Tag: recruitment

Once again, the team at Advance TRS got involved in fundraising activities, this time to help the amazing children’s charity Railway Children, which we have been involved with numerous times in the past. 

At Advance TRS, helping charities by fundraising regularly is at the heart of what we do. We care about others and we want to help make a difference.

The charity

Railway Children has been fighting for children alone and at risk on the streets for over 22 years. During that time, they’ve reached more than 275,000 children in India, the UK and East Africa.

Children run away or are forced to leave home where they suffer poverty, violence, abuse and neglect. They find themselves living on the streets because there is nowhere else to go and no one left to turn to. The problems they face on the streets are often even worse than those they endured at home. 

Railway Children’s pioneering work enables them to get to street children before the streets get to them. You can read more about this brilliant charity on their website.

Last year, the charity’s ‘Sleepout’ was very popular, however, for obvious reasons it wasn’t possible to repeat the event this year, and therefore, the equally successful ‘Sleep In’ was launched. 

Help us make a difference

Changing the format of the event meant the whole family was able to join in and give up the comfort of their usual beds for one night, by sleeping in whatever temporary camp they set up at home. Many of our colleagues built dens in their living rooms which you can see on our Instagram page.  

We set ourselves an ambitious target of £500 to raise for Railway Children. We recognise the impact the past year has had on everyone, including charities, and we would love to be able to help them make a difference! 

We haven’t reached our target yet and are grateful for every single donation, no matter how big or small! Our JustGiving page is still live and if you would like to donate, you can do so here.

Thank you to everyone for your generosity!

Advance TRS recently celebrated Emily Hajek’s promotion to Senior Resourcer within the Rail team. Having first joined the business in August 2019, Emily quickly proved to be a driven and dedicated member of the team and has earned the promotion through her hard work.

Emily swiftly settled into her role at Advance TRS has built a strong network of contacts. She is always keen to gain an in-depth understanding of what her clients and candidates are looking for, to ensure that she finds the perfect solution to suit all requirements. 

“It is a real pleasure having Emily on the Rail Recruitment team. Despite the changes in working conditions during the pandemic, he has proven her value by putting in the effort and going above and beyond.” explains Advance TRS Managing Director and Founder, Andy Ridout.

Emily assumed her new role of Senior Resourcer in March 2021 and is responsible for dealing with permanent, contract and temporary placements, sourcing suitable candidates and dealing with everyday queries. 

Rail recruitment at our core

We have more than 100 combined years’ experience recruiting within the rail sector at Advance TRS, with each of our expert recruitment consultants specialising in a particular discipline within the industry. This ensures we have the capability to meet the precise needs of our clients and candidates. 

We work with some of the world’s biggest engineering organisations, creating bespoke recruitment solutions for some of the UK’s biggest rail projects. If you’re currently looking for an exciting new opportunity, take a look at our jobs page and apply today! (insert link to rail jobs page)

We’re hiring

At Advance TRS we really understand that talented and motivated staff is the key to any successful business. To help us develop our team into the best they can be, all staff receive invaluable mentorship from our experienced senior leaders and are able to shape a clear career path bespoke to them.

We are always looking for driven and ambitious individuals to join the team. As a rapidly growing recruitment agency, we have fantastic opportunities available across the business. Head over to our careers page to find out more about our culture, vision and mission and to find the latest internal vacancies.

For a discrete conversation contact Advance TRS CEO Paul Metcalfe on 07793 554 413 or email pme@advance-trs.com.

We would love to hear from you!

Josh Hill first joined the Advance TRS Rail team as a Recruitment Consultant in January 2016 and has been progressing within his career and the company ever since.

Now a Principal Consultant, Josh specialises in Civils & Permanent Way. He provides effective and efficient delivery and support to candidates and clients alike, using his knowledge of the rail sector and project delivery to lead our Civils & PWay team.

Prior to this, Josh built his experience running the business’ 4 Lines Modernisation (4LM) project delivery, placing white and blue collar signalling professionals in both permanent and contract roles across the London Underground upgrades.

“Josh was instrumental in placing over 200 candidates on the 4LM project, the largest signalling works of its kind in the world.”

explains Advance TRS Managing Director and Founder, Andy Ridout.

“He builds strong relationships with his clients to make sure he understands their requirements, which means he manages to quickly source the right candidates for the roles. I am excited to see what the future holds for Josh’s career here at Advance TRS.” 

Josh specialises in civil and permanent way engineering for the UK rail & metro network and has developed a strong understanding of the industry and key client businesses. 

Rail recruitment at our core

We have more than 100 combined years’ experience recruiting within the rail sector at Advance TRS, with each of our expert recruitment consultants specialising in a particular discipline within the industry. This ensures we have the capability to meet the precise needs of our clients and candidates. 

We work with some of the world’s biggest engineering organisations, creating bespoke recruitment solutions for some of the UK’s biggest rail projects. If you’re currently looking for an exciting new opportunity, take a look at our jobs page and apply today! (insert link to rail jobs page)

We’re hiring

At Advance TRS we really understand that talented and motivated staff is the key to any successful business. To help us develop our team into the best they can be, all staff receive invaluable mentorship from our experienced senior leaders and are able to shape a clear career path bespoke to them.

We are always looking for driven and ambitious individuals to join the team. As a rapidly growing recruitment agency, we have fantastic opportunities available across the business. Head over to our careers page to find out more about our culture, vision and mission and to find the latest internal vacancies.

For a discrete conversation contact Advance TRS CEO Paul Metcalfe on 07793 554 413 or email pme@advance-trs.com.

We would love to hear from you!

During the week of International Women’s Day, some of our team members attended a webinar hosted by APSCo and Women in Recruitment, who had invited inspirational guest speaker Yetunde Hofmann to talk about the importance of recognising who you are and how to really value what you bring to an organisation.

Yetunde, who has a professional background in HR, is a thought leader on culture and behaviour. She is the author of the book Beyond Engagement and founder of a pioneering new leadership development programme for black women called Solaris.

While this thought-provoking webinar was geared towards women, it provided us with great food for thought that we believe everyone can benefit from and we wanted to share this with you in this blog.

Take time for yourself

Do you take any time out of your busy schedule to do something for yourself? And by that we don’t mean exercising, but taking some time for selfcare. That could be reading a book, having a relaxing bath or listening to a podcast. 

This is really important as it will help you to recharge your batteries and feel more energised again. After all you can’t drink from an empty cup!

Value yourself

Who hasn’t been in a situation when you doubted yourself and feel that you need others’ approval or confirmation. Start acknowledging and believing in yourself. Think about what your strengths truly are and remember that everyone is unique and has their own skills and talents. 

When you are content with who you are you will notice the way you work with and support others shift and see extraordinary results. 

To help you become more content within yourself, try to give the following questions some thought: 

  • What gets you motivated?
  • When are you at your best?
  • When are you at your worst?

These are just some of the questions that will help you find out more about yourself. 

Find your joy

This can be and mean so many different things. For some it might mean finding a hobby they love, others find joy in simply being outside in nature and practicing mindfulness. 

Ultimately, finding your joy will help you build your resilience from within. Take some time to dig deep and find out what really makes you feel that joy.

These are only some of the core takeaways from Yetunde’s webinar. If you would like to find out more about Yetunde and read some more of her thought-provoking blogs on a variety of topics you can find her website here.

At Advance TRS, we believe everyone deserves the same opportunities, regardless of age, race, gender, religion or sexual orientation. The diversity of our workforce is an essential part of our success. As such, we are committed to supporting contractors and staff to work in an environment that is free from discrimination and promotes equal opportunities for all.

If you would like to find out more about us and view current opportunities, please view our careers page. Or contact Advance TRS CEO Paul Metcalfe on 07793 554 413 or email pme@advance-trs.com for a discrete conversation.

Advance TRS celebrated a number of promotions in the past few months. Amongst those was Jake Rodger’s promotion to Recruitment Consultant. Jake has been with the business since May 2019, when he joined the Rail team as a Resource Specialist and he has since become a valued member of the team.

Within his role of Recruitment Consultant at Advance TRS, Jake has built a strong network of contacts and is always focused on sourcing talented candidates for his clients’ roles. While working mostly remotely, Jake didn’t let any of the events during the past year slow him down. 

“Jake’s drive and dedication to the business and his work are admirable. He takes time to understand his clients’ requirements and continuously manages to swiftly source the right talent to fill the roles. I am excited to see Jake continue to grow in his role and excel in his career.” explains Advance TRS Managing Director and Founder, Andy Ridout.

Jake took on his new role of Recruitment Consultant within the Rail Team in October 2020. His responsibilities now include using his extensive and established candidate network to work closely with client companies to find the best talent matches. 

Jake specialises in the railway signalling sector and uses his strong understanding of the industry and key client businesses to source the best candidates for each requirement, in addition to offering advice to clients and candidates on rates, training and career progression, and supporting salary negotiations between candidates and clients.

Rail recruitment at our core

We have more than 100 combined years’ experience recruiting within the rail sector at Advance TRS, with each of our expert recruitment consultants specialising in a particular discipline within the industry. This ensures we have the capability to meet the precise needs of our clients and candidates. 

We work with some of the world’s biggest engineering organisations, creating bespoke recruitment solutions for some of the UK’s biggest rail projects. If you’re currently looking for an exciting new opportunity, take a look at our jobs page and apply today!

We’re hiring

At Advance TRS we really understand that talented and motivated staff is the key to any successful business. To help us develop our team into the best they can be, all staff receive invaluable mentorship from our experienced senior leaders and are able to shape a clear career path bespoke to them.

We are always looking for driven and ambitious individuals to join the team. As a rapidly growing recruitment agency, we have fantastic opportunities available across the business. Head over to our careers page to find out more about our culture, vision and mission and to find the latest internal vacancies.

For a discrete conversation contact Advance TRS CEO Paul Metcalfe on 07793 554 413 or email pme@advance-trs.com.

We would love to hear from you!

As the importance of closing the skill and pay gaps and bringing more equality to workplaces is being recognised more and more, many businesses adapt the way they recruit in order to attract higher numbers of female staff. Some also offer incentives or make pledges. 

According to a recent article by STEM Women, the number of women working in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) has increased by 216,552 since 2016. This has taken the total number over the 1 million mark for the first time ever and means that in 2019 women made up 24% of the STEM workforce in the UK.

Looking at the data trends between 2009 to 2019 it is estimated that by 2030 there could be more than 29% of women in the STEM workforce. You can read the full article here. 

At Advance TRS, we believe everyone deserves the same opportunities, regardless of age, race, gender, religion or sexual orientation. The diversity of our workforce is an essential part of our success. As such, we are committed to supporting contractors and staff to work in an environment that is free from discrimination and promotes equal opportunities for all. 

We work closely with our clients across the rail, water, property and construction sectors to support them to achieve a more diverse workforce. Search our latest opportunities or contact our consultants for a confidential conversation about your next step on 01483 361061.

Check out our latest opportunities across the built environment.

We have looked into what support different organisations in the built environment offer women already working in or looking to pursue a career in engineering and here is what we have found.

The Women’s Engineering Society

This is a great starting point for anyone. The Women’s Engineering Society (WES) was founded in June 1919 by a small committee drawn from the National Council of Women, which was created during the 1914-18 war to get women into work to release men for the armed forces.

There are numerous resources on the website, from monthly newsletters, a Climate Emergency Group to different (online) events. You can also look for a new role on their job board. 

They cover a wide range of topics and if you can’t find what you are looking for on their website, you can get in touch with them via phone or email.

Women in Rail

As the name suggests, this is more specific to women working in or looking to work in the rail sector. The organisation runs several events throughout the year, including awards ceremonies, and even offers a mentoring programme. The purpose of it is to provide a support platform for women and men in UK rail, champion diverse thinking, exchange ideas and promote diversity in the sector, starting with gender diversity as the core focus.

The programme is also designed to help participants progress in their careers and has received endorsements from several key rail companies. 

To find out more, simply head over to their website.

Women into Construction

A brilliant, not-for-profit organisation, providing bespoke support to women looking to work in construction. By assisting contractors to recruit trained, driven women, they help to reduce skills gaps and create a more gender-equal workforce.

Some of the key businesses in construction are members of Women into Construction, working actively to increase gender diversity within their organisations. You can find their latest advertised roles there or take a look at WiC’s upcoming events. 

Definitely a website worth visiting if you work in the sector or are thinking about joining it.

British Water

British Water has committed to improving gender equality in the water sector with its Women on Water Pledge. This includes increasing the number of women on its non-executive board. British Water has urged the rest of the industry to follow its lead.

As an industry leader, British Water remains committed to supporting businesses and Women on Water will help drive growth through focusing on the productivity, well-being and advancement of those working within organisations’ teams. Read more about Women on Water here.

Women in Recruitment

As a recruitment business, Women in Recruitment is close to our hearts, as it offers firms like our own practical support in attracting, developing and retaining female talent, which helps not only us but also our clients and candidates. 

The organisation gives individuals access to development tools, mentoring and networking opportunities designed to support successful and sustainable careers in recruitment.

We have certainly benefited from being members and feel that it is enabling us to help our clients achieve their goals when it comes to recruiting more female talent across their businesses.

You can find out more about Women in Rail here.

At Advance TRS we are always looking for driven and ambitious individuals to join the team. If this is you and you would like to work for a business that values its employees’ contribution to its success then we would love to hear from you!

To find out more about our current opportunities, visit our careers page, or for a discrete conversation, contact Paul Metcalfe, Advance TRS CEO on 07793 554 413 or email pme@advance-trs.com.

Advance TRS are delighted to celebrate the promotion of Louise Oldham to Client Services Delivery Manager. Louise has been with the business for over 4 years and this promotion recognises her dedication, drive and hard work. 

Within her role of Client Services Delivery Manager at Advance TRS, Louise now manages team members and will develop the Client Services division to deliver service level agreements for select MSP and RPO clients. 

Louise’s main focus is developing a good understanding of client companies, their industry and work culture in order to build and nurture strong relationships, best understand clients’ assignments and swiftly source the best candidates for those requirements. With over 9 years’ recruitment experience, Louise has a proven track record in the sector and understands the importance of building a strong candidate and client network.

During the successive lockdowns, Louise has been an essential team member, driving the adaption of processes to ensure safety for all throughout the hiring and candidate onboarding process. Louise has successfully ensured new starters have been successfully onboarded in their new roles with clients and supported whilst starting their new jobs remotely. 

“Louise is a bubbly, friendly and very driven individual. She listens carefully to client specification and has an incredible talent for sourcing excellent, hard to find candidates for niche roles across a wide range of skillsets.”

explains Advance TRS Managing Director and Founder, Andy Ridout.

“Louise uses her talent for understanding client requirements, to lead her team in delivering high quality and effective recruitment solutions. Her promotion to Client Services Delivery Manager is well-deserved and I am excited to see her continue excel in her career.”

Louise moved into her new role of Client Services Delivery Manager within the Rail Recruitment Team in January 2021. She is now responsible for the continued growth, success and effective service delivery of the Client Services team, and will be supporting the Client Services Director. 

Having progressed to a managerial role, Louise will oversee internal training of staff members and will be in charge of setting and reviewing her team’s KPI driven objectives. She will be mentoring staff to further develop a learning culture within the Managed Accounts and Client Services divisions in addition to delivering against her own recruitment targets. 

Advance TRS are delighted to celebrate the promotion of Sam Jennings to Director, Client Services and Rail Signalling. Sam has been with the business for over 6 and a half years and this promotion recognises years of dedication, success and hard work. 

In his time at Advance TRS, Sam has managed the delivery of a series of Managed Service Programmes and Recruitment Process Outsourcing partnerships with key client accounts for the rail sector. 

Most recently, Sam has been the fundamental project lead, working closely with a major client in the railway signalling sector to deliver a Recruitment Process Outsourcing partnership that has to date placed over 100 professionals in permanent contracts throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Sam and his team have worked tirelessly through lockdowns and adapted processes to ensure safety for all throughout the hiring and onboarding process and he has worked with the client to ensure new starters have been successfully onboarded and supported whilst initiating work remotely. All this has been achieved, whilst maintaining the service level agreement, KPIs, sourcing over 100 professionals and maintaining all compliance standards. 

Previously, over a period of 3 years, Sam oversaw and managed a team to deliver a contingent labour contract for the 4 Lines Modernisation project. This project to upgrade the signalling systems of four of London Underground’s most important railway lines: Circle, District, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan, when complete, will boost the number of trains to 32 every hour. Sam managed a team of consultants internally in addition to an in-house delivery manager at the client, to deliver an ever-flexing workforce, from 80 up to over 200 workers at peak times that was always fully compliant to London Underground regulations. The team delivered impressive 100% fill rates for each possession and positively managed flexing demands in the workforce for a safe, compliant and successful programme of works. 

Outside of his work with key clients in Client Services, Sam is incredibly well networked within the Railway Signalling sector and has led the Advance TRS rail signalling department, following in company founder, Andy Ridout’s footsteps. Railway signalling has been the founding core business of Advance TRS since establishing in 2011, and Sam has successfully developed the department in his time with the company. 

“In his time at Advance TRS, Sam has been a key consultant to the business, leading teams to success. I am delighted to recognise his efforts with this significant promotion to Director,” 

explains Advance TRS Managing Director and Founder, Andy Ridout. 

“It has been a privilege to watch his evolution in the business and to work so closely with him over the last 6 and a half years. I am excited to see what is to come for Sam and the team as he continues to grow from strength to strength.” 

New Role

His new role as Director of Client Services and Railway Signalling is divided into two key areas of responsibility; overseeing and driving the success of the client services team and managing the railway signalling recruitment team. 

As Director of Client Services, Sam is responsible for delivering service level agreements and key performance indicators for our key client partnerships, recruitment process outsourcing and managed service contracts. He works closely with clients to create and deliver custom recruitment solutions to support business needs, from contingent recruitment to managed services and recruitment process outsourcing. For key clients Sam acts as a delivery director, offering a single point of contact for line managers, working closely with the Advance TRS recruitment delivery team to fulfil technical recruitment SLAs and KPIs. 

In addition, Sam will continue to use his extensive experience and wide network within Signalling Engineering on the mainline railway and London Underground to lead the Rail Signalling division at Advance TRS. He will continue his work to build a growing team of recruitment consultants to further build the division, recruiting for key clients across the UK and across all levels of seniority from Graduate to C-Suite hires.

Charity / Fundraising 

Sam has always played an active role in the company’s fundraising initiatives and most recently Sam led Advance TRS’s Movember efforts, raising money and awareness of health issues men face, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention. 

Sam has also previously completed the London Marathon and Surrey Half Marathon in aid of Action for Children, raising over £2,500 for the charity. Of the 3 representatives from Advance TRS who completed the London Marathon, Sam completed the marathon with the fastest time, clocking in at just under 4 hours. His incredible journey started the previous year when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament in a game of Sunday football. After months of tireless recovery, Sam began training again and achieved his target he set to enter and complete the London Marathon.

Happy New Year! Many of us have had a Christmas break and you may have had time to think about your career. Maybe you decided that a job change is on the cards for you?

Or maybe you worked over the festive period and this has given you the drive to look for a new job.

Whatever your reason for wanting a new job, you need to know what to do next. So where do you start?

  1. Engage a specialist recruiter

Good recruiters will have a comprehensive understanding of your market and current opportunities. Engaging recruiters is a quick way of tapping into this knowledge to help you in your search. They can proactively represent you! Even better, they already have a relationship with the hiring managers. They will be able to guide you through the entire job searching process. From interviews and salary negotiation to job offer and onboarding they should be there throughout.

  1. Update your CV

It is very important to get your CV right. It is often the first impression potential employers have of you. Make sure you have a clean and clear layout and TRIPLE check your spelling and grammar. Get someone else to check it over for you as well. Highlight your key relevant experiences, education and certifications. Include all the details in your last 3 jobs, as this is likely to be how far your potential employer or a recruiter looks. Make sure your CV doesn’t exceed 2 pages if possible!

