Category: News

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

Dorset based Spetisbury Construction is delighted to announce the completion of major improvement works at the historic Kingston Lacy estate for the National Trust.

The £3.5 million project, which began in September 2024, focused on enhancing visitor experience, accessibility, and sustainability across the site.

The extensive upgrades include a full refurbishment of the visitor car park, new and improved toilet facilities, and a reconfigured Welcome Centre building — all designed to improve accessibility, comfort, and flow for the thousands of visitors who enjoy the estate each year.
The car park has been completely resurfaced and landscaped, with improved drainage, increased disabled parking provision, new EV charging points, and a dedicated pedestrian walkway to enhance safety. Improvements to the overflow parking area also ensure the estate can better accommodate peak visitor periods.

The Welcome Centre has been redesigned to create a more efficient and welcoming arrival experience, reducing queuing and improving accessibility. Behind the scenes, upgraded staff areas provide better working conditions for National Trust employees and volunteers. The main path from reception to the property has been regraded, creating a gentler slope for wheelchair users and visitors with reduced mobility.
The toilet facilities have undergone a full modernisation, with a new layout and finish that reflects the building’s historic use as an engine room for Kingston Lacy’s early electricity generator. The block now includes accessible toilets, a fully equipped Changing Places unit, and family-friendly facilities including baby-changing and buggy space. A new family quiet room has also been created, offering a calm and sensory-friendly environment for those who need it.

Spetisbury Construction MD Justin Ives commented: “We’re extremely proud to have delivered this project for the National Trust — a client we share strong values with in quality, sustainability, and community. This scheme combines our expertise in civils, conservation, and new build work, and it’s been a privilege and very rewarding to play a part in improving such a much-loved local landmark to make it more accessible.”
Spetisbury Construction worked closely with Dittrich Hudson Vasetti Architects, Peter Gunning and Partners (QS), and SFK Consulting Ltd (Engineers) to deliver the project on time and to the highest standards.

The newly upgraded facilities are now open, and visitors can once again enjoy a smoother, more accessible, and welcoming experience at Kingston Lacy.

www.spetisburyconstruction.co.uk
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/kingston-lacy

Chartered Builders, Greendale Construction Limited has helped redevelop an existing vineyard farm complex in the West Dorset countryside into a luxury 17 bedroom country hotel with wellness retreat and spa. Work started on Louma Country Hotel, located in the Marshwood Vale, West Dorset, and overlooking Charmouth towards the Jurassic Coast, in July 2022, with the main body of the contract handed over in July 2024.

The two-year project involved the redevelopment of part of the existing vineyard, stables and farm complex to provide new luxury accommodation, entertainment space, and wellness facilities with a diverse array of experiences optimizing the use of its 100 acre site. The five buildings formed a key part of the project which is situated adjacent to an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the Dorset countryside. Three new-build developments of similar size and in previous building positions are now the Main Barn, Timber Stables and Wellness Barn. Greendale also completed major works to the Stone Barn and Main House in order to extend, alter and conserve these two buildings. Works were implemented aligned with extensive bio-diversity reports from the planning department.

Joe Gargaro, General Manager, Louma Country Hotel, commented: “Working with Greendale Construction and their teams who supported them in delivering the project of Louma Country Hotel has been a truly rewarding experience. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and collaborative spirit brought our vision for Louma Country Hotel to life. From the very beginning, they understood the essence of what we wanted to create – a sanctuary that blends luxury with nature. The result is a space that not only honours the heritage of the land but also provides a unique and enriching experience for every guest. We were extremely pleased with the outcome.”

Chris Cave, Commercial Director, Greendale Construction commented: “It has been an absolute pleasure to be a major part of this Dorset countryside re-development into Louma Country Hotel. From the outset, it was clear that all personnel from client, designers, planners, contractors & specialist suppliers all had the enthusiasm and drive to work together as a team. The whole spirit of the project thrived on teamwork and would not have been the success it was without the dedicated hard work, skills and professionalism of all those involved. Louma Country Hotel has already garnered high praise in the national press for its outstanding facilities in stunning surrounds, and it’s a project Greendale Construction are very proud to be part of.”

The Winchester office of chartered builders, Greendale Construction Limited is thriving, having successfully completed a number of major projects across the county and beyond.  A number of SCOLA Reclad contracts for Hampshire County Council have been handed over, with more works on-going.

Two schools in Waterlooville, and Winchester, both had works that completed in May and June 2025, whilst schools in Havant, and Hamble-le-Rice, are still currently active.  All works have included the removal of the existing façade, installation of a replacement high performance façade, including new windows and doors, insulation and render/brick slip finishes, and improved ventilation with Hybrid Ventilation Heat Recovery (HVR) units installed.  New lighting to LED’s, and new ceilings installed, with the refurbishment of the existing roof and improved insulation.

