Welcome to our first round‑up of 2026. January has been a vibrant month across our projects, with standout progress on Suffolk’s first Net Zero‑in‑operation school and momentum building for a new SEND unit. We also celebrated a boost in local biodiversity with a community wildflower‑planting event, introduced our new Business Development Manager, and shared several new case studies. With plenty more to explore, we hope you enjoy reading.

Suffolk’s First Net Zero School Progressing Well
Exciting progress continues at the site of Lakenheath Primary School, Suffolk County Council’s first net-zero-in-operation school, as the steel frame of the new school building is now fully complete.

External works and landscaping are progressing well, and the newly installed football pitches are beginning to take shape, ensuring they will be ready for use when the school opens. Internally, concrete slabs have been poured, and roof finishes are now well underway. In parallel, mechanical and electrical works have commenced, with the team starting the next phase of installations, an essential step in bringing the school’s efficient and sustainable building systems to life.

Working with Pentaco Construction Ltd on this project, we look forward to sharing more updates soon. Read more about the project here.

Wildflower Planting at The Pines Primary School
We are delighted to share that a special wildflower planting event has taken place at The Pines Primary School in Red Lodge, marking an important step towards enhancing the school’s outdoor spaces.

The event involved planting Field Wormwood, an endangered plant native to the Breckland area of Suffolk. The team worked closely with Suffolk County Council, the Zoological Society of East Anglia (ZSEA), Banham Zoo’s charity, and Plantlife International.

Funded by Suffolk County Council, the project exemplifies the shared passion of all partners, including the school and Anglian Learning Trust. It highlights how thoughtful design and collaboration can transform outdoor areas into vibrant, educational landscapes that enhance biodiversity. Read more about the project here.

New SEND Unit Picks up Pace at the Dell Primary School
We are pleased to announce that the development of the new Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) unit at Dell Primary School, part of Evolution Academy Trust, in Lowestoft is progressing well.

In collaboration with Brooks & Wood Ltd, this standalone block will feature a flat roof design and will be constructed with facing brickwork to match the existing school building. The unit will include a new classroom, a group room, a staff workroom, associated washrooms, a cleaner’s store, and a plant room, with the capacity to accommodate 12 pupils.

In the coming weeks, the roof joists will be installed in preparation for a Topping Out event this month. Local children will continue to be taught in a safe, supportive, and friendly environment that reflects the ethos of the School and Trust. The project is scheduled for completion in May 2026.

Impressive Drone Footage of Walsall Household Waste Recycling Centre
We are proud to have worked with Morgan Sindall Construction and Walsall Council on the £32 million Household Waste Recycling Centre, which is set to open to the public next month.

The project has modernised, enhanced, and future-proofed local facilities. In addition to the new HWRC, the site includes a Waste Transfer Station (WTS), a Reuse shop, and a Welfare Office.

Thank you to Morgan Sindall Construction for sharing this impressive FPV drone video, giving a unique perspective of the entire site and its operations. You can read our full project case study and view the drone footage here.

Case Study – Marigold House Care Home
Completed in 2025, Marigold House Care Home is the first new care home for Central Bedfordshire Council in 50 years. Marigold House offers a three-storey, 63-bed care home facility that incorporates a day care centre for use by residents and the wider community. Thoughtful touches by our interior architects, such as memory boxes placed outside each room and themed floors, provide gentle cues to help residents navigate their surroundings with confidence and comfort.

Each bedroom has been designed for flexibility and ease of use, featuring spacious and accessible bathrooms, as well as specialist profiling care beds. Additional amenities, including a health and beauty salon and a bookable guest room, further enhance the quality of life for residents and their families.

We are immensely proud of this project and every detail that our team carefully considered to create a truly supportive and inclusive environment for residents. You can read our full case study here.

Case Study – Ipswich Ambulance Hub
Working for East of England Ambulance Service Trust, we were commissioned on a design and build contract to create the new £12.8 million Ipswich Ambulance Hub, which comprises dedicated welfare spaces for staff to relax, along with indoor and outdoor gyms, quiet areas, and a wellbeing garden.

Additionally, it features a fully integrated vehicle repair workshop and a dedicated vehicle preparation area. This setup supports 24/7 make-ready and workshop services, helping clean and restock vehicles and ensuring more ambulances remain operational on the road.

Close collaboration with Pentaco Construction Ltd was instrumental in delivering the project on time and within budget, safeguarding crucial funding application deadlines. Read our new case study here.

Case Study – Hurst Farm Heritage Trail
We are excited to announce the successful completion of the Hurst Farm Heritage Trail, a project delivered on behalf of Derbyshire Dales District Council.

Funded by the Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the new trail connects four significant heritage sites, providing safe access for the community. The remote location presented numerous challenges, requiring close collaboration with the contractor, G F Tomlinson, to minimise machinery use and avoid disrupting the existing landscape.

Working with local businesses and stakeholders not only supported the economy but also enriched the project with valuable local knowledge and heritage. The trail enhances the area by linking cultural sites, promoting engagement and recreation, and boosting community pride. Read our new case study here.

Meet our Business Development Manager, Christine Johns
As Concertus’ first Business Development Manager, Christine joined the team in the summer of 2025, bringing over 30 years of experience in the field to support Concertus’ growth and development. Christine has experience in securing major contracts within the Ministry of Defence and Justice sectors and will support our teams in both the East of England and the East Midlands.

We sat down with Christine to talk about her new role, where she said, “What sets my approach apart is authenticity. I take pride in being efficient, and clients know they can rely on me for clear communication and honest conversations. I have built great relationships with everyone I have worked with, and I plan to leverage those connections”. Read the full Q&A here. You can also find out more about Christine’s career by visiting our team page here.

Shaping People, Shaping Places – 10 Years with Natalie Finnigan
Over the last 10 years, Natalie Finnigan has journeyed from Senior Quantity Surveyor to Associate Director, championing collaboration, nurturing client relationships, and delivering projects that make a real difference.

As a STEM Ambassador and dedicated mentor, she plays a significant role in inspiring future construction professionals and serves as Vice Chair of The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Ipswich Hub Committee.

In this interview, Natalie shares how real teamwork led to the success of her favourite project, The Bridge School and how she, along with all colleagues at Concertus, supports the next generation of construction professionals through T-level placements and more. Watch or read the interview here.

Vertas Group Hits £100,000 Milestone in Support of Cancer Research UK
We’re excited to share that by the end of 2025, Vertas Group surpassed £100,000 in fundraising for Cancer Research UK (CRUK) since 2017.

This milestone reflects the Group’s dedication, teamwork, and community spirit in supporting life saving research and making a real difference. In 2025 alone, we raised over £25,000, with our Managing Director, Matthew Self, taking on the Whole Hog as part of our Exec Experience initiatives in October and contributing to the year’s total.

We would like to extend our gratitude to all our colleagues for their passion and commitment. Watch this space for a new fundraising initiative launching this year. Together, we look forward to continuing to make a positive impact. Read more here.