Building has started for a new warehouse for British Salt, the UK’s leading salt manufacturer and part of Tata Chemicals Europe. Leading developer Stoford is delivering the 184,493 sq ft state-of-the-art warehouse in Middlewich, Cheshire, which will enable British Salt and Tata Chemicals Europe to store the high purity salt
Angmering housebuilder David Wilson Homes is helping to plug the construction skills shortage gap[1] this National Apprenticeship Week (6th-12th February), having recently recruited two new apprentices at its Ecclesden Park development on Water Lane. Fledgling ‘chippies’ Alfie Tanner (17) and Bili Heasman (20) began their Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery
Panel product manufacturer, West Fraser, has introduced a new ready-primed version of its industry-leading SterlingOSB Zero board which is ideal for use in a wide range of situations from site hoardings through to building exhibition stands and other installations where appearance is important. SterlingOSB Zero PrimedPlus is being produced in
Puma Property Finance (Puma) is sponsoring the launch of UCL’s new world-class research centre focused on developing sustainable practices in the construction industry and the built environment. It’s the first centre of its kind in the UK. It is estimated that 39% of global energy related carbon emissions come from
Polypipe Building Services has released Revit families for its Terrain PVC Soil and Waste and Terrain FUZE Stax drainage systems. The content has received BSI Kitemark accreditation to BIM Level 2, underscoring the company’s commitment to construction best practice. Terrain PVC, now manufactured with up to 65% recycled materials, combines
Award-winning commercial real estate agency Bromwich Hardy has called for more development land to be urgently identified across the West Midlands to help drive economic growth. The Coventry-based firm says a long-standing lack of land supply is stifling the ambitions of companies to grow across the region. The firm’s founding
M&Y Maintenance and Construction have completed an extensive Fire Safety Project on two five storey apartment blocks on Cheapside in Liverpool City Centre. M&Y were appointed by Redwing in October 2021, to complete works to improve the fire safety of the buildings, including works to the façade, roof, courtyard decking
Esri UK today announced the results of three pilot projects at Nottingham City Council, Dacorum Borough Council and South Ayrshire Council, which have been exploring new ways of digitising the planning process using geospatial technology. Projects have focused on solving common challenges within planning, including the improvement of community engagement,
North East contractor Tolent has launched a new service to help support registered providers of social housing improve the energy efficiency of homes across the region. In line with the Governments Clean Growth Strategy, all social housing must attain the minimum rating of Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) C by 2035,
AN initiative which recently won £40m backing to help create more than 700 jobs across West Cumbria has made its second appointment to its own team. Hannah Pears, who is passionate about working with partner organisations to give young people the best possible life chances, has joined iSH (the Industrial
Building has started for a new warehouse for British Salt, the UK’s leading salt manufacturer and part of Tata Chemicals Europe. Leading developer Stoford is delivering the 184,493 sq ft state-of-the-art warehouse in Middlewich, Cheshire, which will enable British Salt and Tata Chemicals Europe to store the high purity salt and sodium bicarbonate products manufactured at its three sites in the county. A&H Construction has been appointed contractor to deliver the new warehouse, which is expected to be completed in August. It is being built at British Salt’s existing manufacturing site and will support Tata Chemicals Europe’s existing operations, store products destined for the food and pharmaceutical markets and support its future business plans. It will also enable the business to streamline its packaging and supply chain operations. Last year, Stoford signed a funding agreement with global alternative asset manager ICG to build the warehouse. Edward Peel, Stoford director, said: “We’re pleased to have started work on this new facility for British Salt. It’s strategically important for the business, which has outlined its ambitious plans to invest in the region. It provides a key example of our ability to deliver occupier-led development and we’re looking forward to seeing the warehouse take shape over the next few months.” Angus Vause, sales & marketing director of Tata Chemicals Europe, said: We are delighted that works have commenced on our new warehouse, which is a key part in the delivery of our future growth plans for the business in Cheshire and will enable British Salt and Tata Chemicals Europe to deliver enhanced customer service and supply chain excellence.” Rachael Pittaway, from ICG, the global alternative asset manager that has signed a funding agreement with Stoford to construct the facility, added: “We are excited to work with Stoford and the iconic British Salt to build this best-in-class facility, and we look forward to collaborating together to find innovative solutions to further optimise and enhance the ESG credentials of the project. “The crucial location of this site represents mission-critical investing at its purest, a strategic addition to our sale and leaseback fund.” Stoford and British Salt were both advised by DTRE on the sale and Avison Young was the appointed planning consultant. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Angmering housebuilder David Wilson Homes is helping to plug the construction skills shortage gap[1] this National Apprenticeship Week (6th-12th February), having recently recruited two new apprentices at its Ecclesden Park development on Water Lane. Fledgling ‘chippies’ Alfie Tanner (17) and Bili Heasman (20) began their Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery apprenticeships with the housebuilder in August 2022. “No two days are the same,” says Alfie, who splits his time between working with the subcontractors at Ecclesden Park, and Stephenson College in Leicestershire for practical and theoretical training. “We were up on the roofs from day one, learning from the construction team and getting stuck in trying out the tools and building the framework. I’ve since built signs, worked on roofs and helped with the finishing touches on the inside – from the stud work to the skirting, doors and architraves.” New apprentices with David Wilson Southern Counties can choose to qualify in either carpentry or bricklaying. The 18-month course will see Bili and Alfie gain crucial hands-on training, supported by the expertise of the construction team, and interspersed with block-weeks at Stephenson College where they learn about the construction process in detail, and gain off-site practical training. “I told myself that you can’t really go wrong with a trade, it’s a skill for life,” says Bili, who is a father and lives locally in Angmering. “I’ve worked as a trainee chef, bar manager and a plumber, but the difference to this is night and day. It’s an intensive course but you don’t need any experience to do it, just a willingness to learn. Every day is an opportunity to learn and the team really want you to grow and succeed.” Bili plans to complete his course with David Wilson Southern Counties and study towards a Level 3 qualification, while Alfie hopes to secure employment with the carpentry subcontractors at Ecclesden Park. “The great thing about the course is that the door doesn’t close when you achieve the qualification. Lots of apprentices go on to work with David Wilson Southern Counties’ subcontractors, but if you get a good result in your final exam then you can work towards a Level 3 qualification,” Bili adds. Alongside the hands-on training for apprentices, lessons at Stephenson College cover everything from the land buying process all the way to the latest industry regulations, providing apprentices with a wider insight into the process of building new homes. At the end of the course, apprentices will be challenged with speaking, practical and multiple-choice examinations to complete their qualification. Kimberley Benson, Sales and Marketing Director for David Wilson Southern Counties, comments: “Skilled tradespeople are the backbone of the construction industry, and it is our responsibility to invest in the next generation, providing much needed jobs and, therefore, housing to local communities. Our flagship apprenticeship scheme is second to none, offering a two-pronged learning approach to gain real experience on a construction site, working in tandem with our award-winning site teams to pass on their knowledge and expertise. Apprentices will also have the opportunity to learn in an academic environment at Stephenson College, helping them to gain the wider knowledge that will give them an unshakable foundation on which to build their career.” Looking ahead to the future, Bili hopes to start his own business with his brother, who is trained as a bricklayer, while Alfie plans to build his own house one day. Alfie continues: “There will always be a need for skilled tradespeople, and the skills that I’m learning during my apprenticeship are the first step on the path to career success.” To find out more about the careers available with David Wilson Southern Counties, visit www.barrattcareers.co.uk. Bili, Alfie and the team are building a range of two, three and four-bedroom homes at Ecclesden Park, where prices start from £369,995 for a two-bedroom house. To find out more David Wilson Southern Counties or Ecclesden Park, please call 0333 3558 499 or visit www.dwh.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals [1] https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/skills/skills-shortage-reaching-alarming-proportions-15-11-2022/
Panel product manufacturer, West Fraser, has introduced a new ready-primed version of its industry-leading SterlingOSB Zero board which is ideal for use in a wide range of situations from site hoardings through to building exhibition stands and other installations where appearance is important. SterlingOSB Zero PrimedPlus is being produced in 18mm thick, square-edged sheets measuring 1220 mm wide by 2440mm long. The factory applied white or grey finish features on both sides and all four edges which are ready for decoration or the application of graphics. The high-quality surface is smooth while the structure is free from knots or voids and from an environmental perspective the ‘Zero’ in the name assures specifiers that the product contains no added formaldehyde. West Fraser’s Dom West, Sales Director for UK and Ireland, commented: “SterlingOSB Zero is the first UK manufactured OSB with zero-added