IN Conversation: Adrian Short — Short Construction

Founded in 2010, Short Construction has successfully completed over 165 developments across the North West, earning the trust of clients across private and public sectors. The firm delivers high quality builds across four key sectors: private residential, developer-led housing schemes, commercial properties, and specialist healthcare projects. Its expertise spans everything from bespoke luxury homes to large-scale multi-unit developments, with a reputation for precision, reliability, and craftsmanship.

What has driven Short Construction’s recent growth?

I believe our growth can largely be attributed to clear, disciplined focus from our management team on both expansion and long-term sustainability. We have deliberately broadened our client base over recent years, reducing reliance on any single sector and creating a more resilient pipeline of work across commercial and residential projects.

At the same time, we have increased our visibility and prominence across our key sectors. By consistently delivering high-quality projects, investing in our people, and maintaining strong operational standards, we have strengthened our reputation and positioned Short Construction as a trusted partner for increasingly complex and significant schemes across the North West.

Which sectors are strongest for you right now: residential, commercial, or healthcare?

Residential. We deliver bespoke projects for private clients helping bring dream homes to life, alongside collaborations with residential developers including Britannia Group and Cube Homes. Housebuilding across the North West remains strong and we are fortunate to have excellent partnerships with developers at the forefront of the regeneration of key locations such as Stockport.

How would you describe the North West property market at the moment?

Cautious, but still active. While there is an understandable level of restraint in the market, there remains an underlying sense of optimism. The region has a strong community of companies with proud northern roots, ourselves included, who are genuinely passionate about seeing the area thrive. That commitment, combined with a long-term view and a willingness to work through challenges, means that well-considered projects are continuing to move forward despite the broader uncertainties.

What are clients prioritising most on projects today?

In the main, clients are looking for greater cost certainty, transparent pricing, and value for money at every stage of a project, with a strong emphasis on avoiding unexpected surprises.

Alongside cost, the standard of finish is equally important. Clients want high-quality outcomes that meet both functional and aesthetic expectations, ensuring that completed schemes are durable, efficient, and suited to their long-term use. My team’s focus remains on doing things right first time, with quality seen as a way to protect our clients’ investments rather than an area to compromise.

Relationships with contractors have also become increasingly critical. Clients value contractors they can trust, those who communicate openly, collaborate effectively, and take a proactive approach to problem-solving. Many of our clients have progressed from single projects into long-standing partnerships spanning multiple developments. We believe this reflects the value they place on our professional, consistent approach to delivering construction projects. Every scheme is supported by a dedicated site manager who leads the team from concept through to completion, ensuring clear communication, accountability, and excellence at every stage of delivery.

How are you growing the team to support the next stage of the business?

We are growing the team through a balanced approach that combines promoting from within with the strategic recruitment of new expertise and experience. Developing our existing people is a key priority for us, and we actively support internal progression by recognising talent, investing in training, and providing clear pathways for career development.

Alongside this, we are strengthening the business by recruiting individuals with fresh perspectives, specialist skills, and proven experience that complement our existing capabilities.

What does healthcare delivery teach you that other sectors do not?

Healthcare delivery demands a much deeper understanding of client requirements. In particular, how operators, staff, and residents will ultimately use the finished building on a day-to-day basis. It requires a strong focus on functionality, safety, and operational continuity, ensuring that design and construction decisions genuinely support care delivery.

It also teaches our team the importance of working sensitively within live environments. Many healthcare projects involve extensions or refurbishments to buildings that remain fully operational, which means careful planning, clear communication, and rigorous control of noise, access, and safety. Above all, it reinforces the need to be respectful to healthcare employees and residents, recognising that construction activity is taking place in environments where people live, work, and receive essential care.

What will matter most to regional contractors over the next few years?

Stability will be the single most important factor. Greater certainty around interest rates and the wider economy would allow contractors and clients alike to plan with confidence, make long-term investment decisions, and bring projects forward that might otherwise be delayed.

Equally important is a stable political and regulatory environment. Regional contractors are particularly vulnerable to sudden policy changes or geopolitical issues that drive sharp increases in material, labour, and energy costs. Consistency helps avoid price shocks and supports more accurate tendering and cost control.

Clear and supportive government legislation will also be crucial. There has been plenty of talk from successive governments about backing the construction industry, but little in the way of real change so far. Policies that encourage investment in construction, streamline planning processes, and support training and workforce development would provide a stronger foundation for sustainable growth across the sector.