Welcome
Spring has sprung, we’ve changed the clocks to British Summer Time and it won’t be long before we start counting down to this year’s Summer Party, which is once again taking place at Manor by the Lake (see inside for details.)
As we complete the first quarter of 2025, we’re getting a clearer picture of how housebuilding activity is likely to shape up for the year as a whole and therefore how busy we’re likely to be. The NHBC’s statistics for new home registrations are a reliable indicator and these show a 38% increase in the number of properties being started between November 2024 to January 2025 compared to the same three months the year before. These numbers are still 21% below the 10-year average so there’s lots of catching up to do before the industry returns to its peak and genuinely starts making progress towards the Government’s target to build 1.5 million homes before the next General Election.
It would be very helpful all round if housebuilding activity was smoothly spread across the year but all signs are that once again our services will be in particularly high demand in the second half of the
year as many builders turn up the pressure to meet year-end targets rather than plan for consistent month-by-month progress. We’re doing what we can to plan ahead and put the structure and resources in place to prepare for a busy autumn and winter.
Longer term we have ambitious growth plans and as I mentioned in my video update in February, we see the potential to double the value of the work we’re doing in the next three years. This week our Senior Management Team are meeting to present their thoughts on how this will impact on their departments so we can collectively map out how we need to evolve as we grow. I’ll keep you updated as these conversations progress.
I hope you enjoy reading this latest edition of the Buzz, which is packed with lots of updates, a few fun facts about your colleagues and some helpful reminders.
In this Issue
New Starters
Long Service Rewards
Promotions
Branch Infrastructure
Above & Beyond Awards
Tea Break Quiz
Employee Spotlight
In the News
Priority Update
Social Events
Spring Wellness Tips
Waste and Recycling Changes
New Vending Machines
New Company Cleaners
New Starters
Please extend a warm welcome to the following new starters who have recently joined Clarkson Evans.
Richard Powell Regional Stores Assistant
Emma Baker Credit Controller
Pete Verry Internal Course Trainer
Ellie Muxworthy Regional HR Advisor
Stuart Fisher Overnight Driver & Stores Assistant
Macey Webb Customer Care Administrator
Rileigh-Mae Owen Credit Assistant
Tiana Sheerin Customer Care Administrator
Adam Mustoe Solar PV Technical Supervisor
Connor Clark Customer Care Electrician
Daniel Pelech Overnight Driver
Robert Lane Solar Administrator
Neil Mitchell Vehicle Workshop Assistant
Mark Bond Regional PV Manager
Jamie Greening Trainee Electrical Estimator
Matthew Brown Lecturer
Julian Bridgewater Assessor
Long Service Rewards
We’re always excited to celebrate our hard-working employees and recognise dedication and long service. Recently, Lee Chivers completed an impressive milestone anniversary of 20 years. We also have a few others who have celebrated some significant milestone anniversaries recently. They include:
February: Rob Haydon, Lorna Denton, Fiona Godwin
March: Jack Bradley, Nikesh Tosar, John Trigg, Gary Boseley
A reminder that as part of our continued commitment to recognising loyalty of our employees, we are pleased to offer Long Service Rewards for the following milestones of continuous service:
» £500 for 10 years
» £750 for 15 years
» £1,000 for 20 years
These rewards are presented as a token of our appreciation, to acknowledge the dedication and consistent contributions you make to the success of our company.
John – 10 years
Gary – 15 years
15 years
Promotions
We are excited to extend our congratulations to several of our colleagues on their well-deserved promotions. These advancements are a testament to their outstanding contributions, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements. We have no doubt that they will continue to accomplish great things in their new roles. Please join us in congratulating:
Sam Green
Health & Safety Manager
Jason Curnow
Estimating Manager
Jermaine Hunt
George Mullen
Dan Bloor
Mike Seeley
Regional Head of Commercial
Area Manager
Manager
Manager
(Midland and North Region)
(Crawley & Littlehampton) (Warrington & Stafford) (Birmingham)
(South)
Branch Infrastructure
We’re planning a few changes to our branch network so here’s an update.
Options are being explored to mitigate the flood risk at our Cardiff branch. Following the flooding in November, it’s an ongoing risk that we need to avoid in future.
We’re also actively looking for premises in Bromsgrove to set up an additional branch as soon as we can. This will enable us to streamline the distribution of solar materials and it will be a convenient location for our teams that live or work on the south side of Birmingham.
Discussions are also underway to relocate our Stafford branch to Stoke-on-Trent, moving us closer to the sites we’re working on and providing a better link to new opportunities.
Lastly, in Milton Keynes we’re hoping to take on additional premises close to our existing branch, mainly to accommodate our solar expansion.
GLOUCESTER (HQ)
STAFFORD
TELFORD
BIRMINGHAM
OXFORD
BRACKNELL
CRAWLEY
SOUTHAMPTON
worthing
TROWBRIDGE
BRISTOL
BARNSTAPLE
NEWQUAY PLYMOUTH
MILTON KEYNES
Nottingham
Warrington Kettering
Above & Beyond AWARDS
We’re excited to announce the relaunch of our Above & Beyond Awards in a different format. There are now four categories that align with our company values and nominations will be reviewed once a quarter. The welldeserving winners will each receive a £50 One4All gift card as a token of our appreciation.
These awards provide us with a special opportunity to recognise standout examples of staff truly going above and beyond.
Click here to submit a nomination for any of your colleagues.
Collaborative Working Award
The Collaborative Working Award recognises individuals who exemplify strong teamwork, effective relationship-building, and conflict resolution skills. It celebrates employees who actively contribute to team success by sharing knowledge, supporting colleagues, resolving any conflicts constructively and fostering collaboration across departments.
Examples:
» Facilitating smooth communication between departments to achieve a common goal.
» Taking action to bridge gaps between conflicting colleagues.
Commitment to Excellence Award
The Commitment to Excellence Award recognises employees who’ve achieved a rate or quality of work that goes beyond the best normally expected of someone in that role. True excellence needs to be demonstrated, beyond the level that deserves an informal ‘well done’ or ‘thank you’.
Examples:
» Stretching yourself beyond your busy ‘day job’ to complete a stand-out piece of work that deserves special recognition.
» Making a special effort to meet a challenging and important deadline.
Care and Integrity Award
The Care and Integrity Award recognises individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to positive values and ethical standards, strong personal integrity and consideration for others. Nominees should demonstrate they can be trusted to do the right thing even in challenging circumstances.
Examples:
» Proposing or implementing a change because it’s the right thing to do ethically and for the company, even though it might not be in your favour.
» Putting yourself out to deal with a situation that could have negative consequences for the company, for our customers or for your colleagues when it would have been easier for you to ignore it.
Championing Change Award
The Championing Change Award recognises employees who excel in driving positive change and fostering innovation within the organisation. It celebrates individuals who proactively initiate improvements to processes, systems, or strategies, enhancing efficiency and creativity.
Examples:
» Leading a successful project that implemented new tools or systems that improved team productivity.
» Coming up with an innovative idea that transformed an existing process for the better.
awards& Above Beyond
Overall Award Criteria:
While award nominees may have strengths in certain areas, it’s important for winners to show commitment to all values. For instance, someone who excels at innovation should also collaborate effectively with colleagues to ensure a wellrounded contribution to the team.
Winners must also have a track record of consistently strong performance, with excellent attendance and a clear disciplinary record.
Tea Break Quiz
Welcome to this edition’s tea break quiz! Test your general knowledge with a mix of fun and challenging questions. From history to pop culture, there’s something for everyone. Let’s see how many you can get right—good luck!
Continue reading to the end of The Buzz for the answers.
Which country won the first Eurovision song contest?
Which of these words is a collective term for a group of tigers?
a) Switzerland
b) Belgium
c) Italy
Named after a British admiral, what is measured by the Beaufort Scale?
a) Cast
b) Ambush
c) Crash
What is the national currency of Fiji?
a) Volcano eruptions
b) Earthquakes
c) Wind force
a) Dollar
b) Pound
c) Franc
What is the name of the fictional detective created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle?
a) Hercule Poirot
b) Miss Marple
c) Sherlock Holmes
A word that is spelled the same forwards and backwards is known as a what?
a) Palindrome
b) Homophone
c) Anagram
Forget-me-not flowers are most commonly what colour?
a) Yellow
b) Pink
c) Blue
What is the capital city of the U.S. state of California?
a) Los Angeles
b) Sacramento
c) San Francisco
How many minutes does it take for the International Space Station to orbit the Earth?
a) 90 minutes
b) 180 minutes
c) 360 minutes
What is the minimum number of players a football team must have for a match to start or restart?
a) Six
b) Seven c) Eight
Employee Spotlight
How well do you really know your colleagues?
We’re featuring some little-known facts about your teammates. If you would like to be featured in a future issue of The Buzz, please email marketing@clarksonevans.co.uk
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
To go with my love of history, I’d like to go round Europe. Mainly Germany/France/Poland and check out the museums and the culture.
If you could have lunch with any historical figure, who would it be, and why?
I love politics, so for this I would say Tony Benn – his views shaped my outlook on life and I’d love a chance to talk about how to fix all the problems in the world.
You have a time machine! Would you travel to the past or the future, and why?
The future – I love my Star Trek/Doctor Who and I’d love to see if we make it out into the stars.
What’s the most exciting/interesting/unusual thing you’ve ever done?
I’ve not done it yet but I’m planning on going up Snowdon later this year – I’ve been up Helvelyn in the Lake District previously and hope to do Ben Nevis at some point too.
Chris Clee
Customer Care Administrator
Your favourite thing to cook?
To cook – Italian. I love to cook and bake and I enjoy putting little twists on classics like a Carbonara or Lasagne. Usually it’s just adding a lot of extra cheese!
What’s your favourite book/ movie genre or your all-time favourite title?
What’s a book?! It’s hard to find the time but I’m trying to get through A Game of Thrones. I do like a Sci-Fi film or a psychological horror like Hannibal/Silence of the Lambs.
What’s your go-to way to unwind and recharge after a busy week?
I’d like to say my Friday nights are wild, but they’re usually a tea-time, bath-time, bed-time routine for my daughter. Sometimes I unwind with a glass of wine and watch Netflix.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Australia. I’ve already been a couple of times as I have family who live there, so it’s always nice to see them. It’s such a beautiful place to enjoy, aside from the creepy crawlies and long flight.
You win the lottery! What’s the first thing you would do?
Firstly I would go away to let it sink in and plan what I wanted to do. I would help friends and family to pay off mortgages, change careers etc. Some charity work and donations, and maybe invest in property. Then buy some obligatory shoes and handbags.
If you could have lunch with any historical figure, who would it be, and why?
Rosa Parks. She sparked the American civil rights movement many years ago. I’d love to hear her thoughts on it to date.
You have a time machine! Would you travel to the past or the future, and why?
I’d travel to the past to when my daughter was really little. It is true that they grow so quickly, and you will miss the sleepless nights.
Jess Speck
Facilities Co-ordinator
What’s the most exciting/ interesting/unusual thing you’ve ever done?
In trying to answer this question I’ve realised how few interesting/unusual things I’ve done! I would love to go cage shark diving though!
What’s your favourite thing to cook (or order)?
As boring and typically British that it may be, my favourite is a good roast dinner.
What’s your favourite book/movie genre or your all-time favourite title?
I’m torn between two films for my favourites. The Gentleman and King Arthur. Sucker for a Guy Ritchie film.
In the News
Persimmon Homes Space4 Innovation Centre
We’re proud to have provided electrical and solar PV solutions for the cutting-edge Persimmon Homes Space4 Innovation Centre in Birmingham. It’s exciting to be a part of shaping the future of the UK housing market, with sustainability and innovation at its core.
We recently attended the launch of the new Innovation Centre, where David Griffin, Persimmon Homes Group Build Director, gave us a tour of the finished project. It was amazing to see our contribution to the latest industry technologies that are transforming the construction process.
Here’s to building smarter, greener homes!
NHBC Beyond 25 Live
We were incredibly proud to be invited by the NHBC to participate in their prestigious NHBC BEYOND 25 LIVE event recently.
This event brought together industry leaders, experts, and innovators, and we were thrilled to be a part of it. Our CEO, Lindsey Young, had the privilege of joining a panel discussion where she shared valuable insights on the future of the industry. It was a great opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the building sector.
In addition, our Director of Solar, Lee Chadwick along with Group Technical Manager, Aaron Welch and Lead Solar PV Installer, Dale Jones, led an engaging demonstration on best practice solar installation. Our team’s expertise and knowledge were on full display, showcasing how we can drive sustainability and innovation in the sector. Not to mention, our Quality Assurance Manager, Lee Chivers, and Aaron Welch showcased their bricklaying skills in the competition, proudly taking 3rd place!
Being invited to such a high-profile event is a true testament to our commitment to excellence and innovation in the industry. It further strengthens Clarkson Evans’ position as a trusted leader, not only in electrical contracting but also in promoting sustainable and cutting-edge solutions.
Priority System Going Live
Progress is being made towards the company’s number one priority for this year – the launch of Priority!
Two years into the project that’s set to streamline and automate processes across all areas of the business, we are now closing in on our second major go-live phase. When we return from the Easter weekend, functionality should be up and running for handling solar quoting for new sites within the system, including commercial quoting, DNO applications, and solar design.
As part of a subsequent go-live phase there will be a strong emphasis on training departments in preparation for the broader rollout to solar in May. User testing and workshops are taking place every week with staff from various departments, and the project team is working hard to implement any feedback.
We’re also progressing towards the ultimate go-live phase in the summer, which will see all existing processes in EDS switch over to Priority, marking the full launch of the system.
As with any large-scale implementation, we expect there will be some initial teething problems. However, our development team is committed to resolving any issues swiftly and efficiently. This is just the beginning, and as we continue to use the system, ongoing improvements will be made to ensure it becomes even more powerful and streamlined over time.
The graphic shows the breadth of functions within the new system. As with EDS, it is built on the principle that if we build the quote correctly the information will automatically feed through to all of the departments involved in delivering the work or invoicing for it. The advantage with Priority is that it is also built so that all of the departments that support the business will also be in the same system and fully integrated, opening up better access to data, both internally and externally.
Social Events Upcoming Company Events
We are excited to announce that our annual Summer Party is just around the corner! This year, we’ll once again be gathering at the beautiful Manor by the Lake on Friday 4 July.
Event Details:
Date: Friday 4 July
Time: from 1:00pm onwards
Location: Manor by the Lake, Hatherley Lane, Cheltenham GL51 6PN
Dress Code: Smart Casual Summer Attire
Expect a fun-filled afternoon with great food, drinks, music, and plenty of opportunities to relax and socialise with colleagues. Whether you’re into games, dancing, or simply soaking up the summer atmosphere, there will be something for everyone!
Stay tuned for more details, including RSVP information, and be sure to mark your calendars. We can’t wait to celebrate with all of you!
Staff Christmas Party
Save the date: Friday 12 December
Children’s Christmas Party
Save the date: Sunday 30 November
Spring Wellness Tips:
Renew Your Body, Mind, and Spirit
Spring is here! As the days grow longer, the weather warms up, and nature bursts into bloom, it’s the perfect time to refresh and rejuvenate your body, mind, and spirit. After the cold, dreary winter months, spring offers us a natural opportunity for renewal and growth. Here are some wellness tips to help you make the most of this vibrant season.
After being cooped up inside during the winter months, the arrival of spring invites us to step outside and get moving. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a bike ride, a hike, or an outdoor yoga session, there’s something energising about being in nature. The fresh air, sunshine, and gentle breeze are all uplifting to your mood, and outdoor activities help boost physical health, too.
Wellness Tip:
Try taking your workout outdoors a few times a week - your body and mind will thank you for it.
Just like you might tackle your home with a spring cleaning, it’s a great time to refresh your health habits. Are there any patterns or routines from the winter that you’d like to leave behind? Spring offers a clean slate for setting new wellness goals. Start by cutting back on sugary foods or alcohol and swap them out for more nourishing options like fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Wellness Tip:
Give your pantry a spring makeover - stock it with healthy snacks to refresh your body from the inside out.
Spring is a season of abundance when it comes to fresh produce. Think strawberries, asparagus, leafy greens, radishes, peas, and more! These vibrant fruits and vegetables not only taste amazing but are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support your immune system and overall health.
Wellness Tip:
Visit your local farmers’ market or grocery store and pick up some seasonal produce. Try incorporating new fruits and vegetables into your meals to boost your nutrition and energy.
1. Embrace Outdoor Movement
2. Spring Clean Your Health Habits
3. Nourish with Seasonal Produce
4. Reassess Your Mental Health
Spring is a great time to focus on your mental wellness, too. With the longer daylight hours and more sunshine, our bodies produce more serotonin, which can improve mood and combat seasonal affective disorder (SAD). However, the changing seasons can also stir up stress, anxiety, or overwhelm, so take time for self-care.
Wellness Tip:
Practice mindfulness techniques like meditation, journaling, or breathing exercises. Incorporating these practices into your routine can help you feel grounded and more present.
5. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
As the temperature rises, hydration becomes even more important. Drinking enough water throughout the day supports every system in your body, including digestion, energy levels, and skin health. If you’re more active outside, you’ll need to replenish those fluids lost through sweat.
Wellness Tip:
Make it a habit to carry a water bottle with you wherever you go. Infuse your water with fruits like lemon, lime, or cucumber for a refreshing twist.
6. Get More Sleep with the Time Change
With the shift to daylight saving time just around the corner, many of us will be adjusting to longer daylight hours. While it’s great to have more light in the evenings, it can take some time for our bodies to adjust to the time change. Prioritise good sleep hygiene by creating a calming bedtime routine and making your bedroom a peaceful sanctuary.
Wellness Tip:
Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. If the time change has disrupted your routine, try winding down with a warm bath, herbal tea, or a good book before bed.
As spring is the season of growth and new beginnings, it’s the ideal time to reflect on what you’re grateful for and nurture a positive outlook. Studies show that practicing gratitude has numerous benefits, including improved mental health, better sleep, and reduced stress.
Wellness Tip:
Start or end each day by writing down three things you’re grateful for. This simple habit can help shift your mindset to a more positive, uplifting place.
Spring is the perfect time to clear out physical and mental clutter. Start by decluttering your home and workspace to create a calming environment. Organise, clean, and let go of items that no longer serve you. Not only will this make your space feel more harmonious, but it can also have a profound effect on your well-being.
Wellness Tip:
Tackle one room or area at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Clear space equals clearer mind!
Spending time in nature isn’t just about physical activity— it’s also about connecting with the earth. Whether it’s gardening, sitting under a tree, or simply taking a walk through the park, immersing yourself in nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve focus, and boost mood.
Wellness Tip:
Try adding outdoor activities into your weekly routine, whether that’s a weekend hike or simply enjoying a cup of tea while soaking up the sunshine.
Spring is a season of renewal, and it’s the perfect time to reset your wellness routine. Whether you’re focusing on physical activity, healthy eating, mental health, or self-care, small changes can make a big impact on your overall well-being. So, embrace the season, and take the opportunity to recharge, refresh, and blossom into your best self.
7. Cultivate Gratitude and Positivity
8. Detox Your Environment
9. Connect with Nature
Waste and Recycling Changes
Important changes will be taking place over the next couple of weeks regarding our waste and recycling practices, in line with new legislation around food waste recycling.
As part of these new regulations, all businesses are required to properly separate and dispose of food waste. To help us comply, we will be implementing a dedicated food waste collection system across our entire business.
Here’s what will be changing
» Internal Kitchen Caddies: Each kitchen will have a dedicated worktop caddy for food waste, which will be emptied into an external black bin by our cleaners.
» U-bins for Recycling & General Waste: We’ll be placing U-bins (pictured) in each office to separate mixed recyclables and general waste. These bins will be signed with helpful information showing what type of waste goes in each bin. As part of this system, all desk bins will be removed to ensure that waste is being separated correctly.
We appreciate everyone’s cooperation to ensure that we meet these legal requirements and contribute to a more sustainable workplace. If you have any questions or need clarification on the new processes, feel free to reach out to the Facilities team.
bins
waste streams guide to
Crisp packets, pizza boxes, bread bags, sandwich packets
Tissues
paper towels
cling film, cotton buds, cotton wool
New Vending Machines at HQ
We’re excited to announce that in the coming weeks we’ll be installing two vending machines at our HQ offices to make snack and drink options more convenient for you throughout the day.
One vending machine will be located on the Anson landing, and the other in the Buzz Bar at Meteor. Both machines will offer a great mix of snacks and drinks.
Here’s what you can expect:
• Snacks: A variety of crisps, confectionery, protein bars, and cereal bars.
• Drinks: A selection of regular and low-sugar soft drinks, water, and fruit juices.
We’ve made sure to provide options that cater to different tastes and preferences, so whether you’re looking for a quick pick-meup, something healthy, or a refreshing drink, there’s something for everyone.
These vending machines are available for your convenience, and we hope you enjoy the variety of options they offer.
If you have any suggestions for future snack or drink items, feel free to reach out—we’re always looking to improve!
New Company Cleaners
We’re excited to announce that we’ve partnered with a new cleaning company, Core Facilities Limited, to take care of our office cleaning needs. Core Facilities are Gloucester-based and have been trusted by over 2,000 repeat customers across the Wye Valley, South Wales, and Gloucestershire.
Starting Friday 11 April, Core Facilities will be responsible for cleaning our office spaces. This change is part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining a clean, safe, and comfortable workplace for everyone.
As we transition to this new service, we’d love to hear any feedback you may have. Our goal is to ensure that our office environments remain pleasant and welcoming for all staff members.
Do you have a story to share?
Do you have news you would like to share? We are always on the lookout for fresh ideas to keep you informed about the latest developments in the business and showcase the achievements of our colleagues. We would be delighted to hear your suggestions and what subjects you would like to see more of.
Email us to share your thoughts.