formaldehyde to deliver health as well as several other technical benefits, making it superior to softwood plywood as well as particleboard. The factory-primed, ultra-smooth surface presents a blank canvas for marketing messages and other types of promotional display. Being rugged and weather-resistant, the SterlingOSB Zero PrimedPlus boards can be used outside for security applications, such as screening or walkways while we’re already getting strong interest from the hospitality sector and shopfitting specialists, as well as housebuilders and other contractors.” SterlingOSB Zero PrimedPlus is CE-marked and complies with the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) and BBA Agreement requirements. The boards are supplied in packs of 50 to cover a total area of approximately 150m². Right across its range, West Fraser has been making substantial investment in reducing the environmental impact of its production processes including signing new contracts with its energy suppliers to ensure that all its power comes from renewable sources that are covered by REGO (Renewable Energy of Guaranteed Origins) certification. For peace of mind, the boards also conform to European E1 emission standard, comply with BS EN 622: Parts 1 and 5. For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit https://uk.westfraser.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Puma Property Finance (Puma) is sponsoring the launch of UCL’s new world-class research centre focused on developing sustainable practices in the construction industry and the built environment. It’s the first centre of its kind in the UK. It is estimated that 39% of global energy related carbon emissions come from the built environment. But despite its obvious centrality, the construction industry has historically been slow in developing sustainability initiatives. The new ‘Centre of Sustainable Governance and Law in the Built Environment’ seeks to address the challenge of building more with less emissions as the demand for more and better-quality housing increases. The two-year partnership will see the development of pioneering research designed to improve understanding of sustainability practices in the built environment and drive forward solutions. This includes research to identify the best measurement tools to accurately measure the environmental emissions and the social impact of construction projects and buildings; develop innovative financing models for construction projects; improve knowledge transfer; and decarbonise building stock. The centre will sit within the Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction: the first built environment faculty in the UK, and one of the global leaders in this field. The ten-person research team will be led by Dr Armando Castro, an Associate Professor at UCL, who has been researching and writing about ESG related themes since 2014. Other team members’ expertise spans economics, finance, civil engineering, surveying, geography, management and law, in order to tackle and solve the wide-ranging issues across the industry. Puma has been a longstanding supporter of the drive towards greater sustainability in the construction industry. With this new partnership, Puma hopes to further inform the conversation and help the property finance industry to arrive at solutions that promote the next generation of the built environment. Paul Frost, managing director of Puma Property Finance, and member of the Centre’s Advisory Board comments: “We’re incredibly proud to sponsor UCL’s new research centre and play our part in significantly reducing the carbon impact of the construction industry. Delivering net zero buildings and retrofitting existing ones is a huge challenge, especially as we try to meet the demand for more and better quality housing, education facilities and suitable accommodation for our ageing population. “Progress can’t be achieved through policy and regulation alone; it requires collaboration across industry and academia, innovation, creativity and ambition if we’re to drive truly impactful change. “This new Centre offers an exciting opportunity to put that into practice, and we are delighted to be supporting its important work. The finance sector has enormous influence over the real estate that we build in this country and around the world. We can and must use that influence for the benefit of both current and future generations.” Dr Armando Castro, UCL adds: “This Centre has been launched in a critical time and has the purpose of sharing academic insights and knowledge, while connecting and fostering the dialogue between academics and practitioners of the built environment. This is greatly needed now since the construction industry and its players need to do more to address current societal concerns regarding their social and environmental impact. Further, universities’ research can be used for the greater good and should be shared more widely.