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Leonardo Cements next generation of investment at GMI built logistics hub

Leonardo Cements next generation of investment at GMI built logistics hub

Lisa Pollinger October 31, 2022

Work on the £30m #BuiltByGMI helicopter logistics hub on behalf of aerospace giant Leonardo Cements continues to move at a pace, with the site’s progress marked by the industrial partners’ next generation workforce cementing their hands into the floor. Team members from GMI, real estate developer Graftongate, Leonardo and its

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Soben partners with UTC Heathrow on digital futures

Kenneth Booth October 26, 2022

Soben is delighted to announce a new partnership with University Technical College (UTC) Heathrow which will see their people provide a CoTeach programme of learning based on the data centre sector as part of UTC Heathrow’s Digital Futures Programme. Soben’s consultants will be delivering modules on the principles of cost

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Construction unemployment falls to lowest level since records began in 1995

Kenneth Booth October 18, 2022

Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect and ElectricalDirect, said:  “At the height of the pandemic in 2020, almost 80,000 construction workers were jobless. However, new data shows that the situation has vastly improved in recent months, and the sector’s unemployment rate is now at its lowest level since records began

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Leeds College of Building Celebrates National T Levels Week

Leeds College of Building Celebrates National T Levels Week

Cristina Diaconu October 13, 2022

Leeds College of Building is celebrating the National T Levels Week, a celebration of the successful new two-year vocational training programme, with the introduction of the Design, Surveying & Planning for Construction T Level course. T Levels are qualifications for people aged between 16 and 19, who, after their GCSEs,

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BOUYGUES UK shortlisted for wales stem award

Kenneth Booth October 11, 2022

Bouygues UK has been shortlisted in the ‘STEM Educational Programme of the Year (Private Sector)’ Category of the Wales STEM Awards. The only construction company in the 34 named as finalists, Bouygues UK was nominated for its STEM schools programme of activity, which includes its ‘Girls Believe Academy’. This innovative

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PfP Capital appoints Catherine Webster as its new CEO: Catherine will take up post in January 2023

Kenneth Booth October 11, 2022

PfP Capital, the Social Value and ESG-focused real estate fund manager, part of the UK’s leading social enterprise Places for People, has appointed Catherine Webster as its new Chief Executive Officer. Catherine, who starts at PfP Capital in January 2023, joins from property development and investment specialist Quintain where she is Executive Director for Strategy and Investment, leading on business

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Issue 324 : Jan 2025

Business : Training & Skills News

Cornish construction consultancy helping young people begin their construction career

Cornish construction consultancy helping young people begin their construction career

