Business Details
Professional Groundworks & Civil Engineering
Farncombe Construction has been delivering industry-leading groundwork and civil engineering services for over three decades. Our expertise spans substructures, drainage, reinforced concrete, and external works, with a commitment to quality and safety underpinned by our own directly employed workforce. We invest in cutting-edge equipment and maintain the latest emissions standards through our in-house plant fleet. Our team holds extensive accreditations including SMSTS, CSCS, and NRSWA, ensuring compliance with rigorous industry standards. We actively support apprenticeships and industry training through partnerships with Fareham College's Civil Engineering Training Centre. With offices in Crondall and operations across Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire, and West Sussex, we provide comprehensive solutions from project inception to completion.Our environmental commitment extends to sustainable practices and minimal ecological impact across all operations. The business was founded by Rod Farncombe-Smith, whose 60-year industry experience shapes our approach to innovation and technical excellence. We maintain strict quality assurance policies and have supported major projects including London's Passivhaus Leisure Centre. Our client-focused approach combines technical expertise with practical problem-solving to deliver projects on time and within budget.
Services
Groundworks
Drainage
Civil engineering
Reinforced concrete
External works
Excavations
Suction excavator hire
Highlights and features
- We employ directly trained staff with SMSTS and CSCS certifications
- Our in-house plant fleet meets latest emissions standards
- We maintain 30+ years' experience in complex infrastructure projects
- We offer fully funded apprenticeship programs with Fareham College
- Our environmental policy ensures sustainable construction practices
Services
Groundworks
Our comprehensive groundwork solutions include mass filled concrete foundations, pile installation, and ground bearing slabs. We handle projects from initial excavation through to final external works, ensuring structural integrity and compliance with all relevant standards. Our experienced team utilises modern techniques to deliver precise, durable foundations for commercial and public infrastructure projects.
Drainage
We provide complete drainage solutions including attenuation tanks, soakaways, and sewer connections. Our services cover both large and small diameter installations, with specialist CCTV jetting capabilities for maintenance and inspection. All drainage works comply with local authority requirements and environmental regulations, ensuring long-term performance and sustainability.
Civil engineering
Our civil engineering expertise encompasses road construction, footway installations, and waterproof structural works. We handle projects from initial design consultation through to completion, working closely with principal contractors and design teams. Our capabilities include retaining walls, basements, and complex infrastructure projects requiring specialist engineering solutions.
Reinforced concrete
We deliver reinforced concrete structures including basements, water-resistant buildings, and structural slabs. Our team has extensive experience in complex concrete placements, working to exacting standards for both commercial and public sector clients. We maintain rigorous quality control throughout the pouring and curing processes to ensure structural integrity.
Suction excavator hire
We offer specialist suction excavator hire for efficient, safe excavation projects. This equipment provides 16x greater efficiency compared to traditional methods while maintaining site safety and environmental standards. Ideal for both large-scale infrastructure projects and confined space operations requiring precision excavation without damaging existing utilities.
People
Rod Farncombe-Smith
Managing Director
With nearly 60 years' industry experience, Rod founded Farncombe Construction over 30 years ago. He champions quality training and apprenticeship programs, driving innovation in construction techniques while maintaining traditional values of excellence.
Tim Harrison
Construction Director
Tim brings 41 years' construction experience, holding multiple industry accreditations. He specialises in overcoming technical challenges presented by new construction technologies while maintaining his passion for developing young professionals in the field.
Arpan Painter
Quantity Surveyor
Arpan qualified through company-sponsored training, achieving a Masters in Quantity Surveying. He specialises in detailed cost analysis and project management, combining technical expertise with practical site experience gained over seven years with the company.
Rachel Farncombe-Smith
Procurement
Rachel transitioned from energy efficiency administration to construction procurement in 2014. She manages supply chains for major infrastructure projects, leveraging family business experience to optimise material acquisition and logistics.
David Babb
Quality Administrator
David joined from pharmaceuticals in 2016, applying process expertise to construction QA. He holds a NEBOSH Construction certificate and manages quality systems across projects, combining pharmaceutical-grade precision with construction industry requirements.
Questions
What areas do you cover for construction projects?
We operate across Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire, and West Sussex with a 40-mile radius from our Crondall base.
Do you handle both large and small infrastructure projects?
Yes, our capabilities range from major public infrastructure to small-scale private developments.
Are your team directly employed or agency staff?
We only use directly employed staff - we don't use agency workers and never will.
How do you ensure quality and safety standards?
Through comprehensive staff training programs, regular equipment maintenance, and strict adherence to industry accreditations.
Do you offer apprenticeship opportunities?
Yes, we actively support apprentices through Fareham College's Civil Engineering Training Centre.
Can you assist with project design consultation?
Yes, we provide pre-contract advice to help optimise construction methods and cost efficiency.
