Category: News

RESPECTED property and construction professional Mark Cook, from MC Plan and Site Services, has been recognised with the prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award at the 2026 South Coast Property Awards on Thursday, celebrating a career defined by leadership, innovation, and a lasting impact across the industry.

The award, one of the evening’s most distinguished accolades, is presented to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional commitment, influence, and contribution to the property sector over many years. Unlike company categories, the Outstanding Achievement Award is a personal honour, recognising the individual behind the success.

Mark Cook was presented with the award at Thursday night’s glittering dinner at The Leonardo Hotel in Southampton, before leading figures from the property industry from across the whole of the south of England, acknowledging both his professional accomplishments and the respect he has earned throughout the industry.

Over the years, Mark has become widely recognised for his dedication to raising standards, supporting clients and colleagues alike, and helping shape successful projects across the region. His reputation for professionalism, expertise and integrity has made him a highly regarded figure within the sector.

After receiving the award, Mark Cook said: “I’m incredibly honoured to receive this award. The South Coast property industry is filled with talented and hardworking people, so to be recognised in this way is genuinely humbling. I’ve been fortunate to work with fantastic teams, clients and industry partners throughout my career, and this award reflects all of those relationships and shared successes.”

The award also celebrates Mark’s wider contribution to the industry, including mentoring others, supporting business growth, and helping drive forward excellence within the built environment sector.

The South Coast Property Awards UK 2026 brought together some of the region’s most influential professionals and organisations, recognising innovation, achievement and outstanding performance across the industry.

Mark’s award comes just six months after an HSE audit described MC Plan and Site Services offerings as “incredibly thorough, efficient and one of the very best that [they] had witnessed”, resulting in further affirmation that Mark and his highly respected company is continually providing exceptional services in the industry.

The award serves as a fitting tribute to an exceptional career and an enduring contribution to the south of England’s property landscape.

For more information on MC Plan & Site Services, visit www.mcplanandsiteservices.co.uk

Although their head office is in Poole, MC Plan & Site Services operate across the whole of England and Wales.

Back Row – Tony Pound, Jamie Edwards, Mark Cook, Jon Fowler – COO Celnor, Jack Cook

Front Row – Stephanie Turner, Megan Eaton

A message from Amelia’s Rainbow.

The World Cup is just around the corner, and we want to help you bring the excitement to your team. 

​We are excited to launch our Official World Cup Sweepstake Packs in collaboration with our Charity of the Year. It’s a simple, fun way to engage with the tournament while raising much-needed funds for Amelia’s Rainbow.

​It’s incredibly easy to set up. By running a sweepstake, you aren’t just crowning a winner—you’re helping us fund a great summer for the most vulnerable children in Dorset.

The World Cup Sweepstake Pack is free to download including the wallchart. All we ask is you support Amelia’s Rainbow charity who worked hard on creating the pack.

It’s incredibly easy to set up. 

Individuals & Groups: Pick teams out of a hat for a small entry fee.

The Prize: *Half the total pot goes to the person who drew the winning team.

The Impact: The other half is donated directly to Amelia’s Rainbow 

* If you want to put up a prize and donate a different percentage that is fine by us too!

Your pack can be downloaded below/requested but if you do need a printed version please get in touch with Amelia’s Rainbow 

Email@ameliasrainbow.org 

Thank you for your continued support. Let’s make this World Cup count!
Click Below to download the Sweepstake Packs, and some other fun fundraising ideas!

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TRhZ6DBZQ2YSHHYIm-qFtXXFCBGGjOG5?usp=sharing

Chartered Builders, Greendale Construction Limited, has raised an incredible £2510 for the Company’s charity of the year, Elsie’s Rose, set up by parents, Annie and Ben Gould after losing their beloved first-born daughter, Elsie, to a brain tumour in 2021.  

Seventeen employees of the firm took part in the gruelling 2026 Dorset Mud Run on Saturday 16^th May, completing the 6km run with over 15 tough, but muddy-fun obstacles held at the Stock Gaylard Estate.

The team, made up of staff from both Greendale’s Poole and Winchester offices and sites, all successfully finished the challenge, raising the much-needed funds for Elsie’s Rose which supports bereaved parents and those with children suffering life-limiting conditions.  The money raised by generous Mud Run donations adds to the £1245 cheque Greendale Construction presented to Elsie’s Rose after the Company’s Christmas party raffle.

Annie and Ben’s daughter, Elsie, was born on 6th August 2020 — healthy, happy and full of character. But on 14th August 2021, completely out of the blue, Elsie suffered a fit. Following a visit to Poole Hospital, she was discharged with a diagnosis of BRUE (Brief Resolved Unexplained Episode).

The seizures and hospital admissions continued, and at just over a year old, Elsie was diagnosed with epilepsy. On 17th September 2021, her condition worsened significantly. After an unsettled night in hospital, Annie and Ben woke to find Elsie unresponsive and struggling to breathe. A CT scan revealed a non-cancerous brain tumour, which had caused a fluid-filled cyst putting pressure on her brain. Elsie was transferred to Southampton General Hospital for brain surgery.

Despite initial success, further scans, medication and sedation followed in the PICU (Paediatric Intensive Care Unit) until, heartbreakingly, on 22nd September 2021, Elsie’s life support was turned off, and she passed away in Annie and Ben’s arms.

Annie Gould, Mum, and founder of Elsie’s Rose, said: “Our whole family would like to say a huge thank you to everyone at Greendale for raising such an incredible amount of money for Elsie’s Rose.

“When we started this charity, our goal was simple: to help other bereaved parents like us and to let them know they are not alone. Losing a child is something no parent should ever have to face, and the support we receive from our community is what enables us to continue helping families through some of the darkest times of their lives.  As bereaved parents, we face challenges every single day. The grief never disappears, and learning to live alongside that loss is a journey that continues forever. Knowing that people are willing to challenge themselves, give up their time, and work so hard to raise money for a cause that is so deeply personal to us is incredibly touching.”

“We are overwhelmed by the kindness, generosity, and support shown by the team at Greendale. Every pound raised will help us continue Elsie’s legacy by supporting other families who are navigating the heartbreak of child loss.  From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in Elsie’s Rose and for helping her make a difference. Your support means more to us than words can ever truly express.”

Maria Seabright, HR and Finance Director, Greendale Construction, said: “We are so proud and impressed with the amazing Greendale team for completing this tough challenge to raise a fantastic £2510 for Elsie’s Rose. We are continually inspired by the incredible work of Elsie’s Rose and the difference the charity makes in supporting bereaved parents and families facing life-limiting conditions. We would also like to thank everyone who donated so generously. Every contribution will go a long way in helping families who need support.” 

You can find out more about Elsie’s Rose by clicking here

Seventeen employees of Chartered Builders, Greendale Construction Limited, will be getting muddy on Saturday 16^th May as they compete in the annual Dorset Mud Run to raise funds for its 2026 charity of the year, Elsie’s Rose; a local charity which supports bereaved parents and those with children suffering life-limiting conditions.

The team, made up of staff from both their Poole and Winchester offices and sites, will be doing their best to complete the 6k course with over 15 obstacles, with the aim to raise as much as possible for the charity, set up by Annie and Ben Gould after losing their beloved first-born daughter, Elsie, to a brain tumour in 2021.  

Elsie was born on the 6th August 2020, healthy, happy and full of character, but, on the 14th August 2021, and completely out of the blue, Elsie suffered a fit. After being taken to Poole Hospital where she was checked over, Annie and Ben returned home, with little Elsie having been discharged with BRUE -Brief Resolved Unexplained Episode

However, the seizures and hospital admissions continued, until eventually, at just over a year old, she was diagnosed with epilepsy.  A plan was put together to assist Elsie and her parents with the new diagnosis, but on September 17th 2021, the seizures worsened and Elsie was back in hospital.  After an unsettled night, the couple woke to find Elsie unresponsive and struggling to breathe. She was intubated and taken for a CT scan where doctors found a non-cancerous tumour on her brain. The tumour had caused a cyst full of fluid, which was putting pressure on the rest of her brain, so Elsie was transferred to Southampton General Hospital for brain surgery.  Although initially successful, Elsie was transferred to the PICU (Paediatric Intensive Care Unit) where more scans, medication and sedation followed, until heartbreakingly, on 22nd September 2021, Elsie’s life support was turned off and she passed away in Annie and Ben’s arms.

The Company have already presented a cheque for £1245 for Elsie’s Rose after raising money at a raffle at its annual Christmas party.

Maria Seabright, HR and Finance Director, Greendale Construction, said: “We are extremely grateful to everyone who has donated so far to our Mud Run fundraising. We are so inspired by the work that Ben and Annie do in Elsie’s memory and look forward to the money raised helping them continue this.”

To support the team and donate, please visit Greendale’ fundraising page here. le BH12 1DZ.

Greendale Construction’s growing Winchester headquarters has moved its offices to Northfields House, Northfields, Twyford, Hampshire, SO21 1NZ, in a move to support the firm’s continued growth across Hampshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and the M27/M3 corridors.  The Winchester office team, comprising of Andy Musselwhite, Contracts Director; Simon Copping, Contracts Manager; Aedan Carroll, QS/CM, and Jamie Mulholland, Assistant QS, are main contractors for a large number of school SCOLA reclad contracts for Hampshire County Council, as well as successfully completing works for Lasham Gliding Society where works involved the renovation, rebuild and remodelling of the Society Clubhouse, after a fire on 29th September 2021 devastated most of the building.

Conservation and heritage works for National Trust property, Uppark House and Gardens, South Harting, Petersfield, West Sussex, included essential repairs and upgrades, whereby the 17th century property benefitted from new electrical systems, new fire alarm installations, fire protection works, a new water treatment plant, and two new Biomass boilers.

The Winchester office can also add the Royal Household to its portfolio, having completed works at Windsor.

Andy Musselwhite, Contracts Director, Greendale Construction, commented: “Greendale Construction opened its Winchester office in March 2020, but our move to the Northfields House location gives us even easier access to the rest of Hampshire, which is exactly what we need to support our continued growth across the county and beyond.”

Greendale Construction’s Dorset HQ remains at Unit 6 The Old Generator House, Bourne Valley Rd, Poole BH12 1DZ.

Chartered Builders, Greendale Construction Limited are working on a £600,000 contract for Chickerell Town Council, to enhance the local community experience at Willowbed Hall, Putton Lane, Chickerell, Weymouth.  The project, which commenced on 8^th December, 2026, and will run for 29 weeks, will see the community hall benefit from a new single-story extension to the rear, creating a new office space, with a conversion of the existing offices into registrar and meeting rooms.  Greendale will also be upgrading the access road and car park to provide new drainage, as well as hard and soft landscaping with raised planters and a seating area.

New energy-efficient features including LED lighting, upgraded heating and double-glazed aluminium windows/doors will be fitted, with a widened ramp at the entrance to the new Council chamber, making the building more inclusive to all.  

Nicola Briar, Town Clerk, Chickerell Town Council, said: “We’re thrilled that our appointed contractors, Greendale Construction, are helping Chickerell Town Council enhance Willowbed Hall. The upgraded space will be more accessible, versatile, and welcoming for the whole community.” 

Chris Cave, Commercial Director, Greendale Construction said: “Greendale Construction is pleased to be working with Western Design Architects on this community building for Chickerell Town Council, and looks forward to delivering a more versatile space at Willowbed Hall. It is a pleasure to be working on another community project where the finished scheme can cater for a wider variety of activities for the Council and local community.”

Chartered Builders, Greendale Construction Limited, has successfully completed two major projects at Bournemouth Airport outbound baggage expansion and Bournemouth Airport arrivals expansion for Regional & City Airports.

Commencing in July 2024, the twelve month, £2.7 million works for Bournemouth Airport outbound baggage expansion included alterations and extensions to the outbound baggage operations with a new industrial steel frame and clad building providing cover for additional belts, carousels and out of gauge luggage. Alongside the external extension there were also minor alterations inside the departures terminal; removing the existing toilet block and making space for additional baggage belts. Greendale Construction worked closely with the client, design team and baggage handling contractor to construct the new building which facilitates a much-increased baggage handling capability. The airport operations were maintained through the duration of the expansion, and all trades worked around the flight schedules to complete these works.

Chris Cave, Commercial Director, Greendale Construction, said: “Greendale Construction completed further works as part of the Bournemouth Airport arrivals expansion which started in October 2024 and were handed over in November 2025.  During this phase, the £3.2 million works consisted of a new-build extension to the arrivals building. The new construction consists of powerfloat floor finishes, a cladded steel frame building, and new service installations. The new area now boasts a large open space allowing for additional queuing inside, new passport check-in desks and pre-immigration toilets. The building connects into the existing arrivals hall where internal alterations have been undertaken to create additional baggage handling space as well as new ancillary rooms.

22-year-old Josh Byrne is in the fourth year of his five-year Quantity Surveying Degree Apprenticeship at Whitefox Chartered Surveyors, based in Bournemouth, and he’s got a clear view of what it takes to succeed in this fast-paced, hands-on career. We caught up with him to hear about his journey, what life as an apprentice is really like, and his plans for the future.

Starting Out
Josh jumped straight into the apprenticeship at 18, fresh from sixth form at QE school in Wimborne. “I wanted to avoid a purely desk-based career,” he explains. “I was good at maths, so I thought about economics or accounting, but quantity surveying gave me the perfect mix of numbers and real-world construction.”

His apprenticeship programme is a blend of work and study: one full study day a week at the University of Portsmouth, alongside full-time work at Whitefox. Over five years, he’s building towards a BSc (Honours) in Quantity Surveying and preparing for his APC chartership interview with the RICS, due in November 2027. “Most of the coursework is practical,” he says, “reports, essays and the like, with few exams. It really mirrors well what we do in the workplace.”

Learning on the Job
The first couple of years were all about observation and learning from colleagues. “I spent a lot of time shadowing at the start,” Josh says. “Now, I have the opportunity to do lots of independent working. The support that I receive from all the team at Whitefox has been absolutely brilliant.”

Being a visual learner, Josh thrives on hands-on experience. From smaller refurbishments to bigger projects like “Bobby’s” he’s seen firsthand how the numbers on paper translate to real buildings. “There’s no better way to learn than being on-site,” he adds.

Why an Apprenticeship Works
For Josh, the apprenticeship route has been a huge advantage. “Going straight through university usually means you spend a further two years post-graduation gaining experience before you can become chartered,” he explains. “With the apprenticeship, you integrate work and study from day one, so by the time you finish, you’re ready for chartership, and of course with no student debt!”

Looking Ahead

Josh isn’t stopping with his apprenticeship. He said ‘’My priority is to achieve my APC and continue developing strong technical and commercial skills. Longer term, I want to progress into roles with increased responsibility and exposure to more complex projects, where I can keep learning and adding value.’’ He added that a Master’s in construction law could be an option should he wish to continue his education, a niche field with strong career prospects. “It’s a challenging area, but it’s in demand and rewarding to find solutions to different types of projects.”

Advice for Future Apprentices
Balancing work, study, and personal life is the biggest challenge, Josh admits. “Time management is everything,” he says. “Take weekends off to recharge. If you try to do everything all the time, you’ll burn out.”

