September 27, 2018

Beard recruits new managing director from VolkerFitzpatrick

Regional construction contractor Beard has appointed David Sershall from VolkerFitzpatrick to be its new managing director. Above: David Sershall He takes over from Mark Beard who now becomes executive chairman. David Sershall joins the family-owned business from VolkerFitzpatrick, where he was managing director of the building division.  At Beard he

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Only a third of firms are probing gender pay gap

11 March 2016 | Jamie Harris A survey by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) found that only a third of large organisations currently conduct any analysis on the pay of men and women. The figure is just 28 per cent for all employers within the

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APHC issues Legionella warning following hospice death

APHC issues Legionella warning following hospice death Published:  02 August, 2016 The Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors (APHC) is emphasising the importance of implementing the correct measures for the control of Legionella following the death of a patient from Legionnaire’s disease at a Sydenham-based hospice. Having been admitted to

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Curtain rises on £7.5m regional theatre makeover

One of the UK’s most successful regional theatre companies lifted the curtains on a brand-new era in its 90-year history tonight (Sep 26) following a £7.5m refurbishment project. Mayflower Theatre took a ‘dramatic pause’ as it turned off the lights for the multi-million pound project back in June. Tonight it

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ARCHITECTURE & ENGINEERING CONSULTANCY ANNOUNCES RAFT OF PROMOTIONS

BE DESIGN, the multi-disciplinary architecture and engineering practice, has announced four new promotions across its technical team. With 40 years’ combined experience, Dan Edwards, Rhys Bevins, Shawn Loo and Rafail Tsartsaris will now support the senior team directly with project design and client management whilst mentoring and developing the next generation

Read More »

Essentia’s LED Lighting and Battery Storage Frameworks Go Live

Healthcare consultancy, Essentia Trading, has announced the winning contractors for two new energy saving frameworks that offer unique savings guarantees for NHS Trusts and other public sector organisations. They are the Essentia LED Lighting Framework and the Essentia Battery Storage Framework. NHS Trusts and other public sector organisations will now

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£4M SUPPORT FACILITES FOR LINCS SMES REACHES COMPLETION

A REFURBISHMENT at Lincoln’s Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) has now reached completion, creating the Lincolnshire Open Research and Innovation Centre (LORIC) for local SMEs. Delivered by construction company Robert Woodhead Ltd. and architects LK2, the £4 million project has transformed the university’s 750 m2 Grade II listed St Hugh’s building

Read More »

FabricAir Offers Sustainable Ventilation Solution

FabricAir’s sustainable ventilation solution has a lower carbon footprint than conventional metal ducting, as well as enabling operational energy savings of up to 40%. In fabric ventilation systems require less energy to produce and transport, while also having a much higher and more precise air distribution due to having a

Read More »

DTL Welcomes Training Specialist to Its Team

Leading utilities and construction training specialist Develop Training Limited (DTL) has welcomed a business development specialist with extensive experience in apprenticeships and further education onto its team. Appointed as Business Development Manager based at DTL’s Derby training centre, one of seven that the company operates across England, Scotland and Northern

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Latest Issue
Issue 324 : Jan 2025

September 27, 2018

Beard recruits new managing director from VolkerFitzpatrick

Regional construction contractor Beard has appointed David Sershall from VolkerFitzpatrick to be its new managing director. Above: David Sershall He takes over from Mark Beard who now becomes executive chairman. David Sershall joins the family-owned business from VolkerFitzpatrick, where he was managing director of the building division.  At Beard he has overall responsibility for quality across the business and will also head up Beard’s Oxford construction business when regional director John Youle steps down from the role at the end of September 2016.   “Beard is a highly respected, successful and forward-thinking construction business which has built its success on talented people who are committed to prompt and faultless project delivery,” the new managing director said. “I believe there’s a great opportunity to capitalise on the company’s strong reputation in both the private and public sectors and I am excited to be in a position to help deliver the next part of its growth plans across the south of England.” Mark Beard said: “David is a great fit for the business and we’re delighted to have him on board. He brings a wealth of operational management expertise to Beard, an in-depth knowledge of design management and significant experience delivering complex multi-million-pound construction projects. David also shares our passion for quality and I have every confidence that he will make a significant contribution to the continuing development and success of the company.” David Sershall is a member of the Chartered Institute of Building and the Institute of Directors. He holds an MSc in Construction Project Management and degrees in architecture and building management.      This article was published on 11 Aug 2016 (last updated on 11 Aug 2016). Source link

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Only a third of firms are probing gender pay gap

11 March 2016 | Jamie Harris A survey by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) found that only a third of large organisations currently conduct any analysis on the pay of men and women. The figure is just 28 per cent for all employers within the survey, which questioned more than 1,000 employers and HR professionals. Only 7 per cent of large organisations (more than 250 employees) plan to conduct any analysis over the next 12 months, with almost half saying they will not. Forty-six per cent were unsure, which the CIPD suggests reflects the uncertainty over government legislation. The government’s consultation on gender pay reporting closes today, and legislation is expected to come into force later this year. The consultation sought views on how best to increase transparency on gender pay differences. Dianah Worman, diversity adviser for the CIPD, said: “The survey findings demonstrate the need for employers to act expeditiously to be able to deliver what will be expected of them, or risk damaging their public reputations as progressive employers of female talent and undermine their competitiveness in attracting and retaining it. “Overall, the CIPD believes the government proposals on the regulations, which are based on extensive consultations, are on the right track. We welcome the additional focus on publishing information on the bonus gap and quartile salary bands, which will give more detailed insights to employers on where and how pronounced gender pay differentials exist and what needs to be done to address them.” Source link

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APHC issues Legionella warning following hospice death

APHC issues Legionella warning following hospice death Published:  02 August, 2016 The Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors (APHC) is emphasising the importance of implementing the correct measures for the control of Legionella following the death of a patient from Legionnaire’s disease at a Sydenham-based hospice. Having been admitted to St. Christopher’s Hospice on 9 July 2012, the man was taken to a nearby hospital on 12 August where he died five days later of Legionnaires’ disease. It was later found he had contracted during his time at the hospice. An orderly worker also contracted Legionnaires’ disease in December 2012 while carrying out her duties at the hospice and spent 18 days in a coma before making a full recovery, Southwark Crown Court heard. HSE inspector Matt Raine said: “The risks of Legionella are well known in the healthcare industry. St Christopher’s Hospice had implemented some measures in an attempt to control Legionella, however, they failed to appoint a competent person to manage the risk of Legionella in the hospice’s hot and cold water system. “The failures in the management of Legionella led to conditions in the hot and cold water system that favoured the proliferation of Legionellae. It was entirely foreseeable that there would be risk of contracting Legionnaires’ disease for patients and employees working at this hospice.” Graeme Dryden, head of technical at APHC added: “This case is another tragic example of a death that in all likelihood could have been prevented simply through the appointment of a competent person to manage Legionella risk in a public building. Our APHC Legionella Risk Assessment and Disinfection Course trains installers in techniques to minimise Legionella bacteria growth, perform a risk assessment associated with hot and cold water systems and informs them of safe disinfection methods so that deaths such as those of the St. Christopher’s Hospice patient can be prevented.”  Source link

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Curtain rises on £7.5m regional theatre makeover

One of the UK’s most successful regional theatre companies lifted the curtains on a brand-new era in its 90-year history tonight (Sep 26) following a £7.5m refurbishment project. Mayflower Theatre took a ‘dramatic pause’ as it turned off the lights for the multi-million pound project back in June. Tonight it reopened its doors to the public for the first time to reveal the results of its biggest transformation of the last 30 years. The iconic Southampton venue has been completely repainted with a dramatic new red and gold colour scheme. All of the seats in the stall and circle have been removed and replaced with 1,659 brand-new, wider seats while the seats in the balcony have been reupholstered. The theatre has gained an extra seat, taking its total seat capacity to 2,274. New environmentally-friendly LED lighting has been installed, the orchestra pit has been moved beneath the stage and accessibility has been improved, with better facilities for people with disabilities. The multi-million pound project will ensure the theatre remains best in class and continues to draw in hundreds of thousands of people to the city. Every year more than 500,000 people visit Mayflower Theatre and the venue contributes an estimated £75m to the economy. Michael Ockwell, chief executive of Mayflower Theatre, said: “This is without doubt the most significant refurbishment project that the theatre has seen in the last three decades and we were thrilled to lift the curtains on the new look tonight. For us, this project is very much about ensuring Mayflower Theatre remains best in class not just for now, but long into the future.” The £7.5m investment has been welcomed by representatives from the public as well as the private sector. Southampton Cultural Development Trust Chairman Brad Roynon said: “Mayflower Theatre doesn’t just bring in huge shows and hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city every year. It also plays an important part in connecting new audiences with theatre and inspiring young people to get involved in the arts. It’s therefore absolutely vital that we preserve this historic and culturally important venue to ensure it remains, and develops further, as a catalyst for the growth of arts and culture.” Cabinet Member for Homes and Culture at Southampton City Council, Councillor Satvir Kaur said: “It’s fantastic to see the Mayflower theatre opening its doors again. This iconic building is an integral part of the extensive entertainment offering that can be found in Southampton. The theatre is one of the biggest outside of London and attracts people from a huge area. This essential refurbishment ensures that the venue itself lives up to the reputation that it has.” Mayflower Theatre is the biggest regional theatre outside of London and has seen the likes of Julie Andrews, Laurel and Hardy, Michael McIntyre, Take That and even The Beatles tread its boards over its 90-year history. The venue opened on December 22, 1928 as the Empire Theatre, becoming The Gaumont in 1950 and eventually Mayflower Theatre in 1987. It remains the largest theatre in the south of England and employs 230 staff. Its reopening was celebrated with a gala evening of music and entertainment, commemorating the theatre’s past and celebrating the future with some of the next generation of stage performers. The first official performance will be Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, which runs from September 28 and 29. Tickets can be booked online at www.mayflower.org.uk or by visiting the box office.

