Emanuel Whittaker secures share of Salix Homes multi-million pound investment plan

Feb 19, 2015

Emanuel Whittaker have been awarded a share of a multi-million pound contract to transform social housing in Salford.

Salix Homes, which manages 8,500 homes across central Salford, has announced its three principal contractors to deliver its £22m investment programme over the next two years

Greater Manchester-based firms Emanuel Whittaker, Seddon and A.Connolly Ltd, have been named as the three main contractors to lead the ambitious improvement programme to 2,200 homes across the city.

As part of the investment scheme 1,100 homes will get new kitchens, 600 will get new bathrooms, 850 will get new windows and 800 will get new doors.

All three firms have been handed an equal share of the contract with Emanuel Whittaker named as the main contractor for the ambitious revamp at Canon Green Court in Broughton, which will undergo a £2.9m makeover; while A.Connolly Ltd, based in Wigan, will lead the improvements on more than 300 homes on the South Ordsall Estate and the Gerald Road Estate in Charlestown, and  Seddon, which has offices based in Bolton, taking the lead on the £7m transformation of ageing tower block trio Mulberry, Magnolia and Sycamore Court on Pendleton’s Broadwalk Estate.

The two-year investment programme is the first phase of a £75million project over the next five years made possible thanks to tenants voting to transfer ownership of their homes from Salford City Council to Salix Homes.

Lee Sugden, chief executive at Salix Homes, said: “We are pleased to announce the appointment of our three principal contractors to work alongside Salix Homes to deliver our significant investment plans for Salford.

“We have worked very closely with our tenants throughout the procurement process. Our chosen contractors all have an excellent track record and consistently high levels of customer satisfaction, so we are confident they will help us deliver on our promise to create the homes and communities that the people of this great city deserve.

“It is a priority for Salix Homes that every contract should have a wider, positive impact on the community, which is why for every £1m invested; our contractors will guarantee to create two apprenticeships for local people.”

The improvement scheme is the continuation of a major programme to improve all 8,500 homes currently managed by Salix Homes and bring every property up to the Government’s Decent Homes standard by 2020.

John Gallaher, Emanuel Whittaker contracts director, added:  “We have enjoyed a long and mutually rewarding relationship with Salix Homes and so we are particularly pleased to be working together again in the future.  This contract also secures employment and training opportunities for our teams in Salford.”

The transfer of homes from the council to Salix Homes is expected the take place at the end of March, and the first phase of improvement work will begin in spring.

£11m Tower Transformation Complete

Feb 10, 2015

Emanuel Whittaker have now completed the £11m scheme to upgrade five ageing Salford tower blocks..

Emanuel Whittaker carried out the four-year project to redevelop the high rise blocks in the heart of the city on behalf of  social housing provider Salix Home

Emanuel Whittaker have now completed an £11m scheme to regenerate five neighbouring tower blocks in the Greengate area of Salford.

Emanuel Whittaker carried out the three-year project to redevelop the high rise blocks in the heart of the city on behalf of  social housing provider Salix Homes, as part of the Procure Plus Installers Framework.

A dramatic transformation of Greyfriar Court and Riverbank and Newbank Towers has just finished, completing the final piece in the jigsaw of the tower block transformation.

Last year, work was completed at White Friar Court, and in summer 2013 the finishing touches were made to Blackfriar Court, completely transforming the blocks, which were all built during the 1960s.

In total, 447 flats have been completely refurbished and fitted with new kitchens, bathrooms, doors, windows and heating systems.

The recent completion of £6.6 million worth of improvements at Riverbank and Newbank Towers has seen the two 16-storey blocks undergo a dramatic facelift. Both buildings have been fully rendered, cladded and painted in striking colours chosen by the residents.

Mark Foster, head of property services at Salix Homes, said: “This significant investment in the Greengate area of Salford has totally transformed these five landmark buildings into vibrant, modern homes fit for the 21^st century.

“Salix Homes is committed to making a difference to our tenants’ homes, lives and communities and this regeneration project is testament to that.  These blocks form an iconic part of the Salford skyline and now they can stand proud for generations to come.

“This significant investment provides a bold statement of our aspiration to make a difference to not only our tenants’ lives, but to the city of Salford, and thanks to residents voting to transfer their homes from the council to us, we can ensure all our tenants have modern, energy efficient homes, like these fantastic properties in Greengate.”

Emanuel Whittaker Contracts Director, John Gallagher is justifiably proud of the project, and the high praise that residents have given the site teams that delivered the works, “We are very proud to have played such a pivotal role in the regeneration of this area. Our teams have been working alongside Salix Homes tenants for several years and during that time we have developed some great relationships.

This investment by Salix Homes demonstrates how  the right resources can transform tired tower blocks into homes that residents can be proud of – inside and out.”

