Neville Special Projects transforms communities through impactful infrastructure and local talent development
From modest beginnings in 1875, T&E Neville has grown into a multifaceted organisation that continues to uphold its founders’ core values of craftsmanship, integrity and service. Today, T&E Neville operates under Neville Trust, the parent company of several subsidiaries: Neville Special Projects, Neville Joinery, and Neville Funeral Service. Each subsidiary contributes to the group’s longstanding reputation for quality and reliability. Vicky Trumper, Director and shareholder of Neville Trust, joins us for an insightful discussion on the group’s Special Projects business.
“As Neville Trust’s main contracting business, Neville Special Projects is dedicated to commercial and public sector works. The company provides refurbishment, new-build construction, and maintenance services across Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Northamptonshire, managing a variety of different contract suites in excess of £15 million. Just like its parent company, Neville Special Projects is guided by the strong core values of quality, integrity, collaboration and reliability. In other words, Neville Special Projects delivers exceptional workmanship while maintaining honest, transparent relationships with clients and partners. Furthermore, collaboration lies at the heart of its approach, with teams working closely together to achieve the best outcomes. By maintaining reliability and professionalism, its projects are delivered safely, on time, and to the highest standards, thus reinforcing the company’s reputation and long-term client relationships. Neville Special Projects prides itself on directly employing its own teams of project managers, site managers, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and decorators, which results in better consistency, accountability, and quality throughout every stage of a project,” she begins.
Community engagement
In line with its dedication to excellence, Neville Special Projects holds Chartered Membership with the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), which ensures that every project meets the highest professional and technical standards. One of the company’s latest projects began in July 2025 and consists of a prestigious 12-month design and build NEC4 contract to deliver a transformational £11.6 million refurbishment of the former Monarch Aircraft Engineering Ltd hangars at London Luton Airport. This ambitious project represents a significant investment in the region’s aviation and engineering future, breathing new life into an iconic site that has been a cornerstone of Luton’s industrial heritage for decades.
“The redevelopment comprises three expansive hangars that will be reimagined. One of the hangars will become a state-of-the-art aircraft engineering and repair hangar, designed to meet the highest modern standards of aerospace technology and safety. Another will be transformed into a purpose-built maintenance facility and apprentice training campus, which will support both technical excellence and future skills development within the aviation sector. Meanwhile, the third hangar will be repurposed into a brand-new airport logistics consolidation centre, with the aim of streamlining operations and improving efficiency across airport services. However, this project extends far beyond the physical construction aspect; it reflects Neville Special Projects’ deep connection with London Luton Airport, which dates back to the 1960s. The redevelopment is set to play a vital role in the area’s economic regeneration, with the potential to create up to 150 new jobs, including highly skilled engineering positions, while also supporting up to 40 apprentices once the facility is operational. A central part of this project is the company’s ongoing commitment to local employment and skills development. Throughout the duration of the contract, Neville Special Projects is dedicated to generating opportunities within the surrounding area, ensuring that most of the workforce is drawn from the local community, thus strengthening regional economic growth while fostering a sense of ownership and pride among those involved,” Vicky enlightens.
Investment in infrastructure
Alberto Martin, Chief Executive Officer at London Luton Airport, commented: “The investment in repurposing these facilities underlines our commitment to driving employment and skills development opportunities for local people. Alongside the two hangars, the launch of the new, dedicated consolidation centre will deliver exciting new jobs, whilst providing an even more efficient, resilient, and scalable process to receive and consolidate goods on behalf of over 50 shops and restaurants across the LLA terminal.”
Nurturing future talent
Neville Special Projects’ passion for nurturing local talent is not new, as apprenticeships and training have been key parts of its culture since its inception. Today, the group employs eight apprentices and four trainees, along with 24 staff members who are former apprentices or trainees, demonstrating its commitment to nurturing future talent. “At Neville Special Projects, we take great pride in developing the next generation of skilled professionals through our employer-led apprenticeship programme, which is designed to give young people meaningful hands-on experience while supporting their academic and personal development. To meet the diverse needs of the construction industry, our apprenticeship scheme offers opportunities at both degree and craft levels. Our degree-level apprenticeships include specialisms such as quantity surveying, construction site management, and commercial management. Meanwhile, our trade apprenticeships cover disciplines like painting and decorating, electrical work, joinery and plant fitting, as well as business support roles.
“In addition to following a carefully structured training plan, every apprentice is guided by a dedicated workplace mentor and supported through off-the-job learning with our partner colleges. Health, safety, and well-being are central to everything we do, and we embed these values into every stage of training. We also provide practical support with travel, study and personal development, helping each apprentice to build confidence both on and off site. Thanks to this approach, our apprenticeship completion rates consistently exceed national averages and many of our apprentices continue their careers with us long after completing their qualifications. Some progress into management positions or establish themselves as trusted members of our wider subcontractor network, further strengthening our industry,” Vicky continues.
Apprenticeships and education fit into Neville Special Projects’ wider mission of enriching lives and strengthening local communities. The recent transformation of the Lady Zia Wernher School reflects that mission through purposeful construction and inclusive design. This project represents the company’s commitment to creating environments that empower vulnerable individuals and support their personal growth, enabling children with special educational requirements to learn, interact, and thrive in a setting suited to their well-being. By entering into a design and build contract with Luton Borough Council, Neville Special Projects collaborated with the local council to renovate the centre to meet modern accessibility and educational needs.
“Our work at Leagrave delivers long-term social value. Through local procurement, engagement with regional SMEs, and the creation of training and employment opportunities, we are investing in the local economy and fostering community resilience. The project strengthens local networks by involving schools, families, and support organisations, in line with our goal of building spaces that serve as community assets rather than isolated facilities. This transformation embodies our philosophy of collaboration, integrity, and innovation. Every design decision has been underpinned by our belief that construction should be a catalyst for social progress,” Vicky ends.
By prioritising local talent, community development, and high standards of craftsmanship, Neville Special Projects not only revitalises spaces, but also enhances lives, resulting in lasting social value and a brighter future for the communities it serves.