GMR Construction is proving that family values and a passion for traditional buildings can be a powerful combination as the Newcastle-based company develops a growing reputation for barn conversions across the North East.
The family-run business was established by Mark and Tracey Greenwell more than 30 years ago and has since grown into a true family affair, with all four of their children now playing key roles in the company.
Oldest son Adam is the company’s manager, overseeing projects, health and safety, materials and the day-to-day running of work on site. His brother Lewis works as a joiner, brother Joe is a labourer, while sister Brogan is responsible for administration and finance.
For Adam, joining the family business was a natural step after leaving sixth form.
“I tried the family business, and I’ve been working here ever since,” he said. “It’s good to see them every day and we do get on well as a family as well as running the business.”
GMR Construction undertakes a wide range of work across the North East, from new-build homes and major extensions to commercial projects, offices, warehouses and full property renovations.
However, it is barn conversions which are increasingly becoming one of the company’s specialities.
The firm has recently completed one barn conversion and is putting the finishing touches to another near Corbridge, transforming an empty, historic agricultural building into a modern home while retaining the character of the original structure.
Adam says the challenges involved in working with old buildings are part of what makes the projects so rewarding.
“Barn conversions aren’t the easiest projects because you’re renovating a really old building,” he said. “But they’re more rewarding as well because you’ve put all that effort into it. When you see the finished article, you feel proud.”
Brogan says the current project is particularly exciting for the family.
“It started off as just an empty barn and we got permission to fully renovate it,” she said. “It’s the second barn conversion we’ve done recently and it’s going to look amazing when it’s finished.”
The growing demand for barn conversions is also bringing new enquiries and referrals to the business, helping GMR Construction establish a niche in a competitive market.
The company is currently working across the North East, including Northumberland, and has also undertaken renovation work on listed properties, projects which bring their own challenges and require considerable care and attention to detail.
For Brogan, however, one of the biggest attractions of working for GMR Construction has little to do with bricks and mortar.
“The best thing has to be seeing my brothers every day,” she said. “I wouldn’t usually get to do that if I worked anywhere else. I just love being around family all the time.”
With founder Mark now taking more of a back seat, the next generation of the Greenwell family is preparing to take the business forward.
Adam says the focus over the next couple of years will be on continuing to grow the company while maintaining the standards and family ethos which have helped establish GMR Construction over more than three decades.
From an empty barn to a character-filled home, and from a family business started by mum and dad to one now being driven by their four children, GMR Construction is quite literally building on its family foundations.