Chasetown Civil Engineering is not just an industry leader; it’s a family
Celebrating its 50th year in business in 2024, family-owned Chasetown Civil Engineering (Chasetown) has established itself as a leader in the UK civil engineering sector. Incorporated in 1974, the company has amassed half a century of experience, skill and expertise, now offering a full turnkey package of civil engineering solutions. From earthworks to infrastructure, roads to sewers, and foundations to finishings, clients can rely on Chasetown’s fully qualified site management personnel to get the job done and get it done right.
In light of this milestone, Construction & Civil Engineering sat down with Managing Director, Euan Grant, to discuss the company’s past, present and future, as well as its journey to success.
“The business was founded by Noel Sweeney, who arrived in the UK from Ireland in 1972 to secure a future for his family, and it has been in the sole control of the Sweeney family ever since,” Euan begins. “The early years of business focused on roads and sewers infrastructure work for the residential housebuilder and then merged into foundations in line with demand around the turn of the millennium. Within the Tara Group of companies, Noel Sweeney then founded Cameron Homes 30 years ago and Keon Homes five years ago with a focus on private sale and affordable housing respectively.
“Being married to one of the founder’s daughters, with support from the Tara non-exec Directors, I took over as Managing Director at Chasetown following the death of Noel Sweeney in early 2020 and set about the re-structure to ensure continuity of the business in a new era.”
Over the years, Chasetown has worked on many notable residential projects with big-name partners, including most recently Norwood Relief Road for Miller Homes, Holyhead Road for Keon Homes and Bourne Street, Dudley for Countryside Partnerships.
Aside from a plethora of projects and contracts, the business has also invested in a vast range of exciting new technologies and innovations. For its day-to-day operations, Chasetown has introduced some new software with Chime Construction Software, including a time and attendance system and digital safety certification record keeping, as well as a fleet management and vehicle tracking system using EV telematics with Lightfoot. Other new technologies include hybrid-powered welfare facilities, Agtek 3D modelling software and MC1 and drone surveying innovations from Leica Machine Control. Additionally, the business is continuously investing in its five-year fleet renewal programme. Working with JCB for the majority of its equipment purchases (dumpers and excavators), Chasetown is aiming to own 60 per cent of its fleet by the end of the programme. The business also has a selection of Ford and Vauxhall vans – two, three and five seater, as well as 3 welfare vans – that it owns on a five-year rolling renewal plan with CBVC fleet management.
Chasetown has also introduced new equipment and materials for its onsite work: a kerb extruder for pouring kerb race, recyclable manhole covers and gully pots from Muckstoppers, and recyclable service connections protection from Strike Matz.
However, the use of recyclable materials is just one of the ways that Chasetown demonstrates its commitment to sustainability. Environmentalism is a key pillar of the business; it actively works on its carbon reduction plan to adhere to legislation and align with ISO 14001:2015 requirements.
“Working on supply chain awareness and reporting, we’re aiming for B-Corp and Good Business Charter certification within the next three years,” Euan shares.
In conjunction with its dedicated sustainability measures, Chasetown is passionate about connecting with local communities. One way it does this is through its own charity, The Noel Sweeney Foundation, which was established to honour the legacy, philanthropy and generosity of Noel Sweeney, who sadly passed away in 2020.
Since its founding, the Foundation has had a monumental impact on communities in the Midlands, gifting over £649,000 for over 79 unique causes such as Sense, Suited For Success and MacMillan Cancer Support, as well as hosting and supporting numerous charity events.
Through The Noel Sweeney Foundation and other ESG initiatives, Euan is proud to “continue to give back to the local community that was so welcoming to the Sweeney family over 50 years ago.”
Further to its community value, Chasetown is committed to empowering its team to be the best versions of themselves that they can be.
“We focus on our ability to recruit and promote from within,” Euan explains. “We develop our team through reward and recognition, and a large number of our employees have been with us for over 15 years, including three for over 35 years.
“We also place a focus on early talent with over 15 apprentices and six graduates within the business through our commitment as members of The 5% Club,” Euan continues. “We have the Tara Group Academy where fantastic opportunities exist to learn with Cranfield University on a variety of external courses, as well as regular Lunch & Learn sessions on a variety of subjects.” 
In collaboration with Telford College, Chasetown also offers work with apprenticeship courses in groundworks. The partnership has had a great impact inspiring the next generation of construction, accrediting Chasetown as Telford College’s Business Partner of the Year in 2023.
Reflecting on the business’ journey in light of its 50th anniversary, we asked Euan what factors he feels have contributed to the longevity and ongoing success of Chasetown: “Calculated risks, family values, strong management, and an entrepreneurial customer-first approach to business. Strong relationships with our internal team, supply chain and clients, and building loyalty.”
Equipped with a robust business model, invaluable team and shining reputation, Chasetown is a company built for the future. With the end of 2024 quickly approaching, the team at Chasetown are looking forward to their Company Day, which is scheduled towards the end of November, to communicate and focus on the business’ targets and vision for the next three years, and agree on a five-year capital plan. With a focus on continued sustained growth, Chasetown is keen to secure more projects for 2025, as well as confirm planning permission for a new five-acre yard for improved fleet and equipment management that will incorporate a training facility.
Looking further ahead, Euan is optimistic for the future of Chasetown. He’s keen to solidify its position as the contractor of choice for all elements of groundworks and civil work across the Midlands for residential and infrastructure projects. By reinvesting in the development of the team, equipment fleet and business processes, Chasetown is eyeing a 25 per cent increase in turnover within the next five years, operating out of one regional office with a united board of directors managing the company in its entirety.
Most importantly however, Chasetown is a ‘people-oriented business’. Noel’s values and personality will continue to inspire not merely Chasetown Civil Engineering but the Tara Group as a whole, and his spirit will live on as the company proceeds to grow and succeed.
“By following the founding principles of family values and treating people with respect, loyalty will naturally follow,” Euan finishes.