In a recent report, it has been stated that social goals must be outlined in a clear and concise manner before then being integrated into FM contracts. Nodding to clear best practice methods and encouraging a manageable approach to corporate social responsibility with respect to communities, the report, published by
Two businesses have been named to work with the BCIA in a bid to support the delivery of its highly-regarded training courses to a broader, far-reaching audience. The companies, British Gas and Sontay, are both members of the BCIA and have been officially appointed as training partner organisations – then
Speaking for the clients of Triangle Investments and Developments, it has been recently announced that Savills has confirmed the new letting in 36 Dover Street, W1 for Integration Management Consultancy, which will then increase the occupancy level of the Mayfair building up to its maximum potential; a great piece of
The deadline for entries into the yearly Trades Awards, brought to you by Xcite Media, has been moved back from the 29th of February to the 7th of March as a result of a swarm of interest in the awards and associated registration to them. The change in deadline will
Considerate constructors will get a star rating for their competence after a new system was launched by The Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) to boost standards and reward best practice. Now, companies along with their contractors, clients and workforce will be better able to demonstrate CCS competencies including everything from the
Most recently, Engex and Ethos have displayed commitment to developing the industry leaders of tomorrow by securing a range of tools and equipment for twenty one of CEF’s latest sign-ups to the Aspire Commercial Graduate Programme. A two year programme which, from the outset, is dedicated to transforming people into
The success enjoyed by South Yorkshire-based Mechanical and Electrical specialist Lilleker Bros Ltd is an enviable accomplishment, one which the company is rightly proud of, but it comes with its challenges. Working across a broad spectrum of sectors throughout the UK and even abroad, the company added to its capability
Fending off keen industry competition, Travis Perkins Managed Services has successfully come head and shoulders above the rest in the 2016 Housing Innovation Awards. Named the Most Innovative Supplier in this year’s award, Travis Perkins was successful in defeating 4 other organisations nominated for the award, which is headed up
Apprenticeships play an integral role in supporting the future growth of the construction industry, helping organisations to expand their workforce whilst minimising costs and overcoming challenges across the industry with regard to skill shortages. Luckily, it appears that Scottish businesses are stepping up to the challenge, playing their part and
Allison Enterprises recognises that consistency breeds confidence. With customers the focal point for this Perthshire-based fencing, landscaping and fabrication solutions provider, Allison has founded its reputation upon delivering the results client’s desire reliably and effectively, time and time again. A significant part of its success is its dedication to quality,
In a recent report, it has been stated that social goals must be outlined in a clear and concise manner before then being integrated into FM contracts. Nodding to clear best practice methods and encouraging a manageable approach to corporate social responsibility with respect to communities, the report, published by Acclaro Advisory, has been created from correspondence with twenty seven leading FM providers, local councils, literature review and survey undertaken online. Nodding to the importance of assessing the requirements for social value to be made unavoidably apparent in the contract itself, project commissioners highlight the way in which additional security can be provided as to the potential benefits and opportunities to be fostered over the course of the project. Yet, the report outlines a potential lack of understanding as to the potential social value which FM providers can actually offer during projects, with both such FM providers and clients acknowledging that fact. Aiming to adapt the communication between project commissioners and FM providers, the report also provides insight into how the two parties can better discuss the potential for social value and come to realistic, achievable goals for social benefit; this is highlighted trough the provision of best practice case studies and practical examples. In addition to stressing the importance of communication on social goals and the way in which contracts are arranged, the report also discusses the important requirement for having clearly defined measurement criteria for the social value. Recognising, however, that there are individual, unique, contributing factors towards how this much be measured in each contract, the report then nods to the construction sector as an example where criteria for such goals has already been put in place. Of course, the report, while something which organisations on both sides of the fence would need to take heed of, is, in effect for the benefit of all those involved and will support the culmination of greater social value on individual projects – a positive future to strive towards.
