Project Overview
Based out of Friedrichshafen in Germany, ZF is a global automotive technology company that supplies systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and industrial technology. SDC was appointed to deliver a new high specification Technical Centre and Office building for the company, located on the Blythe Valley Business Park in Shirley.
The first building comprises four storeys housing CAT B open plan offices, bathroom cores, a reception area, and a restaurant.
The restaurant is housed in a quadruple-height atrium with a rooflight spanning the width of the atrium itself. The building envelope is TATA composite cladding with aluminium windows and curtain walling on the west elevation to bring in lateral light for the reception space. It is intended that the top floor of this building will be rented out to a third party.
The second building on the development features a mezzanine floor, technical laboratories, and a vast external service yard.
This new space will house several departments within the ZF machine, including Climatics and Power Steering. The building’s corridors have been designed to allow cars to drive through and into the relevant laboratories, which are 4 metres wide.
All services have been completed to a very high standard and remain fully exposed throughout the space. The Technical Building also includes a 9-metre roller shutter, providing access to a vibration bay that will be used for rigorous testing of aircraft engines.
The two structures are connected by a third building, which houses a triple-height space with feature lighting and a coffee bar.
Peter Lackie, Senior Vice President, Key Account Executive, ZF
“Every aspect of the design, build and finish is so impressive. You and your teams have done an outstanding job, creating a site that the whole of ZF will feel proud to occupy. It will surely drive a positive and successful future for ZF in the UK and globally.”
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.
Andy Shiner
Project Director
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.
Mike Hodges
Contracts Manager
Mike joined in 2005 and is an accomplished Contracts Manager with decades of experience. Mike is an exemplar of all that SDC stands for; he is fully accustomed to SDC’s collaborative, problem-solving approach and he has a proven track record of successfully delivering complex projects on time and within budget.
Elliot Smith
Construction Manager
Elliot joined SDC in 2002 and has progressed to Project Manager, where he has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and successful project delivery. Elliot is involved in projects throughout the entirety of their lifecycle and is dedicated to achieving exemplary standards. He has worked on several projects with repeat clients such as Jaguar Land Rover. His communication skills and focus on stakeholder satisfaction consistently drives positive project outcomes.
Paul Cooper
Commercial Manager
Andy Roberts
Design Manager
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.
James Franklin
M&E Manager