BDC News Team November 22, 2022

A Cornish construction and professional services consultancy is helping young people start their careers in construction through apprenticeships and work placements. In its social value report released earlier this year, Mace Ward Williams Joint Venture (MWJV) revealed that from February 2021 to February 2022 it welcomed 15 new apprentices across its projects with Cornwall Council using local businesses. It has also facilitated 16 work placements and delivered 45 careers events to help inspire the next generation who want to help shape and deliver an improved built and natural environment for the county. A joint venture between Mace and Ward Williams Associates (WWA), MWJV is supporting Cornwall Council on the Built Environment Professional Services Framework, which includes a range of public sector construction and infrastructure programmes. Outreach through in-school events, career fairs, apprenticeship programmes and working closely with colleges and universities has resulted in many students being able to take the first steps in a career in construction. Year 10 Mounts Bay student Ivy Kirk is one of those who has engaged with the scheme through a week-long work placement covering such skills as cost management, project management and design. She discovered the opportunity after an in-school presentation by the MWJV team which helped to break the preconceptions about the construction industry being male-dominated and limited to on-site roles. Alice Taylor is another who joined WWA as a project management apprentice this July. Alice, who is 21, found her start in project management after volunteering at a Covid-19 testing centre before quickly progressing to leading teams and helping with the mobilisation and demobilisation of sites across the South West as a Roaming Deputy Manager. She now works supporting WWA across various projects in Plymouth and with MWJV on its carbon impact and reduction programmes across Cornwall. Alice said: “My time within the Covid-19 testing programme gave me a wealth of experience within management and a huge boost in confidence. It was also important to me that I was helping to make a difference during the pandemic. The experience gave me an insight into project management and confirmed that this was something I wanted to pursue. “I wanted to continue academic studies alongside employment, and a degree apprenticeship seemed like a fantastic opportunity for me. Thanks to WWA, I am on a five-year apprenticeship scheme, working towards gaining a BSc in Construction Management and aspiring to become chartered. I am very grateful to WWA for providing me with a wealth of opportunities and experience in project management within the built environment, as well as the chance to work on some great initiatives like the carbon reduction programme to support our B Corp status.” Newest addition, 17 year old Tobi Crowther, began his T Level apprenticeship with WWA this month in Truro as part of his Design, Surveying and Planning course at Truro & Penwith College. Commenting on the role, Tobi said: “I’m still very new to the team but am having a great time getting stuck in on some practical projects to help support my classroom learning. “I still don’t know what path I want to follow in this sector and the apprenticeship has already given me the opportunity to try lots of different things to see what I like best, whether it’s project management, quantity surveying or something else. “The large-scale community projects like the Boscawen Park development as part of Truro Town Deal with MWJV have been really interesting and exciting to get involved in. It’s great to work on something that I will actually see and take advantage of as a local.” Through the scheme, MWJV is also attempting to improve the awareness of the opportunities in the sector outside of the major cities. In January 2023, trainee Sam Currell will join the company as a Level 7 quantity surveying apprentice, putting his maths degree to good use. The company will be sponsoring Sam’s continued education in the form of a master’s degree. MWJV’s work with the council has also directly resulted in 95 new full-time jobs and £34.9 million created in social value. The full report is available to view and download here. More information on MWJV is available on its website: http://mwjv.net/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Leonardo Cements next generation of investment at GMI built logistics hub

Leonardo Cements next generation of investment at GMI built logistics hub

Lisa Pollinger October 31, 2022

Work on the £30m #BuiltByGMI helicopter logistics hub on behalf of aerospace giant Leonardo Cements continues to move at a pace, with the site’s progress marked by the industrial partners’ next generation workforce cementing their hands into the floor. Team members from GMI, real estate developer Graftongate, Leonardo and its logistics partner Kuehne+Nagel all came together at the state-of-the-art facility in Yeovil as work moves to the next stage of construction before practical completion of the entire hub. Charlea Boucher, Project Officer at Leonardo Helicopters UK, cemented her hands into the ground of the 210,000 sq ft single-site logistics hub to symbolise the project’s nod to the future. “It has been amazing to see the rise of the single-site logistics hub during the final year of my business graduate placement at Leonardo in Yeovil,” said Charlea, who is a fourth-generation employee at Leonardo, now working on the AW149 New Medium Helicopter campaign programme. “My great-grandparents worked on-site a few generations ago in engineering, so it’s great that this investment in the site is future proofing Yeovil for years to come as I embark on the next stage of my career here at Leonardo.” Highlighting the construction’s commitment to future generations, is the development’s focus towards sustainability through a number of eco initiatives. Rainwater harvesting tanks for brown water services, full LED lighting throughout the facility and a heat recovery system in the main warehouse have all been included in the build. Additionally, there will be a bank of electrical vehicle charging points for employees and a new fleet of electrical vehicles. “The project has had its challenges, but we are where we are now thanks to the teamwork and collaboration between all parties involved,” said GMI Senior Project Manager Glenn Reeves.  “Given where we are situated at the end of Leonardo’s campus, we had to take a number of things into account in relation to the surrounding area, and it was a big demolition job from the outset. “The first third of the operation involved clearing the site of the old buildings and addressing known areas of ground contamination that were highlighted during extensive pre-construction surveys. “We have maintained close communication with Leonardo on a daily basis as well as the local community and local businesses – keeping them updated with the progress that we are making.” Enthused by the number of apprentices working on the scheme, Glenn added: “We’ve been very fortunate to have had half a dozen apprentices on-site and it’s an area of the industry which Leonardo Cements and ourselves are particularly passionate about. “It’s good to see and we’re really keen to continue pushing this through the various trades.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Current affairs and commercial leadership in focus as Scandic develops future leaders

Current affairs and commercial leadership in focus as Scandic develops future leaders

Joffrey Symons October 29, 2022

For more than two decades, Scandic has been developing its future leaders within the Group through its internal Talent@Scandic leadership program. Recently, 24 talents from the company’s five markets were selected to undergo seven months of intensive skills training led by industry representatives, mentors and leadership development managers. Each year, Scandic’s Executive Committee identifies the focus areas and projects that Talent@Scandic participants will delve into based on the company’s strategy and direction. In this year’s program, projects will have an overall commercial and HR focus. The talents will also receive training in project management, financial knowledge and commercial, leadership and operational development as central parts of the leadership segment. Additionally, they will be matched with mentors from Scandic’s organization to increase familiarity and guidance during the duration of the program. – I’m extremely proud that for more than 20 years, we’ve had such a great focus on and commitment to knowledge and leadership development at Scandic. Developing and nurturing our team members lays the foundation for how our company feels and performs and creates strong, effective leaders. Together with the Executive Committee and our leadership development managers, I am convinced that this year’s talents will go far at Scandic and that in the future, they will continue to stand firmly during both ups and downs, says Jens Mathiesen, President & CEO of Scandic Hotels Group. Now more than ever as we experience major shifts in the world around us, it is of the utmost importance to develop skills and continue our extensive work to shape the leaders of the future. Training is an area where we invest significant amounts of time and energy to create the right conditions for people to succeed within the company and as leaders as well as personally. We’re now offering these talents a smorgasbord of knowledge and in seven months, we’ll have 24 new employees prepared to take on leadership roles at Scandic, says Maud Samuelsson, Group HR Manager, who is responsible for leadership development at Scandic Hotels Group.  The Talent@Scandic program is built on Scandic’s leadership compass and the concepts Empower, Build trust, Inspire and Collaborate, the basic principles of the company’s leadership development. This year’s Talent@Scandic participants: NorwayAmalie Heitman, Acting General Manager, Scandic SvolværAndre Bjerke, Front Office Manager, Scandic SjølystChristopher Spencer, Food & Beverage Manager, Hotel Norge by ScandicIeva Marcinkeviciute, Housekeeping Manager, Hotel Norge by Scandic    Mareike Friemel-Haukebö, Hotel Manager, Scandic Seilet    Martine Brusletto Stenberg, Food & Beverage Manager, Scandic Sjølyst    Nora Aasprong, Accounting Manager, Country Support Office Norway FinlandAnna-Pauliina Urjo, Front Office Manager, Hilton Helsinki-Vantaa Airport    Antti Viitasalo, Hotel Manager, Scandic Jyväskylä Station    Ida-Riikka Tanhuanpää, Food & Beverage Manager, Scandic Park Helsinki    Sami Lyly, Head Chef, Marski by ScandicTuomo Laaksonen, Director Corporate Sales, Country Support Office Finland GermanyMelanie Konopka, Food & Beverage Manager, Scandic Frankfurt Museumsufer DenmarkPatrice Boman, Hotel Manager, Scandic Palace Hotel    Patrick Nielsen, Restaurant & Bar Manager, Scandic Falkoner    Stine Wiis, Front Office Manager, Scandic Sydhavnen SwedenAnna Koivisto, In-house Sales Manager Group & Meetings, Country Support Office SwedenAnna Larsson, Food & Beverage Manager, Haymarket by ScandicAnnie Dahlstedt, Service Team Manager, Scandic WinnCaroline Björnlund, Service Team Manager, Scandic Örebro Central Claes Benediktsson, Food & Beverage Manager, Downtown Camper by ScandicKarin Bjerenius, Service Team Manager, Scandic Portalen    Marica Nivelt, Hospitality Manager, Scandic Grand CentralVegard Fjärvoll, Service Team Manager, Scandic Upplands Väsby Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Soben partners with UTC Heathrow on digital futures

Kenneth Booth October 26, 2022

Soben is delighted to announce a new partnership with University Technical College (UTC) Heathrow which will see their people provide a CoTeach programme of learning based on the data centre sector as part of UTC Heathrow’s Digital Futures Programme. Soben’s consultants will be delivering modules on the principles of cost management, the importance of planning, and whole-life costing.  Award-winning global construction consultancy Soben joins an elite group of data centre organisations including Ark Data Centres, Amazon Web Services (AWS), CBRE Data Centres, CNet Training CyrusOne, LMG, Virtus Data Centres, and Yondr Group.  Developed in collaboration with leading industry companies, the Digital Futures Programme allows students to gain the essential knowledge and skills needed to thrive in technical careers within the data centre sector.  This sector is currently experiencing substantial growth, which is only set to continue but is facing an ongoing skills shortage. This programme is helping to future-proof the industry by inspiring a new generation to join it and enjoy a rewarding career.   The annual Digital Futures Programme intake is limited to 100 students at age 14, and 150 students studying the Level 3 engineering curriculum. Younger students will compete in industry-led Challenge Days, develop employability skills, and receive masterclasses to bring subjects to life, alongside studying for their GCSEs.   Meanwhile, older students will complete team projects within the curriculum and benefit from building impactful relationships with industry professionals. Students will leave UTC Heathrow with a BTEC Level 3 National Diploma/Extended Diplomas in Engineering (NQF).  Scott Smyth, Soben’s founder and Group CEO, commented: “I am thrilled that Soben is a partner of the fantastic Digital Futures Programme and is a testament to the role we play in the global data centre sector.  “The skills gap is not getting any smaller or easier for the digital infrastructure industry to manage and we need to work collaboratively to find innovative solutions to quickly address these issues.   “The students at UTC Heathrow need clear direction and support to inspire a new pipeline of young and skilled talent to help them secure a career within a sector that offers huge opportunities and rewards. I am very happy we can play a part in that.”  Candace Rose Kumi, Employer Engagement Lead at UTC Heathrow, said: “After an incredible first year of the Digital Futures Programme, I am excited that Soben has joined our programme.   “With this additional partnership, UTC Heathrow will be able to deliver more CoTeach programmes which will help our students build the skills needed for the fast-growing data centre sector.”  Soben’s Managing Director of Consultancy EMEA, Derek McFarlane, commented: “Last year’s launch of the Digital Futures Programme gives students a distinct advantage to develop a career in the data centre sector and clearly shows that the UTC education model has real value.  “For Soben to be involved with the Digital Futures Programme, alongside the blue-chip companies that are already onboard, is a huge milestone for us and perfectly illustrates the exciting growth journey we are currently on.”

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Construction unemployment falls to lowest level since records began in 1995

Kenneth Booth October 18, 2022

Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect and ElectricalDirect, said:  “At the height of the pandemic in 2020, almost 80,000 construction workers were jobless. However, new data shows that the situation has vastly improved in recent months, and the sector’s unemployment rate is now at its lowest level since records began in 1995.   “In fact, at 36,000 (June-August 2022), the number of people out of work in the industry is now less than half of what it was two years ago. It’s also 11,000 fewer than the last data period (May-July 2022), and down 27,000 year-on-year (YOY).  “Furthermore, job vacancies in the sector are on the rise, so the number of employed workers could increase further. Between July and September, there were 45,000 listings advertised, which was 1,000 more than the previous quarter, and 1,000 more than this time last year.  “Compared to 2021, there is seemingly more work available too, as the average number of hours worked each week is higher. Twelve months ago, construction employees typically did 36.1-hour weeks, but that has now risen to 36.3.  “Accordingly, earnings are also considerably greater. In construction, average weekly income now stands at £692, which is £29 higher than last year, while in the electricity, gas and water supply sector, weekly wages are now at £767, up £40 YOY.  “These pay increases must be interpreted in the context of the current Cost of Living crisis and rocketing inflation rates. The recent statistics indicate that salaries have increased approximately 4% vs. this time last year, however current inflation rates sit at around 9%. Tradespeople are fuelling Britain’s growth, and salaries must continue rising to help offset soaring living costs in order to attract more professionals to the sector. The new data suggests that the industry is in a fairly healthy position to be able to support its workforce moving forwards, however there’s still more to be done.”  For more information on IronmongeryDirect, visit: https://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/   For more information on ElectricalDirect, visit: https://www.electricaldirect.co.uk/  

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Despite a backdrop of industry talent shortages, apprenticeships are thriving at Polypipe Building Services

Kenneth Booth October 18, 2022

With 266,000 extra workers needed within the construction sector by 2026 according to the Construction Industry Training Board, employers are being urged to use apprenticeships as a vehicle to home grow the people they need – a tactic that is reaping dividends for Polypipe Building Services. The Kent-based drainage system company has found success using apprenticeships not only as a means of attracting new talent into the company and giving people their first step on the career ladder, but also to support staff looking to upskill or change roles. Luke Pollington and Kim Gleadhill are among 12 apprentices currently at Polypipe Building Services, after the company began taking on apprentices to drive a transfer of skills and knowledge which support the growth of the business.  Luke began working at Polypipe Building Services in 2019. Having recently left university where he studied Business Studies and Marketing, he’d never considered that construction would offer him a role in digital marketing. He said: “Working here has changed my view of construction, as I never thought something like drainage would involve subjects like Building Information Modelling (BIM) or Research and Development (R&D) and I’ve found it really interesting.  “On the digital side it’s opened my eyes in terms of how different learning the theory has been to actually doing it in practice. When you apply it in the real world there’s so much more to think about and having a team around to help you makes a difference.  Kim Gleadhill decided to make a career switch following lockdown moving across to Polypipe Building Services from the water industry as an HR & Payroll Coordinator. She attends college one evening a week and has a half day a week devoted to her studies to complete her HR apprenticeship and diploma course. She said: “Training is supported here and there is a learning culture. I began my course in January and I get a lot out of studying, as there are 10-15 other women on the course and we talk about the different ways of doing things which helps you to look at things differently and not get too set in your way of doing things.” Andy Cullum, managing director at Polypipe Building Services said investment in people is key to growth and success at the company, as well as being essential to retention and in creating a workplace culture that recognises and values new ideas. He said: “We are a proud member of The Genuit Group 5% Club – which means we aim to have at least 5% of our workforce in sponsored training, graduate schemes or apprenticeships at all times. “Apprenticeships are a great way for businesses to foster a culture of continuous development through a mixture of on the job training and a structured college courses which allows people to apply their skills as they learn them.  “Not only does it help our employees feel valued and more confident in their work, but as a business it helps us to maintain high standards, as well as develop and grow from the fresh ideas they bring back to Polypipe.” For more information about careers at Polypipe Building Services go to https://www.polypipe.com/careers-hub

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Leeds College of Building Celebrates National T Levels Week

Leeds College of Building Celebrates National T Levels Week

Cristina Diaconu October 13, 2022

Leeds College of Building is celebrating the National T Levels Week, a celebration of the successful new two-year vocational training programme, with the introduction of the Design, Surveying & Planning for Construction T Level course. T Levels are qualifications for people aged between 16 and 19, who, after their GCSEs, want to focus on technical and vocational skills. Having been designed in collaboration with leading employers to provide the skills businesses across the region need, the goal of these qualifications is to help students into skilled employment, higher study, or apprenticeships. “Leeds College of Building is the UK’s only general Further Education college specialising in Construction and the Built Environment. As such, we are perfectly placed to work with our established network of regional and national employers to enhance T Level opportunities for students,” commented Nikki Davis, CEO & Principal at Leeds College of Building. “T Level students at Leeds College of Building will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and specialist teaching expertise. Students also benefit from established progression opportunities within higher and degree-level apprenticeships at the College and employment opportunities through our construction partners. Leeds College of Building is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. This new qualification will help us to better serve the region’s young people and workforce, opening up even more opportunities into high paying, skilled jobs.” Leeds College of Building is among a select number of education providers across England chosen to deliver this T Level programme from September 2022. At the heart of the course, a 45-day industry placement opens opportunities for the brightest talent entering the market. Time is split between 80% classroom learning and 20% industry placement lasting approximately seven weeks. All students will develop a general understanding of construction, including accurate and appropriate measurements, construction methods and building regulations, digital engineering techniques, design principles and processes, CAD, mathematical problem-solving, and sustainability and environmental impact. Amongst the employers on offer from Leeds College of Building for T Level students work placements is Caddick Construction Limited. “The new T Levels are a great alternative to entry-level qualifications as they help students gain valuable ‘on the job’ experience whilst undertaking their qualification, which will give them a great advantage going forward in their career. It will also help employers gain an early insight into the latest talent pool, helping with recruitment and social value benefits. It also helps us to develop the knowledge, attitude, and skills of the students entering the built environment,” said Debbie Watson, Social Value Manager (Yorkshire) at Caddick Construction Ltd. “Whilst working with us, students will spend time in each department at both our offices and on our sites to understand the workings of the main contractor. Students will also spend time with our consultants, such as the Architect, to understand how projects get to site, as well as spending time with subcontractors on our projects learning more about life on site,” Debbie concluded. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News

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BOUYGUES UK shortlisted for wales stem award

Kenneth Booth October 11, 2022

Bouygues UK has been shortlisted in the ‘STEM Educational Programme of the Year (Private Sector)’ Category of the Wales STEM Awards. The only construction company in the 34 named as finalists, Bouygues UK was nominated for its STEM schools programme of activity, which includes its ‘Girls Believe Academy’. This innovative programme runs across the whole of the UK and addresses the skills gap by demonstrating to young girls who are at the critical stage in their career decision-making, the diverse career options that can be had in construction and engineering. The academy, launched in 2021 by Bouygues UK’s women’s network WeLink, trains its staff to become academy ambassadors. The selected ambassadors reflect Bouygues UK’s diverse workforce and have a range of roles at every level in the business. They are encouraged to share their own career experiences, offering real-world examples of how they got their role, the subjects they studied at school and the enriching experiences they have had following a career in construction and engineering. In addition, Bouygues UK, in collaboration with its partners Aspire2be, has developed digital tools that build on the foundations of the academy, such as a virtual work experience platform. This platform gives young learners an insight into Bouygues UK and the range of STEM-focused roles which exist in the business. It helps its ambassadors provide an impactful learning experience to help young girls continue to build awareness of the opportunities that the construction industry can offer, while also developing knowledge and skills through STEM and curriculum-focused activities. The awards, which celebrate those making a difference to and championing Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) in Wales, will shine a spotlight on businesses who are creating an impact on the Welsh economy, those addressing the STEM diversity gap and skills shortage and those inspiring and raising aspirations of the next generation. Leigh Hughes, Bouygues UK’s Business Growth and Social Value Director, said: “The focal feature of the academy is to showcase the amazing women who have been instrumental in the construction of some of the most challenging and recognisable buildings around the world. This project also helps promote our internal network of STEM ambassadors, building a sense of community and shared responsibility within our own organisations. “Using the academy as a springboard for further engagement and opportunity, young people who have taken part have gone on to do work experience with Bouygues UK and in companies within our supply chain. The opportunity for industry engagement is significant, especially for those who are facing barriers to engagement or are at a disadvantage due to social and economic circumstances. “Bouygues UK is committed to addressing the skills gap in our industry, while also achieving gender parity in construction and engineering roles by inspiring young women to consider a career in construction and engineering. By developing ambassadors for the academy we are building our own internal network of STEM collaborators, creating a sense of community and shared responsibility within Bouygues UK. “ Simon Pridham, Managing Director of Aspire 2Be: “Our work with Bouygues UK over a number of years has been an absolute pleasure. As a fully responsible employer they completely understand the importance of engaging with young people and educating them in an exciting way around future skills, employment opportunities and STEM subjects in general. We are proud and privileged to call Bouygues UK partners at Aspire 2Be.” Dr Louise Bright, head of judges and founder of Wales Women in STEM Network, said: “The Wales STEM Awards do such an important job recognising and celebrating the achievements of organisations and individuals working in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths in Wales. This year, just like the first Wales STEM Awards, I’ve been privileged to read about the inspiring work happening around the country. I am looking forward to meeting the nominees and learning more about them and unlike our inaugural year, celebrating their success in person at the awards ceremony in October.” All finalists across the 12 categories will now be considered by an industry-leading panel of judges, with the winners being announced at the awards ceremony at the Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel on 27th October 2022.

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PfP Capital appoints Catherine Webster as its new CEO: Catherine will take up post in January 2023

Kenneth Booth October 11, 2022

PfP Capital, the Social Value and ESG-focused real estate fund manager, part of the UK’s leading social enterprise Places for People, has appointed Catherine Webster as its new Chief Executive Officer. Catherine, who starts at PfP Capital in January 2023, joins from property development and investment specialist Quintain where she is Executive Director for Strategy and Investment, leading on business strategy, financing and investment initiatives. Catherine has worked in real estate investment and finance for 30 years and has held several senior investor and lender roles including private equity, fund management and investment banking at Hudson Advisors (Lone Star Funds), TIAA & Lehman Brothers Global Real Estate. Catherine’s experience is pan-European, across residential and commercial sectors and as an owner, JV partner, fund investor, mezzanine and senior lender. PfP Capital currently has £600m under management across its three existing funds and a significant growth plan. Commenting on Catherine’s appointment, Greg Reed, Group Chief Executive Officer of Places for People, and board member of PfP Capital, said: “Catherine is a stellar appointment for us. Since it was founded five years ago, PfP Capital has been successful, and we now have big plans for growth; we have the opportunity to build on our success to-date and really scale-up the business. “We have a brilliant team in place at PfP Capital and we’re grateful for the work and vision of former MD Chris Jones who founded the PfP Capital business out of Places for People in 2017 and retired earlier this year. I know the experience and leadership Catherine brings will add greatly to our team and really drive us forward.” Catherine added: “I’m delighted to be joining PfP Capital to lead the next stage of its journey. PfP Capital has established itself as a key player with a strong reputation in the market. The excellent team has nurtured partnerships with leading institutional stakeholders and has built a great base for future expansion as we look to not only grow the existing funds but also add new funds.  Backed by the power of Places for People, the potential for growth from this solid foundation is massive.  Above all, with the company’s strong social purpose, we will have a positive impact on the communities we serve and the wider UK society.”

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Boutique property developer doubles workforce to support sustained growth

Kenneth Booth October 6, 2022

Boutique developer Life Less Ordinary has created five significant new roles, further expanding its workforce to deliver more homes.  The move comes as it looks forward to continued growth with an appetite to see its output increase to a residential development value of over £50 million next year. In what amounts to an almost total re-structure of the construction team, Life Less Ordinary head hunted James Cross into the role of Head of Technical.  James joins from Persimmon Homes and over a career that spans almost 40 years, he has gained experience with leading industry names that include Barratt Homes, Crest Nicholson, and Berkeley Homes.  A member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, James is experienced in all aspects of residential development and has built an enviable track record of delivering complex residential and mixed used schemes. Life Less Ordinary has also strengthened its commercial team with Paul Litherland who arrives from Inland Homes to assume the role of Head of Commercial.  Sponsored through his university degree by Taylor Woodrow Construction, Paul has gone on to gain experience with Kier Construction and Tolent Construction.  Completing the commercial team line-up will be Ben Revel who joins as Assistant Surveyor to support Paul and develop the businesses procurement processes. Darren Breen, meanwhile, left Boshers to join Life Less Ordinary in the construction arm as Operations Manager. After working at Ballymore and Inland Homes, his experience and expertise in construction will allow the business to enhance its product offering with a closer eye to detail and the ability to scale up to a larger number of homes. Commenting on the new appointments, Hinesh Chawda, Director at Life Less Ordinary said: “We have a hugely ambitious appetite to deliver more quality, desirable homes and to do that it is vital that we have the very best senior experience within our team. “The combined experience and enthusiasm of James, Paul, Ben and Darren will allow us to ensure that we continue building quality, desirable homes and a consistently exceptional product as we move through a period of sustained growth.” Life Less Ordinary has also appointed Danielle Chevannes to the role of Customer Service Manager.  As a business committed to delivering the strongest customer experience from initial enquiry through to sale completion and follow up, these appointments underscore the team’s focus on providing a customer focused full-service offering.  Hinesh concludes: “We have witnessed the positive impact that controlling the entire development process has for the end user and the value that it brings to our customers in their new homes.  Danielle will be the principal point of contact for all our buyers and ensure that our customer care matches the quality of the homes that we’re selling.”  

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