The standard for apprenticeships in the UK is expected to increase due to new apprenticeship schemes in bricklaying and plastering. Brian Berry, the Chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders has suggested that the initial announcement to attempt to increase apprenticeships to 3 million by 2020 could have led
Thameslink are using Apprentices to inspire young people to consider apprenticeship on the railway. A group made up of work experience students, apprentices, and engineers from Network Rail’s Thameslink Programme are celebrating National Apprenticeship week by visiting schools local to the London Bridge station in order to inspire young people
New research has found that half of consumers are more likely to hire builders who employ apprentices. A study carried out by One Poll from 2000 home owners across the UK has revealed that 50% of those asked would rather hire builders that employ apprentices. With National Apprenticeship Week starting
A company known as M & R Haulage that has been in existence since 2007 is expanding its horizons by signing a financial agreement with Aldermore, a savings bank that specializes in helping businesses to invest in new and exciting projects. Mister Neil Johnson of Aldermore has explained that he
A brand new interactive online tool has analysed 14,236 pieces of data across the 50 biggest British cities to help users determine whether relocating in 2017 would make them any better or worse off depending on their job. Jobs analysed include architecture, building surveyor, chartered surveyor, facilities management, project management,
Lord Heseltine returned to the Tees Valley today to launch a new Strategic Economic Plan, placing the region at the centre of a new approach to industrial strategy. Meeting in Darlington, Lord Heseltine was joined by 250 business leaders, and the leaders of the five councils, to reaffirm commitment to
Construction services company J Tomlinson has appointed Tony O’Toole as managing director of its M&E operation. The position is a new post and reflects the company’s plan to grow the M&E side of the business. “J Tomlinson is experiencing a continued period of expansion, and Tony’s appointment reflects our commitment
Willmott Dixon has appointed Richard Blakeway as a new strategic advisor for the division in an attempt to strengthen its residential property developer arm. Mr Blakeway has a significant amount of experience in the industry and is a former Greater London Authority (GLA) deputy mayor for housing. Since leaving GLA earlier
The Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) has appointed a new director to its board, which has reinforced its pledge to maintain and encourage the highest standards of quality within the liquid industry. With over 37 years of experience in the liquid roofing market, Mark Flello will work with the
Wates Group has confirmed that Paul Chandler will become Group Managing Director of its Construction Group in the New Year. Chandler will join the firm from Skanska where he spent 34 years and was head of the company’s building operations in the UK. He replaces Wates veteran Dave Smith who
The standard for apprenticeships in the UK is expected to increase due to new apprenticeship schemes in bricklaying and plastering. Brian Berry, the Chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders has suggested that the initial announcement to attempt to increase apprenticeships to 3 million by 2020 could have led to an ideal that quantity is better than quality. However, this week the Government has improved its commitment to working with the construction industry by increasing the quality of the apprenticeship training and approving these new standards alongside the increased encouragement to deliver more apprenticeships. Research carried out by the FMB has shown that two-thirds of SMEs, or Small and Medium Enterprises, think that the overall quality of apprenticeships in the construction industry has decreased over the past 30 years. The research has also revealed that over 70% of smaller construction companies would be more likely to train an apprentice if the quality of construction apprenticeships and standards improved. It is noted that SMEs in the construction industry are who train two thirds of all apprentices, and if they are reluctant to take on apprentices due to the low quality of training. Therefore, the government putting their weight behind improving the quality and standards of apprenticeships will be reassuring for those construction companies when taking on apprentices. Named the Government’s Trailblazer process, the intention is to give more control back to the employers in order to make sure that the apprenticeship training does actually reflect what is required when working on site. A number of different large and small employers have given up their time in order to create these apprenticeship standards. Because of this the standard reflects what will actually be necessary to work in the construction industry. The standards set out by the construction companies means that there will be a higher standard of training for apprentices, which will mean that they will be taught to perform more technical tasks.
