news
MORRISON Utility Services
ISSUE 1 2011
COMPANY AND EMPLOYEE NEWS
NEW YEAR, NEW CLIENT, CONTINUING RELATIONSHIP UK Power networKs has awarded Morrison Utility Services a contract which is worth up to £750 million over a potential period of 15 years. The Groundworks Management contract will provide fault response, network enhancement and connections services for the electrical distribution network in the East of England. It will prioritise innovative ways of working using technology which improves the planning and scheduling of projects in order to deliver excellent customer service. In addition, we have also successfully retained our contract for refurbishing and building grid and primary substations for UK Power Networks. This programme of work is valued at £100 million over five years. Morrison Utility Services provides full, ‘turnkey’, design and project management services for schemes offering both electrical and civil engineering expertise. Basil Scarsella, Chief Executive Officer for UK Power Networks, comments: “We are looking forward to continuing our longstanding and successful relationship with Morrison Utility Services. The company plays an important role in helping us maintain a safe and reliable power supply for more than three million customers across the East of England.” Charles Morrison, Chief Executive, Morrison Utility Services, says: “In the current economy a growing order book provides us with real opportunities to invest in the future of the business. It is essential that we continue to develop our people and our systems to ensure we can be innovative and respond positively to our clients’ needs driving year on year efficiencies.
(L– R); Morrison Utility Services’ Jim Arnold, Charles Morrison and Pat Carolan and UK Power Networks’ Pat Brooks, Basil Scarsella and Bob Lane hold the signed contract charter which sets out three key performance targets for the new Groundworks contract
I am delighted to continue our successful relationship with UK Power Networks with these two significant, long-term contract awards for Extra High Voltage services and Groundworks Management. They demonstrate our competitiveness and recognise our reputation for safety and service delivery. We look forward to supporting UK Power Networks’ new owners and senior management team in helping them meet future challenges and we will be working closely with them through a significant step-change in the delivery of performance across the company’s investment programme.” n
MORRISON UTILITY SERVICES JOINS
BUSINESS IN THE COMMUNITY companies. With its advice and guidance we will look to define what responsible business practice means for Morrison Utility Services and put a strategy in place to develop our approach further in the years to come. whole lot more. Tim Sargent, our Business Development Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is an approach to doing business which not only Director, says: “Joining BITC is an important first step, takes into account a company’s impact on the environment but also in relations with employees, one of many, in the development of our approach to CSR. Our aim is to be a suppliers and the communities it operates in. Many of our clients have developed their responsible business which is closely aligned own policies and working practices surrounding to our clients’ needs. The challenge for us is to develop a strategy CSR and Morrison Utility Services is often asked about its approach to being a good which works for our business and adds value to what we do every day rather than CSR corporate citizen. In order to be proactive and shape CSR being an added luxury. I believe that by laying within our business, we have begun working the groundwork in this way we will actually be with Business in the Community (BITC), a able to drive business performance; often the business-led charity with around 850 member right thing to do is the best thing to do.” n ‘BeinG a Good corporate citizen’ is a phrase which is often linked to going ‘green’ but it actually encompasses a
NOT FOR MUGGLES morrison UtiLitY serVices in partnership with National Grid is replacing the gas main within the famous Cloisters of Westminster Abbey. The hallowed grounds found fame in the Harry Potter film franchise as one of the sets for Harry’s beloved Hogwarts. The gas main supplies ornate gas lamps suspended throughout the Cloisters which the Abbey wants to preserve for future generations. National Grid Head of London Gas Distribution, Phil Clarke comments: “It is a privilege to be working in such a significant landmark and we do feel a great responsibility to ensure everything is returned just as it was. Our experience of
working in London where unearthing amazing archaeological finds are all in a day’s work will stand us in good stead for the challenges which lie ahead here.” Our work in the Cloisters is part of a larger planned project to replace gas mains around Westminster Abbey itself. Earlier in the year work was completed outside the main entrance before moving into Dean’s Yard which is part of the Abbey’s grounds. As the Abbey is the venue for the Royal Wedding on 29th April, National Grid was tasked with ensuring all mains replacement work was completed on schedule well ahead of the big day. n
2 • MORRISON utILIty SERVIcES NEWS • ISSUE 1 2011
MORRISON Utility Services
DIVISIONAL NEWS
mESSAGE FROm CHARLES mORRISON Charles Morrison, Chief Executive
HAS YOUR DRIVING LICENCE BEEN REVOKED? DRIVING LICENCE REGULATION CHANGES ALL UK DRIVERS Summary of change The DVLA has recently changed their interpretation of the law, reference the recording of penalty points on driving licences within a specific timeframe. ● Up until 7th November 2010 drivers had 12 months to surrender their licence to the DVLA and have penalty points added. ● From 7th November 2010 this has now been reduced to 28 days.
Impact of this change If a driver does not surrender his or her licence within the 28 day time frame their licence is revoked and they no longer have a driving licence. ● Without a valid driving licence drivers are not insured to drive any vehicle. Most vehicle insurance policies (including MUS’s) do not provide cover for unlicenced drivers. ● Police officers can seize vehicles driven by individuals whose licences have been revoked and some Police forces have crushed seized vehicles in these circumstances. ●
Action you can take ●
Ensure your driving licence has the correct address on it, so any motoring offence notifications are sent to your address. If you are guilty of the offence, send your licence away within 28 days and you will be complying with the new regulations.
For an explanation of the DVLA Notice of changes in full please refer to the Viva home page. n weLcome to the first edition of our newsletter for 2011. At the start of the year our teams have responded well despite one of the harshest winters since 1963. I’m delighted to report that following a rigorous tender process we have been successful in retaining the Provision of Groundwork contract we have with UK Power Networks in the East of England. This is a significant agreement for potentially the next 15 years and we look forward to continuing our working relationship with UK Power Networks. I would like personally to thank Jim Arnold, Pat Carolan and the rest of the Contracts Team (including our dedicated Bid Team) for their consistent hard work over many years which has given us the opportunity to secure this contract once again. I would like to draw your attention to the Going the Extra Mile Award article featured on page 12. These awards are very close to my heart and I’m delighted that they are now a regular event. I would encourage all of you to put your ‘thinking caps’ on and nominate an employee who, within the every day pressures of the job, continues to outperform and ‘go the extra mile’. Finally as we reach our financial year-end we can reflect on the progress of the business despite the continued uncertainty in the economy. Together I hope we can continue to build on our relationships with key clients as well as winning new business. It’s a busy time but going on past experience I’m sure we’ll all rise to meet the challenges ahead. Once again, my personal thanks to everyone for your continued personal contribution. n
NORTH TEAm CHANGES
with eFFect From 1st April 2011 John Coyne (Executive Director for the North Area) made some significant changes to his operational management structure within the North area team. Driving these changes has been the formation of the new Extra High Voltage business unit managed by Dave Tong (read more on this on page 5) and two new joint ventures with Spanish company Agbar (ice pigging) and US company Pipe Restoration Technologies (lead service pipe lining). Each of these new business areas came on stream at the beginning of the new financial year meaning John could take the opportunity to restructure his operational team. Ged Shannon will become Operations Director taking over day to day operational responsibility for the Scottish Power Period Contract based at Bellshill near Motherwell as well as Yorkshire Water and CE Electric UK, Ged reports to John. He will be supported by Ged Shannon three Operational Managers: Dave Marcroft (Yorkshire Water), Martin Graham (CE Electric UK) and Denis O’Reilly (Scottish Power Energy Networks). John says: “I see this move as a strengthening of the operational team in the North as well as giving us the impetus to kick on with these important joint venture opportunities with major international partners. Ged will have the support of the strong operational team which is already in place in Scotland with Tony Adams continuing his role as Contracts Manager and Terry Hall as Commercial Manager on the Scottish Power Period Contract.” At the same time the Commercial team in the North has also restructured with Commercial Director, Norrie Forbes realigning responsibilities. Simon Greetham becomes Commercial Manager responsible for all North water contracts and Darren Greenall is Commercial Manager responsible for all North electric contracts. n
WELCOmE ON BOARD Joanna smart Joined the Insurance team based at Stevenage as a Claims Manager on 10th January. Prior to joining Morrison Utility Services Jo has had 20 years experience as a senior claims handler within the internal insurance division at Whitbread Group plc handling all forms of commercial claims with significant delegated authority. Jo will assume day to day operational management of the claims function of the department, reporting directly to Insurance & Risk Manager David Saunders. Ben morriLL Joined us on the 17th January as a Commercial Assistant based at Stevenage having worked previously for Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions. Reporting to Group Commercial Director Jim Winnicott, Ben will focus on commercial pressure points across the business and assist with overall commercial support including central cost saving initiatives and audit functions. We’re sure you will join us in wishing Jo and Ben well and give them every assistance as they find their way around the business. n
Joanna Smart
Ben Morrill
ISSUE 1 2011 • MORRISON utility services NEWS • 3
MORRISON Utility Services
DIVISIONAL customer NEWS
GOING THE DISTANCE FOR OUR CLIENTS OVER THE COLD SNAP arctic weather conditions created chaos across the UK during December and January in what some say was the coldest winter since 1963. Thousands of homes across the UK were affected by heavy snowfall causing power cuts, often because of falling trees on power lines and ice weighing down cables. Emergency gas maintenance and service call outs were frequent as well as burst water mains when the big thaw came. Many of our teams were on standby or ‘call out’ and responded magnificently well over this busy period. On the National Grid East Coalition contract, Contract Director, Martin Atkins was asked to supply staff, equipment and teams to assist National Grid with an unprecedented level of gas escapes due to the rapid thaw. The first call came on New Year’s Eve and many of our staff gave up their own celebrations working through this period to support National Grid through this testing time. On the Southern Gas Networks contract (SGN) at Charing we supplied 13 teams as back up support and supervision to North and West Kent and the Central London areas mostly relaying services after cut offs and replacing damaged and broken mains. Southern Gas Networks have thanked us for our support which helped rapidly resolve the situation. At SGN in Greenwich we responded by supplying six full time teams to assist with emergency gas repairs. In addition to these teams we also supplied an additional 15 teams from the beginning of December to the end of January 2011 assisting SGN with the back log of work. The SGN New Connections and Emergency Metering Services (EMS) contract based at St Mary Cray in Kent assisted with the emergency workload which increased by 33%. To help accommodate this we provided an additional four teams for leakage repair together with another additional 12 EMS engineers between the Christmas and New Year period. Meanwhile our teams in the North of the country were severely hit by the adverse weather conditions and we assisted our client CE Electric UK with emergency repair work which nearly doubled in volume as a result of the thaw leading up to Christmas and the New Year. Works were completed throughout the day and night across all areas and whilst none of the teams were actually on call at this point, many responded well and came in to help, giving up their last weekend before Christmas.
