Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Civil Engineering in Leeds
Established in 1967, R J Howard is a family-run civil engineering company headquartered in Leeds, West Yorkshire. With over 50 years of industry expertise, we have grown to employ 40+ professionals across three generations of the Howard family, led by Managing Director David Howard. Our core values of honesty, reliability, and quality have remained unchanged, underpinning our commitment to delivering exceptional service to clients across Yorkshire and the Humber region. Our multidisciplinary teams specialise in drainage, road construction, and groundwork projects for housing developments, local authorities, and water companies. Approved for Section 278 works, we combine technical proficiency with a proactive approach to health and safety, evidenced by our decade-long CHAS and SMAS accreditations.Our investment in modern plant and machinery, alongside a focus on sustainable practices, ensures we meet evolving client needs while maintaining environmental responsibility. Client testimonials highlight our professionalism, adherence to deadlines, and ability to manage complex projects efficiently. We prioritise staff development through continuous training in CSCS, CPCS, and SMSTS standards, ensuring high operational competence. Our long-standing relationships with national and local housebuilders reflect our reputation for technical excellence and client-centric service delivery.
Services
Drainage Works
Road Construction
Groundworks
Concreting
Earthworks
Tipper Hire
Plant Hire
CCTV Surveys
Details
- Year established: 1967
Highlights and features
- Family-run business with 50+ years of civil engineering expertise
- Approved contractor for Section 278 highway works
- In-house fleet of 100+ plant and machinery units
- CHAS and SMAS accredited for health and safety compliance
- Sustainable practices including recycled aggregate usage
Associations and certifications
- CHAS
- SMAS
What people say
Great level of service
Extremely professional
Excellent and competent
Delivered to programme and budget
Highly recommend
Services
Drainage Works
We install foul and surface drainage systems for new developments, including pumping stations and pipes ranging from 150mm to 3m diameter. Our services encompass attenuation tanks, box culverts, and soakaway crates. With decades of experience, we ensure compliance with modern infrastructure standards while maintaining project timelines and budgets.
Road Construction
Our road construction services cover minor repairs to major highways, including Section 278 works for local authorities. We manage projects from inception to handover, providing technical supervision and adhering to strict safety protocols. Our expertise ensures durable, compliant road infrastructure for residential and commercial developments.
Groundworks
We deliver comprehensive groundwork packages, including foundations, retaining structures, and drainage integration. Our team handles projects from initial earthworks to final floor levels, combining technical precision with efficient project management to meet client specifications and regulatory requirements.
Plant Hire
With a fleet of 100+ machines, we offer excavators (3-50 ton), dozers, dumpers, and screeners for hire. Our low-loader ensures timely delivery, while in-house maintenance minimises downtime. This service supports both our projects and external clients requiring reliable construction equipment.
CCTV Surveys
Our team conducts CCTV surveys of drainage systems using remote-controlled cameras and advanced software. This non-invasive method identifies issues without subcontracting, enabling swift, accurate diagnostics and cost-effective solutions for maintaining drainage infrastructure integrity.
People
Richard Howard
Founder and Chairman
Founder of R J Howard in 1967, Richard established the company's family values and technical excellence. His leadership laid the foundation for the business's growth into a respected civil engineering firm with three generations of family involvement.
David Howard
Managing Director
As Managing Director, David Howard leads daily operations, ensuring adherence to quality standards and client satisfaction. With decades of industry experience, he maintains the company's commitment to innovation and excellence in civil engineering projects.
Darren Smith
Director
Director at Darren Smith Homes, he praises R J Howard's professionalism and plant resources. With 38 years of collaboration, he highlights their ability to deliver complex civil engineering projects efficiently and safely across various scales.
Dave Hudson
Technical Director
As Technical Director at Barratt David Wilson Homes, Dave commends R J Howard's expertise in managing challenging projects. He notes their valuable experience in addressing variable ground conditions and delivering solutions that meet programme and budget requirements.
Glen Allen
Quantity Surveyor
Quantity Surveyor at Harron Homes, Glen highlights R J Howard's knowledge in handling difficult ground conditions. He praises their team's professionalism and ability to provide practical solutions, making them a trusted partner for complex civil engineering tasks.
Questions
What areas do R J Howard serve?
We operate across Yorkshire and the Humber region, providing civil engineering solutions for residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects.
Are R J Howard accredited for health and safety?
Yes, we hold CHAS and SMAS accreditations, demonstrating our commitment to health and safety compliance for over a decade.
What types of projects does R J Howard specialise in?
We specialise in drainage systems, road construction, groundwork packages, and plant hire services for housing developments and infrastructure projects.
Can R J Howard handle large-scale infrastructure projects?
Yes, our experience includes managing complex projects for national housebuilders, local authorities, and water companies since 1967.
Does R J Howard offer sustainable construction practices?
We prioritise sustainability through recycled aggregate usage and regular fleet upgrades to reduce environmental impact.