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Polypipe Building Services has released Revit families for its Terrain PVC Soil and Waste and Terrain FUZE Stax drainage systems. The content has received BSI Kitemark accreditation to BIM Level 2, underscoring the company’s commitment to construction best practice. Terrain PVC, now manufactured with up to 65% recycled materials, combines exceptional performance with enhanced sustainability standards, while the Terrain FUZE Stax HDPE drainage system offers two-part fabricated stack configurations designed to make high-rise installations simpler and quicker saving time spent on sizing, cutting and welding loose components. The award of the BSI Kitemark means that data-rich Revit files are now available to designers – making it easier to produce accurate plans as part of a project’s golden thread and to ensure these are followed right through to quotation and ordering. Providing data to BIM Level 2 standards means that Polypipe Building Services offers product performance and specification information that has been validated to meet strict requirements, and that it is presented using standardised templates. This means it’s simple to use, store and share – ultimately making it easier to create accurate project designs. Carl Brunger- Building Services BIM Manager at Polypipe Building Services commented: “Ensuring the availability of accurate, transparent data for our products is extremely important to us, and we see BIM as a key route in achieving this. We have been accredited to BIM Level 2 for two years and in that time we have been working hard to increase the volume of content we have available to drainage system designers. “The Revit assets for Terrain PVC Soil and Waste and Terrain FUZE Stax systems will open up access to a wealth of product information to support best practice within the design of drainage systems. It will help with faster building design, greater traceability and accuracy right through to ordering. “With this high level of BIM data available across a key product range, project specifiers and designers can be confident that working with Polypipe Building Services allows for maximum flexibility and product choice at their fingertips, within the convenience of the Revit platform.” For more information about Revit files available from Polypipe Building Services go to: https://www.polypipe.com/bim-revit-files Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Award-winning commercial real estate agency Bromwich Hardy has called for more development land to be urgently identified across the West Midlands to help drive economic growth. The Coventry-based firm says a long-standing lack of land supply is stifling the ambitions of companies to grow across the region. The firm’s founding partner Tom Bromwich was speaking as he launched the 2022 Bromwich Hardy Barometer – containing a wealth of facts and figures about the office and industrial market across Coventry and Warwickshire. He told an audience of 70 leading property, construction and development experts at the event at the Telegraph Hotel in Coventry that 2022 had been a year of growth for the agency. Highlights included: · Commercial sales of more than £35million · Land sales of £57.6million · Lease deals worth £4.3million · Bromwich Hardy again the biggest dealmaker across Coventry and Warwickshire Tom said that the 2023 market remained positive, despite the challenging economic background, and that there were good reasons for optimism across the commercial property sector. “The last 12 months has seen Coventry and Warwickshire continue to do well. The region’s location, in the Golden Triangle at the heart of the nation’s motorway network, insulates it from some of the more chilling effects of the current economic difficulties and has enabled it to remain competitive. “The warehousing sector has been particularly strong, with excellent demand for high-quality units whenever they have become available. Occupier demand has also held up well across the region over the last 12 months – and shows all the signs of continuing to do so. The strength of interest is reflected in rising rental values, with a unit at Tachbrook Park in Leamington Spa achieving £13 per square foot earlier this summer – thought to be a new record rent for industrial warehousing in the town. “And the office market has shrugged off suggestions that it would be hard-hit by the pandemic. We have seen the level of deals continue to improve as employers have recognised the need to offer high-quality, sustainable and employee-focussed work spaces as a way of attracting staff back from their home offices. Developments such as Bourn in Coventry are a perfect example of this trend.” But Tom said the lack of new land for development was a serious concern and one which needed addressing urgently. “There is a significant lack of employment land on offer and the pipeline for the future is nothing like as strong as we would like to see. Very few new schemes are coming through and demand is being consistently frustrated by supply. “This is a hugely serious issue for the region. Our location means we are an attractive destination of choice for developers, but they will simply start to look elsewhere if the regional and national authorities do not take urgent steps to open up more of the new opportunities for employment land we so urgently need.” Bromwich Hardy partner David Penn and Lisa Dean from industry data experts CoStar gave guests an update in the state of the markets, whilst Brian Harrabin, from Complex Development Projects spoke about the scheme to transform the former Coventry Telegraph offices into the new Telegraph Hotel. To download a copy of the Barometer report for free visit: https://www.bromwichhardy.com/documents/BH-Barometer2022(LoRes).pdf
