There has been a lot of discussion about the STEM skills shortage that is being seen throughout the UK. The Telegraph has reported on research by the UK Commission for Employment & Skills, for instance, which suggests that 43 per cent of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths vacancies were hard
Arriva Rail London (ARL), which operates the London Overground on behalf of Transport for London (TfL), is pleased to announce the appointment of Alicia Andrews as the company’s new concession transformation director. “We’re incredibly pleased that Alicia has joined the Arriva Rail London team. Alicia brings great experience in leading
IDOM (through its local branch IDOM Merebrook Ltd) is investing further in the field of asbestos management in the United Kingdom with the appointment of industry specialist Steve Hurst to spearhead the consultancy’s further business development in this area. The IDOM asbestos team has extensive experience of contaminated ground investigation,
Muhammad Uddin and Isobel Moorhouse, two Yorkshire Housing apprentices, have fought off stiff competition to make the final shortlist for Yorkshire and Humber regional apprenticeship awards 2018. Both apprentices made the shortlist, which showcases the diverse range of sectors engaged with apprenticeships and celebrates outstanding apprentices, such as Muhammad and
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
There has been a lot of discussion about the STEM skills shortage that is being seen throughout the UK. The Telegraph has reported on research by the UK Commission for Employment & Skills, for instance, which suggests that 43 per cent of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths vacancies were hard to fill as of the latter months of 2016. What’s more, the publication also revealed that just 15,000 students in the UK sat a computing or ICT A-Level in the summer of 2016, which represents less than two per cent of the entire number of exams sat during that period. Further Education establishments across the UK also have a challenge in STEM provision that they must address — providing well-equipped environments that can cater for hands-on teaching methods but with small budgets available to them. One possible solution to overcoming this challenge is intelligent construction. For example, one of the leading construction companies in the North of England, Central and Southern Scotland, Esh Group, uses value engineering to assess the design, materials and systems of a building project to establish where efficiencies can be achieved. This methodology may result in the firm being able to find an alternative wall finishing that can save the project several thousand pounds, or identify specialist glazing materials which can retain heat and thus save energy costs in the long run. Why dedicated STEM centres are proving appealing Another way that Esh Group has attempted to engage the workforce of tomorrow and enhance the skills sets needed to help those looking to get into a career related to Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths subjects is through the development of a set of Get into STEM kits. The construction company goes beyond just education when looking into factors related to STEM, however. Many colleges have chosen to build dedicated STEM centres to meet the demands of employers, and the Government’s Industrial Strategy, with Esh Group building STEM centres at Middlesbrough College and Northumberland College’s Ashington Campus alone. Taking note that these buildings — like any other site in the educational sector — should be a focal point for communities is a factor Esh Group makes sure to remember when making these structures. Another consideration for the firm is that they are designed in a way that provides a safe, stimulating and sustainable environment for all. As such, they always consult closely with clients, pupils, teachers and the community to shape the vision of the new environment and meet the needs of future generations. Steps to take when designing a STEM centre and then building it Adaptable spaces for teaching facilities and workshops is usually a requirement from education providers when STEM centres are being constructed. For Northumberland College’s STEM centre in Ashington, for example, Esh Group installed a galvanised steel trench in the workshop area. This allows the college to adapt the room layout, move equipment and store power and data cables securely. The also fitted a moveable wall within the building, which can be opened up to create double-height workshop areas. Bear in mind too that a busy college campus will likely be based very close to a STEM centre and within a prominent spot. As such, it’s important not to disrupt the smooth working of the institution. On recent builds, Esh Group considered this point and separated the site using Heras fencing and ensured clear signage is in place. If shared road access will be leading up to the site where the STEM cente is being built, then a traffic flow system should be set up in the early stages of the construction project. Site vehicles should drive fully onto site, with materials being delivered on a ‘just in time’ basis and stored in a dedicated lay down area. Will a STEM centre be built with two storeys or more? If so, working at height must be factored in as well. Fortunately, the Health and Safety Executive has a raft of handy advice about this topic in this guide. Toolbox talks should be provided to every individual on site too, not to mention thorough risk assessments and method statements created to ensure everybody is safe and secure throughout the entire development. Those carrying out the construction work of a STEM centre should also be factoring specialist equipment into their build. After all, the aim of the facility will be to provide world-class sector-based education to pupils once it’s complete and open. A real-life lean manufacturing facility — complete with a robotic-controlled production line — was set up by Esh Group when they were building a STEM centre within Middlesbrough College, for instance. The centre now replicates typical industrial environments and includes fully-functional chemical and oil processes, which are monitored and operated from a high-tech control room. The construction company also installed specialist science and technology workshops, including dedicated ‘fab labs’ where budding product designers and entrepreneurs can access the latest in digital fabrication equipment for prototyping.
Arriva Rail London (ARL), which operates the London Overground on behalf of Transport for London (TfL), is pleased to announce the appointment of Alicia Andrews as the company’s new concession transformation director. “We’re incredibly pleased that Alicia has joined the Arriva Rail London team. Alicia brings great experience in leading innovation and building successful stakeholder relationships with her and her role will be integral as we work to continue to meet the challenge of the current London Overground concession, with the aim of delivering a world-class railway for London,” said Managing Director, Will Rogers. Alicia has almost 30 years of experience in all aspects of strategic and commercial management, having worked at organisations including Condor Ferries, Yell and the Financial Times. As concession transformation director, Alicia is accountable for delivering the commercial strategy for Arriva Rail London, for delivering the business transformation programme as well as stakeholder management. Alicia took up the role, which reports in to managing director Will Rogers, in July 2018. “I am delighted to be joining Arriva Rail London at such an important and exciting time in the company’s development. The Concession Transformation team is tasked to deliver big improvements to the London Overground service like the new LOTrain deployment, and oversees ARL’s programme of work to further enhance our customer’s travel experience. My immediate focus will be on ensuring that we continue to meet and in fact exceed the expectations of our customers and our client,” said Alicia. Prior to her recent appointment, Alicia worked as executive director, commercial at Condor Ferries where she was accountable for passenger ticket and onboard revenues. She was instrumental in the introduction of a new type of ‘fast ferry’ – a stabilised monohull – which is unique in northern Europe. The ship was refitted and brought in to service in just six months from purchase to the first passenger service.
IDOM (through its local branch IDOM Merebrook Ltd) is investing further in the field of asbestos management in the United Kingdom with the appointment of industry specialist Steve Hurst to spearhead the consultancy’s further business development in this area. The IDOM asbestos team has extensive experience of contaminated ground investigation, management and detailed knowledge of handling asbestos in buildings. The team offers a wide range of services including risk assessments, surveys, clearance, remediation and training. “This is a strategic appointment for us. Steve is a leading authority in the field of asbestos. We have been working within this sector for many years and believe it has real potential for further growth and is therefore an area we are keen to develop,” said IDOM’s Chief Operation Officer, Nigel Huish. “Managing asbestos projects is an incredibly complex process. We offer our clients a pragmatic approach to ensuring compliance, so Steve’s skillset in providing clients with workable, economically efficient solutions will be a valuable asset to the business,” he added. Steve brings a wealth of specialist expertise to the role, with over 30 years’ experience in environmental sector, having held senior positions in both business development and strategic operational leadership. He specialises in contract and client management, project management, training and quality delivery, strategic innovation, liability assessment, due diligence and decommissioning advice. “I have always held IDOM in very high esteem and watched them develop and grow as a global engineering powerhouse, whilst successfully retaining their high standards and exceptional levels of customer care. Needless to say, I jumped at the opportunity of becoming part of their success story and expanding their asbestos management capabilities – it is an exciting time to join the business and I very much look forward to the challenges this role brings,” commented Steve on his appointment.
Muhammad Uddin and Isobel Moorhouse, two Yorkshire Housing apprentices, have fought off stiff competition to make the final shortlist for Yorkshire and Humber regional apprenticeship awards 2018. Both apprentices made the shortlist, which showcases the diverse range of sectors engaged with apprenticeships and celebrates outstanding apprentices, such as Muhammad and Isobel, who go above and beyond to champion apprenticeships. Isobel, from Bradford, joined Yorkshire Housing in 2015 as apprentice surveyor and in May 2018 completed the level three apprenticeship in property maintenance surveying, achieving 100 per cent distinctions for elements of her surveying qualifications and also received the chief executive award. During her apprenticeship Isobel carved a niche for herself as a priceless member of the repairs investment team. She is also a member of the young ambassador network. Fellow awards shortlisted candidate Muhammad Uddin started his Yorkshire Housing apprenticeship straight after leaving school, joining the benefits and advice team. Within 12 months he achieved his level two business admin qualifications and successfully secured a role as customer complaints apprentice, enabling him to do his level three business admin qualification. Last month he was shortlisted in the top 20 Young Leader Inside Housing finalist awards. Muhammad has been instrumental in the rollout of a new complaints system, mentoring new apprentices, running workshops and training staff. As an active apprentice champion he’s spoken at local BME forums, career events, been featured on podcasts, websites and represented on the Young Apprentice Ambassador network. Shortlisted candidate, Isobel Moorhouse said: “I feel very privileged and shocked to have been shortlisted for this award. I’m really pleased as getting to the finals is very exciting and I really look forward to finding out who the winner is!” Kiran Olak, Yorkshire Housing’s senior people development coordinator, said: “Muhammad and Isobel are a real credit to Yorkshire Housing and have really gone above and beyond to champion apprenticeships. I am very proud that their great work has been recognised and they have been shortlisted for this prestigious award, acting as great ambassadors for apprenticeships.” We wish them the best of luck at the regional finals on 26 September 2018. You can find out more information on the National Apprenticeship Awards on their website.
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.