We are delighted to welcome two new employees this week.

Blake Gruar joins us as a HSEQ Apprentice supporting our H&S Manager, Steve, and the HSEQ function.

He has recently completed a Level 2 Plumbing course which has equipped his with a strong foundational understanding of health and safety in the industry, plumbing installations and techniques. He also has hands-on experience in a range of skills from plastering and bricklaying to stonework and tiling.

Blake has a good working knowledge of specifications, drawings and design standards as well as a keen desire to develop his role within the health and safety department.

Patrick Brittleton joins us as an Apprentice Carpenter, working on site delivering projects alongside the team whilst continuing his Carpentry Apprentice (Level 2 & 3) at Shrewsbury Colleges Group.

Previously, Patrick worked as a security engineer which has equipped him with valuable problem-solving skills as well as the ability to follow specifications, drawings and design standards to ensure systems are installed according to the client brief and the relevant quality standards.

Patrick’s agile skillset, understanding of the commercial aspect of projects and grasp of site processes makes him an asset to the team.

We wish them both every success.

When work first began on the Adams Morey site in Adanac Park, Southampton the team were clear on the goal for the project. It was to be a high-quality refurbishment and fit out of a commercial workshop with the installation of a new MOT pit and 12 vehicle ramps to meet DVSA standards.

The works included demolishing existing internal walls and forming a new office layout to meet the client’s needs. We installed new electrical and data points throughout to create a fully functioning office space, completed all joinery work, including a bespoke workshop bench, and redecorated to suit the client’s dealership standards.

We had to remove an existing cladded wall between the offices and the workshop and then rebuilt a metal stud wall with a 60-minute fire rating, as well as new windows and doors to achieve fire compliance and meet building regulations.

The workshop required the installation of a new oil and air system with two oil tanks and one waste oil. Along with this we installed a new EV workstation with a 2-post lift and 8 additional lifts within the workshop.

With Phase one now complete, work has begun on Phase two. For this phase we will be working on the alteration of an existing building to create workshop premises for commercial vehicles, installing three vehicle lifts and a tool storage area.

Located in Stoke on Trent this Greenhous Group unit is a two-phase project starting with the office space. We were requested to turn an existing vehicle workshop into offices to include two large open plan spaces and four smaller offices as well as three meeting rooms with supporting kitchen facilities and car parking.

This required the team to remove existing brickwork and blockwork cutting out the external cladding and adjusting sheeting rails as specified. The team worked to ensure that the windowsill trim was laid to slightly fall away from the window to prevent water running back in.

All of the interior walls have been erected and plastered and are currently being painted. The kitchen has been completed, and we have done the first fix on the electrics and data. The second fix of the air conditioning system will be started shortly.

The team will also start work on the flooring and the second fix of the air conditioning system shortly.

Phase two of the proposed alterations to the workshop has already begun with work going on to convert the other existing unit from a spray facility into a workshop with six vehicle lifts. Two new openings for sectional doors have been created using the existing doors from the office building.

The project is expected to be handed over by the end of September.

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals, known for their heat resistance, strength, and durability. However, these same properties also make them dangerous when inhaled or ingested, as they can cause serious health problems. Exposure to asbestos is linked to several diseases, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

Removing asbestos is a hazardous task that should only be undertaken by trained professionals.

So, how do we go about removing asbestos safely?

• Prepare your work area. Remove anything that doesn’t need to be there. Cover the ground or other surfaces with polythene that can be disposed of later. Ensure you have enough heavy-duty bags or polythene for wrapping the sheets.
• Make sure you have a safe means of reaching the material to be removed. Start to remove the asbestos methodically. You may need to unscrew any fastenings so make sure you have the right tools available.
• Hand down the pieces you remove and place them carefully on the polythene sheet where they will not get damaged.
• When you are finished, check for any debris. Clear up by hand, using wet wipes or similar disposable cloths, and ensure any small particles and dust are placed on the polythene sheets. Never be tempted to use a vacuum cleaner.
• Wrap the pieces in the polythene or place in a bag if small enough. Do not break them up. Seal with tape and repeat the process so everything is double bagged.
• You will also need to dispose of the polythene used to cover the ground, your overalls and mask. Wipe down your footwear and put the cloth in with the waste. Carry out the same double bagging procedure.
• Contact a licensed asbestos removal firm to arrange for them to take the waste to a site licensed for the disposal of hazardous waste. Compliance with the Special Waste Regulations 1996 is required.

