Based in Melton, near Hull, Kingston Joinery was set up in 2007 by managing director Craig O’Leary. He said that the latest contract underlined that the business was now “recognised as a leading joinery specialist across the north of England”.
The Shepherd Construction project will take five months and involve a dedicated Kingston team undertaking a full joinery fit-out of a nine-storey student accommodation complex in Pitt Street near St James Park.
“This was particularly pleasing to win as, though we’ve worked indirectly for Shepherd Construction before, it was our first contract secured direct,” said Mr O’Leary.
The order follows strong growth for the business through 2013 and reinforces its optimism about its own prospects and the construction sector upturn. In the last two years it has doubled its workforce to 40.
“We had a really solid 2013, our best year for some time and a number of significant new contracts, including this one, has made for a great opening quarter for in 2014,” said Mr O’Leary. “We have an order book for the 12 months ahead. That gives us great confidence.”
Other Kingston contractor customers include Willmott Dixon, Interserve, Kier, Mansell and Sir Robert McAlpine.
“We’ve been building our reputation for the last six years, and now this is allowing us to pitch for bigger, more prestigious contracts, up to £1m,” said Mr O’Leary.
The company has now been contracted by the Strategic Team Group to help convert Bradford’s Grade II listed St Catherine’s Hospital. This involves supplying and installing 300 reproduction timber windows and doors, and refurbishment of stained glass windows.
