Agenda 52 - Spring 2016

Agenda

Issue 52 Spring 2016

DAY IN THE LIFE OF A GENERAL OPERATIVE P19

The latest news and views for Aggregate Industries employees

WIN!

GET TO KNOW OUR CEO SEE P4

AN IPAD MINI

SEE P24

STAR SITE H SHEFFIELD TINSLEY DEPOT H STAR SITE

NORTHERN POWERHOUSE AI’s Sheffield Tinsley Depot celebrates hitting its one millionth tonne.

W

e take a look at the team’s success and speak to some of the key players who keep Sheffield ticking. From Contracting gangs working on the city’s resurfacing project to the Asphalt team producing top-quality product, Agenda pays them a visit...

READ FULL STORY ON P12

Got a story?

Call 01530 816671 or email corporate.communications@aggregate.com

02

Agenda

NEWS 2016

DOUBLE Welcome Welcome to the new-look Agenda magazine and the first issue of 2016. I think this is going to be an exciting year for our business as we build on the success of 2015 and align ourselves further with the wider LafargeHolcim Group. The ExCo team and I are committed to ensuring a bright future for Aggregate Industries and that starts with a clear vision of how we put the business at the heart of construction. By defining where we want to be, we can then focus on how we get there.

You’ll be hearing more about the Big Picture for AI in the next few weeks.

“The ExCo team and I are committed to ensuring a bright future for Aggregate Industries” You’ll notice that Agenda has been given a facelift as we look to bring the great stories from around our business to life. Your feedback is that you value Agenda as a way to gain information about the company and we wanted to make it even more accessible.

Let us know your thoughts on the new look by emailing corporate. communications@aggregate.com.

Don’t forget, you can also ask myself and the ExCo any question that’s been playing on your minds through our Ask ExCo channel. All questions will be answered and the most relevant ones will be published in future Agendas. Email Corporate Communications with your questions.

Keep up the good work.

FRANÇOIS PÉTRY CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

SUCCESS (l-r) Trevor Burton, Environment Manager; Jason Bowman, Quarry Manager; John Mulgrew, Optimisation Manager; Paula Coney, HR Officer; and Jim Buchanan, Environmental Health & Safety Manager at Cookstown.

FOR COOKSTOWN

L

afarge Ireland Cookstown recently scooped up two major environmental awards.

The first was the platinum award for benchmarking improvements in this year’s Northern Ireland Environmental Benchmarking Survey. The survey is Northern Ireland’s leading environmental benchmarking exercise and is a key driver for corporate environmental management and improvement.

Cookstown went on to celebrate further success when it landed the Best Environmental Impact award at the Mid-Ulster Business Awards. The award recognises that the site is one of the first manufacturing

TELL US A STORY? HAVE YOU GOT A STORY FOR US? CALL 01530 816671 OR EMAIL CORPORATE. COMMUNICATIONS@ AGGREGATE.COM

businesses in Mid Ulster to sign a Prosperity Agreement with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) to help reduce environmental impacts from site operations.

This is a significant step forward in site operations and it reflects our commitment to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide.

Cookstown is regulated by the NIEA as a Pollution Prevention & Controlpermitted installation in Mid Ulster.

Did you know?

Cookstown has an enviable record of zero stakeholder complaints over the last five years.

Editorial

Communications Manager Shirlene Campbell Ritchie 01530 512044 or email shirlene.campbell.ritchie@aggregate.com With special thanks to everyone who has contributed a story to this issue. If you’d like to suggest a story simply email: corporate.communications@aggregate.com Designed by IF-Design and Art Direction

(l-r) Ruth Roper, Head of Quality and Business Improvement; Paddy Murphy, Managing Director; and David Melton, Lead Assessor.

CONTRACTING’S GOLD STANDARD Following a series of interviews with our employees in various roles throughout all regions over a two-week period, our Contracting division has been awarded the Gold Award for Investors in People.

This is a significant achievement that puts us in the top 3% of the 45,000 UK organisations

who currently hold the Investors in People accreditation. Speaking about the win, Paddy Murphy, Managing Director, Contracting, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who was involved in this effort, particularly Ruth Roper, Head of Quality and Business Improvement, for all her hard work.”

I’d like to thank everyone who was involved in this effort”

Agenda

NEWS 2016

FLOOD OF GOODWILL ESSENTIAL REPAIR WORKS DURING SEVERE FLOODS P5

together

READ MORE ABOUT OUR ROUNDUP P9

AI DELIVERS ON PRESTIGIOUS LONDON RAIL PROJECT

CROSSTOWN

TRAFFIC 4.5 million

Just one of the enormous tunnel boring machines used to bore the Crossrail tunnels.

tonnes of excavated material, handled

by AI subsidiary, Rail Freight Services

100,000 tonnes

of Torr Series 600 limestone subbase supplied to Morgan Sindall for Pudding Mill Lane’s earthwork embankments

03

If we don’t have people with different experiences, backgrounds or perspectives then it’s difficult to create something new.” P4

INBRIEF

HEART OF THE MATTER

Residents of Over Kellett and Nether Kellet were presented with a pair of defibrillators, in a joint effort by Back Lane Quarry and Tarmac Leapers Wood Quarry, following a request from the Site Liaison Committee which represents both villages.

Each device now sits in a secure outdoor container which has been mounted on an external wall of both village halls.

200,000 tonnes

of combined 2/6 limestone and washed CRF supplied from Torr quarry to create a shotcrete lining for tunnel walls

60,000 tonnes

of bespoke concretes supplied

by London Concrete

50,000 tonnes

of Glensanda granite rail ballast to be supplied to the new Old Oak Common Depot

T

he scheme, which is currently Europe’s largest civil engineering project, has seen the creation of 42km of new tunnels under central London to improve journey times and ease congestion.

London Concrete played a significant role in supplying high volumes of specialist concrete to a number of locations across the new line. These include 25,000m³ for Farringdon Station, as well as 15,000m³ of piling concrete for Whitechapel and 20,000m³ for Pudding Mill Lane. Will Hanson, Area Sales Manager, said: “We recently secured the supply of 4,500m³ of heavyweight concrete which requires the use of magnetite aggregates,

shipped from Sweden. Due to the specifications, significant input was required from our Technical department.”

PRODUCT EXPERTISE Jack Sindhu, Quality and Technical Manager, explained: “We worked alongside the customer on research and development, to enable us to meet the precise demands of the various contracts. The mixes included low-strength concretes for soft piling, high-strength and low-heat concretes for the mass base slab pours. The latter was a 1,800m³ pour in 15 hours.”

He added: “We’ve been working on the heavyweight concrete for the track bed, which reduces vibration and noise. We’ve tested various

mixes, conducted plant trials and worked on mix optimisation, all culminating in a successful solution. We’ve now got a mix with a four-hour open life, which we’ve tested on a full-size demonstration track bed at Old Oak Common Lane. This 900m mock-up will be used as the benchmark for supplying the contract.”

Crossrail also connects to Heathrow and a key installation in this £14.8 billion project is the Heathrow Flyover. AI emerged as a front runner to supply materials to this development.

Our unique capabilities with two freight rail terminals ‘bookending’ the contractor Carillion’s site, at both Heathrow and Acton, meant that we could provide an unrivalled logistical solution.

FLEXIBLE SOLUTION Jamie Greenwood, Sales and Logistics Manager, explained: “Having two aggregate railheads so conveniently located in West London enabled us to transport the limestone directly to site from Torr quarry. Building such a large structure in such a

densely populated area, meant the construction site was too small to store large quantities of material. We worked closely with Carillion Rail to arrange for its freight trains to be loaded with limestone in our Acton terminal, which minimised disruption to the local community.”

Having two railheads so conveniently located allowed us to transport the limestone directly into the site from Torr quarry.

This unique, local transportation capability worked in our favour during the competitive tender process, in addition to our ability to provide Series 600 limestone, which had the perfect properties for the construction of earth ramps which lift the rail lines into their flyover position. The Aggregates team will also be supplying 50,000 tonnes of Glensanda granite track ballast to the new Crossrail depot in Old Oak Common, after having met Network Rail’s tight specification.

Masterblock’s screen grab

Building Products Division, Masterblock, is set for the big screen as it supplies a range of aggregate blocks in a £50 million project to develop a cinema-led leisure complex in the heart of Bournemouth. Vinci Construction has started work on the 120,000 sq ft scheme comprising a 10-screen,2,000-seat cinema, together with 14 restaurants.

Jeremy Moore, Product Manager, said: “Masterblock has had a good, long-term trading relationship with our contractor, GP Masonry, and merchant, TP Winton.

A combination of good communication, teamwork, our wide range of products, competitive pricing, and the proximity of aggregate block plants were all key elements that helped us secure this prestigious project.”

Did you know?

Crossrail is to be named the Elizabeth Line when the new service opens to passengers in December 2018.

04

Agenda

Q&A WITH OUR CEO FRANCOIS PÉTRY 2016

GET TO KNOW OUR CEO François Pétry joined AI as our CEO at the end of last year and we wanted to find out about his first few months with the business.

Q A

What is your first impression of Aggregate Industries?

Our company is full of professional, committed and dedicated people, which is reflected in the performance last year. What has really become clear as I’ve visited different sites is the high level of pride and loyalty colleagues have for the operations they work in. Whether it’s a quarry of 80 people or a readymix plant of two, you get a real sense of dedication to the site, which is positive.

Q

What are the biggest opportunities and challenges for the business?

Last year we welcomed cement to our business and became part of the LafargeHolcim Group, which were big changes for our business. Our biggest challenges for 2016 are also our biggest opportunities.

This means sharing ideas with our cement colleagues and integrating this offering within the solutions we can provide

QUICKFIRE

A

to customers. It also means sharing ideas and learning from the huge network of experts we have across the Group. Getting this right is our biggest opportunity because we can harness innovative products and solutions for our UK customers. The biggest challenge is finding the value in doing this, while maintaining our strong performance and not compromising our own identity – and doing it safely!

Q

What do you think being part of LafargeHolcim means for our business?

We can learn so much from different colleagues in the Group, but they can also learn from us. Our offering of Contracting and Concrete Products is quite rare compared to the rest of the world and if we can show how these elements add value down the line, it may help them to better understand the full value chain of our industry. Our strong performance last year means more eyes are on us

A

CHOOSE ONLY ONE... NO PASSES! The Beatles or Rolling Stones?

Rolling Stones Football or rugby? Rugby Batman or Superman? Superman Fish and chips or Beef Bourguignon? Beef and chips – I don’t want to choose.

to share our expertise and best practice.

Q

If you could make one change to our business, what would it be?

Diversity is an issue, not just in AI but across the industry. If we don’t have people with different experiences, backgrounds or perspectives then it’s difficult to create something new. I think having a diverse workforce that mirrors the society we work in is important for all businesses, especially ours.

A

Q A

Why did you want to come to the UK? My background is in aggregates and contracting and if you add my cement and concrete experience in Romania, I would say that it fits well

Fruit or chocolate? Fruit London or Paris? Paris (sorry!)

Beach holiday or activity holiday? Activity holiday Summer or winter? Winter Cats or dogs? Dogs Beer or wine? Wine Planes, trains or automobiles?

Automobiles.

I’m looking forward to working with the business to build on last year’s excellent performance.” with the businesses of AI. In France, I used to work closely with AI because we were supporting Glensanda granite sales on some big projects, so I was always aware of the size and strength of the business.

For me, it was a chance to take on a bigger challenge and work in a different environment. It’s exciting being here and I’m looking forward to working with the business to build on last year’s excellent performance.

Q A

What’s been your proudest moment in business?

Pride is a strange concept for me because I prefer to celebrate team achievements, rather than focus on myself. For example, winning big markets or hitting our operating profit across all areas last year in Romania were real team successes.

However, I’m only human and I must admit to being very proud when I was selected for the AI role.

Q A

What’s your family life like?

I work and travel quite long hours during the week so the weekend is the time I can spend time with my wife and three children.

My children are all teenagers so, if I don’t spend time with them now, they’ll be grown up before I know it. Most of the time is spent driving and supporting them in their activities, whether it is ballet, horse-riding and basketball or sometimes to run or cycle with them. I’m a competitive dad, so I do like to play sports with them, but it’s mostly about encouraging them not to stare at screens all day!

Q A

How do you relax outside work?

My family time is important but I also like to stay active myself by running, swimming and cycling. I’ve always fancied taking on a few stages of the amateur Tour de France but that might be a challenge too far.

Agenda

FLOOD OF

GOODWILL AI’s Contracting division marshalled its forces to carry out repair works during the severe floods that struck homes in Cumbria this winter.

O

perations Manager, Garry Chapman, extended help to the local council, going above and beyond the call of duty.

Garry explained: “We surveyed the damage caused by the flood in various areas. After this, we came up with a plan to clear the debris where required and resurface the roads, which were only passable in a 4x4 vehicle.

We prioritised the sites that needed help and placed our planned works on hold until the New Year. The two sites that emerged as key priorities were Stainton near Kendal and Sun Hill at Troutbeck Bridge.”

“We also planned to complete repairs on these two prior to the Christmas break, so residents would have easy access.

However, two days before Christmas, a culvert collapsed on another site at Sedbergh that had been damaged and the road had to be closed. We extended

BEFORE

Stainton Green: The river burst its banks, knocking down the wall on the left.

our services once more and installed a new pipe that was designed to carry water under the road, allowing reinstatement and the opening of the road.

With the help of the team at Back Lane Asphalt plant, who provide all the material we use in the South Lakes, all the roads were successfully resurfaced and reopened just in time for Christmas.”

Nick Raymond, Senior Manager for Network Management at Cumbria County Council, said: “The AI team worked very hard in the period immediately after the December floods, helping the county council’s ongoing efforts to repair roads and get

AFTER

I SAY! communities across Cumbria get back on their feet. We were particularly pleased with its work rebuilding the flooddamaged road at Stainton, which helped reconnect the local community.”

During the flood Lancashire, colles in Back Lane quarr agues at to load and delivy managed of material. Well er over 6,600 tonnes Quarry Operationsdone to Mike Hunter, his team! Jeff Sto Manager, and Logistics Manage bbart, National r

IN THE NEWS 2016

05

INBRIEF

MAKING A GRAND ENTRANCE Emmaus Village Carlton is a homelessness charity based in North Bedfordshire, which offers active support to formerly homeless people.

Emmaus was first launched in Carlton in 2001. The charity has just marked a milestone with the grand opening of the Iola Newman building and HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, Patron of Emmaus, graced the event as Guest of Honour. The building is named in memory of a long-term supporter whose legacy enabled the building’s renovation.

To lend our support to the charity, we donated Charcon’s Andover which has been used around the entrance of the new building.

Sales Manager Andrew Lindley, who attended the opening, said: “It was important that we extended our help to the charity. The work done by Emmaus Village Carlton is extremely valuable to residents and also to the public. It goes that bit further than just getting people off the streets – it’s the long-term help that Emmaus offers that really makes a difference.”

The Duchess met with staff, volunteers and guests while touring the community’s premises.

AXMINSTER RMX SHORES UP COASTAL DEFENCES Lyme Regis is a seaside town known for its world heritage status along the Jurassic coastline of Dorset. In recent decades, large portions of the coastline have failed and fringes of the town have seen some subsidence.

To address this issue, local councils teamed up with other agencies to provide funding for an improvement scheme.

There were many challenges due to the site’s proximity to the sea. In fact, wall pours were completely washed away after the devastating weather conditions in winter 2013.

AI supplied more than 12,500m3 of piling/highstrength concrete and Diamondcrete to this contract, over a 30-month period from our local Axminster RMX

plant, to help withstand storm surges and tough weather conditions. Balfour Beatty, the main contractor, highly commended AI for our service and professionalism.

The scheme attracted considerable publicity and went on to win the Concrete Society Awards 2015 in November. Daniel King, General Manager

Concrete, and Alan Edwards, Commercial Manager, attended the presentation ceremony in London when the scheme picked up the prestigious award.

Alan commented “This is an excellent example of how our teams’ complete professionalism from start to finish helped make this scheme a success.”

Did you know?

Lyme Regis’ 450mlong sea wall has a profile that is able to return wave energy.

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06

Agenda

NEWS 2016

PROMOTING A POSITIVE CU

(centre, right) Rick Hinde of Invertech Solutions, and Rick Harbour, Plant Manager, being presented with the award for HARP.

HARP PLAYS ALL THE RIGHT NOTES

D

arwen Express Asphalt emerged as winner in the Bitumen, Asphalt; Contract Surfacing category in the Mineral Products Association (MPA) Health & Safety Awards 2015.

Judges praised the plant for its innovative Hot Aggregate Recycling Process (HARP). HARP is a joint effort between AI and Invertech Solutions, a company which handles the repair and installation of machinery and equipment.

The process uses a series of plates and a holding hopper, which enable operators to drop materials directly into the hopper instead of the shovel bucket. This can then be fed back into the plant and the heated aggregate reused rather than put back on to stock.

Rick Harbour, Works Manager, Express Asphalt explained: “HARP massively reduces the amount of interaction between our

site loading shovel and customer vehicles. Now, when we’re dropping material out into the holding hopper, the amount of dust that’s generated is really quite small – the results show a fivefold reduction in the amount of inhalable dust.

Not only is it safer for our own staff, but it’s safer for our customers who are waiting to be loaded.”

Not only is it safe for our staff, but it’s also safer for our customers.”

The design of the new system means that products can be contained in the hopper for a set amount of time. The beauty of the process also lies in its simplicity. Since the system is automated, the operator only has to press one button to launch the clean-out process.

(l-r) Richard Leach, Assistant Plant Manager; Rick Harbour, Plant Manager; Dave Shaw, Area Manager; and Rick Hinde of Invertech Solutions.

RIGHT ON TRACK

Express Asphalt, Derby was named runner-up in the same category. Its Third Rail Skip Safety System, brainchild of Richard Leach, Assistant Manager, resulted after a skip fell through the tracks at the plant. Simple yet effective, the system consists of a rail that runs beneath the skip and is supported by goal posts around the track. This prevents the track from coming apart and causing the skip to fall through.

GETTING I

n January, colleagues across the business downed tools, pulled vehicles over and stopped tapping keyboards to take part in interactive Back to Work Health & Safety sessions.

As you’ll remember, the key elements included a discussion on the new H&S Rules and what they meant to different colleagues, followed by a rundown of the key safety priorities of Occupational Health, Dynamic Risk Assessment, Contractor Management and Transport Logistics.

While this was an important event for colleagues to focus

EVERYONE TOGETHER “We got the whole business together in one place and it was fantastic to see everyone from across the country discussing best practice and sharing the wealth of knowledge that we have across the Express business. Our Managing Director, Chris Hudson, attended the day and fielded questions from the floor on all sorts of topics, while also presenting awards to colleagues who had gone the extra mile for Aggregate Industries in 2015.”

Simon Wycherley, Area Manager, Express Asphalt TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT “The Concrete division was split into four regional events, each one following the same format, which included a three-hour hazard identification session at one of our plants. They focused on our key risk areas of transport safety, contractor management and workplace transport. We set up two mixer trucks, one with staged defects, and encouraged colleagues to identify the defects.

This was followed by a discussion on cycling and driving around HGVs, which many said they would share with their friends and family.”

Danny King, Readymix General Manager – South OPEN TO ALL “At Cauldon we run shifts, so it’s really important for us to repeat the event two or three times to ensure all colleagues and contractor

on company-wide safety priorities, many managers used it as an opportunity to discuss local safety topics and site improvement plans.

From interactive sessions to off-site meetings, managers across the business looked to not only tell colleagues about the topics, but to engage with them. This is proven to help colleagues remember and, more importantly, care about what they’ve heard.

So let’s hear some words of wisdom from managers who really got behind the Back to Work messages.

partners get to be involved.

Full engagement can only happen if everyone gets the same messages.”

Martin Bains, Plant Manager, Cauldon CELEBRATE SUCCESS “At our sessions we covered our safety Members of the ExCo engaged in priorities for the year but lively discussions on also took the time to take Health & Safety. colleagues through our operational performance headlines from 2015, everything which were really positive. This meant we could celebrate our past inside, but the use of break-out sessions and assigning each successes, while also focusing on group a Team Leader meant we our future goals.” got a real variety of ideas and Luke Smith, Director – London feedback. All of these have been Concrete collated and now form part of the STAY FLEXIBLE site’s five-year improvement plan.”

“With more than 140 employees Scott Ford, Operations and contractors attending at Torr, Manager, Torr quarry and allowing for poor weather on the day, we needed to keep

Agenda

FEATURE 2016

07

ULTURE OF HEALTH & SAFETY AT WORK

G THE BEST Westleigh quarry’s Back to Work sessions offered an opportunity for interaction.

MAKE IT RELEVANT “Because our sessions were for office colleagues, we needed to ensure that the messages were made relevant, which led to lively and engaging discussion about driving safety. This was an area the attendees identified as their most dangerous activity and we looked at ways we can bring the Stop and Think mentality to our daily routine.”

Paul Keeton, HR Business Partner ASK THE EXPERTS “As well as discussions around the corporate objectives, we invited a third-party trainer from the fire service to take us through the important areas of working at height, working near water and our first-aid/

emergency response procedures. These were well received and have generated further things we can improve in 2016. Anything we didn’t cover has been adapted to be rolled out as a Toolbox Talk in the near future.”

Simon Boulter, Business Manager, Woodhall Spa Sand and Gravel INVOLVE OUR PARTNERS “The sessions were held onsite with all colleagues, including our contractor partners.

This was really useful for the discussions around contractor management, where we all talked about how we can work better together. I then provided a cascade to wider contractor partners that weren’t there on the day to ensure they felt part of the same team. This was well received and feedback was that attendees felt involved and positive about making a change.“

“We set up two mixer trucks, one with staged defects, and encouraged Jason Broughton, Operations Manager, Bardon/Croft, Asphalt

colleagues to identify the defects.”

KEEP THINGS MOVING “We started the day in the meeting room to go through the presentation and videos, and then took the opportunity to cover areas of our site improvement plan and safety training updates. These were held in different areas of the quarry site which were accessed on foot and by vehicle. This gave all delegates the opportunity to interact with each other and to see various parts of the site – this was really useful for the feedback session. It also meant changes of scenery, which helped keep things fresh.

The delegate list included

contractors, site and non-site based employees, which added to the value of the day. ” James Sims, Quarry Operations Manager, Westleigh quarry ENGAGE THE LEADERS “We held a day-long session for our top 50 managers about safety and also our business priorities for the year. By getting the managers involved at this stage, we could

give them clear direction about the messages we wanted them to pass down to their teams. This approach gave them more confidence because they’d seen the presentations themselves and this has led to a more consistent cascade of information.”

Paddy Murphy, Managing Director, Contracting

The Contracting Division’s Back to Work sessions were well attended.

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08

Agenda

NEWS 2016

LONG SERVICE...

with a smile..!

Long service is something we take pleasure in celebrating, so here are the loyal colleagues who are marking 25 and 40 years in the industry this issue.

Cyber chief celebrates 25 years at AI Mike Gibbons, AI’s Chief Information Officer, has reached the all-important milestone of 25 years at the company.

He first started out as Project Manager in 1991 in what was then English China Clay (ECC Construction Materials). In 2003, he was made Group IT Director and eventually became CIO in 2008.

John Bowater, Deputy CEO and Chief Financial Officer, who

presented Mike with his Certificate of Appreciation, said: “Mike is a valued member of the team. He has worked tirelessly to see AI through some very important projects including the implementation of E1 and the adoption of Google. The energy, commitment and drive which he has devoted to our company over the past 25 years has been a major contributing factor to our success and achievements.”

As a token of appreciation for his years of dedicated service, Mike received a set of Apple vouchers. which he put to good use towards buying an iPhone for his wife. Mike who is cheerful and positive, but describes himself as “grumpy at times”, says variety is the best thing about working at AI.

Mitch celebrates 40 years Mitch Quilgars, a Surfacing Operative at Pallot Tarmac in Jersey, has marked the fantastic achievement of 40 years of service. He began his career with Pallot, a business that Ronez acquired in 2002, where he used to operate the stone crushers and, latterly, the 1950s Stothert & Pitt asphalt plant. Over the years Mitch has become an expert in many aspects of our surfacing operations and is one of our most valuable and multi-skilled colleagues.

Ronez Managing Director, Mike Osborne, congratulated him and said: “Mitch has seen many changes and developments within the company

and I would like to thank him for his hard work and positive attitude over so many years of exceptional service.”

When asked about the secret of his longevity here, Mitch said: ”There’s no secret really. Just be happy, try to make other people around you happy and appreciate the job you have.”

25 years’ service (for anniversaries between 1st January and 31st March 2016)

Mike Gibbons, Chief Information Officer, Bardon Hill ✪ Simon Strowlger, Electrician Supervisor, Bardon Hill quarry ✪ Matthew Avery, Distribution Manager, Bardon Hill ✪ Martin Argyle, Shift Manager, Bardon Hill quarry ✪ Brian Hall, Team Lead, Ronez Jersey – St John’s Readymix ✪ Stephen White, Lead Health & Safety Advisor, Bardon Hall and Old Hall Farm Office

40 years’ service (for anniversaries between 1st January and 31st March 2016)

✪ Anthony Byrne, Plant Operative, Astley Asphalt

The latest presentations in December 2015 at Twickenham stadium and Anfield, home of Liverpool FC.

THE ROAD TO

LEARNING Thinking of beefing up your skills? Then take note – the Asphalt Division and Learning and Development have produced a vocational qualification in the new Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF) format.

Q

CF is the new version of NVQs, which is a recognised demonstration of competence in a given role.

Designed at Level 2 for Operatives and Level 4 for Supervisors/ Assistant Managers, the qualification encompasses Health & Safety, Environment, Processing, Technical, Maintenance and Customer Service.

The qualifications are: MPQC Level 2 Diploma in Asphalt Production (QCF) MPQC Level 4 Diploma in Asphalt Production (QCF) Chris Hudson, ExCo Managing Director, Asphalt and Readymix division, takes great pride in the achievement of his workforce and has organised regular presentation events at various venues across the UK. He said: “The Asphalt business identified a need to strengthen the skills of its plant operatives and supervisory staff and the QCF was seen as a vehicle to deliver this. These new diplomas give employees a goal to work towards and professional recognition for their skills. I am very proud of the members of my team who have already earned their diplomas and we are continuing to support all those who are

working towards their qualifications.

I would also like to thank the asphalt plant managers who have helped and encouraged their staff to participate in this important initiative.”

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

Over the duration of the course, two qualified assessors who are ex-Asphalt Plant Managers, will pay a visit to learners at their workplace. This is to enable learners to complete the accompanying workbook and produce their portfolio of evidence. Any gaps identified in skills or performance will be addressed separately by the assessors in conjunction with the plant manager. The qualifications are delivered through the Aggregate Industries’ NVQ/QCF Centre.

To date, 70% of the asphalt operational workforce have completed the qualification and received their certificates, which are endorsed by the Mineral Products Qualification Council (MPQC) and Ofqual. A further 16% are registered with MPQC and are ongoing with their assessments.

For further enquiries, contact Hefin Jones, Training and Competency Manager at Hefin.Jones@aggregate.com

Agenda

09 VIP VIST

STAR SITE

HIGH SHERIFF VISITS BARDON HILL QUARRY P15

STEEL CITY SUCCESS STORY P12

Take advantage of the excellent health checks available to you and try to live a healthy life.” P11

together round-up l together round-up l together round-up l together round-up

WE’RE BETTER together IN 2016 We round up the news on last year’s launch of together, one team, one vision, which marked the beginning of a new journey towards helping us share best practice and innovative ideas. together focused on changing our behaviours to enable us to truly work better together and encouraged sharing knowledge and experiences to help us overcome obstacles across our business.

It gave teams and employees the opportunity to make a difference in our four key areas of Safe, People, Sell and Save.

More importantly, it allowed us as a business to reward and recognise their actions.

Over 2,000 ideas were received throughout 2015 from colleagues across the company who attended regular conference calls and meetings to discuss their ideas and share best practice. To date, we handed out over 130 awards to thank and recognise individuals and teams that have made efforts towards together, which have directly benefited the business.

Through site visits we know

I SAY!

“Using together I am able to challenge my team about sharing and adopting best practice generated sites via the teams from other .”

Simon Wycherley

Safe together

Neath Abbey asphalt plant sends out a pre-induction information sheet to visitors who are expected on site. This enables them to locate the site easily and they are also able to come prepared and understand key safety requirements before their full induction.

People together

Torr Works produces a newsletter covering all activities taking place on site that week. It also provides key safety and business updates, as well as a selected Healthy You topic to raise awareness. It’s a great way to motivate people on the together principle, it’s supported by everyone on site and published under the Aggregates section of Aggrenet.

Sell together

that many employees often go straight into implementation mode. The examples as the ones displayed have been great to see and have made

a real difference to their own sites and divisions. It is these actions that we want to capture so that we can suitably reward the individuals and teams, as well as further share the best practice so that other regions can too reap the benefits.

THE WAY FORWARD For 2016, a new and improved together is back, building on last year’s success and it promises to be better than

I SAY! “ The together sessions have seen a fantastic level of engagement, giving us a better understanding of and the the concerns of colleagues business.”

Manager Jonathan Govier, Category

ever! Our areas of focus remain the same as they underpin everything we do.

The team structure is now site or locally based. This will enable our colleagues in more remote locations to have their say while ensuring that the together process becomes embedded within our meetings and culture in the future.

Within your team, you will be able to discuss your ideas, share best practice and decide on an action plan to implement what’s within your powers, while still drawing on best practice from other local teams through together team leader meetings.

While a new year brings new challenges, it is evident that together is working and we’re confident that we can continue to achieve our targets and more.

A new Interactive sales tool will be launched in April. It will consolidate everything you need to know about AI’s product offering. It was raised as an idea in early 2015 and the tool has been developed by multiple product stream representatives working together. “The tool not only splits our products by division but it showcases the end use of each item, showing how we as a company can focus on sectors.” Rachel Beattie, Business Systems Manager

Save together

Our Overseas team has altered the mix of its base blends to meet and service differing markets.

These changes have enable us to save over £72,000 by utilising more cost-effective materials.

Save together

Andy Small, Quarry Operations Manager at Hulands quarry, has installed an automatic float system to the existing dieseldriven water pumps on site. This eradicates lone working while saving an estimated £22,000 in additional labour and diesel costs.

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Agenda

NEWS 2016

THE FIGURES AT A GLANCE:

10,295m² of Charcon’s Andover Textured range for public spaces

8,280m²

of traditional-style Woburn Rumbled cobble paving for the streetscape

2,000m²

of Eco Countryside Classic Kerbs, the finishing touch to the roadside edging

Charcon’s products take pride of place at University of Swansea’s Bay Campus.

DID YOU KNOW..?

With her bright smile and sunny disposition, it’s no wonder Rajvinder Nagra is a valued Customer Relations Manager.

Now in her eighth year at AI, Raj is currently based at Kier Construction’s Procurement Shared Services Hub in Rushden, Northamptonshire.

She is the first point of contact from AI, whom K ​ ier c ​ an approach with enquiries and purchase orders, as well as credit and account issues.

She gets an early look on projects that Kier tenders for using the project pipelines they send through to her.

She uses the information on the pipelines to gain opportunities for AI to quote for materials either directly or via their subcontractors. Raj also arranges for pricing and supplies to many of Kier’s small works teams who are involved in their Utility and Local Authority contracts.

More importantly, she works closely with all departments at Kier and AI, while helping to grow the business between the two companies.

She explained: “I work with an eye toward keeping customers happy and helping

the businesses succeed. In addition to handling project pipeline work, I also produce a monthly report for Kier to show the benefit and value of what this role brings to its business.

Plus, I communicate with relevant departments at AI to see what they are working on and to share any new information I have.”

Raj took up the role in June last year, when she transferred into the Major Projects team.

Having worked in a similar role before with Charcon, she felt she had what Kier was looking for. She said, “It seemed a good opportunity for me​t​o expand my knowledge o ​ f the​ other divisions​in​AI​. The role was advertised and I applied.”

Gathering feedback and monitoring customer satisfaction are essential to the role. She explained, “I follow up on larger projects and tender quotations to see if they were successful. This enables me to learn if our prices were competitive and, if not, I then look at other ways of making our offer more appealing, perhaps through a service offer​or negotiating a better price.”

“The best part of my job is the face-to-face interaction with the customer. Every day is different. I am gaining more knowledge and building my network within AI as I go along,” she added.

CHARCON’S UNIVERSITY CHALLENGE

C

harcon met the challenge of supplying a colossal 4,200 tonnes of hard landscaping materials to the University of Swansea’s £450m Bay Campus – all in a tight timeframe of just six months. The ambitious project has now doubled the size of the university’s academic and research facilities.

Charcon worked closely with Vinci Construction, the contractor, at the start of the project to ensure that the choice of products would complement the architecture and features of the existing buildings.

The Andover Textured range was chosen to provide maximum visual appeal and for its suitability for contemporary public spaces, while Woburn Rumbled cobble paving was used in the streetscape.

The exterior of the Great Hall

was paved with StoneMaster from Charcon’s Life range, which is made from a fine stone mix of up to 50% reclaimed or recycled materials. This creates a granite effect without the expense of using natural stone.

Eco Countryside Classic Kerbs and edging added the finishing touches to the roadside edging.

John Sheehan, Project Manager at Vinci Construction, said: “Bay Campus has been an immense project that had to be delivered within an incredibly tight timeframe. By working closely with Charcon from the outset, we benefitted from its technical abilities, as well as the welcome reassurance of efficient deliveries and products of the highest quality.

“At Vinci, we are immeasurably proud of having delivered Phase One so successfully, and we would like to extend our thanks to all

involved at Charcon in helping to achieve this.”

Mike Davies, Specification and Major Projects Manager at AI, said: “Our team worked very hard and liaised closely with Vinci throughout the project to guarantee correct and timely delivery of all orders placed.

Overall, we made 188 deliveries of quality-assured products while fulfilling additional product requirements along the way.”

Charcon is continuing to supply products for the second phase of works, which is already underway and scheduled to end in 2020, in time for the university’s centenary.

CHARCON’S NEW TRINITY

Charcon has strengthened its product offering with three new concrete pavers that set the standard for performance, quality, durability and aesthetic appeal.

UrbanPave, Vianova Maxx and Monksbridge are part of Charcon’s new

product launches for 2016. UrbanPave, a light textured, premium flag paving and Vianova Maxx, a large, element textured paving, are suitable for contemporary laying schemes, while Monksbridge is ideal for creating a traditionally styled, naturally cobbled look.

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Agenda

YOUR HEALTH 2016

YOUR HEALTH

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HealthyYou

DAVID’S STORY

It was the news I’d feared, but my medical has given me a few more precious years with my family.”

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ancer is a disease that affects everyone in some way – either personally or through a loved one.

Very often, early diagnosis can make a huge difference to the length and quality of life for those affected and regular medical assessments play a key role. One colleague who now faces a battle with cancer is David Cole, General Manager for Express Asphalt, and he bravely told us his story.

“I had a routine medical in spring last year, which, because of my age, included a prostate examination.

However, very soon after, I received the news that everyone dreads. I had prostate cancer and it would likely prove to be terminal. But the doctors are treating it as curative and are hoping that a cure will be found within the next few years.

“Nothing prepares you for being told you have cancer but, because of my medical, I was able to immediately start a three-year course of hormone treatment that included two consecutive months of daily

David enjoys a day out in London with his son Alastair.

radiotherapy treatment, which will give me longer with my family. If it had not been diagnosed through my medical then I may have had only months to live, instead of the years that the therapy should give me.

“Prostate examinations that are now part of the AI medical for males over 50, measure the level of PSA (ProstateSpecific Antigen) in your blood. A raised PSA level in your blood may be a sign of

it was confirmed that within one year of having a healthy prostate, I have now been diagnosed with type 3b prostate cancer out of the highest possible score of 4 for prostate cancer. This is along with a 50% chance of living past five years, a 50% chance of the cancer returning and a 50% chance of getting another form of cancer.

“My family has been so supportive and while this is a battle I can’t win, I’m going to fight it so I can spend longer with them. My Had I not had reason for sharing this is to my medical, highlight the importance of our occupational health checks I may not be here that all colleagues need to today.” attend. Most of us don’t go because we think we are prostate cancer. My PSA level healthy but there are so many was at 10.2, as opposed to things below the surface that an expected level of around can be identified which we 3, which was almost a sure don’t even know about. Had I sign of prostate cancer. But, of not had my medical, I may not course, they can’t tell you that be here today to tell you this until you have had a second story. I will forever be grateful examination (at which my to Aggregate Industries for PSA level had risen to 11.8), my free medical and its total a prostate biopsy, and an MRI support from all levels to help scan confirmed it. me through my treatment.

“After I had these checks “Since finding out I have cancer, I have consciously lost over 19kgs (42lbs) through exercise and healthy eating and I feel healthier than ever. My wife, Vanessa, has been my rock, and without her and some close colleagues, I am not sure how I would have the strength to fight this. I’m determined to work for as long as I can and I want to make every day count.

All I ask is that you take advantage of the excellent health checks available to you and try to live a healthy life.”

David credits his company medical check-up as having saved his life.

OPTIMA APPOINTED AS NEW HEALTH ASSESSOR Optima Health has been appointed to provide AI’s occupational health services. The new appointment took effect on 1st March. Optima will perform the same

compulsory services carried out by our current partner, Medigold, and will work in line with Healthy You to provide additional health checks for our colleagues.

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Optima was the occupational health provider to Lafarge Cement prior to the merger.

Optima provides extra services including pre-placement, surveillance, referrals and the drug helpline.

Additional optional health checks include prostate tests and bowel screening for the over-50s.

Optima offers a calorie intake assessment with a review of your basal metabolic rate and body fat percentage.

Optima can provide advice to encourage a fit and healthy workforce.

For more information please contact your HR Business Representative.

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Agenda

FEATURE 2016

STAR SITE SPECIAL 2-PAGER H STAR SITE SPECIAL 2-PAGER

STEEL CITY SUCCESS STORY

Since securing a £150 million pound contract in 2012 to provide and lay 1.5 million tonnes of road surface throughout Sheffield, the Asphalt and Contracting teams at the Tinsley Depot have celebrated hitting the one million tonne milestone last year, making it a veritable Northern Powerhouse.

L

ocated just off Junction 33 of the M1, AI’s Sheffield Tinsley Depot has been a hive of activity in the two-and-a-half years since it began operations.

The sprawling site, which sits on 14 acres, is home to the asphalt and express asphalt plants, railhead and lab, along with a recycling yard and the Contracting division’s regional offices.​ We hit the road with the surfacing gang who were hard at work in a housing estate resurfacing the walkways, to get an update on the Sheffield Private Finance Initiative (PFI) scheme and see what’s on the horizon.

LOCATION, LOCATION David Moretta, Operations Manager, explained the finer details of the Sheffield PFI scheme and discussed the importance of AI’s role here.

He said: “The Sheffield PFI is the largest road scheme in the UK. The asphalt plant is important to AI because of its strategic location. It establishes our presence in Yorkshire and it places us in prime position for the PFI. The PFI commenced in September

Some 350 colleagues in surfacing gangs work on the streets of Sheffield every day.

2012 and it served to raise the profile of the plant.

“So far, we’ve used 800,000 tonnes (of asphalt) in road surfaces throughout Sheffield. There are 350 colleagues out working on

the streets every day. There are challenges, of course, including integration with the public and organising the workforce over a large area.

The success, however, has been the pride in seeing our

work all over Sheffield.”

The asphalt plant has played a key role in supplying high-quality asphalt to resurface up to 2,000km of roads, paths and walkways around Sheffield. In 2015,

The success, however, has been the pride in seeing our work all over Sheffield.”

Up to 2,000km of roads, paths and walkways have been resurfaced around Sheffield.

the plant clocked up a major milestone when it produced 420,000 tonnes, making it AI’s busiest asphalt plant.

The plant itself was primarily constructed to serve the Sheffield PFI project and in

time to come, it will supply more than 1.7 million tonnes of asphalt over the stipulated five-year period.

Site Manager Richard Stott, who heads the outfit, is rightly very proud of the plant’s achievements. He said: “We operate shift after shift – it never stops. The key to our success is the team.

We have good lads who are willing and capable. The team can provide up to 240 tonnes of asphalt per hour and can incorporate up to 40% of recycled product back into the finished material. We’re able to do this using Foamix.

While Foamix itself has been around for a while, we’re using it as a vehicle to dispose of hazardous material that

Agenda

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STAR SITE SPECIAL 2-PAGER H STAR SITE SPECIAL 2-PAGER F I E

H

“It’s been an excellent experience working at the plant because there’s such great team spirit! It often feels like I’m surrounded by friends – it doesn’t ever feel like ‘work’.”

Aldo Modoni, Plant Operative

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STAR SITE

What do they enjoy about working there?

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(l-r) Paul Nairn, Assistant Site Manager, and Richard Stott, Site Manager, inspect the old dryer drum which was replaced in an effort to increase the amount of recycled product used in the asphalt production process.

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FEATURE 2016

E F F I E

“Despite the many challenges like the traffic, working near tramlines and handling the public, it’s been great working here. The team is dedicated and seeing the results of our work gives me enormous pride.”

John Wainwright, Supervisor “I enjoy working in the Technical department at Sheffield because every day is different and there are new challenges with having asphalt, aggregates, recycled aggregates and Foamix. There’s plenty to get involved with.”

Dean Andrews, Technical Manager

Did you know?

AI has a five-year subcontract with Amey (principal contractor)

I SAY!

Approximately 1.5 million tonnes of asphalt will go into the urban, rural and industrial environments:

1,900km 3,300km 500 68,000 18,000 12,700 of carriageways

of footways

traffic signals

street lights

items of street furniture

street name plates

would otherwise be sent to landfill. This would come at a considerable cost to the business.​” SUSTAINABLE This is a strategic asset which is now being used to supply other contracts in Sheffield, including major projects on the M1.

This is where the lab plays an important role in supporting various divisions including Sheffield Asphalt, Express Asphalt Sheffield, Express Asphalt Doncaster, Topley Pike quarry, Topley Pike Asphalt

“Our success is down to teamwor and professional k ism, and a commitmen uphold quality an t to d safety at all times.”

Ric hard Stott, Site

Manager

and Tinsley Recycling, which includes recycled aggregates and the Foamix plant. It carries out all testing for the PFI contract and on incoming aggregates, as well as end product testing to ensure quality assurance.

The lab also supports the Order Office by fielding customer enquiries, providing samples when required and

investigating customer complaints. The team is at the forefront of new material development. For instance, it worked with Contracting to develop Supercurve, a high-quality, durable road surfacing asphalt suitable for high-stress areas, for Derbyshire County Council.

Where the PFI is concerned, the lab joined with Amey and Contracting to increase the use of Foamix on the project to use the planings that came off the contract.

In addition, Sheffield Express operates as a collect business

beside the mainstream plant, serving customers who come mostly from the utility industry. Area Manager, Dave Shaw said: “We have supplied approximately 21kt since the opening of the site and our annual volume is around 10kt. The Sheffield operation gives Express the opportunity to expand into a new area previously dominated by our competitors. The success of the Express business here, clearly demonstrates how in working together, we can all make a difference.”

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Agenda

NEWS 2016

CHEERS! THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO GIVE A COLLEAGUE A PAT ON THE BACK: Concrete North had a critical, out-of-hours concrete pour at Holme Park Concrete Plant. 70m3 of Watertight concrete were required for a refurbishment on a rail bridge, 24 miles from the plant. The roads to the site go into a National Park, making it extremely challenging and the job was subject to rail closures, so it was critical to complete this on the weekend. However, a temporary power supply failure at Holme Park meant that the whole team moved to the Lancaster concrete plant, 15 miles further from the site, where they set up to complete the job – quick thinking and great commitment from the whole team. Thanks to Tom Smith, Plant Supervisor; Danny Wilkinson, Relief Supervisor; Mick Foxcroft, Technician; Neil Cochrane, Specification Manager; and last but not least, all the drivers who stayed flexible and committed throughout.

HARRY POXON, TERRITORY SALES MANAGER I would like to say Cheers to Sue Harrison, Administration Assistant. Sue has the unenviable task of organising our overalls at Cauldon and the whole of the works have recently been issued with new overalls.

Unfortunately, the Electrical department has given Sue a real headache as we have now adopted the AI multi-layered system. Cheers Sue for keeping us all safe out there!

ANDREW COTTERILL, ELECTRICAL CRAFTSMAN A massive thank you and well done go out to Angela and Ross Turnbull and the internal Sales teams on the Asphalt and Aggregates teams for their efforts and dedication during the floods.

They ensured both businesses ran as smoothly as possible in Lancashire and Cumbria, despite having no power, phones or network at High Roads regional office for two days. This included members of the team going to various units (Hulands, Back Lane, Holme Park) to ensure minimal impact and disruption to our customers. Their restlessness, dedication and effort to this showed no bounds, so thank you.

MALCOLM WHEELER, ASPHALT AREA MANAGER, AND RICHARD NAYLOR, COMMERCIAL MANAGER

Haulier Roadshows H Haulier Roadshows H Haulier Roadshows

DRIVING ENGAGEMENT A

t the start of January, colleagues from across the business were stopping for safety and holding Back to Work sessions, and our haulier colleagues were no different.

The Logistics team embarked on 15 haulier roadshows across the UK, giving drivers and hauliers a chance to reflect on the importance of safety and to ask questions of the AI team.

The presentations had similar content to our Back to Work sessions, explaining the new Health & Safety Rules and highlighting our focus areas for the year. Each roadshow also had a presentation from a representative from insurance company Aon and also used the opportunity to show the audience a Stop and Think video created by the Logistics team last year.

“The events were well attended and, as always, the drivers took full advantage of the opportunity to ask us questions,” said Joe Carthy, Head of Road Logistics. “These roadshows are merely the start of a long journey we have to make to engage with our haulier partners and ensure that they share the same focus on Health & Safety as we do.”

That journey includes the launch of Logistics Governance meetings, which involves six working parties from

I SAY! our operation defining and developing improvements in important areas. These are: Commercial/Customer interface l Receiving key customer site safety detail at point of sale. l Effectively communicating this safety detail to drivers at point of dispatch. l Having a robust feedback process for drivers who encounter customer safety issues.

Contracting workplace transport l Consistent standards at each contracting site.

NATURE NOTES: BIO BRAVO AI has retained the Wildlife Trusts’ Biodiversity Benchmark certification again for nine quarries following a series of surveillance audits. The nine sites include Bardon Hill, Torr Works, Back Lane, Holme Park, Duntilland, Glensanda, Little Paxton, Newbold quarry and Haughmond Hill.

Peter Dorans, Corporate Relations Manager of the Wildlife Trusts, extended his best wishes to AI and said: “On behalf of the Wildlife Trusts, I offer our congratulations to Aggregate Industries on maintaining the Biodiversity Benchmark award and our thanks for the

continued commitment to wildlife at all of these sites.”

The Biodiversity Benchmark is a nationally recognised standard for commitment to biodiversity and responsible land management.

l Clear rules for drivers to follow. l Robust procedure for checking compliance.

Vehicle safety specification l Develop consistent vehicle safety standards across the five businesses. l Establish clear FORS/ CLOCS standards. l Review O Licence compliance.

Weighbridge standards l Develop best practice safety procedures. l Standardise tools for the job. l Provide systems and standards training.

Workplace transport AI sites

“The roadshow wa s very constructive.

It was presented professio nally and showed that AI fully supports us hauliers on any Health & Safety issues we have.”

Stuart Wain of Wains Transport Ltd

l Review traffic flows and controls at AI sites. l Identify and deploy best practice. l Identify a process to validate going forward.

Haulier Management/ standards l Establish haulier operating agreement. l Establish clear haulier standards. l Establish controls to maintain standards.

Bluebells in bloom at Bardon Hill.

Agenda

NEWS 2016

ASK EXCO

DAY IN THE LIFE

NEWS

THE EXCO ANSWER YOUR BURNING QUESTIONS P17

THE SPOTLIGHT IS ON A GENERAL OPERATIVE P19

BRADSTONE CELEBRATES ITS 60TH ANNIVERSARY P16

VIP VISIT Overlooking Bardon Hill quarry (l-r) Donna Hunt, Head of Sustainability; John Bowater, Chief Financial Officer and Deputy CEO; Steve Harle, Quarry Manager; Cllr John Bridges; and the High Sheriff, Gordon Arthur.

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he High Sheriff of Leicestershire, Gordon Arthur, and the Chairman of North West Leicestershire District Council, Cllr John Bridges, visited Bardon Hill quarry and head office recently.

John Bowater, CFO and Deputy CEO, played host as he took the visitors on a grand tour. They were accompanied by Donna Hunt, Head of Sustainability, and Quarry Manager Steve Harle.

The High Sheriff commented: “Aggregate Industries has a rich history in quarrying in Leicestershire and, as I often drive past, I thought Bardon Hill was a site I must visit. The quarry operation is a fantastic sight and we were very impressed by the work on the extension. I would like to thank Aggregate Industries for hosting a thoroughly enjoyable and interesting morning.”

INBRIEF THE JOY OF SUDS

The industry bible on Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) was given the AI touch when Specification Manager Keith Harvey and Bob Allen, Head of Infrastructure, shared their expertise and helped update the Construction Industry Research and Information Association’s (CIRIA) manual.

CIRIA’s SuDs manual is highly regarded. It incorporates the latest technical advice and adaptable processes to assist in the planning, design, construction and management of good SuDS. Keith was invited to review the information on aggregates and asphalts specifications. He explained: “I am delighted to have played a part in contributing to the new manual. I’d like to acknowledge the role played by our Asphalt Specification team and particularly the support from Bob Allen. The publication of the manual bears testament to our achievements and acknowledges the standing that we have within the industry.

“It follows on from the impact our team is having with specifiers throughout the UK. Weekly asphalt Continual Professional Development (CPD) presentations given by either myself or my colleague, Chris Marchesi, to specifiers which include architects and civil or structural engineers, are widely considered by this group of clients to be the most helpful and informative offered.”

Did you know?

John Bowater and the High Sheriff, Gordon Arthur.

AI was shortlisted in the Materials Supplier of the Year category in the CN Specialists Awards 2016.

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Agenda

NEWS 2016

INBRIEF DELIGHT FOR CREDIT SERVICES

Credit Services had much to celebrate when it emerged as winner in the Project of the Year category in this year’s Chartered Institute of Credit Management (CICM) British Credit Awards. The team beat Adecco, Local World, Amey and Cinram UK to land the prestigious award which recognises the Amex AP project.

The project began in August last year when Credit Services launched an initiative with American Express (Amex). A unique offering was extended to selected customers, which allowed them to gain extended credit terms by using a facility from Amex, but which paid us earlier than our normal standard terms. The initiative has been well received by customers and our Commercial teams, and it has given us a strategic advantage over our competitors.

Phil Rice, Order to Cash Manager, said: ‘I am delighted that we’ve won the Project of the Year against such a distinguished group of participants. This award celebrates the hard work and dedication of our talented team in Credit Services and it also demonstrates our innovative commercial approach to credit.”

Mode porcelain paving lends a contemporary edge to outdoor spaces.

BRADSTONE

TURNS 60!

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Did you know?

Credit Services donated its table football game to Leicester Children’s Hospital.

radstone marks its 60th anniversary this year and has got things off to a great start with the launch of its new garden and driveway landscaping collection for 2016.

This includes new products in both contemporary and traditional styles, range extensions and a number of new landscaping features.

Toby Stuart-Jervis, Commercial Director for Bradstone, said: “We are delighted to be launching a range of new paving products for 2016. This demonstrates our continued investment in our offering and ongoing commitment to deliver the best in garden design for our installers.

“For our 60th anniversary, the Bradstone Product Development team has designed and developed a new collection that sets the standard for quality, durability and visual appeal.”

He added: “Our concrete landscaping products have been manufactured here at home in the UK for 60 years.

Our operations span the UK and employ more than 250 people, so buying Bradstone means you’re buying the best in British quality, performance and style.”

All the technical information about Bradstone’s new products and the rest of its range can be found in the Bradstone 2016 Garden Landscaping Brochure.

Buying Bradstone means you’re buying the best in British quality, performance and style.”

Riverwashed Limestone offers a beautifully clean and even finish.

Agenda

NEWS 2016

17

Ask ExCo

Members of our Executive Committee answer your burning questions If you have a question for members of our Leadership team, email corporate.communications@aggregate.com.

They’ll answer all of your questions personally and some will be included in Agenda. Here’s a selection of questions that we’ve received.

Q

Why as a company do we set up national agreements for purchasing various items when we could source them locally or on the internet for cheaper?

Ryan Mason, Weighbridge Operative, Haughmond Hill.

Dear Ryan, You won’t be surprised to hear that this is a question that often gets asked by sites that have previously had much more freedom to select their own suppliers and partners. As a large business, and this includes the wider LafargeHolcim business, we are in the enviable position of being able to use our collective purchasing power to ensure that we procure goods and services at competitive prices.

This also means we can deliver the required levels of assurance regarding Health & Safety standards, supply sustainability, warranties, payment conditions, technical and innovation support, insurance, risk management, capacity, service and ease of procuring.

This consistent approach means the suppliers we procure for national contracts have strict

OVER

£65m

service level agreements that need to be adhered to, with financial penalties for failure to hit them.

However, these penalties are recouped by AI as a whole, rather than on a site-by-site basis.

National contracts are only awarded where the overall total cost of ownership is proven to be lower than local solutions taking all of the above into consideration. We have driven excellent results through our purchasing deals that removes the necessity for staff to create their own solutions. Are all of our national contracts perfect? Quite simply, no. But we are in a better position to challenge these where required, compared to trying to tackle issues at a site level.

To date, through negotiated terms and rebates, our Central Procurement team has made savings of over £65 million in just four years.

John Bowater Chief Financial Officer

in savings made by our Central Procurement team in just four years.

This is a perfect example of how our cement business is integrating with the rest of AI.”

Q

Will Cauldon be selling a bagged product in 2017?

Christopher Davies, Packing Plant Process Operator, Cauldon

Dear Christopher, To answer the question, I’ll need to briefly describe the situation at Cauldon.

As part of the agreement with Tarmac when we took over Cauldon, we were required to continue supplying it with bagged cement for a year. After that time, it will take ownership of the plastic bagging equipment and we will cease to supply them. That time is mid-July this year.

The good news is that, although we will no longer supply plastic bagged cement from Cauldon, we will increase our output of paper bagged cement and, through the AI Building Products division, we’ll have

a direct route to market. Our newly designed paper bags of cement will now be sold, alongside bagged aggregates, to our existing builder’s merchant customers. This is a perfect example of how our cement business is integrating with the rest of AI. To support the offering we’ll also have plastic bagged cement available from Cookstown.

So, while we may be adjusting the balance of bulk and bagged production at Cauldon, we’ll absolutely have a bagged product coming from Cauldon in 2017.

Joe Hudson Managing Director – Cement and Concrete Products

Q

At our recent Health & Safety day we discussed the letter from Steve Tagg on 13th November about the Drugs and Alcohol Policy. The opinion was, while it was expected that operators were more likely to put colleagues at risk, it was unfair to insinuate that it was only operators who were at fault. It would not be fair to carry out random testing only on operatives but it should also include office staff.

Jerome Foxwell, Assistant Manager, Blackhill quarry Dear Jerome, I agree with you and it was never our intention to increase drug and alcohol testing only for operational colleagues. We have seen an increase in incidents involving colleagues and contractors

that have subsequently tested positive for drugs, particularly cannabis. In the majority of cases, these have been operational colleagues. However, as we ramp up the amount of targeted testing we do in the business, I can assure you that we will also be focusing on our

office colleagues.

It is absolutely unacceptable for anyone in the business to be putting the safety of colleagues, contractors and customers at risk because they are under the influence. While they may not be using industrial machinery, most office colleagues drive to and

from work and that is arguably the most dangerous activity any of us are involved in. So to reiterate, and to reassure you, we will be involving ALL colleagues in the increased testing, not just operational colleagues.

Steve Tagg Organisation & HR Director

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Agenda

NEWS 2016

EAT TO A BEAT G

lensanda’s Annual Dinner and Dance was all about good food, great music and raising funds for a worthy cause.

The festivities kicked off before Christmas in the Argyllshire Gathering Halls in Oban. Some 140 colleagues

and contractors celebrated the year’s end and played a part in raising funds for the Ryan MacPhail Trust, which provides sports equipment to local children’s sports clubs and the Macmillan Cancer Day Ward at the Lorn & Islands District General Hospital in Oban.

Administrator Melanie Weetman organised a raffle and sought prizes from contractors who were more than happy to oblige. Through their incredible generosity, the prize table was filled with a range of goodies including a pair of televisions, an iPad, a tablet, a weekend away for two, and VIP tickets for a Manchester United Game, just

(l-r) David Lamb, Quarry Operations Manager; Melanie Weetman, Administrator; and Donna MacKenzie, Manager of the Macmillan Cancer Day Ward.

to name a few.

Raffle tickets were sold to all visitors to the site and the draw

was carried out at the dinner and dance. In total, they raised a handsome £2,143.

New year, new opportunities CELEBRATING WITH A BANG

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perfect example of a together approach emerged when the Special Aggregates Products team’s close customer relationships and reputation, plus the Overseas team’s versatile ability to devise a project solution, led to a great order at the start of the year.

Having worked with, and impressed TXM Plant, the largest supplier of road and rail vehicles in the UK, on previous projects, the Special Aggregate Products team had been tracking and working on an opportunity in the North East for rail ballast in early 2016. Drawing on relationships with key personnel, the opportunity to supply this project turned into a reality in late 2015.

The option of supply was raised with the Overseas team to utilise Glensanda for the project.

With Christmas fast approaching a swift logistics solution was sought with first call off for the project in the second week of 2016.

With the added complication that Glensanda ballast requires screening and washing once delivered, the timeline to find a solution was limited. With just two days to go until Christmas, Logistics Director Simon Turk was quickly on the case using contacts at Port of Tyne to find a suitable storing option. A potential solution was found, with many sensitivities still to resolve, but a commitment was given to the customer that the product would be available when required. This led to the order being secured on Christmas Eve. Simon sacrificed much of his holiday to oversee

the unloading of the prestigious Yeoman Bank and ensured the product was successfully delivered.

Not resting there, an opportunity to use the onsite contractor for potential screening and washing soon became a reality and by 5th January, the product was on the ground and ready for processing.

Technical Manager Greg Barrett soon joined the project team and oversaw the first batches of screening to ensure technical specifications were met. With a coordinated effort from the Special Aggregates team, who also organised transport to site, the product was delivered on time and to spec, meeting all of the customer’s requirements.

It was a beautiful, clear night in November when Duntilland quarry lit up the sky in a spectacular fireworks display. More than 350 residents from Salsburgh, Dewshill and Shottsburn, joined with colleagues to mark the event. The team at the quarry rolled out the red carpet for its guests.

Golden Eagle Coaches, a Salsburgh-based coach hire firm, was roped in to ferry visitors to and from the quarry in the comfort of its double-decker buses.

All guests and visitors were treated to snacks and refreshments. The 15-minute display was set off and synchronised to a soundtrack by Reaction Fireworks, a professional firework display company. It

was a thoroughly enjoyable evening and they hope to repeat it again this year.

In December, the quarry, which has close links to the local community of Salsburgh, treated more than 100 elderly residents to a dinner and cabaret evening at Dalziel Park Hotel near Motherwell. AI has traditionally hosted a festive dinner for local pensioners for a number of years.

Quarry Manager Sandy Fullarton and Keith Cooper, Assistant Quarry Manager, were on hand to greet their guests who arrived at the hotel. The highlight of the evening was a Neil Diamond/Kenny Rogers tribute act. Many of guests enjoyed the entertainment so much, they joined in and sang along.

Agenda

FEATURE 2016

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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A... GENERAL OPERATIVE Very much a hands-on person, Nathan enjoys helping out with all tasks.

“AI is a good company, I enjoy working with the team here”

Nathan is building his experience and can now drive five different types of mobile plant.

We shine the spotlight on general operatives, the unsung heroes who work with heavy plant machinery, run processing equipment and generally keep things ticking over. We got behind the wheel with Nathan Jones, an Operative at Haughmond Hill Did you know? quarry, who gave us a firsthand look at his day.

6am: I arrive on site, put on my PPE, get the keys from the key safe, pick up the radio and make my way to the tractor to carry out prestart checks. This involves looking for defects and I fill in the Vehicle Daily Safety Check Book if required.

Once this is completed, I run the tractor and bowser to the chippings plant where I fill the generator diesel tank in order to keep the production plant running for that day. I

finish by logging the amount of diesel that I put in. From there, I drive to the primary crusher and fill it up. I spend a good part of my morning doing this.

I’ve worked at the quarry for two years now. My uncle, Paul Pugh who is a weighbridge supervisor, told me about the job here. AI is a good company, I enjoy working with the team here, plus, I’ve had such a great learning opportunity. I’ve

Sue Leverton, Trainee Quarry Operations Manager, delivers a Toolbox Talk.

A typical day at work for Nathan.

Nathan got his

gained so much by start by working being able to build my knowledge and on a farm for two experience. I’ve completed my Plant years.

Operator Competence Scheme and can now drive five different types on to operate the loading of heavy plant machinery, shovel on the wash plant including an articulated dump where I load the surface truck and loading shovel. dressing on to the ‘artic’ this is in addition to running lorries. the chippings plant – things 12.30pm: Today, I’m that your average 21-yearheading over to the office old wouldn’t normally do. It’s for a Toolbox Talk. Sue something I’m very proud Leverton, our Trainee Quarry of. In time, I’d like to go on Operations Manager, will to become a supervisor or a cover Health & Safety and foreman. incident alerts. She’ll also 9.30am: Following a remind us about attending half-hour break, I get back our medical check-ups and to work filling up the fuel she’ll run through the Drug bowser to get it ready for and Alcohol Policy. This will the next day. With a total take about half an hour. capacity of 5,000 litres, this 1.30pm: After having lunch, can take up to one-and-aI go on to cover my colleague half hours. who is on his lunch break, 11am: I report to my and start loading lorries in Supervisor to see what needs the yard. to be done next. I usually go 2pm: I make my way to

the production plant control room and relieve the Plant Operative, so that he can conduct general tasks like greasing the bearings and gear boxes on the conveyors or complete general housekeeping.

When I’m here, I control the crushers and communicate with the primary plant for processing.

4.30pm: Once work is over, I meet up with my friends.

I’m a member of the Young Farmers’ Club (YFC) in Rea Valley. I’ve helped raise funds for it through carol singing and other activities. This year we’re planning to go walking in Snowdonia and I’m really looking forward to it.

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PEOPLE 2016

OURWORLD

Agenda ROUND-UP OF YOUR STORIES FROM AROUND AI

INBRIEF

Colleagues at Bardon Hill joined the IT department and put on their Christmas jumpers.

RISING TO THE COSTA RICA CYCLE CHALLENGE

IT’S NOVELTY KNITS

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he IT department got that festive feeling and rolled out its Christmas Jumper Day and Bake Sale to raise money for Rainbows Charity.

Colleagues whipped up tasty treats and cakes went on sale in the IT department. Everyone at Bardon Hill joined in the party, and guests were ‘fined’ £1 for wearing their novelty knits. There was even a ‘turkey’

and ‘Christmas pudding’ in attendance! The highlights included a competition for the best look-at-me Christmas jumper. David Forder, Financial Planning and Analysis Manager, walked away with the grand prize of a tin of biscuits for his somewhat tasteful apparel.

At the end of the day, they raised a grand total of £171 for Rainbows.

Truly a-mazeing work With stone donated by AI from Back Lane quarry, near Carnforth, volunteers helped build a labyrinth at Brockholes Nature Reserve. Brockholes is the Lancashire Wildlife Trust’s flagship nature reserve and is a transformed quarry site located straight off Junction 31 of the M6 at Preston. The construction of the labyrinth complements earlier efforts to create a stone circle, a feature which has proved to be popular with visitors.

Anne Selby, Chief Executive of the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and Merseyside at Brockholes labyrinth.

Since joining AI in 2008, Anthony Allday, Quarry Operations Manager, has taken part in various charity bike rides. One of which includes an event where he and his colleagues rode across Dartmoor in a bid to raise funds for St Luke’s Hospice of Plymouth.

St Luke’s has cared for thousands of terminally ill patients in the local community over the past 30 years. The hospice needs to raise more than £4 million every year to maintain this vital service.

In February, Anthony took part in the Costa Rica Cycle Challenge, a 475km charity bike ride from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean, along with 11 other fundraisers. He financed the trip himself to raise funds for St Luke’s.

CAN YOU HELP?

Having completed the Costa Rica Cycle Challenge, Anthony has raised £2,000 for St Luke’s. He would like to continue this effort and would be grateful for your support. The money you raise will be put to great use in continuing the hospice’s vital services. To make a donation, go to Anthony’s fundraising page: costarica. everydayhero.com/uk/ anthony

Agenda

PEOPLE 2016

ROAD TO RIO

PUZZLES & COMP

PARALYMPIC CONTENDER TIM LODGE DROPPED BY P23

HAVE A GO AT OUR CROSSWORD P24

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The community loves the softer side of AI.” P21

ALL PRESENTS AND COLLECTED

Just before Christmas, the teams at Garside Sands and Buckingham Aggregates at Leighton Buzzard collected Christmas presents for disadvantaged children. Their fabulous generosity helped ensure the children’s Christmas was a memorable one.

WOOL YOU BELIEVE IT! Colleagues and residents mark the opening of Croft quarry’s new nature trail.

Walk this way C

roft quarry has launched a new scenic nature trail complete with a footpath that extends over 5km in the picturesque setting of south Leicestershire. The new footpath will take you on a circuit around the quarry, as well as over the new hill which has a series of wooden steps. You can take in glorious views over the quarry and the countryside.

Estates Manager Graeme King, who played a key role in planning the project, traced its development and said: “It all started back in 1995, when plans were put forward to extend the quarry eastwards and use the overlying clay to form a new hill. A wealth of information was gathered, analysis carried out and multiple face-to-face engagement opportunities were taken with the local community to better understand their aspirations for the area. This included the provision of a network of footpaths over the new hill and a brand-new trail to link the local communities together.”

The project team managed the development in phases to work with the local communities

to avoid disruption. Community groups, volunteers and school troops were roped in to shape a true ‘community vision’ of the nature trail.

The project team encountered some challenges as Graeme explained: “When it came to crossing the two water courses we had to engage in discussions with the Environment Agency to ensure that the bridges being constructed would not impede water flows, especially under storm conditions.The resources to complete the project were considerable. In addition to constructing concrete foundations to either side of the water courses and craning pre-fabricated bridge units into position, we also needed to erect palisade fencing

The completed footpath now provides what had been the missing link, allowing walkers to cross from Croft to the village of Huncote.”

between the railway line and the Masterblock stockyard to ensure users of the footpath would be safe. The completed footpath now provides what had been the missing link, allowing walkers to cross from Croft to the village of Huncote.”

Brian Wiltshire, Quarry Operations Manager, said: “The feedback from the community has been positive – the community loves the softer side of AI. The nature trail is all about getting people to interact with nature and take up healthy living, so we hope people will make the most of it with a walk around the quarry.”

Phil Jackson, Biodiversity and Restoration Advisor, has held various communitybuilding events, such as ponddipping outings for school children. He said: “Residents of both villages can now walk around the quarry while taking in spectacular views of the countryside, wetland corridor and enjoy nature. There’s something for everyone, and the amount of wildlife here is amazing. The trail offers the public a view of what’s happening in a superquarry.”

Matt Keslake, National Account Manager, and Sales Manager Jamie Stratford joined their workmates at Jewson at the company’s annual conference, to break the record for the most number of Christmas jumpers in one location – there were more than 1,280 them!

Their combined efforts broke the former record of 1,175 Christmas jumpers, previously held by Loughborough University.

Our recycled laptops are used in ReCOM’s training courses – complete with the AI blue plastic covering.

Life after AI Have you ever wondered what happens to our laptops when we no longer need them? Well, some of them have found a home at ReCOM, a charity which helps people get online in the UK. The charity has 10 of our Toshibas, which they use in their training courses.

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PEOPLE 2016

OURWORLD

(l-r) Sasha Flynn, Administrator; Isabel Keeton, Higher Apprentice; Kimberley Robinson, Site Agent; Alice Bryan, Administrator; Amy Hewitt, Quantity Surveyor; and Laura Broadhead, Project Coordinator.

GEARED UP FOR CHARITY The ladies at Sheffield PFI and NE Surfacing Offices geared up for a charity car wash to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation’s Wear It. Beat It. campaign.

A team of six colleagues spent the day washing 40 cars in the car park at the Tinsley Depot. They charged a small fee of £5 for each wash, which was donated to the charity. While customers waited for their cars to be ready, the were able to help themselves to healthy snacks along with tea and coffee in the Sheffield PFI office. For all their hard work, the team raised more than £500.

DEATH IN SERVICE

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We say goodbye to valued and respected AI colleagues who have passed away since the last issue of Agenda.

TREVOR TREVELYAN 13TH MAY 1954 – 5TH NOVEMBER 2015

It is with deepest regret we report that Trevor passed away very unexpectedly having suffered a stroke. Trev was a Westleigh man. He grew up in the village, had worked at the quarry since 2010 and was the third generation of his family to work at Westleigh. His main role was Face Dumper Driver, driving a CAT 775. Outside work, Trev’s main interests were spending time with his family and enjoying his HarleyDavidson motorbike and being a member of the local Harley Owners’ Group. He leaves behind his wife Joy, who also works for the company at Westleigh, children Steve, Tracey and Kara; and grandchildren Tristan and Alfie, together with numerous friends and colleagues. Our thoughts remain with them.

ROY BIRNIE 9TH SEPT 1953 – 31ST DEC 2015

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of our friend and colleague, Roy Birnie, who lost his lengthy battle with cancer at the end of December. Roy worked in the industry for more than 40 years, 36 of which were spent at Heights quarry in Weardale, where he operated fixed plant.

This length of service was recognised in 2015 when Roy received a long-service medal from the Institute of Quarrying, which was presented to him by his colleagues, when he was invited to site to initiate a blast and meet up with them to reminisce over stories from his career. Our deepest sympathies go out to Hazel and his family.

DAVID HERRIDGE 28TH JUNE 1963 – 17TH OCTOBER 2015

We sadly report the death of Dave Herridge.

Dave joined Foster Yeoman in 1999 and worked at Torr quarry prior to it becoming part of Aggregate Industries. In 2010, he transferred to Frome in the role of Transport Manager and in 2014 joined the Customer Services team as Distribution Manager at the Vallis Road offices.

Dave offered the Frome team a wealth of knowledge and experience and had developed great relationships with our southern haulage fleet. He was an extremely likeable and helpful character in the offices at Frome. He had recently seen his son Josh join the company, a move of which he was very proud.

His outside interests included supporting local football, playing skittles and the love of his pond full of Koi Carp fish. He had recently taken a keen interest in following Bath Rugby with his colleagues.

Dave is survived by his wife Sharon and his children Victoria, Joshua and Freya and our thoughts are with them.

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STAR SNAP

tar Snap is a chance for our colleagues to show off their camera skills and for all readers of Agenda to vote for the winning photograph.

You can vote for your favourite photo by emailing corporate. communications@aggregate. com. Just write Star Snap and the number of your favourite photo. The winner will receive shopping vouchers to invest in even more camera kit.

PICTURE 1: This shot was taken in the morning at the weighbridge at the asphalt plant in Sheffield.

It had just rained and the skies were clearing and it looked as though the rainbow was coming from the offices at the OCL recycling yard. Dean Andrews, Technical Manager PICTURE 2: I work at Haughmond Hill quarry in Shrewsbury. This beautiful shot was taken at sunset on Friday 6th November at 4.15pm. Ray Bridgwater, General Operative

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Every now and then, the crews feed it bread and cookies, and it greets the ships by flapping its tail happily. Captain Andriy Svynarenko, Yeoman Bank PICTURE 4: This picture was taken at Torr Works quarry as the sun rose behind the main stockpile. There are no filters, just the natural light. Calum Barnett, Fixed Plant Team Leader, Torr Works

PICTURE 5: Following a blast at Glensanda, this stone was found in the shape of a chair. The picture was taken

by Angela and John Yeoman (senior) at their duty house on the site. The stone was used as a garden chair by the Foster Yeoman family.

It offers wonderful views of the harbour. We’re sure it’s magic but that’s a story for another day.

Captain Andriy Svynarenko, Yeoman Bank

Agenda

PEOPLE 2016

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Ground-breaking project secures preferred supplier status

OURWORLD

TABLE FOOTIE FEVER T

It’s all in the wrists – Phil Rice, Order to Cash Manager, pits his table footie skills against Senior Counsell Jo Greene.

Paving the road to Rio I f you set your mind to it, you can do it. That was the key message from paracanoeist and Team GB hopeful, Tim Lodge, who dropped by and gave the Credit Services team an inspiring talk about his journey to Rio 2016.

When not training and competing, Tim is the Sales Director at Rimillia. The company develops and implements cash allocation software solutions. AI has had a longstanding association with Rimilia, in fact, we use their Alloc8 software.

Tim’s presentation was well

received and he traced key moments in his life, starting with how he was born with a congenital deformity of his legs.

Due to this, kayaking was the only sport he could take up when he was a teen.

His defining moment came in January 2013 when he received a call from a canoeing coach who trained him in his teens. He was now involved in training paracanoe athletes.

Tim was asked if he would like to return to the sport after a 23-year break to compete for a place in the GB Paracanoe team, but he could only do so

if he could achieve the required standard.

Tim made the squad in March, he is now in Rio to acclimatise and aiming to make the cut to compete in the Paralympics. If you would like follow him on his journey, you can log onto his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ teamlodge Plus, here’s the link to British Canoeing, where you can learn more about the GB Olympic and Paralympic teams: http://www.britishcanoeing. org.uk/

he plan was to generate a bit of chillout time for the Credit Services team during their busiest period at the end of 2015.

They called it ‘The King/ Queen of the Balls in December’, a table footie tournament, which was a continuation of their monthly competition based on call volumes called ‘King/Queen of the Calls’, which was run throughout 2015.

Credit Services handles around 13,000 inbound and 10,000 outbound calls every month. It can be stressful, so the competition helped ease the pressure. Plus, it proved to be a great deal of fun and was great for team building and breaking down barriers.

The team ran individual knockout competitions, along with a team knockout round with finals for both sessions in December. They even had the American Express team take on the home team. Unfortunately, the visitors demolished AI’s

Senior Specialist Naimesh Khetia. Then in a clash of the titans, Phil Rice, Order to Cash Manager, took on Senior Counsel Jo Greene.

When the competition ended on 21st December, Credit Services donated the table to Leicester Children’s Hospital where it has found a fitting new home.

This summer, the team will bring back the sporting action in time for the UEFA Euro 2016 tournament with a brand-new table, so stay tuned for match reports!

EASY RIDER

Over some two-and-a-half years, Danny Redpath, Quarry Supervisor, has been hard at work designing and building a diesel/hydraulic trike, something he affectionately calls Dandiesel. He finally completed his masterpiece late last year and went on to secure a Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) certification to be able to take the trike out on the roads. With a top speed of around 85mph, the trike has turned out to be very much a labour of love, since Danny built the entire thing himself, from the frame, the rear suspension, covering the seats, painting the frame, and doing all the wiring himself.

In a final flourish, he entered the trike in a competition at Stormin’ the Castle 2015, a bike rally and custom bike show, only to scoop up the Best in Show Award in the process. You can read all about Danny and his trike the current edition of Trike magazine out now.

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IN IT TO WIN IT 2016

TAKEABREAK

Congratulations to the winner of last issue’s competition.

Thomas Bell, Estimator, Contracting Division – Spadeoak who won £200 worth of Love2shop vouchers.

The answer to last issue’s competition was François Pétry (What is the name of our new CEO?)

COMPETITIONS / PUZZLES / QUIZES

WIN A STATE-OFTHE-ART IPAD MINI WORTH £250 To be in with a chance of winning this great prize, simply answer the question below:

Q. Who is our new occupational health provider?

Be the envy of your friends and family with a brand-new iPad Mini. Choose the colour which best suits your style and use it to enhance your work or just for fun. With more than 1.6 million apps to choose from, you won’t be bored again! l You can email your story ideas to: corporate. communications@aggregate. com. Don’t forget to include Agenda Competition in the

subject field. Get your answers in before Friday 29th April. The winning entry will be picked at random and announced in the next edition of Agenda.

QUICK CROSSWORD Put on your thinking caps and have a go at our crossword.

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DON’T FORGET, IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FOR THE EXCO, WANT TO SEND IN AN ENTRY FOR STAR SNAP OR WOULD LIKE TO TAKE PART IN THE COMPETITION, JUST DROP US A LINE AT: CORPORATE.COMMUNICATIONS@AGGREGATE.COM

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Across Across 1Domestic felines (4) 1 - Domestic felines (4) 3 Aspiration (8) fluid (8) holder (7) 39-Writing Aspiration 10 Clenched hands (5) Showedfluid not holder to be true 911 - Writing (7) (12) 10 Clenched hands 13-Process food (6) (5) 15 Inexpensive restaurant (6) 11 Showed not(12) to be true (12) 17-Sleepwalker

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20 One of the United Arab Emirates (5) 21 Raises (7) 22 Coming into view (8) 23 Long periods of history (4) Down 1Happen simultaneously (8) 2 Symbol (5) 4 Tune (6) 5 Contagiously (12)

6Down Examine (7) 7 Where a bird lays eggs (4) 1 - Happen simultaneously (8) 8 Symbolising (12) 12 2 -Competitions Symbol (5) (8) 14 Farewell remark (7) 16 4 -Cast Tunedoubt (6) upon (6) 18 Conclude (5) 5 -Lazy Contagiously (12) 19 (4) 6 - Examine (7)

13 - Process food (6)

7 - Where a bird lays eggs (4)

15 - Inexpensive restaurant (6)

8 - Symbolising (12)

20 - One of the United Arab Emirates (5)

14 - Farewell remark (7)

GOT SOMETHING TO SAY? CORPORATE.COMMUNICATIONS@AGGREGATE.COM 17 - Sleepwalker (12) 12 - Competitions (8)