AN ESSEX secondary school has become the first in the county to benefit from a net-zero carbon, modular building, creating hundreds of additional places for youngsters in the area. The £2.2m project at Sweyne Park School in Rayleigh has been led by independent property, construction, and infrastructure consultancy Pick Everard.
THE £15m relocation of the East Midlands Congenital Heart Centre from Glenfield Hospital to its new city centre home at Leicester Royal Infirmary (LRI) has now completed. National independent property, construction and infrastructure consultancy, Pick Everard has worked in close cooperation with the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust to
LEADING independent property, construction and infrastructure consultancy Pick Everard will play an integral role in the design of four new prisons – to be built in Yorkshire and in the North West and South East of England – following its appointment by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to its New
LEADING independent property, construction and infrastructure consultancy Pick Everard has unveiled its new-look head office following an extensive refurbishment led by its recently established in-house interior design team. The firm has restated its commitment to its Leicester city centre location with this extensive refurbishment to its Halford House office, updating the
COVID-19 has had an undeniable impact on how we live – but how could the pandemic potentially change the way we approach ventilation within our healthcare facilities as we learn from the coronavirus and tackle potential airborne infection control? Mechanical engineer at Pick Everard, Simon Atkin, discusses how the pandemic
PROPERTY, construction and infrastructure consultancy Perfect Circle has celebrated four years delivering Scape Group’s Built Environment Consultancy Services (BECS) framework – having been commissioned on more than 1,450 public sector projects during its term. Set up in 2016 by sector-leading firms Pick Everard, Gleeds and AECOM, Perfect Circle delivers the broadest
Contractor Henry Brothers Midlands has been appointed to build a new £15m ‘mock hospital’ facility at Nottingham Trent University to help train healthcare professionals of the future. Procured through Pagabo’s Major Works Framework, the 34,000 sq ft building at NTU’s Clifton Campus will serve as the base for the university’s
NATIONAL property, construction and infrastructure consultancy Pick Everard has strengthened its top team with the announcement of two senior promotions across its design and architecture departments. Steve Cummings, who joined the firm in 2008 as a project architect, will take over as national director for architecture, following on the success of long-standing
A PROGRAMME of works for health facilities, owned by NHS Property Services, throughout the Midlands valued at around £5m has been awarded to leading independent property, construction and infrastructure consultancy Pick Everard. NHS Property Services’ portfolio is one of the largest in the UK, comprising more than 3,000 properties with
For the construction industry, COVID-19 poses a unique set of challenges. James Hymers, associate at Pick Everard, discusses the importance of health and safety protocol and how to keep construction workers safe on site. In a recent open letter, the Secretary of State set an expectation that the industry is
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
AN ESSEX secondary school has become the first in the county to benefit from a net-zero carbon, modular building, creating hundreds of additional places for youngsters in the area. The £2.2m project at Sweyne Park School in Rayleigh has been led by independent property, construction, and infrastructure consultancy Pick Everard. Work involved the creation of an energy efficient building to house six new classrooms, a new staff room, office and storage space. The new building has been designed specifically to support the teaching of children who are deaf or have a hearing impairment, using enhanced lighting and acoustic standards. Energy saving measures include photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roof, used to generate the electricity of the building, as well as LED lighting, trace heating on hot water supply pipework and a high-efficiency, fresh air heating system combined with air source heat pumps. This type of heat pump has been proven to be three times more efficient than a gas boiler. Pick Everard was appointed by Essex County Council (ECC) in January this year to deliver project management and quantity surveying for the development. It produced multi-disciplinary designs for the council prior to planning, later fostering a collaboration with project partners Morgan Sindall to see the development through from April until completion. Sweyne Park is one of three secondary schools in Essex that Pick Everard is working on for the council’s modular innovation project, with completion also due at Clacton County High School in Clacton-on-Sea, and Colne Community College in Brightlingsea in the near future. Keith Prendergast, national director at Pick Everard, said: “We are really pleased to have completed this project with Essex County Council to improve the school facilities and increase the number of pupil places in the county. This marks the first of three projects to be delivered by Pick Everard for the council, continuing a longstanding relationship. “We have worked closely with the client and a modular supplier to ensure the brief was achieved, to provide the high-quality education facilities the next generation of students deserve.” Modular buildings are constructed off-site using the same materials and designed to the same codes and standards as conventional buildings – but in about half the time and with minimal disruption to the school. The build process is more environmentally-friendly as it reduces embodied carbon emissions. Build waste is also reduced by around 75 per cent. The units also do not rely on refined fossil fuels like gas, and therefore avoid around 20 tonnes of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere annually. Pick Everard quantity surveying associate, Tom Wint, said: “Modular builds are still a relatively new concept for schools but offer a greater level of flexibility and innovation. When compared to traditional on-site methods, Essex County Council has reduced the overall project time by six months by opting for modular builds, providing an efficient solution and allowing Sweyne Park School to open its new building at the start of the new academic year in September.” Property, construction and infrastructure consultancy Perfect Circle – a company jointly owned by Pick Everard, Gleeds and AECOM – was appointed by Essex County Council to deliver project management and quantity surveying services, which have been procured via SCAPE Consultancy, a direct award framework that drives collaboration, efficiency, time, and cost savings. Cllr Tony Ball, cabinet member for education, skills and training at Essex County Council, said: “The modular innovation project is successfully delivering essential new teaching space for schools to meet the needs of the local community. At the same time, we are delivering our ambitions to tackle climate change and working towards making Essex carbon neutral, as announced in the recent Essex Climate Action Commission report. “We know that buildings are currently responsible for 39% of global energy related carbon emissions. This project plays a part in reducing those carbon emissions, while providing a high-quality, bright, fresh, and comfortable learning environment for children. “Building this way also leaves schools with more money to spend on educating children rather than paying bills and maintenance.” Pick Everard employs more than 600 staff across its 13 offices, providing a range of project, cost, and design consultancy services. For more information, please visit www.pickeverard.co.uk.
THE £15m relocation of the East Midlands Congenital Heart Centre from Glenfield Hospital to its new city centre home at Leicester Royal Infirmary (LRI) has now completed. National independent property, construction and infrastructure consultancy, Pick Everard has worked in close cooperation with the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust to co locate children’s Congenital heart services in the region within a state-of-the-art setting. The children’s congenital heart service department was previously centred at Glenfield Hospital but has been moved to be part of the larger Leicester Children’s Hospital within Leicester Royal Infirmary. The move is part of the enabling works for the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust plan to transform healthcare in Leicester after winning £450m from the government to build a maternity and children’s hospital. The relocation has taken place over three phases of construction, with the first and largest element being a new-build extension to the Kensington Building to house the cardiac outpatient’s department, new cardiac theatre and new hybrid catheter lab. This extension is an innovative three-storey modular design including a basement level and is designed to achieve BREEAM ‘Very Good’ certification. Pick Everard provided principal designer services for all works, and electrical and mechanical design services for the PICU and cardiac ward. These services were also provided for work on the Kensington Building infrastructure, including phased strip-out, refurbishment and replacement of various features. Our designs also provided new domestic hot and cold-water plant and risers to serve the new extension and new wards, as well as having capacity to serve any future wards that would be accommodated within the building. Joshua Sandbach, project manager at Pick Everard, who was seconded to the client to provide internal support and ensure smooth delivery of the project, said: “We’re really proud to have facilitated such an important project, ensuring a high-spec central treatment centre for congenital heart services. Working within the client’s team has been a real key to the successful delivery of this project due to the pressures and unpredictability brought on by the pandemic and Brexit. “There have, of course, been a number of challenging points, but we have now created a truly considerate facility that meets the users’ needs and exceeds their expectations.” The second phase of work included a new cardiac ward situated on the first floor of the existing Kensington Building. This new ward has been designed with its end users in mind, considering the fact that many parents will wish to remain close to their children during treatment and hospital stays. To facilitate this, the design includes [four] of bedrooms for parent use to make their time at the hospital as comfortable and stress free as possible as well as the provision of fold down beds in patient side rooms. The final phase of work saw the installation of the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU), brand-new to fifth floor of the Kensington Building. As the new heart facility centres around the existing Kensington Building, it was necessary to relocate the services previously housed in this area of the hospital. In order achieve this, a compelling business case had to be created and Pick Everard consequently worked to refurbish two existing clinical areas on the LRI estate to re-house the maternity department and the gynaecology assessment and outpatients’ services. Nigel Bond, deputy director of estates and facilities at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, said: “The relocation of EMCHC to the LRI secures this fantastic service for the people of Leicester and the East Midlands area. It also represents the first phase of what will become a standalone Children’s Hospital on the site. The people of Leicester fought a hard campaign to retain the service in this region, they can be proud of what has been achieved. “Having Josh from Pick Everard embedded in our delivery team has been a delight and a significant contribution to the quality of the outcome. He has worked tirelessly with the clinical team, my staff and the contractors to ensure we got the building this service needs and deserves.” Adrian Ceney, partner at Pick Everard, said: “The importance of a healthy and supported start in life for children cannot be understated. We are really pleased to have delivered this particular project, which will provide that all-important start in life for those children born with health conditions, as well as ongoing support throughout their lives. “Given that our head office is based in Leicester city centre, it is with tremendous pride that we have worked with our local NHS Trust to provide the highest quality of heart healthcare in the region, while also improving the environment that our healthcare heroes work within. We are confident that the new-look departments will serve their purpose for many years to come, and we look forward to seeing the services get up and running in the coming months.” Alastair Hamilton, partner at Pick Everard, added: “We’re especially proud of the work we have delivered on this scheme, especially as the Leicester Hospital’s Charity is our head office’s charity of the year. Improving lives in our local region is incredibly important to us as a business, so we’re pleased to be supporting the charity, local health provision and the local business community, being an inaugural member of the charity’s business club, Friends of the Fox.” All works have been delivered following a direct appointment via the NHS Shared Business Services framework, a vehicle that provides business support services to the NHS and public sector. For more information, please visit https://www.pickeverard.co.uk/
LEADING independent property, construction and infrastructure consultancy Pick Everard will play an integral role in the design of four new prisons – to be built in Yorkshire and in the North West and South East of England – following its appointment by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to its New Prisons Programme (NPP). The MoJ and HM Prisons and Probation Service (HMPPS) aims to deliver a decent, safe and secure estate that supports offender rehabilitation. These four new prisons will be designed with this in mind and provide prison staff the necessary tools to prevent offenders from being drawn into further criminal activity whilst serving their sentence in custody and turn their lives around. Pick Everard – operating under Perfect Circle’s unique collaboration – has been appointed as client designer for the project, with procurement and delivery being accelerated through SCAPE, the UK’s leading public sector procurement authority. SCAPE’s direct award and fully performance managed framework will also help drive collaboration, efficiency, time and cost savings across the four sites. Tim Irons, director of architecture at Pick Everard said: ‘’We are delighted to have secured this role working in partnership with the MoJ to progress this significant building programme, which is the first MoJ client design appointment of this scale. “Following the successful delivery of common designs at HMP Five Wells and Glen Parva, this next phase of intense construction activity will deliver not only much needed prison places for the MoJ, but importantly environments sensitively designed to bring the best possible outcomes for those passing through them as they reach the end of their sentences. “We are continuously improving our solutions for resettlement focussed facilities to ensure they support both residents and staff to achieve more and are excited to now stretch the sustainability features of our designs to achieve BREEAM Outstanding and ambitious reductions in operational energy demand.’’ Robin Seaton, HMPPS Programme Director for New Prisons added: “We look forward to working with Pick Everard and Perfect Circle as we embark on the design and construction of our newest prison builds. It is essential that we get the design right to deliver Ministers’ and HMPPS’ commitment to modernise and improve prisons, making them more secure and better equipped to rehabilitate prisoners. We are confident that Pick Everard will help us to meet these aims.” The NPP will initially develop the design for four new prisons – the first of which will be located in Full Sutton, Yorkshire, with a further three locations to be confirmed. The Pick Everard team has commenced a baseline design review, which began last month (October). This will be followed by the development of a suite of reference designs, which will be used to deliver the four new prisons together with potential expansions of existing sites. Pick Everard will work closely with the MoJ to develop its existing ‘baseline design’ for prisons and deliver site specific designs for each of the new prisons. There are currently two prisons under construction to a ‘common’ design – one in Wellingborough (named HMP Five Wells) and the other in Glen Parva – which will form the basis for the new reference prison designs. The designs will introduce further opportunities to implement modern methods of construction and adapting current designs to meet ambitious new sustainability targets in support of achieving a net zero carbon estate. David Nisbet, partner at Pick Everard, said: “We have a long-standing relationship with the MoJ so we are very pleased to be able to work with them on this new approach to prisoner accommodation, education and rehabilitation. The NPP marks a really significant reform to the prison system and we are looking forward to working closely with the MoJ on delivering a new approach, which will offer value for money both throughout the design and build, but also in the day-to-day operation of the prisons.” Mark Robinson, group chief executive at SCAPE, added: “Modernising HMPPS’ prison estate is a matter of national interest, not just in terms of supporting communities with effective rehabilitation, but also in enabling our economic recovery through public sector investment. “Pick Everard’s longstanding partnership with the MoJ has demonstrated both teams are committed to creating positive outcomes for the justice system while delivering facilities that represent value for the taxpayer. These projects embody that same commitment and I look forward to seeing them progress at speed through our consultancy framework.” Perfect Circle – which comprises Pick Everard, Gleeds and AECOM – leads the SCAPE Consultancy framework, which offers direct access to the most extensive property, construction and infrastructure consultancy services available to the public sector. The fully OJEU-compliant procurement route brings together the strongest collaborative team with value for money, while contributing substantially to local social value. Pick Everard employs more than 500 staff across its 13 offices, providing a range of project, cost and design consultancy services. For more information, please visit www.pickeverard.co.uk.
LEADING independent property, construction and infrastructure consultancy Pick Everard has unveiled its new-look head office following an extensive refurbishment led by its recently established in-house interior design team. The firm has restated its commitment to its Leicester city centre location with this extensive refurbishment to its Halford House office, updating the interior of a building it had originally designed in the 1950s. Through the use of careful space planning, the refurbishment has transformed Halford House into an engaging open-plan office environment, which now accommodates a range of new and agile working spaces, including formal working areas, an executive space, collaborative and informal meeting zones, breakout areas, presentation space and a number of attractive meeting rooms. Bespoke furniture designs offer unique solutions for fixed seating, privacy screens and storage for users. Associate Anna Bly heads up Pick Everard’s in-house interior design team, which between them have more than 20 years’ experience in commercial interior design. The creative team works closely with clients to ensures that their designs truly deliver what is needed. In the case of office design, this means making sure that the new space personifies the brand, reflects its core values, enriches company culture and drives performance in the organisation – all in an attractive manner that fosters positive wellbeing for users. Anna said: “Halford House is definitely a project that has been close to our hearts. It’s been a really interesting process, consulting with a focus group through a series of engagement meetings and workshops that examined our firm’s culture, space and processes in great detail. This helped form a bespoke workplace strategy that fed into the creation of the design brief – which was ultimately to create an interior that reflects how we work, our brand and our future vision, as well as being a welcoming environment for staff and guests alike.” Through remodelling the existing space, the design team have been able to introduce more light, an improved air quality system, along with a rationalised desk layout and larger, more accessible amenities for the multi-storey building. Feature lighting, a well-considered ceiling design and careful coordination with the in-house M&E services team has helped to achieve exposed services throughout the design, which serve to create an industrial and raw aesthetic. Anna continued: “A timeless neutral colour and materials palette has been maintained throughout the whole design concept, with colour being introduced through furniture and planting. These elements of biophilic design, combined with a contemporary planting scheme and enhanced natural lighting schemes all work towards promoting positive wellbeing for all users. “Working on our own space meant that we have been able to showcase the best of our services, incorporating bespoke joinery, lighting and metalwork combine with the clean studio design to create the modern finish. We have also introduced the new breakout spaces and a large, open tea point area, which make the space easier to use. This encourages spontaneous collaboration – something that’s really important in a multi-disciplinary practice – as well as social integration within the teams.” David Shaw, national design director at Pick Everard, said: “We are so happy to be revealing our new look head office thanks to excellent work from the integrated team behind the design and delivery. The design and aesthetic created by the team will serve to really boost staff wellbeing and promote collaboration across our teams. “As a multi-disciplinary practice, we are able to carry out a full range of services for clients, but the interior design experts we have in-house allow us to add a huge amount of value to architecture and design projects over the last year. Anna, Cristina, David and Larissa bring a huge wealth of interiors knowledge to Pick Everard, strengthening our overall design offering as a business. “Of course, COVID-19 did come to the foreground during the delivery of the refurbishment of Halford House, but everyone involved worked with expert professionalism to ensure that safety and social distancing measures were put in place on-site and clear communication continued between all parties to ensure that work could be safely delivered.” Duncan Green, managing partner at Pick Everard, said: “Everyone involved with the refurbishment of our Leicester office has been carrying out incredible work, especially with having COVID-19 and a localised lockdown in Leicester to contend with during delivery. The interior design team have not left a single thing in our new space without consideration and have created an attractive aesthetic that is both beautiful and practical.” Pick Everard employs more than 500 staff across its 13 offices, providing a range of project, cost and design consultancy services. For more information, please visit www.pickeverard.co.uk
COVID-19 has had an undeniable impact on how we live – but how could the pandemic potentially change the way we approach ventilation within our healthcare facilities as we learn from the coronavirus and tackle potential airborne infection control? Mechanical engineer at Pick Everard, Simon Atkin, discusses how the pandemic could shape ventilation systems moving forwards. He said: “Sustainability and energy efficiency has long been high on the agenda for the construction industry as we all look to move towards Net Zero Carbon and to deliver the most environmentally sound infrastructure – but COVID-19 has introduced a new focus for many; ventilation. More importantly, how we can ensure that the systems we use within our buildings keep end users safe and prevent the spread of airborne diseases such as coronavirus? “Historically, ventilation has been related to the thermal comfort of end users, particularly in commercial settings. However, the way in which we handle air circulation within our buildings has become a key point of discussion in relation to infection control, whether that be within new builds or what options there are to retrofit older buildings to help improve the role of ventilation in bacterial control within our buildings – especially those with healthcare purposes.” Adapting to changing scientific advice Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, building services engineers have had to pay close attention to the scientific advice on the disease to ensure that clients can be advised on their systems appropriately – whether this be a commercial office space or a medical facility. Simon added: “Several months into the pandemic in the UK, the World Health Organisation (WHO) acknowledged that there was emerging evidence that the virus could be spread by tiny particles suspended in the air, and that such airborne transmission could not be ruled out in crowded, closed or poorly ventilated settings. “With many patients needing critical treatment for other conditions throughout the pandemic it is of critical importance that we adapt quickly and efficiently within healthcare facilities to ensure that patients are still able to receive potentially life-saving treatment without being put at risk of contracting coronavirus. “High-performance ventilation systems are already commonplace within the healthcare sector, with systems including negative pressure air handling and fresh air exchangers utilised effectively in hospitals – but are we likely to see these types of systems integrated into other sectors as we move out of the pandemic? It could be that hospital grade ventilation systems become the norm across all varieties of buildings as consumers become more focussed on how we ventilate spaces to prevent the spread of disease. “There is an inevitable cost implication to utilising higher performance ventilation systems as well as a potential compromise on other sustainability credentials within the build, both of which may make clients think twice about how far they are willing to go – especially given the evolving ways in which we are all using spaces as a result of social distancing. “We may also see changes to the maintenance and cleaning of ventilation systems. In the past, this is something that has been carried out infrequently – if at all – but as increasing focus is placed on germ control, it may be that we see pressure being applied on building owners and occupiers to illustrate these measures are being taken, possibly even via legislation and certification.” The future of ventilation At Pick Everard, we have been keeping abreast of the latest scientific data and advice from the WHO, to make sure we provide our clients with the best possible service in what has been undoubtedly one of the toughest years for the healthcare sector. As well as the obvious pressures the coronavirus placed on services directly, there have been huge ripples of indirect pressures as well. “One hospital with whom we at Pick Everard have a working relationship has sought consultancy services on its ventilation systems due to one such indirect pressure – a forced reduction in the number of patients served,” said Simon. “Following the WHO acknowledgement of potential airborne transmission in enclosed spaces, the hospital had to introduce a process of leaving a minimum of one hour between patients in its consultancy rooms to avoid cross-contamination issues. This of course has a significant impact on the number of patients that can be treated each day, increasing the waiting lists for treatments and has a very real human impact on those patients waiting for treatment. “We have never seen such a focus on air circulation and ventilation, but whether or not there will be a long-term change in approach when it comes to designing systems in our buildings is not yet clear. There will undoubtedly be cost implications associated with higher grade ventilation systems, as well as considerations around performance and energy efficiencies, which will potentially require clients to find additional funding to see projects come to fruition. “As we move through the pandemic and with a vaccine potentially on the horizon, any longer-term shift towards high-performance heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems may not be obvious as changes take their time to filter through. Without legislation it is likely that progress will be slow across the board, but there are certainly many learnings to take forward from 2020, and opportunity for forward-thinking organisations to deliver better, more hygienic, and sustainable buildings.” Pick Everard employs more than 500 staff across its 13 offices, providing a range of project, cost and design consultancy services. For more information, please visit www.pickeverard.co.uk.
PROPERTY, construction and infrastructure consultancy Perfect Circle has celebrated four years delivering Scape Group’s Built Environment Consultancy Services (BECS) framework – having been commissioned on more than 1,450 public sector projects during its term. Set up in 2016 by sector-leading firms Pick Everard, Gleeds and AECOM, Perfect Circle delivers the broadest range of property, construction and infrastructure consultancy services available to the public sector via Scape’s BECS framework, which was due to come to an end in early October but was extended by three months to support partners and clients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Victoria Brambini, managing director at Perfect Circle, said: “We are immensely proud of the success we have achieved with Scape over the past four years, and the strong relationships we have forged with clients and our growing network of supply chain partners. “Our public sector clients have benefitted from vastly reduced procurement time and real savings for the public purse. Together with Scape, we have delivered real value, ensuring social, economic and environmental benefits sit at the heart of every project – enabling clients to unlock true social value and create a lasting legacy for their communities. As a result, more than £44m in social value has been generated on projects commissioned via the framework, including the delivery of 900 hours of employability workshops.” Perfect Circle has assembled a supply chain of more than 680 partners across the UK since the start of the framework, helping micro-businesses and SMEs to work with a diverse range of public sector organisations. Victoria said: “SMEs are the backbone of our industry and the building blocks of strong local communities; their involvement in public sector schemes is vital. Our regional presence across the UK allows us to engage with local supply chains effectively and provide them with opportunities to work on schemes that directly benefit their communities – supporting their growth and ensuring that public money is reinvested in the area. “The Scape BECS framework has significantly contributed to the government’s drive for levelling up in the UK and we are delighted to have spent more than £52m through SMEs on public sector projects.” Despite the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, Perfect Circle has continued to respond to the ongoing need for public services to be provided to communities – be it in designing new bridges and adding electricity charging points to car parks, or managing hospital refurbishments and school extensions. The framework has grown, with the consultancy teams securing 89 new commissions over the past six months and reaching a height of activity that has generated month on month record fee earnings. During this time, Perfect Circle provided valuable cashflow for its suppliers, ensuring crucial public sector schemes keep moving, generating local spend and adding inclusive social value. Victoria said: “During 2020 in particular, SMEs have experienced – and are continuing to experience – a range of challenges. As well as continuing to preserve and support growth of opportunities for our suppliers by giving them a route to market, with consistency and collaboration with clients, we have continued to make fair and even faster payments. Over the past quarter, 100% of invoices have been paid in 30 days, with 60% of payments made in five days.” Sara Boland, managing director of chartered landscape architecture practice Influence, added: “2020 has presented many challenges to the industry, with the impacts of both Brexit and coronavirus to consider. “During this unprecedented time, working with Perfect Circle’s transparent, reliable payment terms has demonstrated their respect for and commitment to our relationship and the projects that we collaborate on. The certainty and assurance of trusted partners like Perfect Circle have been critical to supporting the planning of cashflow in businesses at this time.” Scape’s BECS framework is the most efficient route to market, allowing direct award for commissioning services with full public procurement compliance. It significantly reduces the time needed for brief preparation – accelerating delivery of projects and programmes. Mark Robinson, Scape Group chief executive, said: “The vast array of successful projects the team at Perfect Circle have delivered throughout the lifetime of the BECS framework is testament to the outstanding value this partnership has brought to the public sector. “Importantly, this pioneering framework has achieved what we had all hoped. It has systematically introduced real change in the community, through our joint commitment to implement social value wherever possible. “The partners that came together to form Perfect Circle know exactly what it takes to generate a positive legacy, something that will continue to play an increasingly integral role in shaping the future of the UK. “To build back better means that every element of best practice that has been identified throughout this framework partnership is improved upon in the future. And we’re tremendously excited about seeing what can be achieved through our new consultancy frameworks. “It’s clear that Perfect Circle has set a high bar and I look forward to seeing how the next generation of TeamScape consultancy partners respond to its unequivocal success.” The £1bn, next generation Scape’s Consultancy framework will replace the current BECS framework for new commissions in January 2021. To find out more about Perfect Circle, please visit www.perfectcircle.co.uk.
Contractor Henry Brothers Midlands has been appointed to build a new £15m ‘mock hospital’ facility at Nottingham Trent University to help train healthcare professionals of the future. Procured through Pagabo’s Major Works Framework, the 34,000 sq ft building at NTU’s Clifton Campus will serve as the base for the university’s Institute of Health & Allied Professions, which offers a range of specialist courses such as Adult and Mental Health Nursing, Paramedic Science and Public Health. One entire floor will be dedicated to simulated healthcare environments including hospital wards, consultation and counselling rooms, and even a flat for home and emergency care scenarios. The settings will also feature lifelike patient manikins to give students the experience of working with men, women and children with a variety of injuries. Two additional floors will provide office and flexible teaching spaces, including removable seating in lecture theatres to allow for creative learning approaches such as role play. The centre will allow NTU to equip future healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed for modern healthcare. Ian Taylor, managing director of Henry Brothers Midlands, said: “We are proud to have been selected to build this facility which will have such an important role to play in training future generations of healthcare professionals. “Henry Brothers Midlands has successfully partnered with Nottingham Trent University on a number of projects in recent years, helping to create first-class facilities for a range of disciplines, including a new £23m engineering building and the £9m Enterprise Innovation Centre, which is currently being built, and we are delighted to have been appointed on this latest state-of-the-art scheme.” Dr Anne Felton, head of the Institute of Health & Allied Professions, said: “Contemporary registered healthcare professionals are required to be dynamic and flexible. As well as providing compassionate care, they need to be able to think critically, make complex decisions and lead. “Fostering these skills in the next generation of nurses, paramedics and allied health professionals requires universities to use a range of teaching and learning strategies which complement and enhance the time students spend in practice during their courses. “The facilities in this cutting-edge new building will enable us to recreate a ward setting, or a persons’ home environment, so students can practice and apply the skills they are learning in a safe way and in a realistic context, as well as creating scenarios for students that may be rare in a real world situation.” Executive Dean of the School of Social Sciences at NTU, Professor Sara Owen, added: “Simulations and virtual reality are providing huge opportunities in healthcare education and we are proud of the technological advances and facilities on offer in this building. They will enable us to make these creative and innovative approaches an integral part of our education and give our students the best possible experience.” Jonathan Parker, National Framework Manager at Pagabo, said: “We’re delighted to see that NTU has chosen once again to utilise our Major Works Framework to successfully procure and appoint Henry Brothers Midlands. “The new facility is set to have a huge benefit on the next generation of healthcare professionals and continue to transform NTU’s ever-changing campuses, which is something we’re extremely proud to play our part in. “Henry Brothers are a key delivery partner of ours and operate across multiple regions on both our Major and Medium Works Frameworks, so it’s a real pleasure to be continuing to build on our excellent working relationship with them.” The scheme is being led by NTU’s capital projects group within the Estates department. As well as main contractor Henry Brothers – appointed under the Pagabo Framework – the delivery team includes external project managers, Edge, together with architects, Pick Everard, and Turner & Townsend, Atkins and Waterman Group. Work is expected to get under way on site this month (October) with completion due by January 2022. Nottingham-based Henry Brothers Midlands is part of The Henry Group, which comprises a number of manufacturing and construction sector companies, ranging from external construction through to interiors fit-out. In partnership with clients, it has a proven track record in education, defence, accommodation, commercial, industrial, transport and healthcare sectors. For more information, visit www.henrybrothers.co.uk
NATIONAL property, construction and infrastructure consultancy Pick Everard has strengthened its top team with the announcement of two senior promotions across its design and architecture departments. Steve Cummings, who joined the firm in 2008 as a project architect, will take over as national director for architecture, following on the success of long-standing national director Paul Rothera in the post. David Shaw has been promoted to national design director – a strategic appointment with a focus on further enhancing design quality across all of Pick Everard’s disciplines. The promotions form part of the firm’s ambitious plans for continued growth and will see the approach across the discipline developed and strengthened, with clients benefiting from enhanced innovative, sustainable, and design-focused solutions. The practice is also pleased to confirm that former national director for architecture, Paul Rothera, will continue with the firm. Paul has been a driving force behind the firm achieving its 2020 strategic plan and will be integral to the development and realisation of the firm’s strategic plan for 2025. Paul will also continue to work closely with David and Steve in support of the continued success of the architectural discipline. David and Steve have a long-standing friendship, having first met while completing their Architecture Part II studies at the University of Nottingham, both graduating in 2003. They gained their Professional Accreditation in 2005 while working together at a well-respected design-orientated Nottingham practice, where they worked together until 2008 when Steve joined Pick Everard in their London office. Since then Steve has developed his career working for some of Pick Everard’s most important clients, predominately focusing on the education and commercial sectors. He said: “I have been part of the Pick Everard team for nearly 12 years now. During this time, I have thoroughly enjoyed working across three offices and the practice has given me the support, flexibility, and opportunity to realise my career goals. I have thoroughly enjoyed playing a part in delivering inspiring and practical design for our clients during that time. I am excited about the challenge and opportunity, for continued success for the practice, which my new role will bring. “We have already made some great progress in growing and developing this area of the business under Paul’s leadership. I am excited about shaping how we move architecture at Pick Everard forwards, build on our already very strong team and continue to enhance our capability to ensure we are the architect of choice for our clients across all sectors and regions. Alongside our architects, we have an excellent interior design team, and a growing BIM management offer, giving us lots of exciting new opportunities to work with clients to deliver great design solutions. “After so many years of knowing and working with David, I’m really looking forward to collaborating with him and the wider team to promote design excellence in everything we do and ensure we deliver better together.” David spent several years gaining experience across multiple sectors including higher education, health and master planning, before joining Pick Everard in 2016 as an associate. Now taking on a new role within the firm – national design director – David said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to develop the design offering throughout the business and co-ordinate our approach across our design teams. A fully integrated design approach working with a holistic, innovative, collaborative, and sustainable design focus from the outset of the project will provide exemplar solutions for our clients while driving our environmental agenda. I am passionate about this and am determined to challenge and raise our quality bar even higher. “Pick Everard is an ambitious firm. I am very proud of the progress we have already made in transforming the business since I arrived nearly four years ago and am excited about what the future has to bring. It will be fantastic to continue working alongside Steve and the whole team to improve our services and bring our big plans for the future to fruition. “There will undoubtedly be a lot to learn from the current COVID-19 situation to ensure that our teams can embrace a more flexible work-life balance, finding the way in which they deliver the best possible design service across the board – we must use this as an opportunity to springboard and be more agile and deliver better for our clients. Equally, we are in a position to help our clients move to a new normal for their day to day operations.” Since joining the practice, David and Steve have worked on high-profile projects and have helped to build an exceptional architecture and design team through strategic recruitment and collaboration with universities to support and recruit the best graduates. They have forged a strong working relationship during their four years together at Pick Everard and the Partnership believe this will benefit the practice moving forward. David Nisbet, partner at Pick Everard, said the promotions recognised the hard work and dedication of the duo. He said: “Both Steve and David have worked tirelessly to grow and develop the design and architecture offering at the firm and they have both made important contributions to the firm already, so we are very pleased to welcome them to the management team. “Investing in and developing our people is a hugely important part of our strategy for growth and these two senior promotions are indicative of that commitment to our people. I would like to congratulate them both and am looking forward to working with them as we develop the business further over the coming months and years. “We are delighted to have retained Paul Rothera within the firm in his new strategic role. In the past five years, Paul has led the architectural discipline in delivering a 40% increase in income and has significantly lifted the status of our architectural team, who are now ranked 56 in the AJ Top 100. “Paul has been a driving force in achieving a greater talent density within the business, through strategic appointments, growth opportunities, and the development of a unique graduate
A PROGRAMME of works for health facilities, owned by NHS Property Services, throughout the Midlands valued at around £5m has been awarded to leading independent property, construction and infrastructure consultancy Pick Everard. NHS Property Services’ portfolio is one of the largest in the UK, comprising more than 3,000 properties with 7,000 tenants across England. At a total value of more than £3bn, this represents about 10% of the total NHS estate. The work will cover the delivery of backlog maintenance projects for 38 health centres to implement remedial works to the site infrastructure, internal and external building fabric, and mechanical and electrical systems, with work commencing this month. Pick Everard’s team will be providing programme management, project management, quantity surveying and principal designer services (health and safety). The works will overhaul building systems, ensuring they meet current building guidance. The team will work in collaboration with the external consultants undertaking architectural and services design to deliver the projects. David Harris, partner at Pick Everard said: “We’re really pleased to have been awarded this commission, allowing us to continue and expand the extensive services we have been providing in support of the NHS and its services across the UK for many years. It’s of course a point in time when providing the NHS with as much support as possible has never been so important, so it’s great to be progressing these projects, allowing us to help support our health service in the Midlands with critical work. “The government has promised a number of programmes and funding packages for the health service throughout this year, including 40 new hospitals announced as part of ‘Project Speed’ at the end of June. However, it’s of clear importance that we must look after and improve the existing health service infrastructure, ensuring it continues to be fit for purpose, in order for healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care to patients in the region.” Paul Jones, principal construction manager at NHS Property Services, said: “We’re pleased to have skilled and experienced partners on board to support the programme of works across the Midlands. The clear objective in sight is to deliver better patient care and these works are central to that.” Imran Ishaq, associate director for building surveying at Pick Everard, who is leading on this project, said: “There is no doubt that Covid-19 will impact how we deliver this work and it is imperative safety guidance is followed by observing social distancing and health and safety protocols. We will be working within live, occupied environments, so will be using phased construction strategies to keep disruption at an absolute minimum and allow tenant businesses to continue with their services as work is in progress. “A big focus for all we do at Pick Everard is delivering works that make a real social and economic difference to the community. For this programme of works we will be deploying local labour and working closely with SMEs across the region on the provision of these improved community care facilities.” The work is being delivered under the NHS Shared Business Services framework, a vehicle that provides business support services to the NHS and public sector. Pick Everard employs more than 550 staff across its 13 UK offices, providing a range of project, cost and design consultancy services. For more information, please visit www.pickeverard.co.uk.
For the construction industry, COVID-19 poses a unique set of challenges. James Hymers, associate at Pick Everard, discusses the importance of health and safety protocol and how to keep construction workers safe on site. In a recent open letter, the Secretary of State set an expectation that the industry is hoped to keep working on site and keep this vital part of the UK economy going – while continuing to observe social distancing guidelines. Site Operating Procedures The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has created a set of site operating procedures to assist with implementing a plan and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has stated they will take enforcement action where employers are not taking reasonable steps to address social distancing. However, the HSE does also recognise that businesses are not being asked to close with the exception of specific social businesses. However, the industry must take responsibility for ensuring site workers are kept safe and that health and safety arrangements on their sites remain suitable and sufficient. As well as managing the risk of transmission on site, employers must consider the commute to and from the workplace in line with current government advice. Employers should also consider protocol should someone fall ill on site – and what steps will be taken to prevent transmission both at work and before they return home to self-isolation. Where work cannot take place from home, social distancing guidelines should be adhered to. If this is not possible given the nature of a particular task, employers should ‘consider’ whether the works are necessary and if they are, implement measures to prevent transmission of the virus. What if a site has to close? In addition to the site operating procedures, the CLC has produced guidance for where a construction site requires mothballing. While government guidance encourages sites to remain operational, this may not be possible due to issues with supply chain, workers being unwell or constraints to social distancing guidance amongst other issues. This may mean a site must close temporarily. In this instance, the Principal Contractor would still have a duty of care over the site, its visitors and anyone who might enter it illegally – as such, the site must be left clear and safe before it is closed. This may involve additional security measures being put in place, finishing essential works or implementing temporary safety measures to prevent injury to anyone who may trespass while it is not operational. Taking a collaborative approach It is inevitable that there may be programme and cost implications associated with the measures that must be put in place to ensure that social distancing guidelines are adhered to – it may be necessary to defer certain aspects of a build until a full workforce can return or to temporarily stop while appropriate measures are implemented. A collaborative approach among the project team is therefore key. In planning effectively for changes to working practices and potential delays, recovery following the COVID-19 crisis can be accelerated. About Pick Everard Pick Everard is a leading independent property, construction and infrastructure consultancy renowned for cutting edge sustainable design, delivered through cost effective and efficient project management. Established in 1866, Pick Everard has an award-winning project portfolio covering major retail development, city centre and urban regeneration, commercial and leisure projects. Pick Everard, which has an integrated in-house team of 500 architects, engineers, surveyors and project managers, is also part of Perfect Circle – a consortium comprising Pick Everard, Gleeds and AECOM established to deliver the Scape Built Environment Consultancy Services framework. Pick Everard has offices in the UK in London, Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham, Leicester, Nottingham, Derby, Bury St Edmunds, Cardiff, Inverness, Bristol, Edinburgh and Leeds. For more information visit www.pickeverard.co.uk.
