Small house builders predict that skills shortages in the building industry will hamper housing delivery and will eventually overtake access to finance as a bigger barrier to building new homes, according to new research by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Key results from the FMB’s House Builders’ Survey 2018,
The CIOB Academy is launching a brand new course focussed on managing and delivering quality in construction. This follows months of work by a Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Commission of Past Presidents into the issue of build quality, and what practical steps can be taken to support delivery of
Independent construction, property and management consultancy, Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB UK) has announced the strengthening of its healthcare expertise with the appointment of three senior healthcare appointments. Stewart Binns joins RLB UK as a Partner from Turner & Townsend where he spent the last 14 years as a Director in
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
Small house builders predict that skills shortages in the building industry will hamper housing delivery and will eventually overtake access to finance as a bigger barrier to building new homes, according to new research by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Key results from the FMB’s House Builders’ Survey 2018, the only annual assessment of small and medium sized (SME) house builders in England, include: • The percentage of SME house builders saying that a shortage of skilled workers is a major barrier to their ability to build more new homes rose to 44% (up from 42% in 2017); • A lack of available and viable land tops the list as the most commonly cited barrier (59%) to increasing housing delivery and almost two-thirds of SME house builders (62%) believe that the number of opportunities for small site development are actually decreasing (up from 54% in 2017); • Nearly half of small house builders (46%) say access to finance is a major barrier to their ability to build more new homes; • More than half (51%) of SME house builders view the planning system as a major constraint on their ability to grow and ‘inadequate resourcing of planning departments’ was again rated as the most significant cause of delay in the planning application process for the third year in a row; • When asked to look ahead over the next three years, more firms cited skills shortages as a likely barrier to growth than access to finance. Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “Nearly half of builders believe the skills shortage is a major barrier to their ability to build new homes. The construction sector is heavily reliant on EU workers with just under one in ten workers in the sector born in the EU. Brexit, coupled with the end of free movement, threatens to further intensify the skills shortages we already face. Given that the UK will leave the EU in less than six months, house builders are understandably concerned that skills shortages could worsen and choke housing delivery. In order to combat this skills crisis, the construction industry needs to encourage more entrants into the industry and develop higher quality qualifications. It is critical therefore that the Government doesn’t pull the rug out from under the sector by introducing an inflexible and unresponsive immigration system.” Berry continued: “Our research also shows that the Government must continue to address the issue of access to finance for SME house builders. Although concerns over access to finance have eased slightly in recent years, in part thanks to the Government’s funding schemes such as the Home Building Fund, there is more that can be done. Our research suggests that it is the low percentages of project cost that builders are able to borrow that remain the greatest financial barrier to increasing their levels of house building. This latest research suggests that if firms were able to borrow 80 per cent, rather than the current 60 to 65 per cent of project cost, SME builders would be able to bring forward on average 40 per cent more new homes. Given the ambitious house building targets the Government is working towards, we cannot afford to ignore such a chance to significantly increase housing delivery.” Berry concluded: “A lack of available and viable small sites tops the list of frustrations for SME house builders for the fourth year in a row. Worse still, nearly two-thirds of these small builders believe that the number of opportunities for small site development are decreasing. However, the recent reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework, which specify that 10 per cent of a local authority’s housing delivery must be on sites no larger than one hectare, will help to address this problem. This will help to speed up the delivery of homes and lead to a more diverse and resilient housing supply.”
The CIOB Academy is launching a brand new course focussed on managing and delivering quality in construction. This follows months of work by a Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Commission of Past Presidents into the issue of build quality, and what practical steps can be taken to support delivery of quality construction and development projects. The Commission considered what the CIOB could do to promote a culture of quality in construction, focusing on potential solutions. One of the outcomes is the creation of the CIOB’s Construction Quality Management course. Chair of the Commission, CIOB Past President Paul Nash, said: “Last year the CIOB established a Commission to look into the issue of quality in our industry following a series of high profile failures. We urgently needed to understand what was preventing or promoting the delivery of quality at all stages of the construction process so that we could act to bring about the change that was so obviously needed. Our research highlighted that there was a need to raise standards across the industry. But more than this we needed to change the culture of our industry; we needed people to take pride in the buildings and infrastructure that they were creating. To achieve this, the CIOB has committed to provide practical advice and training to our members and the wider construction community. By creating and promoting the right culture and behaviours I do believe that our industry will change for the better.” Adrian Montague, Head of the CIOB Academy, said: “Poor quality is costing the industry annually more than the combined profits of companies in the industry1. Construction quality management can deliver customer satisfaction and value. Setting and meeting quality objectives requires a sound knowledge of processes, legislation and compliance – the core of our new course. We want to see a “get it right first time” approach embedded in the industry, which should prevent these unnecessary costs and improve customer retention. Quality management is as important to a company’s efficiency and reputation as meeting time and cost targets. Our new Construction Quality Management course comes from the extensive research conducted by the CIOB’s Quality Commission, and will cover all the fundamentals of construction quality management.” Those attending the two-day course will gain an understanding of widely-used quality management systems, and will be given the tools to initiate quality management on their own projects and, ultimately, work towards achieving quality on every programme. By the end of the course, participants will be able to: Understand the fundamentals of quality management for a project-based industry Demonstrate knowledge of the theories, principles and processes in quality management Recognise the differences between quality control and quality management Apply quality management best practice in construction in terms of both processes and attitudes The first course dates are 14 and 15 November 2018. Venue: CIOB’s London office, Kingsway, WC2B 6XF. Cost: £549. More information: https://www.ciobacademy.org/product/construction-quality-management/
Independent construction, property and management consultancy, Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB UK) has announced the strengthening of its healthcare expertise with the appointment of three senior healthcare appointments. Stewart Binns joins RLB UK as a Partner from Turner & Townsend where he spent the last 14 years as a Director in the Project Management team and was the National Health and Higher Education lead. Stewart had a major portfolio of projects across the public sector including clients such as the University of Leeds, University of Huddersfield, York NHS Trust and the Yorkshire & York PCT. He is nationally known for his work in risk management and structuring effective procurement solutions. Georgie Whitham joins RLB’s London team from Capita and brings an analytical skillset which includes activity modelling, simulation and strategic data mapping. Georgie has worked with a variety of healthcare organisations including commissioners, providers, regulators and social enterprises. Her expertise has been applied to a wide range of schemes from new build multi-speciality facilities to Trust-wide transformation strategies, new digital-based models of care and CCG strategic estates plans. Paul Dutton joins the Project Management team in Birmingham and has worked on a range of health and education projects. These include hospitals and specialist centres like The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre Liverpool, University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, St George’s Hospital and Royal Berkshire Hospital amongst others. He has a background in IT & medical equipment bringing a new element to RLB client services in addition to his project management skillset. These appointments come at a time of phenomenal growth for the RLB healthcare team who brought healthcare management consultant Conor Ellis to the helm of the division in 2017. The sector has doubled in turnover in the past 12 months, is shortlisted for national awards and now has clients in every area of the NHS from acute & research to primary, mental health and community care. Conor Ellis, Partner and National Head of Healthcare at RLB comments, “RLB welcomes three more senior professionals to the RLB healthcare team. They bring a breadth of knowledge and experience to the fold with outstanding track records within their healthcare field.” Andrew Reynolds, UK and Global Board Director for RLB UK continues, “It is an exciting time for the UK business. We are seeing opportunities open with the healthcare division as the needs change both of the NHS and within the private healthcare sector. Our high profile projects are enabling us to attract the best talent which in turn means we can offer a strategic, consultative approach to serve the market even better.”
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.