Warden has named youth leadership charity HOBY UK as our charity partner for 2026, supporting our organisations’ common goal of supporting young people in the regions where we operate.

HOBY, named after its American-born founder Hugh O’Brian, works internationally with young people from all backgrounds, empowering them to develop skills in leadership, service and innovation and make a positive impact in their communities.

Through the delivery of seminars and workshops, it aims to develop the next generation of young leaders by helping them build confidence and develop important life skills.

We chose to partner with HOBY UK because of its clear commitment to creating long-term, meaningful social impact. The charity’s values also closely align with our own, particularly around creating opportunities for those who may not have access to them.

By partnering with HOBY, we hope to contribute to sustainable community development in a way that extends beyond the projects we deliver and empower young people to do great things.

Throughout the year, our colleagues will be taking part in a number of fundraising and engagement activities, including the Born Survivor Challenge, a military style obstacle course, and a charity quiz night that will bring together colleagues, partners and friends of Warden to raise funds and support HOBY’s leadership programme.

Our managing director, Ian Williams, comments: “Supporting organisations like HOBY that invest in future talent is something we care strongly about. Through our partnership this year, we’re pleased to be able to play a small part in helping more young people realise their potential.

“Our colleagues have already been busy planning fundraising activities for the year ahead, and there’s a real sense of excitement across the business about getting involved and supporting the cause. We’re looking forward to seeing the team get behind it and are hopeful that, together, we can make this our strongest year for fundraising yet.”

HOBY UK, which is headquartered in Warrington, was set up by Warrington headteacher John Sharples who had met Hugh O’ Brian at HOBY’s World Leadership Congress in Washington DC in 2006.

John had seen the impact of the HOBY experience in the United States and wanted to create a similar programme in the UK so that more young people could benefit. With Hugh’s approval, HOBY UK was founded and it has held a leadership seminar at a UK university every year since 2007.

Through our activities, we are aiming to raise enough funds to cover the costs of HOBY’s 2026 student residential seminar, a three-day residential that offers 14–18-year-olds the opportunity to discover and develop their leadership potential and to become effective, ethical leaders in their home, school, workplace or community.

In addition to its annual seminar, HOBY UK also offers school-based workshops to promote the basic ideas of leadership and volunteerism, as well as running international programmes.

On Friday 6 February, Warden welcomed its supply chain partners to the Mercure Hotel in Haydock for a dedicated event focused on strengthening collaboration, celebrating achievements and sharing future plans.

Sponsored by Fawkes and Reece, the event began with a welcome breakfast, followed by networking and presentations covering our values, health and safety initiatives, social value activity, a discussion on mental health in the workplace.

Other topics presented covered industry regulatory and compliance updates and awareness on Building Safety Act and Modern Slavery.

An interactive demonstration on the use of defibrillators and cardiac emergency procedures was delivered by Centaur Training.

This was followed by the Warden Supplier Awards, led by our commercial director Adrian Atkinson, which recognised excellence, innovation, collaboration and commitment across our supply chain.

The awards included the Social Value Award (Readyfix Limited), Collaboration Award (C M Oxendale Ltd), Health, Safety & Environment Award (North Start Estates Limited), Sub-Contractor of the Year Award (Performance Electrical Limited) and Supplier of the Year Award (Smiths Equipment Hire Ltd).

The event reinforced our belief that strong partnerships are fundamental to delivering safe, high-quality projects. By sharing information effectively across our partner network, we can align our approach and achieve best practice, supporting safe, high-quality delivery on every site.

Ian Williams, managing director, said: “This year’s event was a great way to recognise the exceptional contribution of our supply chain partners. Bringing everyone together allowed us to celebrate what we’ve achieved, reinforce our shared values, and set out a clear direction for the year ahead.

“We are proud of the culture we are building at Warden, one that prioritises safety, quality, wellbeing and long-term partnerships. As we look ahead to 2026, the message from the day was clear: success is achieved together. A huge thank you to our supply chain partners who attended. We hope you had a good time, and we look forward to working closely together throughout the year.”

National Apprenticeship Week is a chance to celebrate the next generation shaping the construction industry. At Warden, our apprenticeships offer a clear pathway into skilled trades and technical roles, combining structured learning with hands-on, on-site experience across a range of disciplines.

We welcome everyone from school leavers to career changers, providing the support, training and mentorship needed to develop both skills and confidence.

For National Apprenticeship Week, we spoke to five apprentices from across the business – Charlie Montgomery (business administration), William McMichael-Fryer (trainee estimator/quantity surveyor), Sylwia Lisowska (painter and decorator), Adam Patel (finance administrator) and Finlay Jones (joiner) – about their experiences so far, why they chose a career in construction, and their future ambitions.

What first attracted you to a career in construction, and what makes you most excited about working in this industry?

Charlie: The most exciting part of working in construction is working closely with colleagues to achieve successful outcomes.

William: I grew up in a joinery environment and loved seeing how ideas turned into something tangible and long-lasting, it gave me an early appreciation for the trades from inception to delivery.

Adam: The opportunity to be involved in projects that positively transform communities and the social value work that Warden delivers.

Sylwia: I trust my ability to face challenges head-on, and it feels empowering to work in a field where I can make a real impact and motivate others to follow their own path.

Finlay: I saw a lot of adverts and felt it was the right path for me after a sporting degree.

How did you feel on your first day, and what helped you settle in?

Charlie: I felt nervous but excited for the future. The main thing that helped me settle in was introducing myself and getting to know my colleagues.

William: I felt nervous but excited about entering a new environment, but the team helped me settle in quickly.

Adam: I was very nervous on my first day it was daunting coming into a company of this size, but all my colleagues and my team were friendly and very welcoming.

Sylwia: I felt nervous and excited. There was a lot to learn, but I stayed calm and focused on doing my best. By the end of the day, I was feeling much more confident.

Finlay: I was excited on my first day, looking forward to using all the tools.

How do you balance the mix of working, studying, and learning at the same time?

Charlie: Having a set timetable, which I use on a weekly basis to make sure I am focused on individual tasks.

Adam: It really comes down to planning and staying organised. Setting aside an evening or two each week to focus on coursework helps you feel prepared when exam time comes around. Warden is also supportive of our studies, giving us time off to attend college and helping with any academic challenges we may face.

Sylwia: I keep things simple by staying organised and focusing on what needs to be done first. I make sure to set aside time for work, study, and learning so nothing gets missed.

Finlay: It’s hard to balance as I play sports at night, but I’m doing well to fit it all in.

When you picture yourself in the future, what would your dream career in construction look like?

Charlie: My ambition is to become chartered in procurement and hopefully one day become a manager.

William: I’m hoping to become a fully qualified and confident quantity surveyor who plays a key role in the successful delivery of projects. I would like to be trusted to manage projects from the early estimating stages through to final accounts.

Adam: In the future, I’d like to take on more responsibility with the finance side of construction and have a greater input in the strategic and financial decisions we make.

What’s the most valuable skill you’ve learned that you didn’t expect to pick up so quickly?

Charlie: The most valuable skill I have learnt is communicating over the phone with suppliers to solve problems efficiently.

William: The ability to read and understand construction drawings and specifications from a commercial point of view.

Adam: Being the main point of contact for the head office has really helped me develop more professional language. Learning how to explain financial information in a clear and understandable way has been especially important.

Sylwia: Being more confident and talking to as many other colleagues as possible makes communication and my understanding of the business easier.

Finlay: Patience, I thought I’d lose it but I’m keeping to speed.

What’s something about working in construction that would surprise someone who’s never been on a building site?

Charlie: The number of roles available, it’s not just manual work. There are a lot of different career paths in construction that people don’t realise exist.

William: How friendly and welcoming the environment is.

Adam: The amount of planning and coordination needed before we’re even on site has really blown my mind. All the surveys, logistics, and health and safety regulations have really opened my eyes to how we need to deliver projects safely and efficiently.

Sylwia: Building sites are busy and a bit chaotic, with loads of people doing different jobs at the same time. People would be surprised at how much communication and teamwork go into keeping everything running smoothly.

Finlay: The good banter.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given since starting your apprenticeship?

Charlie: One of the most useful pieces of advice I’ve had is to keep a job list. It’s helped me stay organised and make sure I’m completing my work to a high standard.

Adam: The best piece of advice I’ve had is always ask questions and never assume if you’re unsure.

Sylwia: The advice I was given since starting my apprenticeship was to always ask questions and never be afraid to voice your options about anything, and to do what you feel is right.

Finlay: Relax, it will all come together soon.

What would you say to someone thinking about starting an apprenticeship in construction?

 Charlie: I would tell them to give it a go as it is a very stable industry with a lot of prospects for their future.

William: You can earn while you learn, gaining a recognised qualification without coming out in debt.

Adam: I would say go ahead and do it, you won’t regret it. The skills you learn and the people you meet will set you up for a very successful and fulfilling career

Sylwia: It’s a great chance to learn practical skills and gain valuable experience. It might not be for everyone, but it’s definitely worth trying because it teaches you how to work in different environments and situations.

Finlay: Think about the opportunity after your apprenticeship.

To find out more about an apprenticeship with Warden, please visit our careers page.

Warden has opened a new office in Birchwood, Cheshire, to support its people and growth strategy in the region.

The Birchwood office will act as a strategic hub supporting operations throughout Cheshire, Merseyside and Greater Manchester, complementing our headquarters in Kirkham and strengthening our presence across the North West.

The move allows staff to work more conveniently and closer to live projects, as well as supporting recruitment ambitions by enabling us to attract talent from a wider geographic area to build a more flexible, well-distributed workforce across the region.

Led by Edwin Esevohare, HSEQ Manager, our contract teams will operate flexibly between the Birchwood and Kirkham offices, as well as site locations, ensuring strong leadership and project oversight across the region.

Based at The Square in Birchwood Boulevard, the office comprises a dedicated workspace with modern office and meeting facilities.

Ian Williams, managing director, said: “The new Birchwood office is a key part of our strategy and reflects our commitment to supporting both our clients and our people. By having a stronger local presence, we can operate more efficiently, reduce unnecessary travel which supports our carbon reduction strategy, and create a better working environment for our teams.

“Birchwood gives us a strong local base for our Merseyside, Manchester and Cheshire clients. It puts us closer to key projects and allows us to continue delivering the high standards our clients expect, while also supporting more sustainable ways of working.”

From Birchwood, our teams are well-positioned to service a range of nearby projects in Chester, Runcorn, Greater Manchester, and Stockport.

Naji Al Rafai, Senior Estimator, Dan Culshaw, Finance Director, Edwin Esevohare, HSEQ Manager, Charlie Heyes, Bid Writer, Ian Williams, Managing Director.

The renovation of Priory Place and Love Street, delivered by Warden, has received the award for Best Residential Renovation & Conservation at the Cheshire West Design Awards – which recognises excellence in design, conservation and construction across the region.

Commissioned by GHH (POC) Ltd in partnership with Grosvenor Hart Homes, the project brought together Warden as lead contractor and architects Cassidy + Ashton to create modern, fit-for-purpose homes that carefully preserved the buildings’ heritage and character.

The project involved the extensive refurbishment and sensitive remodelling of 19 historic residential properties in Chester city centre, many of which are Grade II listed.

Warden was appointed to support the remodelling and refurbishment works, which included the renewal of mechanical and electrical systems, installation of new windows and doors, insulation and damp proofing, and full internal finishes, all delivered with minimal disruption to the live residential streetscape.

The award was accepted by Joby Howard and Karl Dean (Grosvenor Hart Homes), Richard Williams (Cassidy + Ashton), and Ian Williams (Warden). The judges praised the careful balance of conservation and contemporary residential quality.

Ian Williams, director at Warden, said: “We’re proud to have played a part in the Priory Place refurbishment. Working on buildings with so much history is always rewarding, but it comes with its own set of challenges.

“We had to balance the heritage requirements with modern standards that respected the original character of the properties. It was detailed, careful work, but exactly the kind of challenge we enjoy and thrive in.

