Citygate Construction (CGC), based in Paisley, is set to launch a new initiative to help housing associations combat loneliness and isolation among their older tenants. Starting at the beginning of next year, the ‘Afternoon Tea with CGC’ scheme will encourage housing associations and housing co-operatives in Scotland to apply for
Network Rail is set to be stripped of its full control of railways in England’s as part of a major government shake-up. Chris Grayling, Transport Secretary, has announced that he intends to bring track and train operations back together, handing train operators greater influence over the work that takes place
Citygate Construction (CGC), based in Paisley, is set to launch a new initiative to help housing associations combat loneliness and isolation among their older tenants. Starting at the beginning of next year, the ‘Afternoon Tea with CGC’ scheme will encourage housing associations and housing co-operatives in Scotland to apply for funding from CGC to host their own traditional afternoon teas – with the aim of providing companionship for those in later life. Managing director Leo Reilly said the project is in keeping with CGC’s strong commitment to social justice. He commented: “We remain committed to our social justice principles of helping communities where we can in innovative and worthwhile ways. Major business like ourselves must clearly understand the need to use our profitability to give something back.” The announcement came as CGC announced it is on track to surpass £14 million in turnover this year. The company said the record turnover figure had been boosted by securing a large number of contracts south of the border, with more in the pipeline after opening its inaugural English base in Preston. Since spring this year, the 13 year old company has taken on more than 20 staff to boost the number to 123. CGC has also given an undertaking that it is “100 per cent” committed to its apprenticeship programme to give young women and men a helping hand onto the employment ladder. Currently there are eight apprentices with the firm – two of whom are adult apprentices in their 20s and 40s. Most remain with CGC on completion of their apprenticeships. Leo Reilly added: “This has been a remarkable year for the business – much of this can be attributed to the commitment and hard work of our staff. Of great significance has been the contracts won south of the border in addition to our widespread activity in Scotland. “We have won many orders across the United Kingdom thanks to a combination of good value, performance and our hard-won reputation.”
Network Rail is set to be stripped of its full control of railways in England’s as part of a major government shake-up. Chris Grayling, Transport Secretary, has announced that he intends to bring track and train operations back together, handing train operators greater influence over the work that takes place on the rail lines throughout the country. At present, the UK’s track infrastructure is solely owned and maintained by Network Rail, which is publicly owned, with trains and services operated by private train operating companies such as Virgin and Southern. However, Mr Grayling has called for a change, with both track and trains to be managed by “one joined-up team of people”. Under the changes, Network Rail and train operating staff will be integrated into operating teams for renewal and maintenance work. It is not yet clear how much control Network Rail will have over the tracks – as is the make-up of the teams. Mr Grayling is also expected to reveal plans to create a organisation, separate to Network Rail, called East West Rail. This will oversee the construction and operation of a rebuilt multi-million-pound train line linking Oxford to Cambridge. This will be the first fully integrated rail operation created since the end of British Rail in 1994, and will be tasked with securing private sector design, build and management of the route. The move will be a step away from the way major enhancement projects, which are usually delivered on the UK’s rail lines through Network Rail’s Infrastructure Projects Division. Last month, the chancellor Philip Hammond gave £100m to the speed up the delivery of the western section of East West Rail between Cambridge and Bedford, and a further £10m to develop a preferred route from Bedford to Oxford. Network Rail chief executive Mark Carne has welcomed the changes, saying more needed to be done to align incentives between the organisation and train operating companies.