Project Overview
This scheme comprised the full demolition and strip out of the old toilet blocks and occupational health suite at Cummins Link Block and PV Station.
The scheme encompassed various facets of construction, utility installation, and amenities provision at Cummins’ U.K. home in Daventry.
The project scope involved a diverse array of tasks, including but not limited to licensed asbestos removal, underground drainage repairs, floor slab reinstatement, installation of new mechanical and electrical systems, dry lining and firestopping procedures, as well as the implementation of hard and soft floor coverings.
Externally, the project encompasses the replacement of windows and doors, as well as exterior rendering works.
Internally, features included the installation of internal glazed screens, the provision of new toilet, changing, and shower areas catering to both male and female occupants, and the establishment of a new occupational health suite.
This suite was designed to incorporate dedicated spaces for nurses and physiotherapists, along with a central reception area.
Noteworthy features of the project include the deployment of waterless urinals and ‘Propelair’ water-saving toilets, reflecting a commitment to sustainable water usage.
Core Team
Gary Wykes
Board Director
Gary started his construction career at 16 as a Trainee Quantity Surveyor, combining hands-on experience with studies at Kettering and Northampton Colleges, where he earned ONC and HNC qualifications. He later obtained a part-time degree from Nottingham Trent University, completing it in five years thanks to his prior qualifications.
In the mid-1980s, Gary worked with a second company, managing projects in Hatfield and Aylesbury, before seeking a role closer to home. Joining SDC in the late 1980s, he progressed from Quantity Surveyor to Senior Quantity Surveyor and then Manager of the Special Projects Division. During the early 1990s recession, Gary played a key role in restructuring the division, which focused on smaller-scale projects. This effort helped position SDC for long-term success in a challenging economic climate.
Appointed to SDC’s Board of Directors in 2003, Gary oversees the Special Projects Division, manages key projects, and contributes to strategic and financial planning. Between 2004 and 2007, he played a role in transitioning SDC to an Employee Benefit Trust (EBT), ensuring stability and employee-centred governance. His leadership alongside the other Board Directors has been pivotal in navigating challenges and ensuring stability.
Gary has fostered enduring relationships with major clients like Jaguar Land Rover and the University of Cambridge, emphasising quality and client satisfaction. Over decades, he has supported SDC’s evolution from a more informal operation to a professional, structured organisation. As the company continues to grow and adapt, he remains committed to supporting its ongoing success and ensuring it is well-positioned to meet future challenges.
Graham Staughton
Special Projects Manager
Graham is one of SDC’s longest-serving employees, having joined the company in 1981. With over 40 years of experience, his career has evolved significantly, and he now leads the day-to-day operations of the Special Projects division. Since his appointment as Department Manager, his leadership and experience have been key drivers in the continued success and growth of the Special Projects Division
Grant Thompson
Commercial Manager
