One of the largest privately-owned contractors in the North of England has posted a 50 per cent increase in pre-tax profit for 2023 as its robust business model continues to yield results. While the construction industry continued to wrestle with a range of challenges during the year, Esh Group reported
One of Scotland’s pioneering suppliers of EV infrastructure, FOR EV, has further expanded its team with the appointment of Graham Neill as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Supporting businesses in their transition to electric fleets through its bespoke ‘FOR Fleets’ proposition, FOR EV is paving the way for sustainable change
E3P, a leading multidisciplinary environmental consultancy supporting the built environment, has opened its second UK office in Birmingham. The new site, located on Lifford Lane in Stirchley, is the first regional office for the Manchester-headquartered firm and offers an array of services. The Midlands office will house a new team
Groundforce Shorco has supplied a space and time-saving solution to a project at a wastewater treatment works in Kent. Main contractor Clancy is installing a new storm tank for Southern Water at its Westbere wastewater treatment works near Canterbury. The new storm tank will accommodate surface water surcharges during periods
The design of a McDonald’s site in Bourse, Brussels has been praised for its innovative circular approach. As part of McDonald’s aim to become a net-zero business by 2050, the multinational fast food chain commissioned Antwerp-based design studio WeWantMore to create a sustainable design for its dining areas, with a
As the Paris Olympics 2024 is about to get underway, millions of fans will travel to the French capital city to attend one of the world’s largest sporting events. Thanks to the latest technology from Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI), they will enjoy a more comfortable experience at some of the smartest and
Construction work is progressing well at Balfour Beatty’s brand-new site off Old Road in Chesterfield, where the first showhome is set to officially open its doors to visitors later this year. The development is being built on the site of the former DXC Technology Manor Offices, with demolition work on
Contractor Clegg Construction has completed a £10.3m contract to deliver a care home in Peterborough for Avery Healthcare. The 80-bedroom, three-storey building on Waterhouse Lane is the third care home built by Clegg Construction for Avery Healthcare and is a key part of the Hampton Gardens development, which includes a
Two years on from the UK’s hottest ever day, the Fire Brigades Union has issued call on the new Labour government to “urgently invest in the fire service to protect public safety”. The call comes as a yellow heat alert is issued for parts of England. Since 2010, the fire
Beard, an award-winning contractor in the south of England, has announced the promotion of Paula Baleson to social value manager. In the newly-created position, Paula will take the lead in defining a new company-wide strategy and provide support to a team of social value coordinators, ensuring Beard’s work and actions
One of the largest privately-owned contractors in the North of England has posted a 50 per cent increase in pre-tax profit for 2023 as its robust business model continues to yield results. While the construction industry continued to wrestle with a range of challenges during the year, Esh Group reported pre-tax profits of £3.1 million, up from £2 million the previous year. The firm’s portfolio centres on work for local authorities, utility and environmental companies, registered affordable housing providers, as well as the private housing sector, and Chief Executive Andy Radcliffe is looking to the future with the largest forward order book in its 25-year history on the horizon. He said: “Our strategically designed business model stands out for its inbuilt resilience. At its core is the ability to even out the peaks and troughs of the construction industry’s demand profile over the economic cycle – this design has proven a success and seen us through the challenging times that the industry has experienced over the last few years. “Our headline order book figure is substantial, and crucially it provides over 10 years of pipeline visibility for the group. Having invested heavily in capacity, resources and technology, we are equipped to execute our strategic growth plans and are actively seeking further opportunities within our core markets, and so expect to see both turnover growth and margin expansion over the coming years. Despite the broader economic picture demonstrating a degree of volatility, we remain optimistic about the future.” Esh Group continued its focus on driving capital efficiency across all operations, leading to an increase in liquidity to £23 million, up £4 million from the previous year, whilst remaining debt free with nothing drawn on its £6 million credit line. Whilst turnover remained at £261 million, improvements in both its contracting and development performance resulted in the reported increase in pre-tax profits. Radcliffe added: “During the year, we concluded a wide range of projects that were heavily impacted by post-pandemic supply chain and inflationary pressures, which was no mean feat and a major milestone which gives rise to a more favourable back drop for 2024. These negative factors were more than offset by stronger performances on newer contracts, which were supported by considerable improvements in operational execution. “Coupled with the inflationary environment remaining relatively benign, we are continuing to see buoyancy in our target sectors. The desire to rebalance economic prosperity across the country is driving funding for major infrastructure and regeneration schemes, whilst the ongoing demand for new social housing stock and retrofitting of existing stock in line with decarbonisation targets has continued to fuel growth. “We are also confident that the core policy agendas for the new Government will provide a favourable back drop for our chosen market segments, and therefore see only positives for our business on the back of the election result.” Esh Group’s forward order book across its civil engineering, affordable housing, commercial build, and private housebuilding divisions has seen a remarkable increase in the year. The investment programmes for improving wastewater and flood management infrastructure have skyrocketed – the AMP 8 period will be the biggest programme of work the sector has seen – and Esh has secured its place on five capital delivery frameworks with Northumbrian Water Group and the Environment Agency. The 750-strong contractor has seen considerable market share growth within the affordable housing sector, most notably the Seaham Garden Village development where work has begun on the first phase of 750 affordable homes in partnership with Karbon Homes. The pivot towards increasing land led developments is also paying dividends, with Esh having the largest pipeline of this route-to-market since embarking on the strategy. In the private housing market, Esh’s private housebuilding division, Homes by Esh, is on course to nearly double its number of live developments in the North East before the end of 2024. Flagship schemes including the landmark restoration of the Tyne Bridge – one of the most complex and challenging engineering projects the North East has seen in recent years – and the ‘transformational’ Stockton Waterfront Urban Park feature in Esh’s civil engineering major projects portfolio. Radcliffe concluded: “We will strive to become the trusted expert for our clients, with a laser focus on quality, health and safety, dependability, and innovation, whilst continuing to deliver one of the most comprehensive social value offerings in the industry. “In April this year, we held an event which brought the whole group together to learn about our overarching strategy and divisional business plans. We did this because we are a business of many parts, specialities and expertise, and a key factor in delivering the next stage of our strategy is our team of highly skilled and dedicated colleagues, each of whom have a part to play in this exciting journey – and as always, we are enormously grateful to our valued clients and our loyal supply chains for their continued support.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
One of Scotland’s pioneering suppliers of EV infrastructure, FOR EV, has further expanded its team with the appointment of Graham Neill as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Supporting businesses in their transition to electric fleets through its bespoke ‘FOR Fleets’ proposition, FOR EV is paving the way for sustainable change across the country. In addition to its innovative fleet solution, the company is soon to launch its 30th public charging hub in Scotland, supporting both Government’s net zero ambitions and the drive to shift the UK to electric vehicles as standard. Graham joins FOR EV from his previous role as Investment Director at N4 Partners. With a background in professional services, debt finance and private equity, Graham has exceptional expertise across strategy and finance, having worked with several global businesses spanning sectors including oil and gas, renewables and financial services. His appointment marks another step in FOR EV’s successful journey, three years on from the Scottish National Investment Bank’s initial equity investment in 2021. The Bank has since provided additional funding to FOR EV, with the latest £10m investment announced in June. The funding supercharges the company’s plans to scale up its fleet offering and further grow its network of accessible charging destinations across the UK. To boost its ambitions to bring reliable, high-quality EV charge points to even more locations, the company plans to go to market later this year for its next round of scale-up investment. Discussing his appointment, Graham Neill, CFO at FOR EV said: “Making this move into the EV sector is a very exciting next step in my career. The EV world has grown significantly over the past decade, and this is only set to continue at pace as more fleets and drivers embrace electric vehicles. It’s a fast-moving industry, and one that supports Government ambition both in Scotland and the UK. “As a company that puts all of its effort into positively impacting both people and the planet, FOR EV has established a leading market position within the EV sector and is perfectly positioned to lead the pack. I look forward to contributing to its growth journey.” FOR EV’s CEO, Steve Dunlop, said: “Graham joins our team with fantastic knowledge of the financial landscape. After several years of growth, we’re now at a pivotal point in FOR EV’s success as we venture the wider market for funding to underpin our next growth stage. “Graham will be pivotal to realising our aspirations to help even more businesses in their transition towards sustainable EV fleets.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
