This year, the International Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The PEFC is the world’s leading forest certification system and the standard of choice for public timber procurement policies in the UK. Its certification systems are recognised in 51 countries across the world
Association for Project Management (APM), the chartered body for the project profession, has announced the finalists for its APM Project Management Awards 2019, sponsored by RPC UK Ltd. Recognising the valuable contribution that project professionals make, the Awards showcase the very best individuals, projects and programmes that the profession has
Work is moving forward with a £2 million extension contract at Penistone Grammar School in Barnsley. Following the completion of phase one, which saw internal re-modelling completed at the institution to support 50 additional students, a contract has been awarded for the extension building. “The investment the council has made
Since you and any staff you work with spend several hours a day at work, it’s important that your working environment is conducive to efficiency and thus maximum productivity. There’s much you can do – not necessarily expensively either – to improve the workspace whether making a significant change, such
This year, the International Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The PEFC is the world’s leading forest certification system and the standard of choice for public timber procurement policies in the UK. Its certification systems are recognised in 51 countries across the world and more than 300 million hectares of forest are managed in compliance with PEFC’s internationally accepted sustainability benchmarks. Simon Henry, Managing Director of Södra Wood Ltd, one of PEFC UK’s earliest supporters, simply summarises PEFC certification as “a must have”. PEFC UK celebrations included a birthday event recently held in Sheffield, home of PEFC UK, during which certificates were presented to a select group of supporters, including Södra Wood, as a gesture of recognition and thanks. Significantly, Södra Wood Ltd, one of 20,000 companies and organisations to have achieved PEFC Chain of Custody certification, was one of the first 15 supporters of PEFC UK back in 2001. Certificates were presented by Alun Watkins, Executive Director of PEFC UK and Ross Bradshaw, Chairman of PEFC UK. Simon Henry, recipient on behalf of Södra Wood Ltd of the fifth certificate presented, explained what makes the PEFC so important: “For any reputable timber supplier to do business with any key customer, it simply needs to be certified by the PEFC. The PEFC are custodians of the values and standards that we live by here at Södra. They, like us, are passionate about sustainable forest management and creating a strong framework for the protection of the world’s forests, while at the same time promoting a strong global timber market. It’s an organisation that we love to support.” On what the PEFC means to Södra, Simon continued: “We’re a company with a very strong moral compass and as such, we’re proud to have the badge of honour that is PEFC certification. Being recognised by the leading forest certification group is something that we’re very proud of. From our own personal business point of view, it also contributes to the work that we at Södra are trying to do to raise awareness about the numerous benefits of timber – whether that be its sustainability credentials, versatility, efficiency, or potential to help the UK meet housebuilding and emissions targets. We very much look forward to continuing our support of the PEFC. Here’s to the next 20 years and beyond!” For further information about Södra Wood please visit www.sodra.uk
Association for Project Management (APM), the chartered body for the project profession, has announced the finalists for its APM Project Management Awards 2019, sponsored by RPC UK Ltd. Recognising the valuable contribution that project professionals make, the Awards showcase the very best individuals, projects and programmes that the profession has to offer and acknowledges their incredible achievements. Debbie Dore, chief executive of APM, said: “This year we’ve had a record number of entries submitted – an increase of 12 per cent compared to 2018. It’s a good reflection of the growing profession and positive acknowledgement of project managers’ hard work and focus on high standards.” Allyn Keown, chairman of the APM Awards 2019, commented: “The annual APM Awards highlights the pinnacle of the project management profession. Those who put themselves forward to be judged are the elite of an elite.” The top 10 sectors that entered the 2019 Awards were: Consultancy (18%) Energy (12%) Defence (10%) Transport (10%) Engineering (8%) Technology (8%) Government (7%) Finance (6%) Education (6%) Life Science/Medical (4%) Four of the 19 categories – the Innovation in Projects Award; Award for Contribution to the Profession: Consultancy; Award for Contribution to the Profession: Charity/Third Sector; and Award for Contribution to the Profession: Company – are completely new for the 2019 Awards and look to reward particularly innovative project delivery approaches and achievements. They have been introduced to recognise the contributions organisations are making towards improvements in project management practice and team development. Finalists include the V&A Dundee project, which has been recognised in the Engineering, Construction and Infrastructure Project of the Year category. The project, delivered by Turner & Townsend, demonstrates outstanding innovative design, excellence in delivery and represents the centrepiece of the Dundee Waterfront Regeneration. One of the finalists in the new Contribution to the Profession category: Charity/Not for Profit is the Scout Association, which has spent the past year developing multiple projects within their programmes of work. Another new category, Innovation in Projects, saw a project from the RSPB to install renewable energy initiatives become a finalist. The project included installing a biomass boiler and over 700 solar panels across the RSPB’s nature reserves. Continuing with the sustainability theme, the Social Project of the Year category saw Transport for London’s low emission bus zones project recognised in the list of finalists. The project set out to deliver significant reductions in harmful air pollutants, leading to a reduction of the 9,500 premature deaths caused each year by long-term exposure to air pollution. To reflect the high calibre of the entries in the Young Project Professional of the Year Award category this year, judges wished to recognise an additional two entrants with a Highly Commended certification in addition to the five finalists. All 2019 categories received a significant number of entries. The full list of finalists in each category is as follows (in no particular order): Category Finalist Herbert Walton AwardSponsored by: BAE Systems Dr Simon Addyman – Charles Rymill Ltd. (University College London)Dr David Biggins – Bournemouth University Geoffrey Trimble Award Troy Lancaster – Amey (University of Warwick)Sarah McLean– MOD (Cranfield University)Andrew Campbell – Ryden LLP (University of the West of Scotland)Becky Emly – Mott McDonald (University, London South Bank)Ross McMaster – Wood PLC (University of Manchester) Shell Health, Safety, SecurityEnvironmental (HSSE) AwardSponsored by: Shell Turner & Townsend – MBNL HSQA ProjectArup – Healthy by Design Programme, HS2 Phase2bJacobs – Safely Delivering Risk Reduction in an Extraordinary Environment using Jacobs Beyond Zero® PrinciplesBAE Systems Naval Ships – Safety by Design Mike Nichols Award for InspirationSponsored by: Nichols Group Loraine Martins MBE – Network RailMichèle Dix – Crossrail 2, Transport for LondonProjecting Success & Sir Robert McAlpine Programme of the YearSponsored by: RSM UK Network Rail and PA Consulting – Condor: the £1.5bn Sale of Network Rail Commercial EstateRolls-Royce PLC – Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 Aircraft on Ground Recovery ProgrammeConwy County Borough Council – Conwy Modernisation Programme PMO of the Year GCHQ – Transforming and Operating GCHQ’s Enterprise PMO in our Centenary YearNATS PMOBPP Education Group – Doing the Right Projects, Doing Projects RightTurner & Townsend – HMRC Locations Programme Innovation in Projects AwardSponsored by: Provek Proteus – Proteus Learning HubExperian – Experian & Open BankingRSPB – RSPB Renewable Energy Project Contribution to the Profession Award: ConsultancySponsored by: Jacobs ArupGate OneProgram Planning Professionals Ltd. (PCUBED)Turner & Townsend Contribution to the Profession Award: Charity/Not-for-profit Home Group PMOThe Scouts Contribution to the Profession Award: Company Sellafield Ltd.BAE Systems Babcock Young Project Professional of the Year – FinalistsSponsored by: Leidos Jacob Achenbach – Rolls-Royce Crosspointe, LLCGrace Blundell – Gate OneLaura Fenton – Gate OneAimee Tweedie – BAE SystemsEmily Outten – DHL Supply Chain Young Project Professional of the Year – Highly Commended Ben Salmon – Heathrow Airport Ltd.Katerina Leckie – Gate One Project Professional of the YearSponsored by: Ramboll Spencer Hobbs – Network RailLucy Campbell-Gillingham – Hive Centrica LimitedMatt Woof – JacobsDavid Calver – North Highland Technology Project of the YearSponsored by: Hyde Park Solutions Ltd. Ministry of Defence: Royal Air Force, Defence Equipment and Support – Project CENTURIONHeathrow Airport – Integrated Airport Operations Plan and Demand Capacity Balancing toolCavendish Nuclear – The Pile Fuel Cladding Silo ProjectHM Passport Office (Home Office) – HMPO, Digital Customer Services Transformation Project of the YearSponsored by: Hyde Park Solutions Ltd. Rolls-Royce – Product Lifecycle SystemRolls-Royce Submarines Ltd. – Integrated Business Planning and ControlsPCUBED (Program Planning Professionals Ltd.) – Sellafield Ltd. Project Delivery Directorate – Lean Project Delivery improvement projectRoyal Mail Group Ltd. – Supporting Retail in the Digital Age Social Project of the YearSponsored by: Hyde Park Solutions Ltd. HM Revenue & Customs – Soft Drinks Industry LevyNorth Cumbria University Hospitals Trust & Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust – Maternity Information SystemTransport for London – Low Emission Bus ZonesHome Group – Douglas Bader Park Regeneration Ballot Campaign Engineering, Construction and Infrastructure Project of the YearSponsored by: Hyde Park Solutions Ltd. Arup – The Defence and National Rehabilitation CentreShell International – Shell Appomattox ProjectSellafield Ltd. – Silo Maintenance Facility ProjectTurner & Townsend – V&A Dundee The
Work is moving forward with a £2 million extension contract at Penistone Grammar School in Barnsley. Following the completion of phase one, which saw internal re-modelling completed at the institution to support 50 additional students, a contract has been awarded for the extension building. “The investment the council has made in this project meets our Town Spirit ethos – Achieve it, and reinforces our commitment to provide the right quantity and the very best quality of school places to help every child achieve their potential. The additional places at Penistone Grammar will be a huge benefit to the borough and will add much-needed resource to a well-performing school,” said councillor Tim Cheetham, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture. Triton Construction has signed on to deliver the building, which will include six new classrooms, two science labs, toilets, staff work spaces and new IT offices. It will be linked to the main school via a walkway. This project forms part of the long-term plan to facilitate an additional intake of 50 new students per year, over five years. “We are pleased to be working with the team at Triton to deliver a fantastic new, state of the art facility for our students and staff. This represents a very exciting time for the school. The school is really going from strength to strength,” Paul Crook, Principal at Penistone Grammar added. “Triton have worked closely with the school to ensure there is minimal disruption to our students learning. In fact, the project will add value to the learning experiences of our young people, specifically those studying technology-based subjects who will engage with Triton for a first-hand experience.” AA Projects will work alongside Triton as Project Manager, Principal Designer and Quantity Surveyor on the project. The Penistone Grammar School extension is expected to be completed in spring 2020.
Since you and any staff you work with spend several hours a day at work, it’s important that your working environment is conducive to efficiency and thus maximum productivity. There’s much you can do – not necessarily expensively either – to improve the workspace whether making a significant change, such as relocating, or more subtle alterations. Ease of change Environments can be easily altered these days; if you need more space you don’t necessarily have to think in terms of expensive office moves – Since you and any staff you work with spend several hours a day at work, it’s important that your working environment is conducive to efficiency and thus maximum productivity. There’s much you can do – not necessarily expensively either – to improve the workspace whether making a significant change, such as relocating, or more subtle alterations. Ease of change Environments can be easily altered these days; if you need more space you don’t necessarily have to think in terms of expensive office moves – prefabricated metal structures can be made into permanent, comfortable workspaces through add ons such as insulation, windows, skylights and venting. More space means less stress and inefficiency Requiring more space means efficiency usually drops; storing items becomes difficult, people are crammed in rather than being able to stretch out leading to clutter, and often poor siting of work equipment (for example computer screens in direct sunlight) makes conditions difficult. Solutions such as prefabricated steel structures as above are one idea as is maximizing the space you do have: Decluttering – it’s possible you’re hoarding items you no longer need such as seldom-used pieces of office equipment and old paperwork that no longer serves a purpose. Be ruthless and dispose of anything taking up space that isn’t in use. Revise layout – perhaps reconfiguring the office or work area layout could help create more space? At least it may make the environment more comfortable for you and any staff you have. A far-reaching declutter and re-siting of furniture or workplace equipment may well improve space and comfort. Other ways to improve the space Redecorate – certain colors can improve the feeling of space and airiness along with generally cheering things up and improving your work environment if the decor has become a bit tired. Colors such as paler blues are calming and are said to help creativity and focus. Then again, maybe you’re looking to foster a more dynamic environment, so shades such as yellows or oranges may work well. Overall, improving the feeling of space is worthwhile and can be achieved for the price of a few tins of paint. Nature and mirrors – other touches such as mirrors put up in certain areas help create a feeling of space, and the odd plant dotted about softens the look of certain business environments. Maybe a little artificial grass could promote a restful atmosphere in certain areas such as those used for breaks or ad hoc meetings? Using fake grass and perhaps plants whether real or artificial is the ‘emulation of nature’ policy that some businesses are following to improve their workplaces, so could be worth considering. Use natural light where possible, even to the point of considering installing an extra window or maybe one or two skylights. Ergonomics – good ergonomics is very important especially for people working in a fixed position for prolonged periods. Take a look at chairs and workstations; are they the best they could be ergonomically? Investing in well-designed office furniture is worth it to promote comfort so helping maintain or even improve efficiency and productivity levels. Temperature and air quality – workers understandably find it more difficult to do their jobs effectively when too hot, cold, or breathing poor quality air. Ensuring adequate air venting, heating and – when required – air conditioning is in place will help keep your work area as comfortable as possible in all conditions. Don’t forget to have systems checked regularly; air filtration units with clogged vents and poorly serviced air conditioners will see a downturn in optimal working conditions, so keep maintenance schedules up to date. through add ons such as insulation, windows, skylights and venting. More space means less stress and inefficiency Requiring more space means efficiency usually drops; storing items becomes difficult, people are crammed in rather than being able to stretch out leading to clutter, and often poor siting of work equipment (for example computer screens in direct sunlight) makes conditions difficult. Solutions such as prefabricated steel structures as above are one idea as is maximizing the space you do have: Decluttering – it’s possible you’re hoarding items you no longer need such as seldom-used pieces of office equipment and old paperwork that no longer serves a purpose. Be ruthless and dispose of anything taking up space that isn’t in use. Revise layout – perhaps reconfiguring the office or work area layout could help create more space? At least it may make the environment more comfortable for you and any staff you have. A far-reaching declutter and re-siting of furniture or workplace equipment may well improve space and comfort. Other ways to improve the space Redecorate – certain colors can improve the feeling of space and airiness along with generally cheering things up and improving your work environment if the decor has become a bit tired. Colors such as paler blues are calming and are said to help creativity and focus. Then again, maybe you’re looking to foster a more dynamic environment, so shades such as yellows or oranges may work well. Overall, improving the feeling of space is worthwhile and can be achieved for the price of a few tins of paint. Nature and mirrors – other touches such as mirrors put up in certain areas help create a feeling of space, and the odd plant dotted about softens the look of certain business environments. Maybe a little artificial grass could promote a restful atmosphere in certain areas such as those used for breaks or ad
