The Immigration White Paper shows the Government isn’t listening to the business community as it sets out a post-Brexit immigration system that would devastate the construction industry, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Commenting on the Immigration White Paper, published this afternoon, Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the
As any principal contractor will know, construction site hoardings are part and parcel of almost any building site in an urban, commercial or residential area. Site hoardings are a legal requirement, protecting the public from any potential harm as a result of proximity to the works taking place, and protecting
A new 46.7-acre development in the village of Sudbrooke has taken its design inspiration from the surrounding historic woodland and the traditional village setting. Developed by Jackson & Jackson Developments and designed by Stem Architects, The Parklands will be a new residential community of 155 individually designed homes incorporating luxury
A £1.4m programme of fire safety improvement work in which Focus Consultants undertook the building surveying, design and contract administrator responsibilities has been completed on a ward at Lincoln County Hospital. The third floor Branston Ward (gynaecology) at Lincoln County Hospital has just undergone a major refurbishment, as part of
Australia is an amazing country, unique in every way from it’s scenery, its wildlife and it’s way of life. It is so beautiful and offers so many unforgettable experiences it is no wonder that so many have it on their bucket list of must-see destinations. It is easy to get
From Bath to Doncaster and Chelmsford to Guildford, top-10 housebuilder Linden Homes has been spreading some festive cheer across the communities it builds in with staff from across the business taking part in a range of activities to help those in need this Christmas. In both Guildford and Chelmsford, the
Real Estate Management (UK) Limited (“REM”) and Sellar, the joint development manager, celebrated Shard Place, the third phase of development at Shard Quarter, reaching its highest point with a traditional construction topping out event. The 26-storey residential building stands between The Shard, Western Europe’s tallest building, and The News Building
Construction consultancy KAM Project Consultants is celebrating five years in business. The independent company of project managers and cost consultants focuses on delivering schemes across two primary markets – industrial/distribution and commercial mixed-use. Directors Kevin Sims and Mike Wilcock set up KAM in 2013 after 30 years of working together
Acclaimed North East businessman, Gary Lumby has been appointed non-executive director by Newton Aycliffe firm BTS Facades & Fabrications, to assist the company in achieving its ambitious growth plans. The well-established firm, which has worked on projects including Tottenham Hotspurs’ new stadium, the Jaguar Land Rover Gaydon site, and student
The approval of a horticulture/landscaper supervisor apprenticeship is the latest in a suite of new standards which are revolutionising careers for the future in arboriculture, forestry horticulture and landscape industries. The new apprenticeship, announced by the arboriculture, forestry, horticulture and landscape apprenticeship trailblazer group will provide the technical and supervisory
The Immigration White Paper shows the Government isn’t listening to the business community as it sets out a post-Brexit immigration system that would devastate the construction industry, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Commenting on the Immigration White Paper, published this afternoon, Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “The Government seems hell-bent on ignoring the business community when it comes to its immigration policy, as demonstrated by this disastrous White Paper. Despite more than two years of constructive engagement, what has been proposed by Ministers takes on none of our feedback. If the Government wants to jeopardise the UK economy for the sake of meeting an arbitrary immigration target, it’s going the right way about it.” Berry continued: “What’s particularly worrying is the Government’s obsession with salary thresholds for migrant workers entering the UK. The figure of £30,000 was floated in the Migration Advisory Committee report and was met by fierce opposition from almost all sectors. It makes no sense to draw meaningless lines in the sand when we should base our immigration policy on what will make our economy strong and productive. The White Paper also states categorically that it will make no allowances for so-called low skilled workers. This is wrong on two levels – firstly, the definition of low skilled will cover most construction tradespeople and secondly, genuinely low skilled workers, such as labourers, are essential to the safe and smooth running of any construction site.” Berry concluded: “12-month work visas for occupations in short supply during the transition period simply won’t cut it. Small and medium-sized construction firms, which make up 99 percent of the industry, do not advertise for roles internationally. Also, from a migrant worker’s perspective, why go to the UK for just 12 months when they can settle in other countries for much longer and put down roots if they wish. If the 12-month work visa idea was supposed to be an olive branch to the business community, it leaves much to be desired. The Government describes the construction and house building sectors as strategic and central to delivering its own aims. However, the plans set out today would make it impossible to meet the Government’s house building targets and the world-class infrastructure projects we have in the pipeline will be nothing but a pipedream.”
As any principal contractor will know, construction site hoardings are part and parcel of almost any building site in an urban, commercial or residential area. Site hoardings are a legal requirement, protecting the public from any potential harm as a result of proximity to the works taking place, and protecting construction works and staff from any unwanted interference – such as damage or theft – from the general public. But hoardings offer a lot more than that, and are in fact one of the most valuable pieces of marketing collateral for a construction business or other parties involved in a development. By contacting a print supplier, and investing in a series of printed hoarding graphics, contractors & construction companies can transform the impact their sites can have on their business. Site hoardings are essentially a large blank canvas, and while it’s usually not an obligation, hoarding graphics should be on the list of considerations with any project, for all kinds of reasons. Here are some of the most important factors at play, and why hoarding graphics should be a part of every construction site: Blank hoardings are an unsightly wasted opportunity Blank hoardings, with no graphics installed, are fundamentally unattractive. Built usually from wood or metal, these structures are an imposition on the local community – simply put, when left blank they look fairly ugly. Considering that these installations are a legal requirement, coupled with the fact that visually-appealing dressed hoardings are also now a fairly common sight, there’s also an argument to say that plain hoardings can suggest a lack of care, funds, or pride in a project. People have become used to seeing hoarding graphics, and a scratched, dusty wall of wood in their local community can leave a bad impression. There’s also the fact that when no graphics are installed, a blank hoarding is simply a wasted opportunity. Hoarding graphics can add all kinds of value to a project and to the businesses involved (both those working on the construction, and those involved in the project in a more commercial sense) – and failing to address this fact can mean a missed opportunity for advertising, revenue, community engagement and more. Hoarding graphics can reduce levels of graffiti While it would be naive to suggest that a hoarding with a set of graphics installed is immune to the spray-paint creativity of vigilante urban artists, there are few things more tempting to those with a penchant for graffiti than a big, blank block of wood. Tagged’ hoardings, laden with graffiti, are unfortunately a fairly common site in inner-city and even rural projects; this can be a problematic and frustrating financial and practical burden for those tasked with its removal – a duty which often falls on whoever is responsible for the hoardings themselves, which often means the contractors. The removal of graffiti can be costly and problematic, and while hoarding graphics don’t negate the potential for graffiti, they can make its removal a lot simpler – and they tend to receive less vandalisation simply due to the fact that they’re already covered in artwork or other visual material. The existence of anti-graffiti laminate also doesn’t hurt! Hoarding Graphics are one of the best sources of out-of-home advertising Out of home advertising is a lucrative, competitive industry. Purchasing space on billboards, busses, benches, and other prominent locations in the public eye can be costly, due to the highly sought-after nature of marketing your business or product in front of a large number of people. These kinds of out of home platforms are usually owned or managed through an external company, and due to their finite number, aren’t always hugely flexible in their availability. Construction hoardings, on the other hand, present a transient but lucrative opportunity for some guerilla marketing. The principal contractor for a site, or those responsible for the installation of a set of hoardings, usually have autonomy of what – if any – graphics are installed on them, which means you potentially have final say over how these structures get used. This in turn means you have free reign to take advantage of this, and market your business in a large, highly visible format. There are countless ways that graphics can be used as marketing collateral. From simply displaying the logo, name, address, website and phone number of a business, to demonstrating a bit of creative advertising flair with some unusual or eye-catching artwork, hoarding graphics have near infinite potential when it comes to publicity. They are also often seen by a large number of people, for the entire duration of a project (which can sometimes last for many months), particularly in areas of high foot traffic such as city centres or similar urban hotspots. Hoardings can act as a source or