A project worked on by Thompsons has won a prestigious industry award.
We’re offering our congratulations to interior design and architecture specialists Tibbatts Abel for taking home an accolade at the Northern Design Awards 2024.
The Birmingham-based company clinched the Social Space (£500k – £1m) award for the Devil’s Bar located in Manchester United FC’s Old Trafford stadium.
The Devil’s Bar at Old Trafford
Thompsons are proud to have worked on the project, having been tasked with transforming an empty space in the North West quadrant of the stadium and bringing to life Tibbatts Abel’s stunning designs through the creation of two separate bar areas with seating and standing areas, as well as toilet facilities.
Over the course of the 16-week project, our team constructed new partition walls and ceilings, specialist joinery features including bars, a ceiling raft and waiter stations, decorative metalwork, tiling and flooring as well as the complete installation of new mechanical, electrical and plumbing services to all areas.
The Northern Design Awards celebrate the best in interior design, architecture and property development, with this year’s final taking place at St George’s Hall in Liverpool.
It was a pleasure to collaborate with the team from Tibbatts Abel on this award-winning project.
Thompsons has completed its latest fit-out projects on behalf of Starbucks franchise partners.
Presented with the shell of a building and just under five weeks to get the job done, our team completed the full fit-out of a new Starbucks drive-thru in Colne for leading petrol forecourt and convenience retail destination operator EG On the Move – building walls and installing all joinery aspects including counters, as well as preparation works prior to the installation of machinery.
Working to tight timescales and as part of a wider team of contractors, our experienced team completed the project on time, ahead of the opening of the new store on a Friday ready for weekend trade. The drive-thru is part of EG On the Move’s new service station on the M65, and marks EG’s 12th site opening this year.
Our team has also been busy down in Lincolnshire, completing the full fit-out of the new Starbucks drive-thru in Foston for operator The Magic Bean Company, which will serve customers travelling on the A1. The company opened its first Starbucks in 2014 and was the first to open a Starbucks drive-thru.
Since 2013, we’ve forged strong relationships with Starbucks franchise partners and as a result are well experienced in delivering its high-quality, consistent branding.
View the photo galleries below.
Starbucks drive-thru, Colne for EG On the Move
Starbucks drive-thru, Foston for The Magic Bean Company
Thompsons has boosted its team with the appointment of three new members of staff.
Andy Beaghan, Jamie Hull and Jordan Gill have all joined us and will work across a range of departments.
Andy has joined us as a project manager, with his responsibilities including creation of construction plans, client liaison and ensuring projects are finished on time and to budget.
Andy, from Rishton, has a range of industry experience and has worked on new build and refurbishment projects within sectors including hotels and leisure, care homes, offices, industrial and education. He previously worked for a Manchester construction company.
We’ve also welcomed Jamie, who has been appointed as assistant quantity surveyor. Jamie, who lives in Clitheroe, will work closely with the QS team, shadowing a senior quantity surveyor and developing the skills of a QS including estimating costs, compliance and progress reporting.
Jordan makes up our new trio and joins us as payroll executive to support the accounts department with managing payroll, using accounting software and processing expenses. Jordan, who lives in Preston, joins us from a housing retrofit and decarbonisation scheme company.
Thompsons owner and executive director Matthew Thompson said: “We’re delighted to welcome Andy, Jamie and Jordan to Thompsons.
“At the heart of our company is family, and anyone who becomes part of our team becomes a part of our wider Thompsons family, which is a pleasure to see and something which our customers also benefit from.”
Andy commented: “From my first interview it was clear Thompsons has all the qualities I was looking for – a family run business, low staff turnover and repeat customers. I’m really pleased to have joined the team.”
If you’d like to become a part of team Thompsons, check out our careers page here.
With the festive season upon us, we wanted to share a few tips on how to reduce your carbon footprint this Christmas. Just a few small changes can have a big impact.
Follow these suggestions to make sure that it’s not only your tree that’s green this year!
Dec the halls
But when you do, re-use last year’s decs! If you want to change up your Christmas style, why not check out local charity shops or fayres for pre-loved items. If buying new, try to opt for plastic-free products or those made locally to reduce their carbon footprint.
Oh Christmas tree
In our opinion there’s no right answer as to whether it’s better to have a real or fake tree. If you are faking it, consider buying a quality tree that will last several years before requiring disposal as most artificial tress can’t currently be recycled. If you prefer the real deal, buy from a sustainable supplier and consider how you dispose of the tree. Local councils sometimes offer a collection service to use the trees for projects such as sand dune erosion or ground improvement.
On the good list
Remember – it’s who’s around the tree, not what’s under it that counts at Christmas time. But, giving is such a highlight of the festive season, isn’t it?
Shop local; by buying from local retailers, you not only reduce the carbon footprint of your presents but also help to support local businesses. Also, handmade gifts make excellent unique presents.
If you’re feeling crafty, why not make your own gifts? Get the family involved too for extra fun.
Whilst they’re sometimes a good laugh, try to avoid gimmicky gifts that will be unwanted or likely to end up in the bin by boxing day.
Remember – good quality toys and books may have a longer life and be passed onto friends and family, giving them a second and third life.
That’s a wrap!
Opt for Christmas wrapping that can be easily recycled. Most suppliers will label those that can be put in home recycling. Get creative and wrap using recycled materials such as newspapers or even material. Why not try wrapping a bottle of wine in a tea-towel… double the gift, zero waste! Dig out gift bags you may have received last year and keep hold of this year’s, for next!
Take a seat
Crackers are a great tradition, but the fun is over in a few seconds. Why not consider Christmas crackers made from recyclable material and without the plastic gift inside? This will reduce the amount of non-recyclable waste (has anyone ever put a photograph in one of those little frames?!)
One of the biggest wastes all year round, and especially at Christmas time, is food. Look at cooking a little less, letting people serve themselves and of course… use up the leftovers. Who doesn’t love turkey curry?
Baby it’s cold outside
Help keep your home warm and cosy by closing curtains and using draft excluders. When cooking your turkey, heat from the oven will contribute to heating your home so you may wish to turn down the heating temperature. Using radiator thermostats can also help reduce heat waste.
And don’t forget to get out the winter blanket and get cosy on the couch. Instead of sitting in your summer clothes and cranking up the heating, grab a cosy blanket and snuggle up on the couch whilst watching your favourite Christmas movie!
Have a very merry (sustainable) Christmas – from all at Thompsons!
