Nov-Dec 23 Deeside Upside

UPSIDE

DEESIDE

NOV-DEC 2023

Now now, no sleeping on the job!

Looks like someone has been woken up from their slumber having been sleeping like a log!

Thanks for the great feedback we have heard around about the last magazine, it’s great that everyone feels good about learning about DTL team updates. So, let’s go again…

WHAT’S HERE 03.

NEW SITE

05.

MACMILLAN

09.

MH BUDDIES

11.

CRYSTAL REFLECTS

15.

BENEFITS

18.

LATEST

20.

04.

OUR FUNDRAISING

06.

MATES IN MIND

10.

LEYS 700 YEARS

13.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

16.

COMPETITION

19.

LOCAL

YOUR SAY

Table of Contents

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A NEW OUTLOOK Over the last few months, husband and wife team, Bubbly Consulting have been working with us to develop our brand new website.

The process has taken a little longer than anticipated, as projects often do, but we are pleased to announce that we have an expected release date in November 2023.

NEW WEBSITE

Websites have become essential to business today and we could see an opportunity to improve our website. Our new website will increase DTL’s credibility, look good and clearly communicate quality information to our clients.

Showcasing our brand to our prospective customers is one of the most important things that we can do. By clearly establishing who we are, what we represent and what we stand for, we increase the chances of our customers buying from us. This is also something that can set us apart from our competitors.

Once people find us online, become interested in our product and want to know more, they'll know how to contact us thanks to the information on our website, which gives us the opportunity to increase our sales.

Since our website is on 24/7, it's easy keep clients up to date on everything that we're doing.

OurWebsite

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OUR FUNDRAISING David Crawford, Harry Tremain, Alan Kammer, Derek Wann and Steven Murray, all ran the 10k run in Banchory on the 27th of August making the challenging terrain look easier than it was with their finishing times.

Deeside and Bancon together raised a brilliant £1,420.00 for the Mates in Mind charity. Thank you everyone for supporting with kind words and cash for the charity, both very welcomed.

When the runners spotted Ali Brown taking snaps they all smiled as they were just starting out, but the smile of relief at the finishing line was much more telling of the race!

Hear some noise that their may be some more running for charity in the future!

Amazing effort by the runners and supporters.

OurTeamwork

4 4

Macmillan Coffee Morning Thank you to all those who brought in the delights and all those that donated. We are really proud to annouce that we made £112 for the charity. This amount will be doubled by the Company and this will then be £224 towards the charity.

Macmillan

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BE A MATE As part of Mates In Mind commitment to breaking the silence surrounding mental ill-health and suicide within the construction industry, they launched a campaign throughout Stress Awareness Month in 2021, called 'Chris's Story'. You can read more about Chris and his story through his wife Michelle’s article: It’s with a heavy heart that I do this, but I want to share with you my husband’s story to raise awareness and understanding that mental health is just as important as physical health.

Last year, Chris’s life took a devasting turn as he suffered a mental health crisis due to stress at work. It developed with rapid speed and had catastrophic consequences and his life was cut short in tragic circumstances.

With no previous mental health issues, Chris reached out for help in February 2019. His mental state deteriorated dramatically and within three months the anxiety and depression got hold of him with an even tighter grip and despite the help he received he became consumed.

On 24 April 2019 he took the devasting action to take his own life. I cannot emphasise enough how acute his illness was and how mental illness can take over so quickly. It was completely out of character for Chris. He was just 48 years old.

Throughout Chris’s 30-year career in construction, he worked with some of the biggest companies in the UK and at the time of his death was a Senior Construction Manager. He was a well-respected member of the industry and was on track to become a Chartered Member of the CIOB. He was exceptionally hardworking, loyal, dependable and conscientious.

He remained physically fit, a devoted Park Runner and was immensely proud when he completed the Luton Half Marathon.

Mates in Mind

6

Chris was a caring and loving husband, father, son, brother and uncle.

He was always there for everyone, including the wider family and friends circle. We met on my 21st birthday and had such a happy life together bringing into the world our two beautiful children. Chloe, now 21 attends Loughborough University, and Thomas is 18 and an apprentice electrician. We were his world. He was an extremely popular guy and all who knew him are in disbelief; they too and are finding what happened extremely hard.

To give you some background on Chris’s career he obtained an HND in Surveying and Construction Management and progressed from Site Engineer to Project Engineer and Senior Construction Manager.

In his senior roles, Chris was responsible for engineering teams and was the perfect mentor for many young engineers who have gone from strength to strength under his guidance. His projects included The Grafton Centre, The Centre for Mathematical Sciences and Cancer Research facilities, to being involved with Crossrail and London School of Economics projects in London.

Chris began to feel immense pressure to prove himself. He started to exhibit signs of stress, was losing sleep and behaving in ways that were very out of character – withdrawn and less outgoing than usual, at home and work. Chris did ask for help. He reached out to his employer, his GP and a private counsellor but I now know this just wasn’t enough to save him.

He visited his GP after feeling low and anxious for a few weeks to help with his sleep. I thought if he could sleep, then everything else would get easier and he would be able to manage his workload.

Things went from bad to worse, Chris felt he wasn't performing well at work and he became consumed by the idea that he was going to lose his job; his thoughts became more and more irrational.

Mates in Mind

7

After weeks of torment we both agreed that the only solution to relieve him of this mental pain and to get the old Chris back was for him to hand in his resignation even though he didn’t have another job to go to, his protective factor was always his family. Rather than resigning, he was guided by his employer to take time off as they valued him as an important part of the team. He did take sick leave and to this day I will never know if that was a blessing or a curse. While Chris was at home his personality was progressively changing and he stopped enjoying the things he loved. He was constantly distracted, pacing the room and becoming forgetful.

Chris decided to cut short his sick leave and return to work earlier than was agreed. He felt on edge being away from the workplace and struggled with the thought that people would think badly of him for having time off. Tragically it was the following week he took his own life. He got to the point where he didn’t know which way to turn. His mind was shattered, and his body exhausted. Life was too hard to bear, and nothing made sense to him. It’s hard for people to read this and understand how he could have left his loved ones. How he thought we would be better off without him; we all should take on board that mental illness kills.

I would like to conclude by saying that mental health training is paramount in any organisation. Nothing will bring Chris back. If it can happen to Chris it can happen to anyone. Paying attention to your mental health in the workplace has never been more important.

If you or someone you know needs support, we have mates you can speak to. You will see them within the magazine and contact details. Or you can call the Samaritans 24/7 on 116 123.

Mates in Mind

8

HARRY

EMMA

LAWRENCE

harry.tremain@deesidetimberf rame.com

emma.geddes@deesidetimber frame.com

lawrence.mchale@deesidetimb erframe.com

2411

2416

1266

Estimator in Stonehaven

Design Office Stonehaven

Throsk

HERE FOR YOU Please do contact any one of the people here if you would like to reach out and chat. All have been trained and are happy to listen or direct you to others that may be able to assist more.

ALAN

STEVEN

alan.kammer@deesidetimberf rame.com

steven.murray@deesidetimber frame.com

1232

2417

Stonehaven

Stonehaven & Throsk

Mental Health Buddies

We already see that chatting helps and whether it is a walk and talk, call or email there is always someone at Deeside that would be a buddy to you. Just reach out.

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LEYS ESTATE 700 YEARS

Click Here Leys Estate Website

Leys Estate is the historical home of the Burnett family and has been within the ownership of the family since 1323. This year there have been many celebrations reaching the 700 year period milestone.

The Estate is still owned by the Burnett family, who have of late been directly investing in residential, leisure and commercial developments throughout the area – much of the work being conducted through the Bancon Group of companies.

As part of the group we display their shared signature which incorporates the principal features of the Burnett Coat of Arms of the horn and holly leaves.

700th Anniversary

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CRYSTAL KILPATRICK DESIGNING DREAMS Crystal was a great addition to the design team in Stonehaven over the summer. It was great to see everyone welcome Crystal into the business and engaging in conversation and many helping her in her role learn new insights.

We have a lot to offer interns at Deeside and hope that you are encouraged that we have students looking to work with us to develop themselves and their future career.

Those that help the students are helping the next generation learn. Thank you.

“My name is Crystal Kilpatrick and over the summer months I interned as a Design Technician with the design team. Additionally, I am currently studying Architectural Technology at Robert Gordon University.

During my time at Deeside Timberframe, I gained a lot of valuable experience, observing and contributing to the day to day running of the design team.

My most memorable day was visiting the Cloverhill site at Bridge of Don. It was a great experience for me to walk through each stage of the construction process and see how the design theory is applied to produce the finished building.

I also had the opportunity to work with various departments and this was a beneficial experience as it enhanced my current knowledge of how each stage contributes towards the completion of a project.”

Internships at Deeside

11

SITE VISITS “Site Visit – Cloverhill, Bridge of Don - 8/8/23 “Visiting the Cloverhill site was a great experience and it was exciting to see each stage of the construction process from the beginning with the laying of foundations and seeing the two different types of foundations, depending whether granite is in the ground or not, then getting to see the peeled back structure and seeing each fixing step-by-step through to the buildings completion. Being able to see the whole construction process developed my understanding of what is entailed within each stage of the building process and being able to apply the theory of details to produce the finished building.”

Site Visit – Retirement Village, Chapelton of Elsick - 23/8/23 “I had the opportunity to see Plots 29-30 which are currently at the wind and watertight stage and almost at completion. During my visit, I also got the opportunity to see a few different plots at various stages of construction. It was exciting to see the building which I have designed the timber kit for constructed on site.”

OTHER DEPARTMENTAL WORK Factory - 9/8/23 “My first task in the factory was making nailing packs, this task allowed me to see the majority of the materials and gain a better understanding of the materials used on site. These items included the types of timber, screw sizes, fire bags among other items. My second task was measuring out panels and my final task was collecting the full lengths of timber needed for site. Having the day in the factory enabled me to gain a better understanding about the manufacturing process of the panels and how the factory runs.”

Internships at Deeside

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PROJECT

OVERVIEW

GAVIN & JULIE HADDOW OBJECTIVES

Gavin and Julie Haddow had plans for a one off build in Avonbridge.

Julie Haddow contacted Deeside Timberframe in August 2021 with sketch drawings of their build proposal. George McQueen, an experienced and personable business development manager worked in conjunction with the estimating team to produce a quotation.

George Mcqueen arranged a meeting to present the quotation and run over the details and specifications.

After the first meeting with Julie Haddow, it became clear that the house was in reality over sized and also well over budget. Further planning would be needed.

SOLUTIONS Collaborating with Gavin and Julie it was decided to re-draw the house whilst trying to keep the features required and desired.

After various sketch drawings their was a result.

A very desirable build and within budget.

Deeside Timberframe were commissioned to carry out all drawing work and engineering.

Our Wins

13

GAVIN & JULIE HADDOW RESULTS After the building warrant was issued the first part of the kit was delivered to site November 2022, they have now moved in over the few weeks The front Oak Style Porch was supplied and added by the clients over the last few weeks, this is a nice addition to the front elevation.

KIT Standard CLS Kit with 140mm Insulation, PIR Over Studs, Battens and Plasterboard giving the U Value required Slate Roof with two Mock Chimneys Side Dining Room with feature slopping ceiling with two Velux and large sliding patio doors French Doors either side of the stove which gives a nice feature in the Lounge All windows and doors were Grey / White UPVC with Georgian Bar square detail as required by Planning The long feature window in the master bedroom is another nice feature which has an excellent view out over the fields Internal Doors were the lined Suffolk pre-finished Oak with one glazed to the Lounge Standard skirting and facings in MDF The stair was supplied in Oak as a feature to compliment large window on the landing All windows cills and aprons were also supplied on Oak The transformation on the site from the chicken shed which was removed and replaced by the house is quite is remarkable, also happy clients that are on longer living in a static caravan.

George McQueen Business Development Manager

Our Wins

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BENEFITS

CYCLE TO WORK You could save up to 42% on a new bike and accessories and spread the cost over 12 months. It is operated as a salary sacrifice, meaning you agree to give up some of your gross salary (before tax) in exchange for a benefit e.g., a new bike and accessories. By having a salary sacrifice, you are reducing the amount of income you pay tax and National Insurance on, which is where the savings are made.

There is no requirement for you to cycle to work for a specified number of days throughout the year and there is no special requirement for you to record your trips. The scheme does ask however that at least 50% of the bike’s usage is for traveling, to, from and between workplaces. You can also use the bike for leisure at weekends and on holiday.

Please contact a member of the People and Culture Team should you require further assistance or information.

Benefits

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COMPETITION BRAIN TEASER ANSWERS AUG-OCT 1- There are 2 solutions to this puzzle.

Firstly, you can move the middle horizontal matchstick in the 6 to make it a zero (0+4=4). The second answer is to take the horizontal match off the addition sign and use it to make the 6 into an 8 (8-4=4).

2- The odd word is Grid. All the other words make legitimate words when spelt backwards. Dirg is not a word.

3 – The missing number is 5. Each number is the number of pieces the number before it has. The digital 8 has 7 pieces, the 7 has 3 pieces, and so on.

4 – The shirt has 10 holes. There are the 6 bullet holes, the 2 sleeve holes, and the neck and waist holes.

5 – I am John. Your son’s father is you.

6 – The door has no knob or handle to open it.

We had four entries, thank you for participating. The winner with the most correct answers was Chloe Gauld!

Why not have a go at the next brain teaser and see if you can win yourself a £10 voucher?

Game for it

16

COMPETITION 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 31/12/23

Game for it

Click here to email your answers. Good Luck!

17

LATEST NEWS

LATEST NEWS DTL Charity & Events Group We now have our own DTL Charity and Events Group.

Lisa Milne, Alasdair Robertson and Harry Tremain all will be looking forward to hearing from you about any charity work, events or anything DTL sociable. We will make sure that we get your information out on our social platforms and help where we can.

Any ideas they will collaborate with the directors for approval and help to co-ordinate events or fundraising.

They will meet once a month so get your ideas brewing!

New

EMAIL suggestions@deesidetimberframe.com

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THE GIFTING TREE

GIULIANOTTI https://giulianottie.business.site/

STONEHAVEN BED CENTRE https://stonehavenbedcentre.co .uk/

01569 668118

01569 762444

01569 760143

56 Barclay Street, Stonehaven.

12 Evan St, Stonehaven AB39 2EQ

Barclay Street Stonehaven AB39 2AX

LOCAL BUSINESS Small-business owners love what they do, and they play an important role in supporting their local communities. From providing a hometown feel for localities to working hard to know their neighbors, these small companies do a lot to help others who live nearby in many different ways.

MY BEAUTIFUL CARAVAN

KIRKTOWN GARDEN CENTRE

https://mybeautifulcaravan.co. uk/

https://kirktowngardencentre.c o.uk/

01569 765276

01569 762693

17 Market Square Stonehaven AB39 2BE

Broomhill Rd, Kirktown of Fetteresso, Stonehaven AB39 3UP

Support Local

When it comes to showing your support for small businesses, it’s important to do so, and not just to help them gain revenue and stay operational.

Everything from the local clothing boutique to the corner cupcake bakery relies on the support of loyal customers to keep its doors open, and when you spend money at a small business, you’ll gain plenty of wonderful benefits as well.

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YOUR VIEWS Let us know what you’d like to see in the magazine.

We thank Crystal for having given her time to offer her insight about her time at Deeside for the magazine.

Don’t keep your thoughts to yourself...send an email and we can pass onto the relevant person to get these actioned.

Please do use the suggestions email for any of the Charity & Events group communications too.

SUGGESTIONS EMAIL ME suggestions@deesidetimberframe.com

Suggestions

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