West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street, visited the Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV) Skills Academy at South and City College Birmingham’s Bordesley Green campus yesterday and welcomed the news that 3,000 more local people are set to benefit from employment opportunities on HS2. The Balfour Beatty VINCI Skills Academy, which sits within
Peter Sharpe has joined Bouygues UK as Project Director, starting work on Zone One of the innovative Pentre Awel development in Llanelli. Peter joins Bouygues UK from Laing O’Rourke and Balfour Beatty where he held Senior Project Leader positions. His new appointment sees him returning to Bouygues UK, following his
GMI Construction Group’s dedication to developing skills through earn and learn opportunities has earned it membership of the prestigious 5% Club. The employer-led UK charity, made up of more than 650 members, inspires and educates businesses and organisations to increase the number of apprentices, sponsored students, and graduate trainees with
The City of Liverpool College is expanding its highly successful apprenticeships programme to tradesmen and budding apprentices across the country, as part of its mission to close the skills gap and contribute to a greener future. From September, the College will be moving away from the existing ‘day release’ model
Training provider the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) has come to the aid of facilities hit with spiralling materials costs by providing £54,000 of additional financial assistance. The substantial funding to the electrical departments at 21 Approved Centres – which range from Stornoway and Thurso in the north to
A local builder working for a housing association has shared his delight at seeing fresh talent coming through the ranks in the construction industry. T G Sowerby Developments, based in Scunthorpe, have been sharing the progress of their apprentices on a site on Bottesford Road over the last year. Ben
A leading contractor and developer in the East of England is once again inviting applications to its construction apprenticeship for the 18th time in its history. Anderson has been at the forefront of training and developing construction talent for almost 35 years and will relaunch its Groundwork Apprenticeship Scheme for
The Scottish Construction Leadership Forum (CLF) is celebrating International Women’s Day by highlighting its work on a National Equity and Inclusion Plan for the construction industry in Scotland which will drive increased inclusivity. Funded by Scottish Government this latest initiative is part of the wider plan for the industry to
Eleanor Ogilvie, from Stockport, joined MCI Developments in 2019 as a Land & Partnerships Manager, and within 3 years has been able to achieve her goal of Head of department at just 27 years old. The promotion reflects Eleanor’s ambition to identify additional development opportunities, and during her time at
Savills has expanded its building & project consultancy team with the appointment of Andrew Hezelgrave who joins as a director at the firm’s Margaret Street head office in London. Andrew has more than 15 years’ experience in the commercial property sector as a building surveyor specialising in technical due diligence
West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street, visited the Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV) Skills Academy at South and City College Birmingham’s Bordesley Green campus yesterday and welcomed the news that 3,000 more local people are set to benefit from employment opportunities on HS2. The Balfour Beatty VINCI Skills Academy, which sits within one of Birmingham’s most deprived wards, first opened its doors in November 2021, as part of a dedicated drive to upskill local people ready for work on HS2. Since it opened with £1.1m backing from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), the Skills Academy has supported local people who were out of work into a job or onto further training in readiness for their chosen career path supporting HS2’s construction. Today, the Mayor and Cllr Ian Courts, Chair of the HS2 Regional Enterprise Board, and leader of Solihull Council, welcomed the news that the Skills Academy is gearing up to train more people, ready to transition into 3,000 jobs over the next four years with Balfour Beatty VINCI’s labour supply chain partners. The Mayor said: “One of the main reasons I fought so hard to secure HS2 for the West Midlands was the local jobs it would create, and so it is brilliant to see that coming to fruition now. “This exciting collaboration between Balfour Beatty VINCI and South and City College Birmingham, supported by our funding, is helping to give thousands of local people the opportunity to find high-quality and well-paid jobs as part of this once-in-a-generation infrastructure project. This Skills Academy is exactly the kind of initiative that helps those who have fallen out of work find employment as part of my 100k jobs plan.” HS2 Minister, Andrew Stephenson said: “HS2 is about boosting transport, driving business and creating thousands of long lasting jobs that will level up the nation. “Balfour Beatty Skills Academy embodies all of this, not only supporting local jobs but giving workers the opportunity to upskill for free and gain valuable experience working on Europe’s biggest infrastructure project.” The BBV Skills Academy is the first of its kind in the region, but plans are in place to open more centres across the Midlands, making it easier for local people to gain the free training, accreditation and support they need to begin a career on HS2. BBV estimates it will support circa 7,000 jobs to deliver its programme of work on HS2, and in the West Midlands, it is estimated that the construction of HS2 will generate a constant labour demand of around 10,000 jobs from now until 2027/28. Shilpi Akbar, Balfour Beatty VINCI’s Head of Skills, Employment and Education, said: “At Balfour Beatty VINCI, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing employment opportunities for people across the region. It is one of our top priorities and a core reason we launched our Skills Academy at South and City College last year. “We want everyone – particularly those who are currently unemployed – to join us and realise the wide range of benefits that can be derived from a career in the construction and infrastructure industry; careers that will take shape and flourish while working to deliver Britain’s new high-speed railway.” At the Bordesley Green campus, thanks to BBV’s partnership venture with South and City College Birmingham, students can gain hands on experience in plant machinery operation, traffic and fire marshalling, alongside nationally recognised accreditation from the Construction Skills Certification Scheme. With no previous experience or skills required, students typically complete BBV’s specialist general operatives training programme in four to six weeks, enabling them to progress onto a paid work trial in their preferred construction career field. On successful completion of the trial, candidates are job matched to roles with BBV’s local labour providers, where they begin their career on HS2. In a short space of time, the programme has supported people of all ages and backgrounds who were formerly unemployed into work. René Nunes from Birmingham was unemployed for two years and was eager to find a job that provided long term security. Through HS2’s job brokerage partner model, which sees its contractors work closely with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and National Careers Service to support local people who are out of work into a job on HS2, René was referred to the Skills Academy and onto the general operatives training programme. He is now working full time at HS2’s construction site in Water Orton and is a vital part of the facilities and maintenance team. René said: “I feel really privileged to have secured this job and to be working on a project of this scale. The sheer size of HS2’s construction programme is phenomenal and it’s great that I get to work at different sites and see it all coming together. “No two days are the same, which is what I really enjoy about my job, and I genuinely feel part of the team that is bringing HS2 to the region.” During the visit, guests were invited to meet with former trainees who have transitioned into employment, as well as students who have an expressed an interest in joining the next general operatives training programme. 35-year-old Imran from Sparkbrook in Birmingham lost his job during the pandemic. He’d always been interested in construction, particularly engineering and design. When he was given a flyer advertising the Skills Academy, and its free construction training programme, he jumped at the chance and registered for an induction. Imran completed his training in just six weeks and is now working with BBV’s surveying team at the Washwood Heath construction site which will be home to HS2’s train depot and control centre. Imran said: “I am passionate and proud to be contributing to HS2’s construction. As a member of the surveying team, I play a vital role in ensuring that designs are delivered to the exact specification and with precision. I work closely with the designers and engineers and really take pride in my job. Knowing that I am playing a part in
Peter Sharpe has joined Bouygues UK as Project Director, starting work on Zone One of the innovative Pentre Awel development in Llanelli. Peter joins Bouygues UK from Laing O’Rourke and Balfour Beatty where he held Senior Project Leader positions. His new appointment sees him returning to Bouygues UK, following his role as Project Director for Pembrokeshire Learning College in 2016. “These are exciting times returning to Bouygues UK as Project Director to deliver the prestigious Pentre Awel Wellbeing and Life Sciences Village at Machynys,” said Peter of his appointment. “The multi-disciplined project provides the environment to share my skills with the project team and stakeholders, as well as interact with the local community, identifying opportunities to deliver community benefits from this great project. I’m looking forward to working with the Senior Leadership team to further grow and develop Bouygues UK’s aspirations in this region.” He is now leading the build of the prestigious £87 million Pentre Awel development which will bring together life science and business innovation, community healthcare and modern leisure facilities at the 83-acre Delta Lakes site on the Llanelli coastline. Pentre Awel is the largest regeneration project in south West Wales. It aims to create around 1,800 jobs over 15 years, boosting the local economy by more than £450 million. The project is being delivered by Carmarthenshire County Council, in partnership with Hywel Dda University Health Board, Universities and Colleges. Bouygues UK’s construction of the development will include business and innovation, integrated care and physical rehabilitation facilities, a well-being skills centre, and a new state-of-the-art leisure centre, along with landscaped outdoor public spaces for walking and cycling. “It is great to welcome Peter back to the Bouygues UK fold, and it is particularly gratifying to have a Project Director of his experience and calibre on a project such as Pentre Awel. This is such an exciting project for us, as well as for the client Carmarthenshire Council, and we are really looking forward to starting this amazing build, with Peter at the helm,” added John Boughton, Bouygues UK Managing Director in Wales. Bouygues UK is holding a Meet the Buyer event at Parc y Scarlets on 30th March, where local sub-contractors are invited to come along and discuss the opportunities available on the build of Pentre Awel Zone One. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction Industry News
GMI Construction Group’s dedication to developing skills through earn and learn opportunities has earned it membership of the prestigious 5% Club. The employer-led UK charity, made up of more than 650 members, inspires and educates businesses and organisations to increase the number of apprentices, sponsored students, and graduate trainees with the aim of alleviating poverty through increased employment. One of the largest independent construction companies in the North of England and the Midlands, GMI Construction Group has long championed apprenticeships and undergraduate work placements as a way of encouraging young people into the industry. It has developed links with seven universities: Leeds Beckett, Nottingham Trent, Coventry, Birmingham City, Salford, Liverpool John Moores and Sheffield Hallam and employs four undergraduates per year undertaking construction-related degrees. In addition, the company has also forged close ties with Leeds College of Building. In addition, GMI Construction Group, which employs 213 people, recently recruited three apprentices to bring its cohort to 16. An example of its ethos and passion for training and development can be found in the £200m train manufacturing plant GMI is currently delivering on behalf of Siemens Mobility in Goole, East Yorkshire. Here, it has created four apprenticeships, and five university and college work placements, as well as hosting educational visits and workshops for schools, colleges, and universities. The company, with offices in Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, and Teesside, believes work placements provide participants with a real insight into working on construction sites. Construction students from Wirral Met College recently engaged in placements, apprenticeships, job opportunities and site visits to the Wirral Waters regeneration project at Birkenhead, while four Level 3 Construction & the Built Environment students from Leeds College of Building have been involved in the build of a new 604-bed purpose built student accommodation in the city and Thorpe Park in a partnership that will continue to grow. Lee Powell, CEO of GMI Construction Group, said: “This company is committed to encouraging the next generation into the construction industry, to develop their skills and create clear pathways of progression. “Earn and learn opportunities are key to developing employees who not only possess the industry knowledge but also have hands-on practical experience. We offer everything from apprenticeships to trainee site manager training, backed up by the necessary mentoring and support that they require to grow in their career. “This approach also benefits the business as it delivers more effective and motivated employees, while ensuring an inclusive and accessible workplace.” Gill Cronin, operations director of The 5% Club, said: “I’m delighted to welcome GMI Construction Group as a member. The construction industry is a major employer of apprentices and graduates and it’s excellent to see that it is setting a great example and providing a wealth of opportunities.”
The City of Liverpool College is expanding its highly successful apprenticeships programme to tradesmen and budding apprentices across the country, as part of its mission to close the skills gap and contribute to a greener future. From September, the College will be moving away from the existing ‘day release’ model of its Level 3 The Refrigeration Air Conditioning and Heat Pump (RACHP) Engineering Technician Apprenticeship, and instead rolling out a ‘block release’ structure. In the current delivery model, apprentices are required to attend the College once a week over the course of the year for up to three years, with, apprentices therefore ideally needing to be based in the local area to make the frequent commute. With an increasing number of the College’s employer partners successfully winning work nationally, the College has introduced an innovative new approach which will enable it to adapt to the needs of employers across both the Liverpool City Region (LCR) and the rest of the UK. The introduction of the new block model means that apprentices will attend the College’s Vauxhall Road premises for seven one-week periods over the course of the academic year, opening opportunities to long-distance apprentices and company partnerships, who can book their apprentices onto the invaluable course. This new structure also allows employers to plan for the absence of their apprentices, avoiding complications with the workforce, which has previously impacted employers enrolling their staff on to the courses. The new RACHP model will lead the way in training the next generation of renewable installers to help meet ambitious carbon reduction and climate change targets set by government. It comes as the UK heat sector is set to play an integral part in the transition to net-zero, with the Climate Change Committee anticipating that, to reach 2050 climate targets of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, 17 million UK homes may have a heat pump installed. Last year, the Government announced its 10-point plan for a ‘Green Industrial Revolution’, which highlighted the critical importance of decarbonising homes across the country. The plan included the phase-out of gas heating in new homes by 2023 and a target to install 600,000 heat pumps every year by 2028. Following the announcement, the demand for heat pumps in the UK began to soar, with more homeowners striving to be eco-friendly and embracing the benefits that come from installing heat pumps, such as lower long-term energy costs. At the same time, the Heat Pump Association (HPA) warned the sector was suffering low levels of technology deployment and could also be hindered by a skills gap in the sector, as it was estimated 60,000 installation workers will be needed by 2028 to help meet these targets, but only 1,800 people currently possessed the right training. The City of Liverpool College recognises the need to invest in the training and upskilling of over 40,000 heat pump installers needed by 2035, to achieve widescale deployment and close the skills gap in the industry. Over 30 local businesses already work in partnership with the College on its RACHP apprenticeship, and with the launch of this new model, the College predicts a significant increase in this number from companies across the country looking to welcome new workers and upskill current employees as demand in this area increases. Lindsey Meadows, Head of Apprenticeships at The City of Liverpool College, said: “As we continue our mission as the College for business, it’s important that we open our doors to more companies and apprentices from across the country and do our part in closing the skill gap that is currently present in the heating technology industry. “This new model means apprentices from across the country can attend the course and gain their highly-valued qualification in a more convenient format, which is also hugely beneficial for employers. “The new format will ensure employers can access the skilled workforce needed to help the country build back greener after the pandemic. We are helping to set the standards for the industry, providing the vital skills and opportunities required to be at the forefront of a Green Industrial Revolution. “We are delighted to be opening the doors to this apprenticeship built for a green future, which creates the right skills and environment for our industry to grow. “Through this apprenticeship, we are hoping to help diminish some of the barriers that existing engineers face when looking to expand into low-carbon heating, including difficulty finding dedicated courses and courses that then meet the needs of the installer.” The new format will launch with the new academic year from September and apprentices and businesses can enrol by visiting https://www.liv-coll.ac.uk/courses/refrigeration-air-conditioning-and-heat-pump-engineering-technician-level-3-apprenticeship-standard/.
Training provider the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) has come to the aid of facilities hit with spiralling materials costs by providing £54,000 of additional financial assistance. The substantial funding to the electrical departments at 21 Approved Centres – which range from Stornoway and Thurso in the north to Dumfries in the south – was delivered after costs rose by approximately 30% in just a few months. SECTT says the extra money recognises the huge contribution that the 20 colleges and one private centre make to training as well as the vital importance of apprenticeships to the future of the electrical industry in Scotland. Anne Galbraith, CEO of SECTT, said: “The past two years have been extremely difficult for all the centres, which were closed for face-to-face learning for long periods. Working with SECTT, they responded magnificently with online learning, which certainly filled a gap until they were able to reopen. “However, now we are back to in-person learning again, the rising cost of materials that are essential for training courses has proved a challenge for all our colleges, so we were more than happy to assist. “Electrical apprentices require considerable practical training, so the centres were made a priority, with the money approved by the SECTT Board of Trustees at a recent meeting and allocated proportionately to the number of classes starting in the 2021 recruitment year.” Scott Foley, Regional Officer at Unite the Union, and Chair of the SECTT Trustees, added: “SECTT is pleased to be able to make this financial contribution to our college partners as we have been a consistent advocate of the practical encouragement of young people and of the value of meaningful training. “SECTT has achieved major success in recent years, not least in establishing a new perception of the next generation of electricians by emphasising their skill, dedication and professionalism as well as the competence, confidence and maturity required to achieve their qualified status. “This has been reflected in the 770 apprentices and adult trainees who enrolled on the electrical apprenticeship in 2021 – the highest figure for 12 years – and recruitment remains buoyant.” SECTT was established in 1990 by Unite the Union and Scotland’s largest construction trade association, SELECT and now manages the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) training scheme for electrical apprenticeships in Scotland. During the pandemic, it offered an employment lifeline to apprentices made redundant by the fallout from COVID-19 and loaned computers to electrical apprentices and trainees to allow them to continue their studies remotely.
A local builder working for a housing association has shared his delight at seeing fresh talent coming through the ranks in the construction industry. T G Sowerby Developments, based in Scunthorpe, have been sharing the progress of their apprentices on a site on Bottesford Road over the last year. Ben McCormack, Jack Gaynor and James Green have been working on the development, with Ben and Jack on joinery apprenticeships and James working in plumbing. Director Steve Sowerby said “All our apprentices are offered full time positions with us once they’ve completed their studies and it will be no exception for these three. That then gives us the opportunity to offer other students the same chance of an apprenticeship once the current apprentices have moved on to full time positions, we already have a bricklayer on trial.” For Ben and Jack, the project represents part of their journey, having worked on the popular Coal Yard at Royston-Under-Dinmore before moving on after this to work on site at the White Swan in Barton. All three projects are being done for Platform Housing Group, who themselves have also said how pleased they are with seeing their local contractors giving young people the opportunity to learn their vital trades. Project manager for Platform Housing Group Christine Storr said, “When looking for small and medium sized enterprises to partner with, the use of apprenticeship schemes is high on the criteria for awarding the work. As a large provider of affordable homes, we’re seeing how the sector is struggling with the skills gap. Allowing young people to learn on the job from the experienced tradespeople we work with is good for both the housing sector and the local economy and is just one of the ways we feel we can best contribute to the communities we build in.” Working with 1,200 colleagues and 45,000 homes, Platform Housing Group works to deliver quality homes and customer services that bring tangible differences to local homes and lives across the Midlands. For more information about Platform Housing Group, visit – https://www.platformhg.com/
A leading contractor and developer in the East of England is once again inviting applications to its construction apprenticeship for the 18th time in its history. Anderson has been at the forefront of training and developing construction talent for almost 35 years and will relaunch its Groundwork Apprenticeship Scheme for 2022 seeking 10 new recruits aged 16 and over for a two-year Level 2 Diploma in Construction Operations. News of the continuation of the scheme comes after the success of last year’s intake, which the firm said was crucial to help bring new blood into the industry. It came at a time when apprenticeship schemes were on the decline nationally due to the pandemic and the construction industry was facing a stark skills gap. Six out of 10 employers stopped all new apprenticeships when the coronavirus pandemic hit and Anderson has been determined to ensure the shortfall in new talent is filled as quickly as possible. Steve Hammond, Training Manager at Anderson, said: “The construction industry continues to face a skills gap, so it remains vitally important to highlight the benefits of a construction-based career to young people and for Anderson to continue its long-standing record of recruiting talented new apprentices. “It was a delight to be able to welcome a brand-new intake last year as the industry continued to be impacted by the pandemic and we are very much looking forward to receiving fresh applications for the 2022 cohort. “A career with Anderson is a fantastic opportunity to undertake practical and theory-based training, leading to a secure role with job satisfaction and the opportunity for career progression through the company.” Apprentices are given hands-on training on sites across the East and South of England, learning from professionals with decades of experience in the industry as well as recently qualified apprentices who understand the demands of the two-year course and can help mentor the new recruits. Riley Giles was the youngest of the apprentices that joined Anderson at the end of September, and he is now working with Anderson on the Hopkins Homes site at River Reach, Mistley. He said: “I love every minute of it. The lads on site have been great. “I was worried about getting up early every day but actually I can’t wait to get started – I even get up early on weekends now so I don’t waste the day.” Riley has ambitions to work his way up within the company to become a Site Manager. “I like the idea of progressing with Anderson – it’s a really great company,” he said. “But I have to admit I also I have my sights set on wearing one of those red hats one day!” The Anderson apprentice selection course starts in August 2022 for four weeks, with the successful candidates being accepted on to the full apprenticeship in September. The apprenticeship consists of practical and theory-based training sessions learning a variety of groundwork subjects. The closing date for application is May 15 and CVs should be sent to apprentices@andersongroup.co.uk
The Scottish Construction Leadership Forum (CLF) is celebrating International Women’s Day by highlighting its work on a National Equity and Inclusion Plan for the construction industry in Scotland which will drive increased inclusivity. Funded by Scottish Government this latest initiative is part of the wider plan for the industry to develop a more diverse and inclusive workforce, giving the sector access to a wider talent pool to support growth and help to address labour shortages. In the construction industry in Scotland in 2020[1], 84.6% of workers were men and 15.4% were women. 1.6% of workers in the construction industry were from a minority ethnic background compared with 4.3% of minority ethnic workers in Scotland as a whole. The National Construction Equity and Inclusion Plan seeks to address these imbalances by mainstreaming equity and inclusion within the industry as part of the CLF’s Construction Recovery Plan. The goals of the plan are to assess the current situation, share information on impactful equity and inclusion initiatives and develop actions to drive the realisation of a workforce that is more representative of society. The plan is being delivered in partnership with industry by Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC) on behalf of the CLF and is funded by the Scottish Government. The project is being supported by a steering group of experts who represent multiple aspects of the industry and have championed the cause of equity and inclusion throughout their careers. The strength of the steering group, combined with industry and Government support, will help ensure that the recommendations of the plan are moved to active implementation once it has been published. Emma Dickson, Technical Director at Arcadis and industry co-chair of CLF’s Skills and Workforce sub group issued a challenge to the sector to “Celebrate International Women’s Day by taking a meaningful step towards improving gender diversity in your workplace. What will you do?” She said: “The new Plan will focus on meaningful action, drawing from best practice and experience. It will be critical for industry to embrace and action the recommendations; our strong industry networks and leadership groups must take the lead. Skills shortages alongside the need for new green / digital skills in the industry mean that improving the diversity of our industry has never been so critical.” Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise and CLF chair Ivan McKee said: “It is really encouraging to see much needed progress towards creating a more diverse, equitable and inclusive construction industry that is representative of the world we live in. I am delighted to see this work being promoted on International Women’s Day, when we can celebrate raising awareness against bias and taking action to advance equality.” Lynsey Brydson, Head of Digital Programmes, CSIC said: “The collective objective we are aiming for is building a stronger, fairer and greener economic future for the construction industry and this investment is an important move in that direction. It is anticipated that the plan will be delivered in May”. Peter Reekie, Chief Executive of the Scottish Futures Trust and chair of the executive group of the CLF, said: “The CLF is embarked on a radical overhaul of the industry in Scotland and it is important to maintain momentum as the recovery gathers pace. “The data shows that our track record on diversity is poor. The industry is missing out on the talents of too many people, and too many people who could have rewarding careers in the industry are not seeing it as a place for them. Leaders at all levels must do better and I am proud to support the group putting in place our first National Equity and Inclusion Plan, which will help them to do just that.” [1] Annual Population Survey, Jan-Dec 2020
Eleanor Ogilvie, from Stockport, joined MCI Developments in 2019 as a Land & Partnerships Manager, and within 3 years has been able to achieve her goal of Head of department at just 27 years old. The promotion reflects Eleanor’s ambition to identify additional development opportunities, and during her time at MCI Developments has purchased and facilitated land opportunities, resulting in the delivery of over 650 much-needed affordable dwellings across the North West. Having started her career in the construction industry in 2015, Eleanor has been able to quickly progress in the industry, and as Head of Land & Partnerships, she will be responsible for leading the department to acquire and deliver residential development sites, with an aim of 500 homes per year in the region. Often stereotyped as an all-male industry, Eleanor’s promotion marks a progressive step forward as the industry is slowly becoming more diverse, particularly in managerial roles. Eleanor Ogilvie commented: “I’m immensely proud to be leading the Land & Partnerships team here at MCI Developments. I’m looking forward to strengthening the Land Team and continuing the success of delivering much-needed affordable housing across the North West of England. “I decided I wanted to pursue a career within the construction industry whilst I was at university. I thoroughly enjoyed the regeneration modules, and it sparked an interest in me to learn more about the property and construction industry. For me, being knowledgeable in the industry and being able adapt to new challenges has helped progress my career quickly.” With an aim to open more doors to women within the construction industry, Eleanor Ogilvie has been a member of Women in Property for five years, and Chair for the organisation in the North West for 2021/2022. The organisation plays an important role in creating opportunities, expanding knowledge, and advocating for change among women working in the property and construction industry, and during Eleanor’s tenure as Chair, membership grew by 60%. Eleanor added: “It has been an honour to lead the committee and drive for a better industry. I started my tenure as Chair very much still in lockdown and had to adapt to the circumstances to ensure our members were connected through virtual events. Over the past year the organisation has gone from strength to strength and that’s all down to the hard work and input from our members, committee and sponsors. It has been both highly rewarding and a privilege to be able to support women at all stages of their construction careers. “My advice to women who are interested in starting their career within the industry would be to be yourself and take up every opportunity as and when they arrive, you never know where it may take you. I’m an advocate that if you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything.” Alex Wood, Regional Managing Director at MCI Developments, said: “It’s great to see Eleanor take on the position as Head of Land & Partnerships here at MCI Developments. Her achievement is testament to the crucial work she plays within the construction industry and marks an exciting new chapter for the company. “Eleanor is a true inspiration to other women, and her achievement clearly demonstrates the important role women play in the construction sector. We’re confident that with Eleanor’s proven track record of success, she will play a significant role in our continued growth plans by identifying key areas to build new beginnings and flourishing communities here in the North West.”
Savills has expanded its building & project consultancy team with the appointment of Andrew Hezelgrave who joins as a director at the firm’s Margaret Street head office in London. Andrew has more than 15 years’ experience in the commercial property sector as a building surveyor specialising in technical due diligence (TDD). He joins Savills from Black Cat Building Consultancy where he worked across all sectors, looking at both single asset and large portfolio instructions for clients including Investcorp and Brydell Partners in both the UK and Europe. Prior to this he also held positions at Paragon Building Consultancy and Lambert Smith Hampton. At Savills Andrew will join the technical due diligence team, working on major instructions offering tailored, commercial advice on transactions for clients across all asset classes. Andrew Hezelgrave, director in the building & project consultancy team, comments: “This is an exciting time to join the Savills TDD team, especially as we continue to see a number of considerable transactions take place across the UK investment market. One area of focus will be the industrial & logistics sector, which continues to break records when it comes to investment volumes. I look forward to working with colleagues across the business in order to provide top quality advice to clients.” Steve Page, building & project consultancy director and head of the Savills TDD team, adds: “We are very pleased to welcome Andrew to Savills. His experience and expertise will undoubtedly help to further strengthen our capability and ensure we can continue to offer a best in class service to our clients.”