E3P, a leading multidisciplinary environmental consultancy supporting the built environment, has opened its second UK office in Birmingham. The new site, located on Lifford Lane in Stirchley, is the first regional office for the Manchester-headquartered firm and offers an array of services. The Midlands office will house a new team of specialist consultants offering several multidisciplinary services including environmental, ecological, acoustics and geotechnical work. Existing company director, Stephanie Cox, has been appointed as Managing Director of the Midlands. She joined E3P more than a decade ago and will oversee the opening of the new site. In her new role, Cox will manage the day-to-day operations of the Birmingham office and will drive new business across the region through new and existing clients. Cox will split her time between the North West and Midlands, remaining a key presence in Manchester through her role as a director. E3P, which currently employs more than 70 people, will use the new base to increase its presence nationally and open up opportunities in the region, as well as in the South of England. The Birmingham-based team will also support the senior management team in Manchester, enabling them to better support existing clients. The additional expertise across the UK will help to ensure a greater depth of knowledge, which can be shared and drawn upon to deliver even the most challenging projects. The expansion is set to create several new jobs in Birmingham and the surrounding areas, with E3P aiming to build a team of 20 in the next two years. Medium to long term ambitions include creating a centre of excellence that will employ between 75 and 100 professionals. The move follows a strong decade of organic growth for E3P, which has gone from strength to strength since its inception, and will enable its team of experts to better serve its growing client base. Stephanie Cox, Director at E3P said: “It’s been an incredible decade for E3P. Expanding our presence to the Midlands and the South with a new office was a natural next step, and I’m thrilled to be at the helm of it. “With such significant regeneration ongoing in the Midlands, as well as strong levels of house building planned, Birmingham was an easy choice for our expansion. I’m confident that, in my new role, I can build strong relationships and a solid foundation for a hugely successful office. “We have an incredibly ambitious and talented team, including 15 chartered professionals, who can draw on expertise nationally to ensure the delivery of all projects to the highest standard. Meanwhile, having a local team in place also enables us to maintain personal client relationships and deliver projects in a sustainable way. The new office is a win-win for our business and our clients.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Groundforce Shorco has supplied a space and time-saving solution to a project at a wastewater treatment works in Kent. Main contractor Clancy is installing a new storm tank for Southern Water at its Westbere wastewater treatment works near Canterbury. The new storm tank will accommodate surface water surcharges during periods of heavy rainfall, helping to prevent the discharge of raw sewage into the nearby River Stour. The tank comprises six precast concrete rings of 15m diameter installed one on top of the other to a depth of 6.5m. Each ring is made up of 16 interlocking caisson segments. The concrete segments are made by FP McCann and supplied through heavy-side materials distributor Keyline. To accommodate this tank, Clancy will dig an octagonal excavation to a depth of 7m. To support this, Groundforce Shorco is supplying 120 interlocking 6m GFI steel sheet piles driven to a depth of 6m using an excavator-mounted vibrating hammer Mueller MS4 supplied by Groundforce’s Piletec division. Once Clancy has installed the sheet piled cofferdam, it will excavate to a depth of about 1m at which point the top of the cofferdam will be braced using Groundforce Shorco’s modular hydraulic Mega Brace system. Clancy will then continue to excavate to formation layer before casting the base slab for the storm tank. “The excavation is octagonal because it makes no sense to dig a rectangular hole for a circular tank,” explains Clancy project manager Oliver Smart. “The octagonal excavation reduces the amount of muck away and requires less kit and less materials,” he adds. The excavation can follow the perimeter of the concrete tank closely while providing sufficient space to accommodate the bracing. “It’s a challenging design and excavation but the Mega Brace adaptability made it easier,” explains Groundforce Shorco area sales manager Arpad Nagy. “The Mega Brace is a modular bracing system and is very adaptable. It’s easy to install whatever the shape of the excavation and in this case, an octagonal excavation requires less equipment than a square one would. With the octagonal shape the muck away has been reduced by 20%, in this case 200m3. The excavation has been reduced with 10lm worth of sheet piling and 30lm worth of bracing. On this case we’ve managed to reduce the carbon footprint which helps reduce the environmental affect.” Groundforce is one of Clancy’s preferred suppliers of temporary works equipment. “I’ve worked with them on several projects,” says Oliver Smart. “The kit is great and Groundforce has a good design capability. They are providing on-going support and technical advice on this project.