SME News Managing Director of the Year 2025 / 24 Utilities Construction MD of the Year 2025: James Dryden & Award for Innovation in Lifecycle Construction 2025 Part of the YTL Group, Turnbull Infrastructure & Utilities Ltd are industry leaders in lifecycle construction and operations across the UK’s utilities and infrastructure sectors. Headquartered in Nailsea, the company’s services range from design and build projects to facility management and maintenance, as well as end-to-end services concerning civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering projects. To find out more about this, we caught up with the company’s award-winning MD, James Dryden. “Build better, build smarter, build right.” Taking its name from the blue of traditional construction plans and drawings, Turnbull is perhaps best known for the innovative approach it takes to lifecycle construction, which it has developed and refined on one of the biggest construction sites in Europe. This feeds into the company’s vision of a world in which the design, build, operation, and maintenance of engineering projects are all carried out in such a way that money and waste are reduced and lasting value is added to communities and the economy alike. Working primarily in the nuclear and renewable sectors (with a focus on nuclear new build), Turnbull revolves around a common set of traits and beliefs, namely professionalism, trust, safety, and expertise. These translate into a company culture where everyone is aligned and supported to do their best work. James explained: “We work as a collective – we understand the value of our people.” He followed this up with a quick piece of advice to all aspiring MDs: “Protect your people the same as you would an asset!” People are a hugely important part to Turnbull, and James shared with us some of the initiatives available to them through the company. Off the back of employee feedback, a skills and development framework was developed to support team members with their professional development. The company also offers apprenticeships – with 20 people currently enrolled – and groups for the likes of Working Parents, Safety Champions, LGBTQIA+, Women@Work, Sustainability and Mental Health First Aiders. Diving into the latter, James told us: “Our selection of working groups allows for colleagues to get involved with team members they may not necessarily interact with during their day-to-day roles and also allows them multiple platforms to voice their ideas, leading to real change. Overall, we are simply trying to generate a good place for people to work.” James has worked in senior positions within YTL Group now for more than 15 years, including an eight-year stint at Wessex Water, one of the Group’s key operations. Having risen through the ranks of the business, moved around its divisions, and managed different areas, James recognises the importance of this approach in nurturing success. James’ previous experience within the military also helps, especially with strategy and approach, and has led to this MD approaching every day with a plan and structured routine. All of this is incredibly rewarding for James, who shared with us how fulfilling he has found this journey, from his days working towards his bachelor’s degree at Bridgwater College to securing a master’s in business administration from the University of Northampton: “I’ve reached the academic heights I’ve wanted to and am now the MD of a multi-million-pound business, which allows me to focus on staff and management to ensure they achieve the goals they have set themselves.” This keeps James – and Turnbull – moving forwards. Finally, regarding the next steps for these leaders in lifestyle construction, James commented on how Turnbull’s goals for the coming year are to continue the steady growth trajectory its team has put in place as part of its five-year plan, which will see it move into new markets within the nuclear and renewable sectors. Alongside this, Turnbull Infrastructure and Utilities Ltd remains committed to end-toconstruction – designing, building, operating, and maintaining to the highest standards within the UK’s utilities and infrastructure arenas. Since building and launching Turnbull in 2018, James Dryden and his team have grown the company to annual turnovers of more than £40M, built a workforce of circa 300, and delivered a 98% customer satisfaction rating. All of this has resulted in his recognition with multiple awards and the entire team achieving RoSPA gold for seven consecutive years. It is our pleasure to be able to add to this acclaim through a duo of well-deserved awards in this programme. Contact: James Dryden Company: Turnbull Infrastructure & Utilities Ltd Web Address: https://www.turnbulluk.co.uk/ AIS-Jul25148 Turnbull Infrastructure & Utilities Ltd
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