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