Autumn/Winter 2023 Issue 2
FOCUS ON BEXLEY Countrystyle’s phenomenal efforts and performance
THAMES WATER
Contract extension awarded to FGS Agri
SUSTAINABLE FARMING INCENTIVE Habitat Regeneration on how it supports the scheme
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Contents
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Spotlight on The Young Lives Foundation
Welcome Message from Martin Heathcote
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Business Round Up
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Out and About
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Get to Know
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Employee Noticeboard
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New Starters
We’d like to extend a big thank you to everyone who contributed to this issue of In The Loop, either through their stories, support or effort.
In The Loop | Autumn/Winter 2023
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This Kent based charity, provides vital support to some of the region’s most vulnerable young people. Their services range from befriending and mentoring to activity clubs and advocacy services to those in most urgent need. The charity is made up of 20 dedicated staff, training 300 volunteers, who support 3000 young people, focusing particularly on children in care. Tony Godden remarks “As the charity’s finance trustee, I have the privilege to listen and learn about other people’s perspectives and being part of this organisation has taught me to be less judgmental and the importance of building trust”. Heathcote Holdings provides financial aid enabling 20 young people to receive mentoring; this can be lifesaving and life changing. At a time of significant cuts to the charity’s local council funding, this financial help is required more than ever. Tony concludes “The charity plays an effective and vital role supporting children with immediate needs, also inspiring them to achieve their potential”. If you wish to find out more, visit ylf.org.uk or Tony is happy to answer any questions you have.
WE NEED YOUR STORIES... Contact us at marketing@countrystylerecycling.co.uk if you would like to be considered for the next front cover or if you have a success story within the group you’d like to share with all employees.
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Welcome message from Martin Heathcote
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On behalf of my family, we want to thank everyone across the Heathcote Holdings Group. Looking back, it’s been such an enjoyable journey seeing you all develop and change as we move on to the next chapter.
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What our father created 30 years ago has become the solid foundation for growth that we have today. We are in great sectors that are leading the way on improving the environment, recycling and building new futures. The performance of the business has been exceptional and financially we are in a good position coming into difficult times. Profit isn’t a bad word and 2023 has been a good profitable year which will not only provide security to our staff but also investments to improve and grow.
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Looking at some of the charitable foundations we have been working with is heart warming, especially working with the Young Lives Foundation. You can read more about this in page 1 of the magazine giving support to children much less fortunate than many of us. We now look to 2024 to improve as an employer and a business, we must catch up with modern times in regard to systems and IT.
Our strategy for Heathcote Holdings is to grow. Our biggest asset is our people, working together is how we achieve great things. We have seen some lovely stories of training and mentoring to improve individuals in their roles. We hope to do much more of this. We are well positioned to grow to heights we haven’t seen before, this will bring new challenges that we must overcome together. But also, fantastic opportunities for the Group and everyone in it. We hope everyone has a fantastic Christmas and enjoys their Turkey. Thank you,
Chief Exec, Heathcote Holdings Waste Group
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BUSINESS ROUND UP
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In The Loop | Autumn/Winter 2023
Meet Nicola Mason Group HR Director
I am very excited to join the Heathcote Holdings group - the last time I worked in the waste sector was over 20 years ago! Fast forward, and it is amazing to see how the sector has progressed and what has been achieved. My career in HR started at Sainsbury’s where I spent 10 years. I then joined Cory Environmental, in a regional HR role. Several roles later, I took a short, fixed term contract for Disney and ended up staying there for 14 years. Prior to joining you all here I spent the ‘pandemic years’ working as a HR Consultant as well as some assignments for VIACOMCBS, AJ Gallagher and NBC Universal. On a personal note, I live in a small village just outside Dartford in Kent, with my husband David. In my spare time I enjoy gardening, walking, and reading, and I am aware how boring that makes me sound!!!! I also enjoy meeting friends for dinner and a drink or 3!
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Acquisition of Alwyn Moss Envar is delighted to announce the successful acquisition of Alwyn Moss Ltd. Alwyn Moss Ltd has been an established player in the composting landscape, renowned for its muck removal services in Newmarket. The acquisition of Alwyn Moss aligns seamlessly with Envar’s strategic vision, presenting new opportunities for synergy and collaboration.
Floristry Industry Composting Pilot During the last few months, Envar has been involved with a company called com:post, working with them on their exciting pilot project for the floristry industry. The pilot aims to help florists turn their green waste into compost for a sustainable future. The programme hopes to promote the responsible disposal of cut flowers and reduce the carbon footprint associated with the floral industry.
Envar speaks at RWM Envar recently spoke at the Resource & Waste Management (RWM) Expo in Birmingham. Our very own James Cooper, Head of Compliance was one of four speakers discussing “Waste Sector vs Compostable Packaging - Can It Work?”. Envar spoke about our experience trialling 14 tons of compostable packaging using our in-vessel composting technologies. The engaging presentation not only shed light on our commitment to sustainable practices but also sparked important conversations about the feasibility of integrating compostable packaging in the waste sector.
PhD Students Visit Envar Envar was thrilled to welcome a group of PhD students, part of the FertiCyle initiative, to our site in Cambridge. The EU-funded FertiCycle project will train 15 early stage researchers to develop new processes for the production of bio-based fertilisers in order to reduce the reliance on synthetic fertilisers in agriculture. We look forward to seeing the future work this incredible team produces!
Heathcote Holdings
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Additions to Our Fleet To keep up with growing customer demand, we have invested in our fleet significantly. One of our newest additions is our range of innovative and environmentally efficient welfare units. We currently have two models of welfare units available for hire, the GPO360 Eco Fusion Pulse that seats 6 people and the GPO500 Eco Fusion Pulse that seats 10. Each unit features a seating area, toilet wash area, solar panel with generator backup, warm water and more. We have also welcomed to the fleet Red Rhino 4000 mini concrete crushers, LGMG AR144j 45ft cherry pickers, Bobcat E17 1.5t excavators and Bobcat E85 8t excavators.
Developing Asset Sales Across the Group FGS Plant continues to develop asset sales across the Heathcote Holdings group thanks to our new Group Asset Manager, Nathan Heathcote. We update our fleet as regularly as possible which means we often have used plant that is ready to be sold on. Nathan is responsible for managing the group’s wide range of machinery assets including selling used FGS Plant kit. Our equipment is highly sought-after by equipment dealers and end users because they know that equipment from FGS Plant is correctly maintained by our skilled workforce.
In The Loop | Autumn/Winter 2023
Event Hire FGS Plant have had a busy summer hiring our kit to a wide range of events across Kent and surrounding areas. A range of our high-tech machinery were utilised including telehandlers, tower lights and access equipment operated by our skilled operatives. We are available to help in all phases of an event, from initial setup through to the post event breakdown.
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Additions to our fleet Clements Welcomes New Starter Clements Plant & Access Hire would like to welcome Rajesh Nair, our new Regional Sales Manager! Rajesh brings with him over 9 years of UK plant hire industry experience and we are thrilled to have him on board. Rajesh will focus on creating and driving new business opportunities for Clements as well as continuing to build the strong relationships we have with our existing customers. Welcome to the team Rajesh!
2023 has seen HAP’s fleet grow rapidly to keep up with customer demand. We have welcomed to our fleet 17m, 14m and 6m JCB telehandlers, 1t, 3t, 6t and 9t dumpers, Genie Z45 and LGMG AR14 articulating booms. We have also added 1t tracked dumpers and a tracked Red Rhino concrete crusher. In addition, we have considerably increased our excavator fleet to include new 1.5t, 3t and 5t Bobcats and 8/9t Hyundai excavators.
New Starter at HAP Hire Access Platforms has welcomed James Peacock to the team. With over 10 years of plant hire and sales experience, James will be focusing on new business enabling HAP to grow further in the coming months and years ahead. Welcome to the team.
Additions to the Clements fleet Further investment in our excavator range sees a brand new 8-ton Kubota KX085-5 join the fleet. This highly productive new machine is ideal for larger earthmoving applications and benefits from an arm reach of up to 7.33m and a powerful digging force at depths up to 4.6m. Our fleet of Merlo Telehandlers continues to expand with two new P27.6 vehicles being added to the available hire equipment. The latest additions will help us keep up with customer demand. The 2.7ton lifting capacity and 5.9 maximum placement height is ideal for a wide range of applications.
Festivals & Events Hire Access Platforms have seen a growth in the supply of kit to festivals and events. As we can now supply telehandlers along with access platforms we are able to provide hire solutions to even more local festivals and events.
Heathcote Holdings
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Meet Verigreen’s Dan Windibank Commercial Manager What was your first job?
I was an online poker player! What are the best and worst moments of your career so far?
Verigreen business keeps growing Since last quarter, Verigreen has seen optimum input levels at our AD plant Blaise based in West Malling Kent. There has been great success with local Kent vineyards Gusbourne and Biddenden Vineyard by taking excess fruit harvest from site. Other sectors Verigreen has focused on have been re-purposing products for animal feed from surplus waste such as chocolate, grain, and bird seed. The latest account wins include: •Britannia Superfine •Junkwize •Countyclean •Berico
I haven’t had any bad career moments so far! What would you change about the waste and recycling industry?
Better education for customers to segregate and recycle their waste. What would you be doing if you weren’t in the waste management industry?
I would probably be a day trader. Film or Box set – what are you watching at the moment?
I liked “Pepsi, Where’s My Jet” on Netflix! Where would you like to time travel to?
Back to the 80’s, before mobile phones and computers. What can’t you live without?
My man cave. What building would you like to be locked in overnight?
Seattle Space Needle. What would you do if you were prime minister for the day?
Reduce Income Tax. What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Make yourself the commodity and be in control! What is the best advice you would give?
Listen more, talk less. Who is your biggest inspiration?
My Dad. In The Loop | Autumn/Winter 2023
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Additions to our Fleet To provide the best service to our customers, FGS Organics continuously invest in our fleet. New for the Autumn, we have two newly imported D-tec trailed tankers from TrailerTec. These are utilised for a range of haulage jobs; however, we primarily use them to haul digestate. The superior steering system on these units means substantially increased manoeuvrability which results in lower tyre wear and less damage to farmyards when delivering biofertilisers.
Did you know...
FGS Organics team expands! FGS Organics provides a complete soil improvement service to farmers. We undertake soil sampling so we can analyse soil needs and our FACTS qualified advisors can recommend the correct product to suit crop requirements and farming systems. We are committed to the responsible application of fertilisers to land. We organise soil analysis, documentation, and compliance to ensure traceability and fully auditable records.
The FGS Organics team continues to expand! Welcome to Katrina, Suzie and Emma. Katrina and Suzie are our new Farm Liaison Officers, who will be promoting our soil improvement products to local farmers and ensuring the responsible application of our organic fertilisers to land. We would also like to welcome Emma back to the FGS Organics team, after finishing her final year at Harper Adams University and travelling around New Zealand, Emma has re-joined as an Environmental Compliance Assistant. Emma spent her placement year with us as a Technical Trainee and was a brilliant member of the team. We are thrilled to have her back!
Seaweed Clearance from Thanet Beaches This summer, FGS Organics has been working in collaboration with Ovenden Allworks and Thanet District Council united in their joint efforts to clear the beaches of seaweed. All harvested seaweed was transported and stockpiled at a local farm, with the approval of the Environment Agency, before being spread to land. This joint approach enables the seaweed to be used as a valuable organic fertiliser, effectively enriching the soil and reducing the need for synthetic fertilisers. Heathcote Holdings
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Outstanding Performance Continues at Bexley Phil Bovis, Contract Manager at Bexley shares an update on the incredible performance and progress made across all areas of the Countrystyle Recycling Bexley Contract. Phil Bovis reports “Exceptional efforts by all the staff at Bexley have ensured a good, stable level of service has been achieved, benefitting our clients and its residents across the London Borough of Bexley. Our performance has gone from strength to strength and the client is largely happy with the service Countrystyle is providing”.
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Phil continues “I am so grateful to all the frontline crews for the improvements we have seen led by a very focussed group of Managers, Supervisors and Administrators. Not forgetting the support we received from our partners from Health & Safety, HR, Fleet and Finance Business Partners”.
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FOCUS ON BEXLEY
Over the last few months, extra efforts have been seen from all departments. The collections rounds show improvement across the KPI’s, which measure missed bins per 100,000 collections, keeping in mind that this is 1.1million collections per month. The cleansing teams are working hard to keep the 38 square miles of streets of Bexley clean and tidy. The gully crews have worked exceptionally hard in very difficult circumstances to keep the 80,000+ drains across Bexley free flowing. Based on these results the Bexley teams are confident to overcome any challenges the winter season might present by keeping the highways clear.
Everyone associated with the Bexley Municipal contract can be credited in playing their part in these improvements. Phil concludes “My thanks go out to all the employees and agency staff who work hard to deliver this good level of service and we are really excited about the further improvements to come.”
In The Loop | Autumn/Winter 2023
Congratulations to Dan Rivers who has recently passed his LGV2 Dan will soon become part of the Bexley driving team responsible for Street Cleansing and Waste Collections work. This is a great, progressive pathway for staff who want to get on in our business and helps address the issues regarding the national shortage of LGV drivers. If you’d like to find out more about the LGV2 qualification, contact your line manager.
The Council & the Thamesmead Safer Neighbourhoods Team had received several complaints concerning an illegal encampment that had been set up underneath the Harrow Manorway Flyover in Thamesmead. Reports ranged from anti-social behaviour, theft, drug dealing and taking which led to an increased fear of crime. The area was also a real concern from a health and safety perspective as it was littered with used needles. Countrystyle’s Street Services were on hand with several vehicles and a mass of cleaning equipment to thoroughly cleanse the whole area to bring it back to its former glory.
AFTER
Street Cleansing teams help the clean-up of Illegal Encampments
BEFORE
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Leader of the Council, Cllr Baroness O’Neill of Bexley OBE said: “This was a really difficult situation that has been solved in a planned and sensitive way through partnership work. Our residents and businesses were rightly concerned about a ‘camp’ forming.
99.86% Right First Time The collections staff at Bexley worked exceptionally hard to deliver significant improvement in the level of missed bins over the past 6 months compared to the same 6 month period in 2022. The graph below show the level of improvement, meaning that of the 6.4 million collections we had performed during this period shown for 2023, we achieved a right first time performance of 99.86%. I want to thank every person at Bexley involved in delivering this great, consistent performance.
By working together, we have been able to put their minds at rest and ensure that the site is not accessible for this kind of use in the future. I understand that several residents approached both Police and Council Officers and thanked them for their efforts while the clean-up took place. I also thank all the teams involved for their work in bringing this to a close.” Another successful clean-up for the CRL street cleansing team was the disused overgrown Felixstowe Car Park Abbey Wood. This had become a magnet for drug users and an illegal homeless encampment. Thanks to the efforts of the team the Car Park is now back in use. A big well done to everyone who has been involved in this superb work.
Heathcote Holdings
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Meeting the Targets of Career Progression Head On It’s fantastic to see many of our Countrystyle Recycling colleagues progressing in their careers, as part of an on-going board directive, Group HR Director Nicola Mason is putting employees at the heart of company plans for a succession structure, focussing on both personal and career development.
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Nicola comments: “There are so many talented people in this business. I am currently working with the board to develop an effective succession plan which invests in people and provides the business with a talent pipeline. By implementing training programmes at all levels, we will ensure the business will benefit and become more productive.”
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Promotion is not always straightforward, there are some areas within the business relying on specialist skills and knowledge. Nicola continues: ”We want to recognise expertise and reward these roles too, and acknowledge that sometimes these people can be overlooked, this objective will also be incorporated into the succession plan. I would like to get to a point when it is second nature for stakeholders to look first across the company for talent, with the aim to be more inclusive and provide incentives for capable people to remain and succeed in the business”.
In The Loop | Autumn/Winter 2023
One recent success is Aaron Austin, who started with Countrystyle Recycling in November 2018, as a Workshop Plant Fitter, after a few years he was move on to the Supervisor role and most recently has been promoted to Workshop Manager. We caught up with him and his team based at the Ridham site. “It’s good to be recognised by Countrystyle for what I have contributed to the business, however it’s not just my achievement that is important, we all play a part and without my team behind me, my progression may not of been a possibility”. Aaron, came into the business with some waste industry experience, however, was encouraged to expand his skills, helping the workshop to become more productive by offering a full maintenance service across multiple sites and eliminating almost all use of subcontractors. Aaron is keen to push his team forward, by offering training providing the opportunity to study for NVQ level 3 in Plant Maintenance.
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Paul Randall Retirement Paul Randall worked as a RoRo driver for Countrystyle for almost 9 years. We wish Paul all the best!
Another success story is Zack Wellard who started at Countrystyle in January 2023 and has had a rapid promotion, from Accounts Assistant to Finance Analyst. This demonstrates if the ability and enthusiasm is there, Countrystyle will support your career development and fund the necessary qualifications required for the transition. Zack comments “What is so inspiring is to see colleagues around me progress, this is what encouraged me, and I hope reading this will push others to take up opportunities and stay in the company. I am being supported and will be embarking on CIMA training shortly making me a fully qualified financial analyst”. Others on the up include Andrea Allbone who has recently been promoted to Senior Credit Controller in the Finance Department and Rachel Smith who is now Weighbridge Manager, congratulations to all.
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Nicola Mason concludes: “We still have work to do on retaining and developing our people. However the foundations are in place for more of our valuable employees to flourish and have a great career here at Countrystyle”.
Sales Update The Sales Department has seen another productive period with some great new accounts in the bag. Steve Nunney and Jolene Simionato Business Development Managers, share some of the most recent wins: •Steadline Limited, Maidstone £50k plus •Enterprise Business Centre, Sittingbourne £42k •Albion Fine Foods, Dartford £50k (24 food bins weekly) •Bulker work for Ashford Demolition £40k •Charlton Shopping Centre, Dover £9k
Did you know... We are dedicated to continuing Carys’ commitment to providing free sanitary products to female staff, with supplies currently being available at both Ridham and Bexley!
Heathcote Holdings
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Great Crested Newt Licensing Project Good news story on our Great Crested Newt ponds. Through developer funding, FGS Pilcher have been awarded contracts to deliver newt ponds across the Stour and Medway river catchments, over the past five years. Habitat Regeneration have helped to find suitable sites and delivered seven of these ponds across one of our rented farms, Coldharbour Farm. These have been delivered on a staggered basis over the last four years. Revisiting and carrying out EDNA samples has shown that four of the seven ponds now contain Great Crested Newts. The photos show how one of the pond creations at Coldharbour is maturing, the first photo is one year post completion, and the second picture is three years later.
Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI)
Specialist Fencing Habitat Regeneration have seen a growth in demand for our range of specialist fencing solutions, meeting a diverse range of client needs. Our recent projects include stock fencing and water vole fencing at a solar and energy storage park adjacent to a nature reserve. We can also provide fencing for newt mitigation purposes and deer fencing for woodland creation schemes.
In The Loop | Autumn/Winter 2023
The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), is a government initiative designed to encourage farmers into adopting environmentally friendly and regenerative farming practices. The scheme includes options which promote soil enhancement, habitat creation, improved water quality and a reduction in spray applications (herbicides and insecticides). To support farmers in delivering these schemes, Habitat Regeneration work with its sister companies to provide the following services: •Soil sampling •Supplying and applying organic materials (inc. digestate) as an alternative to chemical fertilisers. •Direct drilling for herbal leys, wildflower mixes and winter wild bird mixes. •Cut & collecting vegetation for wildflower establishment and managing legume rich swards. We have a broad range of equipment which will provide compact and large-scale options, depending on access, ecological constraints, and ground conditions.
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Thames Water Contract FGS Agri is excited to announce that we have been awarded a three-year contract extension to our Thames Water contract. This is an example of how we continue to provide our clients with complete recycling solutions for all of their output using our in-house equipment and experienced staff. Our staff are pleased to have reassurance of continuing employment and engagement in what they enjoy doing.
New Moore Drill New to FGS Agri, our Moore uni-drill offers precise, consistent seed placement in a single pass. It’s a 3m mounted drill with 32 coulters, which gives 9cm spacing. Direct drilling decreases soil disturbance, preserving the ecosystem in the soil. This strengthens the soil structure, helping to reduce compaction and conserve moisture, all of which have a direct correlation with crop yields.
Forestry England Contract FGS Agri and Habitat Regeneration are pleased to announce the successful award of another contract from Forestry England. This contract involves the sensitive management of 9 sites, maintaining safe access for the general public, whilst conserving and promoting wildlife. Works include cut and collect of wildflower meadows, preparing grass meadows for wildflower drilling, path flailing, strimming and hedge cutting around car parks, signs, benches and information boards.
FGS to Keep Client Sites Safe Again This Winter Did you know that FGS Agri offers gritting and snow clearance services across Kent and the South East? We monitor weather conditions, notifying clients of potential risks in their area so that we can grit their site or clear away any snow before their staff or customers arrive.
Heathcote Holdings
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FGS Pilcher Completes New Robotic Milking Parlour FGS Pilcher has recently been undertaking an exciting agricultural project - the construction of a robotic milking parlour. This project is not only set to improve the traditional milking process but also predicts an increase in milk production. The overarching goal is to streamline operations and improved the welfare of the animals. This project also aims to address the issue of labour intensity associated with traditional milking practices.
Much needed new office for FGS Pilcher The new FGS Pilcher office is almost ready, a much needed space for the growing team. We’ve outgrown our portacabins at the yard in Woodchurch. The new building has a large office area, workshop, and a smart meeting room. We can’t wait to move in!
Screw Piling for Renewable Energy Site FGS Pilcher has been hard at work installing screw piles at a large renewable energy site in Kent. For those who don’t know, screw piling in a well established foundation technique used in a wide range of construction projects, from residential buildings to industrial facilities and infrastructure. They are speedy and efficient to install, cause minimal disruption to the surrounding environment and have excellent load bearing capacity. In The Loop | Autumn/Winter 2023
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News Round-up FGS Industrial have had an extremely busy few months, expanding the team and undertaking more work for our clients. We now provide a regular office cleaning service to our sister company Countrystyle Recycling, alongside supplying trained operatives for a Kent Commercial Services contract based in KCC household waste recycling centres and transfer stations.With the assistance of Countrystyle Recycling, we will be enhancing the Leeds Castle light show experience by providing a number of bins to the site. Additionally, our facilities team will be working throughout the show to ensure that the site is handed back to the client in pristine condition, ready for the next day.
We have also provided a site support operative for E.ON’s Kemsley site, an energy provider with a heat and power facility. We are pleased to be working with the E.ON team and hope to offer more services in the future.Continuing in the energy sector, FGS Industrial provided staff transport for MVV employees during their factory shut down and are providing machine operators and pickers for Fortis at Ridham. As we continue to grow, we also continue to invest in our staff and equipment. At one of our regular cleaning contracts for a local industrial business we purchased tablets for each member of staff. These tablets issue detailed reports with photos, customised to the customer’s site.
Promotions Congratulations to Laura Ward and Eleanor Beadle on their promotions within the FGS Industrial team.
JT - American Football Champ! FGS Industrial would like to say a huge congratulations to our Contracts Manager, James Thompson, and the whole of the East Kent Mavericks American Football (Canterbury) team for winning the 2023 Division Two Championship! For the past 12 years, James has been a member of the Mavericks, showcasing his skills on the field as a defensive end. Heathcote Holdings
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G E TH
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COMMUNITY E H T IN
HAP support Teddy Rocks Festival
OUT AND ABOUT
Hire Access Platforms were proud to sponsor Teddy Rocks Festival again this year. The charity was set up in 2011 to raise money for Teddy20, a children’s cancer charity founded by Tom Newton and his family after he lost his 10 year old brother Ted to a very rare bone cancer.
In The Loop | Autumn/Winter 2023
FGS Organics Cranbrook Rugby Club Sponsorship We are pleased to announce we are sponsoring Cranbrook Rugby Club. This season the players are proudly displaying the FGS Organics logo across the rear of their shorts! We look forward to supporting them at upcoming matches throughout the season.
Countrystyle continues to raise funds for The Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre for Halloween This Halloween, Pumpkin Moon, based in Rainham, kindly donated a load of pumpkins to Countrystyle, to raise funds for the The Pickering Cancer Drop -In Centre! There was a minimum donation of £2 per pumpkin, bringing the total raised so far this year for the Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre to £833.27! There are a number of other fundraising events coming up in the Christmas period - take a look at the Employee Noticeboard to find out more.
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Envar’s Donation to Moulsham Junior School Envar was thrilled to donate some bulk bags of garden mulch and compost soil improver to Moulsham Junior School to be used in their numerous projects around the school site. The first of the school's projects included updating the beds at the front of the building. We can't wait to see what they get up to next.
FGS Plant continues to support Kent Cricket Masterclasses We are thrilled to support the Kent Cricket Hard-ball Masterclasses again this winter. Courses are available for budding cricketers aged 9-17, split into two age categories, to improve their skills with bat & ball.
Green School Awards 2023
FGS Agri Expands its Young Farmers Sponsorship FGS Agri was thrilled to sponsor the Kent Federation of Young Farmers, Ashford Young Farmers and North School Young Farmers at the Kent County Show this summer. It was great to witness the passion these young individuals have for agriculture, and we were so pleased to be able to support them.
Countrystyle is thrilled to be involved with the Green School Awards again this year, sponsoring the Recycling Award. Our Sales & Marketing team were busy in the judging process and have attended the awards ceremony at Ashford International Hotel on the 26th November. The standards of all entries this year have been extremely high, making the selection of the finalists really difficult. Thanks to everybody’s effort!
Heathcote Holdings
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E GROUP H T S S CRO A TS N E EV Weald of Kent Ploughing Match FGS Agri, FGS Organics, FGS Pilcher and Habitat Regeneration had an excellent time at the Weald of Kent Ploughing Match in September. The turnout was fantastic. Lots of friendly faces stopped by our stand and we were blessed with lovely sunny weather.
Countrystyle Photoshoot In August, a photographer spent a week with our marketing team photographing our Ridham Operations, employees, and customer locations. The new photos and drone footage provide a much needed refresh of our site media for use on our website, social media and presentations.
FGS Agri at the Kent County Show FGS Agri was delighted to be present at the Kent County Show. We had the privilege of being the sponsors for the Commercial Beef Class. We extend our congratulations to the champion Mr Will Ludgate and their remarkable Limousin cross, Boss Man, as well as all the participants who competed.
In The Loop | Autumn/Winter 2023
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Kent Construction Expo Countrystyle, Habitat Regeneration and FGS Plant exhibited at Kent Construction Expo at Detling Showground in October. It was a fantastic event across the group as we gathered leads, new enquiries and spoke with existing and potential customers.
DEFRA/EU visit at Stanford Bridge Farm FGS Agri and Habitat Regeneration were delighted to host a visit from DEFRA and a selection of EU Representatives at Stanford Bridge Farm. During the visit, we had productive discussions about the various environmental land management schemes designed to support farmers and the obstacles hindering their adoption. We provided detailed insights into our cattle management practices, emphasising our commitment to the welfare of our livestock. Furthermore, we delved into the challenges confronting the UK beef industry.
Countrystyle sponsors the LARAC Circular Economy Achievement Award Ben Dudley & Simon Davey from Countrystyle joined James Cooper from Envar for the LARAC Conference Celebration Awards at the Hilton Metropole Hotel in Birmingham. Once again, Countrystyle sponsored the Circular Economy Achievement Award and this year it was won by Westminster City Council!
Groundswell Agricultural Festival Coming soon for Countrystyle... Chartlon Athletic Greener Games Charlton Athletic Football Club are hosting their second ever Greener Game. CAFC’s match against Cambridge United on the 9th December will have a sustainable focus with the aim to raise awareness of the environment and to encourage supporters to segregate and recycle their waste. Countrystyle are Match Sponsors and will be attending the game with a group of customers to celebrate sustainability and enjoy the Greener Game!
In June FGS Organics, Habitat Regeneration & Envar attended the Groundswell Agriculture Festival in Hertfordshire. We brought along samples of our digestate fibre, gypsum, paper crumb and soil improver. Our representatives had many conversations with interested parties regarding our products and how they can improve soil health. The event was well attended with plenty of fascinating talks during the two days, covering a range of interesting industry topics.
Heathcote Holdings
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Meet Countrystyle’s Miloslav Gatner DMR Supervisor What was your first job?
GET TO KNOW...
Working for a bed mattress manufacturer and I made bed mattresses. What are the best and worst moments of your career so far?
I enjoy working for Countrystyle and I have made lots of good friends here! What one thing would you change about the waste and recycling industry?
The general public could be better at recycling, we need more education on what can be recycled. If you weren’t in the waste management industry, what would you be doing?
I would be in construction, on a building site. Film, or Box set – what are you watching at the moment?
I prefer to watch videos on Facebook, especially the funny animal ones! Where would you like to time travel to?
I’d like to go back to the 50’s or 60’s, the music in that time was a lot better. What can’t you live without?
Other people – I like company! What building would you like to be locked in overnight?
I’d prefer to be trapped at a fishing lake for a night. What would you do if you were prime minister for the day?
I would make it a National Holiday and no one will have to work! What is the best advice you would give?
Believe in yourself. Who is your biggest inspiration?
My family, particularly my grandma. In The Loop | Autumn/Winter 2023
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Meet Envar’s James Cooper Head of Compliance What was your first job?
My first job was really when I got my own car at 17. I got an old strimmer and lawnmower from the local tip and did peoples lawns and odd jobs around my home town. What one thing would you change about the composting industry?
Policymakers and regulators need to understand the need for good waste operators, focussing on the bigger environmental picture such as carbon savings, energy efficiency and renewable. If you weren’t in the composting industry, what would you be doing?
A bit about James Cooper…
James Cooper has worked in the waste industry since 2009. He completed a management training program with a leading UK waste operator before specialising in compliance and working in various senior roles in waste and resources management companies across the UK. James joined Envar in January 2021 as our Compliance Manager, before being promoted to Head of Compliance later that year.
Probably in some other part of the waste industry. Film, or Box set – what are you watching at the moment?
Outlander, The Witcher, but mainly PS5 Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. Best film?
Die Hard or Short Circuit 2 Where would you like to time travel to?
Everywhere… What can’t you live without?
Envar Composting...No, here I’ll give a special mention to my wife, Jess and kids, Lola & Jasmine! What building would you like to be locked in overnight?
Any brewery What would you do if you were prime minister for the day?
Make myself prime minister forever What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Don’t let perfect get in the way of better! What is the best advice you would give?
To quote the Shawshank Redemption “Everything is possible with time and pressure”. Heathcote Holdings
24
10 Years O
f Service
Jason Lemar Michael Sea l
EMPLOYEE
NOTICEBOARD
5 Years Of
In The Loop | Autumn/Winter 2023
Class 2 Driver (Trade) Driver Forema n (Trade)
Service
George How ell Machine Ope
rator
15 Years Of Service
Office Manager
Donna Haysom
5 Years Of Service
Rafal Brodzinski Composting Supervisor
ice
5 Years Of Serv
Danny Bradshaw
5 Years Of
Congratulations on , 20 years of service k Steve Mercer! Than r you from all of us fo rd ha your years of n! work and dedicatio
Working Foreman
Service
Nigel Clarke Stewart Grey Thomas Payn e Jake Price
HGV 2 Driver HGV Driver HGV Driver General Ope rative
le Bake SaSale s a m t s i Chr stmas Bake
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Rememb erance D ay Poppie Lorries so
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We continue to show our re spect for our their effort by veterans and showing the Rememberanc on our fleet o e Day poppie f Countr ystyle s and Bexley tr ucks.
Excel training courses
es anging a seri HR will be arr ing courses of Excel train le employees. for Countr ysty w! ation to follo More inform
Octopus Electric Car Scheme Coming Soon! The word across the group is that there is new Octopus electric car scheme is coming soon – find out more.
s hristma C e v i t Crea tion oming ompetiOutfit Competition is c n email C t fi t u O ut for a ristmas
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Plant Machine Operative (Ni ghts) North Kent Industrial Cleaning Operative North Kent Plant Machine Operative North Kent Admin Assistant North Kent
Weighbridge Operator RoRos Transpor t Planner Artics Transpor t Planner Business Development Manager Technical Engineering Manager
Congratulations to FGS Ag ri’s Rachael Bacon for completing Maidstone Ha lf Marathon on the 22nd October 2023 on behalf of the Bevern Trust. Rachael’s younger brothe r Simon is one of eleven profoundly disabled reside nts of Bevern View. She undertook this persona l challenge to help fund their new minibus, which will enable residents to ac cess essential services and ap pointments, visit friends an d family or go on trips to loc al attractions and parks. It’s not too late to donate on Rachael’s Just Giving pa ge: jus tgiving.com/page/rac
hael-bacon-16897635
Arable Operator Assistant Stockman
Mechanic/Fitter
Ridham Ridham Ridham Ridham Ridham
64078
Pluckley Pluckley Pluckley
Concrete Finisher/ Groundworker
Pluckley
Machine Operators (Nights) 2x HGV Drivers (Artics) ) 3x HGV Drivers (Trade Waste) (PM
Ridham Ridham
HR Administrator Trade Waste Administrator
Ridham Bexley Bexley
Heathcote Holdings
26
NEW STARTERS Jamie Allen
Mobile Fitter
Cambridge
Jack Burgess
Environmental Coordinator
Cambridge
Joshua Hayes
Weighbridge Operator
Cambridge
Brandon Jackson
General Operative
Cambridge
Katie Lees
Commercial Apprentice
Cambridge
Richard Webb
General Operative
Cambridge
Zydrunas Petrovas
Welder and Fabricator
Cambridge
Nigel Hemmingway
Civils Operations Foreman
Pluckley
Andy Nicholson
Machine/General Operative
Pluckley
Thomas Wilson
Machine/General Operative
Pluckley
Luke Steel
Machine/General Operative
Pluckley
Vincent Ellis
Labourer/General Operative
Pluckley
Aiden Brown
Machine Operator
Pluckley
Joanne-Marie Turton
LGV Driver
Pluckley
Tom Mercer
General Labourer
Pluckley
Clive Pilcher
General Operative
Pluckley
Kevin Collins
LGV Driver
Pluckley
Mark Lewis
Working Livestock Manager
Pluckley
Kate Ohlopkova
SHEQ Assistant
Pluckley
Thomas White
Project Co-ordinator
Pluckley
Robert Andrews
HR Apprentice
Pluckley
Amy Gwyther
Admin Assistant
Pluckley
Noah Middleton
General Operative
Pluckley
Lee Breaker
LGV Class 1 Driver
Pluckley
Simon Daniels
LGV Class 1 Driver
Pluckley
Henry Tompsett
General Operative
Pluckley
Michael Pilbeam
LGV Class 1 Driver
Pluckley
Benjamin Lott
Welder/Fabricator
Pluckley
Juliet Finn
Accounts Assistant
Pluckley
Alex Fletcher
Plant Machine Operative
North Kent
Sean McNeill
Plant Machine Operative
North Kent
Sianna Wanstall
Industrial Cleaning Operative
North Kent
Mark Coppins
Industrial Cleaning Operative
North Kent
David Alderton
Plant Machine Operative
North Kent
Will McColl
Plant Machine Operative
North Kent
Keenen Mills
Plant Machine Operative
North Kent
Clifton Clarke
Industrial Cleaning Operative
North Kent
Ian Grattan
Industrial Cleaning Operative
North Kent
Rajesh Nair
Regional Sales Manager
Coventry
Congratulations and Welcome to all our new arrivals across the Heathcote Holdings Group! Wishing you every success!
Emma Field
Environmental Compliance Assistant
Pluckley
Suzie Boyd
Farm Liaison Officer
Pluckley
Oliver Thompsett
General Operative
Pluckley
Katrina Waters
Farm Liaison Officer
Pluckley
Alan Helman
LGV Driver
Pluckley
Emily Humphreys
Office Administrator
Pluckley
Richard Beale
Artic Driver
Ridham
Mark Isaac
Artic Driver
Ridham
Antony Large
Artic Driver
Ridham
Jamie Scott
Artic Driver
Ridham
Ashley Stanley
Artic Driver
Ridham
Ben Wells
Artic Driver
Ridham
Johnathon Eeles
HGV Operator
Bexley
Vincent Hilton
Service Delivery Supervisor
Bexley
Jack Norris
Driver/Loader
Bexley
Clark Tillett
Driver/Loader
Bexley
Anthony Watkins
Driver/Loader
Bexley
Jessica Metcalfe
Weighbridge Operator
Ridham
Nicola Mason
Group HR Director
Ridham
Matthew Mace
Supervisor
Ridham
James White
Picker/Cleaner
Ridham
Matthew Earl
Machine Operator
Dunbrik
Roy Taylor
Machine Operator
Dunbrik
Karl Ennis
Plant Fitter
Ridham
Libby Phipps
Credit Controller
Ridham
Sophie Mileham
Fleet Compliance Officer
Ridham
Alana Waters
Recruitment Resourcer
Ridham
Francesca Prizzon
Graphic Designer
Ridham
James Gray
Supervisor
Ridham
Christopher Hendry
Machine Operator
Ridham
Alban Mici
Operations Manager East and West
Ridham
Lisa Walters
Operations Administrator
Ridham
Hailey Stubberfield
Key Accounts Executive
Ridham
Moses Kimbowa
Recycling Operative
Spitalfields
Michael Norris
Trade Waste Driver
Ridham
David Morphey
Machine Operator
Ridham
Allan Hobby
Operations Manager East and West
Ridham
Anish Rajani
Business Development Manager
Ridham
James Peacock
Sales Manager
Dorset
27
People are at the heart of Heathcote Holdings
28
Try not to become a person of success, but rather try to become a person of value. Albert Einstein