Data analysis by LinkedIn reported that STEM had more women enter the field over the last four decades than any other. Philanthropist and former general manager at Microsoft, Melinda Gates, said: “Innovation happens when we approach urgent challenges from every different point of view. Bringing women and underrepresented minorities into
Prospective apprentices are invited to a series of seminars at Newcastle College this week to mark National Apprenticeship Week. On Wednesday 5th February, the doors of the college’s Rye Hill Campus will be opened for an Apprenticeship Open Event, offering the chance to meet employers, ask questions and make an
The Torquay- headquartered homebuilder Cavanna Homes has strengthened its senior build team with the strategic appointment of Andy Sykes as Head of Construction. Formerly a Build Manager with the firm, Andy’s promotion follows the retirement of Fred Sureshkumar after 18 years with the company, eight of which were at the
In an effort to halt the growing numbers of tradespeople contracting fatal asbestos related diseases, one of the UK’s leading authorities on asbestos training is urging employers to deliver asbestos awareness training to all apprentices. Research has shown that younger people, if routinely exposed to asbestos fibres over time, are
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past decade, you will already know all about how serious an issue climate change has become in recent years. With sea levels on the rise, atmospheric carbon dioxide at its highest ever level, and polar ice caps shrinking on a daily
Building a business from the ground up is tough work. It seems that everyone is depending on you to get the job done, and you certainly do not want to let them down. Being an entrepreneur means that you are taking on the responsibility of growing the business into something
FirstPort, the residential property management company, will manage the new homes being built at Wichelstowe, one of the most significant new home developments in Swindon’s recent history. The latest phase of Wichelstowe (see picture), named Canalside@Wichelstowe, will feature a mix of 208 apartments and houses from five-star builders David Wilson
AN EDINBURGH project manager has won a top industry accolade at a prestigious national awards ceremony in London. Mark Foley, of CALA Homes (East) took home the esteemed “Multi-Storey Building” award after representing Scotland at the National House Building Council (NHBC) Pride in the Job Supreme Awards, at the Park
The University of Birmingham has launched a new suite of frameworks to support its ambitious capital development plans. The new procurement frameworks will allow the University to build longer term relationships with key contractors and consultants who provide construction, design and surveying services. The University has made major investments in
National law firm Irwin Mitchell has appointed planning and environmental partner, Claire Petricca-Riding to take over as National Head of a newly combined Planning & Environment department. Claire joined Irwin Mitchell last October to spearhead development of the firm’s environmental practice, joining from Brabners, where she was a Partner, and
Data analysis by LinkedIn reported that STEM had more women enter the field over the last four decades than any other. Philanthropist and former general manager at Microsoft, Melinda Gates, said: “Innovation happens when we approach urgent challenges from every different point of view. Bringing women and underrepresented minorities into the field guarantees that we see the full range of solutions to the real problems that people face in the world”. In 2018, Fitbit was criticised for the period tracker having a 10-day cycle. If more women were involved in the creation, they would’ve realised this was three days too long. In the States, the tech industry is one of the highest paying fields — yet women are still paid less than their male counterparts. This year however has seen some of the biggest names and influential figures in the industry being women, such as Kate Bouman, the woman who engineered the first image of a black hole. In this article, we track how more women have entered STEM than any other field in the past four decades. In fact, statistics from 2017 show that women made up only 23 per cent of the STEM workforce. Although this is low, this is 105,470 higher than the number in 2016. Battling the taboo… We’ve been raised with the idea that men are better suited for certain jobs than women. Charles Darwin described women as intellectual inferiors and universities rejected women up until the 20th century. Laura Segal, senior vice president for the American Association of University Women, said: “Teachers and parents provide explicit and implicit messages starting in early childhood that boys and men are ‘better’ at math, and the gaps in the professions reinforce the opportunities, culture and lack of role models that perpetuate male dominance”. As a result of this, since 2012, there has been an increase in initiatives from schools, universities and recruitment agencies in the UK to encourage females to pursue STEM-related careers. Previously, female students reported avoiding STEM courses because of a lack of female role models to identify with. If girls were taught about female role models like Marie Curie, for example, who discovered the effects of radiation, perhaps they’d be more inclined to pursue a career in the field. To combat this bias, exam boards have introduced more content with famous women in the industry. Rosalind Franklin, a woman central to the understanding of DNA, has been taught across the nation. This has been linked to this year’s A-level results, which saw female students studying STEM courses (50.3%) outnumber male students (49.7%). Funding Many women have been reported leaving male-dominant work environments like engineering due to a toxic masculine culture. They noted that they had to work twice as hard to be taken seriously and to earn respect. Philanthropists keen to fix the gender gap in STEM industries have donated towards supporting women in the industry. $25 million has been funded to boost girls’ interest by changing the narrative that they’re masculine careers. It’s expected to inspire other girls to follow other successful women. Lyda Hill Philanthropies have introduced 125 female ambassadors to represent the different STEM-related careers. Part of the donation will be used to fund grants for women to study STEM courses. How are Apprenticeships helping? Apprenticeships have an equal gender balance, yet only nine per cent of STEM apprentices are women. A disappointing statistic, the government is trying to fix this disparity by helping women become more informed about apprenticeships to help them access STEM-related careers. In fact, according to a report by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, a lack of skilled STEM workers in the UK is costing the nation £1.5 billion a year. Lookers, retailers of used cars for sale, launched a female apprenticeship scheme back in 2018. The aim is to double the amount of their female apprenticeships and provide a positive environment to encourage and attract women to STEM. Civil Engineering Consultancy, Patrick Parsons are also an example of a company that are trying to break the taboo. Positive steps are being taken forward, such as having STEM advertisements use more gender-neutral language. However, there is a lot of progress to be made for women in STEM… Sources
Prospective apprentices are invited to a series of seminars at Newcastle College this week to mark National Apprenticeship Week. On Wednesday 5th February, the doors of the college’s Rye Hill Campus will be opened for an Apprenticeship Open Event, offering the chance to meet employers, ask questions and make an application. Lee Tennant, Head of Apprenticeships at Newcastle College, said: “Apprenticeships are vital to the future of skills and employment within the region. Helping young people find their path into skilled careers and from the other side, businesses sourcing the right people for their workforce, are among our key aims at Newcastle College.” An apprenticeship sees students employed within a business, doing a real job, while being supported through nationally accredited training. Anybody over the age of 16 can apply for an apprenticeship. This week’s national campaign has a Look Beyond theme, which celebrates the diversity of apprenticeships. With more than 30 apprenticeship routes on offer, there is something for everyone at Newcastle College. During the Apprenticeship Open Event, which runs between 3.30–7.00pm, presentations and Q&A sessions will be held to discuss a range of career paths. To mark the end of National Apprenticeship Week on Friday 7th February, the Newcastle College Apprenticeship Awards will be held at St James’ Park. The awards will celebrate and recognise apprentices who have made a significant contribution to their workplaces. Among the categories this year are the Personal Achievement, Special Recognition, and Outstanding Apprentice of the Year awards. Mr Tennant added: “This event helps us to highlight the importance of apprenticeships and shine a light on the powerful differences they can make to individuals and companies across the North East.” Sign up for the Newcastle College Apprenticeship Open Event. For more information on apprenticeship courses at Newcastle College, visit https://www.ncl-coll.ac.uk/school-leavers/subject-areas/apprenticeships Picture caption: Pictured are winners from the 2019 Newcastle College Apprenticeship Awards
The Torquay- headquartered homebuilder Cavanna Homes has strengthened its senior build team with the strategic appointment of Andy Sykes as Head of Construction. Formerly a Build Manager with the firm, Andy’s promotion follows the retirement of Fred Sureshkumar after 18 years with the company, eight of which were at the helm of the construction operation. Andy leads a team of three newly appointed Build Managers; Markus Micklewright, Mark Wyatt and Kurt Henson who will be actively involved in all development projects across the South West. Commenting on the new build team, Andy said: “Our three Build Managers have real pedigree in the homebuilding sector, clocking-up almost nine decades of experience between them. This experience will enable us to deliver new homes to the highest specification, on time, on budget and within a safe and healthy working environment.” Andy continued: “My focus for the next six months is to develop and implement new ideas and productive systems across our sites and to secure the NHBC five-star status for the quality of our new homes, which is awarded for receiving the highest levels of customer satisfaction.” Markus Micklewright has joined Cavanna Homes from the Coyne Group and, with