Learn how a hardworking, empowering spirit is central to Meldrum Group’s continuing success
Founded in 2001, Meldrum Group has established itself as a national leader in the UK construction and civil engineering sectors. Identifying itself as a business built on integrity, the group operates across six Meldrum companies – Construction, Civil and Structural Engineering, Building Services, Facilities, Plant & Transport, and recently Fire Engineering – each offering specialist solutions and a wealth of expertise. With each division working together, Meldrum Group is proud to offer clients a fully integrated service assisting with any project or need, from project management and initial conception to completion, maintenance and beyond.
Meldrum Group’s founder, Dave Meldrum, has led the company as CEO since the very beginning, guiding the group through tumultuous times and onto the path of exponential growth and success. “We have seen impressive financial growth, with turnover rising from £26 million in 2021 to around £55 million in 2023,” Dave shares. “Despite the challenging economic environment, Meldrum has managed to maintain profitability, posting a net profit of £1.94 million for 2023.”
Having been founded less than 25 years ago, Meldrum Group has already overcome a plethora of challenges, from industry issues such as the Covid-19 pandemic and labour shortages to the current economic turbulence. However, the business has remained robust, not merely surviving but thriving, as it continues to grow and succeed.
“This success is attributed to our strategic business planning, focus on recruitment and retention, and the ability to secure significant contracts that extend into the coming years,” Dave elaborates. “Before Covid, we were already on a sustained and improved trajectory. The projects that were delayed due to the pandemic just meant that the turnover increased in a shorter period of time.
“As for the labour shortages, we combat this by growing our own talent. Since 2001, we have developed over 180 apprentices and trainees, many of whom are retained within the business. As a trustee on the Board of the North East STEM Foundation, I am passionate about STEM subjects, promoting STEM education and advancing innovation in our region, spreading my experience and knowledge to the next generation.”
Dedicated to people
Employee development is just one of the ways that Meldrum Group demonstrates its dedication to its people. Governed by four core company values – integrity, pride and passion, quality, and innovation – Meldrum Group encourages its employees to reach their full potential.
“Meldrum Group fosters a company culture focused on growth, collaboration, and employee development,” Dave describes. “We place a strong emphasis on creating a positive and supportive work environment where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute to the company’s success.
“Meldrum’s leadership emphasises careful planning and strategic growth, ensuring that, as the company expands, it remains sustainable and continues to maintain a high level of service. This strategy includes creating new roles and appointing leaders who are well-versed in the company’s culture and values, ensuring the culture is truly embedded.
“Teamwork is highly encouraged and employees work together towards common goals. We value open and honest communication and encourage feedback, engaging with staff regarding their wellbeing, which helps in creating a cohesive work environment. “
Support for local causes
These high standards are reflected further through the company’s social value initiatives. The business frequently engages in charity work and is keen to make a difference within its local communities.
“In 2018 we formally launched the Meldrum Foundation,” Dave shares. “The charitable initiatives and fundraising are now in excess of £1 million, which is a fantastic feat and contribution. We are passionate about what we do and about giving back to the local communities in which we work.”
In turn, Meldrum Group is now the proud recipient of the Platinum Shared Value Award from Oasis Community Housing, acknowledging the ongoing support and fundraising that Meldrum has provided for it.
“We are a proud supporter of Oasis; the work they do is phenomenal and resonates with our own core values and foundation aims. Working longer term with our chosen charities such as Oasis, Heel & Toe, The Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust and The Teesside Charity, means we are able to make a much bigger impact. We are immensely proud to support these worthy causes which allows them to continue their amazing work.”
Following its continued stream of growth, Meldrum Group has expanded even further into new projects and locations. “We’ve opened a new office in Cambridge in addition to the existing offices in Teesside and Gateshead,” Dave says. “This expansion aligns with our ambition to become a leading contractor across the UK while continuing to strengthen our reputation for quality and integrity in the North East.”
Most recently, Meldrum Group launched its Fire Engineering division. Armed with a dedicated Health & Safety and QEMS team, the company designs and installs high-quality, complex fire safety and evacuation systems and services, including inspections and maintenance works. 
“Following the Grenfell disaster, we found a number of previous fire installations to be lacking in quality. We felt derisking our builds by doing the fire protection in house made logical sense to us. It means we can offer our clients a level of assurance and comfort that the fire protection has been completed to a high standard,” Dave explains.
Additionally, Meldrum Group has been awarded the contract to build SeAH Wind’s new office accommodation block in Teesside. Employed by K2 Construction Management, Meldrum Group is working to preserve and regenerate the heritage site, working closely with local clients, contractors, apprentices and suppliers.
“We’re thrilled to be part of the Tees Valley economic landscape,” Dave reports. “TVCA has delivered a crucial role in redefining the region’s aspirations and future growth plans.”
Securing the future
In November 2024, Meldrum Group proudly announced some exciting news: it has now transitioned to a certified employee-owned trust (EOT). This inspiring development was driven by an increasing desire for employee ownership across the industry, and is representative of Meldrum Group’s strong company values, independence as a business and commitment to its loyal team. With the change now finalised, the entirety of Meldrum Group’s workforce can take a more significant stake in the company’s profits and success, thereby reinforcing how the business rewards and motivates its hardworking employees and fosters a healthy, collaborative working environment.
“By becoming an employee-owned trust, we’re securing the future of the company, our culture, and importantly, the future of an amazing group of people,” Dave highlights. “Given the results over the past three financial years, the growth forecast for this current year and the relationships forged with many clients looking to place repeat business with us, we believe we are well-placed and equipped to look to the future with great confidence.”
As the years keep rolling by, Meldrum Group is continuing on its journey to strong, sustainable, organic growth with quality and innovation at the fore. Equipped with an unbreakable passion and ethos, as well as robust succession plans, Dave is very excited for the future of the business and what it may hold.