Conlon Construction has reported a 20 per cent rise in revenue in its first full year operating as an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), as former chairman Michael Conlon, son of one of the founders, stepped down following a long-planned leadership transition.
The North West contractor delivered revenue of £54.3 million for the year to 31 October 2025, up 20.3 per cent from £45.1 million, marking a “strong” first year under its new EOT ownership structure.
Founded in 1961 by five Conlon brothers, the business has grown from a small civil engineering firm into a major regional contractor across education, healthcare, civic and heritage sectors, delivering landmark projects including the Bridgewater Hall restoration.
Operating profit rose to £1.7 million (FY2024: £1.4 million), maintaining a 3.2 per cent margin, while pre-tax profit increased to £2 million (FY2024: £1.7 million).
Net assets stood at £7.7 million (FY2024: £7.4 million), supported by strong cash reserves of £9.7 million.
“We are proud how we have settled into our new EO Business and continue […] delivering year-on-year increased profits through sustainable and controlled strategy.”
The business continues to prioritise design and build delivery through framework and negotiated work, with average project size rising to £8.6 million, and its largest reaching £18.8 million.
With a “strong” forward pipeline, current projects include Firwood Primary School in Bolton, and a new SEND sixth form facility, alongside recently secured Department for Education schemes.
Additional framework wins include appointments to the Procure Partnerships Framework in the North West and the South West Wales Regional Contractors Framework.
The results come as the firm marks its 65th anniversary this year and follows the retirement of chairman Conlon in December after more than 38 years with the business.
Having first joined the family firm founded by his father and four uncles, he handed leadership to managing director Guy Parker, who now also serves as chairman, as the company continues its transition to employee ownership, completed in 2024.
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Looking ahead, bosses said: “We are proud how we have settled into our new EO Business and continue with our focus on operational excellence.
“Delivering year-on-year increased profits through sustainable and controlled strategy.
“A year full of great project completions and wins alongside our strong cash reserves confirms our stability to our clients, subcontractors and lenders.
“Our focus for the coming year is to grow sustainably, managing risk, selecting the right projects, strengthening our team structure; expanding in key areas of operations and delivery capacity, commercial and business development, whilst strengthening our team to help deliver our strategic vision.
“This underpins our growth plan for larger and more diverse projects, giving the business strong visibility over the coming years ahead.”
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