Companies in the utilities sector have made a commitment to a major programme of staff training in an attempt to fight the skills shortage. Contractors and clients throughout the industry have signed the Skills Accord for Energy & Utilities, a voluntary, cross-industry partnership intended to address the skills gaps. With
Santander Corporate & Commercial has financed around £2 million in growth capital funding and working capital facilities to Cardiff, Wales based Forward Waste Management (FWM). The Welsh waste and recycling firm, which offers services specifically for the manufacturing sector, will use the funding to help develop its regional waste collection
According to the latest report from Moneypenny, the telephone answering service, British builders are missing out on work because of their failure to answer their phone calls. The study showed that 33% of builders in Britain are letting the calls go through to voicemail or ringing out, while 41% of
Herefordshire Council has given planning permission for the building of a 20MW energy storage system (ES) which will give real-time grid stabilisation to the local distribution network. Energy Reservoirs now has three years to start building the system, which will be made up of batteries housed in ten containers on
Four local authorities in Surrey have agreed a 10-year joint waste contract with Amey. The contract for Surrey Heath, Elmbridge, Mole Valley and Woking councils covers household waste collection, recycling, chargeable garden waste, recycling banks, clinical waste, replacement bins and provides an opportunity for a commercial waste service. It will
BAE Systems has opened a new £15.6 million aerospace skills and training academy, marking the single biggest investment in aerospace skills in the UK. The group opened its new training academy at Samlesbury, Lancashire, to create a pipeline of talent that will be able to meet the future technical demands
Minister for employability and training, Jamie Hepburn MSP, was invited by Unite the Union and UCATT to celebrate the achievements of workplace learners at Aberdeen City Council, while also presenting them with certificates. Over the last two years the unions organised learning and support to 297 Aberdeen City Council workers.
The £25 million Biomass Energy Centre & District Heating Network for the University of St Andrews has been celebrated at one of Scotland’s most prestigious awards ceremonies, winning the Sustainable Development category of the Scottish Green Energy Awards. The project saw Vital Energi work in partnership with the University to
A new multi-million pound deal to boost housing in key cities will provide more than 2,000 homes for private rent and create thousands of jobs, Housing Minister Gavin Barwell has announced. This latest private rent deal will unlock £400 million of development, under the government’s programme to increase investment in
London-based European real estate investment and asset management firm, Catalyst Capital, has invested hundreds of thousands of pounds to refurbish an office development in the heart of Hull city centre. Chameleon Business Interior has renovated Anchor House, based in the Maltings on Silvester Street, into a New York-loft style work
Companies in the utilities sector have made a commitment to a major programme of staff training in an attempt to fight the skills shortage. Contractors and clients throughout the industry have signed the Skills Accord for Energy & Utilities, a voluntary, cross-industry partnership intended to address the skills gaps. With a fifth of the sector’s skilled workers approaching retirement age, 36% of vacancies are proving difficut to fill, while 14% of all employers reporting skills gaps within their existing workforces, the Skills Accord is the sector’s solution to drive industry training. The agreement, administered by Energy & Utility (EU) Skills, encourages its signatories to put a greater proportion of their employees through formal structured development, either in specific skills that the sector currently requires or for which there is a demonstrable future requirement. The scheme’s lead partners SSE, National Grid and Amey, along with Thames Water and UK Power Networks. The Skills Accord also has 22 other signatories: ABB, Amec Foster Wheeler, Balfour Beatty, Clancy Group, Complete Asset Life Mgt, Costain, GE Power, IWJS, Kier Utilities, Laing O’Rourke, Lanes Group, McNicholas, Morgan Sindall, Morrison Utility Services, Murphy, NWH Treatment, Peter Duffy, RJ McLeod, Sapphire Utility Solutions, Siemens, Skanska and T&K Gallagher. The signatories have agreed to five pledges: a formal programme of learning; encourage suppliers to sign up; embed the Accord’s principles into new tenders and contracts; a commitment to continuous improvement; and monitor and publish company success rate, as overseen by an external auditor. Chair of the Energy & Utility Skills Group, Jan Ward, commented: “This Skills Accord is one of the key priorities of the new sector partnership now underway, and I applaud these companies for testing the art of the possible and by collaborating with each other to recruit and train skilled workers, increase mobility and efficiency, widen the available talent pool and consequently bring about strategic workforce renewal.”
Santander Corporate & Commercial has financed around £2 million in growth capital funding and working capital facilities to Cardiff, Wales based Forward Waste Management (FWM). The Welsh waste and recycling firm, which offers services specifically for the manufacturing sector, will use the funding to help develop its regional waste collection and processing facilities extending from South Wales to the West Midlands. Established in 2006, FWM provides an end-to-end service to UK manufacturers, including the management of hazardous waste materials. With a substantial increase in environmental regulation over the past decade, FWM said that it has expanded significantly as the demands on its clients have grownenabling it to capitalise by advising clients on their total waste management strategy via a single point of contact. The firm’s current clients include British Airways, Ricardo, Federal Mogul, Sony and Actavis. The Growth Capital funding from Santander is being used in particular to fund FWM’s operations in the West Midlands as the business develops a growing customer base in the region. Santander’s Growth Capital loans are targeted at businesses with annual turnovers of up to £50 million which have a demonstrated history of high year-on-year growth in turnover, profit or employment. The facility is part of the bank’s Breakthrough support programme, which is aimed at fast-growth, ambitious businesses and includes funded overseas trade missions, Masterclass events and also provides graduate interns to SMEs. FWM added said that it also incorporates its own waste handling equipment division, Enviroquip, manufacturing and refurbishing a wide range of machinery including waste compactors, balers and containers. Lyndon Ward, managing director of Forward Waste Management Ltd, said: “We are a dynamic business operating in growth driven by the increasingly significant waste and recycling regulatory and compliance requirements for our customer base.” Peter Abel, Director, Growth Capital, Santander Corporate & Commercial added: “This is a business we have known and tracked for a while…. They operate in a sector with exciting opportunities.”
According to the latest report from Moneypenny, the telephone answering service, British builders are missing out on work because of their failure to answer their phone calls. The study showed that 33% of builders in Britain are letting the calls go through to voicemail or ringing out, while 41% of building contractors did not answer the phone, according to the Small Business Call Report 2016, which also showed that most callers (69%) refuse to leave a voicemail message. Moneypenny has warned that this can have a huge negative impact on their revenue, as the value of each missed call having a significant impact on its bottom line, in particular in the current economic climate. Co-founder and Director of Moneypenny, Ed Reeves, commented: “Quite simply, a customer getting through to a voicemail instead of a person is like tearing up money. It’s akin to walking into a shop with no one at the till. Buyers simply ring the next supplier on the list. “Pretty much every prospective customer hangs up at an answer message, yet so many businesses, especially those run from mobiles, have no solution in place. UK SMEs are losing a fortune in business opportunities, and our dependency on operating our business from our mobiles is making things worse.” The study shows that those who let their calls go through to voicemail are also letting themselves down with their message greeting. More than half (54%) of micro businesses are still relying on a standard network voicemail greeting without making reference to their business. 300 micro businesses (with 0-9 employees) took part in the survey, which includes building contractors and construction workers, and an examination of Moneypenny’s own call data from 10,000 businesses. Reeves added: “Customers use phone enquiries differently nowadays; a phone call is no longer a research tool – that’s handled by social media, websites or email – instead it’s the final reassurance prior to a purchase.”
Herefordshire Council has given planning permission for the building of a 20MW energy storage system (ES) which will give real-time grid stabilisation to the local distribution network. Energy Reservoirs now has three years to start building the system, which will be made up of batteries housed in ten containers on a greenfield site to the west of Clay Hill Pitch, Dormington. The original planning documents state that the system will be directly connected to the adjacent substation to provide energy storage capacity to the National Grid. It will mean that excess electricity generated from a number of conventional and renewable sources will be allowed to be stored in the batteries during times of low demand. The stored capacity will then be fed back into the grid during peak demand times, which can coincide with times of low generation. A spokesperson for Energy Reservoirs said that in terms of other potential streams of revenue, the process of prequalifying for the capacity market was “an expensive job” for a battery due to the high bid bond require, while arbitrage “doesn’t really work yet sadly”. The project is therefore expected to rely on providing frequency balancing services as the main revenue stream. However, the spokesperson added that the company intended to take part in National Grid’s next tender after failing to win in the recent EFR competition. Energy Reservoirs has yet to appoint a supplier and is currently attracting quotes from a number of potential partners, the majority of which are offering lithium-ion batteries.
Four local authorities in Surrey have agreed a 10-year joint waste contract with Amey. The contract for Surrey Heath, Elmbridge, Mole Valley and Woking councils covers household waste collection, recycling, chargeable garden waste, recycling banks, clinical waste, replacement bins and provides an opportunity for a commercial waste service. It will also include street cleaning and associated activities including street sweeping, bin emptying, graffiti removal, and fly-tipping and fly-posting clearance. The councils expect the contract to save taxpayers across the four authorities more than £2m a year. Existing fortnightly recycling and waste collections will be maintained, as will weekly food waste collections. The contract will introduce a weekly collection of clothes, home textiles and small electricals while other new schemes include: Surrey Waste Partnership part-funded the deal, which was supported by Surrey County Council as the waste disposal authority. Amey chief executive Andy Milner (pictured) said: “This announcement sees us build on our reputation as a trusted and innovative provider of high-quality local waste collection services. “We are committed to working closely with these councils to meet their sustainability and environmental objectives, while providing a first-rate service for local residents.” Waste officers from Surrey Heath and Woking councils put out identical statements saying the deal was a “great result.” “By working together, we’re able to deliver an improved waste and recycling collection service, while freeing up substantial sums of money to spend on the services which people value the most.” The contract will have a staggered start depending on when each council’s current contract ends. The earliest is Elmbridge in June 2017, followed by Woking in September 2017, Surrey Heath in February 2018 and Mole Valley in August 2018 for waste and recycling and April 2019 for street cleaning. Other district and borough councils in Surrey, there are 11 overall, will have the opportunity to join as the contract progresses.
BAE Systems has opened a new £15.6 million aerospace skills and training academy, marking the single biggest investment in aerospace skills in the UK. The group opened its new training academy at Samlesbury, Lancashire, to create a pipeline of talent that will be able to meet the future technical demands of its military aircraft business. The Academy for Skills and Knowledge (ASK) marks the single biggest investment ever in skills for the UK aerospace sector. The 7,400m2 building has been designed and constructed over the last three years and is located on the Samlesbury Aerospace Enterprise Zone along with BAE System’s military aircraft advanced manufacturing centre. The centre will train all the graduates and apprentices in the BAE’s military aircraft business, while also providing ‘life-long learning and skills development activities’ for 13,000 employees for at least the next 40 years. The ASK will also act as a collaborative skills-hub for the North West’s engineering and manufacturing sector and offer Stem resources for school children from five to 14 years old. BAE Systems said that the technology in the ASK “mirrors the latest advanced manufacturing technologies and factory layouts” used at its own sites around the UK. This includes 3D printers, a manufacturing Kuka robot cell, a composites clean room, as well as a virtual reality ‘cave’ to train apprentices using immersive simulations that include viewing wiring on a military jet. In early 2017, the academy’s hangar will accommodate a full size Hawk jet for apprentices to understand the ‘engineering complexity and build of an aircraft’ first hand. Chris Boardman, managing director of BAE Systems military air and information, said that the ASK offers “an unrivalled modern engineering and manufacturing environment in which BAE Systems can deliver the highest quality training”. Northern Powerhouse minister Andrew Percy added: “Northern businesses have stablished themselves in the top flight of the aerospace industry and the new flagship Academy for Skills and Knowledge will offer excellent opportunities to our young people from the area.”
Minister for employability and training, Jamie Hepburn MSP, was invited by Unite the Union and UCATT to celebrate the achievements of workplace learners at Aberdeen City Council, while also presenting them with certificates. Over the last two years the unions organised learning and support to 297 Aberdeen City Council workers. The education was delivered free to workers through financial support from the Learning Fund, which is supported by the Scottish Government and administered by Scottish Union Learning. UCATT organised onsite assessment for 23 Aberdeen City Council tradespeople, including joiners, painters, plasterers, slaters and masons. The scheme provided workers who had no formal qualifications with the chance to demonstrate their considerable skills and experience. The candidates were assessed at work and were also required to complete portfolios to obtain NVQ Level 2 qualifications. 10 places were funded by the council to ensure the workloads of candidates were suitable to show their wide range of skills, while the Learning Fund financed the remaining 13 places. Hepburn also enjoyed a tour of disused council properties to look at examples of the work carried out by the learners, which included brickwork, plastering and partitioned walls. Director of Scottish Union Learning, Wendy Burton, commented: “Scottish Union Learning congratulates workers in Aberdeen City Council on obtaining their qualifications. “This is an excellent example of trade union and employer partnerships, demonstrating how working together can overcome logistical workplace challenges and develop vital learning opportunities for workers.” Minister for employability and training, Jamie Hepburn, said: “Scottish Union Learning helps workers to improve their skills and qualifications as well as their prospects and prosperity. Today’s visit highlights what can be achieved when trade unions and employers work together to support Scotland’s workers. “Trade Unions play a vital role in up-skilling our workforce and delivering Scottish Union Learning so it is great to hear first-hand from those who have benefitted from the programme and to celebrate in their success.”
The £25 million Biomass Energy Centre & District Heating Network for the University of St Andrews has been celebrated at one of Scotland’s most prestigious awards ceremonies, winning the Sustainable Development category of the Scottish Green Energy Awards. The project saw Vital Energi work in partnership with the University to realise the their vision for a campus-wide low carbon energy system by refurbishing an Old paper mill building, transforming it into a state of the art Biomass based energy centre that will, in future, form the heart of a planned new technology focused business park. The new energy system feeds remote University Buildings more than 6km away through a highly thermally efficient 23km underground district heating network. The project will bring significant environmental benefits which will see carbon emissions reduced by over 6,000 tonnes per year. We’re delighted the project has been recognised. Mike Cooke explained, “We have worked closely with the University on this project since September 2014 and experienced first-hand their commitment to the environment and their enthusiasm to be involved at every step of the way. We’re delighted the project has been recognised at this prestigious event and we would like to acknowledge the patience and support of the local residents and project stakeholders who experienced disruption while the heat network was formed.” In addition to the building, mechanical and engineering works, Vital Energi took part in the Guardbridge Guarantee, helping the University to ensure that the project also delivered tangible benefit to Scotland and the local community. Vital Energi worked closely with all stakeholders including local residents and businesses to maximise local spending (73%) and local employment. 433 local people have benefitted from employment associated with the implementation and continued operation of the scheme over the next 5 years, 79% of those are employed live within Fife and Central Scotland. Professor Verity Brown, Vice Principal (Enterprise & Engagement), said: “To win such a prestigious award against competition from across Scotland is an outstanding achievement. The energy centre at the Eden Campus at Guardbridge is a remarkable engineering project which would not have been possible without our partners, Vital Energi. “It is a project that would not have possible without the forbearance and support of local people in and around Guardbridge.” www.vitalenergi.co.uk
A new multi-million pound deal to boost housing in key cities will provide more than 2,000 homes for private rent and create thousands of jobs, Housing Minister Gavin Barwell has announced. This latest private rent deal will unlock £400 million of development, under the government’s programme to increase investment in purpose built rental properties, and will grow the amount of good quality rental homes in Leeds, Manchester and Birmingham. The project is one of the largest private rental sector investments in the UK and will receive £45 million funding from the government’s new Home Building Fund ─ which makes money available to help kick-start new development and housebuilding. Housing and Planning Minister Gavin Barwell said: “Alongside home ownership, we’re determined to create a bigger, better private rental market to offer greater choice for tenants in a country that works for everyone. “This is one of the largest private rental sector deals in the UK and will not only create thousands of homes for people in Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester – it will create jobs and opportunities for many hundreds of people.” Sir Edward Lister, HCA Chairman, said: “This massive investment, one of the largest private rented deals this year, shows our determination to get builders building and substantially grow the market in this country. “We’re working on a number of other deals, with builders of all sizes, and we’re also using our investment and land to attract new entrants to the industry.” Founder and chairman of the Dandara Group, Dan Tynan said: “Dandara has already built more than 2,500 properties of this type in the last 10 years in the UK, including Scotland’s largest private rented sector (PRS) scheme of almost 300 properties in Aberdeen, acquired by LaSalle Investment Management on behalf of a large pension fund. Read more at http://specificationonline.co.uk/articles/2016-12-02/thousands-of-new-homes-and-jobs-in-three-key-cities
London-based European real estate investment and asset management firm, Catalyst Capital, has invested hundreds of thousands of pounds to refurbish an office development in the heart of Hull city centre. Chameleon Business Interior has renovated Anchor House, based in the Maltings on Silvester Street, into a New York-loft style work space. Originally built in the late 1860s for the Hull Brewery Company Ltd, The Maltings and Anchor House were used for storing barrels waiting to be distributed to the city’s many pubs. The refurbishment has now transformed Anchor House into a range of office suites available for lease, from just less than 400 sq ft to almost 10,000 sq ft in area, as well as a sandwich bar opportunity sitting in the heart of the wider commercial district. Larger units of up to 20,000 sq ft are expected to come available in Anchor House later in the year. The building is being marketed by East Yorkshire property agent, PPH Commercial. Nick Pearce, PPH director, commented: “Hull, and the wider region, is in the midst of a cultural and economic revolution and with that comes a lot of attention, both nationally and globally. It is no surprise, therefore, that overseas investors are beginning to notice the city’s property market and get excited about it. “Anchor House is a fantastic relic of Hull’s industrial past which found a new lease of life as attractive offices. “Now, with the refurbishment completed, it is one of the most stunning locations in the city centre, with units available to suit start-ups through to much larger organisations. “We expect a lot of enquiries from local companies, but also from national companies as well because Hull’s new found status, coupled with the quality of the space, means Anchor House should attract attention from far and wide”.