Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Construction Contractors in Cumbria
Established in 1968, John Elliot Ltd has evolved from a farming enterprise into a multi-disciplined contracting business serving Cumbria and Northern England. Our expertise spans plant hire, sports field drainage, gritting services, hard landscaping, and drainage & sewerage works. With a fleet of modern equipment and a team certified under the Construction Skills Certification Scheme, we deliver projects ranging from flood recovery to sports facility construction. Our commitment to training and technology ensures compliance with industry standards, while our 24/7 call-out service addresses urgent client needs.Recognised by accreditations including the Construction Plant-Hire Association and Constructionline, we combine family-run personal service with corporate-level capabilities. Client testimonials highlight our reliability, competitive pricing, and ability to complete complex projects on time, as demonstrated by our work on Cockermouth School's football pitches and emergency repairs following the 2009 floods.
Services
Plant Hire
Sports Field Drainage
Gritting Services
Hard Landscaping
Drainage & Sewerage
Details
- Year established: 1968
Highlights and features
- We offer a 24/7 call-out service for all plant hire and contracting needs
- Family-run business with long-serving staff providing tailored service
- Full documentation complying with all relevant legislation
- Continual investment in training and technology for operational excellence
- CSCS-certified workforce ensuring safety and professional standards
Associations and certifications
- Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS)
- Construction Plant-Hire Association
- Constructionline
- Achilles Group
- Energy & Utility Skills (EUSR)
What people say
Quick 48-hour response
Excellent work standards
Professional team
Completed ahead of schedule
Exceptional service
Services
Plant Hire
We provide operated and non-operated machinery hire across Cumbria, including road sweepers, excavators, dumpers, and low loaders. Our modern fleet handles projects from small-scale landscaping to large infrastructure works. With experienced drivers and multiple trailer sizes, we transport equipment up to 25 tonnes, offering single-machine or multi-machine movements for improved efficiency.
Sports Field Drainage
Specialist drainage, construction, and maintenance services for sports fields and agricultural land. We install primary lateral systems, perform sand slitting and gravel banding, and undertake complete pitch renovations. Our work at Cockermouth School demonstrates our ability to create professional-standard playing surfaces that remain playable even during wet periods through improved drainage systems.
Gritting Services
24/7 mobile road gritting contracts for domestic, commercial, and public sector clients. We provide tailored programmes using specialist spreading equipment for roads, car parks, and pedestrian areas. Our service includes salt bin supply and refilling, with manual hand salting options for problematic zones. Emergency sandbag delivery helps flood-prone properties prepare for extreme weather events.
Hard Landscaping
Comprehensive groundwork and landscaping services including patios, driveways, garden walls, and features. We use traditional methods with modern efficiency, offering free site surveys and quotations. Our services cover design, construction, and site clearance for both residential and commercial clients, with equipment hire available for DIY projects.
Drainage & Sewerage
Fast and competitive drainage maintenance services for domestic and commercial clients. We handle blocked drains, repairs, and complete system installations. Accredited by United Utilities with street works licences, we offer 24/7 emergency call-outs, free surveys, and guaranteed work. Our maintenance contracts help businesses prevent costly drainage issues through regular inspections.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We operate throughout Cumbria and Northern England, providing plant hire and contracting services to both domestic and commercial clients.
Are your staff certified for construction work?
All our workers hold CSCS cards, and we maintain accreditations with industry bodies including the Construction Plant-Hire Association and Constructionline.
Do you offer emergency services?
Yes, we provide 24/7 call-out services for plant hire, drainage emergencies, and gritting requirements across our operating regions.
What construction services do you specialise in?
We specialise in drainage & sewerage works, sports field development, hard landscaping, gritting services, and plant hire operations.
Can you handle large-scale infrastructure projects?
Our experience includes major projects like Cockermouth School's football pitches and Harrington Marina clearance, demonstrating our capability for complex contracts.
