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
Award-winning developer Springbourne Homes has announced it is linking up with a leading Leicestershire school to launch an exciting, pioneering partnership. The Market Bosworth-based business is teaming up with the town’s Dixie Grammar School to offer pupils the chance to gain work experience and enjoy lessons in a workplace setting.
Declan Sherry joins as a Non-Executive Director Civil engineering Director, Declan Sherry, has been appointed to Clifford Devlin’s newly established Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) Board. He joins the London-based contractor as a Non-Executive Director with a remit to provide independent governance and oversight of its ownership restructure. “I look forward
Women in Property has announced its incoming North West Chair for 2021/22. Eleanor takes the role as regional head of the property and construction industry influencer and networking organisation from 1 March, for one year. Eleanor who has been a member of Women in Property for five years, is a
John Maddams has been appointed as Senior Land & Partnerships Manager by Keepmoat to bolster its South Midlands region. John is bringing with him 16 years’ experience in the property industry, having previously headed a FTSE 250 residential developer where he contracted upon £300m (GDV) of new land opportunities. His
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
Award-winning developer Springbourne Homes has announced it is linking up with a leading Leicestershire school to launch an exciting, pioneering partnership. The Market Bosworth-based business is teaming up with the town’s Dixie Grammar School to offer pupils the chance to gain work experience and enjoy lessons in a workplace setting. Springbourne Homes chairman Adrian Burr says it’s an important new initiative in the heart of the local community where they’re currently building their luxury Hornsey Rise development. Adrian said: “I’m very excited about forging this relationship with Dixie Grammar School and further establishing Springbourne Homes as a part of the community. “It’s a perfect fit. The Junior School and Nursery is located only a short walk from our flagship Hornsey Rise development while the Senior School is just down the road from our headquarters at Market Bosworth Marina. “We’re all looking forward to welcoming Dixie pupils to our Hornsey Rise development and to our eco-friendly offices at the Marina as we give them the opportunity to broaden their education within a real-life working environment. “The Market Bosworth area is the heartland of our business. It’s where we are based and where we have developed a number of sites, with successful builds in Sheepy Magna, Sheepy Parva, Carlton, Sibson, Norton Juxta and Barwell. “Some of the children may even live in a Springbourne Home so it’s really important for us to stay involved and stay in touch.” Dixie Grammar School Headmaster Richard Lynn welcomed the new partnership, which has been agreed in time for the return of pupils next week, Monday March 8th. He said: “We are delighted to have been in touch with Springbourne Homes, whose fabulous new development, Hornsey Rise, is within a stone’s throw of our Junior School and Nursery. “Local companies such as Springbourne offer real opportunities for our school and its students. “Plans for Dixie pupils to take a leading role in the re-consecration of the war memorial on the Hornsey Rise site are already being discussed as well as the numerous possibilities for Dixie pupils to apply their education in the real world. “These include a home design competition for DT students, our scientists exploring the environmental benefits of these ultra-modern homes and historians delving into the fascinating past of the surrounding landscape and features, which date back to Lady Godiva. “With these openings and potential work experience on the horizon, this is a local partnership with a bright future.” Dixie Grammar School is one of Leicestershire’s top schools. It has been rated “excellent” across the board by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, and enjoys a fantastic reputation for the excellent education it offers to pupils aged 3-18. Hornsey Rise a select development of 3,4 and 5 bedroom homes ranging in price from £570,000 to £1,450,000 with completion anticipated this summer. For more information on the Hornsey Rise development and Springbourne Homes visit: www.springbournehomes.co.uk For more details about Dixie Grammar School visit: www.dixie.org.uk
Declan Sherry joins as a Non-Executive Director Civil engineering Director, Declan Sherry, has been appointed to Clifford Devlin’s newly established Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) Board. He joins the London-based contractor as a Non-Executive Director with a remit to provide independent governance and oversight of its ownership restructure. “I look forward to using my experience at Board level of various construction and civil engineering businesses to help Clifford Devlin transition to the EOT,” says Declan, “The company has an excellent reputation in the industry and I am convinced the new ownership structure will allow continued stability and help facilitate its further potential.” In February Clifford Devlin announced it was transitioning its ownership structure to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). The restructuring, which saw members of the company’s management team appointed as Board Directors of Clifford Devlin Ltd, with one, Ian O’Connor, also being appointed to the EOT Board of Directors, is designed to provide the company with stability and continuity while existing members of the Clifford family gradually reduce their influence and handover more responsibility over time. “Declan’s experience of managing major infrastructure projects across a wide range of sectors will help develop and enhance our ability to deliver complex, multi-disciplined schemes which has been Clifford Devlin’s forte for many years,” said Managing Director Tim Clifford, “His presence on our new board will provide the additional knowledge and expertise we need to manage our ownership transition.” The company, which specialises in inner-city, enabling works projects featuring demolition, asbestos removal, structural alterations and groundworks packages, recently completed a £7.5m project to facilitate the development of the Euston hub of HS2. Declan Sherry has over 30 years’ experience in the construction and civil engineering industries having specialised in delivering projects across a wide range of sectors from infrastructure to defence, energy, commercial and residential both in the UK and Europe. Most recently he was part of the governance team at the £9 billion project to redevelop the iconic Battersea Power Station. Declan has been a Chartered Civil Engineer since 2000 and a Fellow of the Institute of Directors since 2016. Declan career began in 1989 and spans three family run businesses: O’Rourke Civil Engineering Ltd, Lancsville Construction & Henry Underground & Rail Services Ltd and McGee Group. Declan founded Red Key Ltd in 2016 as a management consultancy. In addition to his work at Battersea Power Station Declan has been involved in the successful delivery of a number of other major infrastructure and nationally strategic projects including Hinkley Point C, Kings Cross, Urenco’s Tails Management Facility, a number of London Underground station and infrastructure upgrades, iconic headquarter projects including BAA Riverside and Bloomberg London as well as several Hospital PFI developments. Declan is a keen advocate of behavioural safety improvement and is passionate about mentoring staff, passing on knowledge and experience to aid staff progression. “I am looking forward to working with the new Board, the greater Clifford Devlin team and of course our clients.” says Declan.
Women in Property has announced its incoming North West Chair for 2021/22. Eleanor takes the role as regional head of the property and construction industry influencer and networking organisation from 1 March, for one year. Eleanor who has been a member of Women in Property for five years, is a Senior Land & Partnerships Manager at MCI Developments, based in Wigan where she specialises in acquiring land opportunities for affordable housing developments with Registered Providers across the North West. The organisation sees the year ahead as presenting a great opportunity for individuals and businesses to build on the understanding, compassion and support evidenced in the industry over the past twelve tumultuous months. “As I take up the role of North West Chair of Women in Property for 2021 it seems likely that, with the vaccine rollout, our industry and our organisation will start to emerge from the lockdown we were in for most of 2020” said Eleanor. “Property and construction will be at the forefront of the economic recovery and there will be tremendous opportunities for our members to contribute to that revival. I look forward to Women in Property returning to in-person meetings and events and continuing to promote the importance of inclusion and diversity in our sector, with more women taking active roles and participating as we rebuild, post-pandemic. My five years as a member of Women in Property has allowed me to grow my network, and the organisation has increased its influence both locally and nationally. I look forward to working with my Committee in growing our membership as more women join the industry, looking to build their contacts with friendly support from fellow North West professionals.” “It’s great to see Eleanor take on the position as North West Chair at Women in Property. As a company, we’re keen to support more women into the industry and Eleanor’s new role is a testament to the crucial work she plays at MCI Developments. I wish Eleanor the best of luck for the coming year and I’m positive she will instigate change in the industry and will be an inspiration for other women looking for a career in construction,” commented Alex Wood, Regional Managing Director at MCI Developments. Since the pandemic started early in 2020, Women in Property has continued to support members, transferring CPD, informal events and mentoring online. The North West branch has run over 30 webinars, ranging from industry related subjects, personal development, CPD and social and wellbeing events, all of which are available across the national platform. Eleanor will hold the role of North West Chair until 28th February 2022.
John Maddams has been appointed as Senior Land & Partnerships Manager by Keepmoat to bolster its South Midlands region. John is bringing with him 16 years’ experience in the property industry, having previously headed a FTSE 250 residential developer where he contracted upon £300m (GDV) of new land opportunities. His primary focus at Keepmoat Homes will be to bring forward new land opportunities and forge strategies to create the best possible scenario for the available sites across the South Midlands region. “We’re delighted to welcome John to our team. John’s proven track record of success and proactive approach to land acquisitions will stand him in good stead to enhance the region to secure more development opportunities and establish new beginnings and partnerships that benefits all parties, to create flourishing communities in the South Midlands,” said Mick O’Farrell, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat Homes. “As a homebuilder, we are always looking for ways to strengthen our presence in the area and with John’s experience and knowledge, we’re confident he will be an asset to the team and contribute to the regions ambitious growth plans.” The appointment comes after the relocation of the regional office from their current premises in Luton to Northampton. The move marks another positive step for the developer’s ambitious growth plans in the South Midlands which will complete in Spring 2021. “I am absolutely delighted to be joining Keepmoat Homes during this important period of growth. I can already see we have an excellent team in place, and I am looking forward enhance the region and bring forward a number of key opportunities across our area of operation,” added John Maddams, Senior Land & Partnerships Manager at Keepmoat Homes.