over 20 years’ experience in construction, he will oversee completion of the firm’s developments in Stoke Gabriel near Totnes, Newton Abbot, Tavistock and Bodmin in Cornwall. Mark Wyatt was previously with McCarthy and Stone and takes responsibility for Cavanna sites in Holcombe and neighbouring Dawlish as well as Barnstaple in North Devon. Kurt Henson has joined from Barratt David Wilson and is managing schemes in Wincanton in Somerset, Seaton in East Devon and two new developments in Exeter. Mark Wyatt said: “Our role is to ensure all site teams are meeting their targets in terms of quality and performance and by being within a two-hour drive of company headquarters we are able to have a very hands-on approach. “As homebuilders we need to operate at an optimum level at all times; making sure that we are considerate homebuilders by being good neighbours in the communities where we’re building, exceeding health and safety expectations for on-site teams and visitors alike and delivering a high-quality product.” Managing Director Keith Miller said: “Fred Sureshkumar has helped Cavanna Homes achieve so much in his 18 years with the company, culminating in national recognition as the UK’s Housebuilder of the Year 2019. His retirement has left a big pair of boots to fill and we are very proud and excited to have secured a senior build team of this calibre. “These strategic appointments are a great start to the new year and will be key in supporting the company’s aim to achieving excellence in construction.” For more information about Cavanna Homes, visit: www.cavannahomes.co.uk.
In an effort to halt the growing numbers of tradespeople contracting fatal asbestos related diseases, one of the UK’s leading authorities on asbestos training is urging employers to deliver asbestos awareness training to all apprentices. Research has shown that younger people, if routinely exposed to asbestos fibres over time, are at greater risk of developing deadly asbestos related diseases than older workers. Providing apprentices with key information about asbestos at an early stage will enable them to challenge poor work practices and protect themselves. Craig Evans, Chief Operating Officer of the UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA), urged: “With the death toll from occupational exposure reaching crisis levels in the UK, UKATA is calling on all employers of apprentices working in trades, to receive asbestos awareness training as soon as possible, whether that’s through a college or with their employer.” Apprentice electricians, plumbers, carpenters. joiners, heating and ventilation engineers, painters and decorators are just some of the 1.3 million tradespeople that are at risk from exposure to the killer building material. And the facts are startling: Asbestos kills around 20 tradespeople in the UK every week, making it the single biggest cause of work-related deaths (www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/tradesperson.htm) Electricians are almost 16 times more likely than the general population to develop the killer lung disease mesothelioma in their lifetime. (Occupational, domestic and environmental mesothelioma risks in the British population: a case-control study.) Asbestos exposure kills 4 plumbers every week (Health & Safety Executive) 598 carpenters and joiners died between 1991-2000 as a result of an asbestos disease 1 in 17 British carpenters born in the 1940s will die of mesothelioma (Cancer Research UK and Health & Safety Executive) The UK has the highest death rate from mesothelioma in the world. The risk is highest in people who were exposed to asbestos before age 30. (Institute of Cancer Research) Despite the well-publicised health risks posed by asbestos, a 2017 survey conducted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) of 500 tradespeople showed that less than a third were aware of the correct ways to deal with and handle asbestos in the workplace. Craig explained: “It’s never too early to deliver asbestos awareness training to your workforce. The statistics show that the earlier in a person’s career they receive the appropriate training, then the better protected they are against developing asbestos related cancers in later life. “A simple half day awareness course could prevent them from contracting a deadly disease and also ensure they don’t expose others to the dangers of asbestos.” To ensure young people have access to asbestos awareness training before entering the workplace, UKATA is supporting the Learning Occupational Health by Experiencing Risks (LOcHER) project. The LOcHER project idea originated within the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and aims to support colleges to help students develop valuable employment and life skills, so they feel equipped to lead change in their careers and the industries into which they progress. For employers whose apprentices are yet to receive asbestos awareness training, UKATA advises that they access UKATA approved asbestos awareness training, either with a local provider or online. “Asbestos awareness training is low cost and readily available. I urge all employers to book their apprentices on these half-day courses and provide them with a safe foundation for a long and safe career within the construction industry,” added Craig. UKATA approved asbestos awareness courses are available both online and in training centres throughout the UK. Alternatively, the training provider may deliver on site. To find a UKATA approved asbestos training provider near you, visit www.ukata.org.uk or for free advice call our team on 01246 824437.