🎉 We’re Finalists! 🎉

Ali Bell • June 23, 2025

We’re delighted to announce that two of our recent projects have been shortlisted for the RIDBA Building Awards 2025—a national event that recognises the very best in rural and industrial buildings across the UK.

This year, we’re proud to see the spotlight fall on both the Kynren Aviary Project and the Brocksbushes Farm Shop Extension—two very different builds that reflect the versatility and creativity of our team at S&A Fabrications.


Kynren Aviary Project

This was a first for us—and for the Roundhouse. Working closely with the team at Kynren, we adapted three of our iconic Roundhouses to help house birds of prey for their live outdoor show near Bishop Auckland.

While the interiors were fitted by others, the structures themselves were customised with painted exteriors and sympathetic finishes, blending into the theatrical landscape while delivering practical, long-lasting shelter. It’s a unique use of the Roundhouse that has opened up exciting possibilities for future projects beyond agriculture.


Brocksbushes Farm Shop Extension

A little closer to home, we also delivered a spacious, high-quality extension for the popular Brocksbushes Farm Shopnear Corbridge. Designed to improve both the flow and functionality of the space, the new extension offers customers a brighter, more comfortable shopping experience—without losing the charm of the original building.

Built with longevity and daily use in mind, this project demonstrates how structural steel can support rural retail in both form and function.


A Big Thank You to Our Subcontractors and Collaborators

Neither project would have been possible without the skill and dedication of our trusted subcontractors and partners. From groundwork and foundations to finishing trades and specialist installers, their expertise helped ensure every detail was executed to the highest standards.

We’re grateful for the collaborative spirit and professionalism that made these projects a success, and we look forward to working with these teams on future ventures.



About the RIDBA Awards

The Rural and Industrial Design and Building Association (RIDBA) represents specialist contractors, designers, engineers and manufacturers in the rural and industrial construction sector. Their biennial awards celebrate innovation, quality, and excellence in rural and agricultural buildings across the country.

To be shortlisted is a real honour—and to have two projects recognised is something we’re incredibly proud of. It’s a testament to the hard work, flexibility, and skill of our team, and the great relationships we’ve built with our clients.

We’re very much looking forward to the awards ceremony later this year—and wish the best of luck to all the finalists!

By Ali Bell June 18, 2025
At S&A Fabrications, we’ve been building Roundhouses for years—mainly for livestock, feed storage, or agricultural machinery. But every now and then, a project comes along that takes us in a completely new direction. That’s exactly what happened when the team from Kynren approached us with an unusual brief: to create custom Roundhouses to house birds of prey for their upcoming live outdoor show.
March 14, 2025
Better Handling, Better Beef: The Key Role of Animal Welfare in Dairy Beef Production
By Ali Bell February 26, 2025
S&A has commenced Construction of Hydrogen Refuelling Station at Teesside International Airport
January 28, 2025
We're thrilled to welcome Jamie and Bertie to the S&A sales team! They’re bringing loads of experience, fresh energy, and big ambitions to the table – we can’t wait to see what they’ll achieve.
By Ali Bell October 3, 2024
S&A Fabrications were thrilled to attend the opening of Airbourne Colour’s cutting-edge hangar at Teesside International Airport. The grand event was attended by over 200 guests, including key business leaders and regional stakeholders, celebrating this significant achievement for both the aviation industry and the local economy. 
Two men are standing next to each other in a factory.
June 27, 2024
At S&A Fabrications, we have recently transitioned our factory workers to a 4-day working week, a strategic move that has led to remarkable improvements in both productivity and employee satisfaction.
A row of blue and white barrels in a building
May 14, 2024
In the realm of construction, ensuring the safety and security of structures is paramount. From residential buildings to commercial complexes, every edifice needs robust fire protection measures in place to safeguard lives and property. At S&A Fabrications, we take this responsibility seriously, constantly exploring innovative solutions to elevate construction standards. In our latest project - a farm shop - the application of intumescent paint to the internal steel structure marks a significant stride towards enhancing fire safety.
An aerial view of a building under construction in a field.
May 9, 2024
The government has announced significant changes to permitted development rights (PDRs) for farmers, with updates effective from May 21st, 2024. These changes, as outlined by Wilson Wraight and the CLA, promise to revolutionise the landscape for agricultural development, offering tangible benefits for farmers across the UK. The latest amendments to permitted development rights herald a new era of opportunity and efficiency for farmers, with a key highlight being the reduction in planning costs. Wilson Wraight's analysis underscores the significance of this benefit, which is poised to alleviate financial burdens and streamline development processes for farmers nationwide. By eliminating or reducing the need for costly planning applications in certain scenarios, the revised PDRs empower farmers to undertake development projects with greater ease and affordability. This cost-saving measure not only frees up valuable resources but also fosters a more conducive environment for innovation, expansion, and sustainability within the agricultural sector. Moreover, the benefits of reduced planning costs extend beyond individual farm operations to encompass broader economic and community impacts. As farmers reinvest savings into farm improvements, equipment upgrades, and sustainability initiatives, the ripple effects are felt throughout rural economies, driving growth, job creation, and prosperity in agricultural communities. According to the Country Land and Business Association (CLA), the alterations bring a mix of good news and disappointments, highlighting concerns over the impact on farmers in Protected Landscapes as Ministers rejected a proposal to extend Class Q into these areas. As a trusted provider of agricultural solutions, S&A Fabrications celebrates the positive impact of the new changes to permitted development rights for farmers. The reduction in planning costs marks a significant step forward in empowering farmers to realise their development goals and unlock the full potential of their land. Farmers are encouraged to explore the opportunities presented by the revised PDRs and leverage the expertise and support offered by S&A Fabrications to navigate these changes effectively. Together, we can seize the benefits of reduced planning costs to drive innovation, sustainability, and prosperity in the agricultural sector. For more information on how the revised PDRs can benefit your farm and how S&A Fabrications can support your development needs, visit S&A Fabrications today. Source: Wilson Wraight & CLA
Martin Worthington standing in front of a sign that says s & a fabrications ltd
By Ali Bell March 26, 2024
S&A Fabrications Welcomes Martin Worthington as Business Development Executive
An aerial view of a large building under construction in a field.
By Ali Bell February 6, 2024
Due to significant growth and following a number of large contract wins, three exciting opportunities have arisen for a Business Development Executive, Structural Engineer and Draftsperson to join our team and play an important part in the continued growth of our business.
More Posts