Brad Critcher has been appointed the new Director of Development. Wavensmere Homes, property developers based in the Midlands, have today announced that Brad Critcher has been named as Director of Development. This is a new role for the company following the huge success of the Nightingale Quarter in Derby and
Southwark Construction Skills Centre (SCSC) is moving from its original base at Elephant Park, to a new home at Canada Water. SCSC has been at the site in Elephant Park since 2016 and has been supported by major contractor Lendlease in providing training and upskilling to those interested in a
Southern Sheeting has appointed Ecommerce Manager Jo Morfield to lead the company’s ecommerce expansion and support the next stages of its growth as a market leader. Morfield is an experienced digital marketing manager who is looking forward to helping the business build on the recent launch of its ecommerce website.
Baxi Heating UK and Ireland has appointed specification specialist Ryan Kirkwood to the role of Heat Pump Business Development Manager. The move is part of the company’s continuous improvement and development strategy, ensuring it is well prepared for the future as the heating industry makes the transition towards zero carbon
IT’S NO SECRET that the UK construction sector is suffering from a serious skills shortage, with a reported 182,000 new engineers alone needed each year to bridge the gap. Apprenticeships have been proven as a great way to combat this crisis and are becoming a serious option for all school
International real estate firm Hines has appointed Stephen Finch as Head of Facilities Management – Living, Europe within its Property Management Group. A core focus of this role is on its living portfolio spanning its Build to Rent (BTR) and Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA), under the Hines aparto brand.
Today, Monday 8 March, Leeds College of Building is joining others globally in supporting the International Women’s Day campaign ‘Choose To Challenge.’The College has made great strides in pushing gender parity in construction. Female apprentices at Leeds College of Building have also grown from 33 in 2014 to 190 by
Record numbers of people have been booking places on a CPD created by insulation specialist Actis since it became a RIBA-approved training course at the end of 2020. The much-praised and already very popular session on Addressing the performance gap with reflective insulation looks at how to combat thermal bridging
A new report warning that skills gaps in the construction industry threaten the UK’s 2050 net zero target highlights the importance of training and embracing new methods of construction, says insulation specialist Actis. It was responding to a report by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) which calls for
3B Training has become one of the most recent members of Build UK’s construction supply chain by joining as a Professional Services Member. This is the first time that a health & safety training provider has been accepted as a member. 3B Training will work with Build UK to help
Brad Critcher has been appointed the new Director of Development. Wavensmere Homes, property developers based in the Midlands, have today announced that Brad Critcher has been named as Director of Development. This is a new role for the company following the huge success of the Nightingale Quarter in Derby and is indicative of the Company’s enthusiasm to secure further development opportunities across the greater Midlands area. Brad brings more than 30 years development experience gained across various sectors including retail, leisure, strategic land/residential and mixed use, having held senior development positions at Sainsbury’s and Castlemore, and more recently at shopping centre REIT intu where he led the team seeking to identify and secure the diversification of the portfolio via the addition of compatible non retail uses. James Dickens, Managing Director of Wavensmere Homes said: “Brad will give a new string to the Wavensmere bow. His knowledge and skill set will give us a competitive edge in repurposing city centre retail assets. “Brad’s extensive property and business development background will allow Wavensmere Homes to tap into new areas of the sector. We look forward to bringing Brad onboard at such an exciting time for the company following the success of Nightingale Quarter. We continue to concentrate primarily in and around the Midlands looking for new build opportunities. Eyes are firmly set on the future and the growth of the company.” Brad added: “I am incredibly excited to be joining the Wavensmere Homes team at this critical time. I believe its existing business model and talented management team is uniquely positioned to capitalise on the ever-changing property industry and the new opportunities and challenges that will unfold over the next few years. Urban regeneration, the revitalisation of our town centres and the repurposing of buildings is a key element in achieving sustainable and responsible economic growth as well as the creation of inclusive and thoughtfully designed communities. Wavensmere Homes has already demonstrated these skills with a number of best-in-class developments including Crocketts Lane, The Forge and Nightingale Quarter.” Brad has a degree in Land Administration, is a member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors having been elected in 1992, a past Chair of Accessible Retail and a member of various Revo Steering Groups. Established in 2015, Wavensmere Homes continues to go from strength-to strength specialising in challenging sites, place making and regeneration across the Midlands. Its on-going development, Nightingale Quarter, will create nearly 800 homes and is set to become one of the largest city centre regeneration projects in the UK. For Wavensmere Homes sales, email: info@wavensmere.com.
Southwark Construction Skills Centre (SCSC) is moving from its original base at Elephant Park, to a new home at Canada Water. SCSC has been at the site in Elephant Park since 2016 and has been supported by major contractor Lendlease in providing training and upskilling to those interested in a career in construction. During this time, SCSC has contributed £40 million in social value to the local economy, training more than 10,000 residents, and helped to create more than 3,000 jobs in the construction sector. Now the community-centred skills and training centre, supported by Southwark Council and run by The Skills Centre, is set to move to its new home at Hawker House, Canada Water in April, in support of the British Land Canada Water Masterplan. “The aim was always to move the training facility to support additional projects in Southwark and this is the first move it has made since opening in 2016 – and we’re hugely excited about becoming a meaningful part of the community at Canada Water,” said Jon Howlin, Managing Director of The Skills Centre, which runs SCSC. “It has been an honour to work with the Elephant Park community and to help so many people learn new skills and train to gain great jobs in the construction industry – we’ve simply had the best experience. The Skills Centre now looks forward to doing the same again for the community at Canada Water.” SCSC will be offering the same opportunities at Canada Water as it did in Elephant Park, with employment prospects, apprenticeships and pre-employment training for local residents, as well as continuing its schools’ programme; inspiring Southwark school children to consider the varied jobs on offer through a career in construction. The move is a joint initiative between The Skills Centre, Southwark Council, British Land, and Art Invest. “Thousands of our residents have walked through the doors of Southwark Construction Skills Centre at Elephant Park to receive expert training and support, with many going on to secure real jobs at sites across the Borough,” commented Councillor Rebecca Lury, Southwark Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, Business & Jobs. “With a 20-year programme of construction work at Canada Water, one of the Council’s largest regeneration schemes, this is an ideal location for creating an exciting training venue for our residents. I’m excited to see SCSC and The Skills Centre go from strength to strength, with the help of new partners British Land and Art-Invest to create opportunities for residents from across the Borough.” Canada Water Masterplan is a joint initiative between Southwark Council and British Land, working closely with Art-Invest, to develop a 53-acre scheme that will deliver workspace to accommodate around 20,000 jobs, retail, leisure, entertainment, education and community spaces. There will be around 3,000 new homes, of which 35% will be affordable, as well as 12 acres of open space and a new town centre for Southwark; the first new town centre built in London for more than 100 years. Construction of the new centre in Canada Water will begin in April, with a planned opening on June 21st. Opening hours will be from 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday, with community-based activities planned for Saturdays. Local residents will also have access to a digital library, basic digital training as well as use of computer equipment, which will all be free. The centre will be run in a Covid-safe way, with Covid safety training also provided.
Southern Sheeting has appointed Ecommerce Manager Jo Morfield to lead the company’s ecommerce expansion and support the next stages of its growth as a market leader. Morfield is an experienced digital marketing manager who is looking forward to helping the business build on the recent launch of its ecommerce website. Southern Sheeting in East Grinstead, West Sussex, has been supplying building materials to trade and domestic customers around the UK for more than 40 years and is embarking on an ambitious strategy to grow digital sales. “We’re delighted to welcome Jo to our team. She will play a key role in supporting us on our digital journey, achieving our ambitions and growing our online capabilities. We’ve invested a lot of time in launching our new website. Its full ecommerce functionality allows both new and existing customers to see their own pricing, check live stock levels and purchase everything online within a few clicks,” said Tony Hobbs, Managing Director, Southern Sheeting. “Jo’s experience and enthusiasm for helping companies realise a digital transformation is just what we need to take Southern Sheeting’s offering to the next level.” Her role will involve setting-up, resourcing and managing the ecommerce department to deliver digital sales revenue, gross profit targets and KPIs, while seeking out further growth opportunities. She will also ensure that the new website delivers an exceptional user and customer centric experience. “With more than ten years of digital and ecommerce experience, I have always been passionate about digital transformation and making a difference. I love working with companies to help them on their digital journey, and who have clear ambitions, along with a desire to futureproof and grow their online capabilities, so it’s a fantastic opportunity to support them in this venture,” added Jo Morfield. “This role is vital to the company growth strategy and I believe that I will bring drive, passion, and a commitment for all things digital along with my wealth of experience. I have already been made to feel like part of the team in this friendly and family run business which goes above and beyond to look after its employees and clients. I’m looking forward to bringing their 40 years of experience and amazing customer service to the online journey.”
Baxi Heating UK and Ireland has appointed specification specialist Ryan Kirkwood to the role of Heat Pump Business Development Manager. The move is part of the company’s continuous improvement and development strategy, ensuring it is well prepared for the future as the heating industry makes the transition towards zero carbon and sustainable solutions, and to meet the changing needs of its customers. Ryan joined the business in 2013 as an area sales manager in Scotland, looking after specification and sales of Remeha gas boilers, biomass boilers and CHP. He explains why he is excited by his new role: “My passion has always been sustainable design. Heat pumps are one of the key technologies we must use properly to ensure our homes and businesses are sustainable in the future. “My background is in mechanical design engineering and building simulation. I’ve worked closely with contractors and consultants over the last 10 years and consider myself to be an absolute geek when it comes to functional design and helping to maximise system performance. Over the years I have seen the good, bad and ugly with both design and installation, and have learned from what I’ve seen. “I am really looking forward to the dynamic aspect of evolving solutions for heating and hot water in the future. No one method works for all building types; the solution must be tailored for each and this is the real challenge. Heat pumps are one of the key technologies that will help us to a more sustainable future. We cannot ignore how important heat networks are in our drive for affordable, low carbon heating and hot water. And we are making important developments with hydrogen. Having a blended solution of both heat pumps and hydrogen boilers in the future may be one of the best ways of delivering sustainable heating solutions. “I love helping our customers deliver conceptual and innovative ideas. Innovation is the key to making all the future carbon targets a reality. We must ensure we have innovative solutions for today’s challenges while developing future solutions for tomorrow,” Ryan concludes. When he’s not working, Ryan enjoys paragliding and building things – anything from model aeroplanes to off-road touring vehicles.
IT’S NO SECRET that the UK construction sector is suffering from a serious skills shortage, with a reported 182,000 new engineers alone needed each year to bridge the gap. Apprenticeships have been proven as a great way to combat this crisis and are becoming a serious option for all school leavers as Covid-19 makes higher education a decreasingly attractive option. With most apprenticeships rooted in STEM fields, another key action point when closing the skills gap is encouraging more diversity. The latest figures from the Women’s Engineering Society1 (WES) show that women make up just under 13% of the engineering workforce and just less than 18% of higher apprentices in the engineering and manufacturing sector. This is something Zoe Fittock and Angelina Stankovic, both trainee apprentices at national M&E consultancy Couch Perry Wilkes (CPW), are hoping to change. Zoe said: “Apprenticeships have always been an attractive option for many, including myself, and are increasingly seen as a strong rival to higher education, providing the valuable skills and real-world experience needed for success in the construction sector. “With it being Women in Construction Week, it’s an important time to be talking about the need for more women in the construction sector. Apprenticeships are a great way for women to circumvent the glass ceiling and get their foot in the door. “By making it easier for women to step into the industry from the start of their career, we can challenge stigmas around female engineers and normalise equal representation from the start.” For new trainees entering the industry, the need for frequent technical engagement is a key part of development. CPW’s two-fold approach ensures that this can continue despite the challenges of lockdown restrictions. Firstly, a straightforward mentor hierarchy for trainees keeps lines of remote technical input clear and concise, and secondly, CPW currently retains some weekly office presence options for trainees to sit alongside mentors. Apprentices are given priority over socially distanced desks and office numbers are appropriately limited, while still allowing some of the regular face-to-face interaction that is vital to progression. Angelina added: “The construction industry is as hands-on as it gets and having the opportunity to gain practical experience with software, design implementation, and working as a team on a common project goal is invaluable. “We’ve already had great insights into the sector, enhancing our knowledge of M&E engineering and construction industry trends beyond what could be learnt in a university classroom. “Entering a traditionally male-dominated industry can be daunting to say the least. It’s a self-fulfilling prophesy as the ‘boys club’ mentality deters women from applying for roles at all. By beginning at an apprentice level, it paves the way to gender equality in engineering. Learning alongside male counterparts and benefitting from the expert knowledge of your more experienced team members, really helps challenge the stigma.” Authentic on the job learning and an opportunity to earn whilst you learn makes construction apprenticeships an attractive place to start your career. CPW has a strong track record of supporting trainees and apprentices in further and higher education across all ten offices. More than 40% of its team has come through the apprenticeship training programme and trainees are given the opportunity to complete industry-recognised qualifications and work on live projects while being managed in a supportive environment. Taking on new trainees each year, CPW will be launching its 2021 apprenticeship scheme later this year. For further information visit www.cpwp.com or follow @CpwEastMids on Twitter.
International real estate firm Hines has appointed Stephen Finch as Head of Facilities Management – Living, Europe within its Property Management Group. A core focus of this role is on its living portfolio spanning its Build to Rent (BTR) and Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA), under the Hines aparto brand. Finch joins Hines from the NHS, where most recently he was Head of Estates for a Trust working as part of its Covid-19 response team, working in line with UK government protocols. Prior to this, Finch worked for the British army, specialising in operations, project management, tactical delivery, training and logistics. At Hines, Finch will join the firm’s expanding Living platform across Europe which includes 13.5 million sq ft of assets and EUR3.8 billion in AUM. He will be responsible for facilities, operations and mobilisation across its portfolio, reporting into Tom Rix, Managing Director, Living – Europe. The Living sector is a key strategic growth area for Hines across Europe, with the firm targeting to acquire or develop BTR assets this year, while continuing ongoing growth of its student housing platform. Most recently, Hines has acquired a 30,000-square-meter portfolio of eight prime sites in France, to develop a series of BTR residential schemes, on behalf of its Hines Pan-European Core Fund (HECF). In total, the sites will provide 500 units of high-quality living space across eight locations in France. Other notable key projects under the Hines Living banner include, Cherrywood in Dublin, Südkreuz in Berlin and two projects in Milan, Giovenale and Ripamonti. As part of Stephen’s appointment, Andy Fletcher will transition to the role of Technical Operations Director at Hines, taking responsibility for the firm’s entire UK portfolio technical needs. His focus will be on supporting the Asset and Project Management teams across its UK sites, to drive tenant satisfaction, and investment returns, through operating its assets more efficiently working closely with on-site engineering teams. Tom Rix, Managing Director, Living – Europe, at Hines, says: “It’s a coup to have someone of Stephen’s experience join our team. We have clear growth plans across our Living assets in Europe, and Stephen will be a vital component of our operational and facilities management setup as we expand. We welcome Stephen to the Hines family and Living team.” Finch, Head of Facilities Management – Living, in Europe, at Hines, adds “It’s great to join Tom and the wider Living team at Hines. The firm has an exceptional reputation in the burgeoning BTR and PBSA sectors, working on some incredible projects across Europe. I look forward to progressing our strategic plans, building on our reputation with the delivery of first-class operational and facilities management services to deliver for our customers.”
Today, Monday 8 March, Leeds College of Building is joining others globally in supporting the International Women’s Day campaign ‘Choose To Challenge.’The College has made great strides in pushing gender parity in construction. Female apprentices at Leeds College of Building have also grown from 33 in 2014 to 190 by 2020, an incredible 475% increase over 6 years. However, more work is needed to address the diversity of the construction industry. In 2019, GMB (the union for construction workers) revealed that just one in eight construction workers are women. By analysing official statistics, it was predicted that it would take almost 200 years to achieve gender equality in the construction industry. As a result, the College will be hosting a free female-only virtual open event, designed for any women who would like to know more about a career in the construction industry (8 March, 5-7pm). Videos by staff and students will showcase being a female in the construction industry today and the varied opportunities available. The College Team are also available on live chat via the website. Marked annually, International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender equality. Activity takes place worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women’s achievements or rally for women’s rights. Ruth Watson, a former Leeds College of Building Civil Engineering Apprentice, said: “Engineers help shape the future, so it’s critical that we inspire and encourage the younger generation to consider engineering. When I enrolled, I was one of only two girls in my class of 25. By the end of my programme, the number of female students at College had increased discernibly, which was fantastic to see. “I hope I can help to break down stereotypes and be part of the huge change that is taking place in this sector. I’d encourage other women to follow their passion and pursue a meaningful career. I’m very optimistic about the future and excited about the years to come in this diverse and rewarding industry.” Today, the Faculty of Higher Education, Construction Design & Management at Leeds College of Building employs 30% female staff (out of a total of 56 staff). Female lecturers come from a wide range careers including architecture, civil engineering, quantity surveying, and transport planning. Nikki Davison, Degree Apprenticeship Development Curriculum Manager and Quantity Surveyor, said: “The construction industry is constantly developing, with continual reviews of legislation, innovative technology, and ground-breaking construction methods. All of this makes it a very exciting industry to work in. “I started my career as a trainee Quantity Surveyor some 20 years ago. Today, thankfully, women are not only accepted, but we are encouraged in the industry. This is evident in the quantity and experiences of female students at the College who display a passion for construction, be that in a trade like painting or joinery, or in a role like engineering, surveying, or architecture.”
Record numbers of people have been booking places on a CPD created by insulation specialist Actis since it became a RIBA-approved training course at the end of 2020. The much-praised and already very popular session on Addressing the performance gap with reflective insulation looks at how to combat thermal bridging and achieve optimal energy efficiency. Attendance figures for the free online sessions in January and February have been at their highest level since the sessions went online when the pandemic first hit – up around 20% on 2020 levels. As well as being available directly via Actis to building control officers, architects, specifiers and builders, it is also promoted via RIBA’s website, and the Institute’s monthly newsletter. It is being offered to RIBA chartered architects, who, along with their non-RIBA affiliated counterparts, must complete 35 hours of CPD every year. RIBA approved CPDs are worth double the points of a standard CPD and are therefore much prized by members, with 76% of them choosing training which has been specifically approved by the professional body. All RIBA approved CPDs must meet strict criteria, be educational, innovative and balanced, address relevant statutory issues and have a clear learning outcome. They are designed to provide solutions to design problems and are likely to address sustainability issues, correct product application and legislative information. Actis national specification manager Dan Anson-Hart said: “The two sessions we’ve run since RIBA approved the module for its members have seen a very strong take up. The module looks at why the performance gap exists, the effects of external factors on the fabric efficiency of a building, the impact of thermal bridging and how reflective insulation can address it.” Register here to join the CPD on the second Thursday of every month at 1pm.
A new report warning that skills gaps in the construction industry threaten the UK’s 2050 net zero target highlights the importance of training and embracing new methods of construction, says insulation specialist Actis. It was responding to a report by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) which calls for leadership from the government and collective action from industry to upskill and retain the existing workforce and encourage recruitment. Skills for a Green Recovery – A call to action for the UK construction sector points to a skills drain, with 750,000 construction workers due to retire within the next 15 years and only 20% of workers under the age of 30. Actis UK and Ireland sales director Mark Cooper, whose company works with many timber frame manufacturers, says this latest report is yet another reminder that, while employment levels and green skills training need to be increased, so does adoption of more energy efficient, consistent and quicker methods of construction. “Houses produced offsite can be built up to 30% more quickly than traditional brick and block, delivering much needed homes at a faster rate and using fewer man hours per unit. And costs can be reduced by as much as 25%. “But their ability to offset a smaller than desirable workforce is not the prime driver to increase the use of this method of construction. Because they are factory produced, quality consistency is far easier to control. They can be thermally superb, cutting carbon emissions and saving money for the occupier. “Timber framers choose our Actis Hybrid system because it offers a thermally superb envelope with no thermal bridging. The products can also be installed quickly, cleanly and effectively with ease by someone who has had minimal training, possibly via our snappy on-line tutorials. Installing Actis insulation can take half the time of solid board alternatives, adding further time savings to the overall build process to help counter the skills gap.” The report’s message has been backed by industry heavyweights including government MMC champion Mark Farmer and bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the Federation of Master Builders and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) who are calling on Chancellor Rishi Sunak to support the sector to get the green skills it needs. Mark Farmer, author of the 2016 Farmer Review and 2020’s Build Back Better, added: “The IPPR has set out in this report a refreshed challenge to government and industry to make sure we make the most of our current and future workforce, equipping them with the right skills in conjunction with broader objectives to increase MMC and associated technology adoption. Without this approach, plans to Build Back Better and enable a green recovery could be scuppered from the start.” (caption) Mark Cooper, UK and Ireland sales director for insulation specialist Actis, says increasing use of offsite is vital to help offset the skills gap identified in the latest IPPR report (caption infographic) Installing Actis insulation can take half the time of solid board alternatives, adding further time savings to the overall build process. This goes some way towards countering the skills gap identified in the IPPR report which has been backed by Mark Farmer, the CITB, FMB and CIOB
3B Training has become one of the most recent members of Build UK’s construction supply chain by joining as a Professional Services Member. This is the first time that a health & safety training provider has been accepted as a member. 3B Training will work with Build UK to help provide the construction industry with quality training that can improve the health and safety of the sector. As a Professional Services Member, 3B Training will aim to ensure that workers have the correct skills card for their job role by providing the relevant training courses to support their applications. Build UK is committed to reducing the number of incidents involving construction vehicles, 3B Training aims to support this through improving a learner’s knowledge, this can be done both in the classroom or by delivering plant machinery training through their NPORS accreditation. Suzannah Nichol MBE, Chief Executive of Build UK said: “We’re delighted to welcome 3B Training into Build UK membership. We have demonstrated over the last year that collaboration across the construction sector is essential for all parts of the supply chain to operate effectively and we’re looking forward to working with 3B on Recruiting, Training and Retaining Talent across the industry.” As one of the largest CITB training providers 3B Training is well equipped to offer qualifications that can support the construction industry. 3B Training’s portfolio includes Site Safety Plus courses, first aid, plant training, short courses and a range of NVQs. Courses can be delivered online, in the classroom or on site. 3B Training Managing Director, Mathew Bewley said “This is a real honour for 3B Training to be accepted by such a huge organisation in the construction industry. This membership gives us the opportunity to collaborate with some of the biggest companies in the sector and we are looking forward to being part of an organisation that helps shape the future. A key priority of Build UK is Recruiting, Training & Retaining Talent within the construction sector, with 3B’s experience this is an area we are passionate about and feel we can add great value to the team and other members. The fact that we are the first health & safety provider to be accepted as a member shows exactly where we are as a company. We are building a fantastic reputation and it’s great to see.” You can see more about 3B Training and the courses they offer at www.3btraining.com Additional information about 3B Training & Build UK 3B Training is one of the UKs largest Health and Safety Training Providers. They have a large offering of courses which can be delivered in a classroom, online, eLearning or at the clients premises. 3B also offer NVQs which can be assessed on site or remotely. 3B Training delivers courses from nationally recognised accreditations such as CITB, CISRS, IOSH, NEBOSH, NPORS, Highfield, UKATA, Edexcel, GQA, Mental Health First Aid England and Fit2Fit. Build UK is the leading representation organisation for the UK construction industry. By bringing together clients, Main Contractors, Trade Associations representing over 11,500 specialist contractors and other organisations committed to industry collaboration, Build UK represents in excess of 40% of UK construction. Build UK focuses on three key industry priorities that can deliver change and enable the construction supply chain to improve the efficiency and delivery of construction projects for the benefit of the UK economy. The key priorities are: Improving business performance Increasing productivity Recruiting, training and retaining talent