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The design of a McDonald’s site in Bourse, Brussels has been praised for its innovative circular approach. As part of McDonald’s aim to become a net-zero business by 2050, the multinational fast food chain commissioned Antwerp-based design studio WeWantMore to create a sustainable design for its dining areas, with a focus on décor circularity. This refurbishment follows similar projects from WeWantMore at McDonald’s restaurants in Carbonne and La Guerche de Bretagne, France. The premise for these projects was to create a blueprint that could be scaled to other McDonald’s around the world, facilitated by a measurement index tracking the circularity of McDonald’s global restaurant décor. The building holds historical significance as the first McDonald’s in Belgium, and it now also represents an innovative approach to sustainable restaurant design, where every aspect has been carefully planned to minimise environmental impact. Over 80 per cent of the wood used in the project is from PEFC-certified sources, and the plastic used for tabletops and stools is largely made from recycled materials. Laminates, which are hard to recycle due to their multiple layers of composite materials, have been removed from all furniture and décor elements where possible. The lighting is energy-efficient, and the flooring and ceiling are Cradle-to-Cradle certified, allowing for easy recycling or reuse after their lifecycle. Ruud Belmans, WeWantMore Founder and Creative Director, said, “With this concept, we want to show that sustainable design can be bold and fun while making a significant difference. The main progress was made by choosing the right materials and designing the furniture and interior elements from scratch, simplifying as much as possible.” Looking to the future, the design is also purposely easy to disassemble. Rather than using glues, which can make materials harder to reuse, elements are held together using mechanical fixings. This means restaurant features can be more effectively broken down by raw material type, with the goal of recycling or reusing. Stephen Douglas, Vice President, Global Restaurant Design at McDonald’s, said, “Our new McDonald’s restaurant design bridges creativity and sustainability through a focus on décor circularity, elevating the way design meets the needs of our customers and employees. Not only does the new décor have a bright, optimistic look, but the circularity principles provide a sunny outlook to the future of how we will be feeding and fostering community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As the Paris Olympics 2024 is about to get underway, millions of fans will travel to the French capital city to attend one of the world’s largest sporting events. Thanks to the latest technology from Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI), they will enjoy a more comfortable experience at some of the smartest and most energy-efficient stadiums on the continent. By integrating advanced building automation systems, HVAC and fire suppression technologies across eight venues, the company not only is helping the International Olympic Committee prioritise safety and operational efficiency but also is contributing to the Committee’s ambitious goal of reducing the event’s carbon footprint by 50% compared to previous Games. Achieving this goal required making the building infrastructure behind the games’ venues more energy efficient and sustainable. For example, two of the latest innovations of Johnson Controls’ York 3.3 MW industrial chillers are in operation at the new cooling production plant, the La Chapelle plant, located in the Adidas Arena sports and cultural complex. As the twelfth power plant in the city of Paris’ cooling network, it meets the cooling needs of the Adidas Arena and the surrounding area. This equipment provides sustainable and energy-efficient cooling at one of the flagship sites of the Olympic Games. “With temperatures rising year on year and heatwaves becoming the norm, the need for sustainable cooling technology is critical to ensure optimal conditions in venues while minimising the impact on the planet,” said Marc Vandiepenbeeck, CFO and EMEALA President for Johnson Controls. “Chillers are one of the most energy-consuming pieces of equipment in a building and represent an important opportunity to cut energy use and cost, while minimising carbon footprint and delivering a healthier indoor environment.” A further example is a renowned tennis stadium where the Johnson Controls Metasys building automation system links the most vital building equipment including HVAC, lighting control and energy management. The system controls and monitors performance and provides real-time data so facility managers can identify potential issues, make adjustments and ensure the stadium is running as efficiently and sustainably as possible. “We are proud to work with these prestigious venues and help our customers achieve their desired outcomes in energy efficiency, carbon reduction emissions, safety, security and building management. Our expertise in smart stadiums and large venues has made Johnson Controls the partner of choice for stadiums across the world and we continue to innovate in this space to further elevate the fan experience,” continued Vandiepenbeeck. Johnson Controls drives fan engagement, operational efficiency and sustainability with innovative building technology at sports and entertainment venues across the globe. The company provides smart buildings solutions to Intaleq in Doha,Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, O2 Arena in London, Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Chase Centre in San Francisco, Borussia Dortmund at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK, and more. It offers its full range of technologies for this sector including its OpenBlue digital platform, building automation system, HVAC, fire detection and