Vacancy Announcement – HS&E Advisor

Feb 10, 2015

Emanuel Whittaker are looking to appoint a highly motivated individual to support our existing health & safety team and contribute to the successful management of our companies health and safety policy and our ongoing compliance (both at head office and on site) with the Health and Safety at Work Act and our own internal procedures.

This is a permanent role based at our Rochdale Road offices and reporting to the HS&E Manager.

You will be responsible for managing all aspects of HS&E issues, including:

• Proactively managing the company health and safety policy
• Ensuring compliance, both at head office and on site, with HSAWA and company procedures
• Keeping up to date with developments on health and safety within the industry
• Preparing project specific CDM paperwork
• Ensuring health and safety documentation is properly archived
• Delivering health and safety training
• Carrying out site HS&E audits, advising on health and safety matters and reporting findings
• Evaluating subcontractors for entry onto approved subcontractor database
• Preparing for and participating in quarterly Company health and safety meetings

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:

Essential Attributes

• Hold or be working / committed to working towards a NEBOSH Construction Certificate (or above)
• CSCS card ownership
• Understanding of undertaking Risk Assessments & writing Safe Working Procedures
• Understanding of creating Construction Phase Plans and compiling Health & Safety Files
• Experience of undertaking Site Audits on live construction sites
• Excellent communication, negotiation, analytical & interpersonal skills
• Competent user of Microsoft Word packages

Preferable Attributes

• Experience of working for a social housing refurbishment contractor
• Experience of KPI Data Collection & Report Writing
• Experience of undertaking Scaffolding Safety Inspections
• Experience of Delivering In-House Training Courses & Tool Box Talks
• Understanding of undertaking COSHH Assessments
• Experience of Fire Safety Management

It should be noted that applications are encouraged from candidates who may not currently have experience of working at HS&E Advisor level, as full support will be offered in terms of your future development and progression into the role.

Package

An attractive package including negotiable salary and company vehicle is offered. Working hours will be 8am-5pm Monday to Friday.

Applications

Applications should be made in writing along with a copy of your current CV to Anna Whittaker (anna@emanuel-whittaker.co.uk) on or before 17^th February 2015.

Emanuel Whittaker Annual Golf Day Raises £2000 for DR Kershaws Hospice

Aug 22, 2014

Emanuel Whittaker’s recent charity golf day has raised over £2,000 for Dr Kershaws Hospice.  

Emanuel Whittaker Facilities Manager Phil Peacock and Contracts Administrator  Sandra Newton organised the day. Phil said: “We would like to pass on our huge thanks to everyone who supported this event, especially our sponsors who were predominantly subcontractors and suppliers from Oldham and the surrounding area.”

Ten teams of four players joined in the fun at Saddleworth Golf Club and the day was won by Heywood based Avonside Group Limited

Phil added:  “It was a great day for everyone involved and thankfully the weather held out. Both players and sponsors have been incredibly generous with their time and money and even found extra cash to add to the evening raffle.”

The Emanuel Whittaker Golf Day was first held in 2012 as part of the company’s 175 anniversary year celebrations. It was so successful the company have made it an annual event and if you are interested in supporting the event in 2015 get in touch @emanuel_whittak

 

Stephen is City West’s 250th graduate

Jul 2, 2014

City West Housing Trust’s award-winning Skills Programme is celebrating, having helped the 250th person on the scheme to find work and training with a construction firm in Salford.

The initiative helps local and long-term unemployed residents interested in a career in construction to find work and guarantees that, for every £1 million City West spends to improve its homes across Salford, a new job is created for a local person.

The programme offers a series of initial training sessions before candidates team up with organisations and carry out work on their regeneration projects.

18 year old Stephen Bowden from Eccles is the 250th person to have enrolled on the Skills Programme after leaving school with only a handful of qualifications.

Stephen now has a bright new career with City West’s contractor Emanuel Whittaker and is completing a floor laying apprenticeship.

Stephen said: “This apprenticeship is just what I needed. Learning in the classroom didn’t work out for me, but now I feel I have direction and something to aim for.

“Although I’m only at the beginning of my career, I already feel like I’m really achieving something and my confidence is going from strength to strength. I really look forward to going to work every day and it’s fantastic to be getting paid to do something that I love.”

Stephen adds: “I would advise anyone in the area who is struggling to find work to consider joining City West’s Skills Programme. I was really keen to pursue a career in floor laying and securing my apprenticeship has put me on the right path to achieve my aspirations.”

Colette McKune, Deputy Chief Executive at City West, said: “We are very proud to have helped 250 local people to find work and gain qualifications in the construction industry.

“We remain committed to providing employment and training opportunities and we will continue to work with our contractors to help increase the number of job opportunities available in Salford.”

In addition to the Skills Programme, City West has also created 100 jobs, including 19 apprenticeships, through its own repairs and maintenance subsidiary – City West Works – which was established in April 2013.