The impact of Brexit on construction Excellence How material …… · The impact of Brexit on...

scapegroup.co.uk Summer 2017

#teamscape

Introducing the National Construction framework

The impact of Brexit

on constructionHow material costs and the flow

of workers remain uncertain

Easing congestion and boosting the economy

in WarringtonFind out how Warrington

Borough Council increased the economic appeal of a

thriving business park through transformative infrastructure

Excellence in construction

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ContentsARTICLE04

#teamscape

Find out what it means to be part of Scape’s largest ever framework.

National Construction framework

Visit scapegroup.co.uk/procure to see how the National Construction framework can support you.

This framework has been designed to offer unrivalled capacity, capability and certainty to any public body across the United Kingdom.

Five distinct framework lots have been developed to ensure that any type of project or programme can be delivered efficiently and with social value embedded.

“Willmott Dixon, Robertson, Wates and Lendlease evidenced the right blend of quality and value offers, along with the expertise and capacity to deliver the diverse needs of the public sector both now and in the future.”Mark Robinson Scape Group Chief Executive


ARTICLES FOCUS

08 12

22

National Apprenticeship Week 2017Lack of skills and training is the problem, apprenticeships are the answer.

Arc Partnership’s First YearA reflection on Arc Partnership’s first 12 months.

Latest Sunesis school delights from day oneFind out what children and staff at Sacred Heart Primary think of their new school.

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Easing congestion and boosting the economy in WarringtonFind out how Warrington Borough Council increased the economic appeal of a thriving business park through transformative infrastructure.

18

CASE STUDY

Daniel Maher, Managing Director Arc Partnership

24 A spark of science fiction in the West CountryTake a look at the new home of the Met Office supercomputer.

28 The impact of Brexit on constructionHow material costs and the flow of workers remain uncertain.

The unseen condition that can affect anyone, at any timeSee how we’re supporting Rethink Mental Illness this year.

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15 Breathing life into designRead why Lungfish Architects is a practice with a difference.

Scape Group Insight Magazine | Summer 2017

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Scape Group Insight Magazine | Summer 2017 Scape Group Insight Magazine | Summer 20174 5


WRITTEN BY: SAM BACHA, SENIOR CONSTRUCTION FRAMEWORKS MANAGER

WE ARE AT THE HEIGHT OF THE MOBILISATION PERIOD FOR THE

NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION FRAMEWORK; THREE MONTHS OF EXTENSIVE

COLLABORATION BETWEEN CONTRACTORS, SUPPLY CHAIN AND SCAPE

TEAMS. WITH THE FRAMEWORK AWARDED IN JUNE, WE EXPLORE THE

STRUCTURE IN MORE DETAIL AND FIND OUT WHAT IT MEANS TO BE PART

OF SCAPE GROUP’S LARGEST EVER FRAMEWORK.

Against a backdrop of devolution, continued

uncertainty and the evolving requirements of the public sector, the National Construction framework has been configured to enable rapid engagement, efficient delivery and the achievement of high levels of social value.

This framework has been designed to deliver projects of any size or scope, including regeneration schemes, new primary and secondary schools, universities and colleges, hospitals, central government buildings and much needed housing to cater for the changing needs of the UK population.

£2m – £20m

£2m – £20m

£2m – £20m

£10m – £50m

£50m+

Procurement

Following a rigorous procurement process, four highly regarded contractors, supported by an extensive local supply chain, have been appointed to lead the National Construction framework.

We welcome Willmott Dixon, Robertson, Wates and Lendlease as appointed lead contractors, supported by a supply chain network of over 70,000 SMEs to Scape’s “one team”.

The new framework structure will offer enhanced levels of capacity and a comprehensive mix of skills and expertise to support the ongoing construction requirements of the public sector across the United Kingdom.

The National Construction framework has five distinct framework lots, designed to offer an element of choice, with separate frameworks designed to deliver services by geography and value band.

Performance

The National Construction framework will be fully performance managed using key performance indicators that drive cost and time efficiencies, high standards of client satisfaction, as well as ensuring optimum levels of training and apprenticeships, local supply chain usage and supply chain fair payment terms.

Compliance

Appointments to the National Construction framework were made via a lengthy tender process that is fully compliant with European, UK and Scottish legislation. Our delivery partners are subject to an objective evaluation of cost and quality, as well as a comprehensive set of social, economic and environmental sustainability criteria.

Social Value

Our delivery partners have guaranteed extensive levels of social value and community engagement activities on every single construction project we deliver for the public sector.

“...our delivery partners have guaranteed extensive levels of social value and community engagement activities on every single construction project we deliver...”

FOCUS

SMEs in our contractors’ supply chain network

70,000SUPPORTED BY

Scape Group Insight Magazine | Summer 2017 7

FOCUS

Mark Robinson, Scape Group Chief Executive, said:

“The competition for this framework was fierce,

and the calibre of bids extremely high. Willmott Dixon, Robertson, Wates and Lendlease evidenced the right blend of quality and value offers, along with the expertise and capacity to deliver the diverse needs

of the public sector both now and

in the future.

The possible Brexit cost to the construction sector due to a loss of EU talent, the increased costs of building material imports and higher tariffs could be significant. Therefore, a robust and stable delivery model led by strong contractors and supported by local enterprise, will be an important delivery option for the public sector as we progress through the next four years.

The quality of our built environment underpins the economic growth and attractiveness of the UK from an inward investment perspective, so facilitating their delivery is vital to the health of the wider economy. The National Construction framework, structured with multiple lead contractors, ensures public sector bodies have capacity and expertise at their fingertips. Governed by our rigorous performance management processes, we will ensure that this framework, will continue our heritage of speed and quality of delivery, with social value sitting at the heart of project success.” END

National Construction framework (continued)

To support the new framework launch the National Construction

framework management team has been expanded.

Michael Parker joins us as National Framework Manager for Major Works UK, bringing with him 18 years’ experience in local and central government with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation on Property Management and Regional Prime Contracting. Paula Ibberson joins us as National Framework Manager for Major Works England & Northern Ireland and Major Works Wales. As part of a long and successful career with South Yorkshire Police, she worked across a number of operational areas before more recently focusing on collaboration and transformational change.

Sam Bacha will continue to drive continuous improvement and an inclusive strategy across the framework suite by promoting the benefits of collaboration across the construction delivery partners.

Sam is responsible for Principal Works and Major Works Scotland.

Our delivery partners in focus Expanding our National Construction framework team

“We are already encouraged by the evidence of collaborative working between our partners, which has been demonstrated during our commercial and marketing working groups, with partners happy to share ideas and tools to aid efficiency.”

Sam Bacha, Senior Construction Frameworks Manager


Bill Robertson, Executive Chairman and Founder, Robertson Group, said:

“As Robertson Group reaches the end of its 50th year in business, I can think of no better way to mark the occasion than with our appointment to the Scape Major Works Scotland framework. We already have a strong partnership with Scape, working to deliver 46 projects at a value of almost £450m. Together we are building new affordable homes, schools and justice facilities, all of which are helping to transform communities across Scotland. From the Western Isles to the Scottish Borders, the work we have facilitated through Scape has made a real difference – and we look forward to delivering even more over the forthcoming years.”

Andrew Davies, CEO, The Wates Group, said:

“Wates is excited to be extending our relationship with Scape on to the new National Construction framework, an appointment we see as the realisation of our ambition to be one of the most trusted partners of government and the public sector in the built environment. As an award-winning family business of 120 years’ standing, we are best positioned to deliver for Scape and the public sector, because of the quality of our people, our commitment to supporting SMEs in our supply chain, and our focus on supporting the communities in which we work. We’re looking forward to working with our partners on the framework to construct the best public buildings for the future.”

Neil Martin, MD of Europe at Lendlease, said:

“This framework has the potential to deliver a step-change in the way large-scale public sector projects are procured. By focusing on early engagement with our clients and supply chain, Lendlease in partnership with Scape, will add value and provide competitive cost certainty on what will be some of the UK’s most exciting and complex projects.”

Major Works, Scotland Major Works, UK Principal Works

Rick Willmott, Chief Executive, Willmott Dixon, said:

“As Scape’s framework partner for the past ten years, we’ve delivered over 400 much needed facilities – schools, leisure centres, homes, universities, health centres – that have benefited communities and saved millions in cost to the public purse. We’re delighted this will continue on the next framework and just like before, our focus will be on strengthening local economies through our projects, so at least 75% of our new framework’s £2.25bn value will be spent with SME companies within 40 miles of each project.”

Major Works, England & Northern Ireland

Major Works, Wales

Social value sits at the heart of project success

Michael Parker, National Framework Manager

for Major Works UK

Paula Ibberson, National Framework

Manager for Major Works England & Northern Ireland

and Major Works Wales

CASE STUDY

Scape Group Insight Magazine | Summer 2017 9Scape Group Insight Magazine | Summer 20178

Latest Sunesis school delights from day onePRIOR TO ITS OPENING IN APRIL, A SPECIAL PREVIEW EVENT WAS HELD

AT SACRED HEART PRIMARY SCHOOL IN NOTTINGHAM TO GIVE ALMOST

200 PUPILS A SNEAK PEEK AT THEIR NEW SCHOOL BUILDING.

“Seeing the positive reactions from the children and teachers was brilliant. As always with Sunesis, the project was completed both on time and on budget and it’s great to know that the work we do will have such a positive impact on local children and the community.”

Tim Carey,

Director, Sunesis

Head girl at Sacred Heart,

11-year-old Amara said:

“Our previous school was a bit cramped, but

this new school is great, it has an extra big hall and is very spacious.

It’s colourful and I look forward to coming to

school every day.”

The children were given guided tours and the opportunity to

explore their new surroundings, which included bright, spacious classrooms, outside sports and play areas and a large hall for lunch times.

As with all Keynes models, the light and airy learning corridors running through the centre of the school are ideal for break out activities such as arts and crafts or can be used as a space for equipment, which the whole school can use, like computers or cooking facilities.

Our own research, The School Places Challenge, found that to meet the demand for the 730,000 extra school pupils that the government predicts we will have in a just few years’ time, the UK needs over 2,000 new schools by 2020, or 24,000 extra classrooms. Using the fixed-cost and fast delivery guaranteed with Sunesis, Sandwell Futures (a partnership between Sandwell Council and Interserve) commissioned the upgrades to Sacred Heart.

The new two-form entry school has 15 classrooms and now offers 420 primary places and 52 nursery places, to meet the growing demand for primary places in Sandwell and the surrounding area. The new school is expected to be full by 2022.

In today’s tough economic climate, giving local authorities the right tools to deliver schools that are cost-effective not only to commission and build, but to run and maintain in the future and can be delivered quickly, is essential. Coupled with colourful, modern interior designs that inspire pupils, parents and staff, encourage creativity and offer flexible working and recreational spaces, Sunesis schools are designed to fulfil all school needs and provide an exceptional learning environment.

11Scape Group Insight Magazine | Summer 201710

To find out more about Sunesis, visit their new website at: sunesisbuild.co.uk

“We’re thrilled with our new Sunesis school; it was built incredibly quickly and to a fantastic standard – the children’s eyes lit up and you could hear them saying “wow” when they walked through the doors.

There has been a 26% increase in the birth rate in Sandwell and higher than normal movement into the area, so it’s crucial we ensure that every child has a school place and a great education.”

Sue Moore, Group Head for Education Support Services, Sandwell Council

CASE STUDYLatest Sunesis school delights from day one (continued)

Headteacher, Mrs Gee, said: “To get an idea of what the new building would look like before it opened, I was given a tour around another Sunesis school in Bemrose, Derbyshire. I was so overwhelmed by how fantastic it was and the difference it made to children, staff and parents. The Sunesis team has involved me in as many decisions about the development as they can, which I am hugely grateful for.

The new building means so much more to us than the extra school places; the way the building is designed means we can better meet the needs of our pupils, whether that be children with special educational, mobility or dietary needs thanks to our brand-new kitchen. Having extra space also means we can better support the community with family learning, such as additional English lessons for parents and pupils.” END


http://sunesisbuild.co.uk

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FOCUS

National Apprenticeship Week 2017LACK OF SKILLS AND TRAINING IS THE PROBLEM,

APPRENTICESHIPS ARE THE ANSWER.

WRITTEN BY: JANE DACKIEWICZ, HR MANAGER

The ‘skills gap’ is a phrase used frequently in the press and

across the construction industry to highlight the desperate need to invest in young people and give them the necessary experience and training to succeed in the growing industry.

Offering apprenticeships is one way that construction partners are responding to this issue and, by giving young people a chance to train ‘on the job’, they can facilitate faster progression and foster a better understanding of the industry through real-life experience.

There are a wide range of apprenticeships available across the Scape framework partners, which offer intermediate, advanced and higher apprenticeship opportunities in many roles – from bricklaying and carpentry to quantity surveying and marketing.

“Apprenticeships facilitate local employment and enhance vital skills and training among young people looking to start their career in the construction industry – they really are the answer to the construction industry’s skills gap,” said Mark Robinson.

apprenticeship weeks delivered to date

8,500OVER

“At Scape, we fully understand the need to safeguard our industry for the future. We monitor the number of apprenticeships our delivery partners are offering – with the current figure standing at over 8,500 apprenticeship weeks delivered to date. It’s something we actively encourage and champion, so I’m delighted with how high this figure is.”

Mark Robinson, Group Chief Executive,

Scape Group

Scape Group Insight Magazine | Summer 201712 Scape Group Insight Magazine | Summer 2017

We also work closely with Build UK – the leading representative organisation for the UK construction industry, which works to develop close relationships between employers and schools to create more apprenticeship opportunities. Another initiative that we support is Learn Live; an innovative and interactive live channel that uses online technology, to allow local businesses, industry professionals and schools/colleges across the globe to take part in live broadcasts and discussions. END

“Apprenticeships facilitate local employment and enhance vital skills

and training among young people looking to start their career in the

construction industry...”Mark Robinson,

Group Chief Executive, Scape Group

FOCUSNational Apprenticeship Week 2017 (continued)

Breathing life into designTHE FIRST THING THAT STRIKES YOU ABOUT LUNGFISH

ARCHITECTS IS THEIR PASSION FOR DELIVERING FOR THEIR

CLIENTS. IT’S AT THE FOREFRONT OF EVERYTHING THEY DO.

A rare breed of architect, Lungfish doesn’t just stop at

design; they don’t just visit onsite when there’s a problem.

They will roll their sleeves up and get stuck in as, quite simply, their vision is to give their clients the best possible solution for their needs. And they relish getting their hands dirty. Richard Daw, associate director, sums up:

“At Lungfish we’re more than just architects. We love to create positive environments where our young clients can live, learn and play.”

Creating purposeful, elegant and sustainable civic buildings, Lungfish has just one structured three-tier approach: to listen, explore and work with their clients on a design-led cycle. The client journey could involve a modular build, a purely bespoke design or a combination of both.

The output is always the same, whichever option best meets the client’s needs: a positive, welcoming environment where people thrive.

The practice began as the design arm of Scape Group, one of the leading procurement specialists in the UK. Honing standardised school design and enhancing communities everywhere, the team has provided over £100m of school and classroom builds since 2010.

ARTICLE

“At Lungfish we’re more than just architects. We love to create positive environments where our young clients can live, learn and play.”

Richard Daw,

Associate Director, Lungfish


Caitlin Seery ▲“After completing my GCSEs, I started thinking about my options for the future. I knew that going to college wasn’t for me, and I really wanted to get a job to get an insight into the world of work,” said Caitlin.

“I have been in my apprenticeship at Scape for almost a year now and have enjoyed every minute of it. As an apprentice office trainee, I’m responsible for providing day-to-day administration support for all teams across the business and office visitors. My main responsibilities include meeting and greeting visitors, operating the main switchboard and monitoring and managing emails to the company’s general inbox.

“As well as learning office and business administration support skills on the job, Scape is supporting me with the completion of an Intermediate apprenticeship in Business and Admin Level 2 and also a Functional Skills IT Level 2 qualification.

“I’ve learnt so much since working here, it has given me a real insight into a business support role and my skill set has broadened. I hope to continue learning and improving as each day goes on.”

Meet our apprentices17-year-old Caitlin Seery is currently completing her one-year apprenticeship at Scape Group’s head office in Nottingham, alongside ex-apprentice and current Trainee Marketing Assistant, Tom Dearman. Hear about their personal experiences as they start their careers at Scape Group’s head office.

Tom Dearman ▲Having completed his apprenticeship last year, Tom is now a permanent member of staff and thoroughly enjoys his role in the marketing team.

“Starting my career as a Level 2 business administration apprentice was one of the best decisions I have ever made, it gave me an insight into all the different career paths that are available to young people,” said Tom.

“Although I enjoyed supporting all departments during my apprenticeship, I have always been interested in marketing and it’s an area I wanted to learn more about. In November 2016, I was given the opportunity to join the team.”

Tom is currently completing a 20-week Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Level 3 qualification, a nationally recognised qualification that will equip him with the skills he needs to continue his career in marketing and continue to add value in his current role with Scape.



ARTICLE

17

“Our work with Lungfish allowed us to communicate the vision we had for the school – and for them to capture it. We are delighted to have moved from planning, design and build to the core purpose of exciting children in their education in this unique space. Our thanks go to all who have been involved in this journey.”

Steve Hall, Headteacher, Aylesford Primary Academy

The team has forged a strong relationship with Bedford Borough Council, so much so that the practice is the authority’s design team of choice, covering its entire capital programme for the next three years. Two of Lungfish’s flagship school designs for Bedford Borough Council – Wixams Academy and Wixams Tree Primary School – are currently onsite and due to complete by Christmas and September 2017 respectively.

Working with Willmott Dixon and Pick Everard through Scape Procure national frameworks, the new learning community will provide 824 secondary school places (including sixth form) and 420 primary places for pupils aged 4-18 years, as well as a 26-place nursery setting, and will fill to capacity over a five-year period. Crucially, Lungfish had to meet stringent

Education Funding Agency compliance to secure project funding for the academy – few school builds achieve this so it was a major milestone for the team.

What’s next for Lungfish Architects?

With just shy of 7,000 school places delivered to date and a brand-new website launched in March, what does the future hold for Lungfish? The team’s overriding aim for Lungfish is to become a unique, pioneering, unrivalled force of simple and elegant civic building design. They care deeply about their clients and, consequently, the practice intends to grow organically by attracting people that share the same talent and client-focused attributes. At Lungfish, architecture isn’t just a job, it’s a way of life.

As Simon puts it:

“Architecture places corners on your street, it directs you subconsciously from breakfast to supper. It dictates how far the postman has to walk to deliver your latest eBay conquest. It surrounds you in a physical legacy that grows with you. It is your life-long habitat.”

In witnessing this passion first hand and watching the team in action it’s easy to see why Lungfish is succeeding. Their joy and satisfaction in seeing a child flourishing in an environment they’ve brought to life is palpable. It’s why they get out of bed in the morning. END

lungfish-architects.co.uk

Simon Reid, Managing Director, joined in 2013 continuing the vision of creating a practice that is ground breaking, collaborative and end-user focused. Lungfish launched in April 2016 and is now a team of eleven talented and experienced architects, technologists and technicians.

Brimming with enthusiasm and a client-centric outlook, the team isn’t daunted by difficult projects, nor are they precious about convoluted concepts. They are committed to bringing their client’s vision to life – from sketches to bricks and timber – all the while mitigating risk, guaranteeing exceptional quality and providing guidance every step of the way.

Past projects include Aylesford Primary Academy, a single form entry school built on the site boundary of Aylesford Secondary Academy, forming Warwickshire’s first all through school with pupils ranging from three to 19 years. Starting onsite in

November 2014 with an anticipated 42-week construction programme, the race was on for the school to be built ready for the September 2015 intake. The school was successfully handed over in August 2015 with zero defects.

Bluecoat Academy Primary School

“Bedford Borough has an expanding population and budgets are challenging. We have met the need for expanding pupil places on time and on budget. Best value design, honesty and sheer hard graft by Lungfish have been paramount to achieving such successful outcomes in partnership. The Lungfish team are a safe pair of hands and manage the designs professionally through the challenging engagement process, to deliver excellent teaching and learning spaces.”

Colin Foster, Director of Children’s Services at Bedford Borough Council

ARTICLEBreathing life into design (continued)

Kineton High School Science Faculty

Cotton End Forest School


http://lungfish-architects.co.uk


CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Easing congestion and boosting the economy in Warrington

Funded by Warrington Borough Council, together with a grant from Cheshire and Warrington

Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), the £4m scheme has alleviated traffic congestion around Birchwood and continues to attract investment and business opportunities, whilst making the local area more economically appealing to visitors and residents.

Warrington has roughly 30,000 people working in the city – with 6,000 of these based at Birchwood Park within 165 offices. Warrington Borough Council instructed the programme of works to be completed through the Scape National Civil Engineering and Infrastructure framework, which is delivered by Balfour Beatty.

“Very often, these bids come along with very tight timescales attached to them so you’ve got to put your bid in but be able to commit to delivering in quite a short time. We became aware of the Scape framework through Balfour Beatty and thought it absolutely fitted what we needed to do as far as delivery was concerned.”

David Boyer, Assistant Director for Transport and Environment, Warrington Borough Council

BIRCHWOOD PARK, A THRIVING BUSINESS

PARK IN THE NORTH EAST OF WARRINGTON,

NEEDED IMPROVED INFRASTRUCTURE TO EASE

POTENTIAL TRAFFIC CONGESTION, CREATING

A MORE ECONOMICALLY APPEALING AREA FOR

BUSINESSES, VISITORS AND RESIDENTS,

WHICH WOULD ATTRACT INWARD INVESTMENT

AND BOOST ECONOMIC GROWTH.



CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

“Birchwood Park is a very important cluster. It’s the home of Britain’s nuclear engineering industry. It was already subject to a fair amount of road congestion and if we couldn’t clear that congestion we couldn’t get any further development on the site” Phillip Cox, Chief Executive at the Cheshire and Warrington LEP

Warrington Borough Council and the Cheshire and Warrington LEP were keen to continue encouraging further investment in the site and, thanks to the transformative infrastructure work that was delivered, this has now been possible.

“The feedback has been absolutely fabulous. What you don’t normally get, and we have here, is emails from people saying how fantastic the improvements have been.”

This is the first of several projects that are due to be delivered in Warrington, as the city is seeing large-scale investment with an ambitious growth agenda planned. There are further infrastructure plans in

place to address the city’s remaining congestion issues as well as support of wide scale regeneration across Warrington. The pedestrian routes and cycle paths in the surrounding area were also improved as they are well-used by residents and staff.

Supporting local businesses and helping achieve economic growth in the community were key priorities throughout the project. Over the course of the project, Balfour Beatty provided work experience placements for a local school and for students at the University of Manchester, to inspire those looking to join the construction industry and to educate people who live, learn and work in the area.

Using a local supply chain to complete projects utilises skills and expertise in the community and 97% of the workforce used on site were employed locally. The project has generated £2.4m local spend for the economy, which in conjunction with the new improvements has been a real boost for the local economy.

With environmental considerations high on the agenda for the UK, delivering projects that offer long-term environmental sustainability is very important, and this project diverted 100% of the waste materials from landfill sites.

This work has increased road capacity and eased congestion significantly for the 10,000 vehicles passing through Birchwood Park each day. END


Easing congestion and boosting the economy in Warrington (continued)

of workforce were employed locally

97%

local spend for the economy

£2.4Mvehicles pass through Birchwood Park each day

10,000

of waste materials diverted from landfill sites

100%people working in the city – with 6,000 of these based at Birchwood Park

30,000APPROXIMATELYThe worst potential congestion hot spots were

identified and from that a project plan was devised, which addressed three key locations:

Moss Gate The conversion of an existing roundabout into a signalised junction and widening of the highway on each arm. This has increased the number of vehicle lanes at the junction and incorporated dedicated turning lanes, creating a pathway into the site where traffic does not need to slow down.

Oakwood Gate Widening of the existing alignment on Birchwood Way including improvements to the layout of the existing island and installation of traffic lights to two arms of the roundabout to control traffic movements.

Faraday Street Creation of a new bus lane between Birchwood Way, the Faraday Street roundabout and Ordnance Avenue. This has now made a significant difference to commuters’ journey times.

Faraday Street

Birchwood Way

Moss Gate

Click here to view the Birchwood Park video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60AWiPUlg_U



WRITTEN BY: DANIEL MAHER, MANAGING DIRECTOR

Focus

AS THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THIS INNOVATIVE JOINT VENTURE BETWEEN

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL AND SCAPE GROUP IS REACHED,

MANAGING DIRECTOR, DANIEL MAHER, PAUSES TO REFLECT ON THE PAST

12 MONTHS AND TAKES THE OPPORTUNITY TO LOOK AHEAD.

responsive repairs delivered through our framework supply chain partners

8,500OVER

of waste from our sites was diverted from landfill

97.7%

1st April 2017 marked the first year’s operating period

for Arc Partnership, a collaboration between Scape Group and Nottinghamshire County Council to drive greater efficiencies and lead innovation in design management and maintenance of property services across the public sector.

Since Arc launched on 1st July 2016, the team has worked incredibly hard to establish new business across all functions of design and delivery, programme and performance, commercial, financial, construction services and business support.

This is reflected in a positive financial position for 2016/17 as well as the works we have delivered on the ground across Nottinghamshire.

At the close of our first year of trading, we have delivered 892 instances of statutory services to the public estate, across 18 different servicing elements from electrical testing to rainwater harvesting tanks.

From a design and delivery perspective we had a total of 549 commissioned projects in progress, with a commitment value of circa £50.6m and a potential additional value of £16.4m following completion of all feasibilities as detailed in the table to the right.

Within these projects we have 37 specific school refurbishments and new build projects underway, notably the high-profile projects of Clayfields House Special Children’s Unit valued at £9.2m and the demolition of the CLASP building at County Hall valued at £2m.

Our safety, health and environmental performance during this first year has been excellent, with all reportable incident rates being at zero – a credit to both our employees and supply chain partners alike. In addition, it is also pleasing to report that 97.7% of waste from our sites was diverted from landfill.

Visible leadership site inspections by all managers have now commenced across the business, and we have extended our Safety, Health & Environment (SHE) messaging to the wider community of Nottinghamshire, exemplified by the work at Roundhill Primary School where we held a competition for the pupils to design a Health and Safety poster for display in the project at Beeston Library.

During the period, we have taken the opportunity to broaden and review our subcontractor partners, to ensure that we deliver our programme of works leveraging support from several of the suite of frameworks offered by Scape; National Construction, National Minor Works, Regional Construction and Built Environment Consultancy Services (BECS), with the opportunities to source delivery from the other Scape frameworks depending on the scope of works procured.

Within our construction services in-house delivery team, we have reviewed our subcontractor arrangements and the coming months will see us procure our first Construction Services framework for general building, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering services. The new framework will streamline and formalise contractor appointments, strengthen performance management arrangements as well as the drive for increased efficiencies and value for money – whilst not diminishing our commitment to supporting local delivery and SME involvement within our supply chain. Over the next 12 months,

further phases of the Construction Services framework will see the procurement of our supply chain for roofing, windows, asbestos, plant and materials and landscaping, fencing, tarmac and paving.

The key focus for the year ahead will be driven by our mantra: “Trusted to Deliver” – and to that end we will see the strengthening of the integration and collaboration of our finance, commercial, design and delivery functions, underpinned by robust performance management arrangements that deliver value for money, quality of outcomes and customer excellence.

Our services are delivered by people for people, and I would like to take the opportunity to sincerely thank everyone who has been involved in establishing Arc Partnership and continuing to provide the broad range of services and projects for the benefit of the residents and communities across Nottinghamshire. END

Arc Partnership’s First Year

Our work to date provides a solid base for the establishment of Arc Partnership as a sustainable business and a platform for growth


We also delivered 8,500 responsive repairs through our framework supply chain partners and in-house delivery teams. This volume of activity for a new organisation is a fantastic achievement.

Commissioned Projects FY16/17

Value Band Projects

0-£50k 425

£50k-£100k 41

£100k-£250k 30

£250k-£500k 16

£500k-£1m 21

£1m-£3m 13

£3m+ 3

Total 549


A spark of science fiction in the West Country

The Met Office and Exeter Council commissioned Willmott

Dixon through the Scape Group National Major Works framework to design a £20m purpose-built house for their new supercomputer, which is responsible for interpreting this data.

This high-profile construction project was designed to provide a modern building with flexible spaces that facilitate collaboration between science, business and academia in a comfortable, pleasant environment.

THE MET OFFICE IS THE WORLD LEADER IN WEATHER PREDICTION;

PROVIDING ACCURATE METEOROLOGICAL AND CLIMATE

FORECASTING SERVICES, MODELLING AND RESEARCH FOR

OVER 160 YEARS. THIS DATA INFORMS ALMOST EVERYTHING

FROM IDENTIFYING ADVERSE WEATHER PATTERNS AND THE

DAILY POLLEN COUNT TO AVIATION AND FLYING CONDITIONS. capable of performing up to 14,000 trillion calculations per second

14,000TN

equivalent of two million calculations per second for every person on the planet

2M

ONE OF THE 20 FASTEST COMPUTERS IN THE WORLD

PER SECOND


“We are very excited about this new investment in UK science. It will lead to a step change in weather forecasting and climate prediction, and give us the capability to strengthen our collaborations with partners in the South West, UK and the world.”Rob Varley,

Chief Executive of the Met Office

ARTICLE

less energy consumed by the innovative cooling system installed

40%

people hours to complete project

2,687


27

Iconic structure

Inspired by the movie ‘Tron’, the turquoise neon hexagonal design has been described as a ‘spark of science fiction in the West Country’ and is hard to miss on the horizon.

“We are delighted to have had the opportunity to share our expertise in construction management, to complement science, and proudly play our part in meteorological advancements.”

Nathan Howells, Regional Framework Manager, Willmott Dixon.

High security

A raised access concrete floor conceals a network of highly sensitive, specialised building services and equipment supporting the supercomputer, providing a safe and secure space for the information technology.

Throughout the project apprenticeships and internships in specialist areas were awarded, allowing young people to learn technical skills on the job with the support of Willmott Dixon and their specialist supply chain partners.

Now the most energy efficient building of its type in the UK, the Met Office’s supercomputer facility is an important catalyst for regional growth, which continues to create collaboration and whose sophisticated forecasts deliver £2bn of socio-economic benefits to the UK.

This project reflects the ever-changing priorities for weather and climate research, modelling and prediction which now enables the Met Office to be more flexible in responding to the challenges of internalisation of weather and climate prediction services, which are the centrepieces of our daily lives. END

ARTICLEA spark of science fiction in the West Country (continued)

“The UK is a leader in science and technology and ground-breaking projects like the

supercomputer help advance this position on a global stage. We are proud that our

framework has played its part by facilitating the creation of this iconic hub, as well as

generating a ripple effect of benefits for people and businesses in Exeter.”

Mark Robinson, Scape Group Chief Executive

on time and on budget

100%

waste diverted from landfill

100%

spend within 40 miles

76%

Innovative air-cooling system

An innovative cooling technology system, inspired by the human circulatory system uses water instead of air to regulate the temperature. Ten times as compact and consuming 40% less energy than a comparable system, maintenance costs were kept to a minimum.

The living wall

A vertical garden takes up less floor space than a traditional garden and delivers enhanced environmental benefits and improves health and well-being of staff and visitors.

This high-profile green statement not only reflects the Met Office brand and supports their values, but ensures that environmental considerations are at the forefront of the legacy left behind for future generations.

“The Met Office’s new supercomputer is exactly the sort of high tech investment that the Exeter and East Devon Growth Point was designed to attract. Siting it at the Science Park will strengthen the economic growth of the area and act as a real catalyst in driving job growth and private sector investment.”

Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth, Devon County Council

Scape Group Insight Magazine | Summer 2017Scape Group Insight Magazine | Summer 201726


Cost of materials

UK construction relies heavily on imports, with 62% of building components and materials currently coming from the EU, which equates to a net total of £5.7bn.

At the same time, costs are rising. The construction materials price index has shown an unprecedented growth, which has seen the cost of net imports from the EU rise to their highest level since 2011, and charts a 15.3% annual increase.

To put this into perspective, if the cost of EU imports rises by just 10%, the cost to construction will be a staggering £570m.

29

of building components and materials currently come from the EU

62%

will be the cost to the construction industry if the cost of EU imports rises by just 10%

£570M Retiring workforce

With 19% of the UK’s skilled workforce (the equivalent of 406,000 workers) set to retire in the next five to ten years and a severe shortage of young people to replace them, the outcome is clear: there simply will not be enough workers to meet demand and support the Government’s ambitious plans for future growth in the UK. Ensuring that we invest in skills and training for young people is vital to ensure the continuation and growth of the industry.

Imported labour is a huge market for the UK, with the proportion of EU migrants in the construction sector rising from 3.65% to 7.03% between 2007 and 2014. If this trend continues, by 2021 a significant 10.41% of UK construction would consist of workers from the EU – however, Brexit makes the flow of migrant workers uncertain and, with the skills shortage already at breaking point, it could have a negative impact on the quality of future projects.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) recently estimated that the UK construction industry could lose almost 200,000 EU workers post-Brexit, which could have a serious impact on the delivery of some of the country’s largest built environment and infrastructure projects.

While EU workers continue to be a vital component in boosting the industry’s capacity, outsourcing our workforce should never have been a replacement for training and retaining UK residents. Now the industry seems to be paying for a lack of investment in its own future.

WRITTEN BY: MATT CARRINGTON-MOORE, CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

“Ensuring that we invest in skills and training for young people is vital to ensure the continuation and growth of the industry.”

The impact of Brexit on constructionOUR ANALYSIS OF GOVERNMENT DATA HAS FOUND THAT

THE COMBINATION OF A WORSENING CONSTRUCTION

SKILLS DROUGHT AND SOARING MATERIAL IMPORT COSTS

COULD COST THE UK CONSTRUCTION SECTOR £570M.

At present, only 12.6% of the workforce are women. This is a huge under-representation which, if re-balanced, could contribute to solving the industry’s problems.

ARTICLE

Reducing the impact

With these challenges in mind, it is critical that the Government seeks to address the uncertainty brought about by Brexit, to ensure the continued delivery of a strong, well-connected built environment, which attracts inward investment and encourages nationwide economic growth.

In terms of the growing skills gap; there is no cut and dry solution, but one way to narrow this gap is to address the unbalanced demographics that make up the construction workforce. At present, only 12.6% of the workforce are women. This is a huge under-representation which, if re-balanced, could contribute to solving the industry’s problems.

Ensuring that the right training, apprenticeships and work placements are available, and educating the next generation about the diverse career opportunities in construction could also help to attract the right mix of skills and talent needed to futureproof the industry. END


“The Rethink Advice and Information Service answers thousands of calls every year, helping people affected by mental illness navigate the maze of questions that can arise when living with, or supporting someone with a mental health problem. The holistic information offered can be a lifeline. However, through the fundraising efforts of partners such as Scape Group, we can ensure that this vital service reaches even more people, helping everyone to get the advice and support they need, when they need it.”

Emma Malcolm, Associate Director for Fundraising and Supporter Engagement, Rethink Mental Illness


ARTICLE

We are proud to support Rethink Mental Illness as our charity

of the year, who raise awareness of mental health problems and provide essential support for those affected.

The term mental illness covers a variety of conditions, from anxiety and depression through to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, and can affect anyone at any time.

Living with a mental health problem can affect many aspects of daily life, from physical health, to work, education and personal relationships. However, the impact of a mental health diagnosis can often be reduced if people can access the support they need quickly. Despite the increase in mental health problems, the causes of these illnesses are yet to be fully understood and it is still the case that someone is more likely to receive the kind of urgent support they need if they have a broken leg, than if they experience a crisis because of a mental health problem.

If you’re experiencing mental illness for the first time or if a friend, family member or colleague is affected, you may have a lot of questions, such as ‘where can I find help’, or ‘how can I provide the appropriate support?’ It can also be a lonely and daunting experience, making life even harder.

Rethink Mental Illness has over 40 years’ experience of supporting

people severely affected by mental illness and their carers. They run an Advice Service, providing practical information and support to anyone who

has questions about mental illness for themselves or for

someone they know or care for.

This service is very different from a call centre, with one call often lasting over 45 minutes and what starts out as an initial query can lead their team to identify additional areas for support. In recognition of the quality of its work, Rethink Mental Illness’ Advice Service won the 2016 Helplines Partnership’s ‘Helpline of the Year’ Award and continues to play a vital part in supporting people during times of crisis.

Demand for their service rises every year. Rethink Mental Illness’ Advice Service receives around 7,000 email and telephone enquiries each year, but is currently only able to answer and respond to around a third of these, which is why raising funds is critical to help support more people when they need it most.

Rethink Mental Illness’ receives no government support or community funding, making partnerships like ours crucial to help the charity continue and grow its reach. Through our partnership we aim to build understanding and reduce the stigma of mental illness in the workplace through training and raising awareness.

Throughout 2017, we have several fundraising events planned including a Water Wipeout challenge, charity golf day and quiz night. END

To find out more or to make a donation, please visit:

scapegroup.co.uk/charitable-support

WRITTEN BY: CHLOE MARTIN, MARKETING ASSISTANT

email and telephone enquiries are received each year via the Rethink Mental Illness charity

7,000AROUND

EACH YEAR, ONE IN FOUR PEOPLE IN THE

UK WILL EXPERIENCE A MENTAL HEALTH

PROBLEM; WHICH IS HIGHER THAN THE

NUMBER OF PEOPLE BEING DIAGNOSED

WITH CANCER OR HEART DISEASE.

The unseen condition that can affect anyone, at any time


http://scapegroup.co.uk/charitable-support

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