Melhuish and Saunders News from 2022
Keep up to date with the latest news from Melhuish and Saunders.
Winter Newsletter 2022
The latest newsletter from the greatest building contractors in the South West is available now!
Please have a look & see the amazing projects we’ve been privileged to be part of & the projects underway.
Sedgemoor Business Excellence Award Winners!
We are delighted to announce following judging from 3 independent judges, Melhuish & Saunders were awarded the Construction in Sedgemoor award at the Sedgemoor Business Excellence Awards 2022. Over 200 businesspeople from across the district attended the gala evening at the Canalside in Bridgwater on the 25th of November 2022.
Represented by Rick Davis (Site Manager) & Darryl Mitchard (Managing Director) who both enjoyed celebrating all the achievements from all different sectors of businesses in Sedgemoor. Darryl said "Melhuish & Saunders are privileged to be the winner of Construction in Sedgemoor, a great accolade for the team. Many thanks to all involved in the Sedgemoor Business Excellence Awards.”
For more details about the Sedgemoor Business Awards visit:
Congratualtions Bobby!
Many congratulations to Bobby for achieving his HNC in Construction at Bridgwater & Taunton College !
It's so important to invest in staff, and at Melhuish & Saunders we look at training needs and requests from our staff for specific training / qualifications frequently.
Finalists Announced for the Sedgemoor Business Excellence Awards
Melhuish & Saunders are honoured to be finalists in the Sedgemoor Business Excellence Awards 2022: Construction in Sedgemoor.
Thank you to Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce for organising, it’s going to be another great year of celebrating local businesses and their achievements in the local area.
Thanks also to Astron Fire & Security for sponsoring this award and Zeal Hotels as the main event sponsor.
For all the finalists please visit the Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce website.
We look forward to joining everyone on the 25th November at The Canalside !
Old Vicarage Gardens in Bruton
A project that was started earlier this year in Bruton; a medieval town that is well known for its countryside walks, excellent selection of antique shops and mix of independent traders, complimenting the award-winning restaurants and galleries it’s a firm favourite on places to visit in Somerset but what a wonderful place to live!
Careful and considerate refurbishment and restoration works are continuing at Old Vicarage Gardens in Bruton. After being left unoccupied for nearly a year; the building although not listed has the appearance of a beautiful Victorian heritage build.
The images feature The Parish which is the first property of seven to be on the market and Bishops Corner is the second release at Old Vicarage Gardens. In a setting of mature trees, hedgerows and an orchard that conceals the site and provides an idyllic setting for the development. A beautifully presented modern living space with great attention to detail ensures each house on the site is unique.
Viewings are by appointment only, please contact Hunter French for further details and to register your interest.
Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce, Gravity for Growth with Paul Lowndes
Darryl attended a Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Networking event with Guest Speaker, Paul Lowndes from Gravity on the 6th October 2022.
The event was attended by local businesses who could meet to build new relationships, gain new contacts, and share industry sector insights, before guest speak Paul Lowndes shared his update about Gravity.
The Gravity Mission: Our mission is to create a Smart Campus that delivers a new era of possibility, where companies make a difference socially, economically and environmentally.
Darryl Mitchard, Managing Director of Melhuish & Saunders said, “It’s great to have the chance to be able to attend these events and thankful for Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce for the opportunity. Gravity is a huge project and we can’t wait to see the opportunities this project will bring to existing businesses and for new business to thrive. We look forward to more updates from Paul and see where we can assist with our own Services."
Bridgwater Chamber Manager, Diogo Rodrigues said, “Gravity is set to play a key role in the ongoing development of Bridgwater and surrounding areas. The site itself is set to create over 8,000 jobs and the supply chain that follows is anticipated to create some 90,000 new jobs. This is a huge project that will bring so much inward investment and create exciting opportunities for local businesses and local people.”
Up Close: Lucy Mitchard, Business Development Manager at Melhuish & Saunders
Lucy recently had a interview with Glastonbury Nub News, please see details of this recent interview with Emma Dance.
Lucy Mitchard joined Melhuish & Saunders as Business Development Manager in April. Here, she tells us more about her role, the part Melhuish & Saunders plays in the community, and what it's like having her husband as her boss!
When did you join Melhuish and Saunders?
I joined Melhuish & Saunders at the end of April 2022.
What does your job involve?
My job role involves consists of being the first point of contact for new projects, we specialise in projects between 100k and 4.5 million across the South West – we undertake commercial, residential, heritage to either refurbish or to build new however we specialise working in the education, healthcare and community sectors. Another part of my role is managing the marketing and media, we've recently launched our new look and feel newsletter and I've been looking at our links to the community. I keep the business up to date with our accreditations we've recently been reaccredited for our ISO 9001 and CHAS, which helps potential Clients know our processes and procedures meet excellent standards and establishes our credibility and trust.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
My role is really varied and I love to be busy, there's always new projects in the pipeline to get to know and plan and prepare for. I'm enjoying learning about the construction industry but also it is quite different from my previous role working in the Public Sector.
Can you tell us a bit about your background?
I started off my career as an apprentice with Mendip District Council in 2001 and had many opportunities over my 21 years to grow my skill sets, starting off in Land Charges, Democratic Services/Members Support, Press Office, Customer Services and my final team Digital Services. When I left my role at the Council earlier this year, I was Digital Channels Manager, managing the Mendip District Council website, Customer Services team which is contracted out to Capita, the corporate Surveys and working on the new Unitary Council. I loved my role at the Council and I worked with so many great people, but the opportunity to work in the family business to help it grow and support Darryl was not an opportunity I wanted to miss.
What do you think makes Melhuish and Saunders special?
What makes Melhuish & Saunders special is that we take drawings, sketches and ideas and make them happen! Everyone here does a great job and takes pride and care in their work. We handover projects that improve facilities for the community, can enable businesses to grow, improve people lives by enhancing their living or working environments.
Have you worked with your husband before? How is it going?
I've never worked for Darryl and leaving Mendip District Council wasn't a decision I took lightly, but I couldn't be happier with my career choice. Darryl is so busy I don't see him very much at work. Our children think it's hilarious that he's my boss!
What do you like about Glastonbury?
Glastonbury is great and it's an exciting time to be working in amongst some great local businesses especially with the Glastonbury Town Deal fund work going on. Glastonbury has so much to offer, I use Tor Leisure to play for Fumblers in the Somervale Ladies Rounder League, frequent visitor to Olive and Gracie and loving the new Middlewick Farm Shop and Café that we were privileged to build and hand over in June 2022!
How does Melhuish and Saunders get involved in the local community?
Melhuish & Saunders have always had strong links to the community, they've supported various local causes by Corporate Sponsorship or by donating their time and expertise.
Recently we entered a golf team to raise funds for Orchard Vale trust a charity that provides lifelong homes for adults with learning difficulties. We had a team of volunteers going out to a location in Shepton to strip back a building for Mind in Somerset so we can advise on what building works they need to arrange to get the building back in use. We are Corporate supporters of Somerset Wildlife trust and new Sport Sponsor for Strode College as well as supporting Glastonbury Nub News.
How was Melhuish and Saunders affected by the pandemic?
The pandemic in the early stages impacted the same as everyone – no one knew what Covid-19 was or what to do for the best, so Darryl took the best decision to shut down until the guidance was issued to keep his staff and clients safe. As construction could operate under Covid restrictions, sites were able to run and office staff could work from home and the office so we could carry on operating.
Are there any particularly interesting projects coming up?
We have lots of live projects underway currently and have some great projects in the pipeline which we can share once confirmed.
Top Safety Accreditation for Melhuish & Saunders
Local business Melhuish & Saunders has been awarded accreditation from Alcumus SafeContractor for achieving excellence in health and safety in the workplace.
Alcumus SafeContractor is a leading third party accreditation scheme which recognises extremely rigorous standards in health and safety management amongst contractors. It is used by thousands of organisations in the UK including SMEs and FTSE 100 companies.