Picture supplied by Phil Shanahan
We provided a watertight performance for our client Yorkshire Water. Operational teams were at full resource from the beginning of December through to the end of January. During that time we repaired 1416 burst mains, on average completing 36 bursts per day with a high of 75 completed in one day. This mammoth team effort saw the input of colleagues from sister contracts which provided an additional 118 gang days, with other Service Partners collectively providing a further 36 gang days. CEO Charles Morrison said, “It’s impossible to name all those deserving recognition over this period but I would like to pay tribute to the hours they worked, the resulting impact on their family Christmas and their heroic operational effort to maintain customers’ supplies. Your professionalism emphasises your commitment to delivering exceptional service to our clients and their customers.” As well as thanks from our clients we have also received numerous letters and emails from the public thanking staff for their supreme efforts. A selection of extracts can be found below. “Please pass my thanks on behalf of Yorkshire Water to Iain and Rob for repairing two bust mains on New Years Eve in Thirsk. Neither was on call but came out to do the high priority repairs that were causing major problems.” Iain Bardon and Rob Stockell – Ripon
“This is a note to say a special and heart felt thank you especially to the team who really worked hard in the cold rain and wind to reinstall our gas supply. They all played their part and without all of them I am sure that we would not have had our gas supply. The team worked all day and late into the evening, very professionally, efficiently and with very good grace considering they were freezing cold and wet, their main aim was to get all four flats reconnected, despite several obstacles, and they did very successfully. Please pass on our thanks to them.” John Bolton and Brett Jennings – St Mary Cray “I would like to praise the team currently relaying the gas main in my area. I am disabled, and yesterday, they cleared all the snow from the path to my front door, which was very much appreciated, and helpful.” Jim Morris, Mick Willis and Andy Willis – Charing “Following a gas leak which I reported in December the lady who I spoke to assured me that an engineer would be with me within the hour and he was! Your engineer John was humorous and cheery. He found the leak and fixed it very quickly. Thank you very much. I have a disabled son and feared the worse in these weather conditions but I am very grateful for what he did.” John Robinson – St Mary Cray “I would like to commend two of your workforce George and Tony who undertook work at my
property. I really must say I was very impressed with what they accomplished given the adverse weather conditions whilst remaining pleasant and polite throughout. Jody Wilden visited my property just prior to completion to inspect the work and make sure I was happy. I found him to be very helpful and polite and I would also like to add that considering theweather conditions my garden was left very clean and tidy.” Jody Wilden, George Church and Tony Mallett – Harold Wood “Following the gas mains replacement you are undertaking in Whitstable, Kent. I would like to thank Lucas and his two colleagues. They were very professional, efficient and polite resulting in minimum disruption to residents despite the poor weather conditions. Please convey our appreciation and give them a well deserved pat on the back.” Lucas Maylock, Matt Hunter and Barteck Fladro – Charing “I wanted to write to let you know that the new street lights in Holyrood Close are giving us so much more light (especially illuminating the walkways) than the existing lamps. This helps make it safer for road users and gives the residents more confidence during the darker evenings. I would also like to commend the workmen’s reliability who have turned up every morning in the cold weather to complete the works.” Mick Marshall and Ryan Leeder – Risby “I would like to express my appreciation to the two men who replaced the gas mains in my road. During the duration of the works there was minimum disruption, area’s were kept clean and tidy, despite the horrendous weather conditions. Please pass my thanks and appreciation on to all concerned.” Nick Anslow and Stuart Harding – Charing “I wanted to pass on thanks to the engineers working on the fault repair at my property. The engineers kept me updated with information and worked through terrible weather conditions.” Shaun Hickling, Darren Cutler and Richard Boulter – Normanton “We would like to praise your team renewing our gas mains. They have worked hard in terrible weather and have all remained polite and informative.” “Your team of Matt, Mark and Rob are conscientious, loyal, polite, helpful and always on time. They work very giving hard and give 110% even in sub zero temperatures. In short they are a great bunch of lads.” Terry Ockenden, Mark Venni, Rob Brammer and Matt Gaskin – West Horndon. n
Teams Get in on the Act for Customer Service Excellence Dramanon is a specialist training company Morrison Utility Services is working with to deliver customer service training. Interactive sessions have been developed to tie in with our suite of tool box talks. The Dramanon team delivers a day full of laughter, real life scenarios and observational feedback which ensures teams understand their role in delivering a first class customer experience on site. In the sessions delivered so far, role play has been used in which actors portray the customer and operative on site. Feedback indicates this has been extremely effective in bringing to life the issues in a way that people can relate to. In particular the actors’ accuracy in portraying the role and skills required have struck a chord with teams attending the training. Actors perform scenes initially to demonstrate an example of poor customer service and teams are
encouraged to delve into the issues surrounding the negative feelings created by both parties and the impact and repercussions for the company. In total 300 people have attended the training so far including our Customer Service and Connections colleagues from Yorkshire Water and CE Electric UK. Each were so impressed with the engaging style and effectiveness of the training that they are now looking to develop training of their own using Dramanon. Dan Rhodes, Regional Customer Service Manager for Morrison Utility Services, says: “This is the first batch of sessions we have undertaken using this new, unique style of training and the feedback from our teams and our clients has been excellent. We will continue to develop these sessions and include many more of our teams from right across the country.” n
Stop press…
Morrison Utility Services is hosting an Institute of Customer Service forum on 19th May at Leeds United, Elland Road. Exploring the ‘Raising the Bar’ initiative and its impact on customer service within the company, Dan Rhodes will host the session which is open to all ICS members and non-members.
4 • MORRISON utILIty SERVIcES NEWS • ISSUE 1 2011
MORRISON Utility Services
INNOVAtION
Innovate to Improve £1000 Award
INNOVATION – TAPPING INTO LOCAL BEST PRACTICE
whiLe the i2i innovate to improve programme successfully searches for and develops new ideas from our staff, it is clear that innovation has played a key role in our contracts to date.
Local excellence
L-R Tom Murray, Andy Hunt, David Messruther and National Grid Commissioning Manager Peter Bateman.
The i2i programme is built on five simple stages designed to find and implement the best of your ideas. The five steps are: 1. Identify – Invites staff to complete a simple suggestion slip on-line or on paper. 2. Incubate – A panel review each idea and apply a few simple business tests to see if the idea has potential. The originator of ideas which get to stage 2 will receive £25. 3. Invest – Assign a senior sponsor to the idea and make time, resource and money available to develop the idea further. since the LaUnch of the Innovate to Improve (i2i) programme in July last 4. Implement – Make use of the idea or innovation within our business and with year the Business Improvement Team the right ideas market them externally has received over 240 ideas from field operations and office based staff. 5. Interrogate – This is the review stage that refines or develops the successfully Many of our staff have discovered that implemented ideas further and gathers all you need is an idea which ticks one lessons for other emerging ideas. or more of the business drivers below The first innovation to progress to and they can be on their way towards stage 4 is from David Messruther, a an initial cash award. Trainee Commissioning Engineer working on the South West Electricity Alliance. Business drivers As part of his training, working alongside • Safety improvement our experienced electrical substation • Improve customer / client satisfaction commissioning engineers, David noticed • Reduce cost / Increase profit / that the substation commissioning Improve cashflow process frequently incorporated a number • Business growth of complex calculations which are • Reduce environmental impact calculated manually. • Improve company image In his own time David began to build • Improving employee experience These business drivers are directly a set of calculation engines with the aim related to our Vision and Values which of installing them on the Commissioning Engineer’s laptops. Once the calculation underpin our business.
engine (now known as C-Toolz) was ready to be used, David trialled C-Toolz with his supervising engineers. Following this, certain modifications, developments and testing was introduced during the Incubation and Investment stages. C-Toolz is now a comprehensive suite of calculation tools which primarily aids the reduction in the time needed for certain elements of the commissioning process resulting in an increase in productivity, a reduction of costs and ensuring greater accuracy of critical data. We will now be able to implement this solution on other suitable contracts and will be able to offer it to existing and future clients on work involving electrical substation commissioning, thus demonstrating our commitment to share innovation and best practice with our Clients. To mark the benefit of David’s innovation he has been awarded the sum of £1000. Over the coming months we will be working hard to assist other innovations to progress as far as i2i Stage 4 and will provide updates as appropriate. If your idea supports one or more of the business drivers above, the Business Improvement Team would like to hear from you. To register a new innovation please print a paper i2i Form from the Innovation Pages on VIVA, or log directly into the i2i Portal – also on VIVA just look for the i2i logo above. n
Across the business we actively look for ways to develop and improve and add value for clients. Focussing on each client’s needs this naturally leads to local areas of excellence where bespoke solutions have been created. These are a fantastic source of ideas which could be developed and adopted nationally as a recent example from two of our water contracts shows. All of our water company clients seek to provide a consistent, high quality service with the minimum of interruption to customers’ water supplies. This can prove a challenge when faced with significant programme of investment to replace in an ageing infrastructure.
Applied innovation
Helping clients rise to meet this challenge Morrison Utility Services has jointly developed innovative solutions and our work with Yorkshire Water is a good example. ‘Line stop’ or ‘bag off technology’, has been used for many years in the gas sector, a range of specialist tools and line stop applications have been developed by the Yorkshire Water team which are now used to enable ‘live working’ on the water network. The Hydrant Wizard works by tapping into the water pipe and inserting a specially designed inflatable bag it is possible to stop the flow of water even under high pressure. The key feature of this innovation is the ability to isolate sections of the water network quickly meaning only a minimum number of customer properties are affected for a short period of time. The invention gained industry acclaim when it was honoured both by the SBWWI Water Dragons and the Water Industry Achievement Awards.
Sharing best practice
At a recent site demonstration in Camberwell in South London, representatives from Thames Water and the Morrison Utility Services/Galliford Try Joint Venture (MGJV) both saw at first hand how effective this line stop approach can be. Seeing the value of the innovation, MGJV Contract Manager Dave Tann has ordered a number of line stop service kits which will be deployed immediately on the Thames Water Networks Contract. Andy Hunt, Head of Innovation, Morrison Utility Services, says: “This was a real opportunity to take an innovation which was home-grown for Yorkshire Water and convert it into a piece of national best practise. This is where innovation comes alive and we will continue to discover and harness these pockets of excellence and link them together for the benefit of the company.” n
ISSUE 1 2011 • MORRISON utILIty SERVIcES NEWS • 5
MORRISON Utility Services
cONtRAct SPOtLIGHt
EHV BUSINESS UNIT ESTABLISHED morrison UtLiLitY serVices has created a new Extra High Voltage (EHV) business unit which will serve the business across the UK. Targeting business in the EHV sector, the new unit will look to build on our successful work on behalf of clients such as National Grid, UK Power Networks, CE Electric UK, Scottish Power Energy Networks and ABB amongst others. The term ‘EHV’ applies to work on electrical infrastructure which carries power at 66kV and above. Morrison Utility Services has built a reputation in this arena offering
‘turnkey’ services – designing, building and commissioning for clients requiring substations, cable installations, connections to the transmission and distribution network and connections to renewable power sources such wind farms. The unit will contain specialist skills and knowledge in the form of senior authorised engineers, jointers, linesmen and others who work across the complete voltage range from LV to 400kV. Four projects are already underway which including work to enhance the distribution network and enable the connection of Teesbay Windfarm to the grid outside Redcar. Further tendering is underway with potential new clients RWE Npower and Scottish and Southern Renewables. Contracts Director, Dave Tong pictured left leads the new unit reporting to Jim Arnold, Dave comments: “As Government and energy generators lead the climate change agenda and place more and more emphasis on renewable
power, this sector is set to grow at an increasingly rapid pace. It is clear that we have some very relevant expertise to offer the industry and by specifically tasking the EHV unit to develop our services and showcase the expertise we have, Morrison Utility Services will be in contention to help shape the UK’s power infrastructure of the future. It’s an exciting opportunity and one which we can make a positive, enduring contribution to.” South West Electricity Alliance In 2010 National Grid set out its Blueprint for the future in which it outlined its commitment to deliver its new operating model with a National Grid person leading each alliance. As a result, from the 1st March a new Alliance Manager has been appointed to the South West Electricity Alliance. Paul Green joins from National Grid’s Liquefied Natural Gas operation and brings with him nearly 30-years utility industry experience – primarily within the Gas Transmission side of the business. n
ALL COMPLETED
LAPTOPS GET RUGGED TO AHEAD OF SCHEDULE HANDLE LIFE ON THE ROAD as Part oF the Western Gas Alliance, Morrison Utility Services has recently completed a high profile project in the Temple Meads area of Bristol. 500m of 400mm MDPE was replaced by open cut on part of the Inner City Ring Road leading into the busy Bristol Temple Meads railway station. Bristol Temple Meads railway station (pictured above right) is the oldest and largest railway station in Bristol and is an important interchange hub for public transport in Bristol. The station opened on 31 August 1840 as the western terminus of the Great Western Railway from London Paddington station. The whole railway including Temple Meads was the first one designed by the prolific British engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel. As the demand for public transport grew, and to accommodate the increasing number of trains, the station was expanded in the 1870s by Francis Fox; and again in the 1930s by P E Culverhouse. Brunel’s terminus is no longer part of the operational. It housed the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum, which closed in 2008. The historical significance of the station is great and the majority of the site is Grade 1 listed. Morrison Utility Services Performance Manager Colin Langdon and Wales & West Utilities Project Officer Neil Murphy designed the project so that all of the 500m was inserted by either dead insertion of an old abandoned main or by using the large diameter “live dead” technique. This enabled the works to minimise traffic disruption and the work was completed six weeks ahead of the original schedule thanks to the hard work and diligence of Morrison Utility Services Mains layer Bob Beezer and Morrison Utility Services Operations Officer Mark Power. Wales & West Utilities Deputy Operations Manager Paul Breakey said “This is a great success for the Western Gas Alliance in a major part of Bristol. It’s forward thinking and co-operation like this that drives the Alliance to achieve its goals.” Morrison Utility Services Programme Manager Rob Vallender said, “The whole team involved with this project have worked to a consistently high standard throughout, using the best available techniques, ensuring it was completed as rapidly as possible, causing minimum disruption for the community, whilst securing a safe environment for the employees and the general public. All those involved are a credit to Morrison Utility Services and the Wales & West Utilities Western Gas Alliance.” n
ten dma manaGers have been issued with specially designed rugged laptops which it is hoped will speed up communication between site and office. The managers who all work for the Morrison Galliford Try Joint Venture (MGJV) for Thames Water will need some time getting to know their new gadget companions but colleagues on the contract are already seeing the benefits. Dave Tann, Construction Manager explains: “We were well aware that a significant amount of nonproductive time was being spent by Managers, Agents and Supervisors travelling to and from the office in order to collect work, download photos from a digital camera, manage emails and update and edit ISIS our work management system. Due to our South London location at Deptford traffic and travelling time is a major factor for managers going about their duties” The rugged laptop solution was identified by Business Process and Systems Manager Rob Marshall and Street Works Performance Manager Kevin Weatherill in a project which started back in February last year. The Motion F5v rugged laptop was the eventual winner in a beauty parade of potential devices which each had different functionality and benefits. Kevin Weatherill explains: “We wanted a mobile solution which was easy to use on site but was robust and gave enough functionality to really make a difference to how these field managers worked. We quickly realised that Smartphones or PDAs just were not going to cut it for this reason. As a result we carefully researched alternative hardware and identified six potential devices. Following desktop