suppression Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction work is progressing well at Balfour Beatty’s brand-new site off Old Road in Chesterfield, where the first showhome is set to officially open its doors to visitors later this year. The development is being built on the site of the former DXC Technology Manor Offices, with demolition work on the old buildings taking place in late 2023. Balfour Beatty Homes is set to build up to 60 new homes at the site, with enhanced biodiversity and public green open space for the whole community to enjoy, as well as homebuyers. Gill Sabin, Sales and Marketing Director for Balfour Beatty Homes, said: “It’s always wonderful to see building work begin to take shape, particularly as this site had become rather run-down and dilapidated – we’re set to bring it back to life with our collection of new homes. “There are so many reasons why someone would want to move to the pretty town of Chesterfield or buy a new home there if they’re already a local, including its 800-year-old open air market and unique ‘Crooked Spire’ church. “It’s a wonderful gateway town to all the rugged majesty of the Peak District, with fantastic hikes and scenic views that the whole family can enjoy. Not only that but it’s perfectly located for great access to Sheffield, Derby and Nottingham – meaning that city workers can benefit from a rural lifestyle with great connections. “We urge people to register their interest on our website, to be among the first to find out more about the new homes coming to Chesterfield as soon as it’s released.” To find out more information on the new homes and register your interest, go to balfourbeattyhomes.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Contractor Clegg Construction has completed a £10.3m contract to deliver a care home in Peterborough for Avery Healthcare. The 80-bedroom, three-storey building on Waterhouse Lane is the third care home built by Clegg Construction for Avery Healthcare and is a key part of the Hampton Gardens development, which includes a convenience store, residential accommodation, and a children’s nursery. Waterhouse Manor Care Home will provide a high quality, dementia-friendly environment for older people, including suites for couples, a lounge, hair salon, café and therapy facility. Managing Director at Clegg Construction, Michael Sims, said: “I am very pleased that Clegg Construction has handed over this superb modern facility which will provide first-class care accommodation. “Clegg Construction has wide experience of working in this sector and this is the third care home scheme that we have delivered in partnership with Avery Healthcare. Everyone involved in this excellent development can be proud of what has been achieved.” Previously, Clegg Construction delivered Middleton Lodge Care Home in Littleover, Derbyshire, and Mousehold View Care Home in Norwich for Avery Healthcare. Other key members of the project team that built Waterhouse Manor Care Home, which will provide residential, respite, and dementia care for residents, included Harris Irwin Architects, project manager and quantity surveyor Holden and Lee, and mechanical and electrical engineer Harniss. Director of developments at Avery Healthcare, Adrian Doyle, said: “Our long-term relationship with Clegg Construction is based on consistently high quality results, the strength of our partnership, and the expertise of the team that continues to deliver successful care accommodation. It’s been great to work again with Clegg on this scheme and I am delighted that our partnership has created valuable care facilities for the local community of Peterborough. “Waterhouse Manor Care Home is part of an extensive development programme being undertaken by Avery Healthcare and we are proud that this is the latest in a number of new care homes that will be opening over the next year, with others in Sheringham, Burley in Wharfedale, Downham Market, Eastbourne and Gravesend all under construction.” Natalie Maxwell, home manager at Waterhouse Manor Care Home, added: “I’m absolutely thrilled with how Waterhouse Manor Care Home turned out. Working with Clegg Construction and project manager Stacey was such a joy—they communicated wonderfully and were both professional and supportive throughout the whole process. I can’t wait for our first residents to move in soon and experience the amazing, homely atmosphere we’ve created together.” During the course of the build, Clegg Construction held site and office-based collections for Peterborough Foodbank which resulted in more than 250kg of food and toiletries donated by staff and supply chain partners. As part of Clegg’s commitment to the local area, a group of Prince’s Trust students and job centre clients visited Waterhouse Manor Care for a tour ahead of completion. Project manager Stacey Humphries and site manager Kevin Gamble led the tour and gave a presentation. This scheme is the latest in a string of care homes built by Clegg Construction over the past five years, including the £9m, 65-bedroom Highfield Care Home in Tadcaster handed over to Barchester Healthcare in May. Clegg Construction is a Midlands, East Anglia, and Yorkshire-based construction firm specialising in the delivery of public and private sector projects. The company works with organisations of all sizes and specialties across a range of different sectors. For more information visit www.cleggconstruction.co.uk For more information about Avery Healthcare visit https://www.averyhealthcare.