Employing over 20 people, Melhuish & Saunders is a Principal Building Contractor, specialising in the Healthcare and Education industries as well as having a wealth of knowledge and experience in commercial, community and leisure industries. The company’s application for SafeContractor accreditation was driven by the need for a uniform standard across the business. SafeContractor accreditation will enhance the company’s ability to win new contracts, and its commitment to safety will be viewed positively by its insurers when the company liability policy is up for renewal.
Gemma Archibald, Director of Alcumus SafeContractor said: “Major organisations simply cannot afford to run the risk of employing contractors who are not able to prove that they have sound health and safety policies in place.”
“More companies need to understand the importance of adopting good risk management in the way that Melhuish & Saunders has done. The firm’s high standard has set an example which hopefully will be followed by other companies within the construction sector. SafeContractor plays a vital role in supporting our clients in meeting their compliance needs, whilst working with their contractors as they progress through the accreditation process.”
Darryl Mitchard, Managing Director said: "It's great to be recognised as a SafeContractor, having achieved our accreditation again. It gives our valued Clients the peace of mind we are a safe company to use, we are committed to continuously improve our health and safety standards and that we work compliantly in line with all current regulations.
New Store Shell in Charfield
The works involved the erection of a new store shell and associated car parking, replacing the tyre fitting and car repairs facilities improving retail options for the increasing population of Charfield.
The store consists traditional concrete foundations with Masonry cavity fair faced blockwork and brickwork part rendered externally. The ground floor slab is concrete pre-cast slab units with insulation and screed over. The roof in constructed with trussed rafters with insulated sheet panels. From the image you can see that no windows or doors have been fitted and internal M&E works will be carried out with the fit-out contractors who are used for this type of store. Externally a new car park and entrance for the store has been constructed with store storage area and new loading bay with pedestrian ramp, with external lighting being installed.
Client: MJ Fews Ltd
Architect: David James & Partners
Value: £680, 000
Completion date: August 2022
Brookside Academy, Street Alterations complete
It was great to be back at Brookside Academy in Street working with Futures for Somerset Ltd.
During the summer holiday in 2022, we completed internal alterations to the Early Years area and hall space ready for the pupils to return in September 2022.
Client: Futures for Somerset
Architect: Wotton Donoghue Architects LLP
Value: £150, 000
Completion date: 2nd September 2022
Melhuish & Saunders: Strode College Sport Sponsor
Melhuish & Saunders are proud to support the local community! We are now sponsors of Strode College as a Sport Sponsor, what does this mean? Funding provided by Melhuish & Saunders will go towards purchasing necessary equipment and resources for the Strode College coaches to be able to train their players.
Historically Strode College have always had a men’s football team and women’s netball, this year sees the addition of men’s and women’s rugby and due to the success of the Lionesses bringing football home for England at the Women’s Euro’s Strode College are in the process of expanding the women’s football provision.
Strode College encourage ‘Sport for all’ regardless of ability and students are encouraged to take part. Melhuish & Saunders can’t wait for all the sporting events to start taking place and wish all the teams a successful season.
Mike Dear, Strode College Sports Development Manager:
‘We would like to thank Melhuish and Saunders for sponsoring all of our sports teams. For the first time in nearly 5 years we are able to provide 5 sports teams on a Wednesday afternoon and with M&S on board we will be able to provide all the necessary equipment and resources needed for all teams to compete.'
Toby Charnaud Memorial Golf Day 2022
Melhuish & Saunders entered a team of four into the annual Toby Charnaud Memorial Golf Day which was held on the 17th June 2022 at Kingsdown Golf club, Corsham. The event raises money for the Orchard Vale Trust - a charity that provides lifelong homes for adults with learning difficulties. Melhuish & Saunders, a building contractor working in and around the South West, are keen supporters of their local community. As part of this support, they have funded the gardening uniforms the Community Gardening Project that Orchard Vale. The project is led by adults with learning disabilities and involves helping vulnerable and isolated members of the community with the upkeep of their gardens and a chance for the adults to learn new skills, gain a qualification in horticulture and offer a service to their community.
John Mitchard, Chairman of Melhuish & Saunders led the team consisting of Dai, Bobby & Rick who all enjoyed the golf and the hospitality.
