A new grade of membership launched by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is already giving specialist construction workers a platform to boost their careers whilst increasing professionalism across the sector. Historically, individuals who excel in one certain area – a site supervisor, fire safety officer, rail technician, utility technician
A Yorkshire based commercial interiors specialist, with a strong market presence in the North of England, has been acquired in a management buyout by six members of its senior team. Ultimate (Commercial Interiors) Ltd specialises in fit-out, furniture, design and consultancy, with a particular focus on office spaces and hotels.
Independent Builders Merchant Group (IBMG) has acquired the Colchester and Bury St Edmunds builders merchant operations of Kent Blaxill. The builders merchant operation, that provides a comprehensive range of building products, has been acquired by IBMG from PaintWell, the owners of Kent Blaxill. It will now operate as Kent Blaxill
Workman, the UK’s largest independent commercial property management and building consultancy firm, today announced further investment in its ESG team. The new hires reflect continued growth in demand for Workman’s ESG services and for specialist solutions to support the breadth of clients’ ever-increasing sustainability requirements. To date, the Workman ESG
The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) has welcomed the long-awaited publication of BS 5422:2023 which updates the standards for thermal insulating materials for pipes, tanks, vessels, ductwork and equipment operating between -40ºc and +700ºc. It says the revision by the British Standards Institute (BSI) brings much needed clarity regarding the
A new framework designed to help decision-makers and property developers better navigate local planning processes, is now available from planning and development consultancy Lichfields. The Viability tool supports the promotion of sites, assesses evidence prepared to inform strategic plans, and informs the presentation of evidence to local plan and CIL
Kingspan Group, the global leader in advanced insulation and innovative building solutions, is pleased to announce the completion of the LRM acquisition, a Parisian based waterproofing distribution specialist. Over the last four decades LRM has continuously evolved its product and service offering from fixings and accessories for roofs, waterproofing and
Last year marked another record-beating year for hot weather in the UK and meteorologists predict temperatures above 35C could become the norm. Alex Minett, Head of Products and Markets at CHAS, a Veriforce company, looks at five key questions businesses might have about working during hot spells. July 2022 saw the
How are the needs of housebuilders, architects and property owners addressed by Haddonstone? Headed up by Director, Toby Marlow, Haddonstone has a well-established Building & Construction team whose job it is to ensure that projects are delivered on time and to the customer’s full satisfaction, irrespective of the size of
Recognising his dedication to the roofing and tiling industry and his commitment to mentoring young roofers, Simon Dixon, Technical Training Manager at BMI, is honoured to have received a special recognition award for his services to education, training and support by The Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers. The award was
A new grade of membership launched by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is already giving specialist construction workers a platform to boost their careers whilst increasing professionalism across the sector. Historically, individuals who excel in one certain area – a site supervisor, fire safety officer, rail technician, utility technician or site manager for example – have struggled to find a suitable place within a professional body and in turn gain recognition for their talent. CIOB’s brand-new Technical Membership, TechCIOB, aims to empower those specialists to promote their achievements and successes and demonstrate their competence and professionalism while improving their chances of promotion and higher salaries – as well as benefitting from access to unique training programmes and hundreds of exclusive CIOB events. Other technical specialists including CAD designers, building control technicians and BIM modellers would also be suitable for apply for TechCIOB membership with CIOB. As well as people who work in technical construction roles, TechCIOB membership is also available for those working in off-site manufacturing, digital technologies and robotics. Caroline Gumble, Chief Executive of CIOB, said: “I am delighted that our TechCIOB membership is now open for applications, as this is a significant development for us and for the wider industry. “The new TechCIOB grade allows CIOB to extend our support to even more professionals working in this important industry by recognising and awarding post-nominals to technical specialists, who have become experienced professionals and are often thought leaders in their area of expertise, sometimes