M&Y Maintenance and Construction have completed an extensive Fire Safety Project on two five storey apartment blocks on Cheapside in Liverpool City Centre. M&Y were appointed by Redwing in October 2021, to complete works to improve the fire safety of the buildings, including works to the façade, roof, courtyard decking and balconies. The original timber cladding on both blocks was removed and replaced with new rendering. Remedial render coatings were also applied to the gable elevations to extend the life of the material. Decking on the courtyard, balconies and roof top garden terrace was removed and replaced with a mix of paving slabs and aluminium decking, further reducing fire risks and improving slip resistance. One roof was completely replaced, improving the thermal efficiency of the building, with new edge protection also installed. Together, these improvements should last for a minimum of 15-20 years with correct maintenance. To complete the project, the steel framed balconies, gable end elevations and an external wall were repainted. Internally, the lobbies of both blocks were also painted to give the building a fresh finish for its residents. Kevin Moses, M&Y Director of Operations said: “We’re so proud of M&Y’s growth into Fire Safety works. With the support of our experienced staff, we’ve been able to ensure the works at Cable Yard have been completed to the highest standards, leading to safe homes now and into the future. With another fire safety project already underway, we’re excited to continue to develop this workstream and offer fire risk assessment and follow up work to housing associations and local authorities across the North West.” Alex Andani, Executive Director of Property Asset Management at The Regenda Group said: “We’re pleased to have completed improvements to Cable Yard, leading to higher standards of fire safety throughout. We’d like to thank all of the residents for their patience and support while these works were carried out. We’re especially pleased with the work delivered by M&Y which is to an excellent standard.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Esri UK today announced the results of three pilot projects at Nottingham City Council, Dacorum Borough Council and South Ayrshire Council, which have been exploring new ways of digitising the planning process using geospatial technology. Projects have focused on solving common challenges within planning, including the improvement of community engagement, maximising the use of 3D visualisations and managing developer contributions more efficiently. Having won a competition in Spring 2022 to find innovative ideas to improve planning, the councils have been working with Esri UK to make the projects a reality, receiving free consultancy and access to GIS (Geographic Information Systems) software. Nottingham City Council’s pilot has proven the value of using 3D visualisations integrated with other existing data, to allow constraints and impact assessments to be carried out simultaneously. Dacorum Borough Council’s project has built a prototype tool which visualises infrastructure and developer contributions secured through Planning Obligations on a map, replacing traditional static spreadsheet data. While South Ayrshire Council’s outcome has been the creation of a community consultation platform, with interactive methods of engagement to improve community and other stakeholder involvement in Local Development Plans. “The pilots have explored modern digital approaches to some common challenges faced by local planning authorities, all designed to help make the planning process more efficient and easier for everyone,” explained Stephen Croney, Head of Sector for Land, Property and Planning, Esri UK. “Combining each council’s domain expertise with our team of geospatial experts, the pilots have revealed how geospatial technology available today can help shape the future of the planning process by delivering significant cost and time savings.” Results of the pilots in more detail: Nottingham City Council Nottingham City Council’s project has explored how geospatial technology can help increase the use of 3D visualisations, both internally and with the public. A prototype site assessment tool has been built that brings together all relevant spatial data into one 3D environment, including the proposed scheme itself, plus conservation areas, site allocations, flood risk and tree cover. This has allowed planning teams to conduct 3D assessments of various constraints on a site, at the same time as a visual impact assessment, which speeds up the decision-making process. The project overcame the usual challenges of working with LOD3 (Level of Detail 3) performance in a browser to create a smooth user experience. “The pilot has significantly advanced our 3D development skills, created new 3D data generation and manipulation techniques and shown how it’s possible to have a 3D environment which can easily integrate with our existing datasets,” explained Mick Dunn, GIS Service Manager, Nottingham City Council. “Overall, the project has proved that 3D planning is possible from any browser at the right performance levels.” “The benefits are varied, from understanding what a building will look like in situ and trying different view corridors to assess its visual impact, to examining master planning issues, flood risk assessments or potential solar energy sites. The 3D visualisations can also be used to gain public feedback or other parties using images and fly-throughs.” Next steps include advancing the prototype site assessment tool to make it fully operational and creating some 3D showcase demonstrators to engage with internal business areas. “The