As we wrap up 2023, the J Freeley team has much to be proud of. This year marked increased growth, high safety standards, new business and community impact.
Our main priority has always been to ensure zero on-site incidents or injuries. We are proud that 2023 marks another year with a flawless health and safety record. Maintaining our stringent safety procedures has also helped us avoid environmental incidents.
In addition to a robust safety record, we retained all our major accreditations this year, including NFDC, ISO and Achilles, which remain baseline client expectations. We also became Cyber Essentials certified to underscore our data privacy and security commitment.
At the heart of our company’s ethos is an unwavering commitment to client satisfaction. We understand that the success of our business is intricately woven with how happy our clients are, and we are dedicated to delivering excellent service at every client interaction. The positive feedback and repeat business we receive are demonstration of this.
Business growth and community impact
We completed the first of three projects awarded under the Salford Council Demolition Framework this year. Being a Salford-based company, our appointment to the Framework is extremely important as it enables us to employ local staff and MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) and make a positive social impact.
Part of our commitment to MSME subcontractors and suppliers is to pay their invoices as quickly as possible. This can often be the same day and has become an important focus for J Freeley over the past few years. We’ve built a reputation in the industry as a fair company and easy to work with, which we want to continue to build on.
Project highlights in 2023
We undertook several significant projects during 2023. These ranged from demolition and civil engineering works in major hospital campuses, demolition works at Connah’s Quay Power Station, a major industrial project in Yorkshire and a complex demolition project in an active wastewater treatment plant in Merseyside.
Highlights for the year include our selection for the Procure Partnerships Framework, an ongoing large civil engineering project at North Manchester General Hospital that forms part of an extensive redevelopment of the Hospital, and the demolition of four blocks of flats for Rochdale Borough Wide Housing. We also recently completed a delicate deconstruction and demolition project for Stateside Foods in Bolton.
Investing in safety and excellence
We continue to modernise our equipment and work methods to stay at the forefront of innovation and safety standards. We recently invested in new on-site welfare facilities and new excavators, including a 21m high reach excavator to support safer, more efficient large-scale projects.
Our investment in a new Oil Quick system for our plant allows hydraulic attachments to be quickly, easily connected, and disconnected from the safety of the driver’s cab. As well as application speed, this ensures no spills, making it an eco-friendly solution.
Navigating ongoing industry challenges
While we’re optimistic about our prospects in 2024, we must be realistic about industry challenges. We anticipate a continuation of the drop in output by the housebuilding sector, which will likely impact the demolition industry, as will the decision to drop HS2 in the North. Labour shortages are also expected to continue. The demolition industry, including our company, must actively showcase the positive aspects of a career in demolition. It offers a clear path for progression and professional development through the National Demolition Training Group and the National Institute of Demolition Engineers (IDE).
The unfortunate trend of construction companies ceasing to trade in 2023 is likely to continue in 2024, given the rising interest rates. Many companies heavily finance their equipment, making them susceptible to interest rate fluctuations. At J Freeley, we focus on financial sustainability, so we are better positioned to weather economic uncertainties.
As sustainability continues to be a focus, the demolition industry needs to remind people of its credentials in this area. Over 97% of all materials stemming from our demolition projects are recycled. We must dispel the myth that demolition is environmentally unfriendly, emphasising its role in the circular economy and reinforcing the green narrative.
Poised for growth in 2024 and beyond
Our strong 2023 finish provides a great starting point for 2024. We already have a robust pipeline of work for the first six months of the year.
We start in January with the high-profile demolition of Wallasey Town Hall’s ageing North and South annexes for Wirral Council, and we will continue to work on various NHS projects, which form a large part of our contracts.
The core of our work continues to be demolition and industrial dismantling for large companies, and we have already received several orders for these types of projects in 2024. This is an area of growth we have earmarked over the last few years. In addition, we will continue to provide demolition and civil engineering services to public sector and large industrial/petrochemical clients.
A final word from Michael and John Freeley
As we head off for the Christmas break, both Michael and John are enthusiastic about the company’s achievements in 2023 and are confident that 2024 will be another successful year for the business.
“I want to thank our team as this has been a good year for us at J Freeley. For me, the highlights have been starting work on Salford Council’s Demolition Framework and being appointed to the Procure Partnerships Framework. We look forward to working under both in 2024.” Michael Freeley
“As we enter our fifth decade, we do so with thanks to our exceptional team, partners and clients. We’re starting the next decade in a strong position, and I look forward to many more years of growth and success.” John Freeley
