CONSTRUCTION firm Seddon has laid down plans to raise an incredible £1M for charity to mark its landmark 125th anniversary.

The family firm, based in Farnworth, is the UK's largest privately owned national contracting businesses.

The fifth generation, family-owned business has asked colleagues, customers and its supply chain to come up with their own personal pledges to celebrate its landmark anniversary, and raise money for The Christie Charity ­— and other worthy causes.

So far, these include a challenging 125mile walk, a 125-hole round of golf and a 125km swim.

Nicola Hodkinson, Company Director, said: "125 years in business is a huge deal, so we’re going all out to mark the occasion with the gusto it deserves whilst raising as much money as we can for a charity that’s so close to our hearts.

"It’s timely that our anniversary falls as we’re starting to reconnect post-pandemic, so we hope those who take part will see it as a perfect opportunity to get back together with colleagues and friends, in support of each other’s efforts.

"Commercially, the milestone has also prompted us to really focus on our future, to ensure that we’ll still be building homes, schools, healthcare facilities and commercial premises in another 125 years."£

Founded in 1897 by George and John Seddon, what started out as a Salford-based bricklaying business today employs over 650 people and has an annual turnover of £200million.

Most recently, Seddon have been involved in large scale projects including the development of 120 homes on Whalley Road, Skelmersdale and a new development of a £16.24m Veterinary School at Keele University.

Nicola said: “Our children have now entered the business and are cutting their teeth. Along with my brothers Jamie and Jonathan, I’m mentoring them on how to be business owners. They’re also moving around the business to gain experience of it and the industry as a whole.

"In the words of my father Christopher, it’s our job to make the next generation the best owners they can be. And that’s exactly what we’re doing, for the longevity of the Seddon name.”

Roger Spencer, CEO of The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We’ve worked with Seddon for over 25 years, and, during that time, they’ve raised a phenomenal £875,000 for The Christie Charity.

"It’s really exciting to be part of its latest year-long fundraising campaign, which we’re all hoping will see Seddon surpass the £1million mark.

"The generous donation of £250 from every Seddon Homes house sold to The Christie at Macclesfield, which opened in December, is also predicted to add an incredible £175,000 to the current total during 2022.

"It’s certainly set to be a very special year and we congratulate Seddon on what is an absolutely fabulous achievement."