North Construction & Building, one of the most trusted construction companies across the Central Coast, Hunter Valley and Newcastle, is pleased to announce its ownership transition plans. After working in the business for 25 years, including almost 20 years as Managing Director, Tim Cornish will be handing the reins over to Matthew Cook at the end of 2018. Matthew has been at North since 2001 and a director of the business since 2008. Additionally, Ray Millar, Estimating Manager, and John Melvin, Senior Project Manager, will both take on director roles. Joshua Sheather and Darren Wilton will continue as shareholders.
‘I believe this change is an opportunity to strengthen the resolve of the business to lead the industry in this region as a professional, values-driven company,’ expressed Tim Cornish. ‘Given North’s position in the current market combined with the capabilities of our leadership team, I feel the time is right for me to exit the business to explore long-held personal aspirations outside the construction industry.’
In continuing the history as an employee-owned business, ownership of North will be expanded to include Nicole Redmond, Corporate Services Manager; Sarah Wouters, Finance Manager; Richard Telfer, Senior Project Manager; Ryan Wheele, Site Manager; Grant Cameron, Apprentice Manager; Gareth Stephens, Project Manager; and Daniel Surridge, Project Manager.
Currently a medium-sized construction business with approximately 95 full-time staff and offices in Tuggerah and Broadmeadow, North Construction & Building will continue business as usual delivering commercial construction projects focused on schools, aged care, medical, commercial and public buildings. North’s commitment to clients, some of whom include: Downer EDI for the Newcastle Light Rail Project; Hunter New England Health; St. Philips Christian Colleges; Catholic Schools Office; Newcastle Eye Hospital; Central Coast Council; Lakes Grammar School; NSW Schools Infrastructure; NSW Ambulance Service; and Regis Aged Care, will remain steadfast during and after this leadership transition.
Tim Cornish joined North as a building cadet in 1993 and was appointed Managing Director and major shareholder in 1999 when the founders of the company, Michael and Merle North, retired. The announcement of his departure continues a strong history of employee ownership and management of the business and will support the continued growth of the business moving forward.
‘The future is bright for North,’ stated Matthew Cook, Director and incoming Managing Director. ‘I will ensure the continuance of Tim’s legacy of the company’s success and growth being driven by our pursuit for excellence across all aspects of business; from management of staff, to systems and processes and, of course, in the delivery and completion of every one of our construction projects.’
Founded in 1987, North Construction & Building is one of the largest locally owned and operated construction companies in the Central Coast and Hunter regions. North has worked on some of the region’s largest projects across the health, aged care, education and commercial sectors delivering consistency and quality underpinned by robust safety and environmental systems. Testament to North’s success are the many MBA Construction awards won since 2004 including the honour of being Commercial Builder of the Year for 2011, 2016 and 2017 by the Newcastle MBA.
