Category Archives: Community News

Business, Community News

Top businessman returns to site where he was a teen apprentice to help save it from ruin

A LEADING businessman has returned to the place he was a teenage apprentice to help a team of volunteers bring a North Wales landmark back to life.

Scott Davis, CEO of The Ethikos Group, is supporting the ‘Guardians’ working to preserve the Grade II-listed John Summers Clock Tower site in Deeside.

The building opened in 1907 and was home to the general office of Shotton Steelworks – now Tata Steel – on the banks of the River Dee, before closing in 2009 and falling into serious disrepair after being sold by the company.

However, memories of its former glories are very much alive; it was here Scott arrived as a 16 year-old to begin his tenure as an apprentice electrician.

Now aged 39, he has gone on to have a successful career in the electrical and manufacturing sectors and later with wife Gail, founded Ethikos, which owns firms including the Delta Rock Group Ltd and Gilks (Nantwich) Ltd, with operations in Deeside, Cheshire and Anglesey.

“When I heard about plans to turn these rundown buildings into a hub for the community, particularly the heritage skills centre, I had to get involved,” said Scott.

“We have helped with lighting and manpower and plan to do more, including supply of materials and labour. Whatever we can do.”

He added: “I’ll never forget being dropped off for my interview and walking through the large, beautiful wooden revolving doors into reception, the green tiles, the ornate staircase with the JSS (John Summers and Sons) crest, the smell, the people – it’s a very special place that means a lot to me.

“As a team we would work on all aspects of the building, including some of the maintenance, so it would be incredible to see it restored and given a new lease of life.”

Ethikos – formed from the Greek word ‘ethos’ – is focused on inspiring future generations of apprentice engineers and electricians, and Scott believes the John Summers site could be a driving force behind that.

“We need to encourage more boys and girls to look at apprenticeships, something this site was renowned for,” he added.

“Without the start I had in my career I would not be where I am now, it laid the foundations for me, foundations that are not there for many youngsters today.

“With plans for a heritage skills centre and training, Vicki Roskams and the team behind this project are aiming to rediscover lost crafts and trades, which is vital for our communities.

“I’m fully behind the concept and hope others will be able to enjoy the experiences and grounding I had; there is no substitute for that – this will be a remarkable legacy.”

Vicki, Director of The Enbarr Foundation in Queensferry, thanked Scott and the ‘Guardians’ for their determination and dedication and is focused on bringing the scheme to life in the months ahead, including new sections of the roof.

She said: “I cannot thank Scott and his team enough for all the support they’ve given us.

“To hear stories of his apprenticeship all those years ago shows how this building means so many things to so many people.

“We will keep fighting, keep working and will not stop until the site is completed.

“And like me, Scott has a pure ambition to grow and invest in skills in this region, something which is going to be pivotal as we move forward with renovations and supporting the community out of COVID.”

Vicki added: “We have received amazing generosity and backing over past years and welcome any support from organisations or people who would like to donate time or services to this project.

“Together we can help our local area build its way back after an unparalleled and challenging 12 months.”

For more information or to support the project, email vicki@enbarrenterprises.com or visit the Guardians of the Clocktower Facebook page.

Charity & CSR, Community News, Environment, North of England

Yorkshire-based safety company partners with local community groups to support flood clean-up efforts

Following the recent floods across South Yorkshire, which have cost many their homes and businesses, the UK’s leading safety company, Arco, has stepped in to help in the worst-affected areas, working with local groups and donating protective equipment and flood clean-up kits.

Doncaster Young Farmers mobilised 100 of its members to undertake clean-up operations in Fishlake Village. To keep the team safe, and to assist with the clean-up, Arco donated flood kits and equipment including: Tyvec coveralls, respiratory masks, hard hats, safety glasses, wellies, gloves, mops and buckets, shovels, squeegees and disinfectant. Arco also provided tea, coffee, sugar and paper cups to the team helping them keep going during the clean-up.

In addition to this the local Arco retail store manager in Doncaster, Simon Walshe, quickly identified where Arco could be of help and approached local flood donation centres to see what was needed. Donations of essential kit have been given to St Peter’s Church Community Group (Bentley) and Stainforth Town Hall (Fishlake).

David Evison, managing director at Arco, said,

“As a business with long-standing roots in Yorkshire and a leading safety company, we recognise how severely the floods have impacted many communities and wanted to help those affected.

“Our team’s expertise enabled us to quickly identify the critical issues and best solutions, boost stock of essential equipment and get it delivered to those who needed it.

“As flooding looks set to continue we advise everyone to be prepared, be aware and take action. This time of year is risky for both the public and businesses, as the winter weather takes its toll. We want to ensure our customers are prepared and safe and we can provide expert advice and a comprehensive range of solutions to improve safety whatever the weather.”

Arco, the UK’s leading health and safety expert, has recently launched a campaign to enable businesses and services to deal with extreme winter weather, so they can keep workplaces both safe and open throughout periods of extreme temperatures, heavy snow/rainfall and icy conditions.

To offer further assistance, the safety expert also has a number of advice sheets available online for businesses to download, to aid in the planning, preparation and clean-up of extreme winter weather events including flooding.

Community News, Construction, South West

South West builders merchant giving away wood

RGB Building Supplies is offering excess wood to the local community and groups at no cost.

Its Barnstaple, Bodmin, Exeter, Hatherleigh, Holsworthy, Launceston, Okehampton, South Molton, and Tiverton branches have spare pallets and wood from packaging that people are invited to pick up and make use of for projects, or to help with local bonfire night celebrations.

Lee Kift, Branch Manager at RGB Barnstaple, commented:

“The wood is perfect for community organisations who are organising firework displays, or for people looking to complete small projects in their homes. The items generally go into a skip to be destroyed, but as the wood is perfectly usable, we want to offer it out and we welcome people to our branches to pick up what they need.”