Quality Assurance Training Programme

The first half of this year will see us focussing closely on our quality checks and reenergising our training programme across all our sites. We have been committed to delivering projects of quality and value since the company was founded and it is a key part of our beliefs. Quality in construction is vital for safety, financial viability, and long-term performance, benefiting not only the builders but also the users and owners of the structures.

Damien Coulbeck, Compliance Manager, commented:

Quality runs through all our jobs, whether it be the materials, the drawings or the workmanship. Our approach is to do it right, and do it once, and ensure that it is compliant with the relevant specifications.

   

7 Key Reasons for making Quality a Priority

1. Safety
   The most important factor is ensuring the safety of workers and the future occupants of the building. Poor construction practices can lead to structural failures, accidents, and even loss of life. Quality construction ensures that all safety standards and regulations are met.
2. Durability and Longevity
   High-quality construction ensures that a building lasts for a long time without significant maintenance or repairs. Buildings made with inferior materials or methods can deteriorate quickly, leading to higher long-term costs.
3. Cost Efficiency
   While quality construction may involve higher initial costs, it often results in fewer repairs, lower maintenance costs, and fewer disruptions in the long run. A poorly built structure can incur higher costs down the line due to necessary fixes and replacements.
4. Compliance with Standards
   Construction projects must meet local codes, regulations, and industry standards. Adhering to these requirements ensures the building’s functionality and the safety of all involved. Poor construction practices often lead to non-compliance, resulting in costly fines, legal issues, or having to redo parts of the work.
5. Reputation and Trust
   A reputation for quality work can lead to more business opportunities for contractors and developers. Clients and stakeholders trust firms that consistently deliver well-built structures, leading to repeat business and a positive brand image.
6. Aesthetic Appeal
   Quality construction practices also contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the building. Well-executed work ensures that the design vision is brought to life correctly, with attention to detail that enhances the overall appearance and functionality of the space.
7. Value Retention
   A high-quality construction project retains its value better over time. When it’s time to sell or rent the property, a well-constructed building will command higher prices or rental rates compared to one with poor workmanship.

   

Jonathan Milnes, HSQE Director, commented:

Delivering a high-quality product to all stakeholders is crucial for upholding our integrity and reputation. The concept of doing things “right the first time” is a longstanding principle that we all aim to embody through our ongoing collective efforts. Our Quality Training Programme was developed to focus our team’s attention on the critical areas necessary to achieve this, and is built upon our “Four Quality Pillars” that encompass: Challenge, Plan, Competence, and Verification. It offers support and guidance, ensuring consistency and demonstrating our commitment to continually enhancing our practices.

Double win Morgan Sindall projects

We are delighted to share two recent project wins with contractor Morgan Sindall. We have commenced works at the Middlecross Care Home in Leeds and at Harrogate District Hospital for the new Integrated Theatres & Radiology Department.

Making a positive difference to the Leeds community, Leeds City Council’s Middlecross development in Armley will be home to 65 high-quality, energy efficient and affordable apartments providing independent living opportunities for older people.

The scheme which is being delivered via Leeds’s Council Housing Growth Programme (CHGP) will regenerate a two-acre site that has been unused following the demolition of Middlecross Day Centre in 2018.

The works we will be delivering include:

• Bulk earthworks,
• Underground drainage and services,
• Attenuation tank,
• Strip footings and pad foundations,
• External works, including – tarmac, paving and resin bound surfacing.

After a recent ground breaking ceremony, works have also begun building a new, state of the art Day Case Surgery and Imaging Centre for the Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust.

Inside it will feature two operating theatres, treatment rooms, a day-case ward, and an imaging department with advanced services, including MRI, CT, x-ray, ultrasound, Dexa scans, and fluoroscopy.

The investment hopes to improve the health and wellbeing of patients, children and communities, and delivering the best possible care.

Our works will include:

• Foundations
• RC Lift Pit
• Drainage
• RC Floor Slabs
• Hard Landscaping

Images courtesy of Morgan Sindall.

In honour of the Bun

The T113 BUN registration brings back fond memories of Mick to all who new him – affectionately known as “Creamy” or “The Bun” due to his sweet tooth, was our 7.5t wagon driver for many years and serviced all our sites nationwide delivering materials and small items of plant.

The arrival of this new truck has replaced the old one and will continue to proudly display this tribute reg plate since his passing in September 2020. With a greater load capacity, we’re sure Mick would have appreciated it.

Pictured above: Mick Worville

Aiden McManus, Managing Director commented:

A gem of a human, who would do anything for a friend and colleague. He was immensely respected by myself, my late father, my family and his work colleagues. We miss you Mick.

 

Komatsu Departure

Our 40T Komatsu is gearing up to depart and start a new venture after over two years at the HMP Millsike project with Kier Construction. Plant Supervisor Alan Whyte has expertly managed our biggest equipment from day one. 

Common uses for a 40T Komatsu machine

1. Excavation:

• As an excavator, it is used for digging, trenching, or earthmoving in construction projects, such as building foundations, roads, and landscaping.

2. Lifting and Hoisting:

• If it’s a crawler crane, it is used to lift heavy loads like steel beams, equipment, and construction materials on large-scale construction sites.

3. Demolition:

• It can be used for breaking down structures, either with specific attachments or by leveraging its lifting capacity and precision.

4. Mining:

• In mining, a Komatsu excavator of this size is used for digging and loading materials, including dirt, rock, and ore, into trucks or other equipment.

5. Material Handling:

• The machine can be used for handling large quantities of materials on industrial sites, moving them from one location to another.

    

The 40-ton Komatsu is favoured for its power and versatility, making it ideal for a wide range of heavy construction and industrial applications.

National Apprenticeship Week – Meet Harry and Fergus

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, we’d like to shine a spotlight on a couple of new faces that have recently joined the business to begin their future career paths.

“Finding the right skills and talent, matched with the right opportunities, helps encourage a better approach to long term recruitment. We fully believe in nurturing the next generation to become part of this established family business.”

Richard Mitchell, Operations Director, Moortown Group.

 

Meet Fergus Wyrill

A Level 4 Quantity Surveyor Technician at the Leeds College of Building, joined our team in September 2024 and has spent the last few months settling into his role.

What made you choose this role as a career path? 

I wanted to choose a financial role after completing my A-levels and I liked the sound of the diversification of work that this role offers.

Key skills learnt so far:

• Financial
• Confidence
• Resilience

What’s it like working at MTG:

• Exciting and motivating
• Offers great support when needed
• Feel welcomed by the team

Which Projects are you working on:

• Tang Hall, York
• Jaguar Land Rover extension, Wolverhampton
• Harrogate Hospital

What do enjoy learning most about?

• Pricing a schedule for new projects
• Improving my organisational skills

Personal interests / hobbies:

• Football
• Music
• Gym

Meet Harry Bowes

Studying a HNC in Construction Management at GLP Training, joined our team in September 2024.

What made you choose this role as a career path? 

• Variation of tasks every day
• Wanted to work on a range of interesting projects
• Be part of a like-minded team

Key skills learnt so far:

• Using software such as Asta Powerproject and Bluebeam
• Working towards strict deadlines
• New construction terminology

What’s it like working at MTG:

• Supportive environment to learn in
• Guidance is always at hand
• Great site culture

Name Projects you’re working on:

• Catterick Care Campus
• Mexborough rehab extension
• Huddersfield University

What do enjoy learning most about?

• How to successfully programme projects
• Visiting sites to see the progress being made

Personal interests / hobbies:

• Socialising with Friends
• Travelling
• Playing sport

We are thrilled to welcome our newest apprentices who have recently become part of our team.

Andy Minskip – A Transformative Employment Opportunity

Transformative Employment Opportunities for Prison Leavers

We are thrilled to have been part of Kier’s innovative ‘Making Ground programme,’ which focuses on engaging with prisons to offer training and job opportunities to prison leavers and those on temporary release. Since joining the HMP Millsike project in 2022, we’ve been committed to this rehabilitation effort by providing employability training.

Our Resourcing Manager participates in prison career fairs, connecting with potential candidates and facilitating interviews and job placements.

“In total, we have been able to support 12 people, which includes 3 prison leavers and 9 ROTLs. Hearing how well Andy has done is such an inspiring example of how opening doors to opportunities can deliver great results for everyone involved”

– Katy Chatterton, Resourcing Manager, Moortown Group

We caught up with Andy Minskip, a former prison leaver who has spent the last two years working on this site with our team. We felt it would be invaluable to hear his thoughts and reflect upon the whole process. Feedback is key to ensuring the right structure and support is in place for our people to succeed, and for those who continue to join us in the future.

Upon leaving prison, what were your thoughts about getting back into work?

I wanted to get back into work straight away. It’s the first proper job I’ve ever had. I was grateful for the opportunity and when Moortown rung me back, I immediately accepted their offer.

How did you hear about the opportunity available and how was it presented to you?

I attended a construction event at Hatfield Prison, where many companies promoted their current opportunities. I was keen to sign up with a construction related company.

Did you have any previous experience in construction?

None at all, just bits and bats helping others out in the past but no formal training of any kind.

What appealed or interested you about this opportunity?

I always liked the thought of hands-on work, getting stuck in and working outside.

Had you heard of any other prison leavers succeeding with other employment opportunities like this one and felt encouraged?

No, it’s the first time I’ve witnessed a prison hosting a careers event.

In those first few weeks and months, what was it like turning up to a new job on a new site to begin learning the ropes?

At first, I was a little overwhelmed, but I definitely felt very motivated. I was one of the first to arrive at this job and it can be a bit nerve-wracking because I expected a lot of people to judge me as one of the “prison lads”. Aside from this, I just turned up every day and got on with my work.

Andy’s qualified roles include: a labourer, a dumper driver, slinger and groundworker. He’s also achieved Supervisor level and obtained a Level 3 NVQ, along with successfully completing our Black Hat Training programme and acquiring his site supervision card (SSSTS ) and his site manager card (SMSTS).

Project Manager, Tommy Housten commented:

He’s been doing a Black Hat role which he’s been good at and progressed very quickly. We saw potential in him to take the lead and we put him forward. He’s the only one that’s achieved this with us.

How does that make you feel Andy?

It feels really good to hear they had faith in me.

Looking back two years ago, could you have imagined being in this position now?

No. Not at all. I can hardly believe it to be honest.

Most enjoyable parts?

Ducting, I love doing ducting. It was definitely something I enjoyed learning about. The site guys here told me it’s been a significant task on this project, and they’ve had several years of experience to compare it to. Next thing I’d like to do is learn about deep drainage.

Most difficult parts?

Learning time scales, programmes and targets. Getting things ready and prepped.

In your opinion, is there any reason in general not to succeed with an opportunity like this?

In my opinion, I’d say it’s all down to how much you want it and the attitude you have. I really wanted it and I’m determined to succeed.

How does the support impact your overall performance?

The support has helped fast track me to where I want to be. It might have taken me longer to get to this point without it. The encouragement makes me feel I can stick at it.

If any, what improvements would you suggest for the whole process?

Everything has worked well for me, there’s nothing more I would suggest.

What have you learnt about yourself from the whole experience?

That I can work, that I can live a normal lifestyle, and it’s definitely changed me. It was time to change because otherwise I’d end up back in prison for life or even end up dead. This was a big turning point.

What was life like before prison and your outlook on life?

I served just over four years. From a young age I didn’t care about life. It’s just what I did. But this opportunity has given me a huge amount of purpose back and it’s time to change and grow up. I needed to.

Tommy Housten, Project Manager, Moortown Group – What have you learnt from the experience?

The experience has left me more opened minded about the potential of rehabilitation. Whoever they are, they deserve a second chance. Some will graft and some won’t. You can see in the first week if they’re truly interested. With Andy, he wanted to be here and progress, to change his life and move on. It’s brilliant to see.

From day one we saw something extra in him, he had to report to me what he needed, we would plan ahead, he did his qualifications and took to it like a duck to water. He was easy to manage, his confidence grew week by week. He was never too proud to ask for help or afraid to raise a question if he wasn’t sure. He’s the most honest lad I’ve come across, he won’t try pull wool over your eyes, he’ll tell you as it is. If he makes a mistake, he puts his hand up. Can’t ask for more. He has the right mentality for the construction site environment and he’s going to do well.

It’s been a pleasure to support Andy and see him progress, emphasising further the importance of breaking the cycle of reoffending and providing those second chances that make a crucial difference. His success is testament to the impact of opening career doors, and we aim to continue with our commitment with rehabilitation opportunities with the hope it can reduce reoffending and help individuals reintegrate back into society successfully.

We are confident that Andy’s skills and dedication will lead him to further achievements and opportunities in the future. His contributions have been invaluable, and we look forward to seeing him on another site soon.

 

 

 

Innovative Drainage Solution

After taking just one week to complete, we’re delighted to report the success of applying the Auger Boring method with trenchless technology.

Implementing this cutting-edge drainage system allowed for the installation of a DN150 clay drainage pipe and prevented an eight week closure of a vital road serving three schools, a hospital and a cemetery.

   

Craig Milner, Contracts Director commented:

“Working collaboratively with Galliford Try at preconstruction stage we knew we had to think outside of the box to achieve this Yorkshire Water adopted Foul Sewer connection. The run commenced at a chamber on site at approximately 5.5m deep. Having had success working with the team from Trenchless Solutions in the past, we decided to implement the Auger Bore technology.

🔹 What is Auger Boring?
This method, also known as thrust boring, uses a pilot route excavated from a newly constructed manhole, with spoil being transported back to the site. Once complete, castings and an auger screw are attached and driven along the line until reaching the junction with the existing drainage system.

🔹  Benefits:

• Significant time-saver compared to the traditional method
• Minimises disruption
• Preserves the local environment
• Effective in congested areas
• Avoids extensive temporary works
• Significantly reduces the risk of live service strikes.

A massive thank you to Trenchless Solutions Ltd. for their specialised expertise and our client Galliford Try.

SEI Topping Out Ceremony

A fantastic Topping Out ceremony hosted by Kier Construction for the new Sunderland Eye Infirmary.

As part of the City’s ambitious Riverside masterplan to build a £36m state-of-the-art facility, we arrived on site 11 months ago and it’s been a journey of progress ever since!

We deployed the UK’s first clear crane ‘WOLFF 6523’ on this project to enhance efficiency with its 54m tower height and 50m jib and it’s high-speed positioning assistance system.

Total concrete poured = 6425 cubic metres
Total rebar installed = 870 tonnes

After a 47 week programme for the main works, the event highlighted a pivotal moment as the last concrete was added into the structure’s frame.

Our works have included:

–  4 storey commercial RC frame
–  Drainage
–  Foundations
–  Retaining walls including capping beam and king post system

A big thanks to all the teams involved – An excellent collaboration working with Kier and their team.

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
Sunderland City Council
Riverside Sunderland

Hat Trick Win for MoJ Projects

We are delighted to announce that we have secured three additional MoJ contracts, that collectively amount to £5m. To find out more, read on.

HMP New Hall – Wakefield, West Yorkshire

Contractor: Wates
Value: Circa £500k

Summary of works

Foundations, hard landscaping, drainage and services to facilitate installation of a new prison VCC building.

A West Yorkshire women’s jail is planning an upgrade of its prison to court video link systems. HMP New Hall intends to knock down its digital courtroom and replace it with new facilities. New Hall’s current prison to court video link (PCVL) system is based in temporary buildings within the grounds of the jail.

 

HMP Holme House – Stockton-on-Tees, Teesside.

Contractor – Galliford Try
Value: Circa £1.3m

Summary of works

Groundworks, foundations, hard landscaping, drainage and services to facilitate installation of prefabricated prison cell blocks.

Part of the Governments Rapid Cell Deployment Scheme – The government has installed 1,000 Rapid Deployment Cells across the prison estate. The Accelerated Houseblock Development Programme forms part of the Government’s £4bn prison estate investment plan. This includes building four new prisons while refurbishing existing sites to bring out of date prison places back online.

 

HMP Haverigg – Millom, South Cumbria.

Contractor: Wates Smartspace
Value: Circa £3.2m

Summary of works

Groundworks, foundations, hard landscaping, drainage and services to facilitate installation of prefabricated prison cell blocks. Part of the Governments Rapid Cell Deployment Scheme.

 

Images courtesy of Google Maps.

Black Hat Training

Over the last few months, we have focussed on Behavioural Training with all Supervisors and Managers across our site teams. Behaviour-based safety involves managing the changeable behaviours workers have on site to help create a physically and mentally safer working environment. The wrong kind of behaviour on a construction site can be dangerous and lead to accidents and potentially fatal injuries. Behaviour will change when we motivate safe behaviour.

Expectations:

• Lead by example
• Don’t walk by
• Plan
• Communicate

Key Objectives:

• Review your incident record
• Know your ABCs
• Learn positive and negative reinforcement to increase behaviour
• Trickle down behaviour – all members of management are fully compliant with health and safety conduct and use positive and negative reinforcement to correct behaviour here first.

So far, we have conducted our Black Hat Training sessions at several sites up and down the country, including:

• HMP Millsike (East Yorks),
• HMP Bullingdon (Oxfordshire),
• Waste Transfer Station (Hertfordshire),
• North Lindsey College (Lincolnshire)
• Southgate University of Huddersfield (West Yorks.)

We’ll be continuing to roll this out to other sites reaching a total of over 80 people in our workforce.

As part of our commitment with USAG, we strive to ensure that best practice and procedures are upheld across our site teams with a clear understanding and vision of the standards expected. This is achieved through regular training that we invest our time in.

Who are USAG?

They provide a “forum for employers, including asset owners, contractors, and industry partners to influence and promote improved health and safety standards” within the utility sector, and are the leading provider of industry knowledge for safe excavation around utilities.