Civil engineers dig deep into their pockets to raisecash for Scotland’s worthiest causes The big-hearted teams from East Kilbride-based civil engineers Dougall Baillie Associates not only know how to dig into their pockets for Scotland’s worthiest causes, some of them also know how to dig deep into their physical and psychological reserves. They turned out in their droves for a challenging and hugely successful 40th Anniversary Quiz Night at the Revolution night spot in Glasgow and raised £2,300 for the Beatson Cancer Charity, which delivers a unique, patient-focused approach to change the lives of those affected. In the same week, DBA’s Sean McBride and Daniel Cooke pushed themselves to the limit to complete the Adidas Manchester Marathon, the 2nd largest in the UK and the 4th largest in Europe, raising over £2,000 for Alzheimer’s charities. The quiz, which was hosted by legendary “Lord of Quiz” Sir James, saw 22 teams fighting it out for the title, which was once again taken by a strong cohort from engineering service company Stantec. Sean and Daniel ran the gruelling 26-mile 385-yard course through the vibrant streets of Greater Manchester along with a record 36,000 other participants from all over the world and in front of more than 140,000 supporters. Fergus Adams, Managing Director of Dougall Baillie Associates, said: “We feel very proud of our great team at Dougall Baillie Associates, who work very hard and very professionally in their day jobs, but still find time to raise much-needed cash for those less fortunate than themselves. “The quiz night marked our 40th year of operations in a highly competitive field and we were delighted that so many of our colleagues, friends, customers and suppliers supported us in raising this splendid sum for the Beatson. “Congratulations to Sean and Daniel, who trained hard for what must be one of the toughest challenges in sport, and did themselves and DBA proud. These achievements will inspire the whole team to continue their fundraising efforts.” The DBA teams raised a similar sum for charity last year with a combination of events, including walking, cycling and running. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The OCS Foundation, an independent grant-giving and fundraising charity, is proud to announce its relaunch with a sharpened focus on creating opportunities for children and young people facing disadvantage across the UK and Ireland. Established in 2014, the OCS Foundation has a strong legacy of tackling the causes and effects of poverty by developing the capacity and skills of socially and economically disadvantaged community members. In 2023, the Foundation piloted its pioneering ‘People into Work’ scheme, which has since helped over 680 individuals secure valuable, sustainable employment. These life-changing outcomes are now a core part of OCS’s social value commitments. A new chapter With its relaunch, the OCS Foundation is reaffirming its purpose to positively impact as many children and young people as possible, providing them with opportunities to thrive. The Foundation’s mission is clear—children and young people should have no limits to their potential, their dreams, and no limits in their lives. Recognising the barriers many children and young people face, whether through illness, poverty, exclusion, or unstable family environments, the OCS Foundation supports causes, projects, and charities that offer safety, skills, wellbeing support, and real pathways to a brighter future. By leveraging the strength and reach of OCS, the Foundation empowers individuals through mental health support, education, skills development, and community activities, ensuring a lasting impact. Key initiatives and values The OCS Foundation’s initiatives focus on three core areas: Guided by its TRUE values (Trust, Respect, Unity, and Empowerment) the Foundation is committed to investing in both immediate support and long-term solutions for young people. Collective Commitment and Leadership The OCS Foundation is led by a dedicated board of trustees, chaired by Lorraine O’Brien, who brings over 25 years of commercial and charitable leadership experience. Nikki Brown, the new Head of Foundation, is passionate about harnessing collective effort to make a tangible difference in the lives of children and young people. As part of the relaunch, the Foundation is proud to announce partnerships with Brighten the Corners, Irish Youth Foundation, Teenage Cancer Trust and Scotty’s Little Soldiers. These partnerships will further strengthen the Foundation’s ability to deliver meaningful, lasting impact. Commenting on the relaunch, Nikki Brown, Head of the Foundation said, “We are delighted to be announcing a long-term vision for the Foundation which supports our future generations. We are focused on lifting children and young people up and giving them the helping hand they need to create a better future for themselves. The partners that we have chosen will really help us to make a difference.” Lorraine O’Brien, Chair of the Board of Trustees, added, “The Foundation has a reinvigorated and renewed sense of purpose to use the power of OCS and our incredible colleagues to improve the lives of future generations. Our mission will be focusing on removing the barriers that many young people face by creating a wealth of opportunities to create a brighter future without limits for young people.