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Are you featured in this month's edition of the Avonside staff newsletter? Does your branch or colleagues make an appearance? Find out inside... Covering Bracknell Roofing, Ploughcroft, SBS Group and Avonside projects, tonnes of apprentice news, Group Chief Operations Officer Andrew Morley's article on the importance of investing in staff to ensure continued success, and of course, the most important feature...Avonside's staff Fantasy Football - this issue promises a great read!

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Published by Avonside Group, 2019-12-17 05:24:22

Under The Roof Avonside Group staff newsletter - June 2019

Are you featured in this month's edition of the Avonside staff newsletter? Does your branch or colleagues make an appearance? Find out inside... Covering Bracknell Roofing, Ploughcroft, SBS Group and Avonside projects, tonnes of apprentice news, Group Chief Operations Officer Andrew Morley's article on the importance of investing in staff to ensure continued success, and of course, the most important feature...Avonside's staff Fantasy Football - this issue promises a great read!

UNDER THE ROOF p ISSUE 10
JUNE 2019












UNDER THE ROOF




Avonside’s In-House Branch-Wide Newsletter






TONY BURKE INSIDE
Group Managing Director THIS ISSUE

u GROUP MANAGING
I’m delighted to welcome DIRECTOR, TONY BURKE
you all to this edition of u ANDREW MORLEY, GROUP
the Newsletter. It comes CHIEF OPERATIONS
at a time when we are OFFICER
inviting new members u AVONSIDE PROJECTS
into the Avonside Team; u PLOUGHCROFT PROJECTS
our newly acquired u SBS ROOFING PROJECTS
business Mid-Kent
Roofing are the latest u BRACKNELL ROOFING
PROJECTS
company to join the
Group and I’d like to u ACQUISITIONS
extend my personal u STAFF APPOINTMENTS
welcome to Rob & Lisa Smith and the team at Mid- u STAFF EVENTS
Kent. u STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS
The business is continuing to grow and perform in
line with expectations and I’d like to thank each one of u APPRENTICE AND TRAINEE
NEWS
you for your contributions, I know you are all focussed
to deliver our key goals. u ROOFS FROM MY TRAVELS
This month’s column was actually compiled by u CHARITY WORK
Andrew Morley our Group Chief Operations Officer, u FANTASY FOOTBALL
and I’d like to thank him for taking this on. u MORE STAFF NEWS
As usual, there is lots of great information in the
Newsletter and I hope you enjoy the read.


Tony Burke, Group Managing Director











www.avonsidegroup.co.uk

UNDER THE ROOF




The Need to Invest


for Success







IN LAST EDITION’S COLUMN, WRITTEN BY AVONSIDE respond to the challenges of a dynamic and
GROUP’S CEO TONY BURKE, HE COMMENTED UPON challenging sector, to which we must add the pace of
THE KNOCK-ON EFFECTS OF BREXIT ON THE SUB- technological change that is reshaping business
CONTRACT COMMUNITY, CITING THE UNCERTAINTY practices and capabilities at an ever-increasing pace.
AND LACK OF TRANSPARENCY REGARDING BOTH Within every business, there needs to be a clear
MATERIALS SUPPLY AND PRICING AND THE view by each department as to how it wants to
DEMANDS OF LONG-TERM CONTRACTUAL operate, the technology that can support this, and how
COMMITMENT. to identify the ‘gap’ in the knowledge of our people to
— take us there.
Our erstwhile representatives at Westminster have The ‘gap’ is the fundamental challenge for us all,
made no discernible progress since his last column. and whilst the ongoing need to recruit and develop the
The aforementioned scenario is most definitely not technical skills our industry requires through increased
a platform for a sustainable business model, and I apprenticeships is a subject that has been covered
would reiterate Tony’s plea to all parts of the supply many times in this column — and that all the Senior
chain to think longer term in order to preserve the Management team at Avonside feel passionate about
health of the end-to-end supply chain, because if any — this is only a part of the equation.
link becomes overtly damaged, then the whole supply We also have to look at all those areas of staff and
chain suffers. management to ensure that we have the best people,
Aside from engaging in dialogue with our partners and we develop those people and retain them, so we
in both manufacturing and client base, as responsible have a ‘win-win’ situation.
businesses we have to assess what we can do directly We are in the early stages of the Technological
to maintain the success of our individual businesses Revolution and are only just beginning to realise the
moving forward and to face both the challenges and implications of artificial intelligence, microengineering
opportunities that lie ahead. and biometrics, which will impact every area of our
lives and business.
HOW DO WE DO SO? Taking advantage of these developments usually
In my view, we have to both attract the best calibre of happens for early adopters, and in order to do so, we
employee available to us, and thereafter we must must have a strategy to build these opportunities into
invest in and develop them to their maximum our business models and ensure our teams are
performance. thoroughly prepared to deliver.
Let me firstly point out that this is not a column These gains will allow us to think more creatively
addressing recruitment and remuneration — that is a about the supply chain issues we face, allow us to
subject in itself. provide better value-added services to our client base
By a commitment to investing in our people to — better health and safety, improved logistics and
develop them, it is a recognition that the best superior quality of delivery.
businesses prosper as a result of a long-term strategy Many areas of the supply chain are already
to ensure that members of staff are better trained, thinking about these issues and striving for greater
have a clearer direction and are more highly motivated efficiency — areas such as modular and off-site
than their competitors. In this way, they can drive a building will present challenges to the traditional
business forward. methods of construction, and we each need to be able
Training and development cost time and resources to respond or, even better, lead in these critical areas.
— it’s my view that the CITB training levy is a welcomed In this fomenting environment where change is
initiative but somewhat narrow in its focus intended to taking place all around us and at ever-increasing
release funds for the purpose of training and speed, focussed and related development of our
development, that may benefit by broadening its remit people is the only sustainable protection we have
to all staff. against being left behind.
Notwithstanding that perspective, we each have a
responsibility to improve our people’s ability to Andrew Morley, Group Chief Operations Officer




www.avonsidegroup.co.uk

UNDER THE ROOF





AVONSIDE PROJECTS

Avonside Midlands Flat Roofing Overcome

Logistical Challenges



THE PROBLEM: WATER INGRESS
Avonside Midlands Flat Roofing were asked to help
client Wilkinson Environmental find a cost-effective
and viable solution for Biffa’s High Wycombe waste
recycling office’s leaky roof. The building suffered from
water ingress as a result of the existing EPDM
(Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) system having
failed. Computers were kept on the top floor of the
office building, so it was vital that the issue was solved
promptly and efficiently.
THE SOLUTION
After Avonside Midlands carried out surveys of the site
to assess the client’s needs, scale of the issue and
scope of the project, they proposed installation of the
RENOLIT PVC Single Ply system (total surface area
700m²) as a viable and cost-effective solution, with a
20-year warranty that met the client’s requirements.
With their proposal accepted, the Midlands team
began installing a 1.5mm-thick light-grey RENOLIT PVC
Single Ply ALKORPLAN system. The membrane was
fastened mechanically. While RENOLIT supplied the
main roofing accessories, the fixings manufacturer was
Fixfast Ltd, and the other products used in the project TICK TOCK!
were by Olympic. The installation was successfully Due to the site being a functioning office, completing
completed, headed up by the Project Lead, Matthew the project to a high standard in the designated
Savage, who is L2 NVQ single ply qualified. 3-week schedule was imperative so staff could have
access to car parking spaces again. Avonside Midlands
LOGISTICAL CHALLENGES are proud to say the job was largely completed in 2
As the Biffa waste recycling building was still a and a half weeks, ahead of schedule.
functioning office whilst Avonside Midlands staff
worked on-site, they had to be considerate and keep AVONSIDE MIDLANDS MEAN GREEN!
noise to a minimum. Part of the project involved The team opted to avoid stripping the original roofing
drilling, and the noise restrictions meant they couldn’t system, so the old materials didn’t have to go to the
drill at certain times. The Midlands team worked landfill. Instead, they overlaid the new waterproof
around the office workers, who equally worked around system and avoided leaving the building exposed to
the team by sometimes using laptops and working in a the elements.
different location.
Parking was also limited on the site due to it being SAFETY FIRST!
in use by office workers. Scaffolding needed to be Health and safety were big priorities for the team,
erected, which Wilkinson Environmental collaborated especially as they were working on a site with offices in
with Avonside Midlands on, organising the scaffolding operation. All labourers were fully inducted in terms of
for the team as well as providing a forklift to get all the Health and Safety, plus all the relevant risk
necessary materials up on the roof conveniently and assessments were carried out. Regular Toolbox talks
efficiently in one day. The scaffolding did take up some were had with labourers and all staff, addressing
car parking spaces, so efficiency was vital. issues like the safety aspects of working at height.







www.avonsidegroup.co.uk

UNDER THE ROOF





AVONSIDE PROJECTS

Avonside Cobsen-Davies Bring a Ray

of Sunshine to Arun Projects Apartment

Buildings



AVONSIDE COBSEN-DAVIES SUCCESSFULLY
COMPLETED A SINGLE PLY ROOFING PROJECT ON
APARTMENT BUILDINGS FOR ARUN PROJECTS, THE
MAIN CONTRACTOR.


HIGH-QUALITY PRODUCTS USED
20nr Sun pipes, 16 “Light weight 250” and 4 “Light
weight 520” from manufacturer Lightway, were
installed by Cobsen-Davies’ in-house sheeting and
cladding team.
Sarnafil G410-15EL in light grey was mechanically
fixed with heat-welded laps. The effective thickness of
the main covering was 1.5mm with a standard
lacquered finish. The Sarnafil G410-15EL membrane
was mechanically fixed to all upstands including
peel-stop bars and stainless-steel fixings as per As well as fixings from Sarna Fixings, other
manufacturer’s recommendations. The upstands had products used included powder-coated aluminium
to be no lower than 150mm in height to conform to copings from manufacturer Skyline that were made
the manufacturer’s recommendations. bespoke to suit. They were measured and pressed to
Sarnafil 500E, a polythene Vapour Control Layer, suit various widths of parapet and then powder-coated
was applied to the timber deck. SarnaTherm S 140mm to ensure the finish met the client’s RAL requirements.
foil-faced flat insulation board was also mechanically The aluminium element of the Skyline coping ensured
fixed through to the timber deck using Sarna fixing its durability and longevity, with the life expectancy of
plates and carbon fixings (achieving a U-Value of 0.15 aluminium being up to 40 years in rural/suburban
W/m2K). areas and up to 25 years in industrial/marine areas.
In addition, 2nr Sarnafil rainwater scupper box Aluminium is also 100% recyclable.
outlets were fixed and sealed, and Sarnafil SarnaTred Upon completion of the project, Avonside Cobsen-
600 x 600 walkway tiles glued and welded, to the main Davies issued a 20-year amortised product and
field area. workmanship guarantee on project completion.

GOING GREEN WITH SOLAR PRODUCTS
It was specified in the original Bill of Quantity that
Avonside Cobsen-Davies install a solar master solar
tube. These sun tubes, although not entirely new, are
still regarded as innovative in the sense that they
provide natural daylight rather than artificial light and
are eco-friendly. Due to the reflective layers from the
pure silver and glass light diffuser, the sunlight
delivered through the sun tubes doesn’t lose its
natural colouring and behaviour.
As Lightway state on their website, natural sunlight
can impact a person’s mood for the better (sunlight
stimulates the production of serotonin in the body,
which makes people feel happier), supports the ability
>>>




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UNDER THE ROOF




to learn and can influence people’s performance.
To reduce their carbon footprint throughout the
project, the Cobsen-Davies team took measures to cut
the number of vehicle movements by maximising bulk
deliveries and engaging labour in Portsmouth so that
workers were local to the site. They also complied fully
with the Main Contractor’s waste management plan.

SAFE AND SOUND
Safety was maintained by using trained and competent
labour. Risk Assessment and Method Statements
(RAMS) were issued to the Main Contractor for
approval, and the operatives were subsequently
inducted into the RAMS. Operatives were made aware
of what potential risks were on the project and how
works were to be planned and carried out. The
health-and-safety process and risk management were
monitored by a combination of the Charge Hand, the
Main Contractor’s Site Manager, and Avonside’s visiting
Construction Management personnel.




Avonside Midlands’ Single Ply Roofing


for KFC



AVONSIDE MIDLANDS WERE ASKED BY CLIENT B&K GET YOURSELVES ORGANISED!
BUILDING SERVICES TO INSTALL A RENOLIT WHITE As the retail park was a large-scale project and site, the
PVC MEMBRANE SINGLE PLY SYSTEM ONTO A NEW Avonside Midlands team made sure to organise their
KFC RESTAURANT AS PART OF A LARGER NEW BUILD material delivery times so that they were coordinated
SCHEME IN WHICH LOTS OF RETAIL UNITS WERE with other trades’ delivery programmes.
BEING BUILT FOR GROVEBURY RETAIL PARK IN
LEIGHTON BUZZARD. AN EYE ON THE ENVIRONMENT
— The RENOLIT ALKORBRIGHT PVC Single Ply system that
With a total square meterage of 450m², the KFC was installed contained a white photovoltaic
restaurant was the only building to have a flat roof in membrane which, being solar-reflective, reflected the
the entire retail park. sunlight, creating eco-friendly sustainable energy.
Led again by Project Lead Matthew Savage, the Avonside Midlands also took care to minimise
RENOLIT ALKORBRIGHT membrane was mechanically waste when it came to off-cut materials.
fastened by Avonside Midlands operatives. The
thickness of the membrane was 1.5mm, whilst the
finish was a brilliant white.
Fixfast Ltd provided the fixings that were used
throughout the project. Other products that were used
included Xtratherm insulation and Firth Steels’ S5+
metal decking.

TEAMWORK
Collaboration and strong communication were needed
as Avonside Midlands’ staff were required to work
closely with the cladding Contractor of the project.
They also met regularly with the design team on-site.






www.avonsidegroup.co.uk

UNDER THE ROOF





AVONSIDE PROJECTS

Avonside Renewables Help Glasgow

Get Onboard with Solar



Early March saw Etienne
Hilaire and his team at
Avonside Renewables install
the 36KWp (pictured) in
central Glasgow using
Sunfixings Limited E/W Tegra.
This photo was captured by
Sunfixings’ Technical Sales
Manager, Mark Poskitt.
















Sika Sarnafil Installation at


Felpham College



It looks like the installation of
the Sika Sarnafil mechanically
fixed system went well at
Felpham Community College,
West Sussex, in April. Thanks,
Sam Rogan, Major Projects
Consultant and Specifier at
Sika, for the photo! Avonside
worked on the project
alongside Principal Contractor,
Sunninghill Construction Co.
Limited.










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PLOUGHCROFT PROJECTS
Back to School for



Ploughcroft!



































WHEN THE MAIN ROOF OF EASTWOOD COMMUNITY APPLYING THE SIKA LIQUID SYSTEM
SCHOOL IN KEIGHLEY, WEST YORKSHIRE, REACHED Once the metal surface had been de-rusted, it was
THE END OF ITS DESIGN LIFE, IT BEGAN TO LEAK IN degreased using a solvent-based degreaser.
VARIOUS PLACES. Ploughcroft then thoroughly rinsed it off with fresh
— water, applied Sika Liquid Plastics Metal Primer to all
Luckily, Ploughcroft stepped in and carried out a liquid prepared exposed metallic surfaces, and allowed it to
plastic re-roof on the school’s 2000m² profile metal dry before coating it with Sikalastic 625 Liquid Metal &
roof, a project that lasted 12 weeks. The bad condition Asbestos Plastic System.
of the roof membrane was typical throughout the
entire roof area, so it was proposed that a Sika Liquid
System be applied over the roof area to give a 15-year
guarantee.

PREPARATION IS KEY!
Before the initial cleaning of the roof area, the
Ploughcroft team had to remove all surface debris by
hand, along with any visible growth and vegetation.
They also had to protect all outlets to make sure no
debris entered the drainage system. All rust had to be
removed by wire brushing, returning the surface to a
bright, clean metal where possible. The operatives
tightened any loose fixings (or replaced when
necessary) and replaced any corroded, damaged or
missing fixings.








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PLOUGHCROFT PROJECTS

Helping Customers Embrace Energy-

Efficient Lifestyles!



PLOUGHCROFT ARE PLEASED TO REPORT THEIR 3) ENERGY-EFFICIENT CONSERVATORY ROOF
SAVVY CUSTOMERS ARE REALLY GETTING ON BOARD The final step to ultimate energy efficiency saw the
WITH HOW THEY CAN BENEFIT FROM THE LATEST Ploughcroft team replace the customer’s existing
ENERGY-SAVING TECHNOLOGY. polycarbonate conservatory roof with their energy-
— efficient solid alternative. With Eurocell’s Equinox tiled
One of their Halifax-based customers in particular took roof keeping more heat in, the customer can now
some very positive steps toward keeping their energy enjoy their conservatory all year round, not just in the
costs down. Here are three ways in which Ploughcroft summer. Tiled conservatory roofs also eliminate leaks
helped make low energy bills a reality for their and insulate against outdoor noise such as rainfall,
customer: wind and wildlife, which often disturb those with
polycarbonate roofs.
1) ECO ROOF™ THERMAL BLANKET The tiled conservatory roof’s U-Value is 0.15 W/
The customer’s existing loft conversion didn’t retain m²K, roughly 10 times as efficient as an A-rated
much heat until the Ploughcroft team installed their window!
signature Eco Roof™ thermal blanket. Beneath a
complete re-roof, this thermal blanket provides
state-of-the-art, cost-effective roof insulation, using
TLX Gold insulation. Throughout the project,
Ploughcroft made sure to comply with Part L1B of the
Building Regulations.
The Eco Roof™ thermal blanket gives the house’s
main roof a U-Value of 0.6 W/m²K.
2) SOLAR PV INSTALLATION WITH BATTERY
STORAGE
To help reduce the heating bills even further,
Ploughcroft operatives also installed a Hybrid solar PV
system with battery storage from Prime Hybrid Energy.
This enables the customer to store the solar energy
that they don’t use during the day, meaning it can be
used in the evening when they need it the most.
The new solar panels provide the happy customer
with an incredible Solar Estimated Benefit of £23,000
over 25 years.

























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PLOUGHCROFT PROJECTS
A Trip to A&E for



Ploughcroft!





NO, NO ONE WAS INJURED THANKFULLY!

However, Ploughcroft has recently completed a large
project in Greater Manchester — specifically, on top of
Tameside Hospital in Ashton-under-Lyne (you may
have seen some photos of this project progressing in
the last newsletter). Tameside Hospital’s A&E
department was suffering from water ingress, so
Ploughcroft implemented a sustainable long-term
solution.
Originally, the leaking structure was a felt roof with
a plywood deck. In just under three months,
Ploughcroft worked to resolve this issue as part of a
large-scale, overall refurbishment of the hospital,
resulting in a new, watertight flat roof that the A&E
department can now benefit from.
ONLY THE BEST PRODUCTS USED
The new roof included new plywood decking, with an
exterior grade of 18mm from Hanson Plywood Ltd,
based in Halifax, West Yorkshire. The screws and
fixings were supplied by SIG plc. The main covering
comprised a dark-grey, 1.2mm-thick Firestone EPDM
rubber membrane from Permaroof and a 120mm-
thick Thermaroof TR27 insulation board from Kingspan
Group.

CONSIDERATE CONTRACTORS
Completing the work without too much disruption to
the busy A&E department was a must. Throughout the
project, Ploughcroft worked around a strict schedule to
ensure minimum disruption. The delivery of materials
made sure not to disrupt public access or ambulance
traffic; instead, the team used specific access routes to
the site and a Traffic Management System. They were
also constantly mindful of noise throughout the
project.


















www.avonsidegroup.co.uk

UNDER THE ROOF





SBS ROOFING PROJECTS

SBS Group Help Wakefield Get into the

Swing of Solar!



WHEN WAKEFIELD & DISTRICT HOUSING APPOINTED developed and completed in 2 phases. First, the roof
SBS ROOFING AS ROOFING AND SOLAR THERMAL renewals and solar PV were installed, and then an
INSTALLATION CONTRACTOR, SBS GROUP COULDN’T insulated render system was installed to further
WAIT TO BEGIN STRIPPING AND RENEWING THE complement the design.
PITCHED ROOF COVERINGS ON 102 TERRACED
PROPERTIES, BUILT IN THE 1940S, IN FAVOUR OF RESULTS
PHOTOVOLTAIC ROOF PANELS. Overall, the completed project achieved:
— • Renewable power
The properties, located on Victoria Estate in • Integrated solar electric roof slates
Featherstone, were of solid wall construction and • Reduced maintenance when compared with
therefore had poor insulation detailing. The aim of the mounted panels
£2.5m (excluding materials) project was to implement • Home improvement benefits
a vibrant residential refurbishment that would • Reduced CO2 emissions
transform the area and promote social integration, • Lower energy costs by helping to cut fuel poverty
identity and pride in the Featherstone community. • The re-energisation of the aesthetics of the area.
SBS Group rose to the challenge! Works were

Local Jobs Generated Through SBS Group


Sheffield Project



SBS WERE THRILLED TO FIGHT OFF STIFF job centre, SBS Group and Skills Made Easy advertised
COMPETITION FROM KEEPMOAT, KEIR, MEARS AND and held a job fair so local labour could be considered.
OTHER LARGE MANAGEMENT CONSORTIUMS BACK SBS Group also delivered a short presentation to the
IN 2015, TO WIN A CONTRACT FROM SHEFFIELD CITY candidates, explaining all the different jobs that were
COUNCIL VALUED AT £10M. available. Apprentices were also recruited in a similar
— way. Overall, both directly and indirectly, the project
The Arbourthorne roofing scheme, which was created 11 apprentice positions and 6 full-time
tendered through the EN (Efficiency North) employment opportunities and enabled existing staff
Procurement framework, involved replacing the roofs to attain 4 further educational qualifications!
of local authority semi-detached and townhouses
located in South East Sheffield, covering an area of LIAISING WITH A DIVERSE POPULATION
1.74 square miles (4.5km2). Like most local authority housing, the population of
The existing rosemary roof coverings, felt and the Arbourthorne estate is a diverse one with some
battens on the houses were stripped and replaced residents having vulnerability and other support
with a new non-breathable membrane under graded, requirements. SBS worked alongside Sheffield City
treated battens and new Marley Edgemere tiles. Swish Council and local residentials groups to tailor support
fascias and soffits were installed too, whilst SBS Group and services to meet the needs of the diverse
also helped deal with some aspects of the asbestos population and was even awarded the NFRC Gold
removal. Award for Health and Safety following a stringent
assessment process.
JOB CREATION SBS provided a full Resident Liaison Service, which
Before the project began, SBS Group, Sheffield City was highly successful throughout the contract, which
Council and Skills Made Easy developed an only terminated in Spring 2019, following a successful
employments-and-skill plan for the project. The local 4-year project.





www.avonsidegroup.co.uk

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BRACKNELL ROOFING PROJECTS

Bracknell Roofing Transform Copsewood

Grange & Lodge in Coventry



THE EXQUISITE COPSEWOOD GRANGE MANOR
HOUSE DATES BACK TO 1872 AND WAS TO BE
TRANSFORMED INTO 17 LUXURY APARTMENTS FOR
MORRIS HOMES. AFTER THE ROOFING SUB-
CONTRACTOR THAT INITIALLY WON THE SLATING
AND ANCILLARIES WORK FOR THIS
TRANSFORMATION REALISED THAT THE PROJECT
WAS BEYOND THE SKILLS THEY COULD PROVIDE,
MORRIS HOMES TURNED TO BRACKNELL ROOFING.

Morris Homes also tasked Bracknell Roofing with
rejuvenating the 19th-century revivalist Victorian-
Gothic-style Copsewood Lodge, a locally listed building
— whilst preserving the roof’s 1870s original look.
A COLOURFUL PAST
Copsewood Grange is situated at the heart of a
200-acre estate in Coventry. There have been many
owners of the estate over the years, including the
General Electric Company, with several changes in the
configuration of the land. Developments included
factory units and a golf course. Part of the site also
featured in the film The Italian Job, starring Michael
Caine!
When the factories closed, many buildings on the
estate fell into disrepair, most notably the previously
handsome Copsewood Grange. Unfortunately, it also
suffered serious vandalism, culminating in being set on
fire. Sadly, vandalism also contributed to Copsewood
Lodge falling into disrepair, landing it on the ‘at risk’ list
at SAVE Britain’s Heritage.
The city council would not entertain the idea of
demolishing the Lodge but offered planning
permission for revitalising the property as a high-
specification single dwelling of four bedrooms. A
campaign was soon set up to save the Grange and the
other historic buildings. Eventually, in 2015,
housebuilder Morris Homes stepped in to buy the
Grange and its nearby Lodge, vowing to preserve the
intrinsic value of these historic buildings.
RISING TO THE CHALLENGE
The project would be a total rebuild to high
specification throughout, requiring considerable
expertise. Copsewood Grange had been constructed in
red brick with a blue-slated roof. Ornate, it
>>>





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incorporated various architectural styles running
across six bays. The entrance bay was marked with the
presence of a grand stone portico with projecting roof.
There was a series of Gothic arches, and the second
floor was pierced with a triple window set in a half-
round arch, plus a gabled parapet. The building had
been seriously damaged by fire, and there was nothing
left of the roof, yet the planners and conservationists
demanded a like-for-like rebuild. This would
necessitate the gathering and scrutiny of old
photographs and studying what few drawings could be
found.
The project was made more challenging by a series
of sequencing issues entirely beyond the control of
Bracknell Roofing. There was six weeks’ work on the
new roof, but it ended up taking almost a year. Long
gaps appeared in the work programme, including a
break of two months.

PRESERVING THE PAST
Conservation Officers also requested that the roof of
the Lodge should look exactly the same as the 1870s
original — which also meant studying old photographs
and even older drawings. The work had to be checked
and approved at every stage. This was an
extraordinarily intricate task. The new roof had to look
exactly the same as the old one. This went as far as
matching the patchwork of coloured tiles exactly. workmanship of Bracknell Roofing’s team included
The company’s Regional Contracts Manager was extensive use of Code 6 lead and the creation of a
heavily involved, always able to call on the support of Bishop’s Hat.
the central management resources. The quality
management system is registered to, and in PRECISE PROJECT MANAGEMENT
accordance with, ISO 9001:2015. Unusual sequencing with long periods of inactivity
would have knocked many a sub-contractor off course,
IMPECCABLE WORKMANSHIP but Bracknell Roofing has sophisticated project
The standard of workmanship on this most complex management resources and always applied these
heritage project had to remain unfalteringly high. Not flexibly. The client praised the response, and its Site
only did Morris Homes have to be satisfied Agent said that the scheme “looks absolutely stunning,
throughout, but there was also the regularly present and everyone involved should feel proud”. All work
Conservation Officer to please. Special features of the was done within budget.





www.avonsidegroup.co.uk

UNDER THE ROOF





ACQUISITIONS

AVONSIDE GROUP WELCOMES MID-KENT ROOFING

AS AN EVER-GROWING AND THRIVING BUSINESS, Group Managing Director said: “This acquisition is a
WE’RE THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE THE PURCHASE OF strategically important one for our Group, as it gives us
MID-KENT ROOFING, BASED IN MAIDSTONE. an established and credible presence in the Kent
— catchment, which has been an objective of ours for
Mid-Kent Roofing has been successfully developed and some time.”
run by Rob and Lisa Smith. The business excels at He continued: “Rob and Lisa Smith and their team
offering high-standard roofing, flat roofing and lead have an outstanding reputation based upon consistent
work services at competitive prices across the South delivery to the highest standards, their ethos and
East UK region. commitment offer an excellent match with core
They pride themselves on offering a complete Avonside values.”
“one-stop-shop” professionally managed service, In response, Mr Smith commented: “This
employing a team of highly trained and skilled development is the obvious next step for the business
tradespeople, including Bricklayers, Scaffolders, and positions us for further growth and development
Carpenters and Painters and Decorators to expertly with our key partner clients.”
cater for all project requirements. We warmly welcome Rob, Lisa and their team to
Announcing the acquisition, Tony Burke Avonside’s the Group!


NEW STAFF APPOINTMENTS

INTRODUCING SAM TEBBS!

WE REALLY DO LIKE TO GROW OUR OWN HERE AT career challenge in which he could set about achieving
AVONSIDE! WE’D LIKE TO WISH SAM TEBBS, OUR NEW his full potential. This drive was what put him on our
MANAGEMENT TRAINEE, A WARM WELCOME TO THE radar!
EVER-GROWING AND THRIVING AVONSIDE TEAM. In his spare time, Sam enjoys playing rugby union
— at a very competitive standard for Derby RFC 1st XV
Sam successfully secured his position at Avonside and has recently purchased his first home with his
following an intensive qualifying process. As a partner.
Management Trainee for the Group, he will gain After securing the Management Trainee role, Sam
valuable exposure to all the different and varied areas said: “I’m delighted to have secured such an important
of the business throughout his training programme. position with a forward-thinking organisation like
This will allow him to support the business as is Avonside, and it allows me to continue family
appropriate and ultimately fast track him to fulfil a connections within the roofing industry.”
rewarding management role within the Group.
We’re thrilled to have made further investments to
improve and strengthen our management capabilities
within our ranks.
Speaking about the positive move to hire Sam,
Avonside Group Services Managing Director Tony
Burke said: “We are delighted that Sam has elected to
take up this opportunity. It is important to us that we
develop more of our management talent from within
and we are all very excited about this initiative. We
think it highlights a planned and progressive approach
for the business.”

MEET SAM… Sam (pictured) is a bright, outgoing,
23-year-old psychology graduate, who worked in
comprehensive school teaching and year head roles
for two years. After these roles, he began looking for a





www.avonsidegroup.co.uk

UNDER THE ROOF





STAFF EVENTS

Avonside Worksop & Bourne Customer

Karting Challenge



AVONSIDE’S WORKSOP AND BOURNE BRANCHES The final results were as follows:
RECENTLY TEAMED UP TO ENTERTAIN CUSTOMERS
DURING A FUN AFTERNOON OF GO-KARTING AT 1st Place
THE COUNTRY’S LEADING OUTDOOR KART CIRCUIT, HENRY MUNTON AND RICHARD BOSTOCK
PF INTERNATIONAL. - Avonside Bourne

The unusual spell of fine weather that we’d enjoyed 2nd Place
over the Easter weekend disappointingly broke up for ROB NEWTON AND MARC CUCKSEY
race day, and it was with some trepidation that 20 - Chestnut Homes
racers prepared to tackle some challenging
conditions during the 40-minute practice and 3rd Place
qualifying session. Participants even saw hail at one RICHARD NEWTON AND GRAHAM SMITH
point, and it is fair to say that all the racers - Taylor Wimpey East Midlands.
experienced spins during these wet sessions, some
quite spectacularly!
The track was still wet and extremely slippery as
the karts lined up to start the hour-long race. Each
team comprised two drivers, with strategic pit stops
taking place to achieve the quickest possible race
time.
Henry Munton from the Bourne pairing of
Munton/Bostock made a solid start from pole
position; however, he came unstuck in the wet at the
first hairpin and slipped back to 4th on the first lap.
Some fine driving saw him recover to second in a
fairly short time, and it was not long before the pair
took the lead, which they held for the remainder of
the race.
During the race, the track slowly dried out,
allowing all drivers to push harder and harder as the
race progressed.
Despite the racers finishing the afternoon soaked
to the skin, all agreed that the changing conditions
added to the fun of the whole event. A trophy
presentation took place in the bar afterwards, where
there was intense discussion on how best to keep the
karts off the grass and on the tarmac!





















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UNDER THE ROOF





STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS

Peter Baker Crowned Health & Safety

Champion at UK Roofing Awards!



IT WAS CHEERS ALL ROUND FOR
OUR SENIOR CONTRACTS
MANAGER, PETER BAKER, AS HE
SCOOPED HEALTH AND SAFETY
CHAMPION 2018 AWARD AT THE
PRESTIGIOUS NFRC UK ROOFING
AWARDS!

Our Managing Director Tony Burke,
Group Business Development
Director Phil Bull, Area Director
Adam Pearson, Group Operations
Director Andrew Morley, and
Contracts Director Stewart Hill all
attended the black-tie celebration
at InterContinental London - The
O2 on 10th May. Rubbing
shoulders with roofing’s finest, they
enjoyed networking with the
roofing community and celebrated
Peter’s unwavering commitment to
health and safety in style!










Another Qualification Under the Belt

for Sarah Burke!



A WELL DONE IS IN ORDER FOR OUR GROUP SHEQ MANAGER SARAH
BURKE FOR TAKING THE BRAND-NEW NEBOSH COURSE IN APRIL (THE HSE
CERTIFICATE IN HEALTH AND SAFETY LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE,
DEVELOPED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE)
AND PASSING WITH FLYING COLOURS!

NEBOSH, the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and
Health, is the UK’s independent exam board delivering vocational health,
safety and environmental practice and management qualifications.
The HSE Certificate in Health and Safety Leadership Excellence
highlights the moral, legal and financial reasons for good health and safety
leadership and offers guidance on the key areas to focus on to achieve it.






www.avonsidegroup.co.uk

UNDER THE ROOF





APPRENTICE AND TRAINEE NEWS
National Apprenticeship



Week Ends on a High for


Avonside!




WITH THE ROOFING INDUSTRY FACING AN EVER-
GROWING SKILLS GAP, IT’S ALWAYS POSITIVE NEWS
WHEN UP-AND-COMING YOUNG ROOFERS SUCCEED
AND ACHIEVE.

We’re proud to report that Tyler Pedrick, a 22-year-old
apprentice at our Avonside Braintree Residential
Roofing branch, was crowned Apprentice of the Year
2019 in Eastern Region Roof Training Group Ltd’s
(ERRTG) awards, ending National Apprenticeship Week
with a bang. A huge congratulations to Tyler (pictured).
Olivia Gilbert from ERRTG said: “We are so pleased
that this year’s apprentice of the year is Tyler Pedrick. It
was an easy choice, he is a pleasure to teach, always
hard working with excellent attendance and
punctuality. He continues to impress us with his
attitude to learning and maturity.
“We feel that Tyler has a very bright future.”
We’re also hugely proud of Ross Brazitis (pictured),
an apprentice at our Colchester Residential Roofing
branch, who scooped the Best Newcomer award. ceremony to get involved in National Apprenticeship
Eastern Region Roof Training Group Ltd carried Week and to mark the hard work of promising
out team building activities, talks about the important apprentices who have stood out.
role apprenticeships play, and held an exciting awards National Apprenticeship Week ran 4th–8th March
as a nationwide celebration (and now a social media
movement), uniting employees and apprentices in
recognising the powerful impact that apprenticeships
can have on people and workplaces.
We are strong advocates in apprenticeships,
recruiting 50 apprentices last year alone as we believe
in bringing the best quality of people into our business.
As Eddie Stanton, our Flat Roofing Divisional Director,
said in his interview with RCI Magazine in January:
“To help tackle the skills shortage issue, I think we
(individual companies and industry representatives)
need to go into schools and speak directly to students
about promoting the opportunities and routes to
progression that are available within the roofing
sector.
“Ultimately, I think we have to sell youngsters a
career, rather than a job.”









www.avonsidegroup.co.uk

UNDER THE ROOF





APPRENTICE AND TRAINEE NEWS

TYLER PEDRICK FEATURES IN ROOFING
TODAY’S ‘30 UNDER THIRTY’


Tyler’s winning streak didn’t end with his ERRTG award. In a bid to drive
recognition of the high standards and professionalism in the ranks of
youngsters entering the roofing industry, Roofing Today magazine ran a
feature titled ‘30 Under Thirty’ — thirty professionals deemed to soar in
their early careers due to their outstanding achievements. Tyler, who is
currently studying for an NVQ L2 in Roof Slating and Tiling, was praised in
the feature which stated:
“Right from the start of his apprenticeship, Tyler has been a model
student, according to the ERRTG. He has a passion to learn and develop
his skills as a roofer, demonstrating an attention to detail that results in an
exceptional standard of work.
“Tyler is ambitious and sees his future lying in working to continually
improve as a roofer and work his way up the career ladder at Avonside
Roofing.”
If young roofers are anything like Tyler, we reckon the future of the
industry is in safe hands!

TRAINEES
INDUCTED TO
PITCHED & FLAT TOMMY O’NEIL
ROOFING COURSE GAINS NVQ


Well done to this brilliant group, AHEAD OF COURSE
which includes trainees from SIG MATES
Roofing and Clarion Housing Group
as well as Avonside, following the We’d like to give a shout out to
two-day introduction to their one of our apprentices, Tommy
pitched and flat roofing course at O’Neil, who is currently training at
BMI’s National Training Centre in the Eastern Region Roof Training
early April. BMI is currently the only UK roofing manufacturer able to offer Group (ERRTG), for being the first
training in both the flat roofing and pitched roofing disciplines and at the of his apprentice group to achieve
one site. his NVQ Level 2 in Roof Slate &
Tiling in March, 5 months ahead
BMI REDLAND & of programme. This fantastic
ICOPAL COURSE achievement is a testament to
SUCCESSFULLY how far he has come on his
apprenticeship course. Nice one,
COMPLETED BY Tommy!
TRAINEES


Congratulations to all trainees
from Avonside, SIG Roofing,
Roofbase, BMI Group, and
Rowlands Roofing for completing
their two-day Redland and Icopal roofing course with flying colours!







www.avonsidegroup.co.uk

UNDER THE ROOF





APPRENTICE AND TRAINEE NEWS





































LEEDS COLLEGE OF BUILDING STUDENTS
ROCKING AVONSIDE’S PPE


We think they make great models…but they make even greater roofers! It always makes us smile when we see
Leeds College of Building students wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) donated by Avonside whilst out
and about. Here they are on an educational trip visiting Burlington Slate Ltd quarry.


LEON FLETCHER
COMPETES IN LEEDS

COLLEGE OF
BUILDING INTERNAL
SKILLSBUILD COMP


Our skilled apprentice at Avonside
Wigan Residential Roofing, Leon
Fletcher, competed in Leeds College of
Building’s Internal SkillBuild
Competition on 3rd March. Ten
apprentices competed for three
coveted places, which would enable
them to progress to the regional
rounds of the prestigious national
multi-trade competition for UK
construction trainees and apprentices.
Well done, Leon!





www.avonsidegroup.co.uk

UNDER THE ROOF





ROOFS FROM MY TRAVELS PHOTOS


VEGA’S HUGE FLAT
ROOF
Check out this enormous
flat roof snapped by Chris
Beech of Bracknell Roofing
South East/Sussex from his
hotel room at the Excalibur
Hotel in Las Vegas.
Chris said: “The sheer
size of the flat roof was
astounding, probably about
15,000m2, and that’s just a

A ROOF WITH A VIEW! small part of the hotel roof!”
Ploughcroft’s Divisional
Director Chris Hopkins
captured this wonderful view
in Algarve, Portugal. Thanks
for sharing, Chris!

Has an interesting roof, skyline or rooftop view ever caught your eye on holiday?
Whether it was taken abroad or captured in the UK, we’d welcome your photos for
future issues for the staff newsletter.
Send them in to: avonsidegroupservices.co.uk/newsdesk





CHARITY WORK

Mental Health Matters



WE WANTED TO GIVE A NOD TO ROMILLY SNOWDEN, ADMINISTRATOR
AT AVONSIDE DRIFFIELD, FOR KINDLY BRIGHTENING HER COLLEAGUES’
DAY WITH SOME SWEET TREATS FOR THE OFFICE DURING MENTAL
HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK.

Mental Health Awareness Week ran 13th-19th May. With 2 construction
workers a day sadly taking their own lives, Avonside Group are eager
supporters of Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, who offer a vital
helpline for those in crisis and their families (0345 605 1956).
Check out what our Group Managing Director Tony Burke told Roofing
Today magazine about his views on mental health in construction in their
January issue here.











www.avonsidegroup.co.uk

UNDER THE ROOF





CHARITY WORK

Avonside Worksop & Bourne Support

Rhubarb Farm



STEWART HILL, BRANCH DIRECTOR OF AVONSIDE As the organisation continues to support
WORKSOP, AND RICHARD BOSTOCK, BRANCH vulnerable people to change their lives for the better,
DIRECTOR AT AVONSIDE BOURNE, ATTENDED AN Stewart and Richard say they will continue to support
EVENT WHICH SAW A NEWLY DONATED MINIBUS the local venture at Rhubarb Farm by providing any
HANDED OVER TO HORTICULTURAL-BASED surplus pallets, which the organisation will put to many
ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIAL ENTERPRISE, RHUBARB uses around the farm.
FARM, AND WERE TREATED TO A SPECIAL TOUR OF
THE RHUBARB FARM FACILITY IN LANGWITH ON
11TH MARCH.

The photos, taken by Mark Hitchings from Stag
Communications, show just how many people turned
out to see the unveiling of the new minibus.
A huge portion (£12,000) of the £26,000 needed to
fund the new, urgently needed, branded minibus was
raised at the Efficiency East Midlands (EEM) awards
ceremony, which Stewart and Richard attended at the
Athena in Leicester in February. Avonside Bourne had
proudly sponsored the “Contractor of the Year”
category at the awards, which was won by J Tomlinson
Limited, with Property Plus (Housing Plus Group) being
the runner up.
Avonside Worksop, in particular, have worked very
closely with EEM framework for several years, carrying
out a large amount of social re-roofing.
Rhubarb Farm use therapeutic organic agricultural
activities to help support the unemployed, ex-
offenders, recovering drug and alcohol misusers,
excluded school students, people living with mental
and physical health conditions, dementia or learning
difficulties, ex-service personnel, and older, isolated
people.




























www.avonsidegroup.co.uk

UNDER THE ROOF





CHARITY WORK

STILL TIME TO DONATE TO A
WHEELY GOOD CAUSE…


Sarah Burke (Group SHEQ Manager) and 3 other
Avonside staff members have been busy training for
their London Ride 100 challenge — cycling 100 miles
around the capital on 4th August in aid of Lighthouse
Construction Industry Charity.
There is still time to donate to this worthy cause,
either by texting: TILE91 to 70070 or by visiting Sarah’s
JustGiving page here.








LUKE LYCETT:
THE NEW USAIN BOLT?!


Well, not quite. But we are hugely proud of our Cobsen-
Davies Contracts Manager, Luke Lycett. Not everyone
would run the Brighton Marathon on their 40th
birthday and then the London Marathon two weeks
later!
AVONSIDE EDINBURGH Luke completed the runs in April to raise money for
SPONSOR BO’NESS UNITED The Treasure Basket Association, who help children
living with mental health issues access play therapy and
COMMUNITY FC 2011S therapeutic resources to support the emotional
well-being of children and families in the community.
Avonside Edinburgh are delighted to be sponsoring He completed the Brighton Marathon with a time
Bo’ness United Community FC 2011s as trey begin of 3hrs, 47 minutes and 1 second and finished the
preparations for 2019/20 season. London Marathon with a time of 3 hours, 57 minutes
The branch decided to commit to being the new and 2 seconds.
shirt sponsor for the 2011 age group as they have a To date, Luke has smashed his £1,500 target,
close association with the town, with several key raising an incredible £1,748 for the charity! Great stuff,
members of the Avonside team living there. The Luke!
Edinburgh team have also almost completed the
successful delivery of 167 units for Miller Homes in the GARY COULL’S 10K CHALLENGE
Scottish town.
They look forward to seeing the new strips and FOR SCOTTISH MENTAL
wish Bo’ness United the best of luck for the next HEALTH FOUNDATION
season!
Our staff must like running! Also fundraising for the
worthy cause that is mental health support and
awareness is Avonside Glasgow’s Contacts Supervisor,
Gary Coull, who will be undertaking a 10K running
challenge on the 16th June in aid of the Scottish
Association for Mental Health. The event will take Gary
from The Clyde and right the way to George Square in
Glasgow. You can support him by donating to his
JustGiving page here.




www.avonsidegroup.co.uk

UNDER THE ROOF





FANTASY FOOTBALL

Catch Up on Your Avonside Fantasy

Football



Check out the results table below to find out the Telegraph staff Fantasy Footie league report for week 41.
How’s your team doing?! It might make you laugh to know that the creator of the league, who was giving it the big
one at the start, has finished in the bottom half of the table! The only lady participant, Susanne has also shown
most of the blokes up!




League Overall Manager Team Week 27 Total
Position Position Name Name Points Points

1 16764 Mr B Rabot R4 25 2007
2 40760 Mr P Barber Banana Smoothie 34 1890
3 52367 Mr S Ohara Stevie O 18 1844
4 53921 Mr P binch The Gooners 42 1839
5 67668 Mr P Bull De Gae Bar 9 1785
6 70885 Mr O Smith Touch My Harry Kane 18 1773
7 71316 Mrs S McColl The Bully Wee 8 1771
8 73562 Mr E Stanton Chicken Tikka MoSalah 0 1762
9 84537 Mr S fox Training Gang 0 1714
10 95247 Mr B Coulson LUFC reborn 7 1662
11 95723 Mr A Pearson Pearson FC 15 1660
12 98213 Mr J Barry* JB FC 18 1646
13 102856 Mr J Barker Drifters AFC 18 1620
14 105533 Mr L Lycett The Sleep Thieves 15 1605
15 111417 Mr K Smith Coats 4 Posts 4 1568
16 113939 Mr A Burleigh Rochdale AFC 0 1551
17 117137 Mr C Harrell Inter Me Nan 7 1529
18 119812 Mr N Winfield Motchester City 14 1509
* denotes Chairman




If you have any questions about joining in
the Fantasy Football fun contact Jamie Barry
[email protected]


If you have a story for the next issue, simply visit
THE NEWSDESK to submit you branch news, we look
forward to reading it!










www.avonsidegroup.co.uk

UNDER THE ROOF





MORE STAFF NEWS

Best Story Winner Revealed



Administrator Romilly Snowden, from our Avonside Driffield
branch, bagged the Best Story award in March’s issue of the
last staff newsletter. The story of her and her friend Jas
completing a 13.4-mile walk in North Yorkshire, to fundraise a
brilliant £484.40 for mental health charity Mind, earned her a
£50 Amazon Voucher. Thanks for submitting your story
Romilly! Who will win next, we wonder?!














Got a winning story you



can’t wait to share with your colleagues?

IF YOU HAVE NEWS ON:

u Projects your branch are proud of
u Branch news, such as apprentice achievements or awards won
u Personal news, any professional qualifications or training your staff have done, for
example charitable events your team members have participated in
u Any new contracts won
u Roofs from My Travels photos
u Any other positive team news

Simply fill out the quick online form to submit your story for the next issue
of the staff newsletter!

Best story to get picked by Group MD Tony Burke will win a

£50 AMAZON VOUCHER!
















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