Joint founder, Andy Metcalfe, announces his retirement
Andy Metcalfe, previously owner and executive director of regional building contractor, Speller Metcalfe, has announced his retirement.
Andy founded the family business in 1995 with joint-owner, Steve Speller, who retired in 2022. Both had a desire to ‘do things better’ following their own mixed experiences as quantity surveyors.
Initially setting up in Steve’s garage, Andy supported the company for the first six months with an income, before joining the company full-time later that year.
Over the last three decades, Speller Metcalfe has gone on to become an incredibly successful regional contractor, with close to 250 staff and an annual turnover of £150 million.
They regularly compete with industry household names and have delivered both UK construction and world-firsts during Andy’s tenure.
Highlights include the highest rated BREEAM project in the world – an internationally recognised standard of sustainable building – and twice being named national Contractor of the Year, firstly at the Construction News awards in 2015, followed by the Building Awards two years later.
Both awards are considered the ‘cream of the construction industry’, and saw Speller Metcalfe beat off the team who built London’s Shard in the same year.
Andy has also been particularly passionate about the company’s work with charity National Star, the revitalisation of the award-winning Cheltenham Everyman Theatre, the spectacular Westonbirt Arboretum Treetop Walkway and the numerous projects completed under four iterations of the Gloucestershire County Council Framework.
Following Steve’s retirement, son James Speller was named as Managing Director in 2022, who is supported by his brother Adrian, Technical Director, and the wider Board of Directors.
James said of Andy: “Andy is not just a founder, but a friend for so many staff. He has not only guided the company, but many of us who work here – myself included as I took on the role of Managing Director a few years ago.
“Andy has also been instrumental in creating our vision and ethos, shaping Speller Metcalfe into the people-first, forward-thinking business we are recognised as today. While he will be missed by many, we are delighted that he can realise his retirement ambitions with the confidence that he is leaving the company in the good hands of our staff and great shape for the future.”
In conjunction with Andy’s retirement, the Speller family has acquired his shares, ensuring the company’s future remains secure within the family.
Technical Director, Adrian Speller added: “Our key aim is for Speller Metcalfe to continue its long-standing commitment to constructing excellence – externally, in partnership with our clients, consultants, and suppliers – and internally, supporting our staff by fostering an environment that encourages growth and workplace fulfilment.
“It was very much Andy and Steve who defined this ethos from day one, and we are absolutely committed to continuing it as part of their legacy.”
Andy Metcalfe will officially retire at the end of this month.