Middlewick, Glastonbury
In 2017 Middlewick started to look at expanding their original offering of a farm shop within their reception area. The local goods on offer increased & they looked to purchase an old Portable Office cabin that was double glazed, had electric & heating so the shop could expand & stock as much local Somerset Food & Drink as they possibly could. Supporting local producers is very important to Middlewick & in 2021 Melhuish & Saunders were contracted to build a 200 square foot Farm Shop & Café, which has seating for around 40 people inside & another 40 outside in a truly beautiful setting. The new state of the art kitchen will be able to cater for 200 people meaning the Middlewick can host more events & caterer for their Spa Day Guests!
They offer so much!
Darryl the Managing Director at Melhuish & Saunders & his family have enjoyed many pizza nights & a great Halloween Trail for the children around the site – all at Melhuish & Saunders are looking forward to visiting the new cafe & Farm Shop once opened.
Client: Middlewick
Architect: Orme Architecture
Value: £500, 000
Completion due: June 2022
Danesfield School Reroofing Project
Another new project starts today, 21st June 2022 for Melhuish & Saunders, working with Futures for Somerset and Danesfield Church of England School in Williton.
This project comprises of stripping the existing roofs of multiple buildings at multiple heights. The current roofs have different types of roofing, which will all be replaced during the course of the project. We also have some internal works and some explorative works to complete.
We start onsite during term time, and we will work to ensure minimal disruption to the students and staff.
Client: West Somerset Academies Trust
Contract Administrator: Futures for Somerset
Design Team: Inspired Partnership Ltd
Value: £888, 000
Completion due: Winter 2022
Date Palm Developments
Melhuish and Saunders were really pleased to be able to attend a ground breaking ceremony for a project that so close to headquarters which starts today (20th June 2022) for Date Palm Developments. The company is a leading producer in date palms from tissue culture and supplies to over 25 countries across the date growing world. Date Palm Developments Limited (DPD Ltd) has developed techniques to improve crops and sustain communities abroad over the last 30 years and is based close to Glastonbury.
The new project comprises of a new greenhouse, laboratory and office facilities, the Managing Director Dr Avril Brackpool said:
‘’This building is the final stage of Date Palm Developments new greenhouse expansion project. It will provide a small, specifically designed Laboratory and Office facility to support the import and handling of Date Palm source stocks to enable expanded plant production and export activity. We are very happy to have secured the services of such a reputable local building contractor as Melhuish and Saunders Ltd. to carry out this important strategic development for our business.’’
Client: Date Palm Developments
Architect: Heriz Payne Ltd
Value: £800, 000
Completion due: Spring 2023
Completion of West Hill, Portishead
Delighted to have handed over eight apartments at West Hill, Portishead for our clients Alliance Homes Group working with NOMA Architects and Frank Timothy Associates Limited. The project involved demolition of existing garages to construct a three-storey block of eight apartments, three apartments on the ground floor and first floor with two apartments on the second floor. As part of the project, we also formed a new parking area with landscaping around the building.
We hope the new residents have many happy years enjoying their new homes!
Client: Alliance Homes Group
Architect: Noma Architects
Contract Administrator/ QS surveyor: Frank Timothy Associates
Value: £1, 234, 400
Completion due: May 2022
Completion of Dewey Waters Ltd, Weston-super-Mare
The works involved the refurbishment of the existing industrial building from buildings and office blocks, along with external fire escape works to create a new factory facility with dedicated welfare facilities, workshop, wood working department, spray booths, storage, production areas and new office facilities, sales, production, accounting, and marketing departments.
Barney who is Director of BPB Architect Ltd said: “Melhuish & Saunders managed and coordinated the project in a professional and efficient manner that resulted in a high quality finish for the end user.”
The main front office buildings refurbishment was stripped back to the shell and then reconfigured the offices with installation of steel beams and support structures to create larger open office spaces along with new partitions and blocking up of opening to create meeting rooms, conference rooms, welfare facilities, WCs, accounts department, New electrical and Mechanical installation, suspended ceiling, flooring, and decorations throughout it.
Client: Dewey Waters Ltd
Architect: BPB Architect
Value: £1.7 million
Completion date: May 2022
