SPRINGFIELD Properties are investing heavily in young apprentice skills despite recent industry worries about the economy and recession fears.

No one would argue with the idea of starting young and developing skills to build an industrial backbone – a fundamental rule in any business and one that Springfield subscribe to in a big way.

They currently have 15 apprentices on their books covering a wide range of disciplines and are continuing to develop core skills training because they are so important to the future of the company.

The Springfield philosophy is to promote from within so today’s apprentices could be tomorrow’s managers.

Whether apprentices decide to continue to practice their core skills throughout their career or move up the ladder into managerial positions, Springfield are providing the building blocks to be developed.

Eight apprentices have been taken on in the last year bringing the latest count to one quantity surveyor, nine joiners, one painter, three bricklayers and a taper.

Springfield plan to grow their apprenticeship schemes as their workload increases – a positive vote for both the future of Springfield and Moray.

Construction director Brian Hadden is responsible for appointing apprentices and started his own career as an apprentice bricklayer. He is a perfect example of how important apprentices are to the business and how they can advance.

"Apprentices are our future," he says. "They are the core of the business and it’s important that we invest in them. We see them as a valuable staff asset and put them through college so they can gain their City & Guilds qualifications."

Four apprentices currently work at Springfield’s Waulkmill site where the assistant site manager, former apprentice joiner Craig Grigor, says they are an important cog in the machine.

"The lads are very reliable and learn a lot from working with our more experienced tradesmen," he says. "Having apprentices is a perfect way of passing down skills."

Third year Bishopmill joiner apprentice Andrew Wilson is 18 and loves his job.

"I was lucky to get in before the recession and have never looked back," he says. "I enjoy every day, even when it gets tough and you have to work in the rain. I’ve done two years of college and would like to do my advanced craft qualification. I’ve always enjoyed working with wood since I was at school and this is my perfect job."

Bricklayer apprentice Steven Shewan from Portgordon is 19 and enjoys his training.

"You learn a lot from the older guys and my block releases gives me the theory I need to learn the skill.

One of our most recent apprentice recruits is 16-year-old Grant Russell from New Elgin.

He joined Springfield two months ago to train as a taper.

"It wasn’t easy to get an apprenticeship," he says. "I was really pleased to get this opportunity so close to home and am enjoying every minute. Working with qualified tapers is what teaches you the skills and the men here are great."

These youngsters are just starting out on their careers – but nurturing them through their training is helping ensure Springfield and Moray has a strong trade skills base for the future.





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Springfield Properties, the Elgin based property and construction company, has continued its award-winning success with a national prize in the annual Herald Property Awards
On September 18 the company won a commendation in the Herald Property Awards 2009 Best Show House category for its marketing property at Glassgreen Gardens in Elgin.
The win came on the same day as Moray Chamber of Commerce presented Springfield with the 2009 Moray Chamber Business Award in recognition of its investment in the Moray economy.
Managing director, Mr John Main, said: "The Herald award reflects on the company’s sales team and everyone involved with our construction. We work to the highest standards at every level and I’m delighted with this prestigious award. Its another accolade that reflects on everyone who works at or for Springfield Properties."
Springfield Properties has received a string of major awards in recognition of its quality construction and dynamic management.
In June it won a hat-trick of accolades in the face of stiff national competition at the annual Scottish Homes Awards with outright wins for Conversion of the Year, House of the Year and Apartment of the Year.
Springfield’s growth from a small house construction company to today’s major construction player that has seen turnover rise seven-fold to around £30 million since 2002.



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ELGIN-BASED Springfield Properties has been honoured by Moray Chamber of Commerce for its investment in the Moray economy.
On Friday at Elgin’s Mansefield Hotel Springfield chairman Sandy Adam accepted the 2009 Moray Chamber Business Award at a special dinner of business leaders.
The award, an intricately crafted model of a copper pagoda produced by Moray coppersmiths and fabricators Forsyths of Rothes and sponsored by Moray Council, is the sixth Moray Business Award presented by the Chamber.
It will be handed over my Moray Council Deputy Convener Councillor Allan Wright.
Previous local business winners have included Elgin drinks company Gordon & MacPhail, Baxters of Fochabers, Walkers of Aberlour and Forsyths of Rothes.
Accepting the award Sandy Adam said: "We have worked hard to build Springfield Properties from modest beginnings and are proud to be based and work in the heart of the county bringing employment and new construction to the North of Scotland."
Mr Adam says Springfield is the product of his vision to develop a locally-based company through dedicated investment that promoted Moray. Since he took over the 52-year-old family business, initially as managing director from his late father, Mr Duncan Adam, in 1991 he has built up a record of successful investments that has led to Springfield’s current total of more than 200 directly employed staff in addition to a substantial number of sub-contractors.
Springfield Properties has received a string of major awards in recognition of its quality construction and dynamic management.
Most recently it won a hat-trick of accolades in the face of national competition at the annual Scottish Homes Awards with outright wins for Conversion of the Year, House of the Year and Apartment of the Year.
Springfield’s growth from a small house construction company to today’s major construction player that has seen turnover rise seven-fold to around £30 million since 2002.
Current managing director, Mr John Main, joined the company in 1996 and moved the firm into housebuilding in 1998.
Responding to the Moray Chamber Business Award he said: "This reflects the company’s core philosophy of a team working to the highest standards at every level," he said. "It is tremendous to have won such a prestigious local business award – an accolade that reflects on everyone who works at or for Springfield Properties."




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THE North of Scotland’s largest Medical Centre and community health facility has been handed over to its owners by Springfield Properties at Southfield in Elgin.

The £7 million facility at Thornhill Road, New Elgin, was constructed by Springfield for AW & JG Adam who worked in partnership with NHS Grampian who will lease the property.

The building, designed by Mackie Ramsay Taylor of Aberdeen who are recognised experts in this field, is second to none in the area and will be known as the Glassgreen Centre. It will house the Linkwood Medical Practice and other health-related services.

The building is part of Springfield’s extensive Southfield community development that is providing a wide range of facilities for the large Elgin South area.

Managing director of Springfield, Mr John Main, said:

"This is the largest commercial project that Springfield has tackled and I am delighted with the design standards and the high quality of work achieved by our teams.

"It’s an indication of the high standards of construction we aim to provide in all of our properties."

In addition to the medical centre that will serve a population of 11,000, the Southfield development has sports, retail, office and associated facilities at the centre of a large area of modern new housing.

The medical services building extends to 3000 square metres and will house a staff of 120. NHS Grampian expect up to 500 patients to visit the centre every day.

Along with its pivotal community health role facilities it will include GP surgeries, a pharmacy, dental surgeries, a physiotherapy unit, social work offices, a minor surgery unit, podiatry and chiropody facilities, a dietician and accommodation for speech therapy and child development.

The dynamic structure delivers outstanding quality, sustainability and high functionality in addition to making a very positive impact on the landscape of New Elgin.

Its modern profile features solar controlled glass, cedar cladding and aluminum roofing with an interior full of architect-designed features.

Mr Main added: "With this building we have enhanced our reputation by delivering a high quality and complex product on time and to budget.

"There have been many challenges along the way and the team has risen to each challenge to achieve this excellent building which makes a lasting contribution to the landscape of New Elgin and to the improvement of health services in Elgin. The end result is a great reflection of Springfield’s philosophy of working together to deliver the highest standards at every level."



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Saturday 18th July is a red letter day for our Letterfourie development in Buckie with the midday opening of a new four bedroom show home.

A light buffet lunch is on offer to all visitors to the development between midday and 2:00pm on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th July and we'll be serving refreshments all afternoon.

The interior style chosen for our 'Brodie' style family home offers a modern twist on a traditional look, all furnishings and décor can be found at local and national retailers so you can easily transfer the ideas to your own home.

Sales staff will be on hand all day to answer your questions and to show you just how far we can go to 'make your new home your own'. Sales manager Joyce Napier is excited about the opening, "Letterfourie has a great situation lying between Buckie and the countryside, we are able to offer 2, 3, and 4 bedroom homes and prices start at £89,500 so there really is something for everyone."
All visitors will have the opportunity to enter our free draw which has a £250 cash prize up for grabs on both days and one lucky client who reserves a home at Letterfourie before the end of August will win back the cost of their deposit and reservation fee.


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WE racked up a hat-trick of success in June by winning three categories in the prestigious Scottish Homes Awards.
At a special lunch in Edinburgh on June 26 Springfield scooped the titles for Conversion of the Year, House of the Year and Apartment of the Year.
It was a major coup for the company that saw us triumph against some of the biggest names in Scotland and take a trio of top awards for projects in the North of Scotland at Portessie, Alness and Forres.
Our managing director John Main is delighted.
"This reflects the company’s core philosophy as a team working to the highest standards at every level," he said.
"Winning three is an outstanding achievement."
The Conversion of the Year title is for a two-home transformation of the former Rathven Village Hall that was built in 1913 and occupies a significant location in Portessie village with magnificent views across the Moray Firth.
Our conversion has created two high quality two-storey homes with bespoke features that stand in a quiet residential area.
The Home of the Year is our Newton Highland design that forms part of Springfield’s Alness development at The Paddock.
This 167 square metre detached family home occupies a tree-lined plot close to Alness town centre and just 20 minutes from Inverness.
The attractive four-bedroom design is highlighted by extensive use of wood cladding and careful features that capture the character of a traditional Highland home set off by its leafy location.
Finally our Apartment of the Year has been admired extensively since it was completed.
The Pine Court Apartments on Bogton Road in the Moray floral capital of Forres was a challenge because it was built on a roadside and on the site of a burned out cottage property.
The unique design of the building both internally and externally delivers an attractive proposition for buyers and passers-by because of extensive use of timber and traditional Moray stone cladding.
All three properties are finished to the highest standards and use construction methods and materials that are environmentally sustainable.


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Springfield 94 private home boost for Forres

SPRINGFIELD Properties have been given the go-ahead for 94 private homes on the south-west fringe of Forres.

Although subject to final agreement on road considerations the Elgin-based home-builder expects to be on site by January next year.

A spokesman for Springfield said a Scottish Government Reporter issued a statement on Friday of last week stating that he intended to grant planning consent subject to a legal agreement between the developers and Moray Council. This is expected to take no longer than three months.

The development site on the west side of the A940 Forres to Grantown road lies immediately south of the existing Knockomie Rise housing development and fields north of the Knockomie Hotel.

The site is designated as housing site R2 in the new 2008 Moray Council local plan.



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A NEW housing development at Lossiemouth will honour a footballing legend from the coastal town.

The development attracted funding of £1,993,797 from the Scottish Government as part of its continuing commitment to the provision of affordable housing in Moray

When Springfield Properties hand over the new Canalside Imlach Way on June 23 it will perpetuate the memory of the late Stuart Imlach who started his glorious football career with Highland League side Lossiemouth in the 1950s before going on to play with distinction for Nottingham Forest.

Imlach was a Lossie loon who rose to the top, played as an international for Scotland in the 1958 World Cup and took part in the 1959 FA Cup Final.

The Canalside development that will bear Imlach’s name has been built by Springfield Properties for the Moray Housing Partnership and will be unveiled by Stuart Imlach’s widow, Joan.

The 22-unit project of two-bedroom homes has made extensive use of sustainable materials like larch cladding and a ventilation system that allows the homes to "breathe naturally" and allow air to circulate while cleverly eliminating noise seeping into the homes from outside.

Springfield director, Tom Leggeat, is pleased with the Canalside development, particularly the contemporary external appearance of the homes and the internal layouts all designed by Archial of Aberdeen. The homes are a storey and three-quarters high with dormers, skylights and porches.

He says: "This exciting project has strengthened the relationship between Springfield Properties and Moray Housing Partnership. A lot of thought, time and effort went in to getting it right and that has paid off. I believe the people who live here will be delighted with their new homes which succeed in terms of architecture, build quality and ‘homezone’ setting."

Director of Moray Housing Association, Clare Bradley, was particularly keen that the architecture should reflect the appearance of the nearby Seatown.

"They will not be out of place in Seatown and have been designed and constructed with as much local architectural sympathy as possible."

The Moray Housing Partnership, the only locally based Housing Association with its headquarters in Lossiemouth, have taken an innovative step to ensure that all of their 22 new tenants at Imlach Way can move into their new homes with as little fuss and red tape as possible.

MHP will hold a meeting for all the new tenants, on June 22 to introduce them to staff and the tenancy agreement that will include an explanation of their rights and responsibilities together with the responsibilities and services which the Partnership offer.

All new Tenants of the Moray Housing Partnership receive a starter pack for their new home which includes details of their property, a tenant’s handbook, advice and information leaflets and some household items all contained in eco-friendly bags.

The development layout’s is based on the ‘homezone’ concept – an approach used successfully in Holland and Denmark. The principle is that pedestrians, cyclists and cars share the same surface with little or no signage and parking arranged to leave the street open and uncluttered with cars.

The end result is that drivers take more care and the roads which are not dominated by motor vehicles.





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THANKS to Springfield Properties of Elgin pupils at a Banffshire Primary school are having their say in the design of a new gateway feature for the eastern approach to their town.

The public art feature has been commissioned by Springfield as a planning condition and part of the developer contribution for their Golf View development in Macduff that overlooks Royal Tarlair Golf Course.

Keen to involve the community in the development of a design for the gateway art the company were anxious to tap in to local stories and knowledge by working with schools. Acclaimed landscape architect Lisa Mackenzie and Edinburgh-based artist Elise Campbell, who hails from Boddam, took lots of inspiration from a full day workshop with Primary 5 children from Macduff Primary School.

Work from a "homecoming" project was used to prepare for the day that allowed the artist and designer to hear the children’s perspective on the town, their favourite places and views, and what makes Macduff special.

As well as sharing their thoughts the children were asked to find out something about Macduff from a neighbour or relative and share it at the workshop.

Gauging reaction to around 40 photographs of sculpture from around the world was "very revealing" according to artist Elise Campbell.

She says: "A child’s eye view is often surprising, the children rated the sculptures and there was a definite theme to the ones they liked best, they were very discerning"

During the afternoon the class went exploring in and around Macduff armed with viewing frames, mirror cards and cameras. The route, which the pupils had planned, took in all their favourite places.

The artist and designer are now working on design ideas and plan to return to the school to discuss possible designs.

Marketing Manager at Springfield Properties, Jane Innes, added: "We are delighted to be working on this project with Macduff Primary School and such an accomplished landscape architect and artist.

"The workshop was very productive and the school and the pupils are to be congratulated for their part in it. We look forward to meeting with the school again and to the unveiling of the feature sometime later this year."


CAPTION: Getting a fresh angle on Macduff in the search for a 'Macduff Gateway' is primary school pupil Ross Henderson with a little help from artist Elise Campbell.



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AN ambitious planning application submitted to the Moray Council by Barmuckity Business Park Limited signals twenty years of economic growth for Elgin and potential relief from A96 through traffic congestion for the city.

The joint venture between landowner Ian Robertson and Moray-based developer Springfield Properties proposes a 128-acre state-of-the-art business park on the A96 to the east of Elgin at Barmuckity Farm that will cost more than £100 million to develop and offers the opportunity to establish a line for the Elgin Bypass.

A proposed roundabout to the east of Barmuckity Farm will be the first on the new bypass which is anticipated to rejoin the Inverness side of the A96 west of Aldroughty Farm.

Commenting on the pre-application discussions with Moray Council and Transport Scotland, Springfield chairman Sandy Adam said: "There was a positive response to our ideas for a bypass running to the south of Elgin and starting at the main entrance to the park."

The carbon neutral development will be laid out in zones including hotel and leisure, public and private sector office, commercial, starter business, storage and industrial.

At this stage the application deals only with roads, general layout and landscaping including a large loch feature. The company is already in talks with clients and hopes to submit building applications before the end of the year.

The scarcity of land for business use in Elgin, which will be compounded by land take for flood alleviation, means there is pent up and growing demand. With Springfield’s planned infrastructure in place Elgin will be well positioned to attract businesses from further afield as the economy improves.

Awareness of the strategic importance of the park is uppermost at Springfield according to managing director John Main: "The park will form the main gateway to the city from the east and we are keen to ensure that it is developed in a sympathetic and sustainable way. Our aim is to create a worker friendly business campus fit for the needs of the public and private sectors at local and national level."

Over the next 20 years the business park could generate more than 4000 jobs.



CAPTION for layout plan: The proposed new £100 million-plus Barmuckity Business Park on Elgin's eastern boundary showing the planned position of the A96 roundabout that could access an Elgin Bypass line.



Editors’ Note:

For further information on the new Business Park proposals contact Jane Innes Springfield Properties on 01343 552550.


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TWO key members of the Springfield Properties management team have been recognised for their outstanding professionalism.
The annual Homes for Scotland People Awards singled out Springfield after sales manager Ann Wojcik and managing director John Main as exceptional professionals in the Scottish construction industry.
Mrs Wojcik was the winner of the Customer Care Award and was praised for her polished approach and dedication to her task of looking after the interests of Springfield’s customers.
Joining Springfield in 2006 with a wealth of industry experience behind her Ann began the task of developing an industry leading after sales service.
Since taking up the challenge she has achieved high customer satisfaction ratings for the company’s homes and strives tirelessly for the best standards of excellence in dealing with clients.
Commenting on her award Ann says, ”Satisfied clients generate business for us, we know we offer an excellent service because our clients tell us and getting the recognition of the industry with this award is the icing on the cake for me.”
Mr Main received a Commendation in the Construction Category that reflected his commitment to providing high quality affordable homes in the North of Scotland and overseeing a vibrant business based in Elgin.
Over the last ten years John’s vision has been the driving force behind Springfield’s construction success and helped it become the largest private house builder in Moray and the highest volume builder of affordable housing in the North of Scotland.
Mr Main was appointed managing director of Springfield Properties PLC in 2005 and he continues to drive the company’s growth forward.
The Springfield winners were presented with their awards by MSP Mary Mulligan in front of an audience of around 500 senior industry representatives at the Homes for Scotland Annual Lunch which was staged at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.


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A MASSIVE jobs boost for construction workers in Moray is on the cards thanks to new contracts for Elgin-based Springfield Properties that will eventually lead to more than 400 new homes in Elgin, Buckie and Forres.

This week contracts were signed by Springfield for the £15.1 million Phase One of the Moray Volume Procurement Initiative, a partnership of social landlords working to deliver affordable housing in Moray.

When completed Phase One of MVPI 3 will deliver a mixture of 16 different home types from single bedroom apartments to four bedroom family houses throughout the three Moray sites - 54 at Elgin, 49 in Buckie and potentially 58 at Forres.

With the completion of further MVPI 3 phases Moray could gain up to 425 new affordable homes.

Springfield Properties managing director, Mr John Main, is delighted with the contracts' launch and says:

"At a time when there's a lot of concern about the construction industry Springfield finds itself in a great position. We expect to be on site by the end of this month in Elgin and have already started infrastructure works at the Buckie site on Barhill Road.

"These affordable housing contracts mean we will be able to sustain our workforce at nearly double current levels."

Phase 1 will be constructed over the next 18 months and require Springfield to employ an additional 150 tradesmen. Vacancies will be across all trades and include opportunities for direct employment and sub-contract work.

The home designs incorporate latest technology and sustainable thinking. Construction will feature extensive use of sustainable and durable Siberian Larch cladding while heating and hot water production will be from an air source heat pump installed in every home that will reduce running costs and slash CO2 emissions by around 40% compared to traditional boilers.

Editors' Notes:

* For further information and interview opportunities with Springfield
Properties' managing director John Main and other key staff contact Springfield Properties on 01343 551550 or e-mail marketing manager Jane Innes at jane@springfield.co.uk

* The partners in the Moray Volume Procurement Initiative are Grampian
and Langstane Housing Associations and the Moray Housing Partnership. For comments from the lead developer, Grampian Housing Association, contact Sandra MacIntyre on 01224 202902 or email sandra.macintyre@grampianhousing.co.uk.

photo caption: Springfield MD John Main


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Work will start this summer on an important regeneration project that lies at the heart of a historic Moray Firth port.
By late summer Springfield squads will be on site at Portsoy where Springfield have been granted planning approval by Aberdeenshire Council to create an attractive scheme of 12 apartment homes on the site of a disused former mill that has become a local eyesore.
The old building has blighted the centre of the town for many years and spoiled an otherwise architecturally attractive conservation area, the dozen apartment homes that are planned will transform the local landscape.
The one and two storey homes with two and three-bedroom accommodation have been specially designed to reflect the local architecture in this unique Royal Burgh which is a visitor magnet and home to Scotland’s most important annual Traditional Boat Festival.
Commenting on the development Springfield sales manager Joyce Napier said, "The style of home we will be marketing at The Granary is an exciting addition to our range. Specially designed to mesh with the surrounding architecture the new homes offer light airy and modern open plan living. We are looking forward to bringing them to market in the near future."


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Suggestions that some areas will be cushioned from the vicious blows of the credit crunch are being borne out at Springfield where new home sales in 2009 are already ahead of this time last year.

Selling more than thirty homes in the year to date is a great achievement which should give homeowners in the North East of Scotland and the Highlands a great deal of comfort according to Springfield MD John Main, “Buyers were certainly wary at the end of last year but confidence seems to have returned to the market up here with demand being particularly strong for two and three bedroom homes. National media paint the whole country with the same brush but all our feedback from solicitors, estate agents and surveyors is that they too are seeing significant increases in enquiries and sales.”

Show home visits were up 300% on January last year with one Saturday in January surpassing all previous records for Saturday visits. Enquiries in January alone are well above enquiries for all of the last quarter of last year.

Joyce Napier, sales manager at Springfield, is optimistic, “Sales to date this year have more than made up for a quiet end to last year, my feeling is that property prices in this part of the world have always been a bit more sensible and so the market has settled down again more quickly. Our clients certainly report that they get great value for money and I believe our sensible approach to pricing along with our dedication to customer service is at the root of our current success.”


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