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A Fresh Perspective on Building
GAzette
August 2015
University of Surrey
Institute for Communication Systems
5G Innovation Centre
A Fresh Perspective on Building
GAzetteThe first half of the year has seen many positive changes taking place in the company. Since the start of the year, 40 new
employees have joined our team. On behalf of the board, I would like to welcome all our new staff - we are very happy
that you have joined Gilbert-Ash and hope that you will enjoy working with us.
As part of our business development strategy, we have taken new, much larger offices, in London which are now
permanently staffed. This is vital as it enables us to better service the increasing number of projects we have in the
London area. We have also joined the London Chamber of Commerce and are actively participating in events that they
run. It is important that the London office is viewed as a ‘local’ company, and for this reason we are integrating
Gilbert-Ash into the wider London business community.
In April we won the Aer Lingus Viscount Award for Best Large Business and members of the GA team collected the award
at a ceremony in the House of Commons. The Viscount Awards have grown to become one of the most respected events
on the business calendar, and reward those organisations that represent the absolute best in their respective fields. Our
success is thanks to the dedication of all staff, and your enthusiasm and commitment to constantly delivering high quality
projects on behalf of our clients. Thank you.
We were also successful in achieving the Business in the Community CORE standard which gives us independent
verification of our endeavours in Corporate Responsibility. Thank you to everyone who contributed information and
statistics to this process. As a result of achieving CORE, we were also shortlisted for the BITC Responsible Business of the
Year Award – while we did not win the award on the night, the very fact that we made the shortlist is testimony to the
good work that we are carrying out.
We continue to proactively evolve our business model to build a resource efficient and sustainable company for the
future. We recognize the value that this will add to our business, our employees, clients, supply chain partners and those
communities in which we operate. This is a long-term commitment and we have placed sustainable business
improvement at the core of our company strategy. To enable us to report on performance we have established four key
areas of focus:
 Ethical Business
 Employees & Workforce
 Relationships Through Social Value
 Health Safety & Environment
You can learn more about each of these on the Corporate Responsibility section of our website. We also have 4
downloadable sustainability performance fact sheets for 2014 on the website. Each one reports on our company
performance during 2014, highlighting those areas of corporate responsibility we are particularly strong in, and also the
areas where we need to work a little harder. Establishing our baseline performance levels has provided us with an
opportunity to improve our overall performance in this area and I look forward to seeing our accomplishments in 2015.
In terms of projects, works are well under way at the National Army Museum and The Bartlett School of Architecture at
University College London (Wates House). The Bartlett is ranked as the number one university in the UK for the study of
architecture, and one of the leading universities worldwide, so this project is extremely high profile and is getting a lot of
coverage and discussion on social media. It is one of a number of highly prestigious projects we are currently working on.
We have also been appointed preferred bidder at Bristol Old Vic.
We are continuing to build on our already strong relationship with Whitbread, with work recently commencing on
Premier Inns at Orpington, Farnham and Farnborough. We have also been appointed preferred bidder by King’s College
London to deliver a Premier Inn at Borough High Street in London.
As the company continues to grow, we need to increase the level of connectivity across our business. Gateway is key to
making this happen and I am delighted to see an increase in uptake across all departments. We have recently launched
the Gateway Lead initiative to deliver additional system support at departmental level. The Lead initiative will facilitate
further development of the system as we continue to embed Gateway across our business. This can be demonstrated
with the implementation of the CET and project risk management modules recently added to Gateway. We also aim to
introduce additional modules later this year to assist with how we performance manage our supply chain. I encourage
you all to engage with your department Leads and learn how Gateway can really help make a positive difference.
A Fresh Perspective on Building
GATEWAY
At its core, Gateway is a knowledge sharing system and through improved management of our knowledge the more
efficient we will be in coordinating our contracts and all their supporting activities. With work becoming increasingly
international the ability to manage the flow of information is vital and there have been some exciting developments
over the past few months including .,
Requisition Forms & Site Diary
As I discovered during my recent visits to site - the key to Gateway’s success at site level is ease and quickness of use.
With so much happening at such a quick pace, Gateway needs to capture information in simple steps so that usage can
be encouraged and embedded .
Requisition forms and site diaries are the first step of this process. Both forms are generated through the “template”
function in Gateway, this results in less time completing paper work and increased quality of filing.
Use of Electronic Tablets on site
The project team on I.E.T and Windsor Walk in London are currently trialling a snagging tool which is linked to Gateway.
Modernising our snagging process is a step in the right direction and will help further manage our supply chain. If the
trial is successful tablets will be provided to all sites for snagging purposes.
The Sub-Contract Tendering (SCT) Module
The SCT is moving from strength to strength and provides us with a centralised and efficient tendering tool. Not all
processes that run through Gateway necessarily save time but the SCT is proving exactly that. It is also strengthening
the bridge between our estimating and surveying departments as all the vital information (e.g. documents sent out
and to whom) are available in one central location.
Gateway Leads
Gateway Leads are being introduced to enable an even spread of Gateway related knowledge throughout the Company
and will ultimately allow us to develop a better system for all.
The Gateway Leads are your first point of contact for Gateway related questions and feedback and they will be
instrumental in providing input to further shape the system in the future. They will also assist in identifying training
requirements so that those who need additional help will receive it.
The Leads are;
Buying: Susanne Schwinger Contracts Team: Warren Copeland
Surveying: Simon McCausland Site Management: Dominic Emanuel
Estimating: Michelle Fitzgerald Design: Simon Gibson
Planning: Derrick Love Plant: Carol Gregg
Pre-Qual: Kim Alexander Fit-Out: Gerald Lennon
IMS: Suzanne Brown Human Resources: Ruaidhri Murray
Thank you to everyone who has taken a positive (albeit tentative) approach to Gateway, I hope this will continue as we
usher in future developments together.
Document Lifecycle Manager (DLM): A new document controlling process.
Contract Administration: Initially will be supporting a modernised RFI process but will
develop into supporting CVI, COI, DAR, EWN, CEN and other contractual forms.
Pre-Qual Entities: Each Pre-Qualification will soon have its own record in Gateway.
Performance Management: This module will be introduced to allow for greater
management of our Supply Chain.
Risk Register: This tool will be introduced to help monitor and the development
and mitigation of risks per contract or enquiry.
A Fresh Perspective on Building
5G Innovation Centre, University of Surrey
The project was successfully completed and handed over to the University of Surrey on 13th March 2015. Since then the
University has moved in gradually, occupying each of the 4 floors in stages. They have now fully occupied the building and
are using the seminar rooms regularly in the lower ground floor for lectures and functions. As part of the handover process
Gilbert-Ash provided a soft landings team for a 6 week period to assist the University with their move.
Institute of Engineering and Technology– IET
Works at the IET have now progressed to the fit-out stage with approximately 150 operatives on site. The new structure
has been completed for the roof terrace which will provide spectacular views over the London skyline and the restoration
of the existing facades and replacement windows has also been completed. The new ceiling and lighting gantry has been
completed in the Main Lecture Theatre and the raised floor structure is progressing in the Watson Watt Theatre. Fit-out
is also progressing to the Theatre Control Rooms, Catering areas, the Library, Exhibition spaces and the WC’s. The
building is heavily serviced with Data and AV and the integration of these services with the high quality finishes is
currently the most challenging task facing the GA Team. The Project is scheduled to be completed in October 2015.
“This is when the fun starts with daily progress being critical to ensuring completion on time”
- Ciaran Begley, Contracts Manager
A Fresh Perspective on Building
Premier Inn Hotels
Farnham project is the demolition of various buildings to make way for a 61 bed Premier Inn hotel and
Beefeater restaurant. The site will have ground improvement works carried out through vibro compaction,
suspended floor slab, timber frame construction with a brickwork facade. The project commenced Mid-July
2015 and will be completed in Spring 2016.
The project comprises the design and construction of a 60 bedroom Premier Inn hotel including a small
food and beverage area at ground floor. This may include alterations to the public realm and access areas.
Other ground floor areas will be type A3 and type A1 retail units finished to shell and core only. The project
will be completed Spring 2016
PREMIER INN, HITCHEN
Finished ProjectProgress photo of Premier Inn Hitchin.
The mixed Premier Inn, retail and 11 apartment development at Hitchin is completed and new works have
begun on a further 13 apartments on the adjoining site.
Premier Inn Walnuts, Orpington
Premier Inn, Farnham
The design, construction and completion of a ground floor restaurant, bar, and a 5 storey, 80 bed premier inn
hotel above, together with associated external works and services. The project began May 2015 and will be
completed Spring 2016.
Premier Inn, Farnborough
Work Continues with Premier Inns
A Fresh Perspective on Building
Bartlett School of Architecture, Wates House—London
Wates House is an existing 6 storey building constructed in 1975 and located in central London.
The project involves the structural alterations of the external facade, additional two storey steel extension
above and a new 7 storey finished reinforced concrete extension—all of which is to provide increased student
accommodation in a state of the art facility.
The building housed the Bartlett School of Architecture until last year when they decanted to enable Gilbert-Ash
to undertake the works.
The main construction elements of the project include:
Demolitions
Structural alterations
Installation of feature staircase
Lift installations
Facade works inc glazing & roofing
M&E services installations
Internal fit-out
Progress to date includes:
Demolition of the existing facade
Structural altercations including a new reinforced concrete plinth around the building perimeter
Groundwork’s including piling for the foundations for the new reinforced concrete extension
Feb 2015
June 2015
A Fresh Perspective on Building
Gilbert-Ash Fitout
The British High Commission, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Work continues at the British High Commission complex in Sri Lanka. This is a single
storey building, finished in 2007 with a nominal internal area of c.3000sq. m. This
reinforced concrete building, clad with traditional stonework occupying a prime
location to the south of the area traditionally identified as the Centre of Colombo. The
embassy complex fronts main roads and two side roads with a club area and tennis
courts on a further side. Aside from a mezzanine floor area in the east side of the
building with all building functions and services conducted on a single storey. The
Works are being completed in two distinct packages, Project 1 and Project 2:
Project 1
This section sees GA fitout undertaking remedial works to the entire High Commission footprint. In addition,
Phase A will involve the fit-out and re-modelling of the High Commission building to provide new open-plan
offices for the FCO, with a partition wall erected to split the building in two. Project 1 is therefore split into
two distinct phases- A and B. The High Commission building will be occupied throughout the works with a
decant of staff required following completion of Project 1A.
Project 2
Once the remedial works in Project 1B are completed, the fitout team will commence remodelling on project
2. Project 2 is the re-modelling and fitout for the European External Action Services (EEAS) lease area, in the
section of the High Commission separated off and not addressed in Project 1.
The specific elements of the works are similar to the scope to those encountered previously the main
additional consideration, being the requirement to eradicate Termites. A major area of works, is the removal
of the stone cladding on the external face of the building and also the internal face of the boundary wall. This
will be subsequently replaced with a suitable coloured render. Where possible, we would like to utilise the
local labour force.
Materials will be shipped from Northern Ireland and some specialist elements be dispatched from the
Manufacturers in England, although we are investigating the possibility of purchasing “bulk” materials from
Sri Lanka.
Some views from the complex at Colombo.
Garden View
Courtyard
A Fresh Perspective on Building
GA Spirit Level
SAFETY
Dermatitis Contact hazards to skin
Mineral oils, including oils and mould
oils, can give you bad skin conditions, oil
acne or even cancer.
Skin contact with oily rags in overall
pockets can cause testicular cancer.
Chemicals, including alkalis, acids and
chromates can penetrate the skin
causing ulcers and dermatitis.
Cement can cause chronic dermatitis.
Wet cement becomes more alkaline
and more harmful to the skin.
Did you know?...
Dermatitis accounts for over half of all
working days lost through industrial
illness.
Some types of dermatitis, if not treated,
can lead to cancer.
Gilbert-Ash encourage a Glove and Cover
up procedure. This is communicated
through our Toolbox Talk,026: Skin
Protection.
Facts
Reporting by GPs during 2010-2012 suggests there could be over 35 000 new cases of work-related skin disease per year
Most occupational skin disease cases are contact dermatitis and similar numbers of these are caused by exposures to
allergens and irritants
Reports of more severe cases of occupational dermatitis from specialist doctors suggest that the number of new cases per
year is now lower than it was a decade ago, but that there has been little change since about 2005 and cases due to
certain specific causes may still be increasing
Working with wet hands, and contact with soaps and cleaning materials continue to be the most common
causes of occupational contact dermatitis.
Useful Links:
www.hse.gov.uk/Statistics/causdis/
dermatitis/index.htm
www.nhs.uk/Conditions
www.buildhealth.org
Skin Protection In the Workplace
Contact dermatitis is inflammation of
the skin that occurs when you
come into contact with a particular
substance.
Contact dermatitis is a type of eczema
that can cause red, itchy and scaly skin,
and sometimes burning and stinging. It
leads to your skin becoming blistered,
dry and cracked. It can affect any part
of the body but most commonly affects
the hands.
Contact dermatitis can be caused by:
 an irritant (a substance that
damages the skin physically),
or
 an allergen (a substance that
causes the immune system to
respond in a way that affects
the skin)
Contact dermatitis caused by irritants is
more common, causing up to 8 out of
10 cases.
Answer on back page.
Skin Safe
Can you find all of the
above words?
A Fresh Perspective on Building
GA Spirit Level
Health
Health Quiz
GA Health and Wellbeing Steering
Health at Work
All businesses must have 1st
aids kits that are available to?
1. 1. Health and Safety Officer only
2. 2. All Staff
3. All persons over the age of 18
4. A qualified 1st
aider only
When lifting heavy objects you should:
1. Keep your arms extended so the object is far away from your body at all times
2. Keep one hand free at all times
3. Keep your back slightly bent at all times
4. Make sure that your leg muscles, not your back muscles, do the lifting
What does COSHH stand for?
1. Control of Substance Hazardous to Health
2. Careful of Substance Harmful to Health
3. Control of Spillages Hazardous to Health
4. Control of Substances Hurtful to Health
Health at home
Fruits are good but...
1. We eat too many of them
2. We should avoid drinking too much Fruit Juice
3. They make our breath smell
4. They give us constipation is we eat too much
Your daily intake of water should be
1. 8 eight-ounce-glasses (2 Litres)
2. 5 Litres
3. Whenever you’re thirsty
Meditation is good because?
1. It helps you focus better
2. Your health improves
3. You can ease yourself of mental stressed
4. All of the above benefits
A Fresh Perspective on Building
Russian Vine
A climbing perennial scrambling for many metres over
other vegetation and structures, such as trees, fencing
and buildings. Its vine-like stems grow to be thick and
woody at the base becoming thinner and twining
further up the plant. The woody stem and clusters of
small white flowers readily distinguish this creeper
from others found in the wild in the UK.
Introduced into gardens in the UK towards the end of
the 19th Century. It was first recorded in the wild in
1936 and is increasing due to its continued use in
gardens and for landscaping, e.g. screening, and from
the discarding of surplus garden material onto
roadsides and rubbish tips. It is rarely naturalised away
from habitation.
This plant is very fast growing and can spread quickly. It
can cover native trees and shrubs and reduce
biodiversity by shading out other species.
GA Spirit Level
ENVIRONMENT
Himalayan Balsam
A tall, attractive, annual herb with explosive seed heads.
Although easy to identify as a mature plant with its
pink-purple flowers, fleshy stem and characteristic leaves,
the seedlings and last year’s dead stems of this annual are
more difficult to spot.
Introduced as a garden plant in the early 19th century and
first recorded in the wild in 1855. Often favoured by the
general public for its aesthetic appeal and is still
deliberately planted on occasion. Now widespread in the
UK, especially along urban rivers. Spreads solely by seeds,
which are small and easily carried by wind or water.
Out-competes native species in ecologically sensitive areas,
particularly river banks. Where it grows in dense stands
along river banks it can impede flow at times of high
rainfall, increasing the likelihood of flooding. Die back of
extensive stands over winter can leave river banks bare and
exposed to erosion.
Himalayan balsam is listed under Schedule 9 to the Wildlife
and Countryside Act 1981 with respect to England and
Wales. As such, it is an offence to plant or otherwise allow
this species to grow in the wild.
Raising Awareness Of Plant Invasive Species
GA have been selected as Finalist in the Environmental Sustainability
and Exporting categories for 2015 CEF/ Specify Construction Excellence
Award. The winners will be announced at the Awards Event on the 8th
October 2015.
A Fresh Perspective on Building
Gilbert-Ash—ADSUM Foundation
GA Spirit Level
COMMUNITY
The community at Andavabato, Madagascar now have clean and safe water for the first time, thanks to the funds raised
from the Maracycle Team at Gilbert-Ash.
On Thursday 21 May in the presence of Madame Celestine, the local Member of Parliament, (National Assembly) the
Mayor, the Village Head. Nicole and a large group of villagers accompanied by a local band of drums and flutes (made
ingeniously from lengths of grey, plastic plumbing pipe) processed through the streets .
In his speech the Village Head expressed his grateful thanks to Gilbert Ash and Adsum for bringing clean water to his
village. For generations, he said, the villagers had been drinking polluted water collected from far-distant rice fields, and
suffered the consequences. Now that safe, clean water was readily available, the population were not only healthier but
cleaner.
A local resident, Mr Martin, a retired teacher at the Technical College in Antananarivo, said that Gilbert-Ash and Adsum
had brought a vital resource to Antaninandrobe. As a child he had struggled up steep slippery paths several times a day,
with heavy buckets and jerry cans, to provide water for his family’s use. Having a source of safe, clean water right next to
his house was little more than a miracle. He thanked all those who had played a part in making a dream become reality.
The Company continues its support of the ADSUM Foundation with its
commitment to a further school and water project in Madagascar—Tsimialonjafy
school and water project.
The Tsimialonjafy project includes a new school building of three cyclone proof
classrooms, a new latrine block for boys and girls, school benches and teacher desks, a renovated and extended water
system which will supply clean and safe water to 2800 in the community, and maintenance provision for the first two
years of the project.
A Fresh Perspective on Building
GA Spirit Level
HEALTH AND WELLBEING– Stay Active
The company’s Ride To Work Scheme is well
established in the company with many
employees fitter and healthier as a result.
Have you considered taking the hassle out of
driving into work in congested roads—help clear
your head and allow yourself to arrive in work
full of endorphins... Bursting to get stuck into
whatever the day has in store.
If you are interested in hearing more about the
scheme contact the H.R. Department.
Did you know by cycling for only 3 hours per
week you can reduce your risk of heart disease
and stroke by 50%.
Pictures show Stephen Farrell and Ian Weir
recently flying the GA colours.
Ride to Work Scheme
Stephen Farrell in action at the All Ireland Karate
Championships in Sligo. Stephen managed two bronze
medals in Kumite and team Kumite (free fighting).
Following this he took his first step to the International
Championship held in Milan this year. Although not
attaining silverware he finished 8 out of 50 in individual
Kumite and 6 in the team category!
Well done Stephen, onwards and upwards!
Kumite Maestro
Our Own Chuck Norris
A Fresh Perspective on Building
GA Spirit Level
HEALTH AND WELLBEING– Fundraising
Gilbert-Ash Brews Up A Storm with ‘Fund Raising Coffee Mornings’!
Parkinson Awareness Week 11th-15th May
We would like to thank Stephen Farrell for inviting his friend Paul McCourt
along to this coffee morning (Paul is coping with Parkinsons disease in his life)
Paul came along to chat to us over coffee, to raise awareness of his illness and
to help the charity raise much needed funds for research into the disease. Paul
discovered his talent for art shortly after his diagnoses and he has turned it into
a fund raising scheme. We were very impressed with his creative skills but more
so his tenacity and outlook on life. We wish him continued strength and health
in his efforts to raise awareness and funds for Parkinsons research.
£180 was raised, thank you to all those who came along
Healthy Heart
Thank you to those who participated in the GA coffee morning and 5K step challenge in aid of the
British Heart Foundation earlier this year. We continue support and work with the British Heart
Foundation and encourage all to keep and active healthy heart. To date we have raised over £230!
More information and other great ideas to keep your health in check can be found on the BHF we site.
https://www.bhf.org.uk/
Chest Heart and Stroke Project
Frank Nolan recently recalled the night he suffered a cardiac arrest whilst at home. Thankfully, due to
the quick thinking on that particular night of his wife and to the expert care he received in Daisy Hill,
The Royal Victoria and Craigavon Area Hospitals, he is still here to tell the story and has raised some
much needed funds for Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke
NI Chest, Heart and Stroke promotes the prevention of, and alleviation of suffering resulting from chest heart or stroke
related illnesses. We do this through support programmes, research in local Universities and hospitals, health promotion,
lobbying, financial support and advice.
https://www.justgiving.com/Frank-Nolan/If you would like to make a donation please use link—
A Fresh Perspective on Building
GA Spirit Level
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
A very special coffee morning was held on the 27th May to raise funds for MacMillan Cancer. This was organised
by Áine McGreevy in memory of our friend and work college Paula Toan. £545 was raised on the day, the
Company added to the fund and a cheque for £1000 was recently given to the charity. Thank you to all who gave
so generously.
Condolences
Paula joined GA in 1979 at the young age of 16 in the Company’s offices on the
King’s Road, Belfast. She was among the movers to the Company’s new
premises in Boucher Road and as Receptionist, she was the welcoming face
many of us met when we came into the office. Paula was a warm, fun loving,
straight talking lady and she became a ‘friend’ to many who came through the
doors over the years. It was with great sadness that we learned of Paula’s death
on March 18th, 2015.
We extend our sincere sympathy to Paula’s family and friends.
At Macmillan, we know how a cancer diagnosis can affect everything and we’re here to support you through.
From help with money worries and advice about work, to someone who’ll listen if you just want to talk, we’ll be
there. We’ll help you make the choices you need to take back control, so you can start to feel like yourself again.
No one should face cancer alone. We want to reach and improve the lives of everyone of those people.
Macmillan Cancer Support is registered as a charity with the charity Commission and are governed by our
Articles of Association [PDF]
Call 020 7840 7840 or write to Macmillan Cancer Support, 89 Albert Embankment, London, SE1 7UQ
A Fresh Perspective on Building
GA Spirit Level
HEALTH AND WELLBEING– Stay Active
Westfield Health
How it works.
As an employee, your health cash plan means you can claim cash
back for a range of everyday healthcare treatments. Things like
dental check-ups and treatment, eye tests and prescription glasses.
So if you’re paying for any of these but not claiming your cash
back – start claiming now.
Westfield Health is an extra benefit the Company offers to
employees. It helps you look after your health by paying towards
your everyday healthcare costs and it’s easy to claim. After you’ve
had an appointment or a treatment, simply send off a claim form
with the receipt and you will be refunded within 5 working days. (Call
the helpline if you need a claim form.)
Don’t miss out on what you’re owed. Next time you visit the dentist
or optician, claim your cash.
A Fresh Perspective on Building
GA Spirit Level
COMMUNITY
Developing Careers
Gilbert-Ash continues to assist with career events.
Thanks to Suzanne Brown, Gail Patterson, Derrick
Love and Alex Trainor among others who regularly
assist with school events and work placement.
GA CONTINUES TO SPONSOR SKILLBUILD NI
The best local construction apprentices from across Northern Ireland tested their
skills in 11 different construction trades at Skillbuild NI 2015, held at Belfast
Metropolitan College’s Castlereagh campus on 29 & 30 April.Skillbuild NI, run by
CITB NI and sponsored by local construction companies, (including Gilbert-Ash) is
held annually each spring with the top local construction apprentices competing to
win coveted titles in skills areas ranging from brickwork to wall and floor tiling. The
winners may then go on to represent Northern Ireland in the Skills Show UK and
potentially at WorldSkills
This years competition has seen four Apprentices from Northern Ireland progress through to the World Skills Competition
in Brazil. Gilbert-Ash are proud to be at the source of Skillbuild in Northern Ireland with our sponsorship supporting local
competition that opens a vast array of possibilities for young apprentices to demonstrate their skills on a world stage!
Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry welcomed back to Northern
Ireland the WorldSkills competitors. The WorldSkills competition that took place in
São Paulo, Brazil saw the Northern Irish competitors win gold, two silver and one
bronze medal and a medallion for excellence as part of Team UK.
The competition is supported by the Department for Employment and
Learning, Construction Employers Federation, Haldane Fisher, City and
Guilds, Colleges NI and the Health and Safety Executive, along with local
construction employers who sponsor each competition category, including
Gilbert-Ash who sponsored the Brickwork category.
“Skillbuild NI couldn’t happen without the support of the local sponsors and we thank the local employers for investing in the
future of the construction industry. “ - Maurice Johnston, Chairman CITB NI
Gilbert-Ash together with CITBNI and IKEA delivered
another successful ‘Have A Go’ event at Nutts
Corner Training Centre. This year around 15 schools
from East and West Belfast participated. Pictures
show the finished flat pack item which is donated to
the school to use and one of the taster sessions
involving flooring. Other tasters sessions included
wallpapering, painting, tiling and joinery.
Have A Go
A Fresh Perspective on Building
GA Spirit Level
COMMUNITY
Liverpool Philharmonic
Sarah Iromaka from St Louise’s Comprehensive College, and Gary
McCloskey from De La Salle College, Belfast were recently introduced
to the world of work at Gilbert-Ash. Both Sarah and Gary spent a
week in Head Office with staff in various departments. They returned
to school with a much broader knowledge of the career opportunities
in construction. Thank you to all those who gave their valuable time,
it was much appreciated.
Students on Work Experience Week
This project involves the refurbishment of the existing
Auditorium and front of house area.
Alex Trainor (GA Site Management Team) escorts a
group of students from Build Environment Liverpool
John Moore University around the Liverpool
Philharmonic Hall.
Sarah learning programming in planning with
Derrick and Ian.
Training for the Future
A Fresh Perspective on Building
If you have any information, activities or events you would like to feature in the next issue of
Gazette email it to Ruaidhri.Murray@gilbert-ash.co.uk
Word search answers
Did you find them all?
Great job if you did without sneaking a peak at the answers!

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Gazette Issue 3 2015

  • 1. A Fresh Perspective on Building GAzette August 2015 University of Surrey Institute for Communication Systems 5G Innovation Centre
  • 2. A Fresh Perspective on Building GAzetteThe first half of the year has seen many positive changes taking place in the company. Since the start of the year, 40 new employees have joined our team. On behalf of the board, I would like to welcome all our new staff - we are very happy that you have joined Gilbert-Ash and hope that you will enjoy working with us. As part of our business development strategy, we have taken new, much larger offices, in London which are now permanently staffed. This is vital as it enables us to better service the increasing number of projects we have in the London area. We have also joined the London Chamber of Commerce and are actively participating in events that they run. It is important that the London office is viewed as a ‘local’ company, and for this reason we are integrating Gilbert-Ash into the wider London business community. In April we won the Aer Lingus Viscount Award for Best Large Business and members of the GA team collected the award at a ceremony in the House of Commons. The Viscount Awards have grown to become one of the most respected events on the business calendar, and reward those organisations that represent the absolute best in their respective fields. Our success is thanks to the dedication of all staff, and your enthusiasm and commitment to constantly delivering high quality projects on behalf of our clients. Thank you. We were also successful in achieving the Business in the Community CORE standard which gives us independent verification of our endeavours in Corporate Responsibility. Thank you to everyone who contributed information and statistics to this process. As a result of achieving CORE, we were also shortlisted for the BITC Responsible Business of the Year Award – while we did not win the award on the night, the very fact that we made the shortlist is testimony to the good work that we are carrying out. We continue to proactively evolve our business model to build a resource efficient and sustainable company for the future. We recognize the value that this will add to our business, our employees, clients, supply chain partners and those communities in which we operate. This is a long-term commitment and we have placed sustainable business improvement at the core of our company strategy. To enable us to report on performance we have established four key areas of focus:  Ethical Business  Employees & Workforce  Relationships Through Social Value  Health Safety & Environment You can learn more about each of these on the Corporate Responsibility section of our website. We also have 4 downloadable sustainability performance fact sheets for 2014 on the website. Each one reports on our company performance during 2014, highlighting those areas of corporate responsibility we are particularly strong in, and also the areas where we need to work a little harder. Establishing our baseline performance levels has provided us with an opportunity to improve our overall performance in this area and I look forward to seeing our accomplishments in 2015. In terms of projects, works are well under way at the National Army Museum and The Bartlett School of Architecture at University College London (Wates House). The Bartlett is ranked as the number one university in the UK for the study of architecture, and one of the leading universities worldwide, so this project is extremely high profile and is getting a lot of coverage and discussion on social media. It is one of a number of highly prestigious projects we are currently working on. We have also been appointed preferred bidder at Bristol Old Vic. We are continuing to build on our already strong relationship with Whitbread, with work recently commencing on Premier Inns at Orpington, Farnham and Farnborough. We have also been appointed preferred bidder by King’s College London to deliver a Premier Inn at Borough High Street in London. As the company continues to grow, we need to increase the level of connectivity across our business. Gateway is key to making this happen and I am delighted to see an increase in uptake across all departments. We have recently launched the Gateway Lead initiative to deliver additional system support at departmental level. The Lead initiative will facilitate further development of the system as we continue to embed Gateway across our business. This can be demonstrated with the implementation of the CET and project risk management modules recently added to Gateway. We also aim to introduce additional modules later this year to assist with how we performance manage our supply chain. I encourage you all to engage with your department Leads and learn how Gateway can really help make a positive difference.
  • 3. A Fresh Perspective on Building GATEWAY At its core, Gateway is a knowledge sharing system and through improved management of our knowledge the more efficient we will be in coordinating our contracts and all their supporting activities. With work becoming increasingly international the ability to manage the flow of information is vital and there have been some exciting developments over the past few months including ., Requisition Forms & Site Diary As I discovered during my recent visits to site - the key to Gateway’s success at site level is ease and quickness of use. With so much happening at such a quick pace, Gateway needs to capture information in simple steps so that usage can be encouraged and embedded . Requisition forms and site diaries are the first step of this process. Both forms are generated through the “template” function in Gateway, this results in less time completing paper work and increased quality of filing. Use of Electronic Tablets on site The project team on I.E.T and Windsor Walk in London are currently trialling a snagging tool which is linked to Gateway. Modernising our snagging process is a step in the right direction and will help further manage our supply chain. If the trial is successful tablets will be provided to all sites for snagging purposes. The Sub-Contract Tendering (SCT) Module The SCT is moving from strength to strength and provides us with a centralised and efficient tendering tool. Not all processes that run through Gateway necessarily save time but the SCT is proving exactly that. It is also strengthening the bridge between our estimating and surveying departments as all the vital information (e.g. documents sent out and to whom) are available in one central location. Gateway Leads Gateway Leads are being introduced to enable an even spread of Gateway related knowledge throughout the Company and will ultimately allow us to develop a better system for all. The Gateway Leads are your first point of contact for Gateway related questions and feedback and they will be instrumental in providing input to further shape the system in the future. They will also assist in identifying training requirements so that those who need additional help will receive it. The Leads are; Buying: Susanne Schwinger Contracts Team: Warren Copeland Surveying: Simon McCausland Site Management: Dominic Emanuel Estimating: Michelle Fitzgerald Design: Simon Gibson Planning: Derrick Love Plant: Carol Gregg Pre-Qual: Kim Alexander Fit-Out: Gerald Lennon IMS: Suzanne Brown Human Resources: Ruaidhri Murray Thank you to everyone who has taken a positive (albeit tentative) approach to Gateway, I hope this will continue as we usher in future developments together. Document Lifecycle Manager (DLM): A new document controlling process. Contract Administration: Initially will be supporting a modernised RFI process but will develop into supporting CVI, COI, DAR, EWN, CEN and other contractual forms. Pre-Qual Entities: Each Pre-Qualification will soon have its own record in Gateway. Performance Management: This module will be introduced to allow for greater management of our Supply Chain. Risk Register: This tool will be introduced to help monitor and the development and mitigation of risks per contract or enquiry.
  • 4. A Fresh Perspective on Building 5G Innovation Centre, University of Surrey The project was successfully completed and handed over to the University of Surrey on 13th March 2015. Since then the University has moved in gradually, occupying each of the 4 floors in stages. They have now fully occupied the building and are using the seminar rooms regularly in the lower ground floor for lectures and functions. As part of the handover process Gilbert-Ash provided a soft landings team for a 6 week period to assist the University with their move. Institute of Engineering and Technology– IET Works at the IET have now progressed to the fit-out stage with approximately 150 operatives on site. The new structure has been completed for the roof terrace which will provide spectacular views over the London skyline and the restoration of the existing facades and replacement windows has also been completed. The new ceiling and lighting gantry has been completed in the Main Lecture Theatre and the raised floor structure is progressing in the Watson Watt Theatre. Fit-out is also progressing to the Theatre Control Rooms, Catering areas, the Library, Exhibition spaces and the WC’s. The building is heavily serviced with Data and AV and the integration of these services with the high quality finishes is currently the most challenging task facing the GA Team. The Project is scheduled to be completed in October 2015. “This is when the fun starts with daily progress being critical to ensuring completion on time” - Ciaran Begley, Contracts Manager
  • 5. A Fresh Perspective on Building Premier Inn Hotels Farnham project is the demolition of various buildings to make way for a 61 bed Premier Inn hotel and Beefeater restaurant. The site will have ground improvement works carried out through vibro compaction, suspended floor slab, timber frame construction with a brickwork facade. The project commenced Mid-July 2015 and will be completed in Spring 2016. The project comprises the design and construction of a 60 bedroom Premier Inn hotel including a small food and beverage area at ground floor. This may include alterations to the public realm and access areas. Other ground floor areas will be type A3 and type A1 retail units finished to shell and core only. The project will be completed Spring 2016 PREMIER INN, HITCHEN Finished ProjectProgress photo of Premier Inn Hitchin. The mixed Premier Inn, retail and 11 apartment development at Hitchin is completed and new works have begun on a further 13 apartments on the adjoining site. Premier Inn Walnuts, Orpington Premier Inn, Farnham The design, construction and completion of a ground floor restaurant, bar, and a 5 storey, 80 bed premier inn hotel above, together with associated external works and services. The project began May 2015 and will be completed Spring 2016. Premier Inn, Farnborough Work Continues with Premier Inns
  • 6. A Fresh Perspective on Building Bartlett School of Architecture, Wates House—London Wates House is an existing 6 storey building constructed in 1975 and located in central London. The project involves the structural alterations of the external facade, additional two storey steel extension above and a new 7 storey finished reinforced concrete extension—all of which is to provide increased student accommodation in a state of the art facility. The building housed the Bartlett School of Architecture until last year when they decanted to enable Gilbert-Ash to undertake the works. The main construction elements of the project include: Demolitions Structural alterations Installation of feature staircase Lift installations Facade works inc glazing & roofing M&E services installations Internal fit-out Progress to date includes: Demolition of the existing facade Structural altercations including a new reinforced concrete plinth around the building perimeter Groundwork’s including piling for the foundations for the new reinforced concrete extension Feb 2015 June 2015
  • 7. A Fresh Perspective on Building Gilbert-Ash Fitout The British High Commission, Colombo, Sri Lanka Work continues at the British High Commission complex in Sri Lanka. This is a single storey building, finished in 2007 with a nominal internal area of c.3000sq. m. This reinforced concrete building, clad with traditional stonework occupying a prime location to the south of the area traditionally identified as the Centre of Colombo. The embassy complex fronts main roads and two side roads with a club area and tennis courts on a further side. Aside from a mezzanine floor area in the east side of the building with all building functions and services conducted on a single storey. The Works are being completed in two distinct packages, Project 1 and Project 2: Project 1 This section sees GA fitout undertaking remedial works to the entire High Commission footprint. In addition, Phase A will involve the fit-out and re-modelling of the High Commission building to provide new open-plan offices for the FCO, with a partition wall erected to split the building in two. Project 1 is therefore split into two distinct phases- A and B. The High Commission building will be occupied throughout the works with a decant of staff required following completion of Project 1A. Project 2 Once the remedial works in Project 1B are completed, the fitout team will commence remodelling on project 2. Project 2 is the re-modelling and fitout for the European External Action Services (EEAS) lease area, in the section of the High Commission separated off and not addressed in Project 1. The specific elements of the works are similar to the scope to those encountered previously the main additional consideration, being the requirement to eradicate Termites. A major area of works, is the removal of the stone cladding on the external face of the building and also the internal face of the boundary wall. This will be subsequently replaced with a suitable coloured render. Where possible, we would like to utilise the local labour force. Materials will be shipped from Northern Ireland and some specialist elements be dispatched from the Manufacturers in England, although we are investigating the possibility of purchasing “bulk” materials from Sri Lanka. Some views from the complex at Colombo. Garden View Courtyard
  • 8. A Fresh Perspective on Building GA Spirit Level SAFETY Dermatitis Contact hazards to skin Mineral oils, including oils and mould oils, can give you bad skin conditions, oil acne or even cancer. Skin contact with oily rags in overall pockets can cause testicular cancer. Chemicals, including alkalis, acids and chromates can penetrate the skin causing ulcers and dermatitis. Cement can cause chronic dermatitis. Wet cement becomes more alkaline and more harmful to the skin. Did you know?... Dermatitis accounts for over half of all working days lost through industrial illness. Some types of dermatitis, if not treated, can lead to cancer. Gilbert-Ash encourage a Glove and Cover up procedure. This is communicated through our Toolbox Talk,026: Skin Protection. Facts Reporting by GPs during 2010-2012 suggests there could be over 35 000 new cases of work-related skin disease per year Most occupational skin disease cases are contact dermatitis and similar numbers of these are caused by exposures to allergens and irritants Reports of more severe cases of occupational dermatitis from specialist doctors suggest that the number of new cases per year is now lower than it was a decade ago, but that there has been little change since about 2005 and cases due to certain specific causes may still be increasing Working with wet hands, and contact with soaps and cleaning materials continue to be the most common causes of occupational contact dermatitis. Useful Links: www.hse.gov.uk/Statistics/causdis/ dermatitis/index.htm www.nhs.uk/Conditions www.buildhealth.org Skin Protection In the Workplace Contact dermatitis is inflammation of the skin that occurs when you come into contact with a particular substance. Contact dermatitis is a type of eczema that can cause red, itchy and scaly skin, and sometimes burning and stinging. It leads to your skin becoming blistered, dry and cracked. It can affect any part of the body but most commonly affects the hands. Contact dermatitis can be caused by:  an irritant (a substance that damages the skin physically), or  an allergen (a substance that causes the immune system to respond in a way that affects the skin) Contact dermatitis caused by irritants is more common, causing up to 8 out of 10 cases. Answer on back page. Skin Safe Can you find all of the above words?
  • 9. A Fresh Perspective on Building GA Spirit Level Health Health Quiz GA Health and Wellbeing Steering Health at Work All businesses must have 1st aids kits that are available to? 1. 1. Health and Safety Officer only 2. 2. All Staff 3. All persons over the age of 18 4. A qualified 1st aider only When lifting heavy objects you should: 1. Keep your arms extended so the object is far away from your body at all times 2. Keep one hand free at all times 3. Keep your back slightly bent at all times 4. Make sure that your leg muscles, not your back muscles, do the lifting What does COSHH stand for? 1. Control of Substance Hazardous to Health 2. Careful of Substance Harmful to Health 3. Control of Spillages Hazardous to Health 4. Control of Substances Hurtful to Health Health at home Fruits are good but... 1. We eat too many of them 2. We should avoid drinking too much Fruit Juice 3. They make our breath smell 4. They give us constipation is we eat too much Your daily intake of water should be 1. 8 eight-ounce-glasses (2 Litres) 2. 5 Litres 3. Whenever you’re thirsty Meditation is good because? 1. It helps you focus better 2. Your health improves 3. You can ease yourself of mental stressed 4. All of the above benefits
  • 10. A Fresh Perspective on Building Russian Vine A climbing perennial scrambling for many metres over other vegetation and structures, such as trees, fencing and buildings. Its vine-like stems grow to be thick and woody at the base becoming thinner and twining further up the plant. The woody stem and clusters of small white flowers readily distinguish this creeper from others found in the wild in the UK. Introduced into gardens in the UK towards the end of the 19th Century. It was first recorded in the wild in 1936 and is increasing due to its continued use in gardens and for landscaping, e.g. screening, and from the discarding of surplus garden material onto roadsides and rubbish tips. It is rarely naturalised away from habitation. This plant is very fast growing and can spread quickly. It can cover native trees and shrubs and reduce biodiversity by shading out other species. GA Spirit Level ENVIRONMENT Himalayan Balsam A tall, attractive, annual herb with explosive seed heads. Although easy to identify as a mature plant with its pink-purple flowers, fleshy stem and characteristic leaves, the seedlings and last year’s dead stems of this annual are more difficult to spot. Introduced as a garden plant in the early 19th century and first recorded in the wild in 1855. Often favoured by the general public for its aesthetic appeal and is still deliberately planted on occasion. Now widespread in the UK, especially along urban rivers. Spreads solely by seeds, which are small and easily carried by wind or water. Out-competes native species in ecologically sensitive areas, particularly river banks. Where it grows in dense stands along river banks it can impede flow at times of high rainfall, increasing the likelihood of flooding. Die back of extensive stands over winter can leave river banks bare and exposed to erosion. Himalayan balsam is listed under Schedule 9 to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 with respect to England and Wales. As such, it is an offence to plant or otherwise allow this species to grow in the wild. Raising Awareness Of Plant Invasive Species GA have been selected as Finalist in the Environmental Sustainability and Exporting categories for 2015 CEF/ Specify Construction Excellence Award. The winners will be announced at the Awards Event on the 8th October 2015.
  • 11. A Fresh Perspective on Building Gilbert-Ash—ADSUM Foundation GA Spirit Level COMMUNITY The community at Andavabato, Madagascar now have clean and safe water for the first time, thanks to the funds raised from the Maracycle Team at Gilbert-Ash. On Thursday 21 May in the presence of Madame Celestine, the local Member of Parliament, (National Assembly) the Mayor, the Village Head. Nicole and a large group of villagers accompanied by a local band of drums and flutes (made ingeniously from lengths of grey, plastic plumbing pipe) processed through the streets . In his speech the Village Head expressed his grateful thanks to Gilbert Ash and Adsum for bringing clean water to his village. For generations, he said, the villagers had been drinking polluted water collected from far-distant rice fields, and suffered the consequences. Now that safe, clean water was readily available, the population were not only healthier but cleaner. A local resident, Mr Martin, a retired teacher at the Technical College in Antananarivo, said that Gilbert-Ash and Adsum had brought a vital resource to Antaninandrobe. As a child he had struggled up steep slippery paths several times a day, with heavy buckets and jerry cans, to provide water for his family’s use. Having a source of safe, clean water right next to his house was little more than a miracle. He thanked all those who had played a part in making a dream become reality. The Company continues its support of the ADSUM Foundation with its commitment to a further school and water project in Madagascar—Tsimialonjafy school and water project. The Tsimialonjafy project includes a new school building of three cyclone proof classrooms, a new latrine block for boys and girls, school benches and teacher desks, a renovated and extended water system which will supply clean and safe water to 2800 in the community, and maintenance provision for the first two years of the project.
  • 12. A Fresh Perspective on Building GA Spirit Level HEALTH AND WELLBEING– Stay Active The company’s Ride To Work Scheme is well established in the company with many employees fitter and healthier as a result. Have you considered taking the hassle out of driving into work in congested roads—help clear your head and allow yourself to arrive in work full of endorphins... Bursting to get stuck into whatever the day has in store. If you are interested in hearing more about the scheme contact the H.R. Department. Did you know by cycling for only 3 hours per week you can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke by 50%. Pictures show Stephen Farrell and Ian Weir recently flying the GA colours. Ride to Work Scheme Stephen Farrell in action at the All Ireland Karate Championships in Sligo. Stephen managed two bronze medals in Kumite and team Kumite (free fighting). Following this he took his first step to the International Championship held in Milan this year. Although not attaining silverware he finished 8 out of 50 in individual Kumite and 6 in the team category! Well done Stephen, onwards and upwards! Kumite Maestro Our Own Chuck Norris
  • 13. A Fresh Perspective on Building GA Spirit Level HEALTH AND WELLBEING– Fundraising Gilbert-Ash Brews Up A Storm with ‘Fund Raising Coffee Mornings’! Parkinson Awareness Week 11th-15th May We would like to thank Stephen Farrell for inviting his friend Paul McCourt along to this coffee morning (Paul is coping with Parkinsons disease in his life) Paul came along to chat to us over coffee, to raise awareness of his illness and to help the charity raise much needed funds for research into the disease. Paul discovered his talent for art shortly after his diagnoses and he has turned it into a fund raising scheme. We were very impressed with his creative skills but more so his tenacity and outlook on life. We wish him continued strength and health in his efforts to raise awareness and funds for Parkinsons research. £180 was raised, thank you to all those who came along Healthy Heart Thank you to those who participated in the GA coffee morning and 5K step challenge in aid of the British Heart Foundation earlier this year. We continue support and work with the British Heart Foundation and encourage all to keep and active healthy heart. To date we have raised over £230! More information and other great ideas to keep your health in check can be found on the BHF we site. https://www.bhf.org.uk/ Chest Heart and Stroke Project Frank Nolan recently recalled the night he suffered a cardiac arrest whilst at home. Thankfully, due to the quick thinking on that particular night of his wife and to the expert care he received in Daisy Hill, The Royal Victoria and Craigavon Area Hospitals, he is still here to tell the story and has raised some much needed funds for Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke NI Chest, Heart and Stroke promotes the prevention of, and alleviation of suffering resulting from chest heart or stroke related illnesses. We do this through support programmes, research in local Universities and hospitals, health promotion, lobbying, financial support and advice. https://www.justgiving.com/Frank-Nolan/If you would like to make a donation please use link—
  • 14. A Fresh Perspective on Building GA Spirit Level HEALTH AND WELLBEING A very special coffee morning was held on the 27th May to raise funds for MacMillan Cancer. This was organised by Áine McGreevy in memory of our friend and work college Paula Toan. £545 was raised on the day, the Company added to the fund and a cheque for £1000 was recently given to the charity. Thank you to all who gave so generously. Condolences Paula joined GA in 1979 at the young age of 16 in the Company’s offices on the King’s Road, Belfast. She was among the movers to the Company’s new premises in Boucher Road and as Receptionist, she was the welcoming face many of us met when we came into the office. Paula was a warm, fun loving, straight talking lady and she became a ‘friend’ to many who came through the doors over the years. It was with great sadness that we learned of Paula’s death on March 18th, 2015. We extend our sincere sympathy to Paula’s family and friends. At Macmillan, we know how a cancer diagnosis can affect everything and we’re here to support you through. From help with money worries and advice about work, to someone who’ll listen if you just want to talk, we’ll be there. We’ll help you make the choices you need to take back control, so you can start to feel like yourself again. No one should face cancer alone. We want to reach and improve the lives of everyone of those people. Macmillan Cancer Support is registered as a charity with the charity Commission and are governed by our Articles of Association [PDF] Call 020 7840 7840 or write to Macmillan Cancer Support, 89 Albert Embankment, London, SE1 7UQ
  • 15. A Fresh Perspective on Building GA Spirit Level HEALTH AND WELLBEING– Stay Active Westfield Health How it works. As an employee, your health cash plan means you can claim cash back for a range of everyday healthcare treatments. Things like dental check-ups and treatment, eye tests and prescription glasses. So if you’re paying for any of these but not claiming your cash back – start claiming now. Westfield Health is an extra benefit the Company offers to employees. It helps you look after your health by paying towards your everyday healthcare costs and it’s easy to claim. After you’ve had an appointment or a treatment, simply send off a claim form with the receipt and you will be refunded within 5 working days. (Call the helpline if you need a claim form.) Don’t miss out on what you’re owed. Next time you visit the dentist or optician, claim your cash.
  • 16. A Fresh Perspective on Building GA Spirit Level COMMUNITY Developing Careers Gilbert-Ash continues to assist with career events. Thanks to Suzanne Brown, Gail Patterson, Derrick Love and Alex Trainor among others who regularly assist with school events and work placement. GA CONTINUES TO SPONSOR SKILLBUILD NI The best local construction apprentices from across Northern Ireland tested their skills in 11 different construction trades at Skillbuild NI 2015, held at Belfast Metropolitan College’s Castlereagh campus on 29 & 30 April.Skillbuild NI, run by CITB NI and sponsored by local construction companies, (including Gilbert-Ash) is held annually each spring with the top local construction apprentices competing to win coveted titles in skills areas ranging from brickwork to wall and floor tiling. The winners may then go on to represent Northern Ireland in the Skills Show UK and potentially at WorldSkills This years competition has seen four Apprentices from Northern Ireland progress through to the World Skills Competition in Brazil. Gilbert-Ash are proud to be at the source of Skillbuild in Northern Ireland with our sponsorship supporting local competition that opens a vast array of possibilities for young apprentices to demonstrate their skills on a world stage! Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry welcomed back to Northern Ireland the WorldSkills competitors. The WorldSkills competition that took place in São Paulo, Brazil saw the Northern Irish competitors win gold, two silver and one bronze medal and a medallion for excellence as part of Team UK. The competition is supported by the Department for Employment and Learning, Construction Employers Federation, Haldane Fisher, City and Guilds, Colleges NI and the Health and Safety Executive, along with local construction employers who sponsor each competition category, including Gilbert-Ash who sponsored the Brickwork category. “Skillbuild NI couldn’t happen without the support of the local sponsors and we thank the local employers for investing in the future of the construction industry. “ - Maurice Johnston, Chairman CITB NI Gilbert-Ash together with CITBNI and IKEA delivered another successful ‘Have A Go’ event at Nutts Corner Training Centre. This year around 15 schools from East and West Belfast participated. Pictures show the finished flat pack item which is donated to the school to use and one of the taster sessions involving flooring. Other tasters sessions included wallpapering, painting, tiling and joinery. Have A Go
  • 17. A Fresh Perspective on Building GA Spirit Level COMMUNITY Liverpool Philharmonic Sarah Iromaka from St Louise’s Comprehensive College, and Gary McCloskey from De La Salle College, Belfast were recently introduced to the world of work at Gilbert-Ash. Both Sarah and Gary spent a week in Head Office with staff in various departments. They returned to school with a much broader knowledge of the career opportunities in construction. Thank you to all those who gave their valuable time, it was much appreciated. Students on Work Experience Week This project involves the refurbishment of the existing Auditorium and front of house area. Alex Trainor (GA Site Management Team) escorts a group of students from Build Environment Liverpool John Moore University around the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. Sarah learning programming in planning with Derrick and Ian. Training for the Future
  • 18. A Fresh Perspective on Building If you have any information, activities or events you would like to feature in the next issue of Gazette email it to Ruaidhri.Murray@gilbert-ash.co.uk Word search answers Did you find them all? Great job if you did without sneaking a peak at the answers!