All posts by Lisa Baker, Editor, UK Business News

Lisa Baker is an experienced journalist, Owner of Need to See IT Publishing and the Editor of Business in the News. Lisa covers Business, Health, HR and Technology.
Wellbeing at Work

As Employment Laws Are Introduced To Protect Staff, Businesses Can Now Access A New Free Quiz Designed To Unmask Workplace Toxicity

Business leaders trying to assess how to manage workplace toxicity can now access a new free quiz – which helps provide them with support.

The interactive tool has been created by leading expert Philip Grindell, who says companies can’t afford to ignore new laws, which came into force on Saturday October 26 to try and counter Mr Grindell, the founder of Defuse Global, also said the ongoing case involving the former Harrods owner Mohamed Al-Fayed also exposes the risk that companies face over historic claims linked to inappropriate behaviour.

Although many businesses know they need to do more in this area, some struggle to know where to start.

Mr Grindell’s quiz, which takes minutes to complete, is a comprehensive way to assess a business’ readiness to prevent problematic behaviours at work.

The questions are based on research Defuse has carried out with Oxford University which was detailed in a recent white paper called The Inside Threat.

Valuable insights on risk assessment, warning signs, and training needs for employees will be given by the results.

Mr Grindell said: “Toxicity in the workplace is not an issue to be taken lightly, as it can have real impact on your business, potentially damaging ESG credentials and reducing investment opportunities.

“Left unchecked, it can erode reputations, increase absenteeism, decrease performance and persuade some of your best employees to seek other employment.

“There are often visible signs of concerning behaviours that can be used to prevent any escalation, if they are identified early enough. Answers to tackling these sorts of issues can be found with a professional threat assessment and management process.

“The earlier they are recognised, the more time Investigators will have to devise and initiate any management plans that may be needed.

“The guesswork about what needs to be reported can be removed by providing workshops and training for all employees so they can recognise indicators of harm and behaviours of concern.

“An anonymous or confidential reporting system can help to ease fears among employees and encourage those who have concerns to step up and voice their fears.”

Commenting on the ongoing case involving Harrods, Mr Grindell said: “What this disturbing case shows is that businesses don’t just need to be aware of the here and now, they need to be mindful they could face historic claims from employees.

“Ambulance chasing lawyers are wasting no time in trying to encourage people to make claims, so its vital businesses are better prepared.”

His comments come as employers face a new duty under the law to take reasonable steps to prevent harassment of workers in the course of their employment.

From 26 October 2024, employers will have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of employees in the course of their employment.

Harassment covers unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic that is aimed at violating a person’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, humiliating or offensive environment for them.

Outlining what businesses should do to ensure they are compliant with the new legislation, Mr Grindell said:

• Have clear policies and develop and communicate clear policies on sexual harassment
• Invest in training and introduce new regular training
• Ensure you have reporting mechanisms and establish straightforward procedures for reporting harassment
• Conduct investigations promptly and thoroughly, being mindful of incidents where criminal offences may have been committed
• Guarantee confidentiality to workers who want to report incidents
• Ensure that non-retaliation is offered and reassure complainants that they will be protected
• Take appropriate disciplinary action against perpetrators where necessary
• Offer support to victims and provide access to counselling and support services

Cybersecurity, Digital Transformation, News, North of England, Tech, Technology

SPG enhances cybersecurity capabilities with Saviynt.

SPG is enhancing its cybersecurity capabilities in a new partnership with Saviynt, a leading provider of cloud-native identity and governance platform solutions.

 

The move comes as the digital transformation firm strengthens its cybersecurity capacity across all areas of its operations with investments in strategic partnerships, training and expanding the team.

 

The SPG and Saviynt partnership will provide enterprises with a converged solution encompassing identity management, privileged access management (PAM), and application governance. The comprehensive approach secures digital assets and data across hybrid ecosystems, ensuring enhanced cybersecurity for internal and external applications.

The combined capabilities of SPG and Saviynt are designed to support enterprise-wide cloud-based cybersecurity infrastructures, accelerating deployment cycles and enabling faster, more efficient solutions for managing user identities, access privileges, and security risks.

 

Charlie Grey, partner director EMEA at Saviynt, commented, “Our partnership with SPG offers a powerful combination of identity governance and administration solutions that help organisations optimise security, reduce complexity, and maximise their return on investment.”

 

Saviynt’s Identity Cloud platform helps organisations orchestrate workforce and enterprise applications while managing privileged and third-party identities. The Identity Cloud platform supports automated risk management and actions powered by machine learning to provide value and scalability.

By leveraging Saviynt’s platform, SPG will deliver a more resilient and secure identity ecosystem to its clients, allowing them to streamline identity governance processes and reduce costs. The platform’s ability to converge IGA, data access governance, PAM, and third-party access governance empowers businesses to navigate the complexities of modern hybrid IT environments.

 

Gareth Humphreys, SPG CEO, said: “SPG has a holistic approach to digital transformation, where cybersecurity plays an integral role in every step of the process. The partnership with Saviynt and our broader investment will ensure we continue offering customers the best solution.”

“We are equipping organisations with the tools they need to manage security, compliance, and access risks across complex environments. Our collaborative approach allows us to deliver faster, more scalable identity management solutions, enabling businesses to innovate and thrive in a secure environment.”

 

SPG has a multi-disciplined team of experts who deliver digital transformation projects across the public and private sectors. It is part of the Solution Performance Group, which also offers technology talent recruitment and software development.

 

—

Pictured: Gareth Humphreys, Group CEO at SPG.

 

Solution Performance Group helps companies achieve digital transformation goals by providing technology consultancy, software development, and talent recruitment services. It consists of SPG and SPG Resourcing and provides solutions, services and people to many businesses, from insurance and financial services to health, housing and large FTSE 100s.

Visit: http://thinkspg.com and https://spgresourcing.com/

IT Support, News, Sport, Technology, Wiltshire News

IT firm Mintivo sponsors England Ladies hockey in their bid for Masters World Cup glory in New Zealand

IT SUPPORT and solutions expert Mintivo is boosting an England Ladies hockey team in their bid for World Cup glory as part of a drive to inspire more women to choose a career in technology.

England Hockey’s Over 45s Ladies are heading for Auckland in New Zealand for the tournament next month and Chippenham Hockey Club midfielder Sabina Falcone-Healy, who is a member of the squad, said the Chippenham company’s £1,000 sponsorship is welcome.

“We’ve had to raise all of the money for travel, accommodation and a lot of the kit ourselves so this is a really big help and we are so grateful to Mintivo,” she said. “It will cover some of our costs, including squad shirts to travel and train in.”

Director of People and Culture Mark Adams said the sponsorship is a way of underlining the company’s commitment to changing the perception of the technology sector as a career. “We want to try and promote women in tech wherever we can,” he said. “The sector is perceived as being a male environment and we want to break that mould.

“Exploring other angles like this are a great opportunity to show we are supporting women and also make the women in our workplace aware of what we’re doing.”

He said while the UK’s tech sector is thriving it is still grappling with a disparity between the number of men and women coming into the industry. According to a survey of 700 employers by the Tech Talent Charter this year, just 29 per cent of IT professionals in the UK are women and they can be found in only five per cent of leadership roles.

A key factor is that there are few role models in the sector, and many are often encouraged to pursue traditional gender roles, which may not include STEM fields like technology, he said. This can result in limited exposure to IT subjects and a lack of interest in pursuing careers in the industry. The sector has historically been dominated by men, creating a culture that women can perceive as unwelcoming.

Mintivo Operations Manager Hannah Doggett said the company is making strides on attracting more women into technology. “Being a woman in tech is all about pushing boundaries and showing what’s possible,” she said. “It’s amazing to see more women stepping up, bringing fresh ideas, and proving we belong here. I’m proud to be part of this journey and to work alongside some seriously inspiring women.”

Sabina said the squad have been hard at work raising money for the tournament over the last few months. “A lot of support from companies goes to men’s football and rugby so it is wonderful that Mintivo are doing this,” she said. “It’s great for the squad and great for ladies’ hockey.”

Sabina, 47, is Chippenham’s longest serving player and says the opportunity to represent her country has come late in her career. “I started training with the squad last year,” she said. “I was probably in my prime in my 20s and I was approached to go and play for bigger teams then but I loved playing for Chippenham so I stayed.

“I’m a fitness instructor and that has definitely helped me stay fit and injury free. I guess it is late in life for me to experience this now but it’s a privilege.”

She said despite the age of the players the sport is highly competitive at Masters level. “It’s a completely new level to club hockey, there’s a real professionalism about it,” she said. “You have your giggles and your laughs but you train to the best of your ability at all times and there’s a lot that they expect from you, so it’s been a real eye-opener. Even at my age I’ve learnt an awful lot.”

She said the team is confident about the World Cup, despite having just a few days to adjust to the time difference before their first match against Australia on November 8. “Our coach Kay Hanham says she will accept nothing other than gold, so that’s our expectation,” said Sabina.

“We’ve won our warm-up matches convincingly so we are feeling good. I think the hardest opponent in New Zealand will probably be Argentina but we are going all out for gold 100 per cent.”

Mark added: “We’ll all be rooting for England at Mintivo and it makes it special for us that we’ll have a player from Chippenham representing England and that she and the squad will be wearing shirts with a Chippenham company’s name on.

“It’s this kind of sponsorship activity we hope will trigger conversations about why IT and tech is a fantastic, challenging and fulfilling workplace for women.”

England’s Masters World Cup games will be streamed live on YouTube.

Find out more about Mintivo’s services at Mintivo.co.uk.

—

Pictured: England Over 45s Hockey Masters player Sabina Falcone-Healy, centre, showing off a Mintivo-sponsored training top for the World Cup in Auckland next month, with the company’s Account Director Katie Edwards, left, Head of Commercial Amy Lovell, Project Manager Georgia Samrai and Operations Manager Hannah Doggett

Property

Advice to homeowners who want to sell their house before Christmas

Homeowners looking to sell their house before Christmas will need to get them onto the market this week.

Eight weeks is the minimum time you can expect to complete a deal on a property and now a leading property expert is on hand to help.

Jonathan Rolande, from HouseBuyFast said there was “still time” for people who were yet to put their house up for sale to get a buyer before the festive season.

“It takes an average of 59 days to sell a home, so this is the last week to get your house on the market if you want to make that sale before Christmas,” he said.

“With the clock ticking, it’s important for you to have your home market-ready and the paperwork in order to hit the deadline.”

Here’s Jonathan’s top five tips to make a sale before Santa arrives

Be reasonable on price. Estate agents always hear “ but mine is the best on the road!” from sellers but an unrealistic price will mean your home remaining on the market for a long time. By all means be optimistic and an estate agent should never say never, but if you want to sell in a reasonable time frame, be realistic on price.  The best time to sell is within the first few weeks and any property which has languished unsold will not entice a buyer as easily.

You need great photos. When sellers are looking at a property, they will always be attracted by the photos, so don’t accept anything other than amazing.  This is not a time to cut corners: the photos should be well-lit, and the house should be clean, tidy, and uncluttered. We live in a visual age and buyers will simply scroll past a home that doesn’t grab their attention in the first second or two.

Be flexible on viewings. It’s not a seller’s market anymore so be flexible with viewings. You’ll need to accommodate potential buyers wherever possible, and that could mean weekends and evenings, when most people are free to look.

Choose the right agent. Don’t choose the agent based either on the commission fee or the sale price they recommend. Many bad agents will tell you a figure you want to hear just to win the business, even if they know they won’t be able to secure you a sale at that price. Ensure your chosen agent has sold similar homes in your location and check their marketing material and websites to ensure they know what they are doing. It’s also important to pick an agent who is an expert in selling your type of property. Some may specialise in grand houses, which is very nice unless you’re trying to sell a one bed starter flat.

Be honest.  All properties have some issue or another so its  better to be open about any problems or they could come back to haunt you down the line. Undisclosed issues delay sales, especially if they are picked up in a survey, and can cause the whole sale to fall through. In the worst case, not being up front could lead to legal action against you post-sale.

Articles & News, Manufacturing, News, UAE

How to Start a Manufacturing Company in the UAE with UPPERSETUP

Written by Vitaliy Chiryassov, CEO of UPPERCASE

Contributing over AED 136 billion to the national GDP, the UAE’s manufacturing sector is on a rapid growth trajectory, with ambitions to increase this figure to AED 300 billion by 2031. 

As part of its strategic economic diversification, the UAE government has positioned industrial development as a cornerstone, offering manufacturers access to state-of-the-art industrial zones, robust infrastructure and tailored support initiatives.

For companies in industries ranging from automotive and aerospace to pharmaceuticals and consumer goods, the UAE presents a compelling opportunity. However, navigating the complexities of setting up a manufacturing operation in the Emirates requires careful planning. 

This article explores the steps involved in establishing a manufacturing presence in the UAE and how UPPERSETUP, an AI-powered platform, can streamline this process.

Why Setting up a Manufacturing Company in the UAE is Not Easy

Setting up a manufacturing company in the UAE comes with unique hurdles. One major challenge is finding a suitable industrial location.

The UAE offers various industrial zones, each with different regulations and infrastructure. For instance, RAKEZ in Ras Al Khaimah provides industrial areas in Al Hamra and Al Hulaila, while Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) offers various industrial real estate options including warehouses and land plots. JAFZA in Dubai provides light industrial units ranging from 300 to 1000 square meters.

Licensing requirements also vary between free zones. For example, in RAKEZ, you need to submit a business plan along with your application, while AFZ may require additional documents like police clearance certificates depending on the risk level of your activity and your nationality. JAFZA requires a brief company profile and project summary. These varying requirements can make the process complex for new entrants.

Manufacturing companies face stricter licensing requirements. For instance, in Dubai Mainland, you’ll need to provide detailed production plans, environmental impact assessments, and safety protocols. These documents often require input from technical experts and can take considerable time to prepare. Additionally, some manufacturing activities may require approvals from specific competent authorities.

Importing and setting up machinery is another complex process. UAE customs have specific procedures for industrial equipment. You may need to obtain pre-approvals, arrange for specialized transportation, and comply with local safety standards. This process can be time-consuming and may impact your production timeline.

Environmental regulations and facility requirements pose another significant challenge. In Dubai Mainland, manufacturing companies must implement waste management systems, monitor emissions, and possibly invest in eco-friendly technologies.

RAKEZ offers pre-built warehouses and manufacturing units, but they come with specific terms. For instance, warehouse rentals in RAKEZ industrial zones range from 260 to 365 AED/year per square meter, with sizes from 15 square meters. 

Lastly, the high initial capital requirements can be daunting. Setting up a manufacturing facility in the UAE often involves significant upfront costs for land, equipment, and regulatory compliance. This means that the cost of making a mistake is especially high, and careful preparation is crucial.

Benefits of Opening a Manufacturing Company in the UAE

But benefits far outweigh any potential risk and hurdles.  The UAE’s free zones are particularly attractive for manufacturing companies. These zones offer tax exemptions and simplified customs procedures. For example, the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) in Dubai hosts over 10,000 companies, many in the manufacturing sector. It provides specialized facilities, including temperature-controlled warehouses and advanced logistics services. Other notable free zones for manufacturers include RAKEZ in Ras Al Khaimah, which offers industrial zones in Al Hamra and Al Hulaila, and Ajman Free Zone (AFZ), providing various industrial real estate options.

Government support for the manufacturing sector is substantial. The UAE’s Operation 300bn strategy aims to raise the industrial sector’s contribution to GDP to AED 300 billion by 2031. This initiative includes financial support, preferential loan rates, and programs to adopt advanced technologies in manufacturing.

Lastly, the UAE’s strong focus on innovation and technology adoption benefits manufacturers. For instance, Dubai Industrial Strategy 2030 emphasizes the integration of smart technologies in manufacturing, and aims to turn the UAE into a hub for Industry 4.0 technologies.

How UPPERSETUP can Help You Open a Manufacturing Company in the UAE

Setting up a manufacturing company in the UAE can be complex, but UPPERSETUP’s AI-powered platform simplifies the process. Here’s how UPPERSETUP can assist you in navigating the intricacies of establishing your manufacturing presence in the Emirates:

1.Tailored Location Recommendations for Your Manufacturing Needs

UPPERSETUP’s smart algorithm analyzes your specific manufacturing requirements and provides customized recommendations for the most suitable locations. Whether you need large industrial plots in RAKEZ (starting from 5,000 square meters) or prefer the logistics advantages of JAFZA’s light industrial units (ranging from 300 to 1000 square meters), the platform helps you make an informed decision. It considers factors such as proximity to ports, available infrastructure, and specific industry requirements to suggest the best fit for your manufacturing operation.

 

2. Real-Time Progress Tracking via an Interactive Dashboard

The incorporation process for manufacturing companies often involves multiple stages and approvals.

UPPERSETUP’s interactive dashboard lets you monitor your application’s progress in real-time. You can track steps like preliminary approvals (valid for 3 months in JAFZA, for example), document submissions, and facility allocation. The platform also allows you to view and edit submitted documents, ensuring you’re always up-to-date with your application status and can respond promptly to any regulator requests.

 

3. Flexible, Cost-Effective Setup Assistance

UPPERSETUP’s core smart algorithm powered guidance is free, offering a cost-effective way to navigate the setup process. The platform provides step-by-step instructions tailored to your chosen free zone, whether it’s AFZ’s specific KYC procedures or RAKEZ’s business plan requirements.

For manufacturing businesses facing more complex setup procedures, UPPERSETUP offers on-demand expert consultation. This pay-as-you-need model is particularly beneficial for manufacturers dealing with specialized licensing requirements or environmental compliance issues.

 

4. Comprehensive Support Beyond Company Formation

Manufacturing setup in the UAE involves more than just company registration. UPPERSETUP assists with crucial next steps such as obtaining industrial licenses, securing necessary visas for technical staff, and navigating customs procedures for machinery imports.

The platform can guide you through processes like arranging employee accommodation in industrial zones or understanding visa quota systems tied to warehouse spaces (such as AFZ’s 8 square meters per visa quota rule).

 

5. Up-to-Date Regulatory Information for Manufacturers

UAE’s manufacturing sector is subject to frequent regulatory updates, especially regarding environmental standards and industrial operations.

UPPERSETUP’s knowledge base is continuously updated with the latest information on manufacturing-specific regulations. This ensures you have accurate information on topics like waste management requirements in Dubai Mainland or the latest incentives under the “Operation 300bn” strategy, helping you make informed decisions and maintain compliance.

By leveraging UPPERSETUP’s specialized features, manufacturing businesses can navigate the complexities of UAE setup more efficiently, from choosing the right industrial zone to ensuring ongoing regulatory compliance. The platform’s combination of smart algorithm driven insights and on-demand expert support provides a comprehensive solution for establishing and growing your manufacturing presence in the UAE.

 

Wrapping up

Setting up a manufacturing company in the UAE gives you access to a rapidly growing sector, with the country’s industrial output expected to reach AED 300 billion by 2031. The process comes with its challenges, from complex licensing requirements to stringent environmental regulations.

You can navigate these hurdles on your own, but it’s time-consuming and risks potential setbacks. Traditional business consultants can help, but their services are often costly for new ventures.

UPPERSETUP offers a middle ground. The platform combines smart technology with human expertise. It can help you choose the right industrial zone, guide you through licensing requirements, and keep you updated on regulatory changes, as well as much more.

 

Image credit: Unsplash

L&D, News, Training News

1 in 5 managers are not encouraged to learn new skills

  • 19% said their organisation doesn’t expect them to learn new things regularly. This rises to 25% of deskless workers in retail, hospitality and leisure and healthcare

  • 31% said they weren’t supported in developing their skills

  • Insights from a YouGov survey of 2,001 managers across 12 industries

One-fifth of UK managers (19%) reveal they aren’t expected to learn new things regularly, despite the major skills gap facing many organisations. This issue is even more pronounced in industries with a large percentage of deskless workers, where the figure rises to 25%.

Mind Tools’ ‘Building Better Managers’ report, conducted in partnership with YouGov, uncovered significant challenges in management development across 12 key industries. It highlighted that half of managers struggle to grow professionally due to too many competing priorities.

Additionally, 31% of managers report receiving little to no support from their organisation or direct managers in developing the skills they need to excel. Moreover, half of managers (50%) received no support from their organisations when they first stepped into their roles.

 

Shabnam Shahani, CEO at Mind Tools, said: “These findings underscore the critical gap in leadership development, particularly as organisations increasingly rely on managers to drive performance and retention. Organisations risk losing talent and productivity without a clear focus on managerial development. Our findings illustrate the pressing need for managers to have both the time and the resources to grow their skills effectively.”

When asked about further barriers to their professional development, 13% of managers said they didn’t know what skills they needed to be more effective. The issue is exacerbated by a lack of appropriate tools and resources – 13% of managers state the learning content they have access to is not relevant, while 12% can’t even find the resources they need to learn.

“Our report highlights a key irony in modern leadership: while managers are expected to champion learning within their teams, they are often deprived of the necessary support from their own leaders”, Shabnam continued. “They also often know they need to improve, but many don’t know where to begin. With our assessment tools, we provide a structured approach to learning that empowers managers to take ownership of their development.

“With nearly two-thirds of managers willing to leave a company due to inadequate learning opportunities, businesses must invest in their leaders to stay competitive. After all, supported managers become better leaders, which translates to higher employee engagement and improved business outcomes.”

 

—

About Mind Tools

Mind Tools brings accessible, on-demand leadership and management skills development tools and resources that empower current and future leaders to perform in today’s progressive workplaces. Helping them build happy and successful careers and to contribute positively to the success of organisations, the world over. At Mind Tools, empowering people to thrive at work has been our passion since 1996.

Image Credit: Unsplash

Weather

How UK Homeowners In Florida Can Be Hurricane Ready

With hurricane season in full force, many UK homeowners with properties in Florida face significant concerns about managing their homes from afar.

As many Floridians and overseas holiday homeowners pick up the pieces from the category three hurricane, Storm Milton, the constant threat of hurricanes in the Sunshine State underscores the importance of proper property management and effective insurance strategies.

Living in Florida presents unique challenges, especially for those in coastal areas where storm impacts can be severe. Hurricane season in the state runs from June 1st – November 30th, and while central Florida experiences less risk, it’s crucial for homeowners to be proactive in safeguarding their properties.

Commenting, Alistair Brown, the CEO of ABI Group, a UK based real estate agency specialising in high-end holiday homes in Central and South Florida, the Caribbean and Europe said: “Managing a home in Florida, while living in the UK, can be daunting during hurricane season. It’s essential for homeowners to understand their options and have a trusted local property manager to help navigate these challenges.

“It’s important for those considering investing in Florida, or already have, to understand the risk in Central Florida is significantly less than those closer to the coast.

“While there is no simple solution, we aim to help clients feel more secure about their properties. Being prepared is key to managing the risks associated with hurricanes.”

There are certain areas where investing in expertise is key, they include:

Local Expertise: Having a knowledgeable local property manager can ease the stress of looking after your property. ABI group is well-versed in the local market and can provide guidance on best practices for maintaining Florida property.

For first time property investors in the state of Florida, it is important to know where the best place to buy within the state is, especially with turbulent weather during the hurricane season which primarily affects coastal resorts and thus can mean higher maintenance bills. The location you go with will determine your long-term financial potential so it’s important to choose wisely.

For those wishing to have an investment property in Florida, think about your rental strategy. If you’re looking to be close to some of the main tourist destinations such as Disney World, consider areas in Central Florida.

Having the right paperwork in place to purchase a property can often be overwhelming. Paperwork can include surveys, land title deeds, disclosure statements, loan agreements, purchase agreements, and much more. Having an expert like those at ABI group, can guide and advise on ways to fast-track the process can reduce the stress while investing.

Insurance Considerations: Insurance policies can vary significantly based on location, and it’s vital to secure coverage well before a named storm. Many insurers stop issuing new policies once a storm is named.

Homeowners should choose insurance providers carefully, as some companies with lower priced policies may not prioritise fair payouts.

Property Inspections: Now is a good time for homeowners to schedule property inspections and renew insurance policies. Regular inspections can help identify vulnerabilities and ensure that the property is prepared for any potential storms.

Alistair concluded: “With the ongoing effects of climate change, it is important for UK residents investing in the Florida property market to be proactive, rather than reactive to secure their assets and key to this is having a local partner on the ground.

Awards, Business News, Wales

RDM Electrical & Mechanical Services celebrates double industry awards success

RDM Electrical & Mechanical Services, a leading South Wales-based building services company and part of the wider Raven Delta (RD) Group, is celebrating a remarkable achievement, having secured victories at both the ECA Industry Awards 2024 and the BESA Awards 2024 for its work on the Cross Hands East Strategic Employment Site (SES) project.

The company won the Best Sustainability Project at the ECA Awards, held on October 11 at the Hilton Bankside, London, and just days later triumphed again by taking home the Net Zero Initiative of the Year award at the BESA Awards, which took place on October 17 at The Brewery, London. Instrumental to RDM’s awards’ success is RD Group sister-company, EFT Consult, who helped coordinate and develop the scheme’s design.

The ECA Industry Awards are renowned for celebrating excellence across the electrotechnical and engineering services industry, and RDM’s win for the Cross Hands East SES project underscores the company’s dedication to sustainable innovation. The project was praised for its cutting-edge design and installation of mechanical and electrical services, achieving substantial carbon reduction, energy efficiency, and strong community engagement.

At the BESA Awards, which recognise excellence in building services, RDM’s work on the Cross Hands East SES project stood out for meeting ambitious net-zero carbon targets. The development was lauded for its forward-thinking approach, combining sustainability with long-term environmental and community benefits.

The Cross Hands East SES project is a collaboration between Carmarthenshire County Council, the Welsh Government, and the Active Building Centre, where RDM and EFT Consult played a pivotal role. The project achieved high standards of carbon reduction and energy efficiency, with the installation of solar photovoltaic panels and electric vehicle charging stations, significantly reducing reliance on non-renewable energy. Energy usage was kept to less than 55 kWh per square meter annually, setting new benchmarks for operational energy consumption.

RDM’s environmental leadership throughout the project was evident, with sustainable drainage systems implemented to manage stormwater runoff and a rigorous waste management strategy that diverted 96% of construction waste from landfills. In addition to its environmental achievements, RDM contributed to local workforce development by providing over 1,900 hours of apprenticeship experience, supporting the next generation of skilled workers and boosting local employment.

RDM’s use of the Active Building Design Toolkit, a first for Wales, along with the integration of a bespoke Building Management System (BMS), enabled real-time monitoring and optimisation of energy performance. These innovations ensured that the project not only met its sustainability goals but also provided valuable data to inform future developments.

Dave Kieft, Raven Delta (RD) Group CEO, said:

“We are incredibly proud to have been recognised by both the ECA and BESA for our commitment to sustainability and innovation. The Cross Hands East SES project exemplifies our ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions that not only reduce carbon emissions but also contribute to long-term environmental and community benefits.”

“These awards are a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and collaboration of our entire team and partners. We believe that projects like Cross Hands East SES will set new standards for sustainability in the building services industry, and we look forward to continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible in this space.”

Raven Delta (RD) Group is an innovative, high quality, multi-faceted Group of companies – comprising EFT Consult, RDM Electrical & Mechanical Services, and DRS FM Services – providing full building services solutions.

RD Group employs a holistic approach to every project it undertakes, with a real focus on improving the standard of indoor environmental quality and, therefore, the health and wellbeing of all the buildings’ occupants. In 2021, the British Standards Institute (BSI) recognised the importance of the Group’s pioneering work in this field – the creation of PAS 3003 – by incorporating it into a new British Standard designed to assess indoor environmental quality. RD Group is also passionate about supporting, training and inspiring the next generation of building services engineers and encouraging career development for those already working in the industry. It achieves this through community engagement projects, school and college visits, apprenticeships, and ongoing personal and professional development for its staff.

Shrewsbury

Two new directors join the Halls board to support continued growth

Two new directors have been appointed to the board of Shrewsbury-based Halls, one of the UK’s leading independent firms of estate agents, chartered surveyors, auctioneers and valuers, to support the company’s growth plans.

 

Jon Murgatroyd steps up from operations manager and company secretary to become commercial director and Anne-Marie Brettell becomes a director whilst continuing her role as head of professional valuations and infrastructure in the company’s rural department.

 

In a further change, Andrea Llewellyn-Bell adds company secretary to her role as human resources manager.

 

They join chairman Allen Gittins, managing director Jon Quinn and fellow directors James F. Evans, based in Welshpool and Sarah Hulland, based in Kidderminster, on the board.

 

Guy Bielby steps down as a director after many years’ service but remains with the company as senior area valuer, supporting the network of 10 offices across Shropshire, Worcestershire and Mid Wales. The company added a new Telford office to the network last month.

 

“Jon Murgatroyd has vast experience and a proven track record in leadership roles with much larger companies than Halls which will help us significantly in formulating and implementing our strategic initiatives,” said Mr Quinn.

 

“His pedigree at board level will enable us to ensure Halls is at the vanguard of all the disciplines we operate within.

 

“Anne-Marie has excelled within our rural department and will bring with her a fresh and exciting perspective to the running and development of the company. We very much look forward to her enthusiasm and experience having a positive bearing on future board discussions.”

 

Mr Quinn paid tribute to Mr Bielby’s contribution to the company and board. “We appreciate Guy’s dedication to Halls and are fortunate that he has agreed to continue to impart the wisdom and guidance gained from his many years’ service within the property industry,” he said. “There is no substitute for experience.”

 

Mr Murgatroyd joined Halls in May last year, having gained 40 years’ experience working across multiple business sectors. He thanked the board for its support and confidence in appointing him as a director.

 

“Halls has huge potential and these are exciting times with lots of changes and opportunities,” he said. “The regional strength of the brand is exceptional, the diversity of the services offered is unique and the potential and commitment of staff is an exciting resource to tap into.

 

“I look forward to contributing to the next chapter of this exciting journey to grow the business for the benefit of everyone employed by Halls.”

 

Anne-Marie said: “When I joined the company six years ago, it was my ambition to become a director and I am very honoured and proud that my hard work has been recognised and rewarded.

 

“I will be looking to help drive forward the rural department particularly and to contribute to strategically growing the whole company. We want to be at the forefront of the industry and the ‘go to’ place for the full range of services that the company provides.

 

“Halls is a great company to work for and our talented staff are motivated because they feel appreciated.”

Business Tech

Infinidat Is a CIO’s Dream for Innovative Enterprise Storage with Powerful Business Value

Written By: Ryan Walker, CIO at Net3

Enterprise storage is essential to what we do at Net3. We are a backup-as-a-service and infrastructure-as-a-service provider – and we cannot run our business without storage. To put a finer point on it, our business cannot be properly run without fast, reliable, and 100% available storage.

There are other service providers who offload their storage stack to one of the big three cloud providers. However, this is not an option for us. At Net3, we need to have storage under our control – yes, on-premises, and the storage must be predictable, stable, and cost effective.

Over the past two-and-a-half years, we have made significant strides in improving Net3’s data infrastructure, which is the underpinning of our entire business. Infinidat has been a huge part of it. Net3 has purchased and installed four InfiniBox® storage arrays, to date. Net3 is now using 8 total petabytes (PB) of Infinidat storage.

After evaluating and using storage arrays from other storage vendors, I found that the InfiniBox solution is truly innovative. I cannot say this same thing about most of the other storage arrays on the market from other vendors. But Infinidat sets itself apart through its innovation. It delivers 100% availability, reliability, automation, ease of use, and high performance with low latency.

With the recent release of the InfiniBox G4 solutions, I’m eager to start to get some of those next-generation storage systems and replace some of the arrays that we have had in our data center over the last couple of years. I am excited that, with the new InfiniBox G4, we’ll be able to double our storage density and make the most out of our data center investments. Not only is it part of the natural progression, but it thankfully also will help curtail data center sprawl.

What’s Under the Hood Matters

Not all enterprise storage solutions are made the same. Of course, there are plenty of what I call “sales machine” storage arrays on the market. What I mean is that they have big names, and the vendors who manufacture them boast big sales numbers with them.

The technology in the “sales machines” has become smaller and denser, but, in general, there is nothing innovative about them. They may have different flashy lights on the front or different face plates, but under the hood, they’re the same thing as two generations ago. For example, they’re active-passive storage controller technology. They have simply become denser over time. They haven’t graduated beyond that too much.

However, Infinidat is different. What I have seen from them is innovative from the ground up.

Case in point: as part of my hands-on evaluation before buying a new storage solution to save our business from the travails of bad storage, I was once in Infinidat’s U.S. head office in Waltham, Massachusetts, and I went around to the back of an Infinidat rack of InfiniBox storage arrays to pull cables. I wanted to see what would happen. Would it fail? Would I find the InfiniBox to be no better than one of those common “sales machines” that other IT folks buy without doing a careful comparison? While pulling the cables, I did a lot of damage to the InfiniBox. But guess what? The InfiniBox stays running. That’s compelling.

InfiniBox has been a delight. It just works. With its built-in service-oriented automation, we don’t have to do anything to it. It’s incredibly reliable. And when we need more capacity, the InfiniBox platform allows for flexible consumption of storage. A key challenge that Infinidat solved for us was our need for highly reliable and highly available storage in a consumption model that would grow as we grow. The business value of Infinidat’s storage solution is well worth it.

For our infrastructure-as-a-service offering, we back up to the InfiniBox using Veeam. And those backup repositories are protected using immutable snapshots for cyber storage resilience. For us, it’s significant for our customers to know that there is an air gap between their backups and the rest of the world.

Availability Is Mission-Critical

Uptime is core to Net3’s business. When I joined the company in January of 2022, Net3 was using another storage vendor’s storage arrays and was having serious issues, especially around uptime, which threatened the existence of the business. Actually, there were issues across storage, compute and networking. As a result of the disruptions to the infrastructure-based service, the company was losing customers.

We switched to Infinidat for storage and to Cisco for networking and compute. Since then, we have not had any issues. Every piece of what runs in the background of our service offerings has been improved in the two-and-a-half years that I’ve been the CIO of Net3. It’s a credit to my team. I give them recognition for a remarkable job.

Switching to Infinidat’s InfiniBox solution brought peace of mind. It has given our Net3 salespeople the confidence to sell our company’s backup-as-a-service and infrastructure-as-a-service offerings. The impact of Infinidat’s technology has been huge.

We wouldn’t be where we are as a company without Infinidat. I cannot reiterate it enough that I only wish we had moved to Infinidat sooner.