You can find our free CV template here.

  1. Update your online CV

Your social media profile can act as a virtual CV, it’s there 24/7 as your own personal advert to the job market. The sites you need to create or update are your LinkedIn Profile and chosen Joboard accounts.

Create a LinkedIn profile or update your existing profile. Detail your relevant skills and experience to maximise your online presence. The more experience you list, the more searches you will appear in. Share your profile edits to draw attention to your refreshed profile among your followers.

The number 1 reason people change jobs is career opportunity. A common way people discover a new job is through a referral. Social professional networks are the number 1 source of quality hires, followed by internet job boards and employee referrals. Now that LinkedIn has over 5 million members, businesses and recruiters are utilising this to look for new talent!

You can choose to show recruiters and hiring managers, who are searching for potential candidates, that you are ‘open to opportunities’ on LinkedIn. This will not be visible to your current company but will alert hiring managers and recruiters that you are open to approaches!

What is Advance TRS doing?

For more guidance as you consider your job change, take a look at our advance advice page. We have a variety of job searching articles available, from CV writing tips to interview techniques.

If you are looking for a new job in Rail, Water or Construction, contact us today on 01483 361 061 or head to our contact us page. We have plenty of permanent and contract roles across all of our sectors and our recruiters are here to help!

The year is coming to an end and it’s usually around this time that many of us commit to resolutions we want to achieve over the next twelve months. If a new job or career is on your list then read our recommendations on what you can do now to set yourself up for success in the new year.

Update your CV

A great starting point – having an updated CV listing your most recent experience and relevant roles is very important. Make sure you keep it short and sweet and don’t include unnecessary detail.

If you’re spending Christmas with your family or friends take advantage of having them around and ask them to check your CV. Some of them might have some great advice on what you can improve.

Don’t forget your LinkedIn profile

Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date too. That way, any recruiters or potential employers coming across your page can get a good overview of your experience.

Time for new goals

Use the time you have off over the Christmas period to set some new goals. Make a plan of how you want to achieve them and in what timeframe. This can really help keep you motivated and on track. Remember to stay SMART – specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timebound for the best results!

Find a specialist recruiter

A great way to find a job you really like is to work with a specialist recruiter in your area. Good recruiters will have a comprehensive understanding of your market and current opportunities. Engaging recruiters is a quick way of tapping into this knowledge to help you in your search. 

Advance TRS

If you’re looking for roles in the rail, water or construction sectors, our specialist teams might have the right one for you.

You can contact our Recruitment Consultants for a conversation about your new career, our latest vacancies and to discuss any potential opportunities with them.

While maintaining our strong reputation as dependable, effective and honest, Advance TRS continue to grow. Therefore, we are always looking for driven and ambitious individuals to join the team. If this sounds like you and you’d like to work for a business that values its employees’ contribution, we would love to hear from you!

To find out more about our current opportunities, visit our careers page, or for a discrete conversation, contact our Talent Acquisition Manager, Jess.

This year has seen some major ups and downs for every business. One thing we believe at Advance TRS is that it is so important to celebrate the highs when they happen to help make the lows more manageable.

As we take some time to reflect on the year we cannot do so without celebrating the amazing new talent that has joined our business in 2020. They have dug in deep and worked hard, in many cases starting their new roles remotely.

Starting new staff from home is not desirable but has been a reality many businesses have had to face and adapt to. All new members have been amazingly flexible and professional, proving to be real assets in their short time with the business so far.

February

Harry joined our business services team to support admin and compliance back in February, just before lockdown #1. He quickly settled into the team, ensuring our systems are up-to-date with candidate and other vital information and he is usually the first person you speak to when you call our main office line.

Chloe joined our finance team a week after Harry and one month before lockdown. To say she had a baptism of fire is an understatement! Chloe had a crash course in our systems but was able to successfully draw on her own knowledge and experience to quickly get up to speed and add value to the team. Working throughout the year, often from home over webcam with the rest of the finance team, Chloe has mastered our payroll process and quickly progressed to Payroll Manager.

Growing our South Coast team

Our South Coast team was joined by Stuart and Sean in May and September respectively, while Tam was added to the team in November. All three of them have been adding value from day one, working hard whether they are based from home or in the office. Moving forward, they’ll benefit from the bigger office space secured in Port Solent, to enable working while adhering to social distancing rules with ease.

Our rail team is joined by three new recruits

More recently, Sam, Joe and Tom joined our rail team in Guildford during November and December. They quickly embedded themselves in the team and even joined in on our fundraising efforts in November, which you can read more about here.

It is safe to say that everyone who has joined us this year has been a huge asset to the team and we would like to extend a big thank you to our new team members for adapting so well to our revised onboarding process and to the whole Advance TRS team for working hard this year, keeping the business going and growing. There is a long way to go yet to weather the storm that is COVID-19, however, we feel positive about the future and we’re ready to take on whatever 2021 has in store!

At Advance TRS we are always looking for driven and ambitious individuals to join the team. If this is you and you would like to work for a business that values its employees’ contribution to its success then we would love to hear from you!

To find out more about our current opportunities, visit our careers page, or for a discrete conversation, contact Paul Metcalfe, Advance TRS CEO on 07793 554 413 or email pme@advance-trs.com.

The job market is constantly changing now more than ever, we have discussed the soft skills required to succeed in a post COVID world, but what about the hard skills that are in demand right now? In this monthly update we review the job roles in high demand right now. 

Principal Civil Engineers 

What does a Principal Civil Engineer do? The Principal Civil Engineer will lead the project team throughout the design and construction process, adapting civil plans according to budget constraints, design factors or client needs. Leadership skills and communication skills are crucial in their work. They also need to be creative to come up with innovative approaches to their projects and any issues that arise. 

What are the benefits of working in civil engineering? Being a civil engineer is an exciting career choice. Civil engineering is about shaping the world and civil engineers work on some of the biggest and most high profile projects in society. From building new roads, railways, airports, sports stadiums, ports or off-shore oil platforms, a civil engineer will be involved from start to finish on these large scale projects. These projects can usually be multi-million or even multi-billion pound programmes so the pressure is on to make sure they are delivered on time and within budget. From early on in the career civil engineers are provided responsibility for certain aspects of a project. Furthermore, no two days in this job are the same. One day you could be in the office working on CAD designs then the following day you could be dealing with contractors, physically constructing work or undertaking site surveys.

What are the current opportunities for Principal Civil Engineers? As specialist recruiters for the built environment we recruit civil engineers at all levels of experience across a wide range of sectors. Currently, our water and environment team are urgently seeking Intermediate to Principal Civil Engineers with experience in river and/or coastal engineering and flood risk management projects for a client working on the Environment Agency framework. Particularly candidates with a design consultancy background (optioneering, outline and detailed design) of flood defences, fish passes, weirs, river and coastal embankments, ports and maritime in the Haywards Heath, Peterborough and Leeds areas. 

If you are looking to take your next step in your civil engineering career, browse our latest Principal Civil Engineer jobs which offer excellent career opportunities and competitive salaries in the market. Here are a couple of our hottest jobs this month:

Property Managers 

What does a Property Manager do? A property manager oversees and performs the daily operations of a real estate property. As a liaison between the property owner and the tenants of the property, a property manager ensures that both parties are satisfied with the property and its daily operations.

What are the benefits of working in property management? Property Managers have a diverse role with exposure to a huge range of tasks, which can quickly strengthen your skill base and value as an employee. It also provides an incredible opportunity to establish a wide and varied knowledge of the real estate sector.  This job will give you insight and experience within the real estate world that will benefit you in future property management jobs or allow you to invest in real estate for yourself.

What are the current opportunities for Property Managers? At Advance TRS our Property teamwork with some of the leading hirers of property managers in the country. A key focus for our clients at the moment is finding Property Managers that have dealt with EWS1 forms (evaluating the fire risk of the external wall system and assessing whether remedial works are required) and have experience of dealing with High Net Worth Individuals.

If you are looking to take your next step in your property management career, browse our latest Property Manager jobs which offer excellent career opportunities and competitive salaries in the market. Here are a couple of our hottest jobs this month: 

Permanent Way Supervisors

What does a Permanent Way Supervisor do? Permanent Way Supervisors lead, direct and motivate staff within the Permanent Way team. They are responsible for maintaining all tools, plant, vehicles and other equipment of the Permanent Way Department, ensuring they are safe for use, returned to storage, and ready for the next job.

What are the benefits of working in Permanent Way? Maintaining the physical system of rail tracks, or permanent way, is more important than ever for the UK’s complex and far-reaching rail network. As the network expands to meet increasing demands for more convenient and faster travel routes, the permanent way division must enlist a workforce that delivers high-level results. With the continued expansion and maintenance requirements of the rail network, nationally and internationally, permanent way engineers are in high demand, with opportunities to transfer skills to international rail networks. 

What are the current opportunities for Permanent Way Supervisors? As specialist recruiters for the built environment, with an expert focus in the rail industry, we recruit permanent way engineers at all levels of experience on leading projects across the UK. If you are looking to take your next step in your permanent way career, browse our latest Permanent Way Engineer jobs which offer excellent career opportunities and competitive salaries in the market. Here are a couple of our hottest jobs this month:

Other roles in high demand this month: 

Technical Engineers 

Depending on their industry, a technical engineer may build or set up equipment, conduct experiments, make models of new equipment, test products, collect data, or help design and develop products. In all areas, they find ways to make things work efficiently.

Contractors Responsible Engineer (CRE)

The Contractor’s Responsible Engineer (CRE) is the person within a design and/or construction organisation with the responsibility for the day-to-day management and coordination of the technical and engineering activities for a specific engineering discipline / project and is responsible for ensuring the Construction and Installation teams follow the project approved Inspection and Test Plan (ITP) Process. 

Are you looking to take the next step in your career?

Advance TRS are growing quickly and we are always looking for ambitious, driven people to join the team. If you are interested to find out more about our current opportunities, visit our website or for a discrete conversation, contact Paul Metcalfe, Advance TRS CEO on 07793 554 413 or email pme@advance-trs.com.

The COVID pandemic and events of 2020 have required everyone to adapt and change throughout the workplace in just about every industry you can imagine. But change does not have to be a negative, and can be a catalyst creating opportunities to find improvements and drive forward positive transformation. 

Here are some of the key skills to help people succeed in this new time of uncertainty. 

1. Adapting to change

An ability to accept and adapt to change is essential, change has always been inevitable but more than ever before, those who can think quickly and embrace the new normal (at every phase) are those who succeed. Employers are increasingly looking for people who can move out of their comfort zone and see change as an opportunity for growth and innovation.

Through the pandemic, you’ve likely faced and overcome new challenges that you didn’t foresee. So, although this may have felt difficult and uncomfortable at times, you will have been building up your resilience, adaptability and ability to deal with change in the process.

You should take time to acknowledge how your mindset may have shifted in recent weeks and months. If you’ve noticed that you’ve managed to adapt to the changes quickly, it’s likely that you will have done so using a growth mindset, which is a great attribute to highlight in interviews with employers. 

2. Creative problem solving

With a rapidly changing world of work comes the demand for people who are quick to adapt and solve problems efficiently and effectively. As leaders involve their teams in problem-solving discussions, they are looking for professionals who can come up with creative ideas and solutions to ensure deadlines are met and results achieved, despite limited or perhaps strained resources.

Chartered occupational psychologist Dr Maggi Evans explains some ways to help yourself to get your creative problem solving juices flowing;

  • Giving yourself some space; many people come up with their best ideas when they’re doing something unrelated, such as walking their dog
  • Be curious and playful; take fresh perspectives on a problem by asking yourself questions like, ‘What would my superhero do?’, ‘What if I had more time or limitless resources’, or ‘What if I had to find a solution today?’
  • Create a positive environment; if you’re working with a team on a challenging project, spend some time chatting or doing something positive first

3. Enthusiasm

People from all backgrounds and seniority levels will likely be feeling the pressure at the moment, from tough decision making to lingering uncertainty, by embracing the best and being enthusiastic to adapt, compromise, support and even upskill, you can set yourself apart. Your positivity and enthusiasm can be contagious and may just help set the tone for your team or be the positive kickstart someone needs to their day. 

Furthermore, we now live in a world where everything can change almost overnight, and with this change comes demand for different skills. As a result, upskilling should have moved up your priority list. By devoting time now to upskilling and learning, you will be demonstrating to future potential employers your willingness to learn through how you used this time to better yourself and grow your knowledge base.

Regardless of the industry, a willingness to learn and a desire to stay on top of current trends and changes relevant to your profession is valued by employers both large and small. Showing that you are willing to learn is key to learning about and understanding any new developments from a technical point of view, ultimately helping your organisation to progress. 

4. Effective communication

These above-mentioned skills are all well and good but get lost if you’re not able to communicate and demonstrate them successfully to others, such as a potential employer in a job interview.

For example, stating that you are adaptable to change isn’t enough; you need to use your strong communication skills to illustrate just how adaptable you are, perhaps by providing examples. After all, employers favour jobseekers who possess exceptional communication skills and are comfortable speaking with people at all levels of an organisation in a professional manner.

It’s worth acknowledging, too, that communication has now changed substantially and as we transition to a hybrid working world – with team members split between home-working and office-working – strong interpersonal and communication skills are only going to become more important as we learn and adapt to building and maintaining relationships, collaborating and sustaining productivity virtually rather than in person.

Video calls, virtual conferences and online presentations also require new levels of self-confidence you might not currently possess, but will be able to develop in time.

Are you looking to take the next step in your career?

Advance TRS are growing quickly and we are always looking for ambitious, driven people to join the team. If you are interested to find out more about our current opportunities, visit our website or for a discrete conversation, contact Paul Metcalfe, Advance TRS CEO on 07793 554 413 or email pme@advance-trs.com.

Current times can seem daunting, especially if you’re looking for a new job. Despite the pandemic, new roles are being added to job boards on a daily basis and businesses are still looking to recruit new talent. There are steps you can take to help you stand out in the job market.  

Having a step-by-step list of things you can do can give you focus and make the process seem less overwhelming. Check out our guide to help you kick start your search.

Give your CV some attention

Updating your CV should be your very first point of action. Bear in mind that recruiters and hiring managers look at dozens of CVs on a daily basis, so you want yours to really stand out and be interesting for them to read. You can do this by writing everything down, condensing the information to a maximum of two pages and restructuring.

Start with your most relevant experience and achievements and make sure to tailor your personal statement to the role you’re applying for. When it comes to personal statements, there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution. Putting a little effort into getting it right can go a long way.

When it comes to formatting your CV, go with a layout that looks professional and will keep the reader interested. This is your chance to sell yourself and making your CV easy to read and interesting will help you stand out.

You can download our free CV template here. 

Upskill 

Now is a great time to upskill and it doesn’t have to be expensive. There are plenty of courses online that are either free or only require a small fee to be paid and you can enrol and get started right away. New certifications can then be added to your CV. This helps you stand out in the job market, against others who may not have additional qualifications.

This will also show potential employers that you are proactive and take your personal development seriously. 

You might even want to think about reskilling and getting qualified for a new role or sector entirely. Maybe it’s something you have been wanting to do for a while but never found the time to do it. 

Keep it relevant

Once it comes to applying for jobs, try to stick with what is relevant to you and your experience. It can be very disheartening being turned down for a role, even if it wasn’t suitable for you in the first place. 

Take your time to really read job descriptions and decide whether you have the right skillset and experience for the role before you apply. You will be much more likely to stand out and you’ll have a higher chance at hearing back and being invited for an interview. 

Tailor your personal statement to the role

We already mentioned it above, your personal statement will be the first snippet of information recruiters and hiring managers read about you and it needs to be relevant to the job you’re applying for. 

It should be a short summary about you, to help employers see how you view yourself as a person and as an employee. Your personal statement should be one paragraph, aiming for a maximum of 150 words. 

You can find our guide on how to write a personal statement here.

Are you looking to take the next step in your career? 

Advance TRS are growing quickly and we are always looking for ambitious, driven people to join the team. If you are interested to find out more about our current opportunities, visit our website or for a discrete conversation, contact Paul Metcalfe, Advance TRS CEO on 07793 554 413 or email pme@advance-trs.com.

With the global pandemic, times have changed and so has the working world. With many of us working remotely we have become very familiar with Zoom, and not just because of the weekly family quiz nights. 

Businesses have had to adapt certain processes to ensure their employees’ health and safety, and one of those processes is the way interviews are conducted. 

Many companies have opted to hold job interviews via video call, which is a great way to ensure social distancing rules are adhered to, however, can bring different challenges for the interviewee. We’ve got some pieces of advice for you if you have a video interview coming up.

Dress for the job you want

Even though your potential new employer might only be able to see your top half, make sure to dress smart head to toe, rather than wearing a blazer and tracksuit bottoms. This will help put you in the right frame of mind, too. 

No matter what job you’re applying for, it is always worth dressing smart, rather than looking too casual. 

Do your research

Whether the interview is held in person or via video call, you should always be well prepared. Make sure to look up the business, find out as much about it as you can and also look up your interviewers. That way you can find out how long they have been with the company for and ask them about what they like about working there.

If you don’t know who is interviewing you, you can ask your recruiter or the person you have been in touch with to confirm the names. 

Switch off notifications

Whatever device you use for the video interview, make sure to switch off any notifications during the call. Having a constant beep of notifications coming up can be distracting for you and the interviewers.

Make use of your screen

You can write some notes about the company and the job on Post-Its and place them around your screen. It can also be useful to have some bullet points on answers to difficult questions you might be asked. We previously published a blog about commonly asked interview questions and how to answer them. You can read the article here. 

Disrupted signal

We’ve all experienced this – occasionally signal might drop and your screen freezes for a short period. If that happens during your interview stay calm, apologise and carry on with the interview.

Find a quiet space

While it is best to find a space without any disruptions for the duration of the interview, that might not always be possible. In case you have children or pets at home who can occasionally be heard in the background, apologise, briefly explain the situation to the interviewers and carry on.

Ask questions

Prepare some questions to ask at the end of the interview to show you are genuinely interested in the business and the role. Again, you can write these on notes and stick them to your screen.

Are you looking to take the next step in your career? 

Advance TRS are growing quickly and we are always looking for ambitious, driven people to join the team. If you are interested to find out more about our current opportunities, visit our website or for a discrete conversation, contact Jess Wells, our Talent Acquisition Manager.

WHAT IS IR35?

IR35 was introduced in 2000 to address concerns relating to individuals who supply their services via an intermediary (such as a Limited Company) instead of as an employee. Therefore, they avoid paying employee income tax and national insurance contributions.

Where an assignment is deemed ‘inside’ IR35, PAYE deductions must be made from the contractor’s pay. Any assignment ‘outside’ IR35 is classed as a genuine B2B service and is not subject to the same tax treatment as employees. Advance TRS are here to support you through these reforms.

We have partnered with IR35 experts Kingsbridge and Liquid Friday to guide our client and contractor communities through the changes in legislation. Browse our latest IR35 news, read our FAQs or get in contact with any questions you might have.

WHAT HAS CHANGED AND HOW DOES IT IMPACT ME?

From 6th April 2021, following changes in the public sector in 2017, the government extended the reform to the legislation to capture large parts of the private sector. The key change is that the responsibility of defining the IR35 status of the assignment switched from the individual’s Ltd company to the client, as the recipient of the services.

The legislation states that all companies must take ‘reasonable care’ when assessing if roles are inside or outside of IR35. Taking a ‘blanket approach’ to assess all roles won’t deliver this. We have spoken about the reasons in a recent blog article.

The potential financial penalties can be significant if incorrect steps are implemented, but there is support available to help.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO ENSURE THE CORRECT DETERMINATION?

