Stobbarts Ltd: How a Workington family firm launched again
A Cumbrian engineering company is carving out an increasingly important role within the county’s nuclear supply chain as the family-run contractor continues its next phase of growth.
Since relaunching as an independent business in 2016, Stobbarts Ltd, based in Workington, has expanded its capabilities, grown its workforce and secured a growing portfolio of work across the nuclear, infrastructure, commercial and public sectors.
Today, Stobbarts delivers construction, civil engineering, and maintenance projects across some of Cumbria's most demanding operational environments.
This includes work across the Sellafield site and the Low Level Waste Repository (LLWR) near Drigg, operated by Nuclear Waste Services.
Nuclear director Adam Stobbart says the company's reputation within the sector had been built through investment in its people and a commitment to maintaining high standards.
‘Our reputation in the nuclear sector has been built over many years by investing in our people and delivering consistently high standards,’ he says.
‘A real strength of the business is that we self-deliver the vast majority of our work using directly employed teams, giving us greater control over quality, safety and programme delivery.
‘Our presence at Sellafield and long-standing relationships with partners means we are able to mobilise quickly, respond to our clients' needs and deliver complex projects with confidence.’
Beam Installation Cumbria Youth Alliance, Workington (Image: Supplied)
Founded by John Stobbart in 1998, the company established itself as one of Cumbria's leading construction and civil engineering firms before being acquired by Jacobs in 2013.
Following its relaunch in 2016, Stobbarts entered a new period of growth, rebuilding its independent identity while investing in the people, skills and capability needed to support more complex projects.
A major milestone came in 2024 when Stobbarts engaged with Sellafield's Programme and Project Partners (PPP) framework, supporting the delivery of major infrastructure projects at the site alongside its delivery partners.
The appointment recognised the capability Stobbarts has developed within highly regulated environments and created further opportunities for the company to grow its nuclear work.
Current projects include supporting Sellafield's Electrical Distribution Network Upgrade Programme, alongside a £2.4 million programme of civil engineering, infrastructure and remediation works at the Low Level Waste Repository near Drigg for Nuclear Waste Services. The company also works with nuclear partners including Amentum, Mitie, One Aim, AtkinsRéalis, Altrad, Graham Construction, and Shepley Group.
Surfacing and minor civils work at Drigg (Image: Supplied)
The company is a member of both Britain's Energy Coast Business Cluster (BECBC) and the Nuclear Institute, supporting its continued engagement across the nuclear sector.
Based at Derwent Howe, in Workington, Stobbarts employs around 100 people, with the entire workforce drawn from the west of Cumbria.
The business has a turnover of more than £10 million and is supported by three independent sister companies – Stobbarts Electrical Ltd, Stobbarts Plant & Tool Hire and Energy Efficient Window Systems.
Its directly employed trades include groundworkers, bricklayers, joiners, floor layers, decorators, general operatives and apprentices, supported by an experienced head office team covering procurement, commercial management, health and safety, quality assurance and project planning.
Alongside its nuclear activities, Stobbarts continues to deliver projects across the commercial, public and community sectors.
Recent work has included complex projects delivered across west Cumbria through the Cumberland Council framework, alongside schemes for clients including the NHS, NDA, Holmen Iggesund, Amcor and a range of other west Cumbrian businesses and architectural practices.
Commercial director Ricky Fee says the company's integrated structure helped it respond to the challenges facing the construction sector.
‘Our integrated business model increases the company's agility and improves our commercial resilience,’ he says.
‘It helps us respond to external market pressures and rising material costs while continuing to provide value for money and delivery assurance.’
Work being conducted at Iggesund Paperboard (Image: Supplied)
As the business has grown, Stobbarts has also invested in its own future infrastructure through the planned acquisition and refurbishment of additional premises in Workington.
This multi-occupancy commercial building will provide flexibility for future expansion, creating potential additional office capacity for Stobbarts while also supporting other local businesses through improved workspace provision.
‘I've seen the construction industry change enormously since I started out,’ says founder John Stobbart.
‘Projects are more complex, standards are higher and technology has transformed the way we work. When we relaunched the business in 2016, we knew we had to adapt to those changes, and that's exactly what we've done.
‘Today, nuclear is a major part of what we do, alongside our wider construction and civil engineering work, and we've built a reputation for delivering complex projects in highly regulated environments.’
The company works with organisations including Leading Change, Foundations First and Cumbria Youth Alliance to support people into employment, while also engaging with schools through careers events, site visits and safety awareness sessions.
Recent initiatives have included supporting young people through work placements, construction careers engagement and community projects, including improvements at local schools and outdoor learning facilities.
Looking ahead, Stobbarts sees continued opportunities across Cumbria's nuclear sector, while also targeting further growth in construction, infrastructure and public sector markets.
Alongside commercial investment, Stobbarts also continues to focus on social value, with local employment, skills development and community support embedded in the way it delivers projects.
‘One thing that hasn't changed is our commitment to west Cumbria,’ says John.
‘We've always believed in creating opportunities for local people and investing in the skills we need for the future.
‘Like many businesses, attracting and retaining skilled people is one of our biggest challenges, but it's also one of our biggest priorities. If construction in Cumbria is going to meet the demands of the future, we have to keep developing the next generation of local talent.’
