Residential Builders
Hampshire

Current News

Apprentices recruited

Despite the recession, R.W. Armstrong & Sons has taken on the regular number of apprentices in carpentry, bricklaying and painting & decorating.  This is in line with our policy to pass on the generations of skills within the company, which has proved invaluable in maintaining our reputation for high quality craftsmanship. 

Our existing apprentices again achieved their qualifications this summer with flying colours.  Three gained an NVQ 3 in Carpentry and one in Painting & Decorating, and site manager Paul Corneby completed his HNC Construction & Interior Skills qualification.  In the office, director Stuart Pearson attained a Distinction in the NEBOSH Certificate in Construction Health & Safety and contracts manager Ben Walpole completed his BSc (Hons) Construction Management.

(15th October 2009)

The Alternative Ashes

R.W. Armstrong & Sons was victorious in their own version of The Ashes this summer, winning four cricket matches out of five against various architects, sub-contractors and suppliers.

The series started with two easy victories against Witcher Crawford Architects.  In the first match against Ian Adam-Smith (Fine Town and Country House Commissions) they batted first and scored 168 runs.  However, thanks to spectacular batting from Adrian Green, Neil Rayner and newcomer Paul Southon (from E.A. Chiverton), Armstrong’s managed to score 169, giving us our very first victory against them.  Unfortunately both the matches against Robert Adam Architects were cancelled as they were unable to get enough players, and rain stopped play against sub-contractor Steve Fenton. 

Against Finch Insurance Brokers, we batted first and scored 101 runs, but despite brilliant bowling from Armstrong’s we met our first defeat by a mere 3 runs.  In our second match against Ian Adam-Smith we again beat them, by just 8 runs.

Do you have a cricket team prepared to take on R.W. Armstrong & Sons next summer?

(15th September 2009)

Chichester building company become first subsidiary

R.W. Armstrong & Sons recently took-up the opportunity of acquiring E.A. Chiverton Ltd, a very similar, albeit smaller building company based near Chichester.

Operating in the East Hampshire and Sussex area, Chiverton’s is a family company of 65 years standing, carrying out traditional contracting works with such prestigious clients as The Goodwood Estate, The Weald & Downland Museum, Lord Cowdray and Quinlan Terry Architects, as well as commercial projects for the education sector, health service and local community. 

The acquisition will provide a valuable diversification for Armstrong’s as the landscape of the economy changes, although the company will remain dedicated to maintaining their excellent reputation for specialising in the renovation, extension, and new build, of traditional period and country homes. 
 
The existing owners of E.A Chiverton Ltd, Debbie Chiverton and Mike Wigmore, approached Armstrong’s in light of the changing market conditions and the wish for Debbie to retire.   E.A. Chiverton Ltd will continue to operate in its own name and from its offices in North Bersted, West Sussex, and Mike Wigmore will continue in a consultancy role. 

Debbie Chiverton, retiring owner of E.A. Chiverton Ltd, said:  “We sought Armstrong’s out as having similar attributes and synergies but with the added professionalism and larger structure that could not only continue the good name of E.A. Chiverton but develop the company into a modern, successful organisation.”

"It was a move that the directors of both companies engineered", said Nigel Armstrong, chairman of R.W. Armstrong & Sons.  “We are very excited to have secured such a highly regarded building company as E.A. Chiverton Ltd as our first subsidiary.  It will enable a larger geographical area to be covered by our company, whilst still retaining the personal contact and high quality service that our clients have quite rightly come to expect, and enjoy.”

(June 2009)

Apprentice receives CITB Award

Carpentry apprentice, Mark Copleston, was awarded a CITB Award at the Basingstoke College of Technology award ceremony held in June.

Mark was presented with the Level 2 Endeavour Award, which recognises his commitment and hard work.  Having completed his NVQ in Capentry this year, Mark demonstrated dedication, application and the determination to go that extra mile to achieve his goals.

Mark also achieved his NVQ 2 in Joinery and plans to start his NVQ 3 in Carpentry this September.

(June 2009)

Hampshire's Junior Wimbledon

On one of the hottest days of the year so far, seven local pre-prep schools took their teams to Manydown Tennis Centre in Wootten St Lawrence, Hampshire, for the annual Yogi Bear Shield Tournament on Tuesday 30th June.

