Sovini Property Services Toolbox Times

P. 1 Sovini Property Services and Teal Scaffold are part of The Sovini Group

TOOLBOX TIMES Issue 1

September 2024

HELLO EVERYONE! Welcome to the first collaborative edition of Toolbox Times, and my first as Operations Director for Sovini Property Services and Teal Scaffold.

Mike Dale

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS, TOGETHER Your colleague newsletter has undergone a transformation to reflect the exciting developments in our organisation, ensuring you are kept updated with what’s happening and what’s in store for the future.

This year, we’ve welcomed new colleagues to our team, successfully delivered on a range of projects by utilising the Group’s integrated supply chain, and celebrated employee milestones and achievements.

Collaboration is at the heart of what we do, and we can achieve so much together as we strive to fulfil our mission of creating opportunities and changing lives.

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MEET THE TEAL-TASTIC TEAM

EMPLOYEE FOCUS

Introducing Kevin Woods, our new Repairs and Maintenance Operations Manager for Teal Scaffold.

Kevin Woods

Phil Coulton

Kevin has worked in the housing industry for 22 years, where he started as a labourer and has progressed throughout this career.

He brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and expertise to the role, and we’re looking forward to this new chapter with Kevin at the forefront.

“It’s not easy coming into something new, but I feel like I’ve been made to feel very welcome. With every role there are challenges, however, I hope to bring my industry knowledge along with a fresh perspective.”

Phil Coulton – Pasma manager

Clare Seddon – Office Administrator

Phil started working at Teal Scaffold in 2019 and has been in the industry for 16 years.

Clare oversees the administrative duties at Teal Scaffold and is described as ‘a critical member of the team’ and a ‘pillar of the company’.

Phil has a wealth of knowledge and experience in complex PASMA scaffolding installations, including working first-hand with several registered social Clare Seddon housing providers.

If there’s anything you need to know about Teal Scaffold, Clare can answer or redirect your query to the right person.

Look out for the next edition where we will be putting the spotlight on other members of the team!

CREATING OPPORTUNITIES AND CHANGING LIVES We recently attended a careers day at Maricourt High School, where colleagues spoke to students about careers in the construction industry, as

well as providing practical demonstrations. We received fantastic feedback from the school and are looking forward to the next one.

If you are interested in getting involved in upcoming careers events, please contact the Learning & Development Team.

FIFTY AND FABULOUS!

A NEW BUNDLE OF JOY

Philip McCarthy’s milestone birthday was celebrated by colleagues with treats and bubbles to honour the special occasion.

We would like to congratulate Sarah Mythen and her family on the arrival of her beautiful baby girl. Enjoy every moment with your bundle of joy.

Wishing you a wonderful celebration and an amazing year!

FIRST-CLASS COMPLIMENTS A number of colleagues have recently been celebrated in Compliments Corner. We want to express our thanks for your continued efforts and going the extra mile for our customers.

Compliment for Phil Nolan: “The plumber who attended this morning had excellent workmanship, and a great speed at which he worked. Neat and tidy with a pleasant manner too.”

Compliment for the Grounds Maintenance Team and Karl Ellison: “A customer called to compliment the Grounds Maintenance Team for the excellent job they do on the Sefton estate, they always do a fantastic job.”

Compliment for Paul Butler:

Compliment for John Hale:

“The customer would like to thank the operative who came out to do electrical work on his property. He says he was a really lovely man, and absolutely nothing was too much trouble.”

“Helpful, kind and funny to talk with.

John is a credit to the team.”

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SAFETY AND SUCCESS FOR TEAM TEAL The team at Teal Scaffold have been reaching dizzying new heights with their recent projects.

Successful new build project for Holmpatrick Developments; Works began for this development in March with the final stages recently completed.

Moving in a clear direction; Team Teal are motivated and committed to achieving our shared goals as we work collaboratively with our commercial Group members to deliver and maintain high quality homes for One Vision Housing and Pine Court Housing Association.

Roofing programme; Teal Scaffold are working collaboratively with SPS to deliver the roofing programme.

By providing the scaffold internally now we have removed the reliance on subcontractors. This has increased customer satisfaction and operational performance.

WALKER ART GALLERY Now that we’re at the final stages of dismantling this project, we wanted to say a huge thank you to the team involved in successfully delivering the project on one of the most famous historical buildings in Liverpool.

The team built internal bird cages within artefact rooms, and external scaffolding, with full haki-temporary roof protection.

Not for the faint hearted!

Well done on another fantastic completion!

A SUCCESS STORY:

THE SCHEDULING TEAM’S IMPACT The Scheduling team and operatives have made significant strides in reducing the number of out of target and unappointed jobs. Their dedication and strategic efforts have positively impacted the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the organisation.

During the last five months the team have achieved: 56.67% decrease in out of target jobs scheduled

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⋆ 59.2% decrease in unappointed jobs

These achievements are a testament to the team’s hard work, dedication, and expertise.

Their contributions have directly benefited SPS by increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving customer satisfaction.

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COLLEAGUE CELEBRATIONS Many of our colleagues have hit milestone work anniversaries recently and we want to thank you for your- commitment and hard work over the years. We also want to extend a warm welcome to our new starters who join the business at a very exciting time.

A BIG WELCOME

Learn, Grow, S ucceed.

WE ARE THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE THE LAUNCH OF OUR BRAND-NEW DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME STEP-UP! The new initiative is designed to foster colleagues’ development. The programme has already begun to empower colleagues in excelling in their current role and preparing them for future leadership positions.

A warm welcome to Mark Seddon who has recently joined SPS as a Multi Skilled Operative!

Please welcome Henry Taylor, Advanced Scaffolder, Aaron Johnson, Advanced Scaffolder and Josh Cotton, Scaffolder Part 2 who have recently joined Team Teal.

Good luck in your new roles!

5 YEARS MILESTONES David Hogan, Multi Skilled Kitchen / Bathroom Installer for SPS Mark Graley, Cleaning Operative for SPS Stephen Butler, Property Clearance Operative for SPS Elliot Morgan, Gas Engineers Mate for SPS

The bespoke 10-month training initiative has been tailored to enhance essential business and management skills.

EVERYDAY’S A SCHOOL DAY

WELCOME TO OUR NEW EMPLOYEE REPS!

A grand total of 23 SPS employees successfully completed the rigorous application process including a panel presentation to Directors and Managers.

A number of our colleagues have been working on their professional development!

Meet all 23 of your 2024 cohorts!

Good luck to those colleagues enrolled on the Level 4 HNC in Construction & Built Environment – Construction site supervisor.

We have recently appointed nine colleagues as employee reps. The reps, who are approachable, fair, and confident communicators, will support you in addressing workplace concerns and providing feedback to the business for improvements.

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Ant Dillon

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Ant Payne

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Caitlin Riding

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Georgia Walsh

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Kevin Bentley

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Phil McCarthy

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Tracey Baker

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Victoria Butler

A big welcome to our newly appointed employee reps: Gas representatives William Randles and Ian Atkins

Investment representative Tracey Baker

Void representatives Colin Jones and Jeffrey Yeates

Repairs representative Bradley Evans

Grounds Maintenance & Cleaning representatives Christopher Brooks and Adam Roman

Please note, if there isn’t an employee rep for your business area just yet, you can speak to any of the reps above for support.

Electrical representative Daniel Portman

Are you interested in becoming an employee rep for SPS or Teal Scaffold? Contact HR Business Partner, Donna Brown for more information.

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LATEST NEWS

RAISING THE ROOF!

CELEBRATE WITH THE SOVINI SOCIAL FUND!

THE WINDOWS & ROOFLINE TEAM HAVE BEEN WORKING HARD, DESPITE SOME CHALLENGES AND CHANGES!

SPS worked collaboratively with Teal Scaffold, Amianto Services and the Health & Safety Team to ensure works are carried out safely.

This year, we began completing roofline works with the support of the Teal Scaffold team.

The team achieved an Excellent score in the external Health & Safety audits on both windows and roofline. A fantastic achievement!

SPARKING SAVINGS!

Hear what our external auditor had to say.

We recognise that we play a pivotal role in contributing towards growth and sustainability in the region, and we aim to conduct business in an ethical manner so that we

The scaffold is now supplied by our Teal colleagues which removes our reliance on subcontractors whilst improving our operational performance.

Whilst these changes have taken place we have ensured our customers remain at the heart of everything we do and this is reflected in our tenant satisfaction figures, which clearly demonstrate our passion for delivering high quality customer service.

10/10 “Really happy with work carried out.

Everything completed to a good standard. Left property clean and tidy. Excellent work.”

The team achieved an Excellent score in the external Health & Safety audits on both windows and roofline. A fantastic achievement!

Hear what our external auditor had to say.

Audit for the OVH Doors and Windows project: “SPS have maintained an excellent score of 90 with window replacement works being undertaken” Audit from the OVH Cyclical Decoration & Roofline Project, with a specific focus of the roofline element: “SPS have achieved an excellent score of 90 with works to the rooflines of various properties” The Window Team have recently received their MTC cards which is a great accreditation for the team to have. Well done everyone!

To ensure colleagues can come together to celebrate special occasions, the Sovini Social Fund allows you to apply for

MAXIMUS MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT AT WORK If you’re having more down days or feeling anxious in your role, you are not alone.

HAVE YOUR SAY TODAY! We want to continue to improve our award-winning company culture, and we need your feedback to make that happen!

funding of up to £30 per team, so that you can celebrate upcoming occasions, including: ⋆

Milestone birthdays

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Weddings

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Baby showers

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Qualification achievements

can improve the regions and communities in which we work.

The Gas Team recently completed hybrid systems on five One Vison Housing properties. These consist of air source heat pumps and boiler working together to create heat and hot water.

The fund is available to all employees and can be accessed by completing the Sovini Social Fund application form on OurSpace.

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Heat pumps can achieve energy efficiency levels of 300 - 400%, surpassing even the most efficient boilers.

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Hybrid heating can also automatically switch between a heat pump and a boiler for optimal efficiency.

Maximus, the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service, funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, aims to help colleagues improve their mental wellbeing in the workplace.

To access the service either call 0300 456 8114, email

atw@maximusuk.com or use this link to fill out a quick, five minute referral.

to honestly communicate how they are feeling, from safety in the workplace to their overall happiness, both professionally and personally.

the survey, but we want to reassure you that it is completely anonymous and the form does not capture any of your personal information.

Use this link to complete the survey at any time.

The survey is completely anonymous to allow colleagues

We understand there are misconceptions surrounding

BECOME MORE FINANCIALLY SAVVY WITH IAN MASSEY

If you would like free, personalised financial advice, we are offering further 1:1 sessions with Financial Advisor Ian Massey.

Email Kayleigh.Aston@ sovini.co.uk to find out more and express your interest in attending the next session.

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HEALTH AND WELLBEING MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS We proudly launched our podcast Sovini Speaks:Mental Health earlier this year, during Mental Health Awareness Week.

Paul Kirkham, Group Health and Safety Manager, and Micheal Fazakerley, Health and Safety Officer sat down with Steve Scott, Group Head of HR to discuss the importance of talking about mental health, particularly amongst male colleagues.

Particularly in male dominated industries, there has been a stigma attached to opening

up the conversation around mental health, and we’re here to challenge that perception!

Mental health can have a significant impact on your physical health and quality of life, it is important to open up the conversation.

Here is a sneak peek into the podcast…

Micheal - “It mimics depression but it’s burn out really, that’s what I suffer with. It’s like a cycle I will go through. If you take 30 days, for 25 of them I will be fine but then there will be 3 days where I am really wired, and I am getting loads done. Then I have to pay the price and I crash.”

Paul – “If you keep doing the same thing you are going to get the same results. I just kept doing the same thing over and over again. It’s the definition of insanity, expecting that to turn out different. And it never does. You’ve got to be the one to say I don’t want to do that anymore, I don’t want to be that anymore, I am going to stop.”

Scan the QR code to listen now.

CIRQUE DU SOVINI CHAMPIONS! A massive congratulations to everyone who represented Sovini Property Services at the ninth annual Sovini Games.

We’re thrilled to announce that our team has emerged victorious as champions!

From the breathtaking performances to the incredible camaraderie, this year’s Games showcased the heart

and soul of our company.

Our team’s dedication and commitment to our core values of Success, Passion, Authenticity, Courage, and Enterprise were evident in every act.

A special shoutout to our winning team, Clowning Around from Sovini Property Services (SPS)! Your hard work and talent have paid

off. Thank you to our Team Captains and everyone who participated and supported this year’s event. Your enthusiasm made it unforgettable.

Here’s to our 10th anniversary in 2025!

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STAY UPDATED OurSpace OurSpace is an interactive platform where colleagues can access a wide range of information and support, participate in competitions, find out about upcoming health & wellbeing infinitives, social events and much more!

ant to hear from you!

No story is too big or too small, we we will look to We want to make our next include as many good news stories as possible.

Toolbox Toedition be included of in the next editionTimes of Toolbox Times, please share your story along with an about you. accompanying photo if possible to kerri-anne. mcmahon@sovini.co.uk.

This will provide an opportunity for Weyou looktoforward sharing your stories soon! sharetoyour own news stories..

You may have just got married, welcomed a four legged friend to your family, or completed an educational course.

Download the OurSpace app by searching ‘Sovini’ in the App Store on Apple or the Play Store on Android devices. If you are struggling to access your account, or need help navigating the site please contact mac@sovini.co.uk. You can also access OurSpace online at ourspace.sovini.co.uk.

Spread the word on Google Reviews!

We know that our teams continue to provide exceptional service based on the compliments received from our customers, and we want to convert this feedback into official Google reviews.

This will help us position ourselves as a leader in Property Maintenance and here is how you can help. Please encourage our customers to leave a Google review.

No story is too big or too small, we we will look to include as many good news stories as possible.

To be included in the next edition of Toolbox Times, please share your story along with an accompanying photo if possible to olivia.simpson@sovini.co.uk.

Follow our socials!

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