From Humble Beginnings to Industry Leaders
Cawarden’s journey began in 1986 with founders William Crooks and Richard Parrott embarking on their first demolition and reclamation project. At a time when re-using building materials was virtually unheard of, William and Richard’s forward-thinking approach to recycling set the foundation for Cawarden.
Pioneering Recycling in Demolition
In an era when the re-use of building materials was unfashionable, William and Richard saw an opportunity to reclaim and sell these materials for re-use. This vision marked the birth of Cawarden, a company rooted in sustainability and innovation.
Growth and Industry Leadership
As Cawarden grew, so did its impact on the demolition industry. By 2001, William had taken over as Managing Director, while Richard continued his passion for reclamation. Under William’s leadership, Cawarden navigated various economic cycles and advancements in industry practices, continually adapting and evolving.
A Family Legacy
The passion for demolition and recycling extended to the next generation. William’s sons, Oliver and Samuel, developed a love for the industry from a young age, often visiting sites to watch the “big machines” in action. Samuel joined the business in 2012, followed by Oliver in 2013. Both started their careers on-site and worked diligently to rise through the ranks.
From Demolition to Construction
Today, Cawarden has evolved from a demolition sub-contractor to a specialist contractor, providing integrated ‘Destruction to Construction’ services. Our journey from humble beginnings to industry leadership is a testament to our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence.
We take immense pride in our roots and are excited about the future, continuing to build on our heritage of quality and service.
A look back in time at some of our achievements through the decades.
Office Move Pending
2024
The early stages of planning a new Headquarters for Cawarden begins.
Major sponsorship deal with Derbyshire FA
2024
Cawarden becomes Derbyshire FA’s 140th Year Headline Sponsor and County Cups sponsor for the second year running.
Award Winning Performance
2023
Cawarden is crowned Demolition Contractor of the Year for the second time in three years at the British Demolition Awards.
Record Turnover
2023
Cawarden achieves a record £29 million turnover.
Framework Deal
2023
Cawarden awarded a place on Transformative £8bn Procure Partnerships Framework Deal
Iconic Project
2023
St Mary’s in Derby – A prestigious project, dubbed the greenest primary school in the country, where we completed the earthworks, groundworks, and external packages.
Integrated Project Delivery
2023
Cawarden delivers an integrated service to fulfil all project requirements for a new car park scheme as part of Swadlincote town’s £1m regeneration project.
Honoured
2022
William Crooks honoured for his dedication to the demolition industry by being invited to join the inaugural Demolition Hub Demolition Hall of Fame.
Iconic Project
2022
Demolition and dismantling work commences at the former Bison site in Swadlincote, Derbyshire – a 3/4 of a mile-long site with Cawarden able to showcase circular economy principles through major re-use of buildings and industrial equipment.
Cawarden Fleet
2022
With an increasing workload, Cawarden adds a second high-reach to the fleet – the first of its kind to reach UK shores at the time!
Cawarden Strengthens Board of Directors
2021
Malcolm Lowes, Oliver Crooks and Samuel Crooks appointed to the Cawarden Board of Directors.
Award Winning Performance
2021
Cawarden is crowned Demolition Contractor of the Year at the British Demolition Awards.
Award Winning Performance
2021
Cawarden receives gold and silver awards from the Green Apple Awards for Environmental Best Practice at a former colliery site in Nottinghamshire.
Going Paperless
2021
Investing in paperless technology enabling us to make the transition from traditional paper-based methods to electronic-based methods.
Business Expansion
2021
Cawarden makes a major investment in people and plant to further expand into the Civils & Groundworks market.
William Crooks becomes President of the NFDC
2021
The National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC) officially announces the appointment of William Crooks as President.
Iconic Project
2020
Work on several major projects begins as part of Derby city centre’s £200 million Becketwell regeneration project.
Biggest Project
2020
Commencement of Cawarden’s biggest project to date at the former home of Royal Doulton Potteries in Staffordshire.
Cawarden commits to net-zero
2020
Pledge to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 50% before 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions before 2050.
Iconic Project
2019
Demolition of the former Wyvern footbridge over the A52 in Derby. The works were completed ahead of programme allowing the roadway to open a day early.
Cawarden makes the top 100 global demolition contractor listing
2017
In the top 100 global demolition contractor listing, Demolition & Recycling International – Cawarden reached position 80 in 2017.
Plant investment
2015
Order placed for Komatsu’s new PC490 LC-10 high reach.
Iconic Projects
2015
Cawarden is awarded major projects at Derby and Leicester Royal Infirmaries.
Iconic Project
2004
Duckworth Square, Derby – An early phase of the Becketwell Regeneration Project in Derby city centre.
Iconic Project
2003
Demolition of the Baseball Ground, now the home of Derby County FC.
Iconic Project
2000
Demolition of the Raleigh Bikes Plant for Nottingham University.
Family Business
2000
A young Samuel Crooks pictured at a dairy site in Nottingham.
Family Business
1997
William Crooks pictured with young Oliver Crooks on-site at Bruntingthorpe as a disused 747 is dismantled.
First project award for our longest standing client
1996
Industrial strip out and demolition project for Bowmer & Kirkland. The beginning of a long-standing client relationship.
Early Projects
1994
Demolition of the former “Cooper’s Mill” corset factory in Ashbourne to clear the way for a new Sainsbury’s supermarket.
Early Projects
1994
Demolition of all farm buildings at the site of the new Toyota factory in Burnaston, Derbyshire, working direct for Toyota UK.
Early Projects
1992
Demolition of brick buildings at Yorkshire Collieries for CAT Plant Ltd.
Early Projects
1990
Working on behalf of Fina Petroleum to help clear the way for the M42 at Tamworth.
Cawarden Fleet
1988
The beginning of Cawarden’s investment in in-house resources began with the purchase of our first machine, a JCB with the license plate number 3C111.
First demolition & reclamation project
1986
First demolition and reclamation project on farm buildings.
Cawarden Founded
1986
William Crooks and Richard Parrott founded Cawarden.