Business : Testing, Certification & Business Tools News
CTS appoints new Managing Director

CTS appoints new Managing Director

CTS, the leading provider of construction materials testing, and surveying and monitoring services across the UK, has appointed Matthew Johanson as Managing Director. He will work alongside Phenna Groups, Divisional Managing Director Stuart Abbs, and the CTS management team to lead the business. With an impressive background across a diverse

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The Crown Estate wins global Esri award for geospatial innovation

The Crown Estate wins global Esri award for geospatial innovation

Innovative ‘Whole of Seabed’ approach helps plan seabed use up to 2050 including offshore wind The Crown Estate has won an Esri ‘Special Achievement in GIS Award’ for its innovative programme that helps plan seabed use around England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Considered a world first, the spatial planning system

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HEATHERLANDS BY ANTLER HOMES SCOOPS THE PRESTIGIOUS PREMIER GUARANTEE EXCELLENCE AWARD

Heatherlands by Antler Homes Scoops the Prestigious Premier Guarantee Excellence Award

Design-led, customer-centric housebuilder Antler Homes has received a coveted Premier Guarantee Excellence Award for its Heatherlands development in South Chailey, East Sussex. This award recognises the development’s consistently impressive site work. As a recipient of this monthly recognition, Heatherlands is among the top 10% of Premier Guarantee sites nationwide. This

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CIBSE Certification launches new scheme to assess competency of management system specialists

CIBSE Certification launches new scheme to assess competency of management system specialists

CIBSE Certification has introduced an innovative scheme designed to assess the competency of individuals offering specialist services in management systems. Recognising the significant challenges faced by organisations and consultants within the Built Environment, particularly in the fields of decarbonisation, net zero initiatives and compliance with the Building Safety Act, this

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Recognising excellence in managed IT services

Recognising excellence in managed IT services

OryxAlign wins Managed Services Project of the Year at the IT Europa Awards 2024 London-based managed IT services provider (MSP), OryxAlign has won Managed Services Project of the Year at the prestigious IT Europa Channel Awards, which took place at the London Marriott Grosvenor Square on June 26, 2024. The

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Latest Issue
Issue 322 : Nov 2024

Business : Testing, Certification & Business Tools News

CTS appoints new Managing Director

CTS appoints new Managing Director

CTS, the leading provider of construction materials testing, and surveying and monitoring services across the UK, has appointed Matthew Johanson as Managing Director. He will work alongside Phenna Groups, Divisional Managing Director Stuart Abbs, and the CTS management team to lead the business. With an impressive background across a diverse range of industry sectors, Matt has served 20+years in the Heavy Building Materials sector, working at a senior level with multi-product experience across Asphalt, Ready-Mix Concrete, Quarrying and Recycling, notably for Aggregate Industries Brett Group and GRS Group. Additionally, he has a vast amount of senior level experience for multiple Blue-chip companies, in sectors like international Supply Chain & Logistics, Automotive, Manufacturing and TIC, working for companies such as XPO Logistics, KONE and Element. Stuart Abbs commented: “It’s fantastic to have Matt join as the Managing Director for CTS. His strong operational background, business acumen, and customer-centric approach will bring great strength to CTS. Matt will oversee CTS’s overarching business strategy and work alongside me to drive business growth.” Matt said of his appointment: “I am delighted to be joining a company with such a great reputation in its field of expertise. What I am particularly excited about is the drive and initiative to embed a high performance culture, underpinned by the fundamentals of operational excellence. This will place the customer right at the heart of everything we do and allow us to innovate and develop the best services and solutions for our customers.” Stuart added: “Matt’s appointment supports our aspirational growth strategies in the Infrastructure Division. He appreciates what we are trying to achieve within the Phenna Group, and I’m confident that he will be a fantastic asset as we continue to develop and grow our businesses.” With a proven track record of driving business top-line and bottom-line growth through effective operational excellence, robust commercial and entrepreneurial strategies. Matt has strong experience in delivering business transformation, through formulating and implementing initiatives to improve organisational performance, raise operating efficiencies and increase shareholder value. Matt holds a Masters in Management Studies from Kingston University and is a strong advocate of professional and personal development, having also undertaken advanced development programs at both Cranfield Business School and London Business School. He is married with three children and has a passion for personal fitness and cooking. With headquarters in Leicester and a nationwide network of laboratories and offices offering a wide range of Construction Materials Testing, and Surveying and Monitoring services, CTS is the go-to partner of choice. It supports all sectors of the construction market, including residential, commercial, rail, road, airports, tunnelling, mining, utilities, and brownfield regeneration. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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“Our independent SBD accreditation and LPS 1175 certification are of significant importance”