“The success of this project is a testament to the collaborative effort of the team. Each partner brought deep expertise and a shared commitment to preserving these buildings while creating high-quality, contemporary homes. We’re happy to see this collective endeavour recognised with such a prestigious award.”

The Cheshire West Design Awards celebrate the very best in local design and construction, recognising projects across residential, commercial, community and public realm categories. The next awards will take place in 2030.

Warden has raised over £3,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support through various fundraising activities across 2025.

Macmillan was selected as our charity of the year, following the support it provided to our colleague Geoff during his battle with cancer. He is now back at work full-time after overcoming his illness following treatment.

Throughout the year, employees engaged in various initiatives that saw them take on challenges, host events and find new ways to support the essential services the charity provides.

Site manager Tom Davies completed the National Three Peaks Challenge across England, Scotland and Wales. He was later joined by HSEQ advisor Beth Elder for a 47-mile trek through the Peak District, completed within 24 hours.

Beth also took part in the AJ Bell Great Manchester Half Marathon alongside Tony Quinn, procurement manager, and Dan Culshaw, finance director, raising additional funds in the process.

Employees also hosted several events throughout the year, including a Macmillan Coffee Morning, a Bonfire Luncheon, and a Christmas Jumper Day.

Collectively, the team raised £3,127 for Macmillan Cancer Support. The funds will help the charity continue its vital work providing emotional, practical and financial assistance to people living with cancer and their families.

Ian Williams, managing director, said: “The support Macmillan provided for Geoff during his treatment meant a great deal to everyone here, we are proud to stand behind a charity that made such a difference to one of our own.

“From those who took on physical challenges to everyone who baked, brewed coffee, wore a Christmas jumper or simply put a few pounds in a collection tin, it has been a genuine group effort, and we couldn’t be prouder of our team.”

Michelle Davis, Macmillan centre deputy manager, said: “We would like to thank Warden for choosing us to be its Charity of the Year, and for the generous donations. Meeting the team at our centre was a highlight, and their engagement this year shows a genuine dedication to helping us support people living with cancer.

“Our centre at Royal Preston Hospital, like all Macmillan Information and Support Service centres nationwide, provides practical, emotional, financial and psychological support to those affected by cancer. We can continue this work thanks to the generosity of our fundraisers, whose support will make a lasting difference for local patients. Thank you, team Warden, for your wonderful support.”

Warden is bringing the spirit of Christmas to Manchester once again as it commences work on the city’s world-famous Christmas Markets.

Each year, the Manchester Christmas Markets attract millions of visitors from across the UK and beyond, transforming the city centre into a festive destination filled with food, craft, and celebration.

Marking its third consecutive year working on behalf of Manchester City Council and North West Construction Hub, our specialist teams will be delivering the project ahead of the grand opening on Friday 7 November.

The programme of works is extensive, with operations running 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The scope includes organising deliveries, managing mechanical and electrical installations, coordinating crane lifts, installing and removing fencing, and overseeing full traffic management to maintain the safe flow of people and vehicles throughout the city.

This year’s installations will span a record ten locations, covering Piccadilly Gardens, Market Street, Cathedral Gardens, Exchange Square, Corn Exchange, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Street, St Ann’s Square, King Street, and Albert Square.

Ian Williams, managing director at Warden, said: “The Manchester Christmas Markets are such an iconic part of the city’s festive season, and we’re incredibly proud to once again be part of delivering them.

“It’s a demanding and logistically complex project that really highlights the teamwork, expertise, and dedication of everyone involved. From our site managers and electricians to our traffic management partners, each team plays a crucial role in creating something truly special for the people of Manchester.”

The professional team for the installation includes WMB Installations (electricians), Arena Group (fencing), and Go Traffic Management (traffic management).

To celebrate the opening, Warden will host a client event in central Manchester, bringing together partners and stakeholders who contribute to the success of the markets each year.

Warden has appointed Peter Heskine as commercial manager to help drive growth and operational performance.

Peter has over two decades of experience in the construction industry and joins from Pinington, where he worked as commercial director for seven years.

Reporting to commercial director Adrian Atkinson, Peter will lead our eight-person commercial division, overseeing all stages of the construction process, from pre-construction and procurement to delivery and post-completion.

He will be responsible for driving excellence in cost management, contract negotiation, supply chain performance and risk mitigation across our diverse project portfolio.

Adrian Atkinson, commercial director, said: “We’re happy to welcome Peter to the team. His industry knowledge and commercial insight will be invaluable as we continue to push our expansion into new regions.

“Peter brings a strategic approach to commercial management that will enhance how we manage risk, deliver value, and maximise performance across our projects. His leadership will play a key role in ensuring our clients continue to receive the best outcomes.”

Peter added: “I was drawn to Warden because of its strong reputation, impressive range of projects, and the way it balances commercial focus with its commitment to delivering social value. It’s a business that clearly values doing things the right way.

“This is a great opportunity to use my commercial experience to strengthen client and supply chain relationships and support Warden’s continued success.”

Peter’s appointment marks another important step in Warden’s ongoing investment in people and capability to support its delivery of high-quality projects in sectors including education, healthcare, commercial, residential and sports and leisure.

Warden’s social value co-ordinator, Heather Thompson, and Ian Powell, head of group development, recently spent the day at Riverside College in Widnes to deliver an engaging programme of works session to over 100 students.

The visit formed part of our wider initiative to promote careers in construction and inspire young people to explore the vast opportunities available across the industry.

During the interactive sessions, Heather and Ian provided valuable insights into how real-world construction projects are planned and delivered, covering everything from design and logistics to teamwork and problem-solving.

The hands-on format encouraged students to think critically and work collaboratively, bridging the gap between classroom learning and on-site experience.

Heather said: “It was a fantastic experience to speak with such an engaged group of young people who are clearly passionate about their future careers. We’re grateful to Riverside College for inviting us in and for the opportunity to share how diverse and rewarding a career in construction can be.”

Lecturers at the college praised the session for its relevance and impact.

Jade Naughton, plumbing lecturer, commented: “Great session with Heather and Ian, giving some real-life construction experience in a classroom environment. Students enjoyed thinking and working out how construction projects are planned and implemented.”

Ben Whitfield, joinery lecturer, added: “The interaction with industry professionals inspired our learners to think beyond the classroom and consider opportunities other than their chosen trade. It had a genuine impact on our students’ aspirations and understanding of the sector.”

Jayne Barnes, work placement officer, said: “As a work placement officer, I found Warden’s programme of works lesson to be invaluable for our students. It provided the students with real-world insight and practical understanding that will support their future careers.

“A heartfelt thank-you to Heather and Ian for delivering such an engaging and insightful session – your time and expertise made a real difference.”

Warden has completed work on a major project at Southport Hospital that will boost clinical capacity and enhance patient care.

A new £3.4m standalone endoscopy unit has been delivered, with a a £4.3m CT department extension underway, in collaboration with Vinci Facilities, on behalf of the Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

The single storey endoscopy unit features two state-of-the-art treatment rooms and eight recovery bays, offering modern facilities to support growing demand for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Works included the installation of internal doors, integrated plumbing systems (IPS), flooring, external cladding and associated external works.

The CT department project involved an extension to increase clinical space and house a new scanner that will support with the provision of quicker diagnostic results, as well as a full internal refurbishment and remodelling of the existing area.

Located close to other wards, the works demanded enhanced air quality, vibration, and noise monitoring to protect vulnerable patients throughout the programme.

Ian Williams, managing director at Warden, said: “We’re proud to support Southport Hospital with the delivery of these essential new healthcare facilities. It’s a significant investment in the future of local healthcare infrastructure and will provide vital services that speed up patient care.

“Projects like this demonstrate how modern construction can bring real value to local communities, improving patient experience while also supporting the hardworking NHS professionals and creating opportunities for future talent.”

The professional team on this project included Ryder Architecture (lead designer and principal designer), Steve Hunt Associates (M&E consultant), and Burrows Graham (structural & civil engineer).

Community engagement has played a role throughout the project, with the Warden team supporting apprenticeship training weeks and charity initiatives.