Wensley Roofing

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Roof of university laboratories replaced on time despite torrential rain

before

during

after

Wensley Roofing has completed the replacement of flat roofing and the installation of new sensor-controlled rooflights on a city centre university building during a critical four-week time-slot despite torrential rain. 

The work on the Ellison Building, which houses Northumbria University‘s Life Science laboratories, had to be started and finished on time to accommodate both student holidays and internal laboratory testing. This required careful planning and co-ordination by Wensley Roofing’s James Roy (quantity surveyor) and Colin Howey (project manager) liaising with the university’s estates department. They drafted in MGM Ltd, one of Northern Bear‘s specialist construction companies, to undertake the building work.

Colin Howey, who has particular expertise in flat-roofing projects, said: “This was a tricky project that involved different trades working together to precise requirements. The several days of heavy rain added to the complications.”

The works involved replacing the old felt roof coverings with a new waterproofing system guaranteed for 20 years, removing the old wired-glass rooflights, which contained asbestos rope, and installing triple-skinned barrel rooflights with automatically controlled ventilation panels (pictured). The three state-of-the-art laboratories immediately below the roof had to be protected from asbestos, debris and, of course, rain throughout the renovations.

Michal Luczon of Northumbria University’s estates department said: “Wensley Roofing did an outstanding job under difficult circumstances including periodic torrential rain and they finished on time.”

Carly Harrison
Administrator

Carly joined Wensley in 2025 as an Administrator. In her role, she provides support to the wider admin team while also taking responsibility for coordinating and overseeing operative training.

Shawna Lowrey
Administrator

Shawna has been with the company since 2022 and handles purchase invoicing and contract costing. She has completed an NVQ in Business Administration since joining the company.

Sam Donnelly
Senior Quantity Surveyor/Estimator

Sam has been with the company since 2013 gaining experience on the tools before transitioning to an office role and was supported by the company to earn a Degree in Quantity Surveying. He holds an NVQ Level 7 in Construction Senior Management.

James Roy
Senior Quantity Surveyor

James started with the company in 2011 having previously worked for a supplier, where he gained a knowledge and understanding of roofing products. He was supported by the company to earn a Degree in Quantity Surveying and holds an NVQ Level 7 in Construction Senior Management.

Adam Rhodes
Contracts Manager

Adam began his career as a roofing operative in 2007, he learned on the job and holds an NVQ in Tiling and Slating. He worked his way up to team leader and after taking a short break and returning to the company in 2019, he was promoted to Contracts Manager. Adam oversees heritage-related projects.

Stephen Huitson
Contracts Manager

Stephen started with the company from school taking a break and returning in 2008, initially working on the tools before working his way up to Contracts Manager. He holds an NVQ Level 6 in Construction Site Management, IOSH Health and Safety certification, and is qualified in scaffolding inspections and first aid. Stephen specialises in refurbishment and has experience in flat roofing. In 2014, he won an National Award from the NFRC for Health and Safety Champion of the Year.

Brian Percival
Contracts Manager

Brian joined Wensley Roofing Ltd in 1999 as a slater/tiler, having previously worked for them in a sub contractor capacity. Over the years, he progressed to his current role and now holds an NVQ Level 6 in Construction Site Management. He specialises in the new build sector.

Rob Dodds
Financial Director

Rob has been a part of the Wensley Roofing Ltd team since 1991. Starting his career in the office handling accounts, Rob holds an HND in Business Information Technology and gained his accounts qualifications on the job and is now CIMA certified. In addition to his expertise in finance, he holds HR and marketing qualifications, bringing a well-rounded skill set to the company.

Steven Luke
Managing Director

Steven has been at Wensley Roofing Ltd since 2007 working in various posts. In 2018 he was appointed Joint Managing Director, working with the founder of the business Keith Soulsby to ensure a smooth succession. He took sole charge of the business in 2020 and holds qualifications including BSc (Hons) Construction Management, HND Building Studies and Construction Site Management Safety Certificate.