NEWS
31 December 2023
A look back at our successful 2023
The year 2023 is the year of business growth and expansion with the RK Bell Group acquiring the majority shareholding of Gworks Surfacing. Gworks is a successful South West surfacing and civil engineering company, now independently forming part of the RK Bell Group. Here are our organisational milestones for 2023.
Major works and contracts
In 2023 we have secured and delivered major contracts and here are some of them
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The Trenchard Way Project, a project that is part of the £105m Taunton Town Centre Redevelopment Plan. Contract in partnership with Milestone Infrastructure
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The Bunford Park Project, a 26-acre site investment with the potential to contribute over £100m to the GVA of the Yeovil economy. Contract in partnership with the Abbey Manor Group
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Groundworks to the Sydenham Housing Sites. Contract in partnership with Rigg Construction Ltd
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The Hinkley Corridor Schemes, Element 3 Express Park to Bridgwater cycle path. In partnership with Milestone Infrastructure
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The Hinkley Corridor Schemes, Element 2, Phase 2 Dunball to Express Park cycle path. In partnership with Milestone Infrastructure
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The Somerset Council, Bretenoux Road Glastonbury. In partnership with Milestone Infrastructure
The fleet
In 2023, over £1M is invested to strengthen RK Bell Plant with technologically-advanced fleet and equipment. Here are some of these investments
Johnston V65 RK23 FVE
Johnston V65
6 Brand New CAT 308-07 Excavators
2 Brand New Bomag BW120 Roller
Bomag BW138AD-5 Roller
Brand New Bomag BW80AD
Bomag BW138
Hitachi ZX17U-6-Y
Thwaites 1ton Hi-Tip 4WD Site Dumper
2 JCB Beaver Packs
Fleet Vans for our employees
Continued Development
We also continue to invest in Personal Development and further Career Advancements internally. In 2023, our Managing Director Nick Bell achieved his certificate as a Strategy Consultant from the University of the West of England, UWE. Our recently promoted SHEQ Manager Phil Witchell has also achieved his NEBOSH Health and Safety Management for Construction qualification, whilst 2 other employees are currently working towards the Strategy Consultant certifications.
Social Responsibility
All of the above successes are anchored in our values of looking after the people we work with and also giving back to our community. Right at the start of the year, in January 2023, we gave all our employees a £250 cheque to support them through the cost-of-living crisis. We then continued throughout the year by supporting the following charities:
Bridgwater Food Bank
St Margaret’s Hospice Care
Great Ormond Street Hospital
Lighthouse Construction Charity
Somerset Community Foundation
Winscombe Rugby Club
Winscombe Cricket Club
Young, local boxer George Lane from Bridgwater
Sustainable Future
The biggest responsibility that we all have is towards our planet and in February of 2023, we tackled our carbon emissions by installing solar panel systems and 3 EV charging points at our premises, reducing our emissions by approximately 9,900 kg CO2e per year (this is a project part-funded by the Somerset County Council's Somerset Growth Accelerator Fund). We have also completed our benchmark carbon footprint through “future Net Zero” and we are continuing to embed sustainability in our company ethos.
2023 has been a strong year of growth and expansion and 2024 promises to be a year of sustainable, quality construction delivered safely for our customers and everyone in the RK Bell Group community.
13 March 2023
We’re pleased to announce that here at R K Bell we have recently installed a solar panel system and EV charging points at our premises.
Our solar panel system is a 46.17 kWp PV system, have been installed on the roof of our offices. We've also installed 3 EV charging points - one 22 kW charger and two 7 kW chargers - to encourage the use of electric vehicles.
The installation of these systems is expected to have a significant impact on our energy consumption and carbon emissions. We estimate a reduction in electricity purchased of around 10,000 kWh per year, resulting in a decrease in carbon emissions of approximately 9,900 kg CO2e per year.
At R K Bell, we're committed to reducing our environmental impact as a company. This project demonstrates our dedication to taking important steps towards a more sustainable future.
This project has been made possible thanks to part funding received from Somerset County Council's Somerset Growth Accelerator Fund. We are grateful to them for their support.
01 March 2023
RK Bell Projects is proud to announce that we will be sponsoring a hole at the upcoming Hinkley Point A charity golf day on June 30th, 2023 at Enmore Park Golf club. The event is being held in aid of St Margaret’s Hospice Care, a fantastic charity that provides essential support and care for those with life-limiting illnesses.
We're delighted to be able to contribute to such a worthy cause and we can't wait to see all the golfers out on the course. If you're attending the event, make sure you keep an eye out for our sponsored hole!
28 February 2023
We're thrilled to announce that we've raised an incredible £1491.96 for St. Margaret's Hospice Care! Thank you to everyone who supported our fundraising efforts and helped us to contribute to their important work.
At RK Bell, we're passionate about giving back to our community and supporting causes that make a difference. St. Margaret's Hospice Care is an incredible organisation that helps provide vital support and care for individuals and families affected by life-limiting illnesses.
