Selco Builders Warehouse is planning an expansion programme that will enhance its presence over the country, with the opening of eight new outlets and the creation of 400 new jobs this year. The branches in Solihull, York and Milton Keynes have already been opened and the ones in Leicester, Chelmsford,
Building and civil engineering business, Britcon, has appointed Heath Williamson as Regional Manager at its base in Wakefield. The appointment follows strong performance from the Yorkshire team which has doubled in size to 12 members in the last 12 months. Heath, who is a Chartered Construction Manager, brings particular expertise
Sean Langton has been announced as director at Manchester’s Building Services Design (BSD). His presence in the North West’s engineering and construction industry has spanned almost 35 years, with experience delivering hundreds of national and international projects. “I studied building services engineering at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) but
Energy Assets Group, one of the UK’s leading independent metering services, asset management and utility network construction companies, has appointed Margaret Maclean as the Head of HR and Compliance. This new role has been created to support the company’s growth plans and is recognition that Energy Assets places people and
Albion Water, the water and waste water services provider, has appointed a new managing director – Luke de Vial. Luke is a former Wessex Water employee who has worked in the water industry for more than 30 years. He first came into contact with Albion in 2017 when the two
Let’s start with an easy to answer question. If you had the choice to fly in an aeroplane with a fully trained pilot or an inexperienced novice, which would you choose? No prizes for guessing the correct answer! This sentence highlights how important dedicated training has become, especially in a
SELECT, the campaigning body for the electrotechnical trade in Scotland, is set to launch two new training courses in the next few months. The first is an SQA-customised award in electrical safety as part of its commitment to keeping its members at the cutting edge of safety improvement. The
Euan Haggerty has just been appointed by James Gibb Residential Factors as Finance and Acquisitions Director, as the firm seeks expansion into the Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen markets. Euan is a Chartered Accountant and associate member of the Association of Corporate Treasurers and he comes with a wealthy experience, having
The power tool specialist Starrett has been visiting colleges and apprenticeship training centres over the past few years, in order to demonstrate its range of hand tools. Now, Laura Neish, the HR manager, wants to take the time and explain how businesses in the building, construction, electrical, and plumbing industries
Keyline is continuing to celebrate its employees’ commitment and dedication by presenting long-service awards to those who have been with the company for a number of years. Employees are recognised after completing five years with the company, and then every five years thereafter. Each member of staff is presented with
Selco Builders Warehouse is planning an expansion programme that will enhance its presence over the country, with the opening of eight new outlets and the creation of 400 new jobs this year. The branches in Solihull, York and Milton Keynes have already been opened and the ones in Leicester, Chelmsford, Leeds and Bristol are set to follow. Each new branch will create 50 jobs, which are a combination of management, in-branch and delivery positions, marking the fastest expansion period in the company’s history. “Selco has undergone huge and rapid growth over the last five years, rising from 34 branches in 2014 to 66 by the middle of 2018 – and the plan is for that to continue. As well as having an exceptionally strong base in London and around the M25 corridor, we are focused on strengthening our presence in other areas of the UK,” said Howard Luft, chief executive of Selco Builders Warehouse. “With each branch opening, our recruitment policy has always been to employ people from the branch’s local community and that will continue. We pride ourselves on giving people genuine career opportunities, recruiting for a wide variety of positions and roles, with the chance to climb through the ranks at Selco,” he added. Selco’s branches across the UK are focused on helping tradespeople complete their jobs as quickly and effectively as possible. As well as offering trade services, Selco Hire and a café in branch, Selco also has a strong digital presence including a 30 minute Click & Collect service and a free Project List app which allows tradespeople to plan, manage and quote for all jobs through their smartphone. “Selco Builders Warehouse is enjoying fantastic success, which is particularly pleasing given the tough economic conditions that have faced the building industry in recent times. Our approach is focussed, our commitment to tradesmen is paramount and we ensure we offer genuine trade prices, huge availability of products in branch and always put our customer first,” concluded Howard.
Building and civil engineering business, Britcon, has appointed Heath Williamson as Regional Manager at its base in Wakefield. The appointment follows strong performance from the Yorkshire team which has doubled in size to 12 members in the last 12 months. Heath, who is a Chartered Construction Manager, brings particular expertise in heavy engineering with over 27 years’ experience working in senior management roles for a number of leading regional and national building and civil engineering operators. He was most recently responsible for overseeing pre-construction activities for a £65 million biomass import terminal for Lynemouth Power Limited, at the Port of Tyne. The appointment reflects continuous growth in Yorkshire for Britcon with major client instructions from York University, BASF, Eddie Stobart, Cepac and Vickers Oils. It is also on the contractors’ framework for Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Trust with a project underway. Paul Clarkson, Managing Director at Britcon said, “We are delighted to bring Heath on board to lead the team at Wakefield. A substantial amount of our business is now managed from this office and Heath has the depth of expertise in procurement and management to lead our growth strategy. Established for more than 26 years, Britcon is £50 million turnover business headquartered in Scunthorpe and directly employs over 100 people on its project sites across the UK. Key contracts secured in the last 12 month includes a £13.5 million contract to deliver a new anaerobic digestion (AD) plant in Dagenham for food waste recycler ReFood (UK) Ltd, a series of new developments, extensions and refurbishment projects valued over £10 million for Lidl, and contracts worth over £4 million for global chemicals business Kemira. Britcon is listed by the London Stock Exchange in its report of ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Europe’.
Sean Langton has been announced as director at Manchester’s Building Services Design (BSD). His presence in the North West’s engineering and construction industry has spanned almost 35 years, with experience delivering hundreds of national and international projects. “I studied building services engineering at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) but my first introduction to engineering was when I was 17-years-old and managed to secure my first job with DSSR,” said Sean. Sean moved across departments and DSSR’s joint ventures, working his way up the ranks to become an associate before joining BSD in 2013. He has been an associate director at BSD for five years and is delighted to have been promoted, following a long and varied career in the industry to become the Manchester office’s new director. “I’ve worked on all manner of projects – if you think of a building, it’s likely I’ve worked on it; or at least something similar. My work has taken me to the Sudan and Iraq completing schemes varying in size and value,” said Sean. “My varied experience – which has seen me work on completing atomic weapons research facilities, police HQs, higher education and commercial facilities, care homes and laboratories – has meant that I’ve had a really solid grounding in the industry and can tackle almost anything that’s thrown at me.” Sean will continue his work at BSD and build upon the relationships the company had been forming over the years with its clients and drive the company’s growth further. “Sean’s commitment, drive and hard work have been recognised by many across the business during his time at BSD. He’s an expert in his field, has pushed the Manchester office to become a leader in its field and continues to develop lasting relationships with key clients which are crucial to the survival of our business,” commented on Sean’s new position David White, managing director at BSD.
Energy Assets Group, one of the UK’s leading independent metering services, asset management and utility network construction companies, has appointed Margaret Maclean as the Head of HR and Compliance. This new role has been created to support the company’s growth plans and is recognition that Energy Assets places people and culture at the heart of organisational success. Margaret will be reporting directly to the Chief Executive and she is bringing to the company over 20 years of senior management experience in human resources and finance across multiple sectors, including working as Assistant Chief Executive for a successful employability organisation. “Energy Assets has grown significantly in recent years organically and through acquisition, so this is a great time to be joining the company and to play a role in shaping a culture that will drive business success. I will be accountable directly to the Chief Executive, which speaks volumes for the value that Energy Assets places on harnessing the potential of its people,” said Margaret Maclean. “Margaret brings the skills we need to ensure that governance, culture and the development of our people are all aligned as we plan for further growth. We now have an executive team in place that is balanced and diverse, sharing values that will shape our future success,” commented on the appointment Colin Lynch, Energy Assets Chief Executive. Energy Assets Group offers utility suppliers, developers, contractors and industrial and commercial end-users a broad spectrum of expert multi-utility metering and energy-related services, including the provision and management of new and replacement meters through its Meter Asset Management division; design and construction of multi-utility networks; OFGEM approved local energy network (final mile) ownership and management; full MOP, MAP DC/DA & AMR data management services; and holistic downstream and upstream utility network engineering support, including complex meter module design and build.
Albion Water, the water and waste water services provider, has appointed a new managing director – Luke de Vial. Luke is a former Wessex Water employee who has worked in the water industry for more than 30 years. He first came into contact with Albion in 2017 when the two companies formed a joint venture and Luke was part of the team. “I have joined Albion Water at an exciting time for the business. With the backing of Wessex Water, Albion is looking to grow its portfolio of housing developments and this year we’re launching a new website and developing our offer,” commented Mr de Vial. “We understand the issues and constraints faced by developers and house builders and we’re leading the industry in exploring new ways of providing water, waste water and environmental services in a flexible package that offers increased value.” Luke started his career at Wessex Water as a hydrogeologist and then proceeded into water resources management, environmental strategy and more recently catchment management. His experience will strengthen Albion’s senior management team. Victoria Ashton will also be joining the team as a technical manager. She holds an MSc in water resources technology and management, has 15 years of experience across the industry, and is an active water industry professional with expertise in the areas of water resources planning, demand management, metering, water efficiency, conservation and optimisation. “I am looking forward to a new challenge at Albion Water and the opportunity to learn new skills. There is a promising and exciting future for us and competition in the water industry and I am looking forward to being a part of it,” commented Victoria. When Albion Water was licensed by the Water Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat) in 1999, it was the first new entrant to compete against the monopoly water companies in England. As well as providing water and wastewater services to housing developers and builders it offers environmentally focused services that can enhance developments, making them attractive places to live or work.
Let’s start with an easy to answer question. If you had the choice to fly in an aeroplane with a fully trained pilot or an inexperienced novice, which would you choose? No prizes for guessing the correct answer! This sentence highlights how important dedicated training has become, especially in a customer centred environment. Over the past three years, Genquip/Groundhog, one of the market leaders in the manufacture of mobile and static site welfare units, have developed a series of training courses for all of their clients. Currently there are two distinctive courses available. One course is designed for site or yard operatives and covers a range of subjects. These include; routine maintenance, safety awareness and the correct operation of a Groundhog welfare unit. The other course is aimed for hire desk controllers. This module offers a deep insight into product awareness with an effective reference sheet, helping to ensure that their clients always receive a high standard of service. Each course lasts for one day and is usually hosted at the Groundhog manufacturing plant near Swansea, adjacent to the M4 motorway. If it is deemed appropriate, a Genquip instructor can visit a hire depot and guide the rental staff through an individually designed training element for hire desk controllers. Both courses are part theory and part practical. Attendees are fully involved and encouraged to offer up suggestions or proposals on how the Groundhog units can be improved or enhanced. To ensure that Genquips’ site training is formally recognised, the course has been CPD accredited. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is the intentional maintenance and development of the knowledge and skills needed to perform in a professional context. CPD ensures that the professional standard of their qualifications and registrations is maintained. Peter Beach, Genquips’ Business Development Manager explains, “In 2016 we trained around 70 individuals, in 2017 this grew to 84, however in just a few short weeks into 2018, we have already successfully instructed over 120 people.” “Our principal aims are to ensure that all rental operatives, both in the hire office and out on site, have a rigorous knowledge in all aspects of providing clean, safe and appropriate welfare facilities for their customers. Our training also helps to ensure that the units are fit for purpose, whilst increasing the longevity the product,” continued Peter. Genquips’ marketing teams are fully proactive in promoting their training programme and all owners of Groundhog units are encouraged to contact Peter to arrange their courses, telephone 01639 823484 or emailing sales@genquip.co.uk. For over 30 years, the Groundhog/Genquip partnership has developed a complete range of welfare units. Continuous product development is ongoing and bespoke models can be produced for specific requirements. They are a leading supplier to the UK rental industry, offering nationwide support and a dedicated spare parts department. For further information please contact: Peter Beach Genquip/Groundhog Aberafan Road, Baglan Industrial Park, Port Talbot SA12 7DJ Tel: 01639 823484 EMAIL: sales@genquip.co.uk
SELECT, the campaigning body for the electrotechnical trade in Scotland, is set to launch two new training courses in the next few months. The first is an SQA-customised award in electrical safety as part of its commitment to keeping its members at the cutting edge of safety improvement. The course, which will last for two and a half days, and result in an SCQF level 7 qualification, is aimed at both electricians and safety technicians, including H&S operatives. It will cover changes in legislation, environmental issues such as the safe disposal of electrical waste and safe isolation of circuits. Dave Forrester, Head of Technical Services for SELECT, said: “The training course material has been prepared and we are currently running pilot courses to ensure that the course content meets our member’s needs. We plan to have the course open to all applicants by Easter. “As well as the new course on electrical safety, we are also currently testing a course on the safe installation of electric vehicle charging points at residential and business premises. The course will also feature routes to public funding available for installations.” Mr. Forrester said: “We have looked into providing this training as a response to the rising demand for charging points. The actual installation work is covered within the scope of BS 7671 The Wiring Regulations and as a result, is well within the abilities of any qualified electrician. “However, the training focuses on the maintenance of charging points, identifying how to access funding and how to get the best value for money for customers.” The Electrical Vehicle Charging point installation course is likely to be available by early summer, and talks are ongoing with Edinburgh College and other providers. SELECT, Scotland’s largest trade association, has 1250 member companies who account for around 90% of all electrical installation work carried out in Scotland. They have a collective turnover of around £1 billion and provide employment for 15,000 people. For further information, please contact: Alan Wilson, Head of Membership and Communications SELECT, the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Scotland, The Walled Garden, Bush Estate, Midlothian, EH26 0SB. T: 0131 445 5577 E: admin@select.org.uk W: www.select.org.uk Twitter: http://twitter.com/updates_select https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWJVjt14CvIig8bIKwidVughttp://
Euan Haggerty has just been appointed by James Gibb Residential Factors as Finance and Acquisitions Director, as the firm seeks expansion into the Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen markets. Euan is a Chartered Accountant and associate member of the Association of Corporate Treasurers and he comes with a wealthy experience, having held previously the role of Finance Director at Miller Developments, a commercial property development business, and worked within corporate and operational finance roles at The Royal Bank of Scotland. “Euan is a fantastic addition to our board and I am delighted to welcome him to the team. He brings significant experience in terms of operational finance and will play a key role as we continue to seek merger and acquisition opportunities. I look forward to working together as we grow the business and continue to provide a first class service to customers,” said Douglas Weir, Chief Executive of James Gibb and Director of James Gibb’s parent Company, Strathspey Capital. “This is an exciting time for our industry where consolidation of existing factoring businesses will lead to improved resources and enhanced technological ability which will result in an enhanced customer service package,” he added. James Gibb Residential Factors is a trading name used by James Gibb Property Management Ltd and it focuses only on property factoring. This way, the business is able to concentrate all of its efforts into providing a first class service package to its customers, based on the good, honest, and traditional family values instilled by generations of the Gibb family since 1872. Since it changed its ownership in 2012, James Gibb has positioned strategic offices in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Glasgow, from which they deliver services that maintain the company’s core values: Integrity, Performance, Quality, and Clarity. James Gibb Property Management Limited is owned by Strathspey Capital Limited.
The power tool specialist Starrett has been visiting colleges and apprenticeship training centres over the past few years, in order to demonstrate its range of hand tools. Now, Laura Neish, the HR manager, wants to take the time and explain how businesses in the building, construction, electrical, and plumbing industries can make the most out of the process of hiring apprentices. The Financial Times reported in October 2017 that the number of people starting an apprenticeship in the UK had dropped by 61% year on year since the introduction of the Government’s apprenticeship levy. The levy has been set at 0.5% of a company’s pay bill for all employers with a wage bill higher than £3 million per year. This introduction has also caused problems for smaller companies and has called for more financial support for employers creating roles for apprentices. “Small businesses have a key role in providing apprenticeships across the whole of England and particularly for younger workers, with 70% of those firms that have an apprentice taking on 16 to 19-year-olds,” said Mike Cherry, national chairman of the FSB, speaking to The Financial Times. “Government should reconsider the current funding arrangements and incentives for taking on younger apprentices, recognising that this group needs more support as they move into the workplace for the first time.” Laura urges businesses to look into these three things and decide whether or not they can support an apprentice. 1. Long-term investment Taking an apprentice on board is a long-term investment, meaning that your business needs to make sure that it can provide the right resources to support, train, and offer them a role by the time they have finished. Make sure you have enough work to give to the apprentice, you have a suitable mentor to guide the trainee, and most importantly, your apprentice fits into your company’s growth strategy. 2. Do the research Once you’ve completed the first task, find the best training providers. The best bet is usually the industry specific providers, as they will have a selection of candidates from which you can choose. The schemes on offer are also different; some may be more vocational, some may put more emphasis on classroom learning; some may last 12 months, some may last four years. Lastly, don’t forget to ask about the kind of training offered by the provider. 3. Choose your apprentice The way you want to advertise your apprenticeship is strictly up to you. It can be directly through training providers, on standard job sites, or on The National Apprenticeship Portal. Once you have your candidates, organise assessment days that allow you to see their competency, personality, and learning agility. Other members of your staff could also help you with some feedback on your applicants. Apprenticeships are important for the nation’s trade industry and small business can benefit from the energy and drive of a new employee, while contributing to the continuation of skilled work. However, make sure you do your research before offering an apprenticeship to avoid a negative reputation.
Keyline is continuing to celebrate its employees’ commitment and dedication by presenting long-service awards to those who have been with the company for a number of years. Employees are recognised after completing five years with the company, and then every five years thereafter. Each member of staff is presented with Keyline’s long service pin and certificate, and also receives vouchers for the company’s internal employee rewards scheme, which can be used online to purchase items from a choice of over 1,000 different outlets. Those who were recently presented with long-service awards are: Barry Latimer, Sales Office Manager at Keyline Manchester – 15 years Christ Durrant, Keyline Taunton’s Branch Manager – 10 years Lee Darwin, a fitter and driver in Keyline Sheffield’s tool hire department – 10 years Andrew Corbett, Branch Manager at Keyline’s Preston branch – 10 years Paul Beaman, Managing Director at Keyline, commented: “We have an amazing team and it’s always a pleasure to honour the hard work and loyalty of those who have been with us for many years. We pride ourselves on having branch teams who are highly knowledgeable and are able to offer exceptional technical assistance to our customers, and our long-service awards are our way of saying thank you to our staff.”
