Top fenestration specialist Sidey is a finalist in The VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards, recognising its commitment to the environment. Sidey is the only finalist in fenestration for the Environmental Management SME category. All the others are in food and drink with the shortlist including a flour producer, malt
The Considerate Constructors Scheme has launched its first National Awards programme for Ultra Sites – Considerate Constructors Scheme to award best-performing Ultra Sites with highest accolade in considerate construction. Ultra Sites are the next level of achieving even greater standards and collaboration across the construction industry, with the ultimate objective
In May 2018, the British Coatings Federation (BCF) held their Annual Conference and Gala Dinner in Oxford. During the event, outgoing BCF President Vincent O’Sullivan, of PPG Architectural Coatings handed over presidency of the BCF to David Beckford, of Pronto Industrial Paints. Commenting on his new role, David said: “The
Innovative product design will be recognised in a new category at the next GAI/RIBA Architectural Ironmongery Specification Awards. Organised by the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) in conjunction with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the awards are designed to identify and reward excellence in the specification of architectural
Leading public service provider Amey has partnered with the Recruitment Industry Disability Initiative (RIDI) in an effort to tackle the challenges facing disabled people in the workplace, a spokesperson announced today. The new partnership is the latest in a string of diversity and inclusion initiatives embarked on by Amey over
A family owned organisation with a longstanding history of both designing and building luxury homes, Bentier Homes operates out of its Reading head office and provides a leading service for the planning, designing, and creating of exclusive luxury housing developments for resale. Not just looking to build houses, but instead
The fifth annual Trades Awards, which were once again sponsored by Stewart Milne Group, took place at Ardoe House Hotel on Friday 9th June, to celebrate and reward excellence within the North East trades and construction industry. 13 awards were handed out across the evening, recognising both individual and company
The founder and managing director of an East Kilbride-based electrical business has come out top after being awarded the accolade of “best presentation” at the conclusion of a prestigious business development course organised by hub South West. Steven Maclaren, who started Maclaren Electrical Services in 2006 and which now has
Global infrastructure services firm AECOM has appointed Roma Agrawal as Associate Director. Roma joins the company’s growing structural engineering team in London and will be responsible for both business development and project delivery work. Roma joins AECOM from Interserve, where she was Design Manager. She was previously Associate Director at
Hillingdon Council has been shortlisted for a prestigious award at the London Local Authority Building Control (LABC) Building Excellence Awards for its rebuild of Northwood Secondary School. The £35 million project will offer 1,080 school places for pupils in Hillingdon, and has been shortlisted for an award for ‘Best Educational Building.’
Top fenestration specialist Sidey is a finalist in The VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards, recognising its commitment to the environment. Sidey is the only finalist in fenestration for the Environmental Management SME category. All the others are in food and drink with the shortlist including a flour producer, malt whisky distillery, and a deli. “Being a finalist in these awards is testament to the focus we have put on the environment over the last ten years,” says Robert Fitzpatrick, Group Accreditations Manager-HSQE at Sidey. “Our results are impressive. Today we have zero landfill from our manufacturing facilities and between 90 and 100 percent recyclable recoverable waste, which is a massive improvement from the eight-to-nine percent ten years ago. “We first achieved 100 percent recycling from manufacturing waste in 2015 and have maintained it every year since. Now we operate lean manufacturing processes where waste is seen as bad and non-productive.” Sidey‘s commitment to sustainability is backed up by an impressive array of environmental certification. It was one of the first window manufacturers in the UK to get ISO14001:2015 and has ISO 9001:2015 and OHSAS 18001:2007. Sidey is also one of the only companies in the UK with the latest BS 8213-4:2016 standard for Survey and Installation. Finalists for The VIBES have been selected across nine individual award categories. They aim to recognise the different ways organisations are implementing environmental best practice in their daily activity. Bob Downes, chair of SEPA and head of The VIBES judging panel, adds: “The VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards are a great chance to recognise business leadership in sustainable environmental investment. This is at the core of SEPA’s One Planet Prosperity regulatory strategy. New approaches for delivering environmental improvements provide businesses with opportunities to enhance their sustainability and economic performance. “The Awards celebrate businesses which are already stepping up to this challenge and are leading by example and are an excellent opportunity to recognise and reward these companies for going beyond “business as usual” and driving sustainable growth through innovation. It is very encouraging to see so many of Scotland’s businesses leading the way and making a difference which will not only support the environment but also protect their bottom line. I would like to congratulate each of this year’s finalists and wish them luck for November’s ceremony.”
The Considerate Constructors Scheme has launched its first National Awards programme for Ultra Sites – Considerate Constructors Scheme to award best-performing Ultra Sites with highest accolade in considerate construction. Ultra Sites are the next level of achieving even greater standards and collaboration across the construction industry, with the ultimate objective to achieve integration of a contractor’s supply chain to meet and exceed the Scheme’s Code of Considerate Practice. They are highest level of attainment with the Considerate Constructors Scheme – the organisation established to improve the image of construction. The inaugural National Ultra Site Awards – taking place on 12 July in central London – are a momentous occasion for the entire construction industry; representing significant progress in how construction sites, the supply chain and clients are increasingly working together to raise standards throughout the construction process. Ultra Sites will be eligible to win Awards in nine categories. Each category represents the key attributes of being an exceptional Ultra Site. They are: Client Recognition Award Collaboration Award Community Engagement Award Construction’s First Impressions Award Environmental Best Practice Award Future Constructors Award Innovation of the Year Supply Chain Recognition Award Workforce Wellbeing Award One Award winner from across the nine categories listed above will also be recognised with the highest honours; receiving the prestigious title of ‘Ultra Site of the Year’. Ultra Sites are recognised by industry and government as an important mechanism in helping to improve the image of the construction industry. This year’s awards are being presented by Dr David Hancock, Construction Director at the Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA), Cabinet Office. Ultra Sites were officially launched in February 2018 following a 24-month pilot with a consortium of some the country’s leading contractors and clients. They were introduced in order to achieve even greater standards and collaboration across the industry, with the ultimate objective being integration of a contractor’s supply chain to meet and exceed the Scheme’s Code of Considerate Practice. Considerate Constructors Scheme Chief Executive Edward Hardy said: “The National Ultra Site Awards represent a significant chapter in the progress of the construction industry to reach new unprecedented levels of considerate construction across the entire supply chain. “These Awards recognise and celebrate this unwavering commitment to improving the image and reputation of the industry. We look forward to recognising their success at the upcoming 2018 National Ultra Site Awards.” Dr David Hancock, Construction Director at IPA, Cabinet Office commented: “The industry is facing new challenges around how it operates, and it is crucial for the industry to promote a positive image and continue to strengthen its reputation. “I am pleased to see how the concept of collaboration, through the Ultra Sites model, has rapidly begun to establish itself as a beacon for what can be achieved when the industry works together, to strive for the highest standards. I look forward to presenting at the forthcoming inaugural National Ultra Site Awards ceremony in July.” Click here for more information about Ultra Sites.
In May 2018, the British Coatings Federation (BCF) held their Annual Conference and Gala Dinner in Oxford. During the event, outgoing BCF President Vincent O’Sullivan, of PPG Architectural Coatings handed over presidency of the BCF to David Beckford, of Pronto Industrial Paints. Commenting on his new role, David said: “The coatings industry faces a number of challenges, including the uncertainty surrounding Brexit, the defence of TiO2 and continued pressure on raw material prices. It’s in times like these we need our trade associations, and I know the BCF will continue to work hard on our behalf to ensure that we have the support and knowledge to be able to adapt accordingly, so that we continue to grow and prosper as an association and industry.” Vincent O’Sullivan thanked the BCF team and said it had been an honour and a privilege to serve as BCF President and that he was incredibly proud of the achievements of the BCF during his term. The Gala Dinner followed a day long business conference, with topics ranging from the political and economic position of the coatings industry, recruiting and retaining talent, to apprenticeships and sustainability. The afternoon focussed on cybersecurity and how to protect your business online, and a review of the last 12 months from BCF completed the programme. Tom Bowtell, BCF’s Chief Executive commented: “I’ve really enjoyed working with Vincent O’Sullivan as President – he’s challenged myself and the team to take things to the next level, and I look forward to working with David Beckford as we continue working on Brexit and other challenges, to support the future prosperity of the UK coatings industry.”
Innovative product design will be recognised in a new category at the next GAI/RIBA Architectural Ironmongery Specification Awards. Organised by the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) in conjunction with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the awards are designed to identify and reward excellence in the specification of architectural ironmongery. The ‘Best new product: design and innovation’ category has been created to celebrate new door and window hardware product, allowing advancing technologies to be fully showcased and recognised. Products using new methods of manufacture, a new design concept or displaying originality of thought would be eligible. They could also show a unique way of using a material, a new solution or a new design. This category is not limited to mechanical products. New innovations or technologies in access control, door automation or any field allied to architectural ironmongery could also be submitted. In addition to the new ‘Best new product: design and innovation’ category, projects can be nominated for the following categories: residential; commercial and hospitality; public sector health and education buildings; and international projects outside the UK and Ireland. Architects, specifiers, building contractors, clients and their architectural ironmongery advisers and suppliers across the world can nominate projects for the 2018/19 awards from August 2018. The projects or products must be either completed or released on to the market between 1 October 2016 and 30 September 2018 to be eligible for entry. David Stacey, president of the GAI, says: “The Specification Awards ceremony is one of the Guild’s most highly anticipated events. The calibre of entries is always incredibly high and shows architectural ironmongery at its best. The GAI is always proud to see its member companies involved in so many complex projects. “These awards are unique because they reward the whole specification team, highlighting the importance of the professional partnership between architects and architectural ironmongers.” For each category in the awards there will be a winner, second and third place. The judges will also decide on an overall ‘winner of winners’. At the 2016/17 Specification Awards, this accolade went to Kings Gate, a residential project by architectural ironmongers izé and architect Lynch Architects. A brochure showing all the 2016/17 winning projects can be downloaded from the GAI website. There is no limit to the number of entries to the 2018/19 awards. The first entry from a GAI or RIBA member is free of charge. Follow the GAI on Twitter (@gai_UK) and LinkedIn to find out when the Specification Awards is open for entries. www.gai.org.uk
Leading public service provider Amey has partnered with the Recruitment Industry Disability Initiative (RIDI) in an effort to tackle the challenges facing disabled people in the workplace, a spokesperson announced today. The new partnership is the latest in a string of diversity and inclusion initiatives embarked on by Amey over the last 12 months, including achieving Leaders in Diversity accreditation and kickstarting a partnership with the disability charity Scope. Elsewhere, Amey has been awarded Investors in People Gold accreditation and signed the Chartered Institute of Highways and Transport Charter for Diversity & Inclusion. Since 2011, RIDI has focused on breaking down the barriers disabled people face in the recruitment process through its work with recruiters and employers across the UK. Its annual awards celebrate progress and recognise the success of organisations that are making headway in increasing the inclusion of disabled professionals. Commenting on why Amey has chosen to be a ‘Silver Partner’ of RIDI, James Haluch, MD for Amey’s Highways business and Chair of the company’s inclusion steering group, said: “Our mission is to help to create better places for people to live, work and travel and we are constantly striving to ensure that our workforce truly reflects the diverse communities that we serve. “We believe that by bringing together different people with different perspectives, work experiences, backgrounds and abilities, we are able to become more connected, innovative and more effective. Ultimately, we can provide greater value to our customers through greater inclusion and diversity in our workforce and disabled talent is an area which must not be overlooked.” Kate Headley, spokeperson for RIDI, added: “There is a distinct appetite from companies and recruiters alike to become more inclusive and improve the prospects of disabled jobseekers. Amey is clearly one of the growing number of organisations that is leading the way in diversity inclusion, and it is a pleasure to work with the team as we approach the 2018 RIDI Awards.” This year’s RIDI Awards will be held on the 15th of March in central London. Further sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information contact: info@ridiawards.com
A family owned organisation with a longstanding history of both designing and building luxury homes, Bentier Homes operates out of its Reading head office and provides a leading service for the planning, designing, and creating of exclusive luxury housing developments for resale. Not just looking to build houses, but instead to create homes for its customers, Bentier Homes comes to the fore by tailor-making properties to suit specific locations whilst also maintaining the highest standard of workmanship across all properties. Through the individualisation of property design, the company effectively delivers homes which fit neatly into communities, add aesthetic value, and effectively contribute to the locality beyond the base provision of housing stock. Also noteworthy for the attention to detail, the finish of Bentier Homes developments is regarded as head and shoulders above the rest. Including everything from the building of the house all the way through to aspects such as landscaping and more, this attention to detail sees the company offering a comprehensive development package which allows for customers to move in with minimal fuss, hassle, or requirement for any additional work. All this, surprisingly, is provided as part of the traditional package, and not an optional extra. Extending the focus on minimal fuss further, Bentier Homes also operates in a responsible way when considering community interaction. Regularly contacting local community representatives not simply before works commence, but also with regular updates if there may be any noise disruption or otherwise, Bentier Homes effectively makes sure that community representatives are engaged with and made fully aware of the works being performed on site. This not only helps in the area of health and safety when larger works are being performed, but also in easing community concerns and has proven very successful. This year, Bentier Homes has also been very successful with Site Manager, Tim Parker winning the Pride in the Job 2017 Award, affording clear recognition of the hard work and standards being maintained by both Parker and the wider company. “It’s a great award for us. It’s something we’ve been working on for some time. Just to be able to say we have a Pride in the Job Award is a great USP for the company, and on a personal note great for my C.V naturally! It’s all positives really,” commented Tim Parker, Site Manager at Bentier Homes. Although this is the first Pride in the Job Award won at Bentier Homes, Parker remains confident that this will be the first in a long line of awards thanks to an overhaul in the company’s organisational strategy, allowing for the company to better showcase excellence in awards such as these. But of course, beyond the change in organisation, the company has also been adamant in maintaining the driving factors behind the company’s renowned level of quality and attention to detail. Commenting on how this has been made possible, he continued: “It’s been key to make sure our trades are up to date and also fully understand all the relevant NHBC regulations. It’s also been about maintaining high standards and consistency of workmanship on site, while maintaining a good working relationship between our trades which is something I always encourage.’’ Of course, Bentier Homes has been with its trades the entire time in ensuring that standards are continually improving. On a day-to-day basis, the company strongly encourages its trades to take note of where challenges or issues may be arising so that they can do things differently next time, whilst on a longer-term basis the organisation also involves trades with constructive meetings and training on best-practices. The combination of these two elements has, of course, allowed for a continuous cycle in improved performance from both an efficiency and quality workmanship perspective. This has only been successful thanks to the level of passion which Bentier Homes’ trades put into their work, as well as their commitment to working closely together for the benefit of the customer. Indeed, the cooperation and collaboration between trades and management have been the driving force behind the success, as Parker clarifies: “It’s a massive team effort and although I am at the forefront of it, it’s about that teamwork really that ensures a great home is handed over.” Going forward, Bentier Homes looks to strengthen its relationship with the NHBC further. Having enjoyed the success of the first award, Parker is determined to win further awards with the NHBC and has a number of projects in the pipeline which it will be putting forward for such awards.
The fifth annual Trades Awards, which were once again sponsored by Stewart Milne Group, took place at Ardoe House Hotel on Friday 9th June, to celebrate and reward excellence within the North East trades and construction industry. 13 awards were handed out across the evening, recognising both individual and company achievements, ranging from “Apprentice of the Year” to “Best Trades Business, 11+ Employees”. This year’s special award for “Outstanding Contribution” went to Gordon Gerrie of Scotia Homes, for his dedication and commitment to apprentices and those entering the construction industry across the past 40 years. The black tie ceremony raised over £4,000 for the official Trades Awards 2017 charity partner, Instant Neighbour, and their CEO Sophy Green was there to tell the audience about the charity’s strong ties to the trades and construction industry via the social enterprise, Joiners Inc. Mearns & Gill are delighted to reveal that the winners of Trades Awards 2017 are: Home/Building Improvement – Interior, sponsored by Flexistore Hyve Architects Home/Building Improvement – Exterior, sponsored by WM Donald MB Landscapes and MCK Construction – joint winners Tradesperson of the Year, sponsored by The Evening Express Keith Murray, WM Donald Excellence in Health & Safety, sponsored by Safety Scotland Stewert Milne Group Young Surveyor of the Year, sponsored by Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors Stephen MacPhail, CALA Homes Site Manager of the Year, sponsored by CALA Homes Allan Barclay, Barratt Homes Outstanding Customer Service, sponsored by AD Heating Barratt Homes Best New Business, sponsored by Thorpe Molloy John Willox Kitchen Design Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Scotia Homes Luke Robinson, Aircon Scotland Trades Innovation, sponsored by The Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen Granite City Ceilings Best Trades Business, 0-10 Employees, sponsored by Revive The Finish Hyve Architects Best Trades Business, 11+ Employees, sponsored by Richard Irvin Energy Solutions WM Donald Outstanding Contribution Gordon Gerrie, Scotia Homes Michael Wilson, Managing Director of Mearns & Gill, the event organisers, said “Friday night was an incredible celebration of the skill, passion and dedication that is present within the North East construction industry. The atmosphere was electric as each of this year’s winners were announced, and our Trades Awards judges were finally allowed to relax after a particularly intense judging process, due to the high standard of applicant this year.” “On behalf of everyone at Mearns & Gill, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate each of this year’s extremely worthy Trades Awards winners, and to thank every person and company who took the time to enter this year. Without your support, there would be no awards ceremony, and we very much hope to speak with you all again when Trades Awards 2018 launches in December!” Neil Thomson, Construction Director of Stewart Milne Homes said “We at Stewart Milne Group are delighted to have been main sponsor of Trades Awards for the 3rd year running. It remains hugely important to us to promote our industry in a positive way, and to have the opportunity locally, to remind individuals working both within and out with the industry, that they can have a long, very successful, and very rewarding career in construction.” “On a personal note, it was an honour for me to represent Stewart Milne Group on the judging panel again, and to see first-hand that the future of the North East construction industry is in very safe hands.” Mearns & Gill Founded in 1936, Mearns & Gill is a creative marketing agency offering a range of services to a diverse client base, including graphic design, brand strategy, website development, digital strategy and event management. Trades Awards The Trades Awards is an annual event, which rewards and recognises tradespeople and trades businesses in the North-east of Scotland. The awards are open to any individual or business that comes under the category ‘construction’, which by definition is any individual or business involved in the design (internal and external), decoration, modification or restoration of a building or structure. For further information, please contact Isla Stewart, Account Manager, Mearns & Gill on 01224 646311 or isla.stewart@mearns-gill.com
The founder and managing director of an East Kilbride-based electrical business has come out top after being awarded the accolade of “best presentation” at the conclusion of a prestigious business development course organised by hub South West. Steven Maclaren, who started Maclaren Electrical Services in 2006 and which now has annual sales in excess of £1m, impressed the judges with his drive and ambition for the business as well as his determination to always do the right thing for his 21-strong workforce. All of the company’s employees, for example, enjoy private medical insurance cover. Steven said: “I was delighted to be judged best performer at the hub South West Award Event especially since the overall standard of company presentations by my fellow participants on the programme seemed to me to be very high.” A public-private partnership funded by Scotland’s business development agencies and a clutch of Tier One contractors including Morisons, Graham, Morgan Sindall and Keir, hub South West’s development programme is aimed at ambitious companies in construction and related sectors based in Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway. Hub South West’s sixth Building for Growth programme got under way in March this year and ran over 8 half-day sessions (10-2) over a period of 12 weeks. It concluded at the Award Ceremony on Friday 2 June at 29 Private Members Club in Glasgow; 42 companies based in the south west region have now ‘graduated’ from the programme. The programme is open to any business looking to grow in a sustainable manner by building the skills and internal capacity to take on increasing volumes of business. A golden rule is ‘no competitors’, leaving participants free to discuss any business issues, challenges and opportunities in a safe and supportive environment with a like-minded group of business people. Said Steven: “Each representative of the eight companies participating in the programme is required to make a presentation at the conclusion of the course which covers the benefits they have derived from it and the lessons they will take forward to improve the chances of their company winning work from some of the Tier One contractors. “I told my audience that I had taken lots of knowledge and understanding from the programme whose lessons I believe I can put into practice by helping take our company to win bigger and better contracts. The judges were kind enough to say my presentation was best on the day.” Michael McBrearty, Chief Executive of hub South West, said: “Our aim is to help generate growth in the local economy through innovative methods of partnership working and procurement which also provide value for money solutions. “Our Building for Growth programme, has already delivered success to the leaders of its participating companies by both broadening and deepening their grasp of the factors needed to win more new, bigger contracts from the Tier One contractors and we hope and trust that Steven Maclaren and the others participants in our sixth programme will follow in their footsteps.”
Global infrastructure services firm AECOM has appointed Roma Agrawal as Associate Director. Roma joins the company’s growing structural engineering team in London and will be responsible for both business development and project delivery work. Roma joins AECOM from Interserve, where she was Design Manager. She was previously Associate Director at WSP and has worked on projects including The Shard at London Bridge, One Nine Elms and Crystal Palace Station. Roma has received multiple awards during her career to date, both for her technical ability and for her contribution to raising awareness of engineering as a career. Last year Roma was included in the Top 50 Women Engineers in the UK list, which was compiled by The Telegraph and Women’s Engineering Society, and in 2014 she was recognised by the Association for Consultancy and Engineering with the Diamond Award for Engineering Excellence. She has appeared in engineering documentaries on the BBC and ITV and has featured in various UK newspapers and magazines to help raise the profile of the profession. Commenting on her new role, Roma said: “I look forward to working on AECOM’s wonderfully diverse range of projects while also continuing to promote engineering as a career to young people, particularly among under-represented groups.” Mike Burton, Director, AECOM, said: “We are delighted that Roma is now part of the Award-Winning AECOM team – bringing her engineering expertise to our projects and her passion for the profession to our people.” Roma is a chartered engineering with both the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and is a fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). She holds a masters degree in general structural engineering at Imperial College London and a degree in physics from Oxford University.
Hillingdon Council has been shortlisted for a prestigious award at the London Local Authority Building Control (LABC) Building Excellence Awards for its rebuild of Northwood Secondary School. The £35 million project will offer 1,080 school places for pupils in Hillingdon, and has been shortlisted for an award for ‘Best Educational Building.’ The school building has three storeys, measures 9,800 square metres in size and promotes an academic focus on performing arts. The building features 53 classrooms, specialist design and technology rooms, a sports hall and a sixth form study. A stage area with retractable seating sits at the heart of the school, and additional arts facilities include an outdoor amphitheatre and performing arts specialist rooms. Mark Anderson, Headteacher at Northwood School said: “We officially opened Northwood School in October last year, and I’d like to thank staff at Hillingdon Council for all their support. This school is about inspiring staff, students and the local community, and already the new building has brought an added energy and ambition to our staff and students, as well as enormous sense of pride. We are also very pleased that the building is being used by the community seven days a week. With our new building, we are creating an outstanding school which the whole community can be proud of and rely upon.” The project was delivered in partnership with Farrans Construction and the Education Funding Agency, who contributed £7 million to the project. The construction company has created a time-lapse video which shows the school being built from start to finish. Councillor David Simmonds, Cabinet Member for Education, said: “We are delighted that Northwood School has been recognised by the LABC, and the school’s exceptional new facilities will provide young people in Hillingdon with a high quality education. We’ve invested more than £314 million into our school expansion programme, which is one of the largest programmes in London. Academic attainment for children and young people in Hillingdon is very positive, and we will continue to ensure that education is a top priority for the council.” The awards will be held on Friday 16 June at the Guildhall in London. You can view the time-lapse video of the Northwood School’s construction here:
