Spring 2019 For everyone at Willmott Dixon’s family of companies

Feeling the fourth We reach new heights in the Sunday Times’ Best Companies list P8

Flexing our brains Why the future of training is digital, flexible and interactiveP14

THE INSIDE TRACK INTERIORS IS TRANSFORMING LONDON LANDMARKS AND RACING TO THE TOP OF THE FIT-OUT MARKET 2 | | Spring 2019 Spring 2019 | | 3 NEWS

QUEEN’S AWARD MDL PROGRAMME MAKES IT A HAT-TRICK! GETS A REVAMP

Our company has secured Britain’s Director for organisational developing leaders, and in June most prestigious business title for development and learning, we’ll relaunch MDL1, which will be a record third time. Kate Jansen, is planning an exciting renamed MDL Fundamentals. The Just a year after winning one refresh of the Management same month will also see a new for Promoting Opportunity for Development Learning (MDL) MDL2, which provides a toolkit for Rockin’ in Littlehampton our work giving back to the programme to embrace techniques new and developing managers. Our own version of the fab four community, we’ve again been like immersive learning. In 2020 comes a completely celebrated completion of the recognised with a Queen’s Award Kate says: “We’ve listened to new programme, MDL5, designed Littlehampton Wave leisure for Enterprise, this time for lots of feedback from across the for our existing directors who will centre. “This project started as Sustainable Development. business to help shape our new lead our business into the future, a bit of a dream in 2011,” says It’s our third such accolade MDL programme. This includes so they have the tools to ensure Nigel Lynn, chief executive of in five years, after we won our bringing in specialists and using they are equipped to help continue Arun District Council. “There first Queen’s Award, also for venues that will excite, challenge to make our company a success. wasn’t a lot of life left in the Sustainable Development, in 2014. our thinking, unlock potential Read more about Kate’s plans leisure centre we had then. We These titles help to differentiate turnover in excess of £1bn to have As well as being the UK’s only Group chief executive and create a memorable learning for learning on page 14. If you wanted to offer something better our company from our peers, and won the title three times. carbon-neutral construction Rick Willmott, said: “This is a experience.” would like to help us further for the community, and here we we join a very exclusive group of The latest award follows a company since 2012, we set real honour that helps define our In March, MDL3 was improve the MDL progamme with are after a lot of hard work!” privately-owned companies with series of sustainable milestones the benchmark last year for company’s approach to being a relaunched, designed for our feedback, drop the team a line at From left: Joe Conway, operations that include reducing carbon responsible business by ensuring responsible business and makes experienced managers and [email protected] manager; Martin Solomon, senior “This is a real honour that emissions relative to turnover by all offices and sites are powered us unique among our peer planning engineer; Nigel Lynn, over 40 percent since 2010. We’ve by 100 percent clean, renewable group. Our purpose-beyond- CEO at Arun District Council; helps define our approach also led the way in waste diversion, energy. Another factor that drew profit ethos is about leaving a and Ivan Horsfall-Turner, MD at to being a responsible including the reuse of unwanted praise from the judges was our positive, sustainable legacy for Freedom Leisure business and makes timber, with over 4,000 tonnes of use of Wildlife Trusts: in return for future generations, and this latest us unique among our unused wood being segregated access to their ecology services, Queen’s Award is a timely reminder peer group.” and collected by the Community our payments to the Trusts are that we should all be proud of our Rick Willmott Wood Recycling teams. reinvested in biodiversity schemes. individual part in doing this.”

CONTENTS

4 Productive thinking 14 The train gang 22 No 1 in the no 2 city 30 Town centre game-changers Our National Product Team is The Learning team’s new training The story behind our rise to A tale of two towns, 200 Pontypridd’s big day harnessing new ideas to shape programmes will ensure that our become Birmingham’s most miles apart, that have been Cardiff (Wales and the West) managing an even brighter future. people remain the best. prolific construction company. transformed by our people. director Neal Stephens shows off our new updated logo at the topping out of our Taff Vale 10 Inner visions 18 ‘We’re in a good place’ 28 Warming up the residents 33 Achieving their ‘COAL’ regeneration, which will bring a thriving mixed- How Interiors has grown to Rick Willmott talks Best Tough, rewarding, heartwarming: Three people explain what use development to this town in the Welsh become one of the biggest Companies, Brexit preparations Clare Lewis explains the unique a “career of a lifetime” with valleys. Read on page 30 how our regeneration players in the fit-out market. and the power of frameworks. challenge of tenant liaison. Willmott Dixon means to them. From left: Kim Salour, Rebecca Eaton and Megan Wrighton are part of the experts are helping to bring bright new futures Learning team responsible for administering our MDL programme. to both Pontypridd and Rochdale. 4 | | Spring 2019 Spring 2019 | | 5

ur industry has to fill 168,000 A team of innovators there are, so far, two online O new roles by 2021 if we are The responsibility for navigating guidance portals. The first is to meet the demands placed on it, the company’s way through the The Yellow Book – Willmott Dixon’s according to a recent Construction best technology and ideas falls to manual for efficient design. “It Industry Training Board forecast. our National Product Team, led by helps us promote true value, That means a larger proportion Tim Carey. ensure buildability, and design of people, especially those leaving Set up nearly 18 months ago out defects before they ever education, choosing construction within the Construction business, occur by capturing lessons learned as their career – which is hard when Tim’s team are developing from completed projects. By we’re competing with every other blueprints for new ways of building enshrining our best commercial PRODUCTIVE sector to attract the best talent. that embrace digital technology, deals it also defines the products So being a cutting-edge, component standardisation, we should specify whenever we are sustainable industry that uses the collaborative planning and off-site in control of the design,” says Tim. latest technology is essential if we manufacturing, and finding better “Our next step has been to are to attract tech-savvy young ways to plan and control our time – develop a complementary platform people brought up in the digital age. all harnessing the many ideas from for workmanship and installation, We also need to address within the company. Platform Two, which launches construction’s relative lack of in May,” he adds. “Together, productivity to meet this capacity Tackling the skills drain these provide a suitable home THINKINGMeet the National Product Team: a group of innovators out to discover the best ideas challenge – reducing the resources Tim says: “It’s been estimated for all relevant learning, which required and using our time that for every one person that will ultimately be reflected in from the fields of digital design, off-site manufacture and component standardisation. better to deliver projects without joins the construction industry, an improved end-quality of our Committed to finding better ways to build, they’re already transforming the way we work. any detrimental effect on quality. five leave. So with that kind of projects, and the continued That again involves embracing pressure, we need to find better reduction in our cost of error.” new technology. In this space, ways to design, procure and build companies such as Legal & to ensure we continue to deliver No more value engineering General and Berkeley have made a quality, defect-free end product Tim cites an example to illustrate significant investments in facilities in a timely manner with improved how a standard approach to design capable of delivering sections of productivity.” and construction gets results. buildings off-site to reduce on- The first element of delivering “Take our cost of error associated site resource. more with less is improving with flat roofing. Previously, we Understanding the behaviours, consistency. Tim’s team has been faced challenges because we had technology and processes that can capturing best practice from all numerous suppliers and products. increase productivity and shape LCOs, measuring these processes We were often inadvertently our future will define our ability to and rolling them out nationally. putting the wrong product in the deliver an even better product. In order to effect this change, wrong place, or putting the right

Our own Eureka! moments From left: Tim Carey, national product director; Garry Fannon, head of digital; The Eureka! research and development programme was set Christine Murray, national quality up to capture ideas from our people that take the company or assurance manager; Chloe Barber, supply chain forward. National Product Team administrator; With 12 ideas approved since it was launched in May Mark Elliott, national quality advisor; 2018, the scheme is certainly doing that. Proposals that have Scott Worthington, national planner; already been “green lit” range from technology to prevent Stuart Gray, national planner; utility mains being accidentally hit by diggers on building Diane Alexander, administrator; sites, to trialling new applications for drones. There’s an idea Iain Clark, national product design too for a kind of WD-eBay: a company web portal that will manager; Russell Lane, national enable prelim-type items such as security turnstiles, fire quality advisor; Paul Hoskins, national extinguishers or fencing, to be tracked and reused. planning manager; Simon Pearce, Steve Cook, product improvement and innovation national quality advisor; manager, who facilitates the programme, says: “We don’t Rumana Shaukat, quality delivery have a specific pot of money. There is no limit to what the manager; Steve Cook, product board might fund, if it is a very good idea. The key is that improvement and innovation manager; ideas must be national and they must be scalable – not Graeme Whitty, director, Quality specific to one region.” Improvement. 6 | | Spring 2019 Spring 2019 | | 7

being delivered using one of a suite “Our desired endgame is to be able to deliver of designs. all of our products from the same library of digitally This concept has been designed components, enabling us to drive efficiencies mirrored in other sectors: Cura for BUILDING PLACES, through volume.” community healthcare, CORE+ for Tim Carey, national product director, National Product Team leisure facilities, CODE for custody suites and the Concord ‘kit of parts’ BUILDING LIVES solution for schools funded by the Left: Trainee Abbi Smith checks out the new EksoVest being trialled using Department for Education. One year in, our Academies have already transformed over 100 young lives. Eureka funding. The EksoVest is a lightweight exoskeleton that supports The next focus for our National weight on the arms. Product Team is to harmonise the components used across these ranges to deliver what is called a “platform” approach – a bit like IKEA using the same components product in and then not protecting “We want our people to help for a suite of kitchen ranges. it properly, so it got damaged shape the journey. Through “Our desired endgame is after installation. Or we changed collaboration we will ensure to be able to deliver all of our one element of a roof build-up for a better end result because it products from the same library of another without realising that, by has been peer-tested, and also digitally designed components, doing so, we were invalidating our ownership, as they take advocacy enabling us to drive efficiencies suppliers’ warranties and exposing of what’s recommended,” says Tim. through volume. In the future our business to risk.” Innovation is also being one of our wall panels will be the “The Yellow Book and Platform encouraged at LCO level with a same whether it’s in a CODE or Two are about making sure we new research and development a Concord project or a Sunesis work consistently. If we have some (R&D) programme, where school – that’s the game changer,” great learning from a live site, or colleagues can pitch for funding to says Tim. “Then all we do is keep innovation that we’ve trialled, we develop an idea. The Eureka! Fund our kit of parts up to date and it capture it. If it relates to design, it is unearthing a gamut of exciting will cascade down throughout our goes in The Yellow Book, and if it’s developments, from the bionic projects. It’s exciting times, but it’s installation, it’s in Platform Two.” vest to an internal eBay for also just what most manufacturers Tim says our strategic desire used site kit (see boxes, left and do as common practice outside is to make value engineering previous page). construction, so again it’s not new, redundant. “In construction, value Another way in which the team it’s just us embracing it.” Making a bionic investment engineering is typically carried out is aiming to improve productivity Tim senses a real appetite for hat started as an idea training academy to tackle social solely to cut costs through product and quality is through the adoption moving the industry forward: “It’s Wby Danny Corley and exclusion by providing entry-level Above: Our team celebrate the One recipient of Eureka funding is a “bionic” vest that helps to prevent replacement or specification of more off-site manufacturing and a fantastic time. I know we’ve seen Steve Kitchen at an MDL4 course qualifications, work experience opening of a second Building Lives strain and exertion while doing repetitive tasks. Since September, reduction. It usually occurs late pre-manufactured components these cycles before, with modern is quickly becoming a movement. and a gateway into our industry Academy, this time in Kingston. drylining and M&E supply chain partners in Cardiff (Wales and The in the design process, often with wherever beneficial. It is in methods of construction promoted Our Building Lives Academy for anyone who is economically West) have been using the EksoVest. This is a lightweight upper unintended consequences and discussions with a number of and then, when market conditions initiative was born in April last inactive. The academies are body exoskeleton that supports weight on the arms when they are seldom adds any value. As a result, suppliers, including Legal & become tougher, the industry year at our New Addington project set up in partnership with local Michèle Chandler, senior social raised for periods of time. It is now touring other LCOs. it is responsible for a whole host General Modular, Eco Modular, reverting to what it’s always done. in Croydon, and it has gone on training providers, councils, impact manager, explains how it The idea to trial the EksoVest came from design manager of legacy problems. We should Ilke Homes and McAvoy, with a The only way to achieve permanent to provide more than 100 young customers and ourselves – so they works: “If the customer can provide Chris Townsend who saw it on the news on holiday in the USA. not call cost-cutting by any view to agreeing an off-site supply positive change is to ensure people with basic construction are self-funded.” In the case of the space, then our investment He successfully pitched for £6,000 to purchase one from Ekso other name.” chain framework. we do the same thing time and skills to help them get their foot on New Addington, we are working covers items like PPE and signage. Bionics in California. Meanwhile, membership of the again to get the benefits of scale the career ladder. with Croydon Council and its job All we need is classroom space Chris likes to point out that it isn’t a robot – and contains no Peer reviews Manufacturing Technology Centre and measure those benefits. I’m We have now opened versions in brokerage service, Croydon Works. suitable for 15 desks, whether that electronics. Instead it works off a spring-based assistance system By engineering in certainty from in Warwickshire provides the team passionate about breaking that Kingston upon Thames in Surrey Typically an academy delivers be a cabin like New Addington or a that when activated will provide physical support to the arm. “It’s not the start using standardised with access to industry-leading cycle – we have to.” at our project for the university, training to 10-15 local residents fixed space like Kingston. Then we meant to help people to lift heavier objects – and that’s something we products, says Tim, construction R&D facilities, as well as the and recently at HMP Elmley in every six weeks. Those who attend are ready to get started!” have to be careful of. It’s meant to provide assistance so at the end of a teams stand a better chance of opportunity to share learning with Kent, where we equip offenders gain qualifications such as a What next? Sarah Fraser, head shift people feel less exerted, leading to improved wellbeing. delivering the original plans. global companies such as Boeing preparing for release with skills to Level 1 Certificate in Construction of the Willmott Dixon Foundation, “We’ve had a great response, such as from dryliners using it to fit In a further effort to facilitate and Airbus. “It is opening us up to help them find jobs. More are set to Operations, Level 1 Certificate in says: “Future iterations of “We want our people to plasterboard to the ceiling,” he says. “They’ve told us their spatial this best practice, the National new thinking,” says Tim. follow as customers line up to use Health and Safety at Work, plus a Building Lives Academies don’t help shape the journey. awareness has had to change, and they would like the vest to be fitted Product Team has set up “The our concept to support their local CSCS card, which is required by just have to focus on construction with a tool belt – feedback we can pass on to Ekso Bionics.” Design Board” – a group of design When standard is anything but Through collaboration we skills needs. all site workers. Newly qualified skills. If we are building a leisure The vest has been rolled out to 15 Ford factories in America. leads from each LCO – to act as The use of standardisation in will ensure a better end So what is a Building Lives candidates are supported in centre, wouldn’t it be great if Willmott Dixon is not only the first UK contractor to trial it – but the a peer review group for material designs by our company is not result because it has been Academy? Richard Pickett, work placements with us, our it up-skilled people to work in first in the world. The next step is for a distribution company to buy that might go into The Yellow new. The launch of Sunesis in 2010 peer-tested.” head of legacy for Cobham supply chain partners or other it? We have some really exciting the vests to hire out. Book, with a similar group recently has led to over 35 schools and Tim Carey, national product (South London and South East), construction jobs advertised by the options as this important established for quality. 20,000 new primary school places director, National Product Team explains: “It’s a construction skills local employment service. initiative develops.” 8 | | Spring 2019 Spring 2019 | | 9 WE’RE FEELING THE FOURTH!

Our fourth-place hat better way to showcase competing with other sectors working for a company that has a finish in the Sunday W our industry to a new “This was an amazing to attract the best talent. So “purpose beyond profit”, as well as Above: Teams from Best companies to work for: our position by region generation than to be named as achievement for our achieving such a high place in the our focus on training. across the country Times’ Best one of best companies to work for? Best Companies list has really put This determination to celebrate our strong company, a milestone in Companies rankings The annual Sunday Times 100 our 167 years.” construction in the shop window. contribute to strengthening national and regional Region Place Best Companies to Work For list Rick WIllmott We also stood out in the regional society’s wellbeing saw us win the showing in the Best is a testament to the placed our company in fourth lists of best companies (see table), Developing Potential accolade for Companies list. South West 1 quality of our people. – the first time a contractor has securing top 10 places in all eight our work in helping those from appeared in the top 10. areas and being crowned the best disadvantaged backgrounds to find Wales 1 This is important as a recent place to work in both Wales and work in the construction industry. Construction Industry Training the South West, and second-best Rick Willmott says: “This was Midlands 2 Board report predicted that in the Midlands and North East. an amazing achievement for our North East 2 168,000 construction jobs will be company, a milestone in our 167 created in the UK over the next People feedback years. Our growth is only possible East of England 4 five years. To meet this demand The Best Companies list is based thanks to the quality of our people, Yorkshire and the Humber 4 requires a larger proportion on employee feedback, and judges and this exceptional position of young people choosing were impressed with our people’s out of thousands of companies North West 6 construction as their career, strong desire to build a successful underlines just how special our South East 9 which is a tough task when we’re career with us, their pride in team is.” 10 | | Spring 2019 Spring 2019 | | 11

On site: nhow Hotel

Location: Shoreditch, London Facilities: Nine-storey building in a new Foster + Partners-designed, mixed-use development to create a 190- room hotel, including restaurant, bar, gym and meeting rooms Value: £19m Customer: nhow Hotel Completion: Summer 2019

Above: Interiors’ Graham Shaw (left) and Noel DeBruin. Left: nhow that’s what I call a team! Interiors delivering the UK’s first nhow Hotel in Shoreditch. From left: Glen Smith, Michael Rock, Nick Wood, Jubinul Hye, Nellie Secan, Stewart Kelly, Connor Lambourne and Harry Cockerill.

“Our ambition is to be number one by reputation and in the top three in terms of size, while maintaining our financial results.” Graham Shaw, managing director, Interiors

survey of the financial frameworks director. that the marketplace has been the team must both create new “Our key focus has been to A performance of the UK’s top Interiors is tackling jobs that keen to embrace, as it’s a and refurbish existing space while create the right culture for people fit-out firms by the Construction are more challenging from both differentiator from many of our respecting both the art and the to become their best selves,” he Index late last year put Interiors at a technical and programme competitors.” Where structural day-to-day activity in the building says. “Our mantra is ‘everything number five in terms of turnover perspective, which in turn is works, such as infilling atria or (see box, overleaf). completed with pride’ and we and in the top three in terms of leading to higher-value contracts. adding lift shafts, account for Alongside the tricky repurposing are trying to get people who truly financial results. “The opportunities we are now up to 20 percent of the contract of existing buildings come the believe that. We want people with That’s a good result, but it’s getting are a lot more varied and value, Interiors will consider a fast-track, high-end finishes, a growth mindset who want to not good enough for managing more complex,” says Ian Spence, bid; above that proportion, the epitomised by Interiors’ £19m constantly improve themselves.” INNER director Graham Shaw. “Our who was promoted to procurement contracts fall under Construction’s fit-out of the UK’s first nhow Hotel There have been a number ambition is to be number one by director just over a year ago. jurisdiction. in Shoreditch. This nine-storey, of recruits to the business, reputation and in the top three in These varied projects often 190-room hotel will have a unique including people from the wider terms of size, while maintaining involve delivering complex London landmarks interior, more art than finishes, with Willmott Dixon family, such as our financial results,” he says. refurbishments, where technically Current projects that demonstrate the aim of attracting visitors as a Phil Crowther and Jo Weston. Staff Interiors is certainly a very challenging structural alterations this capacity are: Page Hotel in destination in its own right. turnover is low, says Graham, at different business today compared come alongside sensitive St Martins Place, where Interiors is just over 10 percent. to five years ago. A clue is its treatment of older, and sometimes converting a five-storey office block Being the best The way in which people tackle VISIONS average contract size: £10m now, heritage, buildings. into a 136-room boutique hotel; How has Interiors transformed problems and the way that they Interiors’ latest crop of high-profile central London compared to £4m then. “The “We can do the clean stuff, the London Screen Academy, itself into a top-five player? And communicate with customers projects demonstrates how the business has evolved perception in the market is that but also the gritty stuff,” says which will transform a former how will it move even higher up the is absolutely crucial in delivering we are one of the big players Graham. “That’s been a key part factory into a specialist school; leader board? It’s all about people, these larger and more complex to become a top-five contender in the fit-out market. now,” says Noel DeBruin, Interiors’ of our growth and something and the National Gallery where says Graham. projects, says Graham. “We have 12 | | Spring 2019 Spring 2019 | | 13

On site: St Martins Place Hotel Gently does it at the National Gallery Location: Charing Cross, London Facilities: conversion of an existing five-storey office block into a Interiors’ work for the “We can’t interrupt their daily had to carefully plan methods of 136-room hotel, complete with a fifth floor restaurant and additional National Gallery combines the business,” says Jason. demolition and construction. For floor for a new rooftop bar refurbishment of the building’s The other important element of instance, demolition of a ground- Value: £23m largest gallery, the ornate Room the works is that the priceless – floor slab where the courtyards Customer: Best Effort Ventures 32, and parts of its basement and hence uninsurable – artworks will be infilled will involve and ground floor, with the must not suffer due to the project. diamond cutting, and the piles construction of new office spaces “We have been speaking with to support the new five-storey within two interior courtyards. the curators and art scientists structures will be bored rather Situated in London’s busy to understand how important it than driven. Extremely sensitive Trafalgar Square, the project is to control the environment for vibration monitoring will alert is both a fantastic opportunity these paintings,” says Jason. “We Interiors well before maximum to raise Interiors’ profile and a cannot do anything that will be levels are approached. potential logistics challenge: detrimental to them.” Equally sensitive is the more than 5.5m visitors come Interiors and its – mostly refurbishment of Room 32 itself, to the gallery each year and will Category A – supply chain have requiring specialist attention, continue to do so during the work. such as the restoration of gold All central London projects leaf on the ceiling’s cornices. The require detailed planning and decoration was part of architect booking systems to enable Edward Barry’s original interior for deliveries to arrive exactly when Room 32, which opened in 1876. needed, explains operations It has been altered over the years, director Jason Wellard (pictured but the plan is to restore it to its right). “Our people are particularly former splendour. focused on it. They know it’s really The project will also create important for their projects.” the spectacle of a large mobile The National Gallery has just crane in Trafalgar Square, to lift one entrance for the delivery of steel work and concrete slabs materials, and that will be shared into the courtyards. “That will with the gallery and the National be really carefully planned,” says an ethos of working closely with modelling or BIM, says Noel. help continue Interiors’ growth of opportunities in the pipeline. Portrait Gallery next door. At Jason, who is working closely customers to get over issues. You Having first started employing in both financial and reputational Above: Best foot forward – our Converting these depends – more certain times, this entrance will with Westminster City Council to always have discoverables; there it around three-and-a-half years terms. “This is an area we are keen team at St Martins Place. From so now than ever – on being able be out-of-bounds for Interiors. consider every angle. are always changes and delays ago, Interiors ramped up its use to grow significantly because there left: Bill Caufield, Terry Holliday, to show customers that all of the on site due to the nature of the 18 months ago and it is now is immense potential in it.” Steve Johnson, Kieran Legg, intricacies of a project have been change, so these matters have considered “business as usual”. Graham wants Minor Works Ashleigh Crowley, Daryl Hardy, Phil considered and can be dealt with. to be dealt with in a clear but “Our team are looking at projects to maintain and nourish good O’Brien, Brian Wilsher, Nicholas A by-product of the current sensitive manner. in a different way now because of relationships created by Interiors Brayshaw and Lewis Blake. political and economic climate is “Our people must have a that,” says Noel. “The 3D model – and Construction – on small jobs Right: Work at the National Gallery that time between a contract being mindset that allows them to have helps to inform how we can so that when larger projects come involves the refurbishment of awarded and the start on site is a straight conversation about approach the project. And it also up again, Willmott Dixon is at the Room 32 and the construction of increasing on some projects. “Our technically difficult situations allows the customer to see the top of clients’ minds. Minor Works new office spaces. customers need a higher degree of early, and they must be solutions- project in a different light.” could also be sent in to create certainty now before they start on focused,” he adds. This approach helps to win new relationships with potential site,” explains Ian. “We are looking One of the tools that has bids, explains Noel. For instance, customers with whom Interiors to give that early certainty as aided the preconstruction 3D modelling helped the combined would like to work on bigger jobs much as we can.” With that comes and construction teams to preconstruction and construction down the line. early agreement as to what the find ingenious solutions is 3D team tackle issues such as “They deliver the same scope for Interiors, it is seeing success risk strategy will be, so that those clash detection and logistics at as us but have a supply chain across a broad spread: commercial, unavoidable, unexpected aspects Riverside House in Southwark, approach that is even more agile,” education, hotels and leisure are all can be dealt with swiftly. which is constrained by the River says Graham of the Minor Works “Our customers need a strong. The team would like to see Looking to the rest of the year, Thames, Southwark Bridge and team, which is headed up by more health projects in the mix and we have some great opportunities, higher degree of certainty neighbouring buildings. Jo Weston, who worked for 26 this is an area receiving renewed says Graham. Interiors’ budgeted now before they start on years in Homes before coming focus, says Noel. turnover in 2019 is £180m, a figure site. We are looking to Minor works, major impact to Interiors last year. “They can Ian reports that £150m of that he is aiming to beat. By 2021, give that early certainty as Though it may seem counter- mobilise quickly, work out of hours tenders were submitted in the that should have grown to £275m. much as we can.” intuitive, Graham will be looking and are very customer-focused in last four months, with £125m That top-three spot Graham Ian Spence, procurement to his Minor Works team – which terms of change and alterations.” coming up in the next two. All has targeted should soon be director, Interiors handles projects below £2m – to In terms of important sectors told, there are some £3.2bn-worth within sight. 14 | | Spring 2019 Spring 2019 | | 15

Fresh thinking Meet the team, The team’s focus has been twofold. from left: First, looking at current methods Janette Welton-Pai, of training to see what could be group funding and modernised in order to ensure learning manager; content is up-to-date, aligned to Natasha Shaw, current and future needs. This is training facilitator; about making learning even more Judith Wright, learning inspiring and exciting. knowledge manager; Kate says: “Our ethos to promote Kate Jansen, director from within is a reason people for organisational choose to develop long careers development & with us. At the same time, we have learning; Kim Salour, to provide ‘fit for purpose’ learning learning coordinator; that empowers people to thrive. I Fiona Doran-Smith, think previously we’d maintained training facilitator; learning that had stayed the Helen Greening, same for a few years. Well, that’s learning manager; all changing.” Megan Wrighton, It’s changing because the learning administrator; company is adding a cutting-edge Clare Francis, head digital learning environment, of recruitment and currently in the pilot stage, to its learning operations; learning repertoire. This is based and Rebecca Eaton, on the concept of immersive senior learning learning, where colleagues are coordinator. “immersed” in online material that is highly interactive and personalised to them. “We have challenged ourselves to create the training that’s going to have the most impact. Bringing in immersive learning helps do that by allowing our people to benefit from techniques that support their work routine,” says Kate.

Agile learning Adding a digital platform gives greater scope to enjoy learning in a self-paced, self-guided and – e spend over £2.5m a And the feedback? Be more crucially – independent manner. Wyear on learning and it is flexible. “We needed to refresh The platform gives access to central to our “career of a lifetime” Kate, who is part of Rick Lee’s things – to think about curated materials, from book ethos, allowing people to feel they people team, explains: “People what the business and recommendations to the latest can grow, develop and achieve all have a hunger to learn in our our people need now. And literature and videos that support of their ambitions for a successful business and to do so in a variety of that means new content the training module itself. A mobile career with us. So standing still is ways that embrace new techniques and processes fit for our app will allow our people to access not an option with training. and technology. So we are going needs in a digital age.” these materials whenever and 167 met Kate Jansen, who to supplement traditional vehicles wherever they like – perfect for Kate Jansen, director for heads our Learning team, to hear with new ways like immersive agile working. “We’re creating THE TRAIN organisational development Equipping our people with about some exciting plans for the learning that connect with lifestyles a rich learning environment,” & learning the skills to succeed is part of future. Since becoming director and work commitments. adds Kate. for organisational development “We needed to refresh things – It is also, she adds, great value. Women comprise almost a quarter of our workforce, and we aim to thebring company’s that to 50 DNA. percent Now by we & learning in March 2018, Kate to think about what the business Delivering training is a significant 2030. Here are three women in senior leadership roles who have builtare their enhancing careers our with training us. offer has been casting an eye over the and our people need now. And that investment, not just in terms of with cutting-edge digital tools. way learning is delivered across means new content and processes the teaching but also venue hire GANG our business. fit for our needs in a digital age.” and taking people away from 16 | | Spring 2019 Spring 2019 | | 17

‘It is much more relatable’ Left: Kate Jansen: “We want our people to call our team and Alpana Popat, finance manager say they want this or “I recently did the Coaching for Empowerment course and I found it GOING FOR GOLD that type of learning, really useful. It was a different way of teaching. Things have shifted and we provide it.” away from traditional methods. On the courses I have done before it Fifteen construction managers from a wide range of projects are in the running for top awards. felt like being talked at, with a few slides to go with it. This one was memorable because of the way it was delivered: interacting with an external actor, and the roleplays we did. It is much more relatable, and his year’s Construction it worked for me.” TManager of the Year awards has another fine list of contenders Rob Clasby, head of design, Cobham from all our LCOs vying to be (South London and South East) crowned best in their field (see box). “We are the first cohort to do the new MDL3. A lot of people want These awards, which are run by flexibility in their working hours; as an industry we need to adjust to the Chartered Institute of Building, that. So the MDL3 has been geared to that. I’ve done two days so far; are unique in that they recognise it has been varied, and I think it was well-considered, and well put- an individual’s performance leading together. It feels like the business is really investing in it. The immersive a project rather than a team’s learning aspect hasn’t been part of it yet, but our cohort will get to use effort. For our people, it is hard the new online portal where we can interact with each other, so if we to say “I” when we naturally talk see an interesting article for example we could share that, or share our about “we”, meaning our team, views on the training and help each other along. That portal will give us but judges are looking to find the an opportunity to be invested in each other’s learning.” standout personal performances. It is a tough judging process, with a detailed submission followed by a site tour and a their jobs. This blended approach outdoor programme deep in the Rethinking apprenticeships are just about a youngster going one-hour interview in the summer. supplements training and deepens New Forest.” The Learning team is also into a trade,” she says. “But that Candidates then find out if they rich variety of our projects, and the learning using resources we In addition, Kate’s team is focusing on another area they has changed. Today you can go have made the cut for the awards the high-calibre people we have Above: Anthony Dowling looks up at his Alexandra Palace project. can share at no extra cost. keen to provide training to our feel is ripe for improvement. “We all the way to obtaining a Masters night in September. to deliver them. This is a key In September the industry will be looking up at him at the Construction These changes are afoot suppliers, recently developing a are underutilising the grants and through the apprenticeship route, Gold medal winners have reason why so much of our work Manager awards. already. The learning team has site management programme, learning funds available – we are paid for by the apprenticeship certainly earned their accolade, as is repeat business – customers just launched a new MDL3 senior which is underpinned by values not seizing the opportunities out levy. There are opportunities Sean McNicholas, who won last want our people to deliver their management programme geared and technical expertise from within there,” says Kate. we are not taking for our people, year for leading a huge revamp at capital projects. around these new priorities and the business. A new addition to the team, and to have someone with Darlington Hippodrome theatre, ways of working – and feedback Another focus is ensuring that funding and projects manager Janette’s knowledge is invaluable explains: “It is a rigorous but fair LCO Nominee Project has been positive (see box, above). the company is future-proofing Janette Welton-Pai, brings to to us.” process, as judges seek to get Farnborough (South Central) Ollie Caunt Village Hotel, Bristol the business with the right bear 20 years of experience Along with the new digital under the skin of your management Delivering value skills to address the changes working in construction and 11 platform and fresh approach qualities. The feeling when they Interiors Phil O’ Brien Twickenham East Stand refurbishment, London There is more in the pipeline, with in digital construction. This is at the Construction Industry to training delivery, this focus announce your name as a winner Rob Brown Imperial College Library, London a focus on far more in-house, about equipping colleagues with Training Board on maximising the on apprenticeships is part of a is immense – a career highlight for rather than external, training. the skills for now and tomorrow, opportunities available in terms holistic quest to build a suite of me. As someone who has grown Cardiff (Wales and the West) Gareth Williams Aurora, Bristol “We want our people to call our which are evolving so quickly. The of funding from the CITB and for training programmes and learning my career here, it highlights what I Rhodri Bowen Withybush, Pembrokeshire team and say they want this or workplace of tomorrow will be apprenticeships. opportunities that help make our can achieve at Willmott Dixon.” that type of learning, and we agile, flexible and fluid thanks to Part of the challenge, Kate people the very best. What they underline is the Birmingham (Midlands) Nick Preedy University of Warwick Sports Hub provide it. We are also geared technological advances. Kate’s says, is to challenge traditional Want to arrange some training? to provide in-house coaching strategy for learning is to embrace perceptions about what an Call Kim Salour, Megan Wrighton Cobham (South London and Andrew Pritchard Woodmansterne School, London from one of three accredited South East) Luke Page Gatwick Nexus, Surrey this change now rather than adapt apprenticeship should involve. or Rebecca Eaton at our Spirella 2 “It is a rigorous but fair professional coaches, delivering to it afterwards. “People think apprenticeships office. process, as judges seek to bespoke management training, Hitchin (North London and the East) Jon Allworth St Albans Museum and Gallery as well as facilitated events get under the skin of your Tony Dowling Alexandra Palace refurbishment, London with senior leadership teams management qualities. and a number of team building “People think apprenticeships are just about a youngster going into a trade. The feeling when they Manchester (North) Martin Middleton Blackpool Police HQ and management development But that has changed. Today you can go all the way to obtaining a Masters announce your name as a Mark Wolverson Gateshead Heights activities in venues such as the through the apprenticeship route, paid for by the apprenticeship levy. There are winner is immense.” Colin Tilley South Bank Custody Suite, Grimsby Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, opportunities we are not taking for our people.” Sean McNicholas, Graham Leigh Bolton Museum refurbishment as well as a resilience-building Kate Jansen, director for organisational development & learning 2018 gold medal winner Matt Littlewood Sterile Services, Broadgreen Hospital, Liverpool 18 | | Spring 2019 Spring 2019 | | 19

“If anyone was to look back on their time working here, I want them to see it as the best years of their career. We have very low staff turnover and we want it to ‘WE’RE IN A stay that way.”

for much longer, with 7,063 years of service between them. There are generations of families working in the company. Of our 150 current trainees, 33 are second, third, or even sixth-generation GOOD PLACE’ Willmott Dixon people, including my son Jack. The economy is facing a potentially difficult That’s part of how we engender a family feel, period as Brexit creates uncertainty for because there are generations of families throughout the business. business. However, with a record order book Some people say you need staff turnover and a strong network of frameworks providing because people get stale and complacent. I prefer to think that they become more efficient, a good pipeline of work, we are ready for with greater loyalty and commitment that whatever challenges the year brings. makes them prouder of what they do. The 167 spoke to Rick Willmott about our plans best companies have a high level of training investment, promote to the highest levels and why he’s excited about the future. internally, and benefit from low people turnover. Having people who really care takes a huge amount of risk out of our business. We know that when people plan strategy, win work and report about programme, project, cashflow, turnover, it is done with the best intentions. How does 2019 look so far? Are we prepared for Brexit? They are part of our journey and believe in what We’re in pretty good shape right now, with just As prepared as we can be. We have to go back we are trying to achieve. over £1bn of workload secured and a further to the things we know make a difference. The £1bn of work identified from existing customers. first thing is having access to the best supply What is your message for Team Though some projects slip in terms of decision- chain, and that means creating the situation Willmott Dixon? making, there are plenty of opportunities where valued partners choose to work with us I want to say how much I appreciate what through our national and regional frameworks rather than someone else. Part of that is paying everyone has done in 2018 and for 2019 so to secure sufficient volume for the foreseeable them properly and we are the best payers in the far, for how the business has performed as a future. There are not many companies with industry. That is now certified and reported. direct result of all our input. We’re in a good better access to frameworks than us, which To protect ourselves against contractual place, but with that is a plea not to become creates a fantastic platform. issues, we are incorporating Brexit clauses in complacent. order to protect ourselves if we cannot finish We are well-positioned to have a good year How do you feel about our ranking at fourth on time because we are unable to get certain Why does social value matter? Customers, particularly public sector ones, If shareholders were to challenge me, I would and I want us all to enjoy doing what we do. But in the Sunday Times Best Companies to supplies or products. ‘Purpose beyond profit’ has long been our are more and more interested in social value. say, “Yes, we could maximise profits, but to do I also want us to take nothing for granted and Work For list? On those contracts we have in place with our philosophy – to make a material difference to It is becoming a requirement to demonstrate so would require us to turn away from the moral find new ways to work smarter, helped by the It was absolutely fantastic news as the entire supply chain partners, we assume that fixed- the wellbeing of people and their lives. This was what we are doing from a return-on-investment obligations and cultural beliefs that define the latest technology we are investing in. report is based on feedback from our people, price contracts will remain fixed-price. We are why we won the Developing Potential award perspective. We’re not reacting to this agenda, way that we have always done business – it is Don’t drop the ball, keep focused on the the result confirms that we are delivering on our reliant on our supply chain to think themselves from Best Companies. Our people value the but leading it. not all about making more money.” things that make a difference: relationships with ambition to be the best place to work, not only in through all of this and deliver for us. opportunity to contribute to and strengthen the We have worked incredibly hard, particularly customers; delivering everything with health our sector but pan-industry. The story will have If there is a material shift in the exchange communities they work in. on Scape framework projects, to create a Why do we want people to have the “career and safety at the front of mind; remember that been picked up by customers, peers, people who rate between the pound and the euro, it will no The way we care for communities and process and a mechanism for customers to of a lifetime” with us? quality is everything; plus supporting customers work for us, and people who might be interested longer make sense for some Eastern European the environment is also valued by the next demonstrate what they have achieved If anyone was to look back on their time through everything they need from us. in joining us. It’s a great calling card. workers to stay here, and there will be a fight for generation – [Swedish student and climate from the capital project they have just working here, I want them to see it as the It’s about having that thought for the It will help with next-generation recruitment skills. By making ourselves the most attractive change activist] Greta Thunberg’s speech at procured. Our in-house portal to measure best years of their career. We have very low customer, the supply chain, the communities too. What comes across in the write-up for the place to work, for the supply chain and for Davos showed that. It is really important that social value for our Scape customers is staff turnover and we want it to stay that we work for and the business. We want to awards is our ambition to cater for the needs of our own people, we have a good chance of we as a business do something about these proving so popular that we may consider way. We have 452 people who have been deliver the best results for everybody, all the all genders. attracting more of what is left. issues in a considered and structured way. licensing it to our peers. with the business for over 10 years, many time, in all our endeavours. 20 | | Spring 2019 Spring 2019 | | 21

early 30 of our sites welcomed Top left: Matt Patel from Interiors Nthousands of people to take a takes centre stage as groups of look behind the hoardings during pupils get a unique perspective Open Doors week. on our National Gallery project. The week-long event – from We are refurbishing Room 32, 18-23 March this year – sought to as well as parts of the ground inspire young people and career- floor to deliver a modern work PUTTING changers to consider a career in environment. construction. At a time when the Construction Industry Training Top middle: Karl Crisp gives Board is predicting that we need pupils a glimpse behind the to create 168,000 jobs in three scenes at our latest University of years, this is far more than just a Kent project, this time to build a PR exercise. new home for its Department of US IN THE It was a great effort by all of Economics. our LCOs and site teams, who made sure our industry once Top right: Josh Heavens again reached out to the next welcomes visitors to our generation. We even opened up Rochdale Riverside development, our BIM cave in the Snowhill outlining plans for the town’s CAREERS office in Birmingham, which was biggest mixed-use scheme in a packed out with people keen to generation. learn how we embrace Building Information Modelling. Middle: Richard Stowell, left, As you can see from the gives a group of visitors in pictures, it was another success Doncaster the lowdown on plans as we opened more sites than any to build the new Central Library SHOP other contractor! and Museum, our sixth project in Doncaster in three years.

Right: Lee Mullet leads the line at our University of Birmingham “It was a great effort by project where we are creating the all of our LCOs and site Teaching and Learning Building. WINDOW teams, who made sure The team welcomed over 100 For Open Doors week, our sites across the country took the chance our industry once again visitors and was even able to reached out to the next demonstrate our EksoVest – to show young people what a career in construction can offer. generation.” the future of construction? 22 | | Spring 2019 Spring 2019 | | 23 BEING NO 1 IN THE NO 2 CITY Ten years ago our construction activity in central Birmingham was minimal. How times change! In the space of a decade we have become the most prolific construction company in the UK’s second city. 167 went to find out how we achieved this rapid growth, and how we’ll sustain it.

n 2009, the thought of delivering Imore than £250m of work in Birmingham in the space of a few years would have seemed optimistic. Yet thanks to a number of factors, we’re now a key driver in shaping the city’s future ambitions by delivering a wide array of projects that are attracting new inward investment. So how did this come about? Pure determination by our team and following the maxim: when opportunities arise, you take them! customers could see what we were teams for their projects. All have helped to make us the That was the case when capable of and wanted us on their Peter adds: “We were building “go to” construction firm for Above: Showing Birmingham City University tender lists. After we successfully up a good track record across many customers. our energy at appointed us in 2011 to deliver completed Parkside – a landmark sectors, including our residential But it is the universities work the University of the first stage of its huge campus for Birmingham and a huge work for the city council. Then the that has turbo-charged our growth Birmingham, where relocation to the Millennium statement of intent for us – we University of Birmingham wanted in Birmingham and across the we’re playing a key Quarter in central Birmingham. never looked back.” us, on the back of our work for West Midlands, as evident at role in the campus The £60m Parkside Building put Indeed fast-forward eight years Birmingham City University, to Warwick (see overleaf). transformation. us in the heart of the city and and some of those larger rivals, play a key role in their campus On sustaining this in the future, Left: Our universities paved the way for more work such as Carillion, no longer exist, transformation. We’ve now Peter says: “Opening a new work has stretched with the Curzon Building and its while others have left the market delivered over five projects for office in Snowhill last year was across the West subsequent extension. and ceased to be a force in the city. them and rising – a credit to the an important next step in our Midlands to include Suddenly we had a huge Another key factor was calibre of our team.” expansion and we are working the University of presence in the city with more than frameworks. Our presence on closely with Interiors to help Warwick’s Sports Hub £120m of development. Scape and the West Midlands Beyond campus establish them in the city. Looking (see overleaf). Construction frameworks gave Other highlights have included ahead, we are focusing on some Statement of intent us access to a swath of big refurbishing West Midlands big opportunities, including being Managing director Peter Owen opportunities, such as the Police’s head office – in addition well-placed to deliver part of the says: “Before this, our value range National College for High Speed to those two new custody suites. Athletes’ Village for the 2022 in the city had been smaller. Rail and West Midlands Police’s We also fitted out HS2’s head Commonwealth Games, and With Parkside, we entered a custody suite reorganisation. Soon office, built hundreds of homes working on a range of housing field occupied by larger, more our hoardings were a common site for the council and refurbished opportunities, alongside our established contractors at that across Birmingham as customers the famous Lewis department universities work. The future is time. Our reputation grew as more from different sectors wanted our store into Grade-A office space. looking very exciting indeed.” 24 | | Spring 2019 Spring 2019 | | 25

BRINGING THE ‘WOW’ TO WARWICK

he University of Warwick the use of coolant technology learning building, completed in Tis another educational allows the right temperature for August 2016. This two-storey establishment benefiting from any given sport and the right building achieved the university’s a repeat business relationship lighting for certain rooms at vision for multi-faculty facilities, with our Birmingham (Midlands) specific times of the day, such as including two large, tiered lecture team to deliver its own campus wellness rooms for yoga. theatres, 12 flexible teaching transformation. “This has the ‘wow’ factor – spaces, study areas and a cafe. What started with the award- visitors will walk in and see the With its arched timber roof, it winning Oculus Building around breadth of the space,” says Nick. was shortlisted for a RIBA West five years ago has now seen close “The sports hall is multifunctional, Midlands Award in 2017. to £100m of work being awarded, allowing a large array of sports, With The Oculus and now with the latest completion being both traditional and non-traditional. Sports Hub being used by the £37m Sports Hub, handed The gym is the biggest in the thousands of students, they also over defect-free at the beginning higher education sector with 250 show what is possible when the of March. machines and space for 80 more.” same team moves from one project The Sports Hub is one of The Sports Hub’s 49-line to the next with a customer. the best sports facilities at a climbing centre has one of the UK’s “We’re maintaining the customer UK university and ties in with only speed walls. “It’s a 15-metre- relationship by keeping the same Warwick’s goal of becoming the high wall, which climbers run up faces on campus,” says Nick. This “The sports hall is “most physically active campus like Spiderman,” explains Nick. approach has led to our team multifunctional, allowing GREEN HEART, community by 2020”. The “huge, The state-of-the-art facility is set now starting two equally pivotal world-class sports facility” is to be used by Team GB’s climbing a large array of sports, schemes for Warwick’s future. set to draw visitors from across team, as Sport Climbing makes its both traditional and non- The largest is the £35m GREAT FACILITIES the Midlands, including future Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020. traditional. The gym is Interdisciplinary Biomedical Olympians, explains construction the biggest in the higher Research Building (IBRB). This will manager Nick Preedy, who joined Setting the mark education sector.” provide a five-storey laboratory, AT BIRMINGHAM as a trainee and is now overseeing Our role at the Sports Hub Nick Preedy, construction lecture theatre, cafe and open our work on the campus. followed Nick and the team’s manager learning centre. Having previously he University of Birmingham secondary school to be based in a first at a UK university, which The Sports Hub showcases the delivery of the University of worked on BioCity in Nottingham, Twas ranked 14th in the UK and university – which gives students “Our relationship has generates data and off-grid best of smart building technology Warwick’s first flagship building, Nick says the Birmingham 79th in the world in the QS World work experience as teachers. It gone from strength-to- electricity by the motion of people in a leisure context. For example, The Oculus – a teaching and (Midlands) team will bring a University Rankings for 2019. This established our relationship just strength as we give the walking on it. lot of learning to IBRB. Twenty followed being named University of as they were rolling out a huge university the benefit of The Teaching and Learning companies already want labs the Year 2014 in the Times Higher investment plan and since then a team it can work with building will provide a state-of-the- in IBRB, he adds. “It can’t come Education awards. it has gone from strength-to- from one job to the next.” art teaching and social study space quickly enough for the university.” Nowadays, universities cannot strength as we give the university at the university. Also, the School This will use a pre-cast frame Nick Proverbs, senior stand still; they need to keep the benefit of a team it can work of Engineering, our largest project very similar to the one being used operations manager investing in their estates if they are with from one job to the next.” at around £47m, will be home to at the Town House for Kingston to maintain growth. The University So far we are delivering five specialist research in digital railway University. Nick is confident the of Birmingham typifies that projects worth over £100m: the engineering, focusing on railway work done off-site will “reduce approach with its plans to invest Green Heart, a new data centre, control and simulation, cyber- the number of hours on-site, nearly £1bn in transforming its the Teaching and Learning security, condition monitoring and and its carbon footprint, while campus between 2016 and 2026. building, the School of Engineering improved methods for technology increasing quality”. The list of projects included in and the Old Gym. introduction. In addition, there is the this £1bn programme is amazing. Each is a crucial element in Nick adds: “Our two demolition of the existing steel- From a state-of-the-art library, the university’s masterplan to organisations share so many framed Warwick Arts Centre to dedicated student hub and world- upgrade facilities so that they common values through our beliefs make way for a new £23m centre, class sports club to the Green are fit for the 21st century and in sustainable development, digital to be delivered shortly before Heart in the centre of campus, it attract students, academics and construction and giving something Christmas 2020. is a huge period of change and we third-party collaboration. For back to the community. Each of Warwick, just like Birmingham, are playing a big part in it. example the Green Heart provides our projects use BIM to ensure has ambitions to be a higher Senior operations manager parkland that opens up the centre Above: Nick Proverbs outside the success and they like our approach education world leader. And we are Nick Proverbs says: “We first of campus for students, staff and Teaching and Learning building. to integrating digital technology as their trusted partner in realising worked with the university the local community to enjoy. It Opposite: The £37m Sports Hub at standard into the process – not a a plan that will create a solid on its school – Britain’s first includes a Pavegen walkway, the the University of Warwick. ‘bolt on’ to tick a box.” platform for generations to come. 26 | | Spring 2019 Spring 2019 | | 27

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One Central Square Cardiff and Vale College Royal Welsh College of Cardiff West Community Ronald McDonald House Cardiff School of Art & WJEC building St Teilo’s Church in Wales Cardiff School of Eastern Community We set the standard for We created Cardiff and Music & Drama High School Our second Ronald Design We turned the location of High School Management Campus office space in Cardiff Vale College’s new city The Guardian University As part of the city’s McDonald House, and One of five schools a former television studio This new 1,440-pupil This was another part We built the with this 135,000-square- centre campus, the biggest Guide 2019 ranks the Royal 21st Century Schools first in Wales, this provides that comprise Cardiff into a four-storey office school in the north of of Cardiff Metropolitan environmentally friendly foot, Grade A, BREEAM education project in Cardiff Welsh College of Music & Programme, our team free “home away from Metropolitan University, block for the Welsh Joint Cardiff was the city’s University’s redevelopment Eastern High School in Excellent building. Phase for a generation. Larger Drama as the UK’s leading created a new school for home” accommodation for we built this within its Education Committee, first BREEAM Excellent masterplan for Llandaff Cardiff for 1,520 pupils one of Central Square, in size than the nearby drama school for the fourth 1,200 secondary students families in South Wales Llandaff Campus to which processes GCSE school thanks to a range of Campus. It provides space to replace Rumney and a 1 million-square-foot Millennium Stadium, time, holding on to the top and 300 sixth-formers who have children being provide extensive studios and A-level exams. Our features such as lighting for 160 staff and over 2,000 Llanrumney High Schools. development in Cardiff the campus has one of spot for the second year that’s transformed treated at the Noah’s Ark and workshops, including building, catering for controls sympathetic to students. Since completion, The building is shared with Enterprise Zone, it was Europe’s largest arrays of running. The facility we education in this part Children’s Hospital and a foundry and ceramics around 220 staff, includes the visual requirements student applications Cardiff and Vale College crowned RICS Wales photovoltaics, with 1,875 built included a 450-seat of Cardiff. It includes a neo-natal intensive care facilities. These studios are meeting rooms, recording of teaching and a passive have risen 25% against which offers a range of commercial project of the square metres on the roof. concert hall and 160-seat full-size 3G sports pitch unit at University Hospital unique in that every student facilities, an exhibition hall design approach that a national average of 4% A-levels and level 2 and 3 year for 2017! courtyard theatre. and gym, a £150,000 fully of Wales. has personal studio space and a bookshop. saw natural daylight and for similar courses, with vocational courses. equipped “cyber-security” to work in. ventilation. the university topping UK classroom and 320-seat league tables for student hall for school productions. satisfaction. ON THE CHARGE IN CARDIFF Wales deservedly won this year’s Six Nations Our map gives a glimpse of how much we’ve contributed to Championship after some outstanding Cardiff’s future over the past 10 years. It’s giving Wales even performances against the other Home more to shout about! Nations. Yet it’s not just the rugby team that’s excelling west of the River Severn – our colleagues in South Wales are having a huge 8 10 impact in Cardiff, reshaping the city’s future. 5

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electric night storage heaters being done, or organised for them and had no real ability to regulate to be moved to a respite property the temperature in their homes. for the day,” explains Clare. Heating was expensive, so residents were choosing to go Each home different WARMING UP without in order to save money.” Although, in theory, the jobs to be carried out in each home would Back to basics be “one size fits all”, the reality was Although Clare knew that working very different. “Different people with more than 600 households had their flats set up in different was going to be “a challenge”, she ways, with different fitted units and THE RESIDENTS was certain she could do it. Having furniture,” recalls Clare. previously worked as a resident The resident liaison team visited Sensitive liaison liaison officer, she was aware that every property with a mechanical this job was going to require “going contractor from H Malone & Sons, proved crucial during back to basics”. and created bespoke designs. “It an 18-month energy Indeed, she and the rest was timely, but between us and overhaul of six of the team – fellow resident the supplier, we gave residents the liaison manager Gina White, “One guy, who from day one was against the whole control they needed in their own Gateshead towers. specifically hired apprentices thing because he was paying for it, wrote to me to say, properties,” says Clare. Connie Cross and Russell Craigie, ‘You’ve done everything with a smile on your face, Next, the team visited all and construction manager you’ve answered questions, you’ve become a friend’.” residents 21 days, seven days and Mark Wolverson found residents Clare Lewis, resident liaison officer one day before work was to begin to be “standoffish” at first. in their homes. After just over a “They were suspicious of year of going through this process, hen our Manchester (North) an external contractor being monthly clinics in order to address What they found was a diverse all six blocks were handed back to Wteam was approached brought in,” says Clare. Also, concerns. group of people, including the housing company in February to work on six blocks of flats as they had previously been given The team also needed to know individuals who were immobile, 2019. The project was a great part of Gateshead Council and a lot of inaccurate information, about vulnerable residents who disabled or had a mental illness. success – completed a week early, Gateshead Housing Company’s so our team needed to focus on would need additional support To make these residents more within budget and defect-free. High-rise Energy Infrastructure countering this with clear and while work took place. “We visited comfortable, the team set up three for Gateshead Housing Tenants concise details about the work that each property individually as we respite flats, where they could go Happy customers (HEIGHTs) Project, Clare Lewis put was to be done. had to know what we would be while work was being carried out in Most residents are “over the moon herself forward for the massive job dealing with,” says Clare. “We their properties. with being able to have heating of liaising with residents living in Face-to-face contact did our own profiling exercise, “There were elderly residents and hot water on-demand”. In 621 homes. The project began in May 2017, identifying where there were issues with no family, who needed a hand fact, some of the leaseholders who The much-needed £20m with the first six months taken up we needed to approach sensitively, to hold. In those cases, we either had been the project’s most vocal programme of energy with Clare and the team being such as a support need.” sat with them while the work was critics were the most impressed improvements focused on making on site, gathering the information with the work delivered. the properties easier and more needed for the improvement work “One guy, who from day one was affordable to heat. to begin in January 2018. In numbers: Gateshead HEIGHTs against the whole thing because “Residents were living in fuel First of all, the liaison team he was paying for it, wrote to me to poverty,” recalls site administrator needed to address resident say, ‘You’ve done everything with a Clare, who stepped up to be resistance to aspects of the 621 smile on your face, you’ve answered resident liaison officer throughout proposed work. Tenants were flats questions, you’ve become a friend’,” the course of the 18-month project. concerned that the new heating says Clare. “Proof that, while you “Their homes were windy inside system would cost them more can’t keep 100% of the residents even when it wasn’t windy outside.” money, and that the work would 6 happy all of the time, you can try The Gateshead HEIGHTs create disruption and not be tower blocks your damnedest.” project involved connecting the finished on time. Meanwhile, many Now back in her administrator tower blocks to a new district leaseholders were unhappy about role, Clare keeps in touch with heating scheme, operated via the costs involved. To deal with £20m some of the residents. She says ground-source heat pumps. The this, Clare and the team set up investment in energy-efficiency improvements she learned so much working with roofs of the blocks were insulated, the wider Gateshead HEIGHTs all the draughty timber-framed team, she’s planning to start an windows were replaced with Left: The project involved 2,484 visits HNC in the built environment. double-glazed PVC, and new connecting six tower blocks to to residents’ homes And if we win more work that radiators were fitted throughout. a new district heating scheme, involves complex resident liaison “This was about giving people insulating the roofs and replacing in the North East, there’s definitely a better standard of living,” says the timber-framed windows 0 defects one person who will be up for Clare. “They were relying on and radiators. the challenge. 30 | | Spring 2019 Spring 2019 | | 31

On site: Rochdale Riverside

Cinema, retail and restaurants

Customer: Genr8 and Kajima joint venture, in partnership with TOWN CENTRE Rochdale Council and Rochdale Development Agency Value: £39m Contract: Design and build On site: February 2018 – GAME CHANGERS June 2020 Though 200 miles apart, Rochdale and Pontypridd have something big in common: transformations that are bringing new life to their urban centres, courtesy of our people.

riving along the A470 Chain Court to reflect the area’s and Next and a multi-storey Dfrom Cardiff up through industrial heritage – the Taff Vale car park. The developers of the central Wales, the Taff Vale scheme comprises two office 61,000-square-metre scheme, Redevelopment in Pontypridd blocks and a third, curved building which is funded by M&G is clearly visible. The two tower which will be home to the library, Investments, are a Genr8 and cranes dominating the skyline are cafe and council-run gym. Kajima joint venture. M&G has a statement of intent for a town It was the first project to agreed a 250-year lease on the embracing regeneration. receive funding from the Welsh site from Rochdale Council and Over 200 miles away in northern Government’s Building for the will then sublet it back for 35 England, Rochdale’s town centre Future Programme, which in years, with the council using rental is undergoing a profound change turn receives funding from the income from the occupiers to pay of the same magnitude. A retail European Regional Development for the sublease. and leisure scheme, vital to the Fund. Some £10m of the budget council’s wider regeneration came from the government. Risks below programme, promises to bring new Typical of any brownfield, urban life to the daytime and evening Rochdale’s big vision scheme, both projects faced economies, setting the stage for Rochdale may have been in the challenges in the ground. Often new housing to be built there too. headlines for other reasons in these unknown ground risks derail In Rochdale, where the site took 25 weeks and was one of Both projects are long-awaited, recent times, but the town is developments because they are was once a bus station and an the biggest risks to the schedule, on sites where other developers moving on and we’re playing a big hard to price and add cost, which old council block, the legacy was says construction manager Andy have come and gone. Both enjoy part in making this happen. can break a developer’s budget. obstacles in the ground, such Howarth. “I put a dedicated a huge profile locally, carrying The Rochdale Riverside is At Pontypridd, the site of a as foundations, piles and old manager, Jamie Beard, on the the hopes and expectations of also going to make a difference. former shopping centre and concrete subways. Our team’s service diversions and utilities to local politicians, businesses and It will be home to a six-screen council office right by the River Taff proposal for dealing with these ensure that all eventualities were communities. Reel cinema, restaurants, retail and near to the town’s historic old obstructions was to dig down over dealt with,” he says. anchored by Marks & Spencer bridges, the land came with its own the whole site for three or four Making a mark in Wales basement walls, previously part of metres, remove obstructions where Logistics jigsaws “You don’t get projects such as the old shopping centre. “We had necessary and re-engineer the While just-in-time deliveries and this in the Valleys!” says senior a site that was a big hole in the ground so that a ground-bearing sensitive lorry movements may be “I put a dedicated operations manager Dave John in ground, with an existing retaining Above: The regenerators – slab and foundation solution could second nature for big-city sites, Pontypridd. “This is a £40m project manager, Jamie Beard, wall to support a busy town centre Andy Howarth, right, and his team be used. This eliminated the need they aren’t the norm in smaller – the biggest we’ve done in Wales. on the service diversions road that runs next to the site,” at Rochdale show the sheer scale for piling, bringing the scheme towns where recent developments All our competitors showed an and utilities to ensure explains Dave. One of the first of the site. within the customer’s budget. have been few and far between. interest but the customer wanted that all eventualities were tasks for our team in March 2018 There was a raft of diversions “The logistics takes a lot more our team.” dealt with.” was to create a podium at ground- Right: Matt Walsh, left, and to deal with too, including a road managing by the supply chain and Recently renamed as Llys Andy Howarth, construction floor level supported through Jarrad Owen are helping to realise that ran through the M&S plot and ourselves than it normally would,” Cadwyn – which translates as manager, Rochdale columns by 680 piles. plans for Pontypridd’s renewal. every utility imaginable. That work says Dave. “There’s been a bit of 32 | | Spring 2019 Spring 2019 | | 33

On site: Taff Vale “We’ve never built Redevelopment anything quite like that before, so there have been HELPING OUR PEOPLE Two office blocks, library, some challenges around community gym, cafe learning new techniques.” Dave John, senior operations Customer: Rhondda Cynon Taf manager, Pontypridd ACHIEVE THEIR ‘COAL’ County Borough Council Value: £40m We want our people to enjoy a ‘career of a lifetime’ with us. Here, three reflect on how working Contract: JCT Design and build with us became far more than just a job. On site: March 2018 – Spring 2020 Left: The new library features distinctive double-curving walls.

handed over in March 2020, is ur goal is to be a company where you ahead of 1 Llys Cadwyn, which will Oliterally have a “career of a lifetime”, or be home to Transport for Wales COAL – to grow, develop and achieve amazing with a handover of April 2020. things that help contribute to us being a In Rochdale, the cinema, which successful company. wasn’t impacted by the diversions, COAL is about ensuring that everything you is the furthest progressed, want from a career – development, training, with drylining and M&E works challenge, stimulation, career progression, a learning curve for some of the entrants to the industry, gateman The Rochdale Observer ran an underway. When finished, one friendships, pride and reward – can be achieved supply chain.” Rob Jones, has taken up a liaison article praising the local investment elevation will have a kinetic wall to right here. The Pontypridd site has the role, says Dave: “He goes and on the project, with 40 percent give it the “wow” factor, says Andy. Our longest-serving 452 people have 7,063 ancient bridges to its northern end, checks everything is OK with of spend so far going to firms By late March, the steel years of service between them – a longevity the River Taff to the east, a car park them. I think they can see we are within a 10-mile radius of the site was going up for the fourth of that is a reason customers like working with us. to the south and the busy town trying our best to minimise the and 80 percent within 40 miles. Rochdale’s six buildings with the 167 caught up with three people who illustrate “You have to work hard in our industry, centre to the west. Deliveries come disruption.” Though it isn’t a requirement of our multi-storey car park and small what COAL has meant to them: Ian Edwards, and it can be challenging – but the one through the town centre. Beyond logistics, there are contract with Genr8 and Kajima, hub building yet to build. Handover Graham Dundas and Jo Weston. Rochdale is similarly other challenges too. The pebble- it is a priority for the project, will be in a staggered phasing, thing that keeps everyone doing it is constrained, located right next shaped library and gym building says Andy: “It’s important to beginning with the cinema, which that sense of achievement as a team. to a new Metrolink stop and the in Pontypridd, with distinctive Willmott Dixon and it’s important will go to Reel for fit-out at the end Otherwise none of us would do it!” Wheatsheaf shopping centre. double-curving walls, has been to Rochdale Council.” of September this year. Ian Edwards, operations director The other important aspect technically interesting says Dave. Pontypridd, on the other hand, Hot on the heels of that which both Dave and Andy flag up “We’ve never built anything quite where the council is developing the handover will be M&S in early is the need to protect the interests like that before, so there have been scheme, has a huge contractual November, with all the buildings, When and why did you join us? trainee site manager. Back in the day I ran my because you are not so hands-on, but that of local shops and businesses some challenges around learning target when it comes to adding except the car park, before I joined in 1998. When I left college I joined first job on my own while I was still a trainee pride is still there. so that the regeneration doesn’t new techniques.” social value: 2,280 weeks of Christmas. The goal is for the AMEC, and after about nine months I was – health and safety rules mean that wouldn’t And then there is watching people develop. damage their income in the The biggest challenge for Andy targeted recruitment and training. whole shopping centre to be made redundant along with all the other be allowed today! Then I became an assistant You have to work hard in our industry, and it can process. For instance, Andy talks and his team in Rochdale is the The project is well on the way, open in time for Easter 2020 trainees. Fair play to them though, they found us building manager, worked my way up to be challenging – but the one thing that keeps about keeping a footpath across volume and variety of the scheme’s says Dave, with over 1,400 weeks and, though not contractually all places elsewhere and I joined Willmott Dixon construction manager, operations manager and everyone doing it is that sense of achievement the site open to allow access from six buildings. Not only must they already under its belt involving committed, Andy and his team are as a management trainee. I met the head of HR then became a director. as a team. Otherwise none of us would do it! the Metrolink stop to shops. programme and feed the activities work experience, apprentices and keen to make it happen. at a service station somewhere up the A1. Both projects have team for each building, there is also the long-term unemployed people. “The important thing to our I remember it distinctly because the World Cup Was it always your aim to be a director? What have been your career highlights members who are in constant design process to go through for Over 75 percent of the project customer is that M&S move in on was on and England were playing. I wanted to To be honest, this is something I like to to date? dialogue with neighbours. In each one. “In terms of the logistics spend on supply chain will be the date they want to,” says Andy. get somewhere and watch the game so was a discuss with new trainees. They want to be Building the grandstand at Epsom racecourse. Rochdale it is site administrator on such a tight site and the design within South Wales. “But we have to be flexible as well. bit distracted, if I’m honest! a director almost straight away whereas our Seeing it every year when the Derby is on, Danielle Whitworth. “She has for each building, this is a complex It’s as important that we get as ethos is always this – do the best in the job seeing the building you have built – there was worked wonders with the local job,” says Andy. Halfway there many tenants in as possible and When did you realise that this was you are doing and the rest will follow. I have a buzz around the job. Everyone had a real zest community,” says Andy. “She is in Both projects are around halfway we need to accommodate their somewhere you could build a career? never asked for a promotion, I found if I about the project; they knew what it was for. regular contact with the adjacent Good news locally through in terms of programme requirements where we can.” Very early on. First of all it was about the people did a really good job in what was required, shopping centre to make sure they Newspaper headlines have been and are taking shape nicely. Both projects will change I worked with, and then the values the company it led to a better job soon after. That’s What advice would you give to younger are happy – as well as all the other kind to both schemes. Local The concrete cores for all three people’s lives and improve their upholds. They want to treat people the right way, what I try to instill in the younger people colleagues? jobs she does.” journalists, businesses and buildings in Taff Vale are in place, region’s outlook for the better. Both whether that’s our people or the supply chain. coming through. Work hard, do the best you can at the role you In Pontypridd, site neighbours communities are positive about and all have their steel frames need us to make it happen, and are doing, focus on the job in hand, don’t think include small shops and food investment into their towns after wrapped around them. Number both are getting the full value that What has your career journey been since What do you enjoy about the job? too far ahead and things will sort themselves outlets, a museum and an Iceland years, if not decades, of aborted 2 Llys Cadwyn, the speculative only Willmott Dixon brings to town joining? First, the variety of the projects we deliver. out. And if you want a goal to aim for, change supermarket. One of our new plans and promises. office building, which will be centre regenerations. I joined the management trainee scheme as a It’s bit more distant now being a director, the way we do things. Make it better. 34 | | Spring 2019 Spring 2019 | | 35

What has your career journey been since then? After training I became an assistant surveyor, “When you’re 19, you don’t tend to look then I worked my way up to senior surveyor. I any further ahead than the next few years. was looking after various projects in Camden, Bury St Edmunds, Hertfordshire – all over the But very early in my career I developed a place. Then I had my first child in 2000 and I great attachment to the business, to the came back to work on a part-time basis as a people I work with and the culture.” finance manager. I carried on in that role after had my second child in 2003. Graham Dundas, chief financial officer In 2005 I was asked to be head of customer service for Homes, which I did for 10 years. Then I became responsible for commercial and quality and aftercare in the building services What do you like most about your job? team, and since October 2018 I have worked Definitely the people I work with. It’s always in Interiors as an operations director. I am the people you work with and the culture of the now responsible for rollouts, frameworks and business that keeps you somewhere. That’s why projects below £2m. I have enjoyed getting out of bed in the morning for the past 20 years; I have always worked What do you enjoy about the job? with people I like and respect, and that’s all that In construction you are always learning matters, isn’t it? something new – you never get bored. There is a challenge every day in terms of decisions What is so appealing about the culture? to be made or taking different approaches Everyone has great respect for each other, to different types of projects with different and there is a culture of doing the right thing. customers. I love the variety and the technical We have always had a purpose beyond elements – working something from an idea profit. Being a private company we always into a final product. take decisions for the long-term good of the business – we are not driven by short-term What has kept you at this company? targets. Everyone has a great degree of Willmott Dixon is a great employer – they treat professionalism and is always keen to do their people exceptionally well. And because the right thing. it is a company that doesn’t stand still, there are always opportunities. We are constantly Is there anything you dislike? evolving. And the company has really supported If there is, I should try and change it, shouldn’t I? me with agile working. When I had a young There are always things that could be improved family I was able to work flexibly. People’s lives but Willmott Dixon has always been looking to are busy, and there is no point putting obstacles grow and innovate. It has never stood still and “The company has really supported me in their way. They are very good like that. that is part of the attraction. with agile working. When I had a young What have been your career highlights What have been your career highlights family I was able to work flexibly. so far? so far? People’s lives are busy, and there is no This role I am doing now! I love it. And to have When did you join us, and why? I could see it was an industry that would offer a I won the company’s trainee of the year award the opportunity to move within our business, I joined as a trainee accountant in 1998 – lot of variety – and this firm felt like somewhere back in 2001 – that is a great accolade in the point putting obstacles in their way. ” from residential to Interiors, and learn something more than half my life ago. I was looking for a I could build my career. When you’re 19 years business. I have been fortunate enough to Jo Weston, operations director, Interiors new. Interiors really is going places in terms of management training scheme that would allow old, you don’t tend to look any further ahead lead teams from quite a young age, and being growth – I’m excited to be part of that journey. me to complete my professional qualifications than the next few years. But very early in my promoted to chief financial officer last year at a company that seemed like it would offer a career I developed a great attachment to the is something I have worked towards and had What advice would you give to someone lot of interest and variety. business, to the people I work with and the hoped to achieve for 20 years. coming up through the ranks now? Without having any prior knowledge of it, culture. Why and when did you join us? Embrace any learning, and don’t be afraid to ask and looking at Willmott Dixon, I thought the What is your advice for others starting out in I joined in 1992 as a trainee quantity surveyor. questions. And they should explore the variation construction industry would be a good industry Describe your career journey so far. the business? I was interested in accountancy, but I realised of roles on offer. There is so much opportunity to work in. The company immediately appealed I have benefited more than anyone from the Say yes to every opportunity, because there I didn’t want to spend my whole life sitting in various roles, whether technical or people- – I sensed I would be valued and allowed to group’s culture of promoting from within. I is no substitute for experience. I have been in an office. My aunt was a quantity surveyor based roles, social value and sustainability – the develop my potential. started as a trainee accountant in 1998, and lucky enough to work in different parts of the for a developer up in the Midlands. I spoke to industry is filled with opportunity. But you probably had seven or eight roles before I was business and on different projects, and that has her about the role and decided to look for an have to work hard and you have to take that What was it that appealed? promoted to the main board as chief financial been invaluable. In the same vein, learn as much opportunity – the job was advertised in my local opportunity into your own hands. Don’t sit back The variety. In finance terms, every year and officer last year. It was a proud moment, but I as possible from those around you who are careers office, so I went for an interview and and wait for it to come to you. Make sure you every project is different. It’s not like working in always felt if I showed I had the ability, I would more experienced. And be patient. Look for step was offered the job later the same day. Never have a clear development plan to learn and a manufacturing plant that churns out widgets. be given the opportunity. changes in your career. looked back. expose yourself to new learning. RIDE TO GLORY More than 150 of our people, customers and suppliers broke out the lycra to raise money for Action Medical Research at the annual Willmott Dixon Classic

fter wind postponed the Aannual Willmott Dixon Classic last September, it was game on this time as more than 150 cyclists descended on Turweston Aerodrome in Northamptonshire to raise money for Acton Medical Research. There was a choice of three routes – 30, 60 or 84 miles – and our people were joined by many customers and suppliers on the day to complete a demanding but fun course. Conditions were cloudy with a moderate breeze, while the odd hill made sure everyone knew they had been on a ride. However, those who went Above: Rick Willmott, through the pain barrier used the left, and Neal words of Sarah Stevenson from Stephens lead the Action Medical Research to spur charge at the start. them on. Before the ride, Sarah Left: Interiors’ Taleisha praised the Classic for raising Donaldson took on the over £150,000 in the last three 60-mile route. years and said: “Thanks to your Below: Marie Lakin support we’ve made huge progress from Wales and the on the ‘sticky hands’ research West and Alex Tebbs programme to create learning aids from Via check out for prematurely born babies. The their times at the end. Classic has basically funded that whole project, and I would like you to hold that thought as you cycle the course.” The 2020 ride will be in September – details will be announced later this year.

“The Classic has basically funded our whole project to create learning aids for prematurely born babies.” Sarah Stevenson, Action Medical Research

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