A SPECIALIST construction company, which is currently working one two key redevelopments in Bradford city centre, has undergone a local recruitment drive resulting in a number of new hires.

Leeds-based Priestley Construction, part of the wider Priestley Group, has made the new appointments on the back of its strong growth over the last year.

Gail Culshaw joins the team as a project manager from R N Wooler and Company Limited and brings over 15 years of industry experience. Gail will be instrumental in delivering several of Priestley Construction’s flagship schemes in 2019, including Conditioning House and James Street Apartments in Bradford.

Mark Tilley has been appointed as a senior quantity surveyor and brings a wealth of experience. Mark will oversee the entire surveying department and be instrumental in delivering Priestley Construction’s ambitious 2019 plans. He is joined by assistant quantity surveyor, Jason Yare.

Graeme Crichton has come on board as a site manager, while Martin Rogers and Ashley Eaton have commenced roles as site supervisors. Martin and Ashley will go through an integrated training programme to become full site managers within 12 months.

In addition, the company has hired several site operatives, all based in Yorkshire, including joiners, brick layers and labourers.

Due to its growth, the wider Priestley Group has also created a new office manager position at its headquarters in Leeds. Former front of house, Laura Crossley, will step into the role following a successful 12 months with the company. She will work closely with all businesses across the group, including Priestley Construction.

Alongside the wider Priestley Group, the specialist-construction company also expanded into London in October, with £40million worth of contracts in the pipeline across both offices.

Priestley Construction completes full-scale renovations and new build projects for a variety of companies nationwide. It also conducts all building work on behalf of its sister company, Priestley Homes

Nathan Priestley, chief executive officer of the Priestley Group, said: “We’re extremely proud to be based in Yorkshire, so investing in local talent and offering promising career prospects is key to our success.

“Our growth over the last 12 months has surpassed expectations and we’re anticipating even stronger growth in 2019, particularly with our recent expansion into London. The construction skills shortage across the UK is worsening and we aim to address this issue head on. We want to do our part by creating opportunities for new talent, training from the ground up with onsite experience, ensuring that our employees are true assets within the industry.”

Work began on the £8.5 million redevelopment of Grade II Conditioning House in October and will see the building on Cape Street turned into a total of 133 one, two and three-bedroom apartments.

The scheme for the building was named the Best Apartment Development in the Yorkshire region at the recent UK Property Awards.

The firm's £1 million transformation of a former office building on James Street in Bradford into 31 apartments began in November. They are creating studio apartments over the top three floors of the four-storey striking building.