Project Overview

Barns 1 and 2 for NIAB were designed to provide a mixture of laboratories, offices, and controlled spore proof growth rooms.

Project Value
£15,000,000
Project Value
Sustainability Features
PV Panels
Sustainability Features
Award
National Site Award Winner Gold Award 2020
Award
Logistics
Occupied Site
Logistics
Location
Cambridge
Location
Completion Date
April 2022
Completion Date

The innovative structures were tailored to accommodate a blend of cutting-edge research and write up spaces

The barns serve as secure storage facilities for essential resources such as onions, potatoes, and seeds.

Both barns are two-storey steel frame buildings, featuring piled foundations, a combination of ground bearing and suspended concrete slabs, and adorned with striking metal composite cladding.

The external environment is carefully curated to harmonise with nature and facilitate research endeavours.

Thoughtful landscaping elements, including specialised plant growth areas were integrated, fostering an atmosphere conducive to scientific exploration and agricultural innovation.

The Barns were designed for flexibility.

The spaces are now fully equipped to support collaboration, experimentation, and innovation, enabling NIAB to increase their research and development facilities.

Core Team

Gary Wykes

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.

Andy Shiner

Andy Shiner

Contracts Manager

Andy embarked on a career in construction at 18, starting with a carpentry apprenticeship. During three years with local carpentry firms, he gained experience erecting timber frames and honed first and second fix carpentry skills, developing a strong foundation in building finishes and trade collaboration.

In 2008, Andy transitioned to site management, joining SDC Builders Ltd as an Assistant Site Manager while pursuing a part-time Foundation Degree in Construction Management. Working on complex projects valued at up to £20m, he developed skills in logistics, programming, and health and safety. He was promoted to Site Manager in 2010, managing notable projects for clients such as Babraham Bioscience Technologies and the University of Cambridge.

By 2015, Andy had advanced to the roles of Construction Manager and then Contracts Manager, overseeing multiple projects with a combined value of up to £50m. His role expanded to include pre-construction planning, financial oversight, and post-occupancy responsibilities. In 2018, he became a Project Director, contributing to company-wide decision-making before joining SDC’s Board of Directors in 2020.

As a Board Director, Andy oversees the delivery of three or four projects simultaneously, guiding teams through tender preparation, construction, and completion. His extensive experience working on-site enables him to effectively support site staff and gain a comprehensive understanding of their needs. Andy also leads strategic initiatives, mentors staff and manages the key Plant Hire department. Building and maintaining client relationships is a central focus, supporting the company’s high rate of repeat business, which accounts for 80% of turnover.

Phil Janes

Phil Janes

Commercial Manager

Phil is a highly experienced and accomplished Project Commercial Director, having been a valued member of the SDC team since 1990. Phil plays a central role in providing strategic commercial direction across a wide range of projects, ensuring that each initiative is executed with both financial efficiency and long-term success in mind. His leadership skills are exceptional, and he is known for his ability to guide teams with clarity and purpose. Over the years, Phil has developed a vast and varied experience in the automotive, science and technology sectors, contributing to a number of groundbreaking projects that integrate sustainability with the latest advancements in technology. His wealth of knowledge has made him a go-to expert in areas where innovation and environmental responsibility intersect.
Matt Stevens

Matt Stevens

Senior Design Manager

Matt has been a part of SDC since 2007 and is an experienced and adaptable Senior Project Design Manager, well-versed in SDC’s collaborative and solution-driven approach. He actively engages in the pre-construction phase and stays involved throughout the project’s completion. With his broad industry experience, Matt excels at uniting the design development process, collaborating closely with both the client’s team and SDC’s internal design team to ensure the original design vision is preserved.

Jonathan Richardson

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.

Matt Wells

Matt Wells

Planning Manager

Matt joined SDC in 2004 as a Planner, bringing with him a strong academic background with a BSc in Construction Management. His ability to strategically approach project planning, coupled with his attention to detail and organisational skills, enabled him to quickly make a significant impact within the company. Over the years, Matt’s leadership abilities propelled him through the ranks, ultimately leading to his promotion to Head of Planning. In this role, Matt oversees all planning operations, ensuring efficient and successful project execution across multiple sectors. In addition, he leads a team responsible for 3D modelling and animations. His extensive experience and dedication to excellence have made him a key figure in the continued success of SDC.