Workers needing to carry out tasks at high levels have a number of solutions available to them but the most effective, particularly in crowded or tight areas, is for them to use scissor lifts. These unusual looking but effective lifts essentially power a platform to the required height so that the work can be carried out safely and efficiently. There are also useful for lifting heavy loads between heights. They are called scissor lifts because when they are fully extended they look like pairs of scissors one on top of the other and they are usually on a four wheeled base which is rugged and versatile. Many of these scissor lifts can be used on rough ground or in hard to reach areas. Use scissor lifts in difficult locations It also means that the workers don’t have to erect scaffolding since scissor lifts can reach up to 17 metres in height and with the outriggers fitted they can be levelled quickly to provide stability. Many of them are battery-powered and, because they are fume-free, these lifts are the safest to use indoors and with a variety of platform sizes they can be used to carry out a wide range of duties. One of the strongest reasons for using a scissor lift is that the worker is always in control, the controls for operating the lift are on the platform where the worker will be so there will not be any miscommunication between the worker and someone on the ground to operate it. Among the many uses apart from busy offices are in hotels, industrial sites and retail stores. They can be quickly and effectively put into place, the job carried out, and the scissor lift then removed without the need for expensive or time-consuming scaffolding or by using other types of lift. Scissor lifts are also particularly useful if there are several locations to be visited in the course of carrying out a job on the same site because this can be done quickly by the workers. Because employers are responsible for the safety of their workers on jobs anyone looking to hire or buy scissor lifts should be looking at the safety features. These include having political cut-outs to stop the lift working in an emergency, toe guards help protect the feet of the workers and, this is essential, total stop brakes to help prevent the entire lift from moving when work is being carried out or loads are being put onto it. It is also crucial that any scissor lift conforms to EN1570. How to choose the scissor lift you need Scissor lifts come in all shapes and sizes so the requirement for whatever job is needed will vary from user to user but they should be portable and easy-to-use and, where necessary, have non-marking tyres to help ensure there is no damage to floors and that the lowering speed can be controlled easily. As stated earlier, there is a wide variety of scissor lifts available and some are available in single or double scissors and the platform can be raised either hydraulically or with battery operation. The options for anyone wanting to buy or hire scissor lifts include having a second brake to help ensure safety and security, and there’s the option of using a safety skirt and rubber mat to help ensure the lift does not slip from its position. With so many options and a wide range available, anyone looking to buy or hire scissor lifts could be forgiven for being confused as to what is available though anyone looking to hire a scissor lift is probably in a much better position. There are lots of providers of scissor lifts around the UK who will be willing to give help and advice on which would be most suited to a client’s needs. For instance, CW Plant Hire in Liverpool have a strong reputation in delivering a top quality service with well looked after equipment. Their experience in providing powered access to difficult places is second-to-none and they have a wide range of scissor lifts for a number of different purposes. Like many of their fellow plant and tool hire providers, CW Engineers strive to provide an impressive service with equipment that is not only safe but is well maintained to ensure that the workers and the job that needs doing is done as safely and efficiently as is possible.  

British Sugar TOPSOIL, the UK’s largest supplier of topsoil to the construction, landscaping and amenity sectors, is ending 2015 on a high note having achieved a record increase in year on year sales of 8 per cent. This performance comes in the same year that the company was rated by 98 per cent of respondents to its annual customer survey as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Very Good’ for customer service, and its Landscape20 topsoil won Housebuilder magazine’s External Product of the Year Award. Commenting at the BALI National Landscape Awards on 4th December, where British Sugar TOPSOIL sponsored the Design & Build category, National TOPSOIL Manager Andy Spetch said: “This has been a terrific year for British Sugar TOPSOIL with our sales performance topping off a number of successes. We were the first topsoil manufacturer to be included in the NBS BIM Library; we won External Product of the Year at the Housebuilder Product Awards, and we have shown our support for the landscaping and amenity sectors by sponsoring the IOG, APL, SGD and BALI awards. The sales team has worked tremendously hard throughout the year to make sure we took full advantage of a buoyant housing market whilst continuing to meet demand from landscapers and our clients in the sports and amenity sectors. We’re looking forward with understandable optimism to 2016!” British Sugar TOPSOIL will continue its support for awards schemes in the landscape sector and has confirmed its sponsorship of the BALI National Landscape Awards in 2016, the 40th anniversary of the BALI Awards.   For information on TOPSOIL products visit www.bstopsoil.co.uk or call 0870 240 2314.

Stewart Milne Group, the 5-star builder of new homes and communities, is continuing with its support of local trade businesses by sponsoring the north-east Trades Awards for a second year. Following the inspirational awards ceremony in 2015, which saw outstanding apprentices, tradesmen and local businesses recognised for their achievements, Stewart Milne Group are once again getting behind the awards as part of the many initiatives they are currently working on to mark their 40th anniversary.   Trades Awards 2016, which officially opened for nominations and applications on Tuesday 1st December, continues to be the only event of its kind in Scotland, and showcases the knowledge, experience and integrity that the north-east trades industry has to offer.   Darren Ross, Director at Xcite Media, the events company behind Trades Awards says “Our awards have grown incredibly since they were first launched in 2012, and this year we expect 450 guests to attend, which is more than double the number who joined us for the inaugural event. Each year, the number and quality of applications exceeds all expectations, and the job of our judging panel gets harder. With the continued support of Stewart Milne Group, we are now able to take Trades Awards up a level, making it an event that the whole industry can be proud of.   I had the pleasure of meeting many of last year’s applicants and winners and saw first-hand the skill and passion that is present within the north-east. Collectively they are excellent ambassadors for the industry and we are already looking forward to receiving this year’s round of inspiring applications.”   Neil Thomson, Construction Director of Stewart Milne Homes North says: “Once again Stewart Milne Group are delighted to support local trades by sponsoring the Trades Awards 2016. We are delighted to be involved, particularly as we celebrate our 40th anniversary. The construction industry continues to offer many opportunities for people, and we have witnessed this year, an unprecedented level of interest in trade apprenticeships. We invest significantly in training and the development of our people and are delighted that trades are rewarded and recognised in the awards.”     Entering into its fourth year, the Trades Awards ceremony will take place at Mercure Aberdeen Ardoe House on Friday 10th June 2016, making it the biggest event to date, with over 450 people expected to attend from across the north-east construction industry. With twelve award categories, open to businesses of all sizes, a panel of the north-east’s construction leaders is set to crown:   Home Improvement – Interior – Sponsored by Flexistore Home Improvement, Exterior Health and Safety – sponsored by Safety Scotland Trades Employer of the Year – sponsored by Richard Irvin Energy Solutions Best in Customer Service Best Trades Supplier – sponsored by TradesAdvisor.com Best use of Innovation Apprentice of the Year – sponsored by Scotia Homes Tradesman of the Year – sponsored by Original 106 Best Trades Business, 0-10 employees – sponsored by Federation of Small Businesses Best Trades Business, 11+ employees Outstanding Contribution – sponsored by Stewart Milne Group   Entries to the awards are open from December 1st and close on Monday 29th February 2016. Awards entries will be judged by a panel of experts, and shortlisted applicants will be subject to a site visit from an independent assessor, before meeting each of their judges at a final networking lunch. The winners will be announced at a lavish awards dinner and ceremony on Friday 10th June 2016 at Ardoe House.   To enter Trades Awards 2016, register interest in attending or to find out how your business can support the event log onto www.tradesawards.com or call 01224 626000   For more information on Stewart Milne Group visit www.stewartmilnehomes.com

The outsourced, bundled facilities management market in central and local government is estimated to have grown by around 3 per cent in 2015, compared with the market value in 2014, according to a report by AMA Research. Having experienced good growth through to 2011, reflecting the move towards greater levels of outsourcing of a wider range of services and a high level of investment in facilities, the market declined in 2012 as government spending fell and the central and local government estate underwent consolidation to manage national debt and improve carbon emissions.    This slow growth continued into 2014. Factors supporting the market include increasing penetration within central and local government, a move towards a greater array of services being outsourced, and the need for government departments to achieve significant cost savings to meet tighter budgets, with the government encouraging greater use of the private sector partners to help achieve this.    Nevertheless, there remains sustained pressure on margins, reflecting consolidation in the market and greater numbers of larger FM contractors who are intent on ensuring that they win enough business to fill their capacity.    In addition, the government’s continuing activity to reduce the size of its estate has continued to have an effect on contract opportunities – both in central government and local government sectors. The market for FM in both sectors is expected to improve, growing by 3 per cent in 2015 and remaining positive through to 2019, says the report.

Attended by VIPs Lord Taylor of Goss Moor and Councillor Neil Atkin Following on from the government’s spending review announcement, which will see the UK’s housing budget double to £2 billion, Trent & Dove Housing Association and Maplevale Developments Ltd celebrated the completion of a joint £2.4 million project on Milton Road, Repton, as part of their commitment to building more homes in rural areas. Lord Taylor, former founder of the 2009 Rural Coalition, along with local Councillor Neil Atkin attended the launch event on Tuesday 24th November, which marked the completion of the 12 month project. Talking about the development, Lord Taylor said: “I spent a lifetime living in rural communities and I’ve spent half a lifetime trying to persuade people that it is possible to deliver the homes to the people that need them, in ways that don’t destroy places but actually enhance them. “I really like this development at Clayfields. It demonstrates that it is possible to create homes that fit within the landscape of the local community that people, whatever their background or needs, will be proud to live in.” The brand new Clayfields site aims to bridge the gap between quality and affordable housing in the area, encompassing both social rental and low-cost private homes, as Trent & Dove recruited the expertise of inspirational home designers and developers Maplevale. The move comes as South Derbyshire District Council revealed a lack of affordable housing in Repton in their Local Department Framework. Attending on behalf of South Derbyshire Council, local Councillor Neil Atkin said; “We are standing on a site looking towards the future, and a scheme which shows an outstanding partnership between a privately owned company, Trent & Dove, and South Derbyshire District Council, to build new homes in a rural village. Today, Repton is seen as a key service village, with a vibrant community that has access to many amenities such as clubs, societies and shops. “South Derbyshire District Council would like to thank Trent & Dove, along with their chosen construction company, Maplevale Developments, for not only the development, but the building of more affordable properties in the area. Trent & Dove has demonstrated to us and identified the needs of their customers and remodeled their houses accordingly.  They have delivered a successful five year development programme, ensuring that their properties by far exceed the government’s decent homes standards across their portfolio of 1000 properties across South Derbyshire.” Steve Grocock, Director of Property Services at Trent & Dove goes on to explain: “Affordable homes in rural, sought-after locations means that families can continue to live in the same area through the generations. They could provide a home for young people, low-income households or vulnerable people who would have otherwise had to move out of the area and away from where they call ‘home’.” The site boasts 24 stylish homes and apartments, designed and built by Maplevale Developments, each one sympathetically aligned with the local architecture and pastoral surroundings. The specification of each home has set a new level of quality in private and affordable housing, as Maplevale’s high standards stay consistent on every build, whether privately owned or tenanted. Trent & Dove has already sold two low cost shared ownership homes on the Clayfields Repton site, and many of the houses are rented, offering a more affordable option to buying. Friends, Charlotte Brown, mother to Elijah aged 1, and Samantha Cassidy, mother to Archie aged 2 and five months pregnant with her second child, have both privately rented on the Clayfields estate since August, seeing it as an opportunity to stay in the area they grew up in. Samantha explains; “I’ve lived in Repton all my life, and my family all live just down the road, so I was very keen to stay in the area. The new Clayfields estate has given my family the option to rent in an area that is seriously short of housing, and my children can now grow up in a lovely area with great schools.” Maplevale Developments is also celebrating its completion of their 100th affordable house at Clayfields and has pledged to build a further 120 affordable homes in the East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire area as part of Trent & Dove’s commitment to creating 600 affordable homes over the next five years. Ian Reynolds, Director of Maplevale Developments, explains: “This is the third development we have completed in conjunction with Trent & Dove over the past 12 months. By building quality, affordable homes in areas of high demand, the local community becomes more diverse, welcoming and retaining residents in desirable areas who would have been otherwise unable afford their own home, often through no fault of their own. “In order to preserve long-standing, communities that are the heartbeat of every village, we need to make sure younger generations have access to quality homes at a price they can afford. Without this, young home buyers will move out of the area to look for a more affordable option, resulting in aging village communities that are separated from their growing families. “All of our homes are designed to have kerb-appeal, with well-planned layouts, exceptional quality finishes, low heating costs and picturesque external recreational spaces, all in compliance with exacting building codes. “We believe this site is the first of many rural exception developments in the area and we are currently planning schemes in nine other villages in Derbyshire and Staffordshire to build upon the success of Clayfields Repton.” For more information please contact Katie Whirledge on kt@papillonpr.co.uk or call 01543 898 195.

A CONSTRUCTION firm walked away with another top award after a glittering ceremony held in London this week. Gus Robinson Developments Ltd was awarded the Heart of the Community Business of the Year at the British Chamber of Commerce’s national awards in London. The firm won the Teesside section of the North East Business Awards earlier this year before going on to take the regional gong in the North East finals held at Hardwick Hall, in Sedgefield. Steve Bell, Managing Director of Gus Robinson Developments Ltd, said: “To win such a prestigious honour at a national level is an excellent achievement for us. “We were delighted to win the regional stages of the competition, but to be awarded the overall national trophy at the British Chamber of Commerce’s National Awards is something we are very proud of and it is a great honour to everyone on our team.” Gus Robinson Developments Ltd prides itself on its strong link-up with the local community, and has been involved in various projects in recent years including opening up its car park to help ease traffic problems with neighbours to setting up a gymnasium for local youngsters and helping organised Christmas parties for disadvantaged kids. The company’s chairman Dan Robinson also set up a Foundation in his late father’s name which awards engineering and aeronautical scholarships to hard-working students at Hartlepool College of Further Education. The citation for the latest success read: “Gus Robinson Developments Ltd, a national building and civil engineering contractor based in Hartlepool, wins the Business in the Community Award for delivering £25,000 annually through its Foundation which goes back into supporting the community.” Nora Senior, President of the British Chamber of Commerce, said: “These awards are the perfect opportunity to thank British businesses, of different size and sector, for their contribution to the UK’s economy. “I am constantly impressed by the determination, innovation, and the contribution business makes to their local communities. “I look forward to seeing the winners and finalists of our awards continue to prosper, creating more jobs and opportunities for our nation.” The event was held at The Brewery, in London, and was supported by DHL, BT Business, Qdos Consulting, NFU Mutual, Dell, The British Library, Composite legal Expenses and Sky News.

The NASC has announced the results of its Apprentice of the Year 2016 Award at its Annual General Meeting in Leeds today – with Paul Howell of Complete Access winning, and Scott Curtin of Connect Scaffolding named as runner-up. Paul, 28, will be presented with a trophy and a cash prize of £500 by NASC Training Manager and CISRS Scheme Manager Dave Mosley imminently, whilst the apprentice’s employer Complete Access will also receive a trophy and £500 – to be spent on scaffolding training with a CISRS approved training provider. Now in its second year, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS)-sponsored NASC Apprentice of the Year scheme is aimed at individuals who are directly employed by an NASC Member company and are either part way through a formal scaffolding apprenticeship with an approved CISRS provider, or alternatively have successfully completed the apprenticeship programme in 2015. And this year saw a raft of good entries from the confederation’s 200+ full contracting member companies. The criteria for the apprenticeships award states a successful candidate “needed to be conscientious, have shown a willingness to learn and develop skills and have gone above and beyond the call of duty whilst working their way through the qualification.” NASC Apprentice of the Year Scheme Judge and Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) Scaffolding Specialist Account Co-ordinator Diane Wood wanted to see “evidence of someone who through hard work, personal development and a commitment to the industry would be viewed as a shining example to others looking to enter the scaffolding sector.” CITB’s Diane Wood said: “I have chosen Paul for this award as he has demonstrated immense strength of character and commitment as he faced the most difficult of personal challenges throughout the whole period of his apprenticeship, without requesting any adjustments either at work or college. Testimonies from both his employer and tutor are that he is an inspiration to everyone. Throughout this very testing period in his life he managed to offer advice, guidance and encouragement to other apprentices and continues to do this with the new apprentices at Complete Access, who look upon him as a mentor.” Mrs Wood said: “It’s always very difficult choosing a runner-up, as I believe everyone nominated is demonstrating commitment to the industry. A couple of things have just given Scott the edge for me: He is attentive to instruction (particularly handovers and toolbox talks) which a lot of people feel are unnecessary aspects of the job, but are highly important. And Scott has also demonstrated regularly how he works in a methodical manner and effectively responds to carrying out challenging jobs in sensitive environments, ensuring minimum disruption to the client and in meeting tight deadlines.” Dave Mosley, NASC Director of Training and CISRS Scheme Manager said: “Congratulations to both winner Paul and runner-up Scott – both of whom demonstrated real excellence in their apprenticeships and are an inspiration to all those training in scaffolding.” For details about scaffolding apprenticeships, becoming an NASC member and to find out more about the latest SG4:15 ‘Preventing Falls in Scaffolding Operations’ Safety Guidance notes, the TG20:13 full suite and the NASC – the UK scaffolding industry trade body – please visit www.nasc.org.uk or email: enquiries@nasc.org.uk. And for more details on CISRS training, scaffolding apprenticeships and a list of current providers, please visit: www.cisrs.org.uk.

A leading safety training firm is building on its portfolio of services on offer at its North-east base with the introduction of new health and safety courses for construction personnel. Falck Safety Services UK (Falck), which has 32 training centres across the world including four UK sites in, Peterhead, Aberdeen, Montrose and Teesside, has opened up registration for four CITB approved construction safety courses from its training centre in Aberdeen. Expanding into the new market, the new courses will include Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS), Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) and both SMSTS and SSSTS refresher courses. The new courses are available for project managers, site managers, supervisors, business proprietors and client-based personnel working on UK Contractor Group (UKCG) sites. Valid for five years, the certifications will provide construction personnel with the knowledge and skills to ensure healthy and safety conditions for construction site employees, including the need for risk assessments and adequate communication on site. Managing director for Falck Safety Services UK, Colin Leyden, said: “As a leading safety training firm, we are always looking for means to develop our training offering; not only to implement modern training techniques into our current programmes, but also to expand into new markets. Although well known for delivering expert training within the oil and gas industry, we are also working in partnership with other key industries to help drive and implement the highest quality safety training. “The construction industry, similar to oil and gas industry, has recognised the need for competence throughout the workforce and Falck are committed to providing the necessary training for this sector, offering the same expert instructors and service levels that our core oil and gas customers receive. Falck already provides realistic training, in a safe and controlled environment, to more than 340,000 people each year within a range of industries including global oil and gas, shipping, renewable energy, military, maritime and aviation industries. For more information on the new construction courses on offer, visit http://www.falck.co.uk/safetyservices/ourcourses/construction/

Apprenticeships are high on the agenda for display specialist Octink, as the company puts a lot of emphasis on support for school and college leavers as they start out in their careers. Keen to give young people work experience and employability skills, and develop staff both for themselves and for the benefit of the company, it is an area of significant focus, and has been for many years. The company also backs local initiatives like Spark! to prepare people for working life and to enhance their employability through practical, accredited and inspiring work-related experiences. Mike Freely, Managing Director at Octink, comments: “The skills shortage and what industry can do about it has been very visible in recent months, and as a company we pride ourselves on being active in supporting young people and staff in their progression. We believe that everyone should have development plans, and embarking on an apprenticeship is a great way to kick start those plans, while also bringing talent and skills into the company.” Recent examples of where Octink has encouraged staff to develop include a school leaver who has just completed a signmaking apprenticeship, and an office junior who showed such initiative that Octink had no hesitation in enrolling her as an apprentice to complete an NVQ Level 2 in Business Administration. And it’s not just for young people – long standing staff member Mike Bains is embarking on a higher apprenticeship in construction operations management. Mike has worked at Octink for 15 years, and in this timeframe he has been given opportunities for development in nearly every area of the business. “As a long term employee, I can honestly say that Octink puts people at the heart of how it conducts business. Since I started out in the sign workshop all those years ago, whenever I have shown interest or an aptitude for a certain area of the business then the company has supported me and encouraged me to pursue those skills and obtain qualifications in that area. The higher apprenticeship that I am just starting will really help my career leap forward, with the option to extend it in 2016 to convert it to a full construction management degree,” says Mike. Mike Freely concludes, “We hope that our efforts to develop our staff and young people within our local community not only help them in their career paths, but also set a good example for all companies of our size. With more apprenticeship opportunities opening up in industry then hopefully the skills shortage will start to resolve.”