Business Details
Trusted Civil Engineering Solutions in Brigg
Established as a leading civil engineering contractor, we deliver safe, innovative, and responsible infrastructure solutions across highways, rail, water treatment, and energy sectors. Our leadership team combines over 70 years of industry experience, with Chairman Ian Sword guiding strategic direction and Managing Director Melissa Sword overseeing operations since 2025. Supported by three Operations Directors, we maintain a proactive approach to client needs while upholding rigorous safety and quality standards.Our workforce comprises highly skilled professionals holding CSCS, CPCS, and NVQ certifications, ensuring technical excellence across projects ranging from tidal barriers to renewable energy plants. Through affiliated company Jacal Construction Equipment, we also provide plant hire services to complement our civil engineering capabilities.
Services
Civil Engineering
Labour Hire
Plant Hire
Bridge Construction
Flood Defence Walls
Highlights and features
- 50+ years combined leadership experience in civil engineering
- Specialist workforce with CSCS, CPCS and NVQ certifications
- Proven track record on complex infrastructure projects
- Integrated plant hire services through Jacal Construction Equipment
- ISO 9001 and OHSAS 18001 accredited management systems
Associations and certifications
- ISO 9001
- OHSAS 18001
Services
Civil Engineering
We deliver comprehensive civil engineering solutions for highways, rail, water treatment and energy sector projects. Our capabilities include bridge construction, flood defence walls and power station infrastructure. With specialist in-house resources and accredited management systems, we execute complex programmes requiring precision engineering and strict safety compliance across both traditional and renewable energy projects.
Labour Hire
Supplying certified construction professionals including site managers, shuttering joiners and plant operators. Our workforce holds current CSCS, CPCS and NVQ qualifications with supervisors trained to SSSTS standards. We provide skilled personnel for temporary assignments or long-term project requirements across all construction disciplines required for infrastructure development.
Plant Hire
Through Jacal Construction Equipment, we offer sale and hire of essential construction machinery and formwork systems. Available assets include telehandlers with 45-60 tonne lift capacity, acrow props, trench supports and lifting equipment. Our fleet supports both short-term project needs and extended infrastructure development programmes requiring reliable plant resources.
Bridge Construction
Specialist bridge building capabilities covering new constructions and refurbishments. We have completed highway bridges, rail crossings and waterway structures including complex projects like the Mersey Gateway Bridge RFC works. Our approach combines structural engineering expertise with specialist formwork and concrete solutions to meet demanding infrastructure requirements.
Flood Defence Walls
Design and construction of reinforced concrete flood defence systems including tidal barriers and river embankments. Recent projects include the Ipswich tidal barrier structure and Hull flood relief schemes. Our experience covers both urban and rural environments requiring precise hydraulic engineering solutions combined with minimal environmental disruption during construction.
People
Ian Sword
Chairman
With over 50 years in construction, Ian provides strategic leadership drawing on extensive industry experience. Former Managing Director now guiding company direction while maintaining client relationships developed over decades of infrastructure project delivery.
Melissa Sword
Managing Director
Appointed in 2025, Melissa brings 20+ years operational experience. Oversees daily operations and business development while maintaining technical standards across all projects. Focuses on innovation and client satisfaction through continuous process improvement initiatives.
Luke Daley
Operations Director
Senior director responsible for project execution across highways and rail sectors. Ensures adherence to safety protocols and quality standards while managing resource allocation for complex multi-site programmes requiring coordinated delivery strategies.
Ant Cunningham
Operations Director
Leads water infrastructure and energy sector projects. Specialises in challenging environments including live plant operations and flood defence systems. Focuses on technical innovation to solve complex engineering problems during project delivery phases.
Andy Lambert
Operations Director
Manages plant hire division and equipment resources. Ensures fleet maintenance standards while coordinating logistics for nationwide project support. Develops integrated solutions combining civil engineering works with specialist machinery requirements.
Questions
What sectors does Sword Construction operate in?
We work across highways, rail infrastructure, water treatment facilities, and both traditional and renewable energy power generation plants.
Are your staff certified to industry standards?
All our workforce hold valid CSCS and CPCS cards, with Site Managers SMSTS certified and Supervisors holding SSSTS qualifications.
Do you provide plant hire services?
Yes, through our affiliated company Jacal Construction Equipment, we offer sale and hire of construction equipment including telehandlers and formwork systems.
What accreditations do you hold?
We maintain ISO 9001 quality management and OHSAS 18001 health & safety management system accreditations.
Can you handle complex infrastructure projects?
Our expertise includes challenging programmes like the Mersey Gateway Bridge RFC works and Ipswich tidal barrier construction.
