The continued success of an Early Years’ Talent Scheme is helping a rapidly growing principal contractor bridge a skills gap accelerated by the impact of Brexit. Inco Contracts, which delivers hundreds of industrial and commercial refurbishment schemes across the UK every year, has invested more than £100,000 into a programme
Troy is delighted to announce the acquisition of Scott Direct Ltd to support its UK growth strategy. Scott Direct is a complete supplier to the industrial & trade markets, offering customers a comprehensive range of quality products including hand and power tools, protective clothing, PPE, safety equipment, hygiene and janitorial
Why compromise on office ambiance when your furniture can echo the ethos of sustainability? Businesses across Indiana and Michigan are proving that eco-friendly choices can coexist with style and functionality. They’re not just selecting furniture; they’re taking a stand for the planet and employee well-being. Sensible, yet sustainable—this approach isn’t
The continued success of an Early Years’ Talent Scheme is helping a rapidly growing principal contractor bridge a skills gap accelerated by the impact of Brexit. Inco Contracts, which delivers hundreds of industrial and commercial refurbishment schemes across the UK every year, has invested more than £100,000 into a programme that attracts, recruits, and fast-tracks enthusiastic and high-performing individuals in the construction industry. Launched in 2020, the initiative has so far recruited four people at the firm’s three offices in Stafford, Stevenage and Warrington, with every person progressing quickly into important roles in its contracts teams. They are all appointed with a mentor to oversee their development, 3-monthly training reviews to identify strengths and weaknesses, enhanced responsibility to lead and company-funded education at college or university. “The nature of the industry we work in has presented itself with more challenges than ever before, with Brexit having a huge impact on skilled workers across the UK, in particular blue-collar staff,” explained Sam Norton, Operations Director at Inco Contracts. “Our Early Years’ Talent Scheme has given us an opportunity to bridge the skills gap, but also develop individuals with the unique skills sets needed to fulfil the contracts managers role in our business.” He continued: “This is made easier by having the opportunity to train and develop staff at an early stage of their career, so by the time they have completed the programme and training, they have the skills, mentorship, and confidence to undertake their roles. Importantly, they also live and breathe our culture.” Harry Merrick has made the most of Inco Contracts’ Early Years Talent Scheme, joining as Trainee Contracts Manager in 2020 and progressing to Assistant Contracts Manager in just twelve months. He quickly secured his Level 3 BTEC in Construction and the Built Environment, a host of sector-related qualifications and is currently studying at Birmingham City University for his HNC in Construction Management. “The scheme has given me a clear pathway for progression and over the last four years I’ve been continually improving due to the experience and knowledge sharing of my colleagues and the educational opportunities I’ve been given at college and now University – all funded by the company,” added Harry. “I had a target to work towards from the very start, which is a huge motivating factor that has ultimately enabled me to gain promotion quickly. The support I received internally has ensured I have the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to progress even further.” He continued: “The plan for my future is to qualify from university with my degree in construction management, become a member of the Chartered Institute of Building and finally gain promotion as an independent Contracts Manager with Inco. “My progression in such a short amount of time has been incredible and I recommend anyone thinking about a career in construction to take a look at this initiative.” Inco Contracts has built a strong reputation for delivering more than 2100 industrial and commercial refurbishment schemes across the UK. These often tend to be turnkey in nature and involve the company working alongside architects, designers, and landlords to bring warehouse and commercial office space back to life or to the required modern-day standards. Sam concluded: “Josh Brown is our latest recruit to the Early Year’s Talent Scheme and is already impressing the team. As a business, this programme has given us so much and is now a cornerstone of our recruitment policy going forward.” For further information, please visit www.incocontracts or follow @incocontracts on Twitter. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Troy is delighted to announce the acquisition of Scott Direct Ltd to support its UK growth strategy. Scott Direct is a complete supplier to the industrial & trade markets, offering customers a comprehensive range of quality products including hand and power tools, protective clothing, PPE, safety equipment, hygiene and janitorial supplies, workwear, corporate branded garments, MRO & engineering consumables. Troy, the largest independent network for industrial and engineering supplies in the UK, is headed up by Paul Kilbride, CEO. Paul commented; “ Scott Direct has been a Troy member for many years and there has been a close connection to the family throughout that time. With shared core values, Scott Direct is a great fit for the Troy Invested-in member Group. Troy is a family business that supports family businesses and our vertical integration strategy is just one of the avenues offered as part of the Group to ensure that we support our independent membership and keep the independent marketplace strong. We know how much independent businesses are valued in their communities and by the businesses that trade with them, and our aim Is to help those businesses to grow with investment, without losing the knowledge, passion and levels of customer service that only