About Us
Walter Thompson, based in Northallerton, North Yorkshire
was formed in 1920 and was incorporated in 1946.
Today we are one of the largest privately owned construction
companies in the North East, undertaking contracts up to a
value of £15 million across a variety of sectors
About Us
Walter Thompson, based in Northallerton, North Yorkshire
was formed in 1920 and was incorporated in 1946.
Today we are one of the largest privately owned construction
companies in the North East, undertaking contracts up to a
value of £15 million across a variety of sectors
Walter Thompson, based in Northallerton, North Yorkshire was formed in 1920 and was incorporated in 1946.
Today we are one of the largest privately owned construction companies in the North East, undertaking contracts up to a value of £15 million across a variety of sectors including:
Education, Health Care, Leisure, MOD / DE, Office, Public Service, Restoration, Retail
As part of the award-winning F.T. Construction Group we have a uniquely collaborative & flexible approach to contracting. We’re dedicated to delivering innovative build solutions and forming honest relationships with our clients and supply chain partners.
Each contract we take on is managed by a talented team who take the time to understand the project objectives, before delivering them in a responsible way that considers the local community and environment.
Group History
Walter Thompson although originally formed in 1920 began trading in earnest after the 2nd World War, building new housing estates, hospitals, schools and office accommodation. Predominantly working in Northallerton and the surrounding area Walter Thompson soon gained a reputation as a quality family builder and became one of Northallerton’s major employers.
During this same period a House Builder and General Contractor called George Fordy & Son of Teesside were also making their mark and gaining an enviable reputation not only as a house builder but working for local councils and Health Authorities alike. The company was established in 1908 and both companies often found themselves bidding for the same work.
Through strong family ties and following many successful years trading for both companies it became apparent that a merger would be both beneficial and cost effective working from one office, so in 1987 the FT Construction Group was formed using Construction House, Northallerton as its base of operations.
Walter Thompson continued trading as a General Contractor while George Fordy focused on House Building, Private Development and Property Investment.
Looking to expand into the Reactive and Planned Maintenance market the FT Group acquired Tom Willoughby Ltd in 1994. This local maintenance company also came with a long history of its own, working in and around Northallerton from as far back as 1896. It moved into its new premises on Standard Way, Northallerton back in the mid 1980’s and now has 5 regional offices in Scarborough, Harrogate and Catterick.
Langtons (Northallerton) Ltd was a local steel fabrication company working for mainly the farming community specialising in agricultural installations. This business was acquired by Walter Thompson in 1961 and following the move to its new premises on Finkills Way, Northallerton in 1975, the company then started to develop the steel fabrication side of the business to sit alongside its thriving products market. Following on from its 45 year stay at Finkills Way, Langtons have now moved into a fully equipped modern workshop based on Thurston Road, Northallerton. Langtons can trace its origins back to 1830 when it operated a forge and ironworks business on Friarage Street, Northallerton.
FT Group Timeline
1830 – Langtons (Northallerton) Ltd Established
1896 – Tom Willoughby Ltd Established
George Fordy & Son – Established in 1908
1920 – Walter Thompson Formed
1961 – Walter Thompson Acquires Langtons
1987 – FT Construction Group Formed
1994 – FT Group Acquired Tom Willoughby Ltd
Financial
Walter Thompson continues to delivery strong trading results within a challenging and competitive marketplace. Over the past financial year we have delivered strong trading results with the Health and Education sectors continuing to perform very well.
We believe part of our continuing success is down to our responsible and wholly accountable approach to construction and we have maintained consistent levels of repeat business across all our key market sectors.
We implement stringent cost control and cost monitoring and work closely with our auditors and accountants Saffery Champness and our bankers HSBC.
With a number of exciting projects already in the pipeline for this year, we are now looking forward to a period of sustainable growth and we are well placed to not only take advantage of these future opportunities but offer our clients excellent value, service and quality.
Aftercare
We pride ourselves on our high levels of service delivery at all stages of the Construction Process and Client feedback has highlighted the importance of continuing these high levels even after Practical Completion
Our procedures have been developed to ensure that the building user has a smooth transition from the Construction Phase through to full building occupation. Responsibility for this role passes to our Post Contract Services Manager, James Pilmoor. James and his dedicated team, not only provide a single point of contact to deal with minor issues that may be encountered during the initial occupation, but also provides knowledge and experience of the building systems to ensure a smooth occupation.
As a member of the FT Construction Group we also undertake, through our sister company Tom Willoughby Limited, a number of Measured Term Maintenance Contracts in the area and are, therefore able to offer a full 24 hour, 365 day locally based Emergency Call out service should this be required.
Supply Chain
We know that the way we manage our supply chain greatly affects our projects; not just in terms of the build quality, but how effectively the project runs. We don’t simply select subcontractors on price alone. We consider each particular skill set to match the complexity and location of the project, to ensure the right mix at site level. This is why we have developed a robust, three tier selection procedure.
Level 1
Subcontractors and suppliers we have worked with many times. They understand our business and what is required both in terms of quality and health & safety. They consistently provide good documentation both during the construction phase and at handover and always complete on time, with the minimum of fuss.
Level 2
Subcontractors who have carried out some work for us and are starting to understand our business. They are developing a good working relationship with us and demonstrate a good standard of both quality and health and safety.
Level 3
This is the entry level for all prospective subcontractors who meet our basic criteria. These subcontractors have secured a place on our select list, but have yet to secure a contract.
Become a Walter Thompson Sub-Contractor
If you would like to approach Walter Thompson to become a level 3 subcontractor you will need to comply with our health & safety standards including the mandatory wearing of PPE. You will also need to ensure you comply with our environmental procedures. All operatives who work on our sites must hold a current CSCS card (Construction Skills Certificate Scheme) or equivalent scheme. All operatives must have undergone a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) disclosure. All supervisors must have received a minimum of two days health and safety training and hold basic first aid.
Considerate Constructors Scheme
We are extremely aware of the impact our construction activities have on our local communities. By actively raising our operating standards, reducing disruption and minimising environmental damage, we are ensuring this impact is a positive one.
Partner Member of the Considerate Constructors Scheme
We became Partner Members of the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) in 2008. As Partner Members we wholeheartedly embrace the scheme’s principles which now form an integral part of our on-site operations.
Under the scheme, and in conjunction with our Health and Safety Policy, we regularly visit local schools and colleges to raise awareness of the dangers of construction sites and involve the school children in interactive presentations, quizzes and poster competitions as well as enthusiastically received visits from the Scheme’s mascot Ivor Goodsite!
Safe, Clean, Responsible Sites
Each of our sites are regularly inspected by Independent Scheme Monitors ensuring we comply with CCS criteria. Ensuring our sites are safe, clean and responsible.
Our Targets
To maintain and exceed above industry average performance.
Key Performance Indicators
We monitor our performance across a number of Key Performance Indicators enabling us to maintain our high standards and identify areas for continuous improvement.
We are proud that we are currently certified to the following
