B. W. May & Son was founded in 1960 by Bert May and his son Len May. They were later joined by Bill Chapell (Carpentry & Joinery) and Terry Upton (Brickwork) to form B. W. May & Son Limited in 1971
The decision to join forces allowed them to pool their skilled operatives, delivering a more effective business within the housing sector. Since the formation of the consortium in 1971, there have been several shareholder changes, the most significant being the buy-in from the current Managing Director, Andrew Spice, in 1988. Andrew, the nephew of original owner Bill Chapell, has played a key role in the company’s growth and success over the past two decades. Under Andrew Spice's leadership, B. W. May & Son Limited has expanded its operations to include an in-house joinery workshop and now employs approximately 50 staff members.
B. W. May has consistently invested in training and employing in-house operatives across all trades, maintaining a high-quality workforce rather than relying solely on subcontractors. This commitment sets B. W. May apart within the construction industry.
The company is capable of undertaking projects valued up to £2,000,000, managed through its Small Works and Main Contracts departments.
B. W. May's primary strength lies in its directly employed workforce, ensuring better control, quick mobilisation, and superior quality of service and product. This approach is particularly valued by key clients with rigorous employee vetting processes.
As one of the most recognised regional contractors in Swale, B. W. May is based in Bobbing near Sittingbourne, a location well-suited to serve a broad operating area.
The company's continued growth over the past decade has strengthened existing customer relationships, leading to the successful delivery of larger and more prestigious projects.
In a rapidly evolving building industry, B. W. May remains committed to embracing positive change to consistently meet and exceed customer expectations.
B W May & Son is a Kent-based building contractor with more than 65 years of experience in construction, refurbishment, restoration and specialist joinery. Our work ranges from commercial and residential projects to churches, historic properties and sensitive heritage buildings, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern construction methods.
Established in 1960, B W May has delivered construction, refurbishment and restoration projects throughout Kent and the surrounding area for more than six decades.
Extensive experience working with churches, historic properties and sensitive buildings, supported by traditional construction skills and our in-house joinery workshop.
B W May & Son Ltd is a member of the Federation of Master Builders, supporting recognised standards of professionalism and quality within the construction industry.
B W May & Son Ltd is a member of the British Woodworking Federation, reflecting our experience in bespoke and specialist joinery including heritage joinery, windows, doors, staircases and interior joinery.
Heritage Restoration
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Building
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Joinery
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Internal Renovation
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We are currently looking for
We are looking for an experienced accounts assistant
Part-time position (21 hours a week Mon-Wed) immediately available for an experienced accounts assistant at Sittingbourne-based builders, B. W. May & Son Ltd. Must have own transport due to location of office.
Duties to include:
Checking and verifying purchase and sub-contractor invoices and posting to accounts system.
Assist with preparation of month-end creditors for payment. Construction Industry Scheme monthly return.
VAT Return.
Monthly payroll for approx. 50 employees, including all HMRC and related reports; submission of pension figures to pension provider; update tax codes; tax year-end etc.
Dealing with apprentices and related governing bodies.
Petty cash.
In addition, assist with general office duties as may be required.
Please apply using our online application form and upload your CV.
We are currently looking for
We are looking for an experienced carpenter to join B. W. May & Son Ltd, working across a range of heritage, refurbishment and general building projects throughout Kent and the surrounding areas.
The role involves carrying out high-quality first and second-fix carpentry, together with repair, conservation and replacement of existing timber elements. Typical works include traditional roof carpentry, floor structures, studwork, doors and frames, skirtings, architraves, timber flooring, external joinery, repairs to historic fabric and installation of bespoke joinery manufactured by our workshop.
The carpenter will be expected to work confidently from drawings, specifications and site instructions, set out works accurately, assess existing timber before replacement, and retain original material wherever practical. Many projects involve listed buildings, churches, period properties and sensitive refurbishment works, so a good understanding of traditional construction methods and sympathetic repair techniques is important.
The role also requires close coordination with the working foreman, other trades, subcontractors and our in-house joinery department. The carpenter must maintain a high standard of workmanship, keep working areas organised, use materials responsibly, and carry out all works safely and in accordance with project requirements.
We are currently looking for
We are looking for an experienced bench joiner to join our in-house joinery workshop.
Applicants should have experience in traditional joinery, manufacturing bespoke timber products and working accurately from technical drawings.
A high standard of workmanship, excellent attention to detail and the ability to work independently are essential.
Please apply using our online application form and upload your CV.
Thank you for your interest in joining B W May & Son Ltd. Please complete the application form below and attach your CV.
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