1. GET READY
FOR BIM
How Building Information
Modelling is transforming
the construction industry
Issue 3 psrsolutions.co.uk building careers
2016 sees a digital revolution in the construction industry
when all government projects will require contractors to use
Business Information Modelling (BIM) Level 2.
In this edition, we take a look at the fundamentals of BIM
and how the new rules will affect the construction industry.
PSR Solutions gets
Investors in People
accreditation
Last month PSR Solutions demonstrated its commitment
to continuous staff improvement by successfully attaining
Investors in People accreditation.
The standard is a rigorously tested benchmark for people
management performance and an internationally
recognised sign of a good employer.
In the accreditation report, the assessor identified the
following key strengths of our organisation:
• Clear values, which are embedded throughout.
• Transparent reward and recognition scheme, which
includes targets, role expectations and rewards and
covers all the team including support staff. This is also
regularly reviewed.
• Strong focus on continuous improvement.
• The way that the business plan is translated into clear
KPIs for teams and individuals which are visible to all.
• High level of support offered, balanced by clear
direction by the senior leadership team.
London 0203 159 5377 Midlands 01785 715505
SPOTLIGHT FEATURE

2. psrsolutions.co.uk
Anniversary logo marks
10 years of building careers
This year, we are celebrating our first 10 years in business and have
created a special anniversary logo to mark the occasion.
Co-founders James Sanders and Mark Palmer started the business on 1st
September 2005 and have seen it go from strength to strength ever since.
The last decade has witnessed several landmark achievements. The
business opened a new office in London in 2010 and has made it into the
Recruiter HOT 100 most profitable UK recruitment companies, where it has
reached 4th position in the construction and engineering sector.
These achievements reflect the hard work and dedication from all members
to reach beyond all targets.
In the coming year, we'll be showcasing our success through
a specially commissioned logo. It will be used as part of our
branding to highlight our heritage and assure customers of
our expertise in the recruitment industry.
PSR Client Relationship Director David Berks officially
unveiled the logo, which comes in two editions, at the
company's annual staff conference in September.
The standard logo is a simple crest stressing our decade in
business. The timeline edition features a series of key
milestones over our 10-year history.
Berks spoke at the conference about the importance of
branding and showed that 95% of potential candidates said
they'd reply to email messages if they knew and understood
the business brand. This provided the basis for the design,
which represents the core values of transparency and quality
of service that our experienced consultants offer.
We'd like to thank everyone involved in making our first 10
years such a success. Don't forget to look out for the
anniversary badges we'll be wearing at all client and
candidate meetings.
The timeline edition of our 10-year anniversary logo
Back in July leading members from the PSR Solutions team attended the West
Midlands Construction Awards at the ICC in Birmingham to celebrate the success of
the industry’s very best projects.
More than 600 leaders and innovators from the construction industry flocked to the
prestigious event to acknowledge the hard work, professionalism and excellence of
the talent within the industry.
James Sanders, Mark Palmer, David Berks, Ben Parkes and Sarah Vickers were all
present to sponsor the Achiever of the Year award, which was won by Louise
Brooke-Smith of Birmingham-based consultancy Brooke Smith Planning.
One of thirteen awards up for grabs at the event, it recognises the outstanding performance or
influence by an individual who is considered inspirational in the opinion of a sector peer group.
Louise collects award fromPSR Solutions’ MD James Sanders
PSR sponsors high achiever award
London 0203 159 5377 Midlands 01785 715505
SPOTLIGHT FEATURE
GET READY FOR BIM
“The digital revolution
is coming”
At the start of next year the government will require the
use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) on all
publicly funded construction projects. Yet, according to
the NBS National BIM report 2015, only 48% of
construction professionals are aware of and currently
using BIM.
So what exactly is it and why does it matter?
BIM in a nutshell
In simple terms, BIM brings together all the information
about an entire construction project into a single place in
digital form.
It's a shared knowledge resource that promotes better
understanding of a building project and aids
collaboration between everyone involved. In doing so, it
significantly reduces the risks of mistakes and
inefficiencies throughout the life-cycle of a building;
from design, construction, operation, management and
refurbishment, right through to demolition.
Though the concept of BIM is still evolving, it's currently
broken down into four levels of maturity.
Four levels of BIM
• Level 0: 2D drawings usually created through a CAD
system or sometimes shared in hard copy format.
