Aardvark Concrete to target utility and government-funded sectors
From the Crains Manchester Business, March 10th,
2009
Stockport-based Aardvark Concrete is looking to grow its corporate division by 30 per cent within the next 12 months by targeting the utility and government-funded sectors.
The company, which supplies and distributes concrete and aggregate material to large and small-scale construction projects, wants to increase its activity in motorway, utility, local government and sewerage repair work.
Aardvark has also secured the sole UK distribution rights to specialist material placing vehicle, the BayLynx MultiCat Spreader.
Dubbed the “Stonespreader”, it can unload and spread up to 18 tonnes of material, reaching up to 30 metres from the rear of the truck. Each truck is worth £180,000.
Mick Duignan, general manager at Aardvark Concrete, said: “The corporate construction market has become a lucrative revenue stream for the company in recent, months and we’re confident the corporate division will grow significantly by the end of 2009.
“The addition of the Stonespreader has enabled us to tender for complex and large-scale projects across a broad range of sectors.”
Aardvark intends to extend distribution of the new vehicle to mainland Europe in early 2010.
Aardvark set on £1m target From the Manchester Evening News, March 10th,
2009
STOCKPORT-based Aardvark Concrete is hoping to add £1m to its turnover over the next year by moving into the utility and government-funded sectors.
The company - which supplies and distributes concrete and aggregate material to construction projects - wants to develop its capabilities in motorway, utility, local government and sewerage work.
Aardvark, which had a turnover of £3m last year, has also been able to move into the sector after a `six-figure' investment in specialist equipment called a Bay-Lynx Multicat spreader. This enables it to unload and spread up to 18 tons of stone, topsoil or sand within minutes.
Aardvark, which has 16 staff, previously specialised in providing concrete to the construction industry.
Mick Duignan, general manager at Aardvark Concrete, said that it hopes to increase turnover by 30 per cent on the back of its investment
He said: "The corporate construction market has become a lucrative revenue stream. We're confident the corporate division will grow significantly by the end of 2009."
Aardvark to sell the Multicat Spreader in Britain From Buildingtalk, December 10th,
2008
Aardvark Concrete has clinched sole distribution rights in the UK and Ireland for the Multicat Spreader vehicle.
The Multicat, which is worth about GBP165,000, can unload and spread up to 20 tonnes of material in minutes and can spread material up to 30 metres from the rear of the truck.
It can deposit material such as stone, topsoil and sand in difficult to reach sites, eliminating double handling.
Aardvark intends to extend distribution to mainland Europe in early 2009.
It expects turnover to increase to GBP15m in the next five years as a result of the licensing agreement.
Volumetric concrete takes
to the roads From
Construction News, ROAD & BRIDGES section,,
September 25th, 2008
The
civil engineering landscape is beginning to shift
as volumetric concrete suppliers take a greater
share of out-of-hours motorway maintenance work.
more ...
Aardvark cements place
on Coronation Street From
Buildingtalk, September 14th 2008
Aardvark
Concrete has cemented a place in the UK's longest-running
television soap opera, Coronation Street, by laying
the foundations for the show's newly designed
bookmakers.
The Stockport-based concrete specialist is part
of a construction team responsible for building
a new life-sized bookies on 'The Street', which
has become a television institution since it was
first broadcast in 1960.
Aardvark will provide concrete from its fleet
of volumetric trucks for the bookmakers' floor
in preparation for the arrival of a new 'alpha
male' character, who is set to take over the bookies.
The celebrity construction job, which is in collaboration
with contractor 621 , is the second project the
company has carried out on the hallowed cobbles.
Aardvark was part of the team, which built a set
for the dramatic car crash scene involving Dev's
obsessive ex-girlfriend Maya, who sensationally
drove her sports car into a concrete pillar created
by the company.
Mick Duigan, general manager of Aardvark, said:
"We provide ready-mixed concrete throughout
Greater Manchester to trade contractors carrying
out small to medium sized projects, and to consumers
for DIY projects, but this certainly has to be
one of the most high-profile jobs we've ever carried
out.
"Our bespoke specialty mix of concrete is
proven to set in only two hours, so it means the
product is ideal for projects such as this where
everything needs to be completed in such a tight
timeframe.
