Adderstone Construction (Falkland Islands) Ltd has been launched as part of aims to be a long term contributor to the islands’ future
Left to right: Martyn Wallbank and Stephen Lumsdon, directors of Adderstone Construction (Falkland Islands) Ltd, Ian Baggett, founder and CEO of Adderstone Group.(Image: Adderstone Group)
A Newcastle property group has expanded more than 7,000 miles from its heartland with the launch of a new business in the Falkland Islands. Adderstone Group, the Jesmond based property and regeneration company, has established Adderstone Construction (Falkland Islands) Ltd in Port Stanley as part of aims to be a long term contributor to the islands’ future.
Directors Martyn Wallbank and Stephen Lumsdon, who bring experience from previously living and working in the Falklands, are now based on the islands to provide on the ground leadership as the company grows its presence. They are joined by office manager Natasha Greenland, a fifth-generation islander.
The firm’s first project is a £1.5m contract to overhaul and reclad the existing aircraft hangar at FIGAS (Falkland Islands Government Air Service) to ensure the continued efficient operation of the islands’ air taxi service.FIGAS connects communities across more than 750 islands.
Its fleet of small aircraft transports children to school, sheepdogs to the vets, supports local farmers as well as providing everyday passenger, freight and emergency flights.
Adderstone said the hangar refurbishment will play a crucial role in maintaining the reliability and safety of this long standing, vital service. Structural steel sourced from Sunderland has arrived on the islands and is being used in the project.
The project marks the start of a broader programme of investment and infrastructure improvement in the islands. Adderstone Construction (Falkland Islands) Ltd is tendering for further contracts, including accommodation for offshore workers, road construction, and public facilities such as a local school and the Falkland Islands hospital.
Ian Baggett outside Adderstone Group’s offices.(Image: Adderstone Group.)
Mr Wallbank, director of Adderstone’s Falkland Islands division, said: “We’re on the ground here, part of the community and getting stuck in alongside local people. It’s not just about delivering projects – it’s about building relationships and contributing to the islands’ future in a meaningful way.”
Ian Baggett, founder and CEO of Adderstone Group, highlighted how the Falklands’ economy is small but diverse, anchored in commercial fishing, tourism and agriculture, with future growth expected in oil and infrastructure. As development continues, demand for skilled, reliable construction partners is rising and the new Adderstone business aims to meet that need,
He added: “The ties between the North East and the Falkland Islands run deep. We love the cohesion and resilience that seems to be present in communities that have faced hardship. The shared purpose motives us to deliver impactful work.”
