
DSD Construction, a leading Cumbrian construction company specialising in highways and associated civils infrastructure, is thrilled to announce the celebration of its 30 years anniversary. Since its inception in 1993 by father Dennis and sons Shaun and Darren, DSD Construction has been at the forefront of its industry, delivering outstanding projects and surpassing client expectations.
From modest beginnings
Over the past 30 years, DSD Construction has established a solid reputation for excellence, innovation, and quality. The company’s unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, safety and professionalism has propelled it to become one of the most trusted construction firms throughout the north-east and north-west regions. Initially, with only a handful of staff, the company commonly supported small surfacing contracts for Carlisle City Council and Cumbria County Council.
Today 150 staff and a huge capital investment in plant and equipment, deliver surfacing, civils and construction works across the highways, rail and nuclear sectors. By example, substantial growth in nuclear project delivery at Sellafield now forms a key part of the business portfolio. Throughout its journey, DSD Construction has successfully completed numerous notable projects, ranging from bridge decks and structures, through nuclear decommissioning enabling works, to gaining recognition as part of National Highways’ five-year Pavement Delivery Framework.
The company’s team of highly skilled and experienced professionals, including civil engineers, project managers, and skilled tradespeople, have consistently demonstrated their expertise in delivering projects on time and within budget. This is testament to the company’s flat hierarchy that encourages healthy delegation of authority, supporting flexibility and timely, local decision making.

As a result, momentum over the last ten years has seen DSD Construction grow its civil engineering and nuclear divisions substantially to complement the original highway surfacing capability. Over that period, turnover has multiplied tenfold to circa £30m today with reputation, accreditation, quality of work, care and personal service being central to customer satisfaction.
As it embarks on its next chapter, it remains committed to upholding its core values of integrity, re-investment, and innovation.
Responsible growth
The company has strategic aspirations over the next five years to build its healthy order book to deliver works up to c.£50m per annum. This includes plans to establish a new operating centre on the M8 corridor to serve the Scottish central belt and to complement existing operations in Carlisle, Whitehaven, Sellafield, and Harrogate. This will also develop its passion for driving positive social value through the creation of more local jobs and further investments in training, amenities, and equipment – aligning entirely to the Nugent family’s original values from three decades ago.
The SME supply chain will continue to be a crucial part of this growth too with plans to develop the current estate of 200+ sub-contract organisations. Operations Director, Martin Tweddle, said: “An integral part of DSD’s success stems from our staff where retention is of the highest order, with numerous employees having supported the business over decades. Investment in our people remains a key pillar for growth where personal development is encouraged and commensurate progression is supported.”
The Directors will also continue to steer their carbon management strategy in adopting further research and development innovations for recycling construction materials and other environmentally sustainable practices in contribution to central net zero ambitions.
Marking the milestone
As part of its anniversary celebration, DSD Construction would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to its clients, partners, employees, and stakeholders who have contributed to its success. Their unwavering support, trust, and collaboration have been instrumental in shaping the Company’s growth and achievements over the years.
“We are incredibly proud to celebrate 30 years of excellence in the construction industry,” said Shaun Nugent, Managing Director of DSD Construction. “Our success is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent of our team, as well as the trust and support of our clients. We look forward to continuing to deliver exceptional construction solutions and playing a vital role in shaping the future of our communities.”