in the coming weeks. Following the appointment of the main contractor, Barnes Construction, the new two-story teaching block to the east of the main building will increase the school’s capacity from 900 to 1,200 students.

The new facility will include 13 classrooms, two of which will be dedicated ICT classrooms, as well as a new library, a new dining hall, and additional restroom facilities. We are thrilled to be undertaking this project on behalf of our client, Suffolk County Council, and we look forward to providing further updates as we approach the scheduled opening in 2027.

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.

Partnering with Barnes Construction, Hudson Group and Superstructures we coordinated the overall scheme which was part of a comprehensive project that included the relocation and upgrade of the University’s library services, as well as the replacement of the roof-mounted chiller plant.

The finished signage stands out prominently along the waterfront, giving the building a distinctive presence within Ipswich’s skyline.

Success at Market Engagement Events for New Link14 Framework
A fantastic turnout at our Link14 Market Engagement Events in Suffolk and Derbyshire, bringing together more than 80 professionals from across construction and building services.

The sessions provided an opportunity to introduce the new framework and discuss its vision, structure, and procurement approach, while gathering valuable feedback from potential framework partners.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the discussions around framework delivery, collaboration, performance expectations and supporting positive outcomes for public sector clients. If you want to sign up for our virtual engagement event in August, please email Framework@concertus.co.uk. The engagement and insights shared will help shape Link14 as we move towards procurement and the next stage of its development. To find out more about the framework, visit our website here.

Meet Josh and Ollie, Two of our Trainee Architectural Assistants at Concertus
In a short video, they share their architectural journeys so far, reflecting on their experiences through Part 1 and Part 2, as well as the development opportunities that have supported them along the way.

Their passion, commitment and enthusiasm are helping to shape the future of the profession, and we’re delighted to celebrate their achievements.

Josh and Ollie are just two of the talented individuals who make Concertus what it is, and we’re proud to support our people as they learn, grow and develop their careers. Watch here.

Work Experience Success in Derbyshire
We were delighted to welcome a work experience student to our Matlock office from Tupton Hall School, where they spent time with our Building Services team, gaining a valuable insight into the world of electrical engineering.

Working alongside our electrical engineers, they supported basic design and administrative tasks while developing an understanding of electrical engineering principles, CAD drawing production and project workflows. Their week included reviewing electrical drawings and schematics, updating design documentation, assisting with calculations and data collection, and observing design review processes.

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.

Vertas Group Becomes Patron of East Midlands Chamber
We are pleased to announce that, as part of the Vertas Group, we have become a Patron of East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire).

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.

As we continue to strengthen our presence across the East Midlands, Ian Surtees MBA FIoD, Chief Executive Officer of Vertas Group, said: “Becoming a patron enables us to enhance our regional engagement and play an active role in driving a strong, sustainable economy across the East Midlands.” We are proud to support East Midlands Chamber and look forward to playing our part in helping the region thrive.