NEWSLETTER December 2020...Jack, Ryan, Cameron and Derek throughout their Modern Apprenticeship and...

Issue #5

NEWSLETTERDecember 2020

January 2020 - December 2020

WELCOME SIGNIFICANT JOBS AWARDED

It’s been almost 12-months since our last James Frew Ltd newsletter and you don’t need me to tell you how much the world has changed in such a short period of time. Thankfully, with positive vaccine news, we can start to look

towards a brighter future and hopefully get back

to some sort of normality.Clearly, 2020 has been a huge

strain on so many businesses across the country and James Frew Ltd has been

no exception. However, our continued teamwork, our business resilience, and the strength shown by all our staff, we have managed to get through this difficult year pretty well with an exciting order book for 2021.I would like to take the opportunity to thank all the team, especially through lockdown where so many of you were required to continue to provide a vital and excellent service and for the understanding of all others who were furloughed as a result of the imposed restrictions.Our latest newsletter will give you an idea of some of the positives from 2020. I m particularly proud of the many internal staff promotions, our apprentice graduates, our senior positions filled and of course, our ongoing successful completed jobs.Combining our Building Services and Housing divisions together as Mechanical and Plumbing Services (MPS) has greatly enhanced our competitiveness, improved our teamworking and will help to propel the organisation forward in the continued delivery of a quality product. I am very excited to see how things develop under the leadership and guidance of Paul, Danny, John and Stephen.It would be remiss of me not to proudly mention the GasSure branding added to the Kilmarnock first team strip. Hopefully, I can get along and support the team very soon.All the best,

Roddy Frew, Managing Director

198No Units Taylor Wimpey Kilwinning (Private Units)

Value: £1m

Client: Taylor Wimpey

JF Project Manager: Graham Iley

JF Quantity Surveyor: Pamela Affleck

Dalrymple Court Sheltered Housing IrvineValue: £550kClient: North Ayrshire CouncilMain Contractor: McTaggart ConstructionJF Project Manager: David DownieJF Quantity Surveyor: Billy Jackson

130No Units Hallmeadow AnnanValue: £900kClient: Cunninghame Housing AssociationMain Contractor: Ashleigh (Scotland) LimitedJF Project Manager: Evan PeatJF Quantity Surveyor: Pamela Affleck

David Stow Building Jordanhill (Private Units)

Value: £3.2m

Client: Cala Homes

JF Project Manager: Tim Killips

JF Quantity Surveyor: Donald Ross

3James Frew Ltd Newsletter December 20202 James Frew Ltd Newsletter December 2020

Tarryholme Drive Irvine Sheltered AccommodationValue: £900kClient: North Ayrshire CouncilMain Contractor: Ashleigh (Scotland) LimitedJF Project Manager: Stephen BartonJF Quantity Surveyor: Billy Jackson

S IGNIFICANT JOBS COMPLETED

90No Units Halcrow GretnaValue: £500kClient: Cunninghame HAMain Contractor: Ashleigh (Scotland) LimitedJF Project Manager: Evan PeatJF Quantity Surveyor: Pamela Affleck

134No Newbuild Social Housing Units DrumchapelValue: £900kClient: Glasgow West HAMain Contractor: McTaggart ConstructionJF Project Manager: Martin LittlejohnJF Quantity Surveyor: Pamela Affleck

4 5James Frew Ltd Newsletter December 2020 James Frew Ltd Newsletter December 2020

STAYING SAFESHEQ Compliance Manager Ken Brown looks back on a most unusual yearFirstly, my thanks to everyone for the warm welcome on joining the organisation, over the last few months.

Safe to say, it has been a most eventful time. It has been almost 9 months since the first lockdown was announced, few of us could have ever envisaged the impact coronavirus has actually had on our personal and professional lives. Certainly, the changes our site teams, field engineers, and office staff have implemented has been truly exceptional. The level of compliance from everyone has helped keep our exposure low, whilst maintaining good relations with customers.

Having said that, we must all continue to remain vigilant and follow our COVID Secure risk assessments. It is important to note that there is more to Health and Safety than COVID-19, and we all still have a responsibility to keep ourselves, our colleagues, and our customers safe.

As we look towards 2021, and hopefully COVID-free, there are two projects that will start to change the way we work in line with values and behaviours set out in the James Frew Way.

During the first quarter of 2021, we will be running the first of the James Frew Annual SHEQ Briefings which will include topics such as Accident Reporting, Working at Height, Lone Working and Office Safety.

To support all our new initiatives, we have recently installed a new piece of software, called Q-Pulse which has been supported financially by our strategic partner North Ayrshire Council. This will vastly improve access to documents, incident reporting, safety audits, training and much more.

Ken

As a direct response to a changing market need, we have combined our Housing and Building Services teams to form one single business unit entitled Mechanical and Plumbing Services (MPS). Restructuring plans to fully integrate these areas are well underway and staff are working collaboratively to create new ways of working which will support this vision going forward.

Our order book is very healthy, with many “hybrid” type contracts and projects combining traditional commercial and housing skill-sets and our plans support our “James Frew Way” approach to delivering operational excellence.

Managing Director Roddy Frew said: “There is no doubt this is a growing market and we are one of very few companies with distinctive capabilities in both housing and building services. We are ideally positioned to deliver these “hybrid” contracts given our proven track record and we are confident our market-led approach will deliver improved competitiveness, boost productivity and create opportunities to further develop our staff in these areas.”

Roddy added: “As we progress our restructure plan, I am looking forward to fully integrating both teams into one business unit which will strengthen our ability to deliver these contracts successfully and continue to be a sustainable source of competitive advantage. The initiative has been received well by our customers which confirms our approach and will help to maintain our strong market position.”

NEW BUSINESS UNIT FORMED


We were delighted to announce the promotion of John Barbour and Stephen Barton who were both appointed as Senior Contract Managers to lead the newly formed Mechanical and Plumbing Services team.

Managing Director Roddy Frew said: “I am absolutely delighted to appoint John and Stephen in what is a critical role within the organisation and I am confident they can further

develop their teams and strengthen our position as a

leading provider of Mechanical and Plumbing Services”.

Roddy added: “Given their vast experience and breadth of knowledge I am convinced they are both best placed to lead our teams of Contract Managers to delivering a wide scope of Mechanical

and Plumbing Services across Scotland”.

Subsequently, George Doak also joined our Mechanical

and Plumbing Services team to help to deliver a

strong order book over the coming months.

Roddy said: “George joins us at an important time and brings with him extensive knowledge and vast experience gained within the commercial mechanical sector. I’m sure he will be a valuable addition to our team, and a strong mentor to our up and coming managers and engineers”.

SENIOR CONTRACT MANAGERS APPOINTED

Top Right: John Barbour; Middle Left: Stephen Barton; Bottom Right: George Doak

COMMERCIAL MANAGERS APPOINTED

We were delighted to announce the promotion of Danny Gibson and Paul Cullen who have both been appointed as Commercial Managers.

Managing Director Roddy Frew said: “Danny and Paul have a combined

service of over 50 years with James Frew Ltd and I am absolutely delighted

Danny and Paul are forming part of our senior team who are leading our

new Mechanical and Plumbing Services business unit. Both Danny and Paul have made a

significant contribution to the commercial performance of the organisation and I am confident we will be able to develop further our capabilities in this exciting aspect of our business portfolio”.

Finance Director Sandy Clare commented: “We have made some important changes to our management structure as a direct response to changing market conditions. Danny and Paul are working collaboratively as part of the new senior team in Mechanical and Plumbing Services to create new ways of working which will support our vision going forward”.

Top Left: Paul Cullen; Bottom Right: Danny Gibson


As part of our award-winning James Frew Academy, Modern Apprentices Jack Anderson, Ryan Harrison, Cameron Macmillan and Derek Ralston celebrate the completion of their SVQ Level 3 qualification in Domestic Gas Maintenance and Installation. The 4-year industry recognised programme includes domestic gas maintenance and installation techniques, core skills and on-site experience.

Maintenance Division Manager Stuart Hunter said: “All four have applied themselves thoroughly and have demonstrated a maturity beyond their years and I am delighted to offer all of them positions as gas engineers within our maintenance teams”.

Newly qualified Ryan said: “I am delighted to finish my Modern Apprenticeship and be offered a permanent job. It was tough at times balancing work with studying but I have learned an awful lot and look forward to further progressing my career. I would recommend the apprenticeship to anyone wanting to enter the gas maintenance industry”.

Training Manager Elaine Kean said: “I am so proud of all the hard work and commitment shown by Jack, Ryan, Cameron and Derek throughout their Modern Apprenticeship and I wish them all continued success in their future career with James Frew”.

The James Frew Academy was established in 2017 to develop our workforce and encompasses bespoke apprenticeship training, employee development, and leadership and management training programmes. We work with a broad range of education and third sector partners to align training solutions with our strategic aims and objectives. We currently have 39 apprentices in training across a range of building services disciplines.

JAMES FREW ACADEMYQUALIFICATION SUCCESS

Top - Bottom: Jack Anderson; Ryan Harrison; Cameron Macmillan; Derek Ralston

NEW JAMES FREW WEBSITEGOES LIVEWe are excited to announce the launch of our new website www.jamesfrew.co.uk.

With its fresh look and feel, the responsive site has been designed and developed to work on all devices - desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones - and make it easy for users to find the information they need. The site loads quickly and is easy to navigate delivering a consistent experience for all visitors.

Users can find everything they want to know about Scotland’s leading property solutions company in just a few clicks. From insights on the company’s history, services and projects to details of its training academy, latest news and vacancies, the site has it all.


As our James Frew Academy goes from strength to strength, we felt it was the right time to build our own training room to help to progress opportunities to develop our staff. The room-in-a-roof concept started to take shape in early 2020 with the transformation of our document storage area into a modern training and meeting room facility.

Contracts Manager Steven McInnes delivered the project on-time, within budget, and to an exceptionally high standard of quality. Steven said: “We are really pleased with the completed project and the team have delivered a great space for training and development.”

Managing Director Roddy Frew said: “Training and development is an essential part of our people strategy going forward and I am absolutely delighted to have such a fantastic facility within our head office in Stevenston”.

The new facility was ready in time for the Apprenticeship Mentoring training delivered by Shona Marshall at Connect 3. A total of 10 managers and engineers participated in the programme which covered best practice in supporting and nurturing young talent throughout the apprenticeship journey and beyond. Contracts Manager Tim Killips said: “The course provided some valuable insights, lots of new practice tips and advice, and confirmed that we are on the right lines with some of the work we already do in supporting our apprentices”.

Roddy added: “We are committed fully to providing opportunities to improve life chances for our apprentices and new entrants and I am delighted that our managers and engineers are highly engaged in this process. Being shortlisted by SDS helped to celebrate our achievements and I am delighted that this work continues to be recognised as best practice within the sector”.

TRAINING ROOM COMPLETED

We were delighted to announce that as part of the ongoing development of our Gas Maintenance activities we have taken the decision to appoint Willie Cree as our Electrical Manager.

Willie will initially lead a small team of electricians providing electrical

inspection, testing and verification along with LD2 compliant alarm installations for

our social and private customer base.

Willie joined us from City FM where he was an Electrical Contracts Manager. He has over 30 years, experience within the electrical industry and has significant experience in electrical maintenance and contracting.

Finance Director Sandy Clare said: “We are absolutely delighted to appoint Willie as our Electrical Manager in what will be a critical role within the organisation and I am confident that he can further strengthen our position as a leading provider of Integrated Property Solutions”.

We were also delighted to announce the appointment of Gordon Mack as IT Manager.

Gordon has significant experience in working within Project and IT Operational Management across both the public and private sectors. He has a proven track record in office and field engineering IT systems and management. Gordon said: “I am proud to be joining James Frew Ltd, as an Ayrshire lad, I look forward to helping a successful Ayrshire company grow across Scotland and helping them make the most of technology to boost productivity and improve our competitiveness”.

Managing Director Roddy Frew commented: “Gordon joins us at an important time in the development of our organisation and I am certain he will add value and support our strategic vision”.

MANAGERIAL APPOINTMENTS


GasSure is delighted to be Kilmarnock FC’s first ever sleeve partner.

Managing Director Roddy Frew said: “I have been a Killie fan all my life, so to be able to support the club and become the first ever sleeve sponsor is a really special moment for me. The new kits look great, and I’m delighted they are proving popular with the fans.”

The GasSure brand will feature on the left sleeve of the club’s home and away jersey this season.

GasSure Unveiled as Kilmarnock FC’s FIRST EVER SLEEVE PARTNER

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION SERVICESThis year, we have expanded our electrical installation, maintenance and repair services. We are currently delivering several large LD2 compliant smoke, heat and CO alarms contracts for our social housing partners across central Scotland.

We are now able to offer a more comprehensive range of electrical services and our work is carried out in accordance with BS7671 (2018) and meets NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting) standards. We have recently achieved AICO Expert Installer status for our electricians working on our LD2 alarm installation contracts.

With nearly 16,000 GasSure customers, we are expanding our offer and are now providing an option for customers to include electrical installation cover as part of our popular plans. Maintenance Division Manager Stuart Hunter said: “This important addition to our maintenance service provides an opportunity for our customers to choose to add electrical installation cover to our GasSure Bronze, Silver and Gold plans”.

With the changes in legislation around LD2 compliant alarms (smoke, heat and CO) within domestic dwellings, more people working from home, and a growing requirement for electrical inspection, testing and verification of installations, we are delighted to be enhancing our customer offer.

Head of Organisational Development Andrew Fogarty said: “There are some significant technological developments emerging in the social housing sector and we want to be ideally placed and ready to be able to make the most of these opportunities. We are working closely with market leading brand AICO to provide connected homes solutions as part of our overall maintenance and repair service”.


HARD WORK PAYS OFF FOR JONATHANJonathan Hale joined James Frew in April 2019, he commenced employment as a general labourer, progressing in to plastering, fitting radiators and general pipework.

Shortly after joining the company, Jonathan made the decision to enrol on an IGEM/IG/1 Recognised Managed Learning Programme (MLP) with JSS Training in Stirling. Jonathan attended this course in his own time, balancing work, family life and studying. Throughout the programme, Jonathan gained important “on-the-job” experience under the supervision of Gas Safe registered engineers and gathered work-based evidence to support his “off-the-job” training at the training centre. In July 2020, Jonathan qualified as an ACS Accredited Gas Engineer.

Managing Director Roddy Frew said: “I’m absolutely delighted with Jonathan’s success and is an inspiration to many. His accomplishments confirm that when you work hard and dedicate yourself to achieving an end goal you can reap the rewards! I look forward to working with Jonathan and wish him success in his future career with James Frew”.

GasSure is delighted to brand the back of Ardrossan Academicals RFC’s new coach and team manager jackets.

This arrangement is further recognition of the successful partnership between the club and the company.

Finance Director Sandy Clare said: “We are thrilled to be supporting local grass roots sport and these arrangements are further recognition of the successful partnership between both club and our organisation”.

GasSure Ardrossan Academicals FC’s SPONSORSHIP INCREASES


Over the last few weeks, Flameish has been out and about again engaging with the local community whilst maintaining a safe distance.

We have donated a series of children’s books to 20 primary school in North Ayrshire. These Usborne books such as ‘The Unworry Book’ and ‘Looking After Your Mental Health’ cater to all primary aged children to help support them with any worries or anxieties that they may be experiencing during these ever-changing times. The schools were delighted to receive the books during such a difficult time for children and we are proud to be able to give something back to the local community.

Managing Director Roddy Frew said: “We are thrilled to be supporting our children and young people with the supply of these wonderful books. As a responsible

employer, we recognise the impact that the current pandemic has had on everyone

and we hope these books will provide essential help and support to our

children and young people”.

Flameish was also busy donating 915 selection boxes to the children in Stevenston primary schools.

North Ayrshire Council Locality officers, John MacDonald and Shirley Morgan said: “GasSure gifted over 900 selection boxes

to Stevenston Christmas lights group supported by the 3 Towns

Community Support Hub for all the children in Stevenston. What a

kind gesture at this challenging time”.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Andrew McMillan was recently promoted to the position of Assistant Accountant.

Andrew joined James Frew in November 2019 as a Purchase Ledger Administrator. His commitment and hard work helped him secure a well-deserved promotion. In 2019, Andrew graduated from Ayrshire College attaining a BA with Distinction in Accounting. During his studies, Andrew received the 2018 Student of the Year award and in 2019 was awarded a ‘Best performance prize from a 3rd year student’. An amazing achievement considering Andrew studied and worked full-time whilst

juggling a very busy family life, including taking care of his 4 children.

Finance Director Sandy Clare said: “I’m delighted

to announce Andrew’s promotion within the Finance team. His contribution has been crucial to the team during what has been an everchanging financial landscape during 2020. I look forward to continuing our working relationship

and wish Andrew every success in his future

career with James Frew”.

In November, Andrew and partner Lorna

welcomed new baby, Alexander Charles into their family.

PROMOTION TOASSISTANT ACCOUNTANT


We were delighted to announce the re-certification of Gold membership of Constructionline for another year.

This industry recognised accreditation process involves a rigorous evaluation of our performance on environmental management, quality management, equal opportunities, modern slavery act adherence and anti-bribery and corruption policies. Gold membership demonstrates to all construction buyers that James Frew Ltd is committed to the highest standards of quality and service in the industry.

Commercial Manager Gordon Orr added: “We are thrilled to have retained our Gold membership status of Constructionline. It confirms our ongoing commitment to achieving our strategic priorities of operational excellence in everything we do as a business, and continually improving our competitiveness”.

JAMES FREW MAINTAINS GOLD AWARD! Foreman Eric Liddell, has reached his 25th

anniversary with James Frew Ltd. During this time, he has played a crucial role in ensuring that countless contracts have been successfully delivered.

Managing Director Roddy Frew said: “Eric has been a tremendous asset to our Building

Services Division over the last 25 years. His work ethic and willingness to go the extra mile to

complete a project typifies the James Frew way.”

Contract Manager Tim Killips, said: “Eric has been an exemplary employee throughout his 25 years with the company. He has always given his best, whether organising his contracts, planning workforces or making sure there is sufficient material and labour on site to carry out the planned works. His fantastic work with apprentices has also helped to lay solid foundations for the company’s future.”

Commercial Manager Paul Cullen from Paisley joined the Company from Scotrail back in 1995. He is one of the few staff remaining from our old Glasgow Head office. Roddy said: “Paul is a hard working member of the team, 25 years’ service is a fantastic achievement, his loyalty to James Frew Ltd is unquestionable. I was particularly pleased with his recent promotion and we are looking forward to many more years working together - unfortunately not another 25 though.”

Contract Manager Tim Killips started back in 1995 as a plumber and was moved into

management in 1998. Being from Livingston he has always worked remotely from our Head Office. Roddy said: “Tim has been a fantastic employee over his 25 years’ service. We have always trusted Tim to work remotely and have never doubted his 100% commitment to the company. He has proven to be a

superb mentor and fantastic role model for up and coming staff within our organisation.”

25-YEAR SERVICE AWARDS


JAMES FREW EMPLOYEE

Full NameJason Campbell

What is your job title?Estimating Assistant

Three words to describe your role?Busy, varied, PROCORE!

What do you like the most about your role?Assisting people where I can

Favourite hobbies outside of work?Playing in bands and cycling (this

body doesn’t come easy)

Do you have a motto?“You’re only given a little spark of madness, and if you lose that you’re nothing. Don’t.”

Favourite place in the world?Rome

Best concert you have ever attended?Slaves @ PJ Molloys, Dunfermline

Favourite family tradition?Christmas Dinner- it’s more about

the food than the family

Full Name

William James Cree

What is your job title?

Electrical Manager

Three words to describe your role?

Rewarding, fast-paced and engaging

What do you like the most about your role?

Working within a team that produces positive results

Favourite hobbies outside of work?

Ice Hockey, football, running and spending time with my family

Do you have a motto?

Believe in yourself

Favourite place in the world?

Boston

Best concert you have ever attended?

David Bowie

Favourite family tradition?

Boxing day family party (not this year though!)

Full NameChris Frew

What is your job title?Contracts & Procurement Administrator

Three words to describe your role?Busy, challenging and collaborative

What do you like the most about your role?The fantastic group of people that I work

with, from both site and the office

Favourite hobbies outside of work?PC gaming, 10 pin bowling, watching football

& F1, reading and attending concerts

Do you have a motto?No

Favourite place in the world?Glen Etive

Best concert you have ever attended?Until recently it was Machine Head live at the Barrowlands in 2003 (my first gig), but

Rammstein in July 2019 at the Stadion Śląski in Chorzów, Poland was just a different

experience altogether - now THAT is a band that knows how to put on a performance!

Favourite family tradition?Does Halloween count? My girlfriend and I host a party for friends every year with the entire flat decorated

Full NameLee-Anne Johnstone

What is your job title?PQQ Coordinator

Three words to describe your role?Collaborative, fast-paced, challenging

What do you like the most about your role?The variety of work and constantly

learning new things on a daily basis

Favourite hobbies outside of work?Curling with my kids, going to the cinema,

going for walks, shopping - is that one?

Do you have a motto?When you can’t find the

sunshine, be the sunshine

Favourite place in the world?Anywhere that I am with my kids, I also loved Auckland, New Zealand

Best concert you have ever attended?Coldplay - A rush of blood to the

head tour, Glasgow 2002

Favourite family tradition?Decorating the Christmas tree, it’s a family affair with Christmas music which always

includes a debate over who’s turn it is to put the star on top of the tree! Christmas eve gift

boxes and Christmas dinner with family.

QUICKFIRE QUESTIONS


James Frew Ltd.

83 New Street, Stevenston, North Ayrshire KA20 3HD

01294 468113 I 0141 473 5158 I 0131 357 6775 I 01387 402017

www.jamesfrew.co.uk I www.gassure.com

NEWSLETTER December 2020...Jack, Ryan, Cameron and Derek throughout their Modern Apprenticeship and...

Documents

Transcript of NEWSLETTER December 2020...Jack, Ryan, Cameron and Derek throughout their Modern Apprenticeship and...