Links
Spring 2023
Magazine for AV Dawson Employees
WELCOME FROM GARY
What can we achieve in 2023?
Reflecting on 2022, it was a successful year for the business and even in challenging times we pulled together and achieved so much. I want to say a big thank you to all colleagues for your ongoing support and commitment and I hope we will repeat this success in 2023.
A new year comes with new objectives and as you know, safety is our number one priority and is critical in all areas across the company.
We were met with several challenges towards the end of last year, particularly around health and safety. It’s important that the whole business renews its focus on health and safety more than ever, so we can put a stop to the rise of incidents on site.
CHANGES AT THE TOP
Hopefully you will have seen the recent announcement about the restructure of our board of directors. Gary has moved into the position of chairman of the AV Dawson Group of companies. John Young, former financial director will now take on the position of deputy chairman.
Gary and John’s roles will see them concentrating on the wider business - giving guidance to directors and senior leaders looking at the overall strategy for the business.
Charlie Nettle has been promoted to managing director designate, from his previous position as commercial and marketing director, meaning he will
We have started 2023 with a bang, announcing the restructure within our board of directors. I want to reassure you that my new role as chairman doesn’t mean that I am leaving the business, on the contrary. It is important to me to give our leaders the autonomy to make decisions going forward and to secure future succession. As well as continuing to promote our core values, I am keen to ensure we honour and protect the business’ past, but also inspire the team to create a strong, sustainable future. I’m sure you will support all of AV Dawson’s directors in their new roles.
We look forward to another busy year here at AV Dawson and I’m excited to see what we can all achieve together in 2023.
be responsible for the management of all subsidiary businesses including AVD Industrial & Port Services, Cockfield Knight, AV Dawson Transport and Port of Middlesbrough, when this becomes a company in its own right in October. The commercial and marketing team will continue to report into Charlie.
We are also delighted to welcome three new directors to the board. Louise Croce, has been promoted to people and culture director and Craig Lloyd, will take over from John Young as group financial director. ‘We are also welcoming Gareth Jones as the new property and legal director. Andy Watkins will continue in his role as infrastructure and operations director.
UNVEILING OUR HISTORY
Back in November, we officially unveiled our 200-metre square mural.
The mural, which is titled ‘The Hidden Hero’ features Timothy Hackworth, the engineer who designed the original coal export staiths, here at Port of Middlesbrough.
The mural was unveiled by Jane Hackworth-Young, the great-great grandaughter of Timothy, at an exclusive event at The Staiths. Lewis Hobson, the artist who designed and produced the mural was also in attendance.
Make sure you check out the mural when you’re visiting The Staiths - you can’t miss it!
THE ‘HIDDEN HERO’ WHO IS TIMOTHY HACKWORTH?
Timothy Hackworth is the main character featured in our new mural, but who is he?
Born in Wylam, near Newcastle in 1786, Timothy Hackworth was the rail engineer who designed the original export staiths at Port Darlington (now known as Port of Middlesbrough).
He also designed ‘The Globe’ – the first train to deliver cargo to Port Darlington – which made its first journey on 27 December 1830.
Hackworth was over 6ft tall, with a muscular physique acquired while training as an apprentice blacksmith. He valued his work, his family, his employees. Much like the AV Dawson family today!
Safety Integrity Family Resourceful
HELPING YOU COVER THE COST OF HEALTHCARE
Nobody likes that unexpected visit to the dentist or the twinge of a niggling bad back. Often enough, it can mean an additional cost that you didn’t expect to have to pay for.
Did you know? AV Dawson provides a private health care scheme for all AV Dawson colleagues.
Health Shield provides a whole host of benefits from cash plan to help cover healthcare expenses such as going to the dentist for a check up, going to see a physio for advice and support with any injuries you may have, even to help pay for prescriptions you need to buy; free health checks such as virtual GP appointments when you cannot get in to see your own GP, 24/7 virtual counseling helpline with professionals who can help you with a range of issues and can provide support when you most need it and personal caching sessions and health assessments; if you are still not convinced all Health Shield members can access a range of discounts to all the well known shops and online retailers, such as B&Q, Jet2, Cineworld (subject to change).
Health Shield is a taxable benefit but the benefits far outweigh the small monthly cost.
If you would like more information please speak to our HR team or email hr@av-dawson.com for more information.
LAWYER GETS ON BOARD AT PORT OF MIDDLESBROUGH
We are delighted to welcome Gareth Jones, our new property & legal director, to the AV Dawson Family.
Gareth, who is a qualified lawyer and Partner, joins us from The Endeavour Partnership – the leading local law firm. He has been supporting AV Dawson on legal requirements relating to its land and properties for almost 20 years; both at Endeavour and in roles prior to this.
This brand new position has been created to lead and develop the strategic direction of AV Dawson’s growing property function. He will work closely with Andy Watkins, who has led some major infrastructure projects on the port over recent years, including the business’ state-ofthe-art head office which opened last year.
REWARDING SAFETY
A massive well done to AV Dawson’s Electrical Engineer, Harry Cosgrove, for pointing out that all electrical car pod chargers had been installed incorrectly, meaning they posed a fire risk. The breakers have since been replaced with the correct breakers by the contractors that installed them.
Great work, Harry!
Benefit Allowance Dental - checkup / filling £60 Optical - eye tests / eyewear £60 Chiropody £60 Combined Physio £160 Prescription Charges 2
MEET GARY MCDERMOTT
Gary McDermott is our operations manager and heads up our TRIP site. Gary has been a part of the business for 35 years and is one of the longest serving employees – what an achievement!
Continue reading to learn more about Gary…
Tell us about your job
I am currently the operations manager looking after TRIP and Rail Operations. I look after the day to day running of both departments making sure they run as smoothly and efficiently as possible. I have had a variety of roles over the years here at AV Dawson, starting as a pallet repairer. I have an extensive knowledge of all sorts of weird and wonderful projects that have happened at AVD over the decades!
What do you like most about your job?
Definitely the variety of work we do within the company. Every job has different challenges and I’ve had a few challenges in my 35-year career here so far (yes that’s right 35 years, I started before Phil Thompson was born!) I like being part of the AVD family, working together with all the different departments. I have really enjoyed building TRIP up, over the last 10 years to what it is now.
What interests do you have?
I have a particular interest in all kinds of sport, watching and playing them. I try to go to the gym as much as I can
and I’m a very keen golfer, I like to play a couple of times a week, if possible. I like watching my son participate in athletics and enjoy teaching him to play golf. We often visit different zoos around the country, the best so far is Blackpool Zoo.
What’s your favourite place?
I have been to many countries over the years and like to travel, but my favorite place is Majorca. I love the sun (as you can tell) and I love going there with my family.
What are you currently reading or watching?
Do you have any recommendations?
I don’t really read a lot, but I do like watching any sport and a good series on Netflix. I’ve just finished watching El Chapo, that guy was crazy!
Tell us something interesting that not many people would know about you?
I once won a national under 18 table tennis competition to go professional aged 11. I almost qualified to represent Europe in 9 ball pool in the Mosconi Cup against America, but I got beat in the final frame, my teammates would have been Jimmy White and Alex Higgins! I’m finally getting married to Jo next year, on a beach in Turkey, with my son Archie as my best man.
Safety Integrity Family Resourceful
‘A project team was established in February to lead plans to prepare for Port of Middlesbrough Limited to go live in October 2023 – this is the final business to go live in the new group structure.’
DIRECTORS MEET THE TRIP TEAM
We were delighted to host our first ‘Directors meet the team’ with the first department being the TRIP team.
Directors and colleagues from the TRIP team enjoyed drinks and games in the Riverside Bar. TRIP’s “Cocks and Colpitts” combo were unbeatable on the foosball and while the Directors managed to claw some points back on the total whitewash they were facing on the pool comp (with a final score of 5-4), it turned out to be TRIP’s night in the end.
We look forward to rolling this social event out to other teams across the business.
SUPPORTING YOU THROUGH THE COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS
As part of our package of support for colleagues, we have teamed up with HSBC to provide you with support webinars on how to tackle the cost-of-living crisis.
Every Tuesday at 2:00pm throughout January to March, colleagues can access free financial support from HSBC who will be covering topics such as: budgeting, tips on saving, how to utilise heating support and more.
After attendance, employees can also attend a free, financial health check for further guidance. Please note, these health checks are not mandatory and AV Dawson has no involvement in the discussions you may have.
All colleagues will be expected to attend at least one of these webinars.
Please contact a member of the HR team for further information.
WARM HOME HACKS
As the cost-of-living crisis continues to affect us all, we want to support all colleagues.
Here are some ways you can stay warm and save money on your energy bills:
Keep the heat in:
• Draught proofing windows and doors
• Add warmth and comfort by buying extra blankets, rugs and cushions
• Make sure tanks and pipes are well insulated
• Add extra insulation where you can
Make best use of your boiler:
• Get to know your heating controls
• Only turn your heating on when you need it
• Check your flow temperature
Take care of your heating:
• Bleed your radiators
• Get your boiler serviced
Other ways you can save energy:
• Switch off standby – you can save around £65 a year
• Turn off lights – you can save around £25 a year
• Swap your bath for a shower
• Be savvy in the kitchen
Safety Integrity Family Resourceful
ENERGY SAVING WORD SEARCH
Spot the 10 energy related words to be in with a chance of winning a £20 Amazon voucher!
Please email your answers to marketing@av-dawson.com
Congratulations to Alex Hugill from AV Dawson Transport for winning the last quiz in the November 2022 Links edition!
SNAPS FROM THE AV DAWSON CHRISTMAS PARTY 2022!
