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ISSUE 104

EDITORS NOTE AT the end of October, the government announced that the UK has officially come out of the recession, a success largely attributed to the Summer Olympics. However, the latest GDP figures have shown that the construction industry is still stuck in the depths of recession despite government pledges to use it as a means of boosting the economy. After shrinking a massive 2.5% in the third quarter, construction is now the worst performing major industry in the UK. However, now that the rest of the country at large is seemingly out of recession, it is only logical that the construction industry will soon follow, especially if the government prioritise new housing. Jonathon Hook, construction leader at PwC has predicted that it will take about a year before the industry sees growth. In other news, the HSE is currently in consulting on proposals to revoke a number of health and safety regulations following a report last November entitled “Reclaiming health and safety for all: an independent review of health and safety regulation”. One area they are looking at is the Tower Crane Regulations of 2010, which they feel “have not served its purpose”. Nevertheless, health and safety regulations are vital to ensure safe working conditions for all within the industry, as Bob Kerr from British Gas explained to us in an interview last month. Elsewhere in this issue we spoke to Lee Tolan of ASA Scaffolding, who is eager to see the health and safety regulations of the trade strictly adhered to, and emphasised the importance of good manners – something often forgotten – when dealing with customers. Lee’s business, based on the ideal of providing top customer service, has seen tremendous growth and success despite the current economy.

Manager Andy Rushworth Features Manager Darren Stevens Luke Hemingway Chris Goodwin Anthony Hamilton Michaela Henson Kyle Broadhead Rebecca Coleman Editor Sabeeha Coates Design and Artwork Mark Alsop Admin Tabitha Burns Publisher Mohammed Faraz Steve Rushworth

Here at NC Magazine we hope that you too are able to see the growth you desire and beat the doom and gloom that still surrounds the industry. Sabeeha Coates Editor

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ISSUE 104

CONTENTS

A-PLANT - PG 8

A-Plant Company Profile

A-PLANT

PG 8

ADMIRAL

PG 10

AMBASSADOR THEATRES

PG 12

ASA SCAFFOLDING

PG 16

BRITISH GAS

PG 18

BRITISH SAFETY COUNCIL

PG 21

CHEM SCAFFOLDING

PG 24

DRAINAGE EXPERTS

PG 26

DRILLING AND SAW GROUP

PG 28

FIM a-plant is one of the UK’s largest plant, tool and equipment hire companies, hiring a vast range of non-operated equipment, from power tools, cement mixers and accommodation units to excavators, compressors, scissor lifts H&T and PAWNBROKERS other types of equipment for industry and construction. a-plant is proud to be accredited with iSo 9001:2008, iSo 14001:2004 and oHSaS 18001:2007, HDPS confirming that we have one of the most robust safety and quality H&T PAWNBROKERS PG 32 management systems in the industry. HOME GROUP A-Plant’s fleet of equipment available to hire comprises

A-Plant forms part of FtSE-250 company Ashtead Group

over 110,000 itemised pieces of plant, tools and

plc, which also comprises Sunbelt Rentals based in the

equipment. the company invests a multi-million pound

USA. Ashtead Group plc has become firmly established as MITSUBISHI

figure each year in new equipment and state-of-the-art

one of the world’s leading equipment outsourcers.

SHOGUN

PG 30 PG 32 PG 35 PG 38 PG 40

technology, to ensure A-Plant customers are able to hire the very latest equipment from world-class manufacturers such as JCB, terex, Hilti and GenSet.

NATURAL TILES LIMITED

PG 42

PAVEAWAYS

PG 44

A-Plant has a workforce totalling more than 1,800 employees, based at locations nationwide, including its support office in Warrington, Cheshire. At A-Plant, we are able to offer a truly national service, regardless of how specialised or remote a customer’s needs may be.

A-PlAnt : Company profile

NATURAL TILES : LIMITED PG 42 3

ISSUE 104

SERVICE TEAM PG 50

TCD TOOLSHOP PG 52

TOMLINSON STONECRAFT PG 58

RIMMER CONSTRUCTION

PG 48

SERVICE TEAM

PG 50

TCD TOOLSHOP

PG 52

HOCKLEY

PG 54

TOMLINSON STONECRAFT

PG 58

WP METALS

PG 60

NATTA

PG 62

AMP WIRE

PG 69

ISSUE 104

NEWS E-LEARNING VERSION OF NEBOSH NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION CERTIFICATE (NCC) NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE BRITISH SAFETY COUNCIL THE British Safety Council has expanded its portfolio of health, safety and environmental e-learning courses by launching an e-learning version of the NEBOSH National Construction Certificate (NCC), one of the most popular health and safety qualifications for the construction industry. Aimed at managers, supervisors and CDM co-ordinators who oversee construction activities and projects, the globally recognised NEBOSH NCC e-learning training course and qualification provides the knowledge and understanding to ensure construction work is carried out safely and without risks to workers and others. Although primarily aimed at those in managerial or supervisory roles in construction, the e-learning course also provides vital health and safety knowledge for those in facilities management and sectors such as utilities, where there is a need to ensure contractors are working safely or where temporary workplaces are a regular occurrence. Delegates sitting the NEBOSH NCC e-learning course must study two modules with a suggested total study time of 154 hours, sit two written examinations and undertake a practical assessment in a suitable construction workplace. Upon successful completion of all of these elements, a Certificate holder with five years’ experience in a health and safety role may apply for Technician membership (Tech IOSH) of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). The Certificate also satisfies the academic requirements for Associate membership (AIIRSM) of the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management.

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John Phillips, director of qualifications and standards at the British Safety Council, said: “The NEBOSH National Construction Certificate is a highly respected qualification that teaches the essential knowledge required to manage and monitor health and safety during construction work, traditionally one of the most dangerous industries. “Our NEBOSH NCC e-learning course covers the main health and safety legal requirements for construction activities, and provides the information delegates need to identify and control construction hazards and risks, from working at height to excavations and demolition work.

The new NEBOSH NCC e-learning course is the latest in the British Safety Council’s range of health, safety and environmental e-learning courses. The portfolio includes ‘pay as you go’ basic e-learning courses for rank-and-file employees on issues such as fire safety, display screen equipment and manual handling. There are also e-learning versions of the NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety and NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety.

“E-learning is a convenient way of delivering health and safety training because delegates can study at their own pace and at a time that suits both them and their employer. There is no need to take time away from work to attend classroom training – all you need is a computer with internet access.”

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ISSUE 104

NEWS CONTINUED West Midlands University Technical College achieves new milestone

Health and Safety Executive sheds light on new charges on business

Trowers & Hamlins advises winner of Manchester’s Building of the Year

A WALSALL-based West Midlands Construction University Technical College (UTC) has taken a major step forward by winning the backing and support of 15 local construction companies as it prepares to open its doors to students in 2014.

The British Safety Council has launched BUSINESSES found in material breach of health and safety law will from 1 October be charged £124 an hour for the HSE’s regulatory work as it seeks to cope with sharp cuts to its budget.

Trowers & Hamlins is delighted to have acted for youth charity 42nd Street on the acquisition, development agreement, leasing and reﬁnancing for its new-build headquarters in Manchester, which was recently named “Building of the Year” by the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.

As the only construction-led UTC to have achieved consent last May, the new college will provide 600 14-19 year olds with a high quality, contextualised, full time, vocational and academic education – offering a curriculum focused on a construction specialism alongside key GCSEs as well as business, entrepreneurial and employability skills. The curriculum will be aligned to the needs of construction employers and professionals; offering maximum opportunities for employment within the industry. Judy Lowe, Deputy Chairman, CITBConstructionSkills and Chairman Designate of the UTC said: “University Technical Colleges have the ability to transform the country’s prospects and student’s lives. They are an invaluable addition to the education landscape, because they remind us that there is an urgent need in this country to develop skills not solely academically based.” Nigel Donohue, West Midlands Construction UTC Programme Director, said: “Our vision is to deliver an outstanding UTC, which offers both practical and academic knowledge and experience, providing future talent for the construction industry, sowing the seed for excellence in future generations. With our partners, we are building the foundations for a future of high-value, skilled workers adept for a modern construction industry – so fundamental to the growth of the industry in the West Midlands.” Sponsored by CITB-ConstructionSkills, the University of Wolverhampton and Walsall College, the college will provide a progression route into constructionrelated higher education, higher apprenticeships, traditional and specialist apprenticeships with direct engagement from SMEs and construction companies.

But a recent HSW-hosted webinar revealed the regulator will get to keep less than half of the projected £37 million of receipts from the first full year of the regime, which will see inspectors charging employers for low-level enforcement activities for the first time. HSE programme director Gordon MacDonald said that over the next three years the executive is only allowed to retain a portion of the revenue from fee for intervention (FFI). MacDonald said: “The deal we have in terms of money is that the HSE will retain a certain amount of it over these three years; if it exceeds that then the money will go to the central coffers.” He revealed that the HSE will keep £10 million of the first six months’ revenue, rising to 17 of the projected £37 million recovery in 2013/14 (the scheme’s first full year), and £23 million of the projected £39 million in 2014/15. Part of the HSE’s original justification for FFI, which will enable it to recover the cost of inspectors’ time wherever they find a “material breach” of safety law justifying a letter or enforcement notice, was that it would support the executive at a time of budget cuts. The government’s 35% cut in the HSE’s funding will leave the regulator around £80 million a year worse off from 2014/15. During the HSW webinar, MacDonald qualified the numbers by saying he expects the scheme to raise less than the £37–39 million projection. Addressing a commonly held view that inspectors might be looking to find reasons to charge to bolster the executive’s revenue he told delegates to the webinar to “rest assured we have controls in place to sort that out. But beyond a certain point, there is no incentive because that money does not come back to the HSE.”

The Space Youth Intervention Centre, located on Great Ancoats Street, was honoured by the Chamber at its annual property dinner held at the Midland Hotel on 11 October 2012. Manchester-based Trowers & Hamlins partner Paula Hamer led the property team that advised on all aspects of the land acquisition, development agreement, new lease and complex reﬁnancing of the project, together with Senior Associate Kate Bouchier. Paula Hamer, commercial property partner at Trowers & Hamlins, commented: “This is a great result for 42nd Street. This project was successfully delivered, though at times it seemed the odds were stacked against us. Despite the numerous obstacles we had to overcome, from the building being listed and located within a conservation area, to having to re-ﬁnance the project twice due to loss of funding during the construction stage, the centre is now helping countless young people in the Manchester area. It just goes to show what you can achieve for the local community when professionals work closely together, and I am honoured to have been a part of that team.”

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NEWS CONTINUED IP telephony finding its voice, says teliqo WITH research published in October predicting that global spending on VoIP and Unified Communications services will pass $350 billion over the next five years, teliqo’s Russell Lux believes that such substantial investment is indicative of the business world finally waking up to the financial and operational benefits of IP telephony on a large scale. The report, produced by market research firm Infonetics Research, forecasts that cumulative spending on VoIP and UC services across enterprise and residential sectors combined will reach a staggering $377 billion for the period 2012-2016. Lux, Commercial Director at bespoke telephone solution provider teliqo, sees signs that businesses are now ready to fully embrace new technologies to improve their productivity: “The research shows that managed IP PBX is already the largest segment of the business VoIP services market, accounting for 15 per cent of all new IP PBX lines, and that will surely only rise as the benefits become even clearer. “Being a visual as well as aural medium, VoIP delivers much-improved versatility to enterprise communications. Employees can keep in touch with each other and with clients both in and out of the office, and on any Internet-enabled device – a real boon in industries such as construction, where managers and workers alike need to be constantly available as they move between dispersed sites,” Lux continued. Lux is keen to stress that the financial benefits of VoIP deployment can extend beyond increases to the enterprise’s productivity: “Ultimately, economic conditions mean that CFOs and buyers are constantly challenged to do more with less. Implementing a managed IP telephony system is a great way to increase operational efficiency while also driving down costs: the provider bears the burden of maintaining the infrastructure (which is in any case less costly than that of traditional phone companies), the costs associated with employee moves, adds, and changes are virtually eliminated, and the ability to run a combined voice and data network reduces costs even further,” he concluded.

The Federation of Small Businesses and Streamline launch new UK Business Awards THE Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and Streamline last month launched a new UK-wide business awards programme to promote and celebrate innovation and success in small businesses across the UK. The FSB Streamline UK Business Awards will run across 12 geographical areas around the UK, with area finalists selected to go through to a national final in April 2013. The awards opened at the beginning of October and construction businesses across the UK are being invited to nominate themselves in four categories: · · · ·

Business Innovation Online Business of the Year Micro Business of the Year Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Four businesses (one for each category) will be selected by a panel of independent judges to go through to the national final. One of the four finalists will also be selected as area winner and receive a cash prize of £500. The winner along with the three remaining category finalists will automatically be entered into the national final for their category, with £4,500 up for grabs for each national category winner. The judges will then select one overall business as winner of the FSB Streamline UK Business of the Year Award. The winner of this award will receive an additional £5,000, and a business consultancy package worth a further £5,000 to help them to grow their business.

XTI LAUNCH TWO NEW PRODUCTS XTI, the Oldham based drain camera manufacturer, have been keeping their development team very busy lately. With two new products just launched and the next development already underway there has been a lot to do. The Look-See system is a brand new addition to the product range and the new MPEG system is a significant advancement of a familiar product. Anna Humphreys, Managing Director said “Constant product development has always been a key part of our company ethos and we are pleased to have released our most ambitious product upgrade yet. We are always looking for new ways to expand or improve our range of cameras and control units and the new XT202 is a great addition to our existing products.” She went on to say “Excellent customer service has always been a key focus for us and we hope our new range will create even greater customer satisfaction.”

The Business Innovation and Online Business of the Year awards are open to any UK registered businesses employing 250 people or less, whilst the Micro Business of the Year is open to any business that employs 10 employees or less. The Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award is open to anyone aged 30 or under on 31st December 2012. Full details of the entry criteria and how to enter are available at http://www. fsbstreamlineawards.co.uk/. The closing date for entries is 31st December 2012.

ISSUE 104

FULFILLING ALL A-Plant Company Profile EQUIPMENT NEEDS

a-plant is one of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest plant, tool and equipment hire comp A-PLANT isrange one of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest hirers equipment, of Plant, Tools and Specialist hiring a vast of non-operated from power tools, cem Equipment, with over 100 Service Centres across mainland Great Britain, more thanand 1,900 employees and a hire fleet to of over 110,000 items of equipment scissor l mixers accommodation units excavators, compressors, available to hire. otherThe types of equipment industry and construction. a-plant company is dedicated tofor providing a local solution but have global backingis pro as A-Plant forms part of FTSE-250 company, Ashtead Group plc, the second be accredited with iSo 9001:2008, iSo 14001:2004 and oHSaS 1800 largest equipment rental company in the world. As well as A-Plant, Ashtead Group also comprises Sunbelt third robust largest equipment rental confirming that we have oneRentals, of thethemost safety and quality business in the US with almost 400 locations and over 5,000 employees. management systems in the industry. 8

ISSUE 104

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

LATEST NEWS

Among their products, A-Plant hires a vast range of non-operated equipment, from power tools, cement mixers and accommodation units to excavators, compressors, scissor lifts and other types of equipment for industry and construction.

A-Plant has recently invested over £1m in brand new equipment to support Amey as work begins on the £2bn Sheffield Streets Ahead contract.

A-Plant is proud to be accredited with ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004 and OHSAS 18001:2007, so customers can be assured that the company has one of the most robust safety and quality management systems in the industry. A-Plant’s fleet of equipment available to hire comprises over 110,000 itemised pieces of plant, tools and equipment. The company invests a multi-million pound figure each year in new equipment and state-of-the-art technology, to ensure A-Plant customers are able to hire the very latest equipment from world-class manufacturers such as JCB, Terex, CompAir and GenSet.

Amey, one of A-Plant’s largest customers, has been selected by Sheffield City Council to transform the city’s roads, pavements, bridges, street lighting and streetscene bringing the highway assets up to a high standard in the first 5 years of a 25 year contract and then maintain them to that high standard for the remaining 20 years of the contract.

The new equipment will be supplied by A-Plant’s local Service Centres. It will be used by Amey to deliver a major overhaul of Sheffield’s highway network. Amey will take responsibility for improving and maintaining 1,180 miles of road, 2,050 miles of pavement, 68,000 streetlights, 500 traffic signals, 610 bridges and other structures and 36,000 trees.

A-Plant has invested in a vast range of equipment, including Wood Chippers, Stump Grinders, Vaccum Lifters, Telehandlers, Traffic Lights, Ride on Mowers, Plant Trailers and Generators, for Amey to carry out work on five areas of the contract; namely Highways Maintenance, Street Cleaning, Street Lighting, Grounds Maintenance and Arboriculture. A-Plant has a five year sole supply agreement with Amey for the supply of Plant, Tools and Specialist Equipment.

nationwide With their workforce totalling more than 1,800 employees, A-Plant is based at locations nationwide, including its support office in Warrington, Cheshire. The company is able to offer a truly national service, regardless of how specialised or remote a customer’s needs may be. They have a network of over 100 locations across England, Scotland and Wales, with depots in most major towns and cities, so they can offer a truly national service no matter how remote or specialised customer needs may be.

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AWARD-WINNING SCAFFOLDERS TRADING since 2000, the Admiral Scaffolding Group has become well known for providing a quality scaffolding service while working to protect the environment. Servicing the area within the M25 and Surrey, Admiral Scaffolding are often considered Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first choice scaffolding service. As winners of multiple awards, the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s logo has recently been updated to reflect their commitment to the environment.

ISSUE 104

SERVICES

INVESTORS IN PEOPLE

With approximately 85 workers – some employed directly by the company and others subcontracted, Admiral Scaffolding work predominantly within the construction industry, but recently they have also been expanding into the media and rail industries.

“We’re a company that offers scaffolding , but we’re different because we are investors in people, have an annual business plan, everybody that works for us is appraise and we are green and award winning,” says Admiral’s Laura Withers.

The Admiral Structural Gallery has been set up to provide a more personalised service within the creative market, which offers scaffolding service to the events, media, advertising and visual merchandising industries. The company have thoroughly researched the market to enable them to provide a very bespoke service.

It was the beginning of the economic recession that urged the company to achieve Investors in People Status, and they have not looked back since. The accreditation makes them stand out from the wealth of scaffolding companies in the market, and they have only seen improvements. “The company itself is a huge success,” concludes Laura.

The mission statement of this specialist division is to “bridge the gap between construction and beauty”, and they aim to do this in an efficient manner without compromising health and safety. Although the company has found they have missed the deadlines for a large number of contracts, they are looking forward to fully launching in 2013 and are expecting rapid expansion.

HEALTH AND SAFETY The Admiral Scaffolding Group work to the mantra “safety first production second” and as a result the company work to very stringent health and safety policies. Their belief is that any profit worth making has to be made in a safe environment. The business employ their own Health, Safety and Environmental team as well as three independent Health and Safety professionals to ensure their policies are in line with and beyond current legislation. New employees undergo a one-day induction covering all company policies, and receive a health and safety handbook, which they have to read prior to signing a declaration indicating they understand their responsibilities as far as health and safety goes. All workers are in possession of a CSCS card and are put through CITB courses in addition to the weekly toolbox talks they have to attend. As a result of their rigorous training and commitment to safe working, Admiral Scaffolding has an enviable record with zero reported accidents since 2009, an outstanding achievement for a highly dangerous trade.

GREEN SCAFFOLDING As one of the greenest scaffolding companies within the London and greater London region, Admiral Scaffolding have a comprehensive strategy to reduce their carbon footprint which exceeds legislative requirements. The company measure their carbon output every month and review the efforts they made in previous months and the best ways to go forward. As a result of their commitment to the environment, Admiral Scaffolding were proud to be named Best Green Business at the South London Business Awards, and this has further motivated them to continue in their efforts to make their business more environmentally friendly and sustainable. The company’s commitment to the environment is so determined that they have rebranded and made many changes including with their logo, vehicles and even their suppliers to ensure that all aspects of their business meet their green strategy.

ISSUE 104

AMBASSADOR THEATRE GROUP MAKES £15 MILLION INVESTMENT IN CAPITAL PROJECTS AMBASSADOR Theatre Group (ATG) has recently announced details of how it is investing £15 million into capital projects, which includes a major overhaul of the company’s Front of House areas, bars and toilets, in order to improve facilities for customers. 12

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The company has unveiled five refurbished luxury bars that have been redesigned by ATG’s interior designer, George Couyas, to capture some of the Group’s beautiful, unique theatre architecture with an elegant, modern twist. David Blyth, ATG’s Property Director, says, “The development of our Front of House areas is the latest chapter in an extensive ongoing ATG restoration programme where our overall aim is to dramatically increase the customer experience and preserve our beautiful, historic buildings for future generations.” “The investment has been spread over a few years, and despite the recession we have achieved our budget in the past few years. In London especially, new things are always happening, and people still like to make a special occasion of visiting the theatre.” David is responsible for the 39 venues, ensuring they all meet current legislations and maintaining great surroundings for audiences. He works with a small team, which includes two Property Managers, one in the North and the other in the South. “There is a fine art to managing work while still putting on productions, but we have been able to plan the work around shows that are happening.” The Harold Pinter Theatre not only underwent a name change but has benefitted from a £550,000 makeover and the fabulous new Moonlight Bar. Auditorium refurbishment included repairs to the decorative plaster, new carpets and a project including the strengthening of the grid and installation of a double purchase flying system. The Duke of York’s also benefitted from technical improvements, improving the facilities for Producers and technical staff.

Working closely with Foster Wilson Architects, John Muir and Conisbee Structural Engineers a £500,000 refurbishment of the Fortune Theatre was carried out including major repairs to the concrete façade, repairs to the existing leadwork, windows and roofing, reinstatement of the original canopy, new show and theatre signage and new LED coloured lighting designed by Hoare Lea Lighting.

Bar. Further improvements and upgrades have taken place at Trafalgar Studios, Richmond Theatre, Playhouse Theatre (London) and the Fortune Theatre.

Again working with Foster Wilson Architects and John Muir, other ATG West End capital projects have included a £300,000 restoration of the Charing Cross Road façade of the Grade II listed Phoenix Theatre, including the reinstatement of the original canopy, replacement signage and new lighting on both facades of the theatre, also designed by Hoare Lea Lighting, to enhance the visibility of the theatre at night. The Piccadilly Theatre underwent an extensive £150,000 refurbishment, which involved the redecoration and restoration of the original colour schemes, enhancement of the theatre’s original features using modern technology and the development of the Piano Bar in the Royal Circle. The Apollo Victoria has undergone a major Foyer refurbishment and there has been considerable investment at Trafalgar Studios to ensure wheelchair access to both studio spaces. In 2011, ATG became the first theatre company in the world to install the new ProBax ergonomic seating at its Fortune Theatre in Covent Garden. The innovative Probax seats (also used in Lotus cars and currently under development with leading car companies and aircraft makers worldwide) dramatically increase the comfort experience for the user because they encourage an anatomically correct posture in the seat occupant. Added health benefits from the seats include reduced backache and muscle fatigue, improved circulation and respiratory flow and higher concentration levels. The plan is to roll out the ProBax seats across all of ATG’s 39 UK venues. ATG currently has over 1,200 toilet cubicles for audience use across the Group’s 39 venues, plus another 200 back stage for artists. The company has embarked on a project of upgrading and refurbishing and where it is possible, increasing the number of facilities. This year ATG has installed a new set of male and female toilets at the Bristol Hippodrome to complement the Piano

In the Regions, a new tea room and café, “The Parlour”, was introduced at Theatre Royal Brighton, in Manchester the exterior of the Opera House underwent a £500,000 refurbishment and the Revue Bar at the Palace Theatre was redeveloped, a new Box Office was installed at the Bristol Hippodrome costing £80,000 and the New Theatre Oxford saw a £250,000 investment to transform its Front of House and Box Office areas. The next project earmarked in the regions is the replacement of the pavement outside the Edinburgh Playhouse costing £95,000. Upcoming West End projects include replacement of the A/C units at the Lyceum at £175,000 to improve customer comfort, installation of a new roof at the Fortune costing £100,000 and replacement of the seats at the Harold Pinter costing £150,000. Co-founded by Howard Panter and Rosemary Squire in 1992, the Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd (ATG) is the largest owner/operator of theatres in the UK with 39 venues and an internationally recognised theatre producer and a leader in theatre ticketing services through ATG Tickets.

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SCAFFOLDING: NOT JUST ABOUT SKILLS BUT CONDUCT TOO GOOD manners and excellent health and safety enforcement are at the core of business at ASA Scaffolding. Founded approximately four years ago by Lee Tolan with just one lorry and a vision to stand out from the crowd, the company has seen unrivalled success despite the challenging economy. 16

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CUSTOMER SERVICE According to Lee, all members of staff are handpicked. Not only are their skills taken into account, but their mannerisms and conduct are just as important. “I want my staff to treat the customers’ homes as they would treat their own homes, and I want them to treat the customers with respect”. With every new job, ASA spend a lot of time planning in meticulous detail to ensure that the client gets the job done as quickly as possible and with as much savings possible without compromising on health and safety or quality. “Prices in the industry are not what they were, and customers cannot afford as much as they could in previous times, so we work hard to ensure we lower the price for customers but do the job and make a profit so that we can keep running,” explains Lee. The company has invested a lot into ensuring that workers are uniformed and their vehicles are kept clean and presentable at all times. Despite the cost, Lee thinks it is worthwhile, and the company has seen the benefits of this approach. Customers are always happy with the service provided, and leave good testimonials, often commenting on the excellent timekeeping, polite and well-presented staff who have their PPE on all the time, and spotless vehicles. “We stand out from other companies because we genuinely care and treat our customers with the respect they deserve – and what we ourselves would expect if we were on the receiving end”. “I run my company like military, people are often shocked at how much effort and attention to detail I have, but there are so many problems that we prevent just by taking care and planning ahead”. Lee’s role is a very busy one, and most days he does not get home until between seven and eight in the evening. He places emphasis on ensuring that everything is done properly and health and safety is paramount. He also checks his vehicles and equipment regularly to prevent faulty materials being sent out. As a very hands-on director, Lee also meets with new clients, works on the company website and quotes and tenders jobs.

growth over the past few years, and they are expecting this to increase over the coming months. “Money is tight at the moment, and if you have a choice between an old firm that doesn’t care and a new firm that does, who would you choose? Our company speaks for itself,” says Lee, explaining why the company has not been hit hard by a recession, which has seen many businesses in the same field going into administration. ASA’s current turnover is approximately £750k, and Lee has weekly meetings with his financial controller Darren Peachey. “People sometimes think I am wasting money by hiring someone to take care of the companies finances, but I do not see it as losing money because I am actually making money by taking care of my finances with the help of someone who knows what they are doing,” explains Lee. “I don’t really spend a lot of money on myself – the money I earn I put back into the company, and I have no doubt it will benefit me in the future”.

to happen very quickly! From one lorry just a few years ago we now have four, so yes business has been good,” declares Lee. As part of their future plans for expansion, ASA are looking to employ young people with little experience, who Lee plans to train so that they learn the correct way of doing things right from the beginning. The company will only take on staff they can guarantee stability to as they do not want to be in a situation where their workers are left without work. The business is very organised, and are set up and ready to take on bigger contracts. Together with Office Manager Natalie Vincent and Contracts manager Graham Ringwood, Lee hopes to take the company forward through the recession and out of it, staying updated on all current legislation.

The company’s finances are so healthy that they have a credit agreement with the company they purchase their scaffold from. Although they do not use this allowance just because they can, it does mean that when they do have bigger jobs they can get the scaffold immediately and provide an efficient service.

EXPANSION Despite being a relatively young company, ASA Scaffolding have worked with influential companies including MBS Contractors and British Gas. With the assistance of Neil Stevens from MBS, ASA initially won a contract for £3000, but subsequent work has seen much larger amounts up to £40k. This is a testament to their ability to complete jobs to the quality and timeframe expected from large companies.

FINANCIAL HEALTH

As a result of their enviable reputation, ASA has seen substantial expansion over the years and hope to continue expanding whenever the opportunity arises. However, as Lee emphasises, they will maintain a shrewd approach and only take on jobs that they feel they can complete to a high standard; they will ensure that they do not expand until they are sure that they can maintain their quality of service.

Although the company started trading during the recession, they have only seen

“I want gradual expansion, but if the last few years are anything to go by, it seems

HEALTH AND SAFETY Health and Safety at ASA is of paramount importance, and Lee insists that all his workers are appropriately attired while they are working. With the help of their Health and Safety Advisor Peter Lodge from Lodge Incorporated, the company have an extensive Health and Safety policy, and are kept up to date with changing legislation. They carry out regular toolbox talks and training sessions, and highlight health and safety for each job. At a recent meeting with Nick Game, Safety Officer at British Gas, the company’s efficiency and forward thinking in the area were highlighted when British Gas took on board some of ASA’s health and safety policies to use themselves.

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PROFILE: BOB KERR HEAD OF HS&E AND COMPLIANCE (FIELD), BRITISH GAS

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Can you tell me a little about yourself? I am 47 years old and live in Hampshire with my wife Samantha and two children Charlotte (19) and Johnathan (17) I was born in London and have spent most of my working life there before moving out to Hampshire three years ago. I have worked for British Gas since leaving school at 16 and starting as an apprentice service engineer and carried out various roles within the company My main interest in life aside from BG and family is football and I am an avid supporter of West Ham United as well as being a coach for a number of years

What experience and qualifications do you have? City & Guilds Technically qualified in Gas Industry with over 30 years experience. NEBOSH Qualified in HS&E. Currently leading a field based team in both HS&E and Technical Safety within British Gas that has responsibility for approximately 15,000 field operatives. External relationship management within industry bodies and government Operational management experience in delivery of performance across a range of KPIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ensuring first class customer service. Experience in business re-organisation and project management as well as recruitment. Director on the board of the Gas Industry Safety Group and a Trustee on the Gas Safety Trust

Day to day our role is to support and work with our operational businesses across all areas of safety to help drive improvement and best practice in the field. Additionally, my team is responsible for external liaison with regulatory bodies and industry bodies in conjunction with setting and improving standards for the industry.

Can you tell me about your work with the Gas Industry Safety Group? I am a Director on the board of the GISG representing Centrica/BG providing insight into downstream operations and working with other key stakeholders to focus on, promote and influence safety across the industry. This focuses on a number of issues throughout the year such as assisting in raising Carbon Monoxide awareness.

How does British Gas work to protect the environment? We protect the environment by implementing an ISO14001 certified environmental management system across our business and monitoring and managing our Waste, Water and carbon impacts via our internal governance structures and our network of green teams across the country. We also encourage our customers, employees, suppliers and contractors to reduce their Carbon impact via various means, for example to develop low carbon products and services, installing insulation, giving advice and measuring their impact.

Can you tell me a bit about health and safety at British Gas? Health & Safety at British Gas is about the way we run our business and is a fundamental part of how we operate to make sure our customers are safe and ensuring our employees return home safely every day. This runs throughout our business from top to bottom and is an integral part of our culture.

Can you tell me about your current role and what it entails? I lead an HS&E and Compliance team responsible for field and customer safety, technical standards and procedures and incident management. This covers approximately 15,000 engineers, contractors and managers working mainly in residential properties. Importantly, my colleagues and I set the strategic direction for how we support the business ensuring that the structure we have in place is fit for purpose and adequate.

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How many people work in your team and what areas do you focus on? There are 150 people in my team and we focus on Personal, Customer and Technical Safety, Incident Management as well as Technical Operating procedures, processes and standards. Importantly, we work closely with our operational colleagues to focus on improvement and best practice across all areas of safety and compliance.

How does HS&E Policy get rolled out nationally within British Gas? Various communication channels are utilised such as briefings and notice boards in our offices and briefings and team meetings in the field. This is underpinned by regular governance meetings through all levels within the business, which focus solely on HS&E.

Proud to be associated with British Gas and wish them continued success in the future

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BRITISH SAFETY COUNCIL ANNOUNCES SWORD OF Honour and Globe of Honour winners 2012 THE British Safety Council has proudly announced the winners of the prestigious Sword of Honour and Globe of Honour. These awards, for health and safety management and environmental management excellence, are made in recognition of the exemplary performance by the winning organisations and their employees. 21

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Alex Botha, chief executive of the British Safety Council, announcing the winners said: “On behalf of the British Safety Council I warmly congratulate the winning organisations and their employees. This year 79 organisations won the Sword of Honour and 9 won the Globe of Honour.” The winning organisations (listed below) came from a wide range of sectors including construction, custodial services, education and training, energy generation and distribution, financial services, food and drink, leisure, major hazards, manufacturing, motor vehicle manufacture, offshore oil and gas, retail and utilities. “What unites them is their shared belief that proportionate and competent risk management brings both financial and social benefits to their organisations. Managing health, safety and environmental risks effectively does not need to be onerous; it is quite the opposite,” added Botha.

