On Thursday 9 July, Warden hosted its very first charity quiz night, bringing together staff, friends and suppliers for an evening of entertainment, networking and fundraising.

Held at Weeton Village Hall, the event was held to raise money for HOBY UK, our nominated charity partner for 2026.

We chose to work with HOBY UK this year because of its commitment to creating long-term, meaningful social impact by helping young people develop the confidence, leadership skills and opportunities they need to reach their potential.

Sponsored by Smiths Equipment Hire and hosted by Britain’s Got Talent Golden Buzzer finalist Max Fox, the quiz was attended by more than 60 guests.

Alongside the quiz, guests had the chance to win a range of prizes, including a television, spa and restaurant vouchers and a coffee machine, helping to raise over £200 for the charity.

Ian Williams, managing director of Warden, said: “It was fantastic to see so many people come together to support such a worthwhile cause. The evening was a great opportunity to catch up with colleagues, clients, suppliers and friends while raising money for a charity that is making a real difference to young people’s lives.

“A huge thank you to everyone who attended, donated prizes, sponsored the event and helped make our first quiz night such a success. We’re incredibly proud to support HOBY throughout 2026, and this is just the start of what we hope will be a fantastic year of fundraising.”

HOBY UK empowers young people through leadership programmes, helping them build confidence, develop essential life skills and create positive change in their communities.

Warden has completed work on two major schemes for Halton Borough Council which form part of the Reconnecting Runcorn regeneration programme.

Works included the transformation of the former Granville Library into a multi-purpose community facility named WELL Runcorn, and the conversion of part of the Camden Buildings into a new digital skills hub.

WELL (Wellbeing, Education and Lifelong Learning) Runcorn brings health, education and wellbeing services together in one location in the heart of Runcorn town centre. The hub can support up to 60 new further education students and enable around 500 additional healthcare assessments each year.

We were responsible for the delivery of a new mezzanine level for classrooms and learning space, consultation rooms, meeting and multi-purpose areas, a café for members of the public, and a staff kitchen.

The £2 million Camden Buildings project saw the creation of flexible learning spaces and workspaces for Halton Council and community organisation Power in Partnership, designed to support skills development and employment opportunities.

Works involved the strip-out and refurbishment of the Grade II listed building, while preserving its historic façade. Warden also delivered a new two-storey extension, winter garden-style lobby with breakout and event space, games area, learning kitchen, and rear garden.

As part of our commitment to social value, we worked with Halton Borough Council to support the Runcorn Community Foodbank, supplied art and unused construction materials for use within the Camden Buildings, and delivered 84 apprenticeship weeks.

Ian Williams, managing director, said: “These projects are a great example of the positive impact regeneration can have on a town and its people. We’ve transformed two important buildings into modern facilities that will support health, education, learning and enterprise, while preserving the heritage of Runcorn town centre.

“These were collaborative projects from start to finish, and the end results reflect the commitment of our team, client partners and supply chain. We’re especially pleased that the quality of the completed schemes have been recognised by stakeholders, and we hope the buildings will serve the community well for many years to come.”

The £23.6m Reconnecting Runcorn regeneration programme consists of eight individual projects that aim to improve the livelihoods of residents and boost the local economy.

As part of the programme, Warden is also currently completing refurbishment works on Halton Stadium – home of Rugby League side Widnes Vikings – which is due to complete later this year.

WELL Runcorn was developed by Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with Halton Borough Council, Riverside College, Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust.

The professional team on the project included Cronshaw’s Electrical, WMB (Mechanical), Parkfield, Collective, Jenkinson’s, Glazing by Design and LY Joinery.

The professional team for the Camden Buildings included Bolton Steel, Triangle Joinery, B21, Collective Flooring, Wakefields Demolition, SML Painters, Glazing by Design, Truline Groundworks and Eurosafe.

Warden Construction has won the Delivering Value Award at the 2026 North West Regional Construction Awards for our impactful social value initiatives throughout the Gorton Public Realm project.

The 20^th annual North West Regional Construction Awards took place on July 2 at the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool. Attended by over 400 professionals, the awards recognise the companies throughout the region that have embodied the principles of constructing excellence over the past year.

The prestigious Delivering Value award celebrates projects that maximise economic, social and environmental returns throughout their lifecycle.

Gorton Public Realm was a redevelopment project delivered on behalf of Manchester City Council that transformed vacant land in the town centre into a vibrant social space designed for markets, performances and events.

Community engagement and environmental considerations were built into every stage. Initiatives included early community consultations to help us shape the project, providing careers advice to local jobseekers through the Job Centre, and donating materials and equipment to the Men’s Sheds group.

Environmental and economic benefits prioritised low-emission transport and using locally sourced materials and labour wherever possible.

Our team also visited St James’ Primary School to engage with pupils through various activities, helping to challenge stereotypes in construction and promote future careers.

As well as the Delivering Value award, we were also shortlisted for Best Project of the Year for our work on Lea Primary School, and shortlisted for the SME of the Year category, for which we were ‘Highly Commended’ by the judges.

Ian Williams, managing director at Warden Construction, said: “We couldn’t be happier that our work at Gorton was recognised at The North West Regional Construction Awards this year. Creating lasting social value is an essential part of how we deliver every project, and this recognition is a testament to the dedication of our team and partners.

“The shortlist this year was particularly strong, which makes this achievement extra special. It’s fantastic to see so many organisations across the region demonstrating how construction can make a genuine difference beyond the buildings themselves. Huge congratulations to all the winners and nominees; let’s keep raising the bar.”

To learn more about the Gorton Public Realm improvement project, please visit: https://www.warden.co.uk/building-meaningful-community-connections-in-gorton/

For more information and to see the full list of winners, please visit: https://www.nwrca.co.uk

Photo credit: Carl Sukonik – www.thevain.co.uk

Warden has completed a major refurbishment project for Manchester City Council’s Family Time Service at Acorn House in Withington and Belthorne Children’s Centre.

The Family Time Service supports supervised contact for children, parents and carers involved in social care. Acorn House and Belthorne Children’s Centre serve as two of the locations for these sessions.

We delivered the £2.4m project through the North West Construction Hub Low Value Framework, upgrading the facilities across both sites to create a better experience for visitors and staff.

Each building now features up to ten new family rooms, office areas, kitchens, outside play areas and improved toilet and changing facilities.

Works across both sites included roof replacements, insulation upgrades, rewiring, heating improvements, new windows and doors, landscaping, and fencing works, as well as internal refurbishments throughout.

Ian Williams, managing director of Warden, said: “Acorn and Belthorne is a really meaningful project for us at Warden because it shows the impact that well-designed community spaces can have on people’s lives.

“It was important to us, the Council, and Family Times that the finished spaces feel safe, welcoming and accessible. The improved facilities will support people through some incredibly important moments, while also future-proofing public assets that play a vital role in the community.

“It has been a complex refurbishment programme that involved phased delivery across live operational environments, but our team has stayed focused on delivering the best outcome for the people who use these spaces every day.”

Extensive structural strengthening works were required, alongside replacement flooring, drainage upgrades and the construction of new parking and external areas.

Acorn House also included accessibility improvements such as level access, along with the demolition of the garage block and wider external reconfiguration.

The phased programme, which began in May 2023, allowed services to continue with the Acorn House team temporarily relocating to Belthorne while works were carried out.

Jaime Cepeda, project lead at Manchester City Council, added: “Warden’s diligence and collaborative approach were key to the successful refurbishment of these vital community facilities.”

Work is progressing on a refurbishment and conversion project in Huyton, Liverpool, that will provide high-quality supported living accommodation for vulnerable adults.

Appointed by property investment company Henley, Warden has now reached the midway point of the project, which is transforming a former two-storey care home at 6 Roby Road.

While preserving the existing structure, we are delivering 16 self-contained one-bedroom supported living apartments, with staff facilities and communal areas. External works include new open space and car parking for residents, staff and visitors.

Located in a highly accessible residential area, the site benefits from strong public transport links and is close to local shops and services.

The project responds directly to an identified local need for more supported living accommodation, which aligns closely with national planning policy and local ambition to increase widen the choice of housing options available in the area.

Ian Williams, managing director of Warden, said: “Our scheme at Roby Road is a great example of how construction can support communities by giving an existing building a new purpose that will improve people’s day-to-day lives.

“Projects like this require care and attention, and we’re committed to making sure the finished development is a place where residents will feel secure and supported. We’re pleased to be working with Henley to strengthen supported living provision for the community in Huyton.”

Our team commenced work in October 2025, with the project scheduled for completion in August 2026.

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.