Welcome to this month’s round-up, where we celebrate a series of exciting milestones and community-focused achievements. From securing planning permission for the expansion of Stowmarket High School and delivering new, sustainable learning spaces at Great Waltham CEVAP School, our teams have been making a positive impact across the region. We’re also proud to have engaged with local communities through a project consultation and to have participated in industry events that showcase our ongoing commitment to excellence and collaboration.

Planning Permission Received to Expand Local School
We were pleased to share that we received planning permission to expand Stowmarket High School in Suffolk. Working with Barnes Construction for Suffolk County Council, the project includes the construction of a new two-storey teaching block designed to increase the school’s capacity from 900 to 1,200 students. This new facility will feature 11 classrooms, a group room, a new hall, and new toilet facilities. The reconfiguration of existing rooms, including the current hall and kitchen in the existing main building, and the repurposing and refurbishment of the former sixth form block, will also take place.

With Mid Suffolk District Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) investment, alongside Section S106 funds, this project aims to support local housing needs and contribute to the growth of Stowmarket and its surrounding areas. We look forward to sharing the progress of this project soon.

Positive Feedback at Project Consultation Drop-in Event
The consultation to expand Ormiston Endeavour Academy took place in September. Representatives from the school, Suffolk County Council, and Concertus attended a drop-in session at the school to talk about the proposal. They received positive feedback from members of the public, including residents and teachers.

The proposed plans include the construction of a new two-story teaching block to the east of the main building. The new facility will feature 13 classrooms, including two ICT classrooms, a new library, a new dining hall, and additional toilet facilities.

We are pleased to be working on this project for the Council and look forward to sharing updates on our progress in the coming months.

New Standalone Classroom Block at Great Waltham CEVAP School Completes
Delivered in collaboration with Mitie, the new standalone classroom block and internal remodelling works at Great Waltham CEVAP School are now complete.

We worked as the lead designer for Essex County Council during RIBA Stages 2-6, focusing on creating a modern, net-zero teaching environment that increases student capacity and enhances the quality of the existing learning spaces. The structural improvements have effectively enhanced teaching wall visibility and overall classroom functionality.

The design was thoughtfully developed to align with the school’s location in a conservation area, ensuring sensitivity to the surrounding heritage while delivering contemporary educational facilities. The result is a sustainable, high-quality learning environment that bolsters the school’s teaching capabilities and supports its long-term educational needs. We look forward to sharing our case study soon.

New School Hall Completes at Pot Kiln Primary School
We were pleased to share that we have successfully completed the replacement School Hall been on at Pot Kiln Primary School in Sudbury.

During the works, the original roof was found to be structurally defective. In response, we designed and installed a robust steel-framed structure with a minimum 50-year design life. The original buildings were part of the ‘Derwent’ system, a modular timber construction method used from the 1950s for rapid build times. In contrast, the new hall features SFS (Steel Framing System) walls, offering faster construction, improved thermal performance and enhanced sustainability from manufacture to use.

Working with Brooks & Wood Ltd for the Suffolk County Council, we are pleased to confirm that we successfully handed over to the school recently, and the children are enjoying their new Hall.

Day Out at Mercedes-Benz AG World
Our Building Services team had a fantastic day at Mercedes-Benz AG World in Weybridge in September. Following a generous invite by Airflow Developments Ltd, the day began with an introduction to Airflow Developments and their team, followed by a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) session on ventilation and their products, which included their Passivhaus Accredited Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) units.

Airflow also arranged a guided tour of Mercedes-Benz World, highlighting the history and evolution of the company, from its earliest cars to its latest models. The tour covered the AMG Performance Range of vehicles and included insights into the company’s involvement in Formula 1 racing.

To conclude the day, the team enjoyed a track experience showcasing the cars’ performance and safety features at high speeds. We want to extend our gratitude to Paul Spires and the team at Airflow Developments for their hospitality. The team had a fantastic day!

Vertas Group Sponsored the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce Prestige Dinner 2025
Our team had a fantastic evening at the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce Prestige Dinner. As part of Vertas Group, we were pleased to attend the annual event as a key sponsor.

The Prestige Dinner brings together professionals from across the country to connect and celebrate success. The evening was completed by this year’s guest speaker, The Reverend Richard Coles, cleric, broadcaster, writer, former Communard, and I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! Finalist. Read more about our sponsorship here.