Thameslink are using Apprentices to inspire young people to consider apprenticeship on the railway. A group made up of work experience students, apprentices, and engineers from Network Rail’s Thameslink Programme are celebrating National Apprenticeship week by visiting schools local to the London Bridge station in order to inspire young people to consider railway sector apprenticeships. Thameslink has had the benefit of utilizing 98 apprentices working across Network Rail and their partners since 2012. Delivery partners include Costain, Balfour Beatty Rail and Siemens Rail Automation. The apprentices that are a part of the Thameslink Programme have gained valuable experience working on a variety of different sites including the London Bridge redevelopment project. The apprentices are required to build their skills both on and off the rails and have had experience in the commercial side of the business as well as being a part of the front-line railway. Network Rail’s Apprenticeship has a higher rate of retention that the national average for engineering. 75% of apprentices who complete the scheme then go on to be employed by Network Rail. The National average retention rate is 55% for engineering. This high rate means that with apprenticeships becoming more popular it is possible to be developing a career from the start of the course. On the 6th of March the team of promoters headed to Octavia House. This is a therapeutic school that specialises in providing education for student who have social emotional and mental health concerns. The group gave a presentation to the 15 and 16-year-old students as well as holding a workshop on the role of the apprentice. A presentation was also given to 180 students at Walworth Academy. The students at the Academy heard about the journeys and experiences of each of the apprentices, with the intention of trying to inspire the students to consider an apprenticeship on the railway.
New research has found that half of consumers are more likely to hire builders who employ apprentices. A study carried out by One Poll from 2000 home owners across the UK has revealed that 50% of those asked would rather hire builders that employ apprentices. With National Apprenticeship Week starting today, the results suggest the public support of apprenticeships. The survey also uncovered that two thirds of those home owners asked look more favorably on building firms that are known to offer apprenticeships. With half of those asked saying that they would be more likely to hire companies that train apprentices if that was a deciding factor. The research also found that more than two in five of those home owners asked would recommend a company that offered apprenticeships to friends and family members. Also, the study found that two thirds of the people involved in the study believed that companies should expressly highlight that the train apprentices and encourage the next generation of the trade industry in their marketing material. In a competitive industry, building companies are all looking for an edge over their competitors. Therefore, the results of this study reinforces that apprentices are good for business in allowing them to gain an advantage over those in their field. Companies who hire and train the next generation in the building sectors presents the companies in a strongly positive light to home owners looking for stronger core values of a company. The Government is about to implement a new Apprenticeship Levy on larger firms. It is hoped that this action will encourage larger companies to take on more apprentices; especially since this study has revealed that including apprentices amongst the staff is commercially viable for companies, leading to more contracts as well as training future tradespeople. Currently more apprentices are hired by small and medium size companies rather than larger firms.
A company known as M & R Haulage that has been in existence since 2007 is expanding its horizons by signing a financial agreement with Aldermore, a savings bank that specializes in helping businesses to invest in new and exciting projects. Mister Neil Johnson of Aldermore has explained that he is very pleased that the agreement is being signed as M & R Haulage have a very good reputation as a well-established company with many vital and exciting projects under its collar. This includes the firm’s intention to contribute towards the expansion of Heathrow Airport as well as its efforts in expanding the width of the M25. The agreement will ensure that M & R will be able to remain in the big league and sign itself up for lucrative and exciting contracts and projects in the years to come. M & R Haulage are also joined by M & R Aggregates, which furnishes the various substances that are needed in order for construction work to take place at whichever site M & R have been assigned to. No doubt M & R Haulage creator Varinderjit Singh and his family who run the business (along with a total of 10 other employees) will similarly be pleased with Alderman’s decision, and the proceeds that will result from that deal will be used not only to order a brand new vehicle for the haulage work itself, but will also put them in good stead to work on other projects in the future. Whilst M & R Haulage and Aggregates have currently been operating in the Southern regions of the United Kingdom and in the London suburban areas of Middlesex (where they are in fact currently based) it is hoped that with this new deal will secure a good relationship with Alderman and may help Mister Singh and his companies to greater lengths in the not so distant future.
A brand new interactive online tool has analysed 14,236 pieces of data across the 50 biggest British cities to help users determine whether relocating in 2017 would make them any better or worse off depending on their job. Jobs analysed include architecture, building surveyor, chartered surveyor, facilities management, project management, quantity surveyor and site manager. Average salaries by job and location, property costs, the average fees associated with moving home and the number of jobs in each field per 10,000 people have all been analysed to help users of a brand-new tool work out whether a 2017 move to a new UK city would benefit them financially or leave them worse off. The Best UK City widget, built by www.Web-Blinds.com, asks users to choose an occupation from an extensive drop-down menu and state the city they live in or a city they are considering relocating to. The tool then directs users to a series of in-depth results pages, showing how each city compares to the rest when it comes the cost of moving and setting up home, the number of job opportunities and an overall table. For example, for Building Surveyor jobs, London scores 39/49 overall, with the following rankings: 3/49 in terms of salary, with an average annual income of £41,254 49/49 in terms of the cost of property and average fees/furnishings, with an average cost of £616,944 12/49 in terms of job opportunities, with 38.31 jobs per 10,000 people LINK TO TOOL: https://www.web-blinds.com/resources/city-jobs-comparison/ Kirsty O’Sullivan, spokesperson for www.Web-Blinds.com, said: “People move to the big city for many reasons – but an improved pay packet is often high among them. That said, people could end up worse off if they move to a city with high accommodation costs. After all, what’s the point in moving for an extra £100 a month if your mortgage jumps up by even more?”
Lord Heseltine returned to the Tees Valley today to launch a new Strategic Economic Plan, placing the region at the centre of a new approach to industrial strategy. Meeting in Darlington, Lord Heseltine was joined by 250 business leaders, and the leaders of the five councils, to reaffirm commitment to the economic growth of the Tees Valley, and to use the opportunities arising from devolution to support a bright future for our region. With a £12.3 billion economy and world class expertise in chemicals, energy, health innovation and advanced manufacturing, Tees Valley makes a major contribution to the UK economy. The Industrial Strategy for Tees Valley 2016–2026 sets out bold plans to create 25,000 additional jobs, by building on our strengths, improving skills and infrastructure, and supporting business growth. The plan sets out key priorities and areas of activity over the next ten years including: Business Growth – attracting new business, improving access to finance and skills, and growing local business through an expanded Business Compass programme. Research, Development, Innovation and Energy – creating centres of innovation and technology, contributing to the UK’s industrial strategy in sectors of expertise; including biologics and materials. Education, Employment and Skills –increasing the number of graduate opportunities and vocational training, improving educational outcomes, and increasing the number of young people in education, employment and training. Place – creating vibrant town centres and expanding the quality and number of new homes. Transport and Infrastructure – plans to improve road, rail and bus services, connect Darlington to HS2, and develop plans for improved East-West connections and an additional Tees Crossing. The Circular Economy – proposals to develop a ‘low cost/high productivity/low carbon’ model for industry in Tees Valley, securing new investment by building clusters of companies connected through supply chains and sustainable energy supplies. Read more at http://neconnected.co.uk/lord-heseltine-launches-tees-valley-industrial-strategy/
Construction services company J Tomlinson has appointed Tony O’Toole as managing director of its M&E operation. The position is a new post and reflects the company’s plan to grow the M&E side of the business. “J Tomlinson is experiencing a continued period of expansion, and Tony’s appointment reflects our commitment to building on our M&E services. Nationally the M&E sector is starting to show signs of growth, and by strengthening our M&E team we aim to be best placed to expand this division,” said J Tomlinson CEO Mark Davis. Tony, who was previously operations director at Balfour Beatty Engineering Services for the North West and Midlands delivery unit, is based in J Tomlinson’s head office at Beeston near Nottingham, working across the East Midlands, West Midlands and Yorkshire. This is an exciting time for me. He said: “This is an exciting time for me to be joining J Tomlinson Ltd and to contribute to the strategic goals which will see a sustained growth in both the turnover and profitability of the J Tomlinson Ltd group.” With more than 30 years of experience within the M&E business, Tony began his career as an apprentice electrician and has since held senior positions within both PLC and privately owned national M&E contractors. “Tony is a proven leader with hard-core engineering and construction skills, industry vision and the ability to unite people behind that vision, and I am very pleased to welcome him to the J Tomlinson team,” added Mark. J Tomlinson provides a range of integrated building solutions including construction, refurbishment, repairs and maintenance, mechanical and electrical services (M&E), and facilities management. The company employs more than 400 people, and has been growing steadily and sustainably in recent years, with turnover increasing from £54 million in 2014 to £74 million in 2016. Recently, the firm opened a new West Midlands headquarters after experiencing expansion in the region – transferring its West Midlands base from a site in Birmingham to larger offices in London Road, Canwell, near Sutton Coldfield. For more information about J Tomlinson, visit www.jtomlinson.co.uk
Willmott Dixon has appointed Richard Blakeway as a new strategic advisor for the division in an attempt to strengthen its residential property developer arm. Mr Blakeway has a significant amount of experience in the industry and is a former Greater London Authority (GLA) deputy mayor for housing. Since leaving GLA earlier in the year, Blakeway spent many months advising the Government on housing policy. In this new role, Mr Blakeway will offer strategic advice to Willmott Residential to increase development volume throughout London in conjunction with local authorities and other land owners; particularly in growing ‘Be:here’, the company’s build for rent business. ‘Tremendous breadth of knowledge’ Willmott Residential Chief Executive, Nic Simpkin, commented: “Richard brings a tremendous breadth of knowledge of housing with a proven track-record for unlocking opportunities to deliver significant numbers of homes while at the GLA. I’m delighted Ric’s experience is going to play a key role in the next phase of our growth as we target new land opportunities, including creating a real step change in build for rent homes, with our next development in Hayes for 118 homes being delivered next month and developments at Barking and Kew ready to start having obtained planning consents.” Mr Blakeway said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to play an important part in Willmott Residential’s growth. I’ve been impressed with how its build-for-rent company Be:here has raised the bar for this emerging asset class and given the huge availability of institutional investment in money for build-for-rent, coupled with the significant need, we can really increase the availability of quality homes for people to rent.” Meanwhile, Willmott Dixon has secured a £20 million contract to build a new science and technology facility in Wales. The location of this development is in M-SParc’s science park in Gaerwen, Anglesey. Work on the 20-acre site is to begin later this year and with a completion time of early 2018.
The Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) has appointed a new director to its board, which has reinforced its pledge to maintain and encourage the highest standards of quality within the liquid industry. With over 37 years of experience in the liquid roofing market, Mark Flello will work with the existing LRWA board members to lead the strategic direction of the Association. Mr Flello began his career in the laboratories of Evode, before transferring to its subsidiary firm Evode Roofing as a roofing technician, which later became part of Briggs Amasco. He now works at and jointly owns Dove Technology, a business that makkes a range of adhesives specifically designed for the flat roofing sector. As a supplier to the liquid roofing sector, Dove Technology holds Associate Membership at the LRWA and Mr Flello brings his wider sector knowledge to the association, being the only associate member on the board. Mr Flello has also previously played an active role as chairman of the European Liquid Roofing Association (ELRA), which changed its name to European Liquid Waterproofing Association (ELWA) in 2005 when he became vice chairman of the ELWA technical committee. Speaking about his new position at the LRWA, Mr Flello commented: “I’m joining the board at such an exciting time, with the liquid roofing and waterproofing market growing we’re firmly focussed on raising awareness of the excellent liquid systems and products that are available, and making sure operatives are being trained properly to use them. “I think the main challenges ahead are combating quality control of those products being sold without any testing or certification which are simply not fit for purpose, and advising contractors on how to make the right choices when specifying systems. “I’m looking forward to working with the rest of the team at LRWA and bringing my skills to the table.”
Wates Group has confirmed that Paul Chandler will become Group Managing Director of its Construction Group in the New Year. Chandler will join the firm from Skanska where he spent 34 years and was head of the company’s building operations in the UK. He replaces Wates veteran Dave Smith who will step down from the business after 32 years. Wates CEO, Andrew Davis, commented: “Paul has built an enviable reputation for delivering large and complex projects with a keen emphasis on operational excellence. “He also brings enormous experience in sustainability and diversity and inclusion, areas which we have always valued at Wates, and which are becoming increasingly important to our customers. “I am delighted that Paul has agreed to join the Wates team and look forward to working with him on the many opportunities ahead.” Chandler said: “I am delighted to be joining the Wates Group at an exciting time in its growth strategy. “Wates has a great reputation across a number of sectors with strong performance across all its operations. “I look forward to bringing my experience to bear on the next stage of the Construction Group’s development alongside my new colleagues.” Sir Robert McAlpine also confirmed some changes to senior roles with London Regional Manager Grant Findlay promoted to the national role of Head of Preconstruction for the Building Division. McAlpine also officially confirmed Paul Heather will be joining from Skanska to take on the London regional role. Last month it was announced that Chief Operating Officer Dave Smith will leave the company at the end of the year. In a statement the contractor said Smith would step down from the role, as well as group managing director of the firm’s construction group and his group board roles with immediate effect. He will leave the company at the end of the year.
