J Tomlinson begins building work on a new specialist supported housing development in Coventry

J Tomlinson starts work on supported housing development

Building services company J Tomlinson has started work on a new multi-million pound specialist supported housing development for adults with learning and physical disabilities.

Leading members of Coventry City Council attended the ground-breaking ceremony to mark the launch of work on the scheme at Jardine Crescent, Tile Hill, Coventry.  

Coventry Mayor, Lindsley Harvard, officially opened the ceremony with a passionate speech about what the development will mean for the local population. 

The development has been commissioned by the Local Authority Adult Social Care team, to provide local adults with learning and physical disabilities with a safe home environment and is the result of a partnership between Inclusion Housing CIC, Lifeways Community Care and HB Villages.

Limbrick Place is a development, consisting of Willow House which will have eight apartments, Beech House which consists of 16 apartments and Ash House which will be home to ten adults who require high levels of complex care. The build and delivery of the development will be delivered by HB Villages, using contractor, J Tomlinson.

Martin Gallagher, Managing Director (Construction) at Nottingham-based J Tomlinson, said: “J Tomlinson is very pleased to have been appointed to build this scheme, our second development for HB Villages. It promises to provide much-welcomed, supported-living accommodation and we are delighted to be a part of the team that is creating it.”

Alastair Sheehan, Development Director of HB Villages, commented: “Limbrick Place will be one of the first developments for the city to provide homes which will allow vulnerable individuals the ability to live as independently as possible, not only in terms of the 24-hour support on a site located in a highly sustainable location, but one that will also have a comprehensive and bespoke assistive technology offering. It is with the greatest pleasure that we are able to see building work start, and we all look forward to following its progress and to meeting the tenants and their families once the build is completed.”

J Tomlinson provides a range of integrated building solutions including construction, refurbishment, repairs and maintenance, mechanical and electrical services (M&E), and facilities management.  It operates across the East Midlands, West Midlands and Yorkshire.

The firm previously worked with HB Villages, Inclusion Housing CIC and Lifeways Community Care to create a £2.3 million development in Rushden, Northamptonshire, consisting of 16 apartments for adults with learning and physical disabilities.

For more information about J Tomlinson, visit www.jtomlinson.co.uk

Press release issued by Nottingham based PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

Focus Consultants project manages Gilbert White and The Oates Museum redevelopment

Gilbert White's House

After supporting a successful Round 2 Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) bid in Spring 2016, Focus Consultants are pleased to announce that the renovation of the museum housing The Gilbert White and the Oates Collections in Selborne, Hampshire, has begun construction. Focus were appointed to project manage the £2.5 million redevelopment of the 17^th Century Grade II Listed house by the Gilbert White & The Oates Collections Trust (GWOC). 

The redevelopment work consists of the restoration of the stable yard and brew house, providing a new entrance, a shop and a café for visitors, as well as the conversion of the upstairs into a lettable flat. Additionally, the work includes the general refurbishment and reconfiguration of the layout to the main house, which will allow new exhibitions to be created, a new library, and which will increase the space to show more artefacts than ever before, many of which will be on display for the first time, including one of the few surviving original copies of “Aurora Australis”, the first book to be written, printed and bound in Antarctica. 

Once the home to naturalist Gilbert White, often regarded as the father of ecology, the museum, which offers educational and family orientated events throughout the year, boasts an extensive range of well-maintained gardens, which acted as a research base inspiring White’s most popular work The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne, one of the most printed works of literature in the English language. 

The house, named The Wakes became a museum in 1954 when Robert Washington Oates secured the home as a memorial to the naturalist. Here he also established The Oates Memorial Museum and Library in honour of his cousin Captain Lawrence Oates, who was part of the fatal ‘Terra Nova’ expedition to the South Pole, and his uncle Frank Oates, famed explorer and one of the first Europeans to reach Victoria Falls.

The added exhibition space will allow the museum to take visitors on a journey through the exploration of the natural world, in particular linking to the three men. 

“It is always gratifying to be a part of a project like this, and the vision the Gilbert White & The Oates Collections Trust have for the museum is inspiring,” said Focus project manager Dan Mason. “I am confident the work the team is doing here will pay homage to the house’s fascinating history.”

The renovation is due to be completed and open to the public in Spring 2018.

Nottingham-based Focus Consultants, which also has branches in London, Leicester, Boston and Aubourn in Lincolnshire, has, since 1994, secured for clients more than £953 million of grants for projects and businesses across the UK and delivered more than £1.3 billion worth of projects and programmes – making it one of the most successful businesses of its kind in the country.

It also offers a range of services to the property and construction industry, including building surveying, quantity surveying, project management, and sustainable development support.

For more information, visit www.focus-consultants.co.uk

Press release issued by Nottingham based PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

Bake Off star Val extends range of bakes at Croots Farm Shop in Derbyshire

Croots Farm Shop head baker with Val's range

Derbyshire farm shop Croots has added to its range of bakes created by Great British Bake Off star Val Stones.

Val’s brother Steve Croot runs the farm shop near Duffield, with wife Kay, and last year they teamed up to launch a tasty selection of bakes under the Val at Croots……made with love brand.

Now two new bakes – banana and pecan loaf and spelt cookies - have been added to the range.

“Val’s bakes have gone down so well with our customers that we’re delighted to now be launching two additional products,” said Steve Croot. “She was an absolute star on Bake Off last year and won many fans. She’s remained popular with the public and has thousands of followers on social media, who enjoy watching her baking.

“We are proud to sell Val’s bakes in Croots – items that she’s specially created in conjunction with our bakers at the farm shop to sell on our shelves.”

Other products in the range include Virtuous Cake (fat free and sugar free), cherry shortbread and a selection of cookies. The Virtuous Cake and the cherry shortbread have been best-sellers, added Steve.

Val, a retired head teacher who lives in Somerset, said: “I’ve had a hand in helping Steve with recipes and ideas for Croots Farm Shop products for several years now, and I was so pleased when my range Val at Croots……made with love launched in the shop. I’ve now developed two more products in conjunction with Margaret, the chief baker at Croots, and her team, which I hope will prove to be popular with customers.”

Val shot to fame in last year’s Great British Bake Off and became one of the most favourite characters on the BBC TV show.

A regular visitor to Croots, she was cheered on by staff and customers as she took part in the programme. In December, she held baking workshops at the farm shop for customers, which attracted many of her fans.

Croots, which is based at Farnah House Farm, Wirksworth Road, is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm (Shires Eatery until 4.30pm) and from 10am to 4pm on Sundays. Croots runs Fresh Fish Thursdays between 9am and 1pm on Thursdays.

For more information, visit www.croots.co.uk Find Croots on Twitter @crootsfarm_shop or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Croots-Farm-Shop

Press release issued by Nottingham based PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk 

Focus Consultants appointed as energy consultants on retirement village scheme

Hughenden Gardens Village

Experts at Focus Consultants have been appointed as the consultants on a 260-home retirement village being built in Buckinghamshire.

Members of the Energy and Sustainability Team at Focus have been retained to advise, support and assess a range of related aspects for the Hughenden Gardens Village development being built by registered charity The ExtraCare Charitable Trust, in partnership with Buckinghamshire County Council, Wycombe District Council and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

The contract is being handled by the Leicester office of Focus, which is headquartered in Nottingham and also has branches in London, Boston and Aubourn in Lincolnshire.

Partner Jason Redfearn, who leads the ECS Team at Focus, said: “Focus Consultants offers support on all aspects of sustainable development and associated energy advice through our professional team, and we are very pleased to have been appointed on this new community being built as a retirement village near High Wycombe. This project continues a strong track record for Focus in the delivery of Supported Living schemes across the UK.”

The role of Focus includes BREEAM Assessor services targeting a ‘Very Good’ rating, Part L1a and Part L2a services supporting the team in compliance with Building Regulations.

Hughenden Gardens Village is being built by Galliford Try on a five-acre site on Hughenden Road, just to the north of High Wycombe town centre and features 105 one-bedroom and 155 two-bedroom apartments. There will be apartments available for purchase, shared ownership and rental, and care will be available on site for residents who need support to live independently.

The development, which also includes a village centre, with a range of health and leisure facilities, is due to open next year.

Focus Consultants offers a range of support on all aspects of sustainable development, as well as services in funding and economic development, project management and building surveying.

Press release issued by Nottingham based Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

J Tomlinson gas engineer a winner in the Building Communities Awards 2017

Macauley Shaw wins Apprentice of the Year 2017

J Tomlinson gas engineer Macauley Shaw has won the title of Apprentice of the Year (16-24) in the Building Communities Awards 2017. 

The 20-year-old scooped the accolade at an awards ceremony held at East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham.

Macauley has been with Nottingham-based building services company J Tomlinson since leaving school at the age of 16 and is now a qualified gas engineer.

Martin Ardron, J Tomlinson’s operations director repairs and maintenance and facilities management, said: “We are thrilled that Macauley has been named Apprentice of the Year at the Building Communities Awards and are very proud of him. It’s a richly deserved award.

“As a company, J Tomlinson is very committed to training our workforce, improving our team and individual performances, and giving our employees the opportunity to achieve professional and personal growth. Macauley has been with us since leaving school and has grasped all the opportunities that have been given to him with both hands. He receives many compliments from customers and is a much-valued member of the J Tomlinson team.”

Macauley works in the Repair & Maintenance – Service & Repair division at J Tomlinson and travels across the Midlands and Yorkshire as part of his role. He is a key member of the 24-hour call-out rota, working on plumbing emergencies overnight, and has recently begun attending gas call outs too.

He undertook part of his training at Derby College and since joining J Tomlinson he has completed his NVQ level 2 and NVQ level 3 in Plumbing and Heating, as well as the Accredited Certification Scheme (ACS) – the industry recognised and accepted route for operatives to gain a certificate of competence, needed to become a member of the Gas Safe Register. He is now hoping to undertake further qualifications so that he can, in his own words, ‘better myself in the company’. 

His line manager, project manager, Jim Upex said: “Macauley is a great engineer and a great team player. We’re delighted that his hard work and dedication has been recognised and rewarded with this title of Apprentice of the Year.”

The Building Communities Awards recognise the professionalism, excellence and innovation sitting at the heart of the East Midlands’ construction and housing community in both the public and the private sectors. The Apprentice of the Year (16-24) Award was sponsored by J Wright Roofing Ltd. 

As a company, J Tomlinson provides a range of integrated building services which include construction, mechanical and electrical services (M&E), facilities management, refurbishment, repairs and maintenance and regeneration. It primarily operates across the East Midlands, West Midlands and Yorkshire.

For more information about J Tomlinson and current job vacancies, visit www.jtomlinson.co.uk

Press release issued by Nottingham based PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

Construction Leaders Club recognised for its excellence

Terry O'Mahony

East Midlands-based Construction Leaders Club has been recognised for its high professional standards by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).

The team has become what is believed to be the only business growth, leadership and management development organisation for the construction industry to be awarded the new Chartered Building Consultancy status.

Construction Leaders Club has held the accolade of Chartered Building Consultancy status for the past three years but the CIOB asked holders to re-apply after setting down new and tighter rules for compliance in a bid to drive up standards within the sector.

“I am very pleased that the Construction Leaders Club has met the more stringent conditions required to gain Chartered Building Consultancy status from the CIOB, which reflects the exacting and ethical standards that we follow in our training programmes, coaching and consultancy,” said business growth expert Terry O’Mahony, who runs CLC.

“This accreditation gives individuals and companies in the construction sector, whether they are large firms or small organisations, the confidence that they will receive the most professional support via our services and expertise.”

The Construction Leaders Club was established in Nottingham three years ago by Terry as a networking and business growth organisation supporting businesses and individuals related to or associated with the UK construction industry. As well as monthly networking events, CLC also runs development programmes and workshops for individuals including a Mastermind Programme, aimed at business owners and senior decision makers, and a Rising Stars Programme for high potential individuals who want to step-up to the next level.

Terry has warned that although businesses and individuals in the construction sector appear to be very busy currently, they should aim to keep an eye on the future.

“I get the impression that many people working in construction at the moment are running in circles, fighting fires and having to deal with all manner of other problems and so they find it difficult to get out of the office to learn how to build their businesses or careers,” he said. “Few of them are planning for growth properly not to mention preparing for the next recession or crash. But time out of the office to plan is crucial.

“In my experience, business leaders are not always really sure how to address the question of business planning so they just carry on as normal, not really wanting, or expecting, more out of their business or are just happy to receive what the market gives them instead of paving their own path. Coaching or training could really help.”

The next Construction Leaders Club networking events take place on 9^th March and 13^th April at The Grill at Twenty Five, 25 Bostock’s Lane, Long Eaton, near Nottingham. For more details or to book visit http://www.constructionleadersclub.com/ 

Press release issued by Nottingham based PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

Five new apprentices and two trainees join J Tomlinson

Some of the recent apprentices and trainees hired by J Tomlinson

Construction services company J Tomlinson has taken on five apprentices and two trainees as part of the firm’s commitment to training young people.

The new recruits are spread across a range of disciplines within the Nottingham-based company, and have been announced ahead of National Apprenticeship Week 2017, which runs 6^th to 10^th March.

Daniel York, 22, has been appointed as a plumbing and heating apprentice within the repairs and maintenance department. He will work as part of the J Tomlinson team undertaking five years of investment work on Ashfield Homes properties, and will be involved in heating installations. During this time, he will study at Vision West Nottinghamshire College for an NVQ Level 3 Plumbing and Heating.

Seventeen-year-old apprentice joiner Max Anthony has been hired by the regeneration department and will also work on the Ashfield Homes project – undertaking housing refurbishment work and general joinery. A former student of Holgate Academy, Hucknall, he is studying for an NVQ Level 3 in Joinery at Vision West Nottinghamshire College.

Danielle Baguley, 17, has been taken on as an apprentice customer liaison officer based at J Tomlinson’s Sutton- in-Ashfield office at Brierley Park Industrial Estate, Stanton Hill.

Meanwhile, apprentice bid coordinator Jess Stone, 19, has joined the business development and marketing team at J Tomlinson’s head office in Beeston, Nottingham, where she is supporting the bid team in putting together tender submissions and carrying out general administration support in the department. She is undertaking work-based learning and studying for a BTEC Level 3 in Business Administration. 

Daniella Ward, 21, has also recently started with the company and is an apprentice administrator working in the Facilities Management team at head office.

In addition, the company has also recently appointed part-qualified trainee electrician Robyn Burch, 33, from the Ashfield area, who began working at J Tomlinson after switching from a job in retail to a career in the electrical sector.

Completing the new starters is trainee quantity surveyor Alex Bartin, 19, who is in his first year of a QS degree at Sheffield Hallam University and who comes from Dronfield, near Chesterfield. Both Robyn and Alex are also working on the Ashfield contract.

“I’d like to welcome our latest apprentices and trainees to J Tomlinson,” said J Tomlinson regeneration director Antony Newton. “As a company, we are committed to investing in apprentices and trainees across a range of disciplines. We currently have several apprentices undertaking work-based and college-based learning and training, plus many employees who have been appointed on permanent contracts after successfully completing their apprenticeships schemes.”

Cllr Keir Morrison, portfolio holder for housing at Ashfield District Council, added: “We are pleased that as part of the Ashfield Homes contract, J Tomlinson is able to invest in the future of these young people. With the current skills shortage within the construction industry, offering apprenticeships and traineeships shows they are committed to addressing these skills gaps.” 

J Tomlinson provides a range of integrated building solutions including construction, refurbishment, repairs and maintenance, mechanical and electrical services (M&E), and facilities management. It operates across the East Midlands, West Midlands and Yorkshire, working with private sector and public sector organisations. 

In 2015, the firm began working on a five-year, £30 million improvement programme being invested into Ashfield District Council homes – its largest ever single contract.

For more information about J Tomlinson, visit www.jtomlinson.co.uk

Press release issued by Nottingham based PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk