Links - Issue 8

Magazine for AV Dawson Employees

Winter 2022

WELCOME FROM GARY

Since our last edition of Links, a lot has changed and we have plenty to update you on.

As always, thank you for your continued hard work throughout 2022, it has been a busy year with a lot going on. Coronavirus definitely hasn’t left us but, it’s in more of a controlled state than what it was a year ago, allowing us to continue operations with little disruption.

We have finally moved and settled into life in the new head office, The Staiths, which was officially unveiled at a family open evening in May. The new head office is a great central hub for all of our colleagues and includes a gym, fitness studio, bar and a music room. The office will not only benefit our colleagues, it will allow us to welcome customers, charities and community groups

and give them the ultimate Port of Middlesbrough experience. We have also opened our conferencing facilities up to external businesses and organisations to hire on a commercial basis.

We recently acquired a neighbouring business, Cobra Middlesbrough. The site is now headed up by Lewis Simpson and we are delighted to welcome colleagues from Cobra to the AVD team.

Finally, we are thrilled that our transport subsidiary company, AV Dawson Transport Limited, has officially launched. AV Dawson Transport is the third business to join the AV Dawson Group, joining AVD Port and Industrial Services Limited and Cockfield, Knight & Company Limited.

HISTORY CELEBRATED WITH NEW HQ NAME

Since our last edition our brand-new HQ building has been unveiled as ‘The Staiths.’

The name, which celebrates the heritage of the port, was unveiled at our family open day in May.

The name originates from the coal staiths at the old Port Darlington, which was the original name of our site, which is now known as Port of Middlesbrough. The staiths, which were used for shipping coal from the port, were officially opened by the Stockton & Darlington Railway Company over 190 years ago.

AV DAWSON TRANSPORT COMPANY ESTABLISHED

As part of the roll out of our new group structure we recently established our own transport business – AV Dawson Transport Limited.

The company incorporates all of AV Dawson’s road haulage services and is the latest business to become part of the AV Dawson Group of Companies.

As part of a wider company restructure to support the long-term business strategy, AV Dawson Transport Limited, is the third company to join the group structure and started trading from the beginning of October.

Other companies in the AV Dawson Group are AVD Port and Industrial Services and Cockfield, Knight and Company Limited.

The new subsidiary will be taken forward under the leadership of existing transport department managers Paul Scott and Alex Hugill, who have been promoted to AV Dawson Transport’s head of operations and head of commercial respectively.

Visit the new AV Dawson Transport portal at www.avdawsontransport.com

COBRA JOINS THE AVD

We were delighted to announce the acquisition of Cobra Middlesbrough during September, as part of our strategic investment and expansion plans.

The acquisition will see Port of Middlesbrough’s footprint grow by eight acres, unlocking further opportunities on what was previously a 100-acre site.

Cobra, based on North Road in Middlesbrough, operates a dry bulk handling terminal with processing and packing facilities. The company’s main area of focus and expertise is in the salt market, handling and distributing thousands of tonnes of salt every year.

FAMILY

HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS TO REMEMBER

With the current refocus on safety, we’ve included some top tips below:

1. Talk safety with your colleagues and submit safety conversations.

2. Follow risk assessments and safe work procedures - don’t skip steps, if you are unsure how to do a task safely, speak to your manager or the HSQE team.

3. Only use equipment you are trained to use, complete pre-start checks before use and wear the correct personal protective equipment for the task.

4. Don’t rush or cut corners – this can be a main cause of incidents occurring.

5. Avoid fatigue - tiredness is one of the main causes of accidents in the UK. Get 7-8 hours of sleep, take your allocated breaks in agreement with your manager.

6. If it looks or feels unsafe it probably is – stop the activity immediately and seek assistance.

PORT OF MIDDLESBROUGH HISTORY TIMELINE UNVEILED

Back in August, we unveiled our Port of Middlesbrough timeline, showcasing the 190-year history and heritage of the port.

The timeline dates back as far as the early 1800s and is a fantastic visual aid to learn more about the history of Port of Middlesbrough.

Take a look at the timeline in person on the third floor of The Staiths and also check out the online version on our website - www. portofmiddlesbrough.com/history-of-port-ofmiddlesbrough

MEET DAVID

David Haycroft joined the AV Dawson family as our new Finance Manager in August. Read on to learn a little more about him here.

Tell us about your job.

I am the new Finance Manager for AV Dawson Limited, currently getting to grips with the role and getting my head around the size of the business! I will be involved in the preparation of the month end management accounts and other finance projects for example looking into finance processes and how these can be made more efficient.

What do you like about the job?

I like being a part of the finance team, they have been very welcoming to me in the role (as has everyone I have met within the business). In terms of the tasks I could be working on, each day is different and it’s great to get to work with other teams too.

Where’s your favourite place?

It’s fair to say that me and the family like holidays which involve sun, sea and sand. If I had to pick one place it would have to be Cancun in Mexico – I went on my honeymoon and it was amazing!

What interests do you have?

I do like to watch a lot of sport, whether it’s the F1 or Football. I also like to try to keep fit in the gym when the time allows me – but this is cancelled out with the love of a good parmo and a pint!

Me and my wife try to do a lot with our two young girls as well, last weekend involved going to Cbeebies Land (Alton Towers) which has turned into a bit of an annual thing!

What are you currently reading/watching? Any good recommendations?

Currently been watching Power and then the sequel, Ghost. Definitely a must watch if you are into crime dramas.

Tell us something interesting that not many people would know about you?

I used to be a licensed shot gun holder as I did a lot of clay pigeon shooting (no animals were ever harmed!).

I also completed a zip line off the Tyne Bridge raising money for charity.

1,600 STUDENTS VISIT POM FOR WORLD OF WORK PROGRAMME

Back in the Summer, we welcomed 1,600 primary school children to Port of Middlesbrough, thanks to local education provider, SPARK Tees Valley.

Children from across Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland participated in the ‘World of Work’ workshop over a 12-week stint.

The workshops aimed to educate the children about the career opportunities based around the River Tees.

Happy Birthday

In July, we launched our Birthday Recognition Campaign. On your special day you will now receive a small gesture from AV Dawson. This year that small gesture includes a balloon and a little box of chocolates.

The personalised card each colleague receives was designed by Lewis Hugill, aged 10, son of Alex Hugill from AV Dawson Transport.

COMMUNITY SPIRIT

Back in August, 30 AV Dawson colleagues teamed up to walk part of the Cleveland Way to raise money for Graham Cocks’ granddaughter, Lily-Mae.

Employees from across the business walked 19 miles from Whitby to Saltburn and raised over £2,000.

Lily-Mae has a rare condition whereby she is allergic to food and many other substances, leaving her with severe rashes among other health issues.

A great effort, team!

DOWNLOAD

THE NEW AVD COLLEAGUE APP

We have successfully launched the brand-new AV Dawson colleague app which allows colleagues to access news, documents, and communications at the click of a button.

The app, which can be downloaded via the Appstore or Google Play, has been created to allow AV Dawson colleagues to be the first to hear about work related programmes, news and events and access these at anytime and anywhere.

You can even book annual leave and keep up to date on the latest company announcements - it is your one stop shop for everything AV Dawson.

The app is a work in progress, and we are developing this further to sharpen the design and add new features.

We would appreciate any feedback or suggestions you may have, and this can be completed in the feedback section in the dropdown menu of the app.

2.

LATEST WINNERS OF THE MAURICE DAWSON FUND ANNOUNCED

MORE WAYS TO HELP COMBAT THE COST OF LIVING CRISIS:

Here’s a few suggestions on how to make those pennies and pounds go a little further

Visiting ‘The Message Trust’

Which has bases in Middlesbrough and Redcar and is a bridge between a foodbank and a supermarket. You can get a weekly food shop for just £4 per visit. Members can sign up to a £5 yearly subscription and can save an average of £25-£30 on their grocery shop. Find out more here: www.message.org.uk/north-east/

Clear out your clutter

Sell old phones, games and CDs on Music Magpie, sell clothes on Depop and Vinted and everything else on eBay or Facebook MarketPlace.

Opt for budget supermarkets or supermarket own brand labels

Asda has recently hit the headlines for the launch of its new ‘Just Essentials’ range. The distinctive yellow packaging is hard to miss, with items being highly discounted. A whole trolley can set you back a mere £20. Learn more about Asda’s new range here. (You can even download Asda’s new loyalty card, Asda Rewards and receive cashback on selected purchases.

For budgeting, download the Monzo app

If you’re saving for multiple things, Monzo allows you to manage your money in a clear and easy way. The app tells you exactly how much interest you have accumulated from each account. You can also set spend managers which tell you when you are spending too much!

Download the ‘Too Good To Go App’

This revolutionary app connects customers to restaurants and stores in the local area, that have unsold food. Combatting waste and giving you a grab bag of treats for a fraction of the price. Big names such as Costa Coffee, Greggs and Café Nero are also using the app – you must act fast though, these bags sell at lightning speed! Learn more here: toogoodtogo.co.uk/en-gb/

Smart Heating Controls

Smart meters are proven to cut down your costs by assessing just how much energy you are using, to avoid you from overpaying. Most energy companies will send you one out for free or for a small fee.

Visit your local charity shop and start thrifting Secondhand goods are much cheaper nowadays. You can find just about everything in local charity shops and may even discover some vintage gems!

Walk, cycle or scoot

If your journey is short, why not walk it or even cycle it? Tees Valley Combined Authority is running the ‘Wheels 2 Work’ campaign where you can hire an E-Bicycle for £21 per week.

Subscribe to ‘Hello Fresh’ or ‘Gusto’

The meal kit delivery service saves you time and money rooting around the supermarkets for specific ingredients, by delivering easy to follow recipes and ingredients straight to your front door. The boxes are a great way to incorporate fresh products into your diet, they come with easy-tofollow recipe cards – allowing you to cook high quality meals easily and you can cancel or pause your orders at anytime for free. Not forgetting, they usually have huge discounts of up to 60% off! Order your first box to your door today: cook.gousto.co.uk/

COMPETITION