Deeside Upside Mar-May 24

D E E S I D E U P S I D E

Flying High!

We all want to do well in our careers, whether that be looking to fly high or be happy in our roles. Deeside Timberframe aims to help achieve those amibitions within the workplace.

Work is not the only way we can see the world and Scott Brady has given us an insight to his life up in the clouds and how his interests have given him a whole new perspective.

S C O T T B RAD Y

Scott Brady works over numerous sites as a Contracts Supervisor, however, when he isn’t driving around in a Deeside Timberframe van, he is asserting himself in the cockpit of a plane Here, Scott tells us more.

I’ve always had an interest in aviation but never thought I would become a pilot…. Until I visited a local airfield one weekend with my daughter (just for something to do), I started asking questions about the training aspects and within a month I was signed up and taking my 1st lesson.

The flying part itself is actually easier than driving a car, followed by ‘taking off’ which is slightly harder and then the hardest part is the ‘landings’, once spending a lot of hours and frustration mastering this, its then on to ‘crosswind landings’ (this is where you are coming in to land sideways due to the wind coming in from either side and having to straighten up just as you touch down).

3 Flying High

SCOTT BRADY

After this, the 1st milestone is achieved as you now get to fly the plane on your own without the instructor beside you and land the plane yourself…. This is the start of your mandatory 10 hours solo time, these 10 hours must have 2 ‘Landaways’ (flying to another airfield /airport), this is where the 2nd milestone is reached, when you have learned the theory side of Navigation, Meteorology and Air law and passed all 3 written exams, they now let you plan your routes and go and fly them on your own only using a Chart (Map) and your calculations, I opted to fly to Isle of Bute for my 1st one and then Kirkbride in the Lake District for my 2nd, prior to these flights I spent approx. 6-7 hours flying locally to build up the confidence and solo hours before flying any great distance on my own.

During the 1st phase of learning I also completed 2 other written exams based on Human Factors, and Aircraft Technical followed by a written and practical Radio Telephony exam to gain the Radio License required to talk to A T ff C l

Scott Brady

SCOTT BRADY

Once all this is complete, it was just a case of spending a few hours polishing up the skills and getting ready for the General Skills Test and another final theory test.

So after a lot of Patience, 52 hours of training, 7 written/theory exams and 2 practical tests, I reached the 3rd milestone and passed in October and gained my Pilots Licence

A couple of weeks later I bought a 2-seater Plane along with someone else and frequently fly at the weekends (weather permitting).

I often get asked if I’m scared of crashing …… Not really, as this is a massive part of your training and test where the instructor/examiner cuts the power (a plane will glide if the engine cuts out) and you must be able to land it safely into a field.

All in all, it has been a great achievement and being able to go up to the airfield, jump in the plane and get to places like the Isle of Bute in 20 mins or England in 40 mins is great and hopefully one day I will plan a trip to France.

5 Scott Brady

WELCOME RICHARD RUSE

We welcome Richard to DTL. Richard has kindly given us a brief introduction for us all to get to know him. You’ll also find him on LinkedIn.

“I have worked in manufacturing and sales roles for over 25 years in the northwest, dealing with national house builders, regional developers, and merchant branches. My positions have covered regional sales management and branch management with national companies that supply Deeside Timberframe with trusses and joists.

The opportunity to join Deeside Timberframe at a time when the English market is expanding and looking at faster build methods is an exciting new challenge.

Developing existing customers and more importantly seeking out new opportunities is my focus, as well is integrating into an already established successful team.

Away from work, I play golf socially at the weekend and watch my son play football for the local under 16s team.

I also attend the occasional classic car event and have a 1984 Austin Mini that has covered 12,000 miles from new. ”

We are ISO 9001 Certified, which means we have had an auditor check our competence. We have to show our understanding of the context of our organisation, process and procedures, to future improvements. We all work towards this together as a team.

I S

What is ISO 9001?

ISO 9001 is a globally recognized standard for quality management It helps organizations of all sizes and sectors to improve their performance, meet customer expectations and demonstrate their commitment to quality. Its requirements define how to establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve a quality management system (QMS).

Implementing ISO 9001 means your organization has put in place effective processes and trained staff to deliver flawless products or services time after time

Why is ISO 9001 important?

With more than one million certificates issued to organizations in 189 countries, ISO 9001 is the most widely used quality management standard in the world

Within the ISO 9000 family, which defines seven quality management principles including a strong customer focus and continual improvement, ISO 9001 is the only standard that can be certified to (though certification is not mandatory).

Business benefits include:

Customer confidence: The standard ensures that organizations have robust quality control processes in place, leading to increased customer trust and satisfaction

Effective complaint resolution: ISO 9001 offers guidelines for resolving customer complaints efficiently, contributing to timely and satisfactory problem-solving.

Process improvement: The standard helps identify and eliminate inefficiencies, reduce waste, streamline operations, and promote informed decision-making, resulting in cost savings and better outcomes

Ongoing optimization: Regular audits and reviews encouraged by ISO 9001 enable organizations to continually refine their quality management systems, stay competitive, and achieve long-term success.

OVERVIEW

MORRIS & SPOTTISWOOD

CAMPSIE DENE LANE

We were the supplier of structural kits to our Client Morris & Spottiswood These kits were then finished to a luxury specification.

Morris & Spottiswood are one of the leading providers of fitout, housing, facilities management and M&E services in the UK. The private residential element is provided by Crosbie Homes, which specialises in thoughtfully designed, skilfully built, new build homes in prime locations across the UK..

Crosbie Homes deliver bespoke homes in prime locations, Crosbie Homes is the private residential arm of Morris & Spottiswood An ambitious company with a very clear strategy, they aim to deliver high quality, beautiful and flexible new build homes by embracing the latest technologies to allow them to maximise energy efficiencies and sustainability whilst at the same time redefining quality and craftsmanship

MORRIS & SPOTTISWOOD CAMPSIE DENE LANE

K I T

Architecturally designed timber frame kits delivered to our client Morris & Spottiswood for their homes business

Our kits were then fitted to a luxury specification.

Derek Wann UK Business Development Director

R E S U L T S

Nestling in an idyllic scene in the most picturesque village of Blanefield, Campsie Dene Lane is an exclusive address made up of just two bespoke, fivebedroom detached family homes; Corrieknowe View and Corrieknowe Meadow.

Accessed via a private road and long tree lined drive, Campsie Dene Lane takes you close to nature and away from the hectic life of the city. From this rural haven, you can enjoy the healthier lifestyle associated with country living whilst surrounded by panoramic views of the rolling Campsie hills, pockets of wildflowers and a world of peace and serenity.

Being close to nature is proven to assist both physical and mental wellbeing and Campsie Dene Lane embraces these benefits but with the added advantage of an easy commute to Glasgow’s City Centre, Stirling and a number of exellent schools

Campsie Dene Lane is a lifestyle choice and offers a wonderful opportunity for you and your family to grow and flourish

10160-9-Chap

11528-3-Allanwater-Rugby

230010-4-AJC-Plot

230110-CALA

230144-3-Goldcrest-Polston

TECHNICAL RECESSION

UK GDP shrank by 0.3% in the final quarter, following a 0.1% drop in the previous quarter, meaning the economy has entered a technical recession

UK GDP contracting in both December and the fourth quarter of 2023 is mainly due to persistently high inflation, structural weaknesses in the labour market and low productivity growth, but also adverse weather conditions. These factors affected the performance of the services and construction sectors, which are the main drivers of the UK economy.

Over the coming months, we expect inflation to fall, potentially easing the pressure on UK households, and supporting the recovery of the consumerdriven economy. The key indicator to watch is inflation in the services sector, which accounts for the bulk of the UK's economic activity and employment and reflects the strength of wage growth and consumer demand, which are crucial for the UK’s recovery. As inflation steadies and then reduces, the Bank of England is more likely to cut interest rates to stimulate economic activity and investment.

2024 is likely to be a tough year as builders struggle to turn scarce opportunities into work on the ground.

There may be optimism going forward, that the recession may not be a deep or long one Firstly, the “recession”, is in fact technical, with the economy moving from slightly above-zero growth to slightly below-zero. It may signify a trend or be the result of macroeconomic volatility. Second, economic strength from across the Atlantic and a high deficit are keeping the prospect of a deep recessionary spiral away. Third, industrial production in Europe picked up in December, for the first time in nearly a year.Fourth, we are in an election year. In the age of monetarism recessions are, ultimately, a choice. If the government steps up spending, or if the -independent- Bank of England cuts interest rates faster than presently expected, then the recession should remain short-lived.”

ONLINE PRESS NEWS

In the first Construction Leaders feature of 2024, David Crawford talks to Margaret Taylor about his introduction to timber, the long-term sustainability benefits of the material and Deeside Timberframe’s expansion into England.

It has been an interesting time to take the helm, Crawford says, with the business, which has factories in Stonehaven and Stirling, securing its best-ever turnover – £39 million – two years ago. In the year to March 2023, the business turned over £37m and whilst market conditions will see a step back this financial year Crawford remains positive about the future outlook.

“A lot of the changes we’ve already made would have been extremely difficult to implement if we were operating at full capacity,” he says. “We’ve been testing new software and bringing in new equipment to augment and expand our services. When you’re working to client deadlines it’s difficult to manage change monitor success and identify areas that require refinement. In the next 18 to 24 months there’s a real opportunity for growth in the timber sector.”

Crawford’s leadership at Deeside Timberframe emphasises a commitment to sustainable timber frame construction, looking beyond Scotland towards the English market. His proactive strategies reflect an understanding of the market’s potential, especially for sustainable solutions. As housing demand in the UK rises, Deeside’s investment in timber frame, a proven ‘Modern Method of Construction’, aligns with the UK’s goal to reduce carbon emissions whilst providing housing to all.

BRAIN TEASER ANSWERS NOV-DEC

Thank you for participating.

Why not have a go at the next brain teaser and see if you can win yourself £20?

BRAIN TEASER

Submit a correct entry & get a chance to win a £10 voucher.

One entry per newsletter.

All correct entries, names will be put in a online random generator.

Closes 30/04/24

Game for it

L A T E S T N E W S

Client Visits

LATEST NEWS

We have recently had the opportunity of clients visit our Stonehaven factory to learn more about us here at DTL via presentations and a walk around.

Malcolm Allan came in on the 16th January and was very complimentary of their appointment with us.

Happily, we also bring news that following engagement of the new website we have had new enquiries and visits from potential new customers.

Also, the design team and estimating have visited schools to help highlight jobs within our industry. We appreciate their efforts.

STUNNING STONEHAVEN

What’s so stunning about Stonehaven?

With our picturesque harbour, lovely family friendly beaches, amazing castle and historic sites, fantastic walks, woods, open-air swimming pool and independent shops there is something in Stonehaven for everyone. On top of that there are great places to eat, drink and stay, many of which are award-winning. In Stonehaven you can have a day out of the ordinary exploring and making memories.’

Click on the link and have a look at the ‘Stunning Stonehaven’ website where you can gather information about Stonehaven and support our local business

Y O U R V I E W S

If you want to get accross a view point or have any thoughts about working at DTL that you would like us to hear, please email. This email address only has one person accessing it so please feel confident that if you wish to be confidential then it can be treated as such

Great news! ‘Dress Down Friday’ was adopted recently in the offices following a suggestion email