Project Overview
The project involved the comprehensive redevelopment of The Welding Institute’s site to create a series of new structures connected to the main Bevan Braithwaite building via a link street.
The three buildings are occupied by a mixture of Research and Development and Educational and Training spaces.
The three buildings are occupied by a mixture of Research and Development and Educational and Training spaces.
Building Two is almost identical to Building One, but houses laboratories, teaching spaces, PHD write-up areas and office accommodation.
Building Three is an engineering hall formed of three 72.5m x 22m wide bays capable of accepting high level cranes.
Externally, two of the buildings are grass-bunded to internal worktop height, while an outer glazed screen aesthetically unifies the lower level.
Multi-coloured terracotta ‘baguette’ tiles are featured above the ground floor and on the third building. While this brings coherence to the whole development, each building is given its own identity through a different colour scheme.
Core Team
Francis Shiner
Board Director
Francis began his career in 1976 when he joined Llewellyn Construction Ltd as a management trainee. On 14 February 1983, he started with SDC as a Quantity Surveyor, initially working from a small office space at 30 Grove Place, one of several houses the company used as offices at the time. Over the course of four years, Francis contributed to projects for British Leyland and British Rail. By 1987, he had been promoted to Joint Surveying Manager, sharing the running of the department with Alan Angel, before becoming Chief Surveyor in 1989.
In 1991, Francis expanded his role by initiating the Special Projects Division. This initiative aimed to provide clients with a more comprehensive service offering, while generating additional income for SDC. His contributions earned him a place on the Board in 1994. Subsequently, he established Limegrove Supplies, which allowed the company to purchase certain materials at preferential rates and facilitated sales to the public as well as in-house use. In 1999, he was appointed Deputy Managing Director, and in 2004, he became Managing Director, as part of the transition to an Employee Benefit Trust (EBT).
During his tenure as Managing Director, Francis successfully navigated the company through numerous challenges, including the financial demands of the share purchase required to create the EBT and the global economic recession of 2008. Under his leadership, SDC completed several notable projects, resulting in significant growth in both turnover and net worth. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Francis prioritised safety while ensuring operational continuity, allowing the company to continue supporting its clients, including critical medical research facilities.
By 2021, SDC had modernised its infrastructure and strengthened its financial position. In September 2021, Francis transitioned to the role of SDC Chairman, marking a shift in his responsibilities while continuing to play an active role in the company’s strategic direction. His final major initiative as Managing Director was overseeing SDC’s golden jubilee celebrations, which raised more than £110,000 for charity, reflecting the company’s longstanding commitment to community support.
Francis will continue as Chairman of the SDC EBT for the foreseeable future.
Phil Doherty
Contracts Manager
Andrew Clark
Commercial Manager
Andrew has worked at SDC since 1995 and is one of the longest serving members of the company, where he has progressed to Project Commercial Director. He is a valued and trusted member of the team with significant industry experience. Andrew has contributed to a vast range of projects across Oxford and Cambridge, where he is responsible for providing commercial leadership, strategic commercial direction and support to the project team.
Warren Foster
Design Coordinator
Jonathan Richardson
M&E Manager
After completing his A-Levels in Nottingham, Jonathan pursued an engineering apprenticeship at Leeds College of Building. This block-release programme integrated theoretical study with hands-on experience, enhancing his technical skills and problem-solving abilities. During his apprenticeship, he worked with a national MEP contractor, which gave him valuable industry exposure but ultimately highlighted his preference for a more collaborative and people-focused work environment.
A significant shift in Jonathan’s career occurred when his mentor invited him to join a regional family-owned MEP contractor in Nottingham. The role suited his collaborative working style, but the company later faced financial challenges during a recession, prompting him to explore new opportunities.
Having already collaborated with SDC as a subcontractor, Jonathan’s skills drew the attention of the company’s M&E Director. After his former employer’s closure, he joined SDC and was soon entrusted with leading its newly created M&E self-delivery department. Over 18 months, he assembled a team of professionals with subcontractor expertise, building a department now comprising 20 members, including trainees and project managers. This team operates with a focus on technical excellence and practical problem-solving.
In 2016, SDC supported Jonathan during a challenging period in his personal life. Faced with extensive travel demands and an expanding family, he raised his concerns with the company, which facilitated his relocation closer to its base. This adjustment improved his work-life balance and reinforced his commitment to the company.
Jonathan became a Director in January 2024. In this role, he is responsible for project delivery, tendering, preconstruction, and sustainability efforts, alongside overseeing the MEP department. His contributions have been integral to the successful delivery of complex projects in sectors such as Formula One, including work with clients like Aston Martin and Red Bull. He values the variety and problem-solving aspects of his role and is committed to fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement within SDC.
Dean Lathan
M&E Manager
Matt Wells
Planning Manager