having spent decades honing their craft. “I am pleased CIOB is now able to offer membership to some of the most talented individuals within the construction industry and welcome them into the CIOB community.” CIOB has been working with its members and stakeholders throughout the industry to develop the new membership grade for technical specialists and launched a pilot programme in early 2023 and sign-ups are already in full flow. Ian Gregory, who oversees the Integrated Track Team at Transport for London, took part in the pilot because he felt TechCIOB membership will help him progress his career. He said: “The TechCIOB grade is a mark of excellence that I can carry with me regardless of where I work and it is a grade that reflects my years’ worth of experience earned outside of degree-level education. “I believe it will demonstrate to any future employers that I have met the required standard as a technical professional within the construction industry.” More applications are being encouraged and you can find out more by visiting CIOB’s website: www.ciob.org/membership/become-a-member Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A Yorkshire based commercial interiors specialist, with a strong market presence in the North of England, has been acquired in a management buyout by six members of its senior team. Ultimate (Commercial Interiors) Ltd specialises in fit-out, furniture, design and consultancy, with a particular focus on office spaces and hotels. The company is headquartered in Cross Hills near Skipton, where it has a vast 16,000 sq ft workplace experience showroom, known as ‘The Hive’. This unique and vibrant facility, which opened in 2020, is one of the largest resources of its kind in the UK. The MBO team comprises of long-standing co-owner Dan Platt who now takes up the role of CEO, along with Vici Plunkett as finance director, Steve Broadbent as pre-construction director, Steve Cowley as director, Bobby Murriero as contracts director and Paul Alexander as sales and brand director. The team have taken over the running of the company from Mark Hickey and Mark Naisbitt who founded Ultimate in 2002 and who are now stepping down. However, the pair will maintain a minority shareholding in the business. In addition to its Yorkshire headquarters and showroom, Ultimate has offices in Manchester, Liverpool and Newcastle, and employs more than 40 people, as well as working with dozens of consultants, specialist contractors and a wide-spanning supply chain. The buyers were advised by Susan Clark and Steven Silver, from the Leeds office of Yorkshire law firm, LCF Law and KM Business Advisory provided accountancy and financial advice. The sellers were advised by Christian Hunt and Nick Thackray from Bevan Brittan and Victoria Court Private Clients. In addition, Claritas Tax provided specialist tax advice to both parties and Paul Dolyniuk, of SME Capital, provided the funding facility. In its latest financial year, Ultimate grew turnover by 15% to more than £23million and plans to grow its pre-construction and delivery teams further this year. In addition, the firm is currently looking to recruit a new estimator and contracts manager. Dan Platt, who joined Ultimate in 2007 as joint owner and director, said: “For the past 21 years Mark and Mark have worked hard to build a resilient and formidable business, which is highly respected in the market by clients, suppliers and competitors alike. During that time, Ultimate has enjoyed steady, progressive growth and has earned vast amounts of trust with clients, which means we enjoy a high volume of repeat business and recommendation and have lots of clients that have been with us since day one. “In recent years we’ve all worked extremely hard to take the business to the next level. Our state-of-the-art showroom is a must visit for any business looking to relocate or refurbish their premises. The Hive’s launch has also coincided with lots of businesses remodelling and investing in their premises following the pandemic. Their desire to create attractive and productive workspaces, where people want to work, is exactly why they come in.” Dan added: “This MBO comes on the back of another record year, we’re currently working on a wide range of exciting projects throughout the UK, ranging from single office units to 20,000 sq ft schemes. All this combines to make it a very exciting time for the Ultimate team, our clients, and our supply chain.” Susan Clark, partner at LCF Law, added: “Ultimate is an ambitious business and a leading player in the commercial interiors market, with a vast portfolio of innovative and impressive projects throughout the UK. “Crucially the previous owners had focussed on creating an experienced and accomplished management team who were ideally placed to take the business over when the time was right. It’s been a pleasure to guide Dan and his fellow directors through this MBO and we look forward to seeing them continuing to build on Ultimate’s name and superb reputation.” SME Capital regional director, Paul Dolyniuk, added: “We are delighted to have supported Dan