Consultancy Mace has announced a number of structural changes as it reshapes its facilities management (FM) division Alongside several new leadership team appointments, Mace’s Operate division will now cease using the ‘Macro’ brand and formally adopt the Mace group corporate identity. With the Covid-19 pandemic transforming the way that workplaces
INDUSTRY experts are warning that it could take up to a year for the property industry to fully recover from the coronavirus pandemic. Last week, the Government allowed estate agents to reopen and construction work to begin again. It estimates that more than 450,000 buyers and renters had been unable
As the UK government unveils new guidelines for making workplaces ‘COVID-secure’, global health and safety expert Bureau Veritas is advising businesses that their safe return to work depends on their ability to “win the hearts and minds of employees” alongside creating clear policy, systems and processes with regular monitoring. On
According to new figures from CV-Library, the UK’s leading independent job board, job postings were up by 0.7% following the government’s announcement that key industries could go back to work, with the construction industry (up 36.8%) experiencing an even bigger increase. The job board looked at the amount of jobs posted w/c 11th May, vs those posted w/c 4th May and found
Working in conjunction with Mecalac Financial Solutions, Mecalac Construction Equipment UK has launched an unbeatable Buy Now… Pay Later finance package across its entire range of excavators, wheel loaders, site dumpers, compaction rollers and backhoe loaders. For all new models ordered and delivered before 31 July 2020, customers benefit from
iHASCO, a market-leading provider of Health & Safety and Compliance eLearning, have released an updated version of their popular Asbestos Awareness training course. Having already trained over 150,000 people across the UK and Europe in Asbestos Awareness, iHASCO have made appropriate visual and script changes to bring the programme in
The employee-owned packaging company recently announced the design and supply of a new protective face visor for the NHS which saw them supplying several hospital trusts in the West Midlands. The company has also offered further support to organisations that had limited access to PPE yet were supporting front line
Since the emergence of COVID-19 and the UK’s public health countermeasures, many industry suppliers have seen demand for some products rocket. Online retailer, Zoro, supplies businesses across all industries with the tools and equipment they need to get on with the job, over 310,000 products. In recent weeks the company
Consultancy Mace has announced a number of structural changes as it reshapes its facilities management (FM) division Alongside several new leadership team appointments, Mace’s Operate division will now cease using the ‘Macro’ brand and formally adopt the Mace group corporate identity. With the Covid-19 pandemic transforming the way that workplaces operate across the globe, Mace has moved forward plans to integrate its facilities management division, Operate, with the wider business. The change aims to enable the firm to provide clients with more cohesive services drawing on the wider built environment expertise of Mace’s consultancy, construction and development arms. As one of Mace’s four ‘Engines for Growth’ the Operate division delivers services to public and private sector clients, working with key workplace clients to support their corporate real estate strategies. It provides facilities management and consultancy services on workplace experience, portfolio efficiency and asset management to some of the world’s most high profile corporate real estate clients. Since the business’ inception in 2002 it has seen steady international growth, thanks in part to expansions with long-standing clients as they seek to increase their global portfolios. The company now boasts over 1,000 employees globally, operating in over 40 countries from four regional hubs. By adopting the Mace corporate identity, the facilities management business will be able to build on the group’s existing strategic client base. New senior appointments Led by Ross Abbate, CEO for Operate, the division has also introduced a new focus on delivering exceptional workplace experience for its clients. As part of that transformation, a number of new senior appointments have been made to invest in new service lines and regional growth. New members of the leadership team include Marlies Hoodgeboom as managing director for UK and Europe, Nick Garniss as Centre for Excellence director, and Maud Santamaria as workplace experience director. Those new service lines have included developing tailored offers to help clients respond to the coronavirus pandemic. The Operate division has developed a strategic ‘return to work’ service and is already helping some of the world’s leading corporates to understand the scope and scale of changes that will be needed to operate workplaces with social distancing in place. Understanding a ‘new normal’ Ross Abbate, chief executive officer of Mace’s Operate division, said: “The future of the workplace is changing faster than ever before. As the impact of coronavirus is felt across the world, companies will be looking for support to understand what the ‘new normal’ is and how they can provide safe and secure workplaces and continue to attract and the retain the best talent for their business. “As we become more integrated with the wider Mace Group and build our centre for excellence on workplace experience, we will be able to draw on expertise from across our consultancy, construction and development divisions to give clients the strategic advice they need to thrive in the new world. “With these changes and our new leadership team in place, we have never been in a better place to provide world-leading services and continue to build our portfolio. “I would like to thank everyone who works for us across the globe for everything they have done to give the business this opportunity to grow.”