Josh’s journey shows that with focus, determination, and hands-on learning, a quantity surveying apprenticeship can be more than just a way to earn a degree, it’s a fast track to a fulfilling career in construction.

Anyone interested in finding out more about an Apprenticeship or career at Whitefox Chartered Surveyors is urged to contact e: info@whitefoxgroup.co.uk

Four high-specification homes on De Moulham Road are now on the market following successful project completion  

Whitefox Chartered Surveyors are proud to announce the successful completion of an exclusive residential development at De Moulham Road, Swanage, a landmark clifftop development, with all four properties now available on the market.

Commissioned by Westcoast Developments and delivered by contractors Banyard, the stunning cliffside scheme began in the spring of 2024 following demolition of the former property on the site. Whitefox provided Quantity Surveying and Contract Administration services throughout, supporting the project from inception to its successful conclusion.

The development comprises four beautifully crafted homes, three with three bedrooms and one with four bedrooms, built in traditional Purbeck stone to reflect the rich heritage of the local area. The properties are finished to an exceptionally high specification, including the rare addition of passenger lifts running from the ground floor to the second floor, ensuring accessibility and luxury in equal measure.

Each home enjoys uninterrupted views across Swanage Bay, combining breathtaking natural surroundings with contemporary design and craftsmanship of the highest order.

While the project progressed smoothly throughout, inclement weather during January and February 2026 caused a modest delay to the final landscaping works, including the laying of turf and installation of external furnishings. The team patiently awaited suitable dry conditions before completing the outdoor spaces to the same exacting standards applied throughout the rest of the development. The brief pause ultimately ensured the finished product is presented to its absolute best.

Josh Byrne, Quantity Surveyor, Whitefox Chartered Surveyors, said, “Completing this project is a real milestone for everyone involved. To deliver homes of this calibre, high specification throughout, with passenger lifts and those remarkable views across Swanage Bay, is something the whole team can be genuinely proud of. A little winter rain wasn’t going to stop us from getting the finish line exactly right, and I’m delighted that the homes are now on the market and ready for their new owners to enjoy. It’s been a privilege to work alongside Westcoast Developments and Banyard on another truly special project, and we look forward to continuing to support developments of this quality across the region.”

With formal sign-off now complete and all four properties launched to market, the De Moulham Road development stands as a testament to the collaborative effort between Whitefox Chartered Surveyors, Westcoast Developments, and Banyard, delivering a development that is both architecturally distinguished and deeply rooted in the character of Swanage.

For sales information, visit: https://search.savills.com/property-detail/gbccrdsod230246

Trusted construction professional steps up to lead Main Contract delivery as the company continues to secure prestigious projects across central Southern England

Spetisbury Construction Limited, one of Dorset & Hampshires most respected and award-winning regional contractors, is delighted to announce the appointment of Ashley Harris to its Board of Directors. Ashley joins the Director team in a role left vacant by the retirement of its previous incumbent, taking responsibility for the Main Contract division and overseeing the delivery of the company’s larger construction projects.

This appointment reflects Spetisbury Construction’s commitment to nurturing an effective team and investing in the leadership capability needed to sustain and build upon its impressive track record of project delivery across a wide range of sectors.

MD Justin Ives said, “We are really pleased to welcome Ashley onto the Director team. This is a well-deserved recognition of his exceptional contribution to the business over the last 3 years. Ashley has consistently demonstrated the technical expertise, leadership qualities, and personal dedication that define everything Spetisbury Construction stands for. As we continue to grow our Main Contract portfolio and take on ever more ambitious projects, I have complete confidence that Ashley will continue to be an outstanding addition to our leadership team.”

Director, Ashley Harris said, “I am incredibly proud to be joining the Board at such an exciting time for Spetisbury Construction. I am genuinely passionate about what we do and how we do it. I look forward to working with our brilliant team, our clients, and our consultants to deliver projects we can all be proud of. If you are thinking about your next project, please do reach out. I would love to have a conversation.”

spetisburyconstruction.co.uk