History

The journey begins with the formal establishment of Spacemaker Development Ltd. Where Steve, Moo and Rob embarked on the first stage of the SMD Journey.

SMD sets up its initial operations at Wyboston Lakes, establishing a base for its growing team and operations.

SMD’s first significant project, the Camclad Offices in Cambridgeshire, highlights the company’s early capability to deliver a high-quality commercial product.

SMD works with luxury car brand Mercedes Benz and secures the first contract within a commercial setting, refurbishing several showrooms across the Midlands. Working on an array of business crucial operations including planned and reactive maintenance.

The first education projects to support the portfolio of SMD, Lincroft J1 Media Room and Sharnbrook Maths & Tech refurbishment. Two quick turnaround projects for The Sharnbrook Academy Federation which became the first of many in the education sector.

With continued growth, SMD expands its operations and moves to larger premises at Davey House, St Neots.

A major milestone as SMD secures its first project valued at over £1 million: an affordable housing development at Potton Road in Wrestlingworth. This was also the first major project with Central Bedfordshire Council.

Reflecting its rapid expansion, SMD relocates to 1 Xenus House to accommodate its growing team and operations which expands across two floor

This bespoke project was the first of its kind for SMD in the religious sector. We were invited to collaborate not only with the client team, but also the local community, acting as Principal Contractor.

The Schools For the Future (SFF) programme represents SMD’s partnership with Central Bedfordshire Council to support much-needed expansion to the education sector.

Continuing its upward trajectory, SMD takes on its first project over £5 million. The expansion project at Derwent School allowed us to showcase our ability to manage and deliver larger, more complex projects. This was one of the first projects on the ‘School’s for the Future’ programme, again in collaboration with Central Bedfordshire Council.

The company’s largest project to date, Oak Field Gardens Crematorium, valued at over £10 million, further solidifies SMD’s reputation for delivering large-scale, high-value developments inclusive of complex architectural details and specialist mechanical and electrical equipment.

SMD commits to nurturing young talent by hiring its first apprentice, Jordan Elt, marking the beginning of its focus on developing the next generation of professionals. Jordan was the first carpentry apprentice in the company.

A key financial achievement as the company surpasses £5 million in annual turnover.

SMD supports the county team, Cambridge City Ladies, and pledges funds to the club to provide training kits.

Continuing its emphasis on developing young talent and growth from within, SMD welcomes its first management trainee, Marium Ullah, as part of its Management Trainee programme.

SMD supports local charity HCAP Huntingdon Community Action Project, based at Coneygear Centre in Huntingdon, with their Christmas campaign. ‘Team SMD’ helps pack, wrap and distribute over 100 food hampers and donates an additional 33 self-care packages to young residents.

SMD is appointed a place on the LHC MMC New Homes 3 framework, broadening its reach and access to public sector residential projects.

SMD supports a local grassroots team in St Neots through their dugout sponsorship for the 23-24 season.

SMD continues to grow, crossing the £10 million mark in annual turnover.

In 2023, SMD establishes a subsidiary, SMD Plant Ltd, expanding its capabilities and enhancing control over plant, equipment, and machinery for its projects.

SMD celebrates its first employee (Finley – achieving a first class bachelors) successfully completing a degree course while working with the company, demonstrating the organisation’s support for ongoing education, development, and professional growth.

SMD partners with Inspire2Ignite CIC, focusing on educating and inspiring the next generation by supporting the alternative provision programme for those NEET individuals.

SMD invites their first work experience student, Sahib, to join the workforce for a week, working closely with project teams and getting real-world exposure to ongoing projects and professional practices.

To finish off the year, SMD and HCAP rejoin forces to support the Christmas hamper campaign. We also donate an additional £700 to support young residents at the Coneygear centre.

SMD extends local sponsorship support to Brampton Spartans FC through kit sponsorship for both the U11s and U14s teams.

SMD renews support of a local grassroots team in St Neots through their dugout sponsorship for the 24-25 season. We also expanded support to the youth squad, donating funds to provide winter coats for the season.

A landmark moment as SMD delivers its first project using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) at Fulbrook School, aligning with its goal of embracing innovation and sustainable building practices. Delivering a two storey teaching facility to provide much needed expansion for the school.

Annual turnover exceeds £15 million, reflecting the company’s continued expansion and success.

SMD’s £10 million crematorium project is recognised as a finalist for the ‘Project of the Year’ award, acknowledging its excellence in design, execution and sustainability.

Siobhan Godden joins the business to lead the SLT on all matters concerning Human Resources. Bringing her wealth of experience and knowledge to the team.

A key leadership appointment, Jon Wren becomes the company’s Commercial Director to support impressive growth.

The Derwent project earns industry recognition, as a finalist in the Award for Excellence in Architectural Technology, medium to large category.

Appointment on a second Residential framework, Procurement for Housing, further strengthens SMD’s market position and opportunities within residential construction. It also showcases our ability to surpass the high standards needed to secure a place on Framework contracts.

SMD welcomes back Sahib, the company’s first work experience student, to rejoin as a full-time employee. Now a Trainee Quantity Surveyor, working with us has kickstarted Sahib’s career in construction.

We were honoured to be named a finalist for the Future of Construction and Most Valuable Contractor categories at the Considerate Constructors Scheme Gala 2024. Our Site Manager Charlie Stocker went onto win the Most Valuable Contractor Award and the Rising Star Under 30s Award.

SMD secured a partnership with Megan Kennedy to drive Business Development and further progress the business growth and expansion.

SMD became an approved supplier under the South East Consortium (SEC) Construction and Development DPS. This DPS provides a dynamic and flexible way for housing providers and local authorities to access trusted suppliers for a range of construction and development projects.

To further support the upward trajectory of SMD’s journey, Craig Millar joins the business as Board Director. Bringing with him a wealth of industry knowledge, experience and a keen eye for technical detail.

With the ongoing appetite for expansion, SMD concluded negotiations to secure the acquisition of specialist contractor Protier Projects. Providing immediate benefit of a network from the Oxfordshire regional office, diversification of their portfolio and access to strong client relationships.

SMD is approved as a supplier on the Westworks Construction and Development Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) across Categories 1–4, covering new build housing, non-housing, refurbishment, and retrofit works. This milestone marks a significant step in expanding our public sector partnerships and delivering high-quality, sustainable projects that benefit communities across the UK.

SMD won not just one, but two National Site Awards from the Considerate Constructors Scheme. The Manor High School project achieved a bronze, whilst Oundle School achieved a gold.