long-term goal is to provide a versatile 3D environment that we are able to easily deploy and operationalise to support the needs of our business and customers, improving operational performance and enhancing customer service delivery,” concluded Dunn. Dacorum Borough Council Dacorum Borough Council’s pilot has converted existing text and spreadsheet information into a modern digital mapping environment, improving how infrastructure and developer contributions secured through Planning Obligations are managed and communicated. An interactive map was built that plots the sources of developer contributions S106 and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) received and shows where the contributions have been spent. “The pilot has shown the value of using digital maps to visualise and monitor contributions spatially and understand where and how the money is being spent,” commented Councillor Alan Anderson, Portfolio Holder, Planning and Infrastructure at Dacorum Borough Council. “The tool can give a clearer understanding of infrastructure funding received and how it links to infrastructure planned and delivered, by presenting the data visually and spatially, using an interactive web experience. Providing this information in a spatial way gives Council officers a powerful asset which can be used for planning, decision making and monitoring.” Work is continuing on the tool to integrate regular, automated data feeds to make the application more streamlined and current. Once this work is completed the intention is to make the tool available online to allow the public to understand the process and engage in infrastructure funding and planning. Future plans might also include adding more layers of data, such as growth scenarios and strategic sites, to help with planning financial and non-financial developer contributions that will be needed to fund and deliver infrastructure required. “One of the most obvious findings of the pilot has been how GIS can create interactive experiences with this financial data – particularly the ability to change dull, static spreadsheets into more meaningful, visual data that can be used for multiple purposes,” continued Councillor Anderson. “The value of partnership working has also been demonstrated – Dacorum providing the data and planning process knowledge and Esri UK providing the technical expertise.” South Ayrshire Council South Ayrshire Council’s pilot project examined how a consultation platform using interactive engagement methods can help improve community and stakeholder engagement in Local Development Plans, in order to reach better planning outcomes. The collaboration between the council and Esri UK has created a platform designed to keep the public and other parties engaged and informed, to strengthen the local planning authority’s relationship with its communities and reach better planning outcomes. Built using Esri UK’s community engagement platform ArcGIS Hub, it keeps citizens informed via social media and asks their opinion on what they feel are the main planning issues within their community. The system plots these comments on an interactive map to highlight any issues and reveal policy engagement hotspots. From an
North East contractor Tolent has launched a new service to help support registered providers of social housing improve the energy efficiency of homes across the region. In line with the Governments Clean Growth Strategy, all social housing must attain the minimum rating of Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) C by 2035, or 2030 for ‘fuel poor’ households. Launching its new retrofit and decarbonisation service, Tolent is already underway with a number of retrofitting projects, which also support the longer term target of making all homes ‘net-zero-carbon’ by 2050. Adrian Veitch, retrofit and decarbonisation manager, said: “We’ve set up our business to act as a one-stop-shop for clients to engage us at any part of this process from acquiring funding, developing tailored designs to retrofit measures, to installation and aftercare. “From fitting external wall insulation, PV panels, air source heat pumps and loft insulation, we have experience of delivering refurbishment and energy retrofit projects to over 50,000 properties. We see how much the end result of these works positively impacts residents and wider communities and it’s something we want to continue to play a part in.” All registered providers of social housing across the UK are able to secure funding through a number routes, set to enhance the energy efficiency of socially rented homes across the country. The net-zero-carbon targets also extend to private sector rents to attain EPC C ratings on new tenancies by December 2025, and on all rented properties by December 2028. Paul Webster, CEO for Tolent, said: “This is a long term strategy for our business as we look to support the entire housing sector in this area of work. “The net-zero-carbon 2050 target is an ambitious and challenging aspiration, but with the current cost of living crisis and rising energy bills, we understand the true value of what this work can do to provide some relief to those suffering the most in our communities. “As a responsible contractor, we’re also taking necessary steps to look at our own impact on the environment and setting our own targets to reduce carbon emissions.” Tolent is now a TrustMark accredited contractor, as is required by Government to be able to carry out this work, and has secured a place on a number of national frameworks including The North East Procurement Organisation (NEPO) and Prosper Retrofit and Decarbonisation Works frameworks. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
