Double director promotion announced at Metnor Group’s Norstead division  

Norstead, part of the Newcastle based Metnor Group, is delighted to announce the promotion of Dan Hopkins to Operations Director and Jonathan Grant to Commercial Director. These key promotions support Norstead’s ambitious plans for growth, demonstrating its commitment to investing in talent and expanding the business on the back of a number of new client wins. The firm has also recently welcomed three new recruits to bolster their operational and commercial teams.

Norstead was established in 1971 and specialises in the design and installation of mechanical and electrical services in a number of commercial and industrial sectors. Part of the Metnor Group, the firm has the experience and financial stability to carry out multiple contracts with a typical individual project value of up to £30 million.  Despite the challenges of the pandemic, turnover for Norstead is forecast to reach £40m in 2022.

Based at Balliol Park in Newcastle upon Tyne, with another office in Maidenhead, Norstead lists some of the UK’s best known companies as clients.

Recently completed and current projects in the pipeline include the development of the White Wing at the British Museum, the critical care unit at Chelsea and Westminster hospital and a new Emergency Department at Darent Valley hospital. Other projects include an exclusive residential development on Oxford Street in London, a new Hyatt hotel in Aldgate, an Inn Collection Group hotel in Seaburn, Sunderland and a new leisure centre in Sheringham, Norfolk.

Dan Hopkins joined the firm over 25 years ago as a junior engineer and has worked his way up through the ranks. His new role as Operations Director will see Dan drive the business in its next phase of growth to be more client focused as well as developing the next generation of engineers and apprentices. He’ll also be responsible for joint ventures with Metnor Construction and embedding new working practices.

Dan Hopkins, Operations Director at Norstead said:  “I’m really proud to be appointed Operations Director. I’ve seen the business grow and change dramatically over the years, but it still retains the same ‘family feel’ and the core values of working together, embracing change, being stronger together, challenging yourself and playing your part remain. To reach 25 years at Norstead is a huge achievement and I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else. I’ve enjoyed being part of a business that recruits fantastic people and I have worked on some amazing projects. The people I work with are brilliant and this promotion is also a reflection of their hard work as I strongly believe you’re only as good as the people around you.”

Jonathan Grant, who originates from High Spen joined Norstead a year ago bringing with him a wealth of experience from working as a main contractor for well known North East and national construction firms.  With a strong client facing role, he has been instrumental in developing more transparent control measures which set Norstead apart from its competition. Most recently his main focus has been ensuring the company could operate safely in a Covid compliant manner.

Jonathan Grant, Commercial Director at Norstead, said: “It’s been a roller coaster year since joining Norstead just before the first lockdown was announced. The pandemic has certainly delivered many challenges for businesses across the UK including the construction sector, but by being agile and adapting to those changes, we are delighted to be up and running safely and looking forward to the future. I’m really proud that we’ve managed to keep our staff safe while delivering such prestigious projects, often in challenging circumstances, We’ve got an exciting future ahead with a strong pipeline and my promotion is the icing on the cake.”

Later this year, Norstead will embark on one of its biggest projects to date with the development of Poole and Bournemouth Hospital.

Jonathan Grant added: “We’re hugely excited to start this project which has been three years in the making. This has involved developing a micro village of Norstead on the South Coast and recruiting a local team, which in turn has brought a number of employment opportunities to the area. Supporting our NHS Heroes is something we are incredibly proud of.”

Chris Cant, CEO of Metnor Group said: “I’m delighted to congratulate Dan and Jonathan on their promotions to director. Bringing a wealth of experience to their roles, their promotions are testament to their hard work and dedication. For Dan, it really is just reward for his commitment and loyalty over the years and we are delighted to retain his considerable experience in the company.  He is a great role model to new recruits demonstrating the breadth of opportunity available at the Metnor Group to enjoy a varied and stimulating career.

While it’s been a challenging time for all businesses, it’s important we continue to plan for tomorrow and invest in our people. Ensuring we develop future leadership signals the confidence and commitment we have in the market and these promotions reflect the importance we place on delivering the very best service possible to our clients. We’ve got a strong order book as we go into 2021 and beyond and I’m optimistic about the year ahead.”