National Construction Magazine Issue 109 by SNS Publishing

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ISSUE 109

EDITORS NOTE Sunshine, at last! For most of us, the weather seems to be looking good after what felt like an endless winter which followed a very rainy summer last year. Having the sun out and the temperatures a little higher has made me realise just how much the weather can change the fortunes of the industry. I often hear the distant (or not so distant) sound of drilling, and many people around me are talking about new construction and design projects they will be undertaking this summer. Although the warmer weather means better business, there have been companies that have been fortunate enough to have a steady flow of work despite the bad weather of the last few months, and indeed the bad economy of the last few years. Steve Sinnot from Heritage Tiling, for example, has had a lot of work and continues to do well within his niche of tile restoration. Elsewhere this month we spoke to Robbie Welch of NA Curtain Walling about the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strong values of friendship and happiness, qualities that have led them through the recession and held them together. We live in a time where the power of positivity is so often underestimated, but this company is a shining example of what a positive attitude can achieve! It is that positivity that makes me believe the next few months are going to be a turnaround for many companies within the industry.

Office Manager Anthony Hamilton Features Manager Michaela Henson Joanne Cowan Features Manager - Scotland Kimberley Richardson Stacey Aitcheson Editor Sabeeha Coates Design and Artwork Mark Alsop Admin Beverley Wood Publisher Mohammed Faraz Steve Rushworth

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CONTENTS

ECSEC

PG 8

NA CURTAIN WALLING - PG 15 MARFLEET

PG 12

NA CURTAIN WALLING LIMITED

PG 15

POWERCEM GB

PG 18

SURREY HIRE

PG 22

AIR CONDITIONING SCOTLAND

PG 24

ASG

PG 26

FINDLEY ROOFING AND BUILDING

PG 32

CRAIGS ECO

PG 34

ASG PG 26

CRAIGS ECO PG 34

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CONTENTS

ASPIN GROUP PG 44

AB2000

PG 36

BSW BUILDING SERVICES

PG 39

ASPIN GROUP

PG 44

HERITAGE TILING AND RESTORATION CO. PG 47 ENVIRO TECHNOLOGY SERVICES PLC

PG 50

AGRESTA TECHNOLOGIES

PG 52

PILON

PG 55

SOUTH WEST HIRE

PG 60

LEGGAT

PG 62

ENVIRO TECHNOLOGY SERVICES PG 50

PILON PG 55

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NEWS COSTS AND EMISSIONS OF OFF-GRID POWER SET TO FALL WITH LAUNCH OF CYGNUS HPG

per hour. But when integrated with a Cygnus HPG, which uses a built-in intelligent load management system, the generator is automatically switched off and no diesel is required. This can save as much as 40,000 litres of fuel each year, paying back costs within 23 weeks2. Andy Mead, founder & CEO, Firefly Solar said:

FIREFLY Solar, the market-leading experts in the design and manufacture of solar-powered generators, has announced the launch of its Cygnus Hybrid Power Generator (HPG). Similar to hybrid car technology, the Cygnus HPG connects to diesel generators cutting fuel consumption by up to 30 per cent1. It manages base loads using power from its batteries before automatically switching to diesel as power requirements increase. This innovation reduces the costs and environmental footprint of offgrid power generation for the event, broadcast production and construction industries, as well as the international development community.

“Traditional diesel generators have long been the natural choice for temporary and remote power, but as with the introduction of hybrid fuel systems in cars, our technology will deliver improved efficiency, fuel savings and a reduced carbon footprint. With this new product we have dramatically increased battery storage, which means longer run times without the need to use a diesel generator. What’s more the Cygnus HPG will integrate seamlessly with renewable power sources such as solar – providing a fully stand-alone power solution. So, whether you’re shooting a film, running a festival, on a building site or working remotely in disaster relief, it’s now easy to reduce your dependence on diesel and move towards a more sustainable source of power.”

Designed and manufactured in the UK, the 12-24 kVA Cygnus HPG is compatible with all diesel generators and can be used to provide primary, standalone, stand by or emergency power. An environmentally friendly generator, it can produce clean renewable electricity by integrating with solar PV and wind turbines, as well connect to the mains grid.

Firefly Solar recently received investment from The Berti Green Accelerator programme and won a 2013 Shell Regional Springboard award worth £40,000. The company has grown 45 per cent in the past year. Its product portfolio is meeting the high demand for alternatives to diesel generators in a fast growing international market valued at £8.5 billion3. Firefly Solar works with broadcast, facilities and equipment hire companies across the globe with products being exported, sold and leased throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Australia. Its customers currently include DFID, Greenpeace, BMW, Nissan, Ecover, Speedy Hire, WWF, BBC, British Gas, Electric Ireland, Glastonbury and Festival Republic.

Running at low load, a typical 100 kVA will consume up to 10 litres of diesel

The Cygnus HPG comes with a two year standard warranty and is available

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for purchase, long term lease or hire from Firefly Solar direct, or via equipment hire providers Speedy Hire.

New Figures Reveal 659,000 UK Construction Workers Facing HAVS Risk VIBRATION management specialists Reactec have warned that as many as 658,870 construction sector employees working in the UK with vibration equipment could be at risk of developing the debilitating condition, Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), according to new figures from the Construction Skills Network. Across the UK, around 300,000[1] employees are estimated to have advanced symptoms of HAVS and over one million users of hand-held or handguided power tools are at increased risk of the disease because they are exposed to HAV above the action level set by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). Reactec advises that minimising exposure to vibration can not only protect employees from developing HAVS, but can also provide employers with significant cost savings through better tool allocation, reduced sickness and improved workforce productivity. Importantly, effective HAVS monitoring and management can also assist employers in reducing the risk of HAVS claims. Stewart McNaughton, Health and Safety Consultant at Reactec Ltd, said: “The number of construction operatives using vibration tools could pose a real problem to both employers and employees if not managed effectively. It is vital that employers ensure they are effectively monitoring and managing exposure to vibration to avoid the costly consequences of over-exposure such as claims and employee absences, and also to avoid unnecessary health and safety and tool expenditure commonly associated with

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NEWS CONTINUED paper-based HAVS monitoring.” Producer of the global market leader in Hand Arm Vibration monitoring, Reactec offers the industry standard solution to HAVS monitoring. The HAVmeter is a practical vibration safety device designed to protect employees working with vibration tools against the risk of HAVS and to help businesses identify cost savings through H&S and tool and operator efficiencies. The HAVmeter accurately records workers’ exposure to vibration from power tools, providing employers with in-depth information about their vibration management in order to meet strict HSE guidelines and minimise the risk of employees contracting vibrationrelated injuries. Through the solution’s capacity to monitor, collect data and report, the HAVmeter also provides data to help employers improve worker productivity and more effectively plan their tool allocation.

in which construction projects are managed including the manner in which information is communicated. “Recent feedback from the house building industry across the UK has demonstrated a need for a single point of access to a wide selection of relevant, up to date technical information. With this in mind, we are confident that NHBC Standards Plus will meet this requirement and provide access to an array of relevant and upto-date guidance, information and data relating to house building standards.” The 2013 edition of the NHBC Standards came into effect at the start of the year for every NHBC registered home whose foundations were begun on or after January 1st.

[1] Source: Medical Research Council

NHBC Registered Builders and Developers can access the NHBC Standards Plus via the NHBC Extranet. If you are not registered for the NHBC Extranet, please apply for access via www.nhbc.co.uk/Builders/ NHBCExtranet/signup/

New online NHBC Standards Plus launched for homebuilders

Professional Technical Standards Subscribers can access the NHBC Standards Plus via the NHBC Extranet. If you are not registered for the NHBC Extranet, please email standardsplus@ nhbc.co.uk with your business name and address, email address and full name and we will set up your access.

HOUSEBUILDERS in the UK now have access to a new online database of up to date technical guidance and information following the launch of NHBC’s Standards Plus. NHBC Standards Plus provides the house building industry with improved and faster access to NHBC’s Technical Standards as well as a broad range of supplementary technical information. Housebuilders will be able to access information including Technical Extra guidance publications, training information and informative videos as well as the latest revisions to the Standards, such as Chapter 7.2 Pitched Roofs and Chapters 6.7 ‘Doors, windows and glazing’. Commenting on the launch of the new service Mark Jones, NHBC’s Group Head of House Building Standards, said: “Over recent years advances in technology have changed the way

If you have any questions then please email us at standardsplus@nhbc. co.uk or call 0844 633 1000 and ask for ‘House Building Standards’.

AFL Architects and S&P Architects join forces to create AFLS+P – one of the larger architects in UK AFL Architects and S&P have merged to form AFLS+P, becoming one of the larger architectural practices in the UK, with offices throughout the UK and Ireland employing more than 100 staff. S&P and AFL Architects, both approximately the same size, combine 37 years of experience in masterplanning, architecture, interior design and project management.

Alongside their specialist sector, their work spans healthcare, education, residential, retail and commercial. Recent projects include the London 2012 Aquatics Centre, the Peter Makaba Stadium in South Africa and the Abu Dhabi Sports Village. By joining forces, they will extend their reach nationally and internationally. AFLS+P has offices in London, Manchester, Glasgow, Dublin and Doha. Regional growth will continue in the UK, with a new office in Birmingham in May this year, and internationally, where it will build on work in Russia, Azerbaijan and Doha. Keith Ashton, former director of S&P and now one of the six Principals of AFLS+P, said: “S&P is a wellestablished, 22-year old business with an extensive track record in sports and leisure. This merger with AFL Architects adds to our skill base and allows us to offer more services to our existing clients internationally. All staff at both practices will remain in their current positions and will have the opportunity to work on new and varied projects.” “We also share the same values, with a strong emphasis on developing creative and innovative design solutions that maximise the commercial value and are fit-for-purpose as well as the future,” he added. John Roberts, of AFL and now a Principal of AFLS+P, added: “We have been working collaboratively on projects with S&P for three years. Now, with a highly experienced board, we have become one of the largest architectural practices in our specialist sector, we will embrace new opportunities, seek to drive best practice and innovation in the industry and continue to offer an excellent service to our clients. Our staff too will have the opportunity to work on new and exciting projects in the UK, and abroad.” The board of directors of AFLS+P are Keith Ashton and Peter Simpson (S&P), and Martin Morton, Phil Osborne, Garry Rowlands and John Roberts (AFL).

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NEWS CONTINUED BRE and Shanghai developer join forces to promote sustainable construction UK built environment research centre BRE and Shanghai International Shipping Services Centre (SISSC), a Chinese state owned developer, have signed an agreement designed to promote and grow sustainable construction in China. The first project the partners will collaborate on is the SISSC’s £4bn flagship commercial marina development on the Huangpu River. Comprised of offices, retail, hotels and other amenities, the latest phase of buildings to be constructed on the site will be designed to BREEAM, Europe’s leading environmental standard, alongside the Chinese Three Star Green Building Standard. Other existing commercial stock in Shanghai owned by SISSC will be reviewed under the BREEAM-In-Use sustainability standard which allows existing buildings to measure and improve performance. At the signing in BRE’s head office in Watford earlier today, Managing Director of SISSC, Mr. He said: ‘After the signing of this agreement we hope more British companies will join us on the project. When we complete the marina development in five years’ time, it will one of the most green and sustainable projects in the world - a great global advert for BREEAM’. Both parties will work together to attract UK companies to establish a base in the Shanghai development who represent the best of British construction in terms of sustainable design, technology and building products. These companies can then share and develop their built environment expertise across one of the world’s largest growth economies. The development will also service the needs of the Shanghai commercial shipping sector. BRE Group CEO Dr Peter Bonfield said: ‘We are pleased to have this opportunity to work alongside and learn from our Chinese colleagues and to facilitate bi-lateral trade that benefits

both countries. Our new relationship will also provide a strong platform for UK companies to demonstrate their world leading expertise, products and technologies in China’. The agreement marks the development of a long term relationship between BRE and SISSC.

Health and safety training needs commitment from the top NEARLY a fifth of construction sites failed safety checks in March as part of the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) month-long inspection drive. Whilst figures released by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) in April saw a rise in corporate manslaughter claims, with five new cases since July 2012. According to Kim Bendzak, Managing Director of Apple Construction Training, businesses that want to survive and reap the benefits of any upturn in the construction industry need to ensure that health and safety is led from the top, with strong leadership driving change in the way safety is managed and maintained on site. Senior management taking ownership of health and safety is especially important since the introduction of The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act in 2007, which means senior managers themselves can now face penalties or even imprisonment or disqualification from being a director.

the company facing a hefty fine and senior managers could too be held liable. The publicity it generates can be damaging, either putting the company out of the running for any major projects or even out of business completely. Between 2011 and 2012, 646 cases were prosecuted by the HSE and local authorities, with fines totalling £16.9 million.” Kim continued: “Leaders and senior managers need to build a strong health and safety culture that expects high standards of safety across all parts of the business at all times. Staff should be required to have the most recent and relevant training qualifications to carry out their duties, and managers kept up to date on the latest health and safety legislation and skill requirements. Site supervisors responsible for the safety of others, should at least have had site management safety training and all staff should have regular refresher courses so they can recall safety instructions. “Budgets are tight but health and safety legislation is becoming tougher. Site inspectors can now issue on-thespot fines, which companies can’t afford not to be ready for.” Kim Bendzak recently won The Banbury Women in Business awards for Most Established Business and Most Inspirational Women Business Owner.

Kim Bendzak explains further: “There’s hope that the construction sector will improve should work come through from the Government’s commitment of £33 billion investment in infrastructure this year. But, to be in a strong position to win this work, senior management within firms need to have a strong standpoint on health and safety and be driving and communicating this across the company. “A breach in health and safety puts the safety of workers at risk, leaves

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DELIVERING THE HIGHEST QUALITY FIT OUT AND REFURBISHMENTS; ON TIME AND ON BUDGET In his own words.. Contracts Director Brian Trundle tells us more about ecsec:

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ecsec was formed in 1960. Starting out as a shop equipment and fitting suppliers, and, with over 50 years experience, ecsec are now one of the leading interior fit out contractors in the UK, with an established reputation for delivering a project to the highest quality, on budget and on time. We have worked with ITV to build the sets for two series of Hell’s Kitchen, have built or refurbished over 50 restaurants for Carluccio’s and spent 11 months fitting out the ‘Hard Days Night’ Beatles themed hotel in Liverpool, to name but three specific projects. Our annual turnover is between £6 - £8 million and we currently employ twelve staff; four project managers, an office manager and seven administration staff. In addition to myself as Contracts Director, my other partner is Chris Farthing who is Managing Director. My responsibilities include running major projects on-site, marketing and the day-to-day running of the company.

consistency and continuity for our clients. During the recent recession our long term relationships with clients such as Carluccio’s, Giraffe, Feng Sushi, Canteen and Aviva certainly helped us to get through some challenging times. We also used ‘value engineering’ whereby we worked very closely with our clients to ensure that the design met the budget.

HEALTH, SAFETY, AND THE ENVIRONMENT Health and Safety are of paramount importance to ecsec, and we achieved CHAS accreditation three years ago. Through the use of Health and Safety Consultants, we ensure our Health and Safety Policy is updated on a quarterly basis. It is one of our stated company aims to demonstrate an on-going commitment to improving health and safety throughout the company. Training is another priority for ecsec; senior management continually monitor staff ensuring that best practice, efficiency and safety are spread through the company, whether site or office based. Safeguarding the environment is built in to everything that we do. We are committed to minimising our impact on the environment by reducing the amount of waste arising from our operations and recycling wherever possible to reduce our carbon footprint.

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION Our mission is: • to perform for our customers the highest level of construction services at competitive prices • to ensure the longevity of our company through repeat and referral business • to deliver total customer satisfaction through timeliness, attention to detail and service-minded attitudes At ecsec, we are very mindful of our client’s requirements. ‘On budget’ and ‘on time’ feature at the top of that list. We are used to working within very tight time scales, thereby allowing the build programme to be as short as possible and thus allowing the client to open to the public sooner than expected. The skill in keeping a tight programme is planning, which is also at the top of our list. We ensure that unique materials on long deliveries are ordered well in advance and delivered to our warehouse before work commences, thereby reducing many issues during construction. Wherever possible, we keep the same team together, working on roll out projects for

LOOKING AHEAD 9

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Looking ahead to the future, we plan to increase our business through our existing client base and forge relationships with new clients. Our dedicated team has the energy and experience to tackle any project, no matter how challenging, and this, combined with a ‘can do’ approach, ensures that we deliver the results our clients demand. In the restaurant and bar sector we work with many of the leading brands offering full fit-out and refurbishment services including design, build and project management. In the retail sector, working with leading brands we provide shop-fitting solutions including retail environment design, fully managed fit-out and project management. Our dedicated team has the experience and energy to tackle any project, no matter how challenging, combined with a can do approach to ensure that we deliver the results our clients desire. Retail

PROJECTS

Successful retailing is pure theatre and we understand how to create a world class stage. We have undertaken retail shop fitting projects for many UK and European retailers for over 50 years. At ecsec, we offer the complete retail shop fitting service - a totally flexible retail fit-out and maintenance service. If you already have architects and designers in place, we will work with them to deliver your vision. From a single retail unit to a national chain, our extensive experience in retail shop fitting includes planning, project management and retail fit-out and build expertise that will take your vision and create a highly effective brand experience for both your customers and employees.

Restaurants and Bars The UK’s appetite for dining out and socialising has continually grown. What was once seen as a ‘treat’ for many is now considered an essential of many people’s lives. We have produced restaurant design and fit-outs for some of the leading restaurant and bar brands in the country. As a consequence of this growth, the UK has seen something of a revolution in terms of the number of venues and the quality of the experience in a restaurant and bar interior environment. We offer a totally flexible restaurant and bar design, fit-out and maintenance service. If you already have architects and designers in place, we will work with them to deliver your vision. So in a very competitive sector, who better to ensure you remain at the very forefront of restaurant and bar fit-out and quality than ecsec?

Specialist works We pride ourselves on our ability to work on complex projects often requiring major structural alterations and in difficult site conditions. We regularly work in sensitive listed buildings, shopping centre developments and airports. We were appointed by Aviva to carry out alterations to two existing shop units in the Bentalls Shopping Centre in Kingston-upon-Thames, to form one new unit for an incoming tenant. Work included demolition, alterations, sprinkler systems, fire alarms and structural alterations to the existing steel supports to form the new escalator and lift pits.

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There were several logistical challenges such as lifting the new steel beams of eight tons into position on the first floor. The steels were delivered, transferred to trolleys and taken to the spider crane positioned in the mall. They were then lifted to the first floor and taken into the shop unit. Other issues included transporting nine tons of concrete from the basement to the first floor where the concrete was lifted another five meters by hoist to the working platform and then manually moved between the new steels onto the lift pit. If you require any further information either take a look at our website www.ecsec.com or contact Brian on b.trundle@ ecsec.com

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 nc_magazine http://www.facebook.com/NCMagazine

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MARFLEET OFFER A TAILORED SERVICE AND HIGH STANDARDS TO CUSTOMERS OFFERING a bespoke construction service to their customers is at the heart of operations at Marfleet, specialists in constructing residential and commercial property.

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The business was started in 1976 by Steve Marfleet, who started out building extensions then progressing to house building and small developments. Matthew Marfleet joined the company in 2000 after finishing a construction management course.

Commercial Projects As well as residential property construction, Marfleet are also experienced in commercial development projects across the country. Whether clients are looking to build purpose built offices or to carry out extensive refurbishment within existing buildings, Marfleet Building Contractors can offer a professional service within a short time frame to meet client needs. The company also work with interior designers who are at the forefront of leisure and retail design for the hotel, pub, bar and restaurant industry.

SERVICES The company work with developers, architects, building consultants and private clients, either on a design and build basis or a traditional contract. They currently carry out residential and commercial construction projects within Essex, Suffolk and Greater London. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are currently involved in various projects across Essex building to the needs of the clients, maintaining a high standard of workmanship and professionalism using good quality materials and employing the best tradesmen and contractors,â&#x20AC;? says Matthew, whose day to day tasks involve co-ordinating site staff and contractors, ordering materials, tendering for future contracts and organising Health and Safety procedures. The company currently employs five staff members with a large sub contractor work force. They believe that this gives them the freedom to use the correct trades for each individual project. Residential Projects Marfleets have been building homes across Essex and Suffolk for many years; the work varies from one off Bespoke Homes to small developments built to specification for Development companies. The company often work alongside specialist contractors building swimming pools, wine cellars, gymnasiums, home cinemas, tennis courts and even helipads. They have been building small developments for clients for a number of years Whether they are apartments or large houses, Marfleet still take the same approach consistently to achieving a high standard of finish throughout.

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HIGH STANDARDS As well as providing a bespoke service, Marfleet are determined to maintain high standards in all their work. All projects are fully managed and inspected at key stages. A complete build package is available from ground works through to final finish, ensuring that the completed project is delivered on time and on budget. The company offer a complete Design and Build package for developers or private clients, dealing with all aspects of the build process for the client. All staff benefit from any necessary training such as first aid, safety courses etc along with apprentices receiving training through the local colleges to ensure they make the standard. Marfleet are currently in the process of applying for their CHAS accreditation which should go through within the next few weeks.

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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THE POWER OF FRIENDSHIP, HAPPINESS AND GOOD WORKING RELATIONSHIPS ARE NEVER UNDERESTIMATED AT NACWL DIVERSIFICATION was the key to beating the recession for Hampshire-based company NA Curtain Walling Ltd (NACWL). Established by Nolan Bird 12 years ago, the company specialise in fitting commercial windows and curtain walling. 15

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FRIENDSHIP “Over the years, the company has grown steadily,” says Nolan’s Co-Director Robbie Walch, “about six or seven years ago we really had significant expansion”. Robbie joined the company two years into its existence after meeting Nolan when he was subcontracting for a company Robbie worked for. “From not knowing each other at all, we have now become inseparable,” comments Robbie, “As well as business partners, we are best friends and have a relationship outside of our work. I believe that this has been a big success factor for us”. The running of the company is split between the pair, with Nolan focusing on the financial aspect and Robbie taking care of the people and contractual side of the business, although as in many companies, their work often overlaps and they find themselves doing “a bit of everything else” as Robbie puts it. Both Nolan and Robbie pride themselves on getting “stuck in” with their handson approach. They can often be found on-site working alongside their staff to complete a job.

SERVICES Specialising in the installation of Curtain Walling and Building Envelopes, the company offer clients a full and inclusive service that they believe surpasses what others in the industry currently

afford their customers. Additionally, the company have a very large maintenance division, which has been a key factor in keeping them going through the recession. They also offer Facilities Management, Technical Support, and Management packages, and their in-house specialists can offer a Consultancy service as well as provide Specialised Access Solutions in way of IRATA trained abseil teams who have vast experience in overcoming the worst site access and continuity scenarios.

staff turnover of about three per cent. With a management team of approximately eight staff, the company do not employ a hierarchy system meaning that they do not use job titles. They are very flexible with their staff, who are all responsible for monitoring themselves. “We employ people who know what they are doing, so we let them get on with their job,” says Robbie.

Building an enviable reputation, NACWL believe that they have created a niche within their industry. From conception to completion and beyond, they offer all clients a first rate service. It is their diverse range of services that has ensured NACWL’s continued survival during the recession. “The recession has reminded us of our core values and core business,” explains Robbie, “In better times we try to do more things but the difficulties in the economy has reminded us of who we are and what we do. It is difficult for any company at the moment, but I believe that if we keep doing what we are doing, we will continue to succeed”.

STAFF NACWL currently employ a total of approximately 60 workers, although they do take on subcontractors when required, increasing the figure to just over 100 at times. They boast a very low

Staff are given training as and when the need arises, and generally if any member of staff feels that a certain course would be beneficial to their role, the company are willing to pay for it. As a result, their investment in this area is significant, but as Robbie explained, it benefits the company in the long term and varies the day-to-day job for staff. In addition to role-specific training, the company hold regular toolbox talks to ensure that health and safety is always kept at the forefront. Every month when the staff wages are sent out, a memo

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is included with it discussing specific topics in the area of health and safety. NACWL also employ an external health and safety contractor, ensuring they live up to their CHAS and ISO accreditations. Robbie and Nolan are also in the process of achieving their NEBOSH qualifications.

will bring in a wealth of knowledge and experience.

NATIONAL AWARD NOMINATION As a result of their hard work and dedication, NACWL was nominated by one of their clients for the National Construction News Awards 2013. The company have been short listed along with seven other companies under the category of ‘Tomorrow’s Company’. Award winners will be announced at an event at the Grosvener House Hotel, Park Lane, on 11 July.

“BE HAPPY” Although there have been numerous factors that have secured the success of NACWL, perhaps the very basis is a pact Nolan and Robbie made many years ago.

The rigorous judging process makes these awards the most valuable ones to win or be shortlisted for, and the prestige that comes with winning a Construction News Award helps bring further success to many businesses, year after year.

GROWTH

Although the company do not normally participate in any awards, they are very pleased to have been nominated.

With their most significant growth having taken place approximately seven years ago, the company have seen various changes. They have moved from working on small office developments to legacy type buildings, which include Heathrow

T2 and Tesco in Woolwich, which is the second largest store in Europe. NACWL have further plans for expansion following heavy investment in a fabrication joint venture. They have recently employed a new director from a corporate background who they believe

“To be honest it came as a surprise. We are a very down to earth company, so when I was asked to fill out the form with our information, it was a challenge. I ended up writing a small piece explaining our progress and growth. I was stunned that we were short listed!” exclaims Robbie, who will be attending the ceremony in July.

Simply put, it is to “be happy”. This, according to Robbie, plays an important role in how they operate; “We always try to go about business with a smile, and as a result, our clients enjoy working with us”.

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FIRST YEAR OF UK TRADE IS SUCCESSFUL FOR POWERCEM GB FOUNDED in the Netherlands as PowerCem Technologies BV in 1996, PowerCem GB followed in 2011. PowerCem GB is the exclusive distributor for all PowerCem products in Great Britain. 18

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GLOBAL OPERATIONS The track record of PowerCem Worldwide Partners is extremely impressive with thousands of kilometers of roads being built in Mexico, Canada, Russia and South Africa. In some areas, the PowerCem soil road building technology is now the mandatory specification. In total PowerCem is currently used in 27 different countries. The company is also active on major projects such as the Panama Canal extensions and the oil shale projects in Canada. It has been working with Unesco, helping to provide roads in rural areas, particularly those subjected to flooding and a major report has been jointly published confirming the value and effectiveness of RoadCem stabilisation. RoadCem can assist contractors in the preparation of stabilised ground works and the treatment of contaminated land. In the UK Rodgers Leask (Consulting Engineers) Ltd of Derby can prepare and underwrite designs.

AN INTRODUCTION TO ROADCEM RoadCem is a cement modifier which improves soil stabilisation for road and construction platforms. It is a fine grain sized additive produced from alkali earth metals with synthetic zeolites and a complex activator to alter and improve the way cement cures and binds soils. RoadCem enhances and increases the flexibility and tensile strength of stabilised soils and significantly improves the overall performance of cement bound materials used in construction. Addition of RoadCem to cement stabilisation prevents problems of shrinkage and cracking and allows roads, foundations, and construction platforms to be constructed quickly even with very soft or organic soils. RoadCem can be used for: • Temporary/permanent haul roads, car parks and access roads • Construction platforms for ground improvement/piling/foundation construction etc • Construction platforms for heavy crane access • Construction of exceptionally heavy duty pavements, eg port container storage areas. • Changing soft and organic soils to permanent, robust, impermeable, structures.

The addition of RoadCem provides numerous advantages over conventional lime/cement stabilisation: • Stabilises otherwise untreatable organic soils and top soils. • Provides enhanced compressive and tensile strengths otherwise unachievable. • Replaces the requirement to import stone to form roads/platforms etc. • Eliminates requirement to move or dispose of unsuitable soft/organic material. • Greatly enhances robustness and impermeability of stabilised material.

bridge build at Walton on Thames using RoadCem to stabilise the organic riverside soils to build heavy crane platforms. MWH Global used RoadCem in their award winning soil piling mat at their £38,000,000 Activated sludge plant at Clay Mills in Derbyshire. The company is run by four Directors. Last year, PowerCem GB achieved turnover of a little under £500k. They are expecting to double the turnover in 2013 and again in 2014. To achieve this, the company will be looking to further develop future relationships with at least one major player in the industry.

• Greatly reduces lorry movements to and from site.

POWERCEM IN THE UK PowerCem BV was previously involved in two very successful projects in the UK in 2002; The remediation and stabilisation of a large area of Galligu contaminated land for Halton BC in Widnes and the stabilisation of organic silt in an area of high salt water table for the construction of a Tesco store near Great Yarmouth. Soon after these two difficult projects PowerCem was withdrawn from the UK market until approached by the current GB directors. By then they had full European patent cover and a wealth of worldwide projects under their belt. GB really started trading in 2012 with successful projects on ground stabilisation; Costain will soon have completed their £45,000,000 Thames

The Directors of the PowerCem GB have the intention to firmly establish the technology as a standard and get its use approved by the Highways Agency for adopted roads where large savings in time and money can be made against traditional methods..

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Having started up in a recession, PowerCem has done well to make a profit in their first year of trading. They have achieved this keeping running costs to a minimum and taking a very conservative approach to any form of risk.

MILESTONES The main milestone for PowerCem GB was to get the technology used and approved in Great Britain and this has been clearly achieved with the completion of major projects for Costain,

MWH / Severn Trent. This was made possible with the help and support of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Design Partners: Rodgers Leask as they are now responsible for most of the designs using PowerCem products. It is also worth mentioning

DNS Midlands and Geofirma Ground works companies that have used and proven the technology. The second milestone was to make an operating profit to support the business and this was also achieved in the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first active year of trading.

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NEW HEATHROW DEPOT WILL EXTEND SURREY HIRE SERVICES EVEN FURTHER AS the leading independent tool and plant hire company in their area, Surrey Hire offer a large selection of all the latest equipment and are able to deliver the highest level of service to their customers. 22

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LOCATION AND STAFF Established in 1979, the company began as a small one-man operation hiring a wallpaper stripper to a known client from John Laings Construction. Today, 34 years later, the company will be opening their third depot at the beginning of May, located at Heathrow Airport. The other two depots are located in Epsom and Addlestone in Surrey, giving the company the ability to serve all of Surrey, London and the Home Counties, and offer a free delivery service for local customers. Owned and run by Marc Prince and Stephen Dormer, Surrey Hire currently have a team of 14 workers who all receive up to date training on most manufacturer’s products within the level of position they are working for within the company. Marc and Stephen have a very handson approach to running the business, as Stephen explains: “My own personal role is to overlook the operations from day to day on all depots, assisting with most customer enquiries or problems including the welfare of my own staff. I am also responsible for introducing new clients to the business”

Stephen has worked for the company since he left school and has 28 years experience of working from within this industry. Originally he worked as a yard lad to a driver and then progressed into management. “Nothing gives me more pleasure to assist in the growing of this company to a level offering the best possible service and efficiency from the local customer to the larger construction companies within our catchment area of each available depot,” he said.

PRODUCT RANGE

Surrey Hire have stock ranging from small power tools to three-tonne excavators specialising in welfare unit, concrete screed pump , and up to 25kva generators. The company specialise in the hire of mini-diggers and skip loading dumpers. They also carry a large stock of alloy access towers and scaffolding equipment. Additionally, Surrey Hire offers a mobile weekly inspection service visiting customer sites on a weekly basis, inspecting plant and at the same time assisting costumers on site with any questions on the how to use the plant in operation.

Although their primary focus is hire, the company also has a sales focus and stock a wide range of equipment for both hire and sale. Additionally, they offer a repair service, and as of January 2012, they have a mobile fitter service, allowing customers to benefit from their own equipment/plant being serviced or repaired at their own location and sites.

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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VERSATILITY IN A DIFFICULT CLIMATE PROVES TO BE A SUCCESSFUL STRATEGY FOR ACS BEING versatile has been pivotal to the continued success seen by Air Conditioning Scotland (ACS) despite the current economy.

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Founded in 2005, the company began primarily working with air conditioning systems but have since diversified and included heat pumps to their list of expertise. they are able to boast competitive prices coupled with unique customer service. ACS boasts a vast product range including portable air conditioners, fixed air conditioners and home/commercial dehumidifiers. They supply and install all makes and models including Gree, Mitsubishi, Daikin, Panasonic and Fujitsu.

With their current focus on maintain the level of business and getting through the recession, ACS have had to be very versatile, an approach that has had a very positive impact on the business.

Their experienced customer service team are always available to assist with any enquiries customers may have quickly and efficiently.

QUALITY AND RELIABILITY

GROWTH As a rapidly growing Scottish company specialising in commercial and residential air conditioning, the company’s aim is to offer customers the highest quality airconditioning products at an unbeatable price. Although ACS has seen tremendous growth since its inception, it still remains a small company without large overheads, meaning that costs have been kept down. Not only has this meant that savings have been passed on to customers, but it has also been an important factor in the company surviving and succeeding during a recession. Further expansion plans are in the pipeline for ACS, particularly with regard to supplying heat pumps. They are also expecting work in the domestic market to increase and change their customer base from a primarily-commercial market to a good combination of the two. With the renewable energy market ever expanding, heat pumps are likely to be used in both domestic and commercial new builds.

The quality of service at Air Conditioning Scotland stems from the close attention paid to design, production and testing which ensures the highest possible standards are being met. Air Conditioning Scotland are F-Gas company registered and are members of the Air Conditioning and heat pump institute. They specialise in the supply, installation, repair and maintenance of all types of air conditioning systems including VRV and VRF. ACS takes great pride in their work, offering customers a cost-effective solution. With a team of five employees and subcontracted workers who are approachable, customer service is at the heart of the company’s operations. “We are there to serve the customer to the best of our ability,” says the company’s Chas Byrne. “We offer very reasonable prices – we are not out to make massive profits, Our aim is to give our customer the best value for their money”. ACS endeavours to provide customers with a quality standard of installation at a competitive price, and they are committed to providing their clients with an excellent customer service from initial enquiry to the completed installation and maintenance thereafter.

Air Conditioning Scotland offers the following: • • • • • • • •

Nationwide coverage Fully qualified engineers Free no obligation survey and quotation Access to large selection of major manufacturers Full after sales service Technical helpline Maintenance contracts Installer and service provider to blue chip companies and high street retailers.

http://www.acsscotland.com

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HAPPY EMPLOYEES ENSURE ASG MAINTAINS SUCCESS FROM its conception as a small fabrication company with just four employees in 2003, ASG has enjoyed steady growth throughout a very difficult period of time for manufacture in the UK. The company now employs 46 team members across three sites, comprising of carbon steel, nonferrous and protective coatings. 26

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ABOUT ASG

• To produce ASG’s 3 year Vision for Growth, process mapping and structured business plan.

ASG are able to take clients ideas and turn them into reality. They offer a full fabrication service from manufacturing the smallest component to installing bespoke designed balustrade, staircasing and mezzanines.

• Defining roles and responsibilities • Financial Planning • Building relationships with key suppliers and customers

The company’s experienced team of fabricators have the knowledge and experience to turn the visual design into reality, working from their well-equipped 20 000 sqft manufacturing facility. With its in house team of designers and CAD operators through to its on-site installation teams, customers can be confident that ASG can cope with projects both large and small. Each project is managed by a dedicated Contracts Manager who guides projects from concept through to completion.

• Develop Supplier base and identify opportunities for growth To operational; • Project Management of Key Contracts • Supporting Contracts Managers • Supporting department heads across the business •

Stay in touch with manufacturing staff and site installation teams to gain full understanding of the team’s strengths and weaknesses.

As Managing Director, Adrian brings with him a wealth of experience. He shares his journey in his own words: “Age 15 and 11 months, I left secondary school one Thursday morning with lower than expected grades and the chance of a job interview that afternoon at a small fabrication company in a nearby town. The company didn’t have an apprenticeship to offer, however did have a vacant general labour position which I was successful in and got the job. “At ASG our aim is to be our client’s first choice; first time; every time,” says Managing Director Adrian Johnson.

“I quickly got to grips with my duties and would endeavour to complete them as quickly and proficiently as possible, I would then present myself to my boss for extra duties. I worked closely with the skilled tradesmen, making myself useful and picking up the job as I went. “Within three years I had progressed to the level of a skilled fabricator and was working on many bespoke projects. “The most important lesson I learnt from my early years was that every person within a business has a crucial part to play to make a business work effectively, from the receptionist taking the first call or enquiry, the apprentice learning his trade, to the sales and marketing.

“We will continue to strive to improve the quality of our products, delivery and installation services, whilst developing and maintaining a workplace culture that is centred on the Health, Safety and Wellbeing of all our colleagues across all of our sites”.

“Being one of the company founders and having taken over as MD in April, I believe that my role is to prepare the team to meet the challenges of tomorrow. I think it’s safe to say you have to wear many different hats in the role!” Adrian’s role is very varied and includes strategic planning at Board Level, such as;

ASG strive to go the extra mile for both existing and new clients, aiming to exceed their expectations at all levels. Their knowledge and expertise within the steel construction industry and purpose built premises enables them to take on a multitude of projects when many companies would shy away, giving them a great competitive edge and a factor that has helped develop their client base over the last 10 years.

MILESTONES With a turnover of £3m, ASG has passed a number of significant milestones in

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their years of trading. Below is just a brief timeline of some of their most notable achievements: March 2003 - ASG opens its doors for the first time, with 4’500 sqft fabrication facility and just four Owner Director Employees.

In 2009, ASG forged a strong link with local M&E building services provider NG Bailey (Offsite) to provide offsite modular solutions for the M&E industry.

September 2003 - ASG secures a three year deal to manufacture and install mezzanines and staircases for Carey & Greenslade Shop Fitters, working on behalf of Next Retail. ASG also establishes its commitment to training for the future with the arrival of its first two apprentice fabricators.

January 2011 - ASG expands its factory to establish its protective coatings facility to accommodate its expansion into the modular solutions market. January 2012 - Following the sustained growth of the non-ferrous department, the company’s small works division is re-housed in its own 5’000 sqft manufacturing facility. August 2012 - ASG embarks on a strategic review of the whole business working to develop and improve internal effectiveness and efficiencies. June 2007 – Having enjoyed steady growth in the preceding four years and having an ever growing workforce, ASG moves to its purpose built premises, more than doubling their manufacturing capabilities.

March 2013 saw the appointment of three new directors as part of the future growth of ASG; Steven Clayworth – Works Director, John Kirk – Contracts Director, and Sarah Heald – Business Development Director.

The decision was also made that Adrian Johnson would take over from Graham Hoult as Managing Director; having helped steer ASG through the first 10 years, Graham at the age of 65 decided it was time to take a step back and let the younger generation push forwards to grow the business.

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BUSINESS PLAN Working with Caroline Barker at TES, the business has now defined their three year business plan and company core values. They have taken steps to include a number of employees from different departments to map out ASG’s internal processes, flagging up any issues and also ideas to improve various practices and procedures. “We feel we have learned a tremendous amount about the business, each other and our employees,” says Sarah, Business Development Director. “Internal efficiencies will be improved by streamlining processes, formalizing roles and effective people management. We will continue to invest in equipment and staff development to drive growth”

TRAINING ASG are currently in the process of developing a five year training plan for all employees across the business. Whether factory or site based operatives to office administrators and managers, the aim is to continually develop and improve the skill base of all employed at ASG.

Site based and manufacture based fabrication operatives undergo a variety of training including PASMA, IPAF, CSCS, Slinger Banksman, CPCS (Construction Plant Certification Scheme), Telehandler, Appointed Person, First Aid one-day course, First Aid three-day course, Manual Handling, Asbestos Awareness, and Abrasive Wheel.

BEATING THE ECONOMY BLUES The economy has been difficult, especially within the construction industry, yet ASG have managed to navigate through it successfully thus far. This is down to a number of factors, according to Adrian, which include their competitive pricing, fast and positive response to customer requirements, quick turnaround of jobs, strong personal relationships with clients, highly trained and experienced operatives, good problem resolution, reliability, excellent quality of work, and diversity. “Because we give so much to our customers, we are fortunate to get a lot of repeat business, something which has been vital in getting us through the difficult times. We are always willing to go the extra mile,” comments Adrian.

HEALTH, SAFETY, AND THE ENVIRONMENT ASG have a very comprehensive health and safety policy, as well as an environmental policy. The company work very hard to ensure that standards are kept high through a number of different strategies. They communicate with site operatives via regular tool box talks at the beginning of each new project on site, and operatives working on the manufacturing process are briefed on any particular hazards at the commencement of work on new projects.

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resulting in only 0.3 per cent of their mild and stainless steel purchases going for recycling. The company currently recycle 85 per cent of their paper and cardboard waste, and encourage all employees to recycle any products they personally bring into the business.

FAMILY BENEFITS

Work place assessments are carried out when a new employee commences work at ASG, and the company always provide the appropriate PPE. All employees are required to wear protective eye wear in all production areas. The company’s lean procurement strategy ensures that they minimise waste materials from their production activities across their ferrous and nonferrous departments. Where offcuts are generated these are listed for use on their internal or smaller projects,

“Being a flexible mild and stainless steel manufacturer and a privately owned family company, we are able to make decisions quickly benefiting the client when time is of the essence,” explains Steven Hoult, Production Director. As a family run business, ASG pride themselves on being a good employer and offering job security to all their staff. The good working environment ensures that staff are relaxed and have a steady stream of work. As a growing company, ASG place emphasis on fair management and offer their staff excellent facilities and an easy-going atmosphere, ensuring they are happy in their role, therefore maximising their potential.

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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Husqvarna K 760 with Oilguard. The Husqvarna K 760 Oilguard is specially designed to prevent engine damage resulting from an incorrect oil-fuel mixture. The K 760 Oilguard uses specially colored OilGuard oil, developed specifically for dusty environments like construction sites and ideal for aircooled two-stroke engines. It is also possible to use standard two-stroke oil in a K 760 Oilguard, as the OilGuard feature can easily be deactivated. An optical detection system indicates if there is a sufficient amount of the correct type of oil in the fuel. The K 760 Oilguard also has features like the new generation of Active Air Filtration™, one of the market’s most efficient centrifugal air cleaning systems that delivers up to one year’s operation without a filter change and SmartCarb™, built-in automatic filter compensation and a highly efficient vibration dampening system. It is also outfitted with an X-Torq® engine, which reduces emissions up to 75 % and lowers fuel consumption by 20 % and DuraStarter™, a dust-sealed starter that boosts reliability and product life. Air Purge and a decompression valve make it very easy to start.

Husqvarna K 760 Oilguard. A power-to-weight ratio in a class of its own.

HUSQVARNA CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS UK Tel: 0844 844 4570 Scan the QR code for more information about Husqvarna K 760 with Oilguard.

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FINDLEY ROOFING AND BUILDING : A SHINING EXAMPLE OF SUCCESS IT is not every day that the legal profession is swapped for bricks and mortar, but for Grant Findley, that was the case when he took over the family business, Findley Roofing and Building Ltd, in 2008.

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Grant took over the business as his father Brian retired just before the recession began, and despite the failing economy, he has managed to make a success of the company. Initially, it was run by Grant with the help of two additional workers, but the business has since grown and is now a 22-man operation with a significant number of additional subcontractors.

build developments, loft and attic conversions, and property remodelling. Their professional team are dedicated to ensuring complete customer satisfaction on every building project. Findley pride themselves in their heritage and training, allowing them to deliver workmanship second to none on every roofing or building project. Over the years they have developed many tried and tested methods for services, and their techniques and structural skills ensure their customers always receive the finest of finishes every time.

sector a large number of projects in the North east, both in the domestic and public sectors. Since 2008, the company have moved to new, larger premises in order to be able to accommodate their ever-growing range of services.

EASY PAYMENT OPTIONS In an innovative and somewhat risky move, Findley applied for and were granted a consumer credit licence, meaning that they are able to offer payment options for customers who cannot pay for work upfront.

SERVICES In 2008, the company was exclusively a roofing firm, but during the first three years, Grant expanded into the property market, a move that many other companies would have been too afraid to take amidst a failing economy. This has been a key factor in the tremendous success of the company in the last few years. “We originally founded Findley as a Roofing company, specialising in new roofs and flat roof repairs throughout the North East including Sunderland, Durham and Newcastle,” explains Grant, “However, as with most companies our skills and services increased and improved, leaving us where we are today, and helping us become a shining example of a Building and Roofing company supplying the entire North East for Roof Repairs, New Roofs and Flat roofs”. The company’s core services are focussed around roofing and roof repairs, storm damage, paving, and building. They are able to install new roofs and are experts in flat roofing, both installation and repair. Findley offer customers an emergency repair service, with temporary repairs being free until they are able to permanently repair the roof. Furthermore, customers receive a 15 year guarantee on all flat roof installations and repairs. Within their building division, Findley offer a comprehensive range of services which include, but are not limited to, property extensions, restorations, new

“We have relationships with Barclays and Shermin Finance, and offer personal financial deals to our customers, which I believe makes us unique in the local building trade,” says Grant. The company offer finance packages for every product they supply and service they carry out. They do not restrict the application to only larger projects. All their packages are underwritten by the Barclays Partner Finance scheme and are extremely competitive with interest rates or offers. Findley offer a number of different packages ranging from interest free loans on extensions through to low interest agreements, which ever suits their customer. All finance options are calculated on an individual basis by Barclays Finance.

As well as a team of highly experience staff, Findley take on a number of apprentices and have plans to recruit more in the coming years. “A bold statement to make but with projects being completed daily and thousands of happy customers Findley Roofing and Building are without doubt one of the finest building companies in the North East,” Grant concludes proudly. And why should he not be proud of his enviable achievements in the last few years?

“As far as I am aware, we are the only roofing contractor in the North East that is providing finance to those unable to pay for their roofing repairs up-front, which I believe will go a long way to attracting new customers”.

SUCCESS IN A DIFFICULT TIME Findley are one of a few companies that has more than just survived the recession, they have managed to build upon their success each year in spite of the difficult economy. Between 2008 and 2011, the company’s turnover increased from just £2k to £1m, a tremendous achievement for Grant. With their expansion into the building sector, the company have managed to

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CRAIGS ECO PROVIDING HIGH QUALITY ECO SOLUTIONS BUILDING high performance homes and energy efficient buildings is what the team at Craigs Eco Construction Ltd does best. As one of Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first construction companies to use sustainable energy solutions and environmentally responsible materials, Craigs Eco has received a wealth of positive feedback from satisfied customers. 34

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GROWTH

disruption kept to a minimum.

Established in 1996 by Directors Michal Sroka and Findlay Erskine, Craigs Eco is based near Linlithgow, Scotland. The business has grown steadily in size and reputation in the last 13 years and now employs 16 skilled tradesmen. Despite its steady growth, it remains the company’s objective to provide a personal and individual building service of the highest standard to each and every client. Craigs Eco Construction Ltd was developed as a result of the growing demand for more environmentally responsible building using sustainable materials and energy sources.

Craigs Eco is committed to providing each client with full support from concept to completion. They work very closely with customers to choose the best building system that suits both their plans and their budget.

ENVIRONMENTALLY AWARE

“Our team is providing customers with excellent quality of the finished product. Our customers are always very satisfied with the finished product. We find they recommend us to their friends, which is one of the best ways to create a brand and a great way to find new customers”.

Environmental awareness has changed dramatically over recent years and as a result of this, the company are now actively promoting the use of building materials which are not only good for the environment, but are also likely to produce a more solid, comfortable building with lower running costs - a high performance home.

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION “At Craigs Eco Construction Ltd we pride ourselves on the extremely high standard of our work, which is why more than 80 per cent of our clients come from recommendations,” says the company’s Findlay Erskine.

With this in mind, the company provides advice, supply, installation and support for a variety of sustainable energy technologies including geothermal, solar, wind and biomass systems. As much as possible, they use environmentallyfriendly construction methods and materials. As part of their developing environmental policy, Craigs Eco aim to re-use and recycle materials, and to choose products which will provide a healthy and toxin-free home. These products not only give the benefit of being environmentally and physically healthier, but can also significantly lower the running costs compared to that of a conventional new build home. Their preferred building system and materials are those of NBT (Natural Building Technologies), whose products meet and exceed British building regulation standards in terms of their thermal efficiency and environmental credentials.

QUALITY SERVICE Craigs Eco advise and assist with all the required services, including architectural design, planning and building warrant applications, structural engineering, cost evaluations, advice on alternative energy sources, full or part construction, and landscape works. Whatever their clients require, Craigs Eco tailors the package to suit personal and financial requirements. Whether the job involves renovating, extending or building a new home, they endeavour to meet and support all their client’s needs. The company’s team of builders is reliable, hardworking and highly skilled, and their sites are kept as clean as possible, with

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CONTINUED INVESTMENT IN FLEET PUTS AB2000 AT A GOOD PLACE DESPITE ECONOMY AS the largest independently owned plant hire company in Scotland, AB2000 has a large range of plant and equipment in their fleet, including Construction Plant (dump trucks, bulldozers, excavators and shovels); mobile Cranes and Road Rail Vehicles and Machines (RRVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s). 36

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The Company has over 250 machines and support vehicles operating and maintained to the highest standards from their depots at Glasgow, Inverness and Aberdeen. The Managing Director made a key strategic decision to continue investing in their plant, especially railway equipment and cranes, during the recession. This is now paying off, with the Rail and Crane divisions accounting for 35 per cent of annual turnover.

THE COMPANY AB2000 was established in 1995 by Adam Bruce in Glasgow, and has seen steady growth over the years through organic expansion and acquisition. Adam Bruce, a Past President of the Scottish Plant Owners Association, has over 40 years experience in the Plant Hire Industry. In 2002, the company acquired the specialist rail plant assets of G Plant Rail Ltd, to assist with the continued expansion of their involvement in railways. The business outgrew their previous base and moved to their current base at Cambuslang, Glasgow, in 2003. The Company has three main trading divisions: Core Construction Plant Hire - including dump trucks, dozers, excavators, crushers, low loaders, shovels, road brushes. Railway Plant Hire - road rail machines with a wide range of attachments. Cranes and Contract Lifting - Mobile cranes up 120 tonne and experienced Projects Managers who undertake contract lifting and movement of machinery and other equipment. A new Plant Hire depot to serve the North and North East of Scotland was opened at Seafield Road, Inverness

in 2012 and the Company has a small depot at Aberdeen. The company’s depots are perfectly situated, with easy access to the motorways and main roads. AB2000 prides itself on giving excellent customer service, and Bill Marsh, Plant Manager, ensures that all of their equipment is delivered in good working order.

CONTINUED SUCCESS THROUGH A DIFFICULT ECONOMY Like many others involved in Construction, the Company was forced to reduce turnover in 2009/2010 from £16m to £10m, but has since resumed steady growth in the last few years. Adam Bruce’s knowledge and experience of the Plant Hire Industry, his contacts and connections in the

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Construction Industry, and the strength of the Company’s balance sheet have been important factors in the Company’s ability to grow and develop. AB2000 supplied equipment to a wide range of exciting and innovative projects, including supplying plant and equipment to Whitelees Windfarm at Eaglesham, the largest in Europe requiring construction of 90km of access track using rock quarried onsite. The company has also worked with Scottish Power, moving ash at power stations, and constructing ash lagoons and haul roads. They worked recently on the new M80, and M74 extensions, construction of the access to the new Forth Road Bridge, and many of Scotland’s major projects. The Company is well known and trusted and commitment to service helps them maintain and grow their client base. The range and number of machines the Company has available and continuing investment in new plant and equipment each year sets AB2000 apart in a competitive marketplace. With a total workforce of around 200 and annual turnover of £15m, the Scottish company is continuing to develop and expand the operations and geographical coverage of each trading division profitably.

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EXCELLENT REPUTATION GETS BSW THROUGH RECESSION AND INTO THEIR 50th YEAR CELEBRATING 50 years of service within the central heating and renewable energy markets, BSW Building Services has positive plans for substantial growth over the coming years. 39

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A COLOURFUL HISTORY BSW started trading in 1963 and was set up by John Belliere Snr, father to the current chairman, operating as a private domestic heating installer. Within a few years his two sons John and Michael joined the business and together they worked on developing it over the years that came.

retained the name BSW Building Services whilst Croydon changed to BSW Heating.

and have been developing that arm of the business significantly in the last two years.

BSW Building Services has developed further over the last decade into more of a multi-versed building services company. Whilst central heating installation work remains their

Today they employ around 140 and operatives. The company plan to celebrate their 50th year with a company trip which is set to be arranged for the beginning of the summer.

John Belliere Snr retired in due course leaving the company to his sons who then worked together throughout the 70s, 80s and 90s, growing the business in size and reputation. They progressed into other areas of the market including commercial heating, air conditioning and ventilation and then into the social housing heating contracting market.

SERVICES

By the late 90s BSW had two offices, one in Croydon where they began initially, and the other in Haywards Heath due to the regular procurement of social housing contracts for Mid Sussex District Council, Lewes, Brighton & Hove and others.

•

In 2001 the business was de-merged into two halves by mutual agreement between the two brothers. The Sussex based operation, run by John Belliere

Services offered by BSW include: •

Central heating installation, servicing, maintenance and repair – for private home owners, commercial and social housing clients

• Kitchens and bathrooms installations

core activities, they also have a fully comprehensive service and maintenance department, install approximately 25 kitchens and 20 bathrooms each week for social housing clients all over the South East and have been at the forefront of installing renewable technologies such as solar PV and air source heat pumps. They are also licensed asbestos removal contractors

Renewable technologies installations, servicing and repair – including solar PV, solar thermal, Micro-CHP and Air source heat pumps

• Asbestos removal and treatment BSW’s aim always was and still is to be the number one choice in their area for the range and quality of the services they offer. They are determined to do this on the basis of quality work and customer service.

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STAFF TRAINING Training is also paramount to BSW’s business activities. In an industry that is increasingly regulated and with high levels of expectation from their clients,they have a clear policy to respond to changes and ensure that their staff and operatives are always fully trained and appraised of everything they need to know. BSW has an in-house training centre which seats up to 40 people. They host manufacturer’s training sessions on new products as well as workshops on the environment and health & safety issues and management training in customer services and IT developments and ensure that everything is monitored so that nothing is overlooked. The company also sponsors operatives on qualification courses and employs a number of heating apprentices as well. “Recently we received a couple of work placements from Germany through an international work experience program for engineering operatives,” says the company’s Charlie Belliere.

Charlie’s role entails different duties, but his main focuses are sales, marketing and new business. This includes managing all advertising, marketing and PR work, as well as business development. He is also involved in recruitment, joint business ventures and helping with the continuous development of the company policies and strategies.

GETTING THROUGH THE DIFFICULT ECONOMY When the recession first set in, business got bad for most industries and it was no exception with BSW. The company’s revenues dropped substantially in 2009 and times were hard, but they have experienced a continuous year on year growth since that low point, with a significant upturn in this last financial year.

“The simple fact is that everybody needs heating and hot water, so regardless of the overall economic climate we continued to operate. Less project work went ahead but there was still always the need for companies like ours in the consumer marketplace” explains Charlie. Whilst riding the storm, BSW made every effort to streamline its activities and contain its overheads at a minimum and effectively worked hard to secure new business. With a 50 year reputation as experts in what they do, they have built up a good working relationship with their existing customers. “In tough times you need to re-enforce these messages by underlining standards and the efficiency of your activities. To this end, we were successful and actually increased our market share,” adds Charlie. The company also plan to develop their

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of vineyards are leased to a local agricultural college. BSW are proud to be patrons of the RSPB and have recorded over 50 species of birdlife on their premises. The company uses renewable technologies in its premises including solar Photovoltaic panels producing 7.65 kW of electricity, an air source heat pump, underfloor heating and insulation measures well above building regulation standards.

Asbestos removal business from the small set up business it is into a fully sustainable profit centre, and they are already well on the way to achieving this. So effectively, the future is bright. Their turnover has increased by over 50 per cent from 2011 to 2012, and all being well this year is expected to be even better.

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT BSW takes environmental concerns very seriously and are committed to reducing any impact their business has. The company is based rurally outside of Haywards Heath on a 30 acre site consisting of vineyards and well-kept woodland full of nature. The 22 acres

BSW collect all site-rubbish and redundant material which is split into two special refuse skips â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one for metal and one for all other waste. These skips are collected when full and taken away by a specialist energy recovery and recycling contractor who then processes it. The contractor in question transports the waste to its ÂŁ15m incineration and electricity generating plant, the first of its kind to be privately funded in the UK. The waste is first processed to remove all recyclable materials: soil and masonry go to the construction and aggregate industries, metals are sent directly to metal merchants and plastics go to specialist plastic pre-processors. The facility then shreds, compacts and burns the remaining non-recyclable materials

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to drive turbines and produce green electricity, treating the exhaust gases through a stringent cleaning system monitored and approved by the Environment Agency. Even the ash produced is recycled into aggregate.

PUTTING CUSTOMERS FIRST BSW continually strive to improve its measures to provide the best service and value for money for their customers. “It is a competitive market and there will always be choice, but customers ultimately want to know that the contractor they use can be trusted to carry out the works efficiently. They don’t want to discover additional hidden costs, cutting corners or a lack of consideration to their specific needs” says Charlie. BSW ensures that its customers are attended to by honest,professional and courteous staff who are committed to providing tailor made solutions. “If you are dealing with BSW, we can say with the utmost of confidence that you will have complete peace of mind in the company you have chosen,” he concludes.

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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SELF-CONFIDENCE, INNOVATION, EXCELLENT SERVICE AND DELIVERY PUTS ASPIN GROUP AT THE FOREFRONT OF THE INDUSTRY. TENACITY sets the privately-owned Aspin Group of companies apart. They have been trading for 13 years and provide a complete turnkey operation predominantly to the rail industry. 44

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STRUCTURE The Group is split into three divisions, namely Aspin Foundations, Aspin Consulting and Aspin Plant. These three divisions work together to provide clients with a complete package of services that include consultancy, ground investigation, foundation and structures installation. With their Head Office based in Hemel Hampstead, the group also have two further facilities based in Huthwaite (Nottinghamshire) and Preston respectively. This allows them to ensure they can deliver national coverage effectively. The Aspin Group currently employ a total of 80 staff members which include their management team, admin and ground workers. Additionally, they do take on subcontractors as and when needed. Aspin have key people in key places who can bring the most to the company and has been vital in the effective management through a difficult economy. The Group is always successful, ensuring that they are one step ahead of their competitors. They run a full range of

Movax Units and Fambo Units, which can be used for a variety of different foundation applications. They regularly enhance their innovative and specialist niche products in order to ensure that they can be best placed in their delivery to the industry.

GROUND ENGINEERING SPECIALISTS OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

Working closely with Network Rail, the Group were successful innovators in a stabilisation methodology which enhanced current rail systems. These systems are now being used in other areas and adapted for other clients. The Aspin Group were short listed under the category of Ground Engineering Specialists of the Year, which places them amongst an elite group of companies including the likes of Balfour Beatty Ground Engineering.

Being nominated and short listed for the Construction News Specialist Award has been “the icing on the cake” for the Group according to Susan Whittall, Strategic Alliance Manager. Susan’s role is centred on liaising with major contractors to determine how Aspin can fit in to their work. Although not technical, it is a very demanding role that requires her to travel across the UK on a regular basis. “We worked so hard for this, it is good to know that every effort is being recognised within the industry,” continues Susan. She is referring to the project that played a pivotal role in their nomination for the award.

The works that led to Aspin Group being nominated as a finalist in the GE Awards, emanated from the first works that were undertaken at “Gravel Hole” on West Coast Mainline (WCML), whereby a 50 metre long section of track with very soft

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formation, the Train Speed Restriction (TSR) which had been placed for some significant time was 80mph instead of the normal 125mph. This TSR meant that both the Train Operating Company (TOC) and Network Rail (NR), were having to reduce the effectiveness of the Pendolino Train to efficient speed of travel. The works were undertaken over a 4 week-end period (short possessions between trains) and installation of the “track bed stabilisation methodology” was a success. Once the final run of the Network Rail Track Measuring Train went through the worksite, the TSR was then lifted to 125mph. From this success further work sites on the WCML has been successfully completed.

earned us an unrivalled reputation”.

on-year growth.

TENACITY

We work closely and listen attentively to achieve common goals in a Collaborative manner.

While the Group are very proud of the way they have grown over the years, they are hoping to grow further over the next few months and years.

Susan believes it is the company’s belief in themselves that has been vital to getting them through the difficult economy. “Knowing and feeling that we are the best in the field has been vital to our survival. 13 years is a long time, and we have continued to strive, achieve, innovate and deliver. We are passionate about what we do and our work has

This positive mindset alone has been enough to ensure the company’s success, but the hands-on approach taken by co-founders Andy Hoffman and Barry McMahon, as well as the rest of the senior management team, has also played a pivotal role. In fact, the company anticipate a £15m turnover in the coming year, with a consistent year-

“With the vision that Barry McMahon and Andy Hoffman have, we want to see what other applications we can use our expertise on,” explains Susan, “However it is not exactly expansion in all terms of the word. We don’t throw manpower on jobs, so on many jobs there will only be workers who are vital to ensure its timely completion”.

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YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND DEDICATION PUTS HERITAGE TILES AT THE FOREFRONT OF TILE RESTORATION WORK PERHAPS the most experienced Restoration Tiler in the country, Steve Sinnott of Heritage Tiles, spoke to us about his work in this extremely specialised field...

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Can you tell me a bit about your company? We aim to restore as many Historic tiled floors and walls as we can, listed or not, the main purpose is to restore the tile scheme and so allow the tiles to be viewed and enjoyed once more. Our contracts have ranged from as small as one square metre to over twelve hundred square metres, however we pay as much attention to small projects as larger projects; each job is important. My work is all about restoring historic tiled floors - the biggest percentage is Victorian encaustic and geometric tiled floors and occasionally wall tile schemes. Again, these are usually Victorian, however as floors are under constant wear and tear it is geometric and encaustic tiled floors that comprise our bread and butter work. Mosaics, oddly the type of floor that started it all, features less now.

How did you get into your current line of work? Originally I started out as a stone carver but a contract that had a badly damaged marble mosaic changed my life. It took me nearly three years to restore the marble mosaic floor and meant that I had cut almost a million cubes. My job changed and I became a Tyler-Mason. A term that had gone out of use but was suited to my new line of work. Before long I had travelled to other countries to restore mosaic floors but as my work progressed, I specialised in Victorian encaustic and geometric tile restoration. My company started in 1982, and I believe that I have been restoring Victorian encaustic and geometric tiled floors longer than most. I have now worked in many different countries and have helped train tilers or at least encourage them to try this very difficult but satisfying branch of tiling. I enjoy my work immensely. It can be difficult and sometimes very frustrating, but ultimately I get great satisfaction from laying a new complicated floor or restoring a floor most would consign to a skip. Years before people got interested in restoring tiled floors (in the 60s 70s and 80s tiled floors of all types were routinely skipped) I used to dig out tiles from landfill near the old factories of Maws

and Mintonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to fix/restore the tiled floors that I had worked on. Major investment only came about in tile restoration when the Americans got in touch with H&R Johnsons for contracts in Washington - Capitol House. I learnt the hard way how to restore encaustic and geometric tiled floors by taking them apart and putting them back again and without the before pictures to show the damage it is virtually impossible to distinguish the restoration additions. My work looks traditional either the end result in a fully restored Victorian floor or a new Victorian reproduction floor, however the Victorian tilers did not restore floors they were like modern tilers they just laid them. I have had to work out without any help and certainly there wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t anyone alive who had ever laid authentic Victorian tiled floors as they would have to be well over a 100 to have done so. I learnt by taking the floors apart and learning how to set them. A common mistake today is that tilers lay geometric tiled floors without the proper setting out, missing detail in thresholdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leaving out a variable between walls and skirtings and so on. My work is traditional looking but getting there is anything but!

Can you tell me a little more about the services you offer to clients? We provide clients with a comprehensive service covering restoration of existing

tiling schemes, extensions to existing tiling to enhance period buildings listed or not. We also provide a restorative deep cleaning service for both period historic tiling and modern tiling. We have worked on public listed buildings both in the UK and abroad as well ad private dwellings. We use a mix of re-claimed tiles and new tiles to restore damaged floors. Exact matches can be attained but sometimes a close match is all that can be achieved given that often we are dealing with tiles over 140 years old. A pre-contract consultation service is offered for large scale Victorian tiling contracts that need specialist input, for example for insurance purposes or for grants etc. This service would prevent a mistake being made when quoting for Victorian tile work; this is often underpriced. We use tiles from various firms, if it is for Listed or Heritage work then usually it will be Craven Dunnill Jackfield as they manufacture tiles to original Victorian colours and imperial sizes. Otherwise it is up to the client to choose from the handful of Victorian reproduction tile makers.

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We can clean and seal modern tiling as well as Victorian and Historic flooring and stone flooring as well as terracotta, new or old. Our system employs both a low rpm scrubbing machine and hand-cleaning and is carried out in such a way that the floors are cleaned sympathetically without damage. If any of the floors need repairs or restoration we can do this, however some floors just need a little TLC to bring them back to life again and we have the experience to do this.

How many employees do you have at present? Currently it is just me. I used to work with a business partner but he split off on his own. Usually I team up with people I have trained or am training as it is less of a drain on my resources and quite often due to the time-consuming work it is a job that can be done by one person. Speed is not a help in restoration although the use of various tools has sped up the process from weeks to mere days.

What do you feel sets your company apart from your competitors?

Does your company have a mission statement and what is your company’s key ambition?

is a difficult process. There isn’t anyone in my skillset with ICON accreditation so it is a bit of chicken and egg, but I’m hoping that practical skills will be welcomed and that achievement would help with my training goals.

Yes, to continue to restore damaged Victorian and historic floors and design and install floors which will become historic themselves. My ambition is to become the first trainer acknowledged worldwide in my field, plus I hope one day to install a floor to rival the best one - St Georges Hall floor in Liverpool.

I hope that by the time I’m 60 in three years that I will be heading up training in my skillset and floors that presently get ignored /skipped or dismissed will be looked after and restored.

What are some of your major milestones and achievements over the years? My major milestone was passed in 2012: the company has survived a few recessions, I had a near death experience, and the company made it to its 30th year - I think that is an achievement especially for a skill set that very few people have even heard of. My major achievements include being able to travel as much as I have and restoring /installing floors all over the globe. Last year I consulted on a contract in San Francisco!

I have been restoring Victorian tiled floors and mosaic for over 40 years. I have been designing and installing bespoke tiling and Victorian reproductions tiles for about 38 years. Very few of my competitors have my background, and some don’t have any building trade experience or background at all.

What has helped you get through the recession and what have been your coping strategies? I had really bad problems with a number of webhosts that together almost caused me to go under, I persevered and just stuck at improving my website by self hosting (that made my position a thousand times better straight away), getting noticed on forums, posting information regularly and making sure I could adapt (consultation work in other countries that saved the client flying me out but I still played a major part in the contract). Keeping in contact with people was vital, so that if something came up in my line they remembered me! Those all helped, getting reviews on freeindex was good for my new website, The Daily Mirror featured me, which led to this feature which hopefully will get me more recognition.

I would say my experience in all aspects of the trade and more is a big plus and the fact I have travelled extensively to most countries from the top end of the world (Canada) to the bottom (New Zealand) and most places in-between gives me an insight and breadth of experience that would be hard to equal. I also have a very varied portfolio of work from geometric restored floors over 1,800 sq metres in listed buildings to bespoke marble floor designs to 100 foot plus long tiled murals, intricate mosaics and stunning geometric floors and references from architects to the clergy and everyone between.

What are your present and future plans?

What do you do in your free time?

Present: get through this recession and get involved in training through the Heritage Skills Hub.

I work on getting my garden looking good as I’m a very keen gardener. I enjoy looking after my Koi and bonsai, going fishing, the odd nip of single malt, watching good films, enjoying the Craic and a good laugh!

Future: try to get accreditation with ICON (institute of conservation), which

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30th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS DO NOT STOP ET FROM PLANNING AHEAD REACHING their 30th anniversary has not given Enviro Technology Services plc (ET) an excuse to relax. In fact, it has arguably fuelled them on, and the company have set their sights high, with a goal of doubling their ÂŁ6.5m turnover within the next 5 years. 50

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30 YEARS OF SUCCESS ET was established in 1983 and in September 2013 will be celebrating its 30th Anniversary. The company was set up to sell and maintain continuous gas and particulate analysers for air quality monitoring applications. Early clients included CEGB, British Gas, British Telecom and the company’s big break came in 1992 when it was awarded a major contract to supply the then DoE with 12 ambient air quality monitoring stations for the UK’s first automatic monitoring network. Fast forward 30 years, ET’s clients now include over 200 Local Authorities, central Government (Defra), the Environment Agency and many Blue Chip industrial customers. Furthermore, their systems are exported all over the world particularly within the Oil and Gas sectors. Construction represents a growth area for the company right now with construction dust monitoring being asked for more and more. On 1 September 2013, the company will officially be 30 years old. “We are planning on some form of celebration or the other as being in business for 30 years, as a private company and under the same ownership is a major achievement,” shares ET’s Joint Managing Director Duncan Mounsor. “Sadly we are too busy and have too many service contracts to shut the office for the day, but we will try and do something special for the employees”.

STAFF Duncan has a very varied and busy role, as he explains: “I actually have two roles at ET, Sales and Marketing, which takes up the vast majority of my time, and in November 2012 I became joint Managing Director which brings with it plenty of challenges! As such my dayto-day work is often very varied but will generally involve speaking to clients, visiting key accounts, producing quotes/ tenders, dealing with suppliers and staff and quite often, dealing with the unexpected. Never a dull moment!” The company’s 50 employees are at the heart of the company’s success, and their commitment does not go unrewarded. ET’s sales and service engineers benefit from factory training at their manufacturers as well as on-the-job training and mentoring by the more experienced members of the team.

Benefits include flexible working (when possible), stakeholder pension with company contribution, generous annual leave and sickness entitlement, and private health insurance.

by example and assess our own impacts and reduce them wherever possible,” says Duncan.

PRODUCTS

As a successful company within their industry, ET have further plans for expansion, particularly internationally.

AS a leading supplier of Air Quality Monitoring Equipment including Continuous Emissions, Particulate, Odour and Gas Detection, ET have real-time monitoring solutions for almost every gas and almost every type of application. From construction dust monitoring, to indoor air quality monitoring, to ambient air monitoring to stack and chimney emissions. Their systems measure gases, particulates and meteorological parameters. ET has always focused on introducing innovative solutions for air quality monitoring to the market. Its product range has been carefully developed to remain true to its founding principle of offering the very best in available monitoring technology. The company was one of the first environmental instrumentation companies to achieve BS EN ISO 9002 accreditation in 1995 and is now BS EN 9001 quality assured. ET is fully committed to the Environment Agency’s MCERTS scheme with several CEM products now fully MCERTS certified. The OPSIS open-path air quality system and Teledyne API gas analysers were the first ambient analysers to receive MCERTS approval. The company have just received their ISO14001 certification and have an Environmental Management System in place.

EXPANSION

“Export is really where it is at for us. That and the introduction of innovative, cutting edge monitoring products for new and emerging applications and markets. We have been exporting for the last 20 years and are looking at getting a foothold in some of the developing countries that are in the upward slope of the growth curve” explains Duncan. What is known as the BRIC economies represent the most opportunity to ET, and these countries include Brazil, Russia, India and China. During the recession, export business has continued to be strong for the company and they do not export to Europe, where growth has been slowest. The Middle East and some of the oil-rich former Soviet states have continued to be a generous source of business for ET. ET’s biggest success comes down to three main factors according to Duncan. Their high quality products, their dedicated, highly trained, loyal and very experienced employees, and their flexibility and ability to supply “turnkey” client bespoke solutions. Not being afraid to take the odd risk here and there has also been a factor. With 30 years of successful trading behind them, ET are looking forward to their next 30 years!

“As a business operating in the environmental sector, we have to lead

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QUALITY AND SUSTAINABILITY ENSURE THAT AGRESTA CONTINUES TO GROW DURING RECESSION LOCATED in the region where the wood industry is the most developed in France, Agresta is specialised in the production of stabilized wood chips. 52

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On the strength of over 30 years (1977) in the environmental sector and in the building industry, Agresta produces a wide range of product for a lot of different applications. The company has become a reference in the development and the production of wood aggregates for concrete. Agresta’s research and development policy has led to many innovations allowing the company to produce quality wood chips that are long lasting and ecological. Thanks to these innovations, the company ensured its sustainability in different activities but also with its clients and partners.

SERVICES Agresta produces wood chips for a wide range of activities. · Environment : As mulch, the wood chips will reduce germination of weed seeds, stabilize soil temperatures (warmer in winter, cooler in summer), reduce evaporation and conserve soil moisture, and make removal of weeds easier. Wood chip mulch can be attractive when used properly in the landscape. The wood chips are also used to cover playground and provide a safety surface underneath the equipment. Agresta also developed a new solution for hard permeable surfaces. The company introduced PERMEO in 2012, this cement bound wood-fiber surface provides many advantages and is much more cost effective than traditional resin bound gravel. ·

Construction : Replacing gravels by stabilized wood aggregates allows the production of a light, insulating and eco-friendly concrete. Its properties are especially appreciated by light screeds applicators and prefabricated noise barriers industries.

Agresta also offers an experienced logistic team dedicated to the customer. The commercial structure, composed of specialized salesman and technical advisors is available to support the project of the customer. Agresta has partnered with test centres, schools and associations in order to inform future engineers about the wood concrete solution. For example, the company partnered with CRITT, a school dedicated to the training of future wood engineers. The company provides information about the wood industry and professional experience, while engineers

control their products according to the specifications of current regulations.

ACHIEVEMENTS Agresta has been part of many ground breaking projects within the building industry. For example, the company supplied wood aggregates for the Yas Marina Hotel in Abu Dhabi. This world famous hotel was constructed above the Formula 1 circuit. Lightweight wood concrete was used to cover the rooftop but also for light screeds on each floor of the Capitale Gate Tower. Agresta also took part in the preparation of the 2010 South African World Cup. Agresta and its partners produced noise barriers along the Gautrain, a high speed train constructed for the event that goes from Pretoria to Johannesburg.

difficulties with their activity tried to find new suppliers but none of them could match the quality of Agresta’s wood aggregates. Because of this, the development of the company continued in 2012 with the installation of new equipment in the factory and the hiring of three more employees.

AMBITION Agresta’s industrial process is patented and provides high quality products. This process has been optimized for 30 years and is much more effective than competitors. The performance of Agresta in terms of logistics is also what sets the company apart from other companies in the field.

The factory is based in Pouxeux, Vosges, which is in the North East of France. The forest industry is very active in this region. Agresta currently has 20 employees and in 2012 their turnover was close to €3m. This was an incredible eight per cent growth since 2011. During the last ten years, the company’s turnover grew by approximately 50 per cent. The quality of their products is the main reason why the company has been able to maintain its development without any adjustment in the recession. Some of the company’s clients that had

The experience of Agresta in the wood industry, the environment sector and the construction industry provides a better knowledge in a wide range of projects.

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The key ambition of the company is to set a standard for wood aggregates. This solution offers many advantages compared with other similar products. It deserves more recognition taking into account the highly effective acoustic and thermal isolation that can provide wood aggregates in a concrete mix. Creating a new manufacturing unit abroad will facilitate export and therefore will contribute to the success of wood aggregates. The company is currently rebranding and reorganizing its construction division. International development is also a priority. There are many projects in countries like South Africa, United Arab Emirates, and Turkey currently underway.

PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT The wood used in the production is collected in the forest surrounding the factory and is essentially coming from forest maintenance. For this reason, Agresta takes part in forest care and helps local forest managers to maintain their activity. The company also gets its wood supplies

from private households. This strategy ensures a regular supply in quantity and quality, and it also helps reducing the environmental impact of transport and contributes to the development of the region. Wood coming from recycling is also inappropriate because it is untraceable and may contain polluted substances. All the additives used during the treatment process of wood chips are natural.

company’s Export Manager Guillaume Goureau. “Wood aggregates are renewable and contribute to forest maintenance while providing a highly efficient structure because of its fibrous properties. Traditional gravel aggregates have a negative impact on the environment and do not provide sufficient isolation”.

Beyond the systematic research of an ecological quality of the raw materials and the transformation, Agresta finds its economic growth in an ecological strategy, especially in the development of products protecting the environment. Agresta and the French Environment and Energy Management Agency partnered in order to reduce the carbon footprint and the company’s impact on the environment. Agresta is also certified PEFC since 2010.

A NOTE FROM THE COMPANY “It is time for the concrete market to take into account new solutions to build energy efficient buildings,” shares the

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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VETTING AND TRAINING ENSURES PiLON TAKE ON ONLY THE BEST AWARD-winning multi-trade contractor PiLON are working hard in their aim to become a national business. 55

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THE COMPANY Formed in 2004 by Florian Moldoveanu, the business specialises in housing and has consistently grown with their offices based in Ascot and Regional Vetting Centres in Wembley and Plymouth. Florian saw the potential of an innovative, technology led business operating within the construction industry offering a high quality, pain free solution to its major contractors’ clients. Starting the business with a handful of people and one client, Florian spotted the opportunities and saw the possibilities.

Social Housing Regeneration: • Kitchens • Bathrooms • Electrical rewiring

the evolving field of renewable and the Green Deal either on a labour only installation or a turnkey project. They are carrying out external insulation works and solar PV installations for their clients.

• Heating works • Major voids works • Communal areas and landscape • External decorations Turnkey to new build: • Kitchens • Bathrooms • Electrical and Heating • Carpentry • Plastering • Decorations

TRAINING

Green Solutions:

The range of training opportunities offered at PiLON provides staff with the necessary knowledge, skills and aptitude to carry out their jobs effectively and safely while increasing their motivation and job satisfaction. This gives PiLON a competitive edge and helps the company to achieve its vision and objectives.

• Solar PV installation • External and internal wall insulation • Smart Meter

MILESTONES OVER THE YEARS

Florian has studied business growth and leadership at Cranﬁeld and is the proud holder of the ‘Cranfield award on Business leadership’. Florian leads the Board of Directors and he is actively involved in the marketing activity of the company.

Like any other company, PiLON have reached a number of milestones since they started up in 2004. In 2007, they started their training programme named PILON Management Academy which was redesigned in 2012 to align with the ILM 5 qualification requirements.

In 2012 , they had 745 trades people vetted through their vetting centres, 450 PiLON passports issued and 550 people trained in various courses. They also delivered 60 Health and Safety courses on 14 topics for 450 operatives.

Since their inception, PiLON has expanded into a business with a £20m annual turnover and a team of more than 500 people.

In 2010, the company started to build their innovative IT bespoke software, Pillar, which monitors daily progress of jobs and standards of work, and provides real-time data that can be fed back to clients. Client reports from Pillar utilise KPIs.

The company are a multi-award winning business currently delivering 98 per cent customer satisfaction across 18 projects for seven different main contractors opening up to 300 properties a week. They have refurbished more than 35,000 properties with more than 80,000 tenants in situ.

In 2011, PiLON opened their first Innovation, Vetting and Training Centre in Wembley. Their second centre was opened in Plymouth in 2012. These centres are used for testing and vetting the new operatives’ skills and training staff on Health and Safety and management courses.

As a result of their award winning lean processes and highly professional workforce, they amaze their clients by delivering maximum value for money.

PiLON recognise the potential for growth to provide coverage on a national basis, therefore after seven years of operating in South East, in 2011 they opened their first site in South West. To date they have established their presence in the South East, South West and Central areas, and have now dedicated teams working in the Midlands and North.

The company ask all operatives to undertake a practical test and if successful, introduce them to the company values and standards through their induction welcoming pack -they are all issued a PiLON passport. They score every operative daily for the quality of their work, health and safety and attitude. Their scores are made available to all clients via PiLON passports.

In 2012, the business established their Renewable capability in order to better provide for client requirements within

All site managers have monthly KPI’s that they have to meet which cover: health and safety, quality of workmanship,

SERVICES PiLON offer national coverage working from regional bases covering all of England and South Wales, and they offer three distinct but intertwined services:

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teamwork and communication, financial, toolbox talks, number of snags and completion on time. PiLON’s Management Academy has been running from 2008 and more than 100 managers graduated. It has been designed to align with the ILM 5 (Institute of Leadership and Management) qualification requirements. A proof of their training initiatives effectiveness is the result of the 2012 Staff Survey which showed that 90 per cent of staff are satisfied or very satisfied with the training plan and 92 per cent stating that the best thing working for PiLON is training opportunities.

HEALTH AND SAFETY PiLON run regular reviews on their health and safety systems and procedures, constantly striving for improvement and only ever settling for the highest standards. As their teams develop they are always looking to improve and raise the bar. They do this by regular communications and a belief in great safety practices from the top down. They hold a bi monthly health and safety group, which is represented at all levels throughout the business.

STANDING OUT PiLON currently score 98 per cent customer satisfaction and their approach is to be client-focused at all times. The monthly customer satisfaction surveys ensure that potential issues are dealt with before they become a problem. The PiLON workforce has the capability to adapt in order to suit each individual contract for each individual client. “We believe there is no one out there like us,” asserts Florian, “Our work progress and quality are checked and recorded in Pillar daily by our site managers who carry tablets with them for that purpose. The Site Manager has the obligation to check every property, without exception, during his working day”. ‘Every property, every operative, every day’ is the mantra behind PiLON’s daily routine. If any checks are missed/not recorded, the IT system alerts the site manager so that this can be corrected. Material requirements are pre-determined to control quality, quantity and cost and the company carry out value engineering on all material supply/costs. Additionally, they operate a 24 hour call-out service to ensure total customer satisfaction.

The company are constantly setting the standards through innovation and training, as well as their daily working practices. They share their practices with others, not just aiming to keep their teams safe, but to make a difference within the industry.

Any quality issues are identified and resolved immediately ensuring: right first time delivery, minimal snagging, no costly delays, no contra charges, no additional administration costs and no reputational damage.

Director David Barnes sits on the training committee for the Federation of Master Builders and the Health and Safety committee for the British Safety Council. This gives him the opportunity to aid with government lobbying on safety and training issues, and pass their knowledge and practices on to other organisations.

“Visitors who attend our offices and see the teamwork in action often comment ‘this is the environment we would like to work in: Can we join you?’” comments Florian.

AWARDS In 2012 PiLON won their first industry award for Training Excellence at the Construction News Awards. This year the company won three awards: Housing Innovation Award for Training, The International Safety Award and Fit out and Finishing Specialist of the year. They have also been short listed for the Construction News Specialist Awards under the ‘Training Excellence’ and ‘Health & Safety Excellence’ categories. They are finalist for the Construction News Awards for the Training category and they were short listed for the Most Innovative Training Programme for the Housing Innovations Awards 2013. “It is amazing to be recognised as a leading operator in this sector. What can be better than this? We are a young company who stand out from the competition and we have ‘a right first time’ mentality,” says Florian. “Our mission is to help our clients 24/7, 365 days a year and we spare no effort to ensure that our entire team is the best that can be and we all are fully dedicated to our ethos.” “After winning a Training award and a Health & Safety award earlier this year, the Finishing & Fit Out Specialist of the Year Award was the icing on the cake. We are all extremely proud!”

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South West Hire & Sales

CUSTOMER CARE AND SUPPORT MAKES SOUTH WEST HIRE & SALES A FAVOURITE South West Hire and Sales Ltd is an independently run Tool Hire company with depots in Plymouth, Torquay and Newquay.

THE COMPANY The company’s owners, Andy Webber and Mark Williams each have over 27 years experience within the tool hire industry with both having started their careers as YTS trainees. During these 27 years both Andy and Mark learnt their trade by working for some of the ‘big’ names within tool hire until eventually deciding to ‘go it alone’ and opened their first depot at Stonehouse Street, Plymouth, in March 2008. Due to the success within Plymouth it then allowed the Torquay depot to be opened during 2009 with the newest edition, Newquay, being opened in the summer of 2012.

The company has a real independent and local feel to it, which is promoted by their slogan ‘Bringing the local Touch to Tool Hire’. The entire South West Hire and Sales team has been ‘hand picked’ from the local areas with every staff member having considerable experience within the Tool Hire Trade. Andy and Mark are very serious about customer care and encourage their team to be friendly, professional and approachable, whilst supplying the highest level of service possible. It is therefore not surprising to see them fast becoming the area’s favourite independent Tool Hire Company.

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CUSTOMER SUPPORT

South West Hire and Sales offer fantastic value for money and their tool hire equipment is 20 to 30 per cent cheaper than many other equipment hire companies. They boast a large range of hire equipment available for every job, including small tools, lifting, survey, pipework or even light plant equipment.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

HIRE EQUIPMENT

In addition to the above, the company also hire out mini diggers and offer a repair service for power tools.

It is not just their competitive prices or comprehensive product range that makes South West Hire and Sales so popular within the region. Much of the company’s success comes from the high level of customer support that they insist upon.

South West Hire and Sales have a full range of hire equipment to help get any job done. From aluminium towers, electric breakers, carpet cleaners, generators, heaters through to mini excavators. A full list is provided below: • • • •

Access Equipment Air Tools Breaking, Drilling and Fixing Cleaning and Dust Control

Concrete and Compaction Cutting, Grinding and Chasing General Building and Roadworks Generators and Welders Heating, Cooling, and Drying Landscaping and Gardening Lifting Equipment Light Plant Lighting and Site Electrics Painting and Decorating Plumbing and Engineering Pumping Safety Equipment Surface Preparation Survey Equipment Trenching and Shoring Woodworking Tools

DELIVERY SERVICE The company offer a prompt and efficient tool hire delivery service via their fleet of modern vehicles and experienced drivers. They can deliver throughout Devon and Cornwall, including Torbay, Exeter, Plymouth, Ivybridge, Newquay and Falmouth.

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REPUTATION FOR SAFETY, QUALITY AND SERVICE AT LEGGAT PLANT HIRE PROFESSIONAL expertise is what defines Leggat Plant Hire, established over 140 years ago with one specific aim in mind - to provide a safe, efficient and superior quality service to the Construction Industry. 62

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Based in Glasgow, the company has earned a reputation for safety, quality, service and value; a reputation which they believe is second to none in the industry and a reputation of which they are extremely proud. Their highly trained and professional personnel are all directly employed by the company and between them have many years experience.

SERVICES Leggat Plant specialise in crane hire, road haulage services, transport, Hiab lorries, contract lifting, lifting tackle and slinger/ signaller hire. The company are able to provide contract lifting, all types of transportation, earthmoving, road Sweeping and machinery removal services to the construction industry. Contract Lifts Leggat Plant boast a team of highly experienced individuals committed to offering their clients a hassle-free lifting and transportation service. All operatives are trained in Appointed Persons duties and abide by LOLER 1998 (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998) as well as BS7121 guidelines. Operatives plan, supervise, and execute the lifting operations safely and efficiently. With all Contract Lifts, comprehensive method statements and risk assessments are supplied as a matter of course for each contract, all at no extra cost. A full site survey, again at no extra charge, can also be provided if required. Crane Hire Leggat Plant are able to hire their cranes throughout Scotland and offer a reliable service as well as competitive prices. The company are currently able to hire out 12t and 25t mobile cranes and 35t,

ACHIEVEMENTS With 65 workers who are directly employed and an annual turnover of ÂŁ4m, Leggat Plant have been a part of a number of prestigious and notable projects over the years. Among them were the M74 extension, the M80 Extension, the Hydro Arena, and the Velodrome. Surviving a difficult economy is also high up on the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s list of achievements, and they managed this by diversification and one point contact for all lifting operations. They also have a vital recycling policy and a recycling waste management facility which has ensured that they contribute positively to the environment. With a zero tolerance health and safety policy, continuous professional development of staff and ongoing investment and growth in key areas, it is hardly surprising that Leggat have gained the reputation they are so proud of and continue to do well at a difficult time in the industry.

50t and 80t all terrain cranes. All their operatives are highly experienced and qualified to CPCS standards. Machinery Removals Leggat Plant offer a national services for machinery removals and installations. They are able to move individual machines as well as complete factory moves, and also have the capability for container removal. Their capacity for removals include lorry-mounted cranes up to 60t and 24m reach, forklifts up to 47t and mobile cranes up to 80t. Fully comprehensive site-tosite insurance is part of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s standard service, and all their employees hold passport to safety certificates and are fully certified by CPCS and disclosure approved.