INDUSTRY experts are warning that it could take up to a year for the property industry to fully recover from the coronavirus pandemic. Last week, the Government allowed estate agents to reopen and construction work to begin again. It estimates that more than 450,000 buyers and renters had been unable to progress their plans to move since March, while a survey conducted by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) recorded an significant increase in buyers and sellers cancelling transactions in April. Addressing the figures, which also reflected a decline in new buyer enquiries and properties being listed for sale, chief economist Simon Rubinsohn said: “Not surprisingly, the latest survey shows that housing activity indicators collapsed in April reflecting the impact of the lockdown. “Looking further out, there is a little more optimism but the numbers still suggest that it will be a struggle to get confidence back to where it was as recently as February. “Critically, to ensure the housing market can begin to operate in a more functional way and that developers have the confidence to continue building in these very difficult circumstances, further specific interventions from Government are likely to be necessary.” Rachel Gaylor, head of residential property at The Head Partnership Solicitors, said: “Luckily, as conveyancers can work remotely we have been actively been able to help people complete property transactions throughout the lockdown. Now our property peers can return to work, we are looking forward to helping clients who have had to put their plans on hold”. And supportive of the new measures – which will observe the two-metre social distancing and protective equipment guidelines – she added: “People still need to move because of job changes, upgrades to a larger premises as their family grows, or first time buyers wanting to take advantage of the current record low interest rates. “It is predicted there will be an increase in would-be homebuyers planning to move to more rural towns as people conclude home working is here to stay, or dream of a different pace of life.” One major housebuilder which has begun a phased re-opening of its construction sites in Berkshire is Barret Developments, parent company of David Wilson Homes. Although its sales centres and show homes remain closed, David Wilson Homes says it has developed a set of working practices and protocols to ensure safety is a priority across all of its sites. Changes have affected signage, site welfare facilities, site access, walkways and training, as well as the introduction of Social Distancing Marshals who will be present on all sites to ensure compliance with health and safety measures. Managing director at David Wilson Homes Southern, Paul Crispin, said: “Our first priority is the health and safety of our employees, sub-contractors and customers. “In line with our commitment to put our customers first, we will be prioritising the completion of those homes that our customers have already exchanged or reserved.” Mr Crispin added: “As a business committed to doing the right thing we have been supporting the NHS and our communities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. “We have donated PPE to local NHS services and defibrillators to St John Ambulance from our sites across the region and are working with charities and organisations to help local communities.” Persimmon Homes has also announced the re-opening of its sites across England. Development work will run from Thursday to Monday each week. Ben Felton, director in charge of Persimmon Homes Thames Valley, said: “We are delighted that we are now in a position to be re-opening our new developments and showhomes. “Our sales advisers have worked extremely hard to help existing and new customers during this difficult lockdown period and continue to be able via phone and email. Reservations and completions have, in fact, remained strong despite no face-to-face contact. “Even so, being able to meet with househunters, albeit at a safe distance, is an important step forward and will be a help for many people. Looking around the showhomes to see the type of properties on offer is also valuable for many people. “We look forward to welcoming people in the days and weeks to come.” Changes to sales trends were also felt by Padworth-based Westbuild Homes who commented on the effect of the lockdown. Managing director Guy West said: “The lockdown prevented a quarter of our houses from being sold on our Arborfield Green development. “Fortunately the development is surrounded by open spaces, so recent interest in the remaining house has been very encouraging. “We expect sites such as this, and ours in Barkham to be of more interest, given buyers’ recent desire for garden space and close proximity to countryside. “We are also now finding fibre optic/ ultrafast broadband higher up buyers’ necessities.”