Sponsored by R.W. Armstrong & Sons, 28 children took part with every player demonstrating tremendous skill and technique for their agents.  The ecstatic winning team were from Cheam School comprising of Lauren King, Abella Shiberfield, Rafa Teniete and Henry Williams.

Now in its fifth year, the Yogi Bear Shield is the accumulation of six months of tennis coaching and matches, also sponsored by R.W. Armstrong & Sons.  It ensures that each year over 1500 children in local junior schools get the best coaching and match play experience.

(30th June 2009)

Creating out buildings of distinction and impressive gardens

R.W. Armstrong & Sons has more than 50 years experience helping the custodians of England's country houses improve their properties.  Work ranges from major projects such as building new country houses from scratch and complete refurbishments of listed homes, to smaller jobs such as creating intimate structures and landscapes in the garden.

Read more in the articles that featured in Country Life in May and June 2009.

Buildings of distinction

Creating the ideal kitchen garden

(4th June 2009)

Building Inspiration on a Grand Scale

To read the article that featured in the Listed Property Owners Club 'Listed Heritage' Magazine on the rebuild of the significant North Wing and the extensive renovations to a large mid to late Victorian era Grade II* listed country home, undertaken by R.W. Armstrong & Sons over several years, click here. 

For more photographs visit the case study on our website at Refurbishment/Listed House.

(1st June 2009)

R.W. Armstrong & Sons shortlisted for Contractor of the Year Award

R.W. Armstrong & Sons was shortlisted for the prestigious 2009 Contractor of the Year Award. 

Armstrong's was one of just seven companies (with turnover up to £500m) to have been chosen in Building magazine's construction national industry awards rewarding best practice, innovation and excellence.  The company was particularly recognised for its commitment to recruiting and retaining high quality craftsmen.  

2008 saw a number of significant long-term projects completed including an extensive extension and renovations to a listed home , and the refurbishment and several extensions to an Edwardian home . 

The company has also focused more on sustainability with many projects requiring green energy solutions etc, and segregated waste policies being used on-site to maximise recycling opportunities. 

In addition, there has been at least five year's of sustained growth, expansion into new geographical areas and a new management structure has been put in place with successful integration of non-family executives.  In light of the current economic climate various measures have also been taken to improve efficiency.

Chairman Nigel Armstrong, said: "I am delighted that the dedication and extensive skills of our staff have been recognised once again with this national Award."   

(2nd April 2009)

Training at all levels

Training continues to be a high priority at Armstrong’s for management and apprentices alike.  Director Stuart Pearson recently attained Distinction in the NEBOSH Certificate in Construction Health & Safety.

In addition, the company employs 15 apprentices with 4 due to complete their apprenticeship this summer after three or four years at college and on site.  Despite the recession the company is still recruiting apprentices with the selection process due to commence again in May.  The ability to turn enthusiastic young individuals into valuable and skilled craftsmen has been a key contributory factor to our on-going success.  

(29th March 2009)

Tennis sponsorship in its fifth year

The tennis programme in various junior schools across Hampshire and Berkshire continues to be sponsored by R.W. Armstrong & Sons. 

Organised by Manydown Tennis, the programme is now in its fifth year.  It ensures that each year over 1500 children get the best tennis coaching during and after school.  The inter school league also provides plenty of match play experience, and culminates in a Tournament of Champions for the Yogi Bear Tennis Shield. 

(25th March 2009)

Read more about our projects and tips on renovating your home

As an 'Expert' in traditional building R.W. Armstrong & Sons is often approached by various consumer and trade publications to give advice on renovating period homes for their readers.

Here are a few articles which you may find of interest, simply click on the links below to view the articles in pdf format. Keep visiting this website for more articles in the future.

"Fixing it" featured in Period Ideas December 2008 issue.  R.W. Armstrong's chairman Nigel Armstrong reveals what you can do to enure you manage your project effectively.
Fixing it

"Lessons learned" featured in Period Ideas July 2008 issue.  Chairman Nigel Armstrong provides the Heritage Comment on why we need to invest in training.
Lessons learned

"Attention to detail brings stunning results" featured in the Listed Property Owners Club 'Listed Heritage' magazine. Read more on the significant renovation and refurbishment of this Elizabethan cottage.
Attention to detail brings stunning results

(21st January 2009)