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past decade, you will already know all about how serious an issue climate change has become in recent years. With sea levels on the rise, atmospheric carbon dioxide at its highest ever level, and polar ice caps shrinking on a daily basis, even the strongest climate change denier will have difficulty denying it isn’t happening. With this in mind, there is now a need for everyone, everywhere to improve their personal level of eco-friendliness and sustainability. Businesses need to do the same as well, in order to ensure their buildings and employees aren’t contributing any more to the already high levels of pollution and waste. Fortunately, many businesses have started to do this already, working alongside specialist energy consultants to design new low energy, high performance buildings. But which companies are leading the way, setting the standard for other businesses to aspire to? Join us as we take a look at some of the eco-friendliest buildings the planet has to offer. Bloomberg Headquarters. London. Considered the world’s most sustainable office building, Bloomberg’s headquarters achieved the highest-ever Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) score back in 2018. After working with the architecture firm Foster + Partners, Bloomberg – the news and financial tech giant – decided to build a new European headquarters which featured more of an environmental focus. The ambitious seven-year project resulted in a truly stunning ten-storey building set on the 3.2 acres between London’s Bank of England and St. Paul’s Cathedral. The headquarters was designed to incorporate an abundance of eco-friendly features, including a grey water collection system on the roof to recycle water, and vacuum-drainage toilets to dramatically reduce water usage. However, the building’s crème de la crème is its ceiling, which integrates almost 4,000 specially-designed panels. Each of these panels help control the building’s heating, cooling, lighting and acoustic functions, reducing the overall energy usage by more than 40%. The eco-friendly features don’t stop there though. The building also features living walls, a unique desk set-up for its staff members, and its very own natural ventilation system. It was also constructed in an eco-friendly way, using specialist suppliers who abided by strict environmental policies. Now that’s sustainable. Revolving Tower. Dubai. From the iconic Burj Khalifa to the upcoming Museum of the Future, Dubai is widely known across the globe for its various feats of architecture. That trend looks set to carry on as well, following the approved plans to add what’s being referred to as ‘The Revolving Tower’ to the Dubai skyline. This yet-to-be-built engineering marvel will feature more than 60 independently rotating floors, giving its inhabitants a constantly shifting view of the world outside. As a result, the independent rotations will also give the building an ever-changing exterior, constantly bending and warping into different, highly complex designs. However, the rotations are not solely designed for aesthetic purposes – they’re designed to do good too. Each rotation will use the kinetic energy it releases to power the entire building. There will also be wind turbines integrated in between each floor, capable of powering the entire tower block both sustainably and independently. One Bryant Park. New York. Bryant Park in the centre of New York City is one of the world’s greenest skyscrapers and even includes the very first sustainable Broadway theatre. It was also the first building to receive LEED Platinum certification, producing clean energy from its own generation plant. However, the building’s pride and joy comes through the innovation of its cooling unit. Rather than pumping out tons of greenhouse gases using traditional energy-draining air conditioning systems, the architects involved with building One Bryant Park have installed a thermal ice storage system. This system produces ice overnight, ready to be melted the next day to provide a cooling effect for the workers. The building is also home to The Bank of America and incorporates LED lighting, carbon dioxide monitors and waterless urinals to keep its carbon footprint as low as possible. The Edge. Amsterdam. While ‘The Edge’ may make you immediately think of the backing vocalist from U2, it is also the name given to one of the world’s most innovative buildings. This architectural masterpiece is the home of Deloitte’s Amsterdam Headquarters, and again functions by using clean energy – this time taken from 30 metres below the Earth’s surface. The building also uses solar panels to collect energy and has been fitted with a specialist aquifer thermal energy storage system too. This system relies on two wells – one to provide heating during colder periods and another to provide cooling during warmer periods. However, in order to control these wells, the Edge has been fitted with a huge network of more than 30,000 sensors. These function by measuring pretty much every single energy output – lighting, humidity, carbon dioxide – via a range of apps, and can automatically open or close particular areas to minimise energy expenditure. Now that’s innovation.
