Work starts on £3 million new project at Beacon Park

Work has started on new £3 million base for a leading global oil and gas industry specialist at Beacon Park in Gorleston, which is expected to create at least 50 new engineering and manufacturing jobs in the region.

Representatives from Specialised Management Services Ltd (SMS), Great Yarmouth Borough Council and constructor Wellington broke the ground at a ceremony to mark the start of construction of the new 30,000 sq ft building, situated on a 100,000 sq ft site at the business park, and which will provide almost double the space the company currently occupies on the Harfreys Industrial Estate.  .

SMS managing director Dave Howlett and director Liz Culyer were joined by Great Yarmouth Borough Council leader Trevor Wainwright and cabinet member for transformation and regeneration Bernard Williamson, along with Wellington managing director Paul Pitcher, as they cut the first sod on the site, kicking off the year-long construction project.

The new workshop and office facility will include two dedicated test bays for pressure testing and operational testing, with modern observation zones for improved safety.  The workshop will be equipped with a built-in overhead lifting crane.

Mr Howlett said, “"The relocation to larger facilities is vitally important to SMS's in achieving their objectives as well as servicing the requirements for both existing and future clients.  The ground breaking ceremony was an exciting occasion and signifies the start of a new and exciting year ahead." 

Cllr Wainwright said, “Many businesses in the energy sector supply chain are continuing to invest in the borough, indicating huge confidence in the local economy, the skills of the workforce, the port and business park facilities, and the Enterprise Zone status.  Next year, the borough will celebrate 50 years of supporting offshore operations in the southern North Sea – and this investment by SMS Ltd proves that the sector has a bright future.”

Mr Pitcher added, “We have already built many of the buildings here at Beacon Park, and we are delighted to be undertaking such an important construction project for SMS.  This is an exciting building which will enhance Beacon Park’s reputation for providing top-quality accommodation for some of the energy sector’s leading service businesses.  It is always good to actually get on site and start building, so today is an important day all round.”