Issue 5 Autumn 2018

Welcome! Welcome to the fifth edition of Aston World! Here we celebrate a mixture of new business awards, staff Middleton Shopping Centre achievements, training and innovation developments. We are delighted to announce Our commitment to customer that we have been awarded service and providing the cleanest As we grow as a Group we the full soft services contract and safest possible environment are dedicated to the need to for Middleton Shopping Centre. for our public to enjoy is priority communicate both internally Formerly The Arndale Centre, and we are looking forward to and externally and to also built in 1971, the site comprises working with Aston Services Group abide with our responsibilities 3 levels of retail shopping and to fulfil this.” extensive car parking for 378 not only to the environment Alistair Clayton, Commercial vehicles. It provides around but also our people. Director at Aston Services Group 340,000 sq ft of retail space as commented, “Middleton Shopping Developing our people to well as a gym and Middleton Centre is an historic ‘hub’ of the Health Centre. enhance your business. community and we are delighted to Lynette Howgate, Associate have been awarded this contract. If you have any comment or Director at Middleton Shopping We too are looking forward to ideas for future content – Centre, said, “We are a long working in partnership with the please contact Kieran Coe at established retail destination in the centre team at Middleton.” [email protected] heart of Middleton’s town centre.

Elsewhere in Aston World: Hybrid Mitsubishi SHE newsletter Retail and Industrial videos launched Employee awards IOSH safety & World Host training BAE Barrow Rolls Royce 2 Aston WORLD Hybrid Car

In line with our continued commitment to reducing our carbon footprint, Alistair Clayton, Commercial Director, has changed his car to a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV – the new electric / petrol Hybrid. With a range of 33 miles on the electric power and an all wheel drive SUV, the car comes with great ‘green’ credentials – and with Alistair charging the harnessing from our solar panel car via the solar energy we are roof installation at Aston House – you could call it a ‘Win-win’. New Industrial Video SHE Recognised as the go to provider Our new video shows the Here’s the first edition of specialist cleaning services, capabilities of the Industrial of our Health & Safety our Industrial Division have Division https://www. & Environmental further developed the resources astonservicesgroup.co.uk/news/ to deliver big projects. As Ian video.html newsletter... Gilston, Aston Services Group Jacquie Davies, Head of QUENSH, The video shows both our Chairman puts it, “Our name is has been working very hard to extensive range of services quality and we are building a put together the first edition and also our commitments to reputation for delivering on what of this newsletter which will be accreditation and health and we say.” shared publically and internally Safety in the workplace. within the Aston Services Group. We envisage a new edition to be issued quarterly and should you have any comments or input please feel free to email Jacquie@astonservicesgroup. co.uk

SHE Safety | Health | Environment

When summer means hay May 2018 Safety Health fever, here’s how to help SHE Environment Whilst we all long for those beautiful long summer days and the smell of freshly cut grass, hay fever sufferers dread the high pollen counts, and the itchy, Quality & compliance sneezy, wheezy symptoms that are associated with it. Welcome to the Aston Services Group Monthly Bulletin. A 2013 study showed that anywhere between 10-30% of For further details on any of the newsletter content - please do not hesitate to contact me. adults suffer with hay fever, and research from the Met Office 1. KEEP THE WINDOWS CLOSED suggested that UK employees who suffer from severe hay Good quality air conditioning is much better than having fever need an average of 8.4 days away from their desk. the windows open during the summer period. Opening ISO 45001 standard published windows allow the minuscule pollen particles to find Many people believe that hay fever simply manifests as itchy their way in and settle around the office. The long-awaited ISO 45001 standard has been published.eyes and sneezing that can be managed with a cocktail of antihistamines, eye drops and nasal sprays. Whilst this may 2. CONSIDER FLOORING The publishing of the standard marks the beginning of thebe truemigration in some cases, we know that as many as 57% of adults Plush carpets tend to harbour both dust and pollen, period from OH SAS 18001 to the ISO replacement. Organisationswill have sleep that disturbance as a result of their hay fever. which creates a problematic environment for hay fever hold OHSAS 18001 have three years to comply with the new standard. Poor sleep results in daytime fatigue and problems with and dust allergy sufferers alike. Sweepable and moppable Aston Services Group will be working towards the standardalertness and weand hope concentration. to Many hay fever sufferers floors are better for pollen free working conditions. If undertake the audit towards the end of the year. describe this as “brain fog”. There is therefore no surprise that there are carpets, ensure they are thoroughly vacuumed Jacquie Davies productivity is significantly reduced in perennial hay fever on a daily basis by the cleaning staff. Head of Health Safety The International Labour Organisation calculated that there are Quality and Compliance, approximately 2.78 million fatal accidents in the workplacesufferers. every year. This 3. REMOVE PLANTS AND FLOWERS Aston Services Group Ltd is in addition to the 374 million non-fatal accidents Pollenand illnesses has three occurring waves, with the result that staff can be Whilst they can make an office look nicer, these should from the workplace or work-related activities. Such statistics only serve as affected by hay fever from January right through to the end of be removed from working areas, as people seemingly Mobile: 0753895 5358 a strong reminder as to why health and safety at work is so important, and summer, but there are things that employers can do to create a forget that flowers create pollen. Office: 01772 425070 why it should be considered an integral part of any organisation. pollen free work environment throughout hay fever season. Fax: 01772 425071 4. REMOVE SOFT FURNISHINGS

Email: [email protected] In the age of the trendy office, cushions and beanbags Web: www.astonservicesgroup.co.uk have become common. It may be beneficial to remove Aston Services Group SHE Committee these during the hay fever months, or at least ensure they are vacuumed daily. SPILLAGES: 5. STORE COATS AND JACKET SEPARATELY January saw the inaugural meeting of theThree Aston Services vital Group steps Safety, Health to andtake It would be great to have a separate cloakroom for coats and Environment Committee. The purpose of the SHE Committee will be to ensure we cover all relevant issue within the business. jackets. Clothes pick up small pieces of pollen each time you go outside, these small particles are then deposited into Just like fire,The a spillmembers can causeof the Committeemajor damage are all enthusiastic to The committee has agreed some standing items for the working space, especially if your staff are in the habit of workers and aand site, looking even forward more to so working if the togetherwrong tochemical make a IN THIS ISSUE: the agenda and allow for other items to be added as difference. The members are Sally Taylor, Operations hanging their coats on the back of their chair. is used to begin with. Three critical steps in order to necessary. The main agenda points will be: Director, Jacquie Davies, Head of Health Safety • ISO 45001 handle a site spillage swiftly. 6. ALLOW FLEXIBLE WORKING Quality and Compliance. Gavin Armitage, Cath • SHE Committee • Statistics on accident records, ill health, sickness Mangan, Ann Marie Thompson and Phil Todd, If these measures have not helped, consider offering flexible absence. • How to help with CommunicateIndustrial the hazard and Maintenance – no matter Director. how large Going forward working on high pollen days, allowing staff to work from Accident investigations and subsequent action. hay fever • or small; the committee will review, consult and agree with the home or starting/finishing early. Pollen counts are different

• Spillages: the three • Inspections of the workplace by enforcing implementation of any new policies and procedures. throughout the day. If the 9am pollen is high, an 8am or Clear up the spill – ensure it does not get any worse; vital steps authorities, management or employee health and 10am start may be preferable when levels are lower. The Met The minutes and action points will be distributed to safety representatives. and you for circulation and display on all notice boards. Office website is an excellent source of information, and • Risk assessments. Recovery – ensure spill kits are maintained on a regular offers a pollen count map to help you to plan. Please ensure that you share the minutes with our Health and safety training. basis so that they are fit for purpose and the appropriate • brand partners and do not hesitate to contact any of 7. HELP YOUR STAFF TO SEE A DOCTOR • Emergency procedures. measures are in theplace committee next time members around. with any queries you have. Remember that Health and Safety is not a chore, it’s Allow your staff to see their doctor to discuss hay fever • Changes in the workplace affecting the health, just the way we do business. treatments. If the standard over the counter medications safety and welfare of employees. have not been helping, there are a range of prescribable • Recycling and Energy Performance. medications that can be offered, including tablets, nasal • Documentation Review. sprays, and even a hay fever injection, which is used to help the most severe sufferers. Copyright ©StockLayouts LLC. All rights reserved.

Copyright ©StockLayouts LLC. All rights reserved. Issue 5 | Autumn 2018 3 Security award in ‘historic’ Lancaster City Centre We have been awarded the Manned Guarding contract for Marketgate Shopping Centre, Lancaster. The shopping centre houses more than 20 stores, ranging from High Street stores to a public house, a dental practice and other local traders. It has a secure, customer friendly car park for 120 cars and has won awards for its parent room, toilet and disabled facilities. Alistair Clayton, Commercial Director at Aston Services Group, commented, “We are greatly looking forward to working with the centre team at this historic city centre location. Marketgate is a thriving hub for shoppers and visitors in Lancaster. With this in mind, we will be investing in World Host customer service training for our team to equip them with the required skills and confidence levels.” Moving forward... Junction 32 Outlet Shopping Village As we continually look to improve to our service levels we have recently reinvested in new equipment..

In line with Junction 32’s aspirations and goals to present an even stronger destination offering to the regional Yorkshire economy and beyond, and coupled with recent investment in additional cleaning and staff, the next step in the overall plan was to reinvest in the equipment provision on site. Following an Innovation Day a number of key pieces of capital equipment were identified and these have now been installed and positive incremental results are already being noticed by shoppers, retailers and the centre management team alike. Pictured are a number of our team receiving training on one of the key pieces of kit 4 Aston WORLD Maintenance Here are just a small sample of the wide and varied projects we are successfully undertaking for our customers, proving our capabilities and breath of skill sets. Recycling Pallets We have again shown our green credentials by fabricating table and chairs out of used pallets at Shopping Centre, Hull. This has provided a seating area for the food court event – UPCYCLING AT IT’S BEST!

Fabricating a sandpit area for Lakeside, .

New School Doors We recently secured a project to install new classroom and store room doors to Orchard Head Primary School in Pontrefract. During the recent holidays we have installed 5 new classroom doors and installed 5 new store rooms doors. The customer has been very happy with our works during the holidays. Nicola Coussons “Please thank all the lads who have worked in the school over the summer, they have done a cracking job, it all looks fab and the Head Teacher has said they were a great set of lads.” Issue 5 | Autumn 2018 5 Industrial News ASTON SCORES A DOUBLE AT BAE, BARROW!

PROJECT: New Teaching Facility for Apprenticeships – BAE, Barrow VALUE: £35,000+

PROJECT: New Paint Facility – BAE, Barrow VALUE: £75,000+

Cleaning works have commenced on the new paint facility at BAE, Barrow for Sir Robert McAlpine. Our works include a full Builders Clean, incorporating all the glass and exterior surfaces & high level areas Our specialist Industrial Division has recently completed internally by use of MEWP’s. the cleaning project at the new Apprentice Training We have a dedicated non-working SSSTS qualified Facility at BAE, Barrow. supervisor on site throughout the Project, and all Works included a full Builders, Sparkle & External Clean cleaning operatives hold CSCS cards. with use of IPAF skilled operatives.

PROJECT: Contractor: McLaughlin & Harvey Value - £30,000+

We have been contracted to do a full Builders Clean package at the New Primary Components Operation PCO Extension, Rolls Royce (Nuclear Division), Derby which makes reactor cores for the Royal Navy’s fleet of nuclear- powered submarines. The project is to include all high level cleaning in production areas, including access equipment for external windows and cladding clean. Cleaning works to start 1st week in October!! 6 Aston WORLD

WorldHost Training Developing our people to Back to the enhance your business. The classroom WorldHost Training - Developing our people to enhance your IOSH Leading business. Brick As part of our ongoing commitment The Brick Project was Safely course to the highest possible levels of set up 10 years ago this customer service, we continue All the members of the senior to invest in our staff undergoing month, to work with people management team went back to the training via the WorldHost in need, in the Wigan and classroom today to take part in an IOSH Programme. Leigh community, to help Leading Safely course which definitely them move through difficult proved insightful and interesting. Alongside adding value to our support for our customers, transitions and rebuild their Thanks very much to Robin Dobson of the training also provides clear lives. 3B Training for delivering a very thought development and reinforcement The Brick aims to assist people provoking course. of the highest values of customer to feel empowered and to make service to which Aston Services We’ve all come away with some their own good choices in life, it Group aspire. ongoing Commitments and Goals so it’s supports them to make positive homework time for us all... The photograph shows a group decisions. They offer skills and who undertook (and passed with employability training through Apologies for the photography but flying colours!) the WorldHost their Steps to Success programme pictured are Phil Todd, Darrell Clews, Sally training, held at Junction 32 Outlet at the Brick Works. A vital part Taylor, Ian Gilston, Jim McKinnon & James Shopping Village, Castleford during of this is work placements and Wheeler the summer. The employees were a Aston Services Group have been mix from Junction 32, Carlton Lanes a major supporter of this, offering Shopping Centre, Castleford and St a number of placements through Johns Shopping Centre, . its maintenance division. One recent success story is Garry, who had been doing well at The Brick Works and following a placement with Aston went on to full time employment with a local Wigan business.

Fantastic service, flexible, reliable... These are some of the kind words from one of our clients, Brian Cromie, at XYZ Building Hi All, her busy morning routine; she was I find myself writing to you once very happy to help. again with regards to giving great I cannot stress the importance feed back about one of the cleaning of flexibility and having friendly operatives that is allocated to our reliable staff. site, Prilistina Machocho Machandi. Millie and I would like nominate Prilistina is one of the most reliable Prilistina for an award for her hard contractors that we have on our work a great service. whole site. She is always here on Many thanks, time, completes her work to the Brian highest standard that we have now come to expect from Aston Brian Cromie Cleaning Services, which is great Community Manager news. Presentation to: Prilistina Machocho Prilistina could not be more helpful, Mwachandi XYZ operative in Left to right: in times such as last week when I recognition of her fantastic Brian Cromie - Client had to ask her to assist me with an attitude, service and commitment - Ann Marie Thomson - Regional Manager urgent task that was in addition to thank you! Prilistina - Employee Becky Setter - Site Supervisor Issue 5 | Autumn 2018 7 People in the News

Rebecca Hilton - Cath Gidley - Well done! Shirley Ncube - Well done! tremendous work! A well deserved Certificate of Excellence... We’re really pleased to announce that Brilliant customer service! Shirley Ncube has been recognised We are delighted to help recognise Cath’s for her consistent, excellent hard work on Rebecca Hilton – She went above and hard work and dedication which has a daily basis by our client Matthew Wilson beyond her role when dealing with an been recognised by both our main client from Eco IPS who had the following to elderly man who fell onsite, she was and by one of the key building occupiers say about her Shirley: absolutely lovely with him whilst waiting at No 1 Spinningfields, PwC, which was ‘’Good morning both, I just wanted to drop for an ambulance, but she also went commented on below by one of their you a quick note regarding the cleaning to the hospital with him. She has also team. of the three Thorpe Park buildings. visited him several times whilst he was ‘’I just wanted to give some quick in hospital and still keeps in contact feedback on the service staff who look Since Shirley began cleaning the Thorpe with him as he has no family. The after us all in PwC . I always Park buildings we have received a Centre Manager (Victoria Nichol) wants find them pleasant and amenable and number compliments from the occupiers her brilliant customer service to be willing to help us all in PwC and our clients regarding the high standard of service recognised and acknowledged. visit on site. They go above and beyond that she brings. Shirley’s willingness in ensuring that we are all comfortable and efficiency to go above and beyond Pictured (Left to Right) Paul Frost and able to get on with our jobs in a nice and to continuously meet and exceed (Operations Manager CBRE), Rebecca environment. our high standards has not been un Hilton Customer Service Officer, Karen noticed. I would like to pass on an official Croft (Mall Services Manager) and Lynda The place always looks clean and tidy thank you to Shirley as she is a fantastic Kenyon (Centre Administrator CBRE. and I know that everyone involved puts representative for both Eco IPS and in long hours and hard work to keep it like Aston Services. that. A special thank you for who ever looks after the toilets on floors 6 & 7 (the Kind Regards floors I use mostly) as they are always Matthew’’ spotless!!.’’ Very well done Cath to be recognised and Pictured is Shirley receiving her rewarded - keep up the fine work!!!! Certificate of Excellence from Matthew The picture shows Cath being presented Wilson. with her Certificate of Excellence by Ann- Marie Thompson, Regional Operations Manager.

Julie & her team - Thank you! A huge thanks to our great team led by Julie We are really pleased to announce that we have achieved our highest ever audited scores in the Critical Research/ Caesars Entertainment cleanliness audit process. Julie and her team have been recognised with a Certificate of Excellence for their outstanding work as we are currently scoring at 9.55 overall out of a maximum 10 (the average score within the group is Georgina Harrison 9.06) and this is our highest ever score After many years’ achieved during our 4 year tenure to service for us at date and this was awarded following a Queen’s Square fifth successive quarterly increase. Shopping Centre, West Bromwich, Georgina Pictured,Julie Swindells, Site Harrison is retiring to Supervisor at 235 receiving her ‘spend more time with C of E from Siobhan Yearsley her family (and cats)’. at Manchester235 which is the most spectacular Vegas-style Picture show Georgina casino,boasting two of the best bars receiving presents in Manchester & the infamous James from Deb Doody (site Martin Manchester restaurant. Cleaning Manager) and the team at Queen’s Square. Thanks for all your hard work and enjoy your well earned retirement. 8 Aston WORLD People in the News Greatest show put on at Team ‘row’ river Aire Lakeside! Rowing challenge in support of Leeds For the past six weeks, Lakeside Village MIND. in Doncaster have hosted a series of We were delighted to help support our outdoor cinema nights, every Thursday client in their rowing challenge in aid of evening. And what a success they have Leeds MIND. been! The Greatest Showman, an original musical celebrating the imagination of Gemma & Caritia from our Leeds office showman P.T. Barnum, recently attracted took part in the rowing challenge and the over 1200 visitors! team rowed the length of the River Aire Centre Manager, David Aunins said of the which was no mean achievement. event, “It just shows how popular a venue Almost £500 was raised on the day so a Lakeside is now and how the community huge well done to all who took part! has really appreciated and enjoyed the cinema evenings! I have also heard from several of the retail outlets saying that Fiona Douglas rewarded sales have been up dramatically because of these evenings – so an all-round for her dedication success.” Employee of the Month! Sally Taylor, Retail Operations Director Fiona Douglas, Cleaning Supervisor at at Aston Services Group commented, St. John’s Shopping Centre, Leeds has “Wow – what a night! Staging an been awarded the Aston Services Group event of this size is testament to both Employee of the Month. Lakeside’s popularity and also to our Jodi Hitchins, Soft Services Manager joint capabilities in security and cleaning at Aston Services Group and Susan resources to cope with so many visitors Mendoza, Shopping Centre Manager at St. smoothly and safely.” John’s, both wanted to thank her for her Well done Andrew Ford! hard work and dedication (especially on Employee of the Month - The Galleries the St Johns X factor weekend). Shopping Centre. Well done Fiona! Pictured (Left to Right) Paul Frost (Operations Manager CBRE), Andrew Employee of the Month, Ford Cleaning Operative, Karen Croft (Mall Affinity, Lancashire Services Manager) and Lynda Kenyon (Centre Administrator CBRE) - Andy Grateful for hard work and dedication. is responsible for refuse, recycling and Debbie Crane, Operations Supervisor, cleaning our basement area, we have Affinity Lancashire said, “I completely received many compliments on the high agree and support that choice of standards in our basement and the Employee of the Month. Declan worked Centre Manager (Victoria Nichol) has extremely hard (as did all the team) in the requested he receives recognition and Dedication acknowledged weeks prior to our rebrand. He did over acknowledgement for all his hard work. Great work from Gladys at The Galleries! and above and nothing was too much trouble. He never moaned or pulled his Pictured (Left to Right) Paul Frost face and Trish and myself were grateful (Operations Manager CBRE), Gladys for his hard work and dedication.” Moffitt Cleaning Operative, Karen Croft (Mall Services Manager) and Lynda Pictured right to left are Amanda Daniels Kenyon (Centre Administrator CBRE) - (Centre Manager) Declan McDermott Gladys has been covering for the public (Cleaning Operative) and Deborah Crane toilet cleaner, we have received many (Operation Supervisor). compliments on the high standards in the toilets and the Centre Manager (Victoria Nichol) has requested she receives recognition and acknowledgement for all her hard work. Next Issue Next Staff Conference Major New Contract Wins More from Industrial More from Maintenance More people in the news!

Aston Services Group Aston Services Group Aston House, St Johns Centre, Aston Way, Albion Street, Leyland, Leeds, PR26 7UX LS2 8LQ Tel: 01772 425 070 www.astonservicesgroup.co.uk