Ahead of this year’s Armed Forces Day, top-10 UK housebuilder, Linden Homes is pledging to continue its support for ex-armed forces personnel and veterans. As the housebuilding division of Galliford Try, Linden Homes also supports Galliford Try’s signing of the Armed Forces Covenant. With this the company pledge to treat
The future of the construction industry will be on show at an event next week when the hard work of some of most skilled and talented apprentices from across the region will be recognised at an awards ceremony. The Swansea Bay Construction Support Group’s inaugural awards ceremony will take place on 20
Three of the nation’s biggest housebuilders Linden Homes, Taylor Wimpey and Redrow Homes have committed a combined £90,000 in sponsorship to the Housebuilder Mountain Marathon, taking place in September 2019. With each of the housebuilders contributing £30,000 in sponsorship, the money raised will go towards the funding of the Youth
Kingsfold-based builders’ merchant NYEs Building Supplies has raised £794 for the charity Rainy Day Trust during a family fun day at its depot. The event, named ‘Have a NYEs day’, was held to celebrate the company’s recent rebrand and completion of its new 1000m2 warehouse. Attended by more than
An England football legend has helped ArtificialGrass.com greet visitors to its display at a major industry event held in Coventry. Former Leicester City and Liverpool star Emile Heskey joined forces with the leading artificial turf company for this year’s National Merchant Buying Society (NMBS) exhibition, which took place at the
Gira, one of the world’s leading full-range suppliers of intelligent system solutions for building management, ‘go green’ for Earth Hour 2019 and commit to 60 minutes of complete darkness… On Saturday 30th March 2019, Gira headquarters in Radevormwald, Germany turned out its lights. From 8:30 to 9:30pm, Gira switched off
Family owned builders merchants, Chandler Building Supplies, has announced its sponsorship of this year’s Seven Port Challenge. The 180 km charity cycling challenge covers seven ports across England and France over four days. A team of six from the builders merchants is taking on the difficult challenge of cycling ‘The
Charity Reuben’s Retreat has appointed Hadfield-based Building Projects Group Ltd to undertake the next stage in the development of the charity’s forever home. Reuben’s Retreat aims to help families who have children with a life threatening or life limiting illness, or those who have lost a child, offering support in
Caddick Construction has agreed a partnership with health and wellness provider hero which will see all of its 140 employees benefit from a tailored health and wellbeing programme. The bespoke wellbeing package covers both mental and physical health and includes one-to-one health checks and screenings, wellbeing training for all direct
SDL Surveying, part of Nottinghamshire-based property services company SDL Group, started the year in style by hosting a 007-themed charity ball on Friday 1st February, which raised over £12,000 for its chosen charity, The Donna Louise Hospice. The glamorous black-tie event held at a local venue, The Carriage Hall, was
Ahead of this year’s Armed Forces Day, top-10 UK housebuilder, Linden Homes is pledging to continue its support for ex-armed forces personnel and veterans. As the housebuilding division of Galliford Try, Linden Homes also supports Galliford Try’s signing of the Armed Forces Covenant. With this the company pledge to treat those who have served in the armed forces and their families with fairness and respect. Signing the pledge is part of a continuing commitment by Linden Homes to help ex-armed forced personnel. Linden Homes recently supported Matt Knight into a career in the housebuilding industry, following his time in the Royal Navy. After a three year career in the armed forces, Matt joined Linden Homes’ South Division as a trainee site manager in November 2018. Matt has begun to build a new career in housebuilding and has used the skills he gained in the military to help do this. Matt explained: “There are a lot of similar skills you need for a successful career in the Royal Navy and as a site manager. In both roles you need to have excellent communication skills, as you’re often dealing with people from all different walks of life – whether that’s the different trades you’re working with on site, or dealing with company directors, that can be like dealing with Navy officers.” Matt has built his skills and expertise in his new career, and taken advantage of opportunities on offer to him through Linden Homes: “Linden Homes has been fantastic when it comes to offering training to help me get where I want to be. So far, I’ve undertaken the Site Management Safety Training Scheme, as well other relevant health and safety to ensure everyone working on site is doing so in a safe manner. In the coming months I will be undertaking an NVQ in Construction Contracting Operations, which will help me progress to assistant site manager and then hopefully to site manager”. Andrew Hammond, CEO of Linden Homes, said: “In the run up to Armed Forces Day we are extremely proud to be able to continue to support former service men and women into new careers. During his time in the Royal Navy, Matt learnt many life skills that make him ideally suited to the role of site manager. He is organised, has excellent communication skills and knows how to work as part of team. Housebuilding offers a diverse range of job opportunities and we always welcome applications from ex-armed forces personnel and former veterans who are considering a change in career.” Armed Forces Day takes place on Saturday 29 June with a number of events taking place up and down the country, to find an event near you visit www.armedforcesday.org.uk/find-events. For further information about the careers on offer at Linden Homes visit: www.lindenhomes.co.uk/careers
The future of the construction industry will be on show at an event next week when the hard work of some of most skilled and talented apprentices from across the region will be recognised at an awards ceremony. The Swansea Bay Construction Support Group’s inaugural awards ceremony will take place on 20 June at the Village Hotel, Swansea to support and recognise the achievements of new entrants, apprentices and future talent within the construction industry in the South Wales region. The awards ceremony, which will be hosted by Swansea legend Kev Johns and includes a three-course meal, is also part of an overall objective to promote the construction industry’s image and showcase the benefits of considering the construction industry as a career path, and what skills individuals can gain from this profession. The evening will see awards presented to nominated apprentices from member companies of the Swansea Bay Construction Support Group, including: ASW Property Services; John Weaver; Cyfle Building Skills; Hale Construction; Craftsman Flooring and V&C (SW). There will also be awards for the Best Overall Apprentice and Best New Apprentice. The awards ceremony is sponsored by AB Glass, Peter Lynn & Partners and Barry Training Services. Anthony Thomas, chairman of the Swansea Bay Construction Support Group Awards, said: “The construction industry is often overlooked by young adults about to leave school who are considering what career path they want to embark on. The Swansea Bay Construction Support Group Awards will allow us to not only reward the hard working and dedicated apprentices who work for our members but will also allow us to spread the word and positivity about the opportunities available to other young individuals who are weighing up their options. “We look forward to celebrating the achievements of the nominated apprentices during the ceremony and hope that we continue to do so every year going forward.” Gemma Mineur, training officer at NPT Group, said: “It is a pleasure to organise the first Swansea Bay Construction Support Group Awards to showcase the achievements of local people beginning one of many career paths available in the construction industry.” Alan Brayley, managing director of AB Glass, comments: “We are thrilled to be supporting the Swansea Bay Construction Support Group Awards and all those who have been recognised for their achievements in the construction industry. Encouraging new entrants and young people into this sector is incredibly important to the future of the construction industry, as it welcomes new talent and helps to build upon the unique skills and confidence of young people to the benefit of the sector in Wales. These awards will showcase the many opportunities and fulfilling career paths the industry can offer. We look forward to meeting the rising stars of construction in Wales at the awards ceremony.” Darren Lewis, partner and commercial property solicitor at Peter Lynn & Partners, comments: “We work with a wide range of businesses in the construction sector from individual tradespeople to multi-million-pound property developers, and we are proud to support this excellent event which recognises excellence within the sector.” Sean Boyle, director of Barry Training Services, said: “We are very pleased to be able to sponsor this event, which recognises the valuable role in which apprenticeships offer to the workplace and given the number of construction related courses we offer to this industry, we can see the value in developing these skills for the future.” During the evening, there will also be an auction and raffle to raise money for local charity Hands Up for Downs. This support group brings families, parents, carers and children with Down Syndrome together to share advice and support, and as a group ensure that children living with Down Syndrome are given access to services they need. Sam Fisher, a founding member and trustee of Hands Up for Downs, said: “At Hands up for Downs, our main mission is to bring together families with children who have Down Syndrome across the Swansea Bay area, ensuring they are united and supported, promoting inclusion and raising awareness so that our children can flourish.” “We are extremely appreciative of the Swansea Bay Construction Support Group for choosing our charity to raise funds for during the evening and would like to thank everyone who donates in advance. These funds will go towards continuing to provide support for our members and their families, ensuring children with Down Syndrome are given access to the services they need to ensure they reach their full potential.”
Three of the nation’s biggest housebuilders Linden Homes, Taylor Wimpey and Redrow Homes have committed a combined £90,000 in sponsorship to the Housebuilder Mountain Marathon, taking place in September 2019. With each of the housebuilders contributing £30,000 in sponsorship, the money raised will go towards the funding of the Youth Adventure Trust, which provides adventure camps and day activities for vulnerable 11 to 14-year olds. The Mountain Marathon is a two-day event covering some of the UK’s most difficult terrain across the Lake District. As well as providing sponsorship for the marathon, volunteers from the three housebuilders will be entering the race, working in teams to battle across unfamiliar environments, reflecting the work and mission of the Youth Adventure Trust. For 27 years the Youth Adventure Trust has hosted adventure camps for children selected by schools and social workers, aiming to inspire personal confidence and improve teamwork. Over the course of its history, the Trust has helped over 3800 vulnerable young people realise their potential. Looking to the future, the Youth Adventure Trust is aiming to double the number of children it works with by 2022. Linden Homes CEO, Andrew Hammond, said: “It’s fantastic to be joined by our colleagues from across the industry to continue our support for the Youth Adventure Trust in 2019, through our sponsorship of the Housebuilder Mountain Marathon. We share the same passion for developing skills in young people and helping them realise their potential. Karen Jones, HR Director at Redrow commented: “Our employees who participated last year spoke so highly, we were keen to get more involved. We are passionate about inspiring the next generation and supporting charities, therefore, sponsoring this fantastic event made perfect sense.” Pete Redfern, CEO of Taylor Wimpey, said: “We are delighted to be taking part in this event, for the second year running. Whilst the event is a challenge, it is also good fun and a great way to bring the housebuilding industry together, whilst raising money for the Youth Adventure Trust, one of Taylor Wimpey’s five national charities.”
Kingsfold-based builders’ merchant NYEs Building Supplies has raised £794 for the charity Rainy Day Trust during a family fun day at its depot. The event, named ‘Have a NYEs day’, was held to celebrate the company’s recent rebrand and completion of its new 1000m2 warehouse. Attended by more than 1,000 people, it included a variety of free activities and the chance to meet Bob the Builder. Raffle tickets were sold in aid of the charity during the event, which was run by one of the charity’s trustees, Aaron Frogley, along with his son, Connor. Top prizes included family days out to Drusillas Park and Fishers Farm Park, cinema tickets, power tools and restaurant vouchers. The Rainy Day Trust is the UK’s only charity supporting the home improvement workforce in times of need. Rex Nye, who is Managing Director at NYEs, said: “It was a hugely successful day with lots of families turning up to enjoy our celebration. We couldn’t have hoped for a better turnout. We’d like to thank everyone who came along, supported us and helped to raise money for a very worthy cause at the same time. We hope the money will help the charity to continue its vital work supporting people in the building sector who have fallen on hard times.” Aaron Frogley, Trustee at the Rainy Day Trust, added: “Our warmest thanks to NYEs for supporting our charity and giving us the opportunity to be part of its excellent event. Sadly, more and more people are turning to us for financial assistance. The money raised at NYEs family fun day will go towards supporting them by helping to make ends meet, and providing the necessary advice, counselling and training so they can get back on their feet.”
An England football legend has helped ArtificialGrass.com greet visitors to its display at a major industry event held in Coventry. Former Leicester City and Liverpool star Emile Heskey joined forces with the leading artificial turf company for this year’s National Merchant Buying Society (NMBS) exhibition, which took place at the Ricoh Arena. The ex-striker was on hand to meet and greet, as well as sign footballs for NMBS members visiting ArtificialGrass.com’s stand. More than 280 exhibitors and 850 delegates came together for the annually-held trade show, which is the largest buying and selling event for independent builders, as well as timber, roofing, plumbing and heating merchants. Delegates were also given the chance to speak to the firm’s experienced team of grass experts, who offered their advice and tips on everything from how to install artificial grass to promoting new products in the range, as well as exclusive deals on the day. Andy Driver, Sales and Marketing Director for ArtificialGrass.com, said: “It was fantastic to join industry colleagues at the NMBS exhibition once again this year. “The event proved to be a huge success for us. We had lots of positive discussions and our team are excited to help grow the landscaping businesses for our merchant base. “Having Emile join us on our stand was a great honour and encouraged lots of people to come along and say hello for photographs and autographs. “ArtificialGrass.com has established itself as the go-to brand for the independent builders’ merchants, thanks to our ongoing investment in product development and our comprehensive service and training packages that we are able to offer.” For more information, go to www.artificialgrass.com or call 0843 224 7878. You can also follow ArtificialGrass.com on Linked In www.linkedin.com/company/artificialgrass and Facebook or Twitter @merchantgrass.
Gira, one of the world’s leading full-range suppliers of intelligent system solutions for building management, ‘go green’ for Earth Hour 2019 and commit to 60 minutes of complete darkness… On Saturday 30th March 2019, Gira headquarters in Radevormwald, Germany turned out its lights. From 8:30 to 9:30pm, Gira switched off its entire lighting system within the new Production, Development & Logistics center for one hour in a bid to help save the planet and participate in this year’s Earth Day. Not stopping there, Gira also switched off the four illuminated logos which adorn the facade of its high-bay warehouse to completely immerse itself in complete darkness for 60 minutes. For the first time, Gira played a part in ‘Earth Hour’: a global community action which is organized by the international nature and environmental organization World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). Since 2007, participants around the world come together and power down lighting in the workplace for the purpose of ‘Earth Hour’. According to the WWF, the campaign should “motivate as many people around the globe as possible to live and act more environmentally friendly – far beyond the 60 minutes.” In 2018, results show that over 180 countries took part in Western Europe, made-up of the general public, entire communities, businesses and institutions. Last year saw Germany positively step up and support Earth Day with Cologne Cathedral, Hamburg City Hall, an entire skyline of high-rise buildings in downtown Frankfurt and the Town Hall in both Remscheid and Wuppertal-Barmen, all becoming dark for an hour. It is therefore no surprise that ‘Earth Hour’ is now considered one of the world’s largest community actions for environmental and climate protection. What are you doing to help? Earth Hour 2019 – 30th March 2019 Earth Day 2019 – 22nd April 2019
Family owned builders merchants, Chandler Building Supplies, has announced its sponsorship of this year’s Seven Port Challenge. The 180 km charity cycling challenge covers seven ports across England and France over four days. A team of six from the builders merchants is taking on the difficult challenge of cycling ‘The Beast’ – a 6 person tandem – for the first leg of the event from Brighton to Portsmouth on Thursday 2, May. The brave cyclists from the Brighton, Lewes, Ringmer, Petworth, Chertsey and Bookham branches of Chandlers Building Supplies are Jason Austin, Chris Vernon, Ashley Miles, Brian Smith and Stuart Campbell and Paul Hawes. Brian Smith from Chandlers Building Supplies, Brighton, said: “We’ll have to put in a lot of practice on the tandem before May 2. It’s a very tricky bike to master and it is quite heavy too. The guys are all up for it and have committed to hours of practice to master the ‘Beast’. Let’s hope that our six pairs of legs are up to the challenge. We’re all looking forward to it!” This 52 mile ride starts at the i360 in Brighton and the riders will cycle via Chandlers’s Brighton store near Shoreham port and then along to Portsmouth Harbour . Sue McKinney, marketing manager at Chandlers Building Supplies said: “As a family owned building merchants we are always keen to support the local charities in the areas in which we are located. We dedicated the opening of our extended Brighton store last summer to Off the Fence, homeless charity, one of the charities this event is also supporting along with the other Mayor’s Charities to include Rocking Horse, Grace Eyre Foundation and Martlets. “We are delighted to be involved in the Seven Port Challenge and are proud of our team of six who very readily jumping at the opportunity to get involved.” Follow the Chandlers Building Supplies team’s practice on the ‘Beast’ on twitter and Instagram: @ChandlersBS and @chandlersbuilding. To sponsor their efforts visit: www.gofundme.com/SevenPortChallenge <http://www.gofundme.com/SevenPortChallenge> #7PortChallenge The Seven Port Challenge is run by The Brighton & Hove Property Consortium in association with Colin Brace Properties. Chandlers is a privately-owned, independent roofing & builders’ merchant with branches across the South East of England & the Midlands.
Charity Reuben’s Retreat has appointed Hadfield-based Building Projects Group Ltd to undertake the next stage in the development of the charity’s forever home. Reuben’s Retreat aims to help families who have children with a life threatening or life limiting illness, or those who have lost a child, offering support in a number of ways. Building Projects Group has now begun work on phases four, five and six at the Retreat. The three phases, which are part of a 10 phase, multi-million pound project, will include a hydro suite, a sensory play and movie room, offices and fully accessible changing facilities. The building work should take around 30 weeks, so is expected to complete in Autumn 2019. The work will involve comprehensive structural works, extensions. full electrical & mechanical upgrades and a high specification construction and fit out. It will also see the creation of a feature glazed link, a new entrance, a fully accessible Hydro Pool including accessible changing facilities and plantroom. The charity bought the old Wood’s Hospital in Glossop in 2014, taking on the massive challenge of renovating it from near dereliction to become Reuben’s Retreat, a place where families can relax, recharge, remember and rebuild. Reuben’s Retreat was set up in memory of 23-month old Reuben, who fell ill while on a family holiday in Devon in August 2012. A trip to A&E revealed a rare and aggressive brain tumour. He sadly never regained consciousness and passed away a week later in his mother’s arms, who pledged his short life wouldn’t be in vain. Nicola Graham, Reuben’s mummy and founder of Reuben’s Retreat, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Building Projects Group – they quickly stood out as a partner who understood what we are about and who would help us achieve our aims. They’re going out and championing our cause for us and asking their key suppliers for their most competitive pricing in order to maximise our money. We need to make sure that every penny that our fundraisers and volunteers raise is put to good use, so it allows us to help even more families. We can’t wait to be able to offer our families the use of the hydro suite and play rooms – it’s a vital and exciting stage of our development.” Adam Bell, managing director at Building Projects Group, said: “On behalf of us all at Building Projects Group we are delighted to have been chosen for this fantastic project. We very much look forward to delivering this wonderful scheme with Nicola and the Reuben’s Retreat Team. I’d also like to extend our thanks to our supply chain partners for their continued support of this wonderful charity.” To find out more information log on to www.reubensretreat.org or follow Reuben’s Retreat on Facebook or Twitter.
Caddick Construction has agreed a partnership with health and wellness provider hero which will see all of its 140 employees benefit from a tailored health and wellbeing programme. The bespoke wellbeing package covers both mental and physical health and includes one-to-one health checks and screenings, wellbeing training for all direct line managers, mental health first aid training and ongoing workshops throughout 2019. Managing Director Andrew Murray from Caddick Construction said: “Our employees are our greatest asset and we want to ensure they feel valued and supported. We are thrilled to be leading the way when it comes to mental resilience and wellbeing in the workplace – issues which should not and cannot be ignored. As employers we take our responsibility to our team members seriously and want to support them in as many ways possible to ensure they are both healthy and happy inside and outside of work.” He added: “The hero team impressed us with the depth and level of support they provide behind the scenes. I’m confident this project will deliver tangible results for our staff that will enhance and improve the health and wellbeing our employees, whether office based or on site.” Right now, one in six construction workers in the UK is experiencing depression, anxiety or stress. · In the UK men remain three times as likely to take their own lives than women. · The highest suicide rate in the UK was for men aged 45-49. Joe Gaunt, CEO of hero said: “It’s always rewarding to see businesses waking up to the fact they play a large and important part in the health and wellbeing of their team. It’s great to see Caddick Construction leading the way and championing wellness at work in such a bold and committed manner. The ‘Mindset’ programme of events have been purposely designed to offer comprehensive screenings and health checks that cover everything from blood pressure to cholesterol and blood tests too.” “We have been working with Caddick to understand the current ‘state of the workforce’ enabling us to create a bespoke programme, which will deliver results and have immediate and long-term effects. The hero Discovery Report demonstrated clear indicators of specific support around what the Caddick team wanted to see. And, as a result, we were able to design a bespoke and tailored programme perfect for Caddick employees.” 2019 marks hero’s second year and since its launch in May 2018 it has acquired two businesses and established exciting and innovative partnerships with organisations such as Moda, Les Mills, MyZone and Jamie Peacock.
SDL Surveying, part of Nottinghamshire-based property services company SDL Group, started the year in style by hosting a 007-themed charity ball on Friday 1st February, which raised over £12,000 for its chosen charity, The Donna Louise Hospice. The glamorous black-tie event held at a local venue, The Carriage Hall, was the perfect setting for an action-packed night of entertainment, reception drinks and dinner. The headline feature of the event was its charity auction, led by SDL Auctions’ managing director and auctioneer, Andrew Parker. The charity lots auctioned were generously donated by SDL Surveying’s network of surveyors and included; two tickets to the Henley Regatta, a themed helicopter ride and four tickets to a rugby league game. The evening was rounded off with a live band and a casino, with guests using ‘funny money’ in a bid to win a new iPad, which had been donated for the event. SDL Surveying’s chief operating officer, Simon Jackson, commented:” It was a fantastic night in which we managed to celebrate the strong results we achieved with our key partners in 2018. It is their hard work, alongside the power of our people, which has enabled us to continue to be successful for 30 years. “Most importantly the night provided a platform for our chosen charity, The Donna Louise, to shine and raise more money for the fantastic work that they do for children and young adults with life-limiting conditions and their families.” Donations are still welcome and can be made via the fundraising link – https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/SDLCharityDinner/