We are working with clients and contractors to ensure everyone has taken the necessary steps. We’re also ensuring they have been given the correct IR35 determination for them.

  1. SPEAK TO YOUR CONSULTANT – If you are concerned about whether you have taken the necessary steps and want some guidance, the best place to start is by calling your consultant. They will be able to discuss how the reforms impact you and your method of engagement. 
  1. GET A SELF-ASSESSMENT – Next, you can use the Advance TRS free self-assessment tool to confirm your determination and which method of engagement is suitable for you going forward.
  1. CONFIRM YOUR METHOD OF ENGAGEMENT GOING FORWARD – Once you have completed your self-assessment you will need to confirm any changes with your client and agency to issue any new contracts/rate changes and agree your transition date.
  1. PURCHASE IR35 INSURANCE  – To ensure you and the supply chain are protected, we recommend purchasing IR35 Protection Insurance from our partners Kingsbridge who offer a Zurich underwritten policy

THE ADVANCE TRS APPROACH – Be prepared and proactive

Due to the scale of the impact of this legislation, we were prepared well before the Reform came into effect. This ensures our compliance and working practices facilitate confident determinations.

Listen and Learn – Our ability to gather intelligence from multiple sources allows us to learn at a faster pace and deliver the most informed approach to all parties.

Openly Communicate – Face-to-face meetings and regular bulletins provide clients and contractors with the most up-to-date information on how best to set out our working practices.

Free Self-Assessments – We worked with Kingsbridge to offer free self-assessments for contracts.

An Insured Solution – We understand the importance of peace of mind, so have worked with Kingsbridge to offer a Zurich underwritten insurance product to protect the whole supply chain.

WHY ADVANCE TRS?

  • Offering free self-assessments and IR35 insurance to protect the whole supply chain
  • APSCO accredited engineering recruitment consultancy with sector specialist consultants
  • ISO18001, ISO9001, ISO27001 certificated and 5* RISQS since the inception of the scheme
  • Huge financial investment in contractual documentation reviews from recruitment expert solicitors
  • Robust contracts and terms of business that are compliant with current government legislation
  • Open book policy on working practices with contractors and clients
  • Excellent legal support from expert recruitment and financial specialists
  • IR35 guidance from FCSA accredited supply chain partners
  • Partnered with Kingsbridge Insurance, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of PSC insurance packages
  • Over 100 years collective experience of engineering recruitment
  • Dedicated business services team focused on contractual compliance and payroll excellence
  • A compliance-focused supply chain partner experienced in supporting all levels of project delivery

A LITTLE MORE BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON IR35

HMRC IR35 legislation has been in place since 2000, but non-compliance is widespread.

HMRC estimate that only 10% of those who should be applying the rules do so, which will cost the Exchequer £1.3 billion in 2023/24. This deprives vital public services of important funds and is unfair to taxpayers who are complying with the rules.

Whilst the compliance of PSC workers has been a relatively mute subject for the last 20 years, HMRC have now realised there is a significant need for focus and attention on the management of this area of taxation, more specifically in relation to employers’ national insurance contributions.

With such significant growth in the number of £multi-billion engineering projects across the UK, there will always be a requirement for the engagement of a highly skilled and flexible workforce that is prepared and willing to move from project to project.

It is essential that this workforce becomes more educated on and compliant with the options that are available to them if they wish to remain off-payroll for the duration of their assignments. Advance TRS Ltd. are committed to providing the highest level of service and engagement throughout the recruitment process to ensure that workers and clients can deliver their services and their projects successfully in the knowledge that their status determination truly reflects their employment status.

It is important to learn from the public sector reform and ensure that we keep contractors fully briefed on their options whilst enabling clients to make confident and informed decisions.

It is essential to approach the private sector reform through the utilisation of all information and facilities available to each member of the supply chain. This offers the flexibility to evolve with HMRC decisions whilst retaining a common goal of providing resources to deliver projects.

It is clear that the public sector ‘blanket approach’ determinations should be replaced with the recommendation that contractor IR35 status assessments are dealt with on a case-by-case basis. This approach offers an assurance to valuable workers that their interests are treated fairly, in line with the legislation and not just for the benefit or safety of the end-user.

One of the key aspects of managing the implementation and impact of the IR35 private sector reform is to ensure that each party in the supply chain recognises their responsibility, communication is clear and processes of due diligence and compliance are auditable. Contractors must take responsibility for the management of their accounts and affairs whilst engagers must extend fair treatment or ‘reasonable care’ to their contractors by preparing diligently and not leaving off-payroll working processes and considerations to the 11th hour.

ADVANCE TRS

We have the operational capability to adequately deal with the extra administrative burdens and will work closely with all parties to manage a case-by-case approach.

Many people are finding themselves working from home for the first time, or with more family in the house than usual for a working week.

Maintaining focus when working from home can be challenging at the best of times and with all your family at home, it can test your focus to the limits! Here are some top tips for keeping productive whilst balancing family life during isolation. 

Working from home: with your partner

Set boundaries: Don’t pretend it doesn’t bother you when your partner broadcasts Skype meetings (or watches TV) while you try to answer emails. Also, don’t passive-aggressively work in the bathroom to hint that you’re not happy with the noise in the living room. Turns out a simple “Could you put on headphones?” is an effective way to get someone to, you know, put on headphones.

Designate private areas: Set up clear and separate areas for you each to work in your own way. Work out what works best for you. One of you needs the radio on whilst the other needs peace and quiet? Separation is probably best. If you like similar work environments carve up the dining table so you can work together. Need to take part in web meetings? Set up a meeting space where you can have uninterrupted quiet.

Come up with a schedule together: Sync up your work breaks to enjoy some quality time together in between the work. Share meals, take turns cooking and cleaning up, take a coffee break or agree a time to switch-off and plan a joint activity for the evening. Knowing when your next break is can help keep you focused on completing the task at hand motivated to get the job done before your break. 

Working from home: with toddlers

Get up early: The best way to work when your toddler is around is by getting as much done as possible when they aren’t. This means setting an alarm an hour or two before they are up for the day.

If you do your best thinking in the morning, tackle your largest projects sans distractions during this time. But if you’re not a morning person, getting up early can still be useful. Have a cup of coffee and use this time to organise yourself, respond to quick email requests, and plan out the rest of your workday.

Take Advantage of Nap Time: Enforcing a nap time each day is not only important for your little one’s health and development, but it’s also critical for you. If you can, encourage a long nap of two to three hours in the afternoon.

Encourage Independent Play: Independent play is important for toddler development and should be encouraged. For working parents, independent play can give mum or dad some much needed time to get work done. Busy bags are a great way to entice your toddlers to play by themselves. They’re exactly what they sound like: bags of simple activities designed to keep toddlers busy.

Give Your Toddler Undivided Attention: In these unprecedented times, take advantage of the benefits they offer. Leaving work behind physically is not possible, and it can be tough to let it go mentally as well. But if your toddler is trying to get your attention, chances are, they’re not going to stop until they succeed. Put your to-do list aside, log off the computer, and give your toddler the attention they need and deserve.

Set boundaries and make sure there are plenty of work-free times throughout the day. After all, the biggest perk of working from home is spending time with your toddler – so make sure you take advantage of it.

Working from home: with kids

Start off on the right foot: No matter how many tasks are on your to-do list, its important to create a schedule that includes time for your kids – ideally prior to hunkering down. Give them some undistracted time (no phone in your hand!) before you need to work.

By doing this, you’re giving them the attention they need to feel seen and secure, which should help prepare them to play more independently when you need to focus on work. Eat breakfast together, offer them your undivided attention and then set some clear expectations about the day ahead.

Adjust your schedule: If your job doesn’t require you to be on the clock at specific times, consider adjusting your schedule to work when your children are sleeping or less active. Doing your hardest work first is a good strategy for anyone, it allows you the freedom to be more present and feel like you can step away for an hour or so when the kids wake up and make breakfast.

Set up your workspace and set some boundaries: Even if you don’t have a home office, it’s important to establish a defined work area at home – and to let your kids know that when you’re in work mode, you’re not to be disturbed. Ideally, look for a quiet corner of the house where you can set up everything you need to work through your tasks as efficiently as possible. 

Prevent boredom for your kids by mixing things up: Kids of all ages appreciate having something new and different to occupy them, try a toy rotation to keep them immersed in play. Take a few minutes to sort through their toys, organising them into separate bins, then keeping only a select few out for them to play with.

The idea is that having fewer toys encourages deeper play. Guide your kids toward activities that don’t require your assistance or constant supervision.

Reserve some activities for special occasions: Got an important Skype meeting or rushing toward a deadline? Have some back-pocket activities at the ready that your child loves and can occupy them for 10 to 15 minutes. 

Embrace healthy screen time: No one will send you to parent jail for allowing your kids to hop on a tablet for a while – especially if you’re directing them to fun and educational resources. There are plenty of sites and apps that encourage physical wellness with an array of free activities, such as free games that teach maths, spelling and music skills.

For school-aged kids whose classroom routines have been disrupted, stay on track with learning resources. Many museums offer free virtual tours and zoos have camera feeds to watch the animals. 

Working from home: with pets 

Create A Separate, Pet-Free Work Space: The best way to ensure your pet isn’t going to put a kink in the flow of your workday is to keep them in a separate area. Yes, it’s nice to be able to cuddle your pet while you are listening in on a conference call, but doing this tells them they can get your attention whenever they want. Setting up a separate workspace is great, not just for you and your pet, but also for your work-life balance in general. It helps makes you feel like you aren’t actually living in your office.

Keep pets occupied: If animals are bored or anxious, it can lead to destructive behaviours like chewing, marking or scratching around the house. To avoid an interruption to your workflow – like stopping to scold your pup for chewed up shoes – make sure they have plenty of physical and mental stimulation for when you’re hard at work.

Give your pet some attention time: Be it taking your dog out for a nice walk, having cat cuddles on the sofa or teaching your pet parrot some funny new phrases, make sure to make time for your pet. Give them your full attention in some of your breaks to make sure they are feeling the love and they may be better able to keep themselves distracted whilst you’re on your work conference.

Far more people are working from home during the COVID-19 isolation period. Here are some top tips to help you settle into the new normal and keep productive!

1 Stick to your morning routine 

Get up and have a shower, eat your breakfast, make your coffee and get dressed. Try to stick to your usual routine where possible to keep yourself in a work mindset. Use your time saved from a shortened commute to get ahead with distracting tasks. Do something for yourself, get the kids set up for the day or push your routine back to catch a few extra Zzz’s, but keep to your usual routine where possible. 

2 Set up a work station 

If you do not have space for a home office, find a quiet corner somewhere to make your new office. Somewhere separate from the rest of the house where your isolation companions know not to distract you and you can focus on work. With the increase in web conferencing, you may want to have a think about your backdrop too! 

3 Keep your usual work hours 

Set a schedule, and stick to it…most of the time. Having clear guidelines for when to work and when to call it a day helps maintain a healthy work-life balance. There are lots of apps out there to help you stick to timings and keep your focus so go and explore! 

4 Socialise with colleagues 

Loneliness, disconnect and isolation are common problems with work-from-home life, especially for extroverts. Take advantage of methods your company is offering you to stay in touch with colleagues. For example, they might have chat channels where remote employees can talk about common interests and virtual meetups for people in the same team.

It’s important to figure out how much interaction you need to feel connected and included. Even if you’re highly introverted and don’t like socialising, give a few interactive experiences a try so that you’re familiar with them if you ever decide you want them. Remember, things can get misinterpreted if all communication is via email so pick up the phone or video chat when possible. 

5 Make the most of your breaks

Don’t short-change yourself during breaks, especially your lunch hour. If this is challenging for you there are apps available to lock yourself out of your computer for 60 minutes. Or you can just launch a simple clock or timer on the screen when you take a break. If you return to your desk after only 40 minutes, walk away for another 20. Use this time to socialise with your household, do something creative, get some exercise, take a walk or catch up with some friends/colleagues via video chat.

Taking breaks improves your productivity, mental well-being and overall work performance. 

If you are finding yourself at home and with more time on your hands during the COVID-19 lockdown here are 5 home activities that can be done each day to keep you busy and productive with your time. 

Do something creative 

Creativity is a prerequisite for innovation, leads to feelings of accomplishment and pride and can improve your ability to focus. Let your imagination go wild and get your creative juices flowing. Whether it’s journaling your isolation experience, getting creative with your kids’ craft time, doodling, colouring in a mindfulness book, baking, cooking or reaching for the sewing kit. Give yourself permission to create, open your mind and express yourself. 

Get some exercise

Do something to keep you moving each day, be it walking the dog, doing an online workout with your friends or favourite fitness guru. Whatever you choose, keep it fun so it’s something to look forward to. Try not to expect too much of yourself, keep it simple and doable. It could be as simple as dancing around the kitchen whilst making dinner or playing with your kids. Remember, 5 minutes each day is better than just one killer workout a week! 

Expand your knowledge 

With more time on your hands, it’s a great opportunity to expand your knowledge and learn more about the world around us. Be it deepening your understanding of your industry, learning about different perspectives and cultures or simply studying something that has always intrigued you, expanding your knowledge is a great way to stimulate your mind, improve your memory, expand your vocabulary and find tranquility. There are so many ways to get involved, from reading a book to listening to a podcast, watching a documentary or just doing a crossword. 

Learn a new skill 

What better time to learn that new skill you have always said you would do if you had more time on your hands? With so many youtube videos and apps out there to help you on your journey, seize the opportunity to try something new. Maybe you want to learn a new language, finally learn to play that guitar under the spare bed or pick up some knitting needles and give it a go – learning a new skill is a great way to explore what could be your new favourite hobby! These activities can be done from the comfort of your own home.

Tidy house, tidy mind 

With more time at home, there is both more time to make a mess and more time to tidy it up again! In order to not get overwhelmed, why not break it down into daily tasks. From usual chores like laundry and hoovering to deeper decluttering such as tidying cupboards or sorting through your wardrobe, split up the tasks and do a little each day for an easy win and sense of satisfaction.

The current coronavirus pandemic means that many of us are living in uncertain times and will be working from home for the foreseeable future. 

During this time it is very important to keep your focus and structure. Something that might help you with this is upskilling yourself. It’s a great way to gain skills that will be relevant to the new working world. 

Virtual meetings

Currently, most, if not all meetings, are held virtually using different video conferencing systems. And as this is a great way of saving time and travel costs it might not just be a temporary solution during the pandemic. 

Upskill yourself by getting to grips with different systems that are available, like Zoom, and become a pro at using them.

Make the most of working from home

In another recent blog, we spoke about taking time during quarantine to take a closer look at your CV and obtain some references.

This is something you might not normally find the time for, however, having a good-quality CV is a great way to make an excellent first impression on potential new employers. 

Knowledge gaps

Are there any parts of your job where you feel that you have knowledge gaps? Maybe there are programmes or systems you use on a daily basis and have been meaning to learn more about those but you never had the time to.

There couldn’t be a better time than now to upskill. The internet offers numerous tutorials you can watch and you probably have more time than ever before to try out your newly learned skills. 

Doing this will give you more of a competitive edge and provides you with a great selling point during interviews once we get past the COVID-19 pandemic. You’ll be able to prove your fortitude and show that you are always looking to develop further.

Your CV is the first thing your potential new employer will see of you and therefore it needs to make a really good impression. Time to update your CV! We previously shared CV writing tips and you can also download our free CV template. 

In this post, we want to take a closer look at the finer details, rather than the layout and what to include.

Filling in the gaps

You could take this quite literally and check whether there might be any gaps in your employment dates that have been going unaccounted for. Update your CV by filling these in and giving reasons for why they are there. 

Other gaps to look out for might be knowledge gaps – anything you could do with having more of a competitive edge on. Maybe there are aspects of your skillset you have been a little hazy on for a while. Now is the time to upskill!

Your LinkedIn profile can act as your CV

Update your CV on LinkedIn. Most recruiters nowadays use LinkedIn when posting jobs and looking for candidates. Therefore, it’s good practice to pay as much attention to your profile on the platform as you do to your actual CV.

Make sure that the information you include on your profile matches up.

References

It might be a good time now to contact people and ask them for character references, ready for when you need them next. 

And taking another look at LinkedIn – there is the option to ask anyone you have worked with; whether it might be colleagues, managers, clients, the list goes on; for recommendations which are then shown at the bottom of your profile. This is another great way of giving recruiters looking at your page an idea of the kind of person you are. 

Less is more

Lastly, try to keep your CV to 2 pages where possible. You could achieve this by giving a little less detail on jobs that are further in the past or might not be relevant to the role you’re applying for.

As a country, we all need to do what we can to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. That is why the government has given clear guidance on self-isolation, household isolation and social distancing and maintaining educational provision.

And the most recent scientific advice on how to further limit the spread of COVID-19 is clear. If children can stay safely at home, they should, to limit the chance of the virus spreading.

That is why the government has asked parents to keep their children at home, wherever possible. They have asked schools to remain open only for those children who absolutely need to attend.

Guidance for schools

It is important to underline that schools, all childcare settings (including early years settings, childminders and providers of childcare for school-age children), colleges and other educational establishments, remain safe places for children. But the fewer children making the journey to school, and the fewer children in educational settings, the lower the risk that the virus can spread and infect vulnerable individuals in wider society.

Schools, and all childcare providers, are therefore being asked to continue to provide care for a limited number of children. This includes those who are vulnerable and children whose parents are critical to the Covid-19 response.

Vulnerable children include children who are supported by social care, those with safeguarding and welfare needs. This includes those on child in need plans, on child protection plans, ‘looked after’ children, young carers, disabled children. Plus, those with education, health and care (EHC) plans.

We know that schools will also want to support other children facing social difficulties. Therefore, we will support headteachers to do so.

Guidance for parents

Parents whose work is critical to the COVID-19 response include those who work in health and social care. Plus, other key sectors outlined below. Many parents working in these sectors may be able to ensure their child is kept at home. And every child who can be safely cared for at home should be.

Please, therefore, follow these key principles:

  1. If it is at all possible for children to be at home, then they should be.
  2. If a child needs specialist support, is vulnerable or has a parent who is a critical worker, then educational provision will be available for them.
  3. Parents should not rely for childcare upon those who are advised to be in the stringent social distancing category such as grandparents, friends, or family members with underlying conditions.
  4. Parents should also do everything they can to ensure children are not mixing socially in a way which can continue to spread the virus. They should observe the same social distancing principles as adults.
  5. Residential special schools, boarding schools and special settings continue to care for children wherever possible.

If your work is critical to the COVID-19 response, or you work in one of the critical sectors listed below, and you cannot keep your child safe at home then your children will be prioritised for education provision:

(For the full list of affected sectors visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision) 

Public safety and national security

This includes:

  • Police and support staff
  • Ministry of Defence civilians, contractors and armed forces personnel
  • Those critical to the delivery of key defence and national security outputs (essential to the response to the COVID-19 pandemic)
  • Fire and rescue service employees (including support staff)
  • National Crime Agency staff, those maintaining border security, prison and probation staff
  • Other national security roles, including those overseas.

Transport

This includes those who will keep the air, water, road and rail passenger and freight transport modes operating during the COVID-19 response including those working on transport systems through which supply chains pass.

Utilities, communication and financial services

  • Staff needed for essential financial services provision
  • Workers in banks, building societies and financial market infrastructure)
  • The oil, gas, electricity and water sectors (including sewerage)
  • Information technology and data infrastructure sector and primary industry supplies to continue during the COVID-19 response
  • Key staff working in the civil nuclear, chemicals, telecommunications
  • Network operations, field engineering, call centre staff, IT and data infrastructure, 999 and 111 critical services
  • Postal services and delivery, payments providers and waste disposal sectors.

If workers think they fall within the critical categories above, they should confirm with their employer that, based on their business continuity arrangements, their specific role is necessary for the continuation of this essential public service.

If your school is closed, then please contact your local authority, who will seek to redirect you to a local school in your area that your child, or children, can attend.

We are grateful for the work of teachers and workers in educational settings for continuing to provide for the children of the other critical workers of our country. It is an essential part of our national effort to combat this disease.

Social distancing measures are steps you can take to reduce social interaction between people. This will help reduce the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).

They are to:

  • Avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough
  • Avoid non-essential use of public transport when possible
  • Work from home, where possible. Your employer should support you to do this. Please refer to employer guidance for more information
  • Avoid large and small gatherings in public spaces, noting that pubs, restaurants, leisure centres, and similar venues are currently shut as infections spread easily in closed spaces where people gather
  • Avoid gatherings with friends and family. Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media
  • Use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services

Everyone should be trying to follow these measures as much as is practicable.

We strongly advise you to follow the above measures as much as you can and to significantly limit your face-to-face interaction with friends and family if possible, particularly if you:

  • Are over 70
  • Have an underlying health condition
  • Are pregnant

This advice is likely to be in place for some weeks.

This guidance is lifted from the gov.uk website and is for everyone, including children. It advises on social distancing measures we should all be taking to reduce social interaction between people in order to reduce the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19). It is intended for use in situations where people are living in their own homes, with or without additional support from friends, family and carers. If you live in a residential care setting guidance is available.

Read more: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults

At tough times like these, it’s important to look after your mental wellbeing, especially during social distancing and isolation. Understandably, you may find that social distancing can be boring or frustrating. You may find your mood and feelings are affected and you may feel low, worried or have problems sleeping and you might miss being outside with other people.

It can be easy to fall into unhealthy patterns of behaviour which in turn can make you feel worse. There are simple things you can do that may help to look after your mental wellbeing during social distancing. In addition, staying mentally and physically active during this time such as:

  • Look for exercises you can do at home on the NHS website
  • Spend time doing things you enjoy – this might include reading, cooking, other indoor hobbies or listening to the radio or watching TV programmes
  • Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, drink enough water and try to avoid smoking, alcohol and drugs
  • Keep your windows open to let in fresh air, get some natural sunlight if you can, or get outside into the garden
  • You can also go for a walk or exercise outdoors if you stay more than 2 metres from others

Understandably a key factor to support positive mental health is spending time with friends and family. 

What steps can you take to stay connected with family and friends during this time?

Draw on the support you might have through your friends, family and other networks during this time. Try to stay in touch with those around you over the phone, by post, or online. Let people know how you would like to stay in touch and build that into your routine. This is also important in looking after your mental wellbeing and you may find it helpful to talk to them about how you are feeling.

Remember it is OK to share your concerns with others you trust and in doing so you may end up providing support to them too. Or you can use an NHS recommended helpline.

Read more: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults

While all interviews and interviewers are different, there are some common questions that are asked frequently. This is to find out more about the candidate and how they deal with certain situations. We’ve compiled a list of some of those questions and some guidance on how to answer them.

You can read more of our interview tips in our Advance Advice section.

Tell me about yourself

Some interviewers will start the conversation by giving a little insight into the business. They will then most likely ask you to tell them a little bit about yourself.

Give them a quick summary of who you are and what you have been doing. In addition, some insight on any experience you’ve had which is relevant to the job. It’s a great point in the interview to mention your top achievements and why you think you’d be perfect for the role.

The interviewer won’t want to hear your life story or your family history here. Make sure to talk about experience relevant to the position instead. 

Why are you looking to leave your current role?

With this common interview question, you should consider how you word your answer. Here, it is important not to talk negatively about your current employer. Focus on mentioning that you are looking for new challenges. You could even highlight aspects of the job you are interviewing for which aren’t available with your current employer.

Tell me about a tricky situation you have dealt with and how you solved it

When being asked this kind of question, the interviewers want to find out more about your negotiating skills or potential clashes with colleagues. The best way to approach this question is to explain the situation, how you resolved it and what the outcome was.

Try to steer clear of describing a situation where you caused conflict. This might give the impression that you are a trouble-maker and might not be a good fit for their team.

What are your weaknesses

Being asked this question can be quite daunting and we have recently dedicated a blog post to it which you can read here.

Talk about something you know isn’t your strongest point but which you are working on, for example, your presentation skills. This is something you can get training on and will be the kind of answer the interviewer is looking for.

The salary question

Don’t undersell yourself here and say to the interviewer that whatever they think will be great. 

A lot of job adverts will include a salary band and if this isn’t the case, you can take a look at similar roles and get a good idea of an appropriate salary from those. 

You can then justify what you are asking for by mentioning relevant knowledge and experience you will bring to the team.

Do you have any questions

Avoid asking about working hours and holidays here but instead, ask something about the business. Something you might have read about and you’d like to find out more. Maybe there is a new product or service they are launching which you can ask about. That also shows the interviewer that you have done your research on the company. 

Are you looking to take the next step in your career? 

Advance TRS is growing quickly and we are always looking for ambitious, driven people to join the team. If you are interested to find out more about our current opportunities, visit our website

Or, for a discrete conversation, contact Jess Wells our Talent Acquisition Manager.

The latest news this week in the Property Industry:

CapitaLand acquires prime freehold Arlington Business Park for £129m

CapitaLand has agreed to acquire a prime freehold business park in the UK for £129.3m. Read more…

Higgins JV to start 333-home Ealing scheme

A2Dominion and Higgins have formed a joint venture vehicle to deliver a major housing scheme in Ealing, West London. Read more…

Browse our latest rail jobs here.
Register for job alerts here.

As you may be aware, the Advance TRS team has taken on the challenge of walking 10k steps a day throughout March again this year. We’re excited to raise money for Surrey-based mental health charity Oakleaf. Team members are asked to donate money for each day they don’t reach the 10k steps target. At Advance TRS raising money for charity, taking on personal challenges and fundraising activities to advance others has been a core founding principle.

You can read more about the challenge in last week’s blog post.

It is well-known that besides the physical benefits, getting up and moving also has a big impact on our mental well-being.

Reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety

You don’t have to go on hour-long hikes. Going for a 30-minute walk each day can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. The same can be said for stress. If you’ve had a busy day at work, going for a wander afterwards might help to clear your head.

Better sleep and improved mood

Going for regular walks will help you sleep better and leave you with higher energy levels throughout the day. The endorphins released into your body during a walk can help to improve your mood and make you feel happier.

Better memory

Daily walks also have a positive effect on your memory and your mind, cutting the risk of developing Alzheimer’s by around 45%.

Other health benefits associated with walking

Going for regular walks can drastically lower your risk of having strokes or developing heart disease or diabetes and can even add a couple of years to your life. 

Even getting in a few minutes of walking each day, whether it’s during your lunch break, before or after work or with a friend on a day off will greatly benefit your health and mental wellbeing. Time to get up and start moving! 

If you’d like to help us reach our target, you can make a donation to Oakleaf here.

At Advance TRS, we understand that reducing work-related stress can be hugely beneficial to all. We take our obligation to ensure the health, safety and welfare of employees seriously. Our comprehensive wellness programme and mental health awareness training have recently been recognised as Advance TRS were shortlisted as finalists in the Workplace Mental Health and Wellbeing category in the Solent Business Awards 2019.

Follow Advance TRS charity and fundraising activities on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

For the latest news and take a look at our Advance Advice on Mental Health in the workplace for further information.

#ATRS10KCHALLENGE

Each year our team take on a 10k steps a day challenge throughout March to raise money for charity. This year we are delighted to raise money for Surrey-based Mental Health Charity, Oakleaf.

The annual challenge is a great opportunity for our team to kick-start getting out and about and moving ahead of the nicer summer months.

At Advance TRS, we prioritise the mental wellbeing of our staff. To provide the first point of contact when needed, we have appointed qualified Mental Health First Aiders. We also offer a Wellbeing Hub, where confidential support via an EAP helpline can be accessed at any time. These are only some of the steps we have taken and we continue to improve our mental health awareness.

As part of our commitment to reducing the stigma against mental ill-health, we are delighted to champion Oakleaf for this year’s 10k steps a day challenge.

You can donate to our fundraising effort here. Any contribution is much appreciated!

The charity

Oakleaf is a Surrey-based mental health charity which also works as a social enterprise to provide vocational training for those suffering from mental health issues.

Oakleaf Enterprise was registered as a charity in 1997 and has since then worked hard to benefit people in need. Their main focus is delivering vocational training and work experience in upholstery, horticulture and IT, enabling clients to gain new skills, as the first step on their return to the workplace.

Some of our team members took part in a firewalk to raise money and support Oakleaf last year. Read about it here.

About mental health

Mental health problems can present in a wide variety of ways and out of Guildford, Waverley and Woking’s 214,900 population of 18 to 64-year-olds, it is estimated that 19,242 people suffer mixed depression and anxiety.

Overall, one in four people suffers from anxiety and stress which can have a considerable impact on their work life. Recognising problems early and implementing initiatives to support staff and colleagues will be of real benefit to them.

At Advance TRS, we understand that reducing work-related stress can be hugely beneficial to all. We take our obligation to ensure the health, safety and welfare of employees seriously. Our comprehensive wellness programme and mental health awareness training have recently been recognised as Advance TRS were shortlisted as finalists in the Workplace Mental Health and Wellbeing category in the Solent Business Awards 2019.

Follow our fundraising activities on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn for the latest news and take a look at our Advance Advice on Mental Health in the workplace for further information.

#ATRS10KCHALLENGE

A question that is often asked during interviews and that can be difficult to answer: what are your weaknesses? This blog is dedicated to exactly this question, to give you some guidance on how to answer it professionally. 

Firstly, remember that there is no “one size fits all” approach to answering this question. We suggest you find the way that works best for you. When you prepare for the interview, sit down and tailor the answer to yourself. 

For more interview tips and other useful guides, take a look at our Advance Advice section.

Where to start

A good way to start is to describe your weakness to the interviewer(s). For example, you could start by saying “My big weakness is sometimes doubting my work.”

You don’t want to eliminate yourself from the race by mentioning something too negative. However, you also want to show that you’re human, and nobody’s perfect. 

Put it into context

This will help the interviewers understand why you perceive this particular habit to be a weakness of yours. You can also demonstrate whether or how it affects your daily work. So using the above-described example of a weakness, you could say “I hold myself and my work to a high standard and want to make sure that everything is done right. Sometimes this means that I don’t come forward with an idea or that I take more time to finish a task I have been working on.”

Your learnings 

Lastly, explain to the interviewer how you are dealing with this weakness and what you might have learnt from it. In the above example, it might be that you’re working on worrying less and voicing your ideas more often, while still putting a focus on delivering high-quality work.

If you go into the interview prepared, having come up with a suitable answer for you, then you have nothing to worry about. Remember that the main focus for the interviewers is to find out whether your skill set and personality are the right fit for their team. 

Are you looking to take the next step in your career? 

Advance TRS is growing quickly and we are always looking for ambitious, driven people to join the team. If you are interested to find out more about our current opportunities, visit our website or for a discrete conversation, contact Jessica Wells, Talent Acquisition Manager.

The latest news this week in the Property Industry:

Higgins to deliver affordable homes at former Shredded Wheat Factory

Higgins has secured a £44m contract to deliver affordable homes at the former Shredded Wheat Factory in Hertfordshire. Read more…

Summer start for 350-flat Nottingham scheme

Plans to build nearly 350 private rental flats on a car park next to Nottingham Railway Station have secured funding. Read more…

Southern Housing Group to develop 488 new homes in London

Southern Housing Group has signed up to six new southeast and London development sites, which will add 488 new homes to its pipeline. Read more…

Winvic to construct £47.3m PRS scheme in Milton Keynes

Winvic Construction has been appointed by Packaged Living to construct a £47.3m Private Rented Sector (PRS) scheme in the heart of Milton Keynes. Read more…

Browse our latest rail jobs here.
Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Property Industry:

Is there a commercial property boom on the horizon?

According to a new study from finance specialist, Together, small and medium-sized businesses are set to drive a commercial property boom in the next two years as they move or extend their existing site for additional staff and equipment. Read more…

Browse our latest rail jobs here.
Register for job alerts here.

Many of us spend a big chunk of our workdays at a desk. So it might not come as a surprise that your workspace can make a big difference to your motivation and productivity. A tidy desk can equal a clear mind and help you work more efficiently. We’ve collated some tips to help you improve your workplace.

Plants

Having plants around you won’t just give your workspace a nicer look and feel, they also help to keep the air fresher and cleaner. 

Desks and chairs – quality counts

We spend big chunks of our days sitting at desks. This can have a significant impact on your posture and general wellbeing. A desk that allows you to adjust its height, so you can either stand or sit down while working can make a real difference to your health and productivity.

It is also worth investing in chairs that support the back and enable an ideal sitting position. 

Bright and breezy

It’s also a good idea to keep the office light and bright, using lighter shades for your walls instead of dark colours. The odd splash of colour here and there will give it a great look. 

Utilise and maximise natural daylight wherever you can as this, too, will help with productivity. 

Offer storage options

A cluttered desk means more distractions and can impact your productivity and concentration. Having storage options where you can put paperwork and utensils will keep your desk much tidier and in turn, help to stay focused. 

We hope these points give you some inspiration for improvements you might have been wanting to make to your own workspace!

Are you looking to take the next step in your career?

If you’re a driven and ambitious individual and you’re currently looking to take the next step in your career then we’d love to hear from you. 

Advance TRS is growing quickly, so we are always looking for new people to join the team. If you are interested to find out more about our current opportunities, visit our website or for a discrete conversation, contact Paul Metcalfe, Advance TRS CEO on 07793 554 413 or email pme@advance-trs.com.

The latest news this week in the Property Industry:

Blueground launches first properties in London

Real estate technology company Blueground has launched its first collection of furnished apartments in London. Read more…

Barratt has built 793 homes in Bristol in 12 months

Barratt Developments has built 793 homes in the Bristol region in the last 12 months, and brought more than £47m to local communities. Read more…

Browse our latest rail jobs here.
Register for job alerts here.

While there are some definite parallels between sales and recruitment roles, if you’re a skilled salesperson there are many reasons why you might want to consider becoming a recruitment consultant. Take a look at some of them below. Could a career move be on the cards for you? 

Transferable skillset

As a salesperson, you’ll probably have learnt to deal with rejection, acquired some good negotiating skills and are used to picking up the phone to speak to strangers for a large portion of your day. All of these are deemed some of the most difficult aspects of recruitment, and as you’re familiar with them already, you’ll be able to hit the ground running!

Uncapped commission

Due to the uncapped commission structures in most recruitment businesses, the sky really is the limit here in terms of earnings. The more people you place, the more you bill and the more you will take home at the end of the month. What’s not to like?!

Career progression

If you’re a driven and hard-working individual, you’ll be able to progress quickly in recruitment, with potential to move from Resourcer to Principal Consultant in a comparatively short space of time. You’ll play an active role in the company’s success and might soon be a team leader yourself. An opportunity you won’t want to miss out on!

The focus is on people

If you enjoy working with people then you will enjoy a role in recruitment. You’ll speak to people for most of your working day, building relationships and with those, your network. If someone has had a great experience being placed in their ideal job by you, they’re likely to stay in contact and reach out to you again once they’re looking to make their next career move. 

These are just some of the reasons for considering a move from sales to recruitment. If you think you’ve got what it takes to become the next recruitment superstar and you’re driven and ambitious, then we want to hear from you! 

Advance TRS is growing quickly, so we are always looking for new people to join the team. If you are interested to find out more about our current opportunities, visit our website or for a discrete conversation, contact Paul Metcalfe, Advance TRS CEO on 07793 554 413 or email pme@advance-trs.com.

The latest news this week in the Property Industry:

FBM Architects given go ahead for 30 homes in Lambeth

FBM Architects have secured planning consent for 30 homes across two sites within the Ashmole Estate in Lambeth, London, for housing association Metropolitan Thames Valley. Read more…

Calls for ‘more ambitious’ green housing goals

A government consultation is looking to set out a ‘Future Homes Standard’ for residential developments in a bid to reduce the UK’s carbon emissions from housing. Read more…

Browse our latest rail jobs here.
Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Property Industry:

RICS delivering better fire safety with new UN backed global standard

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has collaborated with a coalition of over 70 international organisations to develop a new fire safety global standard. Read more…

UK Board strengthened with new appointments

The start of 2020 has seen a strengthening of the RICS UK Board, with the appointments of both Anthea Harries and Anthony Walker. Read more…

Browse our latest rail jobs here.
Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Property Industry:

Rendall & Ritter announce RTM expansion

Residential property management company, Rendall & Rittner, has announced that it is strengthening its business portfolio by expanding its Right to Manage offering. Read more…

900 new homes to be built at Meridian One

Enfield council and developer Vistry Partnerships (formerly Galliford Try Partnerships) have agreed to deliver approximately 900 new homes at Meridian One. Read more…

HBF summit reveals that environmental challenges remain key

According to new research revealed by the Home Builders Federation, twenty percent of people cite the environment as one of the top three key issues facing the country. Read more…

Browse our latest rail jobs here.
Register for job alerts here.

It has been another busy year for Advance TRS, from award nominations to charity fundraisers and growing the business – we feel that we have achieved a lot and want to share some of the highlights with you.

Welcoming our new MD of Construction

In April Matt Bray joined the business as Managing Director of Construction. Matt has significant experience leading recruitment teams, B2B sales and senior appointments and his experience and presence have brought a positive, professional influence to the team. He’s continuing the expansion of the company’s growing Construction division.

Awards nominations

We were shortlisted for several awards this year, including the Recruitment Company of the Year category of the Property Management Awards and the Workplace Mental Health and Wellbeing Award of the Solent Business Awards.

We’re proud to be recognised for our hard work and will continue to strive for excellence throughout the new year.

Wise beyond our years

It was our 8th birthday in September and the business has come a long way since its humble origins in 2011. Starting as a one-man band, Andy, Group Managing Director quickly grew the business from strength to strength.

Whilst continuing to grow and improve the business, Advance TRS maintain committed to providing excellent customer service to both candidates and clients alike.

Presenting the new company charter

In October our new company charter was presented business-wide. It was put together by our Board of Directors and Marketing & Development Manager, who made sure that it covers values that are important to us as a business and which we believe should be reflected in our day-to-day work and interactions with clients and colleagues.

We pledge to focus on delivering a quality service, respecting one another and doing what we say we do which ties in well with our Core Values of Quality, Commitment, Integrity, Honesty and Loyalty.

Fundraising efforts

The team has been busy fundraising this year and we managed to donate more than 4k to charities including Macmillan, Railway Children and Surrey-based mental health charity Oakleaf. We baked, walked over hot coals and wore our favourite Christmas jumpers to raise money, and we’re already discussing opportunities for next year.

A big thank you to everyone who donated so generously! Keep an eye out for more Advance TRS fundraising stories in the new year!

At Advance TRS we are always looking for driven and ambitious individuals to join the team. If this is you and you would like to work for a business that values its employees’ contribution to its success then we would love to hear from you!

To find out more about our current opportunities, visit our careers page, or for a discrete conversation, contact Paul Metcalfe, Advance TRS CEO on 07793 554 413 or email pme@advance-trs.com.

The latest news this week in the Property Industry:

£650m village development in Scotland gets the nod

Springfield Properties has gained planning consent for a 3,042-home village development at Durieshill in Stirling – believed to be the largest development to be approved in Scotland. Read more…

Barton wins £150m Salford flats scheme

Management contractor Barton PM, part of Barton Group Services, has been selected to deliver a landmark residential scheme in Salford. Read more…

Browse our latest rail jobs here.
Register for job alerts here.

Recently, the ‘I’m a celebrity’ contestants were asked what percentage of adults think that Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year and the answer was only 34%.

While Christmas is meant to be a time of joy and peace, for many it is the most stressful time of the year, with overwhelming family and financial pressures.

We have collated our top tips to help you have a more relaxed festive period.

It’s ok not to do everything

While it can be nice to visit family over Christmas, for some it might mean it will make the holidays more stressful having to navigate traffic and travel across the country. Remember that it’s ok to stay home and have a few quiet days to yourself if that’s what you prefer.

Stick to your budget

Giving gifts is great, but we can all be guilty of overspending sometimes and this is a popular time for doing so. Setting yourself a budget for presents and sticking to it will help you not only feel less stressed about money but will also do your wallet a favour.

Look out for better deals

Check websites like eBay for better deals. You can buy unused or good as new second-hand items for a much lower price.

Do it yourself

You don’t always need to buy presents. It can be just as nice to gift something you have made yourself, for example, some homemade baked goods or jams.

Christmas cards – you don’t have to send them

Writing Christmas cards, making sure you have the right address for everyone and posting all of them on time can be stressful. It can also be quite an expensive affair. Save some time, money and the environment by either sending out a nice Christmas email to everyone this year or, if you don’t feel like it, not sending cards at all.

We hope that these tips help you feel calmer in the run-up to Christmas.

If you think a new career is on the cards for you then keep an eye out for our blog next week where we will talk about how you can make use of your time off during the festive season to be best prepared for your job search in the new year.

To find out more about our current opportunities, visit our careers page, or for a discrete conversation, contact Paul Metcalfe, Advance TRS CEO on 07793 554 413 or email pme@advance-trs.com.

If you are looking for roles in the rail, water, construction or property sectors, take a look at our latest vacancies and apply!

HMRC is due to announce a Reform to the IR35 off-payroll legislation in the Private Sector. The Advance TRS approach to IR35 is being exceptionally well received by clients we have recently consulted with, mitigating risk for our clients with a compliant and insured solution.

Consultation dates are still available in 2019 – book your free session now.

Lessons learned from the Public Sector

Since the Public Sector Reform last year our Group Operations Director, Paul Merton, has worked hard to create a method of engagement that facilitates the continuation of supply of professional contractors in the correct manner via a professional services company.

He has attended a large number of IR35 seminars including several HMRC consultation meetings earlier this year. As a business rooted in the engineering recruitment sector, we are fully aware of the need to sustain a skilled workforce that can move freely from one project to the next without the need to be engaged as an employee.

Whilst IR35 in its initial form afforded many contractors significant tax benefits, the more recent changes have brought about a very clear definition of controls and the manner in which these workers must engage. Advance TRS has invested a great amount of time in understanding these controls and building them into our management system.

Rather than seeking to bring an end to contracting and force contractors into employment contracts that they do not necessarily want or need, we have dedicated our time to creating a contractual solution that demonstrates very clear processes and compliance with the guidelines set out by HMRC.

Whilst the reform requires the end-user to provide a determination, it also makes provision for the responsibility to pass to the fee-payer (agency) on the basis that ‘reasonable care’ has been shown in the determination. It is our intention as a business to ensure that all contractors are engaged correctly with a clearly defined control mechanism and auditable due diligence across Umbrella, PAYE, CIS self-employed and Professional Service Company.

Responsible compliance processes

The change in responsibility that is set out in the Private Sector Reform along with the opportunity to focus on the compliance of all parties in the supply chain has prompted us to review how we supply contractors to our clients.

The Advance TRS process of compliance will allow us to administer an honest and realistic ‘outside IR35’ determination that has been professionally assessed and insured to allow our clients to demonstrate ‘reasonable care’ in the eyes of HMRC.

Advance TRS is committed to partnering with any client who engages contractors through us and will provide full support and disclosure of associated documentation where required.

Managing costs and administration

The Public Sector Reform brought about numerous blanket ‘inside IR35’ determinations which saw large numbers of contractors increase their rates by 15-25% to accommodate the rise in taxation, HMRC have been clear in their guidance that they do not expect to see this in the Private Sector Reform.

Advance TRS provide a solution that not only facilitates the correct manner of engagement for these workers but will also allow clients to remove intermediaries from the supply chain who will become a cost to the business rather than providing a viable route to market. Whilst Advance TRS are unable to remove the responsibility for the determination from the end-user, we are able to provide an auditable and insured solution that will allow us to take responsibility for administering the determination itself. As a partner supplier, we firmly believe we can deliver the administration service for a nominal charge.

Contractor engagement – documentation and legislation

The end result of this process is to facilitate seamless and compliant administration and engagement of a contractor base who will each be determined and contractually engaged in the correct manner.

Due to the current political climate, the timescales for implementing these changes will become increasingly smaller once we enter 2020. The Reform also offers clients an opportunity to review their existing supply chain and the contracts of engagement that are in place with their contractors as well as the umbrella companies they engage.

The risk of poor compliance processes in the supply chain is that it can leave clients exposed if relevant legislation updates are not addressed adequately.

Don’t leave it too late, speak to us now about any questions or concerns you might have! Contact our IR35 Lead Paul Merton on 01483 361061 or ir35@advance-trs.com to book your free consultation.

Competition is rife; the current job market is flooded with candidates who could stand in your way to securing that perfect next career move, so how do you make sure you come out on top?

We’re taking a look at the tips and insight that Andy Ridout, Group MD of Advance TRS, previously provided:

Get your CV in shape

Over the course of my career, I have read hundreds of thousands of CVs and can safely say that employers have too, this is why it is so important to present yours correctly. You might find our CV writing tips useful to help you update it. We also have a CV template available for download.

Presentation

We are looking for CVs that reflect professionalism and to achieve this, presentation is key. A good CV should begin by listing your educational attainment, followed by your most recent, relevant jobs with dates of employment. Underneath each job include a short summary of the responsibilities and duties you were given whilst in the role, highlighting your achievements, strengths and expressing your ambitions.

Make your summaries to the point and relevant, this will ensure we can quickly access your best features and match you to a role as fast as possible.
It can be very easy to get carried away with fancy fonts and italics but in my experience, this rarely looks professional. I would strongly recommend that text is kept to a standard size (10/11) and a professional and clear looking font (Calibri is a favourite of mine).

Read the job description

Unfortunately, all too often we receive CVs from candidates who have not read the job description correctly; an absolute pet peeve for employers. So, before you apply, please make sure you have all the necessary qualifications and experience; if you don’t we will not send your CV to our client.

Make your CV role-specific

Once you have established that you meet the role’s requirements make sure you tailor your CV accordingly. It can be tempting to try to cut corners with a generic ‘one size fits all’ CV but unlikely you’ll display your abilities to their full capacity or get the intended response. Do your research; know the company and re-word your CV to demonstrate that you are the right person for the job.

Go Niche

I have made a successful recruitment career from understanding the specifics and technicalities of the Rail Industry. At Advance TRS, we deal with jobs in 4 different sectors, making us specialist recruiters in Rail, Property, Construction and Water. This allows us to be the first point of call for candidates who require a recruitment team who understands industry jargon and has solid relationships with the top employers in their field.

The interview

Once Advance TRS have secured you an interview we will do everything we can to help you through the process. Interviewers are looking for people who will fit in with the company’s current employees as well as the professional image and reputation they wish to portray. It is essential that your clothes, body language and conduct reflect this since first impressions definitely last.

It is a good idea to stage the interview with a friend or family member the night before. This will give you the opportunity to practice being put on the spot and allow you to prepare your answers to any tricky questions, undoubtedly boosting your confidence during the actual scenario.

Remember, the service we provide you with is free, we don’t get paid unless we find you a job so, if you suit our client’s requirements we will do our best to help you secure your dream job.

For your next career move get in touch with a member of the team at Advance TRS on 01483 361 061.

We’re delighted to announce that we have been shortlisted for the Perkbox Workplace Culture Awards, which recognise the businesses who go above and beyond to ensure employees are happy in their work-life balance. 

Please vote for us in the medium-sized category of the awards

As recruiters we really understand that talented and motivated staff is the key to any successful business and creating a fantastic working environment is one of our top priorities. 

The positive mental health and wellbeing of our colleagues are of high importance to our board and senior management team and we have therefore committed significant time as a business to ensure all employees feel supported and can access help.

We have appointed two trained Mental Health First Aiders and provide a Wellbeing Hub on our Intranet, offering impartial and confidential support via a 24-hour counselling helpline. We also run quarterly Workshops with all staff to increase general awareness, explaining what support is available and highlighting different methods of self-help or wellness techniques for everyday living.

The comprehensive benefits and rewards package we offer to our staff includes a private company pension scheme, a premium-free Group Private Medical Insurance plan and access to our exciting perks and discounts platform facilitated by Perkbox, amongst other things. 

To find out more about Advance TRS and what our colleagues think, watch this short video or take a look at our website.

If you want to take the next step in your career look no further, Advance TRS are hiring! We are always looking for talented and motivated individuals, as part of our business’s strategic talent acquisition programme. Whether you are an entrepreneurial individual, established recruitment team or small businesses with shared values, we would love to hear from you.

If you are interested in joining Advance TRS’s recruitment teams or business support staff in our Port Solent or Guildford offices, contact Paul Metcalfe for a discrete conversation on 07793 55 413 or apply online.

Our Group Managing Director Andy Ridout and Rail Director Michael Schruyers, were delighted to attend another great Institution of Railway Signal Engineers (IRSE) Scottish Section Dinner at the Marriott Hotel in Glasgow on 14th November.

A very big thank you goes out to everyone attending the dinner who donated so generously and raised £3,681 for children’s charity Railway Children!

Andy Ridout, Advance TRS Group MD, has been championing the charity for a number of years and is delighted with the amount raised – another substantial donation for a great cause, which will go towards helping the most vulnerable children worldwide.

“I can’t thank guests of the IRSE Scottish Section Dinner enough for their contributions” comments Andy.

“It’s incredible to see so many from the rail industry come together to change the lives of thousands of disadvantaged children each year.”

Railway Children is an international children’s charity, with outreach teams operating out of the UK, India and East Africa. Donations help to fund street teams that seek out children living in squalid conditions on the streets, where the charity’s team of experts can meet the child’s immediate needs and attempt to reintegrate them back into normality.

Since establishing in 2011, giving back to those less fortunate and advancing others has been a central motivator for founder Andy Ridout and the growing Advance TRS team, with new challenges, including the Oakleaf Firewalk, being completed every year.

Read more about our fundraising activities.

At Advance TRS we pride ourselves on being the best we can be and delivering a premium quality service to our candidates and clients alike. In order to deliver this, we look for people with the right qualities and habits so we can equip them with the tools to be the best recruiters. 

Personally, I didn’t pursue the academic route, but that definitely did not stop me. At my peak, I billed over £1million in a year. How? Because I am tenacious, determined, competitive and I work hard. 

This drive has taken me from a recruitment novice to million-pound biller, and from business start-up to successful business owner, founder and MD of a multi-million-pound business. 

Delivering premium recruitment solutions is not easy, it can be arduous and is hard work. However, as a successful consultant, the rewards can be huge. To rival the biggest billers there are a few qualities that are essential for success. 

Here are some we look for in new starters, see if you think you have what it takes. 

Ambitious

Top performers are ambitious and goal-oriented. We are looking for people who are not satisfied with simply plodding along. We are looking for those who will go above and beyond to chase down their goals and are hungry to push themselves to the next level. 

Hard-working

Inevitably the best recruiters simply work harder and smarter than everyone else. No one likes a busy fool, so implement time management strategies effectively to get the most out of your time, avoid the distractions, and get on the phone. The harder you work, the higher the rewards, your only limit is you! 

Focused

Focus is essential to running your desk. A successful 360 consultant will need to effectively multi-task to keep all the plates of the recruitment process spinning – so to make this easier, keep your desk and your plan focused and organised so you don’t fall into the trap of being busy doing nothing. 

Optimistic

Recruitment can be tough and full of rejection, so having a positive outlook is essential for success. Those who expect to succeed more often than not are the ones who are prepared to put in the time and the work to make it happen. Plus… some studies indicate that optimists outsell pessimists by up to 40%!

Competitive

Our top performers don’t want to just do well, they want to be the best. By pushing themselves and each other the whole team does better. We run regular incentives and competitions in addition to sharing league tables and company records to spur on a little friendly competition in the team. 

Clear communicator

Be it in person, on the phone, via email or social media, recruitment consultants are constantly talking to people. To be successful it is essential that you can effectively communicate with others, to ensure full understanding and effectively market yourself, the business and opportunities. 

Confident

In order to build relationships and networks, you need a little dose of confidence, however, don’t confuse confidence with arrogance. Your clients and candidates need to be sure that you are the right person for the job.  

Self-motivated

A career in recruitment gives you the unparalleled opportunity to build your own business and write your own paycheck if you are motivated to succeed. No one will do it for you, you need to have the passion and drive to get up in the morning and make your desk a success. 

Persistent

Never give up, ever. 

Personable

People buy from people, so we are looking for people with something about them. A character and personality that makes them stand out from the crowd. At Advance TRS we embrace each other’s quirks and look for likeminded people to fit in our band of misfits.

Do you think you have what it takes to give our big billers a run for their money? If you have the qualities we are looking for get in touch to see how we can advance your career. Visit our website or for a discrete conversation contact Paul Metcalfe, Advance TRS CEO on 07793 554 413 or email pme@advance-trs.com.

We have taken a look at what can help you lower your stress levels.

In 2018/19 a staggering 602,000 workers in the UK suffered from work-related stress, depression or anxiety and 12.8 million working days were lost as a result, according to a Labour Force Survey (LFS).

Long-term stress can have big effects on an individual’s mental and physical health and therefore it’s important to take steps to alleviate it. There are simple things we can all incorporate into our daily routines to help us cope better.

Exercise

While physical activity won’t make stress disappear, it is proven to significantly improve mood and wellbeing by metabolising excessive stress hormones, helping you feel calmer. If you start to feel overwhelmed, going for a brisk walk can help you relax.

A good night’s sleep

Lack of sleep is a major cause of stress and unfortunately, when we feel stressed it can be difficult to fall asleep. Therefore, it’s important to take time to relax before going to bed. Taking a warm bath or reading a book can both help to calm your brain. Try to avoid having caffeinated drinks during the late afternoon and evening. You will soon notice how much calmer you feel after a relaxing night’s sleep.

Communicate

Talking to someone, whether a colleague, friend or family member, can make a significant difference in how you feel. It might distract you from stressful thoughts for some time or even release some of the built-up tension.

Avoid caffeine

Try to avoid over-consumption of caffeine or at least reduce it when you are already feeling stressed, as this might increase the stress response in your body. Instead, why not try herbal or fruit teas?

Make a to-do list

Prioritising your work will help you identify the tasks that make a real difference, so you can complete these first and leave less important work to last. Ticking tasks off as you go will also give you a sense of accomplishment. Just remember that your in-tray will most likely never be empty.

At Advance TRS, we prioritise our staff’s wellbeing and get together every week to practise relaxation techniques, go for walks at lunchtime or just chat. We also offer a Wellbeing Hub and have appointed qualified Mental Health First Aiders, who will act as the first point of contact for anyone feeling stressed or overwhelmed.

We are currently recruiting, so if you want to work for a company that places mental wellbeing and dealing with the causes of stress as a priority, send us your CV or take a look at our latest vacancies.

Last Thursday everyone at Advance TRS got together at our Guildford office for an update on how the business is performing and the presentation of our new company charter.

We were very pleased to hear how well both offices had done over the past six months, already outperforming the previous 12 months by some measures! Some of our colleagues broke their own performance records and many team members are well on their way to securing a ticket to Las Vegas, next year’s company incentive trip – our biggest one yet!

The second part of the conference was dedicated to our new company charter, put together by the Board of Directors and our Marketing & Development Manager. It covers values that are important to us as a business and which we believe should be reflected in our day-to-day work and interactions with clients and colleagues.

We pledge to focus on delivering a quality service, respecting one another and doing what we say we do which ties in well with our Core Values of Quality, Commitment, Integrity, Honesty and Loyalty.

While maintaining our strong reputation as dependable, effective and honest, Advance TRS continues to grow and therefore we are always looking for driven and ambitious individuals to join the team. If this is you and you would like to work for a business that values its employees’ contribution to its success then we would love to hear from you!

To find out more about our current opportunities, visit our careers page, or for a discrete conversation, contact Paul Metcalfe, Advance TRS CEO on 07793 554 413 or email pme@advance-trs.com.

Going for an interview can be a daunting experience, however, a little practice can make you feel much more prepared and at ease. Below is a list we collated of some of the interview dos and don’ts that go beyond doing your homework and researching the company.

What you should do

Arrive early

We recommend being at the place of the interview around 5 to 10 minutes prior. That shows that you have good time management skills. Be mindful that arriving too early can come across just as bad as being late.

Pay attention to your position

Make sure that you face your interviewer and are sitting up straight, not slumped in your chair. This will automatically make you feel more confident and help the interviewer form a positive opinion on you. It is also a good idea to make eye contact throughout, however, don’t overdo it.

Consider your answers

While you shouldn’t leave too long a gap between a question being asked and giving your answer (to the point where it gets uncomfortable), do take time to consider what you want to say and how to word it.

Be authentic

The interviewer, your potential new manager or colleague, needs to be able to get a feel for whether you will fit well into the company not only because you have the right skill set, but also the right personality. Be approachable and take time to smile.

Dress appropriately

If you’re not 100% sure what the dress code will be, it is always a good idea to dress smart. It is an interview after all, even if you will be able to wear more casual clothes on a day to day basis.

What you shouldn’t do

Don’t stress yourself out before the interview

Most people find interviews to be nerve-wracking, however, try not to stress yourself out too much before your appointment.

Don’t fidget too much

Try to keep your hands visible rather than starting to click a pen under the table. Interviewers will understand that you are nervous but fidgeting too much might not give a good impression of yourself.

Don’t forget that anyone you meet could be your future colleague

So be kind to everyone you encounter at the company.

Don’t speak ill of previous employers

It never comes across well to speak negatively about previous colleagues, managers or employers.

Don’t make up answers

If you don’t know the answer to a question it is better to admit it rather than trying to come up with one.

For more interview tips and techniques take a look at the Advance Advice section on our website.

If you’re a driven individual currently looking to take the next step in their career then we’d love to hear from you. Advance TRS is growing quickly, so we are always looking for new people to join the team. If you are interested to find out more about our current opportunities, visit our website or for a discrete conversation, contact Paul Metcalfe, Advance TRS CEO on 07793 554 413 or email pme@advance-trs.com.

Advance TRS are delighted to be shortlisted as Finalists in the Property Management Awards 2019 for the Recruitment Company of the Year Award.

The team are delighted to be recognised for their dedication to delivering premium quality recruitment solutions to their clients and candidates alike.

Our property services recruitment experts have first-hand experience within the sector, where they gained the very best knowledge of the roles they recruit for and the challenges clients and candidates face. This first-hand experience allows us to fully qualify our candidates, ensuring they only put forward the very best calibre.

Group Founder and Managing Director, Andy Ridout explains;

“The team is committed to finding only the best candidates for our clients and ensure they are carefully qualified and suitable for the relevant role. I’m absolutely delighted to see the team’s hard work and efforts recognised in the Property Management Awards shortlist.”

The rapidly growing recruitment company, specialising in the provision of highly-skilled technical professionals for the built environment employs some of the industry’s most experienced professionals and MD Andy plans to more than double the workforce in the next couple of years and open offices in further locations.

Whilst continuing to grow and improve the business, Advance TRS maintain committed to providing excellent customer service to both candidates and clients alike. With business development plans firmly rooted in our five Core Values of Quality, Commitment, Integrity, Honesty and Loyalty, Advance TRS aims to continue this pattern of growth whilst maintaining our strong reputation as dependable, effective and honest.

“Advance TRS’ success has proven that hard work and a dedication to delivering excellent service pays off” Andy explains.

“Now, the team and I continue to be more motivated than ever and are excited for what the future brings.”

If you’re a driven individual who likes to contribute to their brand’s success then we’d love to hear from you. Advance TRS is growing quickly, so we are always looking for new people to join the team. If you are interested to find out more about our current opportunities, visit our website or for a discrete conversation, contact Paul Metcalfe, Advance TRS CEO on 07793 554 413 or email pme@advance-trs.com.

There are many ways offices can become more sustainable and thus be more environmentally friendly. We have collated a list to name just some of the steps companies can take.

Turn off computers when they’re not in use

Make sure when you leave the office that you switch off your computer rather than just locking it. It’s also a good idea to set a relatively short time for your PC to go into standby mode when not in use, for example when you leave your desk to go to lunch.

Use fewer paper towels

Where possible, use hand dryers instead of paper towels and make sure that taps are turned off so they are not left running for a long period of time. Make sure they are turned off completely and don’t drip. A tap that leaks at a rate of one drop per second can waste more than 25 litres of water a day!

Turn off lights when you leave the room

If you’re the last one to leave the office, make sure to switch off all lights and don’t leave them on overnight. Ensure to do the same when you leave rooms.

Cut down on paper

While going paperless might not be possible for every business, try to cut down on printing and encourage paperless meetings, where the agenda and presentations can be displayed on a screen instead.

Recycle and reuse

Another great way to help the environment is to recycle any waste and go for reusables instead of disposables. It’s much better to give your plate and cutlery a quick wash than throwing them away – they will just end up in landfill!

There is much more that can be done but even if you can’t make all the changes, a few small ones can make a big difference!

We care about the environment

At Advance TRS we are making more and more changes, including the above, to make sure that we minimise our impact on the environment. We remind colleagues to print off only the necessary and use projectors instead where possible. To make implementing the changes more fun and get everyone involved, we are even looking at turning some of them into challenges. For example, if we see a colleague use disposable cups and cutlery on a regular basis and throw them away, they might be asked to put some change in a jar. The money collected can then go towards buying everyone Advance TRS branded travel mugs.

We are currently recruiting, so if you want to work for a company that places the environment as a priority send us your CV or take a look at our latest vacancies.

Today six of our colleagues braved the firewalk for World Mental Health Day 2019 and raised an amazing £559.25 for Surrey-based mental health charity Oakleaf Enterprise. A big thanks to everyone who donated so generously! 

Before the walk, the team received an hour’s training where they learned how to master the walk. It also involved snapping arrows on their necks.

Since establishing, charity work and fundraising have been a key priority for Founder Andy Ridout and the wider Advance TRS team and everyone did really well today and made it look so easy!

The charity

Oakleaf Enterprise is a Surrey-based mental health charity which also works as a social enterprise to provide vocational training for those suffering from mental health issues.

It was registered as a charity in 1997 and has since then worked hard to benefit people in need. Their main focus is delivering vocational training and work experience in upholstery, horticulture and IT, enabling clients to gain new skills, as the first step on their return to the workplace.

About mental health

Mental health issues are common and can present in a wide variety of ways. One in four people suffers from anxiety and stress which can have a considerable impact on their work life. Recognising problems early and implementing initiatives to support staff and colleagues will be of real benefit to them. 

At Advance TRS, we prioritise the mental wellbeing of our staff and understand that reducing work-related stress can be hugely beneficial to all. We take our obligation to ensure the health, safety and welfare of employees seriously. Our comprehensive wellness programme and mental health awareness training have recently been recognised as Advance TRS were shortlisted as finalists in the Workplace Mental Health and Wellbeing category in the Solent Business Awards 2019. 

Follow our fundraising activities on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn for the latest news and take a look at our Advance Advice on Mental Health for further information.

Mental Health issues are common, especially depression, anxiety and those associated with misuse of alcohol and other drugs. Research indicates that 1 in 4 people experience some form of mental health issue in a year.

There are many myths and misunderstandings about mental health issues stemming from a lack of knowledge. This may result in people avoiding or not responding to someone with mental ill-health or not seeking professional help themselves. With greater community awareness, people will be able to better understand their own mental health and feel more comfortable about seeking out professional assistance.

Early intervention initiatives target those with mental health issues or developing mental health issues to prevent difficulties from becoming more serious and reducing the risk of knock-on effects.

Take a look at our Mental Health Matters Magazine for more information.

What you can do to help your colleagues:

Look out for changes in their mood and behaviour

Are they late or absent from work more? Are they isolating themselves? Do they get agitated easily and often feel overwhelmed? These could all be signs that someone is struggling with their mental health.

Talk! 

If you are concerned about a colleague, check if they’re ok. Ask them if they want to go for a walk or a cup of tea. Create a safe environment so they can open up to you if they need to.

Invite them for lunch 

Especially in contracting, where someone might move roles and businesses regularly, it can help them to feel more included and maintain social contact at work.

Create an environment where mental health is spoken about openly

Let colleagues know that it is ok to ask for help and support and encourage it. An Intranet page with useful links and information on confidential support services that are available can also be useful. 

Do some physical or mindfulness exercises… 

…as a team once or twice a week during lunch. This might become a regular activity that helps your colleagues’ mental wellbeing and acts as a team bonding exercise at the same time.

If you or someone you know needs urgent help or support, there are a variety of services available. Your organisation may also provide you with confidential access to counselling and advice line services.

Remember, you are not alone! 

We take Mental Health seriously

At Advance TRS, we prioritise the mental wellbeing of our staff. To provide a first point of contact when needed, we have appointed qualified Mental Health First Aiders. We also offer a Wellbeing Hub, where confidential support via an EAP helpline can be accessed at any time. These are only some of the steps we have taken and we continue to improve our mental health awareness.

We are currently recruiting, so if you want to work for a company that places Mental Health and Wellbeing as a priority send us your CV or take a look at our latest vacancies.

Looking for a new job can be an exhausting and daunting prospect. What kind of salary can I get? Which companies are hiring? What are the people like? How do I update my CV? What do I say at an interview? These are all questions that can get in the way of you taking your next step in your career. 

It can also be a lonely process if you don’t want to let on to friends and colleagues that you are looking to move, you may be left feeling out on a limb. 

Recruiters can have a bad reputation, but fundamentally they can really help you to find your next role and hold your hand through the process, being a trusted advisor and confidant to help you make your next step the right one.

Here are just a few benefits of working with a recruitment consultant. 

1. Help with updating your CV

If you have been out of the job market for a while, the thought of updating your CV might be a scary one. By working with a recruitment consultant, they can help you through the process, giving you CV templates, tips and tricks or even writing it with you. Don’t hesitate to ask them for support and guidance – a good consultant will know how to make your CV stand out from the rest. Finally, remember this service is free for you! So make sure you get the full benefits of working with a pro. Read our CV writing tips or download our CV template. 

2. Bring you to life

No more battling to be the most eye-catching CV on the pile. Not only can a recruitment consultant help you look great on paper, but they can also bring you to life for the client. By getting to know you and understanding what you have to offer, they can sell you to the client so that before they have even seen your CV they want to meet you. This jumps you to the top of the pile and ahead of the competition. 

3. Finding hidden gems 

Good recruitment consultants have exclusive relationships with their clients, with access to roles that are not openly advertised on the job market. Simply put, your dream job might be out there but you may never see it unless you engage with a consultant well embedded in your industry, working with the companies you want to work for. So do your research to find the consultant representing these companies and let them unlock the hidden gem jobs you didn’t even know about.

4. Salary clarity 

From day one a consultant will know the salary information for roles you are applying for and will work to understand your expectations and value on the market. A consultant can also act as a great advocate in uncomfortable salary conversations to help negotiate on your behalf for the salary you are looking for so you won’t have to wonder if you could have got a higher salary in hindsight. 

5. Interview walkthrough 

Consultants know the client, the locations and their interview style. They are best placed to coach you through the interview process so you can put your best foot forward and feel confident and prepared. It is in the consultant’s interest that you perform well at interview stage if you’re the right person for the role, and having someone in your corner to coach you through the process can make it less stressful. Read our interview tips here. 

At Advance TRS our consultants work in a consultative manner and strive to act as your trusted advisor. Remember as a candidate our service is free and our team are here to help you through the process from start to finish. 

View our latest opportunities here or contact our team on 01483 361061 or info@advance-trs.com.

We have hosted another successful Macmillan Coffee Morning at the Advance TRS Guildford office this year. Everyone supported the fundraising morning by bringing in delicious bakes and generously donating for a great cause and we were able to raise £104, which is more than double last year’s sum.

With so many of our colleagues providing amazing cakes and pastries this year we will need to think about a marathon as our next fundraising challenge, to run off all the calories!

While we were really impressed with everyone’s effort, it was Leanne’s Salted Caramel Sponge Cake that took the crown this year – a well deserved Paul Hollywood handshake for you Leanne! Well done to all our bakers.

Macmillian Cancer Support

Macmillian takes the time to understand the support people need to live their lives as fully as they can. From the moment of diagnosis and whenever they’re most needed, Macmillian here to help people find their best way through. Their help is totally focused on each individual person, so everyone receives the support that’s best for them.

Every day around 1,000 people across the UK will find out that they have cancer.

It’s now estimated that half of all people will receive a cancer diagnosis at some point in their lives. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with an average of around 150 cases diagnosed every day Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with 330,000 men living with prostate cancer in the UK.

People living with Cancer in the workforce

In 2015, there were an estimated 890,000 people of working age living with cancer in the UK. This is set to increase to 1,150,000 by 2030. An estimated 1 in 3 people living with cancer are of working age. 85% of people with cancer who were employed when diagnosed say it was important for them to continue work after diagnosis.

Follow our fundraising activities on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn for the latest news.

Thursday 10th October marks World Mental Health Day and in true Advance TRS fashion, our bravest team members are taking on another challenge. In a bid to raise awareness for mental health and money for a great charity, the team will be focusing their minds over matter and walking on more than 500°C hot coals. 

Since establishing, charity fundraising and awareness-raising have been a key priority for Founder Andy Ridout and the wider Advance TRS team. This latest effort will see our firewalkers take part in an hour-long training seminar by two-time Guinness World Record holder Scott Bell before stepping onto the embers. We wish them the best of luck and will have the ambulance on speed dial.

Please click here to donate and help our team reach their goal.

The charity

The event is hosted by Oakleaf, a Surrey-based mental health charity which also works as a social enterprise to provide vocational training for those suffering from mental health issues.

Oakleaf Enterprise was registered as a charity in 1997 and has since then worked hard to benefit people in need. Their main focus is delivering vocational training and work experience in upholstery, horticulture and IT, enabling clients to gain new skills, as the first step on their return to the workplace.

About mental health

Mental health problems can present in a wide variety of ways and out of Guildford, Waverley and Woking’s 214,900 population of 18 to 64-year-olds, it is estimated that 19,242 people suffer mixed depression and anxiety. 

Overall, one in four people suffers from anxiety and stress which can have a considerable impact on their work life. Recognising problems early and implementing initiatives to support staff and colleagues will be of real benefit to them. 

At Advance TRS, we understand that reducing work-related stress can be hugely beneficial to all, and take our obligation to ensure the health, safety and welfare of employees seriously. Our comprehensive wellness programme and mental health awareness training have recently been recognised as Advance TRS were shortlisted as finalists in the Workplace Mental Health and Wellbeing category in the Solent Business Awards 2019. 

Follow our fundraising activities on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn for the latest news and take a look at our Advance Advice on Mental Health in the workplace for further information.

From the start, it was clear that Andy Ridout had big ambitions for his new business, and that finding likeminded individuals who would have the right drive and hunger would play a central role in making Advance TRS one of the best in its industry.

This September marks Advance TRS’s 8th birthday, and the business has come a long way since its humble origins in 2011. Starting as a one-man band, Andy, Group Managing Director quickly grew the business from strength to strength.

The technical recruitment agency has successfully attracted some of the best recruiters and business professionals to the team, bringing with them an impressive 150 years’ combined industry experience, and are not planning to stop.

Andy’s goal to more than double the workforce in the next couple of years is on track as the business continues to grow the two offices, with plans for more locations on the table. One of our latest recruits, Alex Shaw, has recently joined our South Coast team.

But not only do we boast impressive industry knowledge and experience, but the business also put a big emphasis on our colleagues’ mental health and wellbeing. Advance TRS have appointed trained mental health first aiders and have recently been shortlisted as Finalists in the Workplace Mental Health and Wellbeing category in the Solent Business Awards 2019.

Whilst continuing to grow and improve the business, Advance TRS maintain committed to providing excellent customer service to both candidates and clients alike. With business development plans firmly rooted in our five Core Values of Quality, Commitment, Integrity, Honesty and Loyalty, Advance TRS aims to continue this pattern of growth whilst maintaining our strong reputation as dependable, effective and honest.

“Advance TRS’ success has been proven that hard work and a dedication to delivering excellent service pays off” Andy explains, reflecting on the last 8 years.

“Now, the team and I continue to be more motivated than ever to continue this sensational track record of growth and are excited for what the future brings.”

If you’re a driven individual who likes to contribute to their brand’s success then we’d love to hear from you. 

Advance TRS is growing quickly, so we are always looking for new people to join the team. If you are interested to find out more about our current opportunities, visit our website or for a discrete conversation, contact Paul Metcalfe, Advance TRS CEO on 07793 554 413 or email pme@advance-trs.com.

We are delighted to announce that Alex Shaw has recently joined Advance TRS as Principal Recruitment Consultant, focusing on permanent recruitment for the Water, Wastewater, River engineering and Flood Risk sectors.

Alex is the latest to join the company’s growing South Coast office, based in Port Solent, Portsmouth. The team is headed up by Water & Infrastructure Director, Rob Kelly. With over 8 years’ experience recruiting for the infrastructure, water and environment industries, Alex has joined the office which was established on the South Coast office in June 2018 and is now the 5th recruit to the team. 

The office, with views over the Solent, is Advance TRS’s latest addition as part of the company’s overall acquisition and expansion strategy.

“I’m excited to join Advance TRS to work with Rob and the South Coast team to build on their work over the last few years to further establish the company’s growing water business” Alex explains.

“As a CertRP qualified Recruitment Consultant and Member of the Institute of Recruitment Professionals (MIRP) I take pride in providing expert advice and guidance to Civil Engineers and Hydraulic Modellers looking to work within the UK Water engineering sector. I have built strong relationships with water industry clients and candidates over the past 8 years, and I’m looking forward to providing the same high-quality service to clients and candidates.”

Specialising in permanent recruitment, Alex has assisted hundreds of candidates in achieving their career objectives within Civil Engineering, Hydraulic Modelling and Flood Risk, whilst providing exceptional service to client organisations from SMEs to large multinational consultancy firms.

Group Managing Director, Andy Ridout, says;

“I’m delighted Advance TRS have attracted Alex to join the South Coast team and I feel we have further strengthened our impressive service offering. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience of his specialist areas. I am looking forward to seeing Alex continue his successful career with us.”

With a clear programme of both geographic and market expansion, Advance TRS has branched out into new sectors, now delivering their quality recruitment solutions across the built environment, and plan to further continue geographic expansion into the South West, Midlands and the North.

Advance TRS Non-Executive Director, Paul Metcalfe is responsible for leading the business’s strategic talent acquisition. Metcalfe joined Advance TRS in spring 2017, with a proven track record of delivering business growth.

“We are now embarking on an exciting process of strategic talent acquisition, looking for entrepreneurial individuals, like Alex, or established recruitment teams and small businesses with a shared vision to join the Advance TRS team,” explains Paul. 

Advance TRS is growing quickly, so we are always looking for new people to join the team. If you are interested to find out more about our current opportunities, visit our website staging-advancetrs.kinsta.cloud/about/careers-at-advance/ or for a discrete conversation, contact Paul Metcalfe, Advance TRS CEO on 07793 554 413 or email pme@advance-trs.com. 

Looking for your next role? 

If you are a candidate looking for a career move, then we can offer tailored advice to help you secure your next position. At Advance TRS we pride ourselves in being able to support candidates from Graduate Engineer to Director in finding your next permanent or contract opportunity. Call 01483 361061 or visit our live jobs on staging-advancetrs.kinsta.cloud.

Looking for your next hire? 

If you are working for a client organisation and are looking to grow your team, then we can assist by offering bespoke recruitment programmes, niche headhunting, exclusive candidates and market intelligence. Call 01483 361061 to speak to one of our consultants.

Technical recruitment agency Advance TRS are delighted to be shortlisted as Finalists in the Solent Business Awards 2019 for the Workplace Mental Health and Wellbeing Award. 

As a recruitment business operating within the built environment our employees, contractors and client contracts are working in, statistically, some of the most challenging and stress-inducing environments.

Group Founder and Managing Director, Andy Ridout explains;

“We take our duty of care seriously, investing heavily in building awareness of Mental Health to best support staff and contractors to spot signs of difficulty in themselves and others and ensuring they have the support they need to get help. I’m delighted to see these efforts recognised in the Solent Business Awards shortlist.”

The rapidly growing recruitment company opened offices on the South Coast in 2018, headed up by Water & Infrastructure Director Rob Kelly, formerly of Matchtech. The South Coast office, with views over the sea, is Advance TRS’s latest addition as part of the company’s overall acquisition and expansion strategy and has already grown rapidly, employing more people from the local area. 

Our Marketing & Development Manager, Ella Gardiner champions the business’s Employee Engagement and Wellbeing programme and acts as a go-to person for anyone in the business seeking advice or guidance on how to access further support, or who simply needs to speak to a listening ear. As our Mental Health First Aider, Ella is there to listen to employees, offer support and signpost to methods of self-help or professional support services.

“As we start out in our journey of promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing as a business, this acknowledgement of the work, time and money we have invested so far in our team is really exciting” explains Ella. 

To find out more about Advance TRS’s Mental Health & Wellbeing programme follow us on social media or visit the Advance Advice blog.

If you are looking for a new move in your career look no further, Advance TRS are hiring! We are always looking for talented and motivated individuals, as part of our business’s strategic talent acquisition programme. Whether you are an entrepreneurial individual, established recruitment team or small businesses with shared values, we would love to hear from you.

If you are interested in joining Advance TRS’s recruitment teams or business support staff in our Port Solent or Guildford offices, contact Paul Metcalfe for a discrete conversation on 07793 55 413 or apply online at staging-advancetrs.kinsta.cloud.

Click here to view our CV tips and Click here to download our FREE CV template.

The latest news this week in the Water & Utilities Industry:

G20 agrees global action to reduce ocean plastic

20 environment ministers have agreed to adopt a new voluntary framework of actions to tackle the issue of marine plastic waste on a global scale. Environment and energy ministers of the Group of 20 major economies met in Karuizawa (15-16 June), northwest of Tokyo, ahead of the G20 summit in Osaka, western Japan (28-29 June). Read more…

Ofwat calls for views on developing water resources market

Water regulator Ofwat is seeking views from interested parties about the development and implementation of a bilateral market in water resources in England. A bilateral market would allow water resource providers, other than the incumbent water company, to contract directly for the supply of water resources with retailers operating in the business retail market. Read more…

Light appointed new CCWater chair

Ensuring water consumers’ views shape the decisions of water companies, regulators and policymakers and building a more resilient water sector that reflects people’s growing concern for the environment will be among the most pressing priorities for the new chair of the Consumer Council for Water (CCWater). Read more…

Monitoring technology guide launched by British Water

A live guide to drinking water and wastewater monitoring technology and services has been launched by industry trade association British Water. The web-based document includes clear definitions of monitoring components, parameters and the monitoring requirements of different applications, along with direct links to suppliers able to provide suitable equipment. Read more…

Water firms explore new relationship with energy

Delegates at WWT’s Water Industry Energy Conference heard contributions and shared ideas on optimising energy usage and saving costs. Energy managers and leaders from the UK’s water companies met in Birmingham last week for a day of knowledge-sharing and debate on the future of energy use and generation in the UK water sector. Read more…

Browse our latest Water and Utilities jobs here.

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The latest news this week in the Water & Utilities Industry:

Biffa ups investment in plastic bottle recycling facility to £27.5m

Waste management firm Biffa has announced it will expand the capacity and scope of its new PET plastic bottle recycling facility in County Durham, increasing its total investment to £27.5m, which will take its combined plastics processing capacity to c120,000 tonnes p.a. Read more…

Wessex Water appoints two non-executive directors

Wessex Water has appointed two independent non-executive directors, Kate Mingay and Jim McKenna, to its board. Read more…

National Drought Group agrees support for farmers and wildlife

A National Drought Group (NDG) meeting was convened yesterday (4 June) to review water resources ahead of summer, following a dry winter and spring which has affected river flows and groundwater levels. Read more…

Waitrose unveils package free ‘pick and mix’ trial

A dedicated refillable zone, the UK’s first supermarket frozen ‘pick and mix’ and first borrow-a-box scheme are among a series of ideas being looked at in a unique test from Waitrose & Partners, which has the potential to save thousands of tonnes of unnecessary plastic and packaging. Read more…

Thames Water to build first new sewage works since 2005

Thames Water’s new chief operating officer has announced the company will build its first sewage works since 2005, in Guildford, Surrey. Read more…

Browse our latest Water and Utilities jobs here.

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This weeks latest news in the Rail Industry:

Network Rail works hard to improve the railway each week

Last week on the network with Network Rail, watch here…

Work starts on Horden station, County Durham

Construction of a new station at Horden, near Peterlee, County Durham, has commenced and should be complete by Spring 2020. Read more…

How we’re improving journeys through fewer speed restrictions

Handing back the railway to passenger services at a higher speed is a top priority for our engineers. Read more…

Birmingham Moor Street vision embraces the future and celebrates the past

Over the years, many of Birmingham’s beautiful, historic buildings have been lost to the bulldozers.  Read more…

International Archives Week – Network Rail

This International Archives Week – 3 to 9 June – highlights how archives put people at the heart of information. Read more…

Browse our latest rail jobs here.

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The latest news this week in the Property Industry:

Galliford Try rejects £950m Bovis bid for housing business

Galliford Try has rejected a £950m bid by Bovis Homes to buy its Linden Homes and Partnerships & Regeneration businesses. Read more…

Telford’s profits fall as it shifts focus to build to rent

The housebuilder reports that its profit fell during its financial year, as it turns its attention to build to rent properties in a challenging market. Read more…

Arbroath affordable housing development officially opens

The £8.1m affordable development of 71 urgently needed affordable homes in Arbroath is to be opened by local MSP Graeme Dey. Read more…

April new home starts up 21% as London soars

New homes registrations jumped by a just over a fifth in April compared to the same time last year. Read more…

House prices set to rise in south east London in wake of major regeneration

A new report from JLL has highlighted that property prices in south east London are set to rise are set to rise faster than much of Greater London thanks to significant regeneration throughout the area. Read more…

Browse our latest Property jobs here.

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The latest news this week in the Construction Industry:

Urban Land Institute launches Urban Technology Framework

The Urban Land Institute, creators of sustainable communities, has launched an Urban Technology Framework to help cities advance into the next generation. Read more…

New consulting outfit lands first major contracts

A new consultancy business has picked up a string of wins with major contractors just months after setting-up. Read more…

TfL secures 12 major developments on Crossrail infrastructure sites

Transport for London (TfL) has secured a deal with Aviva Investors to build a mixed-use scheme, above Crossrail infrastructure and opposite the new Liverpool Street Elizabeth line station. Read more…

Plans in for £125m Birmingham build to rent scheme

Developer Taylor Grange has submitted plans to clear an old factory site in Birmingham’s Digbeth area for a 500-home build to rent scheme. Read more…

Major contractors warned again over late payment work ban

Cabinet minister Oliver Dowden has fired another warning at major contractors over late payment. Read more…

Browse our latest Construction jobs here.
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The latest news this week in the Built Environment:

SDS acquires Waterscan’s water recycling business

Water infrastructure systems supplier SDS has announced its acquisition of the water recycling division of Waterscan Ltd and affirmed its strategic vision to advance the development of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) for water reuse. Read more…

First UK housebuilder to debut waste plastic road

Springfield Properties has become the UK’s first housebuilder to use waste plastic to build a road on a housing development. Read more…

Bid race starts for £240m housing upgrade framework

Bids are being invited for places on a £240m framework run by the procurement arm of regional social housing consortium Efficiency North. Read more…

Network Rail unveils new regional managing directors

Network Rail has announced five new regional managing directors as part of its “evolution” towards a more passenger-focused approach. Read more…

Winvic nets 935,000 sq ft M5 business park

Developer St Modwen has struck a deal with industrial shed specialist Winvic to start work on the first phase of its 935,000 sq ft industrial and logistics development in Gloucester. Read more…


Browse our latest jobs here.

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The latest news this week in the Property Industry:

Contract race underway for £500m Tottenham Hale scheme

Plans have been unveiled for a £500m development in Tottenham Hale containing seven residential blocks. Read more…

£1bn regeneration scheme in Merton gains traction

Plans for a £1bn regeneration scheme in the London Borough of Merton have progressed with the submission of two further detailed planning applications. Read more…

Housing association buys house builder to boost construction

Hampshire based housing association Vivid has bought local house builder Bargate Homes. Read more…

Farrans to build tallest offices in Northern Ireland, City Quays 3

Farrans has secured a £50m contract to build the new City Quays 3 project on behalf of Belfast Harbour – the largest development project undertaken by the client to date. Read more…

Average prices in the UK increased by 1.4% in the year to March 2019, official data shows

Average house prices in the UK increased by 1.4% in the year to March 2019, up from 1% in February 2019, the latest official figures shows. Read more…


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The latest news this week in the Built Environment:

Barclays announce further cuts to HTB rates

Barclays has announced that from tomorrow, new rate reductions on Help to Buy mortgage products will come into effect. Read more…

£14m Peak District rail freight extension unveiled

A £14m rail freight extension in the Peak District has been unveiled by Network Rail to boost construction productivity and take lorries off the road. Read more…

Which UK city has been crowned the best for families?

Now in its third year, the annual Family Living Index from MoneySuperMarket reveals this year’s best and worst locations in the UK to raise a family. Read more…

Driverless dump trucks used for first time on A14 site

Earthmoving contractor CA Blackwell has put self-driving trucks to work for the first time on Britain’s biggest road upgrade. Read more…

EA, OS and SEPA develop ‘MasterMap’ of Britain’s watercourses

Ordnance Survey (OS), the Environment Agency (EA) and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have collaborated to bring together a nationally consistent view of Great Britain’s watercourses. Read more…

Browse our latest jobs here.

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The latest news this week in the Property Industry:

Housebuilding props up UK construction sector in April

UK construction output marginally expanded in April driven by the quickest rise in housebuilding so far in 2019, according to the latest construction PMI. Read more…

New buildings must be net zero carbon by 2030

The industry has a little more than 10 years to take all new buildings over to net zero carbon if the Government is to hit its 2050 target on emissions. Read more…

Boom in build to rent lifts 2019 housing starts

Fast growth in multi-storey private rental housing has lifted new home registrations in the first three months of the year. Read more…

£9.4m construction project to deliver new homes in Bexley

Wates Residential has extended its partnership with Orbit after being appointed to help deliver a £9.4m project for new homes in the London Borough of Bexley. Read more…

£40m moveable modular homes deal to help homeless

Extraspace Solutions has won a £40m contract to provide modular homes for homeless Londoners. Read more…

Browse our latest Property jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Construction Industry:

Wates confirms £60m Commonwealth Games pool win

Wates Construction is set to make a splash in the West Midlands after winning the design and build contract for the £60m aquatic centre to host events for the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Read more…

Jacobs appointed to design new private terminal at Manchester Airport

Jacobs has been selected by Manchester Airports Group (MAG) to design its new PremiAir terminal, offering a unique private terminal for passengers flying on commercial airlines. Read more…

Balfour Beatty set for Midland Met finishing deal

Balfour Beatty looks set to seal the deal to complete Carillion’s Midlands Metropolitan Hospital within the £267m finishing budget. Read more…

Network Rail awards signalling contracts worth £750m

Network Rail has awarded six framework contracts worth £750m to deliver signalling and telecoms across the UK. Read more…

Industry giants shamed over late payment

Seven major contracting firms have been removed or suspended from the Government’s Prompt Payment Code for failing to pay suppliers on time. Read more…

Efficiency boost for local housebuilders

Spantherm is an innovative ground floor system from Creagh Concrete that is being adopted by a growing number of local housebuilders. Read more…

Browse our latest Construction jobs here.
Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Built Environment:

Spotlight on earthworks

Extreme weather increases the risks that people and property are typically exposed to. Read more…

Digital UK map of buried utilities to save lives

Work is starting on an ambitious project to draw up a digital map of all UK underground pipes and cables to end strikes and save workers lives. Read more…

Be First appoints McLaren for Barking town regeneration scheme

Be First has confirmed the appointment of McLaren Construction to construct 169 affordable and shared ownership homes at the heart of Barking Town Centre. Read more…

Siemens Mobility submits plans for Goole rolling stock plant

Siemens Mobility has submitted an outline planning application for a £200m rolling stock plant at Goole in East Yorkshire which would manufacture and commission vehicles for the UK market. Read more…

£45m Edinburgh concert hall gets green light

Edinburgh’s first purpose-built music and performance venue for over 100 years has got the green light from city planners. Read more…

Browse our latest jobs here.

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We are thrilled to announce that Matt Bray has joined Advance TRS as Managing Director of Construction. With over 25 years of experience recruiting in the construction, built environment and major infrastructure sectors, Matt has become the ‘go-to’ man in the world of construction recruitment for many of his clients. His knowledge and professional network are a huge asset to the growing recruitment firm.

“I’m thrilled to be able to join Advance TRS, bringing a new line of business to further establish the company’s growing construction sector” he explains.

Matt has a strong track record of using innovative management and business development strategies to work with clients, ranging from major blue chip organisations to successful SME’s, to place senior hires and project leaders. Comfortable and proven in developing strong business relationships, which deliver revenue in a number of sectors, building an enviable portfolio of client contacts and continues to expand his network.

For Matt, “a key skill is the ability to identify a business opportunity, listen to the need of the client and then propose an innovative solution to deliver results. This honest trustworthy approach ensures businesses and people find me easy to deal with and become an integral partner to enhance their business.”

Matt has significant experience leading recruitment teams, B2B sales and senior appointments through a credible and professional approach to the provision of recruitment solutions. His experience and presence have already brought a positive, professional influence to the team, supporting him in his new role to continue the expansion of the company’s growing Construction division.

He brings with him the experience of having previously directed experienced recruitment consultants in delivering both UK wide and International search campaigns, alongside senior level contingency recruitment to the permanent and interim contract markets.

Group Managing Director, Andy Ridout, explains;

“I’m delighted to have attracted Matt to join the Advance TRS leadership team and I feel we have further strengthened our impressive service offering. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience, this combined with an exceptional portfolio of clients, which complement those of the Advance TRS Group.”

“His proven track record and unrivalled knowledge of the Construction sector further imposes Advance TRS Group as a market leader in the Built Environment recruitment sector.”

Matt leads the Construction Division at Advance TRS, providing both permanent and contract recruitment solutions for the UK construction market. With a personal focus on senior and executive hires, his specialist team support with construction project staffing for every phase, from concept and planning through to delivery and commissioning.

See what Matt’s clients say about him:

“I’m always impressed with Matt’s network and knowledge of the construction industry. Matt takes the trouble to understand our business and teams before recommending suitable candidates. This ensures that the behaviour and personality fit is as strong as the skills match. I have no hesitation in recommending Matt and his team.”

“I’ve continued to work with Matt Bray over a number of years, as he understands the industry, and targets candidates that truly meet my requirements.”

“It’s been a pleasure doing business with Matt over a number of years – he’s become my ‘go-to’ man in the world of construction recruitment and makes it his business to understand my business.”

To find out more about Matt, the Construction division at Advance TRS or our full client service offering, call 01483 361 061. Alternatively, click here to search for the latest construction, property, rail and water jobs.

The latest news this week in the Water & Utilities Industry:

Wokingham collects 66 tonnes of food waste in first week

Some 66 tonnes of food waste was collected during the first week of a new separate collection in Wokingham, the borough council has announced. Read more…

Infrastructure leaders launch ambitious health and safety plan

Leaders from across UK infrastructure are joining forces in 2019 to make an ambitious step change in the safety, health and wellbeing of everyone involved in major infrastructure projects in the UK. Read more…

Scottish Water innovation centre now running at full capacity

One of the UK water industry’s most unique development centres is working at full capacity for the first time since its launch less than three years ago – testing innovative treatment technologies with the aim of making processes greener, cheaper and faster. Read more…

Cost of deposit return scheme “largely outweighs gains”, says IEA

The running costs of the government’s proposed deposit return scheme (DRS) for drinks cans and bottles is a very expensive way of achieving very little, according to a new briefing from the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA). Read more…

South East Water in smart metering deal

South East Water is taking part in a digital water meter trial which could revolutionise the way the water industry detects and prevents leaks. Read more…

Browse our latest Water and Utilities jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Construction Industry:

Galliford Try to review construction business

The regeneration and construction group, Galliford Try, has announced that is beginning a strategic review of its construction business. Read more…

Morgan Sindall boosts north west leadership team

Morgan Sindall Construction has strengthened its North West leadership team with new area directors for Liverpool and Manchester. Read more…

Walter Lilly wins £55m London medical HQ project

The specialist building arm of the Renew Group, Walter Lilly has secured a pre-construction services agreement for a £55m headquarters project for the London Institute of Medical Sciences. Read more…

Residential construction output increased by 5% in 2018

Preliminary data indicates that total residential construction output increased by 5% in 2018 to £74.2bn, according to the latest Construction and Housing Forecast Bulletin from AMA Research. Read more…

Autumn start for Mount Anvil’s largest ever scheme

London developer Mount Anvil, in partnership with ExCeL London, has secured planning for phases two and three of its Royal Docks development in East London. Read more…

Browse our latest Construction jobs here.
Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Property Industry:

Brexit impasse continues to challenge the market

The housing market remained subdued in March, a picture that has been evident in the sales market for several months now, according to our latest UK Residential Market Survey. Read more…

£3.5m affordable housing development in Powys underway

A contract to build Powys County Council’s first affordable housing development for social rent in over 40 years has been awarded to a Welsh building company. Read more…

Creating people-centred designs – RICS

Ed Suttie describes how a pioneering project is collecting evidence on how biophilic office layouts can improve the health and well-being of workers. Read more…

Goldman Sachs invests £75m in modular housing firm

Modular housing specialist TopHat has secured a £75m investment to grow its Derbyshire-based operations. Read more…

McGoff replaces Eric Wright on £70m Altrincham scheme

Developer Nikal has announced the appointment of local contractor McGoff Construction to deliver enabling works on its £70m Altair scheme in Altrincham. Read more…

Browse our latest Property jobs here.

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The latest news this week in the Water & Utilities Industry:

Most utility customers prefer digital billing, finds survey

Two-thirds of utility customers would rather receive their bills for gas, electricity and water digitally, according to a survey of 2,000 consumers commissioned by multichannel communications expert Opus Trust Communications. Read more…

Largest water filtration system in Europe installed in Norwich

Anglian Water has begun installing a state-of-the-art filtration system at its Water Treatment Works in Norwich as part of its £36million scheme to keep customers’ taps running for decades to come. Read more…

Water companies launch World Water Innovation Fund

Water companies including Severn Trent and United Utilities are joining forces to form the World Water Innovation Fund, which aims to find, develop and accelerate the ground- breaking technologies that will make a real difference to peoples’ lives across the world. Read more…

Arup and Costain secure Yorkshire Water contract

 

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The latest news this week in the Property Industry:

How many homes are actually being built compared to those gaining planning approval?

Newly released figures have shown that 236,000 approved homes a year are evaporating into developer land banks. Read more…

It’s not easy being green…

There are now a huge variety of services, designs and products which can help us become more energy efficient. Read more…

Brent’s tallest building transformation underway

Plans will deliver affordable workspace, a Lidl supermarket and hundreds of affordable homes, the redevelopment is expected to be complete by 2022. Read more…

Henry wins £115m Guinness East London scheme

Henry Construction Projects has been confirmed as preferred main builder for the first phase of a major housing scheme planned by Guinness Partnership in East London. Read more…

TSB announce launch of new BTL remortgage products

TSB has announced that it has expanded its buy-to-let remortgage range, offering either £300 cashback or free legal fees via intermediaries. Read more…

Browse our latest Property jobs here.

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 The latest news this week in the Water & Utilities Industry:

 

 

Northumbrian fits eel screens in river intakes

Northumbrian Water is installing special screens at its water intake in Warkworth on the River Coquet to protect eels, in the first part of a £9M project. Read more…

Jaguar Land Rover To Recycle Aluminium From Own Vehicles

Jaguar Land Rover is developing the next phase of its aluminium closed loopstrategy with an innovative recycling initiative to transform the vehicles of today into the cars of tomorrow. Read more…

Tesco Trials Technology That “Makes All Plastic Packaging Recyclable”

Supermarket giant, Tesco, is set to trial a collection scheme this week that will see previously unrecycled plastic turned back into oil. Read more…

Ryanair becomes first airline to enter top 10 ranking of EU carbon polluters

Ryanair is now one of the highest emitters under the EU’s Emission Trading System (EU ETS), with official data released yesterday suggesting the airline has become the first non-coal plant to enter the… Read more…

Companies submit revised PR19 business plans to Ofwat

The majority of water companies in England and Wales have re-submitted their PR19 business plans to Ofwat today (1 April). Read more…

 

 

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The latest news this week in the Construction Industry:

 

ISG lands new £281m London neurology centre for UCL

ISG has been appointed as UCL’s main contractor to begin pre-construction work on a new neurology centre in central London. Read more…

City planners give green light to “The Tulip” tower

The City of London Corporation has approved a planning application from Foster + Partners for the tallest tower in the Square Mile. Read more…

Henry wins £115m Guinness East London scheme

Henry Construction Projects has been confirmed as preferred main builder for the first phase of a major housing scheme planned by Guinness Partnership in East London. Read more…

Kier wins £13m Bradford Academy

Kier has been named by the Department for Education to design and construct an 880-place academy in a grade II listed mill in Bradford. Read more…

L&Q to buy north-west rival and spend £4bn on homes

South east housing association L&Q is in talks to take over the North West’s Trafford Housing Trust with ambitious plans to boost house building in the region. Read more…

 

 

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The latest news this week in the Water & Utilities Industry:

 

 

MGJV secures £14.6M pipeline contract with Southern

The joint venture between Galliford Try and Morrison Utility Services (MGJV) has been awarded a £14.6 million contract by framework client Southern Water to lay a 10km pipeline in West Sussex. Read more…

Clancy Docwra, Kier secure leakage detection contract with Anglian

Clancy Docwra and Kier have been awarded a contract to carry out leakage detection services for Anglian Water as part of the IMR Water alliance. Read more…

Ofgem grants price cap derogation extension to three firms

Energy industry regulator Ofgem has extended the derogation it has given to three renewable energy suppliers in relation to the standard variable tariff (SVT) price cap. Read more…

Shell Energy: First Utility rebranded as over 700,000 customers are switched to renewable power

Shell has today further underlined its growing interest in the power and renewables sector, announcing today that First Utility is to rebranded as Shell Energy and will from today provide over 700,000…Read more…

UK’s Largest Waste Wood Gasifier Becomes Operational

Bioenergy Infrastructure Group (“BIG”), an independent power producer specialising in energy-from-waste and biomass, has announced that one of its largest assets in the UK, Ince Bio Power, has become fully operational after successfully completing its testing phase. Read more…

 

 

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The latest news this week in the Construction Industry:

Guinness and Stonewater to build 4,500 homes by 2022

Homes England has signed off another major strategic framework agreement with social housing providers Guinness Partnership and Stonewater. Read more…

Morgan Sindall set for £60m St Albans mixed-use scheme

Morgan Sindall Construction has been named preferred bidder for a mixed-use development in the heart of St Albans city centre. Read more…

Business booming for building services giant TClarke

Business is booming at TClarke as the building services specialist posted results ahead of market expectations. Read more…

Vast York Central scheme gains outline approval

Outline planning has been granted to develop over 2,500 homes and a new commercial district next to York railway station. Read more…

McLaren wins £27m North London HQ job

McLaren Construction has secured the £26.7m job to build a headquarters in North London for software giant Metaswitch. Read more…

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The latest news this week in the Built Environment:

‘Compelling case’ put forward for £4bn metro network for Cambridgeshire

There is a “compelling case” for a metro scheme for Greater Cambridge after a feasibility report has claimed it could create 100,000 jobs and 60,000 new homes, but could cost £4bn. Read more…

Vinci wins £100m UCL East student blocks deal

University College London has picked Vinci Construction as preferred contractor to deliver two high-rise student blocks for a planned new campus at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in East London. Read more…

Thames Water launches interactive water calculator

Thames Water has launched an interactive online tool to help customers save money by gaining a better understanding of their water use. Read more…

Nestlé And Veolia Join Forces To Tackle Plastics Leakage

Nestlé and Veolia have announced a collaboration to work on waste collection, sorting and recycling of plastic material, with a particular emphasis on flexible plastic packaging. Read more…

How a no deal Brexit will transform the construction industry

The UK is due to leave the European Union, yet talks between the government and the EU about the withdrawal deal remain deadlocked. Joanne Starkie of the Immigration Advice Service looks at what a “no deal” scenario could mean for the construction industry. Read more…

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The latest news this week in the Property Industry:

 

 

Brexit uncertainty causes further damage to UK housing, says RICS

Prolonged Brexit uncertainty will likely cause further damage to the UK housing market, according to the latest RICS UK Residential Market Survey. Read more…

5 common reasons why your house is not selling

There are many stages that need to be completed before your house finally sells. Some naturally take longer than others and may be out of your control. Read more…

5 small changes to make your home more eco-friendly

Many homeowners are becoming more aware of the impact of their actions on the environment and pride themselves on living sustainably. Whether you are a first timer or a full blown eco-warrior, these five simple home improvement tweaks will make a real difference. Read more…

Torsion to build £65m twin towers in Leeds

Court Collaboration in partnership with Torsion Developments has submitted a planning application for a £65m two-tower block development in Leeds. Read more…

RealPage Energy Summit: The Power of Connecting

The best and brightest in multifamily utility management are convening this spring at the RealPage Energy Summit. At the company’s Richardson, Texas headquarters April 16-18, experts will offer a deep dive into the latest energy trends and regulations, and like-minded professionals will tackle some of the most pressing issues facing the industry. Read more…

 

 

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 The latest news this week in the Water & Utilities Industry:

 

 

IKEA and shipping giant CMA CGM to pilot first sustainable marine biofuel

Swedish furniture retailer teams up with shipping giant CMA CGM, GoodShipping Program and Port of Rotterdam to test marine biofuel made from forest residues and waste cooking oil. Read more…

Proposals To Tackle Non-Compliant Products Sold Online

Defra has published proposals to tackle non-compliant products sold through online marketplaces. Read more…

Mott MacDonald, Microsoft team up on smart infrastructure

Mott MacDonald and Microsoft have announced a strategic partnership to deliver smart infrastructure. Read more…

Biffa Acquires Specialist Waste Recycling Limited

Integrated waste management company Biffa has announced that it has today (12 March) acquired Specialist Waste Recycling Limited (‘SWRNewstar’), from a consortium of investors including Angus MacDonald OBE. Read more…

Tony Juniper appointed chair of Natural England

Environment Secretary Michael Gove has confirmed that Tony Juniper CBE will be the new Chair of Natural England. Read more…

 

 

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The latest news this week in the Construction Industry:

 

 

A developer wanted for £1.5bn Manchester innovation district

The University of Manchester has unveiled ambitious plans to create a £1.5bn innovation district on the site of its North Campus near the planned HS2 station. Read more…

V&A museum begins search for contractor for £22m centre

The Victoria & Albert (V&A) museum in London has started the tender process to select the main contractor for a £22m scheme to create a research centre and space for its collections. Read more…

Simons Group lands starring role on £20m cinema scheme

Simons Group has been awarded the main contract to build a new £20m  cinema and restaurant complex at East Square in Basildon, Essex. Read more…

Watkin Jones forward funds £90m Wembley scheme

Student rooms and build-to-rent specialist Watkin Jones has forward sold a planned 600-bed student scheme in London near Wembley stadium. Read more…

Balfour Beatty hits 2.4% construction margin

Balfour Beatty has returned to industry standard margins and built up strong cash reserves completing a four-year turnaround plan. Read more…

 

 

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The latest news this week in the Rail Industry:

 

Network Rail: Week on the Network

Network Rail works hard to improve the network each week, here’s their weekly update, read more…

LNER trains for East Coast Main Line given approval to enter passenger services

New LNER rolling stock for the East Coast Main Line (ECML) has received approval for its Class 800 Azuma trains to enter passenger service. Read more…

We’re investing over £100m in the railway this Easter

This Easter we’ll deliver more than £100m of investment in a better railway. A 13,800-strong workforce will work around the clock to keep the railway open and deliver more reliable infrastructure, improved facilities and services for passengers. Read more…

Rail minister gives boost to Hull-Manchester Airport direct rail link

Rail minister Andrew Jones has pledged to look at the options for a direct train service from Hull to Manchester Airport. Read more…

Midland main line electrification extended

Network Rail has been instructed to design an extension of the Midland main line electrification programme from Kettering to Market Harborough station, rail minister Andrew Jones has confirmed. Read more…

SWR and Porterbrook trial new emission-slashing rail technology

Groundbreaking emission-reducing technology is to be fitted to South Western Railway (SWR) train units as part of a new trial aiming to cut down harmful emissions from diesel trains by 80%. Read more…

 

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The latest news this week in the Property Industry:

CBRE & RICS announce the launch of new progressive diversity book

Global real estate advisor CBRE together with the RICS are pleased to celebrate the International Women’s day announcing the launch of a new book: Managing Diversity and Inclusion in the Real Estate Sector. The launch will take place at MIPIM 2019 in Cannes. Read more…

Final consent for £1bn Ford Dagenham housing scheme

Plans to build one of only three schemes in London with over 3,000 planned homes have cleared the final planning hurdle. Read more…

Peabody secures former Holloway prison site to build 1,000 homes

Peabody housing association has acquired the former Holloway Women’s Prison site in London for £82m, to build more than 600 social rented and affordable homes. Read more…

 

More encouragement needed for women in the property sector

As it’s International Women’s Day today (8 March 2019), Katy Jordan, Storey Homes’ Managing Director, explains what it’s like, as a woman, to have a career in the housebuilding industry. Read more…

Over a third of landlords set to slash spending

New research by specialist mortgage lender, Kent Reliance, finds that rising running costs and higher taxes are pushing around 36% of UK landlords into cutting their expenditure. Read more…

 

 

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The latest news this week in the Water & Utilities Industry:

 

 

AquaPea leak system finding success in insurance sector

Innovations company Qinov8 has partnered with Auger, a tech specialist for the insurance industry, on the AquaPea leak repair system for water supply pipes. Read more…

Innovative household leakage technology set to appeal to home insurers

A ‘smart leak defence’ system which protects against water leaks in UK homes and properties is set to launch, with the promise of appealing to home insurers. Read more…

Plastic-Free Paper Cup Inventor Among Female Pioneers Awarded Funding

Pioneering female inventors have been recognised today (8 March) for innovations including a process to make disposable coffee cups waterproof without the need to use plastic. Read more…

Severn Trent begins £6M refurb of 100-year-old boreholes

Severn Trent has started work to refurbish two century-old boreholes in Wolverhampton to ensure customers continue to receive a reliable supply of drinking water in the area. Read more…

Yorkshire Water publishes ethnic pay gap

Yorkshire Water has revealed that its mean ethnic pay gap is 3 per cent and, after becoming one of the first companies in the county to publish, has encouraged others to follow suit. Read more…

 

 

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The latest news this week in the Construction Industry:

 

Henry Construction bags Croydon tower deals

Henry Construction has landed tower deals worth nearly £55m from the Brick by Brick housing development company set up by Croydon Council. Read more…

£900m Bishopsgate Goodsyard scheme downsized

Hammerson and its development partner Ballymore have dramatically downsized proposals for the £900m Bishopsgate Goodsyard scheme in London. Read more…

O’Keefe forecasts 12% revenue fall due to Brexit

South East groundworks and concrete contractor O’Keefe Construction is predicting that Brexit project delays will hit revenues by around 12% this year. Read more…

UK construction activity drops to 11-month low

UK construction activity fell during February, ending a ten-month period of sustained expansion, as a drop in commercial building and civil engineering activity was heavily to blame. Read more…

Laing O’Rourke to deliver Oxford University Biochemistry Building

Laing O’Rourke has signed a contract with the University of Oxford to complete the construction of their Biochemistry Building, due for completion in December 2020. Read more…

 

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The latest news this week in the Rail Industry:

 

 

Predicting system failures before they occur

One of Network Rail’s key objectives is to improve service – and safety – for users and stakeholders. But it knows only too well that to achieve this, it must reduce the occurrence of system failures. Read more…

Bombardier plans digital takeoff with Heathrow Express fleet

Last month, it was reported that Porterbrook and Bombardier had signed a contract to upgrade a fleet of 12 Class 387 Electrostar units for the prestigious Heathrow Express service. The scope involves fitting the European Train Control System (ETCS) and a number of other passenger-focused upgrades. Read more…

Good Growth: Barking Riverside

Despite recent economic shocks, London’s population continues to grow. By 2041, the city’s population is expected to grow to over 10 million. Read more…

Lord Berkeley: TransPennine freight is being sidelined

Freight has suffered from the lack of capacity across the Pennines, especially for container trains needing W10 or W12 gauge. Read more…

Smart on Rail with Transport for the North

The launch of ‘Smart on Rail’ across the whole of the region marks a major milestone for Transport for the North (TfN). Read more…

 

 

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 The latest news this week in the Built Environment:

 

 

Llangollen railway: Funding bid to finish steam project

After 45 years of building a railway line between two Denbighshire towns, volunteers say they need £10,000 to finish the last stretch. Read more…

O’Rourke seals £70m Oxford Uni biochem project

Laing O’Rourke has finally signed a contract with the University of Oxford for phase two expansion of its acclaimed biochemistry building. Read more…

Thames Water turns up pressure on water thieves

Thames Water is ramping up the pressure on those who illegally tap into supplies and steal water after four separate offenders were heavily fined in court. Read more…

NatWest lifts DSS restrictions on BTL landlords following campaign

NatWest is lifting restrictions on buy-to-let landlords to allow them to let to tenants in receipt of housing benefit. Read more…

UK Collaboration Awarded £0.8m For Tech To Tackle Black Plastic

A unique project born from a collaboration between recycling compliance scheme Ecosurety, plastic innovations specialist Impact Solutions, recycling specialists Impact Recycling and plastics injection moulder company McLaren Plastics has been awarded £0.8 million by the Government’s Innovate UK grant scheme. Read more…

 

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 The latest news this week in the Water & Utilities Industry:

 

 

Interserve considers alternative rescue plan

Interserve has said its board is now considering an alternative to the rescue plan announced earlier this month. Read more…

New membrane system promises industrial wastewater breakthrough

A new pilot plant to treat industrial wastewater is being built that could potentially reduce the amount of liquid waste by over 90 per cent. Read more…

Water retailers need to do better on complaints, says CCWater

Water retailers must do more to turn the tide of non-household complaints received by the Consumer Council for Water (CCWater), says the water watchdog. Read more…

UU sewer workers praised for tackling Liverpool fire

Two quick-thinking sewer workers have been praised by United Utilities bosses after tackling a blaze at a house in Liverpool. Read more…

Irish Water apologises for activated sludge spill

Irish Water has apologised to the public after a tank failure at Dublin’s Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant caused a significant discharge of activated sludge into the estuary of the River Liffey. Read more…

 

 

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The latest news this week in the Construction Industry:

 

Laing O’Rourke signs £195m construction contract for Soho Place

Laing O’Rourke and Derwent London plc have exchanged construction contracts worth £195m for the Soho Place, Tottenham Court Road W1 scheme. Read more…

Former Bouygues London boss joins McLaren

Darren Gill is joining McLaren this week as Managing Director for the London business. Read more…

Laing O’Rourke technical director to leave

Laing O’Rourke Group Technical Director Paul Westbury is leaving the business. Read more…

Housebuilding rates increase yet doubts remain on meeting target

More than half of housebuilders increased the rate at which they built new homes over the last year and predict a further rise over the next 12 months, according to a new survey. Read more…

Kier takes over Birmingham Arena Central scheme

Kier Property has struck a deal with Miller Developments to take forward the Arena Central scheme in Birmingham. Read more…

 

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The latest news this week in the Rail Industry:

 

Week on the Network

See what Network Rail have been up to this week, read more…

Liverpool Lime Street station remembers its past with unique display

Liverpool Lime Street station has had a thorough overhaul recently, with new platforms, signalling and track. But its heritage has not been forgotten as three slabs from the original station platforms, dating from 1836, have been included as part of the rebuild. Read more…

Final 100mph speed checks made on electrified Manchester to Preston railway

Final checks have been made on the newly electrified railway between Manchester and Preston as a test train made its last journey over the route for the arrival of 100mph in May. Read more…

New look for West Midlands Trains across Birmingham

Passengers on the Cross City line in the West Midlands (Lichfield – Birmingham – Redditch/Bromsgrove) are starting to experience an improvement in their on-train comfort as the first of West Midlands Trains’ Class 323 units re-enters service after a substantial refit. Read more…

‘Clearer vision’ and improved joined-up working needed to deliver growth in Cambridge-Oxford arc, NIC says

The potential of the highly-anticipated Cambridge-Oxford arc project could be stunted if the government does not provide a “clearer vision and better joined-up working” to maximising the output of the corridor, the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) has claimed. Read more…

 

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The latest news this week in the Property Industry:

 

 

Intu looks to build housing at Lakeside

The owner of the Lakeside shopping centre is planning construction of around 1,000 build-to-rent flats at the Essex retail park. Read more…

BMHT to build 2,000 homes over the next five years

After completing 10 new homes, Birmingham Municipal Housing Trust (BMHT) is on track to build a further 2,000 new homes over the next five years. Read more…

First-time buyer numbers hit 12-year high during 2018

The latest data and analysis from UK Finance has revealed that despite ‘challenging’ market conditions and the ongoing Brexit and political circus, first-time-buyer numbers reached a 12-year peak during last year. Read more…

£105.5m build to rent London development announced

Telford Homes has announced they will be exchanging contracts for the sale of its Equipment Works build to rent development which comprises 257 units in Walthamstow. Read more…

Top tips for first-time-buyers

According to recent figures, the number of first-time buyers coming to the market has risen from 671,000 during 2016-17, to 785,000 during 2017-181. Read more…

 

 

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The latest news this week in the Water & Utilities Industry:

 

 

DTL to deliver apprenticeship training for South Staffs Water

Utilities specialist Develop Training Limited (DTL) has won a contract to deliver an apprenticeship in water mains laying for South Staffs Water. Read more…

Pumping station switch-on for Severn Trent’s £60M Newark project

Severn Trent’s £60M water and wastewater project in Newark has reached a new milestone, as the company has now switched on its new Terminal Pumping Station at Crankley Point. Read more…

Scottish Water starts £15M River Kelvin project

Scottish Water’s multi-million pound investment project in Glasgow’s West End to help improve the environment and water quality in the River Kelvin is under way. Read more…

Defra Announces Waste “Smart tracking” Funding Winners

Five companies working across the UK have been awarded up to £80,000 to develop innovative digital solutions to tackle the challenge of tracking waste from its source through its treatment and final disposal. Read more…

Rainwater used for sewer jetting in Northumbrian initiative

Northumbrian Water has started using harvested rainwater in jetting operations to clear sewer blockages, as an alternative to using clean, treated water for the purpose. Read more…

Arup announces Chisholm appointment

Douglas Chisholm has joined Arup in London, bringing over 30 years of leadership experience and knowledge in consultancy, construction and client-side programme management. Read more…

 

 

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The latest news this week in the Construction Industry:

 

O’Rourke finally seals UK construction finance deal

Laing O’Rourke has finally completed a refinancing deal for its UK operations after all its contracts were put under the microscope by lenders for months. Read more…

McAleer & Rushe gets go-ahead for two Maldron hotels

Northern Ireland-based developer and contractor McAleer & Rushe has checked-in with planning to build hotels in Birmingham and Glasgow city centres. Read more…

Two Portsmouth ‘Grenfell’ tower blocks to be torn down

Two landmark Portsmouth tower blocks are set to be demolished after work to strengthen them was estimated to cost £86m. Read more…

Telford Homes to start 260 London rental homes scheme

Telford Homes secured another forward funding deal with long-term rental specialist Greystar to deliver a near 260 homes build-to-rent scheme at Walthamstow in East London. Read more…

Amey Rail appoints former Carillion MD as new chief

Former Carillion Rail managing director Andy Joy has been appointed to head Amey’s Rail business. Read more…

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The latest news this week in the Rail Industry:

 

 

Stuart Calvert to be new Digital Railway head

Stuart Calvert, director of programme technical services and supply chain at Network Rail’s Group Digital Railway (GDR), has been announced as its new managing director following the retirement of David Waboso. Read more…

Scheme to double train capacity on West Norfolk line awarded funding

The capacity on West Norfolk’s trains is set to double after funding for an extension of trains running between Lynn and Cambridge has been given government approval. Read more…

Battered Dawlish rail line gets £80m for new protective sea wall

A new taller sea wall is to be built at Dawlish as the DfT announced that up to £80m is being made available to build it – five years on from the storms which wreaked havoc on the rail line. Read more…

Urgent safety advice calls for louder horns on Edinburgh trams after pedestrian’s death

The RAIB has issued urgent safety advice calling for louder warning horns to be fitted on Edinburgh’s trams following the death of a pedestrian. Read more…

Rail industry proposes ending peak-tickets in ‘radical’ overhaul of rail fares

Train operators have called for a major reform of the rail fare system which would scrap peak and off-peak ticket pricing and support the rollout of ‘tap-in, tap-out’ travel nationwide. Read more…

 

 

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The latest news this week in the Built Environment:

 

 

New TfW director appointed for north Wales

Transport for Wales (TfW) has appointed Lee Robinson as its new development director for North Wales. Read more…

Buckingham confirmed for £120m Swansea arena

Buckingham Group Contracting has been confirmed by Swansea Council as the principal contractor under a pre-construction services agreement (PCSA) for the city’s new £120m digital arena. Read more…

Yorkshire Water starts smart analytics trial to help battle leakage

Yorkshire Water is trialling the use of smart analytics to find leaks in its network. Read more…

UK Recycling Rate Edges Up To 45.7%, New Figures Show

The UK recycling rate for waste from households was 45.7% in 2017, increasing slightly from 45.2% in 2016, according to new figures from Defra. Read more…

Where is currently the best place to buy a home in England?

A perfect balance of affordability and low crime rates surely has to be high up on the list of priorities for prospective homebuyers. And, it’s safe to assume that some areas will fare better than others with regards to this. But where are they? Read more…

 

 

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