Greendale Construction’s Winchester office has also successfully completed works for Lasham Gliding Society where it worked on the renovation, rebuild and remodelling of the Society Clubhouse, after a fire on 29th September 2021 devastated most of the building.

Works at 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: “During our works at the various schools we are recladding for Hampshire County Council, we are removing outdated fenestration and roofing systems that offer little to no insulation. The new cladding, fenestration, and roofing meet modern standards and significantly improve thermal performance, making the refurbished buildings far more comfortable environments for both learning and working.

“Greendale Construction’s Hampshire office is busy and thriving, with a dedicated, talented and hard-working team here at the Winchester HQ, and working on sites across Hampshire, Wiltshire, Berkshire and the M3 corridor.” 

Greendale Construction has smashed its charity rowing challenge target, raising over £2,350 for Gabriel’s Journey, the company’s charity of the year. A Greendale team of sixteen rowed a total of 151 miles, beating the target 90 miles originally set as the distance between the firm’s Poole HQ and its Winchester office and back again.

Gabriel’s Journey raises funds for 15-year old Gabriel from Bridport; a twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome survivor, born at 33+4 weeks’ gestation along with his identical twin brother Isaac; sadly, stillborn. After his birth, Gabriel was resuscitated for 28 minutes by healthcare professionals; he had a neonatal intracranial haemorrhage, spent 4 days on a ventilator, required a blood transfusion and antibiotics. Gabriel is diagnosed with four limb cerebral palsy, epilepsy, global developmental delay, and is nonverbal.

In August 2023, Gabriel suffered a prolonged seizure which led to him being intubated. Unfortunately, the intubation caused severe damage to his airway, and despite multiple surgical procedures at both Southampton and Great Ormond Street Hospital, his health declined. On the 10th of November 2023, Gabriel underwent tracheostomy surgery. Since then, he has been diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome; a rare and unfortunately drug-resistant form of epilepsy.

Maria Seabright, Finance & HR Director, Greendale Construction, commented: “The money raised will go towards providing Gabriel with home adaptations, equipment, and therapies unavailable through the NHS or social care services, as well as adapted toys and holidays. Through our various fundraising events this year, Greendale Construction has now raised an incredible £3560 for Gabriel. We are beyond grateful to our Greendale rowers, and everyone who sponsored us, as well as everyone who has donated and supported our other fundraisers for Gabriel’s Journey this year. We’re all delighted and thrilled to have smashed our target and enabled Gabriel to continue to receive the best care and experiences to enhance his life.”

Bournemouth, Southampton, Poundbury – 21 October 2025

Each year, two people join as trainee solicitors at a firm where former trainees now sit as partners. The latest Legal 500 Future Lawyers national guide rates Steele Raymond across seven categories, including 2nd for Social Life and high scores for client contact and job satisfaction. If you know someone aiming high, pass this on.

Applications are competitive because the outcomes are strong – former trainees now lead teams and the programme’s results show a clear path to grow.

Recognition built on trainee feedback

The Legal 500 Future Lawyers guide is based on thousands of anonymous trainee responses across more than 100 UK firms. It measures real experience across training, culture and workload – a useful signal for anyone choosing where to build a career.

Steele Raymond 2025/26 results

2nd for Social Life – 89.6/100
3rd for Client Contact – 91.2/100
3rd for Job Satisfaction – 88/100
5th for Quality of Client Contact – 89.6/100
Top 10 for Work/Life Balance – 88/100
Top 20 for Quality of Work – 86.4/100
Top 20 for Sustainability – 81.6/100

How the programme works

Over a three year period, trainees rotate through core practice areas across the firm’s Bournemouth, Southampton and Poundbury offices, studying for their SQE exams in years two and three. The cohort is intentionally small so exposure stays high and feedback is close. From day one, trainees handle meaningful work with partner involvement, structured learning and clear next steps – a mix that builds judgement early while keeping momentum visible.

Voices from the firm

Shaun Guppy, Corporate Partner and Training Principal, said:
“As a firm, we work really closely with our trainee solicitors and team leaders to ensure that trainees are getting exposure to a good level of client focused work that really helps them to learn and develop as fee earners. It is therefore really pleasing to see that the results for this year reflect that focus, with the firm having ranked third for both Client Contact and Job Satisfaction.
The results clearly demonstrate how much time, effort and support is put in across the board with our trainee solicitors with a notable balance of awards reflecting both the work they are involved in and work/life balance which is also important to us. We have designed our training programme very much with striking this balance at its heart and I am delighted by not only these results but the overall development of our trainee cohort who are really flourishing against the challenging backdrop that is the SQE.”

Managing Partner, Jennifer Rogerson, added:
“I’m so proud that Steele Raymond continues to be recognised in the Future Lawyers rankings across so many important categories. These results reflect the strong, collaborative culture that runs through everything we do from the way we support our people to the quality of relationships we build with our clients.
Creating an environment where our lawyers feel trusted, supported and genuinely enjoy their work is at the heart of who we are, and it’s brilliant to see that recognised again this year.”

A proven pathway

Five partners began their careers as Steele Raymond trainees – Chairman Tim Stone, Training Principal Shaun Guppy, Nick Davies, Craig Hardman and Emma Stainwright – alongside many other fee earners who progressed through the programme. The message is clear – talent grows here and keeps its momentum.

Call to action

Two trainee places each year. One programme shaped by real responsibility and close support. If you or someone you rate is ready to operate at this level, start the conversation today.

On Monday 13th October 2025 members of the Greendale Construction team will be embarking on a rowing challenge to raise funds for Gabriel’s Journey, the company’s charity of the year.
Four rowing machines will be set up in the firm’s Poole HQ where the team hope to complete a distance of 90 miles within 6 hours – a distance spanning from Greendale’s Poole Office to its Winchester Office and back again.
Gabriel’s Journey raises funds for 15-year old Gabriel from Bridport; a twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome survivor, born at 33+4 weeks’ gestation along with his identical twin brother Isaac; sadly, stillborn. After his birth, Gabriel was resuscitated for 28 minutes by healthcare professionals; he had a neonatal intracranial haemorrhage, spent 4 days on a ventilator, required a blood transfusion and antibiotics. Gabriel is diagnosed with four limb cerebral palsy, epilepsy, global developmental delay, and is nonverbal.

In August 2023, Gabriel suffered a prolonged seizure which led to him being intubated. Unfortunately, the intubation caused severe damage to his airway, and despite multiple surgical procedures at both Southampton and Great Ormond Street Hospital, his health declined. On the 10th of November 2023, Gabriel underwent tracheostomy surgery. Since then, he has been diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome; a rare and unfortunately drug-resistant form of epilepsy.

Maria Seabright, Finance & HR Director, Greendale Construction, commented: “The money raised by Greendale’s rowing challenge will go towards providing Gabriel with home adaptations, equipment, and therapies, unavailable through the NHS or social care services, as well as adapted toys and holidays. We want to raise as much as possible for Gabriel so that he continues to receive the very best care, equipment and experiences.”

To donate, please visit our Go Fund Me page here: https://gofund.me/83d015543

Chartered building company, Greendale Construction Limited, has successfully completed extensive conservation, restoration and refurbishment works at Poole Museum and Scaplen’s Court for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council The works followed a prior phase of energy saving improvements – also completed by Greendale Construction. The current works focused on the museum’s three buildings; Scaplen’s Court and the Town Cellars both Grade I listed, and Grade II listed Oakley’s Mill.

Major structural adaptions have been completed to the buildings, including enlarging the museum lift shaft and enlarging multiple entrances to make all areas of the building more accessible. The works included replacement mechanical and electrical services, a new platform lift, and mezzanine structure to the courtyard in Scaplen’s Court. A new passenger lift was also installed at Poole Museum.
New flooring was installed throughout, along with extensive decorations and re-pointing works. Six new exhibition gallery spaces have been constructed, along with a new shop fit out and a new café area including kitchen and seating areas.
The bay window to Scaplen’s Court was removed in its entirety and a new bespoke facade was constructed to create a striking new bay entranceway.

Chris Cave, Commercial Director, Greendale Construction commented: “Greendale Construction is delighted to have been main contractors on this fantastic project which will benefit the local community and visitors from all over the country and even further afield. A major focus of the project has been to open-up the buildings, doubling public and display space. We have made the museum buildings more accessible for all, with new ground floor accessible WCs, level access and new lifts. Greendale Construction has carried out multiple phases on the Poole Museum project, as well as an extension back in 2006 and 2007. This also includes the decarbonisation works, restoration works at Scaplen’s Court, and Public Realm. We also got involved with tours throughout the project, including welcoming members the public, stakeholders, local organisations such as Dorset Chamber of Trade and Commerce on a tour of the works, as well as Helen Patel, Senior Business Development Manager and James Cole, Business Development Manager at The Chartered Institute of Building.”

Alison Gudgeon, Senior Project Manager for Poole Museum, BCP Council said: “The completion of this phase marks a significant milestone in the transformation of Poole Museum into a more inclusive, engaging, and accessible cultural destination.
“Greendale Construction has delivered exceptional work on a complex and sensitive site, respecting the heritage of these historic buildings while enabling modern functionality. We’re thrilled to see the vision for the whole museum estate come to life.”

“Now that Scaplen’s Court is open and delighting visitors with its fresh, inclusive new look, we’re looking forward to completing the new galleries in the main museum and opening our doors for everyone to enjoy all our revitalised spaces this autumn.”