• Level 1: 2D or 3D CAD drawings adopting a
standardised approach to data presentation. This data
is accessible to the construction team but not integrated
into a single tool. Commercial data is held separately.
• Level 2: Data presented in specific BIM databases that
may include information about cost or programming.
No one database contains all the information and
commercial data is held separately.
• Level 3: All data held on a centralised web-based
system and presented in a standardised format. The
data can be accessed by all relevant members of the
construction team and may include costs, programming
and life-cycle facility management information.
From March 2016 the government will require BIM
compliance to Level 2 and has introduced the measure
as part of a mandate to reduce waste in public sector
construction by 20%. It has no current plans to extend
legislation into the private sector, although the move will
almost certainly encourage wider adoption.
BIM is revolutionising the building industry and is set to
become the first truly global digital construction
technology. It will consolidate and streamline
information into an open sharable asset. It will help
drive down costs and bring new levels of flexibility and
customisation into building design.
The new legislation is now just around the corner and
the construction industry is on a steep learning curve as
it gears up for adoption.
So if you're not yet familiar with the new requirements
then now's the right time to get ready for BIM.
Typical requirements for maintaining
BIM compliance:
• Gather information that can be shared between
construction team members as a database of records.
• Keep the information updated during the project, after
its completion and during the operation of the building.
• Use detailed 3D modelling accompanied by non-
graphical data highlighting cost and programming
information.
“48% of construction
professionals are aware of
and currently using BIM"

3. PSR goes social
London 0203 159 5377 Midlands 01785 715505psrsolutions.co.uk
PSR Solutions'
first ever apprentice
As the BBC's latest series of The Apprentice gets into full
swing, PSR Solutions are delighted to announce they've
just hired the first ever apprentice of their own.
Luke Hough, from Stafford, has joined the team to
complete his NVQ Level 3 in Digital Marketing and will be
working on all social media aspects of the business. The
18-year-old completed his A-levels in the summer. While
studying for his exams, he worked part-time at The Co-
operative, where a local head-hunter spotted his potential
and referred him to PSR Solutions as a prospective
candidate for the new role.
Since successfully landing the position, Luke has been
heavily involved in digital projects, such as refining the
company website and maintaining all social platforms.
Working under the support of training partner Aspire
Achieve Advance (3aaa), Luke's endeavours earned him
an invitation to attend this year's Ryman National
Enterprise Challenge presentation at the Houses of
Parliament. He was chosen from a total of 7,000 3aaa
apprentices to represent the training provider, which also
sponsored the event.
He met former Dragons' Den star and Ryman owner Theo
Paphitis, who gave a speech about fostering
entrepreneurial skills from an early age.
The co-founders of the National Enterprise Challenge,
Stoke-on-Trent cousins Ben and Michael Dyer, have so far
educated more than 100,000 children on the soft skills of
business.
Commenting on his first few weeks at PSR Solutions, Luke
said: ‘’It was a formidable challenge coming directly
from school, with limited work experience, straight into a
team of highly skilled professionals.
"But my colleagues were very supportive and keen for
me to be a part of the ethos and direction of the
business. Their encouragement was incredibly
motivating, giving me a strong will to succeed – both in
helping them achieve their future aspirations and
progressing my own personal ambitions.
"I look forward to the challenges that await us and hope
the company's 10th anniversary marks the start of
another decade of success."
During his one-year apprenticeship, Luke will work under
the supervision of PSR Client Relationship Director David
Berks and the owner of Staffordshire-based Evolve
Marketing Strategy, Eve Howard, who'll bring more than
15 years' marketing experience to the table.
Luke enjoys moment with former Dragon
Luke gives an overview of the
social media landscape and
offers two top tips
"53% of millennials
would rather lose
their sense of smell
than their technology"
The appointment of digital marketer Luke Hough as our
first ever apprentice comes in the wake of our decision to
ramp up the company's social media presence.
We asked Luke why social media has become so
important and what advice he'd give to anyone going
into digital marketing for the first time.
Digital content is everywhere
These days more people own a mobile phone than a
toothbrush. Mobile drives 50% of all eCommerce
transactions. And 53% of millennials would rather lose
their sense of smell than their technology.
People are using desktop computers less often and
accessing the Internet on mobile devices more and
more. As a result, digital content can now be consumed
almost anywhere.
The integration of mobile devices and social media has
brought about a fundamental shift in the way we
communicate. Word of mouth and traditional marketing
are no longer enough, which is why building your social
media platforms is key to the development of our brand.
PSR will be looking into new, innovative ways to keep in
touch with clients and candidates through social
networks and mobile technology.
The PR perils of social media
When a company knows how to use social media
effectively it can bring huge business benefits. For
example, around 80% of all companies now use social
media for recruitment and 88% of consumers trust
online reviews and recommendations to determine the
quality of a business according to Search Engine Land.
But with the benefits also come PR dangers. Whatever
you put online can potentially be seen by anyone. So it's
essential you think carefully before you post any update,
while handling bad reviews and monitoring your online
reputation have never been more crucial.
Luke is also acutely aware of the role content plays in
digital marketing strategies.
Here are his two top tips:
Create quality content
Millions of updates are posted to social media every day.
So only the very best content has any chance of standing
out. Yet too many businesses waste their and their
followers' time by posting content just to fill the space.
It's vital you make your posts relevant and interesting to
your followers if you want them to view them over your
competitors'. The key to great content is writing about
topics your target audience can relate to. Find your niche
and provide information followers find useful.
Also take time to think about how you deliver your
content. Experiment with video clips, infographics, case
studies and reviews as ways to add variety and increase
traffic. Quality content is something that's hard to define.
But if readers see value, they'll engage.
Ditch the robot persona
Social networks are conversational media, where people
communicate in a more conversational style. So
businesses have adapted by taking a more relaxed and
informal approach to social media.
Encourage interaction with your followers by replying to
comments and becoming more personable online. And
don’t shy away from writing something more light-
hearted. That way, you'll present a business that has
personality – which is so important to building a
community of like-minded brand advocates and
ultimately attracting customers.
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@PSR_Solutions
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Follow Us
Get more updates like this on our company blog at
psrsolutions.co.uk/psr-news. Connect with us on
LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. Or follow our hashtag
#PSRis10 to discover more about our growth strategy
in construction recruitment.
“My colleagues were very
supportive and keen for
me to be a part of the
ethos and direction of
the business”
Luke Hough

4. London 0203 159 5377 Midlands 01785 715505psrsolutions.co.uk
Value-added extras
From our meeting with Ian, it became apparent we don't
stress our extra services enough to our candidates and
clients. Yet many feel these are the things that differentiate
us from other agencies. Here's one such service:
After being placed by Narinder, Ian was approached by
Tom from the Aftercare team. This is a new service to
further assist our clients and candidates. Ian feels
Aftercare is a great idea.
He said: "Certain individuals need a different approach.
Aftercare allows candidates to open up about any
concerns without any feeling of vulnerability. Tom got a
lot of feedback and I was grateful for the support."
PSR will be looking to expand Aftercare to all clients and
candidates – to make sure each individual gets the most
out of its services as possible.
Candidate Profile:
Ian Hill
“I would rather a
consultancy target
those hidden gems
that can be levered
out than get
bombarded with
numerous CVs of
unsuitable candidates”
Ian is a permanent Regional Commercial
Manager at Interserve Engineering Services
Ltd. who has gained vast experience from
his 20 years as a Mechanical & Electrical
cost specialist, working on a wide range of
prestigious projects in several industry
sectors.
‘’I've worked with PSR since the New Year
and I'm happy with where I've got to with
their services. This came as unexpected to both my previous employer
and Interserve, as both parties knew I was content in my position," he
explained.
PSR place those who never even thought the opportunity was there,
giving clients a fresh pool of professionals.
Ian was impressed by this and added: "I would rather a consultancy
target those hidden gems that can be levered out than get
bombarded with numerous CVs of unsuitable candidates. And
likewise with positions that I've already encountered and wouldn't
approach myself. This has previously happened on many occasions
with other agencies.
The PSR Team
"PSR speaks on behalf of your personal specifications
rather than pursuing unsuitable avenues. The team
adopts an outside-the-box view to recruiting, which no
other consultancy has done before.
"Its consultants recognise Interserve as a nurturing
company, which is keen to take time to develop and
invest in employees to create a more dynamic
workforce. We are mindful of how we progress those
individuals we take on."
Ian is passionate about the M&E sector as a whole and
M&E cost management.
He said: "My ultimate goal would be to work with a
university or college to create an M&E cost
management course and train the next generation of
M&E cost managers. We need to invest in the future of
the M&E market.
"I think of the long-term sustainability of the business
and am very keen to retain our talent. PSR can help us
achieve this as they're proactive rather than reactive
with their fantastic database of candidates.
"The company is in a different league from others in
consultancy and its knowledge of the M&E sector is
second to none."
PSR feels Ian is a fantastic example of a placed
candidate who truly reflects its own core values and sees
the company's services as a partnership in a mutually
beneficial collaboration with some of the most
prestigious members of our industry.
He often calls for the support of Narinder, our M&E
Team Leader, when a recruitment solution is needed.
Narinder said: "This is something we take great pride
in. We've recently invested in new software that helps
us further refine searches, enabling us to give clients
and candidates the very best service we can offer.
"That's why Ian can be assured his credibility within the
industry is secure – thanks to the strong knowledge of
our consultants and expertise in our chosen industry."
Narinder
Rehal
Narinder has been in recruitment for 15
years and is a key figure within the
Mechanical & Electrical / Building
Services market in the Midlands.
She specialises in recruitment both
permanent and freelance, as well as
interim search and selection,
headhunting and insightful career advice.
Ian commented on how she dealt with his requests in a professional
manner.
"Simply by understanding what I really wanted Narinder delivered
on the human element of recruiting in a way that many other
agencies fail to do," he said.
"She asked me about my feelings towards certain companies
before sending off my CV, ensuring I knew whom it had gone to."
Narinder said: "We feel this safeguards our candidates against
unwanted attention from the wrong people. We've found CVs are
personal and should not be used like posters.
"We're proud of our extensive industry insight. And having the
time to analyse the market from a distance allows us to match
candidates with their dream positions."
Narinder also spoke about the launch of the International division
and believes it will assist the industry in bringing back UK
professionals who'd been lost to overseas opportunities.
To confidentially discuss any M&E requirements, or your next career
move, contact Narinder or the team on 01785 715505. Or email
her at nrehal@psrsolutions.co.uk.
A F T E R C A R E
“Simply by
understanding what I
really wanted
Narinder delivered
on the human
element of recruiting
in a way that many
other agencies
fail to do.”
At PSR Solutions we're always keen to hear ideas
on how we can improve. If you have any
suggestions then don't hesitate to call the team
on 01785 715505. Or email us at
insights@psrsolutions.co.uk.
Help us get
even better
Check out our
Website
Whether you're a client or candidate,our website www.psrsolutions.co.ukoffers you a wealth of information,including all our latest job vacanciesas well as profiles and pictures ofour staff.

5. psrsolutions.co.uk
How PSR celebrated its first 10 years
In September, PSR Solutions marked its first 10 years by inviting the
team to an anniversary retreat at Center Parcs, Woburn Forest in
Bedfordshire.
The weekend gave new recruits to the Midlands headquarters an
opportunity to meet their colleagues from the London office and get a true
sense of the strong community spirit that runs throughout
the company.
Treasure huntSaturday morning kicked off bright and early with an indoor team-building
exercise designed to test the competitive and collaborative skills of staff
members. The team was split into competing groups who raced each other
to find a sunken ship by answering topical questions and completing a series
negotiation challenges.
Forest fun
An indoor challenge at one of the UK's largest areas
of natural forest may have come as something as a
surprise. But the rest of the weekend was much
more like the forest fun the team had been
expecting.
Following a welcome reception to all new staff
members and an inspirational video talk by
business author and entrepreneurial speaker
Gary Vaynerchuk, everyone was then free to let
their hair down and enjoy the park's facilities.
Staff headed straight for the waterpark to ride
the exhilarating slides and try their hands at
rapids racing before rounding the day off
with an evening of light entertainment,
featuring a coin-bending magician and a
fancy dress BBQ.
A true sense
of the strong
community
spirit that runs
throughout the
company.
IN SEARCH OF
Hidden
Treasure Magician wows PSR staff
The whole PSR team together
for a group photo
Midlands Office
PSR Solutions Ltd,
Dunston Business Village,
Stafford Road, Dunston,
Stafford, ST18 9AB.
t. 01785 715505
London Office
PSR Solutions Ltd,
23 Austin Friars,
London,
EC2N 2QP.
t. 0203 159 5377
Evening entertainment gets underway
PSR Directors enjoy evening
drinks in fancy dress