research and testing of each device, two were selected from the list for field testing. We worked with two agents on the contract: Tobie MacWilliam and Anthony Lane to undertake a field test on the two devices. They each put them through extensive testing using ISIS, emails and other specific office systems. The Motion F5v turned out to be the outright winner and we we’re satisfied that we have identified by far the best solution. We are very confident that this process is transferable and could be applied to any contract with a mobile working requirement.” The Motion F5v rugged laptop offers 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity and includes a built in camera and video. This enables real time information to be updated on our work management system Isis. All photographs taken using the laptop can also be attached whilst the manager is out in the field, these can then be viewed in the office in real time. Whilst it is still early days for the Motion F5v, initial feedback suggests that the solution is achieving exactly what it set out to do. Dave Tann continues: “Now that rugged laptops have been introduced site staff can now spend considerably more time on sites ensuring they are managed safely and productivity is managed more efficiently. Increased presence on site by managers has also allowed communication with both the customer and the local authorities to flow.” DMA Manager, Anthony Lane comments: “The laptops are really easy to use. So far I have found it comes into its own when I am closing a job down. I can take photographs and record measurements on site and input them straight into ISIS. Where as before I would have put it all down on paper and transfer it onto the system back in the office, this way there’s no delay and no potential for losing information! It’s difficult to say but I expect that just by using the laptop on site I am saving around two hour’s worth of driving each day, over a week that’s getting on for a 16 hours of travelling easily and who knows how many tonnes of CO2 emissions a year!” And finally… praise indeed A Morrison Utility Services team, part of MGJV, has come in for high praise from Transport for London for their flexible approach to working. Anthony Lane (see above), James Ruff, Pete Murty, Jim Chalker and Kevin Stace were all recently praised for their approach to work on Thames Water’s Victorian Mains Replacement programme. Mark Wilson, South East Area Manager, Transport for London (TFL), says: “We at TFL and in particular myself, appreciate your cooperation in this matter and your continued assistance in achieving the tight deadlines for this project. As we are all aware, VMR across London sometimes gets bad press but the planning and implementation of the projects that are under your direct control are a testament to you, and go to show the benefits of a close working relationship with TFL and other stats companies.” n
6 • MORRISON utILIty SERVIcES NEWS • ISSUE 1 2011
MORRISON Utility Services
DIVISIONAL tHANKS A MILLION NEWS
Thanks a Million • Thanks a Million • Thanks a Million • Thanks a Million • Thanks a M “I’m delighted with the incredibly high standards of customer service being achieved by everyone. Receiving such high praise from members of the public together with clients is testament to you all reinforcing that you are doing a first class job. Keep up the good work.” Charles Morrison, Chief Executive
for and his team thank Jason the “I wanted to lite. They assisted me across d an po nd d ki an l ry fu ve lp he en being it and have be as d r ire ge qu na re Ma I road when on to their t in this lease pass this considerate. P re for workmen to help ou ra it is extremely appreciate it.” did y all re I way, am on site mmend the te co to e and tidy. lik I would helpful, clean re very polite, today. They we ked for a better team.” as I couldn’t have who visited thank the team e gas mains to e lik uld “I wo gard to th today with re clean and my property polite, helpful, ry ve re we ey oup of Th gr t. er en nic em a ac r repl have wished fo ned.” er n’t nc uld co co all I tidy. ks to ss on my than lads. Please pa ived times over rece er praise three to om es st go cu ic nt bl lle Exce of the pu ppy member Toogood, ike M r from a very ha iso rv pe Operations Su er Alan Bailey, Exeter based iller, Servicelay M n so Ja er d Mate Ryan an r Team Lead ve rative Ben Pa pe O d ille Sk ti Mul McDiamid.
“For several weeks you have undertaken a fairly large gas works pro ject involving extensive trenching work and the use of temporary traffic lights. The team have been thor and worked in an efficien oughly professional t manner. They have kept the area clean, whi ch appreciate but also sometim as a car driver I es make short journeys on a motorcycle where I really appreciate the road surface being left in good condition. Other organisations could learn from your example and your staff are a credit to the company well done.” Fantastic customer praise goes to Charing based Supervisor my Morris Team depot Dickie Leitch and OpJim erative Del Phillpot. Leader
“I would just like to say thanks to the two lads who changed my broken stop tap. From the minute they arrived to the time they left they were very professional in every thing they did, they even reinstated the path far better than it was before excellent job. Thanks again.” Well done to Bob Crossan and team mate Paul Townsend based at the Normanton depot.
your “I would like to complement our in ns mai gas team renewing the , rate side con te, poli are s road. The boy w allo and make very little mess pass on access at all times. Please from ip ansh km wor thanks for great and elf mys as l wel as urs my neighbo is who d pass my thanks on to Fre .” your Agent for the area goes to Agent Positive customer praise Team Leader Fred Morris, Multi Skilled Operative, lled Ben Godfrey, Multi Ski tive Steve era Op and Sam Fur nieux for leaving ring Cha at ed Spenser bas with such a this particular customer pany. com the positive impression of
know “I’m writing to let you with n bee e I’v sed res imp how out in the works being carried e been hav n me e Th . eet my str helpful efficient, polite and es when tim ool sch at especially across they have seen us safely rrison the road. Well done Mowhat a Utility Services workers, iety.” soc nice change in today’s
goes to Lovely customer praise rk Kirk, Dave Bell, Mark Ryder, Marce and Alan Henderson, Jason Pea at the ed Martin Richardson bas Leeds depot.
“I wanted to thank all concerned in rectifying my concerns. Your team arrived and did all that regulat ions would permit to tidy up the connectio ns so as not to cause me unnecessary wor ry. I should like to draw your attention to the fact that Mr Spillings and his crew, Colin and Frank, have been most helpful and assisted me in a very courteous way whi ch I think is most commendable and I should like this fact to be conveyed to your senior staff.”
We ll don e goe s to Ag Co lin Ab sal om , Fra nk ent Sh aun Sp illin gs, Kilg ann on Sn r and Frank Kilgannon Jnr very satisfied customer.based at Hitchin from a
“
“I wanted to inform you that I was very impressed with the manner with which the gas mains replacem ent work was carried out. Your staff were well mannered and we were kept well informed with any inconvenience kept to a minimum. Please pass on my thanks to all the team.” Excellent customer praise goes to Exeter based Team Leader Martin Quinn, Mates Steve Barlow and John Quinn and Directional Drillers Steve Burke and Neil King.
“I am writing to thank you for your consideration when replacing the wate r main s at Eddle thorp e and Thor ntho rpe. Resi dents have appr eciat ed the roads only being closed for the minimum amount of time and the lack of mess made. You were also very good in contacting me to warn us of the impending work.” Exce llent prais e rece ived from Burythorpe Parish Council praisi team of Ian Harrison and John ng the based at the Normanton depot. Phelan
“
Greenwich based Great customer praise goes to Lanza, Kieran Luke se, Rou y And r, Kea y And team ke and their Clar ie Jam u, Watts, Matt Aristido r. Bate Nick or ervis Sup
“We have lived and traded on this narrow street since 1984. We have on several occasions had the road closed for various repairs including the last gas maind replacement in 1985. My wife and I woul like it put on record, and fed back to the team who are still working here now, that they have been helpful and courteous at all times. Of course it is always inconvenient when the road has to be dug up and closed, but this team have gone out of their way to try and reduce that inconvenience. They are, in short, excellent ambassadors for Morrison Utility Services.”
ie Whitcombe, Many congratulations to Ronn Gene ral Team Lead er Paul Whit com, be, Team Leader, Operative, Damian Whitcombe ative, Les Larry Deanne and General rOper depot for their Deanne based at the Exete . skills e servic excellent customer
“I wou ld just like to tak e this opportunity to express my the kind and courteous service thanks for by one of your engineers. He given to us arrived to investigate a suspected gas next door property and as aleak at the matter of course checked our supp time. Although he gave us lytheat the same all clear he changed our regulator as a prec autionary measure as it was of a type cause problems. After checking known to everything was ok he relit our boiler checked our appliances were operatingandcorr ectly then gave us advice on our met which is of an older type. This is greaterserv pass on utmost thanks to ice. Please the engineer concerned.” Great customer praise goes to based at the Epsom site for exceGordon Ferrett llent customer service well done.
“I wish to commend your two workmen, James and Craig. The street lamp outside my property had not been working for months and despite several phone calls to the local council nothing had to date been done. This morning your team arrived and did everything possible to connect the light which is now working perfectly. They were polite, helpful and maintained our access at all times. In short excellent employees and an excellent job at last, many thanks.” Brilliant customer praise goes to Jame Grieves and Craig Dean based at thes Hemel depot.
“Thank you for your rep ly to my email. I came back on Wednesday evening to find the boards removed, the hol e filled in and what seems to be new grass seed on top. Thank you very much for chasin g up this matter for me. It’s so nice to rece ive a prompt and efficient service from a company and I was very impressed that I rec eived a personal reply from both yourself and Lisa.”
Excellent customer Kelly Monger and Lisaservice praise goes to MacInnes based at the Stevenage office.
“I am writing to tell you about the two workmen who attended our premises this morning. I am extremely impressed with their customer service skills, and with their very kind and caring attitude, considering that both houses have experienced much difficulty in trying to get our driveways completed. Although they were only contracted to complete work at my property, my neighbour had been promised that his hole would be reinstated at the same time, these guys took it upon themselves to get both jobs completed and achieve true customer service.” Fantastic praise from a very impressed member of the public goes to Senior Reinstatement Agent Jim Ramshaw, Reinstatement team Nick Curry and Ray Buck based at the Harold Wood Depot, for their impressive attitude and customer service skills.