“Our independent SBD accreditation and LPS 1175 certification are of significant importance”

National construction products manufacturer and building envelope specialist, CA Group, have renewed their membership with Secured by Design (SBD). Founded in 1983, independently owned, an Employee Benefit Trust and home to some of the most experienced construction personnel in the industry, CA Group is one of the largest manufacturers and installer of metal built-up building envelope systems in the UK.  Working closely with their supply chains, the company pioneer in the manufacture, supply and install of technically advanced metal roofing and cladding solutions – primarily for the warehousing, distribution and logistics sectors, though also including retail, leisure, residential and the public sector.  CA Group works with some of Europe’s largest and most innovative property developers to create state-of-the-art, technically advanced buildings in some of the UK’s most prominent and emerging business centres.  They provide workspaces that meet both the stringent demands of today’s commercial organisations, whilst enabling future build adaptation to flex with changing marketplace conditions – with a focus on sustainability, energy performance and asset return. CA Group’s range includes, built-up roof and wall systems, renewable energy solutions, rainscreen, rainwater and cladding systems, insulation, louvres, accessories and detailing, to provide a fully engineered building envelope solution – all supported by expert product development and technical consultancy.  Find out more about CA Group and their extensive range of SBD accredited building shells and walling systems here. Andrew Brewster, Head of Technical for CA Group, said: ­­ “Security, Fire and Sustainability are three fundamental performance characteristics of any building envelope solution. Through continuous product development and system evolution CA Group deliver market leading specifications and our independent SBD accreditation and LPS 1175 certification are of significant importance, providing our clients and developers with essential peace of mind, backed by insurance recognition”. Alfie Hosker, Secured by Design, said: “I am delighted that the CA Group have renewed with us once again and I look forward to another successful association going forward. They offer a range of roofing and walling systems which meet the requirements for Police Preferred Specification and have been incorporated into several developments across the UK”. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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The Crown Estate wins global Esri award for geospatial innovation

The Crown Estate wins global Esri award for geospatial innovation

Innovative ‘Whole of Seabed’ approach helps plan seabed use up to 2050 including offshore wind The Crown Estate has won an Esri ‘Special Achievement in GIS Award’ for its innovative programme that helps plan seabed use around England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Considered a world first, the spatial planning system was developed by The Crown Estate’s Marine and Digital teams and includes data from over 250 sources across ten sectors, allowing for scenario planning across a wide range of marine industries. The Whole of Seabed approach uses Esri’s GIS (Geographical Information System) software to create scenarios which simultaneously consider the demands upon the seabed up to 2050, including offshore wind, carbon capture, telecoms and minerals, whilst protecting the interests of nature. This method has enabled The Crown Estate to play a key role in supporting the UK’s position as a world leader in offshore wind development, a sector which generated enough energy to power 50% of UK homes last year. The award was made at the Esri annual User Conference in California, one of the world’s largest geospatial industry events with around 40,000 physical and virtual attendees. ‘Special Achievement in GIS Awards’recognise organisations which are demonstrating geospatial leadership and setting new precedents for the global GIS community. More than 100,000 entries were submitted with the winners selected by Esri’s Founder and President Jack Dangermond. “Users around the world are applying GIS in countless fields to take a geographic approach toward solving complex problems and global issues,” said Esri Founder and President Jack Dangermond. “It is my honour to recognise these organisations for their innovative work integrating geospatial technology across industries, helping to build a better world.” By prioritising different data, The Crown Estate programme ensures all environmental, industrial and social interests and constraints are fairly represented. This delivers the best evidence available to support marine spatial planning. Scenarios are then compared in a dashboard to understand the differences in cost, constraint, or displacement, among other criteria. “Geospatial innovation is helping The Crown Estate balance a green energy transition to net zero and nature recovery whilst creating a thriving marine economy”, said Gus Jaspert, Managing Director, Marine at The Crown Estate. “We are incredibly proud to win this award which is testament to our world-leading work in spatial analysis using Esri software, and a demonstration of our ongoing investment in digital technology and skills. It helps make sense of highly complex and competing demands on the seabed, driving better planning decisions for the benefit of the nation for years to come.” The Crown Estate is an independent company which manages a diverse £16bn portfolio, including the seabed and much of the coastline around England, Wales and Northern Ireland, urban centres and development opportunities. Through the management of its portfolio, company is helping to solve some of the nation’s major challenges, including delivering net zero and the energy transition, enhancing biodiversity and nature recovery, and creating thriving communities by stimulating regeneration and economic growth. “With an increasingly busy seabed, it is critical that development decisions are based on robust data and evidence”, commented Michelle Moore, Spatial Planning Director, The Crown Estate. “Advanced Esri spatial analysis tools allow us to tackle complex, multidimensional problems in an open and transparent way. Our unique ability to plan for the long-term and convene a wide range of stakeholders, helps us to balance all interests to achieve the best outcomes for net zero, nature and economic growth.” Pete Wilkinson, Managing Director, Esri UK said: “The Crown Estate’s approach is a best-in-class example of how geospatial expertise can deliver valuable outcomes. True innovators in marine spatial planning, the team’s work is of national importance making them a very worthy winner of the award.”

