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NWRC recently redeveloped its Springtown Campus

NWRC Springtown – Skills campus for the future

CONNECTED recently sat down with John Cartin, Deputy Head of Training & Skills at North West Regional College to hear more about the college’s redeveloped Springtown Campus, its plans for the future, and how skills are vital to the future success of our regional economy.

Samantha Traynor, Head of Training & Skills, NWRC

A new era is dawning at North West Regional College’s (NWRC) Springtown Campus.

Following a multi-million-pound redevelopment, the campus is looking to the future, with its new state-of-theart training facilities which will be the key to fulfilling the career potential of thousands of young people in the North West, as well as unlocking the region’s economic potential.

The campus is now home to the highest quality, industry standard training facilities, for ‘in demand’ skills across Northern Ireland that include electrical installation; fabrication and welding; mechanical engineering; motor vehicle repair; light vehicle body repair; plumbing; carpentry and joinery; bricklaying; wall and floor tiling; painting and decorating; and renewables.

The re-development has also allowed the campus to diversify and expand its range of courses. In September 2021, for the first time, Springtown Campus will offer a range of sport and fitness courses in addition to sports courses already offered at its Strand Road base, as well as providing extra work space for NWRC’s award-winning and continually developing Business Support Centre.

John Cartin, Deputy Head of Training and Skills at NWRC, said, “This significant investment in Springtown by the Department for the Economy has created a modern and vibrant learning environment for the benefit of all the college’s students, staff, and stakeholders.

“NWRC has a long tradition in developing the careers of men and women working in traditional crafts and skills, forging strong partnerships with local schools, groups, and industry”, says John.

“But despite our rich history, we continue to be forward thinkers as we continually develop our curriculum, responding to the demands of industry and the ever-changing world of technology.

“We are delighted to have recruited a number of new staff members to complement our highly skilled lecturing team as part of the redevelopment of Springtown. These staff join us after years of valued experience working in their respective industry areas, ensuring the delivery of all aspects of the college curriculum is always up to date.

“This investment in Springtown is a huge step forward and everyone at the College is enthusiastic about our new and modern estate, which has a fresh and vibrant appeal. It is not only fit for purpose, but it also meets the expectations of students and employers alike.

“The work on site has seen the campus transformed. Springtown now has new workshops for each vocational area which are fitted with the latest technology and equipment that provide an enhanced learner experience.

“Other exciting developments include the new CNC technology in both engineering and construction; robotic welding capability; electric vehicle training rigs and charging stations; electrical testing and inspection rigs, and much more.”

Springtown Campus, which is one of NWRC’s five campuses, first opened in the early 1970s as a government training centre, and recently celebrated 45 years of training and skills at the site. With a wide and varied curriculum, Springtown has guided thousands of local learners studying both parttime and full-time courses into careers in the crafts and skills sector. Many students have gone to open their own businesses and have retained their connection to the college by offering paid employment opportunities to the college’s apprentices.

“Interest in Apprenticeships in all areas continues to grow”, explains John. “We are regularly in contact with employers across the North West whose businesses are in urgent need of skilled workers in areas such as fabrication and welding, bricklaying, and carpentry and joinery. “Recently, the college ran another hugely successful Welding Academy which had almost 200 applications for just 12 places. “The College worked with local companies Fleming Agri, GES, Crossland, AE Global, and SGS NI Ltd, who provided training to the participants, and such was the success that each of the 12 participants who finished the Academy left with the offer of employment.

“The Assured Skills Welding Academy is just one example of how training at NWRC offers a fantastic opportunity for new talent to progress in industry by addressing the skills shortage. Their success in turn can have a positive impact on the North West City Region’s local economy by feeding into local business anchors.”

Highlighting the college’s achievements at competition level, John said the college’s huge success at WorldSkills (Skills Olympics) had been very motivating for staff and students.

“Not only has Springtown, and our colleagues at our sister Campus in Greystone Limavady, celebrated students who have gone on to the World Finals and travelled across the globe to compete, many of our lecturers have also been recognised for their world-class expertise in teaching in their fields”, explains John. “It’s testament to our success that a number of our staff have worked as Training Managers for the WorldSkills Team UK.”

With the challenges that 2021 has brought to all colleges, NWRC is looking ahead to the 2021-22 academic year and getting back to what it does best – teaching students on site.

“Our new industrial training facility at Springtown is an extremely positive and welcome development of industrial apprenticeships in the college, city and region”, adds NWRC Principal and Chief Executive Leo Murphy. “If we are to realise our economic potential in this region, as well as becoming a University City, we need to become an Apprenticeship City.”

Patrick McKeown, NWRC Director of Finance and Economic Engagement, adds, “I wish to place on record my thanks to the Department for the Economy for its support and contribution to this significant investment and development for North West Regional College.”

Joe Porteous and Paul McGarrigle, Curriculum Managers, NWRC Springtown

EHA Group leading the way in construction projects across the UK

In just under 30 years, EHA Group has grown to be one of the UK’s leading full-service construction firms. Headquartered in the North West of Ireland, the fast-growing company also has offices in London and Belfast, taking the lead in design and build, civil engineering, general contracting, and specialist joinery projects across the UK. The company employs over 90 staff across these three locations, many of whom have 25+ years’ experience in the construction industry, working in a wide range of sectors including private and social residential, commercial, retail, light industrial, student accommodation, leisure, hotels, and more.

In each of its projects, EHA Group prides itself on consistently delivering the finest properties in terms of quality and design, and to the highest health, safety, and environmental standards.

“For each development, we always ensure to build strong working relationships between EHA, our design partners, and our clients”, explains EHA Group Founder and CEO, Edward Allingham. “This collaboration is fundamental to a project’s success, and we always appreciate the feedback we get from our direct communication with clients. The biggest compliment a client can give is hiring us again, and we are proud to have developed several multi-project relationships over the past 29 years, with repeat clients making up around 70% of our turnover annually.”

Recently, EHA Contracts Manager, Jordan Allingham, was shortlisted for the prestigious UK Construction Manager of the Year Awards by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). The Construction Manager of the Year Award recognises the achievements of construction managers who have shown exceptional skills to inspire,

The Derry’s Cross project in its early stages, February 2019

lead, and enable the delivery of particularly complex projects. Jordan received this nomination for his work on the Derry’s Cross project in the heart of Plymouth city centre where Jordan and his team transformed one of Plymouth’s much-loved buildings into a mixed-use block of hotel suites, retail units, and student accommodation.

The exterior of the Derry’s Cross in Plymouth city centre

Jordan said, “Derry’s Department Store was once one of Plymouth’s best known landmarks which, after closing in 2010, left a gaping hole in Plymouth’s town centre. The £45 million design and build project involved demolition, alteration, and extension of the former department store into a 500-bed student accommodation block, a 110-bedroom, topfloor Premier Inn hotel, and 14 individual retail and commercial units. With a gross internal area of over 300,000 sq ft, this was one of the most complex projects that EHA Group has ever undertaken.”

The project involved up to 300 personnel working on the site at once, with work commencing day-by-day on a variety of tasks including steelwork, cladding, foundations, and fit out. Unlike a new build, where the sequence of work involves trades dropping off

A communal lounge in the Derry’s Cross student accommodation block

as time progresses, the Derry’s Cross project was consistently demanding on all fronts.

Jordan also added, “One particular challenge we faced was sustainability, and we were determined to achieve the BREEAM score of ‘Very Good’ for social and economic sustainability performance. Achieving over 150 species on the Green and Brown Roof, against a report requirement of 30, was a significant contributor to the ‘Very Good’ score.”

With the project located in the South West of England, it faced significant challenges including connectivity and the availability of sufficient skilled construction resources for a project of the scale of Derry’s Cross. “Attracting subcontractors from back home or central England to Plymouth was a real challenge due to the commute”, says Jordan. “With the nearest airports in Exeter or Bristol, most site staff had long commutes, which was a struggle in itself, with people regularly travelling from Derry, Newcastle, London, Liverpool, and Manchester.”

After much hard work, the EHA Group is delighted with the endresult, with the multi-purpose building now a glowing feature in Plymouth city centre. Jordan has also recently been admitted into the Chartered Institute of Building, the largest and most influential professional body for construction, in recognition of his excellent work. The CIOB is wellrecognised across the globe for its dedication to the highest quality and ethical values within building practices. Jordan has also been shortlisted by the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) for Construction Person of the

One of 110-bedroom studios in the Derry’s Cross top-floor Premier Inn hotel

Year and for Rising Star in the industry - which recognises construction workers who have been in the industry fewer than ten years and have shown innovative thinking, astute business acumen, made a significant contribution to a project, and acted as a role model for others in the industry. As Jordan explains, however, this project involved a substantial group effort, with many requiring recognition for their committed and excellent work. “The project involved a lot of long days, and despite the challenges we faced, our team can take pride in the fantastic project we’ve managed to create. I would like to especially thank everybody involved for their hard work and dedication.” EHA Group is one of the UK’s leading construction firms based in the North West. To get in contact, email info@ehagroup. co.uk, visit www.ehagroup. co.uk, call 028 7181 1634, or visit Allingham House on the McLean Road in Eglinton.

MPA Recruitment continues international expansion with opening of Canadian office

Having opened its doors in 1997, MPA Recruitment has evolved into one of the largest workforce and staffing providers in Ireland. It has developed a strong, award-winning presence throughout multiple sectors by bringing innovative services and solutions that add value to its clients’ talent acquisition process. Established locally, they are now extremely proud to be partnering with businesses and candidates across the globe.

MPA is now strategically present in eight locations throughout the UK, Ireland, Toronto, and India. Its continued expansion internationally now allows MPA to source candidates for roles across five continents. Its client and candidate relationships extend throughout Europe, the US, the Middle East, and the Asia Pacific region. MPA currently employs over 3500 people each year throughout the UK and Ireland. Its global

Conall Anderson, MPA Recruitment, Regional Director for North America

focus and reach has meant that the MPA groups’ post-pandemic growth trajectory continues to look positive. In a continuation of MPA Recruitment’s International Expansion, Regional Director for North America, Conall Anderson, is delighted to announce the opening of MPA’s Toronto office. The pandemic has been an unprecedented and tough time. However, it has not put a stop to MPA’s expansion plans.

The Canadian business will focus on providing Permanent, Contract, and Executive Search recruitment services to the growing Digital Health and Renewable Energy sectors in Canada and the US. This move comes as MPA continues to expand its service offering to international markets through its industry leading recruitment and HR services.

Conall explained, “Toronto, as with many other cities in Canada, has become a hotspot for innovative Digital Health, Healthtech, and Clean Energy businesses in recent years. MPA’s presence in Toronto will allow us to better service our current and new partners in North America by having a local presence on the East Coast. This local access to our global network through our Canadian team will greatly benefit our clients and candidates alike.

“MPA has a proven network of contacts and the capability to assist in the growth of these developing sectors, working with a globally mobile workforce to ensure the right talent is available to deliver our client’s projects.”

Mark Canning, MPA Recruitment, Director of International

MPA’s Director of International, Mark Canning, has added, “This is a hugely significant move for MPA after the challenges of the last 12 months meant we had to press pause on our plans for opening international offices. We are very proud of our Derry roots as a business and the growth journey we have been on across various markets outside NI in recent years. The opening of our office in Toronto plays a key part in the plans for significant international growth over the coming five years. This move has already been very well received in the Toronto market and will be very successful under Conall’s leadership.

“Our plans don’t stop here; in the coming 24 months we will be opening further offices across the UK and Ireland, in Dubai, the US, India, and Australia. We have a mission to become the premier recruitment business in our sector specialisms across the world, all while remaining headquartered here in Derry.”

North West-based merchant service provider best in class

The past year has seen credit and debit card transactions boom as traditional cash payments dwindle, due in large part to the pandemic. The latest figures show that only 35% of payments in the UK in 2020 were made using notes and coins, as spending habits dramatically changed.

The importance of a safe, secure, and affordable card payment system is crucial for businesses of all sizes. And with more and more new businesses springing up during the pandemic as an alternative way to make money, more companies than ever before require payment processing, merchant, and e-commerce services.

As Northern Ireland’s only local payment processing merchant, Derry-based SmartPay NI knows the importance of quality customer service. “Our biggest strength is that we’re locally based and therefore totally accessible. We know the Northern Irish market inside out, we service our clients with the utmost care and attention, and every business is made to feel special with a bespoke plan and dedicated account manager”, says Marc McLaughlin, Director of SmartPay NI.

For an industry plagued by unscrupulous vendors, hidden fees and costs, and questionable tactics, SmartPay NI comes as a breath of fresh air. “We’re very much built on values of honesty, integrity, and full transparency with our customers”, explains Marc. “What we quote you is what you pay, we clearly lay out how long your contract will be, and everything you get as part of your package.

“It sounds like the bare minimum of what you’d expect when purchasing a good or a service but, unfortunately, many businesses have been burned before. And that’s why we make sure we go above and beyond for every client.” In just under four years, SmartPay NI has gone from a small start-up to now servicing over 700 businesses across Northern Ireland. In that time, the company has carved out a strong reputation for being a ‘one-stop shop’ for every payment processing need a business would have. The team at SmartPay NI has also recently established a new sister company, SmartEPoS NI, a dedicated company which provides comprehensive EPoS services to retailers, hospitality businesses, and other firms. Despite not being all plain sailing due to the pandemic however, the company has flexibly adapted its offerings over the past year to continue on its upwards trajectory. “In some ways, business has boomed for us over the past year”, says Marc. “While the pandemic’s effect on sectors like hospitality, which would make up about 40% of our trade, has certainly been a challenge, it has given us an opportunity to really develop and diversify our business model.

Marc McLaughlin, Director, SmartPayNI

“With shops and businesses forced to shut their doors, we made sure to develop a bespoke e-commerce side to our business, which has, unsurprisingly, been very busy! We have also hired our first e-commerce manager who is a specialist in the field, and we will probably have to recruit again in the near future, given how popular the service has been.”

The team at SmartPay NI doesn’t expect business to quieten down any time soon, especially as lockdown unwinds and the economy opens back up. “We’re already recruiting for another account manager so we can provide the highest quality service to our customers”, reveals Marc. “We’re very proud of our growth over the past few years and we want to thank all our customers for trusting us to provide such an essential part of their business.”

For more information or for a free quote, visit smartpayni.co.uk or call 02871

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