“I should just like to thanks on express o how crossing w the road works and ur ere carrie road d Road. Traffi c Managem out on Groby ent was exce and the co nes ll that there w pulled back on tim ent e, so ere no unn ecessary h to traffic. old Yo that we d u will be pleased to ups idn’t have h one comp ear laint.” Excellent p
Council raise received Deeley Cpivraising Excavatiofrnom Leicester Ricky Pitta ils Supervisor’s Jo gang Andy way based hn Roe an depot fo d at th professionr a tricky job exee Lutterworth ally. cuted very
“I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank you and your team for getting our Phase 2 dev elopment all up and running with serv ices not only for our show home openi ng but for all of our Legal’s prior to Ch ristmas. Once again thank you.” Praise received from David Wilson Homes Contracts Manager, Iva n Towson commending Project Manager Zoe Sau nders based at the Lutterworth depot for her efforts in bringing this project to a successful con clusion.
ISSUE 1 2011 • MORRISON utILIty SERVIcES NEWS • 7
MORRISON Utility Services
tHANKS DIVISIONAL A MILLION NEWS
Thanks a Million • Thanks a Million • Thanks a Million • Thanks a Million • Thanks a M sell has ent the way in which Rus “I would like to complim of the nt ours during the replaceme dealt with me and my neighb t and ien pat has been communicative, gas mains in our street. He a ugh thro p hel much appreciated his good humoured. We very difficult time.”
working s are marvellous. All the men “Morrison Utility Service in some g rkin wo pite des l and polite on this project are helpfu ng whilst ons. Russell is outstandi appalling weather conditi and good the public, remaining calm dealing with members of good PR a ing his team he also acts as natured. As well as oversee we really appreciated.” man for yourselves which
ers of the e very impressed memb Positive praise from som Bristol office for the at ed bas s son Par public goes to Russell vice. outstanding customer ser
es Palace for a from Chapel Royal, St Jam Excellent feedback received l Grid working iona Nat of alf beh undertook on high profile gas project we don. on Pall Mall in Central Lon odham, Ian Young Joe Gilfinnan, Trevor Wo to s goe ise Particular pra out of their way to t West Horndon who wen and their teams based at ionally and with fess pro tly, cien effi ried out ensure the works were car minimum disruption.
“I was very impressed with the professionalism shown by your workmen Jon when he recently attended a gas emergency at my property.” Well done to Jon Edmonston based at the Epsom depot for dealing with the job so efficiently.
know what a “I wanted to let you such a nice ing hav n bee pleasure it has area. They have team of workers in our the health and and tive rma been polite, info ess on site has safety together with tidin rd. Please pass nda sta est high been of the ned.” on my thanks to all concer your employees “I wanted to compliment er pipes in my wat the g acin working on repl faulted as they street. They cannot be to a high health and tly cien effi have worked are always polite and safety standard. Theyt disruption to a kep e hav y and tidy. The alf of myself and minimum and so on beh these guys are a k thin we urs my neighbo se pass on our credit to your company plea e.” don l wel job a thanks for to Ivan Poole and Congratulations once again manton site who Nor the at ed bas Stuart Hall s letters praising have now received numerou service skills and er tom cus t grea r them for thei il. deta attention to
“Following the leaking valve in my back garden and the obvious disruption it caused. I’m delighted to report that your team worked extremely hard in terrible conditions to put it all right again. They were kind and courteo us and I was kept constantly informed of pro gress. Over the week I got to know many of your staff and whilst hard to pick out individua ls, Jason, Mark, Neil, John, Ian and Ryan were all exceptional and each played their own part in rectifying the situation. Please pass my heartfe lt gratitude on to all involved for the sterling wor k they did.” Superb customer praise goes to Jason Young, Chris Raper, Steve Kno wles, Rob Bryson, Ma rk Var ah, Ne il Ho tch in, Ian Ha rris on, John Phelan and Ryan Jud ge based at Leeds.
your “Just a quick note to thank you for re befo to en spok I’d yone ever help on this, ip. ersh own took you until buck had passed the this can be If you have any appraisals or if recognition rve dese you , eone passed to som elling tone grov the for s ogie for your help. Apol inly due.” certa is case this in but recognition s to CMR Excellent Customer praise goe hill from a Red at d base h Manager Neil Smit very happy member of the public.
t your team. They “I wanted to complemen municative and hard. have been helpful, com arduous and messy work working throughout thiswas nected to plan My own gas supply the recon fitters who did this earlier this week and were also excellent.” done goes to Team Great praise for a job well and Operatives Leader Dave Litchenstein based at the Richie Steele and Jamie Delord Gloucester depot.
“Just a quick note to thank you and your team for all your efforts. Everyone involved was really helpful and respectful of our property. Removing these power lines certainly makes us feel a lot safer.” “Cheers Darren another fine job and satisfied customer. I’ll pass it on to the linesmen.” Positive praise received from both the customer and our client UK Power Networks goes to Project Manager Darren Russell based at Arlesey and Dig Team Barry Darby, Paul Shaw, Adam Went and Noel Clark based at Risby.
“I really must let you know that I have been really impressed with Nick and his team who have toiled continuously in some fairly nasty weather to complete the gas mains replacement. They have gone out of their way not to inconvenience residents and at one stage had to clear a large amount of snow away before they could start the day job. Please pass my thanks on to all concerned. I am extremely grateful.” Excellent praise and well done goes to Team Leader Nick Stevens and Mates Eddie Stevens and Mark Marsden based at the Charing depot.
“Please can you pass my thanks on to the team working at Totnes, in Devon they are doing a good job. They are clean, tidy, very polite and courteous.” Excellent praise goes to Supervisor Tony Ham, Team leader Ben Partrick, Mates Andy Lonergan and Toby Frohlic based at the Exeter depot.
“I would like to commend Reuben who personally dropped the cheque off to us this morning. He managed our situation expertly with care and consideration. My wife and I appreciate the time and effort he put in to this. Please pass on our thanks.” “We wanted to say how impressed the residents of Howgill and nearby have been with the help and thoughtfulness of your team presently laying the water mains. I can particularly commend Reuben, who has managed these issues with sympathetic understanding and speed. It’s a pleasure to write a letter like this and I hope you will pass on these thoughts to the appropriate quarters.”
“Following a gas leak I had at my property I have nothing but the highest praise for your member of staff Jason who sorted the problem out so efficiently.”
Kind words from a very happy customer go to Jason Bushby based at the Epsom Depot.
Great praise goes to from two separate individuals praising Customer Services Technician, Reuben Horner based at the Leeds office.
“I would like to praise John Hooper and his team. They are so polite and hard working, and rea lly go out of their way to help pe ople especially with elderly residents in the street. They eve n turned down a cup of tea to finish the work.” Lo ve ly cu st om er pr ai se go es to Team Leader Jo hn Hooper, Mat es Paul Biggs an d Mike Crawley and Operation Office r Bob Poole base d at the Exeter depo t.
“I wanted to say thank you to the team that worked outside my house. They did a lovely job and were kin d and considerate. They worked efficiently in all types of weather. People are on ly too happy to complain but never pre pared to say thank you which is why I wanted to make a point of letting you know.” Great customer praise goes to Team Leader Pete Skopijack and his team mates John and Steve Martin based at the Bristol depot.
“I felt I of praise for wanted to put in a word did the work in the gang of men who the Gordon Road of Leckhampton area always very polite, Cheltenham. They were and hel pf ul, and did their best to ca inconvenience as use the residents as little possible.” Excellent prais Dave Radforde goes to Steve Worrall, based at the and Matthew Bate job well done. Gloucester depot for a “Please pa to your empl ss my gratitude on Trevor “They oyees Geoffrey and to sort out attended my property absolutely gr a problem and were company”. eat and a credit to the A pat on the ck goes to Ge Thomas and ba offrey the Kennington Trevor Joy based at Depot.
“Following the gas mains replacement in our road I wanted to feedback to you how impressed I was with the team working in this area. Steve and his team were at all times courteous, informative and even offered to carry in my shopping when I couldn’t access my driveway! We all too often complain about British workmen, but I have to say that Steve and his boys were exemplary! They repaired any damage with no fuss – and made a very neat job. Thank you for minimising the disruption – but a bigger thank you for sending us such a pleasant taskforce.” Positive praise from a very impressed customer goes to Team Leader Steve Reno, Labourer Tony Sodden, Agent Phil Goddard and Senior Agent Glen Davis based at the Mitcham depot.
“I would like to compliment the three men involved in the gas mains renewal work in Sunningale Avenue, Kent. During what has been a difficult job, they have all remained extremely helpful, polite and cooperative keeping any inconvenience to a minimum. Please pass my thanks on to all three.” Fantastic customer praise does to Greenwich based Team Leader Steve Hawkes, Lee Speller, Aaron Martin and Agent, Nick Bater for a job well done.
king “I wish to commend your team wor St opposite in New Dover Road, Canterbury very polite Christopher’s School who I found to be ren as and child and nts pare the to and courteous have kept us when they had to cross the road. They s and have updated with the progress of the work absolute an to ption disru the keep to endeavoured to draw minimum. I would particularly like operated your attention to the young man who ared appe ys alwa he m; syste rol cont c the traffi as ents resid of s need the of to be very mindful properties.” they gained access to and from their
back received from Excellent customer feedher’s School praising The Master at St Christop based at the Shane Gilbert and Dave Lewis Charing depot.
