October 2022
We’re delighted to announce that Bob Sly, Senior Estimator for Cubby Construction was presented with the CECA North West Lifetime Achievement Award 2022 last week. During the award ceremony, we were also pleased to be Highly Commended for our work on the Alston, Front Street, Unique Heritage Restoration project.
At the grand age of 75, Bob Sly is a true “grafter” with over 60 years’ experience in Construction and vast approaching 47 years of Estimating experience. He’s been an integral part of the Cubby Construction team for over 7 years.
Bob Sly commented “Work drives me, it gives me purpose, it gets me out of bed on a morning, it keeps my brain alert, working and functional… long may it last!”
After leaving school at the young age of 15, Bob’s 61-year construction career began in 1961 as an Apprentice Joiner. His apprenticeship spanned 6 years, working for a local firm in Penrith.
After completion of his apprenticeship, Bob worked for several companies, working his way up through the ranks as a Formwork Joiner, Foreman Joiner and later Site Agent. He concentrated his talents on motorway construction and bridge construction, working on the M6 motorway, Manchester Aqueduct and Sleddale Dam to name but a few projects during this time. He also gained experience working on various contracts including social housing sites, industrial buildings, estate roads, sewage and water treatment plants.
Bob returned to education as a mature student, taking a 2-year intensive diploma course in Estimating & Cost Analysis. He went on to achieve 6 Distinction’s, 7 Credits and presented with the Student of the Year Award!
Bob secured his first position as Estimator in 1978. He spent 3 years gaining experience in this new field, preparing building and civil engineering tenders, up to a value of £1.5m.
Bob took his extensive knowledge of the sector climbing the ladder and became an Estimating Consultant, to national and international companies, in various estimating positions. He worked on tenders up to £310m.
Bob has been with Cubby Construction over 7 years. Bob said:
“my experience was appreciated, and I became involved in passing on those experiences to the younger members of staff and trainees, which I find very rewarding.”
Bob has been a mentor for numerous people over the years in the many firms he has worked at, including Dan Cleminson, Estimating Manager who said:
“When I started at Cubby Construction as a Trainee Estimator, Bob took me under his wing supporting me through the early stages of my Estimating career. Through his guidance and encouragement, I was able to develop and grow to fulfil my potential. To this day Bob is continuously looking to further my development and that of his colleagues, passing on his knowledge from his many years of experience.”
Bob has estimated for many of the Award-Winning Cubby Construction Civils Projects including.
- CECA North West Project of the Year (over £5 million) Award 2021 for Reinstatement of Keswick – Threlkeld Railway Trail.
- CECA North West Collaborative Partnership Award 2019 for Yearl’s Weir, River Derwent.
- CECA North West Highly Commended: Project under £1 million 2019 for Glenridding Pier.
- CECA North West Innovation Award 2018: Shortlist Glossop Tower Foundation, Omexom.