Building a business from the ground up is tough work. It seems that everyone is depending on you to get the job done, and you certainly do not want to let them down. Being an entrepreneur means that you are taking on the responsibility of growing the business into something that you have long envisioned. At the same time, there are only so many hours in the day. It seems that far too many entrepreneurs today allow their sleep patterns to be severely interrupted so that they can focus on important business related tasks. This is a dangerous trap to fall into. We need our sleep. Your business will much better off if you are well rested. Here is what you need to do to make that happen. Leave Your Phone Out of the Bedroom Believe it or not, there was a time not too long ago when we got along just fine without smartphones. You can do so again. Choose to make your bedroom one of those places where your phone is simply not welcome. Over time, this will eliminate the temptation to check your email or take a look at the future stock price estimates. You should focus on creating good bedtime habits. Putting your smartphone well out of reach is one way to do just that. Become Unavailable at Night If you allow your clients and employees to call you at night, you can count on them doing so. This is something that you want to avoid. You need to protect your bedtime hours. Once you start doing this, others will begin to respect your wishes. If you use an instant messaging system, you can set a timer so that it does not disturb you between certain hours. Do this and you will be much better off in return. Your business will survive without while you are sleeping, so don’t worry. Develop an Evening Routine Just like you have a routine each morning to get ready to go to the office, so should you do the same when it comes time for bed. You should begin winding down so that your body knows it is about to get some rest. The suggestion is to stop working at least an hour before hitting the covers. Stop looking at any device the emits light and prepare your sleeping environment to be comfortable and conducive to getting hours of uninterrupted sleep. Outsource Important Tasks in the Evening Being an entrepreneur means that you are important. Many people will try to contact you at all hours of the night. We get that. However, most tasks you can delegate to an assistant that you outsource work to. This individual can check your emails and prioritize tasks so that they are waiting for you when you start work in the morning. This is a much more productive use of your time at the end of the day. This guide should help you to develop healthier sleeping habits that will also positively impact your business at the same time. Your business depends on you being healthy and well rested. It is important that you begin to take this seriously and aim for a minimum of seven quality hours of sleep each evening. Nine is even better, so try to build up to that point.
FirstPort, the residential property management company, will manage the new homes being built at Wichelstowe, one of the most significant new home developments in Swindon’s recent history. The latest phase of Wichelstowe (see picture), named Canalside@Wichelstowe, will feature a mix of 208 apartments and houses from five-star builders David Wilson Homes and Barratt. It is anticipated the first residents will be able to move into their new homes in the summer. Wichelstowe is being delivered by a joint venture company which is a 50:50 partnership between Swindon Borough Council and Barratt Developments plc. Over the next 20 years, the Wichelstowe Joint Venture will deliver around 3,000 new homes on a 250-hectare area of land. Wichelstowe, which will have an extensive area of open space featuring playing pitches, allotments and nature conservation, will include three primary schools and a secondary school. Daniel Pavely, Project Director for Wichelstowe, said: “It is important to us that our chosen management company has a strong customer focus and drive to help us to promote and develop a thriving community at Wichelstowe. We have found FirstPort to be professional and knowledgeable – they have taken the time to understand our requirements and are playing an active role in delivering the management services. We are looking forward to working with the FirstPort team.” FirstPort has also been appointed by St George City to manage 320 apartments, commercial units and landscaped courtyard gardens at Royal Exchange, Kingston. This luxury development that epitomises modem living. The site, planned for 2021, is a former Grade II listed telephone exchange which, alongside a Post Office building, will be refurbished for residential use. Ann-Charlotte Binnberg, Head of Business Development, FirstPort said: “It’s great that we can add value right at the start of new build projects, before they are even occupied. Clients are seeking out our strategic and design support early on things like service delivery, service-charge modelling and community initiatives to make sure their developments are good value for customers and great places to live.”
