Conlon Construction appoints new chairman as Michael Conlon announces retirement

Michael Conlon will retire after a career spanning more than 38 years at Conlon Construction.

The chairman will stand down from the Preston-based firm which was founded by his father and four uncles in 1961.

Current managing director Guy Parker will step into the role of chairman, consolidating both the managing director and executive chairman responsibilities from January 1, 2026.

The appointment marks a significant milestone for the business, which transitioned to an Employee Owned Company in 2024.

Michael began his career at an early age, gaining practical experience through a range of junior roles during his teenage summer holidays, later completing a year’s work placement as a site engineer.

After spending four years with a smaller company, he returned to the family firm in 1987. Starting out as an assistant site manager, he progressed through a series of senior roles and was appointed chairman in 2013.

Under Michael’s leadership, Conlon has delivered some of the region’s most recognisable and culturally significant projects.

Highlights include Jubilee House in Lytham; the restoration of historic landmarks such as Wythenshawe Hall and Bridgewater Hall; construction of The Peterloo Memorial in Manchester; the regeneration of Preston’s Covered Market; the redevelopment of the iconic Preston Bus Station; delivery of the Showtown Museum in Blackpool; and the most recent transformation of The Harris.

Michael said: “I’m incredibly proud of my time at Conlon. We’ve had the privilege of delivering major projects that have shaped Lancashire and the wider North West’s cultural and civic landscape. What means most though is the positive impact we’ve had on our community.

“Whether through apprenticeships, charity partnerships or supporting local supply chains, we’ve always held true to the family values the business was built on.

“Guy has been integral to the business for many years. We’ve worked shoulder to shoulder, always focused on doing what’s best for our people, our clients and our community. With him at the helm, I know those values will continue to guide Conlon for years to come.”

Guy Parker, who joined the company in 1998 and has served as managing director since 2016, brings more than 25 years of operational and strategic leadership to the role.

Guy said: “It’s an honour to take on the role of chairman following Michael’s remarkable leadership and decades of service.

“As an employee-owned business, our people are central to everything we do. My priority is to uphold the values that have defined Conlon for more than 60 years while driving forward our commitment to delivering projects that genuinely improve the places we work in.

“I’m excited for the future and proud to lead a company our team are equally proud to own.”

Michael Conlon spoke at Lancashire Business View's Built Environment Summit in September talking about the challenges affecting the sector. 

He told delegates that cost factors was reshaping the way projects are being delivered.