We have just completed the procedure at our Leicestershire project on each roof bay, where we also carried out air monitoring before the works started and afterwards.  Air monitoring is essential during asbestos removal to ensure workers are adequately protected and to detect any potential breaches in containment.

Work on the new adult care home in Neath is going very well, and we are now at the roofing stage, a pivotal stage in building as it means the home will be better protected once the roof is fully complete.

The roof installation is one of the most critical aspects of any project as it provides protection, insulation, and enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of a property. It is, therefore, essential for durability and energy efficiency.

This new build is the second plot of three care homes for adults. Plot 1 was successfully completed in 2014. Our role was to take over the building work as soon as the foundations were laid, and the team is currently on site installing the roof trusses.

Installing trussed rafters requires specific construction skills which involve working at height and handling dynamically unstable materials. Some of the design aspects of the construction of this project had to be adapted along the way resulting in the re-design of some of the structural elements.

The building is designed with both dormer and flat roofing with Velux roof windows. The team have used purpose manufactured timber trusses with timber diagonal bracing from gable apex to wallplate affixed across the trusses throughout the roof length, all in accordance with BS EN 1995 (Eurocode 5) and CP112. This will be completed with tanalised battens over breathable roofing felt with Terracotta smooth faced concrete ridge tiles to finish.

“I am happy with how everything is going with this project. The build is on target and on budget, which is great,” said Mark Richards, Director, Care 4 U Neath. “Working with Ample Power has been refreshingly straightforward. The team is well managed, and they are all very polite. More importantly, the attention to health and safety by the whole team has been outstanding.”

The project is due for handover in March 2026.

We are thrilled to hand over our latest project for Adams Morey DAF Trucks.

Conveniently located just off the A38 the newly opened DAF site in Plymouth is another great project undertaken in partnership with the Greenhous Group.

This secure compound has been increased in size significantly to provide a purpose-built hub for truck sales, services and parts within a fully fenced and gated compound.

It boasts a nine bay truck workshop, two load simulation brake testers and tachograph rollers as well as vehicle wash ramp capability.

“Working with Ample Power is a pleasure; nothing is ever too much trouble, working with us we overcome any hurdle a project like this throws up, said Bob Cartwright, Project Director – Truck Operations, Greenhous Group. “Ample Power are flexible, honest, transparent and dedicated to quality from the labourer to the Directors and everything in-between. They manage and control site safety to the very highest standards. The finished product is exceptional as is attention to detail. They remain our preferred supplier for future projects new build or refurbishment.

The new facility was officially opened last week.

We are delighted to welcome Elliot Booth to the team. As an experienced civil engineer, Elliot has worked on a number of high-profile projects including work on the new Everton Stadium in Liverpool and the Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford new world class research and development facility.

Elliot began his career as a Trainee Civil Engineer working his way up to Site Engineer and proving his capability handling busy site operations as well as strategic planning to deliver projects on time and on budget. He is currently undergoing a BEng Civil Engineering degree apprenticeship with the University of Exeter which he continues now with Ample Power.

Elliot joins us as a Project Manager where he will employ his skills in reading technical drawings, managing interfaces between subcontractors, and collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams to meet programme targets.

He is motivated by sustainable design and innovation in modern construction methods driven by the need to reduce environmental impact and improve building efficiency and longevity.

Refurbishment projects generally require a unique set of skills and expertise compared to new builds. Refurbishment involves working with existing structures, which can present challenges such as outdated electrical installations, unexpected structural issues or inadequate plumbing. This often demands a higher level of problem-solving skills and adaptability. It necessitates careful planning and execution to integrate new elements with the existing building, which can be more complex than starting from a blank canvas.

Our site teams are highly experienced and familiar with these types of projects. We recently completed a refurbishment project in Plymouth and, while it was not without its challenges, it was handed over successfully.

The client wanted to turn an existing workshop into a lorry service centre and refurbish the office space to accommodate their workforce. We were required to install five service pits, to include two ATF lanes with shaker plated and break testers. This involved digging the pits to fit the prefabricated metal service pits. The site team also needed to remove the three existing roller shutter doors and replace them with new larger sectional doors as well as cutting out and installing seven new sectional doors.

An existing glass atrium was replaced with a full height glass wall, opening up the interior to let in more light, and reconfigured the office space to adjust the current layout and create two large parts stores – one on the ground floor and one on the first floor.

