1978
1978
How it started
Our History
In 1978, a month after Ipswich Town FC lifted the FA Cup, David Barnes founded a new construction business in Ipswich called Landlink Barnes Limited. Based at New Cut West, the business soon won several contracts and a reputation for fair, non-adversarial business focussed on long-term sustainable relationships, many that have endured to the present day.
Whilst the industry continues to change, we have ensured that relationships past and present are maintained though our low staff churn and core principals of collaboration, innovation and sustainability.
Our business is proud to continue to serve our local communities with distinction, focussing on collaborative, fair and a solutions-driven approach whilst also ensuring that we continue to leave a positive legacy through social value and sustainable construction practices.
1979
1979
1979
First Barnes Construction Management Trainee appointed and our first Contract award from Taylor Barnard
1982
1982
1983
1990
1990
1990
The Barnes Group Limited formed with Barnes Construction trading as its largest division
1995
1995
1995
David Barnes, founder of Barnes Construction, dies. Mary Barnes succeeds David as Chairwoman
1998
2000
2000
2000
Nick Fayers appointed as Managing Director, succeeding Peter Phillips who became Barnes Group Managing Director
2005
2005
2005
Successfully appointed to the first generation of the Suffolk County Council Construction Framework
2007
2007
2009
2009
2009
RIBA Suffolk Craftsmanship Award received for the Glasswells Furniture Store project in Ipswich
2009
2010
2010
2010
Paul Lambert retires as Construction Director. Mark Hart and Mark Bailey appointed as Construction and Divisional Directors
2011
2011
2011
First project completed for Marston’s, a framework and partnership that would deliver over 40 pubs covering the east side of the UK
2011
2011
2012
2012
2015
2017
2017
2017
Long term Managing Director and central figure to the growth of the business, Nick Fayers dies
2018
2018
2018
Bob Steward and Mark Hart appointed Joint Managing Directors, Simon Severwright appointed Divisional Director
2018
2021
2021
Appointed to the Cambridgeshire County Council Design and Build Construction Framework
2023
2023
2024
2025
2025
Cambridge Forum for the Construction Industry (CFCI) Contractor of the Year Award for the second year running
“I have always experienced a friendly but professional environment created by Barnes Construction, whom continually strive to go the ‘extra mile’ to support the delivery of a project. I believe this is fundamental to a good working relationship and a successful project.”
“It is a real credit to all those involved and to the collaborative ‘will-do’ approach taken by the designers and contractors alike. The students at Sybil Andrews Academy are in awe of their surroundings which act as a real inspiration in and out of the classroom. Sybil Andrews Academy is an incredible achievement in designing and building a new 21st century educational and sports facility from a standing start – and all within two years.”
“We have always found Barnes Construction’s approach to working within the student environment (and sensitive residents) to be understanding and compliant with College needs. This is the third major project that Barnes have worked on since 2016 – two of them won through competitive tender.”
“Barnes’ team took on our project and engaged in our charity work right from the beginning, willing to work with everyone in our team and share their enthusiasm for our new building. Communication was excellent, and we felt confident that they would deliver right from the beginning. A pleasure to work with.”
“In our 15+ years of dealing with Barnes they have delivered every project to an extremely high standard, within budget and on programme. The repeat business gained form this performance is a testament of their ability and attitude. Barnes are a forward-thinking contractor with traditional values.”
“Throughout the works, Barnes Construction performed extremely well. From programme planning through day-to-day liaison and dealing with unforeseen issues to ensure the works went smoothly. They helped resolve issues and ensure that where possible, the disruption to services were kept to a minimum.”
“Barnes has performed with strong communication and efficiency. With this we have a library and auditorium, which has a high quality finish. Barnes approached this project with a pragmatic ‘can do’ attitude and found ways to smooth over nearly all issues, often before the College needed to be involved.”
“Barnes have once again excelled in delivering, on time, a top quality refurbishment of a student hostel. The project was not without its complications, being a mix of eclectic buildings ranging from Edwardian to Tudor and Graded. The quality was excellent, with the project team and Barnes aiming high with respect to sustainability and thermal improvements to the old buildings, with the addition of alternatives to fossil fuels being installed. I have again been most impressed with the can do attitude and approach, and look forward to working with Barnes in the future.”
“What made this project different from most construction projects, and really proved the quality of the individuals concerned, was the extent to which they not only tolerated, but actively helped us to involve the local community in the project. The Barnes team handled this graciously and patiently. I did say at the hand-over ceremony that I was very impressed by the Barnes team, and this view has only been strengthened since, as the after-construction care is as commendable as the service received during construction.”
“Barnes have been highly collaborative and flexible including integrating shift work to accelerate the works at stages resulting from business continuity pressures. The onsite presence in terms of engagement has been professional and responsive and H & S and project management have also been excellent.”
