A Construction Industry Scheme contractor, Indigo Group, which specialises in the engagement of subcontractors, has appointed former practice accountant Liza Gratton as its Finance Director. Liza Gratton worked in the accountancy sector for 20 years and became a fully qualified accountant in 2005 after completing her professional exams with the
An initiative to address the skills shortage in the construction sector and make the industry more diverse and inclusive is calling for businesses to get involved and inspire the next generation of workers. Organised by Built Environment Skills in Schools (BESS), a series of Construction Careers Weeks are taking place this autumn
A new Specification Sales Executive has been appointed by tile distributor Ceramique Internationale for the Northern region. Michelle Foreman joins the senior sales team with a specific remit to work with housebuilders and developers across the region. She will be responsible for building Ceramique Internationale’s sales, nurturing the company’s existing
Integrated building solutions company J Tomlinson has solidified its growth across Yorkshire with the opening of a new support office in Wakefield and the creation of 60 new jobs. The expansion follows a number of significant contract wins and a surge in the number of new staff employed in the
Energy Assets Group has appointed Jayson Whitaker to head-up its recently-launched Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO) business – and to extend the utility offer to housebuilders, developers and contractors to include fibre-to-the-home. He joins one of Britain’s leading independent metering, asset management and utility network construction companies as Managing Director
Couch Perry Wilkes (CPW), the national M&E consultancy, has made a number of senior appointments across its UK offices. Promoted to director were Gareth Moad, who heads up the engineering team in Leeds, and Nilesh Mistry, who has worked in the firm’s Nottingham office for more than a decade. Public
Free training is available for Tees Valley SMEs, as a further £1 million of funding has been made accessible.The fund, accessible through the Skills Support for the Workforce (SSW) project and co-financed by the European Social Fund, will give SMEs the opportunity to offer their employees professional training across a
The UK’s largest online ironmongery supplier, IronmongeryDirect, has been recognising some of its most long-serving staff. A series of awards have been recently presented to employees who have worked for the Basildon-based company for over 10 years. Sue James, Senior Contact Centre Advisor, celebrated her 21st work anniversary at the
Industry leading training provider, Develop Training Ltd (DTL), is warning that firms will face a dash for compliance when new electrical wiring regulations are released next month. DTL says many firms will be caught unawares by the scope of the changes in the new British Standard requirements for electrical installations.
Martin Pease has been appointed by WATG, one of the world’s leading integrated architectural design firms, as Managing Director of the firm’s practice in London. Pease brings 25 years of design and commercial business experience to WATG, with deep expertise across the United Kingdom, United States and the Middle East.
A Construction Industry Scheme contractor, Indigo Group, which specialises in the engagement of subcontractors, has appointed former practice accountant Liza Gratton as its Finance Director. Liza Gratton worked in the accountancy sector for 20 years and became a fully qualified accountant in 2005 after completing her professional exams with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). Liza has been member of the ICAEW for more than a decade. In recognition of dedication to the industry and continuing professional development, she is now recognised as a fellow member, FCA. After dedicating her early career to working in practice, Liza stepped into industry in 2012 providing accountancy and advisory services to range of businesses, but with focus on the construction and staffing sectors. Liza was appointed as Finance Director in July bringing a different dynamic and additional experience to the existing team of James Smith and Ian Cole-Wilkins. “The Indigo Group is at the start of its recently agreed 5 year plan. A plan that is set to see group turnover exceed £500m. Liza is vital to us delivering on this goal, her track-record in the sector is excellent and her accountancy skills beyond doubt, but it is her commercial appreciation and drive that sets her apart from many of her peers,” commented on the appointment Indigo Group CEO, Ian Cole-Wilkins. In preparation for leading Indigo’s financial team, Liza was invited to take part in the ICAEW Network for Finance Leaders (NFL) programme, designed to help participants understand and develop their strategic leadership style, generate new ideas and contribute to the growth of a business. Liza graduates from the programme in October. The Indigo Group has more than 40 years’ experience in the contracting, outsourced payroll and umbrella industries and provides end to end solutions for contractors, freelancers and agencies.
An initiative to address the skills shortage in the construction sector and make the industry more diverse and inclusive is calling for businesses to get involved and inspire the next generation of workers. Organised by Built Environment Skills in Schools (BESS), a series of Construction Careers Weeks are taking place this autumn in Greater Manchester, Birmingham and London. The weeks aim to take positive steps in helping to reduce the skills shortage by informing and inspiring young people – with the help of businesses and employers – so they have a better understanding of their built environment, and the varied careers contained within it. Manchester Construction Careers Weeks will start 24 September, focusing on diversity and gender, with the Inspire Summit at the Bridgewater Hall on 25 September a key date. Barbara Res – the first woman to oversee the construction of a major skyscraper, Trump Tower, is the headline speaker. As well as encouraging schools, colleges and universities to register and bring students, the Inspire Summit organisers are keen to get relevant businesses involved with speaking opportunities, exhibition spaces and attendance. In Birmingham, the careers week will start 8 October, focusing on the future of construction and tech, with a number of activities taking place at UK Construction Week at the NEC Wednesday 10 October. Finally, London Construction Careers Week will takeplace from 15 October and focus on past, present and future. Additional activities will take place at London Build Wednesday 24 October. With thousands of students across the country expected to take part, BESS is urging businesses to get involved. Businesses can get involved by demonstrating how tech such as virtual reality is used in the industry, site tours, classroom demonstrations and digital broadcasts. Previous years have seen digital broadcasts from railway lines and from the top of a crane. Kathryn Lennon-Johnson, founder of BESS, said: “Last year we held Construction Careers Week in Birmingham and had over 400 students take part in all kinds of activities. When we first met the students, on average only 2 per cent stated an interest in a role in construction and less than 10 per cent could name job roles other than architect or bricklayer. After meeting with businesses and employers, 60 per cent of students said they were surprised about the breadth of opportunities. “Meeting and engaging with the students, whether on site or through the use of technology, is a vital step in attracting more young people into the sector, as well as making it more diverse and inclusive. With many schools and colleges across all three regions taking part this year, it’s important we have as many different businesses on board.” For more information, visit the BESS website and Inspire Summit website.
A new Specification Sales Executive has been appointed by tile distributor Ceramique Internationale for the Northern region. Michelle Foreman joins the senior sales team with a specific remit to work with housebuilders and developers across the region. She will be responsible for building Ceramique Internationale’s sales, nurturing the company’s existing accounts and furthering relationships in the housebuilding sector. Originally from Leeds and currently living in Bradford, Michelle joins the Ceramique Internationale team from PID systems where she dealt exclusively with housebuilders across the North on their onsite security systems. She is an experienced professional with over 20 years of experience in sales, having had established a successful history of new business wins and consistently maintains fantastic customer retention levels. Although new to the tile industry, Michelle has spent time at leading European tile shows Cevisama in Valencia and Cersaie in Bologna, where she has established strong connections with leading figures in the industry. “We are delighted to welcome Michelle to our team. With her extensive sales experience and outstanding customer network we believe that she represents a perfect fit for the company, enabling us to continue our growth and ensure our products reach an even wider audience,” said Director of Ceramique Internationale, Cameron Fraser. Ceramique Internationale employs 18 people, six of whom have been with the company for more than 20 years. The Leeds warehouse holds 100,000 square metres of tiles in stock at any one time, comprising hundreds of styles of floor and wall tiles, mosaics and associated products. The company started as a tile fixing company in Bradford in 1974 as part of the Ibmac Group, owned by Robert J Ibbitson, who quickly recognised greater profitability in importing and selling tiles and so joined forces with two factories in France. The company grew quickly, opening showrooms in Bradford and on the affluent Kings Road in London, plus an export office in Singapore and architectural office in Northern Ireland.
Integrated building solutions company J Tomlinson has solidified its growth across Yorkshire with the opening of a new support office in Wakefield and the creation of 60 new jobs. The expansion follows a number of significant contract wins and a surge in the number of new staff employed in the region by the contractor. As well as being appointed to deliver repairs and maintenance works by social landlord, emh homes, at the beginning of the year, J Tomlinson has also begun working in partnership with Home Group – one of the largest housing associations in the UK. The Nottingham-based company was appointed as repairs and maintenance contractor for Home Group’s Yorkshire region in April. The contract, which includes gas servicing, will see J Tomlinson working in partnership with Home Group to support the housing association’s continued commitment to ‘providing a quality repairs and maintenance service’ for its customers. The contract officially commenced on June 1st, with J Tomlinson working across a significant geographical coverage comprising over 5,000 properties stretching from Keighley, West Yorkshire, to Scarborough, East Yorkshire. To support the Yorkshire extension, the business has opened a new office in Wakefield, located off Junction 40 at Silkwood Park. It is the third office for J Tomlinson, which launched a West Midlands regional office in Canwell, near Sutton Coldfield, in 2016. Martin Ardron, operations director (pictured back right), commented: “J Tomlinson has a wide range of existing partnerships across Yorkshire, and – over the years – has opened a number of smaller depots to support the delivery of existing contracts. We are pleased to have inhabited a new base at Wakefield, which not only marks significant growth of the business, but also represents the beginning of what we hope to be an excellent relationship with Home Group and its Yorkshire-based residents.” During the contract mobilisation period, the company recruited 60 new staff from office-based Customer Liaison Officers (CLOs) to skilled tradespeople. One such employee is 25-year-old Adam Barker who joins the company as an Apprentice Electrician having recently started his fourth year of studying for an NVQ Level 3 diploma in Installing Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment. Adam commented: “I’m looking forward to my time at J Tomlinson, I’ve been made to feel very welcome already. I feel that J Tomlinson will provide the support I need to finish my apprenticeship.” Margarita Morrison, director of maintenance at Home Group, said: “We’re really pleased to be working with J Tomlinson. This new appointment forms part of our commitment to continuously improving the quality of services for our customers when it comes to maintenance and repairs. We’re confident J Tomlinson will help us offer the best service possible.” Other Yorkshire-based clients of multi-service company J Tomlinson include North Yorkshire Police, South Yorkshire Police, South Yorkshire Housing Association and East Riding Council. J Tomlinson, which was founded in the 1950s, is based in Nottingham and works primarily across the West Midlands, East Midlands and Yorkshire, increased its turnover from £74 million in 2016 to £87 million in 2017. It employs more than 400 people. It provides a range of integrated building solutions including construction, refurbishment, repairs and maintenance, mechanical and electrical services (M&E), and facilities management, and works across all major sectors, including healthcare, social housing, student accommodation, commercial and industrial. For more information about J Tomlinson, visit www.jtomlinson.co.uk.
Energy Assets Group has appointed Jayson Whitaker to head-up its recently-launched Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO) business – and to extend the utility offer to housebuilders, developers and contractors to include fibre-to-the-home. He joins one of Britain’s leading independent metering, asset management and utility network construction companies as Managing Director of Energy Assets Networks, which is licensed to own, adopt and operate ‘final mile’ electricity networks. The move coincides with Energy Assets’ plans to add fibre infrastructure to the Group’s network design and operator portfolio. Mr Whitaker brings with him considerable experience in the Competition in Connections (CiC) market, having worked in leadership roles for network operators and supply chain providers. Most recently, he was responsible for the start-up and strong organic growth of Utility Power Systems and Utility Fibre Systems, now part of Wolseley UK Infrastructure. He is also a well-known industry figure, sitting on the Ofgem CiC panel alongside DNOs, IDNOs and customer groups, and is active in the Metered Connections Customer Group, which lobbies for greater market place competition. Jayson Whitaker commented: “I am excited to be taking the lead at Energy Assets Networks at a time of considerable opportunity, given the scale of Britain’s house building plans and the structural changes underway in the UK utility market. With the projected growth in electric vehicles and increasing demand for fibre services, we need design solutions that will future-proof our local networks, embracing the technological advances that will drive operational efficiency.” Since its launch earlier this year, Energy Assets’ electricity network business has grown strongly through partnerships with independent utility construction contractors and residential and commercial developers, thanks to innovations in asset-based finance and in network design, compliance and management. Colin Lynch, Chief Executive Officer of Energy Assets Group, commented: “We are delighted that Jayson will be leading our IDNO and Fibre business. He brings a demonstrable track record of delivering organic growth, which combined with his industry insight and prominence in stakeholder relationships creates exciting opportunities for our network asset expansion across Britain.” www.energyassets.co.uk
Couch Perry Wilkes (CPW), the national M&E consultancy, has made a number of senior appointments across its UK offices. Promoted to director were Gareth Moad, who heads up the engineering team in Leeds, and Nilesh Mistry, who has worked in the firm’s Nottingham office for more than a decade. Public health specialist, Jim Buckley, and Oliver Cozens, who leads the firm’s power team, have also made the step up to associate. “Recognising and rewarding our talented and hard-working team is something that is really important to us as a business, especially those who have been with us for a number of years, so we are delighted to be able to announce this string of promotions across the firm,” said Mark Morris, director at CPW. “All four of them have made significant contributions to the business and their promotions are testament to the ongoing hard work and their dedication to the firm. We are very pleased to welcome them to the senior team and look forward to their involvement in driving the business forwards as we progress our plans for growth across the UK,” he continued. With more than 200 staff based across its ten regional offices across the country, CPW works on high profile schemes, including the newly-opened Lincoln Transport Hub and Project Greengrass – British Sugar’s state of the art office space in Peterborough, which is due for completion later this year. “It goes without saying that I’m very pleased to be stepping into this new role. I have a huge amount of respect for the senior team at CPW and I look forward to being involved in the company’s further progression and growth,” said Nilesh about his promotion. “I am delighted to be taking on the role of director and am excited to be a part of helping to drive the business forwards as part of the senior team,” added Gareth. Celebrating 40 years in business in 2018, CPW specialises in designing and integrating the full range of energy solutions into existing and new building by using innovative and contemporary engineering techniques.
Free training is available for Tees Valley SMEs, as a further £1 million of funding has been made accessible.The fund, accessible through the Skills Support for the Workforce (SSW) project and co-financed by the European Social Fund, will give SMEs the opportunity to offer their employees professional training across a range of skills and sectors. “The project has already made a significant impact in the region, having helped over 400 businesses and 1,000 employees gain new skills over the last 18 months,” explained Sue Dawson, regional development manager of the SSW project in Tees Valley. “Securing an additional £1 million funding means we will be able to extend that reach and support even more businesses, helping them to achieve their growth plans by offering them the opportunity to upskill employees through free training and improved productivity,” she added. The SSW project works in partnership with the Tees Valley Combined Authority to close the area’s skills gaps. It offers courses in employability skills, as well as specific courses across the Combined Authority’s priority sectors – advanced manufacturing/engineering, business and professional services, digital and creative, energy, culture and leisure, health and biologics, chemical processing, low carbon, and logistics. “We know employers across our key sectors need problematic skills gaps to be filled so they can overcome the biggest barrier to business growth,” said Councillor Christopher Akers-Belcher, Combined Authority Cabinet Lead for Education, Employment and Skills. “Skills Support for the Workforce is a valuable resource to help inspire and support the region’s workers to learn the new talents that will help our companies succeed. By targeting our priority sectors, this programme is shoring up the fields that need it most and I welcome this extra funding to assist even more in-need businesses,” he continued. Co-financed by the European Union’s European Social Fund and the Education and Skills Funding Agency, the project is available for SMEs seeking non-compulsory work-based training to support their business growth plans. Its course are delivered by a network of local training providers in partnership with Calderdale College.
The UK’s largest online ironmongery supplier, IronmongeryDirect, has been recognising some of its most long-serving staff. A series of awards have been recently presented to employees who have worked for the Basildon-based company for over 10 years. Sue James, Senior Contact Centre Advisor, celebrated her 21st work anniversary at the end of June. She said: “I am very proud to have worked for IronmongeryDirect for such a long period of time. It’s a fantastic place to work, and I must have spoken to thousands of customers. The job brings me the satisfaction of knowing that I’m helping each tradesperson find what they need for their business or to improve their home.” Other long serving staff include, Jim Cook, Distribution Centre Team Member (17 years), Keith Harrod, Category Assistant (16 years), Debbie Butler, Executive Contact Centre Advisor (14 years), Norman Calvin, IT Support Analyst (13 years), Andrew Patey, Distribution Centre Team Member (12 years), Tom Ramshaw, Operations Director (11 years), Stuart Caddle, Distribution Centre Team Manager (11 years), Jamie Johnson, Senior Category Manager (11 years), Keith Gray, Distribution Centre Productivity & Project Manager (11 years), Terry Greene, Distribution Centre Team Member (11 years), Lance Warner, Distribution Centre Team Member (11 years), Angela Spelman, Executive Contact Centre Advisor (11 years), Gillian Thurkettle, Distribution Centre Team Member (10 years), Wayne Lysaght-Mason, Managing Director (10 years) and Victoria Gregory, Contact Centre Advisor (10 years). Wayne Lysaght-Mason, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect, has headed up the company for more than a decade, added: “We wanted to make sure that our staff knew how much their hard work and efforts are appreciated. Many of our staff have dedicated many years of their professional lives to the business and have seen IronmongeryDirect transform and advance a great deal. Without them and all of our staff, our success would not be possible.” IronmongeryDirect has also announced that more staff are now GAI (Guild of Architectural Ironmongers) level 2 qualified, enabling them to provide enhanced in-depth technical assistance and support to customers.
Industry leading training provider, Develop Training Ltd (DTL), is warning that firms will face a dash for compliance when new electrical wiring regulations are released next month. DTL says many firms will be caught unawares by the scope of the changes in the new British Standard requirements for electrical installations. The Institution of Engineering and Technology’s 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, which form the basis of the updated BS7671:2018, will require significant retraining for all UK electricians. It is due for publication in July but the major changes to the previous edition have already been announced, and they look set to have a big impact on the UK’s 265,000 electricians and electrical fitters as well as the organisations that employ them. DTL says many operatives will need to attend a three-day course, rather than the one-day refresher courses that have previously sufficed after an update was released.This could place a huge operational burden on organisations employing multiple electricians. DTL is recommending that only those who have gone through 17th Edition third amendment training in the past six months will be eligible for a fast-track one-day course. However, with all new installations having to be designed to meet the new standard from January 2019, DTL says the stakes are too high to risk skimping on training. Chris Wood, CEO of the training company, said: “The new regulations reflect the changing technological, regulatory and political environment. For example, there are new introductions covering energy efficiency, electric car charging and the way that wiring should be supported to protect it from a building collapse in the event of fire. There are many other changes, which amount to a very significant evolution in the regulations. Clearly, the fallout from a non-compliance event could be immensely damaging for any organisation that employs electricians. So the new edition is sure to have major implications when it comes to training people to ensure that the regulations are met.” DTL answers FAQs here: www.developtraining.co.uk/blog Visit www.developtraining.co.uk/training/electrical to book on to an 18th Edition training course www.developtraining.co.uk
Martin Pease has been appointed by WATG, one of the world’s leading integrated architectural design firms, as Managing Director of the firm’s practice in London. Pease brings 25 years of design and commercial business experience to WATG, with deep expertise across the United Kingdom, United States and the Middle East. “I am delighted to welcome Martin to the firm. His commercial savvy, design talent and leadership skills will enable WATG to significantly scale our UK operations with a continued focus on delighting our clients and delivering excellent design. His experience with large-scale project delivery will bring a unique perspective to our London operations and our global team at large,” commented Anthony Mallows, President and CEO. Martin’s previous role was as Head of Architecture and Building Engineering at Atkins North America, where he stayed from 2014 until 2018. During his time there he grew the firm’s business by 40% across six offices. Prior to his tenure with Atkins North America, Pease was Head of Architecture for Dubai-based Damac, the largest privately-owned property developer in the Middle East. “I have always admired WATG’s reputation for design excellence and the firm’s incredible portfolio of work from the past 70+ years. I’m incredibly excited to contribute to the firm’s vision for growth and honoured to join such a highly talented and passionate design team,” said Martin Pease. Throughout his career, Pease has acquired a vast portfolio of work, including large scale mixed use projects alongside work in aviation, rail, residential, commercial and public architecture. Notable projects include the Getty Centre in Los Angeles, the Glyndebourne Opera House in the UK, the Navy Museum in Washington D.C., Glasgow College in Scotland, a new terminal at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and the Trump Golf Course Clubhouse in Dubai. Originally from the UK, Pease worked there for several notable firms, such as Richard Meier, Michael Hopkins, Stride Treglown Architects and Atkins UK. At the moment, Martin is writing a book on ‘How to Present’ for architects, done in conjunction with the University of the West of England.
