April 2010 Newsletter

(1)   Next NCF Breakfast Briefing Thursday 17^th June ’10 at 8.00am for 8.30-10.30am

Well, we must be doing something right as over 150 of you booked to attend on March 11^th Briefing which majored on the NET Phase 2 Tram Project! 

The Next Briefing is as above.  The Programme and Invitation details will be advised in mid May, but it is looking good, so note your diary. 

(2)  4^th Annual Notts Construction Conference Thursday 21^st October ‘10

This half day conference; hosted by NCF and New College Nottingham and other major organisations, will take place at New College’s Basford Campus on Thursday 21^st October 2010 from 8.00am for 8.30-10.30am

The theme this year is “Inspiration, Innovation and Opportunity”.  The Conference will major on opportunities locally for construction companies and their related supply chains.  We respectfully suggest you note your diary now. 

(3)  Opportunities to supply to the NET Phase 2 Tram Project

Following our two very successful Breakfast Briefings on the above, we have been invited to let you know how to register your interest in supplying to the Tram Project.  The preferred bidder from the two bidding Consortia, Arrow Connect and Tramlink Nottingham, will be announced later this year.  Your interest can be noted now, and you will be contacted ultimately by the preferred bidder.

 In alphabetical order: -

(a)           For Arrow Connect

e-mail Tara Carlile-Swift, Bid Co-ordinator at tara.carlileswift@arrowconnect.net with a brief summary of your Company’s products/services and full contact details 

(b)          For Tramlink Nottingham

Go to the Supplier Registration Facility at www.tramlinknottingham.co.uk and follow the simple on-line instructions  

(4)  Opportunities for Medium to Large Businesses with Notts County Council’s Building Schools for the Future Programme (BSF)

Nottinghamshire County Council is looking for medium to large sized businesses specialising in design, construction, facilities management or ICT services for a partnership to deliver the county’s Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme.

For Details contact: -

Sue Hetherington at  sue.hetherington@nottscc.gov.uk 

(5)  Sustainable Construction Innovation Network (iNet) Events

Sustainable Construction Programme can now be accessed via the NCF Website www.nottsconstruction.co.uk and clicking the “Useful Links” button and then the Sustainable Construction …. Events.

 (6)  Second Phase of Innovation Strategy Launched

East Midlands Development Agency (emda) has announced that the second phase of the Regional Innovation Strategy (RIS) has been approved by its Board, meaning that regional businesses will continue to benefit from its offer of innovation support.  

The strategy, which aims to help businesses and organisations use innovation to become more competitive, was formally launched at the innovation Expo (iEXPO) in Leicester on 12^th March, the start of the 2010 innovation Festival (iFestival). 

For further information please visit www.eminnovation.org.uk  

(7)  Placements Required for Nottingham Trent University’s Civil Engineering Students

Nottingham Trent University has civil engineering students currently seeking placement opportunities for the period July 2010 – September 2011, from both our BEng (Hons) and BSc (Hons) Civil Engineering courses. 

Both of these courses are sandwich degrees, with students spending a minimum of 30 weeks (but generally a full year or more) on placement between their second and final years of study. 

The placement is administered and supported by a dedicated administrator in our Placement Office, with academic support from a Placement Tutor and visiting tutors: each student is visited twice on their placement, returns to university for one call-back day, and has close support available by phone & e-mail. 

If your company could be interested, please contact

Ruth Osborne, Placement Administrator: 0115 848 6426 civengplacequery@ntu.ac.uk 

Or (for any academic queries)

Phil Sargent, Placement  Tutor: 0115 848 2609, phil.sargent@ntu.ac.uk

Course details can be found at www.ntu.ac.uk/adbe/  

(8)  Nottingham Trent University Internship Programme for Graduates

Benefit from the skills and knowledge of a recent graduate with our  3-6 month subsidised internships.

·         Fresh ideas injected into your organisation through a graduate

·         Saves on recruitment costs – the university will assist in sourcing the right candidate

·         The university will contribute up to £1500 towards the internship 

How does it work?

Once you register, we will contact you to discuss your requirements further.  If the position is appropriate for a recent graduate, you can select suitable candidates to interview from CVs provided.

For further information, please email cas.internships@ntu.ac.uk  

(9)  Catalyst for Growth Seminars – Smith Cooper (Accountants) and Future Dynamics Ltd

The first of our events “A Fairer Future” has been designed to inform you about the new Equality Bill and how it will affect your business.  The new legislation impacts on all organisations with more than employees, to varying degrees.

 The seminar will take place on 13^th May at Sir Paul Smith Suite in Mercury House, Shipstones Business Centre, North Gate, New Basford, Nottingham, NG7 7FN from 9.30 – 12.30pm.

For more information contact :-

Claire Bicknell                                                                                      Stuart Parr

Tel: 0115 9607111                                                                                 Tel: 0115 924 8455

Email claire.bicknell@smithcooper.co.uk                                      Email: sparr@fdltd.co.uk  

(10)  Tours of Nottingham Trent University’s Newton & Arkwright Buildings Launch  - Working Together

We would like to invite you to view and join in our celebration of the opening of the £90 million regeneration of two Grade II listed buildings at the heart of the city centre campus (Newton and Arkwright), the School of Architecture , Design and the Built Environment will be hosting two special showcase events on Wednesday 5 and Thursday 13 May 2010 respectively, at 5.00pm 

The focus of the event is of course to show off our fantastic facilities, but more importantly to meet with you.  We are particularly focussed on how we can work better together.

To book your place(s) on one of the evenings, please contact james.lazenby@ntu.ac.uk or call 0115 8455327 stating which date you would like to come along to. 

(11)   Career Chain

Career Chain is an East Midlands Development Agency (emda) funded initiative to support the retention and development of people and skills within the construction and engineering sectors across the region.

A key objective of the project is to help employers reduce the impact of redundancy through early proactive redeployment engagement. We are available to discuss the full range of support options and training programmes available at any stage in the process.

Career Chain also provides a free recruitment service to sector employers through our online vacancy database. This has significant cost saving advantages and provides a service through which employers’ vacancies can be advertised and through which prospective employees CV profiles can be viewed and direct contacts made.  Our advisors are available to support employers with matching individual’s skills to specific job requirements.

For more information please contact us on 0845 6185089 or email amason@careerchain.org.uk

Alternatively visit our web site at www.careerchain.org.uk 

(12)   What the Construction Industry needs to know about Whole Life Costing.

Twilight Workshop – Wednesday 28^th April 2010 – Networking & refreshments from 4.30 pm Presentations start 5.30 pm at Dave MacKay Suite, Pride Park Stadium, Derby 

All built assets have significant real costs attached to them after completion – very often more than the original capital cost – as part of the “whole-life” costs of a facility (often referred to as “through-life” costs), including costs of operating and maintaining it over its whole life through to disposal.  The post-completion costs are significant, and with a new built assets costs can be mitigated and planned for by careful selection of design, specification and equipment choices, and with an existing facility by retro-fitting and refurbishment. 

  For more details follow the link : - http://www.emcbe.com/Default.aspx.LocID-07x00h001.Lang-EN.emID-744.cal-yes.EventID-16482.htm 

(13)   Summit Skills – Renewables Grants in the East Midlands one year later

What’s still there, what isn’t and what’s new?

A lot of it is still there, so it is worth having a look.  New things have come up, as well, where old ones have ceased.

Whatever type of client your business usually prefers to work with – domestic market, public sector, or private sector – if you can help them work out how they can make money out of renewables, then they can afford to ask you to work for them.

Summit Skills has important information on this topic available for you.  For more information, contact: -

Kat Wehrheim at kat.wehrheim@summitskills.org.uk  or reply to this e-mail to Ron Glen at ronglen@msn.com  

(14)  New NCF Member  - Introducing Lindhurst Engineering

·         Lindhurst is a professional electro-mechanical engineering company that combines excellence in design, build, install, service & repair disciplines.

·         We are original equipment manufacturers that possess ingenuity, creative thinking and business flair.

·         We can think around your problems, offer you unique solutions and provide you with a turnkey or bespoke outcome in all the construction environments.

·         We have an excellence track record and reputation in the UK at large and we are registered with Construction Line and Achilles UVDB Verify, CHAS, ISO 9001 and the ECA – Electrical Contractors Association

Contact Martin Rigley at martin@lindhurst.co.uk or 01623 446 985   www.lindhurst.co.uk  

(15)  Displaced Apprentices

An updated list of Displaced Apprentices in the East Midlands is now available via Catherine Canning at Constructions Skills.  You can contact her at Catherine.canning@cskills.org.uk  

(16)    Christopher Nicholson

Christopher Nicholson of Chilwell, Nottingham, would like to do an apprenticeship in Carpentry and Joinery and needs suitable employment.

Can you help?  If so, please reply to this e-mail for more details. 

(17)    Photography

Does your business need any help with photography?  Contact Kevin Tanner Photography at : -

Kevin Tanner Photography

www.kevintannerphotography.co.uk  or 0771 4294324     0115 9382 2235 

(18)     Smith Cooper (Accountancy)

NCF Sponsors Smith Cooper is one of the Midlands’ most progressive firms of accountants and business advisors.  We work with clients across the UK from our nine offices across the Midlands – in Nottingham, Derby, Burton, Leicester, Birmingham, Alfreton, Ashbourne, Ilkeston and Buxton.

As well as offering a range of general compliance services, we have dedicated corporate finance , specialist tax, corporate recovery and insolvency teams, as well as separate financial solutions, IT and HR divisions.

           Follow the link to  Get started on your year end tax planning 

(19)     Connect Midlands – Right Funds for you Seminar 
Wednesday 5th May 2010, 4.00 - 7.00pm, Village Hotel, Nottingham
Are you an SME based in the East Midlands? Are you looking to fulfil your high growth potential by securing investment?

If so, this friendly, informal event is for you. “Right Funds for You” is a seminar presented by four experts from the investment finance industry who will cover your venture capital, business angel, grant and debt finance options.
There will be time to get your questions answered following the presentations and during networking over a light buffet.

The event is free to attend.
For more information and to secure your place, please register online by clicking here to access the Connect Midlands website.
Business Link East Midlands
Event Team
0845 058 6644
events@businesslinkem.co.uk

(20)     What can Higher Level Skills do for you?

“Beyond Brokerage” is a free Business Support Service that focuses specifically on construction companies and the skills needs of managers, future managers & experienced staff. 

Our Higher Level Skills Advisor works with companies to identify barriers to future growth; the then contacts the regions universities and colleges to identify potential solutions. 

For more information please contact Steven Corbett on scorbett@dmu.ac.uk or 01509 225 803   www.eastmidlandsnti.co.uk/  

(21)     STOP PRESS !! “Sustainability Now – Free-to-Attend Virtual Conference 12^th – 13^th May 2010!!

  Here is a brilliant, new, and very powerful concept, just in as we go to press. 

  Take part in a significant conference without leaving the comfort of your computer!  Well worth looking at the concept by following the link  

  http://www.ukvirtualevents.com/virtual-events/sustainability-now/ 

(22)     Business and Climate Change at Loughborough University

   Loughborough University Business School would like to speak to any business which has taken steps in response to concerns about climate change.        The aim is to build up a picture of what SMEs are doing in the East Midlands, together with their reasons for taking action.  It is anticipated that the work will lead to a range of outcomes including circulating information on ways in which SMEs are reducing costs and improving profitability through their initiatives.

  For more information contact Lawrence McAulay at l.Mcaulay@lboro.ac.uk

   JANUARY 2010 NCF NEWSLETTER 

(1)           NCF Breakfast Briefing 10^th December 2009 – The Tram Phase 2 Project

Another really good session with some 75 people pre booked, albeit the M1 accident prevented quite a few from attending. 

If you want to register your Company’s interests in supplying goods or services to the NET Phase 2 Tram Project, then please send a short e-mail describing this to :  Nottingham City Council Tram Project Manager, Steve Tough at steve.tough@nottinghamcity.gov.uk

And to the Tramlink Consortium Chair, Roger Harrison at rharrison@keolis.com 

The contact for the other bidding consortium will be advised shortly. 

(2)          2010 NCF Breakfast Briefing Dates

The NCF Breakfast Briefings continue to be very popular with the programmes packed full of vital topics of the day, business improvement ideas and legal compliance issues etc.

Come along and benefit hugely from the positive connections you can make, and gain leads and information that will help you profit. 

For your diary, these will be : -

Thursday 11^th March 2010

Thursday 3^rd June (Symposium)

Thursday 23^rd September

Thursday 9^th December 

(3)          Construction Action Group of Employers (CAGE)

Herewith news from our associates   

(a)           CAGE Great Nottingham Open Meetings

The next open Meeting is a Wednesday 10^th March at 5.30pm and the main topic will focus on Heritage Skills.  Also note future dates.

16^th June – Barbeque Joint Event

22^nd September – Health & Safety Update

1^st December – AGM/ Dinner 

For invitations contact ronglen@msn.com 

(b)          CAGE Greater Nottingham Short Courses

The next in the Safety Health & Environmental Short Course Services, (run with Castle College and New College) is on the subject of :

“ COSHH and Risk Assessments”  It is on Wednesday 20^th Jan ’10 from 9.00am – 3.30pm costs, £75 / head (less CAGE or NCF Grant of £35 / head).  This course will be at Castle College, London Road, Nottingham.  For more details for this vitally important topic, e-mail ronglen@msn.com

 (c)           CAGE North Notts Open Meetings

12^th May

14^th July

8^th  Sept – AGM

For invitations contact tracey.wood@safetyplustraining.com 

4         East Midlands Centre for Constructing the Built Environment (EMCBE)

           Our apologies.  There was a slight typo on the EMCBE e-mail address last Newsletter.

           To sign up for all the news from our Regional Construction Centre e mail : - info@emcbe.com

           It is a very worthwhile service and gives you a regional perspective on construction.  EMCBE is a close associate of NCF. 

5         East Midlands Heritage Hub Bulletin

           If your Company is interested in the important Heritage Agenda, and you would like to be kept informed, sign up for above by contacting Cathie Clarke at cathie.clarke@emcbe.com 

6         “Construction Meet the Buyers” Event - Wednesday 27^th January 2010 at Walkers Stadium Leicester – 9.00am – 5.00pm

           Business Link; East Midlands Development Agency.  East Midlands Property Alliance are running an important and major “ Meet the Construction Buyers” Event as above. 

           For details contact Rhian Surface on rhian@btob.co.uk 

7          Sustainable Construction iNet 2010 Events Programme 

Are you an innovator or business looking to be creative and improve your competitiveness? Find out how the Sustainable              Construction iNet can help you! 

The Sustainable Construction iNet has been set up to offer small to medium sized businesses funding, expertise and networking opportunities to help you become more innovative and reach long term profitability goals. Visit www.bre.co.uk/inetevents for further information and to book your place or email events@construction-inet.org.uk 

8         Help for Young People

(a)       Cyrus Richards is in his final year of a BSc in Quantity Surveying at Nottingham Trent University.  He needs a job from July ’10 onwards.  More details by reply to this e-mail or contact NO183224@ntu.ac.uk  

(b)       Jamie Thorpe

           Is a 19 year old who has completed his apprenticeship in Bricklaying.  However, he would like to broaden his construction experience by working in general building work in a smaller company where he could learn about other trades.  He has transport and is prepared to travel.

           More detail by reply to this e-mail or contact jt_forest@hotmail.com (note underscore) 

9       Notts. City and County Employment and Skills Board

Nottinghamshire: City & County Employment & Skills Board wanted to bring employer leadership to the construction training sector, in particular recognition of the changes underway in the sector as a result of the recession.  The partnership is keen to support local construction businesses through the economic downturn; by encouraging the public sector to use local companies; by ensuring that those companies have access to the right training and the best new employees, and making sure that local companies get to hear about all of the support on offer.  We see that the Nottinghamshire Construction Forum (NCF) plays a key role in getting this information out to the sector.   

For more information about the role of the Nottinghamshire: City & County Employment and Skills Board contact Nicky Church at nicky.church@gnpartnership.org.uk 

10         Construction i Net Pathfinder Grants

           There are still some grants available for work on finding new markets for your product & services. 

           Details from Barrie Billinghay at barrie.billinghay@northampton.ac.uk 

11        Derbyshire, Notts Chamber Construction & Property Forum

           Our Associates, the DNCC, advise of a Breakfast Briefing on “Intelligent Buildings” at 8.15am on 28^th January 2010 in Alfreton.

           Details from the DNCC Team on 0845 601 1038 or policy@dncc.co.uk 

12        Nottingham Constructing Excellence Club

           Their next event is on Wednesday 20^th Jan ’10 from 8.00 – 10.00am on the subject of “Workforce Development”.

           Details from Caroline Dickens at caroline.dickens@ntu.ac.uk 

13      Catapulting Kids

The NE Group has been appointed by the East Midlands Development Agency (emda) to engage local employers to support the new 14 - 19 Diploma programme through the Catapulting Kids project. 

This service provides an excellent opportunity for businesses to engage with and utilise the valuable skills set provided by Diploma students.  The Catapulting Kids project provides businesses with the opportunity to maximise the benefits whilst minimising their investment and expenditure.

Businesses participating in this programme are eligible to access a number of free business support services including:

·       General business support

·       Health & Safety advice and action planning

·       Work placement preparation including administrative and financial support

·       Placement liaison and support

·       General advice and guidance

To find out more of how to get involved in this project please contact Chris Nussey at cnussey@negroup.co.uk

or call us on 0845 9014 219.  

14        Career Chain

The Career Chain service is an East Midlands initiative to support the retention and development of people and skills within the engineering and construction sectors across the region.

The assistance provided is free of charge and comprises of a range of services including: 

Support for individuals

·       Career guidance

·       Developing a professional CV

·       Job search and job matching support

·       Interview skills training

·       Helping identify specific training and up-skilling opportunities 

Support for Businesses

·       Business support & assessment

·       Training needs & gap analysis

·       Action planning

·       Redeployment and recruitment support

·       Referral to other support organisations where appropriate 

Career Chain is funded by East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and is being delivered jointly through The NE Group and Winchester Consulting Limited, working in partnership with colleagues from Jobcentre Plus and various business support organisations. 

For more information please contact Anita Mason at amason@careerchain.org.uk or 0845 61 85 089. 

If you are interested in promoting your products or services through the NCF’s various Newsletters, Website, Breakfast Briefings etc, contact Ron Glen for details of the sponsorship scheme  ronglen@msn.com