AN EDINBURGH project manager has won a top industry accolade at a prestigious national awards ceremony in London. Mark Foley, of CALA Homes (East) took home the esteemed “Multi-Storey Building” award after representing Scotland at the National House Building Council (NHBC) Pride in the Job Supreme Awards, at the Park Plaza Hotel in Westminster. This year’s judging process began with the assessment of thousands of site and project managers from across the UK and culminated in only four Supreme Award winners. Mark, 49, faced tough competition from projects in York, Poole and London but his work on the UNESCO-accredited site, The Crescent at Donaldson’s, stood out against his competitors. This success follows Mark’s win in the qualifying heats of the NHBC ‘Pride in the Job’ Quality Awards in July and Regional Awards in October 2019, after impressing a team of inspectors during a series of rigorous and unscheduled visits to the development. As well as undergoing spot checks of the day-to-day running of their sites, each Site Manager is assessed across 37 different areas of site management, including technical knowledge, quality and consistency. Mark is CALA’s most decorated project manager with 13 Pride in the Job awards, alongside nine Seal of Excellences and two regional awards. He said: “Delivering excellent quality for customers is what most site teams strive for and for our work at The Crescent to be recognised by the NHBC at the Supreme Awards is a real privilege and without doubt, the highlight of my career. “Having the opportunity to work on such a prestigious site, with this level of architectural design, makes it all the more exciting. “While my name is on the award, I want to make sure that it is appreciated how much of a team effort this is, and it couldn’t have been achieved without the amazing team I have working alongside me.” “I was immensely proud of the whole team at the Regional awards, but to make it to the Supreme Awards, and come out victorious, is a dream come true.” Kevin Whitaker, Chief Executive Officer of CALA Homes, said: “The Pride in the Job awards recognise the industry’s best site managers and the exceptional contribution they make in creating homes of outstanding quality. “The Supreme Award is the very highest accolade that a site manager can receive and we are extremely proud of Mark for this fantastic achievement. “This award doesn’t just represent success for Mark, however, but for the entire team at CALA Homes East, who all play a vital role in ensuring that this unique and complex architectural design is delivered safely and to the highest quality standards for not only our customers, but also the wider Edinburgh community, on what is a very important site for the City.” Steve Wood, NHBC Chief Executive, said: “Through Pride in the Job, NHBC has been celebrating the best of the best in house building for almost 40 years. “There is no doubt that these awards have been instrumental in driving up the quality of new homes and results show that Pride in the Job winning sites have higher levels of customer satisfaction. “The final stage of this competition is tough, so to earn the highest accolade of Supreme winner a site manager must have successfully managed a wide range of competing demands and challenges. “Their determination and success in achieving excellence deserves recognition. More importantly, site managers like Mark are creating high quality outstanding homes that their customers can have confidence in – they are building the future. Congratulations Mark.” Designed by architect, Richard Murphy OBE, The Crescent mirrors the curve of the traditional New Town homes it finds itself inspired by. Situated in the tranquil grounds of the iconic Donaldson’s estate, homes at The Crescent offer the convenience of capital living with an authentic rural feel with expansive views of the Pentland Hills. The final remaining homes in the development’s west wing have not long been available and offer a range of sizes – from one-bedroom apartments to a deluxe penthouse – to cater for any potential buyers from £595,000 – £1,750,000. For more information, or to register interest in the Crescent development visit: www.cala.co.uk/the-crescent or call 0131 341 2667.
