FM Conway

The company was founded in 1961 by Francis Michael Conway. During 1981, Francis' son Michael Conway became the CEO of FM Conway; Michael would retain this role for more than 40 years.^[1][2]

In May 1994, it was claimed by trade union officials that FM Conway had illegally reduced its workers' wages to cover theft and damage to plant.^[3] During 2000, the company relocated to new headquarters in Dartford, Kent.^[4]

During early 2012, FM Conway formed a joint venture with the American infrastructure company Aecom following the two firm's successful shortlisting on a Transport for London highway-centric framework valued at £1.8 billion.^[5] Four years later, the firm relocated to a larger headquarters in Sevenoaks; the prior Dartford headquarters was retained and expanded in its role as a logistics hub.^[4][6]

During 2016, FM Conway acquired the materials supplier United Asphalt.^[7] By this point, the firm operated a network of asphalt and aggregate recycling manufacturing plants that served London and Southern England, as well as two Thames-side wharves (at Erith and Gravesend).^[8] A large portion of the company's business was coming from various local authorities and government agencies;^[9][10][11] by the mid-2010s, it was reportedly maintaining various roads across half of London's boroughs.^[4]

During 2019, the firm reported that, despite rising revenues, its pre-tax profit had fallen from £11.7 million to £3.6 million in its last financial year; this was attributed to a rising cost of sales.^[12] In February 2020, FM Conway was suspended from the Prompt Payment Code for failure to pay suppliers on time.^[13] Eight months later, following the enactment of process improvements, the firm was reinstated.^[14] During late 2021, the company reported that its pre-tax profit over the previous financial year had risen from £12.7 million to £19.4 million, a more than 50 percent rise; the majority of this was due to a £4.7 million settlement regarding a land lease right.^[15]

During March 2022, Michael Conway, the firm's chairman, died;^[1] two months later, his daughter, Joanne Conway, was appointed as chairperson, becoming the third generation of the family to lead FM Conway.^[16][17] That same year, the firm was found liable for defective ductwork at Twickenham Stadium.^[18]

During May 2023, FM Conway bought Essex-based drainage contractor Flowline out of administration, saving 164 jobs in the process.^[19][20] In January 2024, FM Conway replaced an existing road surface in Westminster using 92% recycled materials; this was believed to be the highest level then achieved on a British road.^[21][22]

During October 2024, it was announced that the France-based construction company Vinci had agreed terms to purchase FM Conway.^[23] This acquisition was completed in early 2025;^[24] furthermore, Joanne Conway stepped down as the firm's chair and CEO while Andrew Hansen was appointed managing director.^[25]

In its final year as an independent business (year to 31 March 2025), FM Conway grew turnover 5% to £608m (2024: £580m) and pre-tax profit 12% to £33.0m (2024: £29.4m); operating profit was £46.1 (2024: £42.9m).^[26]

In an August 2025 incident, FM Conway released more than 15 tonnes of bitumen into the River Thames at its Gravesend facility, prompting a recovery operation by the Port of London Authority.^[27]

• Dover Marine Station, 2014^[28]
• Putney Bridge refurbishment, completed in 2015^[29]
• Maidstone United F.C. north stand, completed in 2017^[30]
• Millennium Bridge repairs completed in 2023,^[31] having repainted the bridge in 2016^[32]
• Blackfriars Bridge refurbishment, completed in 2024^[33]
• Hammersmith Bridge restoration, due to be completed in 2024^[34]