The core team.

John Gretton, has been a dedicated professional in the construction industry since the age of 16. His journey began at Mackley Construction, where he completed his apprenticeship and obtained an NVQ 2 in General Construction. His early career involved diverse projects, from building water treatment works to sea defence maintenance and Environment Agency initiatives, including stream maintenance and culvert installations under the Medbury scheme. Notably, John spent 2 and a half years in a piling gang, contributing to projects like sheet piling for cofferdams, land reclamation, and infrastructure for bridges and ferry berths, including the Orton Mere Lock project.

In January 2013, John joined Jackson Civil Engineering until September 2016. During this period, he played a crucial role in various projects, such as flood schemes, pumping stations (some reaching depths of 10 meters), dredging, and the upgrade of Wicksteed Park. He also contributed to new build site infrastructure, managing utilities, drainage, roads, and pathways.

From September 2016 to September 2020, John joined View Civils, specializing in groundwork for new housing sites. His responsibilities included foundations, internal and external drainage, foul and rainwater drainage, soakaways, block and beam floors (both traditional and insulated), and suspended floors. His dedication and expertise led him to quickly advance to a supervisory role within a year and subsequently become a site foreman. He successfully completed a site in Navenby for Linden Homes and initiated a new site with 167 houses in phase 1 at Fernwood for Barratt Homes.

Since September 2020, John has been a valuable partner at Core Construction & Developments Ltd.

John holds several certifications, including SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme), First Aider, CPCS Plant Card Holder, and CSCS Skilled Operative NVQ2. His commitment to professional development and diverse project experience makes him a valuable asset to the construction industry.

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Sam Bussey is a skilled builder, approachable Trustworthy and dependable, with an exacting ideal for excellence at every level, Sam Bussey entered the building trade in 2007 as a brick laying apprentice for Maffit Construction, earning his NVQ L3 at an early age and going on to become a very capable stone mason.

He went on to learn all trades on site and was cultivated into a site supervisor. His bosses saw in Sam his desire, application and hunger to learn new skills but also his passion to give back and ensure all trades onsite deliver to his very high standards. As a result, Sam became very proficient with controlling areas of the site and overseeing the delivery of work completed by professionals operating alongside him as contractors.

Sam decided he wanted to specialise in plastering & rendering, specifically traditional styles which have seen him sought out to assist in the preservation and restoration of historic buildings.

Over the years Sam has worked on many renovations, refurbishments and full site builds completing some prestigious renovations as can be seen in the case studies. Sam had works for Jamie and Richard on their property portfolio in the 5 years preceding the founding of core construction and it was that experience that led to Jamie and Richard partnering with Sam to found Core Construction in 2019.

Sam enjoys the organisation and managerial side and is able to deal with situations that arise in a calm and confident manner, instilling confidence in the customer and work force. Able to communicate and overseeing trades to ensure a smooth transition from start to finish, he has a keen eye for detail and is capable of controlling time and budgetary requirements.

Jamie Young has been an entrepreneur from an early age, with a diverse business background spanning over 20 years in logistics, building, property, and telecommunications.

He began his career in the telecommunications industry, working across the UK, Europe, and Scandinavia. However, the Dotcom bubble burst in 2000 led to a halt in the industry, prompting Jamie to pivot towards new opportunities. In 2005, he co-founded Tristar Global Communications, an SME that has grown to engage 60+ engineers working with major blue-chip clients, including Nokia, Huawei, BT, and Virgin Media.

In 2018, Jamie expanded into Facilities Maintenance, with a clear directive to support the NHS in maintaining its building infrastructure, covering all Hard FM services.

Jamie co-founded Core Construction & Developments in 2019 to take on and manage all aspects of building and renovation for their development company. Partnering with two highly skilled builders, Core Construction has since completed numerous successful new build projects, full back-to-brick renovations, and heritage restorations, including an 18th-century coaching inn.

Jamie has extensive experience in property development and investment strategies, specializing in multi-let and multi-unit developments. He has a proven track record of adding value through planning gains, renovations, and strategic development. With strong in-house teams and trusted partners, he ensures that all projects are delivered on time and within budget.

“As Managing Director, I enjoy establishing and developing relationships, bringing about innovation, and leading by example to ensure all projects are delivered successfully. I actively engage at all levels of operations, believing it is important for the team to see leadership in action.”

Jamie is committed to expanding Core Construction’s portfolio, focusing on larger-scale developments and high-value investment opportunities.

Richard Young has over 30 years of experience in business, property development, and the home improvement sector. His expertise spans procurement, supply chain management, and project delivery, with a deep understanding of financial oversight and operational efficiency.

For over 20 years, Richard served as a Director for a multimillion-pound turnover company, managing all aspects of the supply chain from procurement through manufacturing to delivery. His role required him to navigate operational challenges, optimize gross profit margins, and control overheads while ensuring smooth business operations.

Richard has been a mentor to Jamie, working alongside him in the home improvement sector, handling everything from basic upgrades to large-scale home extensions. His experience in liaising with local authorities, building control, and regulatory bodies, has been instrumental in successfully delivering compliant, high-quality developments.

Richard and Jamie undertook their first property renovation in 2005, converting a house into an HMO, which they continue to own today. Their property portfolio has since grown, incorporating new build sites, back-to-brick renovations, and heritage restorations, including the transformation of an 18th-century coaching inn.

Richard specializes in multi-let and multi-unit development strategies, focusing on maximizing returns through planning gains, strategic renovations, and value-added development. He plays a key role in managing Core Construction’s projects, ensuring quality control, cost efficiency, and successful project execution.

His hands-on approach and business acumen have been crucial in driving Core Construction’s continued growth, allowing the company to expand into largers cale opportunities and high-yield developments.