After returning to the UK from a period farming in New Zealand, Phil Worrall began working for Daniel Brothers, gaining hands-on experience installing pipelines on projects across the country.

This role saw him involved in a variety of civil engineering and infrastructure schemes, working on the installation of drainage and pipeline systems in challenging environments and developing the practical knowledge that would become the foundation of his career.

During these years he also spent time working for Dave Bissell, a well-known Lancashire contractor. The projects often required working away from home for extended periods, sometimes for months at a time, travelling across the UK to deliver pipeline and drainage works. These early experiences provided invaluable exposure to large-scale civil engineering projects and helped shape the practical, hands-on approach that would later define W&B.

After returning to the UK from a period farming in New Zealand, Phil Worrall began working for Daniel Brothers, gaining hands-on experience installing pipelines on projects across the country.

This role saw him involved in a variety of civil engineering and infrastructure schemes, working on the installation of drainage and pipeline systems in challenging environments and developing the practical knowledge that would become the foundation of his career.

During these years he also spent time working for Dave Bissell, a well-known Lancashire contractor. The projects often required working away from home for extended periods, sometimes for months at a time, travelling across the UK to deliver pipeline and drainage works. These early experiences provided invaluable exposure to large-scale civil engineering projects and helped shape the practical, hands-on approach that would later define W&B.

With support from his father-in-law, George William Batty, Phil secured £9,000 to purchase his first excavator – an Orenstein & Koppel (O&K) RH4. This investment marked the beginning of the business and the formation of Worrall & Batty (W&B) Plant Hire.

The machine’s first hire was back with Daniel Brothers, working on a pipeline scheme running through the hills between Machynlleth and Borth near Aberystwyth in Wales. It was the first of many projects and marked the start of what would grow into a business built on hard work, reliability and practical civil engineering experience.

With support from his father-in-law, George William Batty, Phil secured £9,000 to purchase his first excavator – an Orenstein & Koppel (O&K) RH4. This investment marked the beginning of the business and the formation of Worrall & Batty (W&B) Plant Hire.

The machine’s first hire was back with Daniel Brothers, working on a pipeline scheme running through the hills between Machynlleth and Borth near Aberystwyth in Wales. It was the first of many projects and marked the start of what would grow into a business built on hard work, reliability and practical civil engineering experience.

Whilst working on a scheme at Langthwaite Reservoir, Phil Worrall met Iain Maguire, marking the beginning of a working relationship that would become an important part of the business. By 1994, Iain had joined Phil and the foundations of a long-standing partnership had been established.

Iain remains with the business today as W&B’s Works Manager, playing a key role in overseeing projects and supporting the continued growth of the company.

His commitment, experience and practical approach embody the values that W&B was built upon – determined, fair and conscientious. Highly respected by colleagues and peers alike, Iain continues to drive projects forward from start to finish, ensuring work is delivered safely, efficiently and to the high standards our clients expect.

Whilst working on a scheme at Langthwaite Reservoir, Phil Worrall met Iain Maguire, marking the beginning of a working relationship that would become an important part of the business. By 1994, Iain had joined Phil and the foundations of a long-standing partnership had been established.

Iain remains with the business today as W&B’s Works Manager, playing a key role in overseeing projects and supporting the continued growth of the company.

His commitment, experience and practical approach embody the values that W&B was built upon – determined, fair and conscientious. Highly respected by colleagues and peers alike, Iain continues to drive projects forward from start to finish, ensuring work is delivered safely, efficiently and to the high standards our clients expect.

W&B Plant Hire began working in conjunction with John McKillen of Faro Construction on a number of large schemes, including developments at Stone Retail Park and Knutsford Services.

What started as a working relationship soon developed into a strong partnership that would last for over ten years, with W&B providing plant and site support across a variety of major construction projects. During this period the business became involved in a number of standout schemes, most notably works at Manchester United’s Old Trafford Stadiumand their training academy at Carrington.

These projects represented important milestones for the growing business, helping to strengthen W&B’s reputation for reliability, hard work and the ability to deliver on high-profile developments.

W&B Plant Hire began working in conjunction with John McKillen of Faro Construction on a number of large schemes, including developments at Stone Retail Park and Knutsford Services.

What started as a working relationship soon developed into a strong partnership that would last for over ten years, with W&B providing plant and site support across a variety of major construction projects. During this period the business became involved in a number of standout schemes, most notably works at Manchester United’s Old Trafford Stadiumand their training academy at Carrington.

These projects represented important milestones for the growing business, helping to strengthen W&B’s reputation for reliability, hard work and the ability to deliver on high-profile developments.

W&B and Faro Construction later amalgamated under the W&B Plant Hire banner, bringing together their experience, resources and ongoing workload.

The move marked a significant step forward for the business, with the combined operation effectively doubling in size almost overnight. With a larger team, expanded plant fleet and a growing portfolio of projects, W&B was able to take on a wider range of schemes and further strengthen its presence across the construction and civil engineering sectors.

A key stage in the company’s development, helping to establish the foundations for the business as it continued to grow in the years that followed.

W&B and Faro Construction later amalgamated under the W&B Plant Hire banner, bringing together their experience, resources and ongoing workload.

The move marked a significant step forward for the business, with the combined operation effectively doubling in size almost overnight. With a larger team, expanded plant fleet and a growing portfolio of projects, W&B was able to take on a wider range of schemes and further strengthen its presence across the construction and civil engineering sectors.

A key stage in the company’s development, helping to establish the foundations for the business as it continued to grow in the years that followed.

W&B Plant Hire is being rebranded to W&B Civil Engineering.

Over time our work has naturally evolved. While the business began in plant hire, our focus has increasingly moved towards deep drainage, excavation and civil engineering works across a range of construction and infrastructure projects. As this shift has continued, we felt the name of the business should better reflect the work we carry out today. W&B Civil Engineering represents the direction the company has grown into – delivering skilled labour, plant and practical expertise to support civil engineering projects.

While the name is changing, the team, experience and values that have built the business remain exactly the same.

W&B Plant Hire is being rebranded to W&B Civil Engineering.

Over time our work has naturally evolved. While the business began in plant hire, our focus has increasingly moved towards deep drainage, excavation and civil engineering works across a range of construction and infrastructure projects. As this shift has continued, we felt the name of the business should better reflect the work we carry out today. W&B Civil Engineering represents the direction the company has grown into – delivering skilled labour, plant and practical expertise to support civil engineering projects.

While the name is changing, the team, experience and values that have built the business remain exactly the same.

2026 marks another positive step forward for W&B Civil Engineering.

Over the past year the business has continued to grow, securing work across a number of major infrastructure and civil engineering projects while strengthening our reputation for delivering reliable drainage, excavation and groundworks support. Alongside this, we’ve refreshed our website and social media presence, allowing us to better showcase the projects we’re involved in and the capabilities of our team. 

 It’s an exciting period for the company as we continue to build on our experience and support contractors across the UK’s infrastructure and construction sectors.

.

2026 marks another positive step forward for W&B Civil Engineering.

Over the past year the business has continued to grow, securing work across a number of major infrastructure and civil engineering projects while strengthening our reputation for delivering reliable drainage, excavation and groundworks support. Alongside this, we’ve refreshed our website and social media presence, allowing us to better showcase the projects we’re involved in and the capabilities of our team. 

 It’s an exciting period for the company as we continue to build on our experience and support contractors across the UK’s infrastructure and construction sectors.

.