Modern Building Services

MODERN BUILDING SERVICES FEBRUARY 2022 7 PEOPLE CSIC and SEPA to drive net zero ambitions in construction Innovation centre and environmental regulator sign Sustainable Growth Agreement Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC) and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have signed a formal agreement to support a sustainable future for the built environment, championing innovation and inclusive growth. Focusing on three main areas, the partnership aims to support the industry’s journey to net zero, increase resilience in the built environment and encourage investment in green infrastructure. In practice, it will involve relationship building to bring the right people together at the right time, support for sector leaders and innovators to lead the transformation, and a focus on showcasing examples of innovation and future best practice across the supply chain. Activities delivered as part of the agreement will focus on upskilling the construction workforce – from leadership to entry level – with a range of face-to-face training courses, practical sessions, webinars, and mentoring opportunities to develop the skills needed to deliver a low carbon-built environment. Both parties acknowledged the scale and urgency of the transformation needed to get the sector to zero carbon, with collaboration central to realising this ambition. Stephen Good, CEO of CSIC, said: “With increased innovation and newways of working across the processes, materials, systems and skills used by the built environment, we can create a sustainable future for Scotland. The buildings we live and work in, and howwe build them, are central to our economic, social and environmental impact. Terry A’Hearn, SEPA CEO, said: “We’re in the middle of a climate and nature emergency and we need to be taking steps to secure the prosperity and future of our planet. The construction industry literally builds the future, but the industry needs to reduce the resources it uses and create less waste to help create a prosperous future and meet the ambitious net zero targets set by Scottish Government...” “We’re in the middle of a climate and nature emergency and we need to be taking steps to secure the prosperity and future of our planet. PEOPLE Grant UK welcomes new Area Sales Manager for East Anglia Steve Farrow is the new Area Sales Manager for East Anglia and he will be providing support to installers, engineers and merchants on all of Grant’s heating products and services. Steve will be covering the counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire. He will be the main contact for heating engineers, installers and merchants in these areas to call upon if they require sales and technical support on any of Grant’s boiler and renewable ranges. Steve has been working in the heating sector for over twenty-five years, undertaking roles in merchants and a manufacturer throughout his career. His extensive experience fromworking in merchants and out in the field means that Steve has a thorough and in-depth understanding about what both merchants and their installer customers need. www.grantuk.com Steve Richmond Appointed President of British Plastics Federation’s Pipes Group Steve Richmond, Head of Marketing and Technical at REHAU Building Solutions, has been appointed President of the British Plastics Federation’s (BPF) Pipes Group, taking over from Richard Hill of ACO Technologies. Steve had previously been the group’s Vice President for three years. In this role, he was responsible for chairing the organisation’s Strategy group and its response to ongoing industry topics such as Brexit, supply chain strain and COVID-19. The BPF Pipes Group is the leading trade federation of the UK plastic piping systems industry and a member of the European Plastic Pipes and Fittings Association (TEPPFA). It is dedicated to promoting the development, acceptance and usage of manufactured plastic piping systems across the utilities, civil, building services and construction industries. One particular challenge Steve is focused on is emphasising the sustainability credentials of plastic-based pipework systems and solution. Specifically, he is keen for the group to help drive further change around net zero, both in terms of themanufacturing footprint of plastic pipemanufacturers and their numerous applications in our journey to net zero by 2050. NG Bailey announces new Group Commercial Director NG Bailey, the UK’s largest independent engineering and services business, has appointed Martin Pitt as its new Group Commercial Director, starting 4th January 2022. Martin has enjoyed a successful career in the construction industry, having most recently undertaken the role of Commercial Director for the Balfour Beatty Vinci Joint Venture on HS2. Prior to hiswork at Balfour Beatty, Martin spent a considerable amount of time as Group Commercial Director for both Sir Robert McAlpine andMorgan Sindall. Speaking about his new role, Martin said: “I’m looking forward to starting the new year with NG Bailey and playing a part in the continued development of the business.” This significant appointment supports NG Bailey’s growth strategy as it delivers a series of large-scale innovative projects across diverse sectors including infrastructure, technology and decarbonisation. Senior leadership appointment for leading MEP design firm A fast-growing global engineering consultancy has made a senior leadership appointment in a key strategic move for the business. Black andWhite (B&W) Engineering, with offices in the UK, Middle East and Asia, has appointed a global HR director to further develop its people and culture strategy. Based at the Newcastle office, Rachel Ovington has over 15 years of experience in HR and talent development and joins B&W from KP Snacks, part of the Intersnack Group - a global savoury snacks business. Rachel’s immediate priority is focused on how HR supports and drives business growth through a people-centred strategy. Her key responsibilities include enhancing employee engagement, developing great talent and establishing a strong employer brand. Training, mentorship and development play a big role at B&W. The company is actively involved in apprenticeships, and works with partners such as Gateshead College on its flagship PlanBEE programme in the North of England, which helps students with career progression and prioritises continuous talent development.