Many employees lack the knowledge and skills to help prevent suicide in the workplace, reveals new research by MHFA England ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on the 10 September. Over 1 in 20[1] people make a suicide attempt at some point in their lives. Data shows as many as
The Wates Group is set to expand its presence in London with the appointment of its Living Space business to deliver Brent Council’s Major Works programme across its social housing portfolio. The £35m Major Works contract will commence in July this year and will run for 80 weeks with works
Twenty buildings and fourteen furniture projects have been shortlisted for this year’s Wood Awards – which celebrate excellence and innovation in timber architecture and design. From over two hundred projects entered, this shortlist of thirty-four entries celebrates the diversity and creativity of buildings and furniture made using the world’s foremost
With just a month to go until the doors open, UK Construction Week Birmingham will feature a dedicated focus to the sector on its very doorstep – the West Midlands. From 3rd-5th October, visitors to the NEC can expect to see the West Midlands’ finest construction and manufacturing companies, not
Daniel May of Consort reviews the integration of access control systems in healthcare settings, outlining the benefits and key considerations decision makers must make throughout product specification. From patient safety and traversal to the protection of sensitive data and pharmaceuticals, today’s healthcare environments are faced with several operational challenges. And
GMI Construction Group has been appointed to the Procure Partnerships Framework in both Yorkshire and the East Midlands for projects exceeding £30m. The contractors’ framework provides public sector buyers the reassurance that those selected have been pre-assessed and approved for their commercial robustness. It also features a series of pre-agreed
In a move to prioritise the well-being and comfort of its employees, Blackwell Earthmoving has enlisted the services of Roadshow Promotions. The promotional bus specialists have provided a fleet of single and double-decker buses for site welfare for Blackwell’s major earthwork projects. Roadshow Promotions, the UK’s leading provider of promotional buses,
Leading South West housebuilder Cavanna Homes has marked 100 years in business with a special party for staff and shareholders at its Torquay headquarters. Founded in 1923 by Philip ‘PD’ Cavanna and his brother Ray, the company has been at the forefront of house-building projects across the Westcountry for the
Running a family business is something people have been doing for centuries. After all, family firms are a great way to ensure that your name lives on through the years. Yet, in recent years, the number of families passing businesses on from generation to generation has started to decline. If
Many employees lack the knowledge and skills to help prevent suicide in the workplace, reveals new research by MHFA England ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on the 10 September. Over 1 in 20[1] people make a suicide attempt at some point in their lives. Data shows as many as 650 suicides in the UK each year could be work related – this is approximately 10% of all suicides.[2] MHFA England’s new research, among 2,000 people in work, found many don’t know what to do if they’re concerned a colleague is thinking of suicide. A third of people surveyed (33%) believe incorrectly that asking about suicide can put the idea in someone’s head. Only one in ten (13%) know to ask a colleague they are worried about whether they have a plan to end their life and nearly 40% admitted they didn’t know if asking this question was the right thing to do. However, all the evidence[3] shows that asking someone, who has a plan to take their own life, a direct question about suicide can save their life. Despite positive shifts in how we talk about mental health at work and in wider society, suicide is still stigmatised. MHFA England’s research shows a third (33%) of employees would speak to their manager if they were experiencing poor mental health but less than 1 in 5 (19%) would discuss having suicidal thoughts. The top reasons are, not feeling comfortable (61%), being worried it would impact their job (36%) or that they would be judged (35%). This research shows over 75% of employees do not believe suicide prevention is part of their organisation’s wellbeing strategy so MHFA England is calling on employers to explicitly include suicide awareness, prevention and support in their plans. One part of the solution is Suicide First Aid training. Suicide is preventable through education and intervention, which is why MHFA England has partnered with the National Centre for Suicide Prevention Education and Training (NCSPET) to deliver Suicide First Aid (SFA) training to workplaces. MHFA England also offer consultancy to help employers develop and implement plans to support those having thoughts of suicide and those impacted by suicide. Suicide First Aid training provides people with a greater understanding of suicide, including how to spot the signs of someone who may be thinking about suicide and the confidence to intervene and help create a suicide-safety plan. Simon Blake, MHFA England’s Chief Executive said, “The stigma and silence surrounding suicide is harmful. To prevent deaths by suicide, we must do everything we can to eliminate stigma. Workplaces have the potential to play such an important role, yet our research shows a large number of people are unsure how to approach a colleague they are worried may be considering suicide. This means they may not ask the lifesaving question – ‘are you thinking about ending your life?’ Workplaces can help prevent suicides through awareness raising, education and ensuring support. Many people experiencing a suicide crisis are in workplaces day in day out. In addition, it is estimated that when someone dies by suicide, 135 people are affected [4]. “At MHFA England we want a society where everybody has the knowledge, skills and confidence to discuss suicide including at work. That is why we have produced a free resource to raise awareness about how we can support someone who may be experiencing a suicide crisis.” Jamie Compton-Rea, Chief Operating Officer at the National Centre for Suicide Prevention Education and Training said,“As two leading organisations dedicated to suicide prevention, the partnership between the National Centre for Suicide Prevention Education and Training and Mental Health First Aid England has expanded the reach of the lifesaving skills taught in Suicide First Aid. By merging our expertise, we’re not just delivering training – we’re fostering a proactive approach to suicide prevention that empowers individuals with the skills they need to have effective conversations that could save a life.” One organisation that has already trained a number of staff in Suicide First Aid is Colas Ltd, who deliver sustainable solutions for the UK’s transport infrastructure. Part of the international Colas Group, the organisation has 1,460 employees across 20 UK locations. Christian Veritas, Business Unit Manager Colas Ltd based in Leeds completed the Suicide First Aid training, he said, “For me, one of the main takeaways from the course was the importance of language – I’d never really thought the language around suicide and am so much more aware of the power of language in breaking down stigma. “I’ve also really noticed the change in how people are checking in on each other. In our working environment, there can be quite a lot of bravado, so it can be hard to break through to a more personal level, but the training has really taught us to ask the right questions, in the right way. I’ve noticed that people are talking more and looking out for each other which is just incredible to see.” To find out more about MHFA England’s Suicide Prevention offer and to access a free resource to learn how to talk about suicide in the workplace, visit: visit https://mhfaengland.org/mhfa-centre/campaigns/world-suicide-prevention-day-2023/ If someone is at immediate risk of attempting suicide, dial 999. If someone is having thoughts of suicide encourage them to call Samaritans on 116 123. [1] https://www.samaritans.org/about-samaritans/media-guidelines/suicide-facts-journalists/ [2] https://www.hazardscampaign.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/The-Whole-story-2021.pdf [3] https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helping-someone-else/supporting-someone-who-feels-suicidal/talking-about-suicidal-feelings/ [4] https://lifeinmind.org.au/suicide-prevention/approaches/postvention/postvention-australia-guidelines Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Wates Group is set to expand its presence in London with the appointment of its Living Space business to deliver Brent Council’s Major Works programme across its social housing portfolio. The £35m Major Works contract will commence in July this year and will run for 80 weeks with works including new windows, lift refurbishments, and the installation of new kitchens and bathrooms. Wates will also undertake work to support Brent Council’s fire safety and compliance, including the installation of new sprinkler systems alongside full mechanical and electrical upgrades. External wall insulation will also be installed, forming part of Brent Council’s investment to increase the energy efficiency of its homes as part of its wider social housing retrofit strategy. The new Major Works contract builds on Wates’ existing work on behalf of the council, which includes the refurbishment of four high rise blocks to install external wall insulation, heating and lift refurbishments. Work for Brent Council also includes a range of retrofit installations to increase home efficiency following Wates’ successful retrofit pilot, which reached completion at the end of 2021. The project saw the Wates Retrofit team install energy efficiency measures in void properties, taking them from an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E to B, exceeding the Government’s 2030 target for social housing. James Gregg, Managing Director of the Wates’ southern planned maintenance division, commented: “Having worked with Brent Council over the past eight years, we understand their needs and what they want to achieve for their residents. This places us as an ideal repairs and maintenance partner and will enable a smooth and efficient mobilisation in the coming weeks and months. “There are many strands to social housing repairs and maintenance, all of which are important, not least fire safety compliance and energy efficiency retrofit. Delivering these aspects concurrently, as we will be for Brent Council, is a very effective way of ensuring that all repairs and maintenance needs are prioritised and delivered with real value for money.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Twenty buildings and fourteen furniture projects have been shortlisted for this year’s Wood Awards – which celebrate excellence and innovation in timber architecture and design. From over two hundred projects entered, this shortlist of thirty-four entries celebrates the diversity and creativity of buildings and furniture made using the world’s foremost sustainable and renewable material – wood. A seafront visitor centre, a concert hall, and an office complex are among the shortlisted buildings for the 2023 Wood Awards, while lathe-turned lamps, a table-cum-musical instrument and a community-built table set are among the furniture and product projects. The Awards are split into two main categories, Furniture & Product and Buildings. Buildings are split into: Commercial & Leisure, Education & Public Sector, Interior, Private Sector, Small Project, and Restoration & Reuse. Within Furniture & Product, there are three subcategories: Bespoke, Production Made and Student Designer. Spanning significant public spaces, forward-thinking offices, and unique private homes, the twenty shortlisted structures, listed below, provide a snapshot of exemplary and progressive timber architecture. Shortlisted projects for the Building Categories of the Wood Awards 2023 are: Jim Greaves, Head of the Building Judges says: “Selected from over ninety entries, this impressive shortlist reveals the best use of timber in construction today and demonstrates that wood truly is a material of continuous change and innovation. “Our panel of judges will now visit each shortlisted building to determine this year’s winners – and select a stand-out project to receive the prestigious Gold Award. “This rigorous process is one of the things that makes the Wood Awards the highest accolade in the UK timber industry.” The fourteen shortlisted furniture and product items, listed below, reveal an accomplished array of materially engaged designs. Incorporating endangered heritage techniques, community-led production, innovative problem solving and poetic exploration, each of the entries tells its own story about how wood can transform and enhance our surroundings. Shortlisted projects for the Furniture and Product Categories of the Wood Awards 2023 are: Corinne Julius, Head of the Furniture and Products Judges says: “Wood is a wonderful and often underrated, sustainable material. It’s a taken-for-granted material that deserves more respect. “The Wood Awards are intended to showcase to the public the beauty and versatility of wood and highlight its ability to connect us to the natural world. “They also aim to inspire the industry, designers, makers, and students to gain a better understanding of wood in its myriad forms in order to create beautiful, intelligent products for an increasingly discriminating public.” The Wood Awards shortlist will be on display from 20 – 23 September at Gallery@Oxo in partnership with the Material Matters Exhibition during the London Design Festival. The winners of the Wood Awards will be announced on 22 November during an Evening Ceremony at Carpenter’s Hall. As a not-for-profit competition, the Wood Awards can only happen with collaborative industry sponsorship. A huge thank you for continued support from Carpenters Company, American Hardwood Export Council and Timber Development UK. You can find out more information about the shortlist here. Previous winners of the Wood Awards can be found at www.woodawards.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With just a month to go until the doors open, UK Construction Week Birmingham will feature a dedicated focus to the sector on its very doorstep – the West Midlands. From 3rd-5th October, visitors to the NEC can expect to see the West Midlands’ finest construction and manufacturing companies, not only exhibiting but hosting networking events, holding demonstrations and staging seminars. Nathan Garnett, show director commented: “We want to be able to give visitors and exhibitors as much access to education, resources and innovation as possible. The great thing about the Birmingham show is we have so many incredible businesses and professionals in the West Midlands, that we are able to shine a real spotlight on local authorities in the construction and manufacturing industries.” FinditinBirmingham are one of this year’s show partners; an online search engine that connects global organisations to local businesses allowing them to engage with the local supply chain. This year they will host two networking events that take place before doors open to UKCW Birmingham itself, allowing visitors and exhibitors to meet local contractors and specialists. The first event takes place on Wednesday 5th October in collaboration with Lendlease; a global construction and real estate company. The second event will take place on Thursday 6th October with West Midlands Housing. Both networking events will be held between 8-10am. Register your