an independent business can provide.” Chris Taylor, CFO of Troy said, “Scotland is an important region for us and the acquisition of Scott Direct strengthens our position as a supplier to the industrial and trade markets. Scott Direct have built a leading business and the acquisition is a natural fit with the Troy group – providing complementary product portfolios and markets along with an excellent team.” The Troy Group has invested in 18 businesses throughout the UK over the last 5 years, serving a wide and diverse customer base across many sectors, providing broad-line industrial consumables and PPE, Precision Cutting Tools and state of the art VMI and supply chain management solutions. It received a £15.5 million investment from BGF in 2023 to support its ambitious growth plans. Norman Scott, shareholder for Scott Direct said, “I am delighted we have concluded the sale of Scott Direct to the Troy Group. This deal will drive further growth for Scott Direct and build on the successes achieved by our experienced team who all stay in position to take the business forward. I wish them every future success.” Rob Sayles, Managing Director of Scott Direct said, “Joining forces with the Troy Group will allow Scott Direct to continue building on our past success and provide a strong foundation to fuel our future ambitions for the business.” Financial advisors to this deal were Dains (Rob Wilson, Trystan Shaw) with legal advice from Gateley Legal (Mark Rutherford, Sophie Cahalin, Anna Mayfield, Alicia Bradburn), Shawbrook Bank (Andy Sutton, Steve Armstrong), Freeths (James Dyson), Gunnercooke (Rob Fawkes), Gillespie Macandrew (Kenneth Irons, Arlene Taylor) and BTO (Emma Barclay). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Why compromise on office ambiance when your furniture can echo the ethos of sustainability? Businesses across Indiana and Michigan are proving that eco-friendly choices can coexist with style and functionality. They’re not just selecting furniture; they’re taking a stand for the planet and employee well-being. Sensible, yet sustainable—this approach isn’t merely a trend, it’s shaping the future of workplace environments. The impact? A significant reduction in carbon footprint and an increase in human-centric spaces that inspire productivity and creativity. Let’s explore how smart furniture choices make all the difference. Crafting a Green Canvas: The Foundation of Sustainable Furniture Starting with the basics, what makes an office tables or desk genuinely sustainable? It’s not just about recycled materials but also the lifecycle, from creation to potential reclamation. Indiana and Michigan offices are setting benchmarks in sustainability by sourcing locally manufactured furniture that supports a reduced carbon footprint and promotes circular economy principles. This deliberate selection process is transforming mundane workspaces into eco-conscious environments, yielding tangible benefits for the earth while also fostering an atmosphere where employees feel their daily grind contributes to a larger purpose. The Ripple Effect of Thoughtful Acquisitions When an office invests in furniture built to last, it’s making a statement that reverberates beyond its walls. Durable design isn’t simply about enduring the daily use; it’s the cornerstone of a philosophy that prizes longevity over disposability. Companies in the Great Lakes region are exemplifying this by choosing furnishings that promise low maintenance and high resilience, thereby reducing waste and frequency of replacement. This conscious procurement not only minimizes environmental strain but also sets a precedent for industry peers, catalyzing a shift towards more responsible purchasing practices universally embraced by forward-thinking businesses. A Blueprint for Sustainability Opting for sustainable furniture isn’t merely a choice—it’s constructing a blueprint for the future. To build your dream office with Custer becomes an act of environmental stewardship as much as it is about crafting an inspiring workspace. Michigan and Indiana businesses are keenly aware that such selections speak to their brand’s values and identity. By integrating desks, chairs, and storage solutions that adhere to stringent eco-friendly standards, these companies are not just investing in the now but are also paving the way for a greener corporate legacy that employees can take pride in and clients can admire. The Human Element: Wellness-Enhanced Workspaces Human well-being is inextricably linked to our environment—both the natural world and our immediate surroundings. Aware of this connection in the workplace, businesses are choosing office furniture that supports not only ecological sustainability but also the physical and mental wellness of their teams. Ergonomic designs, made from non-toxic materials, ensure comfort throughout the workday while fostering a sense of safety and care within the office landscape. This dual focus cultivates a workspace where health is held in high regard, leading to enhanced morale and productivity—a clear win for both employees and employers alike. Thriving Ecosystems: Beyond the Office The commitment to sustainability transcends the office perimeter, influencing the broader ecosystem in which a business operates. By prioritizing eco-friendly furniture, companies contribute to a thriving local economy where sustainable practices are valued and demanded. It encourages manufacturers to innovate greener processes and supports a market for environmentally responsible products. This chain reaction benefits communities and natural habitats alike, showcasing that mindful decisions within office walls can indeed foster global environmental resilience and prosperity. Final Thoughts In essence, the choice of sustainable office furniture is a powerful expression of a company’s values and vision. It’s an investment that pays dividends in environmental stewardship, employee well-being, and community impact—showing that even the smallest details can contribute to a larger narrative of change and responsibility.
