Latest news with #ChrisWynne
Leader Live
07-06-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Brand new Wrexham University centre nears completion
The centre is part of the North Wales Growth Deal and is set to become a hub for industry engagement, research, and innovation. Construction began in February 2024, and on Thursday, June 5, university colleagues, the main contractor Wynne Construction, and Ambition North Wales gathered to celebrate the project's progress. The new building will provide a centre for collaboration and skills development in sustainability, renewables, and high-value manufacturing, with a particular focus on lightweight composites, hydrogen technologies, and optics and photonics expertise. The centre is spread across two university sites, the Plas Coch campus in Wrexham and the OpTIC Technology Centre at the St Asaph campus. The university is committed to reducing its environmental impact, and the construction of the centre was planned to contribute positively to decarbonisation, biodiversity, and social value goals. Various materials were selected to minimise the carbon footprint, including photovoltaic panels to generate electricity, innovative insulation to reduce energy use, and a heat pump system to minimise reliance on traditional heating. Low-carbon steel, made from recycled steel, was used in the construction, and ground granulated blast-furnace slag, a by-product of steel manufacturing, was used in the concrete mix to further reduce the carbon footprint. The university's campuses have seen a 30.5 per cent increase in biodiversity as a result of the project, with trees planted and wildflower seeds sown at the Northop campus to provide a habitat for insects, birds, and small animals. Professor Joe Yates, vice-chancellor of Wrexham University, said: "The near completion of the EEOC building also marks a superb milestone for sustainability in the project's positive contributions to decarbonisation, social value and enhancing biodiversity. "The project team have done an excellent job—from ensuring that materials were carefully selected and sourced to ensure a reduction in our carbon footprint to a 30% increase in biodiversity on our campuses." Social and local economic value targets were surpassed during the construction phase, with more than 400 jobs safeguarded and nearly 60 per cent of the workforce residing in Wales. The supply chain strategy directed 76 per cent of spend to North Wales SMEs. Apprenticeships have been key in building skills in the area, with 80 per cent of apprentices recruited from North Wales. Chris Wynne, managing director of Wynne Construction, said: "We are incredibly proud to have collaborated with Wrexham University on the delivery of this exceptional building and to play a role in a transformative programme that benefits not only the University but the wider North Wales region." READ MORE: Drivers ignoring changes to Wrexham city centre putting others at 'significant risk' Cllr Dave Hughes, lead member for the North Wales Growth Deal's Innovation in High Value Manufacturing programme, Ambition North Wales, said: "The EEOC is a prime example of the sustainable, economic development we aim to deliver through our Innovation in High Value Manufacturing programme—securing high-value employment and training opportunities and supporting manufacturing businesses to decarbonise. "The project has really delivered at pace while maintaining a focus on its social value commitments, which I'm delighted were also highlighted today." The EEOC is on target to open for the start of the next academic year in September 2025.
Wales Online
23-04-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
North Wales developer booms as backs up its 'fastest growing' tag
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A Denbighshire-based construction firm's five-year strategic growth plan is on the right track after turnover increased by more than 25%. Wynne Construction announced revenue reached £91million in the 12 months to July 31, 2024, a figure which is up from £71m in the previous financial year. Pre-tax profits increased from £2m to £2.3m. The Bodelwyddan-headquartered company's latest accounts underlined why it was named one of the 50 fastest growing businesses in Wales during 2024. As recently as 2022, turnover was hovering around the £33m mark. Wynne has also carried out key improvements including environmental enhancements to its Charles House headquarters as it bids to futureproof the building as well as boost potential growth opportunities. A new management suite has been created, featuring state-of-the-art video conferencing facilities and new offices, as part of a second-story extension at Kinmel Park. Wynne Construction managing director Chris Wynne said: 'We are well-positioned for further sustainable, disciplined progress, which has always been our long-term vision for the business, our employees, and the supply chain. (Image: Outwrite) 'Our main focus area remains sustaining long-term client relationships, and coupled with our growth plans, is key to winning contracts, attracting and retaining talent, and developing an enviable reputation.' Wynne is working on multi-million-pound schemes including Sunnyside Wellness Village in Bridgend, Haverfordia House apartments and reablement centre in Haverfordwest, and a new leisure centre in Newport. It's also building the Enterprise, Engineering, and Optics Centre (EEOC) for Wrexham University, Pontllanfraith Centre for vulnerable learners in Caerphilly, and a new school on Wrexham Road in Chester. With a £72m year-end order book, the company is relishing the future, with Chris adding: 'The strength of our project pipeline is of great pride. 'We will, however, not rest on our laurels, especially given the landscape of many sectors within the country, not least the construction industry and the rising costs of material and increased demand for modern methodology. We are committed to sustainability, and by embracing innovative techniques we are consistently driving forward as a business.' Wynne Construction was named one of the top 200 in the UK Fast Growth Index for 2024, the programme which identifies the fastest-growing companies in seven regions and nations in the UK. As one of the 350 firms identified, Wynne contributed to the 2024 UK Fast Growth Index's collective turnover increase of £9.6billion between 2021 and 2023 and the creation of 24,000 new jobs in two years. Sign up now for the latest news on the North Wales Live Whatsapp community
North Wales Live
23-04-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
North Wales developer booms as backs up its 'fastest growing' tag
A Denbighshire-based construction firm's five-year strategic growth plan is on the right track after turnover increased by more than 25%. Wynne Construction announced revenue reached £91million in the 12 months to July 31, 2024, a figure which is up from £71m in the previous financial year. Pre-tax profits increased from £2m to £2.3m. The Bodelwyddan-headquartered company's latest accounts underlined why it was named one of the 50 fastest growing businesses in Wales during 2024. As recently as 2022, turnover was hovering around the £33m mark. Wynne has also carried out key improvements including environmental enhancements to its Charles House headquarters as it bids to futureproof the building as well as boost potential growth opportunities. A new management suite has been created, featuring state-of-the-art video conferencing facilities and new offices, as part of a second-story extension at Kinmel Park. Wynne Construction managing director Chris Wynne said: 'We are well-positioned for further sustainable, disciplined progress, which has always been our long-term vision for the business, our employees, and the supply chain. 'Our main focus area remains sustaining long-term client relationships, and coupled with our growth plans, is key to winning contracts, attracting and retaining talent, and developing an enviable reputation.' Wynne is working on multi-million-pound schemes including Sunnyside Wellness Village in Bridgend, Haverfordia House apartments and reablement centre in Haverfordwest, and a new leisure centre in Newport. It's also building the Enterprise, Engineering, and Optics Centre (EEOC) for Wrexham University, Pontllanfraith Centre for vulnerable learners in Caerphilly, and a new school on Wrexham Road in Chester. With a £72m year-end order book, the company is relishing the future, with Chris adding: 'The strength of our project pipeline is of great pride. 'We will, however, not rest on our laurels, especially given the landscape of many sectors within the country, not least the construction industry and the rising costs of material and increased demand for modern methodology. We are committed to sustainability, and by embracing innovative techniques we are consistently driving forward as a business.' Wynne Construction was named one of the top 200 in the UK Fast Growth Index for 2024, the programme which identifies the fastest-growing companies in seven regions and nations in the UK. As one of the 350 firms identified, Wynne contributed to the 2024 UK Fast Growth Index's collective turnover increase of £9.6billion between 2021 and 2023 and the creation of 24,000 new jobs in two years.
