New MD builds on traditions of quality construction as he steers Houlton towards 150-year milestone

A historic Hull construction company dating back to 1879 has completed a change at the top as it builds towards its 150-year milestone.

Andrew Kingston, Managing Director of Houlton since 2017, has retired from the Hull-based business and handed over to Mike Johnson. 

Together with the senior management team they have re-energised the business of 130 people by focusing on quality, service, affordability and value, working together as joint managing directors during a handover period which began at the start of 2026. 

Andrew joined Houlton as head of building and maintenance in January 2000, becoming a director 18 months later, and managing director in 2017. Mike arrived as a joiner in October 2000, rising through the ranks as a site manager, contracts manager, operations manager and then operations director.

Andrew and Mike had important roles in shaping a streamlining process in 2021, which merged the construction division with the building and maintenance division, providing a platform for future growth.

Andrew said: “The industry has continued to be tough and its ongoing survival and success is testament to the Houlton family’s decision to develop home-grown talent, promoting people based on what was best for the business.

“We then had Brexit from 2016, Covid from 2020 and then Ukraine from 2022, all of which have brought huge ongoing challenges, but our reorganisation in 2021 has steadied the business in what continues to be a volatile and challenging time.” 

Alongside this company streamlining, a major innovation led by Mike has been the creation of a Fire Protection Division which, post-Grenfell, has been pivotal within the industry.

Mike said: “We have about 20 people in that division now. Long-term maintenance contracts with East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Humberside Police have helped to stabilise the lulls and troughs in the industry.”

Partnerships such as YORBuild and Hull Esteem Consortium promote collaboration and confidence, with construction firms working together to highlight their capabilities.

Andrew said: “The focus for us is the journey. Everyone remembers how you start a job and how you finish it but not how you go through it. We don’t sell buildings, we sell the management of a process, with people who make that journey easy for the client and the supply chain. If you do that you have a winning formula.”

Mike added: “There’s a strong commitment to training and apprenticeships – we have been named a top 50 SME apprentice employer for the second time. This keeps to the core family values which fifth generation director Thomas Houlton is still very strong on. 

“It’s a more nimble and agile business, with a highly skilled workforce which is happy and well rewarded. We are now in a really strong position to take it further into our 147th year and beyond.

“I am incredibly proud and honoured to be taking on the role of managing director of a company with such a rich local history and heritage. Generations of dedicated people have built the reputation, values and trust that have made Houlton what it is today, and I am committed to protecting that legacy.

“While we celebrate our remarkable past, our focus is firmly on the future. We will continue to invest in innovation, our people and our customers, ensuring the business remains strong and relevant for generations to come. 

“My thanks go to our loyal customers, partners, employees and the local community who have supported us throughout our journey so far. Together, we look forward to writing the next chapter of our story. Here's to honouring our history while building our future.”