Construction National

ASFP achieves ISO 9001 Certification

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) is pleased to announce it achieved ISO 9001 certification in June this year, after a two-stage assessment by UKAS-accredited certification body LRQA.

As part of its continuous drive for improvement, the ASFP started its ISO 9001 certification journey in late 2022. ASFP Compliance and Quality Assurance Manager Tariq Malik worked to develop a Quality Management System (QMS) and Quality Manual in line with ISO 9001 requirements. A stage one assessment of our systems took place in February this year. During this audit our systems were reviewed to see if we had put in place all the requirements specified in ISO 9001. As with any new system, several gaps were identified and LRQA raised five findings for further work.

Having undertaken this work, our stage two assessment took place in May this year. As a result, we were finally issued with our ISO 9001 certificate in June.

ASFP Managing Director Mike Ward stated:

“I am delighted we have achieved this certification and would particularly like to thank Tariq for his hard work in developing our QMS system and for guiding the Association successfully through this process.

“By achieving ISO 9001 certification, we want to demonstrate our commitment to members and customers that our products and services will always meet regulatory requirements as well as our customers’ needs. We are always striving to improve and by becoming ISO 9001 certificated, we have gained another tool that will allow us to do so in a globally-recognised way.”

For further information visit asfp.org.uk

Leeds College celebrates most ever SkillBuild national finalists

A record number of Leeds College of Building students have been selected for the national final of SkillBuild 2023 - the largest multi-trade skills competition in the UK for construction trainees and apprentices. 

Delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), SkillBuild showcases some of the brightest talent. Highly skilled learners and apprentices go head-to-head to be crowned winner of their chosen trade. 

Read more: Leeds College celebrates most ever SkillBuild national finalists

Employer breakfast targets green skills in construction

Local employers gathered at a recent Leeds College of Building event to learn more about the growing demand for green skills in construction. The employer breakfast welcomed a range of construction stakeholders and focussed on green skills gaps, the College’s training, and exciting opportunities to collaborate. 

Around 35 guests attended the JAST (Joseph Aspdin Skills Trust) sponsored event, including representatives from West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), United Living, Leeds City Council, Sparta Systems, Wrapt Homes, and R. Bunton Ltd. 

Read more: Employer breakfast targets green skills in construction

New NASC CEO Clive Dickin takes the reins

The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has appointed a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – highly experienced trade body leader, Clive Dickin.

Clive has worked for more than 25 years as a senior leadership figure within the membership trade association sector – specialising in understanding the needs of membership bodies, ensuring they thrive and grow. He has repeatedly moved organisations to new heights of performance and delivery – and is now shifting his extensive experience and business focus to NASC.

Read more: New NASC CEO Clive Dickin takes the reins

O'Donovan Waste secure Mission Zero accreditation for second year

O’Donovan Waste continues to exceed industry standards in its approach to compliance and safety.  Already a holder of a vast number of rigorous accreditations including several ISO standards and the Gold Standard for the stringently audited the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS), the multi award-winning waste management specialist has now secured its Mission Zero accreditation after meeting and surpassing all assessment requirements for the second year.

Mission Zero is a thorough quality standard for the road fleet sector.  Based on a full legal compliance audit, Mission Zero encompasses industry best practice and is officially recognised as meeting contractual requirements including TfL Work-Related Road Risk (WRRR), CLOCS and is equivalent to FORS silver standard. 

Read more: O'Donovan Waste secure Mission Zero accreditation for second year

Durite invest to support UK CV fleets as fleet consultant comes on board

Durite, leaders in vehicle safety, lighting and auto electrical parts, have appointed a fleet consultant to support transport operators and work closely with insurance and industry bodies.

Adam Wild (pictured) has extensive experience in video and telematics applications and an impressive track record in making fleets safer and more productive. His expertise embraces operator compliance, transport regulations, industry standards and many years’ close cooperation with dedicated commercial vehicle insurance providers.

Read more: Durite invest to support UK CV fleets as fleet consultant comes on board

GSHPA welcomes call for urgent action on the electrification of heat

The GSHPA has welcomed the CCC’s strong support for the electrification of heat, contained in its 2023 Progress Report to Parliament. Despite the Government’s positive rhetoric and targets, the fact remains that the UK heat pump market is nowhere near the trajectory needed to deliver 600,000 heat pumps per year by 2028. The CCC is right to note that the UK Government to date has avoided “big, impactful decisions,” and to emphasise the need for a complete policy framework to be put in place as soon as possible.

Read more: GSHPA welcomes call for urgent action on the electrification of heat

Etex Group launch new offsite construction brand

Global building materials company Etex Group is driving innovation in the construction industry by launching a new brand focused on offsite construction.

The trend towards greater offsite production has prompted Etex Group to leverage its existing offsite construction companies to create a comprehensive, full-service business to meet customer demand and drive performance.

Read more: Etex Group launch new offsite construction brand

Boost your business at breakfast with Themis at Burnley College

The apprenticeship training arm of Burnley College is inviting business leaders from around Lancashire to join them for a business boosting breakfast.

It’s an opportunity to find out how Themis can work with you to enhance your business, as well as meeting the expert team of Themis advisors and like-minded business people at the college’s industry-leading campus.

Read more: Boost your business at breakfast with Themis at Burnley College

York Handmade plays pivotal role in stunning Cheshire new build home

The award-winning York Handmade Brick Company has played a significant role in creating a stunning contemporary home in Cheshire.

The Easingwold-based firm, one of the leading independent brick-makers in the country, has supplied specially manufactured bricks for the Knoll, a new-build house in Mouldsworth, eight miles north of Chester.

Altogether York Handmade provided 15,000 bricks, in a contract worth £22,500, for the development of the Knoll.

Read more: York Handmade plays pivotal role in stunning Cheshire new build home