Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Groundwork Contractors in Bristol
Established in 1973, Brandwells Construction has grown from a small Bristol-based operation to one of the South West's foremost groundwork contractors. Our 50-year journey reflects a commitment to excellence, having navigated challenges including the 2008 financial crisis and the recent global pandemic while maintaining steady growth. With a dedicated team of over 300 operatives and management professionals, we deliver complex infrastructure projects for major housing developers across the region. Our expertise spans urban renewal initiatives, reinforced concrete structures, and large-scale residential developments. As a preferred contractor for industry leaders like Barratt Homes and Taylor Wimpey, we combine technical proficiency with commercial reliability.Our regional expansion to Exeter in 2022 demonstrates our capacity to meet growing demand while maintaining the personal accountability that has defined our business since inception. Through strategic leadership and continuous investment in workforce development, we maintain our position at the forefront of South West construction. Our track record of delivering landmark projects, including the Baltic Wharf redevelopment and multi-storey concrete-framed buildings, underscores our technical capabilities. With annual turnover exceeding 62 million, we remain committed to the core values of quality, safety, and client satisfaction that have sustained us through economic cycles.
Services
Groundworks
Urban Renewal Projects
Reinforced Concrete Framed Buildings
Housing Development Infrastructure
Commercial Site Preparation
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- 50 years of specialist groundwork experience since 1973
- Preferred contractor for major housing developers across the South West
- Proven track record on landmark projects like Baltic Wharf redevelopment
- Regional offices in Bristol and Exeter for localised service delivery
- Dedicated team of 300+ skilled operatives and construction professionals
Services
Groundworks
Our comprehensive groundwork solutions encompass excavation, drainage, and foundation preparation for residential and commercial developments. With specialist equipment and experienced teams, we ensure precise execution of earthworks, concrete foundations, and utility installations. Our technical expertise supports complex construction projects across the South West region.
People
Andy Dowden
Executive Chairman
Founder of Brandwells Construction with 50 years' industry experience, having previously worked at Avonmouth Plant & Construction and Durnfords Construction. Led company growth to 62m turnover while maintaining core values.
Chris Dowden
Managing Director
Responsible for strategic direction and operational leadership, bringing extensive construction management expertise to drive the company's continued growth and project delivery excellence.
Matt Browne
Technical Director
Provides specialist engineering oversight for complex groundwork projects, ensuring technical compliance and innovative solutions for challenging site conditions and infrastructure requirements.
Rob Schofield
Finance Director
Manages financial operations and commercial strategy, maintaining the company's strong financial position through effective cost control and investment planning across multiple regional projects.
Adam Bateman
Surveying Director
Leads surveying operations with precision measurement expertise, ensuring accurate land assessment and dimensional control for large-scale groundwork contracts across residential and commercial sectors.
Questions
What areas do Brandwells Construction serve?
We operate primarily across the South West of England, with offices in Bristol and Exeter supporting local projects.
What types of projects do you specialise in?
Our expertise covers groundwork for residential developments, urban renewal schemes, and commercial infrastructure projects.
How long has the company been in business?
We've been delivering construction solutions since our founding in 1973.
What major clients have you worked with?
Our client list includes Barratt Homes, Taylor Wimpey, Lovell, and Vistry (formerly Bovis Homes).
What sets your company apart from competitors?
Our 50-year track record, regional expertise, and status as preferred contractor distinguish our service delivery.
How do you handle large-scale projects?
With a workforce of 300+ operatives and dedicated regional management teams, we ensure efficient execution of complex contracts.
Reviews (4)
J. Hutchings
Aug 26, 2021
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Critical:Professionalism
would not touch them they have a very ignorant driver that comes home and dumps his van outside other peoples houses but not in the road he lives in may be he should get rid of one or two of his vehicles as he has 4 incl the work van, cullompton devon
would not touch them they have a very ignorant driver that comes home and dumps his van outside other peoples houses but not in the road he lives in may be he should get rid of one or two of his vehicles as he has 4 incl the work van, cullompton devon
Alex Connors
Aug 12, 2021
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Driving down the ring road today at 5.15 when I was cut up by a Nissan nv200 branded van almost hitting the front of my car. When I beeped he decided to start verbally abusing and sticking his fingers up out the window lovely staff.
Frank Perry
Apr 05, 2021
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Bought my new home in June 2020 and the first thing on the "to-do" list was the driveway... The driveway is very steep and leads down to a single garage where my intention was to park my vehicle in the garage. When I realised I couldn't get the vehicle over the pavement due to the steepness, I knew I was in trouble. I contacted 3 different local traders and each one of them failed to come back to me (one even mentioned it is not a driveway they would normally do as it was so steep)! I made a very brief enquiry with Tom at Brandwells and within a week they had been out to take some photos, measurements
Adam Avery
Jan 16, 2019
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Getting great work experience with Brandwells Construction and seeing all aspects of there work. They think well and perform under pressure meeting targets.