Our mobile batching plant can also be on stand-by
throughout the job to mix concrete in exactly
the required quantities, precisely when it is
needed".
He added: "It'll be an honour for the company
to know that future generations of Coronation
Street characters will be walking on Aardvark-laid
concrete to place their bets!"
Aardvark pioneers anti-flood
concrete From
the Manchester Evening News, August 5th, 2008
STOCKPORT-based
Aardvark Concrete has pioneered a product which
allows rainwater to pass into the surrounding
ground and prevent flooding.
The new `pervious concrete' supports impending
government legislation which will require homeowners
to make better use of water through improved technology
and efficiency.
Mick Duignan, Aardvark Concrete general manager,
said: "Pervious concrete is a durable and
environmentally-sound product that ticks all the
green boxes.
"In order to reduce the risks from surface
water and decrease the amount of water running
into our drains, house builders and homeowners
will, in future, be required to get planning permission
for paving over gardens unless porous material
is used."
Aardvark Concrete had a turnover of £1.5m
to the end of last year.
AARDVARK CONCRETE IN
UNIQUE ECO PUSH From
What's New in Building, July 27th 2008
Aardvark Concrete –
the North West’s leading concrete specialist
– is set to become the first UK supplier
to pioneer an environmentally-friendly product
in a bid to help tackle the increasing risk of
flooding.
The company is offering household customers
what’s known as pervious concrete –
a porous material that allows rainwater to pass
directly through the concrete and into the surrounding
ground. It follows a series of trials carried
out on the eco-friendly product in recent months.
Aardvark Concrete is understood to be the only
concrete supplier in the country to be offering
the product through its newly launched division,
Aardvark Driveways.
The company – which specialises in providing
ready-mixed concrete to trade contractors and
consumers – intends to roll out the product
to commercial customers and property developers
later in the year.
Pervious concrete is widely used in the USA due
to its unique cement-based structure. It’s
proven to drain water through it at a rate of
eight to 12 gallons per minute, per square foot.
As a result, the material has been nicknamed “the
pavement that drinks water”.
Mick Duignan, general manager of Aardvark Concrete,
commented: “Pervious concrete is a durable
and environmentally sound product that ticks all
the green boxes. It’s been used in the USA
for the last 50 years. But, with climate change
becoming a headline problem there’s no better
time for this material to be introduced on a country-wide
scale in the UK.”
The introduction of pervious concrete into its
product range places Aardvark firmly in line with
impending legislation set out by the Department
for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
Under the government’s Water Strategy 2008,
homeowners will be required to make better use
of water through improved technology and water-efficient
products.
Duignan said: “In order to reduce the risks
from surface water and decrease the amount of
water running into our drains, house builders
and homeowners will, in future, be required to
get planning permission for paving over gardens
unless porous material is used.”
He added: “Research shows that rainwater
runoff can send as much as 90% of pollutants –
such as oil and other chemicals – directly
into our drainage systems. By using pervious concrete,
those chemicals are naturally filtered out, allowing
clean rainwater to be soaked back into the soil
where it belongs.”
Top five benefits of using pervious concrete:
• Reduces rainwater runoff
• Replenishes water tables and aquifers
• Allows for more efficient land development
• Minimises standing water
• Prevents polluted water from entering
the drainage system and streams.
Homeowners pave way for
legislative change From
Buildingtalk, July 22nd 2008
Aardvark
Concrete note that the number of householders
opting to re-do their driveway has increased significantly
following the launch of the government's Water
Strategy 2008.
More homeowners are smartening up their driveways
than ever before, in a bid to beat impending planning
legislation due out later this year Aardvark Concrete
- the Stockport-based concrete supply specialist
- said business at its new household division
Aardvark Driveways had surged since the Department
for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)
set out new rules in February 2008
Under the government's strategy, homeowners will
be required to make better use of water through
improved technology and water-efficient products.
The legislation includes changes to householders'
permitted development rights in relation to paving
over front gardens.
In future, householders will need to obtain planning
permission to pave over their front gardens unless
the surface is porous.
