LEADING national framework provider Pagabo has issued a prior information notice (PIN) for its latest framework – the brand-new Mechanical & Electrical Solutions Framework. Valued at £545 million, the framework has been designed as a solutions-based offering to complement Pagabo’s existing suite of frameworks. A range of specialist M&E subcontractors
At the beginning of the first UK Hydrogen Week, a leading heating and hot water solutions provider has called for the industry to respond to the Government’s pivotal Improving boiler standards and efficiency consultation. Setting out the next steps for home heating decarbonisation, the consultation covers a range of topics
Building services and engineering consultants FHP has been specified to provide MEP and design services for a multi-million-pound residential led mixed-use regeneration project in North London. The firm is providing a range of RIBA Stage 3, 4 and 5 MEP technical and construction Revit design services to the city’s leading
ABB delivers innovative and intelligent energy storage solution for Sweden’s landmark culture center Keeping visitors and staff safe with a unique battery energy storage solution for the wooden structure’s sprinkler system In case of an energy failure, the ABB solution will provide sustainable back up power 24/7 The Sara Kulturhus
CPW has solidified its presence in the West Midlands with the recent addition of a new city centre office space at 103 Colmore Row. The leading sustainability and M&E firm has opened the new Birmingham office in the heart of the city, enabling the team to better service both new and
The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) has welcomed a £32m Government initiative to improve the efficiency of existing district heating or communal heating projects. Launched in February, the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES) will provide grants to public, private, and third sector applicants in England and Wales. The two-year programme
LEADING sustainability and M&E firm CPW has solidified its presence in Nottingham with its recent relocation to a new city centre office space. Having been located on Stoney Street within the Lace Market area of Nottingham since 2008, the move to a 3500 sq. ft space in the Imperial Buildings
National building services and engineering consultants FHP has been appointed to support the £2.5bn design and construction of the UK’s first zero carbon mixed use development. The move has seen FHP provide a package of RIBA Stage 5 electrical, mechanical, public health and design verification services for the Bankside Yards
Wates Living Space, social housing repairs and maintenance provider, has been awarded three projects, collectively valued at around £33 million, on behalf of Brent Council, St Mungo’s and mhs homes. The projects include the refurbishment of four high rise blocks on behalf of Brent Council, as part of a new
Acorn Building Services will combine the UK recruiter’s construction, M&E and housing output to further support availability of sustainable job opportunities for under-represented groups Acorn is launching an all-new division as it looks to deepen its commitment towards creating added social value for the benefit of the local communities it
LEADING national framework provider Pagabo has issued a prior information notice (PIN) for its latest framework – the brand-new Mechanical & Electrical Solutions Framework. Valued at £545 million, the framework has been designed as a solutions-based offering to complement Pagabo’s existing suite of frameworks. A range of specialist M&E subcontractors will be appointed to the framework, which will run for four years after going live. Pagabo has already been engaging with M&E providers ahead of issuing this prior information notice. It will also hold a market engagement session on 28 February with the wider market to ensure the collaborative development of a truly fit-for-purpose framework. To allow the framework to be open to a full range of suppliers, it will be split into four value-based lots, allowing organisations to tender for different sized projects. The national framework will also be split into a number of UK regions. It will be open to all types of public sector bodies, including, but not limited to, blue light services, housing associations, healthcare, education, aviation, highways and infrastructure, rail, and nuclear. Jonathan Parker, head of construction at Pagabo, said: “We’re very pleased to be bringing a new framework into our suite of services. The drive and demand for more smart buildings has created more work for companies with mechanical and electrical capabilities, especially in support of the healthcare and higher education sectors, which we’re going to help them compete for. “Appointing the most suitable supplier for each project will help ensure clients have a collective approach to innovation. Whether it’s offsite manufacturing by the contractor, to electrical modelling to the highest energy standards by the M&E specialist, this framework is one of our offerings that will help build quality project teams. “We also build into our framework development and tender processes a dedication to SMEs within the industry, making sure they are afforded equal opportunities across our suite of frameworks – and that is no different for this latest framework.” Cumbria, Northumberland, and Tyne and Wear NHS (CNTW) will be the contracting authority for the new agreement, after holding the same role for Pagabo’s major works and developer led frameworks. Pagabo works with more than 480 public sector bodies throughout the UK and has successfully helped its clients procure more than £3.6 billion of works, goods and services projects through its suite of frameworks. This work has also generated more than £5.3 billion in social value for local communities. Suppliers are able to register their interest here: https://in-tendhost.co.uk/pagabo/aspx/ProjectManage/1265 To register for the pre-market engagement, please go to https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ox7eNg5WTpinjG45J4_LOA Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
At the beginning of the first UK Hydrogen Week, a leading heating and hot water solutions provider has called for the industry to respond to the Government’s pivotal Improving boiler standards and efficiency consultation. Setting out the next steps for home heating decarbonisation, the consultation covers a range of topics around natural gas boiler installations, heating controls, the potential role for hybrid heat pumps in the future, and a proposal for mandating ‘hydrogen-ready’ boilers from 2026. With the potential to change heating professionals’ working lives significantly, Baxi wants to highlight the importance of responding to the consultation to ensure the heating industry has an active role in shaping the policy decisions set to determine the long-term future of the sector. Baxi has been at the forefront of renewable heating development, including hydrogen demonstration projects and research across the country. For residential applications, Baxi has supplied it’s hydrogen boilers and 20% blend compatible to projects such as HyDeploy, Hy4Heat, HyStreet, Northern Gas Network’s 100% Hydrogen Home near Gateshead and the H100 Fife project of 300 homes in Scotland. Most recently, Baxi has partnered with H2Go Power to deliver the world-first commercial hydrogen boiler and demonstrate the technology’s potential to decarbonise multiple industries. Furthering expertise in hydrogen being made available to Baxi is from its parent company, BDR Thermea, who have recently launched a world first hydrogen pilot in the Dutch town of Lochem. The company is using its 100% hydrogen boilers in 12 inhabited homes – which closely resemble the UK’s existing housing stock in age and energy efficiency – with hydrogen supplied via an existing natural gas grid. Jeff House, External Affairs and Policy Director at Baxi UK and Ireland, said: “We are thrilled to see the UK’s first UK Hydrogen Week take place, highlighting the sheer scale of research and development taking place to explore the viability of the fuel as part of a practical route to net zero for our industry. Baxi’s commitment to developing hydrogen appliances as low carbon alternatives to natural gas is a key part of our wider strategy of lowering emissions from heating and hot water provision. “We hope initiatives like Hydrogen Week will increase the support and urgency at which we push hydrogen as one of the key pillars of decarbonisation, in addition to guiding policy in the area.” With hydrogen-ready technology for heating applications mentioned by the Government in its latest consultation, policy direction could be pointing towards the technology as one of the solutions for the future. Jeff adds: “Whatever the rules and regulations put in place by the Government, the industry is moving towards a low carbon future, with heat pumps, hybrid systems, heat networks and hydrogen all set to play their part in this effort. To ensure we achieve this goal, it is vital that we take a pragmatic approach informed by the perspectives of that heating professionals who live and breathe our industry. We’d urge everyone involved in the heating industry to provide feedback on the consultation to ensure the policies it will ultimately result in are suitable and achievable.” For more information about Baxi’s work in the hydrogen space, visit: www.baxi.co.uk/about-us/the-future-of-heat Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Building services and engineering consultants FHP has been specified to provide MEP and design services for a multi-million-pound residential led mixed-use regeneration project in North London. The firm is providing a range of RIBA Stage 3, 4 and 5 MEP technical and construction Revit design services to the city’s leading residential-led mixed-use developer Regal London, which is leading the £270 million redevelopment of the former Euro Parts headquarters in Wembley. The site is currently being transformed into 759 new residential units across five high-rise buildings, which will feature 78 three-bedroomed family homes and more than 200 affordable properties. It all comes under plans to deliver a sustainable mixed-use development in line with the local authority’s wider aspirations for the growth and prosperity of the Wembley area. More than 33,000 sq. ft. of flexible commercial space is also under construction to accommodate retail, light industrial and logistics businesses. New communal amenity spaces within the upper roof terraces and at podium level area will eventually feature along with new landscaping, improved public access along the Wealdstone Brook, and the creation of 31,000 sq. ft. of children’s play space. FHP has been closely involved in the project from the start of RIBA Stage 3 providing mechanical, electrical and public health services together with sustainability, building physics and digital engineering support for what is being seen as one of North London’s most prestigious regeneration projects. A key aspect of FHP’s work centred on a review of proposed heating systems, developing two design options for either a 100% electric heating scheme or an alternative connection to a local district heat network. This allowed the developer to decide the best approach – a 1.7MW ASHP (air source heat pump) in conjunction with 1.7MW electric boilers – as part of a revised energy strategy submitted within the overall planning submission. Services to facilitate design stage and As-Built SAP and SBEM energy use and carbon emissions calculations were also completed by FHP as part of a comprehensive package of support. The Regal London project is the latest success for rapidly growing FHP, which employs 52 people and continues to see strong demand for services and growth across its London and Leeds operations. Tony Hewitt, managing director, said: “Fulton Road demonstrates the added value and insight we bring to multi-million-pound investment projects through innovative design-led MEP services. It’s also a reflection of the excellent work our team provides as we develop our commercial offering. We expect to see a strong performance this year as we invest further in expertise and secure new work nationwide.” Ryder Architecture is the lead architect on the Wembley site project. Fulton & Fifth is one of Regal London’s latest developments of more than 800 homes for sale alongside new independent cafés, shops and workspaces, due to complete in Q1 2025, said Damien Cartmell, managing director of construction at Regal London. He added: “With their expertise, technical insight and services, FHP are an important partner in helping to bring forward our vision for Fulton Road. Their input has ensured plans were delivered on time and to the highest standards as the various elements of the project progresses.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
ABB delivers innovative and intelligent energy storage solution for Sweden’s landmark culture center Keeping visitors and staff safe with a unique battery energy storage solution for the wooden structure’s sprinkler system In case of an energy failure, the ABB solution will provide sustainable back up power 24/7 The Sara Kulturhus is a state-of-the-art cultural venue and hotel in Skellefteå, Sweden. It is home to the city library, a museum and art gallery and a theatre which stages 450 performances a year. Standing 75m tall, the 20-story timber building is one of the world’s tallest wooden structures and is an international showcase for sustainable design and construction, with 100 percent of its electricity coming from renewable sources, including hydro and wind generation. The timber structure is so sophisticated that it removes more than twice the carbon emissions produced by the operational energy it uses and the embodied carbon from the production and transport of the materials used to construct it. As a zero-emissions site, the Sara Kulturhus design required careful consideration and innovative solutions, such as its unique battery energy storage system (BESS) which was designed collaboratively by Skellefteå Kraft and ABB to provide reliable, clean power to the building’s all-important fire sprinkler system. In a timber construction like the Sara Kulturhus , the sprinkler system is critical to keeping staff and visitors in the building safe. Traditionally, this fire protection system would be powered by emergency diesel generators, which serve as an onsite power supply should the mains power not be available. With the Sara Kulturhus’ commitment to sustainability, there is no diesel generator on site, so an alternative solution was required. Skellefteå Kraft and ABB worked together on a bespoke energy storage solution to deliver maximum safety and reliability while harnessing the building’s hydroelectric green electricity, received from the grid, which is used as the power supply. The bespoke BESS comprises six battery packs from local supplier Northvolt, AC and DC switchgear from ABB, inverters from EPC Power and a transformer. For Patrik Sundberg, Business Manager at Skellefteå Kraft, the BESS installation at the Sara Kulturhus was the culmination of a journey of collaboration between his company, ABB and Swedish battery supplier Northvolt. He said: “This is a truly sustainable, negative carbon building that operates on 100 percent renewable energy. Our solutions had to mirror this, so it was important to find a sustainable safety solution to power the sprinklers that didn’t use diesel. To reduce the site’s carbon footprint, it was also key to work with local suppliers, like battery manufacturer Northvolt. This innovative new concept really pushes the boundaries on the use of battery energy storage for fire prevention applications and will set a new standard for sustainable buildings in the future.” With the unique wooden design of the building, ABB’s packaged solution was built, and factory tested off-site and then energized in the basement of the Sara Kulturhus. To make it easier to manage the BESS and to ensure a reliable 24/7 power supply for the building’s sprinkler system, the solution was supplied with a custom ABB eStorage OS energy management system to provide next level energy monitoring, diagnostics, and data and analytics. As well as optimizing energy use internally, this advanced autonomous AI technology interfaces with the building management system, allowing the center to interact with nearby buildings so any excess renewable energy generated can be supplied to other parts of the city when required. Sara Kulturhus CEO Anna Jirstrand Sandlund said: “This is a lighthouse project which embodies the region’s values of delivering ecological, economical, and social impact to attract more people to Skellefteå and supports the green transition across North Sweden. With a wooden building of this scale, fire safety had to be one of our main considerations. By collaborating with ABB and Skellefteå Kraft we have developed a unique solution that is now one of the highlights of our twice daily guided tours for visitors. With the building itself now a blueprint for sustainability, we continue to work towards equaling its impact on the inside and inspiring our visitors and residents to become more sustainable.” Learn more about ABB’s energy storage solutions offering by visiting solutions.abb/eStorage Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
CPW has solidified its presence in the West Midlands with the recent addition of a new city centre office space at 103 Colmore Row. The leading sustainability and M&E firm has opened the new Birmingham office in the heart of the city, enabling the team to better service both new and existing clients. Expanding into the business district was a natural next step for CPW with several major city centre projects underway, spanning the education, residential, healthcare, and commercial sectors among others. CPW worked closely with B-Corp certified, flexible workspace providers x+why to create a space with a focus on sustainability and plug and play technology. The resulting office design is high spec and high tech, with a focus on sustainability and a biophilic natural design, plus flexible working spaces, meeting pods and call booths to suit collaborative work. New technology in the office will help clients and engineers visualise designs better through 3D BIM (Building Information Modelling) and help guide clients on sustainable build solutions. The team can also enjoy cityscape views from the building’s roof terrace on the 18th floor. Antonios Agapakis, director at CPW, said: “A city centre office was something our clients have asked for and we’ve listened and acted on it. We wanted to solidify our personal approach by offering more face-to-face discussions and networking opportunities, which we know our staff and clients both value and enjoy. “The new Birmingham space gives us the opportunity to work with current clients and meet new ones, generate new business and friendships, and expand our current relationships. Post-pandemic, we realised how important these face-to-face relationships really are.” The Birmingham office will also allow for wider recruitment of talent within the West Midlands region, particularly for staff looking to commute into the city centre for work. With clients, partners and industry leaders on the doorstep, all staff will be able to easily take advantage of networking and sector events in the city, as well as providing an additional office location for flexible working. With both Birmingham Snow Hill and New Street stations close by, staff can make the most of greener travel options and proximity to clients and projects. John Thrupp, associate at CPW, said: “The new office has already generated lots of excitement from our clients. It was important to us that the new office reflected us as a company, but also practiced what we preach in terms of sustainable solutions and low-energy consumption in buildings. We know that clients want to see how you operate, they want to know that your core design principles come through in your own working space – this helps build trust in your abilities and priorities. “Birmingham is such an exciting place to be right now – the city centre has changed and improved a lot in recent years, and we’re thrilled to be in such an incredible building like 103 Colmore Row.” Ed Hobbs, area operations manager for x+why Birmingham, said: “We’re overjoyed that CPW have chosen x+why, 103 Colmore Row, as their home in Birmingham city centre. Their focus on sustainability and driving positive change in building design, is well aligned with our own company goals. We look forward to supporting their continued success in the years to come.” For further information visit www.cpwp.com or follow @CPWengineering on social media. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) has welcomed a £32m Government initiative to improve the efficiency of existing district heating or communal heating projects. Launched in February, the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES) will provide grants to public, private, and third sector applicants in England and Wales. The two-year programme also applies to thermal insulation in both plant room pipework and secondary distribution pipework, including laterals and risers. TICA, the sole UK trade association representing thermal insulation contractors, has welcomed the inclusion of secondary heat network insulation as an eligible measure within the Government guidance – pointing out that poorly insulated pipework is often a significant contributor to energy loss. Chris Ridge, TICA’s Technical Policy Manager said: “Thermal insulation of pipework is often an afterthought, resulting in missed opportunities to reduce energy losses. “It is fantastic therefore that thermal insulation of secondary heat network pipework has been included as an eligible measure within the new guidance. “There is a real consumer issue around overheating corridors because of poorly insulated heating pipework and insulating secondary heat network to acceptable levels should already be considered ‘low hanging fruit.’ Hopefully, the introduction of HNES will encourage more clients to address this important factor. “Heat networks form a central plank of UK Government energy security policy and going forward, we can expect a real focus on quality assurance and the maximisation of efficiencies for future heat network schemes.” With interest growing in the technology, it was estimated that as of March 2018, there were more than 14,000 operational communal or district heating networks in England and Wales. While the networks are considered a cost-effective and efficient supplier of heat compared to alternatives, a report for the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy indicated that some existing heat networks were operating sub-optimally leading to detrimental outcomes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
LEADING sustainability and M&E firm CPW has solidified its presence in Nottingham with its recent relocation to a new city centre office space. Having been located on Stoney Street within the Lace Market area of Nottingham since 2008, the move to a 3500 sq. ft space in the Imperial Buildings on Victoria Street marks a new chapter for the firm, aligning with the firm’s consistent growth and success in Nottingham and the surrounding areas since joining the region’s business community in 2003. Rising staff levels, flexible ways of working and the resurgence of client facing activity were key drivers in the decision to relocate CPW’s Nottingham team. The leadership team was compelled to create a space that was adaptable and complimentary of the energy, drive and passion that the CPW team embodies. Carl Humpage, director and Nottingham office lead at CPW, said: “We wanted to create a space that enables us to produce the best possible work for our clients, while also achieving a flexible office setting for our 26 staff with all the modern facilities and intricacies needed for growth in the sector. “Larger screens for building information modelling (BIM) capability, a boardroom with the ability to cater for larger meetings, a virtual reality room to bring our projects to life and the sustainability of air source heat pumps are just a few of the ways the new space is optimal for our line of work.” Craig Waldron, director at CPW, added: “The new office has provided us with an opportunity to re-invest. It’s an exciting and creative workspace that our colleagues are already loving. It’s brilliant how the new environment has reinvigorated the team and really enhanced the energy, drive and passion for what we do. “The location also provides us with easier access to the city centre and all its amenities, with a close tram stop improving connectivity for commuters and promoting more sustainable transport options.” The fully refurbished office includes facilities to promote staff capacity and wellbeing, including larger spaces for social evenings, breakout spaces for varied meeting environments and a pool table for friendly competition. The firm’s new fit-for-purpose space provides the opportunity for CPW’s already strong presence in the region to grow further. Carl Hubbard, director and Nottingham office co-lead at CPW, said: “Our work in the East Midlands is something we are really proud of and the mission to deliver low or zero carbon design solutions is never ending. Projects with the University of Nottingham and our involvement in The Island Quarter scheme are examples of the significant work we are involved in with local stakeholders. “Looking ahead to our 20th year in Nottingham, we are excited to build further on our current client base and our new office plays a vital role in our position as a leading business in the regional construction community.” CPW is an international M&E consultancy with more than 250 staff based across 12 offices. The firm – which works across a wide range of sectors including healthcare, residential, education and more – has sustainability at its core and specialises in designing and integrating a full range of MEP solutions into existing and new buildings. For further information visit www.cpwp.com or follow @CPWengineering on social media. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
National building services and engineering consultants FHP has been appointed to support the £2.5bn design and construction of the UK’s first zero carbon mixed use development. The move has seen FHP provide a package of RIBA Stage 5 electrical, mechanical, public health and design verification services for the Bankside Yards West project on the south bank of the River Thames. There, nine buildings that will provide housing for 650 homes along with 350,000 sq. ft. of office and commercial, cultural and retail space and leisure amenities, are under development as part of an ambitious regeneration project set to transform the local riverside area. A key feature of the plans is sustainability, with the main Arbor office complex built to deliver a carbon neutral operation and achieve BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ status. Through careful planning and design, 45% less carbon dioxide will be created during the building’s operation while a 30% reduction in energy consumption will also be achieved when compared to standard buildings. FHP was appointed to by MEP Sub-Contractor TClarke to provide MEP design expertise and technical services around the development of three new high-rise properties at the Western Yards site off Blackfriars Road. The work included responsibility for RIBA Stage 4 design and involved verifying critical elements to facilitate a fully coordinated BIM model to LOD 400, which enabled drawings covering the fabrication, assembly, and installation of components to be finalised. Revit and fabrication elements were also utilised as part of the MEP design completion process. The Bankside Yards West development is the latest project success for FHP, which continues to see growth and expansion on the back of a pipeline of forward orders and investment in additional staff across its London and Leeds offices. Tony Hewitt, managing director, said: “This is a high-profile project for us, reflecting our ability to maintain a strategic view of major development projects, while completing design verification work and coordinating MEP services to produce a successful, cost effective and ultimately sustainable solution for clients. “We are continuing to develop our commercial offer and this latest success with Bankside Yards West comes at a time when we expect to see continued growth and investment over the next 18 months as we look to develop and secure further new work and expand our national operations.” Developers claim the 1.4 million sq. ft. Bankside Yards site will be the UK’s first major mixed-use regeneration scheme with net zero ‘concept’ offices at the heart of a new generation of modern, green and healthy work and living space in the heart of London. Robin Aves, divisional director at TClarke, said: “What a pleasure it was to work with FHP again on Bankside Yards following on from our previous successful projects. The relationship between us goes from strength to strength as the understanding of their designers of our requirements for an installation approach. “FHP carried out the full coordination of the mechanical, electrical and ELVS packages on Bankside Yards and we look forward to working with the in the future on a number of varied projects within our business.” Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wates Living Space, social housing repairs and maintenance provider, has been awarded three projects, collectively valued at around £33 million, on behalf of Brent Council, St Mungo’s and mhs homes. The projects include the refurbishment of four high rise blocks on behalf of Brent Council, as part of a new major works programme that includes external wall insulation, heating and lift refurbishments. Work for Brent also includes retrofit installations to increase home efficiency following Wates’ successful retrofit pilot on behalf of Brent Council, which reached completion at the end of 2021. The project saw the Wates Retrofit team install energy efficiency measures in void properties, taking them from an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E to B, exceeding the Government’s 2030 target for social housing. “We are very proud to be growing our portfolio in the south and look forward to working with our clients to provide safe, secure, comfortable and efficient homes. These contracts represent a combination of new partnerships with St Mungo’s and mhs to existing partners like Brent Council where our team can showcase their capabilities to deliver at scale. Our customers have to balance many different aspects to property management, and this balance is reliant on maintenance providers that have the capacity and expertise to deliver services efficiently and to a high quality,” commented James Gregg, Managing Director of South Planned Maintenance at Wates Living Space. Also included in Wates Living Space’s new contacts is a six-month programme to install new kitchens and bathrooms in properties across North London on behalf of St Mungo’s. The team is also preparing to mobilise a two-year contract to install new kitchens and bathrooms for mhs homes properties in North Kent. The new projects add to Wates Living Space’s current portfolio, which includes repairs and maintenance for 500,000 homes on behalf of 60 social landlords. “Retrofitting homes is becoming an increasingly pressured priority for social landlords with many making great headway in improving the efficiency of their housing stock. Nevertheless, traditional planned maintenance programmes remain important, and their concurrent delivery alongside retrofit work is absolutely vital to our clients and their customers. We are very proud to be growing our portfolio in the south and look forward to working with our clients to provide safe, secure, comfortable and efficient homes,” James concluded. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Acorn Building Services will combine the UK recruiter’s construction, M&E and housing output to further support availability of sustainable job opportunities for under-represented groups Acorn is launching an all-new division as it looks to deepen its commitment towards creating added social value for the benefit of the local communities it works in. Acorn Building Services will combine the UK recruiter’s Construction, Mechanical, Engineering and Housing divisions into one, to help increase the availability of sustainable job opportunities for under-represented groups in all sectors. Acorn has overseen a number of social value initiatives and consistently championed the introduction of new entrants into the construction industry in recent years, working with partners including Her Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service and homeless charity The Wallich, running its own Women in Construction initiatives, and more. With a focus on South Wales and Bristol to begin with, its Acorn Building Services division will now help drive forward new projects and initiatives aimed at further supporting its clients in contributing socially as well as economically to areas they work in too. Lawrence Beach, Client Development Director for Acorn, will be responsible for developing these initiatives, focusing on social value, people pathways, tenders and more. Operations Director Osian John will also head up the new division in an operational capacity and drive the day to day running of the team involved. Lawrence said: “The work Acorn has already done using employment as a key driver to create social value is something that we are hugely passionate about across the organisation, and we feel now is the time to push forward with plans to implement and develop a range of new initiatives that we hope will prove invaluable to Acorn and the businesses we support in future too. “My role as part of Acorn Building Services will involve working closely with clients and local stakeholders to develop collaborative programmes that will assist Acorn and our clients in maximising the social value we are able to have within local communities. In essence, we want to ensure the employment opportunities we are involved in are used in the most productive, sustainable way possible.” Osian said: “We identified a need for Lawrence to spend a lot more time developing initiatives which will benefit the people and communities in which we work, but this on its own was a full-time commitment. So, I’ll be responsible for day-to-day operations around sales, business development, compliance and recruitment strategy, enabling Lawrence to give that job his full focus.” Acorn has a network of 30 branches supporting businesses with recruitment needs through its specialist divisions, which cover manufacturing, production, IT, legal, construction, commercial, energy, life sciences, aerospace and other sectors. Its Building Services division will initially support teams in Cardiff, Bristol and Gloucestershire to develop temporary and permanent employment partnerships with a community focus across the construction and housing sectors more widely. Marc Jones, Director of Operations Technical at Acorn, said the focus then would be on growing and developing Acorn Building Services as a division within its own right over the next 3 to 5 years, with the aim of expanding its services throughout the South West and beyond. Marc said: “This development really marks an important milestone for Acorn, as well as the businesses we’re able to support in contributing to communities where they work in a much more impactful and sustainable way, as our reputation across the construction and building services sectors has become more and more established, through working so closely with a large number of construction-related employers. ”The knock-on effect for workers, and for people looking for jobs, at all levels, whether skilled or currently un-skilled, can be genuinely transformational – and this is at the heart of the way our work across the building and construction areas has developed in recent years. It’s something we at Acorn think very deeply about, and are determined to continue to make as big an impact as we possibly can.” For more information visit about Acorn Building Services visit www.acornpeople.com
