Multi award winning developer Shanly Homes welcomes Christie Alaimo as Sales & Marketing Director to its Thames Valley region. Covering a variety of new homes schemes across North London, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, Christie will be responsible for driving the region forward and continuing the growth of the company. “I was
For the second year in a row, Balfour Beatty has bolstered its commitment to young people, publicly declaring its intention to increase the number of Apprentices, Graduates and Trainees by c. 60% when compared to its 2021 intake. Today’s commitment will see nearly 600 new positions, on top of the
Two construction firms have been ‘highly commended’ at the National Apprenticeship Awards 2021. Essex based Higgins Partnerships, and McCarrick Construction from County Durham received the award in the SME Employer of the Year category, sponsored by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT and RITTech. The overall winner was Birmingham based Lander Automotive, which manufactures products mainly
There’s no getting away from the fact that demolition projects can be disruptive – but that doesn’t mean the industry can’t offer a wide variety of benefits for local communities. Of course, nobody working in the demolition industry needs to be persuaded of the long-term advantages we bring to local
Two sales executives have recently been promoted within Harron Homes. Rebecca Nixon from Doncaster, and Ellie Wyles from Huddersfield, are now senior sales executives at Harron’s North Yorkshire developments, Bishop’s Glade and Hockley Croft respectively. After just four months with Harron, 24-year-old Rebecca was put forward for promotion by Senior
Leading property developer and investor, Scarborough Group International (SGI) has announced the promotion of Adam Varley to the role of Development Director to help accelerate the Group’s ambitious growth strategy. Adam joined SGI in February 2020 as Commercial Director and has achieved a number of significant milestones in little over
Housing association Platform Housing Group, one of the largest social housing landlords in the UK, has welcomed Felicity Cort and James Robinson as its two new appointments as data assurance analysts. Felicity and James are part of a new team at Platform with a remit to raise and continually improve
HS2’s latest performance data shows it has supported over 1400 people who were out of work into employment, demonstrating the project’s crucial role in the drive to Build Back Better and equip people with ‘Skills for Life’. HS2’s success in supporting unemployed people into work is largely driven by the
Dan Macey, Director/Owner of Holistic Housing Solutions Ltd, has been appointed as Chair of Constructing Excellence South West (CESW) to lead the strategy for positive change in the region’s construction industry. With a wealth of experience and knowledge in both new build and refurbishment sectors, and six years’ experience on
Enerveo, previously known as SSE Contracting, is delighted to announce the appointment of Zak Houlahan as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1st December 2021, following the sad passing of former CEO Stuart Chaston in August. Zak has more than 15 years of extensive senior management experience in a range
Multi award winning developer Shanly Homes welcomes Christie Alaimo as Sales & Marketing Director to its Thames Valley region. Covering a variety of new homes schemes across North London, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, Christie will be responsible for driving the region forward and continuing the growth of the company. “I was drawn to Shanly Homes as an admired privately-owned business in the South East. I welcome the fresh approach Shanly takes to housebuilding and the family values of the business align with my own personal standards. The quality of properties that Shanly build is second to none, and I’m really looking forward to getting involved in an exciting array of developments – both current and upcoming – and working alongside the sales and construction teams across the Thames Valley region,” commented Christie Alaimo, Sales & Marketing Director at Shanly Homes. Bringing 20 years’ experience in the residential property sector, Christie joins as Sales and Marketing Director following seven years at Kent-based Hodson Developments. Prior to this, Christie undertook several directorial roles at Linden Homes, L&Q and Redrow Homes, gaining skills in strategic and business planning alongside operations management. “I’m thrilled that Christie has joined our Thames Valley team. She comes to us with an extensive background in property and I don’t doubt she is going to bring fresh ideas and plenty of experience that will contribute greatly to the performance and future of the company, specifically in the Thames Valley region,” said Managing Director for Shanly Homes, Tim Nutt. Shanly Homes is currently delivering a selection of exciting schemes which include 182 homes at Waterside Quarter in Maidenhead, 20 contemporary apartments at Hillgrove House in Edgware and nine luxury apartments at Uplands Park Place in Enfield. Upcoming developments in 2022 include 93 homes at Little Green in Aston Clinton and a selection of houses and apartments at Lightfield in Barnet. The award-winning brand is renowned across the South East as they create sustainable, architecturally innovative homes which are designed to complement the local environment.
For the second year in a row, Balfour Beatty has bolstered its commitment to young people, publicly declaring its intention to increase the number of Apprentices, Graduates and Trainees by c. 60% when compared to its 2021 intake. Today’s commitment will see nearly 600 new positions, on top of the 700 currently employed, made available to young people across its projects in the UK, doubling down on the company’s public declaration last year where it pledged to increase its intake of Apprentices, Graduates and Trainees by c. 30%. Balfour Beatty has long been at the forefront of the skills revolution, having joined The 5% Club in 2013, and exceeding its charter promise to dedicate 5% of its employee numbers to ‘earn & learn’ positions, since 2017. Today’s strengthened commitment represents another important stride in tackling the construction and infrastructure industry’s significant skills shortage. With 6% of its workforce in ‘Earn & Learn’ roles today, the company has been recognised by The 5% Club for its integral work in this area, securing a Club Gold Award through its Employer Audit Scheme which validates members’ activities, explores their future plans and commitments, and examines their approach to quality, social mobility and diversity and inclusion. Nadhim Zahawi, Secretary of State for Education, said, “As Education Secretary, I’m delighted to see Balfour Beatty doubling down on its commitment to hiring apprentices, graduates and trainees. “Schools, skills and families are at the forefront of my mission as Secretary of State, and Balfour Beatty are at the heart of the skills revolution that is transforming the futures of young people across the country and boosting our economy. “Their commitment to upskilling the next generation is to be commended, and I wish all the best to those taking part in the schemes.” Leo Quinn, Balfour Beatty Group Chief Executive and Founder of The 5% Club said, “At Balfour Beatty, we want to attract the next generation of talent – we want to inspire and educate people to consider the construction and infrastructure industry as an attractive long term career choice. “This latest commitment to an increase in our emerging talent is testament to how we go above and beyond, on a daily basis, to provide young people with the skills and experience they need to build strong, future careers. Careers that will enable us to continue to deliver vital national infrastructure, shape skylines, build communities and truly make a difference.” Commenting on The 5% Club’s Employer Audit Scheme, Mark Cameron OBE, Chief Executive at The 5% Club said, “We set out to create a scheme that recognises the efforts of all those Employers who invest in their workforce through a broad range of workplace learning schemes. “It is fantastic that in these challenging times so many are able to commit to the Employer Audit and to gain the credit for their efforts, and that the majority are striving to expand their schemes over the coming years. Their efforts and achievements are to be applauded.” To find out more about the opportunities on offer at Balfour Beatty for Apprentices, Graduates and Trainees, click here.
Two construction firms have been ‘highly commended’ at the National Apprenticeship Awards 2021. Essex based Higgins Partnerships, and McCarrick Construction from County Durham received the award in the SME Employer of the Year category, sponsored by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT and RITTech. The overall winner was Birmingham based Lander Automotive, which manufactures products mainly for the automotive sector. Lucy Ireland, Managing Director at BCS Learning and Development, presented the awards and said: ‘Congratulations to all who underwent the rigorous judging process for this category. The finalists are fantastic examples of firms that run exemplary apprenticeship schemes for their staff.’ Strictly Come Dancing and BBC star Dan Walker returned to host the Awards for a second year. For the first time ever, the event was both in person and live streamed. Finalists, sponsors, the Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi and Minister for Skills Alex Burghart attended the event at a central London venue. It was also available online with family, friends and supporters from across the apprenticeship community able to join in the celebrations from home. Apprenticeships ‘leading the way’ The Rt Hon Nadhim Zahawi MP gave the keynote speech and said: ‘Apprenticeships are the living proof about what’s best in our education system. We are entering a new era of the skills economy, which is something that this government regards as an absolute priority. ‘I want to congratulate everyone for being the best of the best. These awards fill me with confidence and optimism for the future. There is even more to come, and apprenticeships are leading the way.’ The award sponsor, BCS, carries out the final check – called the end-point assessment – where a digital apprentice demonstrates they are thoroughly trained and competent. Around 13,000 digital apprentices have completed this process through BCS so far. Annette Allmark, Head of Apprenticeships at BCS, said: ‘These awards are a fantastic way to celebrate apprenticeships and promote the opportunities they present to both individuals and employers. With recognised skills shortages in many areas, including IT and digital skills, no matter how big or small an organisation is, they can all benefit from talented apprentices.’ The judging panels chose the regional finalists for nine different categories during November, including Apprentice of the Year. Other sponsors of the National Apprenticeship Awards 2021 include the Army and the Royal Navy, Lloyds Banking Group and BT.
There’s no getting away from the fact that demolition projects can be disruptive – but that doesn’t mean the industry can’t offer a wide variety of benefits for local communities. Of course, nobody working in the demolition industry needs to be persuaded of the long-term advantages we bring to local areas. Demolition projects are often a vital part of urban renewal plans, for example, clearing the way for the regenerative benefits of a revitalised environment. McKinsey has highlighted the urgency surrounding urban transformation brought on by the pandemic. Its report on the Bloomberg New Economy Forum notes that while cities still have a prominent part to play in our lives, we need to rethink what city centres look like – for example by making shopping more experiential in a way that can’t be replicated when making an online purchase. While demolition plays a huge and necessary role in that kind of regeneration, it’s completely understandable that local people, facing short-term disruptions to their lives, aren’t always inclined to take a broader, long-term view of the situation. As such, it’s important that the demolition industry takes the initiative to proactively demonstrate and expand upon the ways in which we contribute to the communities we serve. One of the most tangible and immediately impactful ways of doing this is to employ local labour for the various non-permanent roles that each project needs to fill. The community benefits of engaging local labour It goes without saying that providing a source of employment within a given community is going to have positive ramifications. Offering jobs to local people will stimulate the community’s economy and forge closer connections between demolition firms and the people around them – and there’s scope for firms to make a real difference in that arena. Hiring ex-military personnel, for example – as we plan to do on an upcoming project – could have a hugely positive impact on a deserving group. According to pre-pandemic research from Barclays, around 22 per cent of armed forces leavers face employment difficulties. Stepping in to help resolve this issue is completely within the grasp of demolition firms up and down the country. Alternatively, firms might consider employing younger, less experienced people for some of its junior positions. After all, the industry can be highly rewarding, but – beyond childhood images of wrecking balls and explosions – it’s not one that many young people will have considered as a career path. In setting young people’s feet on this path, demolition firms can contribute towards changing the current youth unemployment problem. The House of Lords Youth Unemployment Committee has just recently pointed out that one in eight under 25s are neither working, in education, nor in training – leaving the stage set for the industry to give back to the community in an instantly substantive way. Local councils have recently woken up to benefits like these, with some new projects requiring the employment of local people – ten per cent of the workforce, in some cases – in order to satisfy and discharge planning conditions. But firms are under no obligation to limit themselves to these minimum requirements – especially considering the advantages that local labour can offer demolition projects. Advantages of local labour for demolition firms Beneficial though employing local labour can be for communities, this isn’t just an empty gesture towards CSR. There are, in fact, a wealth of varied advantages for demolition firms which embrace local labour. Taking a broad view, there are wide-ranging implications for the environmental impact of projects which employ local people. With several employees living close to demolition sites, the carbon emissions associated with commuting will be reduced or eliminated altogether. This is of great benefit for firms looking to reduce their carbon footprint – something we should all be looking to embrace. According to the International Energy Agency, road vehicles account for three quarters of all emissions, so taking steps to limit their usage is a fantastically beneficial aspect of local labour. Leaving aside the wider environmental ramifications, local labour can also provide practical, on-the-job advantages to firms prepared to embrace it. Employing local people allows firms to access new pools of talent and different skill sets, which isn’t necessarily possible if firms choose to ferry existing employees to faraway sites on a regular basis. These different skill sets come to the fore when – returning to a previous example – firms hire ex-military personnel. Military veterans are trained to operate in high-risk environments, making them well suited to the demolition industry – and a prime instance of the transferable skills that local labour can offer. Clearly, then, the practice of hiring locally has extensive ramifications – for the environment, for local economies, for local people in need of good employment in a rewarding profession, and for an industry whose long-term efforts to improve local areas can be matched by an immediate and tangible contribution to the communities it serves. Written for BDC Magazine by Ben Griffiths, SHE and Operations Director, Rye Group
Two sales executives have recently been promoted within Harron Homes. Rebecca Nixon from Doncaster, and Ellie Wyles from Huddersfield, are now senior sales executives at Harron’s North Yorkshire developments, Bishop’s Glade and Hockley Croft respectively. After just four months with Harron, 24-year-old Rebecca was put forward for promotion by Senior Sales Manager Vicki Armitage, who recognised Rebecca’s enthusiasm and skill in the position. Rebecca said: “I’m always striving to reach the next level, and am delighted to be progressing so quickly within the company. I’ll be aiming for sales manager next!” 23-year-old Ellie has also been progressing rapidly with Harron. She joined as a trainee sales executive in February 2019 and became responsible for her own development as a full time sales executive by May 2019. Upon returning to work part time after maternity leave, Ellie was looking for a new challenge and jumped at the chance to apply for a senior sales executive role. “I spoke to my line manager who encouraged me to apply, and since getting the job I’ve been so supported by the whole management team. They’ve made sure there’s enough colleagues on my site to allow me time to focus on my new duties, and they are always just on the other end of the phone if we need anything,” Ellie said. Both Ellie and Rebecca had prior sales experience; Ellie for companies including Cath Kidson and TUI, and Rebecca for Beal Homes. Harron originally appealed to them for its unique offering in the market. “I visited a showhome and became obsessed. I loved that it’s a premium product from a traditional builder” Rebecca said. “Now I love the team, being part of a close-knit group where everyone looks out for each other is fantastic.” Ellie agreed, “I immediately bought into the ethos of Harron as a traditional builder delivering a quality product. Our homes are so different from a lot of the market; they include lots of extra details and luxuries that I would love to have in my own home! “We put a lot of time and effort into ensuring the room sizes in all our house types are large enough for people to grow into and allow them to create the lifestyle they are looking for. It’s great to be involved with such an aspirational product and to help people find and move into their dream home.”
Leading property developer and investor, Scarborough Group International (SGI) has announced the promotion of Adam Varley to the role of Development Director to help accelerate the Group’s ambitious growth strategy. Adam joined SGI in February 2020 as Commercial Director and has achieved a number of significant milestones in little over 18 months, including concluding the lease negotiations for Yorkshire’s largest ever out of town pre-let to Lowell at Thorpe Park Leeds, letting the remaining space at Lumina, a speculative grade A office building also located at Thorpe Park Leeds, as well as launching the fourth and final building at the iconic Digital Campus scheme in Sheffield. He has also been heavily involved in the master-planning of the next phase of development at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park. In his new role, Adam will be responsible for the appraisal, delivery and asset management of the Group’s commercial development projects across the Northern Powerhouse, working alongside Group Director’s Mark Jackson and Paul Kelly. SGI’s flagship schemes include the next phase of Thorpe Park Leeds – a mixed-use community of 3.25m sq ft comprising high-quality business space, industrial and logistics space, retail, leisure and new homes – and Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park; a sports, health and wellbeing-focused Life Sciences Park where it is embarking on a first phase of 850,000 sq ft in partnership with Sheffield City Council. Commenting on his promotion, Adam said: “I feel honoured to be taking on the role of Development Director after only a relatively short time with Scarborough Group International and am looking forward to working closely with Mark, Paul and colleagues to take the Group’s development portfolio forward.” Simon McCabe, Chief Executive of SGI, added: “Adam is an incredibly talented and motivated individual, and has made a huge impact within the Group since joining. His extensive experience in the commercial property industry, combined with his depth of understanding of occupiers’ needs will be invaluable as we look to accelerate the delivery of our ambitious development pipeline across the north of England.”
Housing association Platform Housing Group, one of the largest social housing landlords in the UK, has welcomed Felicity Cort and James Robinson as its two new appointments as data assurance analysts. Felicity and James are part of a new team at Platform with a remit to raise and continually improve data quality throughout the Group. Felicity, who began work with the organisation in 2015 when it was Waterloo Housing, will, in her new role, investigate and improve data, making sure it remains compliant and fit for purpose. “I am delighted to take up this new role; by continuing to improve our data and the trust surrounding it, we can pass this trust onto our customers. I will really enjoy working in a role where I can make a difference,” Felicity said. In James’ role, he will ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of data across the Group allowing operational teams to perform their roles efficiently and to a good quality. James began with the Group in 2017 as an apprentice when it was Waterloo Housing. “Platform Housing Group is an employer that offers opportunities for progression and new learning. The better quality our data is, the better our business processes will be. I look forward to playing a part in this,” James said. “We are delighted to welcome Felicity and James to this newly formed team; both roles will be pivotal in understanding data needs, identifying issues and challenges, improving processes to maintain integrity, drive performance and manage risks. We wish them all the luck in their new roles,” commented on the two appointments at Platform Housing Group, Colin Bailey, Head of Information Governance and Assurance at Platform Housing Group. Platform Housing Group, which owns more than 47,000 homes in total, completed 1448 homes in 2019/20 (1,598 in 2018/19) at an investment of £258m (£228m in 2018/19). The Group also built more social rented homes – at a figure of 981 – during the past 2 years in England than any other provider, 523 in 2019/20, almost 33% of the total homes built. Platform Housing Group’s operating area is from Herefordshire in the West to the Lincolnshire coast in the East, and from the Derbyshire Dales in the North to the Cotswolds in the South.
HS2’s latest performance data shows it has supported over 1400 people who were out of work into employment, demonstrating the project’s crucial role in the drive to Build Back Better and equip people with ‘Skills for Life’. HS2’s success in supporting unemployed people into work is largely driven by the effectiveness of its job brokerage partnership model which launched earlier this year. By bringing together the Department for Work and Pensions, strategic regional and local stakeholders including local authorities, enterprise partnerships, charities and employment support services along the route of the new railway, the job brokerage model has enabled HS2 and its construction partners to engage local people who are looking for work. Referrals allow individuals, including those at risk of long-term unemployment, to access training and placement opportunities which provide them with the skills they need to transition into jobs supporting HS2’s construction. Bespoke initiatives led by HS2’s construction partner for the West Midlands, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), are already paying dividends and thanks to referrals from local partners, 150 people from the region who were out of work have now secured a career in construction in just six months. HS2 Minister Andrew Stephenson MP said: “It is heartening to hear real life stories of how HS2 is supporting unemployed people into work right across the country. It demonstrates not just the huge variety of skills and opportunities that the project offers to job seekers, but is also a great example of the Government’s Plan for Jobs in action.” Julie Venn-Morton, HS2’s Skills Manager for the West Midlands said: “The pace of construction across Warwickshire and the West Midlands is driving the creation of hundreds of new jobs. “Through our job brokerage model, we’re able to ensure that those most in need are benefiting from training and upskilling opportunities to get them job-ready for HS2.” BBV is investing heavily in training and work placement programmes which upskill candidates ready for their pipeline of career opportunities. Through a combination of training and paid work trials it has already recruited 9 Environmental Technicians and 10 General Operatives who were all previously out of work. A rolling programme of training sessions for the unemployed and those looking to boost their skills and experience is now underway, and those who successfully complete the programme will transition into general operative jobs within BBV’s supply chain. Among those to have secured a full-time role is 21-year-old Brady from Chelmsley Wood. Brady had never worked in construction before and recognised that his lack of skills and experience were holding him back. He successfully completed a 20-day customised training programme and gained a series of accreditations which enabled him to progress onto a site-based work trial. The passion and enthusiasm he showed during the trial led to him securing a full-time role as a general operative. He now works as part of a team supporting the construction of HS2 in North Warwickshire. Brady said: “I really love the job. It’s been great for my wellbeing, both mentally and physically. I’m out on site every day meeting new people and I’ve formed a great bond with the team, we’re like a family. “I’ve had so much personal support too. Transitioning out of social housing and off benefits hasn’t been easy, but the team has helped me all the way. They even helped me to find new accommodation, which is closer to site, and that saves me at least an hour’s travel time every day. “I’d encourage anyone who is out of work to seize this opportunity, it really has changed my life for the better.” Irfa from Birmingham has also benefitted from the free training and paid work trial programme. She’s now employed as an environmental technician and works as part of a team assisting with site inspections and audits to ensure that HS2’s construction works comply with environmental legislation and consents. Irfa said: “I love the variety that this job offers and the opportunity to work alongside experts in the field including arboriculturists and ecologists really does mean that every day is like a school day – I’m learning so much. “I had no idea just how much goes on behind the scenes to build HS2 and it’s really exciting to be part of it. The focus on sustainability of planting trees right across the project and reducing carbon impacts is fascinating. It’s something I knew nothing about before and it’s opened my eyes to what a career in this sector can offer.” The combination of tailored training programmes coupled with paid work placements is proving to be hugely successful, supporting BBV’s drive to ensure that it recruits local people, wherever possible, to drive forward its construction programme. Shilpi Akbar, Head of Stakeholders and Communities at Balfour Beatty VINCI said: “Our investment in on-the-job training and work with local partners is driving the creation of the highly skilled workforce we need to deliver HS2. And with a ten-year construction programme ahead of us, there will be hundreds more opportunities to come.” For more information about careers and opportunities working on HS2, visit hs2.org.uk/careers
Dan Macey, Director/Owner of Holistic Housing Solutions Ltd, has been appointed as Chair of Constructing Excellence South West (CESW) to lead the strategy for positive change in the region’s construction industry. With a wealth of experience and knowledge in both new build and refurbishment sectors, and six years’ experience on the CESW board, Dan will work with the board and CESW partners to create and drive strategy that will positively shape the future of the industry in the South West. Dan, who takes over the role from the previous Chair Andrew Goodenough, said: “Construction faces challenges around safety and hitting net zero carbon targets and we must come together collaboratively to find the solution.” “I’m incredibly excited to step up to the challenge as the new Chair and continue the excellent work Andrew has done for the last two years to drive best practice in the industry and engage with all areas of the supply chain to support value over cost. Andrew Carpenter, CEO of Constructing Excellence South West (CESW), said of the appointment: “Dan’s passion for collaborative working made the board’s decision unanimous. It’s also a reward for his longevity of service, having been on the board for six years, and he’s also the first non-client to have the Chair, so it’s a unique appointment too. “We are looking forward to working with Dan to lead and support the sector in a period of major opportunity and allow the region to achieve its full potential.” CESW is a cross-sector, cross-supply chain member-led organisation charged with driving the change agenda in construction. For more information, visit https://constructingexcellencesw.org.uk/ or call 01225 256002.
Enerveo, previously known as SSE Contracting, is delighted to announce the appointment of Zak Houlahan as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1st December 2021, following the sad passing of former CEO Stuart Chaston in August. Zak has more than 15 years of extensive senior management experience in a range of industries, including Waste Management, Aviation Infrastructure and most latterly in Local Government Contracts as National Business Director – Environmental Services at Amey. Announcing Zak’s appointment Neil Kirkby, Enerveo Executive Chair, said “I am thrilled to welcome Zak into Enerveo. Zak’s track record in business transformation, customer engagement and value generation will be a great fit with the Enerveo team. I know Zak is excited to build on the successes of the business and develop our business further, with a focus on further enhancing our employee experience, customer services and driving the Enerveo business to industry “best in class”. Reflecting on his appointment, Zak Houlahan said “Enerveo is a fantastic business, with a deep talent pool and strong customer base, so I am delighted to be joining the team. The industry is entering a new era of growth, predominatly led by the drive for carbon zero and renewed focus on infrastructure. Enerveo’s standing in the industry places the team in an excellent position to support our existing customers and gain new partnership opportunities in the market. My goal, with the team’s support, is to lead Enerveo to even greater things.”
