Lincolnshire housebuilder encourages women to build a career in construction
In celebration of International Women’s Day on Tuesday 8th March, housebuilder Allison Homes is encouraging women to consider careers in the construction industry.
Construction has long been a male-dominated industry, with Statista reporting in 2020 that only 13 per cent of the UK workforce was female1.
Technical Co-ordinators at Allison Homes Dani Oleksow-Bunten, aged 22, and Jasmine Holmes, aged 27, both work at Allison Homes’ head office in Bourne, and would love to see more women working alongside them.
Dani, who is from Peterborough and now lives in Spalding, said: “Throughout my career in construction, I have been very lucky in not experiencing many negative assumptions as a result of being female.
“It’s so important to encourage women into construction, especially by reaching out to schools, as this is how I knew that housebuilding was an industry I could consider. It would be refreshing to see more women in these jobs and out on building sites!
“Society tends to push women towards female-dominated jobs and industries, and a lack of knowledge around the industry can affect girls’ career choices. My advice to women joining the industry is to be confident, and don’t be afraid to do something different!”
Jasmine, from Spalding, now lives in Bourne and said: “I have always seen housebuilding as a male-dominated industry, however this never deterred me from wanting to do something different with my career. Often, it’s assumed that women want to work in the office and won’t want to visit or work on site, and I don’t think this is true.
“It is incredibly important to encourage women into construction and show they have an important role to play in the industry. Women may not be aware of the varying roles available, as construction and technology skills aren’t often taught and promoted to young girls at schools and colleges – I hadn’t considered either of these professions when I was at school.
“Women should always be true to themselves and be confident knowing their skillsets are important. They should empower other women and know they are paving a new era for the construction industry!”
Samantha Hart, Sales and Marketing Director at Allison Homes, said: “At Allison Homes, it’s very important to us to encourage women to join the construction industry, and to create a diverse workplace. Housebuilding has always been seen as a very male-dominated field, and we want to remind women that there is space for them here too.
“We have a range of different roles within the business, which provide excellent opportunities for career progression, and hope to see many more women pursue careers in construction in the future.”
International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, and is dedicated to promoting equality. This year, the theme is #BreakTheBias.
Team Derby “remain frustrated and concerned about the pace of progress” for identifying buyer for Derby County
A further meeting was held today between representatives of Team Derby – Derby City Council, Marketing Derby and local Members of Parliament – with Quantuma (the Derby County Football Club Administrators).
Its purpose was to seek an update on progress to identify a preferred bidder and ensure the future of Derby County in seeking to exit administration.
Quantuma have reconfirmed interest remains in buying the club and they are urgently clarifying details before announcing the preferred bidder. They explained the types of clarifications they are having to undertake and the reasons behind these.
Team Derby said: “Whilst understanding the complexities, Team Derby remain frustrated and concerned about the pace of progress and urged Quantuma to communicate with stakeholders as is reasonably possible.
“Our primary concern remains, not only the survival of Derby County, but the impact of this continuing uncertainty on the wider community of Derby and surrounding areas – the fans, communities and businesses – whose passion continues to bring an incredible energy and profile to attempts to save the club.”
Quantuma have agreed to provide an update in a further meeting to be held later this week.
New faces and major promotion at commercial property expert
East Midlands commercial property expert Andrew + Ashwell has made a sound start to 2022 with new recruitment and a major promotion.
The Leicester-based firm has recently added new faces Jef Bale and Harry Brown to the specialist team at the London Road A+A office, with a well-earned promotion to associate director for established chartered surveyor Kelvin Wilson.
Jef has joined A+A as senior property manager – a role that will be a perfect fit – as he had been property manager for Savills and based at The Whittle Estate in Whetstone for almost 30 years.
Having started in the mailroom on site he worked his way up to administration manager and became industrial estate manager around 2005, where his role has expanded substantially, along with the site itself.
“I’ve known Malcolm and several others at A+A for a good few years and this was a huge factor in my decision to move on after so long,” said Jef.
“Part of my role has been to look after maintenance and compliance issues on site, working closely with tenants to ensure the estate operates smoothly and that we protect the interests of our clients.
“I loved my time working on site, as is evident by the length of service, so this is a huge step for me, but one I could not take the chance of missing out on and I’m really looking forward to the challenge.”
A+A is also welcoming 22-year-old Harry Brown as a new junior surveyor. Previously a trainee surveyor with TDB Real Estates in Northampton, Harry is known for his strong organizational skills. His main focus will be to assist with property management as he continues to train.
“I’ve spent two and a half years at TDB Real Estate learning on the job, providing support in both agency and administrative work. My primary role will be to assist A+A directors and the senior property management team with a substantial portfolio of mixed commercial property. This involves inspections, reporting, tenant liaison, rent reviews/lease renewals and new lettings.
“The new post will provide an excellent stepping stone in my career and I’m really looking forward to working with the whole A+A team.”
Kelvin Wilson, newly promoted to associate director at A+A, started as a youngster in September 2014 and has made a natural progression within A+A, achieving Professional Competence (APC) on his first attempt in 2018, when he qualified as a Chartered Surveyor.
Now focusing on agency work for existing and prospective clients, Kelvin also deals with management and professional aspects of the business.
“I have worked alongside and taken guidance from a team that has over 150 years of experience in this office and I am very grateful for the professional opportunities provided along the way. I am proud of my new title and look forward to the challenges ahead, while continuing to service existing and new clients.”
Malcolm Grayson, A+A director, said the commercial property market had remained positive, despite a fluctuating economy chiefly brought about by Covid, allowing the company breathing space for expansion.
“Difficulties remain in the retail sector, which has longer restructuring pain to come in the face of online competition. But office demand has held up well, with rents and prices largely remaining stable, although working patterns have seen staff operating from home to a mixed degree.
“Industrial/warehouse has shown strong demand and under supply. Where land is available, new industrial development is coming forward in response to heightened rents and capital values.
“With good prospects ahead we are delighted to take on board new people, at the same time encouraging personal development among our established team, which can only be good for the future of A+A.”
Danish firm acquires Leicester early years software company
Danish firm Famly is acquiring FirstSteps, a Leicester-based pioneer in the Early Years software world.
The deal will see more than 600 FirstSteps customers welcomed to the Famly platform in the coming months, supported by FirstSteps staff who will all officially join the Famly
team from their offices in Leicester.
The acquisition of a major early years software company by another provider is said to be the first of its kind in the UK.
Famly CEO Anders Laustsen said: “At Famly, we want to support shared early childhood, where educators and owners are working in the closest possible collaboration with their children’s families – to make sure children have the best possible start to life. I’m so thrilled to finally announce this deal, which has been made possible through a lot of hard graft from our team and the new members of the Famly at FirstSteps.
“Most of all, I just want to thank Kirit and Kokila for three decades of service to the sector that has provided the foundation for Famly to thrive – and for sharing our vision for better early childhood. And to all FirstSteps customers, we can’t wait to meet you and show you what Famly can do for you and your families.”
FirstSteps began making early years software when it involved installing the program with a floppy disk. The software has moved a long way since then, and the company’s 30-year tenure in the sector has left a proud mark.
Founder Kirit and his wife Kokila – whose son inspired the creation of FirstSteps and now works for FirstSteps – will be taking a well-deserved retirement once the deal concludes in the summer.
FirstSteps CEO Kirit Patel said: “Famly and FirstSteps started the same way, a father who wanted to make things easier for the staff at his child’s nursery. As we approached retirement I wanted to make sure we had the right partner to carry that legacy on and Famly is clearly that partner, with their excellent customer focus, great reputation in the sector, and fantastic modern software.
“Thank you to all the FirstSteps customers who have put their faith in us for so many years, your loyalty means a lot. Just as I trust Famly to look after my brilliant team here in Leicester, I trust them to look after you.”
Tungsten Properties signs-up Costa, Screwfix and Toolstation in Brackley
Tungsten Properties, the industrial and warehouse developers, has agreed pre-lets with Costa Coffee Drive Thru, Screwfix and Toolstation at its two-acre development site at Northampton Road, Brackley, South Northamptonshire.
Construction started in September 2021 to build a terrace of seven high specification trade and warehouse units to range from 4,000 sq ft to 28,275 sq ft. With three units already pre-let, one unit is under offer to a national trade occupier and three units remain available.
The land is adjacent to the town’s new Sainsbury’s superstore which was built in 2020. The strategic location is also home to Marston’s Hotel & Pub, Howdens, Multimatic, EPAC, BTC Racing and the new five-acre Brackley Health Campus.
The new units will target BREEAM Very Good with turn-key fit-out options so that businesses can move straight in.
Ashleigh Hayes, associate development director, Tungsten Properties, said: “Brackley is a thriving town which has experienced much residential and commercial development in recent years.
“There is a high demand from businesses needing trade and warehouse space which makes it an excellent location for our investment which in turn helps to create local jobs. This has been proven by the first three of our seven units being pre-let to such well-known names, with one more currently under offer.”
Ed Lifely, associate partner, Carter Jonas, added: “Tungsten is busy developing Brackley’s first specific trade park within the new and prominently situated wider 25-acre development.
“The region is experiencing substantial commercial and residential growth fuelled by both the area’s strategic location between M1 and M40 and the Silverstone Circuit effect as home of the British Grand Prix.
“The level of interest has been strong from businesses needing purpose-built trade units in this area and these early pre-lets are great news for both the local area and project.”
Tungsten Properties acquired the land from Sainsbury’s in 2021 for £2.1 million.
After a competitive tender process, Northampton-based Warwick Burt was selected as the contractor. They are due to complete the project in mid-April 2022.
Carter Jonas and White Commercial acted on behalf of Tungsten Properties; Costa was unrepresented, Colliers acted on behalf of Screwfix and Adept Consultancy acted on behalf of Toolstation.
Eight Days a Week Print Solutions scoops duo of key industry awards
Nottingham-based digital print & direct mail specialist, Eight Days a Week Print Solutions, has scooped not one, but two key industry awards at a ceremony hosted by Printweek Magazine.
Taking home the Customer Service Team and SME of the Year awards, the judges were won over by the advice and solutions Eight Days offered its customers with clear benefits in audience engagement, cost savings and increases in revenue – all maintained last year during a management buyout, business investment and delivering significant results against the backdrop of a pandemic.
Pictured with comedian Tom Allen, Managing Director Lance Hill and operations director Karen Herbert had this to say: “It’s incredibly satisfying to be recognised, a genuine reward for the entire Eight Days team who make it happen.
“Winning one award would have been great, but to land two was a dream, especially given the categories. Our business was built on the foundation of outstanding customer service and these rewards reflect that.”
Derby entrepreneur marks International Women’s Day with funding invite
Derby-based entrepreneur Kavita Oberoi OBE is inviting registered charities who share her goal of improving the lives of women and girls and empowering them to achieve their goals to apply for funding to support their work.
Mrs Oberoi is the founder and Managing Director of Oberoi Consulting, the suppliers of IT and clinical support services to the NHS and pharmaceutical industry, and Oberoi Business Hub in Pride Park, which provides serviced office accommodation and back office support services.
Every year a percentage of profits from the companies are ploughed into The Oberoi Foundation which was launched a few years ago to support charitable causes and she is marking International Women’s Day 2022 (March 8) by opening the application process for funding.
The foundation is run by the Charities Aid Foundation who work with companies across the private, public, and social sectors to transform purpose into practice.
Mrs Oberoi has been a long-standing philanthropist. As patron and board member of various charities, she has supported the fundraising of millions of pounds for good causes including chairing the fundraising of £10 million Global Girls Fund, launched in 2010 to mark the 100th anniversary of The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.
She also went undercover for Channel 4’s ‘The Secret Millionaire’ – visiting the deprived Ladywood area of Birmingham to discover more about its residents and the difficulties they face and then donating funds to several local causes.
More recently she spearheaded the Derby Breakfast Club which aims to ensure that no child starts the school day hungry.
Mrs Oberoi explained: “Through my involvement in campaigns and charities locally, nationally and internationally, I have seen the positive impact that funding innovative causes can have on changing the lives of women and girls.
“The Global Girls Fund in particular has helped change the lives of women and girls from some of the most deprived communities worldwide. This was my motivation and inspiration for setting up The Oberoi Foundation and I am delighted that we are now in the position to invite applications for funding.
“I look forward to receiving initial expressions of interest so that we can then guide applicants through the formal process.”
Expressions of interest for The Oberoi Foundation should be emailed to admin@oberoi-consulting.com
New Chief Executive for East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association
Brigadier Stuart Williams OBE has joined East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association as its new Chief Executive.
Stuart’s previous service within the East Midlands and East Anglia, and latterly from leading the Army Cadets, ensures a solid grounding for the role.
Commenting on his first day, Stuart said: “I am very much looking forward to leading the team at East Midlands and to being back on home turf. Everything we do is about people, and championing and enabling our incredible Volunteers and Cadets will be at the forefront of all that we do.”
Brigadier Williams replaces Group Captain (Retired) Nick Sharpe, who is retiring after 10 years in the role. During his time as Chief Executive, Nick provided a calm and guiding hand, particularly through the unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nick was also part of the team who has been shaping the new Non-Departmental Public Body that will form the future of the RFCAs.
Brigadier Williams joined the Army in 1989 and commissioned into the Royal Regiment of Artillery, eventually leading to Command 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery (3 RHA) in Germany. He also undertook tours in Belfast, Bosnia, Kosovo and Afghanistan.
In addition, Stuart was a Staff Officer in several Army formation headquarters, most recently as Deputy Commander 7 Infantry Brigade and Headquarters East, and in Cyprus. He was appointed OBE in the New Year Honours List 2019 in recognition of his engagement work with ethnic minority communities and his leadership of the Army’s Cadets in the East of England.
Stuart is married, has two grown-up children and lives in Lincolnshire. He is passionate about cycling, heading up Army Cycling for the past eight years, and with wide interests such as rugby refereeing, field sports, and skiing.
Housebuilding Trio Promote Trade Careers for International Women’s Day
Three female apprentices at leading housebuilder William Davis Homes are showing the way in how to build a successful career in construction.
The teenage trio are proud to be ambassadors for women working in the construction industry, and on International Women’s Day (Tuesday 8 March) are encouraging others to join them.
Fourth-year apprentice electricians Demi Whitehead and Felicity Monks are both aged 19, while 16-year-old Sian Bradshaw is in her first year as an apprentice bricklayer with William Davis Homes. Last November, Demi became the Loughborough-based company’s first female Apprentice of the Year.
“These days, it really doesn’t matter whether you’re a man or woman – we’re just as capable of carrying out any construction job,” said Demi, who joined the company straight from school. “Everyone’s really friendly on-site and it’s a great experience.”
A study last year indicated that just over one in ten (13%) of people employed in the UK construction industry are women. A mere 3% of ‘blue collar’ construction workers are female. The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is #breakthebias.
Sian says although the figures show women are in the minority in the UK building industry generally, construction sites are no longer seen as male-dominated, masculine places. “I’m not treated any differently,” she added. “Everyone is really welcome and we get on with the job.”
Felicity was encouraged be an electrician by her grandmother: “My grandma told me I should get a trade because you can’t go wrong with that. So that’s what I did. She’s really proud of me and loves telling her friends about what I do.”
As well as the determination to succeed, these three young apprentices say women can also bring another quality to the workplace – as good listeners.
“That’s so important when it comes to conversations around mental health,” said Felicity.
The HR Manager at William Davis Homes, Rebecca Jones, said all three apprentices are great ambassadors for encouraging women to consider construction careers: “They are wonderful advocates for women in construction. All three have a strong passion and enthusiasm for their trade. I hope that as an industry we start to see more women follow in their footsteps.”
Felicity is attending a career event at Stephenson College in Coalville this week, in support of efforts by William Davis Homes to encourage more young women into construction jobs.
Employing for the first time – Streets Chartered Accountants
There are a multitude of rules and regulations that you must be aware of when you start employing staff for the first time, as Streets Chartered Accountants details below.
HMRC’s guidance sets out important issues to be aware of when becoming an employer.
- Decide how much to pay someone – you must pay your employee at least the National Minimum Wage.
- Check if someone has the legal right to work in the UK. You may have to do other employment checks as well.
- Check if you need to apply for a DBS check (formerly known as a CRB check) if you work in a field that requires one, e.g. with vulnerable people or security.
- Get employment insurance – you need employers’ liability insurance as soon as you become an employer.
- Send details of the job (including terms and conditions) in writing to your employee. You need to give your employee a written statement of employment if you’re employing someone for more than 1 month.
- Ensure that you register as an employer with HMRC. You can do this up to 4 weeks before you pay your new staff. This process must also be completed by directors of a limited company who employ themselves to work in the company.
- Check if you need to automatically enrol your staff into a workplace pension scheme.
