Business Details
44 Years
experience
Trusted Construction Contractors in Dorset
Established in 1982, Ford Civil Engineering has grown from a two-man operation to a respected leader in residential groundworks and infrastructure across the South of England. Our company was founded by Bob Ford and Graham Canning, who built a reputation for delivering high-quality projects on time and within budget for local developers. Over four decades, we have expanded strategically, relocating to Dorset in 1992 and establishing ourselves as a premier groundworks firm. Today, led by directors Jay Martin, Andy Baldwin, Chris Russell, Nick Hughes, and Tom Newman, we combine advanced technology with traditional values to serve national and regional housing developers. Our team maintains a commitment to safety, sustainability, and client relationships, evidenced by our SSIP accreditation and long-standing partnerships.We specialise in roads, adoptable drainage, foundations, and complex civil engineering projects, including attenuation ponds and reinforced concrete structures. Our phased leadership transitions have preserved our core ethos while enabling organic growth. With expertise in Section 104, 38, and 278 works, we deliver solutions from tender stage to completion. Our Small Works Division extends our service offering to remedial works and aftercare, ensuring comprehensive client support. This legacy of excellence positions us as trusted partners in creating award-winning residential developments.
Services
Roads & Adoptable Drainage
Plot Drainage & SuDS
Foundations
Reinforced Concrete Structures
External Works
278 Works
Substructure Block/Brickwork
Oversites
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years' experience in residential groundworks and infrastructure
- Our SSIP accreditation demonstrates commitment to health and safety standards
- Experienced director team with continuity since 1982
- Specialists in Section 104, 38 and 278 adoption works
- Integrated Small Works Division for ongoing client support
Associations and certifications
- SSIP
Services
Residential Groundworks
We deliver comprehensive groundwork solutions for residential developments, including foundations, drainage systems, and site preparation. Our GPS-enabled plant ensures precision in setting out and earthworks. Clients benefit from our 40+ years' experience in meeting strict safety and quality standards for housing schemes.
Adoptable Drainage
Our specialist team implements adoptable drainage systems compliant with water authority requirements. We handle private drainage connections through to large-scale attenuation schemes. With Wessex Water approval, we ensure seamless integration with existing infrastructure while maintaining environmental standards.
Civil Engineering
We construct complex civil engineering elements including pump stations, balancing ponds, and reinforced concrete structures. Our expertise extends to large diameter pipework and SuDS solutions. Projects benefit from our technical capabilities in both highway improvements and underground infrastructure.
Section 278 Works
We deliver road junction improvements and highway works to local authority specifications. Our team manages Section 278 agreements for new road connections. Clients receive expert solutions that integrate with existing highway networks while meeting statutory requirements.
Small Works Division
Our dedicated division handles remedial works, drainage repairs, and small civil engineering projects. We provide rapid response for surface repairs and post-adoption maintenance. Clients benefit from our flexibility in addressing both urgent issues and planned improvements.
People
Jay Martin
Managing Director
Jay Martin has led Ford Civil Engineering since 1992, guiding its relocation to Dorset and subsequent growth. With over 30 years' industry experience, he maintains our commitment to quality while overseeing strategic development and client relationships.
Andy Baldwin
Technical/Health & Safety Director
Andy Baldwin ensures technical excellence and safety compliance across all projects. With extensive civil engineering experience, he oversees our SSIP-accredited safety systems and technical delivery standards for complex infrastructure works.
Tom Newman
Commercial Director, HR
Tom Newman manages commercial operations and human resources. He ensures competitive pricing structures while maintaining our workforce development programs. His leadership supports both client value and employee growth initiatives.
Chris Russell
Director
Chris Russell contributes surveying expertise as a board director. With deep knowledge of residential development requirements, he ensures accurate cost management and contractual compliance across our project portfolio.
Nick Hughes
Director
Nick Hughes provides technical leadership in surveying and estimating. His expertise in project scoping ensures realistic programming and resource allocation. He maintains our focus on delivering value through precise project planning.
Questions
What areas do you serve for construction projects?
We operate primarily in Dorset and surrounding counties, delivering groundwork and infrastructure projects for residential developments across southern England.
Are you accredited for health and safety standards?
Yes, we hold SSIP accreditation and maintain rigorous safety protocols. Our team includes SMSTS/SSSTS-qualified foremen and CSCS-certified operatives.
Can you handle both large and small projects?
We manage major infrastructure schemes and offer a dedicated Small Works Division for remedial works and minor civil engineering projects.
What types of drainage solutions do you provide?
We deliver private drainage systems, SuDS, attenuation ponds, and adoptable drainage compliant with Section 104 requirements.
How do you ensure environmental responsibility?
We implement responsible sourcing, waste reduction strategies, and vehicle efficiency measures to minimise our carbon footprint across all projects.