Once again, thank you to everyone who helped make this such a success. We couldn't have done it without your support!
19 August 2022
We are excited to announce that we have completed our benchmark carbon footprint as a company!
We know that climate change is a pressing issue and we are committed to doing our part in reducing our carbon emissions.
We have already taken various actions to reduce our environmental impact, now that we have our benchmark certificate, we will continue to evaluate our company habits to identify areas where we can reduce our carbon footprint.
We believe that every little step counts and we are committed to taking action towards a more sustainable future.
We will keep you updated on our progress and we are looking forward to a more renewable 2023!
11 November 2022
We are looking for a Plant & Materials Administrator to join our busy Plant & Transport Department. For further infomation and for the full job description please visit our vacancy page.
29 October 2020
We are looking for a SHEQ Manager with a can-do attitude to develop, implement and maintain our Safety, Health, Environment & Quality management systems and to lead and implement new strategies and procedures in the SHEQ department across the business. vacancy page. (Position now filled)
08 October 2020
RK Bell have been trialling the latest innovation from Johnston/Bucher sweepers, 100% electric, Zero Emissions with a charge time of 4-5 hours.
Producing zero tailpipe emissions and low noise makes the V65e ideal for municipal sweeping and with a driving range of 200 km on a single charge means that it operates at less than 1 kWh per kilometre.
https://www.buchermunicipal.com/gb/en/products/sweepers/truck-mounted-sweepers/v65e
25 February 2020
We are looking for a flexible enthusiastic and reliable person to join our busy Plant Department. See the full Job Description on our vacancy page. (Position now filled)
14 November 2019
We have an exciting new External Maintenance Operative role available for a capable and enthusiastic individual to work out on the HPC site. See the full Job Description on our vacancy page. (Position now filled)
30 August 2019
We have an exciting new Plant & Transport Apprenticeship available for a capable and enthusiastic individual to join our busy plant department. See the full Apprenticeship description on our vacancy page. (Position now filled)
04 March 2019
New opportunity for an experienced Yardperson to join our team. For more details head to our vacancy page.
(Position was filled)
28 November 2018
New opportunity for an experienced Civils Supervisor to join the team, view our job-description for required qualifications, working hours and salary details. Go to our vacancy page here.
(Position was filled)
21 September 2018
Our Civil's department is looking for an experienced Estimator to join their team.
More about the vacancy here.
(Position was filled)
11 September 2018
We are hiring - Our Plant department is looking for an experienced 360 Excavator to join the team.
Find the complete job description on our vacancy page here.
(Position was filled)
03 September 2018
Our brand new Health & Safety Policy is now available. Go to our policy page to view.
We would also like to thank BSG for all their support over the years and wish them all the success for the future.
13 August 2018
We have an exciting new Administrator Buyer Apprenticeship for a capable and enthusiastic individual to join our buzzing Surfacing deapartment. See the full Apprenticeship description on our vacancy page.
(Position was filled)
09 August 2018
We are looking for a capable Estimator/Surveyor to join our team. The job will include to work alonside the Somerset Infrastructure Alliance (SIA) and our Civils Team at Hinkley Point C.
See the full job description on our vacancy page.
(Position no longer available)
11 April 2018
Our Civils team is looking for an experienced Operations Manager to support the business through the 10 year Hinkley Point C contract and work as part of the SIA (Somerset Infrastructure Alliance). For full job details go to our vacancy page.
(Position was filled)
16 February 2018
Arrival of brand new Kubota KX080-4 GL Mini Excavators to accompany RK Bell Groups growing plant fleet.
For more information on plant hire click here.
Newly arrived Mini Excavators ready for hire
New Mini Excavators in RK Bell Yard
All machines come equipped with a green seat belt and standard amber beacons
Newly arrived Mini Excavators ready for hire
12 January 2018
We are looking for an Asphalt Paving Gang including Foreman, Roller Driver & Operatives to join our busy Surfacing Department. For full job descriptions & details on how to apply click here.
09 January 2018
We are recruiting for a HGV 2 Road Sweeper Operative to join our busy Plant Department.
For full job descriptions & details on how to apply click here.
(Position was filled.)
28 November 2017
We are recruiting for the following positions:
- Operations Manager
- Quantity Surveyor/Estimator
- SHEQ Manager
For full job descriptions & details on how to apply click here.
(Positions were filled.)
14 November 2017
"The knowledge-gain from working at HPC has been priceless to our business".
MD Nick Bell spoke to the Somerset Chamber of Commerce about our involvement with the Hinkley Point C (HPC) Project and the positive impact this has had so far on the family business. To read the full article click here.
09 November 2017
RK Bell Group present at HPC Site Operations recruitment event in Weston Super Mare today.
Time: 4pm – 7pm
Venue: the Royal Hotel,1 South Parade, Weston super Mare, BS23 1JP
For more information click here.
at Weston- Super-Mare
at Weston- Super-Mare
01 November 2017
As part of RK Bell’s Plant Hire, Transport and Haulage Services we are now offering Road Sweeper Services for the South West of England and Wales.
For more specific information click here.
Side view of VT650 Sweeper
VT650 Sweeper with up to date safety signage
Back view of VT650 Sweeper
Side view of VT650 Sweeper
01 November 2017
New delivery of Volvo FH6x2 Tractor Unit - Low Loader today. We are happy to continue our relationship with Volvo once again. See their press release for more information here.
For more information on our Transport & Haulage services click here.
at Dunwear Depot with new company branding.
(New Low Loader)
at Dunwear Depot with new company branding.
09 October 2017
A fitness session with a difference!
Today we were treated to a spinning class by our proactive and fitness-loving MD Nick Bell.
The session was held by experienced cycling instructor Greg inside the Spin Bus.
The session lasted 40 minutes and was accompanied by some fun beaty tunes
.
For more information on the Spin Bus & spinning sessions click here.
at RK Bell Group
parked up in RK Bell Yard
www.thespinbus.co.uk
at RK Bell Group
30 July 2017
Good News!! Works at The Drove junction in Bridgwater have finished 15 weeks ahead of schedule. As part of the Somerset Infrastructure Alliance (SIA) RK Bell's Civils and Surfacing teams have worked tirelessly alongside NNB/EDF to achieve this goal.
For more information on the project click here.
5 July 2017
The arrival of new machines for RK Bell Plant Fleet:
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Hydraulic Excavator PC210
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3 x 9 Tonne Dumpers
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Tandem Vibrating Roller
For more information on Plant Hire and Transport please click here.
Newly purchased Tandem Roller, 9 tone Dumpers and Hydraulic Excavator PC210
New RK Bell Machine - Hydraulic Excavator PC210
Roller, 9 tone Dumpers and Hydraulic Excavator with new RK Bell plant Logo
Newly purchased Tandem Roller, 9 tone Dumpers and Hydraulic Excavator PC210
3 July 2017
We would like to welcome our new accounts apprentice, Jack, to the team. We wish him every success in his new career
with the RK Bell group. To read more click here.
6 June 2017
Arrival of a brand new Vogele SI803i Paver for the RK Bell Projects Surfacing Team.
For more information on our Surfacing Projects click here.
Brand new Vogele SI803i Paver just arrived from Germany
Brand new Vogele SI803i Paver with RK Bell - Surfacing Logo
Newly arrived Paver in front of RK Bell Groups headquaters
Brand new Vogele SI803i Paver just arrived from Germany
5 June 2017
Nick Bell collaborates with HPC-EDF for the Spring edition of Plugged in 2017.
He expands on RK Bell Group as a business and its role within the Somerset Infrastructure Alliance, which acts as a supply chain for the Hinkley Point C Project.
To view the full Plugged in Spring Edition click here. For more information on the Hinkley Supply Chain please click here.
New Spring Edition for 2017
RK Bell case study
Map of the Drove Scheme in Bridgwater (RK Bell job site)
New Spring Edition for 2017
1 June 2017
We currently have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Commercial Manager to join our team. We are looking for an experienced individual to help grow our current nuclear opportunities. Deadline for applications will be the 21 August 2017.
15 May 2017
RK Bell Projects received a new task order to build the Cannington Park & Ride facility north of the A39 Cannington Southern Bypass. The car park will form a new transport link to Hinkley Point C and works are due to start in the middle of June. The workload will include the formation of 246 Car Parking spaces and 6 Bus parking spaces as well as Motor cyclist spaces and a cycle way.
5 May 2017
Arrival of brand new HAMM HD14VV Roller for the RK Bell Projects Surfacing Team.
For more information on our Surfacing Services click here.
Front view of HAMM HD14VV Roller
HAMM HD14VV Roller in RK Bell Yard
Side view of HAMM HD14VV Roller
Front view of HAMM HD14VV Roller
30 January 2017
Nick Bell meets with Jesse Norman, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Minister for Industry and Energy to discuss Hinkley Point C Project.
23 January 2017
Official kick off date for the first Hinkley Point related works in Bridgwater, Somerset. The Drove Scheme at Wylds Road opposite Riders Motorcycles and Bri-A at Bath Road on the grounds of Bridgwater's old Cellophane factory.
See more about our HPC associated sites here.
23 August 2016
Nick Bell officially signs 10-year contract with EDF Energy for the Hinkley Point C Project (HPC). RK Bell Group will be supplying Plant Hire Services for the HPC site and undertake infrastructure works on associated sites around Hinkley. For more information on how this will impact RK Bell Group in the future, click here.
1 March 2016
Start of Infrastructure works for our Civils Department at Hadspen House near Castle Cary in Somerset. Plans for the project include the development of the grounds and infrastructure over the next 24 months.