Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Civil Engineering & Plant Hire Experts in Bideford
Established in 1972, S.E.L. Clarke has built a reputation for delivering high-quality civil engineering, demolition, and plant hire services across the South West of England and nationwide. As a family-run business rooted in Bideford, North Devon, we combine over 50 years of industry experience with a commitment to professionalism, safety, and client satisfaction. Our civil engineering expertise spans residential, public sector, infrastructure, and specialist projects, including marine works and GCHQ-secured facilities. We provide operated and self-drive plant hire, featuring excavators, dump trucks, and hydraulic attachments, alongside comprehensive demolition services with pre-demolition asbestos surveys and environmental management.Our team of 30 skilled operatives and modern fleet of 30+ machines ensure efficient, reliable solutions tailored to project requirements. Recognised for excellence, we have completed contracts ranging from 1,000 to 5 million, serving clients from the Major Contractors Group to private individuals. Our dedication to innovation and quality is exemplified by Steve Clarkes OBE for restoring the historic Kathleen and May schooner. With ongoing plant renewal and adherence to safety standards, we remain a trusted partner for construction industry needs.
Services
Civil Engineering
Plant Hire
Demolition Services
Asbestos Removal
Groundwork Services
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of civil engineering and demolition expertise.
- Our fleet includes modern, well-maintained plant machinery for all projects.
- We provide nationwide demolition services with asbestos removal capabilities.
- Our team holds industry-recognised qualifications including CPCS and CSCS.
- We manage projects from 1,000 to 5 million with precision.
Associations and certifications
- IOSH
- SMSTS
- SSSTS
- CSCS
- CPCS
- PASMA
- Asbestos Awareness
What people say
Successful and professional job
Speed and efficiency
Exceptionally well together
Quick time-frame
True professionalism
Services
Civil Engineering
We deliver comprehensive civil engineering solutions including deep excavations, drainage systems, and substructure works. Our expertise covers residential developments, public sector projects, and infrastructure upgrades. Clients benefit from our 50+ years of experience and adherence to safety standards.
Plant Hire
Our plant hire division offers operated and self-drive machinery including excavators, dump trucks, and hydraulic attachments. With a fleet of 30+ modern machines, we support construction and earthmoving projects across the South West and nationwide.
Demolition Services
We provide safe demolition of industrial and residential structures, including pre-demolition asbestos surveys. Our services include tank decommissioning, environmental management, and on-site mobile crushing for sustainable material reuse.
Asbestos Removal
Our asbestos removal services ensure compliance with regulations through pre-demolition surveys and safe disposal. We prioritise environmental safety and client protection during all demolition and renovation projects.
Groundwork Services
We handle site preparation, foundations, and drainage solutions for construction projects. Our groundwork expertise supports infrastructure developments, utilities installations, and marine engineering works with precision and reliability.
People
Roger Clarke
Managing Director
With over 35 years in civil engineering, Roger drives company growth and ensures project precision, client focus, and adherence to timelines and budgets.
Graeme Nott
Contracts Manager
Graeme oversees groundworks planning and execution, managing subcontractors and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations across all projects.
Roy Tingley
Demolition Contracts Manager
Roy manages demolition projects from assessment to completion, ensuring safety compliance, environmental standards, and timely delivery within budget.
Questions
What civil engineering services do you offer?
We provide groundwork, drainage, infrastructure projects, and specialist works including marine and GCHQ-secured facilities.
Do you hire plant machinery nationwide?
Our plant hire services operate throughout the South West, with demolition and asbestos removal available nationwide.
How experienced is your team?
Our team holds 35+ years of industry experience with CPCS, CSCS, and asbestos awareness qualifications.
What demolition services do you provide?
We offer structural demolition, asbestos removal, tank decommissioning, and on-site material recycling for all project sizes.
Can you handle large-scale projects?
Yes, we manage contracts from £1,000 to £5 million, including major infrastructure and public sector developments.