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ARCHITECTURE & ENGINEERING CONSULTANCY ANNOUNCES RAFT OF PROMOTIONS

BE DESIGN, the multi-disciplinary architecture and engineering practice, has announced four new promotions across its technical team. With 40 years’ combined experience, Dan Edwards, Rhys Bevins, Shawn Loo and Rafail Tsartsaris will now support the senior team directly with project design and client management whilst mentoring and developing the next generation of engineers and architects at BE Design. Shawn is looking forward to helping to develop junior members of the team and enhancing client satisfaction as BE Design’s newly appointed associate. Dan has been part of the BE Design family for almost five years and has now been promoted to senior engineering coordinator and, during which time he worked on transforming a car park used during the London 2012 Olympic Games into an impressive structure. Rhys studied at Nottingham Trent University and, following a placement year at BE Design, returned to work there full time four years ago and is now the practice’s newest senior architectural technologist. Rafail is experienced in Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Revit and Building Information Modelling (BIM) and is proud to see his work influencing others within BE Design in his new role as senior engineering BIM coordinator. “We’re a close family at BE Design – and one which supports one another and rewards hard work and dedication,” said Stephen Oakden, director at BE Design. “Dan, Rhys, Shawn and Rafail have all worked incredibly hard to get to where they are – showing enthusiasm, passion and technical expertise across every project they’ve designed and delivered. I’m proud to announce their promotions and wish them all the best of luck in their new roles,” continued Stephen. BE Design celebrated its fifth anniversary this year and works across numerous sectors – from retail and leisure to residential and industrial – designing projects across the UK and Europe. Find out more about BE Design at www.bedesign.co.uk or join the conversation on Twitter @B_E_Design.

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Essentia’s LED Lighting and Battery Storage Frameworks Go Live

Healthcare consultancy, Essentia Trading, has announced the winning contractors for two new energy saving frameworks that offer unique savings guarantees for NHS Trusts and other public sector organisations. They are the Essentia LED Lighting Framework and the Essentia Battery Storage Framework. NHS Trusts and other public sector organisations will now be able to use the frameworks to procure public sector compliant suppliers for their energy saving projects. Both frameworks guarantee that if the expected cost savings are not reached within the contract period, then the supplier will have to pay the difference. Suppliers have been appointed for up to four years after a rigorous selection process.   Details of the frameworks and the winning contractors are as follows: Essentia LED Lighting Framework A free-to-use, UK-wide lighting framework that helps public sector clients to deliver cost, carbon and ongoing maintenance savings, as well as improve environments and lighting services. Flexible in its approach, contracts can be awarded via both direct award or mini-competition. This is the only lighting-specific framework to offer a savings guarantee. There are seven winning suppliers on this framework: E.ON                                                                  Ecolite Thorlux Lighting                                               Blackbourne Gamma Group                                                 Energy Saving Lighting (ESL) Energys Group Essentia Battery Storage Framework A free-to-access battery storage framework that supports public sector clients in procuring battery storage solutions to reduce fixed and variable charges. The framework has several suppliers on it that can implement computer-controlled battery storage solutions enabling organisations to reduce Triad charges, DUoS charges, Capacity Market Charges and utilise grid incentives such as Firm Frequency Response. There are six winning suppliers on this framework: Bouygues Energies and Services                red T Energy Storage Centrica Business Solutions                        Powerstar EDF Energy                                                     Veolia Trusts and public sector bodies that choose to use the framework will be helped through the selection and contracts process by Essentia’s award-winning sustainability team. Since 2014, Essentia has helped deliver over £18m of energy savings for 19 NHS Trusts, 27 Acute Hospitals and over 30 community-based sites. Alexandra Hammond, Sustainability Director at Essentia, commented: “The NHS currently spends more than £540 million on energy every year, but could be making significant savings by installing technologies such as LED lighting and smart energy management systems”. “The major benefit of using an Essentia framework is that all projects come with a savings guarantee and built-in business case.  We take away the complexity of energy saving procurement and provide a fast route to market and provide advice and guidance throughout the procurement process to ensure clients secure the best partners for their projects.” For further information on either of the Frameworks, contact sustainability@essentia.uk.com or call 0207188 6000. For more information on Essentia’s sustainability work visit: https://www.essentia.uk.com/

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£4M SUPPORT FACILITES FOR LINCS SMES REACHES COMPLETION

A REFURBISHMENT at Lincoln’s Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) has now reached completion, creating the Lincolnshire Open Research and Innovation Centre (LORIC) for local SMEs. Delivered by construction company Robert Woodhead Ltd. and architects LK2, the £4 million project has transformed the university’s 750 m2 Grade II listed St Hugh’s building – which was formerly a ‘home for boys’ – into a cutting-edge support facility for SMEs in the region. The building will also now be home to BGU’s Business Inspiration scheme. The building has been refurbished to create a contemporary working environment whilst retaining original features, such as windows, fire places and decorative balustrades. The finished project has achieved a BREEAM rating of ‘Very Good’ with the addition of secondary glazing, additional thermal insulation and the use of an infra-red panel heating system which will reduce running costs as well as energy consumption. Andy Newman, associate at LK2 said: “We were delighted to work with BGU on this exciting project, which will truly have a positive effect on the local business community. We have a longstanding relationship with BGU and we were able to work alongside the university to refurbish the building in a sympathetic and modern way. “As a Lincoln-based company, we’re proud to be involved in this project, which will provide vital support services to help local small businesses thrive.” Juliet Slater, team leader for the Lincoln team at Robert Woodhead said: “We were delighted to work with BGU, along with LK2, in the early stages of this project to assist the securing of the European funding, and then to complete the process by building it out in the sympathetic manner required for the listed building that it is. Our team has really enjoyed the challenges that this historic building has thrown up and the holistic team ethos has been inspirational.” Conceived by BGU, the LORIC will provide support to businesses, public and third-sector organisations across Greater Lincolnshire by enabling connections with data specialists and researchers to bring new insights for businesses. The BGU Business Inspiration project at the LORIC will promote innovation and growth in small and medium sized businesses in Greater Lincolnshire with tailored support and grants towards specialist consultancy, graduate internship and first time attendance at trade fairs and exhibitions. Both it and LORIC highlight the commitment of BGU to developing the communities that have supported us for more than 155 years. Christopher Bridle, LORIC project manager, praised the advances the new facilities and the LORIC itself will offer: “The Lincolnshire Open Research & Innovation Centre promotes and enables data-driven innovation for Greater Lincolnshire businesses. The newly refurbished LORIC building provides a collaboration space for businesses and BGU researchers to interact, and for specialised training in the use of open data to inform decision making. LORIC links BGU researchers with relevant business and, in so doing, will drive business innovation and the translation of research into practice.” The project was awarded over £2.6 million in funding from the European Regional Development Fund to support the works. Both Robert Woodhead and LK2 have previously worked on a number of projects for BGU, including a 7,770 sq ft extension to the university’s highly commended Constance Stewart Hall. Find out more at http://lk2.co.uk/ or join the conversation at @lk2_consultants

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AIPUT expands its Heathrow presence with strategic aquisition at Hatton Cross

Aberdeen Standard Investment’s AIPUT fund (Airport Industrial Property Unit Trust) today announces the acquisition of multinational car rental company, Sixt’s main Heathrow premises at Hatton Cross for just under £5 million. The 1.5 acre freehold site, which Sixt will continue to use for both car rental and maintenance operations, sits directly opposite Hatton Cross Underground and Bus Station on the A30 Great Southwest Road, immediately adjacent to the airport perimeter fence. Sixt, a new tenant for AIPUT, has occupied the site for nearly 20 years.  Sixt plans to take the opportunity to further upgrade its facilities and operations at its Heathrow sites as it seeks to enhance the service and product offer it offers to its customers. Commenting on the deal, AIPUT Fund Manager, Nick Smith, said:  “Our acquisition of this keystone site at Hatton Cross will enable AIPUT to work closely with Sixt in supporting the growth of their operations at Heathrow, benefitting from a site that enjoys ready access to all passenger terminals, central London and the rest of the South East. “Hatton Cross is a leading asset location for AIPUT and this new property will dovetail well with AIPUT’s neighbouring airport logistics facilities, particularly the Radius Park estate. One of the fastest growing areas serving Heathrow, Hatton Cross provides an important point of access to the airport, readily supported by public transport.   “The Sixt site is an excellent strategic opportunity for us, with the potential to unlock further value for its investors in the near and long-term by enhancing the use of the site.  We see that it will play a valuable contribution to AIPUT’s plan to shape our real estate strategy to facilitate the continued introduction of automation and driverless vehicles in a wide range of airport services to deliver cleaner, safer and more efficient environments, as set out in our recent Airport of the Future Report.”   Aaron Kedward, Senior Property Manager at Sixt, commented: “Sixt rent a car are excited to be working with Aberdeen Standard Investments as part of our ambitious expansion and upgrade plans for the UK. ”Specifically at our Hatton Cross location, we will look to capitalise on the continuing success of Heathrow Airport as the UK’s No. 1 international transport hub and strive to find ways to impress our customers and serve them better than ever.”     The Airport of the Future report was produced jointly on AIPUT’s behalf by specialist UK aviation real estate consultancy, ChappellKing and Dornier Consulting International GmbH.  It highlighted the scale of progress and future potential for the adoption of automated transport and logistics technology at the UK’s airports, exploring the potential efficiency gains from automation across a plethora of airport-related functions such as cargo-handling, as well as passenger transportation both to and within airports. AIPUT was represented in the property transaction by Eversheds Sutherland and Martin Campbell.

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FabricAir Offers Sustainable Ventilation Solution

FabricAir’s sustainable ventilation solution has a lower carbon footprint than conventional metal ducting, as well as enabling operational energy savings of up to 40%. In fabric ventilation systems require less energy to produce and transport, while also having a much higher and more precise air distribution due to having a textile-based ventilation rather than the conventional metal ducting. This means that ventilation solutions from FabricAir operate with a lower pressure loss and therefore require less energy to operate. The lower pressure loss can save up to 40% on the power bill. Meeting the OEKO-TEX 100 requirements, FabricAir’s textiles confirm the company’s commitment to environmentally friendly production methods and materials. The expected lifetime of a fabric duct is long; several of the original installations from the 70s are still being used in slaughterhouses around Denmark. Moreover, due to the compact nature of the ducts, they take up significantly less space than metal ducts during transport, with calculations showing that FabricAir Dispersion Systems emit 21.3% less CO2 from transport than corresponding ducts in metal. The additional advantages that come with the usage of FabricAir dispersion technology include even, draft free air dispersion and no condensation issues, which creates the ideal indoor environment. The fabrics do not corrode, which makes this technology especially advantageous in swimming pools and other highly corrosive environments. Using flow models and permeable fabrics prevents dust and other particles from settling inside and onto the duct, rendering the ducts technically maintenance-free; should there be a need for cleaning, the easy suspension methods ensure quick dismantling and reinstallation, and the ducts can simply be washed in a washing machine.

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DTL Welcomes Training Specialist to Its Team

Leading utilities and construction training specialist Develop Training Limited (DTL) has welcomed a business development specialist with extensive experience in apprenticeships and further education onto its team. Appointed as Business Development Manager based at DTL’s Derby training centre, one of seven that the company operates across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, is James Evans from Leicester. In his new role, James will be responsible for managing key accounts, including major utility and construction companies, performing skills analysis, matching DTL’s training courses to customer needs, promoting apprenticeships and offering bespoke courses. “I am excited to be joining DTL and eager to make an impact straight away, giving my accounts a thorough analysis of their training needs. I’m looking forward to learning new skills and sectors at the same time as being able to bring both DTL and the companies we work with my knowledge of training and apprenticeships,” commented James on his new appointment. Before joining DTL, James spent nine years as business development manager at an FE college where he was responsible for the quality and delivery of various sectors, managing a team of assessors as well as marketing apprenticeships across a range of sectors. Prior to that, he was an trainer assessor with a private training provider. Married with three children, James coached his son’s junior football club and is a Leicester fan. He also enjoys running and outdoor activities with his family. DTL is the UK’s leading accredited provider of compliance, technical, and safety training, supporting thousands of firms with their needs. Clients include some of the UK’s largest and best-known organisations from the utilities and construction to the defence, healthcare, facilities management and telecommunications sectors. Training programmes cover water and environmental, gas and energy, safety, electrical and mechanical, apprenticeships and management development delivered at DTL’s seven dedicated training centres in Linlithgow near Edinburgh, Romford, York, Derby, Bolton, Swindon and Lisburn near Belfast, or onsite at clients’ premises. DTL also provides bespoke and consultancy services, tailoring training programmes and initiatives to the requirements of individual clients.

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