“I would like to commend the team working on the lead water pipe replacement work in Calverley Lane. I found all members of the team polite, courteous and very aware of safety issues. They were happy to answer any questions I had and worked conscientiously at all times. The disruption was kept to a minimum and it’s hard pressed to tell they were ever here in the first place. Please pass on my thanks to the team.” Congratulations and well done once again goes to Andy Carven, Brian Softley, Chris Potts and Paul Foster based at the Normanton depot.
“I would like to you know how very impress been with your team.let The ed I’ve and helpful and kept any y have been very courteous, tidy, disruption to an absolute min imum.” “Just a few line to let you know how pleased I with your team of sMar was the recent gas mains repk, Matt and Rob who carried out lacement in my road. The lads and all very har y are nice d workers.” “May I take this opport unity to thank installing a new gas r team for n and connection toyou Mark and Rob workedmaitire my property. never complaining if thin lessly to get the work completed, gs had to be moved and courteous.” always
“We would just to say how satisfied we all the operatives like were with spoke to dur were approachable, we works; they polite and certainlyingwothe are pleased to say tha rke d har t everything has been com d. We our satisfaction.” pleted to More outstanding custom in Biggleswade once er praise received from various residents Ockenden, Mark Venni,again complementing Supervisor Terry the West Horndon site Rob Brammer and Matt Gaskin based at their first class customer Well done and keep upon service skills. the good work!
8 • MORRISON utILIty SERVIcES NEWS • ISSUE 1 2011
MORRISON Utility Services
cONtRAct DIVISIONAL SPOtLIGHt NEWS
ON TImE, ON BUDGET AND ON THE GRID
in decemBer 2010 Morrison Utility Services’ UK Power Networks Major Projects team completed the construction of its largest project to date. South of Bedford, the ‘grid’ substation was an entirely new build on green-field land. The project, part of a larger upgrade to the electricity infrastructure in the area, presented some unique challenges to the team. Thankfully these were successfully overcome and the substation was handed over on time and on budget to a satisfied UK Power Networks client. Grid substations are the first point in the distribution chain in delivering power to us. Typically they serve a large area and transform high-voltage electricity taken from the National Grid network and redistribute it via the District Network Operators (DNO’s) to smaller, primary substations. These primary substations in
turn feed secondary substations which enable power, at a low enough voltage, to enter homes and businesses. Bedford and its localities has historically been served by one single grid substation and an upgrade to the network in the Bedford area was urgently required. Without enhancing the network infrastructure the risk to supply under certain fault conditions was considered unacceptable for customers. The South Bedford Grid Substation was the first project built entirely using a UK Power Networks-harmonised design scheme and the first grid site within UK Power Networks to utilise new fibre optic technologies. An Integrated Delivery Team (IDT) was set up under the leadership of UK Power Networks’ project manager Martin Field to drive the development to its successful conclusion.
Before the construction of the substation could go ahead, a variety of enabling works were required which formed a much larger, £25 million project for UK Power Networks. Chiefly this consisted of restringing the 132kV overhead line which would feed the site. A significant project in itself, the distance over which the towers were restrung covered some 28.5km. Over 43km of fibre optic cable was wrapped around the new lines to enable data to flow along this part of the network. Repair and maintenance work was also carried out on the towers themselves which required repainting and the legs resetting. In order to feed the grid substation, new 132kV cables were laid along a 2.7km route passing under roads and farm land leading to the substation site. This element of the work required not only detailed technical planning but a wellconsidered approach to managing the impact on the local community and extensive negotiations with landowners. In both cases, the work was undertaken by principle contractors Babcock Networks Ltd and Carillion Utility Services but the challenge for Morrison Utility Services as leading contractor was coordinating this highly complex work with the development of the new substation. This was especially critical due to the nature of the testing required prior to powering up this new part of the network, i.e. the new substation and cables. Certain elements of the testing involved importing a test rig from Europe. Given the required lead time to secure the test rig, some six months before, the test date remains a fixed target throughout development which cannot be missed. As a result, the pressures of co-ordinating works beyond the company’s direct control were significant. This was managed via a variety of ways including
constant schedule reviews involving all contractors and highly-effective communication among the contracting teams. To enable the overall scheme to run to time, to budget and without conflict between principle contractors, Morrison Utility Services’ Paul Ashworth was appointed by UK Power Networks as the overall co-ordinating project manager. Paul comments: “As the overall project coordinator my job was to oversee each principle contractor and all subcontractors and keep them on schedule with a huge range of tasks. I kicked off the global programme from which all tasks were linked back to the South Bedford Grid substation. In order to keep things on track, co-ordination and progress meetings were held regularly to ensure that all issues could be resolved with minimal time, expense, and delays.” The electrical engineering project manager, John Boughey, co-ordinated the electrical works overseeing and communicating numerous tasks to enable a major refurbishment of the high-voltage network running through the site. This included co-ordinating the cable laying, cable diversions, issuing of electrical safety documentation and coordination between the senior 132kV SAP and senior Morrison Utility Services Commissioning Engineer for the differing works and contractors. There were no lost-time occurrences or injuries throughout the life of the project, some 64,545 project working hours. Safety was paramount and was managed by the site manager Martin Pulsford and his assisting safety colleagues. Martin Field, UK Power Networks’ Project Manager worked side by side with the Morrison Utility Services team throughout the project. He says: “The success of this project was all down to meticulous planning, devising contingencies and constant reviewing and tweaking of the plan. Factoring in the larger infrastructure upgrade which had a massive impact on the progress of the substation build was no easy task but Paul and his team managed it very successfully. Their safety record with no lost time incidents is proof of their attention to detail and a pride in their work which was demonstrated day in day out.” n
USKmOUTH – SECURING THE ENERGY SUPPLY FOR SOUTH WALES COmmUNITIES in soUth waLes, Electricity Alliance South West (SWA) has a major construction project underway to connect Severn Power’s 800MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power station to the existing 275kV transmission system at Uskmouth, in Newport, South Wales. Uskmouth’s 275kV substation is an outdoor Air Insulation Switchgear (AIS) substation. The 132kV substation is an indoor Air Insulation Switchgear (AIS) with a double bar arrangement. The work SWA is carrying out is for the installation and commissioning of an 11 bay 275kV Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) substation, 8 High Voltage (HV) cable circuits, a 132kV Series Reactor and protection changes on 8 circuits. As part of this scheme, remote end protection and control work is required at the 275kV substations at Cardiff East, Whitson, Aberthaw and Tremorfa. At Whitson and Tremorfa, 275kV new additional primary plant Current Transformers (CTs) and Voltage Transformers (VTs) are to be installed. All the work relating to this 275kV GIS substation development required careful co-ordination. Multiple stakeholders are involved in this project such as Alpha Steel and Celsa Steel who are on customer choice connections, causing the project team
some challenges. Works were planned to minimise disruption to Alpha Steel by aligning with all of their annual shutdowns, and Celsa Steelworks have had their plant downtime reduced from 8 weeks to 4 by the use of temporary protection, night working and a complex staging of outages. The project team encountered a number of environmental challenges along the way, the local birds playing their part too! On the opposite bank of the River Usk, there is a habitat used by over-wintering birds which constrains work over the winter months. A visual and acoustic bird screen has been erected and restrictions placed on the type, scale and timings of our work. Morrison Utility Services Contracts Director, Dave Tong said, “It is fair to say that this is a technically complicated site, and the scope of the work covered most aspects encountered in a transmission system design, construction and commissioning project, but through liaison with all stakeholders the connection of the 800MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) to Uskmouth was successfully delivered ahead of schedule and has provided a rewarding, and great platform to learn from for our future projects.” n
EARLY DAYS DEVELOPMENT ZONE AT USKMOUTH
CURRENT VIEW TODAY AT USKMOUTH
ISSUE 1 2011 • MORRISON utILIty SERVIcES NEWS • 9
MORRISON Utility Services
SHEQ DIVISIONAL NEWS
INJURY TRENDS saFetY: Morrison Utility Services is well-known throughout the industry for having a very good safety record. It has always been a key value driving the business that the safety of employees and members of the public should be at the heart of our work. The latest safety statistics (see diagram) indicate the level of reported accidents for the year to date throughout Morrison Utility Services. These numbers are carefully monitored to ensure that safety is always taken extremely seriously in the work place.
injury trends Financial Year to date 12
mORRIS AND SON Say take great care when excavating, read and use the utility drawings, take time to use the cable locator and mark up all apparatus, then finally excavate with caution. Illustrations courtesy of Century 21 Projects
SAFETY mILESTONE
15
1 MORRISON Utility Services
5
28
23
6
57
15
15
14
CUSTOmER SERVICE TEAm OF THE mONTH AWARD
this monthLY award scheme recognises an individual or team who have received special thanks or a consistently high number of commendations from customers, clients and members of the public. These letters of praise feature in this newsletter each quarter and are circulated to Senior Managers. Each member of a winning team receives a £50 Tesco voucher and a commemorative Morrison Utility Services torch to be presented at monthly team briefings. L to R – Alan Giddings, Steve Cowie Jnr and Stephen Cowie Snr enjoying the karting event. A more in depth explanation of each month’s successful individual or team together with a testimonial can be found on the VIVA home page. Congratulations to all the winners below so far. Please keep up the good work. morrison PLant & Fleet Services (MPFS) and auditing during this period and the results support achieved a significant safety milestone during January this approach. However, just one shortcut can undo all Remember how we conduct ourselves and behave at work has a wider impact on 2011. They have now completed a full three years and of the excellent work to date. Our priority must always be the company’s reputation and external communications. n worked in excess of half million man-hours since their our employees’ and the public’s safety and we must all WINNERS cONtRAct remain fully committed and vigilant in ensuring that we MONtH last reportable incident. January Shane Gilbert and Dave Lewis Charing (SGN) Director of Plant & Fleet Services, Jeremy Harrison, maintain this performance moving forward.” Mike Toogood, Jason Miller, Alan Bailey, Exeter (Wales & West Utilities) To celebrate the achievement, MPFS held a karting February said: “This is an excellent achievement and my thanks Ben Paver and Ryan McDiamid go to the entire MPFS team. We have invested heavily evening for those in the South and a bowling evening in March Steve Reno, Tony Sodden, Phil Goddard Mitcham (SGN) and Glen Davis in time and in improving our safety processes, training the North. n
10 • MORRISON utILIty SERVIcES NEWS • ISSUE 1 2011
MORRISON Utility Services
SHEQ
YOU’RE HIRED... Tom Nelson
morrison UtiLitY serVices Apprenticeship scheme is flourishing with two recently appointed apprentices on the National Grid East Coalition contract, six apprentices working on the Southern Water Emergency Works contract, two on the Wales and West Western Gas Alliance contract, two on the South West Alliance contract and one on the Southern Gas Networks contract. Morrison Utility Services News caught up with some of the apprentices to find out what led them to starting an apprenticeship and what they hope to achieve.
RD: “I had left school, but wanted to learn and earn at the same time.”
MUS: What does it mean for you to be an apprentice?
AM: “It means I can continue to work, learn a trade and gain recognised qualifications.” RD: “I’m thrown into the real world of work and it’s not just about college. After the course I’m qualified, I know the technical stuff and I also have the practical experience.” TI: “The apprenticeship provides a good steady job that has enabled me to work with my hands. I enjoy building the good working relationships with my colleagues and I enjoy the banter I get from them.”
MUS News: “So, how did you become a Morrison Utility Services Apprentice?” MUS: And the future?
Aaron Milward
Ryan Dyer
Kieren Shipp
Tom Nelson (National Grid East Coalition contract): “I did a spell of work experience with National Grid which I really enjoyed. It helped me to realise what working in the gas industry involved and I really wanted to see if I could find an apprenticeship.” Aaron Milward (3rd year apprentice on the Southern Water contract): “I was already working for the business and was put forward to join the scheme by my Managers – Mark Barber and Chris Stone.” Ryan Dyer (3rd year apprentice on the Southern Water contract): “I was actually already on an apprenticeship scheme and found out about the Morrison Utility Services scheme through the college I was attending.” Kieren Shipp (National Grid East Coalition contract): “Like Tom (Nelson), I also did a period of work experience at National Grid and my brother has recently completed his apprenticeship.” Tom Ingram (3rd year apprentice on the Southern Water contract): “I initially found out about apprenticeships through my school careers services.” TN: “As it happened, the Morrison Utility Services scheme was just getting underway so I applied and was successful.” TI: “In a similar way to Ryan, I actually started my apprenticeship with another company and transferred to the Morrison Utility Services scheme after seeing more about it at college.” AM: “At 26, I was a unique candidate as I was a fair bit older than the usual apprentice, but it was too good an opportunity to pass up.”
AM: “I enjoy being on site so I want to qualify and stay in the industry in an on site role.” RD: “In the next five years I’d like to be a Supervisor with maybe a view to move onto Operations Manager by the time I’m in my 30’s.” TI: “I’d like to be a Supervisor in the next five years.” TN: “I hope that my time as an apprentice will give me a good, well-rounded experience.” KS: “I am looking to become a fully qualified main layer and hopefully become a Team Leader. After that maybe management, who knows?” Our apprentices are working during a time of substantial development in the skills and training arena. The UK Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has recently published their “Skills for Sustainable Growth” outlining the Government’s Strategy for national skills development over the coming years. John Hayes, Secretary of State for Further Education and Lifelong Learning said “apprenticeships will be at the heart of the system we build, supported by a system of valued qualification”. For Morrison Utility Services, the Government’s strategy gives us greater support to access the right skills that are needed to efficiently run the business, through means such as apprenticeships. For our employees, it means we can provide a range of apprenticeships that cover many aspects of the business across our key business areas, all of which will help strengthen the credentials of our staff and therefore the business. n
If you are, or know anyone who may be interested in one of our Apprenticeship Schemes, then please contact the Apprenticeship Scheme co-ordinating team at apprentices@morrisonus.com.
Tom Ingram
Minimum entry requirements are English and Maths GCSE (or equivalent) at grade D or above, plus one other subject. Applicants will need to demonstrate a willingness to learn, be hardworking and enthusiastic and enjoy working as part of a team.
THINK POWER
sacha PateL and Seamus Kennedy from the South West Electricity Alliance are the stars of two short films commissioned by the National Skills Academy for Power. Sacha and Seamus feature as examples of the future of the power industry in an initiative launched to encourage more young people to consider engineering as one of the many careers in the power sector. Called Think Power the website bearing its name was launched to much acclaim recently and both Sacha and Seamus represent Morrison Utility Services on it. Although probably a daunting task, both turned in star performances showing early flair for what is likely to be a long and illustrious career in the spotlight. Sacha and Seamus can both be seen on the Think Power website: www. thinkpowersector.co.uk n
STREET WISE -
STREET WORKS RE-ASSESSmENT PROCESS to renew YoUr Street Works card after April 2011 will now require both Supervisors and Operatives to complete an open book exam consisting of 10 questions per unit held. This is a fundamental change to the 18 year old Streetworks scheme, which has previously required applicants to merely complete a new application form. To add some confusion to the renewal process, the new exam rule will only apply to anyone with a permanent home address in England given the way that legislation is now organised across the four home nations. There is an opportunity available for those whose cards expire in the immediate six months beyond 6th April 2011, in other words for Supervisor and Operative cards that expire up to 5th September, they can APPLY now, in practical terms, by the middle of March to renew their registration with SWQR under the existing scheme rules. It is this opportunity that Morrison Utility Services want to maximise and avoid the need to re-assess such early expiring cards. For any Supervisor or Operative card that expires after 5th September 2011, they will be unable to renew under the current rules and will have to go through the new re-assessment process, as will anyone who misses the deadline described above, which may well mean new starters into the business. Further briefings and notes will be cascaded out through the business as soon as it comes available but all card holders can minimise the initial impact of the re-assessment scheme by applying for a card renewal for those that expire between April and August 2011. So if your card expires during this time please ensure you contact your local training administrator or any of the Skills Development Team based at Arlesey below. n
Tom Brisbane: 07736 091573 National Grid East Coalition Central Networks UK Power Networks
Jo Wilkins: 077257 82358 Southern Water Western Gas Alliance National Grid SW Alliance Thames Water
Glen Tymon: 07736 800111
Yorkshire Water Scottish Power Energy Networks CE Electric UK EHV contracts
Gay Scallan: 07775 703333 Arlesey & Stevenage Southern Gas Networks
ISSUE 1 2011 • MORRISON utILIty SERVIcES NEWS • 11
MORRISON Utility Services
PEOPLE & cOMMuNIty
the interroGation!
treVor Jordan
reBecca Jones
Process enGineer nationaL Grid connections north London sLoUGh oFFice
ProJect manaGer UK Power networKs haroLd wood
What was your first job?
What was your first job?
Trainee Chef.
What’s your dream job and why? Lead singer in a band – I love to be centre of attention.
If you could invite three people to dinner who would they be and why? Christopher Biggins, David Beckham and
I worked as an assistant to a Sales Manager at an Agricultural Company. I loved the job and the people, but left to go travelling around Thailand, Australia and New Zealand.
What’s your dream job and why? A Quality Control Manager at a Cocktail Bar located on the beach in a beautiful tropical country. Why? I like Cocktails and I like the beach.
If you could invite three people to dinner who would they be and why?
and Amanda and Christopher for a laugh.
Michael Palin so I could quiz him about his travels. Jamie Oliver to cook the meal and Peter Kay to entertain.
What was your favourite TV show
What was your favourite TV show when you were growing up?
Amanda Holden. David for the football talk,
when you were growing up? I never had a T.V!
What are you currently listening to on your ipod / CD player? Rumour / Eagles.
Where would your dream holiday destination be?
I loved Super Ted, I used to get close to the television screen to try and hear the magic words.
What are you currently listening to on your ipod / CD player? Red Hot Chilli Peppers Greatest Hits. It was a bit of an anthem when I was travelling and listening to it brings back good memories.
Where would your dream holiday destination be?
Great Barrier Reef.
I would like to hire a luxury Winnebago and travel the USA with my boyfriend and not forgetting my dog Poppy.
Who would you like to jump out of
Who would you like to jump out of your birthday cake and why?
Australia – would love to see the
your birthday cake and why? Marilyn Monroe – She was lovely!
If you had a super power what would it be? Super Hearing – so I could eavesdrop and get all the gossip.
My Sister, Brother in Law and eight month old niece. They live in Australia so I don’t get to see them much it would be the best surprise ever.
If you had a super power what would it be? I would have the power to fly, no more M25 for me!!
What food or drink could you not live without?
Tea.
For food it would be a traditional roast dinner cooked by my mum. For drink although I don’t drink them on a daily basis I wouldn’t like to think of life without Cosmopolitans!
Who would play you
Who would play you in a film of your life?
What food or drink could you not live without?
in a film of your life? Steve Martin.
LIFE SAVER LEE
Renee Zellweger, I thought she was great in Bridget Jones and scarily found some similarities!
FANCY BEING INTERROGATED? If you would like to take part in the interrogation please email lisa.macinnes@morrisonus.com any participants will be dealt with on a first come first serve basis. REMEMBER you can only nominate yourself, emails suggesting other employees will not be considered.
Lee is commended for his courageous actions by Charles Morrison in the shadow of Westminster Abbey in London.
QUicK-thinKinG Lee Semmence, a Service Layer on the National Grid East Coalition contract, sprang in to action recently to help a passer-by in a North London street. Lee who was working in the road at the time noticed the gentleman had been taken ill and another good Samaritan was trying to administer CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Lee takes up the story: “I could see that the person trying to resuscitate the gentleman was not doing the chest compressions right. It is really important that your hands are in the right place on the chest if it is going to work. So I went over and offered to take over using the first aid training we are given. I managed to bring the gentleman back only to lose him again; this happened three times in total before the ambulance came.” The paramedics who arrived on scene praised Lee for taking control, Lee continues: “Apparently if I hadn’t have kept going, the gentleman wouldn’t have survived. I was really glad to hear those sirens I can tell you! n
LENDING A HAND staFF From morrison Utility Services and Southern Water together with local businesses gave up their time in January and got involved in a community based project for Chestnut Tree House Children’s Hospice. The house itself already benefits from beautiful gardens and the aim of the project was to improve the drainage system and help create a fish pond and wildlife area for the children to enjoy within this area of already outstanding beauty. Chestnut Tree House is the only children’s hospice in Sussex and cares for children Chestnut Tree House’s Corporate and young adults from 0-19 years of age with progressive life-limiting and life-threatening Fundraising Manager with Darren Fairbrass (Morrison illnesses from all over the county. It offers support for the whole family including Utility Services) and Kevin Buck psychological support, care in bereavement therapy, end of life and respite care and (Southern Water) next to the sibling support. completed reed bed and pond. Hospice Director of Children’s Services Linda Perry said, “Thank you to everyone who got involved. This was a massive job that needed to be done urgently and we couldn’t have managed it without the help of these companies. Their support has saved us a huge amount of money, which can now be spent on supporting the life-limited children and their families.” Civil Operations Manager Brian Buckle said, “It was a very rewarding day, a real team effort with our client Southern Water and a fantastic opportunity to give something back to the community. With Spring on the way I hope the residents of Chestnut Tree House will The reed bed area before the work. be able to make the most of the new area in the summer months ahead.” n
CHARITY ALL THE WAY dUrinG the FestiVe period Morrison Utility Services staff working on the National Grid East Coalition contract based at Hitchin together with National Grid colleagues rallied together for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Raffle tickets were sold and Construction Officer Dave Smith was announced the winner and became the proud recipient of a Christmas Hamper. National Grid Construction Operations Engineer, Dilbir Chana said, “Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common disabling neurological condition affecting young adults. Around 100,000 people in the UK have MS. A grand total of £108 was raised altogether and my thanks go to everyone that took part and contributed towards this worthwhile cause.” John Mills, Morrison Utility Services SHE Manager based in London working on the East Coalition contract with National Grid organised two annual charity fund raising events. The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning is Macmillan Cancer Support’s biggest fundraising event and was supported with the help of Nicky Breen and Chrissie Brown at Ipswich with Keely King and Samantha Parker in London and Hitchin. Many thanks to all concerned with everybody enjoying the yummy cakes and coffee. The
event raised £678.94 contributing towards the grand total as it currently stands of £7,991,938 The annual charity golf day took place at Southwold Golf Club in aid of Cancer Research UK. Morrison Utility Services together with National Grid staff swung into action and raised an outstanding amount of £2,220.00. John said, “Cancer Research UK is the world’s leading charity dedicated to beating cancer through research and continues to save millions of lives by discovering new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. My sincere thanks go to everyone who helped to support the events and for their kind and generous donations.” n
12 • MORRISON utILIty SERVIcES NEWS • ISSUE 1 2011
MORRISON Utility Services
DIVISIONAL PEOPLE & cOMMuNIty NEWS
SOWING THE SEEDS IN THE SNOW
an orchard wiLL spring in to bloom thanks to the fruitful efforts of a group of youngsters. Pupils from Stanley St Peters CE Primary School in Wakefield braved the sub zero conditions back in December along with Morrison Utility Services volunteers to plant apple, pear and plum trees. In the spring the orchard will blossom and grow by the school’s outdoor classroom area. Outdoor Learning Co-ordinator Matthew Vickers said, “Children need to be able to explore the outdoor environment and have real experiences of growing things. We would like to thank Morrison Utility Services for such an engaging resource which we feel will help make gardening for our children an enjoyable and positive learning experience.” Safety Quality Manager Jason Young said, “We were delighted to get involved in this community based project. It’s been a pleasure to help and I hope all the pupils enjoy the orchard for many years to come.” n
MORRISON Utility Services GOING THE EXTRA MILE AWARDS 2011 Once a year we look to all of you to get your thinking caps on and nominate a Morrison Utility Services individual or team for the “Going the Extra Mile” Awards. The award is given to up to five employees a year, who have made a significant contribution to the performance of the business via work with our clients, their customers and other stakeholders.
Teachers, Volunteers and Pupils battle the snow to plant the orchard.
NEW MORRISON UTILITY SERVICES WEBSITE GOES LIVE the new morrison Utility Services website has now gone live. Designed by agency TAG and managed by the Marketing and PR team in-house at Stevenage, the site is at the front of our online presence. Visit the site for the latest breaking news and up-to-date information about Morrison Utility Services – www.morrisonus.com. n
Each winner will receive £500 and a coveted ‘Going the Extra Mile’ award. In addition the nominator of a successful “Going the Extra Mile” award recipient, will also receive £100 towards a charity of their choice. Award winning examples include: • Customer Care – An act or working practice that may have resulted in a number of letters of congratulation or appreciation from members of the public or a client. • Safety – An act or working practice showing awareness and commitment to our safety culture in all working practices.
new arriVaLs conGratULations to aLL the Mums and Dads below and a warm welcome to all the new additions to the family. Invoice Clerk Marjorie Thompson based at Redhill and her partner Mike became proud parents for the second time, on Saturday 13th November. Daisy May came into the world weighing 7lbs 6ozs, and is a little sister for Felix. Both Mother and baby are well. Administrator Karen Scott based at Bellshill and her partner Rod are celebrating the safe arrival of a baby girl. Evie was born on Friday 14th January at 8.46am weighing 8lbs 7oz. Both Mother and baby are doing well.
DEATH IN SERVICE
DAVID ORBELL – 1956 – 2010 it is with great sadness that we bring you news of the death of David Orbell, a Gas Engineer Service Layer who worked on the National Grid East Coalition contract based at Hitchin.
• Environment – An act or working practice which has improved our environmental performance or minimised the environmental impact of our operations. • Innovation – Development of a technology or working procedure, which has resulted in the business gaining competitive/financial advantage. Please contact Lisa MacInnes (01438 847265) for a nomination form. Simply supply some initial details of the nominee and their achievement and return the form by 30th June to: goingtheextramile@morrisonus.com or post to Lisa MacInnes at Stevenage head office.
David had worked for the company for three years, and passed away on the evening of the 11th December after battling with a Cancer related illness for sometime. Operations Manager, Chris Quayle said, “David was well liked and respected and will be sorely missed by all those who worked with him. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his widow Diana and family at this difficult time.” n
The award is in remembrance of Ian Allardyce. The “going the extra mile” ethos comes from the pride Ian demonstrated in the business and his willingness to help others beyond expectation.
WE WANt tO HEAR FROM yOu. cALL uS NOW ON 01438 743744 WItH yOuR StORIES! Publishing team: Lucie cox, Lisa macinnes and Kelly monger. Published by morrison house, Primett road, stevenage. sG1 3ee Printed on recYcLed PaPer