The yard area needed to be extended, and the entrance increased to 7 metres to make it bigger and more accessible for lorries, and a new wash ramp was installed. A palisade fencing was erected around the site for security.

As a refurbishment project, the biggest challenge for the team was having to deal with the existing electrical installation, which was to be maintained, within a tight time frame. Our highly experienced team of electricians successfully replaced old electrical panels and updated the wiring, making sure everything met regulations.

Overall, the project was delivered on time with building control signing it off promptly. The client and architect snag lists were dealt with quickly and there was a very clean exit without any pending issues left.

“Working with Ample Power is a pleasure; nothing is ever too much trouble, working with us we overcome any hurdle a project like this throws up. Ample Power are flexible, honest, transparent and dedicated to quality from the labourer to the Directors and everything in-between. They manage and control site safety to the very highest standards. The finished product is exceptional as is attention to detail. They remain our preferred supplier for future projects new build or refurbishment” Bob Cartwright, Project Director – Truck Operations, Greenhous Group.

It is estimated there are around 100,000 potentially contaminated sites in England and Wales totalling approximately 300,000 hectares of land affected.

Much of these affected spaces are as a result of land contaminated by historical industries such as former mines, steelworks, landfills and manufacturing processes involving harmful chemicals having taken place on the land itself or on adjacent land.

Although many of these potentially contaminative industries have largely disappeared, there is still enough of a risk of contamination left behind to warrant investigation before any redevelopment work can be started.

Thorough due diligence at the pre-planning stage of a development is key to properly assessing the risk of contamination on a site. Most site investigations/property transactions will include ground investigation with bore holes and soil samples taken from the site as well as a comprehensive desktop study.

These reports give us vital information including previous land usage, soil type and compactness as well as the mineral contents of the samples tested.

We need to know if there has been any pollution of discharge incidents on the site is the site potentially affected by contamination and could the development result in unacceptable risk. We also need to be aware of designated sites for nature reserves or areas of special scientific interest.

Should there be a concern, local authorities require clients to carry out a risk assessment, before work can begin, to identify and assess the sources, pathways and receptors which must be carried out by a suitably qualified person or company.

Once the report has been produced the next question concerns the risks. Are they acceptable or will the remediation make these risks acceptable? We determine if the proposal could be made acceptable or, where not practical, if we should consider whether planning permission will be refused.

If contamination is discovered on an active site, a stop works notice must be issued and a risk assessment carried out.

Work can only recommence after the risk assessment has been completed, a remediation plan has been approved, and the contamination has been addressed to a safe level. Remediation of contaminated land may also require an authorisation under environmental permitting legislation.

It is 8 am and the site team at the Southampton project are gathered for the first ten-minute briefing for the day.

Today’s message is on vehicle movement. With the project in the closing stages the team is reminded of the need to stay vigilant with regards to the traffic and pedestrian segregation around the area and to observe the speed limit of 10 mph within, what will be, a busy site as the handover gets underway.

These safety moments are an integral part of the working day on site and are designed to deliver or reinforce critical information, such as safety protocols and standards, welfare concerns, and any other workplace safety messages that enable site teams to stay safe.

While clear and consistent communication is the mainstay of any business, it becomes critical on construction sites where safety is a priority. These early morning gatherings are generally no more than ten minutes but are vital to keeping safety top of mind. They also serve the wider purpose of keeping knowledge up-to-date and helping to encourage further discussions on health and safety concerns.

During these sessions, workers have the opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas, as well as ask questions or seek clarification. This helps foster a collaborative environment as well as create a sense of ownership. When team members are involved, they are more likely to actively contribute to maintaining a safe working environment.

These brief talks at the start of the day are focused on the day ahead rather than long term planning and provide an effective method of reinforcing the message that safety is everyone’s responsibility. They are timely reminders of the dangers in and around construction sites as well as an opportunity to get the team together each day.

We are thrilled to announce the promotion of Rebecca Holloway to the role of Quantity Surveyor.

Rebecca has been with Ample Power Limited for three years, advancing from Project Coordinator to Quantity Surveyor as well as undertaking an MA in in Quantity Surveying to further enhance her expertise.

As the quantity surveyor for the company, Rebecca will be involved in projects from the early stages, consulting with the client and contractors on preliminary cost analysis, and throughout the project, monitoring ongoing expenses and ensuring each project meets all legal and quality requirements.

“Rebecca showed very early on that she had the skills to manage this role. She has excellent project management skills, a detailed knowledge of building and construction processes, and has shown an astute commercial and financial awareness throughout her time at Ample Power” said Ed Spragg, managing director. “We are delighted that she is now moving into this new role and wish her every success.”

