Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Civil Engineering & Plant Hire Services
Established in 1972, S.E.L. Clarke has built a reputation for delivering high-quality civil engineering, demolition, and plant hire services across the South West of England. As a family-run business rooted in Bideford, North Devon, we combine decades of hands-on experience with a commitment to innovation and safety. Our civil engineering expertise spans residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects, including drainage systems, substructure works, and specialist developments like solar farms and marine engineering. The plant hire division offers operated and self-drive machinery ranging from excavators to telehandlers, supported by a modern fleet maintained to rigorous standards.Our demolition services prioritise regulatory compliance, environmental responsibility, and safe asbestos removal for structures of all types. With a skilled team of 30 operatives and nationwide capabilities, we serve major contractors, regional firms, and private clients, tailoring competitive solutions to project requirements. Over 50 years, we have maintained core values of reliability and professionalism while adapting to industry advancements, ensuring every project benefits from precision and a safety-first approach.
Services
Civil Engineering
Demolition
Plant Hire
Asbestos Removal
Groundworks
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of civil engineering and demolition expertise in the South West.
- Our family-run business maintains a safety-first approach across all operations.
- We provide operated and self-drive plant hire with modern, well-maintained machinery.
- Our nationwide demolition services include asbestos removal and environmental compliance.
- We manage projects from 1,000 to 5M+ for major contractors and private clients.
Associations and certifications
- IOSH
- SMSTS
- SSSTS
- CSCS
- CPCS
- PASMA
- Asbestos Awareness
What people say
Successful and professional job
Great job completed
Highly recommended
Efficient and stress-free
True professionalism
Services
Civil Engineering
We deliver comprehensive civil engineering solutions including drainage systems, substructure works, and infrastructure projects. Our expertise covers residential developments, public sector facilities, and specialist schemes like solar farms. With a focus on precision and compliance, we manage projects from initial groundwork to final execution, ensuring robust foundations for all structures.
Demolition
Our demolition services include pre-demolition asbestos surveys, safe removal of industrial and residential structures, and environmental management. We utilise on-site mobile crushing for sustainable material reuse, adhering to strict safety regulations. Projects range from minor works to major contracts exceeding 5 million, serving both public and private sector clients.
Plant Hire
We offer operated and self-drive plant hire with machinery ranging from 1.6 to 29-tonne excavators, dump trucks, and telehandlers. Our modern fleet includes hydraulic attachments for demolition and earthworks. Backed by maintenance support, our equipment meets performance and compliance standards, empowering clients to complete projects efficiently.
Asbestos Removal
We provide safe asbestos removal as part of demolition projects, conducting pre-demolition surveys and regulated disposal. Our team follows strict protocols to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, minimising risks for clients and the environment during structural dismantling processes.
Infrastructure Projects
Our infrastructure capabilities include highways drainage, sewage treatment plants, and waste transfer stations. We execute projects for public sector clients, such as schools and hospitals, alongside private developments. With experience in marine works and GCHQ-secured facilities, we deliver complex utility solutions tailored to sector-specific requirements.
People
Roger Clarke
Managing Director
With over 35 years in civil engineering and demolition, Roger drives S.E.L. Clarke's growth through innovation and client-focused project execution. He ensures adherence to timelines, budgets, and safety standards while maintaining the company's family-led ethos.
Graeme Nott
Contracts Manager
Graeme oversees groundworks operations with 35+ years of construction industry experience. He manages site coordination, subcontractors, and compliance, ensuring seamless project delivery for clients ranging from national developers to public sector organisations.
Roy Tingley
Demolition Contracts Manager
Roy specialises in demolition project management, handling assessments, safety compliance, and contract execution. His expertise ensures efficient dismantling of structures while adhering to environmental regulations and client requirements across diverse sectors.
Questions
What civil engineering services do you offer?
We provide drainage systems, substructure works, infrastructure projects, and specialist developments like solar farms and marine engineering for residential, commercial, and public sector clients.
Do you provide nationwide demolition services?
Yes, we offer nationwide demolition and asbestos removal services, handling projects from minor works to major contracts exceeding £5 million with regulatory compliance.
What plant hire equipment is available?
Our fleet includes excavators (1.6–29 tonnes), dump trucks, telehandlers, bulldozers, and hydraulic attachments. Equipment is available for operated or self-drive hire with maintenance support.
How experienced is your team?
With 50+ years in the industry and a skilled workforce of 30 operatives, our team holds certifications including CPCS, CSCS, and Asbestos Awareness, ensuring expertise across all services.
What areas do you serve?
We operate throughout the South West of England for civil engineering and plant hire, with nationwide capabilities for demolition and asbestos removal projects.
Can you handle large-scale projects?
Yes, we manage projects ranging from £1,000 to £5 million+, including infrastructure developments, public sector facilities, and complex demolition contracts for major contractors.
