Double ISO success for company with ambitious Plans for Growth

FPM Group, a multi-disciplinary construction company based in Coventry, is enjoying its most successful trading year to date and the achievements don’t stop there. The organisation has recently passed the rigorous ISO audit process and been awarded two accreditations: ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.

The courses will help JLR specify Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) components, perform Verification and Validation (V&V) activities and integrate High Voltage (HV) components and systems into complete electric vehicles.

JLR propulsion experts and the JLR Academy have contributed to course content, tailoring it to JLR’s needs, reviewing content created by Coventry University, all facilitated by the JLR Learning & Development Academy.

Classes are a mix of in-person learning with a subject expert, and hands-on practical learning in Coventry University’s on-campus Electric Vehicle workshop.

This work has led to the successful launch of both courses mid-January 2023, and learner feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

JLR is already in the process of planning next cohorts to satisfy the large demand within the business.

Jaguar Land Rover Engineering Director Thomas Müller said: “It's exciting to be partnering with Coventry University to help our people prepare for our new electric era. Automotive jobs are evolving as the industry transforms at pace, so it’s key for us to empower and support our employees in developing knowledge and skills in electrification.

“We are putting in place training programmes to ensure we are readying our people and preparing the business to adapt to our next generation technologies. These actions underline our commitment to developing our future engineering and manufacturing skills, as we continue to create products which will deliver a truly modern luxury experience for our clients.”

Coventry University is also finalising an advanced course which would see engineers earn a degree-level qualification, as well as developing a new course around hydrogen powertrains – another form of low-emission transport.

Dr Awinder Kaur, Associate Head Enterprise and Innovation at Coventry University, said: “The courses are completely tailored to JLR, right down to the parts the engineers use in practical lessons. We listened carefully to JLR’s needs in order to create the most useful courses for their staff.

“This is a brilliant example of how we can use our academic expertise to create and deliver practical, bespoke courses that can make a tangible difference to major companies.

“Coventry University has an important role to play in helping the private sector upskill workforces and enabling the economy to move forward and meet the challenges of an ever-changing global marketplace.”

For more information, email futurepower@cusltd.co.uk

Robert Villette, Managing Director at FPM Group, said: “I am very proud of how the company has grown since its inception 15 years ago and we remain on a solid trajectory for that growth to continue. Our ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 awards are a testament to the hard work of the whole team and their complete commitment to engage with the processes we have put in place both operationally and environmentally. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank WA Management for their support in helping us achieve these prestigious accreditations.

We are particularly pleased with the ISO 14001 award. Our industry can receive bad press about the damage construction sites cause to the environment. We have always strived to work in an efficient and environmentally friendly way and adhere to best practice to limit our carbon footprint on projects. We also expect our suppliers to do the same and will, for example, only use timber merchants who supply FSC-certified timber.

“As we begin Quarter 2, we are excited to see what the rest of 2023 brings. Alongside our project work, we also have a recruitment drive in place to expand the team further.”

FPM Group, trading as First Project Maintenance, was founded in 2008 by the current MD Robert Villette. The company expanded its name to the FPM Group in 2019 to reflect how its building services have grown over the years to form three distinct divisions – Facilities Management, M&E and Projects, Fit-Outs and Refurbishments.

FPM Group works on commercial properties across a wide range of sectors, including retail, education, office spaces, and historic buildings. Visit www.thefpmgroup. co.uk to learn more about the business and its latest projects.

Ashorne Hill achieves Greengage ECOsmart Platinum accreditation

Ashorne Hill, a dedicated Training and Management Centre in Warwickshire, has recently announced that they have achieved a Greengage Solutions ECOsmart Platinum accreditation – the highest industry-standard accreditation available.

Awarded to hotels and meeting venues demonstrating an eco-friendly approach, the Greengage Travel & Event Solutions ECOsmart rating is an industry-standard recognition.

ECOsmart is an industry leader in the field of environmental accreditation and operates a directory of the UK’s leading green venues, each committed to minimising their impact on the planet.

ECOsmart describe Platinum venues as having an outstanding approach with the highest possible standard of environmental sustainability applied. Platinum ECOsmart venues are leaders in hospitality and have considered sustainability in all aspects of their business.

Some of the key initiatives implemented at Ashorne Hill include an energy saving laundry system, boiler replacement programme to reduce inefficient systems, electricity from 100% renewable energy and motion sensor lighting.

Renata Homer, General Manager at Ashorne Hill, said: “Whilst we are really pleased with the progress so far, the task to reduce our impact on the environment is endless. “Sustainability is an ongoing project which takes time, effort and prioritisation to help achieve the greatest effect on reducing waste through the business. There are still plenty of opportunities for Ashorne Hill and our industry to make a positive impact on the environment and we are happy to share and learn about best practices.”

Andrew Perolls, Chief Executive Officer at @Greengage Solutions, praised Ashorne Hill on achieving the acclaimed platinum status by saying: “Congratulations on receiving Greengage’s highest level ECOsmart Platinum accreditation. Amongst the many initiatives are: a zero waste to landfill policy, a five year carbon reduction plan, healthy and local food options with 40%+ food served being vegetarian/vegan, in-house bottled water and EV charging points.”