As the UK government unveils new guidelines for making workplaces ‘COVID-secure’, global health and safety expert Bureau Veritas is advising businesses that their safe return to work depends on their ability to “win the hearts and minds of employees” alongside creating clear policy, systems and processes with regular monitoring. On 11 May, the government published guidance for employers to help them get their businesses back up and running and workplaces operating safely following almost two months of strict coronavirus restrictions. The new guidance covers eight workplace settings that are allowed to be open, from outdoor environments and construction sites through to factories and takeaways. The guidelines focus on five key points; work from home if you can, carry out COVID-19 risk assessments in consultation with workers or trade unions, maintain social distancing and, where this is not possible, manage transmission risk, all of which must be supported with more stringent cleaning processes. And with many businesses now facing the daunting challenge of implementing the guidelines, Bureau Veritas, which has been working with a number of sectors to help them safely resume operations, believes that those firms that work collaboratively with their workforce to introduce new ways of working are likely to fair better. Ken Smith, UK Chief Executive at Bureau Veritas UK, said: “For almost all British businesses, introducing the appropriate health, safety and hygiene measures required to make workplaces ‘COVID-secure’ as per the new government guidelines will require a complete overhaul of their current operations. “It’s a mammoth undertaking which will only be successful if employers win the hearts and minds of employees to ensure they are empowered and committed – and must be underpinned by clear policy, systems and processes with regular monitoring. To achieve this, businesses are advised to introduce measures in consultation and consensus with staff, have regular communication and active engagement on whether these are effective as well as creating a system that encourages staff to come forward and voice concerns if at any point they feel unsafe at work.” Other challenges the employers should consider, says Bureau Veritas – which recently launched its ‘Restart Your Business’ assurance service to help firms manage their return to work strategies – includes how the government’s advice to avoid using public transport will impact employees as well as having a better understanding of the movement of people around business premises. “Taking the time to understand the occupational use of buildings – logistics, deliveries, how lifts are used, desks are spaced and the hygiene of frequently used touchpoints – will stand duty holders in good stead for resuming operations. “Given the sheer size and complexity of making workplaces safe against the threat of coronavirus transmission, a nuanced approach that truly reflects best practice, could ultimately, help to save lives.” The ‘Restart Your Business With Bureau Veritas’ service provides a voluntary, independent assessment of a firm’s COVID-19 readiness to re-open their business premises, with a statement of assurance issued on completion that can be displayed on its website and at its properties. To find out more about ‘Restart Your Business With Bureau Veritas’, call 0345 600 1828 or visit: https://share.hsforms.com/1tTRe4h7IQZOBHtRBmdDDfg2z02a.
According to new figures from CV-Library, the UK’s leading independent job board, job postings were up by 0.7% following the government’s announcement that key industries could go back to work, with the construction industry (up 36.8%) experiencing an even bigger increase. The job board looked at the amount of jobs posted w/c 11th May, vs those posted w/c 4th May and found that the sector experienced the second biggest hike in vacancies week-on-week: Agriculture +124.1% Property +47% Manufacturing +42.9% Customer Service +38.9% Construction +36.8% Administration +35.3% Accounting/Finance +30.5% IT +24.4% Electronics +23.4% Retail +22.4% On the other end of the spectrum, the industries that saw the biggest fall in job adverts include leisure/tourism (down 86.7%), automotive (down 72.8%), catering (down 34.2%), charities (down 18.2%) and medical (down 17.9%). Lee Biggins, founder and CEO of CV-Library, comments on the findings: “While the UK continues to follow strict social distancing guidelines, the government’s announcement that key industries could return to the workplace on Wednesday 13th May appears to have instilled confidence back into employers. As a result, we’re slowly seeing job numbers pick back up; though they are nowhere near the levels they would normally be.” The findings will come as welcome news to the millions of professionals who are actively looking for work right now. Indeed, a study CV-Library conducted amongst 1,408 professionals in May reveals that 90.9% of people who are currently unemployed in the construction industry are hoping to find a job during the coronavirus pandemic. Biggins continues: “Prior to this pandemic, the labour market was largely candidate-driven but this has definitely shifted. The demand for jobs is outstripping supply and it’s going to take some time for this to change. What’s more, a lot of companies are reliant on the government’s furlough scheme to keep their employees in work, so unemployment rates aren’t yet at their peak. “That said, our findings do provide some reassurance that the government’s effort to kickstart the economy again are working, though we cannot rest on our laurels just yet. Businesses must continue to make smart decisions and follow guidelines closely.”
Working in conjunction with Mecalac Financial Solutions, Mecalac Construction Equipment UK has launched an unbeatable Buy Now… Pay Later finance package across its entire range of excavators, wheel loaders, site dumpers, compaction rollers and backhoe loaders. For all new models ordered and delivered before 31 July 2020, customers benefit from zero repayment instalments and zero interest for three months.* Twelve weeks later, payments recommence, spread over either 36, 48 or 60 months (as per individual finance agreements). Paul Macpherson, UK Sales and Marketing Director at Mecalac Construction Equipment UK, commented: “During such exceptional times, we wanted to give something back and provide construction professionals nationwide with a simple, affordable way to purchase the latest Mecalac models. “Our Buy Now…Pay Later finance offer has been designed with the customer firmly in mind. Available through your local Mecalac dealer, the package offers a risk-free revenue source for three months before the first payment is due.” A global leader in the design and manufacture of compact construction equipment, Mecalac boasts a comprehensive portfolio of site dumpers, backhoe loaders, compaction rollers, excavators and wheel loaders. The latest, Stage V-compliant models feature a number of highly innovative technologies and capabilities to improve on-site efficiencies and performance. For more information about the Buy Now… Pay Later finance package, or to find your nearest dealer, visit www.mecalac.com/en.
