First job on the April list — a complete tarmac driveway transformation in Hethersett, Norwich and a tar and shingle shared drive in Mutford, Suffolk.

This project involved a full driveway excavation and ground preparation, creating a strong, durable foundation designed to stand the test of time. We excavated the existing area before installing a 150mm concrete base, followed by a thoroughly compacted Type 1 MOT sub-base to provide excellent stability and load-bearing performance.

The driveway was then framed with charcoal brick edging, giving the finished installation a crisp, contemporary border and a sharp, defined appearance. To improve surface water management and drainage, we installed a galvanised steel ACO channel drain, carefully connected into the existing drainage system to help prevent water pooling around the front entrance. For the final surface, we applied a premium Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA), finished with a distinctive pre-coated Ruby Red fleck. The result is a hard-wearing, low-maintenance driveway with a premium textured finish that adds real kerb appeal to the property.

One of our most popular surfaces is tar and golden shingle! We carried out a 400m2 job with a double layer tar and shingle to three adjoining driveways on a new build site in Mutford, Suffolk. We started at 8am and were finished by 11am, this is where the right equipment and great team work comes in to play. We started with a base coat of K170 tar & pea shingle then 2 liters every per square meter of thick tar followed by a second coat of 10 mm golden pea shingle, this is regulated and rolled with a rubber roller. The pictures below speak for themselves as to how smart this job look.

Another big fencing project completed in Martham.

We began by removing a substantial amount of rotten and failing timber fencing, clearing the existing boundary and preparing the site for a complete replacement. The new installation features 1,950mm high vertical close board fencing, providing excellent privacy, security and durability.

Each section was constructed using heavy-duty 9ft concrete fence posts, combined with 6-inch reinforced concrete gravel boards to create a robust and long-lasting foundation. The concrete components provide excellent resistance to ground moisture, impact and the demanding conditions of a working farm yard.

This was all about building a proper, solid fence designed to last — not just replacing old panels, but creating a secure and dependable boundary capable of handling everyday agricultural use. The finished fencing has transformed the yard, improving security, safety, privacy and overall appearance, while providing the customer with a durable boundary built to withstand the elements and the demands of a working farm.

A complete garden and driveway transformation in Brampton, Suffolk.

The garden was transformed with an extensive new lawn, beginning with fresh, quality topsoil to create the ideal growing base before laying premium rolled lawn turf. The result is a lush, clean and instantly finished lawn that dramatically improves the overall kerb appeal. A new Rippon Indian sandstone pathway was installed to create a striking, natural-looking route to the front entrance and continue down the side of the property. The sandstone slabs were finished with Carbon Easy Joint, providing a neat, durable and low-maintenance jointing finish. To complement the pathway, we constructed clad steps, adding both practicality and a smart contemporary finish.

For added safety and security, a post and stock wire fence was installed along the pathway, complete with a custom-built picket gate. This provides a secure enclosed area while helping keep the children safely within the garden and away from the driveway. The project also extended to the driveways at both this property and the neighboring property. Both driveways were levelled, shaped and thoroughly compacted, creating a solid, even base ready for the new surface. We then installed K170 tar dressing, finished with our distinctive Golden Shingle, creating a fresh, durable and highly attractive surface with excellent kerb appeal. The warm golden aggregate gives the driveways a premium finish while providing a practical, hard-wearing surface designed to cope with everyday use.

From landscaping and turfing to Indian sandstone paving, fencing, bespoke gates and tar & shingle surfacing, this was a full exterior transformation that has completely refreshed the properties and created a smart, practical and family-friendly finish.

A major commercial entrance and highway improvement project completed in Tivitshall.

The project began with extensive ground preparation and drainage works, including the installation of a twin-wall drainage pipe along the existing roadside ditch. The entrance area was then excavated, levelled and shaped, with the required radiuses formed on both sides to create a smooth, practical access point for commercial vehicles. A heavy-duty ACO drainage channel was installed along the edge of the highway to efficiently collect and control surface water, helping prevent standing water and protecting the new entrance and surrounding roadway.

The straight kerbs, drop kerbs and rear kerb run were installed onto a lean-mix concrete foundation, creating a strong, accurately formed edge to the new access. On both sides of the entrance, we constructed sandbag retaining walls, allowing the areas to be finished and landscaped with soil at a later stage. The entrance was then brought up to level using a substantial Type 1 granite sub-base, thoroughly compacted to provide a stable and load-bearing foundation. Given the heavy commercial use of the site, a reinforced concrete slab was incorporated to withstand the considerable weight and repeated loading from HGVs and lorries.

The following stage involved tying the new entrance into the existing highway correctly and professionally. We cut a stepped keyway edge into the existing road surface, creating a proper bond between the new and existing construction and helping prevent future movement or failure at the joint.

The asphalt construction consisted of a 90mm AC32 base layer, followed by 60mm AC20, with the final surface course carefully laid and tightly rolled and compacted to achieve a strong, even and durable finish.

To complete the highway connection, a hot bitumen joint was applied around the entire perimeter, sealing the interface between the new asphalt and existing highway and providing a clean, durable edge.

Another challenging commercial landscaping project completed at Diss Ironworks in Suffolk.

This project certainly came with its challenges. The site was extremely restricted, with all materials, paving and fencing needing to be transported through a narrow alleyway with very limited access. As the work was taking place in a public-facing area, we also arranged the necessary parking permits and pedestrian path management, ensuring the works could be completed safely while maintaining public access and keeping health and safety at the forefront throughout the project.

The first major task was the removal of approximately 15 tonnes of existing concrete. With no room for machinery to remove the material directly, the entire excavation was broken out, loaded into wheelbarrows and manually transported to the waiting lorries for removal from site. A serious amount of hard graft from the team! Once excavated, the area was brought back up to level using Type 1 MOT, which was thoroughly levelled and compacted to create a solid, stable foundation for the new landscaping.

The finished paving was constructed using large-format 600 x 900mm porcelain paving, laid in a stretcher bond pattern to maximise the sense of space and give the area a clean, contemporary appearance. The paving was complemented by natural limestone steps, finished with bullnose edging for a smart, durable detail. We also carefully incorporated two recessed inspection covers, keeping essential access points discreet while maintaining a seamless finish.

For privacy and screening, we installed 44mm x 18mm cedar cladding, with privacy screening behind, extending around all four sides of the garden area and continuing across the rear wall of the shop. The natural cedar provides a warm, premium finish while completely transforming what was previously a difficult and enclosed space.

The finished result is a modern, professional commercial garden space that has made the most of a challenging footprint and now provides Diss Ironworks with an impressive outdoor area to display and showcase their products.

While completing this project and continuing to keep our other sites moving, we were also investing in the most important part of the business — our team.

Throughout the month, all of our workers completed their CSCS Green Card certification, strengthening our workforce and ensuring everyone continues to meet the required standards for working safely and professionally on construction sites. Keeping our workforce trained and qualified means we can continue operating our sites to the high standards our customers expect, while maintaining a strong focus on competence, safety, quality workmanship and professional site management.

Take a look at the videos on Facebook to see the project from start to finish.