INDUSTRY INSIGHTS: Behind the Electrical Fit-Out at Welcome Break’s 60th Service Area

This month, we sat down with Jordan Marsh, Director at SEE Services, to explore the company’s role as the appointed electrical contractor for Welcome Break’s newest service area, its 60th site and the first new location in over 20 years. Situated at Junction 33 of the M1, the project marks a significant milestone for Welcome Break and is just one of many successful projects recently delivered by the team at SEE Services.

Q: Let’s start with a bit of a catch-up, what’s been going on at SEE Services lately?

It’s been a really exciting time for us. We’ve been delivering a wide range of projects across key sectors. One recent highlight was a large-scale retail development, where we completed a full mechanical and electrical fit-out, so that covers everything from ambient lighting systems to chlorination.

We’re also working with a national courier company on a multi-site lighting upgrade across their distribution depots. To date, we’ve installed over 8,000 LED fittings as part of a major energy efficiency programme.

These projects really showcase the breadth of our capabilities, from retail environments to critical infrastructure in the logistics sector. And of course, one of our most significant recent achievements is the new service area for Welcome Break, an exciting milestone not only for them, but for us as well.

Q: This new site marks a major milestone for Welcome Break. Can you tell us more about it?

This is Welcome Break’s 60th service area and their first new site in 20 years, so it’s a big moment for them. The whole site had followed a brand new concept, designed to enhance the journey experience for motorists. The site offers top of the range facilities and dining options,  including  modern, high-quality amenities for HGV drivers.

We were proud to be part of the delivery team, responsible for the full electrical fit-out across the Petrol Filling Station (PFS) and HGV refuelling areas.

Q: What was the full scope of SEE Services’ responsibilities on this project?

The scope was extensive, and we had a tight deadline to have the site operational by early 2025. We handled electrical works including, energy-efficient lighting, and daylight sensors, along with the completion of an HGV stop featuring showers, a gym, a gaming room, and hot & cold food facilities.

We also delivered the electrical works for the fuel pumps which included: the design and installation of fuel pump supplies, integration of ADBLUE systems, leak detection, and overfill alarms to ensure safety and efficiency. The team also completed earthing and bonding for all tanks and pipework, developed bespoke fuel pump control boards, connected DOMS systems for fuel management integration, and installed an emergency shutdown system for rapid response.

All works were carried out in full compliance with Blue Book regulations by SPA-certified and Compex 7 & 8-trained engineers, ensuring the highest industry standards were met.

Q: What were the primary challenges encountered during the project?

The biggest challenge was undoubtedly site accessibility. The location sits right off a live motorway and directly adjacent to a railway line, which made logistics particularly complex. We had to plan our activities carefully and follow the diversions to maintain safety and efficiency.

On top of that, we faced seasonal weather conditions which impacted the programme at various stages. It required a lot of flexibility and forward planning.

Q: Given the complexity and the tight schedule, how did SEE Services ensure timely delivery?

It really came down to three key things: planning, communication, and people. We held weekly progress meetingswith Welcome Break, which helped us stay aligned and quickly address any issues as they arose.

On-site, we had a dedicated team of five engineers, supported by a full-time Project Manager. That consistent presence was crucial, it allowed us to keep quality high, respond quickly to challenges, and stay on track despite the constraints.

Q: What’s next for SEE Services, both in your ongoing work with Welcome Break and beyond?

We’re already working on our next project with Welcome Break at A46, Hickling Widmerpool in Nottingham, where we're delivering the full PFS installation and other key elements.

Beyond that, we’ve got several exciting projects in motion, including the installation of EV chargers, delivery of solar PV and battery projects, and the completion of electrical fit-outs for restaurants and retail clients.  It’s a really busy and exciting time for us, and we’re proud to be supporting clients across such a diverse portfolio.