Jones Bros receives recognition across a duo of CECA campaigns

Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK’s contribution to the construction industry has been recognised in two Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) campaigns.

As part of its 30^th anniversary, CECA is celebrating both the next generation of talent and the outstanding infrastructure delivered over the past three decades.

Jones Bros Site Agent Michaela Baldock has been included in the ‘30 Under 30’ campaign, with Scotland-based North Kyle Wind Farm earning its place in the ‘30 Projects for 30 Years’ initiative.

Michaela currently leads a team of more than 250 at Sanquhar II Wind Farm, which spans Dumfries & Galloway and East Ayrshire. Her role on the £70 million 44-turbine scheme includes supervising all on-site activities and ensuring programme deadlines are met while adhering to the highest quality standards.

The 27-year-old is committed to supporting the next generation of engineers, mentoring apprentices and trainee engineers while promoting the industry at schools and careers events.

Her progression from Apprentice Engineer to Site Agent over almost a decade reflects her commitment to both her own development and the sector.

Michaela said: “Choosing to work in civil engineering is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I hope my journey inspires others to consider a similar career path.

“Being featured as part of CECA’s campaign has been a fantastic opportunity for me to reflect on how far I’ve come as a result of the huge amount of effort that I’ve put in over the years, alongside the support I’ve received from my colleagues at Jones Bros.”

Michaela’s work is not just appreciated by her team, with Associate Director at Tony Gee & Partners, David Long, lauding her as an “asset to the industry”.

He continued: “Tony Gee & Partners has worked with Michaela closely for a number of years across several schemes and has seen her grow from Project Engineer to Site Agent at Jones Bros.

“She leads with natural competence, is an excellent problem solver, and always looks to collaborate across the design and build team to achieve the best solution.”

Michaela previously played a key role on the £300m North Kyle Wind Farm, where Jones Bros served as the principal contractor for Brockwell Energy Limited.

Reaching completion in September 2025, the repurposing of the former opencast coal mine into a 49-turbine wind farm marks a significant step forward towards Scotland’s net zero targets, with an installed generating capacity of 220.5MW.

The development placed innovation at the forefront, becoming the first of its kind in the UK to use dynamic compaction for WTG foundation ground improvement.

It marks a shift from the country’s coal mining heritage towards a new generation of cleaner energy, demonstrating the role civil engineering can play in shaping a more sustainable future and earning its place in the ‘30 Projects for 30 Years’ series.

Jonathan Maitland, Project Manager for Jones Bros, was thrilled to see North Kyle Wind Farm spotlighted.

He said: “Seeing the development gain recognition from an industry body is a reward for the team’s hard work, with the scheme serving as an illustration of the UK’s energy transition.

“Our commitment to restoring the damaged landscape and providing a source of clean, renewable power for local communities fills everyone involved with an immense sense of pride.

“There were many weather-related and geotechnical challenges to overcome throughout the process, which meant we had to deploy innovative techniques to develop the former brownfield site while keeping our carbon emissions as low as possible.

“The result is a completed development that stands as a strong example of the business’s contribution to infrastructure over the past 30 years.”

Established in the 1950s, Jones Bros owns one of the largest plant fleets in the UK and employs approximately 570 people.

The company is currently working on contracts in various sectors including highways, flood and marine defence, reservoirs, waste management, and renewable energy around the UK.

The company runs an award-winning apprenticeship scheme, which has produced a large percentage of its current workforce, with several of its senior managers having started out as apprentices or in a trainee role. It has recruited hundreds of apprentices over the years.