A stray cat seen wandering the Hitchin streets is now living it up in a bijou property designed and built by an award-winning construction company. The open-plan home, built over one level, has access to all local amenities with regular food deliveries and a constant supply of fresh water. Nick
A former apprentice, who is now a fully qualified joiner with Yorkshire and Lincolnshire construction firm Hobson & Porter, has been recognised for both the quality of his work, as well as going the extra mile for clients. Aaron Wilson joined Hobson & Porter in 2017 and completed a three-year
ScottishPower today marks reaching a special £40million fundraising milestone for its long-standing charity partner Cancer Research UK as employees share their stories and call for more to be done to help beat cancer. The green energy company, its customers and staff have supported Cancer Research UK since 2012 in its
Leading investor, developer and operator of rental communities Moda Group has announced its Fitwel Champion status. This prestigious grading has been given to Moda as it continues to lead change by committing to use Fitwel for its vast and growing portfolio, applying exceptionally high standards from the world’s leading certification
A host of charities and organisations supporting communities across Scotland have been awarded funding from SP Energy Networks’ Net Zero Fund to introduce innovative net zero technology. The groups will receive grants to help them decarbonise and reach their net zero targets sooner – through the installation of solar panels
The legacy of a respected built environment professional will live on thanks to a new Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) award. Paul Dockerill had an immense passion for building safety, skills development, and improving fire safety in the UK up until his tragic and untimely death in November 2022. After
Civils & Lintels, part of the Huws Gray group of companies, has made a bold statement of support for Mates in Mind, a national charity that raises awareness of the stigma of poor mental health, especially in the construction sector. The nationwide leading distributor of lintels, drainage, and heavy-side building
In the heart of the Scottish Highlands lies Dalnavie Woodland, a thriving carbon offset project spanning 41 hectares, equivalent to 77 football pitches. With a commitment to combatting climate change and transforming land use, Dalnavie Woodland, supported by CPI Euromix, Potanow Forestry and CarbonStore, is making significant contributions to the
A big-hearted Scottish training officer has raised thousands of pounds for the industry charity which helped him face his own mental health issues. Frankie Greig, who oversees apprentices for the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT), cycled 324 miles from Venice to Milan in the Italian Lakes Cycle Event to
Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, has announced the Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust as its chosen charity for 2024. Aortic Dissection is a serious heart condition caused by a partial tear in the wall of the aorta, which prevents blood supply and can lead to the rupturing of organs. Seventy people
A stray cat seen wandering the Hitchin streets is now living it up in a bijou property designed and built by an award-winning construction company. The open-plan home, built over one level, has access to all local amenities with regular food deliveries and a constant supply of fresh water. Nick Claessen, Senior Operations Manager, of Willmott Dixon, enlisted the help of his wife and children to create the Grand Design for Wilbury, named after the name of the street where the home is located. He said: “Wilbury turned up around our office a couple of years ago. We assumed he was a stray as he was always hanging around. “This year, the winter seems to have been particularly cold, and we started to feel sorry for Wilbury that he didn’t have somewhere warm to hunker down and be protected from the elements.” Nick picked up discarded materials from site, had it cut to size and took it home where he worked with his family to build and paint the home from home. “A number of our people took on responsibility for feeding him and worming him and he obviously decided he liked it round here. His little house has become quite a talking point for everyone.” Willmott Dixon, which won a King’s Award for Enterprise last year, puts social value at the heart of its business. “Community is so important to us, and I think we have shown that it’s not just the humans that matter. It may seem a small thing, but it shows the kind of company we have.” And as a pawnote, the Willmott Dixon team has confirmed that Wilbury has now found an even cosier foster home and is looking forward to a purrfect happy ending. For more information on Willmott Dixon, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A former apprentice, who is now a fully qualified joiner with Yorkshire and Lincolnshire construction firm Hobson & Porter, has been recognised for both the quality of his work, as well as going the extra mile for clients. Aaron Wilson joined Hobson & Porter in 2017 and completed a three-year apprenticeship in joinery, whilst working alongside experienced members of the team. Aaron has worked on several projects including the new Methodist Church in Driffield and medical centres in both Scunthorpe and Scarborough. Currently he is part of a small team working for Beverley Housing Charity on a programme of improvement works to modernise and enhance its portfolio of Almshouses in the town. His work is now being highlighted as part of National Apprenticeship Week which runs from 5th to the 11th of February. Chief executive, Andy Barber from Beverley Housing Charity, said: “Aaron has not only taken the time to get to know us as a charity, but also our residents. Aaron shows genuine care and attention to detail and wants to understand how the work he and his team are carrying out will impact local people. “On several occasions Aaron has gone above and beyond, making residents on site feel not only safe, but also cared for. He’s carried residents’ shopping upstairs for them and helped deal with a sensitive issue with a resident who has memory loss. “Aaron regularly brightens up our residents’ days, especially when the bad weather stops them from going out. Aaron is not just an exemplar employee of Hobson & Porter and a talented joiner, but despite his young years, he is a mature and caring citizen and a real pleasure to work with.” HR Director Jacquie Blades, from Hobson & Porter, said: “As soon as Aaron started with us, we could see how dedicated he was to his apprenticeship and his commitment remains just as strong to this day, six years on. Aaron is courteous, well-mannered and has a pleasant demeanour, always presenting himself well to colleagues and clients and we are not at all surprised by the commendation from Beverely Housing Charity. “Always fully focussed on any task in hand, he is well thought of by all his colleagues, and we are delighted that the charity has recognised him too. We of course will support him in the next steps of his career and can’t wait to see what he achieves next.” Aaron, who is 24 years old said: “I’m lucky that I really love what I do. I knew that an apprenticeship would be the best route into construction for me and Hobson & Porter have supported me every step of the way. I’m 100% behind apprenticeships and have loved the hybrid learning opportunities the career path has given me. I would wholeheartedly recommend an apprenticeship to anyone currently considering one. “I hope to develop further in my career to become a site manager, and I have recently completed the Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme to help with this. Working at Beverley Housing Charity is a particular highlight to date as I get to meet so many interesting people and make a real difference to their lives, whilst also taking the opportunity to supervise my own project for the first time. I would like to pay special thanks to my colleagues Mark Tomlinson and Dave Brown amongst others for their steadfast support and mentorship.” Hobson & Porter has a rolling apprenticeship scheme for more than 45 years and is wholeheartedly committed to training and development to help address the skills shortages in the construction industry. As part of its award-winning Foundations initiative, the firm also helps signpost apprentices towards organisations within its own supply chain. Hobson & Porter also has an additional 15 team members enrolled on training plans and higher and further education courses. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
ScottishPower today marks reaching a special £40million fundraising milestone for its long-standing charity partner Cancer Research UK as employees share their stories and call for more to be done to help beat cancer. The green energy company, its customers and staff have supported Cancer Research UK since 2012 in its mission to help create a world where people can live longer, better lives free from the fear of cancer. Through a wide range of fundraising initiatives, it has been a key backer of the charity’s pioneering research and the work of over 4,000 scientists, doctors and nurses in the UK. Cancer Research UK is the world’s leading cancer charity, dedicated to saving lives through research. The charity’s work on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer has helped save millions of lives. Recent events have shown that cancer can affect anyone. Almost 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetimes, and Cancer Research UK has been at the heart of the progress that has already seen cancer survival in the UK double in the last 50 years. One of those people to benefit from research is ScottishPower employee Mark McDowell. Mark’s life changed forever in 2018 when he was diagnosed with stage four cancer in his tonsil and liver. Mark McDowell, Head of IT Architecture at ScottishPower, said: “I was only 41 years old and I had been living a healthy life, so my chances of recovery from tonsil cancer were good. That was until I went for a PET scan and it showed things weren’t as positive as we first thought. The specialist’s face fell when they realised cancer had spread to my liver, and I was told my chance of survival was nearer 20% than 95%.” Mark was quickly referred to specialists in London and the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre. He was treated with a complex combination of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and keyhole surgery. He was in the Beatson for eight weeks supported by a brilliant team of specialist doctors, nurses and radiographers amongst other medical experts. Thanks to their care, in April Mark plans to celebrate his fifth year without cancer. “I felt lucky to be alive as I’ve seen so many people lose their lives to cancer – family, friends and colleagues. Cancer can affect anyone, with nearly one in two people in the UK diagnosed with it during their lifetime. “Cancer is a highly complex disease and in the past it was often a death sentence – that’s why fundraising for life-saving research is so important. The medical advances in radiotherapy, PET and keyhole surgery saved my life but they’re things you don’t think about until you need them. “We need charities like Cancer Research UK and their super star researchers to have the funding, investment and resources to find new treatments and cures.” Dr Claire Paterson is a clinical oncologist and radiotherapy researcher partly funded by Cancer Research UK. At the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre in Glasgow, she is working on ways to improve radiotherapy for patients with head and neck cancer like Mark’s. To date, Cancer Research UK has invested £42.3 million in RadNet – a network of seven research centres dedicated to radiotherapy research, including the RadNet Glasgow Centre which supports Claire’s research. She said: “We can target cancer far more precisely now, which makes treatment more effective and kinder for patients than it used to be decades ago. We hope that we can continue to make further improvements with more research. “Mark’s story shows how painstaking research, conducted over many years, and advances in treatment can save lives. Cancer Research UK can only support large scale research programmes with generous donations and ScottishPower have raised a huge amount of money to support the charity’s vital mission.” ScottishPower raises money through initiatives including its Help Beat Cancer energy tariff, employee and customer fundraising, as well as sponsorship of Race for Life events across the UK and Stand Up To Cancer campaigns. Every penny raised through these initiatives contributes towards Cancer Research UK’s vision for a better future. ScottishPower employee Ellie Cookhas joined hundreds of recent recruits to raise money for the charity. After losing her gran to lung cancer and supporting her dad through skin cancer, Ellie is getting a team together for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life fundraising event at Glasgow Green in May. Ellie Cook, a Marketing Graduate at ScottishPower, said: “Fundraising hits differently when it’s so close to home – that’s why I’m getting a 10K team together for Race for Life and challenging myself to train for it. This is something that affects us all. We’re raising money for lifesaving cancer research so family, friends and colleagues are really happy to sponsor us.” Today, 2 in 4 people survive their cancer for at least 10 years. Cancer Research UK’s ambition is to accelerate progress so that by 2034, 3 in 4 people will survive their cancer for at least 10 years. ScottishPower is helping Cancer Research UK achieve this ambition with its fundraising efforts. Andrew Ward, CEO of ScottishPower’s customer business, said: “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved for Cancer Research UK through our long-standing partnership. We started this journey with them in 2012 with the aim of raising £5million in three years and to have our incredible employees, suppliers and customers go on since then to raise £40million for life-saving research is nothing short of phenomenal. It’s clear to us that everybody values the ability to support the charity, all who have been involved should also be proud of their efforts in raising such a fantastic amount of money. “Knowing the difference our partnership has made since it first began and how it has contributed to creating a world where people can live longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer personally means so much to me. Both Mark and Ellie really bring the impact of the partnership alive through their own experiences and really show just how vital the funds being raised
Leading investor, developer and operator of rental communities Moda Group has announced its Fitwel Champion status. This prestigious grading has been given to Moda as it continues to lead change by committing to use Fitwel for its vast and growing portfolio, applying exceptionally high standards from the world’s leading certification system for healthy buildings and communities. Fitwel has already awarded the highest accreditation of 3-star to four of Moda’s neighbourhoods, making Moda a world leader in certifications. The Fitwel Champion news comes as Moda releases its new ESG report looking back on 2023 as part of its Next Generation Futures strategy, first announced in 2022, and looks ahead to initiatives planned for 2024. Moda is the first developer and operator to have all its operational neighbourhoods achieve some of the highest sustainability targets in the sector, working to industry standards set by LETI, the Royal Institute of British Architects and the UK Green Building Council, as well as achieving: Moda has also worked closely with councils across the UK to add social value through employment and skills, culture and placemaking with a number of landmark ESG projects. In the West Midlands, Moda worked with contractor John Sisk & Sons and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to launch the second WMCA-funded on-site Skills Hub at Moda’s Great Charles Street site in Birmingham. The hub offers free training and employment opportunities for local people with a guaranteed job interview. It continues the work carried out by the group at Moda, The Mercian, which exceeded all its targets and supported 140 new employment opportunities at the site during construction, including seven apprenticeships. The new hub at Great Charles Street is targeting a further 240,000 work hours specifically for local people. In Brighton & Hove, Moda worked closely with the city council and a dedicated Community Liaison Group (CLG) to plan a £10m investment in public realm in its forthcoming Moda, Hove Central neighbourhood. The CLG, made up of community representatives and local MP Peter Kyle, developed an ambitious £450,000 public art strategy which has already resulted in on-site murals painted by local artists and the funding of the Flight of the Langoustine sculpture of Hove Plinth on the city’s seafront. Following a national call, several artists have been selected to co-produce a range of sculptures and installations across the site’s public realm. Moda has also been a major sponsor of the Brighton Festival for two years running, which welcomed 53,000 attendees in 2023. In Leeds, Moda worked in collaboration with creative agency New Citizens and Leeds City Council to create the biggest outdoor event space in Leeds with Canvas Yard, based in an area which Moda is in the process of developing. Canvas Yard welcomed 14,000 attendees to its range of music, sports, cultural and arts events in 2023 with a series of events lined up again for summer 2024. Other key highlights from the new ESG report include: Tarry Depledge, ESG Manager, Moda Group, said: “Our ‘Next Generation Futures’ ESG strategy set out a bold and ambitious roadmap for Moda, and this report is a summary of everything we have been doing to create positive change to our environment, our communities, and our business governance for the last financial year. There has been a large focus on reducing our embodied and operational carbon levels, doing the right thing for our communities, hiring locally and offering skills and training while promoting physical, mental and social wellbeing for both our residents and our team. “Apart from continuing to roll out innovative ESG initiatives, we remain focussed on keeping our culture, purpose and resident vision aligned with our ESG Strategy while achieving our 2025 targets. “There is however still a long way to go, and being welcomed as a Fitwel Champion is just one way we can commit ourselves to making sure that we have a positive impact on the communities we operate in for generations to come.” The Fitwel Standard translates the global public health evidence base into practical, implementable design and operational strategies and guidelines to be used at the building level, community level, and at scale. Joanna Frank, President & CEO of the Center for Active Design, the sole operator of Fitwel, said: “We’re thrilled that Moda has committed to becoming a Fitwel Champion. It is commendable to see Moda commit to Fitwel as part of their ‘Next Generation Futures’ ESG strategy to create positive change by focusing on developing healthier spaces and communities. In today’s real estate landscape, prioritizing the health of our planet and people is no longer a trend; it’s a business imperative, representing both risk and opportunity. By embracing an evidence-based health-focused approach, Moda is not only responding to stakeholder demand but also leading the way in shaping a healthier future in the UK. We applaud their trailblazing efforts and welcome them as Champions in the healthy building movement.” Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Beyond reshaping the Birmingham skyline, Moda, The Mercian – thanks to its on-site Skills Hub – created training and employment opportunities for hundreds of local people. The West Midlands Combined Authority proudly played its part in funding that important initiative. “It’s good news that Moda and Sisk are continuing this work at their Great Charles Street site in the Jewellery Quarter, so familiar to Brummies as ‘The Bomb Site’. This is testament to the power of partnership – where we see what can happen when people right across our region work together. “I look forward to Moda continuing to make a positive impact – as set out in their new ESG report – in the months and years ahead.” Peter Kyle MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, said: “It has been a pleasure to work in partnership with Moda on the delivery of their Hove Central neighbourhood and on a range of social value initiatives including the public art strategy for Hove. Their new ESG report demonstrates the boldness and ambition of Moda’s commitment
A host of charities and organisations supporting communities across Scotland have been awarded funding from SP Energy Networks’ Net Zero Fund to introduce innovative net zero technology. The groups will receive grants to help them decarbonise and reach their net zero targets sooner – through the installation of solar panels and heat pumps, to the purchase of electric vehicles and retrofitting listed buildings to increase energy efficiency. The £5million Net Zero Fund was launched in 2022 by SP Energy Networks, part of the ScottishPower group, to support vulnerable communities and ensure no one is left behind on the country’s journey to net zero emissions. It directly supports organisations within SP Energy Networks’ transmission areas who have green ambitions and are looking to decarbonise their communities across Central and Southern Scotland. The next round of the Net Zero Fund is now open and is welcoming applications from eligible charities and community organisations. Alongside financial support, the fund also offers guidance and support to community organisations and charities looking to take the next step on their decarbonisation journey. Scott Mathieson, Network Planning and Regulation Director at SP Energy Networks, said: “SP Energy Networks takes pride in serving all of the communities of Central and Southern Scotland. “Our staff and networks are part of the fabric of the central belt and it’s right therefore that we play our part in ensuring the most vulnerable customers in our areas also obtain access to the benefits that zero emission energy can bring in transport, heat and jobs. “The projects awarded in our first round of our Net Zero Fund are diverse, they range from addressing renewable heat challenges in Victorian buildings in Govan in the heart of Glasgow through to enabling a smart energy community hub and Scout hall in Ardrossan. The ingenuity of these community led schemes is inspiring and we feel privileged to help them realise their net zero future. “Our next funding round is now open, and we’re welcoming applications from eligible charities and community groups looking to accelerate their net zero plans.” Among the recipients of the first round of funding is Govan Heritage Trust – a group dedicated to preserving and promoting Govan’s cultural heritage. Following the closure of Govan Old Church in 2007, the community Trust rescued the A-listed building and its contents which included the internationally renowned Govan Stones, one of the most impressive collections of early medieval sculpture in Europe. Now in community ownership, the property is being developed into a museum to showcase the site’s heritage. The renovations will also offer a meeting space for local organisations and charities such as those catering for elderly and isolated members of the community; groups welcoming and supporting refugees; organisations working with Govan’s youth; and local schools looking to learn about heritage. To support the Trust in its efforts to lower emissions, the Net Zero Fund is providing a grant of £150,000 to install a River Source Heat Pump, an initiative ran in partnership with the Clyde Mission Fund. The renewable plant will deliver a 93% reduction in carbon emissions and 20% saving in energy costs. Speaking on the support, Pat Cassidy, a Trustee of Govan Heritage Trust said: “Govan Old church and the Govan Stones are our community’s greatest architectural and cultural assets and we’re using them to benefit local people. “Achieving net zero has always been at the forefront of our redevelopment plans, but there are particular challenges when it comes to making sustainable improvements to such a historic site. We are very grateful for the generous support of the Net Zero Fund which helps us overcome these obstacles and complete the installation of a Heat Pump that will generate energy from the Clyde – resulting in a dramatic reduction on both our carbon emissions and outgoings. “We know that times are tough for many of the groups who use our community hub, and this investment will help us provide a more flexible and affordable space and increase our visitor numbers.” Food Train’s Stewartry branch has also been awarded over £100,000 in funding to replace two of its current vehicles with new electric models and install a charging point at the Dumfries and Galloway base. The charity makes life easier for older people by providing vital services to those who are no longer able to manage independently. Its team of volunteers make hundreds of grocery deliveries every week – making access to reliable and efficient transport an essential part of its operation. Gaynor Grant, Business Development Manager at Food Train, said: “Our volunteers are out on the road most days of the week, and while the service they are providing is absolutely crucial to the older people in the community, we have always been conscious of the miles on the road we clock up and the impact this has on our carbon footprint. “The support of SP Energy Network’s Net Zero Fund will allow us to electrify our fleet and make a significant reduction to our current emissions output. For our customers, our volunteer visits are a key part of their life; having the onsite charging point will be essential in ensuring we always have reliable transport to reach them.” 1st Ardrossan 15th Ayrshire Scout Group has also been awarded funding, receiving a grant of £93,000 to support extensive renovations of their current Scout hall, including the installation of an air source heat pump, insulation, and replacement glazing. The hall is currently used by a host of different community organisations – from mental health support groups to those working with people with additional support needs. The sustainable improvements are predicted to allow the hall to increase weekly visitors by as much as 50 people, providing a vital community space for more local groups. To involve young people in their net zero transition and help them learn about the importance of reducing carbon emissions, the Scouts are also planning on incorporating the learnings from the project into the current Global Issues and Community Impact Scout badges. Alan Donaldson, Trustee
The legacy of a respected built environment professional will live on thanks to a new Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) award. Paul Dockerill had an immense passion for building safety, skills development, and improving fire safety in the UK up until his tragic and untimely death in November 2022. After being raised in a low-income household and leaving school without qualifications, Paul became a carpenter and joiner in his younger years before progressing his career within the construction sector. Paul worked in social housing for more than 20 years and before he passed away was director of energy and programme management at a non-profit housing provider. His meteoric rise also saw him achieve FCIOB and CIOB Trustee statuses. To commemorate his life, CIOB has launched The Paul Dockerill Award – with a value of £10,000, which is open to any UK resident looking to develop a research project fuelled by innovation, skills development, fire safety, and resident engagement. For example, applicants could seek funding for developing a building safety app or platform for social housing residents to access information on safety and fire issues in their homes. Antonia Lanyiova, Qualifications Liaison Manager at CIOB, said: “Paul was a visionary and a dedicated professional in the construction industry, and this award reflects his passion for innovation in building safety through mentoring, skills development, and, most importantly, improving fire safety and resident engagement in the UK. “He believed that positive change could come from anyone, regardless of their background or professional affiliation, so we are thrilled to open this award to anyone with fresh and innovative ideas. “Whether you’re a seasoned professional, a student, or someone with a unique perspective, we encourage you to submit your innovative project or idea for consideration. You do not necessarily need to work within the construction sector to be considered. “Thank you to Paul’s family, friends, colleagues, professionals, and the amazing CIOB staff for their unwavering support throughout the journey, making The Paul Dockerill Award a reality.” Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, Paul worked closely with the fire brigade to ensure their response to a fire in a high-rise building was as quick, safe, and effective as possible. He was fundamental to the development of the Twinnedit digital twin solution following the 2017 tragedy. The idea of creating the award was inspired by his family, friends, and colleagues, all of whom were touched by Paul’s generosity. Kayleigh Hills, Paul’s daughter, says: “Dad was well loved by everyone who had the fortune to meet him, and he often shared his knowledge and skills with anyone who would listen. He never forgot what it felt like to be the family scraping by in social housing, or the new kid on the construction site getting his hands dirty.” Applications opened on 1 February 2024, and must be submitted by 30 June 2024. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed in July 2024, with the funding available to the selected successful applicants for up to 18 months. Meanwhile, applications for CIOB’s Construction Innovation Scholarship, designed for aspiring construction management professionals by providing a platform to get involved with a research project or enterprising work experience activity, will be available at the same time. Last year’s winner was Don Samarasinghe, a lecturer in Built Environment at Massey University in New Zealand. He was given funding towards his project titled: Pioneering Sustainable Future in Construction through Raw Earth 3D Printing Training. For more information, visit. www.ciob.me/scholarships Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Civils & Lintels, part of the Huws Gray group of companies, has made a bold statement of support for Mates in Mind, a national charity that raises awareness of the stigma of poor mental health, especially in the construction sector. The nationwide leading distributor of lintels, drainage, and heavy-side building materials for the UK’s construction industry, raised over £21,000 for the charity in 2023 and is now rolling out refreshed signage on its fleet of 95 LGVs providing details of their free text helpline service. The idea was the brainchild of Westbury-based driver Mark Byers, who unveiled the first truck to sport the new design. He commented: “Having suffered with my own mental health, I’m really proud that this has happened. “As a lorry driver, you spend lots of time on your own and if you’re not feeling 100% it’s good to know that you can reach out to a great charity like Mates in Mind. Of course, those on building sites often also suffer in silence. Now, when they see this on my truck, they might be encouraged to give them a call.” The Civils & Lintels team carried out a series of fundraising events throughout 2023 that included dedicated colleagues shaving their hair and beards off; one colleague travelling to all 18 Dutch Eredivisie stadiums in just 24 hours; sky-dives, teams climbing the equivalent of Mount Everest; collectively walking the equivalent distance of the route between all Civils & Lintels depots (over 1,200 miles) in one month; and a variety of cake sales, raffles and comedy nights, which all contributed to the impressive amount raised. Managing Director of Civils & Lintels, Allan Wright recently joined the board of trustees at Mates in Mind, he comments: “It’s vital that we focus our fundraising efforts on a cause that resonates with our own team. Mates in Mind has built a reputation for addressing issues around poor mental health in the construction industry and given the focus of our own work, the synergy is clear. “I joined the board at Mates in Mind as a further demonstration of our commitment to this important charity and when Mark suggested we include details of the charity on our fleet of trucks it made perfect sense to do so. Those trucks not only reach our own nationwide teams across our 19 depots, but also our myriad of customers across housebuilding, groundworks, civil engineering and commercial contractors. Anything that we can do to encourage greater support around tackling poor mental health is time well-spent.” Civils & Lintels has pledged to continue its support to Mates in Mind in 2024 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In the heart of the Scottish Highlands lies Dalnavie Woodland, a thriving carbon offset project spanning 41 hectares, equivalent to 77 football pitches. With a commitment to combatting climate change and transforming land use, Dalnavie Woodland, supported by CPI Euromix, Potanow Forestry and CarbonStore, is making significant contributions to the environment and the local community. Dalnavie Woodland boasts the planting of approximately 100,000 trees, with 90% being productive conifers, including Norway and Sitka spruce, and Douglas fir. Additionally, four hectares of broadleaves are strategically planted around the perimeter to seamlessly integrate the woodland into the local scenery. This conversion from low-density grazing land represents a commendable collaboration between CPI Euromix and Potanow Forestry, aligning shared objectives of combating climate change and utilising land for both environmental and agricultural benefits. Over the next 45 years, Dalnavie Woodland is poised to achieve three significant objectives: CPI Euromix’s Investment and Partnership CPI’s commitment to carbon capture at Dalnavie has played a vital role in supporting the woodland’s objectives. This marks the second successful partnership between CPI and Potanow Forestry, following a collaboration at Corwar Woodland in Dumfries and Galloway. CPI’s investment in Dalnavie, coupled with previous support at Corwar, underscores their dedication to sustainable forestry practices and carbon offset initiatives. Tony O’Sullivan, CEO of CPI Euromix, said: “Dalnavie Woodland stands as a testament to the transformative power of sustainable forestry practices and collaborative efforts in combating climate change. Through CPI and Potanow Forestry’s dedication, this carbon offset project not only contributes to carbon capture but also improves economic growth, job creation, and the sustainable use of land.” Between Dalnavie and Corwar, CPI’s support has led to the planting of over 170,000 trees across 70 hectares, with a combined potential to capture almost 16,469 tonnes of carbon. This partnership exemplifies the positive outcomes achievable when companies prioritise environmental stewardship and work collaboratively to address climate change Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A big-hearted Scottish training officer has raised thousands of pounds for the industry charity which helped him face his own mental health issues. Frankie Greig, who oversees apprentices for the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT), cycled 324 miles from Venice to Milan in the Italian Lakes Cycle Event to raise money in aid of the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC). The dad-of-three, who looks after young learners at West College Scotland, Paisley Campus, said he undertook the gruelling challenge to repay the charity after it helped him with his own wellbeing. Frankie, 41, said: “The EIC is all about helping people when they need it most and I’ve benefited from their support as I suffer from poor mental health. “I know that the EIC has also done a lot for my apprentices as well as some of the adult trainees at West College Scotland so I’m delighted I can give something back to the charity for its support.” During the five-day challenge in October, Frankie said he learned quickly to go at his own pace and the tactic worked as he successfully completed the trek, raising £2,880 for the EIC. He revealed: “There was a big hill every day and they ranged from not bad to really steep then on to pretty vicious. I think the first day was the worst as the road just kept on climbing for seven miles. “However, it was the best feeling when we got to the top and could then freewheel down the other side at 30-40mph giving your legs a welcome rest.” He said: “Personally, I got a great deal from my experience in Italy and although I was slower than the rest of the guys and struggled more on the hills, I got over the finish line and I’m proud of that. “It made me realise I shouldn’t have worried about too many things – I just needed to focus on what’s important, rather than worry about all the miles ahead. “There were times I doubted I could complete the challenge but every evening I was buoyed up by the messages of support on social media from my family, colleagues and friends in the industry. “I would encourage anyone in the electrical world that has considered taking part in one of these challenges to sign up and help the EIC continue the amazing work they do. “I would like to thank SELECT and the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) and all their members, and everyone who sponsored me and supported me through this challenge, not forgetting SECTT. I couldn’t have done it without them. “It was an amazing trip and I saw some beautiful sights, but I can assure you it was anything but a holiday.” Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, said: “Many congratulations to Frankie in completing this exhausting challenge. We applaud too his personal courage in being willing to speak out about issues which sometimes, tragically, remain hidden. “The electrical sector, and the construction industry as a whole, has become much more aware of the importance of mental health, especially since the pandemic, and has redoubled its efforts to support our people and maintain their wellbeing. “I’m sure Frankie’s story will be an inspiration to many in the industry and the money will be used by the EIC to support others needing help.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, has announced the Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust as its chosen charity for 2024. Aortic Dissection is a serious heart condition caused by a partial tear in the wall of the aorta, which prevents blood supply and can lead to the rupturing of organs. Seventy people are diagnosed with the condition each week in the UK and Ireland with only an average survival rate of 50%. The Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust aims to help raise awareness and funding for research into early detection, supporting prevention, treatment, and cures for the condition, which if diagnosed and treated in time, has an 80% survival rate. Having received a letter from Pauline Latham, OBE MP who has been writing to local businesses in Derbyshire asking them to support the charity following the sad loss of her son, Ben, in 2018 from the condition, Group Chairman, Andy Sewards was keen to pledge G F Tomlinson’s support as their chosen charity for 2024. As part of its commitment to the charity, the contractor will be hosting a variety of fundraising events from January through to December next year to help towards prevention and treatment of the condition, in the hope that it will save many more lives. Andy Sewards said: “We are honoured to be supporting such a worthy charity for 2024. Aortic Dissection is a serious condition and it’s vital that we work together to raise awareness for its diagnosis and treatment, to prevent unnecessary fatalities. “In line with our social value ethics and support for local charities, we will be planning multiple fundraising events throughout 2024 to ensure that we help the trust continue with its incredible work for next year and beyond.” Pauline Latham said: “I am so grateful to G F Tomlinson for their wholehearted support for Aortic Dissection. Many people don’t know anything about it until their family is devastated by it. The more we can do to prevent unnecessary deaths the better. We need better outcomes for patients and G F Tomlinson’s support will really help the charity’s ability to fund research into this little-known condition. I want to thank them for all they will be doing over this year.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
