Hiding a little bit of history to mark completion of the Aura Innovation Centre

We’ve teamed up with pupils from the All Saints’ Federation in Hessle to hide a little bit of history beneath the multi-million-pound Aura Innovation Centre.

Throughout our construction work for the University of Hull at the Bridgehead Business Park we’ve been collaborating with pupils from the school, introducing them to the site and giving lessons about the construction industry.

To mark the completion of the £12m facility, pupils were back on site to bury a time capsule which includes their thoughts on future energy sources.

Director Dave Blades said: “We’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with pupils at the school teaching them about the construction and renewables industries. They’ve all been so engaging and hopefully we’ve encouraged a few of them to aspire to a career in construction in the future.

“As part of our Foundations initiative we want to give something back to communities and this does just that. Hopefully all the pupils have enjoyed the experience as much as we have at Hobson & Porter.”

Pupils at the school also showed off their artistic skills to create some wonderful hoardings which brightened up the site whilst the construction work was taking place. With the work complete now, the murals have been gifted to the school.

A message from All Saints’ Federation said: “Thank you so much Hobson & Porter and Aura Innovation. We have loved working with you over the past year and feel very lucky to have had this opportunity.”

When it officially opens in early 2020, Aura will provide a space for businesses to develop new renewable energy technologies, create a strong supply chain, and spearhead the Humber’s low carbon ambitions.

A message from Aura praised the efforts of the pupils. It said: “It’s amazing to see how keen the future generations are to learn about clean energy – we can’t wait to hear their predictions.”

The time capsule contained pupils’ drawings with their thoughts on what energy sources will be used in the future

Pupils with the Aura mural at All Saints Primary School

Hobson & Porter joins Mates in Mind

Here at Hobson & Porter we want to have the right tools in place to keep all our workers safe – both physically and mentally.

To ensure our commitment we are delighted to announce we’ve joined Mates in Mind, a charitable programme to improve and promote positive mental health in the workplace.

It provides a framework to raise awareness, address the stigma of poor mental health and improve positive mental wellbeing for UK construction.

According to a survey of 3,400 construction workers by Randstad, 34% of respondents have experienced a mental health condition in the past year. Furthermore, two-thirds said they did not feel there are sufficient outlets to discuss mental health conditions.

This is something Hobson & Porter is working hard to change.

Our Director Dave Blades said: “We recognise that the stigma often associated with poor mental health can often be perceived as difficult as the experience itself. Even though many of us will experience stress, depression or anxiety at some point in our lives, we may often be afraid to talk about it, or to seek help and support.

“As a supporter of Mates in Mind, we want to demonstrate our commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of our workforce and hammer home the message that it is ok to talk.

“Mates in Mind helps us to highlight the importance of breaking the silence and stigma that can surround mental wellbeing in society and in particular, in the construction industry. We are joining numerous other construction companies in supporting Mates in Mind, helping to improve the mental health and well-being of our people.

“We want our workers to arrive and leave work safely – both when it comes to their physical and mental health.”

Mates in Mind is being delivered to the UK construction industry in support of the Health in Construction Leadership Group and in partnership with various industry and mental health charities.

As a supporter, we gain access to support and communication materials, as well as a range of awareness and training programmes.

It joins other initiatives we are running. We recently held several talks on all of our sites about the importance about talking about any problems. We also have dedicated staff trained up as mental health first aiders.

Here at Hobson & Porter there is always an open door and workplace support available for our people should they need it.

 

 

Daring staff take the plunge for Children’s University

Four members of our staff have escaped from a helicopter submerged upside down underwater in Hull.

The team took part in the Dunker Challenge at HOTA’s Malmo Road Survival Training Centre in the city.

The Dunker is the nickname for the Helicopter Underwater Escape Training Simulator (HUET). It is used to train people in the offshore industry and is capable of a 180 degree revolution in a pool containing 250,000 litres of water.

Joe Rymer, Dan Lamplough, Glen Clayton and Charlie Walsh took on the challenge raising over £100 for Hull and East Yorkshire Children’s University.

Dan said: “It was a great challenge to take part in. As you can guess trying to escape from a submerged helicopter shell is not part of our daily routine working for Hobson & Porter.

“It was a little daunting when you are lowered into the water inside the helicopter shell and having to escape through a window as it filled up.

“The second part of the challenge saw us having to free ourselves from the shell as it submerged and rotated, which resembled a real-life emergency.

“We then did this again, but this time in the dark. I’m pleased to say we all escaped unharmed.

“It was great fun and excellent to also raise a bit of money for a really good cause.”

Hull and East Yorkshire Children’s University raises the aspirations of young people by building their confidence with unique learning experiences.

(Left to right)- Glen Clayton, Dan Lamplough, Joe Rymer and Charlie Walsh took on the HOTA Dunker Challenge

Putting the building blocks in place to encourage a younger generation into construction

Hobson & Porter has welcomed a new campaign to establish a national network of 100,000 professionals to inspire millions of children and young people.

For several years the award-winning East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire construction firm has been speaking in primary and secondary schools and colleges about the construction industry and the wealth of opportunities available.

It also organises the hugely successful Foundations Live, which brings together the construction industry for a careers event, which this year featured 16 schools.

Now, Education & Employers has launched a campaign for volunteers, from CEOs to apprentices, to speak with school pupils about their jobs.

The aim is to broaden horizons and widen prospects, highlighting the wealth of opportunity available. This is particularly important in the construction industry where in the next four years construction output is expected to grow by 1.3% per year with 168,500 jobs being created.

A report from the Education and Employers has also revealed by the age of seven, children are already facing limits on their future aspirations in work – something Hobson & Porter has been addressing.

Dave Blades, Director at Hobson & Porter, said: “Hobson & Porter is passionate about inspiring children to take an interest in our industry and think about construction as a career choice – especially as we aim to bridge the skills gap in the industry at this time.

“People can often underestimate the diverse range of opportunities in the construction industry, so we all have a role to play in inspiring young people so they are fully aware of what is available and why this sector is such a great career.

“As well as the importance for the industry, it is also very rewarding for us as a company and we believe that this is most valuable when we can show students how their existing skills can be put to good use and applied to the industry.”

There have been numerous examples of Hobson & Porter working with young people promoting and inspiring the next generation of construction workers.

Staff members have been visiting schools demonstrating how maths is used in construction – teaching pupils how to measure and survey classrooms using a variety of equipment, including metre sticks and a Total Station.

School pupils have also donned on hard hats and high-vis and been allowed on sites to see first-hand what life is like on a building site.

The company’s biggest event is its annual Foundations Live, which was held in October for the fourth year at Bishop Burton College. The event brings the industry together to create a professional business networking and trade event, whilst at the same time also holding an interactive careers event for people from primary schools through to adults re-training.

Among the pupils from 16 schools attending this year was Craven Primary Academy in Hull. Teacher Carole Carmichael said: “We’ve come here to show the children other things they can aspire to. I think it’s really good.

“They have been finding out about building and construction. It’s been hands on and appealing for them. Fingers crossed we’ll have a few construction workers of the future.”

Among the students interested was 9-year-old Dylan, who was being given a demonstration on brick laying.

He said: “We’ve been building pyramids, but it’s been hard. I’ve enjoyed the construction event It’s the first time I’ve really learnt about it.”

Bricklaying YouTube star helps build Foundation following

A video from our Foundations Live event created by a bricklaying YouTube star has gone viral receiving over 18,000 views.

Stu Crompton, whose Best Bricky videos have attracted over 70,000 followers, was among the hundreds of people attending Bishop Burton College.

Hobson & Porter created the programme to address the skills gap in the industry. This year it featured over 70 exhibitors and 16 schools.

Stu, who attended with his dad, said: “We had a really good time, there was some really good innovation, some cracking products on show and we’ve learnt a lot.”

The video was filmed around the site and featured the likes of Polypipe, BucketBarrow and Rockwool, who were exhibiting, as well as Stu being filmed holding Hobson & Porter’s ceremonial spade.

He said: “I think it is great for everybody involved. I came here to do a bit of networking and I think it is great to see different inventions, different companies and different products.

“It’s also good to meet like-minded people in the industry and get your name out there and help people out.”

Such has been the success of Stu’s YouTube videos that he has started an academy for teaching the art of bricklaying, which ties in with the aim of Foundations in attracting the next generation of construction workers.

He said: “Times are changing and social media is a big part of every business. It is where the youngsters of today go so it is a good place to make an impact with my videos.

“Every day I’m hearing about people who got into bricklaying or want to become a bricklayer after watching my videos, so that’s job done for me.”

Dave Blades is a director at Hobson & Porter. He said: “The video created by Stu Crompton is great and really showcases the amazing organisations and diversity of the construction industry.

“Thousands of construction workers are needed in the coming years and a key part of filling these vacancies is appealing to people at a young age to aspire to work in the industry.

“The videos created by Stu play a vital role in that, as does our Foundations event, which this year was attended by 16 schools and colleges.”

To view the video, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aRvnkxktsU

New lease of life for leisure centre benches donated by Hobson & Porter

We’ve recycled several benches rescued during our work transforming East Riding Leisure Hornsea to complete a community garden in the town, supporting the great work of the Hornsea Urban Gardeners (HUG).

We’ve donated and fitted the benches in the Morrow Avenue Sunken Garden, described by HUG as completing the garden and making it possible for residents to sit and enjoy it.

Kevin Harrison is Hobson & Porter’s site manager in Hornsea. He said: “I’m really pleased we’ve been able to help the Hornsea Urban Gardeners on what is a wonderful community facility.

“I hope those visiting the garden will enjoy the benches. The HUG group is an excellent group, with volunteers working incredibly hard to transform the garden, which will become a real asset to the town. We hope the benches we’ve donated will be enjoyed by many visiting the garden.”

Work on the East Riding Leisure Hornsea started in March, with it due to be complete by Easter in 2020.

Work is progressing well on our £7.5 million project which will bring a complete refurbishment and extension, including an extended gym on the first floor overlooking the promenade.

It’s one of three major projects in Hornsea being undertaken by Hobson & Porter in the town. These include work on a new multi-million-pound Mere View Care Home in Hornsea and an upgrade of the South Promenade Boat Compound.

Kevin said: “The Hornsea Urban Gardeners do great work in enhancing friendships by inspiring local people to take back their communities through gardening. Their work at the newly restored Morrow Avenue Sunken Garden is a wonderful example of determination and dedication to transform a space for the benefits of the community.

“We’re pleased that the benches from the leisure centre can be put to good use and become a real asset in the garden, giving visitors somewhere to sit and enjoy the space.

“We really enjoy working in Hornsea – our work at East Riding Leisure Hornsea is one of three major projects in the town. We’re working on a new multi-million-pound Mere View Care Home in Hornsea and an upgrade of the South Promenade Boat Compound.

“As well as the construction work, we’ve also teamed up with school children who created us some amazing artwork for our hoardings around the leisure centre – which was named a winner at this year’s Ivor Goodsite Hoarding Competition.

Dave Blades, director at Hobson & Porter, said: “We’ll be working on more exciting projects in the town soon, so keep your eyes peeled for more details to follow.

“The Hornsea community has been extremely proactive in coming forward to work with us on these projects and it has been a pleasure for Hobson & Porter to work with the residents, we have been made to feel very welcome by the community.”

“It’s a wonderful town to work in and a relationship we hope will continue long into the future.”

Hobson & Porter’s South Cave housing project shortlisted for top award

Our work to complete 10 affordable semi-detached homes in South Cave has been shortlisted at the prestigious Inside Housing Development Awards.

The development at West End Farm is up for the Best Shared Ownership Development (Rural of Suburban) Award.

The awards are an opportunity for landlords, developers and architects to enter their best developments and teams to be recognised in the UK.

Our work in South Cave consists of five pairs comprising four, two-bed houses and six, three-bed houses for East Riding Council, which was part-funded by Homes England.

Dave McCorrie was the site manager. He said: “We’re delighted that our work to create 10 affordable semi-detached homes in South Cave has been recognised for a prestigious award.

“Our team worked really hard on the 60-week project. It required consultation with external parties on ecological issues, including trees and nesting birds.

“As part of the project, significant improvements had to be made to the access road to take it to adoptable standards.

“Overall though these are much-needed good quality, affordable homes and it is yet another example of the excellent partnership we have with East Riding Council.”

The shortlist

  • West End Farm Close, South Cave – Hobson & Porter/ East Riding Council.
  • Orchid Acre Close, Stoke-sub- Hamdon – Stonewater
  • Poet’s Place – Crown Simmons Housing
  • Woodfield Park – Martin Arnold
  • Old School House – WHG
  • The Croft, North Road, Crawley – Places for People
  • Egerton Rise – Trafford Housing Trust
  • Mayfair Gardens – Bury Council.

The winners will be announced on November 27th, at a national awards’ ceremony at the Intercontinental O2 Hotel in London.

This is Hobson & Porter’s second national award nomination in the residential and regeneration sector this year, following our shortlisting at the Constructing Excellence National Awards for our project with East Riding Council to transform the energy efficiency of 130 homes in Bridlington.

Visit www.ihda.co.uk for more details.

Foundations Live shines light on construction charity

Hundreds of pounds have been raised at our Foundations Live event for a construction charity supporting workers and their families.

The event saw hundreds of industry professionals and school pupils visit Bishop Burton College, with over 70 companies exhibiting products and services.

Alongside the exhibitors we also invited the Yorkshire branch of the Lighthouse Club along, to raise money and awareness of its great work.

The construction industry charity provides a confidential 24/7 helpline available to the industry’s workforce and their families in the UK and Ireland. It also supports education and training initiatives within the industry.

A donation we made, along with a raffle, raised a total of £311.

Dave Blades, Director at Hobson & Porter, said: “We’re delighted to have supported the Lighthouse Club and to have helped raise awareness and some money for the amazing work they do.

“Here at Hobson & Porter the safety of our staff is paramount. The construction industry is like one big family so it is important we all play our role in making sure construction employees and their families have all the support in place to keep them both physically and mentally safe.

“We hope this will only be the start of our work with the Lighthouse Club and we’ll be looking to provide more support to it in the future.”

The charity has praised everyone who came along and the money raised.

Visit www.lighthouseclub.org for more information.

Hobson & Porter awarded accreditation to BIM level 2

Hobson & Porter is pleased to announce it has become one of the first contractors in the region to achieve the Building Information Modelling (BIM) Level Two standard.

The status from the accrediting body British Standards Institution (BSI) demonstrates our capabilities in the creation, collation and exchange of shared 3D models and a range of intelligent, structured data.

It follows two years of hard work, hours of training, changes of processes and a six-figure investment of new software and technology.

Dan Lamplough, senior pre-construction manager for Hobson & Porter, said: “Achieving this is a massive step for Hobson & Porter. It will future proof the business and enable us to work more collaboratively with our suppliers and bring greater value to our clients.

“BIM is the management of information in the construction industry which is tying in what we’ve been doing for years with the new digital construction age. It’s all about inputting information into one central source to make sure we deliver buildings more efficiently in a more collaborative manner.”

BIM is the management of information through the whole life cycle of a built asset – from the initial design, all the way through to constructing and maintaining through the use of digital modelling.

The accreditation is in line with PAS 1192, which is the specification for information management for the delivery phase of construction projects using building information modelling.

Dan added: “Essentially it adopts the principles of early contractor involvement. We’re involved with the client to start developing schemes from an early stage, producing the information upfront so that you can hand over at the end of a building an asset with a lot more information that can be used for the full lifecycle of a building.

“It means we’re using the supply chain early in the scheme, getting the input from specialist trades. Everyone works in a much more collaborative manner to produce a better product and the output is a lot more usable throughout the life cycle.”

The BIM process brings together high-end digital technology and collaborative behaviours to create a data-led project environment which gives all the organisations involved consistent, detailed and real-time project information from a single shared source.

This information can be accessed instantly via both traditional computers and also site-based handheld devices, dramatically improving accuracy and responsiveness.

Foundations in place for thriving construction industry

Leading construction companies have praised our Foundations event for its role in inspiring the next generation of workers.

This year’s event at Bishop Burton College has been described as one of the best yet, with over 70 exhibitors and hundreds of visitors, including 16 schools and colleges.

Now in its fourth year, among those returning was Mark Millar from DIY SOS. He said: “It’s even better than last year, with more floor space and more contributors.

“Foundations has brought together all the different trades under one roof and all the contributors want to give visitors a chance and that is what it is all about.”

We created the programme to help address the skills gap in the industry and to help build a sustainable workforce. This involved an interactive careers’ event for people from primary school age through to adults re-training. It was also a professional business networking and trade event, partnered with Bishop Burton College, Jewson and the Construction Industry Training Board.

Among the wide variety of exhibitors was Visqueen, which manufactures and designs structural waterproofing and gas protection systems. National account manager Jen Stainton said: “It is a worthwhile event for the future of the industry and offers quite a lot of value for us.

“The kids have been polite and asked questions. The quiz sheet given to the kids was brilliant as it helped give the school children the courage to come and talk to the exhibitors.

It’s praise which was echoed by conservatory specialist and founder of the Hull4Heroes charity. Paul Matson said: The construction industry in Hull is booming at the minute and events like this show it’s a good future for building. It’s good for everybody for networking.”

Attending for the first time this year was Craven Primary Academy, which is based in Hull. While children were trying their hands at bricklaying, teacher Carole Carmichael said: “We’ve come here to show the children other things they can aspire to. I think it’s really good.

“They have been finding out about building and construction. It’s been hands on and appealing for them. Fingers crossed we’ll have a few construction workers of the future.”

Dave Blades, director for Hobson & Porter, said: “This year was all about momentum after last year highlighting the importance in working together to increase the workforce in the construction industry.

“A lot of hard work has gone on and events like Foundations showcases the power of collaboration and the hard work the industry is doing together to showcase the wealth of opportunity in the construction industry.

“Thanks to everyone who has supported Foundations Live. None of this is possible without the individual support of organisations both for this year’s event and since the initiative began.”