interest on the FinditinBirmingham website. The MTC (Manufacturing Technology Center), based in Coventry, will be holding live demonstrations of the work it has done with large-scale ground-penetrating radar (GPR). This yellow, wedged shaped object assists with infrastructure asset management and scanning structures such as bridges and rail tunnels to inspect for subsurface defects with the help of the automation of data processing. This aims to improve quality, speed, and safety of inspection which provides greater objective insight into asset conditions and reduces time spent by examiner in hazardous environments. In the Offsite Alliance Hub, Birmingham Housing Week will be launching the city-wide MOBIE Schools Challenge with TV presenter and architect, George Clarke. To coincide with this, they will be running Hackathon workshops across the day to get their creative thinking started. Professionals and students will work with each group to help them collate and present their ideas in short, group thinking and design workshops. They will be asking the city’s young people, as future designers and creators of Birmingham’s next generation of housing, ‘What do you want from the future homes and communities in Birmingham?’ and exploring a range of topics and questions including: UKCW has also announced an extensive seminar and speaker programme to take place over its six stages. Keynote speakers include Andy Street, Mayor of West Midlands, who is due to take the Main Stage on 5th October to discuss The West Midlands and Manchester devolution and rebirth, the devolved future for the respective regions and the impacts on the built environment. Also on the Main Stage will be Deborah Cadman OBE, Chief Executive of Birmingham City Council, discussing the local authority’s collaboration with Birmingham Housing Week as she is interviewed by George Clarke about housing plans for the city. This will take place on opening day, Tuesday 3rd October. Coventry University will also be in attendance at UKCW Birmingham, offering visitors the chance to try their state-of-the-art training simulator. Here you can experience a virtual reality simulation of a real-life construction site, which can offer a range of scenarios to prepare future construction workers before entering the workforce. You will also find Midlands based exhibitors such as: Register for UKCW for free now UKCW Birmingham Registrations Follow us on social media @uk_cw #UKCW2023 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Daniel May of Consort reviews the integration of access control systems in healthcare settings, outlining the benefits and key considerations decision makers must make throughout product specification. From patient safety and traversal to the protection of sensitive data and pharmaceuticals, today’s healthcare environments are faced with several operational challenges. And where security remains at the forefront of decision making, modern access control systems may often hold the answers. Hospitals in particular have developed into multi-faceted spaces that house hundreds to thousands of patients, staff and visitors at any one time. In England for example, research has found in the three months leading to June 2023, an average of 44,626 people visited major hospital A&E departments each day, with over 16 million attendances typically recorded over the course of a year – not to mention an additional 9 million logged at other minor units. For any building, this level of sustained footfall can invite severe security tests. With that, the need to deploy effective physical security systems in healthcare is clear. And so, as access control continues to become more readily adopted and new products enter the market, decision makers are reminded to consider the requirements of their building, ensuring they select the solutions most suited to their settings and budget. Security controlled Patient safety will always remain top priority in healthcare settings, and where matters of health and social care come into question, a diverse set of professional regulatory bodies are tasked with setting and maintaining high standards. When it comes to healthcare premises specifically, patient security and perimeter security often come hand in hand and are amongst the most pressing of challenges that decision makers must face. To help address operational planning and potential design concerns in the NHS, the Health Building Note (HBN), provides general design guidance for healthcare buildings under HBN 00-01 – citing the use of access control measures as a way of maintaining security and protecting the safety of patients, staff and visitors. Hospital buildings for example, must control varied levels of access for a number of operational and security purposes. Routine scenarios exist where vulnerable patients are under monitoring and thus refrained from exiting the premises for their own safety, while at the same time, permitted staff must be able to reach their patients and medicines when required. For this, the use of access control is key. Equally, access credentials can also help management teams keep track of those who may be entering or exiting rooms with equipment and pharmaceutical supplies, deterring any unwanted visitors and opportunists in the process. On a similar note, regulations have set a minimum standard for how personal data should be stored and managed in healthcare environments, giving decision makers an added responsibility to regulate staff-controlled areas with patient medical records. While instances of personal data breaches are rare, healthcare facilities and professionals are at legal risk should confidential data be found misused or missing. As such, the incorporation of access control systems has become essential in keeping data storage areas secure, with intuitive online systems capable of permitting access to staff with the correct credentials while simultaneously tracking who has requested clearance at digital entry points. To function effectively, healthcare facilities must always be perceived as a safe place by the people who reside within them. Besides, efficient residential management systems also play a crucial role in ensuring organized care within these specialized environments like group homes for people with developmental disabilities. Such systems integrate various features, including patient monitoring and access control, simplifying the complex web of responsibilities faced by care providers. To function effectively, healthcare facilities must always be perceived as a safe place by the people who reside within them. Besides, efficient residential management systems also play a crucial role in ensuring organized care within these specialized environments like group homes for people with developmental disabilities. Such systems integrate various features, including patient monitoring and access control, simplifying the complex web of responsibilities faced by care providers and as HBN guidance implies, a unified physical security system can help address key safety and security concerns while enhancing patient and staff experience. Opportunely, today’s access control systems are more accessible and adaptable than ever and combine several technologies such as mechanical locks and automatic doors with electronic access credentials in the form of smartphone apps, badge readers and biometric scanners. By integrating these systems into the building’s existing infrastructure, healthcare professionals are better equipped to control the sheer volume of people entering and exiting the premises without impairing the general flow of movement and coordination around the facility. Better by design Despite the clear benefits offered to healthcare facilities, there are a number of considerations to be mindful of when choosing an access control solution. Poorly implemented systems can have an adverse effect on security and functionality – quickly costing healthcare organisations time and budget to rectify and replace the inadequate products that don’t meet the building’s requirements. For that reason, decision makers and design teams are reminded that there is no single solution that fits all healthcare buildings. As such, it’s crucial for decision makers to understand the systems that are being put in place throughout each of the touchpoints in their facility. Clear collaboration is required during periods of specification, where together, teams can ensure the selected product works on all angles, from meeting fire safety and sustainability standards to aesthetics and scalability. Frequently overlooked, scalability is a key area that decision makers must review when selecting access control systems. Such is their diverse nature; healthcare facilities can often change and develop as years go by, and by selecting a system that facilitates growth – such as a cloud-based solution – security and efficiency is long-established. While modern access control products are known for seamless integration, there are some systems that may restrict the ability to use different vendors throughout the remainder of the building’s infrastructure. This, in effect, causes a monopolisation of products throughout the estate, which can have an adverse effect
GMI Construction Group has been appointed to the Procure Partnerships Framework in both Yorkshire and the East Midlands for projects exceeding £30m. The contractors’ framework provides public sector buyers the reassurance that those selected have been pre-assessed and approved for their commercial robustness. It also features a series of pre-agreed terms and conditions including fixed overhead and profit percentages together with social value targets. GMI’s inclusion in the Procure Partnerships Framework underlines its commitment to excellence, innovation and growth across the regions, together with its ability to support public bodies in delivering their strategic targets. One of the largest independent construction companies in the North of England and the Midlands, GMI has a growing portfolio of public and commercial clients in multiple sectors – with projects ranging from the award-winning Stadium at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, which has become a community focal point and hub for SMEs as well as home to Sheffield Eagles Rugby League Club, and the construction of 259 build-to-rent apartments in Derby, which forms part of the Becketwell regeneration scheme. Keith Rayner, GMI’s Framework Director, said: “We are thrilled to have joined the Procure Partnerships Framework, a significant milestone that reflects our dedication to excellence. It provides GMI with a platform to showcase its capabilities, engage in meaningful partnerships, and contribute to levelling up through the delivery of exceptional public sector construction projects that will leave a lasting positive impact across each region. “The framework streamlines the procurement process and offers clients confidence in the quality of the work, backed by a series of benchmarks concerning delivery and costs, allowing them to manage and mitigate the risks involved with large-scale projects.” In April, GMI secured a place on Pagabo’s national £1bn medium works framework, which allows it to be considered for medium-sized public sector construction projects valued up to £10m, and in June it joined the framework of the North East Purchasing Organisation (NEPO). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In a move to prioritise the well-being and comfort of its employees, Blackwell Earthmoving has enlisted the services of Roadshow Promotions. The promotional bus specialists have provided a fleet of single and double-decker buses for site welfare for Blackwell’s major earthwork projects. Roadshow Promotions, the UK’s leading provider of promotional buses, worked alongside the earthworks contractor to deliver well-being buses to their sites. The buses will serve as multipurpose facilities, accommodating offices, canteens, rest areas, and changing rooms. The buses are being used to enhance working conditions, allowing colleagues to enjoy meals, take breaks, and rest in a comfortable and convenient environment. Recognising the importance of providing adequate facilities for their workforce, Blackwell Earthmoving made a significant investment in this initiative. Blackwell’s Construction Manager Nick Drage expressed his satisfaction with Roadshow Promotions, particularly highlighting the assistance provided by Stuart Greenley who has over 30 years of experience in running promotional bus tours. Nick said: “Stuart’s efficiency and responsiveness ensured a smooth collaboration, with the first bus delivered to the site within a remarkable five working days from the initial contact.” In response to the challenging weather conditions at the time, Roadshow worked closely with Blackwell Earthmoving to create a bespoke drying unit in a standalone static vehicle. This innovative solution proved invaluable for what was one of the wettest summers on record. The buses are providing an effective use of resources as work progresses along the site and they are able to move, providing a dynamic and ecofriendly solution. The arrival of the buses on-site has generated enthusiasm among the Blackwell Earthmoving team. The enhanced welfare facilities not only promote a more comfortable work environment but also foster a sense of camaraderie and teamwork among colleagues. Natasha Greenley, Director of Roadshow Promotions, commended the initiative, saying: “With this forward-thinking approach to employee welfare, Blackwell Earthmoving continues to set a positive example for the construction industry. By prioritising the needs and well-being of their workforce, they aim to increase productivity and job satisfaction, ultimately leading to successful project outcomes. We’re delighted to support them and look forward to working together to ensure the comfort and welfare of the site’s employees across their sites.” Specialising in earthworks contracting, consultancy and restoration services, Blackwell Earthmoving has worked on a number of the country’s significant infrastructure projects. The company provides a range of earthworks services including site clearance and preparation, bulk earthmoving, excavation, landfill engineering and soil stabilisation. Blackwells has a large and modern fleet of plant and equipment as well as experienced and qualified staff. Companies can get a quote for a bus tour in under a minute here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading South West housebuilder Cavanna Homes has marked 100 years in business with a special party for staff and shareholders at its Torquay headquarters. Founded in 1923 by Philip ‘PD’ Cavanna and his brother Ray, the company has been at the forefront of house-building projects across the Westcountry for the past century, retaining a commitment to quality set by its founders. The expansion of the business has seen Cavanna Homes, now one of the South West’s largest independent housebuilders, appoint non-family members in senior roles. However, Jeremy Cavanna, the grandson of co-founder PD Cavanna, remains as a non-executive director, after handing over the chairmanship of the business this year to Keith Miller, formerly group managing director and then deputy chairman. Grayham Tucker was appointed to the role of group managing director in January 2023 to oversee the day-to-day operation of the company. Keith Miller told guests at the celebration event: “There have been huge changes in the housebuilding industry over the past century and Cavanna Homes has moved with the times. But the business has always stuck to the principles of its family founders – delivering excellent homes safely and to the highest standard for our customers.” The company has come a long way from its foundation, embracing the latest sustainable technology in many of the homes it builds, designing property to meet the needs of 21st century living and providing help and support for hard-pressed homebuyers. Cavanna Homes has never lost sight of its strong Torbay presence and continues to concentrate on building beautiful and sustainable new homes in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset. When the company was founded, Britain was still emerging from the economic difficulties caused by the aftermath of the First World War. In 1923 the Cavanna brothers set out from their home in Watford to seek work as plasterers in Torquay. They had been advised by their parents, who had been in service on the English Riviera, to head West. The thinking was that because Torquay homes were often finished with render there would be plenty of work for qualified plasterers and the brothers soon branched out into house building. In 1924 sufficient progress had been made for P.D and Ray’s families to join them in the homes they had built in Laura Grove, Paignton. Not long after, the partnership dissolved and P.D moved into general contracting and house building while Ray continued the plastering business. As the need for new housing increased, especially following the Second World War, Cavanna Homes began to grow into Torbay’s foremost building company and in 1949 the company was incorporated. The business grew through the 1960s and 1970s, selling in excess of 100 homes a year for the first time. PD Cavanna was involved in the business with his sons and son-in-law at the helm, right up until his death in 1983 at the age of 93. In the past year Cavanna Homes has been shortlisted for an award in the Michelmores Property Awards for its development at Wolborough Hill, Newton Abbot and is also in the running for a national Housebuilder Award for its scheme Broadleigh Park in Tavistock. The finals will be held in November. A team of cyclists from Cavanna Homes raised more than £12,000 in July for its Charity of the Year, Children’s Hospice South West, completing the gruelling St Austell to Bristol “Ride for Precious Lives” sponsored cycle ride. And, in recognition of the challenges facing first-time buyers as mortgage rates rise, Cavanna Homes has been offering a helping hand to buyers with a contribution to their deposit, cutting borrowing and reducing monthly mortgage payments on selected homes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Running a family business is something people have been doing for centuries. After all, family firms are a great way to ensure that your name lives on through the years. Yet, in recent years, the number of families passing businesses on from generation to generation has started to decline. If you think you’ve seen fewer companies bearing the words ‘and sons’ or ‘and daughters’ after their name, you are not mistaken. While there are still a significant number of family businesses operating in the UK, research has shown that the number of family-run firms decreased from 5.2 million in 2019 to 4.8 million in 2020. Yes, the number of family businesses may be dropping. So, how can you build a family construction business that’s successful? Here’s how to launch your family-run construction business successfully: Identify Your Market First up, you need to identify your target market and to establish demand for your business. If your construction firm is going to support your entire family, you need to safeguard its success. Profitability should always be a focus, but when your company is your sole income source, you need to be even more cautious. Carrying out research and establishing the best market for your business is an excellent place to start. Next, you can decide whether to specialise in a specific field or be a general building business. Set Some Ground Rules Working as a team always has potential to generate problems. But when you are working alongside your relatives, the prospect of a huge row is never far away. Being aware of the potential trigger points that could cause arguments is essential. This is so important if you are to keep the peace, work productively, and stay professional. One really effective way to avoid arguments spilling over into work is to set some ground rules. Setting out what is acceptable and what is expected of each family member is a great way to set everyone’s expectations. Protect Your Legacy When you have worked hard to establish your business as a family, you need to ensure it is protected. If you want to continue passing the company down through the generations. You need to start by safeguarding the legal aspects of your company. Meeting with an estate planning lawyer is your first step. The lawyer will be able to advise you on the best and most tax-effective way to protect your business when you pass it on. Final Thoughts There are so many positive reasons to start a family construction business. Establishing a successful family business can be a source of immense pride. Seeing your company flourish and grow, knowing that you created it alongside your family is an amazing feeling. If your family business is to succeed, you need to figure out some ground rules. Making sure everyone aims for the same goals and understands their role in the business is a great starting point. From here, you will have an excellent foundation to build your construction business on.