and the very impressive senior management team at Ultimate with their MBO. This is a long-standing, high-quality business with a loyal customer base underpinning the quality of its service proposition. We’ve spent a good deal of time with the team and are thrilled to be backing the next stage of their growth journey.” Ultimate has a large and impressive customer portfolio that includes lots of well recognised brands. They have completed many projects for clients such as Quorn, Bettys & Taylors Group, BET365, Stoke Football Club, Spa Medica, Savills, PepsiCo, Skipton Building Society, National Trust, Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, CEG, the NHS and Arup. Ultimate has also delivered thousands of hotel bedrooms, alongside communal and front of house areas, for leading hotel groups such as Holiday Inn, Mercure and Marriot, as well as numerous independent establishments. This year Ultimate was awarded the ‘Platinum Partner’ certificate of excellence from global office furniture giant Steelcase. You can find out more about Ultimate and the team at www.ultimategroup.uk.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Independent Builders Merchant Group (IBMG) has acquired the Colchester and Bury St Edmunds builders merchant operations of Kent Blaxill. The builders merchant operation, that provides a comprehensive range of building products, has been acquired by IBMG from PaintWell, the owners of Kent Blaxill. It will now operate as Kent Blaxill Builders Merchants. Trading from two sites – in Suffolk and Essex – the acquisition expands IBMG’s builders merchant network into East Anglia for the first time, and provides a strong platform for further growth in the region. Mark Ward, branch director, will remain with the business and will be working with Allun Pittingale, IBMG’s Group Managing Director South East and IBMG’s leadership team to integrate the two businesses and realise the potential that this partnership brings. Martin Stables CEO, IBMG said “Independent Builders Merchant Group is essentially carving out the builders merchant operations of the PaintWell-owed Kent Blaxill network. The acquisition makes perfect business sense for the builders merchanting side of Kent Blaxill who will benefit from our expertise in supplying the small and medium sized builder, backed by our best in class builders merchanting infrastructure and systems. “For IBMG, the Colchester and Bury St Edmunds branches are highly complementary in terms of product offering and will merge seamlessly into our network of branches. It’s also very exciting to extend our presence in East Anglia with locations in Suffolk and Essex marking virgin geographical territory for the Builders Merchant arm of the Group. “Keith Reville CEO of PaintWell said: “Our shared values, vision and commitment to our builder customers make this an obvious partnership. IBMG is leading the way in customer service and provides endless opportunities for growth and innovation – adding immense value to our offering. As a result, we are confident that our integration will be smooth and that our staff and customers will benefit hugely from being part of IBMG. “ Kent Blaxill’s painting & decorating business will continue to operate under the leadership of PaintWell. IBMG now owns 174 merchant branches throughout the South of England. With this latest acquisition this includes 86 builders merchant branches, that now, for the first time, extend into East Anglia. More than 100,000 trade customers rely on IBMG branches every week. For further information, please contact info@independentbm.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Workman, the UK’s largest independent commercial property management and building consultancy firm, today announced further investment in its ESG team. The new hires reflect continued growth in demand for Workman’s ESG services and for specialist solutions to support the breadth of clients’ ever-increasing sustainability requirements. To date, the Workman ESG team has delivered Net Zero Asset Plans for more than 5msq. ft of commercial real estate. Meanwhile, the ESG Project Advisor service is going from strength to strength, with more than 3m sq. ft of developments under action, £230m of which involves the refurbishment of existing assets. Jan-Hendrik Hoehnk, ESG Project Surveyor Bringing his architectural and project management skills, alongside an MSc in Sustainable Urban Development, Jan will help Workman to drive enhanced asset and project performance, specialising in the interface between the E, S and G. Understanding how the myriad of ESG requirements can be simplified into clear deliverable strategies is a key part of helping our clients achieve better-performing assets. Danielle Dinneen, Sustainability Consultant Danielle’s architectural background has enabled a thorough understanding of the role of whole-life carbon assessment within development projects. With her MSc in Green Building, Danielle will be leading on modelling whole-life carbon impacts as well as operational energy modelling, both of which are fundamental as part of decision-making