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
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
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,
As property management goes, there are few businesses as broad and encompassing as Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL). Specialising in all things property, and offering a range of services to suit any and all property owners, the company has gained local, national and international esteem and continues to satisfy its clients
Much like within the architecture sector, contractors within the building engineering services sector maintain a positive outlook, with turnovers reported to have increased over 6 months up to last December (reported by BESA). The growth showcases the present state of the sector and its capacity to grow amidst unreliable economic
Most recently the ECA Edmundson Electrical Awards, amongst the most highly regarded and historic awards within the industry, has seen a fresh launch and look. Aiming to catch the interest of the modern engineer and electrocution, the award has been adapted to appeal to a more technical, technology-focused audience. Having
As part of a project both designed and then provided by Minimise Energy, a leading provider of innovative energy-efficiency technologies, Light-Emitting Diode (LED) lights have now been fitted across Farmfoods’ new distribution centre at Avonmouth. Tailored to the needs of Farmfoods, where temperatures may drop to as low as -22°C
From the finish of 2014 through to the start of this year, it has been reported that the Recolight WEEE compliance scheme has had a substantial net growth of some twenty three producers which have been added to its member base; this signals an increase which far overshadows that of
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.
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.
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.
As property management goes, there are few businesses as broad and encompassing as Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL). Specialising in all things property, and offering a range of services to suit any and all property owners, the company has gained local, national and international esteem and continues to satisfy its clients and, in turn, their tenants, with its winning formula of care and attention. Specialising in real estate services and investment management from the very beginning, JLL has enlarged and diversified both its ambitions and services to become much of a one-stop-shop in property and asset management. Made up of two distinct strands, its business-to-consumer arm and more recently established, business-to-business arm, the residential management team boasts a portfolio of over 3,000 properties across the UK and this figure continues to grow month on month. Within such a large portfolio of properties, lies a diverse range of clients and, thus, a resounding variation in expectation. JLL strives to understand each individual client’s needs from the outset, as Samuel Winnard, Head of London Residential Property Management at JLL, makes clear: “We’re not working to predetermined terms and conditions, we’re managing to different and individual expectations, and our philosophy involves getting to know landlords and what they require of us. We’ve acknowledged that landlords are increasing busy, and they don’t necessarily have the time to get to grips with their legal responsibilities in what is heavily-legislated sector. Our role is very much advisory and, with unrivalled understanding of the sector, we’re able to recommend approaches and strategies specific to each client.” The company extends this same emphasis on personalisation to tenants themselves; making a conscious effort to not only listen to, but incorporate the opinions of residents within its services. [premium_content level=”2″] For JLL, communication is paramount and, in a world where, as Winnard accurately describes it, “Everyone wants something done yesterday,” JLL is incredibly efficient and promotes positive relationships in order to best serve clients and tenants. JLL’s keen attention to both client and tenant is arguably most valuable when it comes to advising investors on the new wave of Private Rented Sector (PRS) schemes coming to the market. Having transitioned management of the a PRS block in East London in March 2015, the company has since increased the rental income of the scheme by approximately 20%, generating some £3m per annum. This comes as a result of JLL driving service improvements, implementing upgrades of communal spaces and the establishment of a cohesive, community feel through a variety of resident engagement exercises. As a further indication that JLL has the perfect mix of expertise for the PRS market the East London scheme has also seen void periods of less than one percent, and zero aged rent arrears Like most managing agents JLL, and their clients, rely upon third party contractors to deliver maintenance services and the company is incredibly discerning when selecting partners. “Anyone we work with is viewed as an extension of JLL,” explains Winnard. “It’s crucial that sub-contractors demonstrate they meet our expectations and can perform with the same diligence we do. We have long established relationships with a modest number of key sub-contractors who are trusted suppliers and have committed to our customer charter.” Not only adding value from an early stage, but maintaining a meticulous and attentive approach throughout the management of a property, JLL offers security on investment and a personal touch to asset management. Despite possessing global reach, the company has yet retained its bespoke, comprising service and, it’s with that, that JLL continues to have a strong foothold in the market. [/premium_content]
Much like within the architecture sector, contractors within the building engineering services sector maintain a positive outlook, with turnovers reported to have increased over 6 months up to last December (reported by BESA). The growth showcases the present state of the sector and its capacity to grow amidst unreliable economic climate; however, as always, there is more to it than that. Over the period, it has been reported that the frequency of enquiries and order books had in fact slowed down as compared to the previous 6 months, with tender prices, yes, rising over the period, but at a slower rate than previously. Combined with a reported rise in material and labour costs, the figures do call into question how the industry will fare in the coming years, however the present state of the sector remains wholly positive. As has been the case for some time within the construction industry, late payments remain a major challenge for businesses, though the situation is reported to have improved marginally. Late payments, in effect, making budgeting and cashflow a severe concern for contractors, remains one of the key factors impeding the growth of businesses, combined with the widely reported labour shortages in comparison to the demand for skilled labour – such as building and quantity surveyors, planners and design engineers. Though the figures do highlight a slowing down of growth across the market, the two aforementioned challenges may indeed be amongst the most prominent factors holding the industry back from achieving further growth and, as such, businesses are increasingly urged to assist in the labour shortages through apprenticeship schemes, training and improving awareness of the opportunities actually available in the industry. After all, it is the next generation of engineers which will define the future of the industry itself. In contrast, the upcoming deadline for businesses to take up Level 2 BIM across any and all public sector works does not appear have drastically impacted the industry as feared, with only a minor reduction in BESA members undertaking such projects (31%, down from 33%). But, of course, in building for the industry of tomorrow, the power is in the hands of businesses to act now in a bid to overcome some of the modern industry challenges, with movements towards addressing the lack of skilled labour being amongst the more important. Jim Marner, President of BESA commented: “The issues of skills shortages, labour costs, and the movement of resources, modern methods of design, project risk, procurement and quality control will all become even more significant in the coming months.” As such, contractors are urged to step up and make a difference.
Most recently the ECA Edmundson Electrical Awards, amongst the most highly regarded and historic awards within the industry, has seen a fresh launch and look. Aiming to catch the interest of the modern engineer and electrocution, the award has been adapted to appeal to a more technical, technology-focused audience. Having been run since 1975, the awards exist to apprentices and trainees to reap credit for their work, thus facilitating their ascension up the career ladder within the electrotechnical sector; naturally, a range of prizes are offered also. It won’t be until June that regional winners will, in fact be announced, however anticipation is rife over the newly relaunched awards. Following on from the announcement, judging will then be undertaken over the course of summer, with a winner finally being decided in September and presented in front of leaders within the industry as well as other entrants – an exciting event to say the least. As Edmundson Electrical has a proud running history of investing back into its workforce, it is no surprise that the organisation continues to strive to support those entering the industry on an apprentice or trainee level. “People make a company and people make an industry,” explained Gordon Love, Managing Director of Edmundson Electrical, and this statement flows though the backbone of the awards, set to identify those people making a difference. In addition, the awards also showcase the excellent level of workmanship which employers might hope to employ through finding apprentices of their own, which is something traditionally heralded as a way forward in the present times of skill shortages. Keen to encourage more individuals to pursue a profession in the industry is Steve Bratt, Chief Executive of ECA who highlights the “misleading impressions” put into the minds of people about the opportunities available in the wider industry. It is hoped that, through the awards, awareness may be improved as to the real opportunities available improve interaction with aspiring professionals. He added that the awards represent a: “Fantastic way of recognising the achievements of young people in our member companies.”
As part of a project both designed and then provided by Minimise Energy, a leading provider of innovative energy-efficiency technologies, Light-Emitting Diode (LED) lights have now been fitted across Farmfoods’ new distribution centre at Avonmouth. Tailored to the needs of Farmfoods, where temperatures may drop to as low as -22°C where frozen-food is stored, the completed project is able to effectively withstand these low temperatures as well as responded to changing levels of natural light across other areas of the centre, such as office spaces, and provide great benefits for Farmfoods as a result. As a leading partner for organisations looking to reduce their on-going energy reduction goals, as well as enhancing the bottom line also, Minimise Energy works across a wide range of energy saving, monitoring and reporting products, most notably including LED lighting. Additionally, the organisation also offers specialist lighting and optimisation for electric motors, gas and electric boilers, and also for air conditioning systems. The centre now has multiple roof lights which are able to cover approximately 15% out of the ambient area of the root, admitting forms of natural light which have also been factored into the lighting design as a whole. Additionally, sensors have been added to the ambient parts of the centre so that these lights can then respond to whether or not there are individuals actively in the building at a given time, and adjust the available lighting accordingly – a major contributor to the energy efficiency of the building. Providing some commentary on the exciting project, Farmfoods’ Property Development Manager, William Scanlon explained the importance of balancing the maintenance of its frozen-food, in the perfect conditions, alongside that of promoting energy efficiency to be of the utmost import. He also added that the designing of the perfect LEDs as well as property lighting control is one of the key ways in which Farmfoods will be aiming to achieve its efficiency goals.
From the finish of 2014 through to the start of this year, it has been reported that the Recolight WEEE compliance scheme has had a substantial net growth of some twenty three producers which have been added to its member base; this signals an increase which far overshadows that of any additional like-scheme within the UK. And if that wasn’t enough, the figures also highlight the scheme’s largest growth figured since its establishment back in 2007. Operating in a manner far apart from that of other WEEE schemes, Recolight offers its member’s customers free-of-charge services for recycling, as opposed to buying lamp recycling evidence in a bid to demonstrate their dedication. What that means is that, with Recolight, the service offered is one which, yes, maintains the benefits of most other WEEE schemes, but also provides additional ones which can drip down to the end customer as an extra added benefit. One of the other key ways which seems to have contributed to the popularity of this particular WEEE scheme is the way in which Recolight handles its fees. The mechanism, which is on a static “per item” sold basis, allows for the membership to effectively plan and budget for the future, with the entire year in mind. Though this may seem like a small matter, due to the present, unreliable nature of the economy, caution is the word with many UK businesses and, through effective budgeting and planning, success can be all but assured. Year on year, the Recolight producer membership has been stated to have grown by approximately 16% and, given these recent figures, the expectation is that the organisation will continue to expand upon that membership and take an increasingly central stage as a leading WEEE scheme.
