Jackson Civil Engineering has big plans for the future

Founded in 1952, the Suffolk-based company employs around 320 staff across England, with roughly half that number working from its head office in Ipswich.

The firm undertakes civil engineering projects ranging from £500,000 to £50 million in value, turning over £120 million last year.

“We work for major clients such as the Environment Agency, National Highways, Canal & River Trust and Anglian Water as well as many local authorities and private clients throughout the country,” said Brian Crofton, managing director.

Jackson also engages a number of small businesses across East Anglia, which it subcontracts to work on its projects.

Recent projects in Suffolk include the Gateway 14 business park in Stowmarket; construction of the Beccles Southern Relief Road and Lowestoft Northern Spine Road; and upgrades to the Ipswich Tidal Barrier and flood defences at Woodbridge waterfront.

In 2021, Jackson launched its ‘five pillars’, which represent the core values of the business: social value, collaboration, supply chain, environment, health and safety.

“We are striving to excel in all these areas and feel they give a good snapshot of what the company is all about,” said Brian.

He added that the business is committed to making a positive contribution to the communities in which it works.

“Throughout all our regions our people are delivering projects that bring extra value to local people – from going into schools to talk about engineering and lending manpower to charities, to litter picks and tree planting.”

In recent years, the company has won awards for its role in producing and using low-carbon products, as it looks to minimise its environmental impact.

“Jackson is always looking to innovate in the way that it goes to work and the materials it uses,” said Brian.

“We understand that what we do and how we do it has an effect on the environment we live in, both locally and globally,” he added. “It is our responsibility as a company to reduce this impact wherever possible.”

Jackson's projects in East Anglia include the infrastructure for the Gateway 14 business park in Stowmarket (Image: Ross Bentley/Jackson Civil Engineering)
Jackson’s environmental efforts were also recognised at the EADT Business Awards, where it was named Large Business of the Year.

“We were delighted to be shortlisted and thought we would go along to enjoy the awards evening regardless of the outcome,” said Brian.

“When we heard our name read out, we all cheered. It is great to be recognised in our home county and hope it will further raise our profile in the region.”

Brian said there was “certainly a skip in people’s step” in the days following the award.

“Everyone who works at Jackson knows what a great company we are, but it was truly pleasing for all our staff to realise that their contributions to the business have been recognised through these awards.”

The company found the entire award process an invaluable experience, from initial entry through to the judging.

“Having a face-to-face interview as a second stage gives the award more integrity,” said Brian. “The judges have taken time to visit us and quiz us further, meaning any decision they make is based on a real feel for a business rather than just what is written on the submission document.”

Jackson is now looking to expand its client base and sustain the impressive growth it has enjoyed over the past 70 years.

“We are understandably wary of having too much of our business sit with a small number of key clients and have a strategy of looking to secure work with new clients to enable us to diversify our portfolio and spread the risk,” said Brian.

As a member of the Sizewell C supply chain, Jackson is looking to play a key part in the nuclear power station’s construction over the next decade.

“We see Sizewell C as a key client of the future,” said Brian. “It will help us achieve our goals and provide great opportunities for our Suffolk-based employees.”

For more information, visit jackson-civils.co.uk