AN initiative which recently won £40m backing to help create more than 700 jobs across West Cumbria has made its second appointment to its own team. Hannah Pears, who is passionate about working with partner organisations to give young people the best possible life chances, has joined iSH (the Industrial Solutions Hub) as Education Liaison Officer. Hannah, from Whitehaven, has spent the last 11 years working to give young people opportunities in education and employment having worked with Northumbria University, University of Cumbria, Lakes College, The University of Law, and Hello Future, a partnership of universities, colleges and employers working to improve access for young people to higher education in Cumbria. “I am really excited to start with iSH,” said Hannah. “iSH is such an important programme for the people of West Cumbria. It’s great to be involved from the beginning. “Having worked with many young people through education and outreach, I am passionate that every young person should have the support they need to access opportunities. “I think in many ways life is getting harder for young people wherever they live. “Social media comes with its negatives. Youth clubs and youth experiences have been cut to almost non-existent over the last ten years. “Young people have also had to experience education turbulence and social disruption during the pandemic. “Then when you look at West Cumbria where young people can be so isolated because of the infrastructure, you realise that it can be even harder here. “That’s why I am so determined that young people here should be able to access opportunities and cultural experiences to benefit themselves and the communities around them for the future. “When I first talked to John Maddison (iSH Managing Director) and Steve Wilkinson (iSH Operations Director) we were talking about robotics and AI and it inspired me. “I think it’s brilliant that iSH will be helping give young people access to big city opportunities and bringing that to their doorstep and showcasing what the future can hold for them. “I also love that iSH is all about collaboration. It’s not about doing all of this ourselves. It’s about working with local partnerships and employers to fill in the gaps. “My role is to make sure that, through collaboration, young people who might otherwise not have had opportunities, will have clear pathways and the support they need to access training and employment that iSH will help create across the region. “That’s what I will be focusing on and working with other organisations and groups to help make that happen.” Brought up in Caldbeck, and having attended Caldew School, Dalston, near Carlisle, Hannah has lived in Cumbria and Newcastle. John Maddison, iSH Managing Director said: “We are delighted to welcome Hannah to the team. She has lots of expertise and experience of helping young people, who might otherwise get overlooked, access opportunities, which is such a vital part of our programme. “Hannah also brings that energy, enthusiasm and ability to collaborate with other organisations, businesses and individuals, which is the way we work at iSH, mapping the gaps and then working with others to enhance the region’s capability. “It is an approach which is enabling us to press ahead with initiatives which are bringing opportunities to businesses, organisations and people of all ages in the region.” Hannah is the second of ten initial appointments iSH is making as it builds its team to deliver a programme to create more than 700 jobs, enabling industry, businesses, academia, and community to come together and collaborate to enhance skills, increase capabilities, and regenerate communities across West Cumbria. Latest job opportunities with iSH include: Regional Representative, Operations Director, Investment Lead and Senior Project Manager. There will also be roles for a Project Controls Officer, Business Liaison Officer, Community Liaison Officer and a Project Management Apprentice. These latest positions come on the back of iSH opening its office in Cleator Moor town centre where it has appointed Lynn Huddart as its Office Manager. John Maddison said: “As we build our team we will further accelerate our work to bring a range of economic and social benefits to the community through projects which will create training and employment opportunities and have a positive impact on people, the economy, and the environment. “As with our first two appointments we are looking for people in these latest eight roles who share our passion and ethos for making this happen.” Last month £20m of Levelling Up Fund investment was awarded by government to Copeland Borough Council for the iSH Enterprise Campus, to fund phase two of redevelopment at Leconfield, Cleator Moor. iSH is also supported in its activity by funding from Cleator Moor Town Deal Board which, working with Copeland Borough Council, secured a provisional offer of £22.5 million from the Government’s £3.6 billion Towns Fund initiative last year. As well as being supported by Copeland Borough Council, iSH is also backed by Sellafield Ltd, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership. For further information visit ishco.co.uk or email info@ishco.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