With over eight years of experience in Project and Commercial Management, Rebecca adds a valuable dimension to the team. She will work closely with architects, engineers, and other project stakeholders to ensure projects are managed effectively. She will prepare tender packages and contracts, including bills of quantities, as well as manage risk, value engineering and cost control measures.

As our business continues to grow and thrive, we are thrilled to announce the appointment of Chris Spragg as he takes up a new director role within the senior leadership team.

Chris is a highly experienced leader and civil engineer in the construction industry having delivered major infrastructure and building projects both in the UK and Australia for major tier 1 contractors.  His wealth of experience is welcomed by directors Ed and Heidi as Chris will provide the drive and support for Ample Power’s continued growth.

“I am proud to be offered, and accept, this new role within Ample Power and to support the team in their ambitious growth plan.  There are many opportunities in the market and the adaptability and commitment of the team is evidence of our ability to capitalise on them.  I look forward to working with the team and building strong relationships to ensure the business’ continued success,” said Chris.

In his new role Chris will oversee the planning, scheduling, and execution of construction projects from inception through completion. He will develop project budgets, forecasts, and cost estimates, and manage financial controls to optimise project profitability.

Importantly, he will lead and manage a team of construction professionals, including project managers, engineers, site supervisors, and support employees, providing mentorship, guidance, and training to develop team members’ skills and capabilities.

We are delighted to welcome Seth Rickard to the team. As the new Logistics Manager Seth will lead the purchasing for Ample Power bringing more than 30 years of experience to the company. He will develop business processes controlling stocks and usage to maintain a streamlined efficiency.

He will also develop the supply chain, building a network of trusted suppliers, as well as maintain inventories of vehicles including servicing, fleet packs and van stocks.

“Seth’s customer-centric approach and extensive logistics background will enhance our operational efficiencies and ensure we continue to provide a premium delivery service to our customer base across the UK,” said Managing Director, Ed Spragg.

Seth is familiar with working in a fast-paced environment where customer focus is key. He has a wealth of experience handling the sales process and account management and will be an asset to the team.

As part of our continuing growth strategy, we are pleased to announce the addition of Blaine Knight to the team.

Blaine is an accomplished project and operational manager with a proven record of leading complex projects from scope, resource allocations and timelines through to project delivery.

Hailing from Burntwood, Blaine began his journey in the construction industry analysing topographical data to optimise project layouts and inform strategic land-use decisions. From here he built his skillset in highly technical roles to include high-stakes FTTP rollout projects as well as overseeing survey plans, cabling routes, fibre network configuration and connection testing.

In his new role Blaine will be responsible for overseeing and managing all operations on site optimising productivity and meeting operational goals.

Above all, he will monitor and maintain compliance with safety regulations and company policies.

An apprenticeship can be a valuable experience for those starting their careers. It can offer on the job training, an insight into the day-to-day operations of a firm and a clear route into a rewarding career.

By working alongside experienced professionals, apprentices develop practical, hands-on skills that prepare them for job roles upon completing their training thus providing a strong foundation for career success.

We sat down with two of our apprentices, Jake and Jack, to learn how they are benefitting from their apprenticeship at Ample Power.

Why have you chosen the career path you have? What do you enjoy the most? 

Jake Wallin

I enjoy all aspects of electrical works and feel it’s a great career path. I love the fact that, once I am a fully qualified electrician, there are so many opportunities to branch out into.  I am currently in my first year and not sure what area I would like to specialise in once I have finished my training, but I do know that I will be able to explore what I am good at as I go through my apprenticeship.

Jack Richards

I enjoy learning the technical and science side of the electrical aspects of a construction site. I am particularly interested in electrical installations and how they work in a variety of different projects. The industry is one that is constantly evolving as new technologies and work practices require us to constantly learn new things.

How have you benefited from your experience as an apprentice?

JW

For me the real value of my apprenticeship is, not only acquiring the technical skills I need, but also soft skills such as working as a team, problem solving and communicating with people at different levels.  At Ample Power I have learnt a wide range of technical skills such as safety protocols, building codes and regulations, and have been able to apply that knowledge within a live project.

JR

Being an apprentice has been a beneficial experience for me. I’ve been able to do things that I’m really interested in, and I have been able to work with so many different people. My apprenticeship has helped me to develop skills and knowledge that I wouldn’t have picked up otherwise. Theoretical knowledge is great to understand the theory behind the processes we undertake but out on a construction site I get to see these how these processes actually work.

