Caddick boss retires

Caddick executive chairman Andrew Murray has announced his retirement after a 50-year career and more than two decades with the firm, Construction News can reveal.

Murray joined the contractor in 1999 before becoming managing director in 2007. He was promoted to executive chairman in 2020.

He has spent more than 50 years in the construction sector, having started out as a 15-year-old apprentice bricklayer.

The contractor is not appointing a new executive chairman, with Paul Dodsworth, who joined as managing director in July last year, set to lead the business.

Murray said the decision to step down was made possible “by the incredible team I leave behind”.

“Caddick Construction ended 2022 on a strong note, with exceptional quality, a healthy pipeline of projects and continually growing capabilities,” he added.

In its most recent accounts, for the year to 31 August 2021, Caddick’s revenue increased from £298.6m to £383.6m while its pre-tax profit also grew, by more than 9 per cent to £17.1m.

Dodsworth paid tribute to Murray, saying: “Since my appointment, I have had the privilege of working alongside Andrew effecting a disciplined handover, I have learnt a great deal about the business’s values and the success he has created for Caddick Construction in his 23-year tenure.”

The changes at the top of the firm come as Caddick plans to expand its operating regions and increase its activity, especially in the residential sector.

In his role, Dodsworth is also supporting the growth of Casa by Moda, delivering the construction of Moda Living’s single-family-home brand, alongside other key projects across Yorkshire, the North East and the North West. Developer Moda Living is part of the Caddick Group of companies.