The University of Birmingham has launched a new suite of frameworks to support its ambitious capital development plans. The new procurement frameworks will allow the University to build longer term relationships with key contractors and consultants who provide construction, design and surveying services. The University has made major investments in its campus facilities in the last 10 years, with the construction of a new library, major green space, Collaborative Teaching Laboratory and Sport and Fitness Centre, to name just a few. Further developments are in the pipeline, to ensure that students in future generations have buildings that are exciting and innovative as well as being fit for purpose. Director of Estates Trevor Payne said: “We have an ambitious plan for the future of our campus and our objective is to create the best possible environment in which our students can achieve and our academic colleagues can undertake world-leading research. The creation of our own construction framework is a natural next step, as we look to secure the support of the very best in the industry. The frameworks will be for 10 years and will be open for use by all HE Institutions, reflecting the vision we have for the University and the sector as a whole.” Head of Procurement Jonathan Jones said: “The University of Birmingham has always prided itself on its scale of ambition to deliver first rate services and resources for its students and staff. With a planned additional infrastructure investment of £500 million over the next few years, we also wanted to develop further procurement opportunities by creating our own University construction framework. This framework not only allows the University to optimise its value for money, but is also available for other universities to use and benefit from the collective spending power and contractor relationship development. “By working closely with our key contractors we can collectively develop additional opportunities with initiatives such as social value, environmental enhancements and sponsorship opportunities.” Six frameworks have been created under the umbrella of University of Birmingham Build Higher Construction Frameworks. They are: · Construction companies for project value up to £2.5m · Construction companies for project value £2.5m-10m · Construction companies for project value £10m+ · Client side surveying support · Architectural-led design · Engineering Services design The successful partners for each framework are: Main contractors for projects over £10m – Morgan Sindall, Galliford Try, Willmott Dixon, Bam Construction Ltd and John Graham Construction Ltd. Main contractors for projects £2.5m-£10m – Morgan Sindall, GTH Construction Ltd, Galliford Try, G F Tomlinson Ltd, Willmott Dixon and Midas Group Ltd. Main contractors for projects up to £2.5m – GTH Construction, Graham Asset Management, Sutton Coldfield Construction Ltd, Murray and Willis Ltd, J Tomlinson Ltd, Chief Construction Ltd, Seddon Construction Ltd and Novus Property Solutions Ltd. Surveying – AA Projects Ltd, Currie and Brown Ltd, RLF LLP, Faithful and Gould, RLB Ltd and Pick Everard. Architectural – Glancy Nicholls Architects Ltd, Associated Architects, BDP, Sheppard Robson Architects Ltd and ADP Engineering Services Design – Hoare Lee, Ove Arup & Partners Ltd, Couch Perry & Wilkes LLP, WSP UK Ltd, Pick Everard, Cundall Johnston and Partners LLP. For further information about the framework, please contact m.home@bham.ac.uk [Picture caption: Guild President Joshua Williams, Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir David Eastwood and Professor Kathy Armour mark the recent opening of the new Teaching and Learning Building on campus.]
National law firm Irwin Mitchell has appointed planning and environmental partner, Claire Petricca-Riding to take over as National Head of a newly combined Planning & Environment department. Claire joined Irwin Mitchell last October to spearhead development of the firm’s environmental practice, joining from Brabners, where she was a Partner, and Head of Planning & Environment. She is based in Irwin Mitchell’s Manchester office but has a national remit. Carl Dyer, previously head of Irwin Mitchell’s Planning department and who recruited Claire, remains a partner in the new practice. Irwin Mitchell’s Planning & Environment team now consists of nine professional staff, of whom four are partners, based across the UK. The department plans to expand further and is currently recruiting in Manchester and Birmingham. Planning & Environment sits within Irwin Mitchell’s National Real Estate Practice headed by Adrian Barlow, which now consists of 26 partners in a team of 82 lawyers in seven offices across the UK. IM’s total property team (including residential) numbers 166 lawyers and 31 partners. Adrian Barlow, National Head of Real Estate at Irwin Mitchell said, “Environmental issues are increasingly coming to the fore as property investors, lenders, developers and occupiers are putting sustainability higher up the agenda and as environmental regulation increases. Environmental issues are now intrinsically bound up in planning – so it makes sense to combine these two areas of expertise into one department. Claire has an amazing track record in both disciplines and is expanding our skills set, enabling us to cater for our clients’ needs in today’s changing market place.” Carl Dyer added, “I was delighted when Claire agreed to join us last year. Her environmental law expertise has filled a key gap in what was our Planning Team’s armoury. She is the perfect partner to lead our newly renamed and growing Planning & Environment Team. I am looking forward to working with her in what promises to be a very exciting 2020, now that the election uncertainties are behind us all.”