The Globe of Honour award scheme was launched in 2010 to recognise exemplary environmental management. The winners have completed the British Safety Council’s five star environmental audit before demonstrating that they go beyond compliance and strive for best practice in all areas of environmental management.

Balcas Timber Ltd, Enniskillen

The awardees of both prizes come from France, India, Ivory Coast, Singapore, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom, demonstrating the global spirit of the awards.

G4S Utility and Outsourcing Services (UK) Ltd

The celebratory luncheon to present the awards will be held at the Mansion House in the City of London on Friday 23 November. Further information on the Sword of Honour and Globe of Honour can be found at: www.britsafe.org/awards

Castle Leisure Ltd, MerthyrTydfil Drydocks World – Singapore Pte Ltd Drydocks World, Dubai E.ON UK CHP Ltd, Port of Liverpool CHP E.ON UK Ltd, Citigen (London) Ltd CHP FES Ltd, Royal Bank of Scotland Data Centre

GEO Group UK Ltd, Dungavel IRC GEO Group UK Ltd, Harmondsworth IRC Getrag-Ford, Transmissions GmbH, Halewood Plant Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Ltd International Produce Ltd, Sittingbourne International Produce Ltd, Normanton ITC Ltd, India Tobacco Division, Bangalore ITC Ltd, Kidderpore, Kolkata Factory ITC Ltd, Pune Cigarette Factory ITC Ltd, Saharanpur

The British Safety Council also congratulated those six organisations who won the ‘double’ – both the Sword of Honour and Globe of Honour. These were Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Foster Wheeler Energy Ltd, Magnox Ltd Wylfa Site, Norec Ltd Liverpool Bulk Handling Terminal and Unipart Group Consumer Logistics Cowley.

Jaiprakash Associates Ltd, Heavy Engineering Workshop Jaiprakash Associates Ltd, JaypeeRewa Plant Larsen & Toubro Ltd, Heavy Engineering IC, Strategic Systems Complex, Talegaon Larsen & Toubro Ltd, L&T Power – 2X700 MW Rajpura Super Critical Thermal Power Project Larsen & Toubro Ltd, L&T Power – 375 MW Dhuvaran III CCPP Larsen & Toubro Ltd, MHI Turbine Generators Pvt. Ltd

List of British Safety Council Sword of Honour winners 2012

Lloyds Banking Group Mail Processing Centre, Andover

AAF Ltd

McArthurGlen Designer Outlet York

Academies Enterprise Trust - Greensward Academy Adelphi Care Services Ltd Afren Côte d’Ivoire Ltd AJS Contracts Ltd, Creswell The 2012 awards mark the 33rd year of the British Safety Council’s Sword of Honour. The winners had established that their specific site has achieved the maximum rating in the British Safety Council’s five star health and safety management system audit. They have also demonstrated to an independent adjudication panel a culture of best practice for health and safety throughout the business – from the boardroom to the shopfloor.

Aker Solutions – Well Intervention Services UK ALBIS (UK) Ltd ARAMARK, Aberdeen Ardagh Packaging, Norwich Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd, Gaydon AV Technology Ltd, Avtech House (Head Office) and Contract Sites AWE Construction Babcock International Group, Babcock Rosyth

Mace MEP, The Shard Magnox Ltd, Oldbury Site McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Roubaix McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Noventa di Piave Milk Link, Llandyrnog Creamery Milk Link, Reece’s Creamery Malpas Milk Link, Tuxford&Tebbutt, Melton Mowbray National Construction College, Scotland Norec Warehousing and Distribution, North Killingholme Office Depot Ltd, Northampton Orion Group – Head Office Reliance Industries Ltd, Barabanki Manufacturing Division Reliance Industries Ltd, DTA – Refinery Complex SELEX Galileo Ltd, Basildon

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Serco – Colnbrook Immigration Removal Centre

United Biscuits, Midlands Distribution Centre

Serco – Hassockfield Secure Training Centre

Weston College, Knightstone Campus

Serco Electronic Monitoring – England and Wales

Siemens Building Technologies

List of British Safety Council Globe of Honour winners 2012

Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Manufacturing Ltd

FES FM Ltd, Prudential Campus, Craigforth

Shriram Alkali & Chemicals (a unit of DCM Shriram Consolidated Ltd)

St Leger Homes of Doncaster Sudarshan Chemical Industries Ltd, Mahad Site Sudarshan Chemical Industries Ltd, Roha Site TATA Motors Ltd, Ahmedabad Plant TATA Motors Ltd, Passenger Car Business Unit, Pune Threadneedle Asset Management Holdings Ltd Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Indrad Torrent Power Ltd, Sugen Mega Power Project Unipart Group Ltd UTL – Nuneaton Unipart Group Ltd UTL – Rugby Unipart Logistics Ltd, UTL – Baginton

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority Foster Wheeler Energy Ltd Magnox Ltd Wylfa Site Norec Ltd Liverpool Bulk Handling Terminal Unipart Group Consumer Logistics Cowley

McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Bridgend Reliance Industries Ltd, Jamnagar Manufacturing Division, SEZ Refinery

Winning the double The British Safety Council was also delighted to congratulate six organisations who won the ‘double’ – both the Sword of Honour and Globe of Honour List of British Council winners of the Sword of Honour and the Globe of Honour Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PLACE A FEATURE OR AN ADVERT IN THIS MAGAZINE PLEASE CALL STEVE RUSHWORTH AT S&S PUBLISHING ON 01924 920 483 OR SEND AN EMAIL TO STEVE@SNSPUBLISHING.CO.UK

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COMMUNITY FOCUSSED YORKSHIRE SCAFFOLDERS CARE is what sets Chem Scaffolding, based in West Yorkshire, apart from other companies. Established in 2006, just before the recession really hit the country, the company has grown from strength to strength and is now working with both Bradford and Kirklees councils.

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Set up by Joe Brennan and Des Harte, Chem scaffolding got its name as a result of the founders’ extensive work with a chemical plant. This is what the company initially started out doing scaffolding for, but have since branched out and work predominantly in maintenance scaffolding (e.g. with window companies), although they still do a high volume of work for chemical plants.

PROJECTS Chem Scaffolding is involved in a major project in Dewsbury headed by Yorkshire Water and contracted by Morgan Sindell. A 16-metre bridge is being built across the River Calder, and Chem Scaffolding have been subcontracted by Sword Construction, who are subcontractors of Morgan Sindell. Within the same area, the company are working with Kirklees Council in their Solar Panel installation scheme. Located East of Dewsbury, Chickenley consists of mainly council estates, and the council are keen to reduce their carbon footprint. Although Chem Scaffolding are able to work in the wider area, they do focus on their local area and get involved in projects that help to improve the area and living conditions for the local people.

“We are hoping to break the million pound turnover,” says Jon, “Currently the turnover is £800k but we are growing at a steady rate. We are not far off from meeting the target, but we are going to have to make some big decisions on how to take things forward. We will probably need to make investments into transport and manpower to help us fulfil this goal”.

SUCCESS “Our accreditations ensure that people know we are a professional organisation and not a fly by night company,” explains Jon. But that is not all that sets the company apart and enables success. “The fact that we care sets us apart,” he adds. The company deal with any problems that arise proactively, and in rare instances when damage may be done, they ensure they get it repaired in a timely fashion, often prior to the main contractor even becoming aware of a problem. The company’s endurance and success rate during the double dip recession, and continuing today are a testament to the customer satisfaction. Part of this, however, can be credited to their high staff retention, evidence of the successful relationship they have built with their employees.

DIY SOS As part of their commitment to the local community, Chem Scaffolding recently took part in the BBC’s DIY SOS Big Build programme with Nick Knowles. They provided free scaffolding for a project to adapt a house in Halifax for a severely handicapped child. The company’s involvement was organised by Jon Berry, Contract and General Manager at Chem. Jon’s day-to-day job consists of a wide range of tasks, including negotiating contracts, meeting with clients, marketing, sales, and evidently liaising with the community.

“Scaffolding is a very incestuous business led by money rather than job satisfaction,” comments Jon, who believes that the company is unique in the way it deals with its 13 directly employed staff members. With training schemes and a transparent relationship, Chem Scaffolding ensures that it is able to keep both staff and clients satisfied.

“It was fulfilling to get involved and good to give something back,” said Jon.

LOOKING FORWARD Chem Scaffolding are currently in discussions with a major contractor, and hope to build a portfolio of affiliation to develop railway works and bridge schemes.

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TOP UK DRAINAGE EXPERTS We spoke to the founder of one of the UK’s topranked Drainage companies, Michael McCann.

Can you tell me a little bit about yourself? I’m a civil engineer by profession and have done drainage work for the last

18-20 years. I started of working with a couple of Irish Construction companies including the Mc Nicholas & FM Conway Group, which is where I learnt the trade. I then decided to start my own drainage company. I personally own 45 websites, which I built myself, a self taught skill. I have three children; my daughter is coming into the business and my son is currently doing a plumbing course so he will join my business soon. I am also a qualified dog-handler and in my free time I breed Dobermans, practice tae-Kwon-Doe and go for swimming regularly.

Can you tell me about your company? My business is called Drainage experts, and we have recently become a Thames Water approved contractor. We service the areas of London, Kent and Surrey and are one of only a few Thames Water approved contractors. 90 per cent of the work we do is for domestic customers and we also do work for Help the Aged – our older clientele get substantial discounts. Myself and three other directly employed members of staff run the business. We also work with 5-6 different subcontractors.

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What services do you offer? What are your future plans We offer a wide variety of drainage for the company? service including working with foul drains, storm drains, surface drainage, French drains, drainage rings, drain risers, drain channels, pipework, drain relining, CCTV surveys, drain jetting and maintenance and repair works on all types of drains. We also do civil works and paving.

Are you currently involved in any notable projects? We recently did some work for a Tesco Express branch in Chelsea; they had a problem with their drainage system that we repaired with very happy results. Hopefully through our Â good work & professionalism we can expand further now we are an approved contractor for Thames Water. We work closely with a company called XTI who contact us whenever they further develop their systems. We have now started working on various MOD sites and hopefully this will also be another client we can showcase our services too as we move forward this year.

We have already seen rapid growth and doubled in size this year alone. I would like for the company to double in size every three years for the next nine years and then for my son to take over when I am ready to retire! We also like training our female staff to do this work as they are every bit as capable to carry out this work and many domestic clients in fact now ask for a lady member of staff, so my daughter Samantha is one of our up and coming engineers and already highly qualified in various aspects of drainage works.

What are some of the major milestones and achievements of your company over the last few years? Going from a sole contractor to a limited company and then to a Thames water approved contractor has been really big for me. I have invested heavily into

all the latest equipment and it has paid off. Personally, I have gained a lot more qualifications in the last three to five years including City and Guilds in a variety of fields.

What sets your company apart from others in your field? Our customers set us apart. We never leave a customer unhappy and the customers review us through FreeIndex â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we have not received one negative feedback score. In fact we have been ranked second in the UK for drainage by FreeIndex. We are trustworthy, efficient and dedicated and we liaise with our customers regularly. Always keeping the lines of communication open. When a client has work done by us they are entitled automatically to a five per cent discount on any future works and we always make follow up calls to ensure everyone is happy.

www.drainage-experts.com

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SUSTAINABLE INVESTMENTS AT a time when people are looking to acquire real assets, FIM Ltd possesses both the knowledge and skills to ensure that they can assist individuals with the often-complicated process. Established in 1979 as Forestry Investment Managers advising clients on the acquisition of commercial forestry within the UK, the company now has two divisions, the first being, as the name suggests, forestry including investment funds. The second, is based around renewable energy such as the acquisition of windfarms – where FIM act on behalf of private individuals and institutional funds to purchase, finance and construct windfarms across the country. Altogether FIM employ approximately 18 members of staff who manage more than £250m worth of assets on the forestry side and around £82m on the renewable energy side of the business.

SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY Headed by Edward Daniels, the Forestry division offers private investors the opportunity to acquire forestry, a low risk asset. FIM currently manage two major commercial forestry funds totalling about £110m. As a low risk, real asset, the forestry division has continued doing business as usual despite the current economic climate. Forestry ownership preserves long-term capital and FIM have the expertise to manage these assets in a sustainable way. The ownership of forestry in the UK is subject to favourable taxation treatment. There is no liability

to income or capital gains tax arising on the timber. Forestry will qualify for 10% relief from inheritance tax, through business property relief (BPR). “Commercial forestry offers investors real ownership over something they have full control of. It is in effect a store of wealth, and as a result I can confidently say that FIM has had a ‘good’ recession,” says Edward, whose role includes liaising with forestry managers and investors and identifying suitable acquisitions to present to potential investors.

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RENEWABLE ENERGY “The marketplace for renewables remains attractive for future growth and investment,” explains Christopher Shead, Renewable Investment Director at FIM. The Renewable Energy Division has recently reached financially closed on a nine megawatt windfarm near Edinburgh in Scotland. This is currently in the final design phase and close to beginning construction with operations expectedin Q3 2013. Another 10-megawattwindfarm is already three months into construction with operations expected in Q1 2013. FIM supports both private Individuals through FIM funds and institutional fund with onshore windfarm investments. Over the last year and a half, FIM have doubled their renewables portfolio, which is further increasing FIM’s standing in the marketplace. “Although we are currently focused on UK onshore windfarm, in time we hope to address additional markets in the acquisition of development assets, and/ or operational windfarms for our

and operation of windfarms, liaising with banks and employing external technical advisers.

FUTURE GROWTH One of the key aims at FIM is to grow their assets from the current £340m to £750m over a four-year period. By moving to larger scale assets, include those that are operational, the company hopes to grow their portfolio significantly. With regard to Sustainable Forestry in particular, Edward’s objective is to increase the hectares under management, but due to the UK’s small markets, this may require international investment, something they are currently considering. As one of the UK’s biggest unlisted forestry funds in the UK, FIM have built the foundations to become internationally recognised.

investors,” comments Christopher, whose day-to-day job requires a handson approach, managing construction

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VARIED SERVICES AND MODERN DESIGN HELPS EXPANSION H&T PAWNBROKERS, previously known as Harvey and Thompson Ltd, have been in business for more than a century, providing pawnbroking, and more recently, other financial services as well as retail to customers all over the country. 32

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EXPANSION With over 1100 employees nationwide, the company currently has 180 stores, with a view to opening more by the end of the year.

Within the property department, H&T offer staff Continual Professional Development as well as training through the RICS courses.

“Within the last five years we have gone from just 77 units at the end of 2006 to 180 today,” said Jon Adnitt, Head of Property, at the company. Jon’s role includes looking after the existing portfolio of stores, whilst maintaining the growth of new stores.

On the retail side of the business, H&T stock mainly second hand jewellery and constantly readjust their prices to ensure customers are getting the best value for their money. They also offer a free jewellery cleaning service as well as a jewellery repair service, making H&T a ‘one-stop-shop’ for all their customers jewellery needs. Of the 180 stores H&T Pawnbrokers currently own, about 70 are in the London area alone.

“When looking for stores, we target specific types of locations,” says Jon, explaining that demographic information is key to understanding where the business will do well. Generally sites are anything between 600sq ft to 1000sq ft. H&T’s recent strategy focussed on growing the estate by using the rising gold price to fund store expansion. As a result H&T were able to open 25 stores last year alone, as well as 13 in 2010 and 17 in 2009. Although the figures for 2012 have not yet been finalised, it is expected to reach close to 30 stores.

SERVICES Although the company’s primary service is pawnbroking, they offer a range of financial and other services. These include gold buying, payday loans, cheque cashing and other forms of shortterm loans.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our stores are far more modern than our competitors and our customers tell us that we also have better customer service. This is what sets us apart and makes us the leading independent pawnbroker in the country, a position we intend to keep,â&#x20AC;? declares Jon. With the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ambitious expansion plans, they are on track to keeping their title as the leading independent pawnbroker in the UK.

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HD PROPERTY SERVICE MIDLANDS LTD - GIVING 100 PER CENT CUSTOMER SATISFACTION We spoke to HD properties about what they do and their director, Nick Harris. This is what we found out...

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Can you give me some history What are your present and and background into the future plans? The company’s present plans are to company’S organisation?

What sets you apart from other companies in your field?

Back in 2006 Nick Harris was looking for a change in career direction. He had a tremendous amount of commercial knowledge gained from a successful career in international logistics; but more importantly he had an appreciation of the importance of always giving excellent customer service.

The ethos of striving to exceed customers’ expectations and providing high quality workmanship with great customer service is the foundation on which the company has been built. The company has a varied range of satisfied customers located throughout the Midlands and Nick Harris is very proud to confirm that the majority of the company’s work arrives via recommendation from satisfied clients.

Nick realised that as the recession started to bite, many homeowners could not afford to move house; those who needed more living space were now looking to extend or improve their properties instead. Nick’s new business partner at the time was an accomplished builder with many years’ experience in the domestic construction industry. He also had a great reputation in the building sector, with a team of qualified sub-contractors available to call on. With their carefully chosen team of fully qualified and experienced tradesmen, HD Property Services could offer its customers a professional, reliable property renovation and building service throughout the Midlands.

What is your annual turnover? HD Property Services (Midlands) Ltd has a healthy annual turnover that continues to grow with an ever-increasing client base. The company is a member of the ‘UK Trade Confederation - Quality Assured’ and employs a team of approximately 16 people (including subcontractors).

Can you tell me a bit about your role and what it entails? Sole Director Nick Harris likes to maintain a hands-on role where possible; however his main role is project management, customer care and the day-to-day running of the business. His company has an excellent property services team who are led by Andrew Wilkes (Known as Wilba the builder). He organises the staff and their daily workloads to ensure each project runs smoothly and meets the company’s very high standards.

retain its current customer base and to further grow the business by winning new contracts. Future expansion plans include purchasing plots of land and building new houses.

The company have a very strong team, and success has to be accredited to them all: Andrew Wilkes (Wilba), Jamie Bond, Paul Amos, Conner & Joe Wilkes, Brian Smith, Chris Sanders, Grant Petford and Jamie Phelan company proudly boasts that they have consistently retained their number one ranking throughout the UK for the past two years.

If you had to name one key ambition of the company, what would it be? To maintain 100 per cent customer satisfaction, delivering on time and to budget.

What are some major milestones and achievements of the company? The company’s excellent reputation is built on a solid foundation of satisfied customers. Confirmation of this came back in 2010, when the company was first ranked number one out of 863 home improvement companies in the UK on FreeIndex, a highly regarded trade rating website. The ranking is calculated from independent reviews left by customers. HD Property Services invites every customer to rate their work on the independent website, and the company proudly boasts that they have consistently retained their number one ranking throughout the UK for the past two years.

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What has helped you get through the recession, How have you coped? Even during the recent economic climate, with many other companies in the construction industry in decline, HD Property Services has continued to flourish with growth. Nick Harris attributes this success to the company’s flexibility and diversity. The company specialises in property extensions, garage conversions, and barn and loft conversions. Other projects include bathrooms, kitchens, windows and conservatories, block paving, garden landscaping, renovation, refurbishment and all aspects of insurance work. Nick says: “By listening to the customer and tailoring each project to give them exactly what they want, means that a project is far more likely to be completed on time and within budget.” Nick also appreciates that excellent customer service is vital to a company’s future success. Most of the company’s projects have arrived through word-of-mouth; which Nick firmly believes is testament to HD Property Services’ high standards of workmanship and customer satisfaction.

How do you roll out your health and safety policy? The whole team at HD Property Services appreciates the importance of good health and safety. It is the responsibility of all staff to maintain a tidy and safe site. The company’s motto is “Tidy Site Safe Site”.

What training and benefits do your staff receive? HD Property Services believes on-going staff training is a key factor to its future success; their younger staff members benefit from NVQ day-release courses at a local college. One young team member has just successfully completed a two-year college NVQ Bricklaying course and another employee has just started his NVQ training within the last month.

Is the company family run? If so, what are the benefits of this? Nick Harris is the sole director of the company, but he does receive fantastic support from his wife Joanne.

Anything else you would like to add? What do you do for the environment? The company recycles materials wherever possible. Nick & Andy also research all the latest eco-friendly materials and keeps up-to-date with all the latest building techniques; often attending construction exhibitions to see any new techniques and materials available, this ensures the company provides the best possible service for its customers and the environment.

The company has a website which Nick believes gives reassurance to customers. It includes a comprehensive project gallery and construction diary pages where visitors can review many of the projects HD Property Services have already completed, along with customer reviews.

HYPERLINK “http://www.hdpropertyservices.com” www.hdpropertyservices.com

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HOME GROUP HOME, a social enterprise and a charity with a turnover of over £300m, is one of the UK’s largest providers of high quality housing and supported housing services and products. Founded in the North East by an Act of Parliament in the 1930’s, their mission is: “To help our customers and clients to open doors to new opportunities and healthy lives”. Home’s role is to provide general needs housing and supported housing services targeted towards helping some of society’s most vulnerable people take control of their own lives: • Home houses over 120,000 people a year in 55,000 homes in 200 local authority areas in England, Scotland and Wales. • Each year this includes working with almost 30,000 vulnerable people through 500+ supported housing, justice and health services.

Development regeneration projects DEVELOPMENT, regeneration and new house building are a vital part of the Home Group’s work. 2012 is an exciting time for the company, thanks to their strong financial position and opportunity to invest, with their partners, in the delivery of new and high quality affordable housing. With strong partnerships in place, the Group are confident that they can

deliver dynamic solutions and help meet the need for 1.8m new homes in the UK. Providing the best possible housing options for their new and current customers, and transforming communities, is what they call ‘opening doors’ to better lives for people across Britain.

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Home Group is behind some of the biggest regeneration projects in the UK. Regeneration is important to the company and they believe that they can work together with local people to help create successful neighbourhoods. Working in partnership with local authorities, developers, other housing providers and the community allows them to transform neighbourhoods. This partnership approach to regeneration also means that they can deliver other benefits such as employment and training initiatives, making sure local people are given a chance to work or train as apprentices on their developments. As a company they have a variety of housing projects they are involved in from providing retirement living, renting out homes.

Customer promise Decent home - which meets the home standard Value for money - clear understanding of cost services and ability to scrutinise and influence budgetary spend A safe place to live - ensure customers

understand and comply with their tenancy agreements, including tackling anti - social behaviour Home group also compete regular safety checks A choice of products and services - help (sign posting) with how to obtain their other services

Tackle anti-social behaviour quickly and effectively Work collaboratively to improve neighbourhoods Provide a range of accessible opportunities for customers to get involved in improving their services.

Reliable services - good and quick repairs service. Good complaints services. ‘One stop shop’ for enquiries. Clear information and opportunities to influence clear accessible information through a number of dedicated channels various ways to get involved. People who care ‘Do what you say you’ll do Provide customers with a convenient appointment time for all repairs Respond to emergency requests within six hours Answer the telephone within 30 seconds Respond to complaints, letters and emails within five working days Issue a customer newsletter four times each year

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MITSUBISHI L200, TROJAN – THE BUILDERS CHOICE THE stylish Mitsubishi L200 four-door Trojan pick-up has a number of advantages over its counterparts, the most obvious being its lightweight structure – it weighs in at a lot less than the Barbarian and Warrior models. Nevertheless, it is still efficient and resilient enough to carry more than a tonne of cargo.

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PERFORMANCE There are two engine options that come with the L200; a 138bhp 2.5-litre turbodiesel and a tweaked version of the same unit with 165bhp. The power upgrade comes as standard with the high-spec Animal models, while it is an optional upgrade with all other trims. The 138bhp delivers a great pace and flexibility, while the more powerful unit keeps up with its rivals. The L200 is a great vehicle to drive, and offers durability when driving on rough terrain. The noise levels on this vehicle are fairly low, especially on the motorway where the solid body drowns out usual road noise. The independent double wishbone front suspension filters even the worst jolts, although the heavy duty leaf springs at the back bounce when the back is unloaded. However, carrying

heavy loads is what it is designed for and therefore it serves its purpose and more.

CABIN The high driving position of the L200 Trojan boasts surprising precision and the cabin comes with an eclectic mixture of colours and textures. The interior is very roomy, offering comfortable seating and ample leg-room, although leg room for taller people might be somewhat limited at the back. For the driver though, comfort is at its peak with a height adjustable seat and steering wheel.

system (only in Animal models). Overall the L200 is an excellent choice for business use because over and above it’s clearly intentioned design, business buyers may be able to claim back the VAT as well as incurring a lower tax liability, making the builders’ choice. It is also worth considering Mitsubishi’s Service Plan which will cover all scheduled services required throughout the first three years, ensuring that they are performed by Mitsubishi-trained technicians, using genuine Mitsubishi parts.

The vehicle is complemented by an excellent range of equipment comprising of a CD player with MP3 compatibility, remote central locking, leather seats, air conditioning and a satellite navigation

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REDEFINING THE QUARRY TILE MARKET SUPPLIERS of true, natural clay quarry tiles, Natural Tiles Limited was set up in 2008 by Paul Pearson. Paul decided to start the business following the closure of the last UK Quarry Tile Manufacturer. Over the years he has built the company up, and they now boast a turnover of ÂŁ520K. which they expect to double within the next 12 months, Natural Tiles Limited has an enviable customer list of highly respected tile distributors throughout the UK. 42

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PRODUCTS Natural Tiles offers an unparalleled range of quarry tiles in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and shades. In addition to traditional 150x150 and 195x195 they also offer large formats up to 400x400. These are complemented with an extensive range of fittings which include skirtings, round-edge, double round edge, steptreads and coves. They come with a naturally-textured surface ensuring exceptional slip-resistance in both wet and dry conditions. The company have separated their innovative variety of tiles into four distinct ranges: • Naturals – For indoor and outdoor use in both domestic and commercial environments • Specification - A very specific range designed with strength and durability for areas with heavy foot traffic •

Industrial – An extremely specialised range designed to withstand extreme impact and with full chemical and acid resistance to ensure uncompromised hygiene

•

Quarrundum Slip Resistant – A new range of quarry tiles with a surface impregnated with silicon carbide grit to provide exceptional slip resistance in high risk environments.

fully downloadable literature and all the technical specifications among other things,” says Paul who has taken full responsibility for all aspects of the company from product design to aftersales. Over the last few years the company has achieved growth and profitability through the major recession whilst enhancing the reputation of the company and its products. They have also secured major contracts within construction, educational establishments, commercial restaurant chains etc. As a result of their efforts, they have seen increased sales year on year since the inception of the business. Natural Tiles Limited have never wavered on their commitment to the environment, and their products have absolute minimum packaging using recyclable materials. They also ensure heat recovery during the manufacturing process and their products are made using local, natural clays without any further additives. “Our plans to move forward are to ensure complete nationwide coverage through a network of Distributors and Stockists and to increase awareness of the availability of true, natural quarry tiles,” concludes Paul.

Additionally the company can also provide a full range of cladding and clay paving materials, and their target is to secure the majority of the UK and Ireland Quarry Tile markets. The huge range of shades and size options available together with a comprehensive range of fittings and accessories sets the company apart. Their products are of exceptionally high quality, durability, slip resistance and suitable for use both indoors and outdoors. They are all available from stock at Stoke on Trent.

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS “We are doing well despite the economic situation as a result of tight financial controls, sensible salaries throughout start up and development and grouping deliveries to keep costs low. Additionally, we have a centralised stocking system in the UK to provide better service and response to customers. We continue to secure architectural specifications and always refer sales to our distributors. Finally we have a clear concise website with

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QUALITY, HONESTY AND REALISM KEY TO SUCCESS PAVE-AWAYS is a successful privately owned construction business with a dedicated team of construction professionals. The company is passionate about delivering quality results on time, safely and on budget and pride themselves in providing continuity of work for the local community. 44

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Pave-Aways directly employ 75 people, with a further 60 to 100 specialists on site at any one time. They carry out contracts for the private and public sectors across a spectrum of construction projects ranging in value from £40,000 to £6 million. With nearly 40 years of experience, the company pride themselves on being a leader in the ever-changing construction industry within the surrounding counties of Shropshire and Mid & North Wales. As a medium sized company the directors have a direct “hands on” role in the business allowing our clients direct access to the company’s senior management. The large levels of repeat business are an indication of the good relationships established and the high degree of customer satisfaction. PaveAways has shown steady but controlled growth for many years building up a firm financial base and a team of well trained and experienced employees.

Pave-Aways Limited is a self-financing Company that has achieved a steady controlled growth.

HEALTH, SAFETY AND THE ENVIRONMENT

“The contracts undertaken in the early days have little resemblance to the contracts carried out now and the name “Pave-Aways” is no longer a description of its modern day building projects. But Pave-Aways is here to stay – its reputation and performance in the construction industry together with its financial stability places it way ahead of many of its competitors,” says Steven Taylor, SHE Manager for the company.

Pave-Aways is accredited with BS OHSAS 18001 and have a very strong health and safety culture, which is backed by a proactive senior management team.

“Our main focus at the moment is to maintain a flow of business with a steady increase in turnover whilst maintaining quality output”.

Steve, who has 40 years experience in the construction industry and 26 years within the health and safety specialism is responsible for ensuring that company compliance with health and safety regulations as well as a host of other things including reporting and making recommendations to senior management of the company. Currently, there are two members of his team, backed by three directors. They focus on all aspects of health and safety and relevant environmental issues for each site.

HISTORY Pave-Aways Limited was incorporated at the beginning of October 1973. The Company operated for twenty-four years from shared premises at Park Hall, Oswestry. In the early days much of the work was of a civil engineering nature comprising of groundworks, hard landscaping and constructing paths, drives and roads for local builders and private clients. As time went on the Company obtained building maintenance contracts at military and various other establishments. The building maintenance and building construction gained a far greater prominence and gradually took over the main activity of the business. By 1997 Pave-Aways Limited was well established as a good building company with an experienced management team, a proven workforce and sound business procedure. In 1997 Cliff Evans (Knockin) Limited (a sister Company operating from the same site) was sold and Pave-Aways Limited moved to “Avenue Mill, Knockin”. The turnover of the Company in 1997 was £6.5 million and the Directors set about expanding the client base and taking on larger and more demanding projects. The reputation of the Company grew and by 2011 the annual turnover had increased to over £15 million and the directly employed workforce to over eighty.

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“Our H&S policy is incorporated into our Safety Management Systems as part of an ongoing process, starting with induction training through to risk assessment and task specific training,” explains Steve. The company are also accredited with ISO 14001 and work together with the Client and the local community to ensure all potential environmental issues are identified and controlled before work commences. This includes their supply chain and contract staff. Staff receive, occupationally related training in accordance with current legislation. They also receive CPD training, which ensures their continued involvement in the Company. Staff work within a safe, caring environment with the realisation that they are part of a successful team

SUCCESS The company’s main ambition over the coming years is to continue to be regarded by Clients as part of their team and therefore maintain continuity of work “We offer a more personalized service, resulting in a better product for better value, and the quality, honesty and

realism we display has been the main forces that are getting us through the recession,” concludes Steve.

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IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PLACE A FEATURE OR AN ADVERT IN THIS MAGAZINE PLEASE CALL STEVE RUSHWORTH AT S&S PUBLISHING ON 01924 910 483 OR SEND AN EMAIL TO STEVE@SNSPUBLISHING.CO.UK

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RIMMER CONSTRUCTION – RAISING THE STANDARDS OF BRICKWORK RIMMER Construction Ltd is a specialist Masonry sub-contractor based in the North West of England but will undertake projects anywhere in the UK. They have grown from their humble beginnings in 1982 and developed into one of the construction industry’s leading Masonry sub-contractors. 48

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Under the guidance of the Managing Director David Mannering, Rimmer benefits from 29 years’ experience and maintains long standing relationships with a number of leading organisations in the construction industry. They have a highly experienced, trustworthy and reliable team of management and operatives all of whom are fully qualified and CSCS certified. They are able to provide advice, expertise and high quality workmanship on every project that they undertake.

Their services Rimmer provides specialist Masonry packages to a range of main contractors working on diverse projects in a number of sectors around the UK; • • • • • • • •

Private Public Commercial Health Retail Education Rail Civil

• Produce site specific Method Statements and Risk assessments for each project • Only employ CSCS/CPCS Qualified operatives • Employ a Health and Safety advisor to conduct site visits, audits when required

Expertise & Quality They take great care at each stage of the project from Tender stage to completion and are always at hand to offer advice and support regarding any issues that might arise during the project. All staff from operatives to management have a wide range of experience in the construction industry and are comfortable with the varying complexities of the modern environment ensuring that they can provide the highest level of workmanship on all of their projects.

Rimmer offers the following Masonry Packages;

Health & Safety

• Labour Only • Labour & Plant • Labour, Plant & Materials

Rimmer Construction Ltd encourage a range of measures to promote Health & Safety awareness and ensure standards remain high:

•

They have a Zero tolerance policy regarding health and safety any operative found to be breaking rules or procedures will be removed from the site immediately

• Rimmer has recently achieved CHAS accreditation to supplement their outstanding Health and Safety record.

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CUSTOMER SERVICE AT THE HEART OF SERVICETEAM CUSTOMER service is at the heart of everything at Serviceteam. The company was set up to provide a reliable service that people believe in and trust, and to dispense with the old image of untrustworthy and unreliable tradespersons. 50

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Established approximately four years ago by Emily Brett, Serviceteam has seen astounding growth over the years and now boasts a turnover of over more than £3m. The idea behind Serviceteam came after Emily bought a new property and had work that required numerous tradesmen. Emily found it difficult to have to employ and manage independent tradesmen who were often unreliable.

Services Incorporated as a limited company approximately three years ago, Serviceteam offer a comprehensive array of services including plumbing, drainage, gas, electrics, gardening, landscaping, painting, decorating, IT and computer repairs, satellite and aerial installations, audio visual, home security, carpet fitters and general handiwork for both domestic and business customers The company offers a wide range of services for landlords, including gas safety certificates which once issued can be accessed using a web based self-service portal. In fact, the online aspect of the business is in itself so all-incorporating that customers can order services from the comfort of their homes. Once they have had work done, they automatically get an online account, and are entitled to a 10 per cent loyalty discount on all subsequent work. Additionally, customers are able to check their orders and pay their bills online. Customer credit and debit cards are validated at the beginning of the first order, and payment is not taken until a job has been completed. This has meant efficiency for the company as well, as they do not have to spend time chasing up payments. “We cover everything you need in one place,” said Simon Barney, Head of Operations. Simon’s role involves setting the strategy of the business, and he oversees the Sales, Marketing, HR, Field and Administration Teams. On a day-to-day business, he ensures that the business is being steered in the right direction and sales revenues are steadily rising under his leadership.

Field team members gather together on a regular basis in order to update them on current policy and allow them the opportunity to raise any issues. As a result, all staff are made well aware of health and safety issues, and this ensures both their own safety and the safety of the customer. The company have a checklist to ensure they are complying with all health and safety laws, and work hard to mitigate any problems that arise.

STANDING OUT Serviceteam is in essence a one-stop shop that provides customers with any services they require to maintain their home to the standard they require. There are two specific aspects setting them apart from competitors. The first, according to Simon, is their high levels of customer service. “Customer satisfaction is how the business started and so is the purpose of the business. We are there for the customer 24 hours a day and work hard to resolve any problems they have”. The second feature that really sets the company apart and has given them a reputation as forward thinking is their IT capabilities. They are known for their innovative ideas, and have embraced technology to a very large extent. For example, when they service a boiler, they attach a “smart label” to it which means the history is then stored and can be accessed by current and future residents using a smart phone. “Innovation is key,” says Simon, emphasising that the company intends to keep up to date with technological advancements.

FUTURE PROSPECTS Serviceteam have great potential for expansion, and their aim is to grow by ensuring that they give excellent service, the issue that is at the heart of the business. The company sees itself as a forward thinking business that understands the needs of its clients, particularly in London where time is short. They are growing rapidly as a result of this, as the one-stop-shop is attractive to customers. “We want to be the first choice for new customers and increase our repeat business by offering a great service that really fits in with the lifestyle of today’s consumer.” explains Simon. “We want to continue taking more of the market share and show people that we can take the hassle out of procuring tradespersons”. Serviceteam currently work within the M25, and this is something they are not looking to expand upon in the foreseeable future. “We want to take our brand and business to a higher level and be a strong brand that people buy into,” comments Simon, explaining that once they have established this they would consider expanding their service base.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

The company’s main aim for the coming years is to become the number one choice across London and establish itself as a household name.

Serviceteam have a very robust health and safety policy, and all members of staff including the 30 that work in the office have an induction course at the beginning of their contracts which covers a range of issues including health and safety, as well as on-going training.

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SAVING TIME AND MONEY THROUGH INNOVATION Part of the Select Group of Companies Ltd., Trade Counter Direct began business as an eBay store selling clearance stock from sister company Select Products. However, rapid growth in business meant the company developed into what is now known as Trade Counter Direct.com (TCD), a company in its own right set up five years ago selling 1000s of products direct to tradesmen online. 52

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Director Reid Archer began the eBay shop and has built the company to what it is today. Reidis responsible for the company’s vision, strategic direction and corporate identity, and leads a team who are passionate about making TCD market leaders. He recently developed an iPhone app, making TCD the first builders’ merchant with an app. As a hands-on director, Reid is informed of all aspects of the business and whilst his focus is more strategic, he is still known to take customer calls and pack the odd order!

THE HUMAN TOUCH As a family-run business, TCD are the opposite of a ‘corporate machine’ and ensure that all their clients get a personal touch. This has ensured repeat business, as clients often develop a friendly relationship with the close knit sales team.

TCD pride themselves in their ability to get new and innovative products first to market and welcome suppliers and inventors of new products to contact them directly.

A close-knit team, many of whom are family members, the atmosphere at TCD is laid back, but always professional. Not only does TCD provide an efficient service for clients, it also ensures a good working environment for staff.

PRODUCTS TCD are stockist of top-quality professional power tools, hand tools, access panels, drain cleaning equipment, drain cameras, testing instruments, site and vehicle equipment and work wear. With a varied selection of plumbing tools, all professionally branded, the company are an indispensable resource to builders and other professionals within the construction industry. The health and safety provisions at TCD are growing, and the company will be expanding its range of PPE and asbestos related products. They aim to continue increasing their product range, keeping ahead of the market and looking for new innovative tools that simplify the jobs of their customers which saves them both time and money.

STAYING ON TOP Despite the economic recession, the company has seen unprecedented growth of between 50 and 75 per sent year on year. This is a testament to their innovative product line and the fact that their website provides an efficient and easy way of ordering tools. With next day delivery, quality products and competitive prices, it is hardly surprising that the company breaks their personal sales record every month. TCD are constantly looking at the ways they sell products and how they can improve the shopping experience, ensuring that they are always at the top. In fact, staying ahead of the game is one of the company’s key ambitions. In addition to their iPhone app, TCD have over 1.5m views on their YouTube tool demo videos, and will be re-launching the website with a new look and improved functionality in the New Year.

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HILTON CONTRACTORS BEAT ECONOMY BLUES HOCKLEY Building Services Ltd (HBS) prides themselves on their dedicated engineers, their vast experience and knowledge and their in-house design team.

HISTORY Founded more than 15 years ago by Ken Smith, the business has seen major development and success over the years. Soon after its conception, Edward Treacy joined as a director, and Hockley Building Services Ltd was formed from which the two separate departments developed; Installation and Design, (overseen by Edward) and Service and Maintenance (overseen by Kenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s son, Craig). Ken now deals mainly with the financial aspects of the business. Craig Smith joined the business in 2000 as a Mobile Service Engineer, and moved into the office five years ago as Service Manager. He was succeeded by Mark Edwards when he became Development Manager for the Service & Maintenance branch of the business.

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The business has always been family run, and has been passed from generation to generation, teamed with long standing staff, setting the company apart. Howard Cook have a team of specialised builders who design and can build anything put to them. They carry out a wide variety of insurance jobs, from fires to flood damage. Other specialized workers include joiners, decorators, plumbers, electricians and general builders; Howard Cook have the skills and expertise to deal with general house fires to large stately homes.

SERVICES The company boasts an excellent service and are available on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week for all emergency insurance works required. They are also able to design and build new developments from homes to commercial properties. They designed and built the Ponderosa Business Park and in 2007 won the award of Best Commercial Property Industrial

Development from Yorkshireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Finest for this development, which is unique in many ways. Additionally, they have completed many industrial builds and new housing builds.

PROJECTS One of the projects they are currently working on is creating a lake with an eco friendly floating cafĂŠ. This particular project requires a variety of specialised skills that Howard Cook are able to offer and will be another major achievement for the company. The company currently employs a total of 15 staff, which include a few family members and other longstanding staff. Some have started from apprenticeships and are now fully qualified in their area. Howard Cook are looking to develop a unique CCRC Retirement Village which will be sustainable with a number of eco features with a care home, retirement homes and other features including a bowling green, chemist, and store. This will be one of the biggest projects the company has undertaken to date.

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UNRIVALLED SUCCESS While most companies have been struggling through the recession, business at HBS has been booming. As heating, ventilation and air conditioning specialists, the company enjoys the comfort of having a large number of blue chip clients, including major hotel chains such as the Hilton Group. Based in the West Midlands, HBS work mainly within the commercial sector, and rely heavily on repeat business. This, coupled with their dedicated team of engineers has ensured an increase in their turnover every year, and their latest turnover has hit the £5m mark. “We try to work mainly with people we know and therefore can trust. This ensures stability for us and for them,” says Craig.

ALL IN ONE Although repeat business plays a major role in the company’s success, there are a number of ingredients that ensure clients do return. Having their own in-house design

team is a major factor. It means that from the tender to product design and installation, then the maintenance, HBS are able to cover it all. None of their work is subcontracted, and they employ their own service engineers. Their success means that there are plans to recruit eight more engineers to enable them to cope with the demand. The quality of their service and knowledgeable engineers ensure that clients come back. Maintaining their customer focus and strengthening these relationships is one of the key ambitions of the company in the coming years. Already clients have direct access to the company directors, and they are contactable 24 hours a day. Despite being based in the West Midlands, the company is better known in London and the South East, and carry out works all the way from Newcastle through to Plymouth.

ROBUST TEAM HBS currently employ a team of 42, with plans for expansion in the immediate future. They also run a successful apprenticeship scheme and usually take

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on one apprentice for each department every year. Their apprentices have won apprentice of the year more than once, and it means they can develop skills in-house. Most apprentices stay on and become full-time employees of HBS.

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BESPOKE BRITSH STONEMASONRY CELEBRATING ten years of business, Tomlinson Stonecraft creates bespoke hand carved natural stone fireplaces and architectural stonemasonry. Founded by Paul Tomlinson, the premises are based in Camforth, Lancashire, where there is a stone fireplace showroom and stonemasonry workshop. 58

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THE MAN BEHIND IT Paul attended the City of Bath College where he became City and Guilds certified while at the same time undertaking a stonemasonry apprenticeship. He then worked at a monumental mason, working predominantly on gravestones. His preference for the architectural aspect led to the conception of Tomlinson Stonecraft. Although mainly involved with masonry work, Paul also takes care of the administrative side of the business, which he completes mainly in his evenings and weekends.

PRODUCTS Tomlinson Stonecraft specialise in hand crafted natural stone bespoke fireplaces, although they do undertake all forms of other architectural stonemasonry including general building works, window and door surrounds, pillars and columns, sculptures, bird baths and garden furniture. The company have also created multiple war memorials, which they had to complete in a tight time frame, ensuring they were ready for Memorial Day. The business offers a very personalised service, involving clients heavily in the designing of their product whether traditional or contemporary. Using a variety of stone including Sandstone, Yorkstone, Grit Stone and Bath Stone, customers have a wide choice of colour and texture.

FUTURE PROSPECTS Based in the same premises for the last seven years, Paul is now looking into moving the business into a bigger workshop a diversifying into worktops and gravestones. To Paul, running his own business means that he can take the business in the direction that he wants it to go in, and progress forward. He hopes to be able to take on an apprentice in the foreseeable future.

“We offer a bespoke service, made to order to customer specifications. We don’t just buy in ready-made products. All our products are British made using British stone,” says Paul.

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DIVERSIFICATION AND INVESTMENT: ROUTE THROUGH RECESSION AS suppliers of top quality products and services to the construction and engineering industries in the UK since 1969, WP Metals offer a comprehensive steel stockholding service together with a specialist piling products manufacturing facility.Â The company is overcoming economic adversity by diversifying and adapting their offering in response to customer demand. 60

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INVESTMENT WP Metalshave invested heavily in new equipment, particularly a £200,000 state-of-the-art pile cage manufacturing facility. Since the pre-fabricated cage machines started production, the demand for the product has been exceptional, more than justifying the initial investment. Sales Director Will Weeds said: “WP continues to invest heavily in the future of our business in order to meet the ever changing requirements of our client base. In addition to the pile cage products, we have a bespoke IT system to cope with our growing portfolio”. Will acknowledged that trading conditions have been challenging with many customers and suppliers badly hit by the recession, but is confident that diversification will be the platform on which to build their continuing success.

INGREDIENTS FOR SUCCESS WP Metals’ huge range of products and flexible approach; able to produce steel products from ERW tubes, sections and roller door components through to

mini piling cases and pile cages; puts them in a great position to meet the requirements of the construction and engineering industries across the UK and Ireland. Their reliability and attention to detail means that they are trusted by some of the UK’s largest piling contractors to provide the products they need, as and when they need them, leading to them being named the UK’s number one for Mini Pile casings. The same careful, conscientious approach has led WP to be a trusted supplier of roller door products for every type of shutter door imaginable, from standard premises through to Olympic stadiums. “We listen carefully to customer requirements and use stringent checks at every stage of the order process to ensure the finished product exceeds expectations,” said Will.

some of the UK’s largest construction companies, they conform to the latest safe systems of work, so no matter where the project is or how tight the working regulations are, WP Metals can be trusted to deliver safely and efficiently from their stockholding unit near the hub of the Midlands motorway network. Will is justifiably proud of his sales team who have a vast collective technical knowledge of the steel industry and will come up with solutions for any application. Each order, whether for £100 or £10,000 will receive the same care and attention to detail. The team’s helpful, friendly advice, coupled with experienced operatives and drivers, makes WP Metals a truly reliable and customer driven steel stockholder able to meet the needs of the 21st century.

HEALTH AND SAFETY WP adhere to the highest standards of health and safety both in the manufacture and the delivery of theirpiling products. As they work with

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NATTA CELEBRATES 40 YEARS FORMED in 1972, Natta is a private Limited Company owned by Chairman John J Whelan. John learnt the business from the bottom up starting as a pipelayer and ground-worker before trading in a shovel for a JCB. In 2007, after many years of working his way up through the business, his son, John E Whelan took over and became the Managing Director of Natta. From those humble beginnings the company quickly achieved a reputation for being able to tackle complex groundworkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. 62

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fair environment which has created a loyal and hardworking workforce ensuring all our contracts exceed our clients’ expectations. Inherent to our business is our focus and ‘can do’ attitude. We recognise that delivery of a project on time or early is a prerequisite. 2012 marks our 40th year of trading which we are very proud to be celebrating. Since our inception Natta has grown steadily year on year as a specialist main and sub-contractor. Historically specialists in roads, sewers and groundworks, our portfolio is extensive and expanding. Natta also undertakes challenging contracts with strong environmental or conservational elements, including contaminated land remediation and Japanese knotweed removal. In recent years, through our innovation and expertise we also undertake reinforced concrete frame superstructures and basements.

ADDING VALUE

Natta still adopts those “hands on” principles which were responsible for its early success. Natta is a family business that takes great pride in the opportunities, training and security that it offers its employees. We have strived to grow an open and

Natta’s philosophy has always been to practice value engineering and to have an open policy with clients to achieve the most economic solution for any given project. We have developed a culture where personnel know how to work to industry best practice in safety, quality, and environment. We have adopted lean processes to improve productivity and remove inefficiencies from the construction phase, offering our clients the best value.

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We are a traditional company who continually invested in our employees, training, and modern construction techniques. We have a large fleet of small and heavy plant which is up-to-date and continuously renewed. Our zero accident and defects culture is instilled in our workforce at all levels and we have an excellent health and safety record. In 2011 our accident frequency rate was 62% below the national average at 0.19. Our safety culture is paramount and continually evolving to encompass wider wellbeing in our workforce with health checks, insurance and mentoring. In 2004, at our head office we established a dedicated purpose built training centre. The Construction Industry Safety Training Centre (CISTC), is fully accredited by the Construction Awards Alliance (CAA) and CPCS. This center has enabled Natta to provide its staff with excellent training and producing a highly motivated, skilled workforce. Our focus on training for the future both on site and in the office has led to us achieving approved employer training status from the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineers and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. We also offer a plant apprenticeship scheme for developing young talented individuals.

PROJECTS We are very proud that our legacy includes involvement in the Olympics. We worked within the consortium to design and install the temporary utility services required to enable the construction of the Olympic village. We recently

successfully completed a ÂŁ7.5 m sub-contract package for Skanska and Serco to undertaken the construction of a new prison at HM Belmarsh West. Currently we are the main contractor for infrastructure works for Datacenters at Cody Park in Farnborough for Ark Continuity, and have secured a large infrastructure development scheme in Barnet as main contractor. These flagship projects complement our healthy portfolio or work, where our valued repeat clients are at the core of our business.

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G R O U P O F C O M PA N I E S Recycled Aggregates • Concrete Crushing • Muckaway Readymix Concrete • Plant Hire • Site Remediation • Demolition Utilities & Civil Engineering Contractor • Highways • Deep Drainage Shafts & Tunnelling • Sewer Jetting • CCTV Surveys

Currently Recruiting Clean Water R & M Gangs CAPPAGH HOUSE, WATERSIDE WAY, WIMBLEDON, SW17 7AB T 020 8947 4000 F 020 8944 9447 E ENQUIRY@CAPPAGH.CO.UK W WWW.CAPPAGH.CO.UK 67

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BESPOKE SOLUTIONS FROM AMP SISTERS SISTER companies Amp Wire and Amp Fabrications offer a very wide range of bespoke solutions to their clients, and have seen booming business despite the difficult economic climate.

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“I’m afraid of losing business when the recession ends,” jokes Adam Beck, Director at Amp Fabrications. The company was set up approximately three years ago, after another company called StorTech which previously employed Adam and his colleague Phil McKaigg went under in 2009. The director of Amp Wire Pam Pelham approached Adam and Phil with an opportunity to start up a company with the same concept and they readily agreed.

AMP FABRICATIONS Amp Fabrications specialise in museum and art gallery storage solutions and garment handling equipment. As well as working in national museums, they do a lot of work in private individual homes. “We do anything from the smallest job in someone’s basement to much larger museum jobs,” says Adam.

“Despite the fact there was a recession, I wasn’t really afraid of starting a new business,” says Adam, “To be completely honest our choices were limited at this time, and so we chose to take up the opportunity”. And so Amp Fabrications was conceived as a bespoke museum and art gallery storage specialist.

AMP WIRE Going back a little, Amp Wire has been in business approximately 25 years and are UK based manufacturers of a wide range of wire mesh products. The company pride themselves on being able to “make anything from wire mesh” and this includes radiator and electric heater guards, machine guards, wire mesh lockers and industrial lockers, wire mesh screens and security grilles, wire mesh cages and enclosures and point of sale display goods. As one of Europe’s leading wire manufacturers, Amp Wire is both a commercially and customer focussed business. The company is the only UK wire manufacturer to be ISO9000 accredited, and provide both bespoke and mass-produced products. As the threat of terrorism has grown over the last few years, the company have seen in particular wire mesh lockers becoming more popular, and these are now one of the many products Amp Wire mass-produce. The company places high emphasis on ensuring that their products are of the highest quality, and they have an established reputation for excellent customer service. “Amp wire is up to the walls in the large premises they currently have. If they get any busier they would possibly have to move” says Adam.

Despite being much smaller in comparison to their competition, the company has expanded gradually from providing installations in a large number of UK museums and art galleries, to projects much further afield, in Morocco, Romania, Ireland, the Arab Emirates and even as far as Hong Kong. “It will surprise you to know that it has been easier to ship products abroad because once we have sent it, our job is done so in more ways than one our international orders are advantageous,” shares Adam. As a relatively small company, Amp Fabrications are able to give their clients a personal, hands-on service. Clients have the luxury of dealing with the same people throughout the process, with Adam and Phil being the primary contacts for clients. “I generally try to keep in touch with the client, and the fact that they are dealing with just one person as opposed to a different person every time they call gives them a sense of security,” explains Adam. Being a company that focuses on providing bespoke solutions can be challenging, but has paid off for Amp Fabrications. “We provide such a unique and bespoke solution and sometimes we didn’t know we could do something until we do it. We have had people coming up to us and asking how we solved issues when other companies couldn’t. We are engineers and what we take for granted that we know, others actually don’t”. Sharing the 24,000sq ft premises with Amp Wire has certainly proven very useful to Amp Fabrications, as it ensures that everything they produce is done in-house and they know what is going on every step of the way.

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LOOKING TO THE FUTURE Given the nature of Amp Wire as a business, the question of expansion is almost not really a question. There is very little doubt that the company will continue to grow, and as they already have in place a well-regulated multinational business model, it will be an easy transition. “Amp Wire are set up to be a huge company; the systems are already there and they will continue to work to a standard. When they hire new employees they will be told from the beginning that they are expected to work to the high standards of the business,” affirms Adam. Expansion of Amp Fabrications is not expected to be the same due to the differing business models and although the company have quite solid plans for expansion, they plan to grow organically and become more versatile. They want to offer exactly the same services, but Adam emphasises that the quality has to remain to the same high level it is currently at. Expansion is not new to either business, and in the short time that Amp Fabrications has been running, they have grown in confidence at their ability to complete any job they are presented with. As a final piece of advice, Adam gives an important reminder: “The recession is what you make of it”.

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