through project delivery. Having Danielle’s expertise in-house will help inform carbon discussions at a much earlier project stage, enabling decision-making beyond just aesthetics and cost, while using modelling as a design tool rather than a simple tick-box exercise. Hedley Jones, Head of ESG, Refurbishment & Development, said: “We are investing in growing our team to ensure we’re able to support our clients to achieve their elevated sustainability goals. As investor requirements have extended beyond just meeting minimum sustainability standards, so the breadth of specialist services and creative solutions required has expanded. I look forward to working with our new team members Jan and Danielle as we deliver the next-generation ESG agenda for our clients.” Vicky Cotton, ESG Director at Workman LLP, said: “With the UK Net Zero Carbon Standard on the near horizon, today’s investors are looking for detailed energy modelling and whole-life carbon assessment, along with effective MEES planning to ensure competitive EPC ratings across their portfolios. The biggest driver is the requirement for evidence and disclosure, which requires us to understand and track energy intensity baselines, and then track performance against targets.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) has welcomed the long-awaited publication of BS 5422:2023 which updates the standards for thermal insulating materials for pipes, tanks, vessels, ductwork and equipment operating between -40ºc and +700ºc. It says the revision by the British Standards Institute (BSI) brings much needed clarity regarding the minimum reaction to fire standards for pipe and duct insulation following the adoption of Euroclass standards and a departure from ‘Class O’ declarations. BS 5422:2023 also includes tables of minimum insulation thickness for pipe and duct insulation applications including refrigeration, air conditioning, heating and domestic hot and cold applications. A large number of tables covering enhanced insulation thickness and district heating thicknesses have also been added to the standard. Chris Ridge, TICA’s Technical Policy Manager, said: “The updated standards provide more clarity, and the additional tables will provide greater optionality for the specifier. “While the number of tables has increased, there has been an attempt to simplify the reading of the tables. For example, higher thermal conductivity values for materials no longer supplied or rarely used, have been removed. “Reaction to Fire is now defined within this publication in terms of Euroclass, which gives a more comprehensive and clear definition of the behaviour of materials exposed to fire. It also states a minimum performance of Euroclass C-s3, d2 in dwelling applications and B-s3, d2 in non-dwelling applications, and this will hopefully serve to reinforce good practice.” However, he has called for a rethink on the sheer number of low temperature heating and domestic hot water tables included in the new standard – with ten separate tables for low temperature heating services alone. He added: “This could well prove a challenge for those interpretating specifications. We should also consider that whilst the ‘base standard’ tables for heating and hot water services are still included in the new version of the standard, they no longer represent best practice from a thermal insulation specification point of view.” The new standard is available to purchase from BSI, the UK’s national standards body and is also available to TICA contracting members via its standards portal. TICA will be announcing a webinar focusing on the key changes in BS 5422: 2023 via its website and social media in the coming days. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new framework designed to help decision-makers and property developers better navigate local planning processes, is now available from planning and development consultancy Lichfields. The Viability tool supports the promotion of sites, assesses evidence prepared to inform strategic plans, and informs the presentation of evidence to local plan and CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) examination. It can be applied in a flexible way and shaped to reflect the increasing level of detail that is required as a strategic plan moves through the various stages of consultation towards submission, examination and adoption. This could include a high-level overview of viability issues to inform candidate site submissions, with additional detail provided as plans for the site and the local authority’s policy aspirations become clearer. In addition, recognising the need for strategic plans to be flexible in responding to changing circumstances, Lichfields’ Viability tool can be applied at the planning application stage and inform the case for the renegotiation of viability where necessary. The combination of viability being front loaded into the plan-making process and the standardisation of inputs is necessitating a change in approach said Simon Coop, Senior Director at Lichfields and the firm’s housing development group lead, who added that