Welcome
Welcome to the summer edition of the Buzz.
As we’re halfway through 2025, now seems a good time to reflect on how our year is going so far.
Housebuilding activity in general remains somewhat subdued as the market is slow; builders will only build homes in line with the rate they can sell them. That’s not to say our teams aren’t busy though, particularly as the scale of each fix has been increasing as regulations have changed. Long gone are the days when an electrical first fix could typically be achieved in a day – sometimes it’s now up to three days per house!
For solar installations, so far this year we’ve averaged 778 plots per month, compared to 331 per month for the same period in 2024, and this includes some quieter winter months when build progress was delayed by the weather. We are working hard to further increase our solar market share and we’re proud to be leading the way in terms of high-quality workmanship and customer service. The free solar awareness training we’re offering to our builder customers is going down very well.
There’s lots of talk of possible new government initiatives to boost housebuilding and help reach the target to build 1.5 million homes by summer 2029. It certainly seems there needs to be something to replace Help to Buy and support home buyers with affordability. The Government is also paying lots of attention to tackling the industry skills shortage and this month I’m delighted to have the opportunity to contribute my thoughts by attending a roundtable discussion with Rt. Hon Baroness Smith, Minister for Skills.
Summer 2025
We’re continuing our longstanding commitment to investing in skills of course, having welcomed over 40 new apprentices since January. We’ve also seen 37 internal promotions to Sub-Team Leader or Team Leader in this time.
Our top priority for the next few months is ensuring the successful rollout of Priority. So far, so good for the solar quoting processes that are now up and running. Further modules will be released very soon.
Hopefully you’ve seen an invitation to take part in our annual staff survey. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us make key decisions that shape our future so please take a few moments to share your thoughts. There’s also a link in this edition of the Buzz inviting you to tell us what you think of our newsletters – we hope this isn’t ‘survey overload’ as we’d love to get your opinions on this too.
Fingers crossed the sun keeps shining for our Summer Party at Manor by the Lake on 4 July! I look forward to seeing lots of you there.
Lindsey
In this Issue
New Starters
Long Service Rewards
Annual Staff Survey
Priority Progress
In the News
Employee Spotlight
Tea Break Quiz
Summer Safety
Financial Wellbeing Sessions
Employee Story
Mental Health Support
Summer Party
The Great Duck Mystery
Above & Beyond Awards
LinkedIn Tips
Charity Competition
Upcoming Social Events
The Buzz Feedback
New Starters
Please extend a warm welcome to the following new starters who have joined Clarkson Evans since the previous issue of The Buzz.
Tracy Scanlin Regional Stores Assistant
Chris Gegg Vehicle Technician
Steve Wall Electrical Estimator
Richard Powell Regional Stores Assistant
Zaneta Kaminska Overnight Driver
William Watson Regional Stores Assistant
Wiktoria Rokosz Customer Care Administrator
Pawel Szczegolski Regional Stores Assistant
Leo Ockelton Warehouse Operative
Jamie Hughes Regional Stores Assistant
Emma Shaw Customer Care Administrator
Andreea Neagoe Regional Stores Assistant
Natalie Nicholls Organisational Development Manager
Millie Godfrey Production Administrator
Bethany Kirby Solar PV Designer
Robert Harrison Credit Manager
Terry Gregory Regional Stores Assistant
Tom Whitehead Warehouse Operative
Mihikaa Bhaskar Multimedia Designer
Long Service Rewards
We’re proud to recognise and celebrate the dedication of several team members who are reaching significant Long Service milestones with us. A huge thank you and congratulations to everyone marking these milestones. Your continued commitment, hard work, and loyalty play a vital role in our success, and we’re grateful to have you as part of the team.
April
Paul Folks – 10 years
Shaun Collins – 15 years
May
Jenna Owen – 10 years
Jenna – 10 years
June
Sharon Holiday – 10 years
July
Katie Stephens – 10 years
Mark Burrows – 15 years
Shaun – 15 years
Sharon – 10 years
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.
Clarkson Evans Annual Staff Survey
This is your chance to shape the future of our workplace. Every voice matters and your honest feedback helps us understand what we’re doing well, where we can improve, and how we can make our work culture even better.
» Takes just a few minutes
» Anonymous & confidential
» Survey Closes: Friday 11 July 2025
YOUR VOICE MATTERS
Click here to access the survey and let’s keep building a workplace we’re proud to be part of - together.
Priority Progress & Rollout
We’re excited to share some fantastic progress on our new ERP system, Priority – things are really moving forward!
The Priority Mobile App is currently in a live trial with teams from Facilities, Fleet, Quality, H&S, our Gloucester Area Managers, and five Gloucester Team Leaders. Over 500 successful audits have already been submitted – a huge thanks to all involved!
We’re now working through a few minor tweaks to make it just right. Once that’s done, we’ll begin a full rollout, replacing iAuditor (Safety Culture) entirely.
Priority is now being used to generate quotes for all new Solar jobs and to requote existing ones – a big step towards streamlining and future-proofing our solar operations.
else coming together
Development is actively underway for the Stores, Credit, Payroll, HR, Scheduling, Design, and DNO modules. Things are shaping up well as we continue building toward the next phase.
Go-live target for Solar
We’re aiming to go live for Solar on 7 July. That said, we’re mindful of holiday schedules – if we don’t hit that exact date, our backup go-live is end of July.
Thanks for your continued support and enthusiasm. We’re almost there – and what we’re building together is going to make a real difference!
Mobile App trial going strong
Priority powering our solar workflow
Everything
In the News
Zero Bills Certified Install Partner
In partnership with Octopus Energy, we’ve officially been recognised as a ZeroBills Certified Install Partner—a trusted name in the design, supply, and installation of solar PV solutions for Zero Bills preferred developers across the UK.
Octopus Energy’s Zero Bills is a pioneering energy tariff for new (and soon for retrofitted) homes equipped with green technology—designed so homeowners pay no electricity or heating bills for a fixed period (typically 5–10 years).
Our Director of Renewables, Lee Chadwick, recently accepted the certification at the Octopus Energy –Zero Bills Awards, joined by Nigel Banks, Technical Director, Zero Bills & Low Carbon Homes, and Tom Brewster, Regional Operations Manager, Octopus Energy.
This certification marks a major step forward in our contribution towards zero-bill homes of the future.
(Pictured left to right: Nigel Banks, Lee Chadwick, Tom Brewster)
Housebuilder Solar Training Sessions
As part of our drive to support housebuilders with the transition to solar, we’ve launched a new initiative offering free Housebuilder Solar Training sessions—and the response so far has been excellent.
We’ve already delivered sessions for teams from Persimmon, Taylor Wimpey, and Cala. Most of these have taken place at our Training Centre at Gloucester HQ, while our sessions with Cala have been successfully held offsite, demonstrating our flexibility in meeting customer needs.
Led by our in-house experts, the training covers key aspects of solar installation best practice and has been met with overwhelmingly positive feedback. Attendees have highlighted the practical value of the sessions and the clarity of our technical guidance.
We’re now focused on scheduling more sessions over the coming months, continuing to build strong relationships with our customers and supporting them in delivering highquality, compliant solar installations.
A big thank you to everyone involved in making these sessions a success—your work is helping position Clarkson Evans as a trusted partner in the move toward more sustainable new homes.
Employee Spotlight
How well do you really know your colleagues?
In every issue of The Buzz, we’re going to feature 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
?
What’s your go-to way to unwind and recharge after a busy week?
A Prosecco and a good book
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Hawaii because it looks beautiful!
You win the lottery! What’s the first thing you would do? Book a holiday to Hawaii
What’s the most exciting/interesting/unusual thing you’ve ever done?
Zip Lining through the rainforest in St Lucia or having been to the top of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
What’s your favourite thing to cook (or order)?
A roast dinner, every Sunday!
Rachel Rees
Internal Course Coordinator
What’s your favourite book/movie genre or your all-time favourite title?
True crime or Thriller books!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Never stop learning
If you could learn any skill instantly, what would it be? Learn a new language
What’s your go-to way to unwind and recharge after a busy week?
Lots of laughs and a few glasses of fizz with the girls! Laughter is the best medicine in life.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Nashville is on the bucket list as I love country music!
You win the lottery! What’s the first thing you would do?
Ring my family and friends to tell them we are all going on holiday – no expense spared!
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and how would you use it?
It would have to be what all women would want…. To be able to eat and drink whatever you liked and still have the body you want!
You have a time machine! Would you travel to the past or the future, and why?
I would travel to the past so I could give my Nan & Grandad one last squeeze.
What’s the most exciting/ interesting/unusual thing you’ve ever done?
“Ran Away” to Gretna Green to get married.
What’s your favourite thing to cook (or order)?
I’m not much of a cook, so my favourite thing to order is a Chinese.
What’s your favourite book/movie genre or your all-time favourite title?
Got to be Dirty Dancing–Classic. “No one puts baby in the corner.”
Tracy Trembeth
Payroll Manager
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 treaty officially ended World War I and was signed in 1919?
Which country has won the most FIFA World Cup titles in men’s football (as of 2024)?
a) Treaty of Paris
b) Treaty of Versailles
c) Treaty of Tordesillas
d) Treaty of Ghent
Who was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize?
a) Germany
b) Argentina
c) Brazil
d) Italy
Which artist released the album “Lemonade” in 2016?
a) Marie Curie
b) Rosalind Franklin
c) Ada Lovelace
d). Florence Nightingale
a) Rihanna
b) Beyoncé
c) Taylor Swift
d). Adele
Which tennis player has won the most Grand Slam singles titles in the Open Era (as of May 2025)?
a) Roger Federer
b) Novak Djokovic
c) Rafael Nadal
d) Pete Sampras
What real-life physicist was portrayed by Cillian Murphy in a 2023 film directed by Christopher Nolan?
a) Albert Einstein
b) Richard Feynman
c) Enrico Fermi
d) J. Robert Oppenheimer
What wall was famously brought down in 1989, symbolizing the end of the Cold War?
What ancient civilisation built Machu Picchu?
a) The Great Wall of China
b) The Iron Curtain
c) The Berlin Wall
d). The Wall of Shame
a) Aztec
b) Maya
c) Inca
d). Olmec
How many players are on the field for each team in rugby union?
a) 11
b) 13
c) 15
d). 7
What is the main gas found in the air we breathe?
a) Oxygen
b) Carbon dioxide
c) Nitrogen
d) Hydrogen
How to Stay Safe and Have Fun in the Sun
Summer is the season of sunshine, vacations, outdoor adventures, and making memories. But while you’re soaking up the good vibes, it’s important to stay mindful of your safety. With a few simple precautions, you can make this summer your safest — and most enjoyable — one yet.
Here are some essential summer safety tips:
When the temperature rises, your body loses water more quickly.
Dehydration can sneak up on you fast, especially during physical activity or long hours in the sun.
Tip: Carry a reusable water bottle and aim to drink water every hour — even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Sunburn isn’t just painful — overexposure to UV rays can increase your risk of skin cancer.
Tip: Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher at least 15 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours (or after swimming or sweating). Don’t forget sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat for extra protection.
Heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion or heatstroke are serious risks during summer.
Tip: Take breaks in the shade or indoors, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is strongest. Wear light, breathable clothing, and listen to your body.
1. Stay Hydrated
2. Practice Sun Safety
3. Beat the Heat
Whether you’re hitting the beach, pool, or lake, water safety is key.
Tip: Never swim alone and always supervise children near water. Learn CPR if you’re a caregiver and avoid alcohol when swimming or supervising swimmers.
Mosquitoes and ticks are more than just annoying — they can carry diseases like Lyme disease, malaria, West Nile virus, dengue and yellow fever.
Tip: Use insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin, wear long sleeves and pants in wooded areas, and check for ticks after spending time outside.
Summer often means road trips, flights, or exploring new places.
Tip: Keep your car serviced, pack an emergency kit, and share your travel plans with someone you trust. If you’re flying, follow airport safety protocols and stay alert in unfamiliar areas.
From heatstroke to allergic reactions, emergencies can happen.
Tip: Save emergency contacts in your phone and teach kids how to call for help if needed. Know the location of the nearest urgent care or hospital, especially when travelling.
Summer is for fun, but safety should always be part of your plan. With a little preparation and awareness, you can enjoy all that the season has to offer — worry-free.
Stay safe, stay cool, and have an amazing summer!
7. Know Emergency Numbers
6. Stay Safe While Travelling
5. Bug Protection
4. Swim Smart
Coming Soon: Free Financial Wellbeing Sessions
We’re pleased to announce that we’re working with Steve Lea from Meta to arrange a series of free financial wellbeing sessions exclusively for Clarkson Evans employees.
These one-to-one sessions are designed to help you take control of your finances—whether you’re looking for budgeting advice, saving tips, or guidance on planning for the future. Each session lasts 30 minutes, is completely confidential, and tailored to your personal circumstances.
If you’d like to register your interest in having an individual session with Steve, please email melissa.webb@clarksonevans.co.uk. Dates and times will be confirmed soon, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to get expert financial advice at no cost.
Your wellbeing matters—financially and beyond.
Steven is a Chartered Financial Adviser with over 24 years experience in wealth management. He works with clients in London, Gloucestershire & Oxfordshire to help them protect their families, plan for retirement and ensure their savings are in the right place to work harder. He has offered to work with Clarkson Evans to provide employees with confidential financial planning advice. An initial consultation with Steven will be at no cost and can be arranged on site or at a place of your choosing.
Steven is happy to discuss any of the following areas of financial planning and answer any questions that you may have:
» Tax Planning
» Protection Planning
Tax Planning
» Minimising your taxes:
- Income tax
- Capital Gains tax
- Tax on your investments
» Using tax efficient investments
» Retirement Planning
» Savings & Investments
Protection Planning
» Protecting your family
» Protecting your personal assets
» Understanding your existing cover
» Providing adequate health and nursing care
Retirement Planning
» Ensuring an adequate income on retirement
» Protecting the impact of early retirement
» Understanding your benefits from:
- Your employer
- Old pensions
- Current pensions
- Equity in your home
» Managing your pensions
» Saving for your children’s pension
» Estate Planning i.e. Wills, Trusts etc.
Saving & Investment Planning
» Saving with a specific objective in mind
» Tax efficient savings
» Saving for your child’s benefit/ education
» Managing existing investments:
- Establishing your attitude to risk
- Minimising the effects of inflation
Current Financial Position
» Assessing your assets and liabilities
» Understanding your cash ftow
» Building a cash reserve
» Evaluating your mortgage needs
Estate Planning
» Preserving your family’s wealth:
- Wills
- Reducing inheritance tax
- Lifetime gifts
- Using trusts efficiently
» Planning for a smooth transition of:
- Personal assets
- Business assets
- Property
Clarkson Evans Apprentice
Rhys Homer Praised for Heroic
Intervention
Last month, Clarkson Evans Property and Facilities Apprentice, Rhys Homer, displayed extraordinary courage and compassion when he prevented a young man from taking his own life in Gloucester.
While driving across a railway bridge one Saturday morning, Rhys noticed an 18-yearold man standing in the middle of the bridge, looking over the side. Concerned by the scene, he glanced back in his rearview mirror just in time to see the young man climbing onto the railings. Without hesitation, Rhys stopped his car in the middle of the road and ran back to the man, pulling him down from the edge.
As a friend called the police, Rhys stayed with the man for around 20 minutes, speaking calmly to him about video games and general topics to help take his mind off the situation. When the police arrived, the young man thanked Rhys for his kindness, telling him he had been feeling incredibly alone, and that Rhys’s act of compassion had made a difference.
I couldn’t bear thinking about what might have happened if I hadn’t stopped to help. “
”
When asked if he would have done anything differently, Rhys simply said: “No, I wouldn’t. I couldn’t bear thinking about what might have happened if I hadn’t stopped to help.”
We are incredibly proud to have Rhys as part of our team. His instinctive bravery and empathy reflect the values we hold dear, and his actions undoubtedly changed – and may have saved – a life.
If you are experiencing emotional difficulties or have been affected by this story, help is available. You can contact Samaritans any time, free of charge, on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.
Mental Health Support
As a Clarkson Evans employee, you have free access to mental health support information from Able Futures. Able Futures supports people in managing their mental health so they can enjoy more good days. They offer up to nine months of advice and guidance from a mental health specialist, who can help you develop coping strategies, build resilience, access therapy, or work with us to make adjustments that support your mental wellbeing.
Anyone at Clarkson Evans can access support by calling Able Futures free on 0800 321 3137, available from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Support can also be requested online –apply here
SUMMER · PARTY ·
DJ | HUMAN FOOTBALL TABLE | LIVE PHOTO WALL
SPANISH GRAZING TABLE | SMART CASUAL SUMMER ATTIRE
MANOR BY THE LAKE, HATHERLEY LANE, CHELTENHAM GL51 6PN
The Great Duck Mystery
Something quacking is happening across the Meteor and Anson office buildings — and no, you’re not imagining things. Over the past few weeks, eagle-eyed (or should we say duck-eyed?) employees have spotted miniature ducks mysteriously appearing on top of door frames throughout both buildings.
Bright, beady-eyed, and silently watching over us, these miniature ducks have become the talk of the office. From meeting rooms to break areas, no corner seems off-limits for the feathered infiltrators. The best part? Nobody knows who’s behind this delightful ducky operation.
Is it a whimsical prankster? A covert morale booster? A secret duck enthusiast with a stepladder? Your guess is as good as ours.
One thing’s for sure — they’re putting smiles on faces and giving everyone a reason to look up (literally). If you haven’t spotted one yet, it might be time to check your office.
Stay alert. Stay curious. And remember: the ducks are watching.
Don’t Forget to Nominate for the
awards& Above Beyond
We know that great work deserves recognition. Our Above and Beyond Awards are here to celebrate those colleagues who go the extra mile—whether it’s delivering outstanding customer service, supporting a teammate, or finding a smarter, safer way of doing things.
These awards are a chance for you to shine a light on the everyday heroes across our business. Big or small, if someone’s made a difference, let’s make sure they get the appreciation they deserve.
Submitting a nomination is quick and easy, and it’s a great way to show your appreciation and boost team morale. So, if you’ve seen someone doing an exceptional job recently—don’t wait. Get your nomination in and help us say thank you to those who truly go above and beyond.
Click here to nominate someone.
Let’s keep celebrating the people who make Clarkson Evans a great place to work!
LinkedIn – Top Tips for Effective Posts
As more of us share our work and site visits on LinkedIn, it’s a great opportunity to showcase the people, partnerships, and progress that make Clarkson Evans stand out. To help you post with confidence and impact, here are a few key pointers:
Start strong with a hook like: “Great to be on-site with [Customer + Job Title + Customer Company] today at [Location]…”
Then add a meaningful insight — what did you see, learn, or discuss?
Keep the tone professional and authentic, and end with a reflection or takeaway: “Always great to hear how our solutions are impacting real teams.”
• Your teammates who joined you
• @ClarksonEvans and customer company
• Individual customers if you can
Use 2–5 hashtags to boost visibility.
Examples: #SolarEnergy #Construction #NewBuildHomes #Electricians
Don’t forget #ClarksonEvans where relevant!
• Choose high-quality, clear photos (group shots, site selfies, branded kit)
• Avoid blurry, dark, over-edited images or anything that may reveal confidential info
• A Clarkson Evans background banner is available. If already using this, please check occasionally that it hasn’t distorted.
• Keep your profile photo updated and professional. Please contact marketing@ clarksonevans.co.uk if you would like a new headshot taken.
• Connect with colleagues and share/like social media posts to extend the reach of company posts.
If you have any questions about creating work-related social media posts, please contact Melissa Webb for advice.
Let’s keep showing the great work we’re doing — the right way. Thanks for representing Clarkson Evans with pride and professionalism!
Taking on Pretty Muddy for Cancer Research UK
Warehouse Supervisor, Mike Ryan, will be lacing up his trainers later this month to take part in the 5km Pretty Muddy Race for Life, raising vital funds for Cancer Research UK.
Mike is taking part as part of a team of four and will be tackling mud, obstacles, and plenty of tough competition on Saturday 28 June at Prestbury Park, Cheltenham. The event kicks off at 11:30am, and colleagues are more than welcome to come along and cheer him on!
This is a cause very close to Mike’s heart, as he lost his father to cancer three years ago. He’s determined to raise as much as possible to support ongoing research and help beat cancer sooner.
If you’d like to show your support, donations can be made via Mike’s Giving Page click here.
Good luck, Mike – we’re all cheering for you!
Social Events Save the Dates...
STAFF
CHRISTMAS PARTY
Save the date: Friday 12 December
CHILDREN’S
CHRISTMAS PARTY
Save the date: Sunday 30 November
We want your Feedback on The Buzz
We’re always looking for ways to improve how we communicate and keep everyone informed. To help us make The Buzz even better, we’d love your input!
Please take a couple of minutes to complete this short survey and share your thoughts on what you enjoy, what could be improved, and what you’d like to see more of in our internal newsletter.
To complete the survey click here.
Your feedback is incredibly valuable and will help shape the future of The Buzz. The survey will be open until Friday 4 July, so be sure to share your thoughts before then! ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
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.
Do you have a story to share? Tea Break Quiz Answers
1. Answer: B
2. Answer: C (Brazil – 5 titles) 3. Answer: A 4. Answer:B
5. Answer: B (Novak Djokovic)*
6. Answer: C
7. Answer: D
8. Answer: C
9. Answer: C
10. Answer: C (Around 78% of Earth’s atmosphere is nitrogen)