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HEATHERLANDS BY ANTLER HOMES SCOOPS THE PRESTIGIOUS PREMIER GUARANTEE EXCELLENCE AWARD

Heatherlands by Antler Homes Scoops the Prestigious Premier Guarantee Excellence Award

Design-led, customer-centric housebuilder Antler Homes has received a coveted Premier Guarantee Excellence Award for its Heatherlands development in South Chailey, East Sussex. This award recognises the development’s consistently impressive site work. As a recipient of this monthly recognition, Heatherlands is among the top 10% of Premier Guarantee sites nationwide. This achievement also places Antler Homes on the shortlist for a National Award, which will be announced in June/July 2025. The national Excellence Awards honour the best developments in the UK that are covered by Premier Guarantee’s structural warranties. The company’s surveyors nominate sites that showcase exceptional quality. To win, a development must be built to the very highest standards – as is the case at Heatherlands. Heatherlands is the second phase of Antler Homes’ Old Hamsey Lakes development. The scheme launched in 2022, transforming a former brownfield site into a sought-after collection of homes in a stunning lakeside setting, surrounded by fields and ancient woodland. Heatherlands is home to 13, two- and three-bedroom houses in the captivating village of South Chailey. Nature reserves, conservation areas and the South Downs National Park are on the doorstep, offering a plethora of outdoor experiences for those pursuing an active lifestyle. The Premier Guarantee Excellence Awards judges commented: “On every inspection carried out by our surveyors, they award scores for site tidiness, workmanship, health and safety, and both site and overall cooperation. If you hit an average of 4.6/5 for 3 months consecutively, an area manager will do an impromptu visit for verification. That is then sent over to our Awards team, who do a further verification and decide on whether to award. Antler’s success in navigating this rigorous process and securing this award is a testament to their unwavering commitment to quality developments.” Andrew Rinaldi, Managing Director of Antler Homes, commented: “I am so proud that Heatherlands at Old Hamsey Lakes has won a Premier Guarantee Excellence Award. This is a wonderful achievement that highlights the quality and care that the entire team has poured into the creation of the homes at Heatherlands, ensuring they can be enjoyed by generation after generation. My thanks go to all of those involved in such a fantastic team effort.” Heatherlands – and the wider Old Hamsey Lakes development – is home to a flourishing community with nature at its heart. Considerate plot spacing and generous gardens ensure the homes echo the tranquillity and space of the surrounding countryside, while varied layouts and property sizes meet a range of buyers’ needs. The homes’ contemporary interiors feature shaker-style kitchen units and underfloor heating. Each plot comes with an electric car charging point for buyers keen to minimize their carbon footprint. South Chailey is part of the larger Chailey parish, home to the 450-acre Chailey Common. This designated nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest is home to many rare, native species across its unspoiled habitats. Residents enjoy easy access not only to nature but also to the historic market towns of Lewes and Cooksbridge. Trains from the latter reach London Victoria in as little as 63 minutes. Heatherlands is also well placed for access to the A26 and A27, which connect residents to the M23/M25, as well as Kent and the south coast. For further details, visit https://www.antlerhomes.co.uk/developments_sites/heatherlands/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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CIBSE Certification launches new scheme to assess competency of management system specialists

CIBSE Certification launches new scheme to assess competency of management system specialists

