Henry Boot Construction is expanding its presence in the East Midlands under new Managing Director Lee Powell. The company, historically focused on South Yorkshire, is targeting projects in Derby, Nottingham, and Lincolnshire, aiming to capitalise on the region’s student housing demand and industrial growth. Powell also sees opportunities in Teesside and plans to balance the company’s portfolio with more private sector work, shifting from its current 77% reliance on public sector contracts to a 50:50 split.
Powell, who joined from GMI Construction alongside Finance Director James Smith and Commercial Director Chris Weathers, intends to diversify into industrial, logistics, build-to-rent, student accommodation, and urban regeneration projects. He also highlights growing demand for thermal efficiency and building performance consulting.
The construction sector has faced significant challenges, with over 4,000 insolvencies in 2024, but Powell sees opportunities emerging as major contractors exit the market. Henry Boot has secured three prison projects following the collapse of a Tier 1 competitor. While inflation has stabilised, material costs remain volatile, with some declines in steel and reinforcement bar prices but continued increases in insulation and plasterboard.
Powell envisions Henry Boot evolving into a construction consultant, advising developers on cost-effective and efficient building designs. His strategy focuses on value engineering rather than undercutting competitors on price, positioning the company as a long-term partner for clients navigating a changing market.
