Construction companies in the North West: Who’s winning the most work

A closer look at construction companies in the North West and who’s winning big and the sectors set to thrive

The North West has been making headlines recently with major non-residential building projects on the horizon, including the highly anticipated projects at Manchester United Football Club. With even more significant projects in the pipeline, it’s clear that the region is buzzing with construction activity.

But which construction companies in the North West are making the most of these opportunities? In this article, we highlight the top 10 firms that have been leading the way in the North West over the past 12 months (up to the end of February) and spotlight some of the valuable projects they’ve secured.

Top 10 construction companies in the North West

From major national firms to specialist contractors, here are the top 10 companies winning the most work in the region. The table below outlines the number of projects each firm has secured and the total value of those projects.

Source: Glenigan

Spotlight on the Top 5 Contractors in the North West

Leading the pack, Enka, the global engineering and construction firm headquartered in Istanbul, Turkey, secured the low carbon hydrogen production plant (HPP1) at the Stanlow Manufacturing Complex in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire (Project ID: 22136034). Valued at £350 million, the design & build contract is expected to kick off this summer and will run for 26 months. 

In second place, Kier took home the most contracts in the region last year, with a total value of £217 million. Known for large-scale prison projects, the firm won the £116 million contract to overhaul HMP Lancaster Farms in Lancashire (Project ID: 23237071), including constructing two new house blocks and a multiuse games area. Work is set to begin in June and continue for 12 months. 

Bowmer & Kirkland secured the third spot. One of their standout projects is the £60 million new 12-storey office block next to Victoria Station in Manchester (pictured), featuring roof terraces on the top three floors (Project ID: 21305941). The project is slated to start in late October and will run until October 2027. 

HG Construction: Making their mark with the £106 million One Medlock Street student accommodation scheme in central Manchester (Project ID: 19060471), the development will feature 1,014 student bedrooms, a gym, communal areas, and a roof terrace. It also includes office and community spaces on the ground floor. Construction began in January and is scheduled to last 39 months. 

Rounding out the top five, Willmott Dixon made significant progress with six projects, including the health innovation hub and lab space at Manchester Science Park (Project ID: 23073788). The £63 million, seven-storey development started in March and will deliver CL2 labs alongside office space over a 28-month timeline. 

Looking Ahead: Future Growth Opportunities 

The North West continues to attract significant investment across a range of sectors. As more large projects move from approval to start on-site, the opportunity for contractors to secure new contracts remains strong. 

Keeping an eye on upcoming approvals will be key for firms looking to maintain momentum and capitalise on the region’s continued growth.