FM Conway is a UK-based civil engineering contractor specialising in highways and other infrastructure work. The company became part of the Vinci group in early 2025.

History

FM Conway's surfacing division working on London Bridge

The company was founded in 1961 by Francis Michael Conway. During 1981, Francis' son Michael Conway became the CEO of FM Conway; Michael would retain this role for more than 40 years.[1][2]

In May 1994, it was claimed by trade union officials that FM Conway had illegally reduced its workers' wages to cover theft and damage to plant.[3] During 2000, the company relocated to new headquarters in Dartford, Kent.[4]

During early 2012, FM Conway formed a joint venture with the American infrastructure company Aecom following the two firm's successful shortlisting on a Transport for London highway-centric framework valued at £1.8 billion.[5] Four years later, the firm relocated to a larger headquarters in Sevenoaks; the prior Dartford headquarters was retained and expanded in its role as a logistics hub.[4][6]

During 2016, FM Conway acquired the materials supplier United Asphalt.[7] By this point, the firm operated a network of asphalt and aggregate recycling manufacturing plants that served London and Southern England, as well as two Thames-side wharves (at Erith and Gravesend).[8] A large portion of the company's business was coming from various local authorities and government agencies;[9][10][11] by the mid-2010s, it was reportedly maintaining various roads across half of London's boroughs.[4]

During 2019, the firm reported that, despite rising revenues, its pre-tax profit had fallen from £11.7 million to £3.6 million in its last financial year; this was attributed to a rising cost of sales.[12] In February 2020, FM Conway was suspended from the Prompt Payment Code for failure to pay suppliers on time.[13] Eight months later, following the enactment of process improvements, the firm was reinstated.[14] During late 2021, the company reported that its pre-tax profit over the previous financial year had risen from £12.7 million to £19.4 million, a more than 50 percent rise; the majority of this was due to a £4.7 million settlement regarding a land lease right.[15]

During March 2022, Michael Conway, the firm's chairman, passed away;[1] two months later, his daughter, Joanne Conway, was appointed as chairperson, becoming the third generation of the family to lead FM Conway.[16][17] That same year, the firm was found liable for defective ductwork at Twickenham Stadium.[18]

During May 2023, FM Conway bought Essex-based drainage contractor Flowline out of administration, saving 164 jobs in the process.[19][20] In January 2024, FM Conway replaced an existing road surface in Westminster using 92% recycled materials; this was believed to be the highest level then achieved on a British road.[21][22]

During October 2024, it was announced that the France-based construction company Vinci had agreed terms to purchase FM Conway.[23] This acquisition was completed in early 2025;[24] furthermore, Joanne Conway stepped down as the firm's chair and CEO while Andrew Hansen was appointed managing director.[25]

Notable projects

References

  1. ^ a b Britcher, Chris (20 April 2022). "Funeral takes place of FM Conway chairman and former CEO Michael Conway MBE". KentOnline. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
  2. ^ Garner-Purkis, Zak (4 September 2020). "Ex-Carillion man replaces FM Conway boss after 40-year stint". constructionnews.co.uk.
  3. ^ "26May94 UK: OUTRAGE OVER 5PC PAY DOCK – FM CONWAY". constructionnews.co.uk. 26 May 1994.
  4. ^ a b c Price, Chris (30 June 2016). "FM Conway moving to new headquarters in Sevenoaks". kentonline.co.uk.
  5. ^ Fitzpatrick, Tom (16 March 2012). "FM Conway and Aecom formalise JV to win highways work". constructionnews.co.uk.
  6. ^ "Construction firm FM Conway moving HQ from Dartford to Sevenoaks". Sevenoaks Chronicle. 8 May 2015. Retrieved 15 July 2015.
  7. ^ Pitcher, Greg (5 January 2017). "FM Conway buys second asphalt firm". constructionnews.co.uk.
  8. ^ "Locations". Fmconway.co.uk. Retrieved 20 November 2023.
  9. ^ "FM Conway wins Chelsea highways contract". constructionnews.co.uk. 10 April 2017.
  10. ^ Simpson, Jack (9 July 2018). "FM Conway wins £130m Croydon roads deal". constructionnews.co.uk.
  11. ^ Wadham, Caroline (8 January 2020). "FM Conway wins £98m highways contract". constructionnews.co.uk.
  12. ^ Price, David (20 August 2019). "FM Conway profit slumps as turnover tops £300m". constructionnews.co.uk.
  13. ^ Prior, Grant (12 February 2020). "F M Conway suspended from Prompt Payment Code". Construction Enquirer. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
  14. ^ Garner-Purkis, Zak (13 August 2020). "Prompt payment redemption for Kier Integrated Services and FM Conway". Construction News. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
  15. ^ Thomas-Alexander, Tiya (4 October 2021). "FM Conway reports 50% leap in profit". constructionnews.co.uk.
  16. ^ Thomas-Alexander, Tiya (31 May 2022). "FM Conway names new chair from within the family". constructionnews.co.uk.
  17. ^ Pitcher, Greg (15 November 2023). "FM Conway names founder's granddaughter as new chief exec". Construction News. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
  18. ^ Kennedy, Catherine (4 May 2022). "Judge rules FM Conway is liable for defective Twickenham work". constructionnews.co.uk.
  19. ^ Prior, Grant (9 May 2023). "FM Conway buys Flowline from administrators". Construction Enquirer. Retrieved 9 May 2023.
  20. ^ Picton, Catrin (9 May 2023). "FM Conway snaps up 164-person specialist contractor". constructionnews.co.uk.
  21. ^ Browne, Dominic (10 January 2024). "FM Conway hits 92% recycled materials record". Highways. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
  22. ^ "Circular construction is challenging the idea that recycled products are lesser". constructionnews.co.uk. 14 August 2024.
  23. ^ "Vinci announces purchase of FM Conway". New Civil Engineer. 30 October 2024.
  24. ^ "VINCI Construction swoops for FM Conway". Construction Enquirer. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
  25. ^ "FM Conway family chair steps away from business after Vinci deal". Construction Enquirer. 3 February 2025. Retrieved 3 February 2025.
  26. ^ Wood, Craig (20 June 2014). "Listed Dover train station gets cruise terminal upgrade". constructionnews.co.uk.
  27. ^ Folla, Annaca (12 January 2015). "FM Conway restores listed Putney Bridge to former glory". constructionnews.co.uk.
  28. ^ "Winning streak for FM Conway with Maidstone United FC". FM Conway. December 2016.
  29. ^ Dale, Sarah (25 October 2023). "Catch net installed to soffit of Millennium Bridge to facilitate planned maintenance work". Infrastructure Intelligence. Retrieved 26 October 2023.
  30. ^ Smith, Matt (15 January 2016). "FM Conway gives Millennium Bridge a makeover". Construction News. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
  31. ^ "City of London Corporation appoints contractor for multi-million-pound refurbishment of Blackfriars Bridge". City of London Corporation. 17 June 2021. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
  32. ^ "Conway team to start Hammersmith Bridge stabilisation this month". The Construction Index. 14 February 2022. Retrieved 14 February 2022.

Media related to FM Conway at Wikimedia Commons

Allikas: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FM_Conway
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