Two businesses have been named to work with the BCIA in a bid to support the delivery of its highly-regarded training courses to a broader, far-reaching audience. The companies, British Gas and Sontay, are both members of the BCIA and have been officially appointed as training partner organisations – then becoming the only businesses other than the BCIA to be able to provide much-sought-after Building Controls courses, from BC0 to BC6. With a growing demand for the courses in the wider industry, the move is a direct response to member feedback where a need for supporting the continued delivery of the courses on a larger scale has been highlighted. Of course, the nature of the courses is not to change whatsoever, and the BCIA will maintain its position in issuing any and all certificates for the completion of the courses, but the move will see an increased infrastructure for the delivery of the training at more locations around the UK. As a company with a noted invested interest into training, Sontay, one of the two businesses, nods at the first-class training programme available at its academy, established in 2014, which offers a varied range of courses for the continued professional development of people and businesses. The integration of BCIA courses will see a step forward in the level of training offered by Sontay, whose Managing Director, Sandy Damm, stated: “Partnering with the BCIA is proof of our commitment to training and we are looking forward to a bright working relationship.” Additionally, British Gas has also expressed its excitement to be working with the BCIA on training and, already providing building control management systems, has a keen, invested interest in the industry’s standards, benchmarks and processes. As such, British Gas’ Head of Training Services, Lynsey Partlow nodded to the company’s wider commitment to raising these standards and added: “These new courses allow us both to enhance the training of our own engineers and provide additional support to thousands of others we train each year.”
Speaking for the clients of Triangle Investments and Developments, it has been recently announced that Savills has confirmed the new letting in 36 Dover Street, W1 for Integration Management Consultancy, which will then increase the occupancy level of the Mayfair building up to its maximum potential; a great piece of news for Savills and all those involved. Integration Management Consultancy, a leading provider of management consultancy services has confirmed a new, ten year lease on the office space, measured in at 2,567 square feet and sitting across the second floor of the property. They are to sit alongside those already occupying the building, which includes Victoria Beckham’s famous boutique on the ground floor, and Mercer Real Estate Advisors also. Nodding to the way in which its client has successfully managed to refurbish and increase the value of the property on Dover Street, Savills’ Director in the West End Agency Team, Mark Gilbart-Smith expressed his enamour at the confirmation of the new letting, regarding its status as now fully-let as testament to the quality of the refurbishment. In the Mayfair area, a traditional vacancy rate sits at about 3.8%, with the location considered to be highly sought after. The present average occupancy currently sits at the lowest figure on record since Q3 2007, as reported by Savills. Of the property in the area, the firm estimates take-up in Mayfair for 2015 to total in at 586,022 square feet, which is some 14% beyond the long-term yearly average of 505,000 square feet. As for Savills extensive role in the property, the organisation had previously advised with regard to the procurement of the property, and is now responsible for the management of the property as a whole – a clear nod to Savills expert advice, reputation and ability to delivery on such high-value properties in prime locations. Search OfficeSpace was the representing party for Integration’s deal.
The deadline for entries into the yearly Trades Awards, brought to you by Xcite Media, has been moved back from the 29th of February to the 7th of March as a result of a swarm of interest in the awards and associated registration to them. The change in deadline will allow for tradesmen and organisations to still confirm their registration for the awards where they will be able to showcase their achievements with the rewards that follow. This year’s awards, thus far, have received a landmark number of entries, which is the key reason behind the extension for more organisations to enter, recognising that it would be a shame for businesses to miss out. In total, it has actually been shown that the number of organisations registering for the awards this year, has in fact trebled since the original launch of the awards back in 2013. Nodding to the level of interest this year as an incredible achievement, Director at Xcite Media, Darren Ross commented: “This increased interest reflects the huge support that they have received from the north-east trades and construction industry across the past three years.” Maintaining hope that the extended deadline will encourage more people looking to showcase their skills to sign up to the awards, Darren Ross also stresses that this will also give interested parties the opportunity to also enter into additional categories. Also encouraging members of the public to assist in nominating tradesmen and apprentices who they feel are worthy of recognition, Darren Ross also looks to encourage people to share case study examples of excellence across the sector so that people and businesses can receive the recognition they deserve. With applications having no submission fee, the awards are open to businesses of all sizes and shapes, with a total of 15 categories for businesses to choose from – of these, up to 3 categories can be chosen. The winners of the awards will then be announced at the final event on the 10th of June this year.
Considerate constructors will get a star rating for their competence after a new system was launched by The Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) to boost standards and reward best practice. Now, companies along with their contractors, clients and workforce will be better able to demonstrate CCS competencies including everything from the success of health and safety policies to green initiatives and engagement with the local community. The new star rating – based on a level from one to five – has been developed to better reflect how well a site is run. It will highlight how businesses are complementing their work through onsite appearance, respect for the local community, safety of those involved directly and indirectly, and how company’s are operating with more sustainable, environmentally friendly business practices. Edward Hardy, CCS’ chief executive, says the new five-star system provides a clearer indication of competency and is an easier, more “quantifiable way” for the industry, the public and the local community to understand how construction businesses are performing to the CCS’ rigorous standards. Star ratings will be clearly displayed at each site with posters and certificates issued. Companies need to register sites to be scored by a nominated “monitor” whose analysis will be translated from the traditional 50-point marking system into a star rating out of five. Hardy believes the new rating system from the CCS will help the construction industry develop a more positive image in communities while its consideration for the wider environment is rightly celebrated. The simple identification of a site’s competency for passers-by will also encourage companies to act more responsibly and drive internal practices to become more considerate constructors.
Most recently, Engex and Ethos have displayed commitment to developing the industry leaders of tomorrow by securing a range of tools and equipment for twenty one of CEF’s latest sign-ups to the Aspire Commercial Graduate Programme. A two year programme which, from the outset, is dedicated to transforming people into the industry’s future leaders, Aspire aims to provide an understanding of all areas of commerce, including everything from the manufacturing cycle through to the management. Pushing understanding on every level, the scheme recognises the importance of perceiving business topics from multiple perspectives, with trainees undertaking physical, manual work on-site with an electrical contractor so as best to understand the role and its respective challenges. With trainees on the scheme generally considering it to be an exciting way to learn all aspects of electrical wholesale, the Aspire programme equips trainees with the information and understanding required to support the delivery of CEF’s service in the future. In ensuring safety and proper standards, of course, it is integral that trainees have the right tools to perform the job, which is where the investment from Engex and Ethos comes in to help. Recognising that CEF views adherence of the latest health and safety regulation, Ethos’ Divisional Manager, Ian Par exclaimed: “We are happy to provide the latest, state-of-the-art technology testers to start trainees off on the right foot.” Of the tools provided, each received a combination of essential tools including screwdrivers and pilers, as well as a socket tester, continuity and voltage tester, and a multimeter. And from this stage, the trainees will now work towards the next stage in their training, where they will be learning from industry experts and gaining the understanding they need on the actual needs and requirements of the contractor from the wholesaler. Regardless, the support offered by Engex and Ethos is a great help.
The success enjoyed by South Yorkshire-based Mechanical and Electrical specialist Lilleker Bros Ltd is an enviable accomplishment, one which the company is rightly proud of, but it comes with its challenges. Working across a broad spectrum of sectors throughout the UK and even abroad, the company added to its capability two years ago with the addition of a mechanical division to complement its electrical solutions and has witnessed significant growth. It has successfully managed this increased scale through attention to detail, a dedication to high standards, and working closely with the client to deliver the right solution. Whether it be in the food sector, where it enjoys a strong presence, or working on power stations, Lilleker Bros. Ltd utilises the expertise it boasts in-house to target its resources economically. This sees engineers work within their own specialist sectors, developing, in many cases, long-term relationships with clients, which results in repeat business. The company’s track record also sees it providing vital services to main contractors such as Kier and Morgan Sindall on a range of contracts including major public sector schemes. Importantly, the company can tackle the diverse range of projects it gets involved in because of the expertise it has at its disposal (currently it is working on around a dozen jobs ranging from solely mechanical or electrical or a combination of both). However, as work environments differ from sector to sector, health and safety, which is fundamental to Lilleker’s successful work ethic, holds even greater significance. Similar to its confident approach to its key services, the company has established a robust approach that promotes best practice. “We recognised that health and safety needed dedicated management and that the successful implementation of such would complement our ambitious growth plans,” acknowledges Health and Safety Manager Fiona Stubbs, who was installed in the position two years ago and has overseen Lilleker Bros. Ltd obtaining not only the key safety accreditation OHSAS 18001 but also its environmental equivalent ISO 14001. “My role was about building upon our current approach at the time and to oversee the development and implementation of policies and procedures that would bring benefits to our overall capability,” she adds, describing the company’s approach as “very proactive”. Indeed, it takes a lead on safety across all its projects, liaising with client representatives to ensure the safe and efficient use of all resources. Fiona also makes her presence known onsite with regular visits to monitor activity and ensure standards are being met. She is also eager to change the preconception about her role being only about ticking boxes, ensuring she works closely with the site supervisor to organise sites in line with Lilleker’s Health and Safety policy. This is complemented by a strong commitment to teamwork, encouraging the workforce to have their own input and therefore play a role in the company’s proactive approach. It’s challenging, particularly when many of the more experienced staff have enjoyed decades in the industry without such a high degree of focus on health and wellbeing. That’s where Lilleker’s “family approach” comes into play. “We nurture people through change, we don’t use a heavy hand,” says Fiona. Accreditations to CHAS, PICS, Safe Contractor and Constructionline all complement the company’s OHSAS 18001 certification, and highlight not only an ability to implement regulated systems but a willingness to improve over the long term. A dedicated in-house training facility has enhanced Lilleker’s endeavours with non-accredited skills such as manual handling, abrasive wheels, working at heights, harness inspection, environmental awareness, 17th edition wiring regs amendment 3 awareness and safe isolation developed through internal training programmes, topped up with toolbox talks. It’s an exciting time for this growing business and health and safety is playing a crucial part in Lilleker’s development as a specialist mechanical and electrical services provider. With its ambitious plans set to see the business grow its presence even further, the future’s bright for this South Yorkshire ace.
Fending off keen industry competition, Travis Perkins Managed Services has successfully come head and shoulders above the rest in the 2016 Housing Innovation Awards. Named the Most Innovative Supplier in this year’s award, Travis Perkins was successful in defeating 4 other organisations nominated for the award, which is headed up by Excel Publishing. Of course, this builds upon the company’s continued success in the industry, where it is commonly seen as a role model for other organisations in the business of supplying the construction sector. Created to showcase the best, brightest, most innovative and unique schemes and services within the housing market, the awards are spread across fifteen categories which range in topic. For Travis Perkins’ award, it has been stated that the judges looked for supply chain partners playing a key role in minimising the costs of their clients, whilst simultaneously maintaining (if not improving) the level of quality offered in both product and service. Additionally, environmental concerns were taken into account, with suppliers partnering with clients to reduce carbon emissions and improve overall efficiencies getting a nod. As the largest building products supplier in the UK, Travis Perkins Plc places a great deal of weight behind Travis Perkins Managed Services, which is able to offer flexible services for all manner of organisation throughout the public sector, helping them to improve efficiencies, reduce costs and enhance repair and maintenance schemes. The first partnership for Travis Perkins Managed Services heralds back to 2004, where the organisation worked with Wrekin Housing Trust to supply them with materials and provide major savings as a result. Since then, the organisation has come on in leaps and bounds, working with public sector organisations of all shapes and sizes, such as the NHS and numerous education, local council and housing association type organisations. Commenting on the company’s success in winning the award, Stuart Hough, the organisation’s Managing Director expressed his delight, nodding to the important role which innovation plays in the company’s day to day operations. He explained: “While the broad offering is around supply chain streamlining every customer is different and we have to be able to adapt to offer them innovative tailor-made solutions.” In effect, this has led to the company keeping a keen eye on the future of the sector, keeping abreast of the latest changes and developments so as best to ensure that it is able to offer a service rich in quality, whilst efficient and cost effective.
Apprenticeships play an integral role in supporting the future growth of the construction industry, helping organisations to expand their workforce whilst minimising costs and overcoming challenges across the industry with regard to skill shortages. Luckily, it appears that Scottish businesses are stepping up to the challenge, playing their part and have, as such, achieved a five-year high in the number of construction apprentices recruited in 2015. With circa 1,876 apprentices recruited over the course of the year, 2015 represents a great milestone in overcoming the skill shortages by bringing in new blood to the industry. These figures highlight a 32% increase in the number of apprentices taken back in 2011, which sat at 1,422, as reported by the CITB. The figures come shortly before Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2016, which is also set to encourage organisations to take on more apprentices as a method of bringing new staff into their organisations more easily, and more cost-effectively. Funding provided by the CITB is available for all employed apprentices, which sits at £10,250, and offers a much-needed line of support for smaller businesses keen to expand, yet without the cashflow required to recruit further staff. With an estimated 21,000 new staff expected to be required over the course of the coming five years, the funding, and apprenticeships as a whole, offers a simple and effective route for employers both small and large to secure and train new staff effectively. Further information on how organisations can secure apprentices, as well as information on how would-be apprentices can secure positions within the construction industry, can be found one the Go Construct website, heralded by CITB’s Strategic Partnerships Director, Ian Hughes as: “A fantastic resource for employers and apprentices to find out about the support available, and the wealth of careers on offer.” And with the growing need for skilled workers rising with every coming day, we can only expect this vital industry resource to be much-welcomed by the wider sector.
Allison Enterprises recognises that consistency breeds confidence. With customers the focal point for this Perthshire-based fencing, landscaping and fabrication solutions provider, Allison has founded its reputation upon delivering the results client’s desire reliably and effectively, time and time again. A significant part of its success is its dedication to quality, an extension of which is the company’s robust health and safety practices. The nature of its work – which includes a broad spectrum of specialist fencing solutions, hard and soft landscaping, site clearance, tree works and ground works across Scotland and northern England – means operatives face a number of safety critical challenges on a daily basis. Indicative of Allison’s work ethic, the company values the health and wellbeing of its workforce as its chief priority. It has therefore continued to develop its policies and procedures in order to enhance its overall capability through health and safety best practice. While the commercial benefits of accreditation to such organisations as CHAS, Constructionline and Achilles are clear, Allison is rightly proud of its achievements says Debbie Priest, who oversees health and safety within the company, because it highlights how effective policies have been implemented across the business. Added to this by its ISO 9001accreditation, the company has proven that only the highest standards will do. “Having these accreditations is vital to winning work,” remarks Priest. “But it’s more than that because these audits highlight that you have the relevant training in place, that operatives are properly qualified, and that your procedures towards the wellbeing and safety of the your workforce are robust and effective.” Importantly, she adds: “It gives clients confidence in you as a business.” Allison has successfully utilised an external health and safety consultant to oversee its policies which are then managed by Priest internally with qualified Contracts Managers and Team Leaders monitoring day-to-day onsite. It’s a method that has worked well for the company which recently passed two Achilles audits (one specifically for tackling risk on the railways, and the other its construction-focused Building Confidence) without any non-conformances. These accreditations are an ideal way for a business to track its own performance on an annual basis, in turn helping it to better itself year-on-year. “One of the areas we’ve looked to improve recently is our safety checks on the various equipment we use, particularly making our inspections specific to each type of equipment,” says Priest. This has been complemented by additional day-to-day risk assessments that re-focus attention on safety to ensure it forms the cornerstone of the workforce’s thinking. It’s not easy, says Priest, as operatives want to go out in the morning and get the job done as quickly and professionally as they can. “What we try to instil is an approach that encourages them to take a step back in the morning; to make sure they are doing their daily briefing. We also brought in a policy called Take 5, which is effectively a daily mini risk assessment. It is about trying to encourage the thought process that says: health and safety is just as important as getting the job completed.” Internal training has increased to help staff while toolbox talks have enhanced safety awareness by making it less about paperwork and ticking boxes and more about its wider benefits to the implementation of an effective project. Such group discussions also evoke a more proactive interpretation of health and wellbeing by allowing staff to raise issues, ask questions, and put forward their own ideas. It’s evident that Allison Enterprises gives its staff the same respect its gives its customers. Internal development has created a work ethic based on pride, which has helped the company grow its stature, its client base and its reputation.