empa community - woodhead-group.co.ukmaking a splash in east northants the popular splash leisure...

empacommunityIssue 2 | October 2014

1,000 more school places!An ambitious programme to refurbish and extend primary schools in Notts is on course to create an extra 1,000 pupil places.

We would love to hear your views on this newsletter and to suggest any stories you would like to see included. Next issue January.

To submit your ideas, call Mark Stretton on 0115 853 2110 or email: [email protected]

Class apart… (back row) head teacher Helen Woodward, head of empa Alan Coole, Stella Rousou from Notts County Council and Stuart Lawrence from G F Tomlinson with children at the newly extended Newstead Primary School.

Read the full story > PAGE 4

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N

DERBYSHIRE

WARWICKSHIRE

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

LEICESTERSHIRE

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

NOTTINGHAM

PETERBOROUGH

DERBY

LEICESTER

RUTLAND

COVENTRY

HIGH PEAK

SOLIHULL

SOUTH LINCOLNSHIRE

NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE

NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE

STAFFORDSHIREMOORLANDS

REGIONS KEYProvincialIntermediateMinor

empa communityIN THIS ISSUE

Delivering locally in Leamington SpaLillington Nursery and Primary School expansion project.

> PAGE 10

At Her Majesty’s pleasure turns to leisureTransformation of a former prison in Rutland.

> PAGE 8

regionAround the

Here at empa we deliver projects across the whole of the wider East Midlands region for all public sector bodies.

To submit your ideas, call Mark Stretton on 0115 853 2110 or email: [email protected] 2

empaii off to a flying start

> PAGE 5

1,000 more school places!

> PAGE 4

While the schools are away...

> PAGE 7

Fast changing market

> PAGE 12

Diary dates

> PAGE 15

New Chair appointed

> PAGE 5

London calling for Jordan

> PAGE 11

First taste of construction

> PAGE 14

Making a splash in East NorthantsThe popular Splash Leisure Pool in Rushden, Northants is getting a revamp.

> PAGE 9

10,000 visitors and counting!Tourism in Leicester is receiving a massive boost.

> PAGE 6

First council homes in a decadeThe wait is over in South Kesteven.

> PAGE 13

Kick off for new 3G pitchNorth Kesteven sports centre celebrates.

> PAGE 8



Setting the standard high… In the recent past a huge emphasis has been placed in the public sector on value for money, delivering employment and skills opportunities and maximising local spend – but have we taken our eye off some of the basics such as health and safety?

empa partners have an excellent safety record with 99.5% of projects delivered without an accident compared to the national average of 63%.

With so many competing priorities to consider, when was the last time you asked about the safety record on your project?

There have been significant reductions in the number and rate of injuries over the last 20 years or more. Nevertheless, construction remains a high risk industry.

Although construction accounts for only about 5 per cent of the employees in Britain it accounts for 27% of fatal injuries to employees and 10 per cent of reported major injuries.

Although empa partners have a proud health and safety record, we must remain vigilant. Having set and achieved a very high standard we must not lose sight of how important working in a safe manner is for supply chains, contractors, consultants, clients and the general public alike.

So, all the gains empa has made in delivering projects safely, on time, to budget, with fewer defects and more sustainably remain just as important now as they were in the past… we just forgot to ask!

2

“ Welcome to the second edition of empa community.I hope you found the first issue interesting and that our latest newsletter follows suit.The aim of empa (the East Midlands Property Alliance) is to improve the procurement and delivery of construction and property maintenance projects for you – our current and potential clients.

Our goal is to save time and money for public sector bodies and in turn their council taxpayers – and we’re proving we can do just that, delivering schemes on time, within budget and saving clients an average of 9% on the cost of each project.

empa comprises 84 organisations working closely together, to deliver projects across the whole of the public sector, including local councils, healthcare/NHS, housing providers, colleges, universities, academy schools and more.

empa is a community. It is all about you, our customers old and new, and your framework contractors working together, collaborating and pulling in the same direction to lead the way in providing the highest standards and most cost effective projects possible.”

empa communityOVERVIEW

Alan Coole Head of Service, empa

T: 0115 958 3200 M: 07824 [email protected]

2 To submit your ideas, call Mark Stretton on 0115 853 2110 or email: [email protected] 3

9Savings on the total project value

%

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1,000 more school places!

empa communityNEWS FROM AROUND THE REGION

Growing school pupil numbers are putting a strain on local authorities as they try and accommodate the increase within their limited budgets.

Nottinghamshire County Council has been tackling the issue head on by using empa to deliver £6.5m of refurbishment and extension projects at ten of its primary schools.

Clients save money on their projects by using empa and are guaranteed to see their schemes delivered on time and within budget – vital for public sector bodies with such reduced finances.

Contractor G F Tomlinson is on course to deliver the ambitious programme of primary school refurbishment and expansion which will meet the growing demand for places.

Andy Sewards, director at G F Tomlinson, said: “By carrying out modular construction off site this meant there was minimal disruption to the day to day running of each school.

We are proud of our work at schools across the county which ensure children and teaching staff benefit from improved facilities.”


The ten primary schools receiving new and refurbished classrooms are:

Newstead Edgewood

Round Hill Bramcote Hills

John Clifford Hawthorne

Coppice Farm Forest Town

Richard Bonnington Kirkby Woodhouse

“ I am delighted that many of these challenging, but extremely rewarding projects are being delivered so successfully by Nottinghamshire County Council’s in-house Property Team, working jointly with empa partner G F Tomlinson.” Chris Higginson Team Manager for Property Design Nottinghamshire County Council



empaii off to a flying start

Following the success of the previous empa framework, the four year empaii framework is off to a flying start.The £2.15m project has been completed for empa client Nottingham City Council to accommodate a growing pupil population – an issue facing many local authorities.

In future editions of empa community we will be reporting interesting and unusual facts about our projects and how we have achieved the demanding targets.

A typical empaii scheme will see 64% of site labour and 56% of project spend within 20 miles of site.

Projects also provide a boost for small and medium-sized enterprises. Contractors with empa have to spend 75% of the project value with these important businesses.

empa community

A new chair of empa has been appointed following a unanimous vote by its Executive Board.

Kevin Kendall, who holds a very similar role at Lincolnshire County Council, has become the new chair.

Kevin takes on the role following three very successful years at the helm by Jeremy Goacher, head of property at Derbyshire County Council. Jeremy stood down having come to the end of his term of office but will remain a member of the empa Executive Board.

Kevin said he was looking forward to seeing the alliance continue to contribute towards the creation of a fresh generation of construction leaders.

New Chair appointed


Since beginning in January we have already seen:

Clients commit to delivering 50 new projects

A total project value commitment of more than £25m

Allocation of a further 95 projects to the pipeline with a total value of more than £120m

Projects being delivered across sectors including education, civic, leisure, university and blue light

Kevin Kendall Appointed as new chair

“ Jeremy is a tough act to follow, but I believe there are new challenges to address over the longer term to help spend public sector money even more wisely – and we can never do enough to provide skills for the next generation. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues on the empa Executive Board and Scape to find solutions to those challenges.”

Kevin Kendall

NEWS FROM AROUND THE REGION



10,000 visitors and counting!

empa community

Tourism in Leicester is receiving a massive boost with people flocking from across the globe to go to a new world-class visitor attraction delivered through empa.

The new King Richard III Visitor Centre, which is being delivered for Leicester City Council, has already welcomed more than 10,000 visitors since it opened in July and this number is growing fast.

The project involved the transformation of the former Alderman Newton’s School in the city to create the new, state-of-the-art centre which tells the dramatic story of the King’s life, his brutal death at Bosworth Field in 1485, and the fascinating rediscovery of his grave.

The scheme was delivered by empa framework contractor, construction and infrastructure company Morgan Sindall.

Leicester City Council wanted to move quickly so it could open the hugely anticipated new visitor centre as early as possible, but without compromising the quality of the new building.

By using empa, the council found the ideal solution as there was no need to go through a lengthy procurement process.

When public sector bodies use empa they know that construction services have already been procured on their behalf – saving them time and money.


“ Reaching such a significant milestone as 10,000 visitors so quickly shows the appeal of having such an exciting, world-class attraction here in Leicester. The centre is set to provide a fantastic boost for the local economy as it welcomes visitors regionally, nationally and from across the globe.”

Sir Peter Soulsby Leicester City’s Mayor

World-class... the new King Richard III

Visitor Centre




“For many, the summer holidays are time spent away from work, with the family, on holiday, enjoying the sun and those long warm evenings, unless, that is you work in the construction industry.Every year work required to school stock stretches clients, consultants, contractors, the school staff and the supply chain, and this summer has been busier than usual.

This year has seen signs of recovery in the market and suddenly we have a dearth of key trades available with bricklayers, joiners, roofers and finishing trades harder to source, and a struggle to keep hold of. Our lack of investment in training and apprenticeships, and the retirement of the ‘baby boomers’ has really exposed our industry.”

So, what is the answer moving forwards so we’re better prepared in the construction industry to meet our clients’ needs? Some of this may not be ground-breaking but a blend of the following will only help:

• Plan a rolling stock of location considered work. Contractors and the supply chain end up being scattered across wide areas, and control of the projects suffer.

• Encourage collaboration between contractors and the supply chain over what can be delivered; we all need to be more open and honest.

• Spread the work across the year and only carry out ‘critical works’ in the summer, i.e. works that cannot be accommodated during term time.

• Plan works earlier. Too many schemes are developed and costed during May and June, which places pressure on all involved.

• Allow for longer ‘lead in’ periods. Labour and materials are now harder to source, and we have to accept this.

• Stop talking about training and apprenticeships and start delivering them. We can all do more.

• Use modular and standardised construction. Have a basic template and stick to it – everyone associated with projects then know and understand what is to be delivered.

• Establish agreements for temporary accommodation where sites permit this – it need not be expensive if well utilised across a number of sites.

empa community

While the schools are away…


“ It is fair to say many of the clients I speak with are in agreement, we need to look at the work in a different way, and it would be nice to write an article in twelve months’ time reflecting how we are delivering work in a more structured manner, efficiently, effectively and in a less stressful way – it may even help me play more golf in the summer!”

Nick Banks construction director




empa community

The empa community has held a Football Festival to celebrate the completion of its latest empaii project - a brand new 3G sports pitch.

The pitch at North Kesteven sports centre played host to the two-day festival, which saw teams from Woodhead, North Kesteven District Council, Scape and Leisure in the Community getting their shin pads at the ready.

Woodhead - who were appointed through the empaii Minor Works Framework - began work at the sports centre in June, replacing the old sand-based pitch with the modern 3G carpet. The new pitch meets both Football Association and Hockey Association standards and is a blend of grass-like fibres attached to a special backing.

The festival included a tournament which raised in the region of £1,000 for the Lincolnshire & Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance.

Glenn Slater, business development director from Woodhead, said: “The football festival was an opportunity to bring together the community to support local youth teams and raise money for a worthwhile cause.”


A £750,000 empa project will transform a former prison in Rutland into a community leisure facility.Clegg Construction is carrying out the design and refurbishment of a section of the former Ashwell Prison at Oakham Enterprise Park into a community leisure facility. The Active Rutland scheme is for empa client, Rutland County Council.

Terry King, deputy leader at Rutland County Council, said: “Using empa has saved us time and money compared with using alternative procurement and project delivery routes. This in turn has saved money for our council taxpayers.

The fact empa guarantees projects will be delivered on time and within budget is very appealing when our aim is to use our budgets as efficiently as possible.

Once completed, the project will be a fantastic addition to the community leisure facilities we have here in Rutland.”

David Knifton of Clegg Construction added: “We’re thrilled to have been selected as the contractor to provide projects in Rutland, Northamptonshire and Peterborough from a value of £350,000 to £2m for the 2014-2018 period. The Active Rutland Hub is our first contract through the empa framework.

We will be refurbishing the part of the prison which was previously used for exercise by the inmates into a facility suitable for sports, such as badminton and five-a-side football.”

Kick off for new 3G sports pitch

At Her Majesty’s pleasure turns to leisure

“ The use of the empa framework enabled us to fast track the delivery of this community facility. The positive feedback shows how much it is already and will be valued by its users, and marks the first phase in a long-term redevelopment plan for the sports centre, which is a key health and wellbeing priority for the district council.”

Scott Masterman Principal Building Surveyor North Kesteven District Council




empa community


Making a splash in East Northants

The popular Splash Leisure Pool in Rushden, Northants is getting a revamp, thanks to the local council and empa.

The eight week £300,000 refurbishment project includes the replacement of essential mechanical equipment, new lockers and improved changing areas and showers.

The 25 metre long pool on Station Road in Rushden was built in 1990. Contractor Jeakins Weir is delivering the refurbishment through the empa Minor Works framework.

Steven North, leader of East Northamptonshire Council, said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to invest in this facility that has been popular with local people for many years.

It’s unusual in these cash strapped days for councils to invest in leisure facilities but these things really matter and if we’re to really create opportunity for local people then we must provide leisure centres where local people and families, in particular, want to spend time.”

“ The works and the timescales lend themselves to this procurement route and enabled our specialist sub-contractors to get involved early in the design process as well as to ensure we met the target start and completion dates. We started work on the Splash Pool at the end of July and we plan to hand it back to the council at the end of September when swimmers will once again be able to enjoy the facility.

Alistair Weir Managing Director




“ It has been a pleasure to work alongside Ashe on the expansion. The site managers have always been sensitive to the needs of the day-to-day running of the school.”

Derek Fance Head teacher

empa community

Delivering locally in Leamington Spa

Investing locally and involving clients closely from the outset have been key to an exciting £1.5m empa scheme in Leamington Spa.

The expansion project at Lillington Nursery and Primary School is being delivered by Ashe Construction to create extra pupil spaces.

The project has been split into phases, including the creation of a temporary entrance and pathways while construction was underway, a classroom extension, a new link corridor and the refurbishment of existing rooms into a new library and staff room.

The final phase, which is a full refurbishment of existing classrooms and hall area, is scheduled to be completed by November.

Ashe Construction involved the school and its client – Warwickshire County Council – from the outset. Early meetings discussed access routes for the school and how to maintain a flow of children around the site while work took place.

Investing in the local supply chain has been vital too. Local labour was used by Ashe from the start of the scheme.


Local employment

Work on empa projects boosts the local economy. Last year, 64% of site labour was carried out by employees living within 20 miles of site and 89% by employees living within 40 miles of site.

Within 20 miles of site Within 40 miles of site

64% 89%




London calling for Jordan

empa apprentice Jordan Richards is celebrating after being shortlisted for the Young Builder of the Year Awards.Jordan, from Awsworth in Notts, is paving his way towards a bright future in the construction industry – thanks to the teaching and help he has received through the empa training academy.

The academy boosts the region’s economy by creating jobs and apprenticeships as well as upskilling employees, offering site visits for schools and colleges and work experience opportunities.

Jordan has overcome personal challenges and has now completed the first year of a bricklaying apprenticeship with contractor G F Tomlinson who entered him for the award after recognising his exceptional ability and technical skill.

Jordan will attend the awards ceremony on October 15 at the House of Commons for the national final, run by Youthbuild UK.

The event will be hosted by Rt Hon Nick Raynsford MP. As part of the experience Jordan will enjoy a trip on the London Eye with the other finalists.

empa communityTHE APPRENTICE

“ I’m really happy to have been shortlisted for the award and I am excited about going to the House of Commons as I have never been there before.

I am enjoying my apprenticeship with G F Tomlinson and have learnt a lot over the course of a year thanks to them and being part of the empa academy.”

Jordan Richards

“ It’s fantastic news that Jordan has been shortlisted for this award and we wish him all the best in the final. Jordan’s technical ability at this stage of his career is extremely impressive. In all my years of experience in the trade, he is the best bricklayer I have seen at his age.”

Kevin Dodds Construction Manager

Would you like to find out more about the empa Training Academy? Call Sam Webster 0115 960 1553 or email: [email protected]


Congratulations… Jordan Richards (left) with

Construction Manager Kevin Dodds

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Fast-changing market

WorkloadWith the economy improving, the way clients procure construction, particularly in the more quickly recovering markets, is changing. Fast.

The market is already overheating in London and the south east and so investment is looking further north for better returns.

Clients have been able to take advantage during the recession of a construction sector desperate for turnover. However, having spent five years in the doldrums, the market is changing generally and in certain ‘hot-spot’ sectors such as bricklaying or M&E there is already more work than resources to undertake it.

CostsOnly those with long memories will remember the days of high inflation and it is unlikely we will ever return (let’s hope!) to the days of +20% per annum.

However, with QS practices anticipating between +2% and +5% in 2014 and growth quickening in 2015/2016 to nearer +8% per annum, it is a factor that cannot be ignored when budget setting.

empa Contractors’ Framework Matrix – RAINBOW

Minor Works Lower£50k – £350k

Minor Works Upper£350k – £2m

Intermediate Lower

£50k – £2m

Intermediate Upper

£2m – £7.5m

Provincial£500k – £7.5m

SR1 SR2 SR3 SR4 SR5 SR6 SR7

Derbyshire, Derby City, High Peak,

Staffordshire

Nottinghamshire, Nottingham City

North Lincolnshire, North East

LincolnshireSouth Lincolnshire Leicestershire,

Leicester City

Northamptonshire, Rutland,

Peterborough

Warwickshire, Coventry, Solihull

empa is an alliance of Local Authorities

empa is unique, being governed and strategically led by it’s main users, Local Authorities. empa has one simple aim: to produce the best efficiency savings possible for the benefit of the public sector. empa has taken a new innovative approach through the use of the Rainbow Framework Matrix to deliver choice.

www.em-pa.org.uk

Framework

and value

Intermediate North Lower Intermediate South Lower

Intermediate South Upper

Provincial Framework for region

Intermediate North Upper

J22807_Empa Framework matrix insert 204x142 v14.indd 1 21/02/2014 09:54

empa community


So, how do you ensure as a client that the market looks after you?

How does a client address these increases?

Surely the best way is to form long term relationships so the supply chain knows and understands how you work and sees you as a long term partner – don’t wait, do it now.

Plan, and plan early, so your delivery partners have sufficient time to work on your behalf to deliver your needs. Look for flexible or alternate solutions that can save you time and money.

There is a range of framework contractors which deliver empa projects themselves and through the local supply chain. See the contractors’ framework matrix below.




It’s been more than 10 years since any new council homes have been built in South Kesteven – now the wait is over.

Delivered through empa by contractor Woodhead, the first four of 33 new homes have been unveiled.

The Egglestone House development on Sandon Road, Grantham is the first in the council’s £3m building programme to be completed over the next two years.

The overall scheme includes a mix of property types suiting tenants of all ages, and those with specific needs.

High energy performance is a key feature in the new homes, providing affordable warmth for residents and meeting ‘lifetime homes’ standards. They meet a set of 16 design criteria that provide a model for building accessible and adaptable homes.

SKDC’s portfolio holder for Good Housing Cllr Terl Bryant said: “These are attractive new homes that will deliver the first step of a £60m overall programme to help provide a much needed increased number of council houses at sites across South Kesteven.

Housing legislation has changed in recent times to allow us more flexibility in terms of building new homes and this has enabled us to deliver these excellent properties.

These homes will be templates used for development of social housing in the district in the future.”

empa community

First council homes in a decade

“ South Kesteven District Council has embraced the empa process which enabled us to be involved early in the project to develop their design. It was great to be involved in delivering their first new homes for over a decade. Early engagement allowed us to deliver social and economic value in the wider community by means of work experience opportunities and careers seminars for local college students.”

Craig Pygall Construction Director


Official opening… Michael Broadhurst, project coordinator for Woodheads, Cllr Terl Bryant, SKDC’s portfolio holder for good housing, Peter Winson, site manager for the Sandon Road Development and Cllr Linda Neal, leader of SKDC.




Just four weeks into his construction apprenticeship, 17-year-old Harry Stanley from Barrow upon Soar, Leicestershire, has been getting a taste of his future.Harry is undertaking his apprenticeship with empa partner Interserve Construction Ltd.

Getting out on various sites will be an essential part of Harry’s training through the two year construction apprenticeship scheme, which works with a number of local construction firms to train young people in a full range of construction industry skills.

Harry’s appointment was a result of Interserve’s involvement in empa, as since joining the framework the firm has taken on more work and needed another staff member.

Getting out on various sites will be an essential part of Harry’s training through the two year construction apprenticeship scheme, which works with a number of local construction firms to train young people in a full range of construction industry skills.

Would you like to find out more about the empa Training Academy? Call Sam Webster 0115 960 1553 or email: [email protected]

“ The County Council’s highways depot is being refurbished by Interserve and I went around evaluating and logging how far each part of the project had progressed, It’s good to see how the skills I’m learning at college and in the office are applied on a real job.”

Harry Stanley

First taste of construction…

empa communityTHE APPRENTICE


“ We think the empa framework is good news all round. It means there are more public sector contracts for construction firms in the region and more apprenticeship and employment opportunities for young people.”

James Eley-Gaunt Framework Manager

Creating opportunities… James Eley-Gaunt (left)

with Harry Stanley

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empa communityAROUND THE REGION


Meet the Buyer eventsLincolnshire Newton Room, the Guild Hall, Grantham 15th October 2014 » 8.30am until noon

Leicester City Council offices October 2014, date tbc » 8.30am until noon

Northamptonshire Location tbc November 2014, date tbc » 8.30am until noon

Warwickshire County Council Hall November 2014, date tbc » 8.30am until noon

Leicestershire Location tbc December 2014, date tbc » 8.30am until noon

Nottinghamshire Location tbc December 2014, date tbc » 8.30am until noon

Derby Location tbc December 2014, date tbc » 8.30am until noon

Diary dates…

We are working to make the empaii frameworks as efficient and productive as possible and would like help from you – our clients.New development groups will take specific topics or processes and will strive to make them work better on a practical level.

Whilst led by a framework partner, clients and users are invited to attend the groups to influence and bring a client perspective.

The first outputs for empaii are the issuing of the new empaii Client Guide and Process Map which have been received enthusiastically by regular users and those just starting to use the frameworks.

Would you like to be involved? Email: [email protected] for more details.

empaii supports nine groups which will continue to develop issues over the lifetime of the framework. Topics include:

• Client User Manuals and Processes

• Communications with Clients

• Training Academy

• Performance Management

• Value for Money

• Supply Chain Engagement

• Health & Safety

• BiM and Soft Landings

• Process & Innovation

Could you help shape our frameworks?

Empa forum event

National Space Centre Leicester – 27th February, 2015

The empa forum highlights the suite of services provided by empa and gives clients the chance to gain and share knowledge. More details will be in the next issue of empa community. This is a client event by invitation.



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