Under the Roof Avonside Staff Newsletter - March 2019

UNDER THE ROOF p ISSUE 09 MARCH 2019

UNDER THE ROOF Avonside’s In-House Branch-Wide Newsletter

A plea for a transparent Brexit TONY BURKE Group Managing Director

INSIDE THIS ISSUE u GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR, TONY BURKE u NOTABLE PROJECTS u AVONSIDE AWARD SEASON u STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS u NEW STAFF APPOINTMENTS u TRAINING EVENTS u APPRENTICE SPOTLIGHT u TRADE EVENTS u ROOFS FROM MY TRAVELS PHOTOS u CHARITY CORNER u MORE STAFF FUN u THE AVONSIDE FANTASY FOOTBALL LOWDOWN!

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REGULAR READERS OF THIS COLUMN WILL ACKNOWLEDGE THAT WHILST I HAVE MADE SEVERAL REFERENCES TO THE BREXIT PROCESS OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS, THEY HAVE USUALLY BEEN LINKED TO ANOTHER ISSUE AND THE COMMENTS HAVE BEEN DRAWN TO SUPPORT OR CONTRADICT A PARTICULAR LINE OF THOUGHT. — With this month’s column, I intend to break

result, sees Construction as a less desirable

from that practice and talk directly about the

sector for investment than was the case pre

impending withdrawal from the EU (be it a

- Carillion.

Deal or No Deal Brexit) and some of the

The implications for the supply chain are

potential practical implications for

ongoing uncertainty and a remorseless

Contractors operating within the

pressure on margins, which are no more

Construction sector.

sustainable at any link in the supply chain, be

We have all been aware of the failings that led to the undoing of Carillion in recent times,

they Contractor, Distributor or Manufacturer.

However, because of the sheer scale of

and that the business model they pursued of

operations for Main Contractors and

high-revenue, low-margin long-term

Manufacturing when set against the

contracts was deeply flawed. In fact, the

fragmented nature within the trade specific

business model resulted in Carillion’s

contracting sector, we as ‘Sub’ contractors

ultimate demise, and the increased cost of

inevitably become the pinch point where

unfinished contract to the client as

margins come under the most strain.

alternative Contracting organisations refused

Manufacturers will pass on any increased

to pick up mid-contract based upon the

costs directly to their customer base, and in

original terms agreed to, resulted in a ‘lose:

all likelihood use the opportunity to enhance

lose’ scenario.

their returns, whilst Main Contractors will use

Carillion were the most extreme and

the tender process to drive competing

high-profile casualty of this approach to

contractors – ever more desperate to secure

market, but they were by no means the only

work – into unwise and unsustainable levels

business to employ this strategy, and in fact,

of competition, factors we have seen many

although the most extreme version,

times before.

Carillion’s business model is one that is still widespread within the sector which, as a

So, we have a sector that is in danger of engaging in a ‘race to the bottom’ which

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UNDER THE ROOF

places the security and sustainability of every

Failure to engage in negotiating contracts

business operating in the sector under

leads to a reduction in pipeline and future

pressure. That suggests that the market is

workflows, willingness to engage inevitably

not working properly, ultimately because the

increases risk.

client is not being asked to pay the appropriate price.

I am not suggesting that we do not or

There are numerous potential implications in this scenario, some contractors may fail. Those with the deepest

should not operate in a competitive

pockets can potentially strengthen their

marketplace – we most certainly do, and

position due to stronger balance sheets. It

many organisations are able to grow and

may lead to a surge of consolidation within

prosper within it, but when major

the sector. Another alternative is that

establishments take business that

businesses and skills within the trade

undermines their very existence then

contractors will retreat into safer trading

something needs to change.

sectors with less onerous trading conditions.

The truth is that nobody can foresee what

WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH BREXIT?

the outcome will be and that all the scenarios

It relates to the inevitable uncertainty that

degree, but what will take place is uncertainty

will arise, whether we experience an orderly

and change.

or disorderly withdrawal. The uncertainty

identified will occur to a greater or lesser

Whilst sectors continually evolve and

makes planning more difficult, yes but not

change out of necessity and this is no bad

impossible.

thing – the plea to manufacturers and

But the reality is that it is difficult to

suppliers is greater transparency of

secure projections on continuity of supply

management plans, likely implications and

and price stability from many suppliers. This

greater engagement on the likely implications

in turn makes it difficult for Distribution to

as we go through what will inevitably be a

commit with confidence.

year of challenges and changes.

So, what is the logical outcome of such a

The political class have demonstrated an

scenario? You’ve guessed it – the contractor,

almost limitless capacity to mismanage the

who has no transparency on the supply

Brexit process through a mixture of

issues highlighted (availability and price

partisanship, secrecy and self-interest - we in

continuity) has to engage in long- and

the Construction sector should take a

medium-term contracts which demand both

different path.

and penalise any inability to comply.

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UNDER THE ROOF NOTABLE PROJECTS

Avonside Cobsen-Davies Commercial & Industrial Roofing’s Award-Worthy Residential Development AVONSIDE COBSEN-DAVIES COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ROOFING ARE PROUD TO HAVE NEGOTIATED THE COMPLEXITIES THAT ARE INHERENT WHEN DEALING WITH A MULTIDISCIPLINED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT. THE PROJECT IN QUESTION SAW THEM ACTING AS SUBCONTRACTORS IN VICTORIA DRIVE, SOUTH LONDON. — With McLaren acting as the main contractor and Scott Brownrigg Associates serving as architects, the project involved the creation of 110 new homes, which were a combination of townhouses and apartments with blocks of varying levels up to seven stories. The client, Lendlease required contractor designs, drawings and the coordination of design to be delivered to spec, on time and within budget.

Avonside’s scope of works consisted of the supply and installation of 5000m2 of a Bauder warm encapsulated 3-layer waterproofing system, with laid to falls (LTF) insulation. This was installed to decking, terraces and balconies on a concrete substrate to a multi-level seven storey concrete frame (apartment block) including elements of

Brown Roof and paving to high-level areas.

Similarly, the same build-up and waterproofing system was installed to roofs and terraces, inclusive of decking to a timber substrate on multi-level three to four storey townhouses.

Also, 1000m2 of Pre-laq (Zinc effect) cladding was supplied and installed to a proportion of the vertical and mansard surfaces of the townhouses and overruns. PCC aluminium copings were supplied and installed to parapets throughout the scheme. PPC aluminium rainwater goods were provided and fitted throughout the scheme too.

Additionally, a man-safe handrail system was supplied and installed at a high level on the apartment block, whilst fixed roof lights and lead works were supplied and installed.

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UNDER THE ROOF CLADDING ISSUES OVERCOME

WATERPROOFING CHALLENGES OVERCOME

The Victoria Drive project stands out due to all the different types of challenges that the teams found solutions for.

The flat roof weathering comprised of a warm 3 layer felt build-up with LTF insulation and finished with decking to create an accessible roof.

When it came to waterproofing, the design in several localised areas needed an increase in the thickness of the originally specified insulation to achieve the desired U-Value (thermal performance) but any increase in thickness would have compromised certain details at door thresholds and upstand heights.

In order to mitigate the height issue, a highperformance insulate was introduced to these areas to achieve the correct U-value, whilst maintaining consistent levels of waterproofing throughout the scheme.

The major consideration for the installation of Pre-laq sheet to vertical cladding, mansard roofs and staircase overruns was the aesthetic of the finish. The appearance of the vertical lines was an architectural concern so each elevation, mansard or overrun was detailed for approval utilising differing sheet widths installed in such a manner as to appear to be of a regular size when viewed from various vantage points across the site.

Another challenge was the design and detailing of the structural fixing and bracketry in order to weather penetrations to the Pre-laq cladding. Both Juliet balconies and dividing screens to terraces required careful consideration to ensure both the rhythm of the standing seams and the clean flat facing surfaces were not punctured with fixing points and supporting elements which would distract the eye.

LOGISTICAL PROBLEM-SOLVING

Thanks to a fast-paced programme, our operatives often worked alongside neighbouring trades simultaneously with other trades operating in close proximity to our works. The team’s worry with this was the condition of the delicate surfaces, such as cladding and finished waterproofing. To ensure following trades were taking suitable care when working adjacent to these areas was a constant supervisory challenge.

Understandably, McLaren treated such instances as a priority and ensured surfaces were adequately protected once complete and as works progressed behind our operatives and in the vicinity of our installation, until such time as

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UNDER THE ROOF the works were complete and access was subsequently struck.

The Quality Assurance process was naturally a high priority on a project of this complexity.

Assisted by the manufacturers and using approved labour, with the support of both fulltime site supervisors and a project specific contract management team, including AGS’s rigorous in-house Quality Assurance process, the quality of workmanship was routinely inspected and reviewed, which involved the signing off and checking of each area sequentially as it was completed.

The site was also located in a densely populated residential area, with a school and care home immediately opposite which posed various logistical issues. One of the most significant challenges was a lack of space for both deliveries at the front of the site and extremely limited storage areas for materials, plant and equipment on site. This, coupled with a quickly evolving site logistics plan, meant that the sequencing deliveries and lifting were a constant management challenge.

SUCCESSFUL SOLUTIONS

Deliveries were required on a ‘just in time’ basis and broken down so each load was specific to a particular block and roof/section. Materials were only permitted on the ground for a limited amount of time before they were lifted to roof level where the completed roof decks were

A New Roof for Tameside Hospital Courtesy of Ploughcroft Halifax Residential Roofing Ploughcroft have enjoyed being employed as Principal Contractors for a project which currently sees them delivering a large-scale re-roof for Tameside Hospital. See the progress of the project in the collage opposite!

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utilised for more permanent storage. Materials were then lifted into place or from roof-to-roof by means of mobile or tower crane, as required. The storage on the roof posed the additional logistical challenge for the team to ensure the sequencing of the works considered the need for storage.

The logistics of the cranes in such instances became a daily challenge, with the very high demand between the various trades.

Daily coordination, logistics and delivery plan meetings were held by McLaren to prioritise crane time and review access considerations and the accompanying delivery process throughout the programme to ensure a steady flow of materials to all trades, as required to maintain high standards, keep to schedule and ensure ongoing client satisfaction.

Congratulations Avonside CobsenDavies for navigating such a complex, large-scale project!

UNDER THE ROOF NOTABLE PROJECTS

Avonside Offering Roughcasting Contracts in the New Build Residential Sector It’s not just roofs that Avonside excel at!

We are delighted to have our new sector within the Scottish Avonside group of qualified Supervision and Operatives undertaking roughcasting contracts in the new build residential sector. At the moment our teams are operating across Scotland, covering Ayrshire, North and South Lanarkshire and Strathclyde.

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BENEFITS OF CASTING A BUILDING’S WALLS IN ROUGHCAST

Roughcast, otherwise known as pebble dashing or dry-dashing, is the most widely used exterior render finish in Scotland. A popular choice with new house builders, local authority refurbishment and regeneration projects, it’s a fast process offering a wide variety of colour choices and decorative finishes and textures and is very cost effective.

Rendering a property can dramatically improve the appearance of the facade of any building and we have many examples of projects where we have transformed a variety of buildings using a range of traditional and contemporary render solutions. Just check out these roughcasting projects we undertook for Stewart Milne Group in Houston, Renfrewshire! (pictured).

UNDER THE ROOF AVONSIDE AWARD SEASON

Avonside Win at First Ever National Pitched Roofing Awards!

IT WAS ALL CHEERS AND CELEBRATION TOWARDS THE END OF LAST YEAR, WITH AVONSIDE SECURING AN AWARD IN THE ‘COMMERCIAL PROPERTY APPLICATION USING ROOF TILES’ CATEGORY ALONGSIDE TUDOR ROOF TILE CO. AT THE FIRST EVERY NATIONAL PITCHED ROOFING AWARDS, PRESENTED BY RCI MAGAZINE. — Attended by Group Managing Director, Tony Burke, the awards were a glamorous affair held at The Midland Hotel in Manchester on Friday 30th November, with comedienne and actress Kerry Godliman bringing in the laughs as she hosted the evening.

The project that Avonside worked on that was recognised at the Pitched Roofing Awards was roofing work on the new £10million music school at King’s College School in Wimbledon. As the school is located in a conservation area, the building’s look and feel is very sympathetic to its surroundings, and the roof is no different.

ONLY THE BEST BESPOKE HANDMADE ROOF TILES

The King’s College School project was an excellent example of different companies working together for a spectacular result. Hopkins Architects Partnership, who were responsible for designing

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the music school, requested new handmade roof tiles instead of ones made by machines due to their tone and texture variations.

Tudor Roof Tile Co. utilised traditional handmaking methods, ideal for the heritage and architectural markets, to produce high specification clay roof tiles. They provided a range of bespoke tiles that varied in shape and size. The intricate triangular pattern on the roof of the concert hall and rehearsal rooms was achieved from the striking shapes of the bespoke roof tiles alone. To create the complicated geometric pattern, the roof tiles were all produced by hand to a size of 400mm long and 100mm wide, with a curvature that was within very small tolerances.

Altogether, six different designs of customised tiles, in two colour-ways of each were applied.

The manufacturer worked with the architect to create the visually pleasing arrowhead tile profile.

Working alongside drainage, solar and plant contractors, Avonside took care of all aspects of the flat roof coverings and metal copings at the interface between the flat and pitched areas.

School operations, a small site and the logistics of managing material deliveries were all factors that had to be overcome in the challenging project.

The judges commented: “The tiling pattern on this project is beautiful. It was good to see the tiles being used creatively, and the fact that it was completely spoke to the building worked very strongly in its favour. The steep pitch lends itself to the design and it just looks great.”

UNDER THE ROOF AVONSIDE AWARD SEASON

Ploughcroft’s Director Chris Hopkins Wins ‘Outstanding Contribution of the Year’ at Pitched Roofing Awards THANKS TO HIS ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND SUPPORT FOR RAISING THE STANDARDS WITHIN THE ROOFING INDUSTRY, CHRIS HOPKINS WON THE ‘OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION OF THE YEAR’ AT RCI MAGAZINE’S INAUGURAL PITCHED ROOFING AWARDS. — The judges commented: “During his career to date, Chris has contributed to making a visible difference within the roofing industry. Going above and beyond, Chris promotes good practice and has experienced just about everything the industry could throw at him. Chris continues to lead by example and act with professionalism and integrity at all times.”

ENTREPRENEURSHIP WITHIN THE ROOFING INDUSTRY His entrepreneurial streak also saw him partner with a leading safety manufacturer to develop a new safety device called The Roof Anchor, which is now old online nationwide. Designed to reduce the time roofing companies spend erecting scaffolding for small jobs, The Roof Anchor is a harness, roof grab and roof anchor device that attaches to the timber rafters or trusses, fitting any roof type. In most cases, the device saves the money that would normally be spent on scaffolding but still maintains safety.

IMPROVING THE AVAILABLE PROVISION OF ROOFING TRAINING

The “visible difference within the roofing industry” the judges refer to include Chris establishing his own City & Guilds accredited roofing training school in a bid to raise the standards of training being offered within the industry. Further improving the provision of training available, Chris teamed up with the NFRC and Construction Skills in 2006 to develop a high-quality training course to teach roofers the key competencies in installing solar PV and solar thermal systems. The solar course is now formally recognised by the City & Guilds C.A.A and is an official NVQ qualification.

PROPELLING THE SOLAR INDUSTRY FORWARD

Ever the advocate for the solar industry, Chris was invited onto the government’s Green Construction Board to represent the interests of small businesses, after raising the solar industry’s profile by taking on the challenge of doing battle with the Dragons in 2012, leaving the room victorious with an investment from Leo Paphitis and Deborah Meaden.

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Brilliant work throughout what is definitely a colourful and successful career, Chris!

• More congratulations are in order for Ploughcroft (Halifax) – Residential Roofing as they secured themselves a Best of Houzz 2019 Service badge at the beginning of the year. This means Ploughcroft were rated at the highest level for client satisfaction by the Houzz community of homeowners and home improvement professionals.

UNDER THE ROOF AVONSIDE AWARD SEASON

Avonside Cobsen-Davis Enters Large-Scale Project Category of NFRC UK Roofing Awards 2019 AS ONE OF THE LARGEST SPECIALIST ROOFING CONTRACTORS IN BRITAIN PROVIDING SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS ALL UNDER ONE ROOF, IT’S NO SURPRISE THAT WE HAVE A PROJECT OR TWO WE’RE PROUD TO SUBMIT FOR THE UK ROOFING AWARDS 2019, HOSTED BY THE NFRC. — The UK Roofing Awards span a variety of roofing disciplines including Single Ply Roofing, Roof Tiling, Heritage Roofing, Lead Roofing and Green Roofing. Overcoming challenges, aesthetics, Health and Safety, quality of workmanship and environmentally friendly factors are all aspects taken into consideration when the judging panel make their decisions.

Running from October to January each year, submissions are short-listed in March, cumulating in a glamorous awards ceremony and celebration on 10th May 2019 at InterContinental London, the O2 at which the winners will be announced.

With McLaren acting as the main contractor and Scott Brownrigg Associates serving as architects, the project involved the creation of 110 new homes, which were a combination of townhouses and apartments with blocks of varying levels up to seven stories. The client, Lendlease required contractor designs, drawings and the coordination of design to be delivered to spec, on time and within budget.

See the Notable Projects section of the newsletter to find out more about the waterproofing and cladding challenges the team had to overcome, whilst navigating logistical and managerial issues.

LARGE SCALE PROJECT ENTRY

Avonside Cobsen-Davies Commercial & Industrial Roofing are delighted to be submitting a multidisciplined residential development they acted as subcontractors on in Victoria Drive, South London for the Large-Scale Project (over £250K) category.

AVONSIDE EDINBURGH RESIDENTIAL ROOFING ARE ALSO RECOGNISED

We’re also pleased to announce that Avonside Edinburgh Residential Roofing, who won the Roof Slating Award at the NFRC Scottish Roofing Contractor of the Year Awards last October for their work on the Dalbeattie Learning Campus project, are automatically through to the UK Roofing Awards 2019!

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UNDER THE ROOF STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS

Commercial Feedback Questionnaire Reveals Positive Results for 2018 WE’RE THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE THAT THE AVERAGE FEEDBACK SCORE FROM OUR CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY WAS A CONSISTENT AND STRONG 88% THROUGHOUT 2018!

— Once a customer places an order with any of our branches they are automatically sent a straightforward survey. The questionnaire comprises of 8 questions in which the recipient ranks Avonside’s performance in a particular area out of 10, with 1 being ‘strong disagree’ and 10 being ‘strongly disagree’. We also welcome additional customer comments at the end of the survey.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE QUESTIONNAIRE?

The aim of the survey is to capture how well our branches’ commercial/sales departments performed across different areas. So we are able to establish how we can continually improve the service we deliver, these areas include: • customer engagement, • understanding of customer requirements and whether this understanding was reflected in the bid, • if regular communication between the BDM/ Estimator and the customer was regular and effective, • if customers were given efficient responses to their queries, • whether the tender was submitted on time and • whether, based on their experience, customers would use Avonside again for their future tendering projects.

Brilliantly, over 40% of our customers rated us above 90% for overall customer satisfaction! This is a remarkable statistic, considering all Avonside

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branches are reviewed.

We have seen an incredible 81% increase in customer engagement through our surveys, providing us with valuable insights.

A customer feedback dashboard has now been created, which staff can view on our internal SalesForce System. Branches which secured a score of 40% or lower cause a non-conformance warning to flag-up, which results in an Internal Quality Review with the aim of enhancing performances and standards.

BUT WHICH BRANCHES FAIRED THE BEST IN THE COMMERCIAL FEEDBACK CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY?

The top performing branches who certainly don’t have to worry about Internal Quality Reviews are: (drum roll!)

1) SM Roofing (Walsall) Residential Roofing Feedback score: 100% 2) Ploughcroft Halifax Residential Roofing Feedback score: 95% 3) Avonside Honiton Residential Roofing Feedback score: 95%

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UNDER THE ROOF NEW STAFF APPOINTMENTS 4) Avonside Southampton Residential Roofing Feedback score: 95% 5) Avonside Midlands Flat Roofing Feedback score: 89% Avonside Group Services’ Systems and Integration Director, Kyle Burke said: “Honestly, the introduction of a passive means of gathering customer feedback was initially met with some uncertainty. There is always a level of discomfort when inviting criticism, particularly in an industry with as many factors for success as construction.

“Whilst there’s always room for improvement, I think the results show the care and commitment we have for our customers, which is something all our staff should be incredibly proud of.

“In addition, given the continued growth and diversity of the Avonside brand, the additional governance brought about by the automated non-conformance records mean we can resolve issues quickly and maintain relationships when issues do occur.”

At Avonside we thrive because of our workforce and our workforce is a growing one! We’d like to wish a warm welcome to the following new additions who have joined our valued staff since November!

• Jake Campbell – Apprentice Roofer – joined Avonside Wigan Residential Roofing on 5th November 2018.

• Tommy O’Neil – Apprentice Roofer – joined Avonside Braintree Residential Roofing on 12th November 2018.

• Robbie Leech – Trainee Estimator – joined Avonside Wigan Residential Roofing on 10th December 2018.

• John Carter – Contracts Manager – joined Avonside Colchester/Essex Residential Roofing on 11th December 2018.

• Scott Lusk – Contracts Supervisor – joined Avonside Glasgow Residential Roofing on 1st January 2019.

• Gary Bottomley – Contracts Manager – joined Avonside Newcastle Residential Roofing on 2nd January 2019.

• Kevin Buckland – Accountant/Office Administrator – took up the position at Avonside London Flat Roofing on 2nd January 2019.

• Anthony O’Hara – Driver/Storesman – joined Bracknell North West Residential Roofing on 2nd January 2019.

• Ben Harrison – Estimator – joined Bracknell Residential Roofing on 7th January 2019.

Avonside Southampton Residential Roofing Subcontractors Brush Up on Their Asbestos Know-How

• Gordon Watson – Contracts Manager – joined Avonside Scotland Flat Roofing on 14th January 2019.

A handful of subcontractors at Avonside Southampton Residential Roofing honed their Asbestos skills and made sure their knowledge was up-to-date with the latest approved best practice with a training day held on Thursday 7th February. The training was essential for the work-on-strip and re-tile jobs that they undertake, and all staff members passed with flying colours!

• Janis Harrison – Purchase Ledger Assistant – joined Bracknell Midlands Residential Roofing on 11th February 2019.

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• Alan Biggart – Quantity Surveyor – also joined Avonside Scotland Flat Roofing on 14th January 2019.

• Jason Headech – Roof Tiler – joined Bracknell South East Residential Roofing on 1st February 2019.

• Robert Hamilton – Supervisor – joined Avonside Glasgow Residential Roofing on 1st February 2019.

• Michael Platt – Assistant Contracts Manager – joined Bracknell Thames Valley Residential Roofing on 1st February 2019.

• Jordan Moran – Roof Tiler – joined Bracknell North West Residential Roofing on 15th February 2019.

• Samuel Tebbs – Management Trainee – joined Bracknell Midlands Residential Roofing on 25th February 2019.

• Jack Ganderton – Trainee Roofing Operative – joined Bracknell Midlands Residential Roofing on 25th February 2019 too.

UNDER THE ROOF TRAINING EVENTS

PASMA Training Day for Avonside Staff Any professional roofer knows that ongoing industry training is essential, especially with everevolving technology and safety regulations. That’s why a group of Avonside staff members attended a PASMA (Prefabricated Access Suppliers and Manufacturers Association) training course at Eastern Region Roof Training Group centre on 5th February 2019 alongside roofers from Apex Roofing and Bailey Roofing.

Eastern Region Roof Training Group, who provide assistance in the provision of local costeffective training in all types of roofing disciplines, said of the session on social media: “Great to see companies investing in getting their workforce trained!”- couldn’t have put it better ourselves!

APPRENTICE SPOTLIGHT

Avonside Recruited 50 Apprentices Last Year AS OUR FLAT ROOFING DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR, EDDIE STANTON, TOLD RCI MAGAZINE IN THEIR JANUARY ISSUE (PAGE 22 IF YOU HAVEN’T READ HIS INTERVIEW YET!): “AT AVONSIDE WE ARE A STRONG ADVOCATE FOR PLACING YOUNG PEOPLE IN APPRENTICESHIPS, AND LAST YEAR ALONE, WE RECRUITED 50 APPRENTICES, AS WE BELIEVE IN BRINGING THE BEST QUALITY OF PEOPLE INTO OUR BUSINESS.” ­ — Apprentices are the future of our industry so need nurturing and investing in!

Pictured are roofing students who wore Avonside donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) whilst training for the CITB SkillsBuild competition at the Leeds College of Building on 12th November. They’re posing with their lecturer in Roof Slating and Tiling, Chris Messenger to promote the Leeds College of Building’s open day which took place on 24th November.

Speaking of Chris, we’d like to wish him a huge congratulations on being recognised for his contribution to the teaching of roofing skills in February with an excellence in teaching award.

Thanks for your dedication to the next roofing generation, Chris!

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UNDER THE ROOF APPRENTICE SPOTLIGHT

Avonside Wigan Apprentice Nominated for Young Roofer of the Year Award WE’RE EXCITED TO HAVE NOMINATED ONE OF OUR PROMISING APPRENTICES, LEON FLETCHER FOR THE YOUNG ROOFER OF THE YEAR AWARD AT THE NFRC’S UK ROOFING AWARDS 2019.

— Based at Avonside Wigan Residential Roofing, Leon is currently undertaking his Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Roof Slating and Tiling at the Leeds College of Building with firm plans to continue onto his Level 3 NVQ. According to Avonside’s Group SHEQ Manager, Sarah Burke, Leon has a terrific work ethic, pays excellent attention to detail and never turns out work of poor quality. Never content to just plod along and just learn what is required for him merely to fulfil the marking criteria of his course, Leon usually asks his mentor to show him the next skill on his syllabus before going into college to learn it, so he has a head start.

Pictured are some examples of Leon’s work, including his involvement on a new build development for Elan Homes in Wilmslow (below) his work rig at college (middle) and Leon doing some leadwork (top right).

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IMPRESSING HIS COLLEGE TUTOR AND MANAGER…

Chris Messenger, Leon’s Lecturer in Roof Slating and Tiling at Leeds College of Building said: “I have worked with Leon from the start of his Level 2 NVQ Diploma in RST [Roof Slating & Tiling] from day one and he has been a perfect example of what the roofing industry requires, with total commitment to learning his chosen vocational trade, showing an eagerness to learn and be the best when measured against his peers.

“Leon has also helped his peers in the classroom and workshop when he has seen them struggle with the task in hand.

“Nothing is too much trouble for Leon, and he has constantly asked to be challenged with value-added tasks including Level 3 theory work and practical tasks to a high standard so much so that Leon is nearing completion of his NVQ2 and Diploma well ahead of his proposed finished date of July 2019.”

Meanwhile, Leon’s Manager, Keith Moore, Branch Manager at Avonside Wigan Residential Roofing added: “Leon is always very presentable in appearance and has all equipment at the ready at all times. He has a very good attitude towards Health & Safety too and is fully aware of what we require from him.”

The winner of the award will be announced on 10th May at the UK Roofing Award 2019 ceremony held at InterContinental London, the O2.

UNDER THE ROOF APPRENTICE SPOTLIGHT

Apprentices Become Sandoft Plant Tourists Well, not quite tourists but Leeds College of Building first year apprentices did enjoy an educational tour around the Sandoft plant on 15th January. For their site visit they donned Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) donated by Avonside…looks like they had fun!

Supporting Budding Roofers from the Early Stages Avonside like to support budding roofers even before they get to the apprenticeship stage – so much so that Avonside Northern Quality Inspector, Daniel Wood attended and manned an Avonside stand at the Whole School Careers Fair at St John Fisher School in Wigan on 12th November with North West Roof Training. Daniel helped raise high school students’ awareness of the opportunities within the construction industry.

Lucy Johnson of St John Fisher Catholic High School in Wigan said: “I would just like to say a big thank you for attending the careers fair on Monday.

“The students found it really beneficial to speak to so many different colleges, providers and employers.

“I really appreciate you giving up your time to attend the event.

“It was a big success and I look forward to doing it again next year!”

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UNDER THE ROOF TRADE EVENTS

• The 7th February saw our Business Development and Sales Estimator, Andy Kershaw attend Constructionline’s Meet the Buyer event at Aston Villa Football Club in Birmingham. McLaren Construction Group, Wates Group and CITB were among the exhibitors, plus a Health and Safety seminar was delivered by a member of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The aim of the event was to provide contractors with the opportunity to talk to some of the leading main contractors and public sector authorities to hear about upcoming work contracts in the area.

• On 13th February some members of the Avonside team spent their Wednesday attending the Contractors seminar in Solihull hosted by Taylor Wimpey, one of the country’s largest house builders.

EEM‘s Building Communities Awards – A Celebration Like No Other!

AVONSIDE BOURNE RESIDENTIAL ROOFING WERE PLEASED TO SPONSOR THE “CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR” CATEGORY AT EFFICIENCY EAST MIDLANDS’ (EEM) 5TH ANNUAL BUILDING COMMUNITIES AWARDS WHICH TOOK PLACE ON FRIDAY 15TH FEBRUARY AT ATHENA IN LEICESTER.

— Golden Lane Housing, Property Plus (Housing Plus Group), J Tomlinson Limited and ENGIE were all finalists in the ‘Contractor of the Year’ category, with J Tomlinson Limited winning the award and Property Plus bagging the ‘runner-up’ position.

Congratulations to both companies!

The glitzy black-tie event was attended by 440 housing and construction professionals who enjoyed a drinks reception, a delicious 3-course meal, the presentation of awards to 12 welldeserving winners, a charity auction, raffle, late-night kebabs and veggie sausage cobs and cashless casino to boot. Attendees were even treated to a DJ session from 12-3am! To top the celebrations off, an incredible £22,000 was raised

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for Prostate Cancer UK and another £12,000 was raised for Rhubarb Farm.

Rhubarb Farm is a horticultural-based therapeutic social enterprise based on the Derbyshire/Nottinghamshire border that helps the unemployed, recovering drug and alcohol misusers, ex-offenders, young people not in education and those with learning difficulties develop new skills and grow in confidence and employability. The money raised at the Building Communities Awards helped fund a much-needed 17-seater mini-bus for the organisation.

UNDER THE ROOF ROOFS FROM MY TRAVELS PHOTOS

Feast your eyes on this issue’s Roofs from My Travels photos.

DRONING ON! Chris Hopkins, Divisional Director at Ploughcroft (Halifax) - Residential Roofing proved you don’t necessarily have to travel abroad to capture some stunning views when he snapped this photo of St Mawes Castle whilst on holiday in Cornwall. He was asked to carry out a drone survey of the castle and since he has the CAA (UK Civil Aviation Authority) licence, making him a qualified drone flier, he obliged!

TEETERING ON THE EDGE! Martin Bristow, Branch Manager of Avonside Honiton Residential Roofing, was treated to this traditional Rhodopian stone roof when he visited Chepelare in Bulgaria.

He told us: “It reminded me of one of those coin games where the bar pushes them towards the edge. I found myself watching to see which stone fell off next, but none did, amazingly!”

Has an interesting roof, skyline or rooftop view ever caught your eye on holiday? Whether it was taken abroad or captured in the UK, we’d welcome your photos for future issues for the staff newsletter. Send them in to: avonsidegroupservices.co.uk/newsdesk

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UNDER THE ROOF CHARITY CORNER

Avonside Now Proud Sponsors of Lighthouse Club Construction Industry Charity GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR, TONY BURKE HAS PLEDGED THE SUPPORT OF AVONSIDE GROUP TO SPONSOR LIGHTHOUSE CLUB - THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY CHARITY. — On average 2 construction workers take their own life each day, which is why the mission of Lighthouse Club, which is the only charity that provides financial and emotional support to the construction community and their families, resonates so strongly with us at Avonside.

As Tony told Roofing Today (see page 28 of their January issue), Lighthouse Club provides practical coping strategies and mechanisms to construction workers who have suffered an injury or a long-term illness or simply need a helping hand. The organisation doesn’t receive any public funding and relies on the generosity of those within the construction industry to operate.

The Lighthouse Club helpline is 0345 605 1956 and the recently launched Construction Industry Helpline app is a great initiative that makes support even more accessible. There is also a

strong network of clubs across the country (see: www.lighthouseclub.org/find-a-club).

Tony shared some wise words with Roofing Today: “We can all help on an individual level just by noticing changes in colleagues’ behaviours and being prepared to discuss observations with them; talking is always a positive first step. In a still male-dominated industry, talking about these issues can be the first, and hardest part, of getting support.”

A Wheely Good Cause!

Sorry, we couldn’t resist the pun! Since Avonside are now proud supporters of The Lighthouse Club - The Construction Industry Charity, our Group SHEQ Manager, Sarah Burke, alongside 3 other members of Avonside’s staff are taking on the challenge of the London Ride 100, cycling an impressive 100 miles around London on 4th August 2019.

Training is already underway, and they have already received their smart cycling jerseys (pictured).

You can donate by texting: TILE91 to 70070 or by visiting Sarah’s JUST GIVING page! Best of luck guys!

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UNDER THE ROOF

Piece of Cake!

As well as being fans of roofing it seems like our staff are also huge fans of fundraising and cake! Tricia Rowley and Jenna Barrell from our Avonside Driffield branch kindly held a coffee morning, raffle and tombola in December, generously raising over £1000 for Macmillan Cancer Support and Brain Tumour Research.

Lots of staff, family and friends got involved with the cake baking so thank you to all who were involved!

Getting the Miles in for MIND Charity!

It turns out Avonside Driffield Residential Roofing are a particularly charitable bunch, with Romilly Snowden from the Driffield branch and her friend, Jas completing a 13.4-mile walk in North Yorkshire in aid of mental health charity MIND. They both raised a brilliant £484.40 for the worthy cause! Well done girls!

Eddie’s Channelling His Inner Mo Farrah Our Flat Roofing Divisional Director, Eddie Stanton will be channelling his inner Mo Farrah as he has entered the BTR 10 Miler run in Liverpool to raise money for a local children’s hospice, Claire’s House in March.

Claire’s House Children’s Hospice helps seriously and terminally children live a fulfilling life through the creation of wonderful experiences and by providing specialist nursing care and emotional support to children and their families.

Good luck Eddie!

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The Real Christmas Spirit!

Our Business Development Administrator Lesley Taylor is well-known for her modesty. In reality, Lesley often selflessly dedicates her free time to charitable causes.

One such cause is Feeding Rochdale Homeless, who are a group of local volunteers that work alongside other groups and agencies to help people in the community that are homeless or experience extreme poverty. The group is based at Rochdale Parish Church, St Chad’s and relies totally on volunteers and donations and provides hot meals, takeaway snacks, drinks, warm clothing and other essentials to those who need them. Every Sunday Lesley offers her cooking services to Feeding Rochdale Homeless and helps dish out sandwich packs and provides food packs to people who live in hostels. She even spent her Christmas day serving food to the local community’s homeless!

Lesley also regularly does runs in aid of charity. We don’t know about you, but we reckon the world needs more Lesley’s!

UNDER THE ROOF MORE STAFF FUN

The Avonside Fantasy Football Lowdown!

Below is our staff Telegraph Fantasy Football Private League report for week 27.

How’s your team doing?!

League Position

Overall Position

Manager Name

1 13848 Mr B Rabot 2 50710 Mrs S McColl 3 54466 Mr P Barber 4 55815 Mr P Binch 5 62989 Mr O Smith 6 63088 Mr S Ohara 7 73484 Mr P Bull 8 81710 Mr E Stanton 9 90683 Mr J Barry* 10 90756 Mr J Barker 11 95912 Mr B Coulson 12 101998 Mr S Fox 13 104617 Mr A Pearson 14 109914 Mr A Burleigh 15 110171 Mr C Harrell 16 113132 Mr L Lycett 17 114220 Mr K Smith 18 128006 Mr N Winfield

Team Name

Week 27 Points

R4 The Bully Wee Banana Smoothie the gooners Touch My Harry Kane Stevie O De Gae Bar Chicken Tikka MoSalah JB FC Drifters AFC Lufc reborn training gang Pearson FC Rochdale AFC inter me nan The Sleep Thieves Coats 4 Posts Motchester City

73 51 46 32 57 60 60 43 70 50 72 80 69 28 42 86 72 55

Total 1361 Points 1245 1236 1233 1216 1215 1190 1170 1145 1145 1130 1111 1103 1085 1084 1073 1069 1007

* denotes Chairman

If you have any questions about joining in the Fantasy Football fun contact Jamie Barry jamie.barry@avonsidegroup.co.uk If you have a story for the next issue – simply visit THE NEWSDESK to submit your branch news! – we look forward to reading it!

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UNDER THE ROOF MORE STAFF FUN

Christmas Shenanigans!

Christmas may seem like a lifetime ago, but some branches just couldn’t let it go uncelebrated! Here are the staff of our Glasgow and Edinburgh branches marking the festive season with a merry meal, drinks and dancing at The Corinthian in Glashow on Saturday 8th December – we love the party hats!

Got a winning story you can’t wait to share with your colleagues?

IF YOU HAVE NEWS ON:

u Projects your branch are proud of u Branch news, such as apprentice achievements or awards won u Personal news, any professional qualifications or training your staff have done, for example charitable events your team members have participated in u Any new contracts won u Roofs from My Travels photos u Any other positive team news Simply fill out the quick and easy form HERE to submit your story for the next issue of the staff newsletter!

Best story to get picked by Group MD Tony Burke will win a

£50 AMAZON VOUCHER!

Senior Contracts Manager Graham Geal, from our Cobsen-Davis branch, won last issue’s Best Story competition with his story about completing the £135K Boiler Roof Refurbishment for Wates Group at BBC Studios Elstree, where EastEnders is filmed. Could you be our next winner?

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