Stephen Bilclough, chairman, John N Dunn Group
Established in 1893, John N Dunn Group is a prominent UK-based construction firm with offices in Newcastle, Edinburgh and Leeds. Specialising in a wide range of services, including plumbing, electrical work and renewable energy solutions, the company has built a solid reputation for delivering high-quality projects and developing its workforce of the future via apprenticeships.
Q1: What projects is the company currently undertaking?
We’re currently managing over 100 live projects, many with blue-chip clients. What’s exciting is that we’re seeing more contracts that tap into multiple areas of expertise, such as plumbing, electrical and renewables, including solar PV and EV charging infrastructure.
Our offices in Newcastle, Edinburgh and Leeds give us a strong presence across the UK and our order book is buoyant, reflecting steady growth and repeat business.
Q2: What are the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the construction sector?
The skills gap remains the primary challenge. It’s tough to find and retain skilled operatives, especially with so many businesses competing for the same talent. It’s crucial to invest in your people, look after them and provide clear pathways for progression.
On the opportunities side, renewables are a massive growth area. We’ve made them a core part of our offering and demand for solar PV and EV charging points has risen sharply. At the same time, there’s a great opportunity to develop young talent. Many of our senior leaders started as apprentices and that success is proof that there’s real career progression available in construction.
Q3: What can be done to bridge the skills gap in the construction sector?
The industry needs to be more innovative in how it attracts talent. For years, university was seen as the default path but apprenticeships have always been the backbone of our industry. I’m glad to see a return to focusing on apprenticeships, especially as the costs of higher education become more prohibitive.
We also need to expand our talent pool to include ex-military personnel and career changers. These groups offer transferable skills that can be invaluable in construction
Q4: What’s your proudest business achievement?
I’m incredibly proud of how we weathered the 2008 recession. The downturn in housebuilding was extremely challenging and we had to streamline the business. There were tough decisions and sleepless nights but emerging from that period not only intact but stronger, is something I look back on with pride. I’m sure my grandfather, who acquired the business in 1951, and my father, who continued his work, would be proud of how we navigated through those tough times.
I’m also deeply proud of our apprenticeship programme. Last year, we celebrated our 500th apprentice and this year we won Trade Apprentice of the Year at the G4C Awards, part of Constructing Excellence North East. We’ve also recently brought on another seven apprentices – four in Edinburgh, two in Leeds and one in Newcastle. Continuing the legacy of my grandfather and father, who believed in developing young talent, is something that’s still at the heart of our business today