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Two years on from the UK’s hottest ever day, the Fire Brigades Union has issued call on the new Labour government to “urgently invest in the fire service to protect public safety”. The call comes as a yellow heat alert is issued for parts of England. Since 2010, the fire and rescue service has lost 1 in 5 firefighter jobs and more than 30% of its central government funding. As climate change accelerates, firefighters are warning that a failure to put resources back into the fire service could cost lives. On 19 July 2022, temperatures hit 40.3 degrees in Coningsby, Lincolnshire. Fifteen fire and rescue services declared major incidents due to wildfire, including Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Cheshire, Hertfordshire, Humberside, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, London, Norfolk, North Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, South Yorkshire and Suffolk. The London Fire Brigades had its busiest day since the Second World War. In the capital alone there were: The LFB ran out of fire engines, with 39 appliances sitting idle because of a lack of firefighters to crew them. Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary, said: “Firefighters know first-hand that the climate emergency is real and getting worse. Wildfires, flooding and heat are a growing threat to lives, homes and communities. “But in recent years, austerity has robbed fire and rescue service of the resources it needs to respond effectively. One in five firefighter jobs has been lost, hundreds of fire engines have been axed and dozens of fire stations closed. “It is welcome that Labour has committed to introducing national standards to address fragmentation. But the new government must urgently invest in the fire service to protect public safety”. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Beard, an award-winning contractor in the south of England, has announced the promotion of Paula Baleson to social value manager. In the newly-created position, Paula will take the lead in defining a new company-wide strategy and provide support to a team of social value coordinators, ensuring Beard’s work and actions deliver wider social, economic and environmental benefits. One of her first duties has been developing the company’s new social value framework. This will set out social value targets for the business for 2030, and will be rolled out across Beard’s entire team and its five regional offices in the coming months. Paula joined Beard in 2022 as communications manager, having previously spent five years at building firm Midas Group. Having emigrated from South Africa in 2016, Paula joined Midas’s residential division, Mi-space, as business development and office coordinator, before moving into a central role as group marketing executive. She has also spent time as marketing communications manager for water solutions company SDS Limited. Across its 130-plus year history, Beard has been committed to social value through its sustainable construction, its charitable work and good relationships with the local communities in which it works. But social value is becoming both more formalised in the construction sector, and increasingly important from both an ethical and business perspective, with a growing number of tender opportunities, including Government contracts, now having social and environmental requirements. Beard’s social objectives and ambitions align well with the new Government’s agenda of supporting SMEs, increasing their spend with social enterprises and providing best value to customers. Alongside the introduction of the new Procurement Act in October this year – which is designed to make public procurement more accessible, efficient and beneficial for councils and suppliers – the Government has used its first King’s Speech to set out imminent plans to change planning regulations and increase infrastructure delivery. Speaking on her promotion, Paula Baleson said: “I am incredibly proud to be taking this next step in my career with Beard and taking on such an important role. While Beard’s community, environmental and charitable spirit has always been clearly visible, the focus this new role brings enables us to really strengthen our efforts, particularly as social value continues to play an even bigger part in the construction sector in the UK. “I’m hugely passionate about supporting everyone at Beard to create positive social, economic and environmental outcomes for local communities. The development of our social value framework will certainly help to facilitate this and I look forward to sharing this with all our colleagues, partners and customers very soon.” Mike Hedges, company operations director at Beard, added: “As a proud family-run firm, Beard has always been a business with social consciousness. Our ongoing commitment of adding value to the communities in which we work and taking care of the planet, highlights the broader benefits of our projects. Beyond constructing buildings, we focus on ensuring that every project lives on beyond its site boundaries, delivering meaningful value to the entire community. Paula is a fantastic fit to lead this initiative, and along with her talented team, will ensure our work and our actions have a clear social footprint and a lasting legacy.” Beard is a family-owned and run construction company based in Swindon, with a wealth of experience in both public and private sectors, including education, healthcare, sports, leisure and the arts. Alongside its head office in Swindon, Beard has regional offices in Bristol, Oxford, Guildford and Southampton. For more information, please visit www.beardconstruction.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals