About Us

Building on Trust, Powered by Experience for Nearly 80 Years…

Established in 1946, Devon Contractors is an award-winning, independent construction company based in Clyst St. Mary, Exeter, delivering high-quality projects across the South West, including Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset. Our reputation has been built on trust, reliability, and a commitment to excellence—values that continue to shape our work today. With staff living across the region, from Cornwall to Bridgwater, we bring local knowledge and expertise to every project.

New Leadership, Same Core Values

In June 2024, after years of dedication to the company, Nigel Whelan, Andy Hoare, and Stuart O'Higgins successfully completed a Management Buyout (MBO) and now lead the company with a continued focus on maintaining our traditional values while driving innovation and growth. Their leadership ensures that Devon Contractors remains firmly rooted in its principles of quality, integrity, and collaboration.

Recognised for Excellence – Exeter Property Awards 2024

We are proud to announce that Devon Contractors was a winner at the Exeter Property Awards 2024, recognising our contribution to the region’s built environment. This prestigious award highlights our commitment to delivering high-quality construction projects that positively impact the local community and enhance the South West’s landscape.

Nigel Whelan – Managing Director

With over four decades of experience in the construction industry, Nigel brings extensive leadership in both commercial and operational roles. He has overseen a wide range of projects across education, healthcare, defence, residential, commercial, and industrial sectors for public and private clients, having held senior positions in Tier 1 and Tier 2 firms prior to joining Devon Contractors.

Andy Hoare – Commercial Director

Andy has over 24 years of director-level experience within both private firms and Tier 2 contractors. With a background in buying and quantity surveying, he has successfully delivered projects from £50k to £20m across residential, commercial, healthcare, leisure, education, retail, and refurbishment sectors.

Stuart O’Higgins – Construction Director

Stuart is a highly experienced construction professional with more than 30 years in the industry. Known for strong leadership and a commitment to quality, he consistently delivers high-standard projects while fostering long-term client relationships and driving team development across all levels.

A Strong Heritage of Delivering on Time and Within Budget

As a long-standing and well-respected contractor, we are known for delivering projects on time and within budget. Our client-first approach means that we listen carefully, adapt to challenges, and provide solutions that meet the highest standards. We treat every project with a "one-team approach," fostering collaboration between clients, design teams, and subcontractors to achieve the best possible results.

Sustainability and Commitment to Net Zero

At Devon Contractors, we are dedicated to reducing our environmental impact and actively supporting the UK’s net-zero targets. We integrate sustainable construction methods, reduce waste, and optimise energy efficiency on all of our sites. Our approach involves adopting modern technologies, sourcing sustainable materials, and ensuring that our projects contribute to a cleaner, greener future.

We are continuously improving our processes to ensure that sustainability is embedded in everything we do—from pre-construction planning to project completion. Our team is also committed to sharing these values with our supply chain, encouraging sustainable practices across the board.

Social value is at the heart of everything we do.

We don’t just see it as a tick-box exercise—it's a genuine commitment that shapes the way we work. We are proud to collaborate with Building Plymouth, Building Greater Exeter, and the Plymouth Charter to support initiatives that provide real, measurable benefits to the local community. On our sites, we actively promote apprenticeship schemes, work placements and training programmes that offer valuable opportunities for local people. We also work closely with our supply chain to ensure that these values extend beyond our own business, creating a positive ripple effect throughout the industry.

Our projects are not just about bricks and mortar—they’re about creating lasting legacies that benefit communities, promote inclusivity, and contribute to a thriving local economy.

Investing in our communities

Our ethos is deeply rooted in supporting the local economy by working with trusted local subcontractors and suppliers whenever possible. This not only keeps investment within the region, but also reduces the carbon footprint of our projects, making our work more sustainable and cost-effective for our clients. We are proud to play an active role in strengthening the communities where we operate.

Building Trust Through Collaboration

Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that by working transparently and collaboratively—with all parties focused on a shared goal—we can create a positive and productive environment that leads to better outcomes. This open approach promotes stronger relationships between the client, design team, contractor, and end-users, ensuring that every project runs smoothly and successfully.

Expertise Across Multiple Sectors

Our highly-skilled and dedicated team delivers a range of services, from minor refurbishments to major new-build projects, with construction values ranging from £1m to £20m. We specialise in the following sectors:

Education – Proven success in delivering educational facilities that inspire learning
Commercial – Creating modern, functional spaces that support business growth
Defence – Compliant and secure construction for defence and public sector facilities
Healthcare – Building environments that enhance care and well-being
Industrial & Manufacturing – Designing robust spaces for industry and innovation
Residential – Developing high-quality homes that meet diverse needs
Restoration & Refurbishment – Preserving heritage while enhancing functionality
Retail & Leisure – Crafting inviting and engaging spaces for the public

At Devon Contractors, we bring a professional yet family-oriented approach to every project. This culture of care, trust, and teamwork has been the bedrock of our success for nearly eight decades. Our team’s commitment to excellence, combined with our focus on fostering positive relationships, ensures that we continue to build lasting partnerships and deliver outstanding results.