Discover how Rosslee Construction preserves history while building futures, one apprentice at a time
Established in 1977, Rosslee Construction (Rosslee) is an independent building company with an excellent reputation for delivering efficient, friendly, and high-quality service to its clients. The company offers a comprehensive range of construction services to facilitate new builds, refurbishments, alterations, extensions, restoration of heritage projects, and bespoke joinery works. Rosslee serves a diverse array of organisations and authorities across both the public and private sectors. Operating primarily in the northwest region of the UK, Rosslee undertakes construction and heritage projects in many sectors, such as education, local authorities, ecclesiastical buildings, healthcare, residential, private commercial enterprises and insurance. Michael Clarkson, Managing Director, recounts the company’s early days.
“Now a family business, Rosslee was acquired by my parents in 2002. My father served as the Managing Director of the company until the beginning of last year,
when I took over his role. Nevertheless, both of my parents remain actively involved in the business and serve on the board of directors. Our current turnover is approximately £21 million, and we have a workforce of around 65 direct employees. Our primary focus is on public sector projects, particularly in schools, given that education is one of our largest segments. We also engage in heritage projects, as well as residential and commercial work, encompassing both new builds and refurbishments,” he opens.
Heritage projects
An example of Rosslee’s capabilities in action is its recent contract with Todmorden Town Deal, which encompasses two projects. Michael tells us more about the company’s role in both schemes. “On the ‘Raise the Roof’ project at the community-owned Hippodrome Theatre, we will contribute to the theatre extension and remodelling endeavour. As part of that £1.5 million scheme, our role is to demolish the old projection tower to create a larger foyer and entrance area, and develop new performance, exhibition and rehearsal spaces.
“The second project is in Centre Vale Park and includes two distinct activities. Firstly, we are demolishing the existing bowling pavilion and constructing a new one. Then, we will be repairing the bandstand, which is a Grade II listed structure, and repairing all the joinery. Although we work on both listed and non-listed buildings, all projects are considered heritage schemes due to the need to protect various fixtures and fittings. The specific requirements depend on the clients’ contracts and their desires, but generally, even if they are modernising it, they still aim to maintain the original character of the building,” he clarifies.
When working on such heritage projects, Rosslee adopts a careful approach that enables it to strike a balance between the old and the modern. “It all comes down to effective management. For heritage projects, we employ a contracts manager and a site manager who have experience working on listed buildings. This ensures that they are familiar with the types of work required and what elements of the building need to be protected. Additionally, they collaborate closely with clients, the architects and conservation officers to understand what is most important. Our team’s experience in handling these types of buildings truly makes a difference in the execution of the project,” Michael affirms.
Value driven
Value drivenWhilst on the topic of workforce and teamwork, Michael briefly highlights Rosslee’s company values and their impact on its wider mission and daily operations. “Having been a family-owned business for the past 23 years, I believe we have created a close-knit community where every member of staff gets along, which exemplifies one of our core values. Moreover, we are dedicated to using local suppliers and subcontractors, with whom we have built strong relationships over the past two decades. We like to think that as we grow, they grow alongside us.”
Rosslee has partnered with Greenarc to develop a new carbon reduction strategy and roadmap to becoming Net Zero, and some initiatives are already being implemented, such as solar panels, EV charging points, LED lighting, and electric vehicles. Carbon avoidance measures are being introduced to project level, such as electric plant and machinery, as many public sector clients require commitment to their own goals.
Nurturing the next generation
Business Development Manager, Candice Pendleton, joins the conversation to discuss Rosslee’s approach to recruitment, shedding light on its award-winning apprenticeship programme. “As part of this programme, we collaborate with four local colleges: Blackburn College, Accrington and Rossendale College, Burnley College, and Wigan and Leigh College. Traditionally, we have focused on joinery apprenticeships and always had joinery apprentices within this long running programme. Over the past few years, we have typically had around eight-to-ten apprentices concurrently. Naturally, as our apprentices complete their training and become fully qualified, we continuously seek to bring in new talent across various trades, including joinery, groundworks, plastering, bricklaying, and even into white-collar positions. In fact, we recently welcomed a T-Level student into the office for their apprenticeship and are supporting our trainee QS through his degree apprenticeship.
“Additionally, we have three new apprentices set to start in September 2025. A testament to our programme’s success is our apprentice Oliver, who won Apprentice of the Year back in 2018. After his achievement, he continued working in our workshop and was promoted to workshop manager last year, and he now oversees an apprentice as well. We are proud members of the 5% Club, which commits us to ensuring that at least five per cent of our employed staff are either apprentices or graduates. Since joining the 5% Club, we have consistently maintained a rate above this,” she expands.
Rosslee’s legacy as a family-owned business is rooted in its commitment to quality, community, and nurturing the next generation through superior apprenticeship programmes. This dedication has positioned the company as a trusted partner, empowering clients to bring their visions to life while preserving the heritage that defines the North West of the UK.