McAleer & Rushe is thrilled to announce a new partnership with The Baytree Centre, a social inclusion charity, to support their mission to improve the lives of women and girls. The Baytree Centre is an educational charity for women and girls, based in the heart of Brixton, south London. An integral part of the community since 1991, they provide holistic support through personal development activities and workshops, mentoring, coaching, as well as English classes and integration support for newly arrived migrants and refugees. Through corporate partnerships with businesses such as McAleer & Rushe, it can develop purposeful programmes focusing on education, training and employability skills to raise aspirations and provide opportunities for disadvantaged young girls and women from low socio-economic backgrounds. Through its construction work at the Southbank Place development, delivering 92 residential apartments and retail space, the Design & Build contractor is supporting the Baytree Centre through various fundraising initiatives and educational programmes. Led by Daisy Butterworth, Assistant Project Manager on Southbank Place, the company will be hosting employability and careers events, and offering work experience placements on site over the Summer. To date, the project team have carried out a collection drive for stationary and sweet treats which were distributed to Baytree’s after school groups earlier in Easter and just this week, carried out repairs and refurbishments to the centre. McAleer & Rushe also hosted a BBQ fundraiser on site to raise funds for the charity. This corporate partnership will last throughout the construction programme of Southbank Place, targeted to complete in Q3 2025.  Michael Yohanis, Contracts Director at McAleer & Rushe said: “We are proud to be working with The Baytree Centre to develop educational programmes and provide much-needed funding support that will help them continue their empowering mission to support young girls and women from low socio-economic backgrounds. Our teams are passionate about promoting the opportunities in the Construction industry for women and providing all young people with the tools and insights to fulfil their potential. With special thanks to our project manager, Daisy for leading this partnership, we are excited to continue working closely with the Baytree team and look forward to hosting educational events onsite and at the Centre.” Carmen Gonzalez, Development Director at The Baytree Centre said: “We are delighted to welcome McAleer & Rushe on board as a corporate partner. Their support will be instrumental in creating meaningful building blocks to empower the young girls and women with educational and employability support. Together, we can help them build a bright future for themselves, their families and their communities.” For more information about The Baytree Centre and their work, visit The Baytree Centre. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A dream came true for Wates Group Chairman Tim Wates, when he took to the turf of his beloved Crystal Palace Football Club at Selhurst Park. Tim was playing for the Wates football team along with David Morgan, Executive Managing Director, in a tournament to support the Cut It Out knife crime prevention event, organised by the Palace for Life Foundation. Wates Group was the main sponsor of the day-long function aimed at reduction of knife crime in Croydon. It featured a wide range of supporting organisations, including the Metropolitan Police, Taking The Initiative and Off The Record. The Wates Group has close links with Croydon going back four generations of the Wates family to when Edward Wates founded the company in the South London borough 127 years ago. The development, building and property maintenance group supports a multitude of key social impact initiatives in Croydon, including Lives Not Knives, Be Inspired (formerly Gloves Not Gunz), the Croydon Apprenticeship Fair, the Zen Project for mental health, plus projects for planting vegetables in the grounds of sheltered housing, and providing food for the homeless.  Playing at the back as a team anchor, Tim did not score on the night, but it was an ambition fulfilled, and as always, a Wates Team effort. ’The important thing is that we all win by helping to improve young people’s lives through creating safer communities in which they have more opportunities to prosper,’ said Tim. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Costa Clyde on a sunny Saturday was the setting for the Five Ferries Challenge, a 52-mile-long cycle ride undertaken by a team of East Kilbride-based engineers on behalf of the Beatson Cancer Charity. The team, made up of ten cyclists and two support crew, from Dougall Baillie Associates, one of the largest independent engineering consultancy firms in Scotland, tackled the demanding uphill and down dale cycle on Saturday 11 May. The challenge, which gets under way from Ardrossan, then takes the ferry to Brodick on Arran, then a ferry from Lochranza, Arran, to Clonaig in Kintyre, another ferry from Tarbert on Kintyre to Portavadie on the Cowal Peninsula, a fourth ferry from Colintraive on Cowal to the Isle of Bute, then a final ferry from Bute to Wemyss Bay and the nearest public house for a well-deserved refreshment. Fergus Adams, Managing Director of Dougall Baillie Associates, said: “I didn’t realise there were quite so many hills on the route, but we supported each other all the way, made the most of our recovery times on the ferries and got back to Wemyss Bay pretty much on the timetable we set ourselves. “And happily, all five ferries were running smoothly and dropped us off us where we needed to be when we needed to be there. “It was great also to be able to undertake the challenge on a beautiful, sunny day since the team had been training throughout the late winter and early spring in some pretty appalling weather conditions. “We’ve been training hard with a weekly cycle club taking place plus some extra regular weekend cycles also. The team also looked the part with our DBA-branded cycling tops. “The upshot is that we have raised £4500 so far for one of Scotland’s most worthy charities and we would like to thank our many colleagues, clients, suppliers, families and friends who have contributed to this magnificent sum.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A star of the BBC’s DIY SOS programme will be joining one of the Actis team and other industry specialists at an open day to mark the 50th anniversary of timber frame company Scandia-Hus later this month. Electrician Billy Byrne, who has featured in the popular TV show since its inception, will address a lunchtime champagne reception for around 250 guests at the Scandia-Hus show centre in East Grinstead on Saturday May 18. As well as having the chance to see a TV personality in the flesh, visitors will be able to discuss their projects and ask advice from the Scandia-Hus team and specialist suppliers whose products and expertise is used in the company’s various designs – including Actis South East and South London area sales manager Liane Bayliss. Scandia-Hus has used the Actis Hybrid range in all four of its show homes, with the grand opening of its latest design – a single storey 1,915 sq ft property, the Lodge – taking place at the event, with guided tours on offer throughout the afternoon. The three other Actis-insulated show homes will house materials suppliers and experts, with Liane on hand to chat to would-be Scandia-Hus customers and builders from the first floor of The Mulberry, where she will be stationed overlooking the dramatic double height sitting room. Find out more information about the open day here. Find out more about the latest Actis-insulated Scandia-Hus show home here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

More than £16 million has been invested in community and business projects bordering HS2’s route, helping to drive the local economy, enhance the environment and boost wellbeing. New figures show that £2.56m was allocated via the HS2 community and business funds programme over the last 12 months – taking the total above £16m since they were launched seven years ago. The investment has been made in 285 separate projects to date, including upgrades to community buildings, improved sporting and play facilities, activities for young people, wildlife enhancements and the creation of community gardens. The total has been swelled by a further £55m-worth of matched funding, including volunteer time and cash resources, underlining the extent to which the funds act as a catalyst to drive community projects. The latest figures were revealed in an annual report published by Groundwork UK, independent administrators of the funds, on behalf of HS2 Ltd. According to the report, funding over the last 12 months has been concentrated on “priority” geographical areas to ensure that all communities along the line of route receive a fair share of the funding. The report sets out how investments will further pivot over the coming year, with funds continuing to be concentrated on priority areas as well as schemes that support local economies and deliver environmental and biodiversity enhancements.  Two funding streams – the Community and Environment Fund (CEF) and the Business and Local Economy Fund (BLEF) – were launched in 2017 to aid communities affected by construction of the new high-speed line. This is over and above other statutory compensation to individuals, businesses and local economies facing direct disruption as a result of Britain’s biggest infrastructure programme. In the last year, 49 awards have been made in total, including: Cathy Elliott, Independent Chair of the HS2 funds, said: “We’re delighted to report that support for communities along HS2’s route has now exceeded £16m, with some outstanding examples of the tangible benefits enjoyed by locally-led projects. “In the last year we have invested in vital schemes to improve local people’s health and wellbeing, support children and young people, enhance the environment, and improve buildings and facilities – bringing communities together across rural and urban areas.” Graham Duxbury, Groundwork’s UK Chief Executive, said: “During a turbulent year for the HS2 project, it’s fantastic that communities have been provided with continuous and stable support through the funds, which are ensuring a rich variety of community assets and activities are being created for those effected by the works.” A £40m funding pot was created when the schemes were launched, covering Phase One from London to the West Midlands. The investment will cover the entire construction timeline of HS2, which is expected to start operating between 2029 and 2033. In addition, a further £5m of funding was made available for Phase 2a between the West Midlands and Crewe when this part of the line was approved by Parliament in early 2021. This closed to applications in November last year following the government decision to cancel the northern legs of HS2.   Please visit the funds’ website for more information – including how to apply for funding – here: https://hs2funds.org.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The Sovini Group Golf Day brought together 80 golfers from the housing and commercial sector at Childwall Golf Club to compete in the sold-out event, which was hosted by local comedian Willie Millar. The guests and 20 sponsors in attendance collectively raised £19,000 for Zoe’s Place Cycle India Challenge. Zoe’s Place cares for babies and young children with life-limiting, life-threatening or complex conditions. Their hospice in Liverpool has been on the same site for the last 28 years, but they now need to raise enough capital to ensure that their new hospice can facilitate their current services, providing the home away from home environment that the babies and families deserve. During the event, players had the opportunity to win a variety of prizes kindly donated by local companies and were also able to bid on auction items, including Peter Kay tickets and Liverpool Football Club signed shirts, to raise valuable funds. Gina Earnshaw from the Zoe’s Place said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with The Sovini Group so we can collectively raise funds to secure a new hospice and future home in Liverpool for our children and their families.” The Sovini Group’s annual golf day will focus on raising money for the Cycle India challenge in aid of Zoe’s Place. A team of seven colleagues will be pedalling 450 km through majestic Rajasthan, in aid of this great cause. Gina added “It’s our aspiration to raise enough capital to ensure that our new hospice can facilitate our current services, providing the home away from home environment that our babies and families deserve. We are so grateful for everyone who generously donated at today’s golf day, and we’ll look forward to more partnership opportunities with The Sovini Group in future.” The Sovini Group CEO Roy Williams said: “Our annual golf day is a great opportunity to raise valuable funds for Zoe’s Place, a very worthy local cause and one close to our hearts. I would like to thank our sponsors and guests who helped to make this event such a success, and for making a difference to the children and their families, as we strive to create opportunities and change lives.” To find out more about Zoe’s Place visit their website here. To find out more about The Sovini Group click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

