One in four people are affected by mental health, it doesn’t matter what age, gender or what industry you work in. If you’ve recently had to take some time off for reasons including illness or mental health, then taking the step to get back to work can be tough but
Whether you’re a self-employed builder working for contractors, or you’re a business manager leading a team of construction workers, there are things you should know about tax rebates to make sure you or your workforce are getting the money you’re entitled to. But with differences between entitlements for PAYE workers
The partnership between Total People and Manchester City Council and Manchester Life Development Company offered apprentices in the construction industry the chance to contribute to some of the most high-profile construction projects in the Greater Manchester region. The participants in the scheme will gain a Construction and Building Services Management
Robertson Group continues its focus on securing the best people to continue to drive the business forward across the U.K. Dirk Pittaway has joined Robertson to take up the role of Managing Director for the regional construction business of Robertson North West. Dirk joins the Group with over 20 years
Brexit-backing digger tycoon Lord Bamford says that recruitment problems are ‘very positive’ for the UK and not something to worry about. Lord Bamford made his comments at a time when his company JCB is staffing up to deliver a record order book. Over the past 12 months JCB has recruited
Global real estate advisor, Colliers International, has announced the appointment of Samantha Addison, as Director and Gemma Browne as Associate Director within its Project & Building Consultancy division in London, to expand its specialist team within the industry. Samantha joins Colliers with over 25 years of project management experience, successfully
Jet Aire Services, the Drainage and groundworks contractor has announced that they have recently appointed Gavin McCann as the Business Development Manager for the company. Jet Aire Services offers a wide range of professional drainage solutions. This appointment has taken place with the intention of driving continued growth in the
The Glass and Glazing Federation has announced that they have recently appointed a new Head of Membership and Training. Joining the company in this new role is Richard Hearn. The Glass and Glazing Federation is the primary trade association for companies who are wanting to supply or fit flat glass
Keyline is delighted to announce the appointment of Andy Rodgers as its new National Account Manager. Having spent 30 years in the industry, Andy joins Keyline’s national contractor team from Cubis Systems where he spent two years as the Rail Business Development Manager. Prior to Cubis, Andy worked at Polypipe
Watson Batty architects has revealed that they have released equity in their business to seven of their management team. This latest announcement has been announced as a part of the succession planning process. This planning process for Watson Batty is now in the 4th generation ownership structure. Last Month, it
One in four people are affected by mental health, it doesn’t matter what age, gender or what industry you work in. If you’ve recently had to take some time off for reasons including illness or mental health, then taking the step to get back to work can be tough but just remember there is plenty of support out there to help you. The construction industry can be quite tough and demanding, especially if you’ve been working within the industry for a number of years. If you’re considering a return to work, then here are four tips that can help make your return a success. Put together a plan It’s always best to talk your manager or HR team when you return to work, try putting in a plan it will help to make your return a little smoother. You might find that returning to work full time too full on to start, so maybe starting off with part time or flexible hours could be an option that works both for you and your employer. Don’t be afraid to talk Mental health might be something that isn’t openly talked about but it’s more common and something that’s important to discuss. Finding someone you’re comfortable to talk to can really help, if there’s a group of you then why not get together regularly and talk about how you’re feeling about work. There might be someone who can offer some insight into how you can reduce the amount of stress you’re feeling and you never know you might be able to help them too. Get the support you need Don’t feel as though you need to rush back into the role and responsibilities you were doing before your time off. If it was too much before, then you might find it could build up and be too much again. Talk with your manager or employer about having some support at work, it might be from colleagues or your senior team but having a proper network of support around you will help. It might be worth asking to see if there is any support that they can offer you outside of work, does your benefits package include any health support or cover any sessions. There are also charities such as Mind that are always available to offer any support and advice you may need. Change things up If you feel as though the environment you were in before doesn’t suit you or you might think it could be time for a change then there’s no harm in looking for other construction roles that could be a better fit. You might find that another role could offer you the flexibility you’re looking for and something that might be a better fit for helping support you. If you’re looking for advice on returning to work, then Randstad have put together some information and tips which you might find useful.
Whether you’re a self-employed builder working for contractors, or you’re a business manager leading a team of construction workers, there are things you should know about tax rebates to make sure you or your workforce are getting the money you’re entitled to. But with differences between entitlements for PAYE workers and those registered with the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), it’s important to understand what tax claims can be made and what they cover. Rebates for PAYE and CIS workers PAYE (pay as you earn) workers, who have their income tax and national insurance deducted from their wages, can claim back tax rebate. CIS is a government tax scheme, created by HMRC, for contractors and subcontractors, designed to reduce tax evasion. Construction workers registered under the CIS can also claim tax relief. Both PAYE and CIS workers can claim back on expenses for different things, which they need to do their building and construction work, from tools to travel costs. Depending on the expenses incurred, tax rebates can total as much as £1500. Companies like Brian Alfred, can help do this for both PAYE and CIS builders, which ensures that all claims are made correctly and accurately. Expenses that can be claimed back There are different expenses where construction workers can claim back tax. These cover six areas: capital expenses; motor vehicle costs; tools, equipment and uniform; travel, mileage and subsidence; builder admin costs; and general or other business. Whether you’re a PAYE worker or you’re registered with the CIS, different rules apply for what expenses can be claimed. Capital expenses This is concerned with expenses such as new vehicles, PCs and hand-held devices, like laptops and tablets. Construction workers under CIS can claim capital expenses, as long as they are purchases specifically for business. This could include a laptop that has been bought to work while travelling to and from a site. PAYE workers, however, can’t claim in this area of expense. Motor vehicle costs This covers expenses such as fuel, road tax and car insurance. PAYE workers can’t claim for these costs. However, CIS-registered workers can, as long as the vehicle is specially for business use. This could include the vehicle costs for a van that’s being used for carrying construction equipment to a building site. Tools, equipment and uniform This area of tax rebate involves hiring or purchasing tools, equipment, and protective clothing, as well as uniform laundering. Workers registered under the CIS, who have purchased or replaced tools to do their work, can claim these as an expense. However, only claims can be made on compulsory protective clothing, if the builder’s uniform is standard or they just wear jeans and a T-shirt to work, for instance. This could include a hard hat or a high-visibility jacket. If a PAYE worker had to buy or replace tools and equipment because their employer couldn’t provide them or similar items, they can claim back these expenses too. Travel, mileage and subsidence This is concerned with the costs of travelling to a site, the number of miles driven, as well as eating and accommodation costs if a builder had to stay there overnight. Workers with the CIS can claim expenses for travelling to a temporary workplace, which means if the work contract is less than 24 months. PAYE workers at a permanent fixture can’t make claims in this area. However, they can if they’re required to do temporary work at another site. Builder admin and general business costs Builder admin involves the remaining expenses that can’t put into one of the above categories. This includes things like phone, stationary and postage costs. General business is concerned with things like public liability insurance, as well as trade union and subscription fees. While PAYE workers are unlikely to incur building costs here, so are unable to claim, those registered under the CIS can make claims. With general business costs, CIS workers can also make claims, while PAYE workers can claim for anything that has been spent on their profession. This could include trade union fees and magazine subscriptions. Keeping on top of tax rebates Making a tax rebate claim involves completing paperwork that list the details and costs of all those expenses incurred. This can be done via HMRC or by contacting a third-party tax rebate company. For builders to keep on top of their yearly claims, it’s a good idea to file and update evidence of all expenses, such receipts and invoices. It’s wise to also put them into the different key categories, such as travel, tools and general costs. That way, when it comes to filling out your rebate paperwork, the information is ordered and organised to get the process off to a good start.
The partnership between Total People and Manchester City Council and Manchester Life Development Company offered apprentices in the construction industry the chance to contribute to some of the most high-profile construction projects in the Greater Manchester region. The participants in the scheme will gain a Construction and Building Services Management Level 4 NVQ and a HNC qualification, while gaining valuable industry experience. The M Futures programme will hold positions such as Developer, Designer, Project Manager, Quantity Surveyor, Contractor’s Team, Speciality Local Authority, and Consultancy for the apprentices. They will learn about briefing, design preparation, project management, planning and application, surveying, procurement of contractors, and the finishing stage of construction. “There are no fees, loans or debts on an Apprenticeship programme, and apprentices will earn a salary of £15,000, rising in-line with age related and performance pay structures. On completion, they can make over £20,000 and potentially obtain company sponsorship to complete a degree in their chosen pathway,” said Linda Dean, Managing Director at Total People. The programme includes the ‘Our Town Hall’ project which aims to redevelop the Manchester Town Hall. It will safeguard, repair, and partially restore the 140 years old building, which has started to show its age with many elements reaching the end of their natural lifespans. “Those who join M Futures will benefit from a fast-track route into paid work, resulting in academic qualifications which will open doors to a wide range of jobs in the future – while also gaining the opportunity to contribute to major schemes like the once-in- a-lifetime Our Town Hall project,” said Councillor Angeliki Stogia, Executive Member for the Environment and Skills.The project is open to those aged 18+ that hold a GCSE in English and Maths grade C or above, and a Level 3 qualification or A-level in a relevant subject area. The closing date for applications is the 22nd of April 2018.
Robertson Group continues its focus on securing the best people to continue to drive the business forward across the U.K. Dirk Pittaway has joined Robertson to take up the role of Managing Director for the regional construction business of Robertson North West. Dirk joins the Group with over 20 years of construction experience in the North West. Robertson North West, which recently relocated to new offices in Haydock, is part of one of the largest independently owned construction, infrastructure and support services companies in the U.K. The Group, which celebrated its 50th year of trading in 2016, consists of 21 companies, employing over 2,300 staff and has a turnover in excess of £600m. Speaking about the objectives for the business, Dirk said “Robertson Group has shown impressive growth in the last ten years, despite the challenging market conditions in recent years, and my focus will be to continue delivering the Robertson model for business across the North West. “Robertson, as a family business, has always maintained that their staff are at the forefront of everything, providing opportunity for career development and creating environments in which staff can flourish. “This approach is how we are developing our staff within the North West and we will continue to search for the best people who can add value to the business whilst developing their own careers.” Derek Shewan, CEO of Robertson, said “We are delighted to have secured Dirk to join our business. He brings a wealth of construction experience with a drive and passion in forming close working partnerships with clients and providing focused solutions to challenges that clients may face”.
Brexit-backing digger tycoon Lord Bamford says that recruitment problems are ‘very positive’ for the UK and not something to worry about. Lord Bamford made his comments at a time when his company JCB is staffing up to deliver a record order book. Over the past 12 months JCB has recruited more than 1,200 people at its 11 UK factories in Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Wales and handed permanent contracts to 150 agency employees – with more to follow this year. In 2017 JCB launched 46 new products and increased its purchasing spend globally to more than £2bn a year. Spending with the company’s 2,500 UK suppliers rose by 13% compared to 2016. JCB has this week gone into production with its new site dumpers in Staffordshire, a product line that will create around 70 further jobs over the next 12 months. Chairman Lord Bamford said: “The industry in which we operate is doing very well at the moment, which is not only good news for JCB, it’s good news for our region and good news for Britain. Our spending with UK suppliers has increased substantially over the past year and we are already off to a very strong start in 2018 with a very healthy order bank in place.” The prominent Brexit advocate added: “In my view there is every reason to be optimistic about the future and in particular the future of the British economy. With unemployment at its lowest level for more than 40 years, we face some challenges with recruitment but that is a great challenge to have to overcome and a very positive position for the UK to find itself in.” JCB shop floor employees start 2018 with a pay rise of 3.9% as part of a three-year wage deal. It follows a £500 Christmas bonus paid to all 5,500 of JCB’s UK employees. Chief executive Graeme Macdonald added: “The long-term pay deal agreed last year gave us the stability we needed to plan and has delivered a robust pay rise for JCB’s shop floor employees. The outlook for 2018 is positive with markets all over the world in exceptionally good shape.”
Global real estate advisor, Colliers International, has announced the appointment of Samantha Addison, as Director and Gemma Browne as Associate Director within its Project & Building Consultancy division in London, to expand its specialist team within the industry. Samantha joins Colliers with over 25 years of project management experience, successfully delivering new-build and office fit-out schemes for occupiers across the UK and Europe, working with multi-national corporations including Shell, Microsoft, Nokia Networks, T Rowe Price and GSK. Over the past two years, Samantha has spearheaded TowerEight’s expansion into the commercial sector, winning and delivering projects for Centrica, Whitbread and Unite and gaining access to two new corporate frameworks. She also held positions at JLL for 18 years; highlights included heading up the Corporate Occupier PM team as Director, working on secondment to Shell as Regional PMO managing a portfolio of circa 25 capital projects, delivering a BCO award winning new building for Microsoft, and client relationship manager for Hermes and Scottish Widows. Samantha Addison, Director in the Project & Building Consultancy team commented: “Colliers International’s entrepreneurial culture, coupled with a strong focus on client success, plays to my strengths. The division will provide me with the opportunity to expand the regional and global project management and programme management offering, enabling me to build and maintain long-term client relationships.” Samantha will be reporting to Graeme Foreman, Co-Head of the Project & Building Consultancy team. Gemma Browne, the new Associate Director in the division in London will be reporting to Graeme Foreman. She has over ten years of extensive experience and specialist knowledge of the sector having held positions at JLL for the last five years where she has been involved in commercial fit-out projects ranging from 20,000 sq ft to 130,000 sq ft, throughout all phases from premises selection through to benefits realisation management (BRM) post-occupation. In addition, over the last three years, she has consulted global clients to successfully deliver multiple high-value and prominent category B fit-outs in both London and Johannesburg and has also worked client-side whilst on secondment roles. Gemma Browne, Associate Director added: “I aim to be a key element in the future growth of the firm, utilising my experience to continue to deliver successful projects that my clients can be proud of.” Graeme Foreman, Co-head of Project & Building Consultancy said: “In the past year, we have grown the UK division to a headcount of over 85, including a project management team of over 30 in London, as we seek to enhance our client offering and keep ahead of the curve in the industry. Both Samantha and Gemma have a wealth of experience within the market and will complement the existing team, fulfilling our goal of providing our clients with exceptional service across the whole Project & Building consultancy sector.”
Jet Aire Services, the Drainage and groundworks contractor has announced that they have recently appointed Gavin McCann as the Business Development Manager for the company. Jet Aire Services offers a wide range of professional drainage solutions. This appointment has taken place with the intention of driving continued growth in the North East region. In his new role as Business Development Manager, Gavin is based at Jet Aire’s Middlesbrough office. Gavin will be an asset to the company in this role as he brings with him a wealth of industry experience including knowledge from working in a range of senior roles for different construction and drainage companies. Previous positions held by Gavin include Operations Manager at GSH, during this time Gavin was responsible for all maintenance and drainage contracts nationwide across the retail and banking sectors. Gavin McCann has also been the National Sales Manager for CGL Facades. In his new role, Gavin will be working to oversee Jet Aire’s business development throughout Teesside, Tyne and Wear, Northumberland and County Durham. His vast range of knowledge and experience gained during a diverse career will help Gavin to thrive in this new role and hopefully help the drainage and groundworks contractor to continue growth in the North East of the country. The Director of Jet Aire Services is Keith Ferris and he has said that over the course of the past year, the company has been working to significantly expand, with the growth of their sales team. Gavin McCann is seen by the company as an essential appointment by the company and will be in charge of an essential area for the company’s growth plans. Gavin has a knowledge of a wide range of sectors, which Keith Ferris feels will help the contractor to further increase their presence in various markets such as chemical, manufacturing, construction, environmental, highways and utilities.
The Glass and Glazing Federation has announced that they have recently appointed a new Head of Membership and Training. Joining the company in this new role is Richard Hearn. The Glass and Glazing Federation is the primary trade association for companies who are wanting to supply or fit flat glass and other related products who represent more than 60% of the industry’s turnover. The Federation has appointed Richard to the position of Head of Membership and Training due to his extensive professional background. Richard has a great deal of experience working for a range of professional membership bodies as well as organisations that focus on professional qualifications, accreditation and Continued Professional Development, or CPD. Richard has specialised in developing and implementing membership and training strategies and will be an asset to the Glass and Glazing Federation. Richard will be taking on the role of Head of Membership and Training at the Glass and Glazing Federation from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, where he worked as the Head of Member and Customer Development. In this previous role, Richard was able to transform the membership focus of the course of his three years in the role in order to increase both membership and revenues. Richard has also worked in the past at the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and the Institute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales. The new appointment for the Glass and Glazing Federation also has commercial experience which will benefit him in this new job, as Richard has the experience of terms at Ernst and Young law firm Taylor Wessing, when he developed customer value propositions and has also worked as a consultant for the British Retail Consortium and the Federation of Small Businesses. It is hoped that while working in this role, Richard will be able to continue to ensure that the Federation remains a focal point for best practice as well as helping to raise awareness of the many different career opportunities that are available in this industry.
Keyline is delighted to announce the appointment of Andy Rodgers as its new National Account Manager. Having spent 30 years in the industry, Andy joins Keyline’s national contractor team from Cubis Systems where he spent two years as the Rail Business Development Manager. Prior to Cubis, Andy worked at Polypipe Civils and Radius Systems, and brings a wealth of manufacturing and utility sales experience. His role at Keyline will see Andy working with national contractors and manufacturers to ensure best solutions and overall value are offered through early engagement with customers and supply chain alike. A focus will be on building partnerships and ensuring a cost-effective, timely delivery of projects. Andy commented: “I’m delighted to have joined Keyline. I’m looking forward to working for a business that is taking the lead rather than following, and using my manufacturing background and industry experience to offer smarter solutions to customers.”
Watson Batty architects has revealed that they have released equity in their business to seven of their management team. This latest announcement has been announced as a part of the succession planning process. This planning process for Watson Batty is now in the 4th generation ownership structure. Last Month, it was announced by Watson Batty that Paul Ryan would be stepping down from his role as Chairman. With this move, the full ownership of the company has been handed over to the four remaining Directors, who are Pete White, Andrew Grindrod, Richard Merrills and Mark Sidding. The latest announcement, that equity will be released to seven rising stars in the business is seen as a major step forward in terms of recognising and rewarding their talent and commitment while also working to maintain loyalty and stability in the long term. The Managing Director for Watson Batty, Peter White has said that as the company moves into their 42nd year of practice, the company has continued to offer a strong performance across all key sectors. However, despite this amazing progress by the company, they are not complacent and are focused on maintaining their hard fought reputation. Watson Batty is focused on looking to the future and their rising talent is an important aspect of that. One of the new equity owners of Watson Batty is Tom Sykes, who has been working at the company for the past 12 years and has worked his way from apprentice to a strategic level. During his progression through the ranks at the architectural company, Tom has said that he has been supported throughout his career and is excited to have an opportunity to contribute to the growth and the future of the practice in order to give back and support the younger generations of staff who are, like Tom did, working their way up the ranks.