What advice would you give to anyone starting out in the electrical industry?

JW

Listen and always do your best. I think enthusiasm and a willingness to learn are the most important things if you’re thinking about an apprenticeship. If you come into work every day keen and with an open mind, you’ll learn so much more than you’re expecting.

JR

Be patient and take your time, be open to endless possibilities and always listen to advice given. It can be quite daunting at first because you often feel you don’t have the skills required to do the job but in time you get to develop these skills and become a lot more confident in your role.

As we celebrate ten years of Ample Power, we are also celebrating the unique heritage that we are so proud of – a combination of legacies that has set us up for where we are now.

Ample Power was founded by husband and wife team Ed and Heidi Spragg whose vision was to create a company that provides commercial construction, civil engineering, refurbishment and maintenance work both locally and nationally.

“Our anniversary is not just about us – it is a tribute to all those who have been a part of our remarkable journey, especially the team members who shape the very essence of Ample Power on a daily basis,” said Managing Director Ed Spragg.

The team have delivered a wide range of successful projects ranging from our long-standing association with Ford, Nissan, Vauxhall, and Omoda, to new bespoke projects across the UK.

As we move into our second decade our commitment to sustained development and expansion remains strong. We intend to grow our portfolio of projects across a diverse range of sectors nationwide and we are continuing to develop our workforce building a skilled and enthusiastic team of experts.

Companies that invest in the growth and wellbeing of their employees are those that have a competitive advantage. They are able to move forward with confidence secure in the knowledge that their risks are minimised.

Safety matters in all aspects of industry and it is the responsibility of the leadership team to reinforce the importance of a safe environment and keep reminding employees of the potential health risks regularly.

At Ample Power’s recent health and safety training day HSEQ Manager Steve Challis, shared the latest business and safety updates as well as information on new projects, stressing the importance of maintaining the company’s approach to ensuring everyone goes home safe.

“Safety training shouldn’t be a one-off exercise,” said Steve. “We all forget information over time and continuous training helps embed good habits so that safety at work becomes habitual.”

Among the topics covered were working at height and lone working.

“It’s easy to forget what we’ve learned in the past, particularly when we are on site and really busy but by reiterating the potential dangers around employees working on their own or at height should not be overlooked. It is just a matter of reminding team members to check on their colleagues regularly to ensure they are safe,” said Steve.

A lot of time was spent in discussion around good housekeeping while on site and the importance of site inductions and daily briefings.

“As a company we are very strict on maintaining a clean, organised, and safe work environment through practices such as regular cleaning, proper storage, and clear walkways. Our site teams are very conscious of the need to ensure everyone on site complies with our standards,” said Steve.

Ongoing training ensures that employees stay up to date with the latest health and safety requirements. It also helps develop a sustainable habit of awareness in their roles and responsibilities to maintain a safe working environment.

A robust health and safety philosophy at work is a given. We all need to protect our employees while they are in the office or on site, and ensure they arrive home safely.

But, apart from the vital importance of a safe working environment, there are other considerations.

Recruitment for example.

Organisations that promote a safety-first culture are more likely to attract and retain talent. After all, who doesn’t want to work in an environment that has our wellbeing at its heart?

Having a well written health and safety handbook in the office, however, is not enough. The whole ethos of health and safety needs to permeate the entire organisation.

Safety cannot be dissociated from the organisation’s culture. It is not enough to merely comply with the office policy, it has to be a significant component of the company’s culture.

And it needs to start at the top.

Success comes from good leadership, active employee involvement and constant communication. When the leadership team puts an effective, relevant and sensible health and safety strategy in place, they have the power to influence the people around them and encourage the adoption of safe practices.

A safety-first culture is dependent on employees fulfilling their responsibility for ensuring that all aspects of the company’s undertakings are carried out with due regard to safety and with minimal risk to health through ongoing training and adopting rigorous safety protocols.   

Involved team members will take an active role in the business. They’ll implement new initiatives, take ownership of them and actively participate in driving change. Involving employees allows them to provide observations and feedback and offer constructive solutions to issues they may have encountered during their work.

By setting a safety-first culture, companies show that health and safety is not just a compliance requirement, it is a fundamental quality of their workplace. They recognise that the setting and implementation of risk management protocols helps create a successful, employee-centric company that creates a long-term value for the company and helps attract and retain talent.