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FM Conway
Company typePrivate
IndustryCivil engineering
Founded1961
FounderFrancis Michael Conway
HeadquartersSevenoaks, England
Key people
Andrew Hansen (MD)
ProductsAsphalt
Bitumen
Concrete
Street lighting
ServicesHighway maintenance
Road surfacing
Revenue£580 million (March 2024)
£43 million (March 2024)
Number of employees
2,000 (2024)
ParentVinci
Websitewww.fmconway.co.uk

FM Conway is a UK-based civil engineering contractor specialising in highways and other infrastructure work. The company became part of the Vinci group in early 2025.

History

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FM Conway's surfacing division working on London Bridge

The company was founded in 1961 by Francis Michael Conway. During 1981, Francis' son Michael Conway became the CEO of FM Conway; Michael would retain this role for more than 40 years.[1][2]

In May 1994, it was claimed by trade union officials that FM Conway had illegally reduced its workers' wages to cover theft and damage to plant.[3] During 2000, the company relocated to new headquarters in Dartford, Kent.[4]

During early 2012, FM Conway formed a joint venture with the American infrastructure company Aecom following the two firm's successful shortlisting on a Transport for London highway-centric framework valued at £1.8 billion.[5] Four years later, the firm relocated to a larger headquarters in Sevenoaks; the prior Dartford headquarters was retained and expanded in its role as a logistics hub.[4][6]

During 2016, FM Conway acquired the materials supplier United Asphalt.[7] By this point, the firm operated a network of asphalt and aggregate recycling manufacturing plants that served London and Southern England, as well as two Thames-side wharves (at Erith and Gravesend).[8] A large portion of the company's business was coming from various local authorities and government agencies;[9][10][11] by the mid-2010s, it was reportedly maintaining various roads across half of London's boroughs.[4]

During 2019, the firm reported that, despite rising revenues, its pre-tax profit had fallen from £11.7 million to £3.6 million in its last financial year; this was attributed to a rising cost of sales.[12] In February 2020, FM Conway was suspended from the Prompt Payment Code for failure to pay suppliers on time.[13] Eight months later, following the enactment of process improvements, the firm was reinstated.[14] During late 2021, the company reported that its pre-tax profit over the previous financial year had risen from £12.7 million to £19.4 million, a more than 50 percent rise; the majority of this was due to a £4.7 million settlement regarding a land lease right.[15]

During March 2022, Michael Conway, the firm's chairman, passed away;[1] two months later, his daughter, Joanne Conway, was appointed as chairperson, becoming the third generation of the family to lead FM Conway.[16][17] That same year, the firm was found liable for defective ductwork at Twickenham Stadium.[18]

During May 2023, FM Conway bought Essex-based drainage contractor Flowline out of administration, saving 164 jobs in the process.[19][20] In January 2024, FM Conway replaced an existing road surface in Westminster using 92% recycled materials; this was believed to be the highest level then achieved on a British road.[21][22]

During October 2024, it was announced that the France-based construction company Vinci had agreed terms to purchase FM Conway.[23] This acquisition was completed in early 2025;[24] furthermore, Joanne Conway stepped down as the firm's chair and CEO while Andrew Hansen was appointed managing director.[25]

Notable projects

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References

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  1. ^ a b Britcher, Chris (20 April 2022). "Funeral takes place of FM Conway chairman and former CEO Michael Conway MBE". KentOnline. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
  2. ^ Garner-Purkis, Zak (4 September 2020). "Ex-Carillion man replaces FM Conway boss after 40-year stint". constructionnews.co.uk.
  3. ^ "26May94 UK: OUTRAGE OVER 5PC PAY DOCK – FM CONWAY". constructionnews.co.uk. 26 May 1994.
  4. ^ a b c Price, Chris (30 June 2016). "FM Conway moving to new headquarters in Sevenoaks". kentonline.co.uk.
  5. ^ Fitzpatrick, Tom (16 March 2012). "FM Conway and Aecom formalise JV to win highways work". constructionnews.co.uk.
  6. ^ "Construction firm FM Conway moving HQ from Dartford to Sevenoaks". Sevenoaks Chronicle. 8 May 2015. Retrieved 15 July 2015.
  7. ^ Pitcher, Greg (5 January 2017). "FM Conway buys second asphalt firm". constructionnews.co.uk.
  8. ^ "Locations". Fmconway.co.uk. Retrieved 20 November 2023.
  9. ^ "FM Conway wins Chelsea highways contract". constructionnews.co.uk. 10 April 2017.
  10. ^ Simpson, Jack (9 July 2018). "FM Conway wins £130m Croydon roads deal". constructionnews.co.uk.
  11. ^ Wadham, Caroline (8 January 2020). "FM Conway wins £98m highways contract". constructionnews.co.uk.
  12. ^ Price, David (20 August 2019). "FM Conway profit slumps as turnover tops £300m". constructionnews.co.uk.
  13. ^ Prior, Grant (12 February 2020). "F M Conway suspended from Prompt Payment Code". Construction Enquirer. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
  14. ^ Garner-Purkis, Zak (13 August 2020). "Prompt payment redemption for Kier Integrated Services and FM Conway". Construction News. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
  15. ^ Thomas-Alexander, Tiya (4 October 2021). "FM Conway reports 50% leap in profit". constructionnews.co.uk.
  16. ^ Thomas-Alexander, Tiya (31 May 2022). "FM Conway names new chair from within the family". constructionnews.co.uk.
  17. ^ Pitcher, Greg (15 November 2023). "FM Conway names founder's granddaughter as new chief exec". Construction News. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
  18. ^ Kennedy, Catherine (4 May 2022). "Judge rules FM Conway is liable for defective Twickenham work". constructionnews.co.uk.
  19. ^ Prior, Grant (9 May 2023). "FM Conway buys Flowline from administrators". Construction Enquirer. Retrieved 9 May 2023.
  20. ^ Picton, Catrin (9 May 2023). "FM Conway snaps up 164-person specialist contractor". constructionnews.co.uk.
  21. ^ Browne, Dominic (10 January 2024). "FM Conway hits 92% recycled materials record". Highways. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
  22. ^ "Circular construction is challenging the idea that recycled products are lesser". constructionnews.co.uk. 14 August 2024.
  23. ^ "Vinci announces purchase of FM Conway". New Civil Engineer. 30 October 2024.
  24. ^ "VINCI Construction swoops for FM Conway". Construction Enquirer. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
  25. ^ "FM Conway family chair steps away from business after Vinci deal". Construction Enquirer. 3 February 2025. Retrieved 3 February 2025.
  26. ^ Wood, Craig (20 June 2014). "Listed Dover train station gets cruise terminal upgrade". constructionnews.co.uk.
  27. ^ Folla, Annaca (12 January 2015). "FM Conway restores listed Putney Bridge to former glory". constructionnews.co.uk.
  28. ^ "Winning streak for FM Conway with Maidstone United FC". FM Conway. December 2016.
  29. ^ Dale, Sarah (25 October 2023). "Catch net installed to soffit of Millennium Bridge to facilitate planned maintenance work". Infrastructure Intelligence. Retrieved 26 October 2023.
  30. ^ Smith, Matt (15 January 2016). "FM Conway gives Millennium Bridge a makeover". Construction News. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
  31. ^ "City of London Corporation appoints contractor for multi-million-pound refurbishment of Blackfriars Bridge". City of London Corporation. 17 June 2021. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
  32. ^ "Conway team to start Hammersmith Bridge stabilisation this month". The Construction Index. 14 February 2022. Retrieved 14 February 2022.
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Media related to FM Conway at Wikimedia Commons

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