Business Details
47 Years
experience
Trusted Civil Engineering Cambridge
Durman Stearn is a family-owned civil engineering and groundworks contractor established in 1979. With roots in East Anglia, we have grown into one of the region's most respected construction firms, delivering quality groundwork structures efficiently and cost-effectively. Our team of 150 skilled professionals, including second-generation family members on the Board of Directors, combines decades of experience with modern equipment to execute projects safely and to the highest standards.We specialise in civil engineering, commercial groundworks, housing developments, and paving, serving both public and private sector clients. Our commitment to quality, reliability, and client relationships has earned us a strong reputation and consistent repeat business across the South East of England.
Services
Civil Engineering
Commercial Groundworks
Commercial Paving
Housing Groundworks
Road Construction
Drainage Works
Reinforced Concrete
External Works
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- Family-owned with 45 years of regional construction expertise
- Fully equipped with owned machinery and specialist sub-contractors
- Experienced management team with 30+ years average tenure
- Direct highway contractor approval for local authority projects
- NVQ-qualified workforce maintaining CITB/CSCS/CPCS standards
Services
Civil Engineering
Durman Stearn delivers comprehensive civil engineering solutions including highway improvements, drainage systems, and utility infrastructure. Our team manages projects from initial planning through to final adoption, ensuring compliance with local authority regulations. With owned equipment and approved contractor status, we handle S278/S38 works and complex construction schemes across public and private sectors.
Commercial Groundworks
We provide full-cycle commercial groundwork services for new builds and refurbishments. Our capabilities include foundation works, basement construction, reinforced concrete structures, and car park surfacing. Specialising in modular buildings and large-scale developments, we maintain strict quality control through professional project management and experienced in-house teams across diverse sectors including education and defence.
Commercial Paving
With over 30 years' experience, our NVQ-qualified team installs durable commercial paving solutions. We offer brick, block, and slab paving options tailored to client specifications. Using modern equipment and traditional hand-laying techniques, we ensure long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing surfaces for both small developments and large-scale infrastructure projects.
Housing Groundworks
We specialise in complete housing groundwork packages from site preparation to final adoption. Our services include foundation construction, drainage systems, retaining walls, and driveway installations. With retained specialist staff and modern equipment, we deliver cost-effective solutions for both single-unit builds and large housing estates while maintaining NHBC-compliant standards.
Road Construction
As approved highway contractors, we construct and maintain road schemes including adoptable highways, traffic management systems, and sewer connections. Our capabilities cover all aspects of S278/S38 works, from initial excavation to final surfacing. We ensure compliance with local authority requirements through comprehensive project management and documentation.
People
John Durman
Founder
Founder of Durman Stearn in 1979 with over 45 years' experience in civil engineering. Continues active involvement in business operations while mentoring second-generation leadership.
Edgar Stearn
Co-Founder
Joined the business in 1983 as co-founder. Brings extensive civil engineering expertise and maintains active involvement in company operations alongside his son Allan.
Mark Boyle
Managing Director
Serving as Managing Director for nearly 30 years, Mark oversees client relationships and operational excellence. Ensures consistent delivery of projects to the highest standards across all construction phases.
Allan Stearn
Director
Second-generation leader with specialist knowledge in construction management. Contributes to strategic direction while maintaining hands-on involvement in complex engineering projects.
Richard Durman
Director
Part of the second-generation leadership team. Applies extensive construction sector experience to project management and client liaison across commercial developments.
Questions
What areas do you cover for construction projects?
We operate across East Anglia with primary focus in Cambridgeshire and the South East of England.
Are you approved for local authority highway works?
Yes, we hold direct contractor approval for S278 and S38 highway improvement schemes.
How experienced is your team in civil engineering?
Our management team has over 30 years' average tenure with specialist staff maintaining industry certifications.
What types of paving do you specialise in?
We offer brick, block, and slab paving solutions with NVQ-qualified installers using modern equipment.
Can you handle complete housing development groundwork?
Yes, we manage full groundwork packages from foundations to final adoption for housing schemes.
Do you own the required construction equipment?
We maintain our own fleet including excavators, dumpers, and specialist paving machinery.
