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Hundreds of national and regional business leaders explored the opportunities offered by the fast-paced growth of Bristol-based YTL Construction UK last week.
About the event
More than 200 representatives gathered as the firm threw open the doors on its current flagship project – Brabazon New Town in the north of the city – where the historic former Filton Airfield in north Bristol is being transformed as part of the government’s next generation of new towns.
Marking a year since its launch as part of the wider YTL UK group, YTL C UK CEO John Thompson and senior colleagues briefed current and potential supply chain partners about the first 12 months’ progress and its growth plans for the next five years as the company secures a foothold in the construction sector.
More than 100 businesses were present at the networking event to hear colleagues from the various branches of the YTL C UK brand – including the Brabazon project, YTL Arena, YTL Infrastructure, Plant and Fleet Solutions and the firm’s Procurement Hub – outline their plans.
Opportunities for partnership within recruitment, skills and social value approach were also at the forefront of the conversations at the session, hosted at the refurbished Spitfire Hangar on the Brabazon development, which will open as a new community hub early next year.
Our plans for the future
Thompson, who underlined his firm’s determination to bring fresh perspective to the UK construction market, anchored in the belief of ‘build better, build smarter, build right’, said: “A year on from our formation, this was an important moment for us to follow up on our strong initial growth by throwing open our doors to potential suppliers and partners – and sharing our future plans and opportunities over the next five-year period.
“There is an incredible opportunity to build on the international expertise and resourcing reach of our parent company, YTL Group, which is already internationally known and widely admired for its approach to providing world class products, services and innovative solutions on time, and within budget.
“We’re here for the very long term and with a forward work programme of approximately £3 billion, we’re in a good position for rapid growth – and our suppliers and partners can reap the benefits of that.
“This was the first of many events to increase the YTL C UK brand awareness, gain valuable market insight from current and potential supply chain partners and understand more about their social value approach in the South West.”
YTL C UK’s initial portfolio of work includes the centrepiece Brabazon development, featuring the 20,000-capacity YTL Arena and an initial 6,500 new homes, driving the creation of 30,000 new jobs and contributing £5 billion of social and economic value to the region, alongside delivering infrastructure for Wessex Water.
A commitment to supplier engagement
Anna-Marie Gear, Procurement Director, highlighted the organisation’s continued growth and commitment to supplier engagement:
“Each year, we advertise significant opportunities across our supply chain, awarding contracts worth £250 million. We work with a broad range of partners from small specialist companies to global corporations, creating a diverse and inclusive marketplace.”
Reflecting on the networking event, Gear added: “This was an ideal time for us to come together, reflect on our progress, and share future plans. We wanted to showcase the breadth of our businesses, raise awareness of our brand, and promote new opportunities for growth among our partners as we continue to expand.
“With our businesses covering such a wide range of sectors, including infrastructure, residential, education, commercial, industrial, energy, and environmental projects, the opportunities for our supply base are exciting.
“Our international reach, combined with a strong local community focus, our model positions us as an attractive partner for suppliers and clients alike, as we continue to drive innovation and value across the industry.”