In June, we celebrated several significant on-site milestones, launched a new framework, and maintained a focus on our people throughout the month. One of the highlights was a steel signing event for the expansion of a high school. Our project teams demonstrated how favourable weather conditions across Suffolk contributed to our progress, and students played a pivotal role in our achievements. We hope you enjoy reading our monthly round up.

New Stowmarket High School Expansion Teaching Block Takes Shape
We were pleased to mark another milestone at Stowmarket High School, part of Kingfisher Schools Trust, with a Steel Signing event on site, celebrating the continued progress of the new teaching block. Delivered in partnership with Barnes Construction, Suffolk County Council and Mid Suffolk District Council, the expansion will increase the school’s capacity from 900 to 1,200 students, helping to meet growing demand for places across Stowmarket and the surrounding area.

The scheme includes 11 new classrooms, a group room, a hall and modern facilities, supporting a flexible, high-quality learning environment for future generations. Find out more here.

Nationally Significant Laser Communications Facility Opens for University of Suffolk
We’re proud to have supported the University of Suffolk in delivering a nationally significant laser communications facility at the DigiTech Centre.

This state-of-the-art laboratory, now the UK’s largest indoor optical testing space of its kind, will play a key role in advancing secure quantum communications and supporting future space missions. From early-stage viability through to design coordination and delivery, our multidisciplinary team worked closely with stakeholders to create a highly specialised, future-ready research environment. Read more about the project here.

Watch Progress Over at Lakenheath Primary School
Watch our Associate in Design, Laura Morris De’ath and Barney Aldridge, Project Manager for Pentaco Construction Ltd, talk about the recent progress on site at the new Lakenheath Primary School. The teams are working hard on Suffolk County Council’s first net-zero design school, set to be completed at the end of the summer.

We’re proud to be supporting the delivery of this landmark project and look forward to sharing further updates soon. Read more about the project here.

Concertus Launches Link14 – A New £1bn Construction and Building Services Framework
We were pleased to announce the launch of Link14, a major new Construction & Building Services Framework supporting public sector projects across England.

Building on the success of the Suffolk Construction & Building Services Framework, Link14 will run from June 2027 to May 2031, continuing a legacy of delivering projects ranging from £10k to £40m across multiple sectors. With the current framework concluding in May 2027, Link14 represents a natural evolution, enhancing its structure, ownership, and geographic reach to better reflect the changing needs of our clients and the wider public sector. Read more here.

Sandy Secondary School, Bedfordshire – New Case Study!
Delivered within a live school environment, we worked closely with Ashe Construction to provide 28 new classrooms, specialist teaching spaces, a dedicated sixth-form centre, and new SEND provision, alongside external sports facilities.

Officially opened by Tom Grennan, the expansion has increased the school’s capacity, delivering a high-quality, inclusive learning environment and demonstrating the value of collaborative delivery. Read the full case study here.

Successful STEM Day’s at Lakenheath Primary School

Over two days of STEM learning at Lakenheath Primary School, our first net zero in design school, pupils have been exploring the role of renewable energy in shaping a more sustainable future.

During the sessions students put theory into practice by building their own solar-powered fans and testing them outdoors. On one of the hottest days of the year, their creations proved to be more than just a learning exercise.

Hands-on experiences like this bring sustainability and engineering to life in a way textbooks can’t. By encouraging curiosity, creativity and problem-solving, we’re helping young people better understand the technologies that will define the future.

Successful T-Level Placements at Concertus
Over the past 6 months, we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming five fantastic T-Level students from Colchester Institute to Concertus for their work experience placements. They’ve spent time across our departments, getting to grips with how we work and building their confidence in a professional environment. It’s been great to see them start applying their learning in practice.

In recent weeks, they’ve been working with our Building Surveying team, contributing to tender drawings and specifications, supporting meeting minutes, and attending site visits. They also took part in a mock extension project, working from a brief to explore design requirements and produce their own final proposals. We have loved watching them develop new skills and grow in confidence. We’re proud to support the next generation entering the industry and look forward to seeing where their careers take them.

Students Visit Supports DT Studies at Northgate High School
The project team at Northgate High School recently welcomed Year 12 students to site as part of their Design & Technology studies.

During the visit, the team provided an overview of project progress, with students actively engaging by asking insightful questions about how the original design translates into the construction phase. Following the visit, the school shared their appreciation, commenting: “It is really encouraging to see how some of the work that we teach in the classroom transfers directly to the work you do on site.”

Successful CIOB CPD Session at Suffolk New College
This week Chas Cowling our new Associate Director for Health and Safety/CDM, presented at The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) ‘Building Safety Act: What you need to know now’ CPD session at Suffolk New College.

Charles explored the Principal Contractor requirements and practical challenges associated with the Building Safety Act, alongside a strong panel of industry experts. Colin Jones (HCR Law) provided insight into the legal framework, while Jordan Armstrong and Steven Cotton (LSI Architects) shared perspectives on what good practice looks like in delivery.

The session was brought to a close by our own Natalie Finnigan, who also played a key role in organising the event in her role as Chair of the CIOB Ipswich Hub Committee. We’re proud to support events like this, providing a platform to share practical expertise, promote best practice, and support the industry in navigating the evolving requirements of the Building Safety Act.