This means using substances such as gravel or
permeable paving.
Mick Duignan, office manager of Aardvark Concrete,
said the household division - based at Woodford
Garden Centre - has seen turnover grow by nearly
35% in just three months as householders rush
to complete work before the changes come into
force.
He commented: "We've seen a flood of customers
since the government announced its Water Strategy
earlier this year".
"The new planning rules are set to have a
significant impact on those homeowners looking
to develop their front gardens using non-porous
materials - this has fuelled a sudden upsurge
in enquiries and contracts".
Duignan continued: "We've experienced a huge
amount of success since launching Aardvark Driveways
in January 2008".
"Custom-made driveways, patios and paths
are proving extremely popular and our highly experienced
team has been in great demand as people rush to
beat the deadline".
Last month, Aardvark Concrete launched a new product
in line with the government's impending legislation,
pervious concrete.
The environmentally friendly product is a porous
material that allows rainwater to pass directly
through the concrete and into the surrounding
ground.
Aardvark Concrete is understood to be the only
concrete supplier in the country to be offering
the product.
Aardvark gobbles up Cheshire
rival ... From
Manchester Evening News , 12 May 2008
Aardvark
Concrete expects to increase annual revenues to
more than £3m after buying a rival. Aardvark
has bought a division of Cheshire Concrete Products,
based in Middlewich, Cheshire, which will give
them a presence in areas such as Chester, Frodsham
and Stoke on Trent.
Working with concrete
can be hazardous... From
Build IT, February 2008
Aardvark Concrete feature in
an article by John Kilroe, Managing Director of
Aardvark, about working safely with concrete,
which has appeared in "Build IT" –
February Issue.
Top technology gives
Aardvark Concrete results From
Buildingtalk, October 22nd 2007
Aardvark
Concrete continues to cement its reputation as
the leading volumetric concrete specialist in
the North West by profiting from significant investment
in state-of-the-art technology.
As well as boasting the largest fleet of high
specification volumetric trucks in the region,
the company's investment in a GBP35,000 satellite
navigation system has made Aardvark one of the
fastest growing concrete suppliers in the area.
Aardvark introduced the 'Navman' satellite navigation
system 18 months ago, and the benefits for the
company and its customers have been manifest.
Mick Duignan, general manager at Aardvark Concrete,
said: 'Investment in the satellite navigation
system has enhanced every part of the business'.
'If a customer calls to enquire where their
concrete order is, we can now provide precise
information on the driver's whereabouts and time
of arrival rather than giving a vague estimation'.
The system is activated once the ignition is turned
on in the truck. This enables Aardvark management
to monitor the truck's route and speed, allowing
for the most time efficient and cost effective
routes to be suggested, even while the driver
is en route to a client. This means that the company
can honour its pledge to deliver within a half-hour
window. It also keeps track of when the machinery
is in use and therefore when a driver has completed
a job. The Aardvark office can track the progress
of each project, ensuring a seamless, highly efficient
operation.
John Kilroe, managing director
of Aardvark Concrete, added: 'The system allows
us to send a new order via email to the driver
complete with job description and route'. 'This
has resulted in a sharp increase in sales due
to our speedy responses to customer enquiries'.
The satellite navigation system
has not only increased the company's productivity
and improved sales; it has saved Aardvark time
and money on telephone calls and petrol, as well
as benefiting the environment.
John continued: 'The volumetric trucks do about
six or seven miles to the gallon, so every mile
driven out of the way is money spent on wasted
petrol, not to mention damage to the environment'.
'Now we couldn't live without
the system.' Aardvark is the only volumetric concrete
supplier using the system for everyday operations.
Mick said: 'A lot of companies
invest in the system, because they recognise that
it is a good idea in principle'.
'However, most only use it for
emergencies'. 'We use it as standard and, as a
result, the service we offer has improved considerably'.
The company intends to
capitalise on unprecedented growth in the last
18 months by expanding its fleet further next
year, growing its team and diversifying its range
of services.
The Growth of Mobile
Concrete Dispensers From
Concrete, October 2007
Aardvark Concrete feature in
an article by John Kilroe, Managing Director of
Aardvark, about in the growth of mobile concrete
dispensers, which has appeared in "CONCRETE"
– October Issue.