understanding the relationship between planning policy and viability is critical. “Viability lies at the heart of the planning process and must be given due regard from the earliest stages of site promotion,” Simon Coop said. “Our robust framework helps decision-makers navigate this area of the system providing an evidence-led case for development at each phase of the planning process.” More about the Lichfields Viability tool at https://lichfields.uk/content/products/viability?press Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kingspan Group, the global leader in advanced insulation and innovative building solutions, is pleased to announce the completion of the LRM acquisition, a Parisian based waterproofing distribution specialist. Over the last four decades LRM has continuously evolved its product and service offering from fixings and accessories for roofs, waterproofing and facade products, to incorporate a safety range, including products such as lifelines, crinoline ladders and security railings. LRM made the strategic decision to move from their point-of-sale facility in Asnieres, to la Courneuve in the north of Paris in 1998 to better serve their customers – a larger facility next to the A86, A1 and the Parisian peripheric. In 2015 they opened a second store in Antony in the south of Paris, now giving additional proximity to the region of Paris that is responsible for approximately 30% of French construction. Over recent years, the business has continued to grow from strength to strength with the launch of its e-commerce webstore and the opening of a new store in la Courneuve with a showroom and click & collect counter. ‘’At LRM, we want to take the best care possible of our customer. We are constantly developing our range of product and services to make sure we are evolving with our customer’s needs. Being part of the Kingspan Group now means that we have great synergies that will allow us to expand our product offering with complementary products such as panels, insulation board, daylighting systems” – José Lourenço Operations Director LRM ‘‘For Kingspan, this acquisition is strategically a great fit for our business in France. LRM will sit naturally with our distribution business for waterproofing specialists, Maison de l’etancheur (MDE). The businesses are very customer focused and have great people with excellent knowledge and expertise. MDE can benefit from the distribution channels LRM have in the Parisian region and LRM are attracted by the complementary product range, so this is a huge opportunity for both LRM and MDE.’’ – Geoffrey Janssens, Managing Director Maison de l’étancheur (MDE) ‘’We are delighted to welcome LRM on board! This is a major step for Kingspan in the french market with our first physical presence in the Paris region. In France, MDE has been part of the Bacacier Group, now part of the Kingspan Group, since 2008. During this time they have been very successful and I am certain this new venture will bring many more opportunities.’’ – Cedric Bruge, President Bacacier Group Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Last year marked another record-beating year for hot weather in the UK and meteorologists predict temperatures above 35C could become the norm. Alex Minett, Head of Products and Markets at CHAS, a Veriforce company, looks at five key questions businesses might have about working during hot spells. July 2022 saw the Met Office issue its first ever red alert for extreme heat. With four out of ten of the UK’s hottest days on record having fallen in the last two years alone, the figures serve as a stark reminder of the accelerating impact of climate change. As the mercury rises, so do the risks and hot weather can make for some challenging working conditions. Last year’s heatwave prompted the HSE to issue advice for businesses to review their hot weather risk procedures and ready themselves for a warmer future. But with extreme hot weather events still relatively unfamiliar territory in the UK, many employers will have questions around their responsibilities in hot weather. 1. What is the legal maximum working temperature? In short, there is none. However, under The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, employers have a legal duty of care to ensure the health and safety of their employees. This includes protection from the risks of working in hot weather and providing a ‘reasonable’ working temperature in the workplace. 2. How can employers determine when the workplace is too hot? The HSE is clear that ‘heat is classed as a hazard’. Employers should therefore carry out a risk assessmentto help them determine what temperature is suitable for their workplace and where actions need to be implemented should it be exceeded. There is no one size fits all response to hot weather as each work environment might be affected in different ways. Risk assessments should be informed by contributory factors including the ambient temperature, humidity, ventilation/air flow, sun exposure, PPE requirements and physical work rate. 3. What are the risks of working in hot weather? Employers and workers should familiarise themselves with the signs of heat stress which the HSE defines as what happens ‘when the body’s way of controlling its internal temperature starts to fail.’ Heat stress can encompass issues such as dehydration, heat exhaustion and in more life-threatening cases, heatstroke. Certain workers such as those who are pregnant, menopausal women and workers with heart conditions are more likely to be affected. Sunburn is another common occurrence during the summer months and while this may initially cause temporary discomfort, repeated UV exposure can lead to skin cancer as well as affect long and short-term vision in the eyes. It’s not just people adversely affected by heat. Hot weather can have a significant impact on the performance and safety of machinery, tools and PPE too, causing them to overheat, degrade or malfunction. Employers should take steps to ensure that all types of equipment are well-maintained and serviced regularly. 4. What actions can employers take to mitigate the risks of hot weather? Following the outcomes of their hot weather risk assessments, businesses may want to consider the following actions: · Cancel, postpone or substitute work: can physical work be cancelled, postponed or substituted with tools or machinery. · Offer flexible working: considerallowing employees to work earlier or later when temperatures are not as intense. · Adapt workspaces: move desks out of direct sunlight, close blinds or shutters, and relocate specific tasks into shaded areas. · Provide access to cool rest areas and encourage hydration: provide access to shade or air-conditioned rest areas. By law, employers must provide fresh drinking water. · Monitor at risk individuals: age, body type and medical conditions can make people more susceptible to the side effects of hot weather. An individual heat stress risk assessment is a useful tool to help evaluate the risk. · Provide training: provide information and training to employees on the risks of working in hot conditions and how to stay safe. 5. How can hot weather affect PPE users? Hot weather may simply cause discomfort to PPE wearers which can lead to lack of concentration but when it becomes difficult for workers to cool down in their PPE, employers should be aware that heat stress may occur. PPE can be used to protect workers in hot weather too. Equipment might include legionnaires hats or neck shades, protective UV eyewear as well as cooling vests, pads, towels and bandanas which are designed to actively cool the body down in the heat. It’s important to ensure that any changes to PPE are compatible with existing equipment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
How are the needs of housebuilders, architects and property owners addressed by Haddonstone? Headed up by Director, Toby Marlow, Haddonstone has a well-established Building & Construction team whose job it is to ensure that projects are delivered on time and to the customer’s full satisfaction, irrespective of the size of order. When is Haddonstone’s Building and Construction team available to consult regarding projects and specific orders? The helpful and professional team is available five days a week during office hours. On occasions – perhaps where an enquiry relates to guidance on area specific conservation matters, or the possible effects of localised air pollution – the team may refer the client to an appropriate independent consultant. Meanwhile Haddonstone’s approved specialist installers are also available to advise on practical challenges. What design assistance can customers expect to access? The manufacturer is very flexible in the ways it is willing to receive project specific information which can include the supply of general arrangement, 3D images and CAD drawings, sketches or photographs of old and damaged components which require matching. Along with its quotation, Haddonstone will generate integrated production drawings using its AutoCAD software: enabling architects and construction managers to gain a full understanding of their products and design capabilities. Private clients normally prefer to receive detailed component drawings along with plan and elevation drawings. General technical drawings are available to download from the website at https://www.haddonstone.com/en-gb/resources/ Does Haddonstone supply bespoke products in addition to its standard ranges? Over 80% of the company’s Building and Construction cast stone components are manufactured bespoke to meet clients’ requirements; as a result, designers and project managers work closely with architects to detail and produce components for any age or style of property. These can include string courses, copings, entablatures, keystones, cills and a wide variety of plaques and other enrichments. What styles of architecture does Haddonstone offer? Many of the contemporary developments, which Haddonstone is asked to get involved with, draw on the Georgian era though the company is also experienced in supplying Victorian, Edwardian and other period styles, while much of its statuary is classical or contemporary. With unrivalled workshop facilities, Haddonstone can produce virtually any type of component to order and in a selection of colours. How can contractors and other customers keep track of their orders once placed? Once an order has been placed, a unique order number is issued via email confirmation and updates on the delivery date can be obtained by contacting an allocated project manager. Call-off of deliveries from large orders are carried out in the same way. For more information on Haddonstone’s products and services, including from the Building and Construction team, please visit https://www.haddonstone.com/en-gb/building-and-construction/ For further information, call 01604 770711 or visit www.haddonstone.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Recognising his dedication to the roofing and tiling industry and his commitment to mentoring young roofers, Simon Dixon, Technical Training Manager at BMI, is honoured to have received a special recognition award for his services to education, training and support by The Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers. The award was presented to Simon during the annual Craft Awards Luncheon at Trinity House in London on March 9th and celebrated his life-time dedication to pass on his extensive slating and tiling technical expertise to roofers. Outlining why Simon was chosen to receive this honourable award, The Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers say: “For those of us lucky enough to know Simon personally we cannot thank him enough for everything he has contributed to the careers of our young roofers embarking on their apprenticeships and the technical support he has provided to both them and the industry at large during his career. It is with great honour that we bestow this special award on Simon Dixon in 2023 in special recognition of all the great work and commitment that he has shown during his lifetime to the training, encouragement, and support of our slating and tiling craft.” Simon’s career has been a stellar example of finding purpose and applying oneself to an industry with passion and drive. Simon followed in the footsteps of his family and joined Yorkshire based Giblins Roofing as an apprentice roof slater and tiler in 1982. He would remain at Giblins for 7 years, achieving his NVQ3 in Roof Slating and Tiling before progressing to the position of foreman. Simon then set up his own business, working on both public sector and private projects over the course of the next decade. During this time, Simon realised his interest in teaching, and eventually he joined Leeds College of Building as a part-time instructor, delivering NVQ training and assessments, while continuing to run his business. In 1998, Simon followed his calling for education and became a full-time instructor. In the years that followed, he worked for the National Construction College (CITB) at their centres in Kent, Birmingham and Bircham Newton, before eventually leading the Roofing Department at Bolton Community College. After setting up his own Pitched Roof Consultancy in 2002, Simon co-developed a key pitched roofing manufacturer’s Training and Assessment Centre and went on to spend 6 years delivering internal and external training courses and qualification assessments. During this time, Simon became a regional and national judge and progressed to World Skills UK/SkillBuild Competition Workshop Manager, allowing him to develop the Roofing Skills and Careers Showcase, which is the blueprint for engagement with young people today. In 2016, Simon joined the National Federation of Roofing Contractors, where he continued to support the industry through training and mentorship. As Joint Chair of the Working Group he collaborated with the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education on the New Trailblazer Apprenticeship Standard review, as well as developing new qualifications with the City & Guilds. Simon also represented the roofing industry working with education.gov on the new T-Levels for construction. A life-long supporter of roofing apprentices, Simon has been a judge for the annual BMI Apprentice of the Year competition since 2016, helping to develop roofing apprentices in their careers. In 2022, Simon’s dedication to teaching and continued development of the roofing and tiling industry led him to join BMI as Technical Training Manager at the BMI Academy. He now manages a team of technical instructors delivering BMI Redland pitched roofing, BMI Icopal flat roofing, and solar training across the UK. Simon further assists with training requirements of both internal teams and customers – including roofing contractors, merchants, housebuilders and public sector audiences – as well as supporting roofing colleges and training groups by providing them with materials and training. The special recognition award from The Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers is testimony to Simon’s outstanding career and his continued promise to deliver first-class technical education to roofers throughout their careers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals