Leicester training project boosts skills of people facing homelessness
People facing homelessness are getting the chance to equip themselves with new skills and job opportunities in a project run by Leicester City Council and a charity.
The St Mungo’s Multi Skills Centre opened its doors just over a year ago to offer training and help to people who are at risk of homelessness or already homeless.
The hub, which is based at Leicester City Council’s Construction Training Centre of Excellence, on Beaumont Leys Lane, can accommodate eight students who learn and train in a variety of skills including plumbing, carpentry, tiling, painting and decorating.
It enables them to work towards a basic qualification, and also to have the opportunity to work with the council’s housing voids and repairs teams, gaining practical workplace experience.
Over the last year, the centre has worked with 18 people from the homeless community, four of which have already completed their Open College Network (OCN) qualifications in Multi Skills Trades.
As well as being a place to learn new skills, the centre also provides a vital connection for people to start to recover from the trauma of homelessness. Staff help the students to rebuild their confidence to allow them to start re-engaging with their communities and the workplace, thereby improving their future prospects.
The centre runs every Monday to Wednesday, from 10am to 3pm, with lunch and travel costs provided.
St Mungo’s is a leading homelessness charity, which works in partnership with local authorities, health colleagues and communities, to end homelessness and rebuild lives.
Nationally last year it supported almost 28,000 people who were homeless, or at risk of homelessness, through 164 services. The charity’s work means that more than 2,700 people have somewhere safe to stay every night.
St Mungo’s also offer employment and educational support across Leicester, including an allotment in Highfields providing a safe outdoor space for clients to grow their own fruit and vegetables.
Leicester deputy city mayor for housing, Cllr Elly Cutkelvin, said: “St Mungo’s is a well-respected national charity working with homeless people, and this joint project with them is a valuable way to help people to develop new skills and qualifications, to help them improve their mental health and life prospects.
“In the year since it opened its doors, it’s engaged with 18 people who are either at risk from homelessness or already homeless. The fact four of those have now gained some new practical qualifications is a real achievement and a big step forward towards a brighter future.
“By working with our housing repairs and voids team, they can put those skills to use in a real-life setting and gain valuable work experience too.”
One of the learners helped by the scheme said: “When I was a student at St Mungo’s, I learned new skills and met new people which really helped with my confidence after my time rough sleeping on the city streets.
“I am thankful for the support and encouragement St Mungo’s has given me and with this, I have been successful in getting a full-time job. This is the start of great things for me.”
St Mungo’s Leicester service manager, Gray Duguid, added: “Our ongoing partnership with Leicester City Council is making fundamental and direct impacts on the homeless community in Leicester.
“The opportunities the council are offering in terms of a place to learn and practical job placements is allowing people to see a future beyond the street.”
O’Brien Contractors win third contract at major Nottingham development
O’Brien Contractors has won its third contract with Clowes Developments, working as the principal contractor on the delivery of essential highway infrastructure works in Fairham, a new £800 million mixed-used development in Nottinghamshire.
Following the success of two previous contracts for the completion of development phases two and three, the newest contract will see the completion of the fourth stage of the £100 million infrastructure improvements to the 606-acre site.
Previous works on the site have included improving public access through the reconfiguration of Clifton Park & Ride with a new dual access road and a roundabout, plus a number of additional roads and access routes.
The next phase of work will involve the construction of new roads, footpaths, and cycleways to allow access to the site as the later phases of the development begin. Upon completion, the scheme will provide new employment opportunities, 3,000 new homes and 200 acres of green space.
Tom O’Brien, director at O’Brien Contractors, said: “We are extremely pleased to have secured a third contract with Clowes Developments. The routes are taking shape and allowing access to new areas of the development, it is great to work on this exciting project and to see the masterplan coming to life. Once again, this is a brilliant reflection of the consistency of our team and the standards O’Brien Contractors offers.”
Ali Malik, director at Clowes Developments, said: “The decision to work with O’Brien Contractors on the third phase of works is a direct result of the success of our two previous projects. The team has proven to us that they are more than capable of handling the job and we trust them to deliver the project on time. It is great to have them on board for the next stage of this major development in the Nottinghamshire area.”
Shorts make audit and accounts director promotion
Shorts have promoted Kirstie Wilson to the position of audit and accounts director with immediate effect.
Since joining Shorts in 2016 as an audit and accounts senior, Kirstie has earned promotions to manager in 2018 and then senior manager in 2021.
Her progression to director is testament to her exemplary skills and continued commitment to excellence, and to the active role she has played in the development of the corporate team during that time.
On confirming her promotion, audit and accounts partner Howard Freeman said: “Kirstie’s promotion is very much deserved, and she has worked hard to achieve it.
“As director, Kirstie will take on the role of engagement leader on a portfolio of our clients, will hold responsible individual (RI) status, and in due course will be able to sign audit reports on behalf of the firm, in addition to leading non-audit work. A fantastic achievement, as Kirstie will be the first non-partner to hold this position in Shorts.
“She will also take on the role of engagement leader for most of our charity clients, having obtained the ICAEW Diploma in Charity Accounting earlier this year.”
Kirstie said: “I am delighted to have been promoted to audit and accounts director at Shorts, and I’m proud to take the next step on my professional journey. Shorts provide an excellent environment for learning and development, and my promotion demonstrates the genuine commitment within the firm to support the team with structured career paths.
“I am very much looking forward to working with existing and future clients and helping to contribute to the continued success of the firm.”
Kirstie is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and holds a Diploma in Charity Accounting. She is a Xero certified adviser, proficient in many cloud-based accounting systems, such as Xero and Sage and has experience working with both incorporated and unincorporated businesses.
In December 2022 Kirstie was also appointed the youngest ever trustee at Ashgate Hospice.
Key site acquired for regeneration to deliver much needed Northampton homes
Plans to transform one of Northampton’s largest derelict sites and provide much-needed housing are set to move forward as West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has now bought the former St James’ Depot.
The Council has completed on the purchase of the site totalling 4.5 acres and will now carry out the necessary steps to ensure the area benefits from regeneration to meet the needs of the local community.
The site to the west of Northampton town centre has stood vacant for more than a decade. The future scheme will complement the wider extensive regeneration of Northampton, and this area has been identified to significantly benefit from redevelopment.
The Council has acquired the site from Church’s Shoes and will now carry out a detailed feasibility report to deliver much-needed affordable housing. On a key route into the town centre, it is important for local businesses and the local community that the best regeneration and economic potential of the area is realised.
To match market offers, WNC purchased the site at £3 million, with a further £300k budgeted towards legal fees, stamp duty and future remedial work. This work will follow on from the previous works which Church’s have carried out to the site.
Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth at WNC, said: “The former St James Bus Depot represents a prominent large brownfield site, close to Northampton town centre.
“This important landmark site has been vacant for some time, and we are dedicated to bringing forward a scheme that reflects the history of the area where appropriate and provides high-quality affordable housing which meets local needs. We look forward to carrying out further feasibility work and necessary planning to bring forward a viable scheme.
“Concerned that the site was heading for use as open storage, which we felt would not benefit residents, or maximise the contribution it could make to the attractiveness and the overall life of this area, the council felt that it was essential to step in and acquire the site.
“Following cross-party consultation, the council therefore took swift action using delegated powers, to ensure the site benefited from considered regeneration.”
In order to deliver the regeneration project, WNC will seek funding opportunities through the Enterprise Zone and Government’s brownfield land release fund. The brownfield land release fund seeks to provide Councils with funding to develop empty industrial sites to provide much-needed local housing.
PPMA BEST STEM day at Silverstone turbocharges STEM education
Over fifty children from PPMA member families were able to learn more about STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) at the home of The British Grand Prix and one of the UK’s most prestigious Racing Circuits, Silverstone.
PPMA BEST held the STEM day at Silverstone, one of the best motor racing race circuits in the world. Over 100 parents and children attended the PPMA BEST STEM day in the Silverstone Experience. The families were addressed by Richard Little, chair of the PPMA BEST Trustees, and Shard structural engineer and STEM advocate Roma Agrawal MBE.
Roma has been an advocate for STEM education for over eight years and has written several books such as ‘How Was That Built’, a book aimed at informing young people about engineering.
Roma said: “I had a total blast speaking to families at the PPMA Best Silverstone STEM day event against the backdrop of racing cars. It’s so important to show young people that STEM careers, in particular engineering, are a brilliant option, and days like these are a vital piece of that work.”
After the talks, the children were then able to try their hand at building simple robots with PPMA BEST co-ordinator Matt Fox, and his partner Jo, before returning for lunch and a tour of the Silverstone Museum, but not before some of the children were awarded prizes for teamwork. One team member Hayden Favier, 12, from Bicester said: “I really enjoyed the day, especially the STEM session. It has inspired me as I love building and construction.”
PPMA director and PPMA BEST chairman, Richard Little said: “The PPMA BEST day at Silverstone was a great opportunity for a sizeable bunch of kids to find out more about why engineering is a career to consider and to engage with a very motivated bunch of engineers – their parents – and together to hear from an inspiring speaker and to actually try out some control theory and teamwork.
“We hope the message is clear that engineering is a great way to enjoy work and be creative and make the world a better place. It was a great day with lots of kids, lots of things to learn, lots of engagement and lots of things to do – and a very good reason to do more such days in the future. Like the great sci-fi author Isaac Asimov said, Science can amuse and fascinate us all, but it is engineering that changes the world.”
Derby brewery supports seeing dog charity with new beer
A new beer created by Derby-based Brunswick Brewing Company to help raise money for charity The Seeing Dogs Alliance sold out in the first week – resulting in charity Chairman Liam Flynn urging more pubs to stock it.
He said: “Sales of a brew called Double Vision deliver vital funds to The Seeing Dogs Alliance and support our critical work to increase the availability of seeing dogs across the UK.
“Our launch of Double Vision went better than expected, showing how awesome the beer itself is, but also how supportive the customers, staff and landlords have been in promoting the great cause that drinking Double Vision supports.
“If we can encourage more pubs across the Midlands to stock Double Vision, we can raise more money to help us in our work, which is so critical now.”
Pubs currently confirmed to sell ‘Double Vision’ include:
- Brunswick Inn, Derby, Derbyshire
- Dead Poets Inn, Holbrook, Derbyshire
- 189 bars, Allestree, Derbyshire
- Talbot Taphouse, Ripley, Derbyshire
- Seven Stars, Rugby, Warwickshire
- Gatehouse Tavern, Coventry, Warwickshire
- Selected pubs within the Everards of Leicestershire estate
Double Vision is a golden 4.4 per cent, hopped with Rakau from New Zealand plus Idaho 7 and Simcoe from the U.S. 10p from each pint sold is donated to the charity to help combat the current shortage of seeing dogs and the urgent need of thousands of visually impaired people across the UK.
NTU to launch new £1.5m centre for sustainable construction and retrofit
Nottingham Trent University (NTU) will invest £1.5 million into developing skills, research, training and consultancy to support the UK construction sector reach net zero.
The University will launch the Centre for Sustainable Construction and Retrofit to develop solutions, skills and support locally and nationally to enable the transition to net zero within the built environment sector. This will take the form of new courses and skills training, socio-technical research and consultancy opportunities for business.
Led by Professor Richard Bull, Deputy Dean of the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment, the centre will bring together a range of expertise to help the sector reach the ambitious net zero climate change targets by 2050.
“Net-zero by 2050 presents a huge challenge to the construction sector, which accounts for up to 50 per cent of carbon emissions,” said Professor Bull, an expert in energy, sustainability and the built environment.
“An absence of skills, knowledge and expertise threaten to derail plans for the UK’s important net zero targets. But this ground-breaking centre will enhance the way in which existing buildings and new construction can meet those all-important climate change objectives.
“NTU has a well-earned reputation for sustainability in the built environment and our research in housing retrofit in particular has a strong track record. We plan to develop new ways to support industry, to help them learn the new skills needed to retrofit existing properties en masse, and create new buildings in a sustainable way.”
NTU’s record in sustainability and the built environment includes the University’s ‘Scale-up Retrofit 2050’ whitepaper report which called for a nationwide programme to boost the energy efficiency of existing homes through deep retrofit.
It’s REMOURBAN project demonstrated the benefits of deep retrofits and was showcased as part of the UK Built Environment Virtual Pavilion during COP26.
This was followed by a ‘scaling-up deep retrofit for social landlords’ pilot project, which was funded by the Energy Saving Trust and ongoing collaboration with ARC Partnership and Nottingham City Council.
The Centre for Sustainable Construction and Retrofit will explore how the built environment sector transitions to a low carbon future, while addressing the retrofit skills gap via the creation of new courses and providing consultancy support for business.
It will launch on 14 November at the University’s Newton Building, City Campus, during an event which is open to policy makers, business leaders, academics and students.
A panel will explore the challenges and opportunities for the built environment sector to meet the challenge of Net Zero 2050. The panel will include speakers from NTU and partner organisations including Nottinghamshire County Council, Green Growth, Investment and Assets, Arup, Focus Consultants, Spenbeck and Morgan Sindall.
The event will be opened by Professor Richard Emes, NTU Pro-Vice Chancellor – Research and Innovation, and closed by Dr Andrew Knight, Executive Dean of the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment.
Charlotte shuts up shop and switches to building control apprenticeship
Charlotte Gladwin has said goodbye to retail management and has embarked on a brand-new career in building control thanks to an apprenticeship.
Previously working as a store manager at a pet shop for three years, Charlotte (21) now joins DBCP as a Level 4 Building Control Surveyor apprentice.
As an apprentice Charlotte will undertake practical on-the-job learning at construction sites throughout Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, working alongside DBCP’s team of experienced and knowledgeable Building Control Inspectors.
During her five-year apprenticeship, she will also combine her practical training with completing industry-recognised exams, which will ultimately see her qualify as a Building Control Surveyor.
As a qualified Building Control Surveyor, she will have responsibility for completing site inspections independently and ensuring buildings are safe, energy efficient and adhere to building control standards.
She explained: “I really enjoyed studying Geography, Psychology and Business at A-Level and, together with my love of the outdoors, I felt that a career in building control aligned with my future ambitions. At DBCP I’ll be part of the process that creates positive change in the local landscapes for our communities.
“Being in the position to check that building work is correct and architectural drawings have been followed is a significant responsibility. I’m really excited by the fact that at the end of my training, assignments and intense exams, I’ll be carrying out these tasks and be trusted to do so.”
DBCP’s long-running apprenticeship programme is helping the business attract local young people who want to progress their careers within the field of building control. The company currently employs seven apprentices who are at different stages of their training, including degree level.
“The opportunities provided by the team at DBCP are so exciting. I really enjoying being out on site and I’ve already found the team so supportive,” she added.
David Pratt, Building Control Manager at DBCP, said: “Building Control Surveyors are in high demand. We look forward to sharing our industry knowledge and best-practice with Charlotte as she embarks upon her five-year training. I know from personal experience that building control offers a long and varied career. I am certainly never bored!”
Judges name Ruby as Rising Star in Enterprising Women Awards
Ruby Birks has been named as Rising Star in the Enterprising Women Awards organised by East Midlands Chamber.
It’s an award open to female professionals aged between 18 and 35 which acknowledges exceptional career growth and the potential to develop into a future leader.
The honour, sponsored by Amanda Daly from The Turnaround CEO, is the fourth major prize won by Ruby, of South Normanton-based Purpose Media, in the past two years.
In 2022, she was named Apprentice of the Year at both the Enterprising Women and Generation Next awards, and, earlier this year, she was also announced as Generation Next’s Rising Star.
She said: “I certainly didn’t expect to be a winner at the Enterprising Women event last year and to be acknowledged twice in the space of two years is just stunning. I’m so grateful.”
Ruby joined the Purpose team in 2021 as a 16-year-old digital project apprentice and has progressed rapidly and successfully since, completing her apprenticeship with a distinction and achieving promotion to the role of Project Manager. She also now supports the company’s business development activities.
A passionate supporter of East Midlands Chamber’s Generation Next initiative, designed to assist the development of young professionals, Ruby has spent the last year helping to promote apprenticeships in the region.
“The last two and a half years at Purpose Media have absolutely flown by. I’ve loved every minute of it and can’t wait to see what the future holds,” she said.
“Winning the Enterprising Women Rising Star award feels like a nice symbol of progression from my apprenticeship into the rest of my career.
“It was a real honour to be part of the awards again this year. I’m so grateful to the members of the Enterprising Women’s Network for the work they have done over the last 26 years, opening doors for us so that we can have the opportunities we enjoy now.”
Chesterfield haulage specialist in running for national award
Chesterfield-based KranLee Logistics has been shortlisted at the BIFA Freight Services Awards, hosted by the leading body representing the UK international freight services industry.
The business, founded by Karen Mosley and Lee Wells in 2020, is celebrating after being nominated for two accolades.
Firstly, ‘The Extra Mile’ award is for companies that can demonstrate innovation and customer care by adding value and exceeding customers’ expectations in relation to their international shipping requirements.
The second award is ‘Staff Development’ for businesses that can demonstrate comprehensive training programmes to keep abreast of changes in regulations, industry practices and general business matters. The emphasis is on how the business encourages and develops all personnel to be their best and contribute to the success and direction of the business.
The BIFA Freight Services awards is in its 25th year, and comprises of 9 business categories.
The ceremony will be hosted at The Brewery in London where the winners will be announced. The date of the ceremony is 18th January and will be hosted by Suzi Perry.
Karen said: “To be shortlisted for the awards for us is a significant achievement. We are a small business, so to be recognised and share the spotlight with some of the largest businesses in our industry is huge.
“We put effort into everything that we do, using our own internal tagline to ‘be deliberate.’ When we started the business in 2020, for both Lee and I, it was important to support our business community with their international trade and it goes much deeper than offering logistics services.
“We deliver international training and have recently signed a sponsorship with East Midlands Chamber and Fidelitas International for the flagship course, International Operations and Procedures qualification.”
She added: “We started the business in February 2020 following many years of experience in employed capacities, I have worked in international and logistics for 26 years, and Lee for 13.
“When we started, there were just the two of us based at home. We had a fabulous start with many companies and existing clients that we had worked with over the years joining us. It was then after only two weeks we employed two further people to join us, as the volume of work that we got was overwhelming.
“The day one of those joined us was the day that the UK went into its very first lockdown with the second person joining us a week later. The pandemic was obviously very challenging for us, especially as a six-week-old business but since we had set the business up as home-based we were able to adapt relatively quickly. The resilience of our clients was immense too with many businesses totally re-designing how they worked so that they could keep the manufacture of goods going.
“We are currently at year seven of our business plan, after only 3.5 years in terms of turnover and profitability. We have very ambitious plans for the next 10 years.
“Business in Chesterfield is very special for us, we were both born and still live in Chesterfield, and we support the local community and absolutely love to be involved. Our town is very special and we promote it at every opportunity.
