Following another challenging year for the construction industry, LST has continued to weather the storm. In fact, 2023 was our most successful year ever with turnover significantly increasing.
Our focus on four core sectors, in particular healthcare and education, has been the driving force behind our success over the past 12 months. Our specialist technical skills combined with strong client relationships have enabled us to deliver vital, and often complex, projects for local communities.
From the Ground Up
In healthcare, a highlight was completing a multi-million-pound extension at the University Hospital Southampton on time and within budget. This created two new wards over two floors, which were constructed on top of the existing oncology ward and ophthalmology department also spanning two floors, which was completed by LST in a previous phase. A new plant room, complex enabling works and extensive drainage connections formed part of the scope works followed by a full fit out.
For the education sector, our expertise saw us deliver a multi-million-pound extension and upgrade at The Abbey School, an independent girls school in Reading, Berkshire. We added a third floor to an existing building as well as a side extension, creating additional teaching rooms and a flexible space for other school activities.
The existing first floor was remodelled, and a new dining space created on the ground floor. The scope of works also saw our team carry out a full, interior fit-out throughout the newly extended building.
These projects add to a further 18 we either delivered or progressed in 2023 across all our specialist sectors.
Quality Construction from the Company with a Family Culture
Our strong family values continue to underpin everything we do. For nearly 130 years, we have been nurturing a family culture which we believe, sets us apart from our competition. We inspire and empower all our staff to be their best and deliver our mission. This sees a genuine commitment across the business to make our clients lives easier by understanding their needs, and safely delivering every project in a way which exceeds their expectations.
Safety is another vital pillar supporting our success and why we are passionate about our Safety in Focusinitiative. Developed in partnership with our staff, Safety in Focus demonstrates our commitment to continuously improving health and safety across our sites. It sets out our company-wide approach to managing health and safety and engages staff, subcontractors, partners and customers with our mission.
As the need for environmental sustainability intensifies, this is an additional area we have sought to improve over the past year. In March 2023, our commitment saw us become a certified carbon neutral business.
Taking Off Into 2024
To help prepare us for the year ahead, our whole team gathered for LST’s annual strategy day earlier this month. Held at the Aviator Hotel in Farnborough, a flight theme was reflected throughout the event as we prepare to go onwards and upwards.
As well as reviewing our successes, health and safety was central to our discussions, including a keynote speech from Paul Mahoney. Following a serious and avoidable workplace accident, which meant Paul had to have his arm surgically reattached, he became a motivational and behavioural safety speaker. His story, insights and advice were inspirational encouraging everyone to play their part in working safely.
Looking ahead, our commitment to health and safety combined with our family culture will be central to delivering more high-quality projects in specialist sectors. We have some exciting potential new work in the pipeline for both new and existing clients. We will also continue to focus on our people, ensuring every LST employee is happy, motivated and invested in our values and culture. Our vision is to be the contractor of choice in our field of expertise – and as a team we are more than ready to meet that aim.
