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Alpha and Outwork Renew Partnership to Transform Lives

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Alpha Housing has re-appointed social enterprise Outwork to provide grounds maintenance on Alpha’s 30 sites across Northern Ireland until at least mid-2024. Pictured from left to right: Cameron Watt, Chief Executive, Alpha Housing; Valerie Stewart, Supervisor; Outwork; and Richard Good, Director, The Turnaround Project.

An innovative partnership enabling people who have served sentences in the criminal justice system to make a fresh start has been renewed for a fourth year.

Alpha Housing has re-appointed social enterprise Outwork to provide grounds maintenance on Alpha’s 30 sites across Northern Ireland until at least mid-2024. Outwork’s workforce is also creating more attractive gardens for Alpha’s 1,000 elderly tenants to enjoy through a range of landscaping projects.

The renewed partnership will enable Outwork to help more people to turn their lives around through transitional employment opportunities.

Established in 2018, Outwork is a grounds maintenance service set up by local charity The Turnaround Project to break new ground for people facing barriers to employment. Using social enterprises, The Turnaround Project provides people with transitional training and employment, strengths-based support, and shared supportive communities.

Alpha Housing is Outwork’s largest client, making a significant contribution in helping The Turnaround Project deliver the following impressive results in 2022-23:

  • 8,377 transitional employment hours provided for 33 people;
  • Of these 33 people, 15 were in the 18-25 age bracket;
  • Six people secured conventional employment; and
  • Referrals grew from 39 to 84 – a 115% increase on the prior year, showing growing reach across the justice sector and community.

Alpha Chief Executive Cameron Watt said:

“We started working with Outwork early in 2020 on a year-long trial to improve our sites and we were very impressed with the initial results. We are delighted to be renewing our partnership with the Outwork team, one of Northern Ireland’s most dynamic social enterprises, into 2024. Improving our communal gardens whilst helping give second chances to people in prison and probation is a real win-win – everyone benefits.

“There is increasing scope for public service providers to use their buying power to better support social and environmental change, including rehabilitating people leaving the justice system. I’m encouraged by the growing focus on social value in public procurement in Northern Ireland and believe public sector clients should use resulting opportunities to enable a big expansion in much-needed transitional employment opportunities.”

Richard Good, Director of Outwork, said:

“For people leaving the justice system, jobs are often hard to find, and difficult to sustain.  Transitional employment helps people to overcome the challenges they face in securing long-term work.

“Over the last three years, Outwork’s partnership with Alpha has already helped provide nine people with a route back into employment. We’re delighted to be renewing our partnership so we can continue to do more, improving the wellbeing of Alpha’s residents and giving people a second chance to get their lives back on track through employment.”

CIOB launches new membership grade aimed at technical experts

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A new grade of membership launched by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is already giving specialist construction workers a platform to boost their careers.

A new grade of membership launched by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is already giving specialist construction workers a platform to boost their careers whilst increasing professionalism across the sector. 

Historically, individuals who excel in one certain area – a site supervisor, fire safety officer, rail technician, utility technician or site manager for example – have struggled to find a suitable place within a professional body and in turn gain recognition for their talent.  

CIOB’s brand-new Technical Membership, TechCIOB, aims to empower those specialists to promote their achievements and successes and demonstrate their competence and professionalism while improving their chances of promotion and higher salaries – as well as benefitting from access to unique training programmes and hundreds of exclusive CIOB events.   

Other technical specialists including CAD designers, building control technicians and BIM modellers would also be suitable for apply for TechCIOB membership with CIOB. As well as people who work in technical construction roles, TechCIOB membership is also available for those working in off-site manufacturing, digital technologies and robotics. 

Caroline Gumble, Chief Executive of CIOB, said: “I am delighted that our TechCIOB membership is now open for applications, as this is a significant development for us and for the wider industry.  

“The new TechCIOB grade allows CIOB to extend our support to even more professionals working in this important industry by recognising and awarding post-nominals to technical specialists, who have become experienced professionals and are often thought leaders in their area of expertise, sometimes having spent decades honing their craft.  