revenue On occasion, it can also be possible to take on the role of the outdoor advertising provider yourself. With hoardings in place, if you have no desire (or budget) to use the panels as advertising boards, then it can be possible to offer them up to businesses keen to market themselves this way. This will depend on the arrangements the various parties involved with the budgeting of the campaign have with one another, and it will be important to ascertain whether everyone is alright with this. The priority should remain with the businesses directly involved, but provided local council requirements are met and all parties accept, it could be possible to rent the hoardings out and gain some additional revenue for the project’s duration. It will be important to consult with the relevant print supplier about the cost of the production and installation of the hoarding graphics, as this will dictate your own budgeting. Details of the hoarding, including its length, and the height and width of the panels will need to be considered. Promote community engagement A common hurdle for the businesses involved in the management and organisation of a construction project is the imposition the work can
A new 46.7-acre development in the village of Sudbrooke has taken its design inspiration from the surrounding historic woodland and the traditional village setting. Developed by Jackson & Jackson Developments and designed by Stem Architects, The Parklands will be a new residential community of 155 individually designed homes incorporating luxury modern living within a village setting. Works started on The Parklands in March of this year and the £30m development is on track for completion in 2020. Once complete, the development will feature an abundance of outdoor open spaces, woodland footpaths, a gastro pub/restaurant, communal gardens, allotments and an outdoor gym. Respect for the woodland site was a driving force in the crafting of the design and it was imperative that the aesthetic of the development reflected a countryside community that was integrated into its surroundings. Nigel Stevenson, director at Stem Architects, said: “The Parklands site is a scenic location and therefore this had to be the main driving force behind the design of the development. “Jackson & Jackson are leaders in creating premium homes in highly desirable locations but further to that, they give the time and investment needed to make the developments sympathetic to the surroundings, adding further features to create a desirable setting. “The inspiration for the look of the development came from the site itself. Preserving the woodland was at the heart of the design and therefore we worked to enhance the rural setting to create a community destination by adding walking trails and allotments, as well as a social place the community can meet in, the gastro pub. “A unique aspect of The Parklands is that we designed every house to be different, which is rare on a residential development of this size. It was essential that the design respected the surrounding woodlands by utilising a broad palette of materials to give individual identity to each property inspired by the eclectic mix which Lincolnshire’s rural vernacular offers.” The Lincoln-based developer and architect carefully considered the site, working hard to create an authentic village that respected and complemented the setting. Housing options will include quaint thatched cottages and spacious family homes and in keeping with tradition, original British red telephone boxes will be positioned throughout the Parklands and used to accommodate defibrillators. To ensure that wildlife is considered and the development remains respectful of the landscape assets, character, condition and ecological significance, 200 new trees and over two hectares of compensation woodland will be planted. The landscape design will also feature 2km of native and ornamental hedgerow planting and a biodiversity area of one hectare. Dominik Jackson, director at Jackson & Jackson Developments, said: “As with all of our developments, we have a clear vision for The Parklands. It’s one thing to create a great home, but it’s key to create a desirable environment where people really want to live. We’ve worked hard for a very long time with Stem Architects to create a vibrant yet peaceful community in Sudbrooke that is in touch with its surroundings. “The design of The Parklands aims to bring people together with spacious grassy areas for families to enjoy and a gastro pub/restaurant for social dining. The scenic woodland paths in the area are perfect for strolls and the smooth lakeside circuit path is ideal for running and cycling. “We are proud of what we are bringing to life just a few miles outside of Lincoln city centre.” Homes are now available at The Parklands through local agent Pygott & Crone.
A £1.4m programme of fire safety improvement work in which Focus Consultants undertook the building surveying, design and contract administrator responsibilities has been completed on a ward at Lincoln County Hospital. The third floor Branston Ward (gynaecology) at Lincoln County Hospital has just undergone a major refurbishment, as part of United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust’s (ULHT) ongoing fire safety upgrades. The 18-bed ward has benefited from new ceilings, flooring and patient bathrooms, in addition to a full set of new fire doors and new lighting throughout. The third-floor revamp is part of an extensive programme of work at Lincoln to update and improve the entire maternity wing. Now the building surveying team at Focus Consultants is undertaking a similar role as improvement and refurbishment work gets under way on the ground floor antenatal and community midwife offices at the hospital. The company is also due to be involved when improvements are made to the second floor in due course. Keith Butler, partner at Focus Consultants, which has its headquarters in Nottingham and branches in Leicester, Newark, Boston and London, said: “Focus Consultants has wide experience of working on sensitive sites, such as hospitals, where it is crucial for day-to-day services to continue operating. “These refurbishment schemes at the maternity unit at Lincoln County Hospital are the latest in a number of hospital projects to improve facilities that Focus has been involved in – providing building surveying, design and contract administrator services. We have worked with Pilgrim Hospital in Boston, Grantham Hospital and Lincoln County Hospital, helping to improve the surroundings and safety of the patient and staff environment.” The improvements at Lincoln County Hospital are part of a Trust-wide £46m capital investment spanning three financial years (2017/18 – 2019/20), which includes increased staff training and putting in fire prevention systems, including modernising and upgrading fire alarm systems, improving fire doors and enhancing fire barriers around all the hospitals. Focus provides a range of consultancy services to the property and construction industry, including building surveying, project management and sustainable development support. For more information, visit www.focus-consultants.com
Australia is an amazing country, unique in every way from it’s scenery, its wildlife and it’s way of life. It is so beautiful and offers so many unforgettable experiences it is no wonder that so many have it on their bucket list of must-see destinations. It is easy to get carried away choosing all the wonderful things that you will see and do on your trip of a lifetime, and planning is all part of the fun. But the most important part of the planning, aside from booking flights and arranging your itinerary, is to make sure you can actually enter the country in the first place! And for this you will need to arrange a tourist visa Australia issued in advance of travelling. There are two types of tourist visa for Australia- which one do I need? There are two types of tourist visa the ETA visa to Australia and the eVisitor. It is important that you choose the right one. Which is dependant on the country stated as your nationality on your passport. The ETA visa is for citizens of the USA, Canada, South Korea, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong and Malaysia. The eVisitor is for citizens of Europe. Aside from this both have many similarities, and both have two types – the tourist visa and the visa for business, which have slightly different things that you will be allowed to do while in Australian territory. They represent permission to enter Australian territory, and the visas are electronically linked to you passport. They are for short term stays only, and only for tourism or business activities. Both are also valid for one year, with a maximum stay of 3 months per trip, no more. This does mean that you can return to Australia several times during the validity of the visa. Because the visas are linked to your passport number it is absolutely vital that you use the same passport to travel, otherwise you will be refused entry. If for some reason your passport changes, either because it is lost or stolen or needs to be renewed, then you must apply for a new visa. But don’t worry this doesn’t apply if you lose your passport while in Australia and need to be issued a new one by your embassy you don’t need to renew the visa – it is only to enter the country you need it. How do I get a tourist visa for Australia Whichever type of visa you need, the eVisitor or the ETA, you can apply quite easily online for both by filling in the online application form. You will need to apply for a visa per person, even for children and babies included on a parent’s passport. Each person has to have their own visa or will be denied entry. You need to be resident outside of Australia when you do it, and will need your passport, email address and credit card and your personal details. You should check before you start that there is not some reason you do not meet the criteria. For example if you have tuberculosis, or a criminal record this can be enough to be refused a visa – or worse issued a visa but the later refused entry. It is worth doing some research into the reasons why you may not have permission to use this process, and things that might mean you are refused as there are more. As an example, you are not eligible for the eVisitor if your passport is as a British National Overseas, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Overseas Citizen, British Protected PErson or British Subject passport. And this is just one such rule to be aware of. Once you have completed the online application, it is relatively quick to receive your visa if there are not problems with the application. In most cases the ETA will take a couple of hours to receive an answers, and the eVisitor usually a couple of hours, but for 25% of applicants it can take up to 3 working days. Do not be alarmed if your family members are approved at different intervals, for example hours or a day or two apart. This is perfectly normal and happens because each application is reviewed separately. Once approved you will receive an email confirmation of everything that you can print or keep on a mobile device for future validation, although you shouldn’t need to show anyone as it is linked to your passport number and this will display when you check in for your flight.. Even though it is very quick, try not to leave it to the very last minute – better to have some peace of mind! What can I do with my tourist or business visa? The rules again are very similar regardless of which visa type you need for your nationality. Under the tourist category you can visit for things like visiting the territory for sightseeing and normal tourist activities, or to visit friends and family who may be living there. In addition is also allows you to study for up to 6 months also. With the business visa, again the things you can do are similar regardless of the type of visa you need. You will be able to conduct business research in order to identify future corporate collaborations. You are also permitted to look for work – with a view to eventually move to Australia permanently – although you must not actually do any paid work. You will also be able to undertake negotiations, reviews and signing of business or employment contracts, or attend conferences and seminars – as long as you are not paid for attending. There is one small difference in that the eVisitor for Europeans allows you to also do volunteering work too for either the tourist or business visa. If you wish to stay longer, or undertake paid work you will need to apply for a different type of visa and will not be able
From Bath to Doncaster and Chelmsford to Guildford, top-10 housebuilder Linden Homes has been spreading some festive cheer across the communities it builds in with staff from across the business taking part in a range of activities to help those in need this Christmas. In both Guildford and Chelmsford, the Linden Homes South and Eastern teams have been collecting and delivering gifts to local children who may be spending their Christmas in either a hospital or a hospice this year. Employees from Linden Homes South dug deep and donated a range of gifts to the children at the Shooting Star Chase Hospice in Guildford. Speaking of the donation, Jenny Pearman, corporate relationship manager at Shooting Star Chase said: “The gifts donated by Linden Homes will help make our Christmas celebrations extra special at our two hospices and means our hospice at home team can deliver gifts to children and siblings throughout December.” For the fifth-consecutive year, the staff from Linden Homes Eastern played Santa and delivered sacks full of goodies to the children at the Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford. The hospital’s fundraising manager, Charlotte Jefcoate said: “We would like to thank Linden Homes for once again visiting the children and making their day with these wonderful gifts.” Further North, the Linden Homes East Yorkshire division has been supporting the Doncaster Homeless Outreach Service, a charity that helps rough sleepers across Yorkshire take the first steps towards finding a home, whilst offering emotional support and practical advice. The team from Linden Homes collected ‘Christmas bags’, with the contents including basic but essential toiletries. Developments operated by Linden Homes Western also became home to food bank collection points, which will remain open throughout January. Local schools, businesses and residents have been invited to donate food that can be then distributed to people in a time of crisis. Linden Homes communications manager, Naomi Burrell commented “It’s fantastic to see the Linden Homes business units pulling together to help out and give back to the communities nearby to our developments up and down the country. Our staff have gone the extra mile to bring some Christmas cheer to children and families. It’s so heartening to see the donated gifts and items coming in and even more heartening to see how much pleasure these generous gifts give.”
Real Estate Management (UK) Limited (“REM”) and Sellar, the joint development manager, celebrated Shard Place, the third phase of development at Shard Quarter, reaching its highest point with a traditional construction topping out event. The 26-storey residential building stands between The Shard, Western Europe’s tallest building, and The News Building in London Bridge and will comprise of 176 apartments. The topping out event was led by Michael Baker, CEO of REM, and James Sellar, CEO of Sellar. They welcomed representatives from the project team, which includes architect Renzo Piano Building Workshop, construction managers Mace and project engineer WSP, and local dignitaries. To mark the event, a delegation travelled to the very top of the building to fill one final section with concrete using a ceremonial spade. Shard Place is the third phase of the £3.5 billion redevelopment of the estate next to London Bridge station, now known as Shard Quarter. The project team will now turn its attention to completing the cladding, which is in keeping with the aesthetics of The Shard and The News Building. The interior fit out has already commenced with the installation of high-quality fixtures and fittings. When completed in late 2020, Shard Place will provide a choice of studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments alongside amenities for the exclusive use of residents including a cinema, spa, and private roof garden. The building will appear to ‘float’ nine metres above ground level providing 13,000 sq ft of public realm and circa 12,000 sq ft of retail space, further reinforcing Shard Quarter as one of London’s most vibrant communities. Residents will benefit from Shard Quarter’s exceptional transport links given its proximity to London Bridge Station. Alongside the onsite amenities, Shard Quarter is next door to world-famous cultural hotspots and historical locations, such as Borough Market, Bermondsey Street and Tower Bridge, making the area an attractive place to live, as well as work and visit. James Sellar, CEO, Sellar said: “In keeping with the now well-established Shard Quarter, this latest phase brings a residential building designed by a world class architectural team. Our joint venture with the State of Qatar is creating a beautiful building with apartments of the highest design standards. As well as creating an integrated lifestyle building with outstanding amenities and spectacular views across London, Shard Place completes our vision for a truly mixed-use development at London Bridge which we commenced development of in 2008. This latest phase reflects Qatar’s commitment to both The Shard Quarter and its confidence in London and the UK, as well as the continuing strength of the relationship between the two countries” Michael Baker, CEO, Real Estate Management (UK) Limited, said: “The vision for Shard Quarter was to create a mixed-use quarter where people could live, work and relax. Shard Place will make this a reality when the first residents move in towards the end of 2020. With London’s population projected to grow rapidly over the next 15 years, we know that there will be strong demand for well-located homes and we have chosen to satisfy the need for high quality apartments. Shard Place will offer its residents an enviable lifestyle with exclusive amenities within the building and one of London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods on their doorstep all a stone’s throw from a major transportation hub.” Gareth Lewis, Mace’s Chief Operating Officer for Construction, said: “Shard Place will be an iconic addition to the London skyline and a fitting conclusion to delivery of the Shard Quarter. It’s a project that Mace is very proud to be working on, having been involved in the delivery of the Shard Quarter from the very beginning. This topping out reflects a significant milestone on the journey to delivering this complex and challenging construction project.” Joost Moolhuijzen, Architect, Renzo Piano Building Workshop, said: “Topping out is always a great moment, you finally start to see what the building will become. Some of its secrets get unveiled. It tells us also that the name “Shard Place” is right: “Shard” as it really feels like an integral part of The Shard. “Place” as it shows that once the hoardings will disappear a great Public Realm will appear connecting the Shard Quarter Piazza with St Thomas Street, opening up a whole new pedestrian route.” REM AND SELLAR CELEBRATE SHARD PLACE “TOPPING OUT” AS 26-STOREY RESIDENTIAL BUILDING REACHES ITS HIGHEST POINT Shard Place is a 26-storey residential building owned by the State of Qatar and developed in joint venture with Sellar Comprising 176 well specified apartments, following practical completion in 2020 Shard Place marks the latest phase in a £3.5 billion redevelopment of the Shard Quarter and in conjunction with the team from Renzo Piano Building Workshop adds an iconic residential landmark next to the Shard
Construction consultancy KAM Project Consultants is celebrating five years in business. The independent company of project managers and cost consultants focuses on delivering schemes across two primary markets – industrial/distribution and commercial mixed-use. Directors Kevin Sims and Mike Wilcock set up KAM in 2013 after 30 years of working together on a range of high-profile clients at an international consultancy. Since then they have been joined by seven directors to take the business forward on to the next stage of its growth cycle. The company now has a 34-strong team across its offices in Milton Keynes and Leicester and an impressive array of clients including GLP Gazeley, Bericote, Panattoni, Sainsbury’s and DHL. Sticking to its company mission statement – ‘One Team Delivering Excellence’ and working with the wider project team, KAM team members always strive to deliver exceptional results for clients. This ethos combined with the diverse calibre of expertise in the KAM team, is the reason KAM has experienced significant expansion and the company was listed in the top three of the 150 fastest growing companies in Building magazine with 64% growth and a 40% increase in staff in just the last year. The company is continuing its expansion plans and its current recruitment drive is focusing on cost managers for both of its UK offices. Projects in mainland Europe are also a possibility in 2019. Kevin said: “Five years ago Mike and I set up our new venture with a lot of hard work and hope. Our vision was to build a project manager/quantity surveyor (PM/QS) business that puts customers at the forefront of everything it does. “Since then, along with many other dedicated and talented individuals, KAM has grown into the company it is today – the premier PM/QS business in the industrial and logistics sector. “Our success is derived from exceptional hard work across the team and delivering high quality recruits. We pride ourselves on developing long lasting relationships and ensuring customer satisfaction throughout the delivery of every project. “All of our team are empowered to forge and maintain relationships with both clients and other consultants and we take every pride in each client project that we take on, from the first meeting to completion.” Significant schemes that KAM is currently working on include multiple sites for Panattoni, Bericote’s Littlebrook development, Clipper Logistics’ new warehouse in Crick for Halfords, and a multi storey distribution centre in central London for GLP Gazeley.
Acclaimed North East businessman, Gary Lumby has been appointed non-executive director by Newton Aycliffe firm BTS Facades & Fabrications, to assist the company in achieving its ambitious growth plans. The well-established firm, which has worked on projects including Tottenham Hotspurs’ new stadium, the Jaguar Land Rover Gaydon site, and student accommodation in Wembley and Coventry, met Gary at its recent open day and believed that his unique skills could offer considerable benefits. Gary works with 22 other clients across the North East and Yorkshire, adding value to the businesses and contributing to growth. His role at BTS will encompass coaching, strategic planning, and advice and he is joining the firm to help oversee plans to automate its production process and sustain its impressive growth. He said: “BTS is a fabulous company that is growing fast already and is investing heavily in automation and people. The development of its rainwater screening and facade business is fuelling that growth and I am excited to be working with the company to accelerate it even further.” BTS, which employs 49 people, has seen turnover grow from £5.3million to a forecasted £7million over the past 12 months. The company has also invested in low voltage intelligent LED lighting throughout its factory and offices, and a biomass heating system to help reduce its carbon footprint. Phil Atkinson, managing director at BTS, said: “Gary’s appointment is a real triumph for us; my mission for the business is to be one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of rainscreen systems and metal fabrications, I’d like to see turnover reach £10million in the next three to four years and I believe Gary will help us achieve that. “I’m truly passionate about BTS and I am so proud of how far we have come in such a short time. While I enjoy all aspects of my job, I think my favourite part is seeing completed jobs being installed and photos coming back. I also enjoy watching staff excel and come through the ranks. We have a great family feel within the company and it is my pleasure to be part of it and watch it grow.” For more information on BTS Facades & Fabrications, see https://btsfabrications.co.uk/ Twitter: @btsfabs
The approval of a horticulture/landscaper supervisor apprenticeship is the latest in a suite of new standards which are revolutionising careers for the future in arboriculture, forestry horticulture and landscape industries. The new apprenticeship, announced by the arboriculture, forestry, horticulture and landscape apprenticeship trailblazer group will provide the technical and supervisory skills for those who are maintaining and installing parks, gardens and commercial landscapes. This apprenticeship joins the arborist, forest operative and horticulture / landscape operative apprenticeship standards that were approved in the summer of 2017. Designed by employers working together as the trailblazer group, they contain the skills, knowledge and behaviours that will provide the industry with highly-qualified workers. All these apprenticeships contain the key practical skills required for workers in their respective roles – from tree climbing, planting and felling to soil cultivation and hard landscaping. Successful candidates must pass rigorous end tests that demonstrates they have not only reached the standards required by employers, but also that they can put their skills and knowledge together and do the job effectively. In their first year of being available for delivery, 127 candidates registered on the arborist and 507 on the horticulture / landscape operative apprenticeships. This represents a solid start for these new programmes and the trailblazer group is committed to working with training and assessment providers to make these programmes successful. The employers in the trailblazer group are now discussing future applications for further apprenticeship standards, based on the findings of a recent survey of relevant businesses. Bartlett Tree Experts has stepped down as the lead employer for the trailblazer group and we would like to thank them for their tireless leadership throughout the project. They remain Chair of the arboriculture sub-group and are succeeded by Ground Control Ltd, who have been Chairing the horticulture sub-group since the start in 2014. This work would not have been possible without the hard work, investment and persistence of employers and trade organisations from the industries concerned, which shows how important it is that we work together to ensure the supply of skilled and motivated new entrants to our respective sectors.