Project Overview
SDC completed a refurbishment at ARM 1, a 2-storey office building. This involved the strip-out of most partitions and an extensive electrical upgrade.
ARM 1 was the third project that SDC completed for ARM Holdings at the Fulbourn Campus.
Throughout the refurbishment process, lessons learned from previous ARM projects were applied.
These included the removal of windows and brickwork to facilitate the installation of a loading bay, as well as the elimination of a balustrade to enhance accessibility and waste removal efficiency. SDC also identified a deficiency in the building’s extraction system and, following a thorough review of the mechanical design strategy, proposed and implemented a solution for a new extract system.
A service diversion was undertaken at the enabling stages to ensure protection of services to server rooms.
Within ARM 1, there are two server rooms, with one serving as the host server for ARM Holdings’ global network of offices. To safeguard the vital services provided by these rooms, a meticulous service diversion was conducted during the enabling stages of the project. By completing the refurbishment of Server Room 1 early in the programme, SDC was able to proceed with the refurbishment of Server Room 2, thereby creating additional office space without disrupting ARM Holdings’ operations.
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
Philip Rudd
Design Manager
Matt Wells
Planning Manager