“I am pleased CIOB is now able to offer membership to some of the most talented individuals within the construction industry and welcome them into the CIOB community.” 

CIOB has been working with its members and stakeholders throughout the industry to develop the new membership grade for technical specialists and launched a pilot programme in early 2023 and sign-ups are already in full flow.  

Ian Gregory, who oversees the Integrated Track Team at Transport for London, took part in the pilot because he felt TechCIOB membership will help him progress his career. 

He said: “The TechCIOB grade is a mark of excellence that I can carry with me regardless of where I work and it is a grade that reflects my years’ worth of experience earned outside of degree-level education. 

“I believe it will demonstrate to any future employers that I have met the required standard as a technical professional within the construction industry.” 

More applications are being encouraged and you can find out more by visiting CIOB’s website.

EU-funded SWELL project makes positive impact on Carlingford Lough and Lough Foyle

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REPRO FREE 6/6/23: As World Environment Day is celebrated across the globe this week, a major cross-border project, aimed at improving water quality in Carlingford Lough and Lough Foyle through enhanced wastewater treatment, has been successfully completed.   NI Water was delighted to lead the EU-funded SWELL project (Shared Waters Enhancement & Loughs Legacy) which was tasked with delivering improved wastewater treatment for an additional 10,000 people on a cross-border basis. Pictured (left-right are) Barra Best, BBCNI, Pamela Arthurs, CEO, EBR, Ewan Hunter, Head of Fisheries, AFBI, Averil Gannon, DHLGH, Ciarán McGonigle, Director, Aquaculture & Shellfisheries, Loughs Agency, Gina McIntyre, CEO, SEUPB, Paul Harper, Director, Asset Delivery, NI Water, Tracey Teague, Deputy Secretary, Environment, Marine & Fisheries, DAERA, Eleanor Roche, Head of Environmental Regulation & Compliance, Uisce Éireann and Kevin Stewart, DHLGH. Picture: Michael Cooper

As World Environment Day is celebrated across the globe this week, a major cross-border project, aimed at improving water quality in Carlingford Lough and Lough Foyle through enhanced wastewater treatment, has been successfully completed with outputs exceeding targets set. 

Launched in 2019, the Shared Waters Enhancement & Loughs Legacy (SWELL) project was awarded €35m under the EU’s INTERREG VA Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body, to deliver two sewerage network and wastewater treatment projects to improve water quality in the shared transitional waters of Carlingford Lough and Lough Foyle, and provide improved wastewater treatment for an additional 10,000 people.

Match-funding for the project was provided by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in Ireland and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland (DAERA).

The four-year project – led by NI Water working in partnership with Uisce Éireann (formerly Irish Water), the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), Loughs Agency and East Border Region – also included an extensive water analysis programme and has recently culminated in the development of a suite of unique ecosystem models that can be used to shape further improvements in water quality in these shared waters.

Acknowledging the achievements of the SWELL project, Malcolm Noonan, Minister for State at the Department for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in Ireland, said:“Without safe and reliable water and wastewater infrastructure, social and economic development cannot happen. I am delighted to hear the difference that the SWELL project has made, and will make, to achieving water quality improvements in the shared waters of Carlingford Lough and Lough Foyle. The EU INTERREG VA has been a valued initiative for delivering collaborative projects across our jurisdictions to address common challenges faced on either side of the border. I would like to thank SEUPB and all the SWELL partners for their work in delivering this excellent four-year programme of work.”

Congratulating the SWELL project on its success, Gina McIntyre, Chief Executive of the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), said: “Cross-border cooperation is vital if we are to help protect our shared environment. This project represented a significant and long-term investment by the INTERREG VA Programme to improve the water quality for those living in these regions.

“It is a testament to what can be achieved when we work together and take an evidence-based decision-making approach to help address a common problem that results in societal good.”

The two sewerage and wastewater treatment projects carried out under SWELL incorporated a total of eight infrastructure upgrades – four by each water utility. In addition, an extensive programme of catchment studies and ecosystem modelling, within the Carlingford Lough drainage basin (within Newry, Mourne & Down and Louth council areas) and the Lough Foyle drainage basin (comprising Derry City & Strabane and Donegal council areas) was undertaken.

Paul Harper, Director of Asset Delivery at NI Water, said: “NI Water was delighted to lead this strategic EU-funded project which was tasked with delivering improved wastewater treatment for an additional 10,000 people on a cross-border basis. I am delighted to report that the discharge improvements from the combined SWELL wastewater upgrades are almost double the target set, with the equivalent of over 19,000 more people set to benefit from the investment made.

“The exceptional results in enhanced wastewater effluent on both sides of the border – measured by the end of pipe discharge improvements – are a result of both water utilities working collaboratively to prioritise and align upgrades and to share knowledge and best practice to make the maximum positive impact on the shared waterbodies on the island of Ireland.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the SWELL partners and all our contractors, consultants and scientists for their work over the last four years and for bringing this cross-border project to a successful conclusion.” 

Tracey Teague, Deputy Secretary at DAERA said: “As its legacy, SWELL has developed a novel soil-to-sea ecosystem modelling toolbox for the two coastal transboundary waterbodies of Carlingford Lough and Lough Foyle and their catchments. This unique toolbox will allow environmental managers and regulators on both sides of the border to make evidence-based decisions to support the sustainable management of productive, healthy and biodiverse aquatic ecosystems and will ensure future investment is targeted to areas where further water quality improvements can be achieved.”

LAUNCH OF TRAMS TO NEWHAVEN PASSENGER SERVICES

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Passenger services on Edinburgh’s new tram line to Newhaven launched today with the help of the community along the route.

The first paying customers boarded the service, operated by Edinburgh Trams, between Newhaven and Picardy Place (and onward to Edinburgh Airport) at 12pm midday.

To celebrate the occasion, a piper accompanied the first tram into the Picardy Place tram stop while members of Edinburgh’s Dance Base centre for dance performed a specially choreographed ‘tram ballet’. Council Leaders were joined by local school pupils to officially open the tram for service.

The 2.9 mile, eight stop route, which has been under construction since November 2019, has been delivered on schedule and within the £207.3m budget.

Over recent months rigorous testing to ensure the newly constructed line, software and signals work effectively and safely has included running trams at half and full speed and eventually to timetable, work to integrate signalling and interface with Edinburgh Trams’ control centre and driver familiarisation.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “I’m delighted to be playing a part in this momentous occasion – the launch of tram passenger services between Picardy Place and Newhaven. It’s a real landmark moment for Edinburgh, as we bring this high capacity, sustainable and reliable service to the north of the city.

“I know many will share in my excitement, and optimism for the benefits this development will provide. We’ve already seen vast improvements to spaces along the route and long-term I’m looking forward to the impact it will have on the local economy, which even now we’re starting to see.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all those who live and own businesses along the route. They have shown such patience and resilience shown throughout this major, complex project and now I hope that they will really gain from the new service.

“This is also a chance to reflect on the hard work of those who have delivered this scheme. Thanks to the project team’s dedication, despite the challenges of recent years, I’m proud to say Trams to Newhaven has been delivered on time and within the £207.3m budget.”

Lea Harrison, Edinburgh Trams Managing Director, said: “The opening of the route will mark another momentous day for the city, and the entire Edinburgh Trams team stands ready to bring its acclaimed brand of service excellence to tens of thousands of new customers in the communities it serves.

“We’re also looking forward to delivering a real boost for local businesses, providing a convenient transport link between the city centre and some of Edinburgh’s most densely populated neighbourhoods, as well as key locations such as Ocean Terminal and Port of Leith.

“With trams from every seven minutes between 6am and midnight, seven days a week, our expanded tram timetable will help firms large and small to attract new business while helping their employees get to and from work.”

To mark the event, the earliest passengers were able to purchase a  ‘platinum’ tram tickets from machines at Picardy Place and Newhaven tram stops while Pulse of the Place, a 30 strong vibrant youth samba band based in north Edinburgh, performed around the Newhaven tram stop.

The Guard of Honour from the High Constabulary of the Port of Leith to welcomed the tram into the historic Burgh of Leith wearing full parade dress, including top hats, whistles and ceremonial batons.

While the project opened for revenue services today, outstanding public realm works will continue in some sections.

 Additional quotes

Project partners

Maria Ortega, Project Director on SFN JV, said: “This is a proud day for the Sacyr Farrans Neopul (SFN) JV team as we celebrate the new line coming into operation. We started work on Edinburgh Trams York Place to Newhaven four years ago, tasked with the delivery of one of the most important and complex light rail projects in the UK.  Today we can say that we have achieved that vision successfully.

“I would like to thank the relentless efforts of our team throughout unprecedented times and recognise the power of the ongoing collaboration we have had with our client, our partners and our supply chain.

“It has been a privilege to operate within the communities of Leith and Newhaven and we extend our thanks to the local community.

“We hope that the City of Edinburgh will now begin to benefit from the wide-ranging social and economic benefits that a project of this significance will bring.”

James Corrigan, UK Managing Director of Infrastructure at Turner & Townsend, said: “In connecting Edinburgh to Newhaven, the opening of the new tram line represents an incredible achievement for everyone involved. This is a significant accomplishment in delivering a greener way of travelling and bringing existing and new communities closer together.

“As a key part of the programme team, I am immensely proud of the integral contribution that our people have made to the project from its early stages through to the tram’s successful opening.”

Cath Leech, Managing Director of Anturas Consulting, said: “Anturas Consulting has been involved with Trams to Newhaven from the start and it is fantastic to be part of the team that has delivered such an important project for the city. This line will help deliver economic, social and environmental benefits to Edinburgh and secure a sustainable legacy for future generations.”

Community members

Harald Tobermann, spokesperson for Community Councils Together on Trams, said: “Having engaged with the Trams to Newhaven Project Team over the last five years, we are well aware of the many issues that had to be overcome to deliver the project’s key objective – a tramline from York Place to Newhaven – on time and on budget. A great deal of credit for this success is due to the excellent team of people that managed this project including the CEC staff seconded to the project team. 

“Our acknowledgement of this significant achievement is mixed with relief that this marks the end of more than 12 years of nearly continuous major construction works – the original tram works, the subsequent remedial works, and the latest 32-months TTN project – disrupting life for residents and businesses in our area. We also note that there is still work to be done to complete the overall project and ensure that the project delivers the wider benefits for our communities.

“We take comfort from the repeated assurances we have received from the project team, CEC officials and the Transport Convenor that our serious concerns regarding outstanding public realms works, design issues, as well as on-going maintenance of the newly created public assets will be managed and addressed with the required energy, focus and resources over the two-year defects period and beyond, thus preparing the ground for future tram lines to be built in Edinburgh.”

Jim Hollington, Chief Executive Officer at Dance Base, said: “At Dance Base we want to get everyone dancing, so the opening of Trams to Newhaven is a great way to connect us with people in the north of Edinburgh. Our home on the Grassmarket is only 11 minutes’ walk from Princes Street tram stop. To celebrate the opening, dancers in our ballet beginners and improvers classes, along with their friends from Dance for All have created a tongue in cheek ‘ballet of the trams’ to celebrate the occasion!”

Rohan Seliman, who leads Pulse of the Place, said: “The first new Trams to Newhaven is historic, so to have youth drummers from Pulse of the Place to give the first passengers a rapturous welcome is an honour.”

TBC CONVERSIONS RECOGNISES STAFF FOR LONG SERVICE

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Leading vehicle conversion specialist, TBC Conversions (TBC), has recognised 20 staff members of its 72 strong workforce for their long service within the company.

Those who have worked at the business for five years or more will be entitled to additional annual leave, with long-serving employees gaining up to five days off to spend how they wish.

Donavon McKillen, Commercial Director at TBC, said:

“Celebrating our teams’ success and their commitment is integral to the culture at TBC.

“As we move through a period of growth, extending our presence across the UK and Ireland, we wanted to show our appreciation for the ongoing dedication of the team, many of whom have contributed significantly to the company’s success throughout their careers.

“It’s fantastic to see the high numbers of long serving employees at TBC, showcasing our efforts to create generations of skilled and trusted professionals that go above and beyond for our customers.

“We are pleased to reward this commitment with additional paid holiday leave, recognising the stellar impact that the team has had on the company.”

In addition to extra annual leave for long service, TBC offers competitive salaries, an industry-leading work-life balance, and continuous training opportunities.

Part of Donnelly Group, Northern Ireland’s largest independently owned motor retailer, TBC operates across the UK and Ireland in partnership with ten world-renowned vehicle manufacturers including Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Citroen, Vauxhall, and Fiat.

To continue building on its reputation for innovation and quality, TBC is currently recruiting for a number of roles including Welders/Fabricators, Fit-Out Operators, Auto Electricians, Finish Operators and Apprentices.

To find out more about working with TBC Conversions, visit tbcconversions.com

Spanwall Managing Director Keith Toner announces his retirement

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Current Manufacturing Director David Clark to take up the reins

Belfast based architectural wall cladding specialist Spanwall has announced that Managing Director Keith Toner is to retire from his role after more than 50 years’ service. He will take up a new role as Non Executive Director. 

Keith Toner first joined the company aged 17 and has been Managing Director since 1995 overseeing Spanwall’s transformation into a significant player in the facades’ manufacturing market.

In recent years, he has led Spanwall through Brexit, Covid-19, and the investment from by Cordovan Capital at the beginning of 2021

The business is also pleased to announce that Mr Toner’s successor will be David Clark, Spanwall’s current Manufacturing Director, who re-joined the organisation at the end of 2021 from The McAvoy Group where he had held several positions including Manufacturing Director and Head of Innovation.

Keith Toner commented: “I have been privileged to have had the opportunity to be involved with some of the most iconic buildings in the world. 51 years ago, I joined Spanwall as an apprentice and since then have witnessed the business go from strength to strength. I know Spanwall has a great future and feel very optimistic about what’s to come.”

Mr Toner welcomed the appointment of David Clark commenting: “David brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role, and I look forward to watching Spanwall continue to thrive and succeed under his direction.”

During his role as Manufacturing Director, Clark has focused on transforming Spanwall’s manufacturing capabilities, including introducing new digital technologies into the business.

David Clark commented:  “As a business we are hugely grateful to Keith for his commitment to Spanwall for the past 51 years. His leadership and passion for our business has been instrumental in shaping Spanwall into the company it is today, ensuring we are well positioned to achieve our ambitious growth strategy.”

“I am hugely excited about the opportunity that lies ahead for myself within the company. Having started my career here almost 25 years ago, it has felt like I have returned home again. I look forward to continuing to develop and grow the business to ensure we retain our market-leading position.”

Spanwall has provided specialist cladding solutions on many signature buildings throughout the world from Belfast to Barbados, Dublin to Amsterdam and from South Africa to Saudi Arabia, specified by architects and designers working on behalf of brands including Google, Apple, Microsoft, Guinness, British Airways and Audi. 

Founded in 1967, Spanwall went through a change of ownership at the beginning of 2021 via a majority share acquisition by Belfast-based private equity firm, Cordovan Capital Management Limited. The company employs around 50 people from a factory in the Carryduff Business Park. 

For more information on Spanwall log on to www.spanwall.com 

Simplicity and service make Durite trackers the right choice for DAF dealers

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A major truck dealer says simplicity and service levels have led it to switch some of its fleet to Durite telematics.

Motus Commercials is the largest DAF Trucks dealer group in Europe, with 29 dealerships across the UK, employing more than 1,500 people. In South-West England it has installed 30 Smart Nano Trackers from Durite on its service vans and courtesy cars, replacing telematics units from another UK provider. Motus procured the trackers through DAF, whom Durite supplies, which has a direct relationship with Durite.

Mark Price, head of aftersales for the south-west region, covering Motus depots in Avonmouth, Swindon, Frome, Gloucester and Hereford, said: “The trackers are great, they only take 20 minutes to fit. It is a very simple and reliable solution that provides precisely the functionality we need.

“If we change vans, all we have to do is email Durite and they will update the vehicle information on the system for us. The simplicity of the system and the quality of the support from Durite is what sold it to me. In our business it is not just about dealing with a problem but how you deal with it. So, what puts Durite head and shoulders above other telematics providers is they are always responsive. They always jump on an issue and if they can’t fix it remotely, they will replace the tracker. It means I don’t have to worry about the telematics at all. With Durite we also have the flexibility to upgrade in the future.

“For our delivery vehicles the track and trace functionality is the most important element, but we’ve also been able to do more with it. We are able to set up geofencing around Clean Air Zones so if one of our vehicles enters a zone in Bristol or Bath, we are instantly notified and can pay the fees in good time. It helps us to avoid issues further downstream and that makes us more efficient.”

The Durite Smart Nano Telematics Tracker is an affordable fleet management solution that enables users to locate their fleet in real time. Installation is extremely simple, as it simply connects to any power source on the vehicle. The fleet manager can view vehicle location and historical journeys in the Durite telematics portal as well as generate over 80 valuable reports, so fleet operators can select the most suitable ones based on their business needs.

“Our courtesy cars are a complementary service and goodwill gesture to our clients so we’re not trying to monitor everything they do with the vehicles,” added Mark. “We just need telematics to keep track of our assets – for example we might deliver a vehicle at one end of the region but have to collect it from the other end, so location data is critical. The tracker can also deter drivers from using those cars for personal trips as they know we know where the vehicles are at all times.”

Durite offers a range of telematics products for trucks and vans, including hardwired and OBD plug-in units, plus integrated telematics cameras. Durite is the UK’s leading brand in vehicle safety, lighting and auto electrical parts for commercial vehicles and the general automotive aftermarket. For further details, visit www.durite.co.uk

TRAMS TO NEWHAVEN PASSENGER LAUNCH DATE ANNOUNCED AS PILRIG WHEELS INSTALLED AT IONA STREET

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7 June 2023 announced as date for first passenger service between Picardy Place and Newhaven as Pilrig Wheels installed.

Passenger services on the new tram route to Newhaven are scheduled start at 12pm on 7 June 2023, it was announced today (Thursday, 25 May).

The route, which has been under construction since November 2019, has been delivered within the £207.3m budget meeting the scheduled completion date of spring 2023.

Council Leader Cammy Day welcomed the news from Iona Street, where two historic cable wheels dating back to Victorian Edinburgh’s original tram system were lowered into place on Thursday. The wheels, which are 2.6m in diameter, were rediscovered at the Pilrig Street junction with Leith Walk in August 2021 during Trams to Newhaven excavations and will now be put on permanent display as part of public realm improvements to Iona Street.

Over recent months rigorous testing to ensure the newly constructed line, software and signals work effectively and safely has included running trams at half and full speed and eventually to timetable, work to integrate signalling and interface with Edinburgh Trams’ control centre and driver familiarisation.

Standard timetable testing will continue on the route in the run-up to the launch of services on 7 June 2023.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “As we welcome back a piece of tram history to Leith Walk, it’s fitting that we’re also able to look forward to the future of Edinburgh’s tram network, and the start of passenger services on the brand-new line to Newhaven.

“While this is a moment for celebration, it’s also a chance to reflect on the last few years, and I’d like to take the opportunity to thank residents and businesses for their patience during this major, complex project.

“The completion of this line, delivering high capacity, clean transport to the densely populated north of the Capital, signifies our aspirations to become a sustainable, net zero city. And by improving connectivity to the waterfront, it won’t only promote further economic development in Leith, but will bring jobs and more affordable housing too.

“We’re now counting down the days to passenger services, and I’m pleased to say this project will be delivered within budget and on time. This is thanks to lessons learned from the previous project along with a great deal of hard work and dedication from the project team and contractors involved in the construction process.”

Lea Harrison, Managing Director of Edinburgh Trams, said: “The setting of a launch date for the new line is fantastic news for city residents and visitors, but particularly communities between the city centre and Newhaven.

“In recent years, thanks to the efforts of the entire Edinburgh Trams team, our multi award-winning tramway has become one of the most popular transport systems of its type thanks to a single-minded commitment to service excellence that will continue into an exciting new era.

“As we approach this major milestone in the history of Edinburgh Trams and the city, we can’t wait to welcome even more customers on board as we introduce swift and reliable services to the vibrant communities along the route, helping to unlock their full potential and providing a real boost for local businesses.”

Maria Ortega, Project Director on SFN JV, said: “This is a proud day for the Sacyr Farrans Neopul (SFN) JV team as we celebrate the new line coming into operation. We started work on Edinburgh Trams York Place to Newhaven four years ago, tasked with the delivery of one of the most important and complex light rail projects in the UK.  Today we can say that we have achieved that vision successfully. 

“I would like to thank the relentless efforts of our team throughout unprecedented times and recognise the power of the ongoing collaboration we have had with our client, our partners and our supply chain. 

“It has been a privilege to operate within the communities of Leith and Newhaven and we extend our thanks to the local community. 

“We hope that the City of Edinburgh will now begin to benefit from the wide-ranging social and economic benefits that a project of this significance will bring.”

UK Managing Director of Infrastructure at Turner & Townsend, James Corrigan said: “Following our long-standing relationship with City of Edinburgh Council and successfully supporting the original project post mediation which led to the work for the project between York Place and Newhaven, we are delighted to see the new, improved line approach it’s final stages of construction and ready for full service. 

“The project is an example of how significant investment in infrastructure can not only improve connectivity across a popular city centre but also contribute to the city’s green agenda. Collaboration with the full supply chain and client is something we pride ourselves on and this has certainly been key to driving performance during the construction of this major project. Working closely with all partners has helped to mitigate the challenges of supply chain issues and general volatility in the market post COVID-19, and enabled the project to remain on time and on budget. As local authorities look to provide more sustainable and efficient transport and meet their net-zero aspirations, tram networks are becoming increasingly popular in the UK. Edinburgh has led the way in this revolution and is a superb exemplar for others to follow.” 

While the project will open for revenue services on 7 June 2023, outstanding public realm works will continue in some sections.

Choice Housing sign off charity partnership with Cancer Fund for Children and Air Ambulance

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The Choice Housing Fundraising Committee marking the end of their partnership with their chosen charities, Air Ambulance and Cancer Fund for Children. From L-R pictured is Marcia McMath (Choice Housing), Grace Williams (Air Ambulance), Graham Woods (Choice Housing), Jordana Stoney-Wilson (Cancer Fund for Children) and Ashleigh Lloyd (Choice Housing).

Caption: The Choice Housing Fundraising Committee marking the end of their partnership with their chosen charities, Air Ambulance and Cancer Fund for Children. From L-R pictured is Marcia McMath (Choice Housing), Grace Williams (Air Ambulance), Graham Woods (Choice Housing), Jordana Stoney-Wilson (Cancer Fund for Children) and Ashleigh Lloyd (Choice Housing).

Housing association Choice Housing has marked the end of their voluntary partnership with local charities Air Ambulance and Cancer Fund for Children with an amazing £8K fundraising total. Choice announced their partnership with the charities in 2022 and will split the total amount between the two organisations.

Each year, Choice staff nominate two local charities to support for one year, with the Fundraising Committee organising a busy calendar of events aimed at raising much-needed funds and involving staff teams in a range of initiatives. 

Julie Dineen, Chair of Choice Fundraising Committee, said,

“With the ongoing cost of living crisis and the impact of the pandemic, local charities are struggling to maintain a range of their vital support services, relying more on fundraising efforts from individuals and businesses to help them sustain their support provision.

“We also recognise that families and individuals are equally struggling with the cost of living and there is less disposable income available that would normally go to things like donations to charities that are important to them. 

“Our Fundraising Committee looked to organise engaging events and initiatives that encouraged donations whilst also creating experiences. Partnerships with charities is an important element of Choices’ commitment to supporting local communities across Northern Ireland.”

The charity Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, provides the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) for Northern Ireland.  The service brings urgent medical assistance to anywhere in the province, operating seven days a week for 12 hours per day. It can get to anywhere in Northern Ireland in approximately twenty-five minutes and since its inception in July 2017, the medical crew have been tasked 3,434 times. 

The HEMS team attend patients who are seriously ill or injured, bringing emergency pre-hospital care direct to the casualty with the aim of saving lives, brains, and limbs. Air Ambulance NI aspires to raise £2.5 million each year to maintain and sustain this service and therefore public donations are crucial.

Grace Williams from Air Ambulance added,

“We are so grateful to the team at Choice for their incredible support throughout 2022. A lot of hard work and effort has gone into all of their fundraising, and we are so touched they chose to support us in this way. 

“The funds raised will help the medical team lift off by helicopter to reach future patients, wherever that may be in Northern Ireland. This is very much a service that no one wishes to need but is there for every one of us.   

“As a service we rely heavily on charitable donations to keep the medical team in the air, delivering critical care to patients who have suffered trauma throughout Northern Ireland – without this type of support, the team simply couldn’t fly. Every single penny counts.”

Cancer Fund for Children works to empower, connect, and strengthen children, young people and families impacted by cancer. They offer informal emotional, social, and therapeutic support in the home, on the hospital ward, and at Daisy Lodge – its therapeutic short break centre. Cancer Fund for Children supports over 1500 young people and 500 families every year. 

Commenting on the fundraising effort from Choice, Jordana Stoney-Wilson from the charity said,

“Throughout the partnership, the team at Choice have gone above and beyond for Cancer Fund for Children. Thank you so much to all the team for their support in helping us ensure no child has to face cancer alone.”

Examples of some of the activity undertaken include raffles, pound for pound challenge, marathon relay teams, walk to work, cold water dips and a sunrise climb at Divis Mountain. Throughout the year, staff donate £2 per month in non-uniform money, raising over £2000.

Gilbert-Ash to share sustainability insights

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NI Chamber is inviting member companies to a Successful Sustainability event which will focus on the importance of stakeholder engagement in shaping sustainability strategies. Delivered in partnership with AIB, it will take place in Mossley Mill, Newtownabbey on Thursday 13 October at 9.00am.

Michael Heron, Sustainability Lead at Gilbert-Ash will share how the company has built successful relationships with key stakeholders by understanding their expectations, outlining the positive impact these interactions have had on the business strategy.

Susannah Cooke, Senior Consultant within KPMG Sustainable Futures will outline what steps businesses can take to engage with internal and external stakeholders, as well as how to work with suppliers on tracking emissions.

Attendees will come away with a better understanding of how to integrate differing stakeholder perspectives into sustainability planning and the importance of engaging local communities when developing sustainability practices.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from speakers, as well as network with other business owners, sustainability managers, finance directors and managers in attendance.

This event is exclusively for NI Chamber members and is free for them to attend. To register visit the NI Chamber website.

Caption: Pictured: Phil Murray (NI Chamber); Seamus McGuckin (AIB) and Michael Herron (Gilbert Ash).

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