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Sodexo’s Stop Hunger Foundation celebrated its 20th anniversary in style last week at Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club’s American Express Stadium. The annual fundraising dinner brought together colleagues, charity partners, clients and supply partners to raise £292,300 for initiatives tackling food insecurity across the UK and Ireland. The evening was also an important step forward in Sodexo’s journey toward its ambitious 2030 commitment of supporting over 12.5 million direct and indirect beneficiaries through the Stop Hunger Foundation. Guests not only gave generously but many also pledged their time, signing up to volunteer with the Foundation’s long-standing charity partner, Trussell. The dinner was hosted by Jean Renton, COO of Sodexo UK & Ireland and Trustee of the Stop Hunger Foundation, alongside Patrick Forbes, Chair of the Foundation, and Sodexo Ambassador, and Rugby World Cup winner Matt Dawson. The event also welcomed special guest speaker Asma Khan, one of the world’s most prominent female chefs and the Foundation’s first-ever patron. Asma, who became patron in January 2025 and is the chef advocate for the UN World Food Programme, brings valuable support and inspiration to the Foundation’s work. She has a shared commitment with the Stop Hunger Foundation, championing initiatives that address the root causes of food insecurity, including skills development, resource accessibility, and community empowerment. Asma Khan, Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation Patron, said: “It was an honour to be part of this special evening celebrating 20 years of the Stop Hunger Foundation. Food insecurity is a complex issue, but events like this remind us that when people come together with a shared goal, we can make real progress. “I’m proud to work alongside the Foundation in supporting not only immediate relief but also long-term solutions that help empower individuals in communities facing hardship. The passion I saw in the room tonight to raise funds and donate time and expertise gives me real hope for the future.” Over the past 20 years, the Foundation has supported more than 9.6 million beneficiaries through 230 charity partners across over 56 cities and regions, distributing more than £6.4 million in grants.  Thanks to Sodexo’s financial support, 100% of the donations made to Stop Hunger are directed towards charitable partners. Launched by Sodexo UK & Ireland in 2005, the Foundation exists to fight food insecurity and build a better tomorrow. As it marks two decades of action, it is strengthening its commitment to sustainable, long-term solutions. One example includes a £150,000 multi-year grant to the Trussell’s award-winning Helpline Through Hardship project, a service that connects people in crisis with financial support, helping them secure, on average, over £2,000 in additional income per year. In addition to raising money, the event also celebrated the contributions of Sodexo colleagues and supply partners who regularly dedicate time to fundraising and volunteering with the Foundation. Three awards were presented during the evening: Recognised for her continued dedication to fundraising, volunteering, and advocacy.  Diane has arranged fundraising events and set up a permanent food bank in Sodexo’s London head office which collects around 200kg of food donations every month for charity partner The Switch. Acknowledged for exceeding volunteering targets within Sodexo’s Energy & Resources business, forming impactful charity partnerships, and championing a local volunteering initiative, now supported by the Foundation and commended by the Scottish Parliament. Over the past year, Kimberly Clark has supported Sodexo with innovations that deliver cost savings, waste reduction and improved operational performance. Its bespoke tools and core paper hygiene products reduce waste, enhance hygiene and save paper and CO2 emissions. Kimberly Clark’s paper hand towel recycling at Sodexo sites, along with monthly sustainability impact reports, underscores its commitment to sustainability. Additionally, its Kleenex brand’s partnership with Mind has funded 27,720 enquiries to Mind’s helpline since 2020. Jean Renton, COO of Sodexo UK & Ireland and Trustee of the Foundation, said: “This year’s event was a powerful celebration and a reminder of what can be achieved to support others. I’m incredibly proud of the funds we’ve raised, but even more so of the passion and commitment shown by our clients, colleagues, charity partners, sponsors and supply partners. Together, we’re building a legacy that creates long-term change.” Patrick Forbes, Chair of the Stop Hunger Foundation, added: “As we celebrate 20 years of the Stop Hunger Foundation, it’s truly inspiring to look back at how far we’ve come and even more exciting to see the momentum we’re building for the future. This Foundation matters. The work it supports is changing lives, creating stronger communities, and laying the groundwork for sustainable solutions to food insecurity. “We also celebrated our incredible employee Stop Hunger charity champions, who are the heart and soul of this mission. Their passion, energy, and dedication – whether through shaping our strategy or encouraging colleagues to volunteer – powers everything we do”. Around 400 guests enjoyed a special dining experience curated by Sodexo Live!, in collaboration with 2013 MasterChef winner Steven Edwards, featuring locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. The menu also included dishes by Asma from her latest cookbook Monsoon.  Sodexo supply partner, Zeelo – a leading provider of sustainable, tech-enabled staff transportation solutions – supported the event, providing an accessible, carbon-neutral shuttle service and volunteers to help transport guests, ensuring everyone arrived home and comfortably at the venue. The service was operated by Brighton & Hove Buses; a valued operator partner in Zeelo’s network. This hands-on approach reflects Zeelo’s broader commitment to community engagement and positive social impact. Stop Hunger is an employee-led initiative by Sodexo, active in over 73 countries around the world. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Speedy Hire, the UK’s leading tools and equipment hire company, is proud to have partnered with WellChild’s Helping Hands programme to complete a life-changing garden transformation for 14-year-old Daisy in Huddersfield. Daisy has a chromosome disorder and epilepsy, which affects her mobility, meaning she requires specialist care. The new outdoor space created is designed to be safe, accessible, and stimulating, allowing her to enjoy the outdoors and spend quality time with her family and friends. Daisy loves being outside, but her garden was previously inaccessible. Over the course of the project, a dedicated team of Speedy Hire volunteers from Huddersfield and the surrounding areas worked alongside WellChild to level the ground, install secure fencing, and introduce sensory-friendly features such as artificial grass, sensory lighting, and accessible play equipment. In addition to volunteering their time and expertise for Daisy’s garden renovation, Speedy Hire also provided free tool hire to support the successful completion of the project, as they do for all WellChild Helping Hands projects across the UK. The WellChild Helping Hands programme enriches the lives of children with complex medical needs across the UK by creating safe, sensory and accessible environments for them and their families to truly thrive at home. Daisy’s Mum Jenny said: “This garden has transformed Daisy’s experience of being outdoors. She now has a safe and enjoyable space where she can relax, play, and interact with nature. We can’t thank Speedy Hire and WellChild enough for making this possible.” Amelia Woodley, ESG Director at Speedy Hire, commented: “We are delighted to support WellChild’s Helping Hands initiative. At Speedy Hire, we believe in making a positive impact in our communities, and this project is a perfect example of how we can use our resources to create meaningful change. Seeing Daisy enjoy her new outdoor space is truly rewarding.” Kieran Cullen, Helping Hands Programme Manager at WellChild, added: “The success of projects like this relies on the generosity and dedication of corporate partners like Speedy Hire. Their commitment to helping children and families across the UK is invaluable, and we are incredibly grateful for their support.” This initiative reflects Speedy Hire’s dedication to corporate social responsibility and community support, aligning with the company’s commitment to sustainability and social impact. For more information about WellChild and the Helping Hands programme, visit www.wellchild.org.uk. Watch video now Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Morson Group has joined this year’s Big Construction Diversity Challenge as its Headline Sponsor. The company, which has built on its 55+ year history in recruitment to develop engineering, consultancy, training services and more across the UK, US and Canada, says it’s delighted to offer its support to the BCDC in this, its inaugural year. The Big Construction Diversity Challenge aims to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) across the construction sector. It also supports the importance of EDI and how inclusivity can be tackled collaboratively and collectively to create stronger cultures and broader empathy. The event promotes inclusive practices and highlights the benefits to be gained from them. Gary Smithson, Director for Morson Group, says, “Morson Group is supporting The Big Construction Diversity Challenge to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion within the construction industry. “As a leading technical recruitment company, we recognise that fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential for driving innovation and achieving sustainable success. In an increasingly competitive skills market, employers need to focus on widening talent pools rather than limiting the number of applicants. By participating in this event, we aim to showcase the positive impact that diverse teams have on business performance and encourage collaborative efforts in creating inclusive workplace cultures. “Allied with our work with the Big Rail Diversity Challenge and our continued involvement in engaging students from diverse backgrounds in STEM subjects as part of our STEM Foundation, we committed to highlighting pathways and expanding inclusion across the sectors in which we operate.” Organised by multi-media specialists Nimble Media Ltd, the 2025 BCDC will be held at Newark Showground, Nottinghamshire, on Friday, June 27. Like its sister events, The Big Rail Diversity Challenge and The Big Logistics Diversity Challenge, it will feature a collection of physical and mental team tests and keynote speeches from industry influencers. It is an opportunity for organisations within the industry to share best practices, network, and help shape a more inclusive sector. It also recognises and rewards employees with a fun and entertaining day. Vicky Binley, Nimble Media Ltd Director, says: “The success of our previous events has been shown by how much they have grown and how much they are anticipated each year by their respective industries. “We are truly excited to extend them to the construction industry so that it too can enjoy what is a fantastic, action-packed day, carrying the key message that an inclusive culture breaks down barriers and reaps rewards for everyone.” BCDC 2025 will also raise funds for CRASH, a charity founded in 1996 that helps homeless charities and hospices with vital construction projects. CRASH brings together companies and their professional expertise to help renovate and refurbish hospices, hostels, and day centres, improving not only the buildings and their environments but also the quality of life for those who need them. For more information about getting involved in The Big Construction Diversity Challenge 2025 or to support the event, call to speak to a member of the Nimble Media team on 01780 432930 or email bigconstruction@nimblemedia.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals