mlm annual review 2017 - mlm group · ‘mlm group brand in 2017’, and i hope you’ll agree we ....
TRANSCRIPT
MLM Annual Review 2017
22
Statements
In the 2016 annual review we promised ‘great plans for our ‘MLM Group Brand in 2017’, and I hope you’ll agree we delivered a fresh and imaginative approach to project our image, market positioning and our values and culture.
During a tough start to the year we showed that our Brand represented the stability our clients look for in uncertain times, and the launch of the new MLM Group brand in May 2017 reinforced the message that we are innovative and make everything we do count. Our new MLM ‘Marque’ and Brand promise to ‘Make it Count’ makes a lasting impression with our clients.
Thank you for taking the time to read the 2017 Annual Review. External events significantly influenced our progress, yet we’ve not let those challenges divert us from making 2017 a memorable and successful year.
I’ve witnessed our Values in action across the Group, with great collaboration and teamwork, through innovation and client service, positioning MLM well for the next stages in our journey. Our continued focus on client service, technical excellence and people will ensure we stay on track for our 2025 Vision. Thank you for your support and please join Steve and me in looking forward to an exciting and rewarding year ahead.
Neil Cooper Chief Executive Chairman
Steve Oliver
£34mturnover 14 OFFICES in
UK AND IRELAND
Directors
circa 430 Employees
40 inc. 28 Partners
CURRENTLY INVOLVED IN
PROJECTS
£20.7BN
33
Contents
Our Purpose 4New Brand 5-6A Fresh Approach 7
Make Buildings CountBuilding Services 8Sustainability 9Structures 10Fire Engineering 11Fluid Structures 12
Make Infrastructure CountCivils 13Infrastructure & International 14-15Rail 16
Make Compliance CountBuilding Control 17Ireland 18Health and Safety 19
Make Environment CountEnvironmental 20Acoustics 21
Central Services Core Group Services 22Finance 23HR 24IT 25Legal 26Marketing 27
GroupCSR 28Group Environmental Update 29
Recognition Award 30-31
10
14
23
4
Our Purpose
Make 50 Years of Experience Count
This is how we shape a better built and natural environment for people to live, work, learn and play
Saxon House Office, Chelmsford
MLM is a leading multidisciplinary design, compliance and specialist practice operating across the UK and internationally. We improve the built environment through creative technical design and engineering excellence.
Making it count
Customers are at the centre of what we do and our clients have come to value our expertise, positive attitude and approach to the challenges we take on. We can always be relied upon to deliver on our promises.
Buildings, infrastructure, compliance and environment
We deliver nearly a hundred
services in-house making a positive impact on projects from inception through to completion.
Innovation and experience across all sectors
Our experience ranges from the largest mixed-use urban and rural developments, learning spaces, and leisure destinations to mission critical technology.
We have a collaborative approach and are dedicated to ensuring that we have the best, most skilled teams in place to meet our clients’ needs and pave the way to lasting partnerships.
We combine our 50 years of
experience with an innovative approach, whatever the sector.
Making a difference
We are committed to continuous improvement and providing personal attention, value for money and high standards of delivery and innovation. We deliver outcomes that make a difference economically, socially and environmentally.
5
The Logo
The fresh image reflects our 50 years’ experience and represents how we add value through our commitment to providing the best solutions to the challenges we face.
Every job that MLM undertakes presents a unique challenge
An opportunity to take control of the situation and bring the knowledge and skill of the group to bear.
The full stop says that MLM are all that’s needed to deliver and ultimately leave a ‘marque’ that the client won’t forget.
Strategic Marketing initiatives 2017 – a fresh approach
Steve Oliver MLM Group Marketing Director
Welcome to the new MLM Group Brand
We’ve made 50 years of Experience Count and have become one of the largest privately owned engineering, environmental and building control consultancies in the UK operating throughout the UK and internationally.We wanted our visual identity to reflect who we are now, and align our business more closely to our 2025 Vision and purpose to shape a better built environment for people to live, work, learn and play. Our rebranding in June was a perfect opportunity to reinforce and bring alive the core values and purpose to our people and clients through the Brand Promise of “Make it Count,” where living out our values and resulting positive attitude demonstrates we are Great People To Work With.Our rebrand reflects our growing expertise and vision to make a positive difference in everything we do and our values set expectations of each other, underpinning our approach to projects and people.
New Brand
6
New Brand
Our MLM Group logos have been designed to fit each unique part of our business.
…construction of building blocks
…abstract flames …a heart and pulse
…recycling and renewal …an abstract F …track with train carriages either side
…audio music levels …certification …wind energy
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2018 will see us complete stage 2 and embark on stage 3 where we will be doing more research on the key markets that will be determining our continued success.
2017 has seen the successful introduction of the first two stages of our Enterprise Strategy, a fresh approach to winning work:
Stage 1 –‘Gameplan’. We’ve been running regular workshops across the Group, bringing our team together to share information on activities within different market sectors and identify key hotspots.
The information gathered is then fed into our new ‘Salesforce’ software and Business Unit Marketing Plans. The process involves identifying ‘Ideal Clients’, showing how we meet their needs, followed by how we position ourselves to be successful with them. We are always looking for solutions to meet the needs of market sectors and our current and new clients.
Stage 2 – Recommend MLM. We’ve been carrying out face to face surveys with our clients and asking them how we are doing and if they would ‘recommend MLM‘. We’ve received great feedback and are starting a culture of ‘you said – we did‘. We are also writing Client Plans for our top 50 clients to help us manage our valuable client relationships.
Gameplan
Markets
Positioning, Value Proposition, Ideal
Client Picture, Salesforce,
Business Unit and Office
Marketing Plans.
Client (Recommend MLM)
A Fresh Approach
8
Projects
Iconic Regeneration Project
• Design Innovation and BIM
• Focus on training and development
with integrated sustainability
Building ServicesChris Neeves
2017 has been a rollercoaster year with many ups and downs with projects stopping and restarting due to factors outside of our control. However, with our strategy of consolidation and a focus on our strength sectors we end the year on a positive note with a good outlook into 2018. With an emphasis on developing our BIM capability further we have seen how the benefits of collaboration and workflow process can increase efficiency and
quality. Further training and development during 2018 will increase the range of services we can offer our clients.Our business development strategy for 2017 was to focus more on the regional markets where we are located. With a number of significant local project wins and a strong pipeline of projects for 2018 this has been a very successful strategy which will continue into 2018.
Project Light, Canada Water, London – New construction residential led mixed use
Norwich Castle, Norwich – Historic building redevelopment, museum and function rooms
Kenavon Drive, Reading, new construction residential and retail development
Looking back Looking forward
Great people
This year we welcomed the following people to the Building Services team:l Asif Syedl Alex Hilll Benson Lail Yasmin Dickenl Ella Stasi
With an uncertain global outlook the focus on our core business sectors, clients and work types will continue. Our BIM expertise will be expanded with new services to offer our clients with a particular emphasis upon bridging the gap between CAD workstation and construction site.With changes in housing policy and uncertainty within the private residential sector, our ongoing strategy to diversify our market sectors and client mix will continue, with a focus upon developing the new sector opportunities being both responsive and flexible to the needs of our clients.The regional building services offices will continue to focus on local projects and opportunities but with the flexibility to follow key clients into new opportunities and locations, as and when they arise. Organic sustainable growth will continueOur junior / graduate intake programme will be expanded to ensure that we develop the engineers of the future, as well as provide the support structure for the teams. With changes in legislation and technology, continued professional development will be an important part of our 2018 development strategy.
All of our projects have been great projects to be involved in, with great people, great teams and great end results. A few of the great projects secured during 2017:
We have been working closely with L&Q on the flagship Kenavon Drive project which aims to regenerate Reading city centre, creating a new destination with riverside square, retail and open space. Between 700-800 new homes are being built with a mixture of tenure. We are providing Building Services design on the project.
Make Buildings Count
Training
Development
Projects
SustainabilityChris Neeves
We reported last year that with uncertainty over the withdrawal of the code for sustainable homes and general changes in emphasis in the way sustainable certification is requested through planning that the sector might have a challenging
year. However, with more clients seeing the value, which can be created from having the right sustainability strategies in place, we end the year on a trajectory of growth and new opportunities.
With the imminent arrival of BREEAM 2018 and a change in credit emphasis expected, new opportunities to improve the built environment can be assured with post occupancy evaluation and life cycle analysis of construction materials. With a continued emphasis on diversity of projects and services, along with providing a complete service with MLM Group specialists such as; acousticians, ecologists and energy professionals, our forward order book points to a busy 2018 and growing team. With a strategic push to our clients in the West of England, and opportunities in the Rail and Health sectors, new sustainability clients and projects can be assured.
Looking forward
Integrated Sustainability
Looking back
• BREEAM
• LEED
• Energy certification
• Daylight consultancy
• Thermal bridging consultancy
• Accredited professional
• Planning stage support
• Home Quality Mark
• Strategic plans
• Post occupancy evaluation
• Life cycle analysis
Our mission is to create sustainable built environments. Through integrated sustainability utilising the whole range of skills and expertise available within the MLM Group in areas such as Ecology, Acoustics, Environmental, Air Quality, Flood risk and Drainage.We are able to provide a complete 360° service from inception to completion and beyond, within a structured framework such as BREEAM and LEED, or within a bespoke arrangement to suit the client and project.
Fulham Boys School, London – New school, police counter, residential
Fish Island, London – Residential and mixed use retail/commercial
Make Buildings CountMake Buildings Count
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Some of the great projects where we have provided sustainability services:
Our Core Professional Services for 2018:
Heathside & Lethbridge phase 4, London – Residential development
Data centre, Harlow – New construction, BREEAM
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Projects
StructuresRob Seller
For the Structures business unit, 2017 has been a year of two halves; at the start of the year, our business was feeling the impact of Brexit across a number of our markets through a slowdown of projects. As a result, we had to reshape our business to respond to the market shift and consequently in the second half we have witnessed an improvement both in terms of revenue and pipeline of works. Our diverse market sectors and regional positioning, together
with our leading skills remain our key strength.We also focused on restructuring our business through the introduction of a regional operational structure for closer collaboration in terms of resources and skills. In response to the employee survey, we put in place a Communication Plan to aid the two way process of communication between our people and the leadership team.
Our focus remains on three fronts; winning work, developing our teams to deliver quality service and improving performance. Our Marketing Plan coupled with the respective Regional plans set the course for our focus in terms of winning good work through focused Client Relationship Management approach, capturing Hot Spots and utilising Salesforce. Project “Onion” which is due to be launched early next year will provide our people with a set of guidelines and tools to ensure we deliver our projects to the highest quality.
Looking forward
Great people
Looking back
• Investment in speculative work
for developers pays off with a
strong pipeline of negotiated fees
• Clear sector strategy for
regeneration and residential
• Re-emergence of data centre
opportunities
• Initiatives in place to raise
engineering design brand in
Greater London
• Increased opportunities in
urban infrastructure and master
planning of sites
The highlight of the year was for Ben Freedman to be presented with the double whammy of Young Engineer of the Year Award and the Diamond Award at the prestigious Consultancy and Engineering Awards 2017. Ben went on to represent the UK at the FIDIC International Infrastructure Conference at Jakarta later in the year where his contribution to the industry was recognised by being awarded a Special Recognition in the FIDIC Young Professional Award. Our continuing success in the BIM arena was further recognised with Craig Hardingham being elected as the new vice chair of BIM Region East.
Illumina Building, Granta Park
Harlow Science Park
Hallsville Quarter, Phase 3
Make Buildings Count
Rollercoaster, London
Projects
• New recruitment allowed us to
establish a senior management
team and become more organised
through additional administrative
support
• Expanded into the Ashford office
• New key clients established
• In the process of organising
ourselves to push Fire Engineering
internally and externally in 2018
Fire EngineeringSteven Marshall
This year has been a very sad year for the Fire Engineering industry, having witnessed the worst fire in the UK in a century. Needless to say that our thoughts and prayers are with those that have been effected by the tragic events. At the start of 2017 our workload was fluctuating, which was on account of
the general election and other market factors. However, recent tragic events has significantly raised the profile of Fire Engineering in the construction industry. As a result we have since been busier than ever, with a number of clients looking for reassurance that their buildings are safe.
Looking back
Make Buildings Count
The main aim of the next year will be to organise ourselves to work more efficiently and that will lead to better performance and in turn will contribute to cementing a reputation for delivery. This will also be supplemented by continued growth in the team to assist in continuing our ascendancy in the industry. Another key activity for next year will be to start to proactively market the fire engineering team both internally and externally. With all these activities underway we can look forward with confidence and excitement to 2018.
Looking forward
Great people
At the start of the year, the team saw a growth in the number of senior employees by the addition of Renaud Momtbrun and Richard Baker. Both bring with them a wealth of experience in Fire Engineering, both within the UK and international markets. Their addition has meant we have been able to establish a senior management team that form a key part of our Fire Engineering team board meetings. It has also meant that we now also operate out of the Ashford office, in addition to the London Central and Thames Valley offices. With the addition of Renaud and Richard, we have also significantly strengthened our admin team, with the introduction of Louise Hindley. Louise has provided much needed support to our original administrator Justalina, which in turn has greatly assisted in making the team work more consistently and efficiently.
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Cannon Place, London
The proposed Cannon Place at 78 Cannon Street will consist of minor alterations and respective fit out proposals for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 6th and 7th floors. The use will be as an office with ancillary areas. The office accommodation is located over Cannon Street mainline railway station and London Underground station. MLM benefited the project with value engineering including increased occupancy level and removal of sub division of corridors.
Wellington Hospital North and South Buildings, London
The existing Wellington Hospital is the largest independent hospital in the United Kingdom. The North Building comprises of a seven storey structure plus basement. South Building is a six storey building (ground plus five), mezzanine plus two basement levels. The hospital houses independent, dependent and very high dependency patients. MLM benefited the project with value engineering including removal of lift lobbies and reduction in the number of escape routes provided into compartments.
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Projects
Fluid StructuresDavid Crookes
2017 has been a year of significant change for Fluid. We have seen a number of positive changes and new developments within the company. Most notable has been the integration with the MLM Group that has resulted in new business opportunities. The façade team, led by David Kelly, has also continued to gain momentum and we have picked up a number of notable projects in this area including Shakespeare
North with Helm Architecture, Cathedral St with SPPARC Architects, South Grove with Pollard Thomas Edwards Architects and Benjamin St with Knight Harwood. Furthermore a greater focus on technical quality has improved standards in the office and emphasis on training and development is helping our people reach their full potential.
This has been an incredibly exciting year for Fluid, despite the economic uncertainty we have continued to grow in size, taking on more employees and projects. This signals an exciting year ahead and our plan to continue with profitable sustainable growth looks set to continue in 2018!
Looking forward
Great people
Looking back
• Remaining profitable post Brexit
• Significant project wins in the
international sector
• Growth in the Façade sector
• Integration with MLM
This year we welcomed new Associate Director Iva Jackson to the team. Iva brings a high level of experience and is currently leading a £50m mixed use residential and commercial development next to Wembley Stadium and a £120m mixed use residential and commercial development in Kensington. We are also very pleased to have promoted Mario Rotella to Team Leader. Mario is currently leading a £7m new multi-storey teaching block at St Michael’s Catholic College in Bermondsey and a £1.2m new family home in Wimbledon.
King’s College
The project provides new classrooms, offices, a multi-use double-height hall and a linking corridor attached to an existing science block. The new T-shaped brickwork building opens up to a courtyard on one side and suggests the potential for a future one on the other. Gabled slate and metal-clad roofs not only fit with the surrounding school architecture, but also provide elegant ‘attic’ internal rooms on the top floors, and allow the creation of a lovely chapel-like, timber lined, meeting hall space.
Cigar Terrace, Knightsbridge Fluid Structures have been appointed as structural engineers for the new Cigar Terraces at the front of the Wellesley Hotel in Knightsbridge. The scheme involves the design of structural glass canopies which are supported on fin glass columns. The beautiful perimeter of the terraces is wrapped in a bronze screen, which has been designed by the artist Lee Simmons. The screen consists of cast bronze ‘buds’, which are mounted on water-jet-cut support bronze panels which provide a diaphanous curtain for the cigar smokers!
Awards - RIBA London Award 2017 and RIBA National Award 2017
• Remaining profitable post Brexit
• Significant project wins in the
international sector
• Growth in the Façade sector
• Integration with MLM
Make Buildings Count
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Projects
• New Flood Risk team in London
• Civil Engineering Structures team
in Chelmsford
• New highways and infrastructure
projects
• Environment Agency Flood
Defences work continues
• Transport Planning team busy
and growing
CivilsSteve Cox
The Civils Business Unit has enjoyed continued profitable growth again this year across all our teams: Civil Structures, Transportation, Flood Risk and Infrastructure. We have been expanding our geographical reach and technical capability with the establishment of a Civil Structures team of three in Chelmsford, and the addition of Rana
Alidad, Flood Risk Principal Engineer, London, who brings her flood risk and flood modelling expertise to strengthen our team. Notable project news includes the completion of Aylesham infrastructure for 1200 new homes and work on link roads, multi-storey car parks, work on Dartford Tunnel and anti-terrorist defences in Westminster.
Looking back
Looking forward
Great people
We are delighted to welcome those who have joined our teams this year:l Robert Attwoodl Rana Alidadl Andrew Knowlesl Giuseppina Porcul Thomas Millsl Luke Baconl Amy Haywardl Shawn Kaharil Alex Harrington-Brownl Antoneta GiakouWe have been supporting a number of school work experience students by taking time to show them what we do. We have also continued to work on our on-the-job training and supporting a number of our people in their part time university studies. We have also managed to squeeze in a few team social events and some celebrating success events. We are very pleased to have been able to give well deserved promotions in May this year to Chris Bragg, Charlotte Thatcher and Laurence Middleton.
Our plan is to continue with profitable sustainable growth, aiming to double our turnover in five years. We are seeking to grow our portfolio of bigger civil engineering schemes, continue to recruit and expand all our teams, increase our Flood Risk team in London and develop a new Transportation team in London. Of course, additional work will be needed to keep our expanding business unit busy and profitable and we will be striving to continue to increase our share in our chosen market sectors.
We designed the public highway works for new student accommodation in a sensitive location in Southampton and helped achieve
a pedestrian friendly and high quality environment respecting the heritage of the area.
Wembley Coach and Car Park
Section 278 Works - Southampton Student Accommodation
Southend Business Park
Phase 1 was completed on site September 2017. We have designed the on-site drainage infrastructure and roads including new roundabouts.
We are busy working on the Civil Engineering design for a 7 storey car and coach park at Wembley Stadium.
A137 Ardleigh Green bridge demolition
Make Infrastructure Count
We advised on the complex sequencing necessary to demolish this life-expired bridge. Careful consideration of construction plant loading and stability during demolition was needed.
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Projects
Infrastructure & International Ben Freedman, Jim Rudd and Jason Fox
During 2017, MLM Infrastructure has continued to grow its delivery of infrastructure projects across UK regions, London and Internationally. As identified in the Government’s Infrastructure Pipeline, the housing sector in particular has remained very
buoyant, providing a solid workload across Infrastructure and the rest of Group. After an apparent slow-down in mission critical – data centre investment, this market sector has been busy recently, which the infrastructure teams have been
responding to in the UK and overseas. Our continued implementation of Civils3D, together with linking our Civils models with Revit and Navisworks has shown our clients the benefits of using a larger and more experienced consultancy.
Looking back
• Regional and International
infrastructure work
• Busy team and a strong forward
workload
• Increased UK and International
presence
Marham Park, Bury St Edmunds – Countryside Properties PLC.
The team have been involved on this project for several years, working with the client and approving authorities to produce a scheme which is heavily led by the Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) required by the Local Lead Flood Authority on such large infrastructure projects. As well as taking on the main infrastructure roads and drainage design, we have also been novated to the contractor during the construction phase, and are continuing to work with Countryside Properties on the sales of the land parcels within the site to other developers. We are following this up with involvement in other projects with the client including the initial strategy of a new project in Bishops Stortford South.
Make Infrastructure Count
15
Projects
We continue to grow the team and focus our marketing efforts to position ourselves for more high profile infrastructure projects, working collaboratively with the Rail and Civils teams alongside Environmental to provide a comprehensive infrastructure offering. MLM Infrastructure continues to increase our presence and visibility including attending the FIDIC International Infrastructure Conference and the Transport and Infrastructure Board held by the Chamber of Commerce in Ipswich. Whilst our attention remains mostly in the UK, we are continuing to be opportunistic on suitable international projects.
Looking forward
Great people
New starters and promotions in our teams in 2017:
l Mireia Canals (Bristol)l Dan Mucklow (Ipswich) l Chris Croft (London):
promoted to Senior Technician
We also provided a summer placement to Max Hambling again this year, as well as providing work experience for schools during the summer months.Furthermore the regionalisation of the structures business unit and linking of our offices has ensured that we have been able to efficiently transfer work between locations.
Mission Critical: Data Centres – International & UK
Wixams New Settlement, Kempston Hardwick, Bedfordshire
Wixams is a new development, which covers an area of 384 hectares. It will provide homes for a community of 10,000 people, with the potential for further expansion, representing the single largest development in the County of Bedfordshire. The development comprises four villages around a town centre. Residential parcels are interspersed with employment, schools, shops, community buildings and
generous landscaping and recreational space. MLM’s Highway Engineers were lead consultant for the infrastructure associated with Village 4 of Wixams.Village 4 includes 1.2km of new Section 38 highway to provide access into the adjacent development parcels, and is accessed via a new roundabout built on the existing B530 with MLM designing the Section 278 (existing highway) works associated with this.
We are working with a cloud provider and co-Location Data Centre providers delivering infrastructure coordination,
temporary works and construction support for developments in UK and various locations across Europe.
Make Infrastructure Count
16
Projects
RailLee Bowker
2017 has been, without exception, a very busy year as anyone in the rail team will tell you. We continue to develop great relationships with our existing clients and have successfully added to our client portfolio, most notably with the Greater Anglia Framework success led by Joe Palmer. Recent client surveys tell us that we
have an enviable reputation within the areas we work. Our attention to detail, buildable solutions and tenacity to deliver serve us very well and is something that the whole team should very proud of. The rail team and the work we carry out is certainly some of the very best.
The recipe is very simple, we will continue to work hard on ensuring our team is provided with great training and we will continue to expand with yet more great people. Ensuring we look after our existing clients will be ever present in the mix and we will look to seek new work and expand our client portfolio at the same excellent rate. A key focus is to explore a more diverse range of rail market sector opportunities for MLM so that we can maximise the excellent opportunity that this buoyant sector presents to us all.
Looking forward
Great people
Looking back
• Rail team continuing to grow with
new appointments at all levels
• Joe Palmer appointed to Director
• Internal promotions for Sanjeev
Kohli, Daniel Jeyaraj and Rob
Markin
• Greater Anglia Framework
delivering large volumes of
multidisciplinary rail work
• Training workshops a key
focus
We continue to actively pursue targeted training and have been pleased to promote from within, as well as appoint new positions due to our on-going expansion. University courses continue apace and we look forward to Rob Markin finishing his Bachelors Degree in 2018 and hearing how Holly Peirson settles in during her first year at Suffolk. Sponsorship for Errol continues and he has recently returned from Loughborough University for his one year industry placement. It’s great to see team members progressing and a real delight to play our part in the development of the future of UK engineering.The team is also now better balanced than ever before, with CAD introduced into our Richmond team and new roles appointed in Ipswich.
As part of Thameslink’s £1.6bn programme to introduce a new fleet of trains, the Siemens Class 700, MLM were commissioned by both AMCO and Osbourne to undertake the scoping work and subsequent design to position platform infrastructure and where necessary lengthen platforms, to suit the new rolling stock at approximately 160 stations throughout the Thameslink network.
Catsback Footbridge is a three span bridge, comprising a central main steel truss span and two secondary masonry spans, one each end. The rail team was commissioned by B & M McHugh on behalf of Network Rail to design the replacement central footbridge span, as well as designing remedial works to the secondary spans. An initial site inspection was carried out, which included the inspection of the brickwork to the two secondary spans. The main deck design was carried out using Finite Element Modelling (FEM) on LUSAS.
Catsback Footbridge
Make Infrastructure Count
Station Stopping Strategy, Thameslink Programme
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Looking forward
Great people
Another successful year of qualifications with Joe, Bal, Phil, Naz, Arun, Shaz, Joah, Shaun and Alex all achieving chartered status. This is, once again, an incredible result and recognition needs to be given to everyone involved in the training regime, as well as the individuals whose hard work has enabled them to achieve their qualification.We are delighted to welcome those who have joined our teams this year. Over the year we have employed 18 new starters across the Business Unit. These appointments have included a new Director, Russell Conisbee, who is our latest recruit. Russell joins us from a leading Approved Inspector and will be leading our team in the London West office.
Accountability has been a word that has been used a lot this year in the business unit. All Directors have now been tasked with specific accountabilities and this approach will now be developed across the team. We will continue to adjust our marketing and the profile of our work to suit our aim of signing profitable and enjoyable work whilst reflecting on the needs and diversity of each team’s capabilities. In early 2018 we will complete our aspiration of becoming the first Approved Inspector in the country to achieve ISO 17020. Achieving accreditation under the international standard for impartiality will, once again, set the standard for the rest of the profession.
Projects
• CICAIR inspection
• Stability
• Professional qualifications
• Accountability
Building ControlRobert Eglington
Following a tough start the Building Control Business Unit is back on track financially and looking forward to delivering a year with all targets being hit. Current signings for the year are at high levels which is good news for the future and the planned growth for next year. Our licencing body CICAIR completed its five year review of
our business and we are delighted that a renewal has been issued. They have identified some areas of the business for us to improve on and these are all currently under action. The London team has now been re-organised to enable our planned business strategy for 2018.
The new library building at the University of Roehampton
Multi-storey skate park, Folkestone
Looking back
Make Compliance Count
After successfully working on a number of other projects at the University of Roehampton, we were appointed as the Building Control Body on the two biggest projects they had undertaken. These were the new library building and the Digby Stuart student accommodation building. Both these projects were high profile for the University and had to be efficient not only in terms of energy efficiency but also in the use of space on this confined site. Working closely with the design team the library building ended being a light and airy building forming the main resource centre for the campus while Digby Stuart provides over 200 ensuite student rooms as well as hotel facilities for the conference centre.
MLM Building Control and Fire Engineering are working on the world’s first multi-storey skate park. The new centre has been designed on behalf of The Roger De Haan Charitable Trust which is funding the £14 million project, and will include an indoor multi-storey skatepark, accommodating skateboarding and scooters at beginner, intermediate and competition levels, together with a climbing and bouldering centre. The project is believed to be the first of its kind in the world, and it is hoped this will attract visitors from a wide radius across the south east of England and beyond.
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Projects
IrelandHelen Duffy
2016-2017 has seen MLM Ireland consolidating the business, growing our market share and establishing ourselves as one of the leading Assigned Certifiers in Ireland. In 2016 we had seen a real increase in our opportunities for bidding as our reputation for being great people to work with spreads. In 2017 we expanded and were able to move into larger premises.
We exceeded our ambitious signings target with the majority of our new projects coming to us through referrals from design and construction teams and via repeat appointments from clients who appreciate our collaborative approach to service delivery.
Looking forward
Great people
Looking back
• Hitting our targets
• Repeats and referrals
• Tackling the housing crisis
• Expanding our team
• “Our go to Assigned Certifier”
Our first Team Administrator, Anna Knap, contributed enormously to MLM using her skills to refine methodologies and streamline workflows. Anna moved on to follow her ambition to become an Engineer and we welcomed Magdalena Mulhall to the office. We continue to recruit for another Assigned Certifier to join Jarlath O’Neill and James O’Mahony in the busy team. Jarlath and James have each established themselves as trusted advisers with regard to BCAR and the repeat appointments secured are a credit to their expert delivery of the role. Helen Duffy has worked to expand the scope of projects and MLM have become the ‘go to Assigned Certifier’ for many in a complex field where our advice and expertise are valued.
New Data Centre, Dublin
MLM are pleased to be working to deliver a new data centre in Dublin. This is the client’s first project under the BCAR process. We are providing compliance guidance and also taking the roles of Assigned Certifier, Design Certifier and Ancillary Certifier. The project will be delivered under a Design and Build contract with an international design and construction team. It’s an exciting project and will be our largest building to date. It is due for completion in 2018.
Rapid delivery and social housing for Fingal County Council
MLM act as Assigned Certifier for projects to deliver over 160 family homes in traditional and rapid delivery projects in north Co.Dublin. Fingal County Council is the local authority with the highest increase in population in Ireland and these developments are a crucial strand in resolving the current housing crisis.
We look forward to continuing to deliver on significant projects. MLM are currently working on Rapid Delivery social housing projects which are central to tackling the housing crisis. Our projects are growing in scale and we are excited to be working on a data centre, hotels, nursing homes, student accommodation developments, a local authority operations centre, offices, apartments and headquarters buildings for tech company multinationals. Our emphasis is on promoting a culture of compliance and seeking long lasting business relationships to deliver outstanding developments.
Make Compliance Count
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Looking forward
Great people
We will continue to focus on positioning and look to achieve a diverse mix of project type and size. Formal training will remain a focus to enable development of the team members alongside offering new ‘on the job’ challenges with a supporting team structure. We will also actively explore the option to expand the existing team.New services will continue to be explored and tested in the market. We are looking at technology as a support to our core Health and Safety service delivery.
Projects
Health & SafetyRobert Mawson
The Health and Safety team has strived to continue to develop our existing, strong client relationships and as a result, we have become involved in some high profile projects. Positioning and working with the ‘the right client’ has been a focus, as well as ensuring we have the correct mix of project type and size to suit all members of the team.
As a team, we have also developed and trialled two Wellbeing initiatives around how we work and empowerment. These have been successful and we will continue to be innovative in our approach to day to day business.
Looking back
• Key in the development and
delivery of My MLM and the
Health and Safety related content
• Extend CDM offer to the MLM
‘South’ offices, promoting a
Multidisciplinary approach to
projects
• We have utilised our existing
skill base to develop and deliver
Building Condition Surveys and
Clerk of Works services
We continue with our open and honest approach, enabling the team as a whole to be involved in making key decisions that shape the way we operate. Colin Talbot joined us in March as Associate Director to further support the team and also to develop our service in the ‘South’ working with our existing network of offices.The team has remained stable with a focus on training and individual development. The empowerment trial has allowed those members of the team that wanted to ‘step up’ a level. This will make our succession and progression plan as smooth as possible and gives individuals an insight and appreciation of operating at a more senior level.
New Victoria Development, Manchester
The works for this project comprised the construction of two residential towers and one office block. Residential Tower one consists of 26 storeys and will provide residential space only and Residential Tower two consists of 21 storeys and will provide a mixture of residential and retail space. MLM are providing Principal Designer CDM Advisory Services to Sheppard Robson Architects.
The new US Embassy Building, London
We acted as Principal Designer on the construction of the new embassy of the United States located in Nine Elms. The building has been christened the Glass Fortress. MLM provided CDM Co-ordinator Services under the 2007 Regulations and continued into the 2015 CDM Regulations as Client Health and Safety Advisor and Principal Designer.
Make Compliance Count
20
Projects
EnvironmentalDarren Gill
After an initial slow start to 2017, still feeling the effects of Brexit, the Environmental business unit soon got back on track and continued with its strategic plan to get a foothold into some bigger projects, which were more in line with the MLM Group aspirations.Building on the training and improved skills and confidence of the team and supported by the new branding we have set out to target larger planning related projects often requiring an Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA). Through this type of project we are able to really showcase MLM Group’s ability to offer one of widest range of multidisciplinary surveys and assessment in support of planning offered by any consultancy. Our opportunities for introduction to the end client are numerous since we do not offer planning in-house and planning consultants are often only too happy to find a reliable company with a strong reputation to bring into the project team.
Our Environment business is perceived by clients as being made up of a strong team of technical experts proficient in delivering quality work on time. This reflects the branding message and is something we will be building on to present ourselves alongside some of the bigger established consultancies we now compete with. Development of our teams and management, particularly in areas such as larger planning related projects, will be important to our success.
Looking forward...
Great people
Looking back
• Above target
• Currently recruiting for
planned growth
• Entering new markets
• Bigger longer term projects
• New services and skills
Poplar Gas Works, London
We have recently been appointed on a significant contaminated land investigation and remediation project in Poplar, London on a former gasworks site. The project is one of the first in a series of regeneration schemes by St William, a joint venture between Berkeley Homes and National Grid. Jason Monk and Mark Henderson have put considerable effort in to getting this project over the line and did this by providing comprehensive technical advice and support to the client at an early stage.
Taking on new challenges and striving to improve is something in the DNA of the Environment business. This often requires attending training or acquiring and using new equipment or software to improve efficiency or provide better looking, more informative reports. Throughout the year all teams have demonstrated this ethos as exemplified by the new bat logging equipment or the amount of spend on training carried out by the business unit. Looking forward, we recognise the need to recruit to maintain the growth and performance. We are actively recruiting at present and during the last year the following people have joined our team:l Miriam Emineke – Geoenvironmental Engineerl Jack Warner – Geoenvironmental Engineerl Karunakar Nagular – Principal Air Quality Consultantl James Heath – eoenvironmental Consultantl Michelle Peacock – Environmental Administratorl Kay Willisson – Environmental Administrator
Kennett Garden Village
I reported on Kennett Garden Village last year as an example of where we had secured an EIA project, which would help grow our reputation and exposure. This has presented us with the opportunity to work with the trading arm of a local authority on a Community Land Trust (CTL) site. On the back of this, supported by our understanding of the planning process and technical excellence, we have been able to bid for other significant projects with some success.
Make Environment Count
Great People
Projects
• Continued growth in education
and Bio Med markets
• Acoustic project wins in
Ireland including Electricity
Supply Board Framework
• Proactive in acoustics industry
progression through ANC and
IOA working groups
• New faces bring fresh energy
to the team. Welsh Power work
passes £250k and over 75
projects
AcousticsKev Foster
It has been a year of change in the Acoustics team; three people left, but three new team members have quickly settled in to rebuild a sustainable and profitable platform for growth.We have focused our positioning to create more opportunity to acoustically support local projects, in addition to fuelling our
aspiration to command a larger share of the extensive London market. In August we held a training day in the London office, where the whole team got together and learnt some new skills. It was a testament to the Acoustics team spirit that everyone invested personally in a soirée and curry in Brighton afterwards.
TRF Cardiff University, Innovation Campus
Our acoustic design of the Translational Research Facility building at Cardiff University has continued. The proposed research facility will house the Catalysis Institute and the Institute for Compound Semiconductors. One of the most challenging elements of the project has been controlling the impact of noise from an Engine Test facility located on the fifth floor, adjacent to other laboratory spaces. This required very careful acoustic design to avoid impacting other areas of the building.
Looking back
Looking forwardNow we have the structure and experience for sustainable and profitable growth; 2018 will be the time to capitalise and increase our numbers. This will be supported by continued technical and commercial training and mentoring to ensure our people are willing and able to meet the challenges ahead.
Our people have shown the resilience and infectious positivity to bring our three new starters into the fold and maintain the quantity and quality of delivery. Ramon Trigueros, who joined as a consultant in the London office in April. Ramon was interested to work in a multi-disciplinary environment after gaining experience in a small specialist London Acoustic Consultancy.Tamasine Leighton-Crawford joined us in the Bristol office as a consultant in June, having gained experience working for Ramboll in Cambridge.James Williams joined the London team in September after working at specialist Acoustics Consultancy Pace for five years. He is focused on growth and development of our London client-base, with a vision to provide comprehensive and proactive acoustic support to other disciplines within the MLM Group.With the birth of daughters to both Patricia Ives (Noelle-Elena) and Sam Laws (Suki) in the summer, the extended family of acoustics grows and grows. And we are all very pleased to welcome Patricia back into the London office.
Castle Community College, Deal
We were commissioned to acoustically design the construction of the new-build three-storey Castle Community College secondary school. Our advice covered all design aspects required to deliver acoustic performance in schools, such as controlling noise intrusion, sound insulation of internal partitions, controlling of reverberation and building services noise. The project has been successfully constructed and our commissioning tests demonstrated that the desired acoustic performance had been delivered.
21
Make Environment Count
22
Projects
Core Group ServicesMichelle Whitman
This has been a year of many changes for the team as new ways of working and improved systems have been introduced. The team continued to adapt throughout the year and took on board the changes that were necessary to successfully implement and distribute the new PPE brand to the
Group. The introduction of Parking Eye to our Ipswich office car park by our landlord was effectively put in place by the team in collaboration with IT, utilising and adjusting current software systems we have to meet our ever changing needs.
Our plan going forward is to roll out Chronicle Webinar training sessions for archivists and archivers to ensure we adopt a consistent approach across the Group and listen to feedback and make improvements to navigate through the software.
Looking forward
Great people
Looking back
• Work experience
placements
• Introduction of Parking
Eye
• Archive disposal
• Development of My
MLM
• Rebranded PPE
Another successful year awarding work experience placements to students has again been achieved across the Group with us being able to offer a total of 17 placements, nine of which were accommodated in Ipswich and the remaining eight placements spread across our offices in Central London, Cambridge, Ashford, Richmond and Thames Valley. Placements have been offered to young people and schools who have contacted us together with employees’ children and our clients’ children. Feedback from students is always very positive and it is all thanks to the quality time that is spent with the very kind people that have given up some of their very valuable time.
2017 has seen the recalling and destruction of projects dating back to our formation that have reached their discard date, drastically reducing the amount of boxes we have in storage, thereby reducing our monthly storage costs which we will continue to do on an annual basis.
The migration of the H&S Database to My MLM saw the team involved in its design and development during 2017. During the design stage our aim for change was to streamline and simplify our current processes by merging some corporate systems into one location to greatly improve the employee experience. In order for this to take place cleansing of the H&S Database was necessary to enable some of the data to be transferred across smoothly.
Central Services
23
Looking forward
Great People
Projects
• Continued growth
• Challenging economy
• New Sage accounting system
• Integrating Fluid
FinanceElliot Wells
2017 proved to be a changeable year. The start of the year under the backdrop of Brexit continued to challenge the marketplace meaning it was vital we kept a close eye on all aspects of our finances and run a tight ship. We managed to do this successfully, achieving cost control alongside an increased volume of work, putting us back to where we needed to be and finishing 2017 strongly in terms of our three main
KPIs: Signings, invoicing and debt.During the year we rolled out our new Sage 200 financial package, we took on board PQQ’s and Approved Suppliers workload as well as undertaking the first phase of financial integration with Fluid.We successfully got our Audited Accounts signed off in October which is three months earlier than usual and sets a benchmark for future years.
Looking back
2018 will continue to be a busy year for the team, alongside supporting a growing business we will have the second phase of Fluid integration in the first half of the year as well as various small but important improvements to systems and processes.
We welcomed Katie Wright into the team at the start of the year working alongside Gloria and Phill in the Purchase Ledger team, bringing the total headcount in the Finance team to 11.We have nearly half the team undertaking various structured training:l Alice Wilcox – AAT Level 3 completed, now studying level 4 (General Accounts)• Gloria Burne – Currently studying AP Technician (Accounts Payable)• Phill Burne – Currently studying CICM Level 3 x (Credit Management)• Karen Sivertsen – Currently studying ATT Level 1 (Tax)• Kieron Wegg – AAT Level 2 completed
A large number of the team helped a garden transformation at a local school. This proved to be a great bonding exercise as well as giving something back to the local community. We are looking for projects we can help out with in 2018. Locally we took up the role as Treasurers
for Ipswich Athletics Club.
Central Services
24
HRTracey Boxall
My MLMSignificant improvements have taken place since May 2016; a recruitment module was added, an upgrade enhanced the look, functionality and reporting capability as well as the introduction of a H&S module to replace the H&S database. The system also has a new identity – My MLM. Videos, webinars and guidance notes are available on MLM Space. System champions were appointed for each office plus HR and H&S visited seven offices to conduct on-site training, a total of 228 employees attended.The latest change is the introduction of electronic Performance Reviews. We’re looking to enhance My MLM, to save time and lots of paper.
Benefits We introduced a new financial wellbeing benefit this year provided by Neyber. This gives employees access to fairer finance with low cost loans and provides access to a Wellbeing Hub full of useful articles, podcasts and tools aimed to help employees better manage their money. The Cycle2Work benefit is now available all year round to encourage greener transport options and a healthier workplace.
Training Academy The Academy has supported over 80 employees this year through university, college and institution accreditation to gain their qualifications. Two Building Control apprentices in our Ashford and Southampton offices studied to gain
their level two business administration qualification. The Management Development Programme launched this year with 11 managers across the Group commencing on a 12 month programme with external and internal training workshops, 1:1’s and coaching sessions. We look to progress this programme for a second year and to develop similar programmes for other management levels.
WellbeingMLM now has a Wellbeing Group made up of representatives from most offices. The group meets every two months to discuss wellbeing matters and what can be done to improve this across MLM. The group consults with employees at their respective offices and welcomes comments and feedback.
Stress Awareness workshops continued with over 85 employees across six offices attending the sessions. We explored the causes and symptoms of stress, how to recognise it, techniques to help manage stress in ourselves and those we work with in order to address issues before they become problems.
Best Companies We have again retained our One Star Best Company status with our target of achieving Three Star status by 2020. We all want MLM to be a place where we can be our best and the Best Companies and Employee surveys provide feedback to help us continuously improve.
Forthcoming LegislationGDPR – we are preparing for the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation effective from May 2018. This will replace the DPA and impact on the way we handle and maintain personal data. Further information and training will be provided. GPG – legislation requires employers with 250+ employees to publish statutory calculations annually. The Gender Pay Gap shows the % difference between the average earnings of men and women. We will publish our figures on our website and upload to the government site early in 2018. Modern Slavery – there is now a duty for larger organisations to commit to ensuring their operations and supply chains are free from slavery and human trafficking. In 2018, we will publish our first statement to demonstrate our commitment to the fair and lawful treatment of people within our supply chain.
Looking forward
Great people
Looking back
• My MLM
• Benefits
• Wellbeing
• Training Academy
continues to grow
• Legislation changes
2017 has been another busy year for HR, more so for one member in particular. Carly took her final exams to become CIPD qualified in May, got married and became Mrs Barker in August, moved house at the start of November and her first baby arrived on 24 November, a girl named Florence. Well done and congratulations!We welcome Karen Brigg to the team who will be covering Carly’s HR Assistant role during her maternity leave. Karen has significant HR experience in previous roles.
Central Services
Looking forward
Great People
The IT team continuously adapt to new technologies and have made a fantastic effort to help us achieve our goals to deliver our IT projects throughout the year. We have regular team meetings and appraisals so everyone feels involved and doesn’t feel as though things are getting too much. Some of the great highlights have been the professional reaction to some events outside of our control: the “all hands to the pump” approach ensuring our systems were secure and everything was tested during this year’s major global cyber outbreak was a testament to the dedication of the team.We have hired a Business Analyst, Vera Gair, who recently joined the team. The new skill set will help us develop our service to the business by helping us identify and deliver IT projects to support the business on its strategic growth.
We plan to review business processes and workflows and come up with a set of requirements to replace our existing time and expenses recording system. As part of the reviews we will ensure our business processes and policies adhere to the General Data Protection Regulations that will come into force in May 2018.We have already started to review our cloud requirements and will continue to invest in technologies that will deliver the best value to the business.
• Refresh of all office network
equipment
• IT project involvement in major
projects - Finance, HR/H&S
systems upgrades
• Fluid Structures IT integration
• Attained Cyber Security
Essentials accreditation
• Used new backup and replication
technology to complete Disaster
Recovery test
ITMark Holt
MLM has continued to invest in Information Technology to help continuously improve our infrastructure and business systems. We have invested in advanced server and networking technologies, which will enable us to provide a more consistent and secure service to our employees and guests.A strategic aim for MLM IT was to obtain cyber security essentials certification that demonstrates we protect our organisation
against common cyber threats. We take cyber security seriously and this certification enables us to bid for UK Government and MoD contracts. We also deployed updated business systems in Finance, Human Resources and Health & Safety to help simplify our business processes and develop our culture of continuous improvement.
Looking back
25
Central Services
26
LegalIain Thom
Last year I reported on the introduction of “Murphy”, the Legal Portal. When we started 18 months ago, we were dealing with 50 requests per month. Now we are looking at 150 each month on average. The graphics below produced by Emma Gray show the trends and increases in quite dramatic style.We have seen rent reviews in two offices dealt with and the negotiations to secure a new office for Ashford are, at the time of writing, coming to fruition with the new office in an advanced state of construction and the paperwork to secure that space about to be signed.
As a team we have spent a lot of time trying to get a better understanding of the business. All of the legal team have swapped their desks for PPE and been out on site visits. The insight that this gives us into the activities of the business units is invaluable. I would like to thank all of those business units and individuals that have taken the time to host these visits for the experience it has given. We would like more please as it is such a help in understanding the risks we seek to manage in the paperwork that we see.
We are always looking at ways to work better. The closer links we are building with the business units allow us to develop better ways of reporting and serving the legal and commercial needs of the business. We are always open to suggestions as to how we can do things differently and are keen to keep building on the relationships with the teams and offices that we have started this year.
Looking forward...
Great people
Looking back
• Building on successes
• Meeting people and going places
• Consolidating and evolving
Emma Gray and Beth Henderson have both graduated with Law Degrees, which is a tremendous achievement when combining it with their job here. Jo Baker has just started studies that will ultimately lead to her qualifying as a solicitor. Emma Baker is established in Eldon Street and the value of having a member of our team there is greatly beneficial. Jordan Barrow and Sarah Prior have also been out giving training along with other members of the team to other offices to give a better understanding of how we work and how we can help.
Jun-16 Jul-16 Aug-16 Sep-16 Oct-16 Nov-16 Dec-16 Jan-17 Feb-17 Mar-17 Apr-17 May-17 Jun-17 Jul-17 Aug-17Total monthly figures 51 105 127 154 99 153 83 127 91 156 115 230 144 187 135
Jobs Complete still live1958 1422 536
0
50
100
150
200
250
Jun-16 Jul-16 Aug-16 Sep-16 Oct-16 Nov-16 Dec-16 Jan-17 Feb-17 Mar-17 Apr-17 May-17 Jun-17 Jul-17 Aug-17
Chart Title
Chart Title
Complete still live
Jun-16 Jul-16 Aug-16 Sep-16 Oct-16 Nov-16 Dec-16 Jan-17 Feb-17 Mar-17 Apr-17 May-17 Jun-17 Jul-17 Aug-17Total monthly figures 51 105 127 154 99 153 83 127 91 156 115 230 144 187 135
Jobs Complete still live1958 1422 536
0
50
100
150
200
250
Jun-16 Jul-16 Aug-16 Sep-16 Oct-16 Nov-16 Dec-16 Jan-17 Feb-17 Mar-17 Apr-17 May-17 Jun-17 Jul-17 Aug-17
Chart Title
Chart Title
Complete still live
Building on successes
Central Services
Total monthly figures
27
Looking forward
Great PeopleMarketingKaty Pointer
This year we welcomed three new team members – Carol Page, Kat Aznar and Katy Pointer.As a team our ultimate aim is to keep people informed and to raise our profile through good marketing communications in line with the overall company Vision.The team are always working towards adding value and making it count with colleagues. We have a clear set of objectives and are committed to delivering high standards through collaboration across departments and by recognising and utilising key skills and expertise within the team.As a team we maintain an open culture and vibrant work environment sharing a drive to achieve our objectives.
To retain and grow our market share and meet our 2025 Vision we are working towards building bettercommunications through website, social media, internal newsletter and intranet platforms. Our objectives include:• Reviewing marketing processes and ensuring that we are capable of meeting requests made through the marketing portal.• Building a collateral library with the production of service and sector brochures.• Development of our social media strategy to create a strong following, and build our brand profile.• A more streamlined and collaborative approach to bid management.
Our main success in 2017 was the implementation of a new MLM Group identity, strengthening our brand and profile.This was accompanied by the launch of a new Group website, which currently averages around 5,000 unique visitors per month – 70% of total website hits.We produced a new Group brochure, rebranded all company documents and created display and promotional materials.
The introduction of the marketing portal last year has resulted in a much more streamlined project management process and helps maintain transparency within the team.We’ve improved internal communications with a more diverse internal newsletter and a new front page on our intranet platform SPACE, which hosts the latest news stories and Twitter feeds.
Looking back
Shaping a better built and natural environment for people
to live, work, learn and play
GRP_BR001_0617 PRINT READY.indd 1 22/06/17 08:15:14
www.mlmgroup.com
October 2017 • Issue 130
Thank you for your contributions. The due date for next month’s submissions is Friday, 3 November.
Please email articles, including videos and pictures, to [email protected]
In This Issue
2 Chequers Court
9 CEO Update
16 Cycle to Work Day
20 Best Companies 2018
Ben Receives Special Recognition at FIDIC Awards
Ben Freedman, Structures, London, attended the FIDIC international infrastructure conference in Jakarta, Indonesia on the 1-3 October 2017. The annual event brings together the world’s leading consulting engineers.
Amongst peers from around the world, Ben was successful in being awarded with Special Recognition in the FIDIC Young Professional Award.
This follows his recent accolades back in June where he won ACE Young Professional of the Year and the ACE Diamond Award at the Association of Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) Awards 2017.
Ben joined MLM Group in 2013 as a Principal Engineer and within eight months was made a Director. In his time with the company he has made a huge contribution to both project delivery and internal business processes and has pioneered our approach to CSR.
Ben comments: “It is a great honour to have received these awards.”
CONTRIBUTED BY
Katy Pointer, Marketing, Ipswich
• Implementation of new
Brand identity
• Launch of new Group website
• More streamlined project
management
• Improved communications
Central Services
28
CSRIain Thom
A quick scan through the newsletter shows every office supporting local and national charities through a myriad of diverse activities. It is impossible to mention all, but I must say the images of Kev Foster on his epic journey across the Alps for CALM are one of many highlights of people pushing boundaries for charity.Looking inwards it has been a year of listening. The new Wellbeing group has formed and whilst it is in its early stages, it has brought people together from different teams to give an open
discussion about the work environment across MLM. That together with the staff and Best Companies surveys give us a wider than ever forum for discussions about our workplace and our people and promote continuous improvement in both. And in the case of the Best Companies survey, directly gives a donation to a charitable cause.The Academy is maintaining and increasing the delivery of training across the business at all levels. Education and development
of all employees is a constant focus.There are numerous instances where offices are doing pro-bono design work to help organisations and charities with their causes. The Pro-help group in Ipswich has been re-launched this year. The Environmental Policy referred to in last year’s review is now in place and producing results alongside ESOS in terms of reducing the environmental impact of the business.
I have no doubt that next year will see the CSR contribution of the business grow even further. It’s always worth reflecting on how much MLM as a business does in this area, both as a company and through the efforts of individuals.
Looking forward
Looking back
• Climb (almost) every mountain!
• Listen well
• Achieve
The list of what we do for CSR is huge. It always has been. We do take it for granted perhaps and this is the one time when we can reflect on how much we do.
MLM Ipswich took part in Ridefest’ 17
Following on from the huge success of the CSR-inspired Bridge School Garden Project in February 2017, MLM’s CSR team continued their charitable work on Monday, 27 March by taking part in the inaugural RideFest’ 17 event on behalf of St Elizabeth Hospice.
Kev Foster’s epic journey across the Alps for CALM
Group
29
Michelle Wormald
The MLM Group Environmental Policy has been updated in line with the scope of the Environmental Management System (ISO 14001) that is currently under development. The EMS will provide the framework for meeting our Environmental Objectives and CSR aims. The first phase audit is due to begin in January 2018, with the
second phase to be held shortly after.The environmental management system will incorporate all aspects of our operations and include measures to improve health and wellbeing in the workplace; the primary objective of the new system being to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
Group Environmental update
2018 will see the development of a full Transport Decisions Tree, providing employees and visitors with the information they need to make informed decisions on the method of transport to and from the offices. The Travel Loan scheme dispensed over £77,000 of loans to employees, further reducing our dependence on car use and reducing transport related carbon emissions. Additional aims for 2018 include improved Waste Policies and procedures, improved working environments coupled with the Wellbeing Charter and energy monitoring and management for our office premises.
Looking forward...
Group
Looking back
The close of 2017 saw the implementation of a Print Management system across the whole business, tackling waste generation, energy consumption and streamlining a key procurement stream. The process
presented an opportunity for employees to engage and contribute to the system they would be using. The new system also assists with our GDPR compliance strategy for data protection.
30
Recognition Award
Highly commended: Arfat ChoudhuryHighly commended: Mark Barrell
In celebration and recognition of Steve Adams, who sadly passed away in August 2015, MLM now hosts an annual award ceremony. This is to honour Steve and the significant contribution he made to MLM. This award focuses on our Vision and Values and recognising people who go the extra mile to demonstrate them. It is a fitting legacy to Steve, who was an outstanding role model to us all.
Recognition AwardIn memory of Steve Adams
Arfat is a member of the team who in many ways is beyond his years in the way he works and communicates both with the MLM team and clients. A client recently told me that Arfat is a great guy and is one we should do everything we can to retain and continue to develop long term. Arfat is fast becoming a member of the team who is in very high demand simply because he is great to work with, a great communicator and he delivers on what he commits to. Arfat is a colleague and member of the team who constantly exceeds expectations, a person who pretty much always does the right thing before being asked as a result of his very intuitive day to day awareness and professional selflessness. Arfat genuinely expresses his desire every day to do a great job.
Mark works collaboratively by facilitating multi-disciplinary projects for both live and speculative jobs, seeking ways to bring other MLM disciplines into projects, representing disciplines outside of his remit and field of expertise, and actively putting himself forward to deliver these. He will seek advice from his colleagues when required, and isn’t afraid to ask for guidance. He has worked tirelessly and with a very positive attitude on difficult and troublesome projects that he inherited. As a Senior Engineer Mark operates beyond his level and with the right support and mentoring will prove to be a valuable asset to the business in years to come. His ability to maintain positivitey is rare.
Bristol Structures London Building Services
31
Winner: Adam Jones
Recognition Award
Adam always has time to help others within the whole team and never complains. He delivers all work on time, and goes above and beyond his role. He is a fun member of the team who doesn’t take himself too seriously, which helps bring up the whole morale of the team. Adam is all about aiming to do the next project better and more efficiently and ensures MLM delivers a consistent standard at all times both within the London team and also the wider Building Services team. He does this by leading other members of the team, including Revit and engineers on new ways of doing things, documenting it as a standard and reinforcing it regularly in the right way. He is always looking for the next opportunity to innovate and offer something new and superior to what our competitors offer. The great thing about these new offerings is they result in further efficiencies. Adam is a true team player, he is considered in everything that he does, he does more than what a manager can expect from him in terms of being intuitive, organised, full of new ideas, conscientious and is never just about coming in and doing the same thing over and over again and going home. He constantly wants to improve everything that he does, what the team does, MLM does and always offers valuable and respected input in the direction he believes MLM should take in the future. Adam does all of this when his current position as a 3D Coordinator doesn’t expect such qualities. Over the last 24 months, he has pushed the Revit MEP standards on to such an extent that the work we do now is barely comparable to what we were doing 2 years ago. He has in his own lunch breaks on regular occasions offered to train the engineering team in the basics of using Revit. Whilst Adam was set the task of improving
the engineers Revit abilities, he was not advised how to do so in any detail, he has since produced a training programme and training materials in his own time, which has been a success for the whole team. Adam’s standard of work, has without doubt been a major factor in winning other big schemes via repeat business and using his work as bid material.
London Building Services
www.mlmgroup.com