LEADING regional procurement specialist EN:Procure, part of Efficiency North Holdings consortium of social housing providers, has continued its support of communities in Yorkshire through its Social Value Credits scheme for members. Efficiency North members who use EN:Procure’s frameworks can accrue the credits to be used for local community investment or creating new jobs and apprenticeships. The scheme’s latest £1,500 total was accumulated by 54North Homes, a member that builds and manages more than 3,000 affordable homes across Yorkshire. It decided to share the proceeds equally between walking buddy project Move Mates and Leeds-based community service The Pantry. Lee Parkinson, chief executive of Efficiency North, said: “Social value is the beating heart of Efficiency North and the foundation stone of our vision, values and mission. The Social Value Credits model was created as a response to our members wanting a more flexible way of delivering real impacts to the communities they serve, and that is evidenced by these donations made by 54North Homes. “Whether the money is going towards apprenticeships, jobs in the community or great causes, it’s all about building resilient communities for the north of England.” Since launching the scheme in 2019, Efficiency North has delivered £564k in Social Value Credits to its membership for them to target support in the communities they serve. Move Mates, based in North Yorkshire, helps make getting out for a walk a reality for people who have difficulty leaving their homes, training volunteers to offer one-to-one support to members of the community. Becci Blues, Move Mates CEO, said: “The donation from Efficiency North and 54North Homes has been a huge help in supporting our projects to continue to run throughout North Yorkshire, allowing us to continue to offer our services from volunteer walking buddies to help get people active, improve their wellbeing and reduce isolation.  “On average it costs us £75 to recruit and train a new volunteer, so this donation will mean we can recruit ten new volunteers and support ten new beneficiaries from our waiting list. Thank you to Efficiency North and 54North Homes for their support and generosity.” The Pantry at Kirkstall Valley Development Trust provides residents in the Kirkstall area with access to groceries and fresh produce at an affordable price, reducing their shopping bills. The trust’s CEO, Adele Rae, said: “Without the support of organisations such as Efficiency North and 54North Homes, the pantry would not be sustainable, so this generous donation is greatly appreciated. “The funds have gone directly towards food for the pantry, which supports between 30 and 40 households each week that may be struggling financially, or with their physical or mental health. “It’s a lifeline for many people in the community so this donation will help us serve even more.” To find out more about Efficiency North, please visit https://www.efficiencynorth.org Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

On Wednesday 10th April 1st Shipley Scouts in Sussex held a celebratory event to mark the completion of its brand-new accessible shower block. The new facilities were made possible by Willmott Dixon, together with generous contributions from local businesses and the community. Chairman of 1st Shipley Scouts, Peter Sutton, welcomed and gave thanks to contributors and explained that the new facilities present extended opportunities for Scouts both now and for generations to come. Officially opening the new shower block were Jeremy Quin MP and Chairman of Horsham Council, Cllr David Skipp who jointly cut a ceremonial ribbon alongside Explorers, Scouts, Cubs, and Beavers from the group. After all the showers had their inaugural test-run, attendees enjoyed a barbecue lunch and explored the facilities together. Pete Sutton, Chairman of 1st Shipley Scouts, remarked how the project was made possible with significant input from both Willmott Dixon and local contributors: “Initially, the project got underway with thanks to local generosity from Billingshurst Lions, Saxon Weald, Dudman Group and Tugwell Heating Co who either gave donations, materials, or got stuck in with physical hard work. When we’d got as far as we could, we then reached out to the team at Willmott Dixon for their help, and I am bowled over by what they have achieved for us. “We’re extremely grateful to Project Manager Rob Douglas and Managing Director of the South Richard Poulter who have been absolutely fundamental to getting this completed. The build team included final year management trainees Caitlyn Greenwell and Callum Cronin who have now completed their training and represented Willmott Dixon at the event. They enlisted further help from 17 supply chain partners and worked tirelessly to finish the DDA compliant shower block. Everything was taken care of, from installing a new boiler, right down to the smallest of details of fixing towel hooks and supplying shower curtains. “What’s more impressive is that this all happened whilst navigating the restrictions of COVID. As such a big company, Willmott Dixon could have easily forgotten us, but they didn’t. They delivered on every single promise and more. “Showing such dedication to following through on a local community project like ours is truly humbling. We previously had a shell of a building – I never imagined we’d have something finished to this standard. It’s with thanks to Willmott Dixon and local support that more people are now able to enjoy the experiences to be had here.” Richard Poulter, Managing Director of the South from Willmott Dixon, commented on the project success: “Being able to provide community facilities such as these is one of the commitments we make at Willmott Dixon, as we understand the value of the opportunities it can create for people. With tough restrictions in place during the COVID pandemic, we had a lot of challenges to overcome, but we take great pride in delivering on our promises and are honoured to have been able to support 1st Shipley Scouts.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals