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
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
This collaboration strengthens Building Heroes’ mission to support the reskilling and redeployment of military veterans into the construction industry. Building Heroes, the leading military-to-construction charity is excited to unveil its latest partnership with AmeyBriggs, which proudly joins as a Bronze Sponsoring Partner. This collaboration strengthens Building Heroes’ mission to support
Barratt Homes has donated £1,500 to Buckinghamshire’s homeless and foodbank charity, Jedidiah. The housebuilder, which is currently selling new homes at the nearby St Rumbold’s Fields development in Buckingham, has donated to the charity in support of their efforts providing food support to struggling families. With food prices on the
Chubb, one of the leading providers of fire safety and security solutions, has donated £500 to support the Hillingdon Foodbank. Through the organisation’s charitAble employee volunteering programme, the marketing and communications team spent the day preparing food parcels for local families in the Hillingdon borough area. Chubb’s charitAble initiative encourages
North of England contractor committed to providing purposeful investment and engagement beyond the construction site Across the United Kingdom, the construction industry plays a vital role in driving economic growth and development while also shaping social and environmental landscapes. The latest Social Value in Construction Benchmarking Report revealed more than
Doka’s versatile ParaTop bridge formwork provided the ideal solution for the rapid, high-specification creation of concrete decks that are integral to providing patients with a crucial new transport link to a cancer care centre. The 56-metre single-span bridge will improve road access to the Velindre Hospital in Cardiff. Known as
Leading UK safety charity, Electrical Safety First (ESF), today unveils a new visual brand identity. Click here to access a selection of the brand assets. The rebrand comes as electricity increasingly plays a bigger role in people’s lives than ever before due to the UK’s climate objective of net zero carbon emissions
The Centre for Accessible Environments (CAE) has now opened up its Pathways Academy training to disabled Londoners of all ages, thanks to a funding boost of £303,000 from London’s biggest independent charity funder, City Bridge Foundation. This funding will further the impactful work of the Pathways Academy over the next
Barratt David Wilson North Thames contributed £34.6 million to benefit communities across the Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Essex last year, according to its Socio-Economic Footprint report. This includes £28.4m expenditure on physical works included highway and environmental improvements, affordable homes and community facilities in the region. The housebuilder made a further
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
This collaboration strengthens Building Heroes’ mission to support the reskilling and redeployment of military veterans into the construction industry. Building Heroes, the leading military-to-construction charity is excited to unveil its latest partnership with AmeyBriggs, which proudly joins as a Bronze Sponsoring Partner. This collaboration strengthens Building Heroes’ mission to support the reskilling and redeployment of military veterans into the construction industry. Building Heroes provides comprehensive support to military personnel, reservists, and their families during their transition from military to civilian life. Participants receive support which encompasses essential skills, training, and guidance to facilitate successful careers in the construction sector. AmeyBriggs are recognised for supplying vehicles and equipment to ensure the safety of our military and managing the Ministry of Defence’s construction and material handling fleet, playing a crucial role in supporting the British Armed Forces on operations at home and overseas. Commenting on the collaboration, AmeyBriggs Managing Director Phil Crick said, “We are delighted to be a Bronze sponsoring partner with Building Heroes. As a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant, we have pledged our support to the Armed Forces Community, both past and present, and are delighted that our support will help train ex-force personnel to support their future employment opportunities.” Building Heroes is actively working with training providers in both the North and South of England to identify suitable Plant training programmes for launch later this year. These funded training programmes will cater to former military community members and service leavers in their resettlement process. The collaboration with Amey Briggs will help to provide graduates with potential employment opportunities upon completion of these specialised plant training programmes. Nicola Schneider, Head of Corporate Partnerships, expressed her enthusiasm, stating: “We are delighted to welcome AmeyBriggs as a sponsoring partner of the Building Heroes Education Foundation. The forthcoming launch of plant training programmes, with employment outcomes supported by AmeyBriggs, signifies a key step in identifying employment pathways for our graduates within the construction industry. We eagerly anticipate the positive impact this collaboration will have on our Armed Forces community.” For those interested in pursuing a career in the construction and infrastructure sector, Building Heroes invites you to explore future course details, timings, and application processes. Contact info@buildingheroes.org.uk for more information. Organisations looking to enhance their teams and contribute to ESG objectives, social value, equality, diversity, and inclusion are encouraged to partner with Building Heroes. Learn more about becoming an academy, corporate charity, or employer partner at https://www.buildingheroes.org.uk/our-partners. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Barratt Homes has donated £1,500 to Buckinghamshire’s homeless and foodbank charity, Jedidiah. The housebuilder, which is currently selling new homes at the nearby St Rumbold’s Fields development in Buckingham, has donated to the charity in support of their efforts providing food support to struggling families. With food prices on the rise since 2021, thinktank Food Foundation has stated that food poverty amongst families is increasing, with almost 4 million UK children in food poverty in 2023, with one in five households to be skipping meals or not eating for a whole day1. Driven by a calling to feed those in need since 2020, Jedidiah has been on a mission to ensure no one should go hungry. With the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis further intensifying their calling, its team of volunteers now regularly support an increasing number of families each week across three branches, delivering thousands of meals, and hoping to ensure families do not feel alone2. Barratt North Thames’ donation will continue Jedidiah’s support to local families in Buckingham. Marc Woolfe, Director of Sales & Marketing at Barratt North Thames, comments: “Food insecurity is becoming an increasing concern for many, and for Buckingham to have a brilliant charity right at its doorstep is ever-so reassuring. We are so honoured to support Jedidiah, and hope that our donation will keep up their efforts in ensuring no one’s sleep hungry.” Cynthia Stroud MBE, Founder of Jedidiah adds: “We have seen a rise in demand for our services in the last few years and want to ensure we never let anyone feel alone. It is with the support from businesses like Barratt North Thames, who are a massive support in upholding our aims and ensuring the local community is always supported.” For further details about Barratt David Wilson North Thames or the new homes at St Rumbold’s Fields, visit https://www.barratthomes.co.uk/ / www.dwh.co.uk or call 0330 828 0133 / 0330 1627 757 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Chubb, one of the leading providers of fire safety and security solutions, has donated £500 to support the Hillingdon Foodbank. Through the organisation’s charitAble employee volunteering programme, the marketing and communications team spent the day preparing food parcels for local families in the Hillingdon borough area. Chubb’s charitAble initiative encourages employees to engage directly with local communities by offering two paid days off annually for volunteering activities, along with a donation to their chosen charity. “At Chubb, we’re a business that protects lives and puts people first, so it’s fitting that we too support our people in making meaningful connections with our local communities and supporting causes that matter to them,” said Carla Sousa, Director of Marketing and Communications at Chubb. “It was great to be able to give something back to our community and make a difference to people who really need it.” During the visit to the Hillingdon Foodbank, the Chubb team learnt about the scale of the foodbank’s operations and met the Community Project Coordinator, Muhammad ‘Peter’ Abdullaziz. The team got stuck in with various tasks, from organising and labelling to packing food for distribution to those in need. The Hillingdon Foodbank was London’s first food bank, opening its doors in 2009. In 2021, it provided 13,477 people with three-day emergency food. “Our foodbank relies heavily on the generosity and support of the community to provide emergency food assistance and address the broader challenges of poverty and hunger,” said Peter. “Chubb’s kindness and commitment mean everything to us. Their donation will provide food parcels for 15 families, helping to alleviate the hardships they face due to the cost-of-living crisis.” Through initiatives like charitAble, Chubb continues to lead by example, demonstrating that compassion and humanity are integral to the business world. Chubb is not only making a difference in the lives of those in need but also paving the way for a more socially responsible corporate landscape. To find out more about Hillingdon Foodbank please visit: https://hillingdon.foodbank.org.uk/
North of England contractor committed to providing purposeful investment and engagement beyond the construction site Across the United Kingdom, the construction industry plays a vital role in driving economic growth and development while also shaping social and environmental landscapes. The latest Social Value in Construction Benchmarking Report revealed more than £1 billion was spent in social value projects for 2022. Under the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 businesses are required to consider the economic, social and environmental wellbeing from commissioned projects and the positive impact on communities is gaining pace. Esh Construction has always sought to stay ahead of the curve in providing community benefits around its construction schemes and currently delivers social value through 30 bespoke programmes, some of which are award-winning. In continuing to grow its Yorkshire portfolio, and since the implications caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, Esh has restructured its social value offering by developing a Constructing Local Strategy centred around six themed ‘E’s’ – Employment, Education, Engagement, Even Greener, Employees and Economy. Initially joining Esh in November 2021 as a community co-ordinator, Megan Roberts (main picture) had a lot of catching up to do on commitments that couldn’t be delivered due to school closures and lockdown rules. By the summer of 2022, Megan was promoted to Social Value Manager for Yorkshire with a key ambition to get into the communities in which Esh operates and build a social value legacy. Investing in social value Spearheading Esh’s social value activities in Yorkshire, Megan has seen opportunities blossom, with over £2.8 million worth of social value delivered in the region in the last 12 months alone, with an average 18% social value return on investment. The steadfast approach to social value has not gone unnoticed, with Megan being named in the Top 30 Under 30 Leeds and West Yorkshire list for new business talent, owing to the manner in which she has developed collaborative partnerships to grow Esh’s offering and support established organisations at the heart of the local communities. Reflecting on progress over the past three years, Megan said: “When I joined Esh, I spent a period of time playing catch up on commitments that couldn’t be fulfilled throughout the lockdown period and social distancing restrictions. In the past 12-18 months though, there has been vast change and improvement in our social value programmes and partnerships, coinciding with growth in our work in the South Yorkshire region – it’s a really exciting time to be working in social value, and construction. Attendance at key industry events, including the North Star Science School 2023 at Gulliver’s Valley Theme Park and Get Up to Speed with STEM at Magna Science Adventure Centre both this year and last year bore fruit as Esh engaged with over 4,000 students and linked up with RNN Group, The Work-wise Foundation and Skills Street. Key initiatives launched in the last two years include Construction in the Curriculum and a water themed Get into STEM programme, which offer real life insight into construction careers. It results in communities surrounding Esh’s live and pipeline projects benefitting from a range of opportunities, as the company drives local employment and local spend opportunities to subcontractors and suppliers, while taking part in volunteering and providing charitable donations to relevant community groups. Esh’s social value commitments in the region have been developed in line with key housing and civils contracts through the last few years. From housing developments at Fir View Gardens and Pemberton Road in Sheffield and Castleford respectively, to active travel projects that are improving the transport infrastructure between Broom Road and Wellgate, Sheffield Road and the Maltby Bus Corridor in Rotherham, Esh’s visibility in South Yorkshire has grown too. Changing mindsets Charitable endeavours, investing in employees and CSR activities haven’t always been labelled as social value, but it was always there. Since 2012, tender requirements have steadily introduced a growing impetus for social value benefits and Esh has grown its social value team to meet the demand. Megan is buoyed from the buy-in she gets from Esh’s forward-thinking project teams and senior team. The 25-year-old Pontefract native said: “There has been a monumental shift in mindset on social value in the last 5-10 years and we’re seeing clients join us on our journey. The majority of Esh’s current projects in the region involve improving infrastructure and public realm and new build affordable housing schemes, and we can deliver a targeted and tailored approach to social value in partnership with our respective client for each project.” Earlier this month, Esh was announced as a Skills Investor partner with Skills Street at its new interactive learning facility at Gulliver’s Valley Theme Park. The site is expected to welcome 16,000 students annually, while activities will be accessible to the general public, community groups and leisure visitors. And there’s more to come, according to Megan. She said: “As project teams become more familiar with social value terminologies and the associated community impacts, the pick-up from Local Authorities, careers organisations and educational establishments has enabled Esh to maximise its support for people across the region. “The social value weighting in tenders is on an upward trajectory and that’s where education and client buy-in is required. Thankfully though the pick-up from local authorities, careers organisations and educational establishments has helped Esh Construction maximise its support for people across the region. “By working collaboratively, we can progress on the social value journey together and develop a lasting legacy locally.” Building on its community-focused roots, supporting communities and young people, and providing aspirational opportunities has been embedded into Esh Construction’s culture from day one. As part of its fabric, social value continues to thrive, and Esh is taking Yorkshire along on its journey. Find out more about how Esh’s social value team can support you at https://www.eshgroup.co.uk/constructing-local/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Doka’s versatile ParaTop bridge formwork provided the ideal solution for the rapid, high-specification creation of concrete decks that are integral to providing patients with a crucial new transport link to a cancer care centre. The 56-metre single-span bridge will improve road access to the Velindre Hospital in Cardiff. Known as the ‘Hospital of Hope’, the facility offers specialist and complex cancer services to more than 1.5 million people in south east Wales and beyond. Doka’s ParaTop bridge formwork was selected by principal contractor, Walters, as the ideal system for the rapid, effective formation of the bridge’s concrete parapets. ParaTop was created using modular principles, whereby the system can be adapted to specific applications. Its strength is its versatility, allowing ParaTop to be fixed to concrete or steel superstructures. The system contains an innovative insert-shoe, making it simple to erect whilst its cantilever formwork makes it easy work for cranes to install and lift when required via hard-plated insert-cones. ParaTop removes the need for platforms or scaffolds beneath the superstructure and fewer bracket planes are also required. Erection and dismantling times can be significantly reduced by using bolted, rather than threaded joints. In addition, ParaTop’s cantilever arm formwork eliminates the threading of tie rods in readiness for the concrete pouring process. For the Velindre Hospital Bridge project, the ParaTop bridge formwork was installed by Wyndham Construction. It was attached, via crane, to the bridge’s 2.3 metre-high, 1.2 metre-wide Corten steel beams. In total, the composite ladder beam-type plate girder bridge comprises 293 tonnes of steel. Rhodri Jones, Sub Agent at Walters, said Doka’s ParaTop bridge formwork ensured an installation that was rapid and issue-free. “The system hooked on quickly and easily to the bridge’s beams” he said. “The dismantling process was equally as straightforward, requiring the removal of just three bolts in what was a very simple and time-effective process. Overall, we’re delighted with the ParaTop bridge formwork’s performance on this incredibly worthwhile project for south east Wales.” The Velindre Hospital Bridge means visitors can travel to the cancer care centre, which is staffed by clinicians and scientists who are world leaders in their field, with greater convenience and comfort. Doka is proud to have supplied the high-quality formwork that is core to the structure’s long-term stability. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading UK safety charity, Electrical Safety First (ESF), today unveils a new visual brand identity. Click here to access a selection of the brand assets. The rebrand comes as electricity increasingly plays a bigger role in people’s lives than ever before due to the UK’s climate objective of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Even at present, over half all UK domestic fires are caused by electrical faults. With the charity’s mission propelled into more significance than ever, ESF is expanding its ambitions accordingly, to ensure people avoid deaths and injuries caused by electricity. The rebrand was informed by an extensive brand audit, comprising quantitative and qualitative research among key audiences and stakeholders, as well as market and competitor analysis. The branding agency, Garden, led both the brand audit and brand development project, working with ESF’s Head of Communications, Rory Carroll. AI software-supported colour analysis that showed Electrical Safety First’s existing primary colour, red, was by far the most used amongst charities but was particularly associated with health issues, echoing blood and danger. Whilst the latter connotation was relevant to ESF as a safety charity, the decision was made to break with this in favour of electric green, with a distinctive ‘glowing’ effect to symbolise ‘power on’ common amongst electronic items and to represent consumers making a positive change in their electrical safety. This was not a common association with green when red was chosen as the charity’s primary colour. This chimes perfectly with the creation of a new primary brand mark that replaces the previous ‘coil’-like icon, with a distinctive logo that represents both ‘e’ – being short for “electrical” – and the ‘power on’ icon universally seen in all electronic devices for many decades, whether on laptops, smartphones or televisions. The previous colour palette of red, brown, blue, green, yellow and grey reflected colours of different types of electrical wiring. Whilst this was an innovative idea, in practice it was rare for all colours to be seen together and therefore for that connection to be made with audiences. The colours also did not complement each other in execution. A vibrant primary and secondary colour palette of electric tones has now been created that work in harmony with each other. A new set of photography guidelines sees a unique treatment of imagery that combines a raw, grainy effect, with wash of colour from the new brand’s colour palette. Added to these will be one of a wide range of iconography that has been created, as a key component of this new brand. These icons are modern, leading-edge but simple in style and can act as shorthand for many common electrical scenarios, such as fire, shock, explosion, toxic fumes, and the danger of water combining with electricity. They are created with digital marketing communications in mind and are fully animated. They will also integrate in execution with the sonic brand that Electrical Safety First is developing as the next key phase of its new brand roll out. The new strapline, “Powering change + saving lives,” addresses the life-and-death nature of the charity’s work and highlights its triple-approach of: campaigning for legislative change; improving industry standards; and influencing consumer behaviour. The choice of using the positive ‘+’ icon rather than “and” or ampersand also symbolises a positive electric charge. The brand audit exposed a lack of consistency in brand application across ESF’s conferences, campaigns and microsites. A clear sub-brand architecture has therefore been created, which ensures brand synergy across the charity’s many and varied activations and ensures the charity benefits from brand recognition derived, and these initiatives in turn benefit from leveraging the brand equity of this well-regarded charity. Finally, the previous brand’s typeface was dated and failed to convey the charity’s reputation for world-class technical expertise. A modern, clean typeface, hinting at digital displays on electronic devices, has replaced it. These new brand elements provide Electrical Safety First with a unique, ownable visual identity that cements it as a forward-looking, leading-edge organisation of national significance. One of ESF’s core brand values is inclusivity, with ensuring accessibility for all being paramount. The new brand has been tested against DDA and W3C standards and braille versions of our logotype have been developed, ensuring that ESF’s message is universally reachable. Rory Carroll, Electrical Safety First’s Head of Communications, explains: “Our new identity represents our charity’s leading edge technical expertise. It’s a radical departure from the previous brand, propelling us into the AI digital age. “Before a second was spent in the design studio, we conducted a comprehensive brand audit, which really built a deep foundation of learnings that steered the creation of this new brand world. “Eight strong brand routes were considered, but there was one clear, unanimous winner. This concept our agency, Garden, developed is so clever. The glowing green ‘on’ graphical device looks stunning and has had similarly glowing feedback. Combined with the unique iconography, modern typeface and vibrant colour palette, we have an ownable brand and a clear brand strategy that will be relevant for decades to come. “Tens of millions of us across the UK live with electricity coursing through the walls, ceiling and floors all around us, without even considering it. As we move towards net zero, electronic items will become an ever-increasing part of our existence. “We are putting in place all the elements to ensure Electrical Safety First is there, as a resource, for everyone to safely enjoy this new electric age. Armed with the right information, people can avoid the dangers of electric shocks and fires. “This new brand identity represents a new era of ambition for our charity. In an increasingly electric world we aim to be the go-to for expert guidance, protect users of electricity and electrical products and save lives.” Sam Fraser Steel, Garden Head of Strategy, explains: “The Electrical Safety First re brand was a fascinating and important challenge, where a clearly understood and defined brand purpose has led to a strategic shift in visual identity. “Our close collaboration with the ESF team has resulted in the creation of a dynamic and contemporary brand, that is both versatile and compelling, drawing individuals in with the allure of technological excitement, whilst at the same
The Centre for Accessible Environments (CAE) has now opened up its Pathways Academy training to disabled Londoners of all ages, thanks to a funding boost of £303,000 from London’s biggest independent charity funder, City Bridge Foundation. This funding will further the impactful work of the Pathways Academy over the next three years, training and supporting disabled adults to kickstart careers in inclusive design and access-related roles. Over 70% of Pathways graduates are now employed in inclusion and access-related roles, with, so far, 40 disabled people trained from 14 London boroughs. Pathways has been pivotal in providing trainees with the confidence, skills, and support necessary to embark on careers in the access field. The initiative by CAE, which is part of Habinteg Housing Association, won the best career development initiative award in 2023’s Women in Housing Awards, following its launch three years prior. Trainees are equipped with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills through nine months of online and in-person theory and practical training. They also benefit from on-the-job shadowing and mentoring by industry experts, who align with their areas of interest. Fara Muneer, Head of Business Development at CAE, said: “This significant funding enables us to continue and expand the reach of the Pathways programme. It not only sustains the ongoing success of Pathways Academy, but allows us to eliminate age restrictions, making the course accessible to a broader group of disabled people in London. “This extra three years of funding provides us with an opportunity to explore further national funding for the programme.” Nicky Sutherland, a former Pathways student said, “Access to me, was a bottomless pit of standards and regulations. It wasn’t something I was interested in, but Pathways changed that. The programme has allowed me to pick apart inclusive design and see what interests me. It opened my eyes to the inaccessibility baked into many aspects of society, and it made me want to learn more.” Giles Shilson, City Bridge Foundation Chairman, said: “We’re really pleased to be able to continue to support the really important work CAE’s Pathways Academy is doing. It will help give even more disabled people the confidence, skills and support they need to forge a career in inclusive design and access-related roles.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Barratt David Wilson North Thames contributed £34.6 million to benefit communities across the Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Essex last year, according to its Socio-Economic Footprint report. This includes £28.4m expenditure on physical works included highway and environmental improvements, affordable homes and community facilities in the region. The housebuilder made a further £6.2m contribution in support of community and social infrastructure through planning and Government schemes, with the launch of new parks, playgrounds and schools. The annual report highlights the social and economic impact of Barratt David Wilson North Thames on people, places and nature in the areas surrounding its housing developments. Some £79,500 was donated directly to local charities, including foodbanks, community groups and hospitals, with employees contributing over 250 hours volunteering throughout the year. With a commitment to enhancing biodiversity across its developments, Barratt David Wilson North Thames also opened 16.2 hectares of public open space and private gardens – equivalent to 23 football pitches of green space. Over 99% of timber used in construction was certified sustainability sourced and construction waste has been reduced by 37% since its 2015 benchmark. The housebuilder unveiled 710 new homes in the region last year, including 149 affordable homes, with a range of new properties set to be launched in 2024. Marc Woolfe, Sales and Marketing Director at Barratt David Wilson North Thames said: “We are committed to having a significant positive impact on the communities surrounding our homes. Our contribution to local infrastructure, charitable causes and nature in the area underpins all that we do, and we are proud to announce the scale of that contribution in this report. “We look forward to working closely with local councils and worthy causes this year to build on this fantastic work as well as unveiling our latest developments and homes in the region.” Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes are building a range of new homes across Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire, in locations such as Leighton Buzzard, Aylesbury, Houghton Regis, Sawbridgeworth and Buckingham. To find out more about Barratt David Wilson North Thames visit www.barratthomes.co.uk or call 0330 057 6000. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