Aardvark goes into top
gear for motorway contracts From
Buildingtalk, July 11th 2007
Following
highly successful initial supply contract for
repairs to Manchester's M60 motorway, Aardvark
Concrete has become an overnight success for civil
engineering projects in the North West
Aardvark's newly expanded fleet of high specification
volumetric trucks, now the largest in the region,
has given it the ability to supply fresh, fast-setting
concrete mixed to order, on-site. This makes it
ideal for fast turnaround repair work to transport
networks and local contractors have been quick
to catch on.
Aardvark's technical consultant
formulated a particularly strong P400 concrete
mix with accelerator which reached a high strength
extremely quickly.
The mobile batching plant was
on stand-by throughout the job to mix the concrete
in exactly the required quantities, precisely
when it was needed.
Following its initial motorway
contract for A E Yates LTD it has become the preferred
supplier for an increasing number of contractors
working on overnight motorway barrier repair contracts.
In a matter of weeks Aardvark
has worked on all of the major motorways in the
area including the M60, M6, M56, M58.
Dale Dixon, site manager for
A.E.Yates, (the civils contractor undertaking
the project) said, 'When working on projects with
a fast turnaround like this one, we need a high
level of efficiency from our suppliers'.
'We can be repairing small or
large sections of motorway and need the materials
on site and to order, as often it's difficult
to specify in advance exactly how much concrete
we'll need for a job'.
''Aardvark was able to mix exactly
what we needed on site, so there wasn't any wastage
or waiting around for us'.
John Kilroe, managing director
of Aardvark, said: 'Many contractors still haven't
bought into the benefits of volumetric concrete
yet, but it offers fantastic flexibility and efficiency
on-site.
Our expanded fleet means that
we can offer volumetric concrete in larger quantities
and can work on a number of different motorway
sections simultaneously'.
''Now that some local contractors
have seen for themselves how efficient volumetric
concrete is and how accurate the mixing process
is, they are much keener to use it again'.
'We're confidently expecting
to double turnover over the next 12 months and
extend our reach to cover the entire region.'
AARDVARK Cements its
place in 'The Street' From
What's New in Building, September 12th 2007
Aardvark Concrete has cemented
a place in the UK’s longest-running television
soap opera, Coronation Street, by laying the foundations
for the show’s newly designed bookmakers.
The Stockport-based concrete
specialist is part of a construction team responsible
for building a new life-sized bookies on ‘The
Street’, which has become a television institution
since it was first broadcast in 1960.
Aardvark will provide concrete
from its fleet of volumetric trucks for the bookmakers’
floor in preparation for the arrival of a new
‘alpha male’ character, who is set
to take over the bookies.
The celebrity construction job,
which is in collaboration with contractor 621
Ltd, is the second project the company has carried
out on the hallowed cobbles.
Aardvark was part of the team,
which built a set for the dramatic car crash scene
involving Dev’s obsessive ex-girlfriend
Maya, who sensationally drove her sports car into
a concrete pillar created by the company.
Mick Duigan, general manager
of Aardvark, said: “We provide ready-mixed
concrete throughout Greater Manchester to trade
contractors carrying out small to medium sized
projects, and to consumers for DIY projects, but
this certainly has to be one of the most high-profile
jobs we’ve ever carried out.
“Our bespoke specialty
mix of concrete is proven to set in only two hours,
so it means the product is ideal for projects
such as this where everything needs to be completed
in such a tight timeframe. Our mobile batching
plant can also be on stand-by throughout the job
to mix concrete in exactly the required quantities,
precisely when it is needed.”
He added: “It’ll
be an honour for the company to know that future
generations of Coronation Street characters will
be walking on Aardvark-laid concrete to place
their bets!”
Concrete Feature From
North West Business Insider, July 2007
An
article in the North West Business Insider –
July Issue, to highlight Stockport Boroughs continued
push to build on it’s already achieved success
in areas such as education, employment and development,
featured Aardvark Concrete as a business at the
forefront of growth and opportunity in the Stockport
area.
Aardvark sets an example for local small business,
by seizing opportunities following recent resurfacing
works on the M60, and legislation on smoking.
Please click
here to
read the article (apologies for the start of the
article being missing)
Fired up profit From
Construction News, Thursday, July 5th, 2007
A
north-west concrete supplier saw it’s turnover
jump a quarter in June as pubs and restaurants
scrambled to meet the smoking ban, which came
into force last Sunday.
Stockport firm Aardvark Concrete sold £150,000
worth of concrete bases for smoking shelters last
month. It expects the boom to continue for the
next few months.
AARDVARK on the Airwaves
Aardvark
Concretes expertise as a specialist volumetric
concrete supplier was required by BBC Manchester
95.1 FM for a discussion of the smoking ban on
Friday 29th June.
Mick
Duignan, Aardvarks Manager, was invited as a special
guest to the studio of Eamonn O’Neal and
Diane Oxberry, at BBC Manchester during their
popular weekday morning show to explain how Aardvark
is helping businesses prepare for the ban.
Mick took the opportunity to
discuss topics ranging from the difference between
volumetric concrete supply as opposed to traditional
drum mix deliveries, to the varying reactions
of customers and businesses and how they think
the ban will affect them. He was also able to
speak specifically of the impact on Aardvark Concrete.
Aardvark has experienced a large
increase in volume of deliveries throughout June
due to orders from pubs, offices, restaurants
etc. Mick explained Aardvarks role in not only
providing concrete for the bases but also advising
on the design, site and planning of smoking shelters,
based on factors such as noise pollution, litter
prevention, and flow of traffic through entrance
and exits.
Aardvark is perfectly placed
for this type of job, as a volumetric concrete
supplier, giving businesses peace of mind that
they will only pay for the concrete they use,
and our unique way of delivering cuts out any
concrete waste helping to keep us all green and
environmentally friendly at the same time.
Aardvark expects to be
helping businesses comply with the ban throughout
the next 12 to 18 months providing concrete and
advice where it’s needed.
Aardvark cements relationship
with Christie’s on the radio
Following
Aardvark Concretes recent announcement to support
Christie’s Hospital by branding one of their
new state of the art trucks with the Christie’s
logo, and donating money to the charity each time
the truck makes a delivery, Aardvark has been
given the opportunity of further promoting this
new relationship and the wonderful work done at
Christie’s with a radio interview on Pure
107.8FM.
The interview, conducted by DJ Pete Liggins was
broadcast on the radio station several times on
Friday 22nd June and gave John Kilroe (Managing
Director) and Mick Duignan (Manager) the opportunity
to further explain their idea behind the branding
and explain a little bit about Christie’s
and how the money raised from the truck can really
help Christie’s patients.
“Aardvark paves
the way for Smoking Ban” From
the Manchester Evening News, Tuesday, June 26th,
2007
Aardvark
Concrete, has been making a packet helping businesses
to create designated outdoor smoking areas in
time for the forthcoming ban on July 1st.
With the deadline looming, Aardvark,
has been helping pubs, restaurants, and offices
right across Greater Manchester to pave outdoor
areas and stub out smoking in enclosed spaces,
providing ready-made concrete to order.
“We specialise
in volumetric concrete which is mixed by trucks
on location in whatever quantity is needed, as
opposed to getting it mixed at a depot and transported
to the site, so it’s absolutely perfect
for this kind of job.
“We’ve been inundated
with requests from companies right across Greater
Manchester, from Oldham to Wilmslow, to create
areas to act as new smoking areas in time for
the ban.
“Businesses need to be
aware that they can be fined not only for letting
people smoke in enclosed public spaces, but also
for not having adequate signage to alert people
to where they can and can’t smoke.
“Designated outdoor smoking
areas, although not necessary, are useful because
they reduce the potential for outdoor litter problems,
as smoking areas can be easily cleaned. If located
well, they can also reduce noise problems for
neighbouring businesses or residential areas.”
“Increase In Fleet”
From
the Stockport Express, Wednesday, June 20th, 2007
STOCKPORT-based
Aardvark Concrete has cemented its growth by increasing
its fleet of high specification volumetric trucks,
now worth almost £1 million.
The addition of a new truck, bringing the total
number to six, makes the Aardvark fleet the largest
in the North West. The investment coincides with
the company being awarded ISO 9001 – making
it the first company of its size in the region
to attain the accreditation.
The news follows a sustained expansion programme,
which has seen the company invest £35,000
in a state-of-the-art satellite navigation and
communications system for its fleet. The company,
unusually for the industry, pledges to deliver
within a half hour window. It also allows Aardvark’s
management team to track the progress of each
job, ensuring a seamless, highly efficient operation.
John Kilroe, managing director at Aardvark said:
“With an expanded fleet, ISO 9001 accreditation,
and increased capacity, we’re now perfectly
placed to offer major contractors an outstanding
service – whatever the requirement. We’re
confidently expecting to double turnover over
the next 12 months and extend our reach to cover
the entire region.”
Launched four years ago, the company currently
employs a team of 16 and is planning to boost
its staff to 40 by the end of the year.”
AARDVARK steps up a gear
for Charity
Aardvark
Concrete has cemented a long-term relationship
with Christie’s Hospital with a novel fund-raising
idea involving the company’s new truck.
We’ve nominated and branded
one of our new state-of-the-art trucks to help
Christie’s by donating money to the charity
every time the truck makes a delivery.
Rather than making a one-off donation, we decided
we would give a percentage of the profits raised
by the truck to the hospital’s Young Oncology
Unit which provides care for teenagers and young
adults (up to 24 years of age) from all over the
North West.
”The way in which we supply
concrete means that the truck is on the road delivering
concrete most of the day - so we thought that
it would be a great way to raise awareness.”
“Since we’ve had
the truck branded with the Christie’s logo,
many people have told us about their own stories
of how friends or family have been helped by the
hospital. It’s made us even more determined
to continue raising funds and supporting the invaluable
work that goes on at Christie’s.
“The truck is now ready
for action and we’re hoping to keep it busy,
racing around the region and raising money. We
urge anyone who spots our truck to get involved
and log onto the Christie’s website www.christies.org
to become a regular supporter.”
Toni Leden, director of
appeals at Christie’s commented, “We
think this is a fantastic idea, not just for raising
money, but also for promoting the charity. Aardvark’s
big blue truck has our logo emblazoned all over
it, which will certainly catch people’s
attention whilst it’s driving around Manchester.”
Quality award for AARDVARK
Following
an assessment by an independent body, Aardvark
Concrete has been awarded ISO 9001 certification.
This certification has only been achieved by about
5% of UK businesses and this prestigious award
is supported by the government and recognised
worldwide.
We are proud of the service
we offer our clients and the way in which we conduct
our business, investing in people and training
that enables Aardvark to provide an efficient
service to their customers, and with the award
of the ISO 9001 certification, outside experts
have confirmed this.
Please click
here to view
our ISO 9001 Certificate
Stockport-based Aardvark Concrete is looking to grow its corporate division by 30 per cent within the next 12 months by targeting the utility and government-funded sectors.
STOCKPORT-based Aardvark Concrete is hoping to add £1m to its turnover over the next year by moving into the utility and government-funded sectors.
Now here's a story that Biglorryblog thinks should appeal to the 'Keeper of the Flame'. A 'stone-slinger' ... and on a Volvo! 
Aardvark Concrete has clinched sole distribution rights in the UK and Ireland for the Multicat Spreader vehicle. 
There's
nowhere to hide from the credit crunch - whatever
your size, whatever your business. 
An
article in the North West Business Insider –
July Issue, to highlight Stockport Boroughs continued
push to build on it’s already achieved success
in areas such as education, employment and development,
featured Aardvark Concrete as a business at the
forefront of growth and opportunity in the Stockport
area.
Mick
Duignan, Aardvarks Manager, was invited as a special
guest to the studio of Eamonn O’Neal and
Diane Oxberry, at BBC Manchester during their
popular weekday morning show to explain how Aardvark
is helping businesses prepare for the ban. 
STOCKPORT-based
Aardvark Concrete has cemented its growth by increasing
its fleet of high specification volumetric trucks,
now worth almost £1 million.