CIBSE Certification has introduced an innovative scheme designed to assess the competency of individuals offering specialist services in management systems. Recognising the significant challenges faced by organisations and consultants within the Built Environment, particularly in the fields of decarbonisation, net zero initiatives and compliance with the Building Safety Act, this new scheme is a timely and essential resource. Kieran O’Brien, Director of CIBSE Certification, commented on the launch: “This scheme should help organisations easily find suitable resources, as they deal with increasing costs, skills shortages and competency of staff and suppliers. Consultants can also utilise the scheme register to demonstrate their capabilities and engage with potential customers”. CIBSE Certification has a long-standing history of managing accredited schemes and registers, including the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme, Low Carbon Consultants, Display Energy Certificates, and Energy Performance Certificates since 2007. Additionally, CIBSE offers management system certification to ISO 9001, 14001, 45001 and 50001 standards. The newly launched Management System Specialist scheme will include a register of certified individuals, providing vital support for organisations and consultants as they collaborate to tackle industry-wide challenges. For more information on joining the register, visit: https://www.cibsecertification.co.uk/personnel-certification-schemes/management-system-specialist/  To find a competent supplier, visit: https://www.cibsecertification.co.uk/online-register/search-for-an-assessor-or-specialist/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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RIBA launches competition to design Fleming Centre at St. Mary’s Hospital, Paddington

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has just announced the launch of a design competition following the ‘Competitive Procedure with Negotiation’ on behalf of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.  The competition is seeking an architect to design the Fleming Centre, a Life Sciences facility that will be located on the St. Mary’s Hospital site in Paddington, London.   The Centre will be at the heart of the global Fleming Initiative, an innovative and collaborative new approach led by the Trust and Imperial College London, with HRH Prince of Wales as its patron, to tackle anti-microbial resistance (AMR) around the world.   At the Fleming Centre, scientists will work alongside clinicians, patients, members of the public and policy makers to scope, test and scale solutions. Consequently, the building should be purposefully designed to encourage the public to engage with world-leading science, policy and behavioural change research, ensuring new solutions work for local contexts.   The Centre is due to open at St Mary’s hospital in 2028, helping mark the centenary of the discovery of Penicillin at the hospital by Sir Alexander Fleming. It will be the first new building to open on the St Mary’s site in the coming years, as plans for the wider redevelopment of the whole hospital site continue to progress.  Professor Tim Orchard, Chief Executive, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust said:  “The launch of the RIBA design competition marks an exciting milestone for the Fleming Centre and St Mary’s hospital more widely. This state-of-the-art facility will not only honour the legacy of Alexander Fleming and St Mary’s as the birthplace of penicillin but also spearhead the fight against antimicrobial resistance through groundbreaking research and public engagement.    We are looking forward to collaborating with visionary architects to create a centre that will inspire and facilitate global change in healthcare. It will also be the first completed building in the redeveloped St Mary’s hospital, demonstrating our vision to protect St Mary’s position as a world-class trauma hospital and a centre for life-saving research.”   Applications are invited in accordance with the requirements set out in the briefing document and selection questionnaire.   Further information can be found on the competition webpage including a link to register.   The deadline for receipt of applications is 7 August 2024 at 12:00 BST. It is anticipated that up to five teams will be shortlisted and invited to participate in the design phase of the competition. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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CBRE's Glasgow Office Certified as one of the Healthiest Places to Work in the UK

CBRE’s Glasgow Office Certified as one of the Healthiest Places to Work in the UK

CBRE’s Scottish headquarters has been awarded WELL Certification™ at Platinum Level, recognising the global real estate advisor’s commitment to promoting employee wellbeing. The ground floor office at 177 Bothwell Street in Glasgow is the first project in the UK to be certified under the newest version (WELL version 2) of the International WELL Building Institute’s standard. Designed with the health and wellbeing of employees at its heart, CBRE’s workspace includes a choice of standard and standing desks to help improve posture, incentivise movement and reduce back pain, as well as plants to increase biophilic connection, and access to free fresh fruit and vegetables. A multi-purpose room offers a comfortable place for team members to take a break, recharge and connect with colleagues, and there are huddle boards to encourage collaboration. The office also benefits from the building’s rooftop running track, spa quality changing facilities and cycling racks. Running through the office entrance is a rammed earth wall that follows the soil stratification underneath the city, celebrating the nature and culture of the office location and connecting tenants and guests with the heritage of the site. David Smith, CBRE’s Managing Director in Scotland, said: “Being awarded a platinum award is a fantastic achievement and comes just months after we received a BREEAM Excellent rating for sustainability. “These awards reflect the tireless work and determination of the team in Glasgow to create a workplace that is not only good for the planet but for also for the health and mental wellbeing of everyone who works here. “The world of work has changed since the pandemic and it has never been more important to create inspiring ‘destination’ workplaces, which encourage collaboration, creativity and a sense of community. We hope 177 Bothwell Street will become a flagship for office design not just in Glasgow but across the UK.”  The WELL platinum rating was based on several health and wellbeing criteria, including air and water quality, nutrition, lighting, thermal and acoustic comfort, material selection, mental health support and a focus on building a sense of community. This is the second WELL Certified Platinum CBRE building in the UK. Its London headquarters, Henrietta House, was awarded Platinum certification in March 2023, demonstrating the ongoing commitment of the organisation to its people’s health. CBRE’s ESG, Design Hub, GWS and Project Management teams worked together to ensure that sustainability and wellbeing strategies were seamlessly integrated into the design, construction and operations of 177 Bothwell Street. Giuliano Camerini, Senior Sustainability and Health and Wellbeing Consultant, ESG Consultancy at CBRE, said: “CBRE’s Glasgow office showcases the future of workspace design. The wellbeing journey here prioritises occupants and the environment, creating a dynamic and thriving space for everyone who uses it. “This achievement serves as a prime example of CBRE leading the way for sustainable and healthy office environments and showcases the best in class workplace solutions our teams can provide to clients.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Shortlist announced for the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction 2024

Shortlist announced for the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction 2024

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is delighted to announce the shortlist for the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction Awards 2024.   Now in their third year, the awards showcase the influential women that work in construction, making female and non-binary role models more visible and accessible to inspire others, and demonstrating that the sector is open to everyone.  The shortlist features women across each of five categories, with the final Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction being unveiled at the Awards later this year hosted by National Federation of Builders in Birmingham. The award ceremony and Top 100 shortlist celebrate the women that work at every level within the sector and their phenomenal achievements, while also highlighting how the industry supports and values equality.   Deborah Madden, Executive Director, Nations Engagement at CITB, said:   “We are thrilled to recognise the incredible women and allies who are driving real change in the construction industry. Celebrating their achievements with the Top 100 Women in Construction honours not only their hard work but also inspires others and future generations. Together, we’re showcasing what’s possible for women in construction today and encouraging the next generation to pursue careers in this field.  The Women in Construction awards highlight those leading our industry and those actively supporting a more diverse sector through their dedication and advocacy.”  Richard Beresford, Chief Executive Officer at National Federation of Builders (NFB), said:  “This is the third year of these Awards and our first collaboration with CITB, which has led to a surge in nominations. The independent judges have worked tirelessly to create this competitive shortlist. Many of our previous winners highlight the significant impact these awards have had on their careers, emphasising their importance. It’s crucial that we continue to see them grow from strength to strength.  This year’s awards promise to be bigger and better than ever, bringing together an impressive line-up of past winners and future leaders in construction to share the stage and accolades.”  The Top 100 categories and shortlisted candidates are:  Taking place on the 30 September at the Burlington Hotel prior to UK Construction Week, tables and seats at the awards can now be booked to celebrate and honour the outstanding individuals.  CITB is committed to delivering a series of fully funded workshops as part of its agenda to support women and allies to thrive in the construction industry. The initial workshop, “Owning your success”, on 31 July 2024, is designed to help people to recognise and celebrate their achievements, providing practical tools and a community of support. The programme series continues 29 October 2024 with a session focused on the value and importance of allyship. You can find out more about the workshop on Eventbrite.  Read the full shortlist of the 2024 Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction here: https://www.citb.co.uk/about-citb/top-100-most-influential-women-in-construction-2024/shortlist/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Former Royal Navy sailor wins national award in new career in construction industry

Former Royal Navy sailor wins national award in new career in construction industry

A Bellway site manager from Newcastle who returned to the construction industry after a spell in the Royal Navy has won a prestigious national award. Darren Best received a Quality Award in the National House Building Council’s (NHBC) annual Pride in the Job competition for his work at The View at Abbey Heights development in Callerton. The 33-year-old is one of just 449 site managers from across the UK to receive the accolade. Ten per cent of the winners in the annual competition were from Bellway. The father-of-two was selected from a pool of more than 8,000 site managers whose developments have been inspected by the NHBC over the past year, placing them among an elite group within the industry. Darren said: “It is a huge honour to win this prestigious award from such a respected organisation as the NHBC. It may sound like a cliché but this really is an accolade which has been earned by the whole team, with a special mention for my assistant site manager Craig Carter, whose help has been vital. “This is the first Pride in the Job award I have won and Craig and myself are determined that it won’t be my last. My motto in life is that if something is worth doing, it’s worth doing well and it is great that everyone in the team buys into that philosophy.” Darren first went into the construction industry when he started work at a building company as a joinery apprentice at the age of 17. “I went in straight from school and qualified as a joiner after three years but suddenly fancied a career change, so I joined the Royal Navy,” he said. “After five years, I wanted to get married, settle down and have a family so I decided it would be better to leave the Navy and get back into the building industry. “I went for a job as a joiner but the management team thought that with my experience in the Services I should start as a trainee assistant site manager.  Within a year I was promoted to assistant site manager and three years after that I was made site manager. “I joined Bellway in 2021 as a site manager and have never looked back. I was delighted to be given the job of being in charge of the second phase of The View at Abbey Heights, where we have completed building 24 four and five-bedroom houses. It was really satisfying to be working on a collection of executive homes, which look incredible now that we have finished.”  As a Quality Award winner, Darren, who is now in charge at Bellway’s neighbouring Abbey Heights development, is automatically entered into the next stage of the competition – the NHBC’s Seal of Excellence and Regional Awards, which will be awarded later in the year. The NHBC runs the Pride in the Job awards annually and every site registered with them is automatically entered into the competition. Each site manager is judged on a wide range of aspects of their work including attention to detail, leadership, technical expertise and health and safety.  Dan Walker, Construction Director for Bellway North East, said: “The Pride in the Job Quality Awards are rightly held in high regard nationally as everyone in the industry knows just how hard it is to win this accolade. “The judging is incredibly rigorous, which means that winning the award is testament to the quality of the homes being built at The View at Abbey Heights. “I would like to congratulate Darren and every member of the fabulous site team for their achievement and wish them all the best for the next stage of the competition in the autumn.” For more information Bellway developments in the North East, visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/north-east. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Recognising excellence in managed IT services

Recognising excellence in managed IT services

OryxAlign wins Managed Services Project of the Year at the IT Europa Awards 2024 London-based managed IT services provider (MSP), OryxAlign has won Managed Services Project of the Year at the prestigious IT Europa Channel Awards, which took place at the London Marriott Grosvenor Square on June 26, 2024. The award recognises the firms successful work in improving cybersecurity for its clients in the property and construction sectors. Now in its 16th year, the IT Europa Channel Awards recognises excellence from across the European IT channel ecosystem. It encompasses managed service providers, solution providers, vendors, distributors and other channel partners who deliver exceptional results for their clients. All submissions are judged by an expert industry panel that assess criteria such as clarity, quality, uniqueness and value. OryxAlign was awarded The Managed Services Project of the Year prize for its work with one of the UK’s largest commercial property development companies. For this project, OryxAlign bolstered the customer’s cyber security posture across a portfolio of 32 buildings, aligning its infrastructure with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) framework. OryxAlign resolved over 400 critical issues across the customer’s portfolio of buildings, significantly reducing the cyber security risks. “Vulnerability scanning across the client’s network revealed inherent problems that had to be addressed systematically in line with NIST frameworks,” explained Peter Schwartz, senior technology consultant at OryxAlign. “We updated the client’s systems, networks, critical devices and firmware, and also performed hundreds of network infrastructure and firewall changes, including on OT devices such as CCTV and access controls. “We provided training for the client’s technical and operational staff, equipping them with the skills to effectively manage the new processes on an ongoing basis. We were also invited to conduct additional cybersecurity awareness sessions for all its staff beyond those linked to the project,” concluded Schwartz. Post-implementation, all new devices were added to OryxAlign’s managed IT services framework, including the new cyber security platforms. Ultimately, OryxAlign’s work gives the client better control and visibility over its network, leading to a more secure, stable and manageable IT environment. “In recent years, cybersecurity has become an increasingly pressing concern for businesses operating in key industries like property and construction,” added Carl Henriksen, CEO of OryxAlign. “This latest award win demonstrates that we are well placed to help businesses in these sectors and more overcome challenges relating to cyber security. Our approach goes beyond a simple transactional relationship with customers, we are trusted advisors they can count on to support them throughout their IT journey.” To find out more about how OryxAlign can support your managed services project needs and its cyber security training programmes, visit https://www.oryxalign.com

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