iHASCO, a market-leading provider of Health & Safety and Compliance eLearning, have released an updated version of their popular Asbestos Awareness training course. Having already trained over 150,000 people across the UK and Europe in Asbestos Awareness, iHASCO have made appropriate visual and script changes to bring the programme in line with the look and feel of their newer courses. With the HSE putting the number of asbestos-related deaths at around 5,000 deaths per year, the threat of asbestos exposure is very real. Asbestos fibres can cause serious illnesses and fatalities anywhere between 10 and 50 years after they’ve made it into the lungs. iHASCO’s Asbestos Awareness Training course is IOSH Approved and has been audited by the Independent Asbestos Training Providers (IATP). The online awareness training can be completed in just 35 minutes and allows employers in the UK to work towards compliance with The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. The course, which is aimed at anyone who could potentially come into contact with asbestos whilst at work, has been designed to educate the user on where asbestos might be found, what to do if it is disturbed, and the the risks associated with the inhalation of asbestos fibres. Real life demos, examples, and step by steps feature throughout the programme to equip learners with the awareness and knowledge they need to keep themselves and others safe. “After months of hard work, my team have created a fantastic product and I’m confident that our clients will enjoy using it as much as we enjoyed making it.” says Lottie Galvin, iHASCO’s Studio Manager. “You’ll notice that we’ve embodied different styles of animation, we’ve included a fascinating timeline on the history of asbestos, and – of course – we’ve ensured that this training helps you keep your staff safe whilst keeping you compliant with current legislation.” Anyone interested in this training is invited to watch a short snippet taken from the updated course on The History of Asbestos. There is also an International version of Asbestos Awareness training for those outside of the UK.
The employee-owned packaging company recently announced the design and supply of a new protective face visor for the NHS which saw them supplying several hospital trusts in the West Midlands. The company has also offered further support to organisations that had limited access to PPE yet were supporting front line workers. Across their 7 regional distribution centres in the UK, based in, Gateshead, Rotherham, Coventry, Swindon, Letchworth and Portsmouth, Kite has donated 5,000 protective face visors to a total of 108 separate organisations including care homes, hospices, charities, nursing homes, pharmacies, police stations, foodbanks and NHS workers based in the community. Several of the Kite Team went that extra mile and personally delivered many of the donated visors, observing strict social distancing of course, to ensure that the organisations could have access to vital PPE. To find out more about Kite Packaging please visit kitepackaging.co.uk.
Since the emergence of COVID-19 and the UK’s public health countermeasures, many industry suppliers have seen demand for some products rocket. Online retailer, Zoro, supplies businesses across all industries with the tools and equipment they need to get on with the job, over 310,000 products. In recent weeks the company has seen a huge surge in demand , with Zoro’s staff working non-stop to keep UK industry moving and people at home fully occupied. Chris Matenaers, marketing director at Zoro said: “Compared to the same period last year, we have seen demand across some products more than double. “Our office staff are working from home and staff in our warehouse are using appropriate PPE with strict social distancing rules in operation. Our teams are working longer than usual hours to get the much-needed supplies out of the door, to keep UK industry workforces safe.” An NHS nurse commented: “Had a hard time looking for a respirator (I am an ITU nurse in NHS and currently taking care of COVID-19 patients) and I am lucky enough to buy one from Zoro. It arrived after 2 working days (free shipping) and as expected. Thank you very much. Now I am more confident to work.” Zoro are working at full capacity to fulfill orders and customers are being advised to expect a slightly longer delivery time due to the unprecedented demand. Matenaers said: “Delivery times are a little longer than usual as the pandemic takes its toll on both supply chain and demand on courier companies. We appreciate the patience of our customers while we work to get products out of the door.” Although delivery times are slower during this time, a customer on TrustPilot commented: “A lot of sites have increased prices on certain items considerably since lockdown! This company has not! Excellent prices and quick delivery […] highly recommend.” The buying team is focused on finding replacements for out of stock items and working with suppliers to identify new products, such as signs for social distancing signs. Marcus Nelson, managing director of Zoro said: “We are monitoring the situation daily, listening to government advice. The safety of our workforce is of paramount importance and I’m extremely proud of their dedication and hard work every day during this difficult time. “We are proud to be supplying NHS nurses and front line key workers with PPE. I want to reassure our customers that we are doing everything we can to keep the stock that is in high demand coming into our warehouse, then getting it out of the door as quickly as possible.” For more information visit www.zoro.co.uk.
