When Herbert Foster started trading as The Essex Steam Rolling Association Ltd in the 1890s he had no idea the business would still be going strong over 120 years later as Foster Contracting Ltd, or that his great-great grandson would be at the helm of the company. This is the situation, however, following the recent appointment of Ian Foster as its new Managing Director.
Ian has become the fifth generation of the Foster family to run the family business after taking over from his father, Tom, who has overseen the company’s development during the past 40 years. Given the strong family connection, Ian is well aware of the weight of expectation that rests on his shoulders, as he outlines: “It is a real privilege for me to build on the foundations of my predecessors. I have always been immersed in the business as I grew up at my family’s home beside our depot in Kelvedon, Essex. As a result, I helped from an early age, starting in the summer holidays when I could.”
In preparation for his role as Managing Director, Ian studied Civil Engineering at the University of Limerick, before joining Ringway Jacobs as a graduate Quantity Surveyor. He moved to Foster Contracting Ltd in July 2020, initially focusing on growing the hydroblasting sector of the business, and his innovative thinking has helped problem solve on larger projects.
As he beds himself into his new position, Ian is focused on maintaining the same high standards that Foster Contracting has become known for, whilst also striving to stamp his own mark on the business. “I’m keen for us to keep innovating so that we can continue to provide solutions that enhance the longevity of roads and runways. I’m not looking to achieve ridiculous growth, but I do want to further develop all sectors of the business and build our reputation as a provider of specialist services. We carry out a range of specialist surface treatments including supply and installation of geosynthetic membranes for crack prevention in asphalt surfaces, hydroblasting for runway rubber removal & marking removal, Surface Dressing and, more recently, have mobilised a joint and crack sealing team. We operate these services nationwide and also run a bond coat spraying operation from our Perthshire depot.
“We are constantly upgrading our plant and machinery in line with the latest innovations available, particularly with regards to safety. This is backed by a strong team of knowledgeable staff that are able to provide a continual flow of good, innovative ideas. It’s all about ensuring we stay at the forefront of the industry, which is why we’ve been able to be consistently successful for so many years.”
Foster Contracting recognises that its employees play a crucial role in the success of its operation and so it endeavours to ensure its staff reach their full potential, which a strong programme of internal training supports. This ensures they achieve NVQs in their respective trades, which are supplemented by ongoing safety and plant operation refresher courses.
Another factor behind Foster Contracting’s longevity is the close working relationships it has developed with its supply chain. These relationships are proving particularly vital given the price increases that are being seen across so many different industry sectors. At the same time, the situation is also providing the company with opportunities, as customers turn to it for solutions that help address their concerns regarding rising costs.
“Everyone is in the same boat and, as customers look to achieve better value for the money they spend, they’re increasingly seeking the types of solution that we can offer,” says Ian. “This is because our systems can significantly extend the life of roads and runways.”
In terms of specific projects where Foster Contracting’s innovative solutions have come to the fore, its asphalt geosynthetic system is currently being utilised on the A12 at Colchester as part of a major scheme of works. It is supporting the client with a better solution to reduce maintenance and increase the strength of the road.
The company’s first installation of asphalt geosynthetic took place in January 1993 on Ellesfield Airfield, Bracknell. Since then the prevalence of these products has grown as the benefits of what it can offer have become more widely known, particularly in relation to the positive impact it can make on prolonging the longevity of the road. The upshot is that savings are made in the cost of maintaining the roads, not to mention the carbon saving, which is an increasingly important factor for all businesses.
“To give an indication of the impact that our using Asphalt Geosynthetics can offer, research has shown that for a road that would typically last five years before needing to be repaired, we can make it last four to five times longer. This obviously means substantial savings in carbon and maintenance costs. We work particularly closely with our long term partner, Tensar International Ltd, and have been developing our relationship with them for many years.”
With regards to hydroblasting, Foster Contracting has been using the system on rubber removal from the runways of many of the major airports, such as Stansted, Gatwick, Luton, Manchester and Liverpool. The ability to remove rubber deposits safely from the runway without causing any damage has proved particularly beneficial, which has led to growing demand from clients.
Foster Contracting’s experience has enabled it to overcome many challenges over the years, although the pandemic was more unusual than most. However, it was thankfully relatively unaffected compared to many other companies.
“Given the importance of what we look after, we only really stopped operating during the first lockdown. Even then we continued to carry out essential maintenance and emergency work. After that the construction of roads continued so we didn’t see too much difference.”
With the stewardship of Foster Contracting having passed to the latest generation of the family, the company looks well placed to write the next chapter in its already illustrious history. “The aim is to continue building the business and further strengthen our relationship with Tensar,” concludes Ian. “This will enable us to demonstrate further the benefits that are systems can bring to local authorities, particularly when it comes to increasing the lifespan of the carriageways.”
Given the growing requirement to save money and reduce the need for new materials, it is clear that Foster Contracting is able to provide solutions to many of the challenges that the authorities that look after the nation’s roads are currently facing.