It’s time to celebrate – 5 years of ROCA

Nov 30, 2012

Members celebrate the 5th Anniversary of ROCA

Founding ROCA supporter Kevin McCarthy cuts the cake

Happy birthday ROCA

The members of ROCA took some time out of their meeting this week to celebrate a major milestone in the initiatives history.

The community fund was established just 5 years ago with the support of First Choice Homes and a number of local businesses from the public, private and voluntary sectors.

Throughout its five year history, ROCA has invested hundreds of thousands in local community initiatives that have helped projects that encourage a sense of community, involving people from all backgrounds and encourage people to develop skills that will benefit their community.

Emanuel Whittaker are proud to be one of the founding members and have continued to support the scheme each year with funding as well as taking part in each and every funding meeting.

A good job all round

Nov 27, 2012

Salix Homes are delivering improvements to many properties as part of the Decent Homes programme, but for resident David Perry, the repairs have also led to a full-time job.

When David heard that Salix Homes was making improvements to his home at Black Friar Court in Broughton, he was delighted. But the enterprising resident also thought that the repairs could be more than just a boost for the building.

“I am a qualified tiler, but the economic downturn in the construction industry has meant that I found it very difficult to find a permanent job. The company carrying out the repair work, Emanuel Whittaker, held an open day in January to inform residents about what to expect from the work” David explained.  “I took the chance to ask about employment – however at that time there was nothing on offer.”

In the meantime, David’s name kept coming up in the site office as a result of his good turns in the neighbourhood. Ian McCune, Site Manager explained:  “David is very well known for being a good neighbour on the block. He helps out with shopping or goes to the laundry for older people here and he also carries out odd jobs now and then.  Everyone had a good word to say about him and so he was always front of mind.”

As the work progressed to upgrading kitchens and bathrooms in the block Emanuel Whittaker needed to find a suitably qualified tiler – and not surprisingly David’s name came up again.

David successfully applied for the position and has now joined the company as a tiler where he is helping to carry out improvement work on his neighbours’ properties at Black Friar Court.

Dave said “It’s a great feeling to be back in work and especially doing work for my friends and neighbours! If I hear they need something like a run to the laundry or putting up a shelf I try to help out after work.”

Sue Sutton, Salix Homes Director of Neighbourhoods and Customer Service said “We are thrilled that our home improvement work has benefited a local resident in more ways than one, and it’s a real reward for David’s initiative and commitment to the community.

If you would like help getting back into work visit our online tips www.salixhomes.org/worklessness.htm or register with us to receive help.

You can also find out more information on the Decent Homes repairs including searching for repairs for your area. www.salixhomes.org/Improvements-to-your-home.htm

Family Fun Day to Celebrate 175 Successful Years

Sep 19, 2012

 

Despite the weather, there was no dampening the spirits of almost 200 staff and their families who came along to our Family Fun Day to celebrate our 175^th Anniversary.

The party thrown by owners, Clive Newton and John Gallagher was to mark the tremendous milestone in our history of 175 years of successful trading. Clive said:  “We are enjoying a year long celebration with a variety of events, fundraisers and activities to mark the company’s longevity.  This particular event is to say thank you to our fantastic staff who have played such a significant part in the success of the company.”

Emanuel Whittaker, Mayor of Oldham in 1873, established the company on its present site in 1837. His father George was also a master builder, having built the Oldham Lyceum as well as many of the cotton mills in Oldham and the surrounding districts.

The company thrived and remained in family hands until 2004 when Clive Newton and fellow director John Gallagher, who both worked for the company since leaving school, purchased the business. Having worked at Emanuel Whittaker for so long, they continue to retain many of the core principles established by the founding Whittaker family.

However, there is still a Whittaker connection in Anna Whittaker the great, great grand-daughter of the founder who still works for the company as Company Secretary and HR Manager.

Originally established as a joinery and building company, Emanuel Whittaker has always been keen to train new generations in a variety of trades.  One of its most famous sons was the late Eric Sykes, who was an apprentice joiner and it is believed that he based his famous film ‘The Plank’ on his time at Emanuel Whittaker.

“The company has survived the cotton famine of the 1860s, the 1930s recession and the timber rationing of the Second World War,” said John Gallagher.  “Today’s economic climate provides other challenges but we believe that by embracing modern techniques while at the same time keeping to good old fashioned values such as customer service – we will continue to trade successfully for many years to come.”

The Emanuel Whittaker 175^th anniversary celebration included a Take That tribute band, a disco, an MC, a bar, barbecue and ice cream stand and children’s entertainment.

Anna Whittaker attended the party along with her two boys, the next generation of Whittakers’.  She said:  “I’m sure that when my great, great grandfather set up the company in 1837 he did not think that 175 years later it would become the award winning, respected organisation it is today.

“We are all so proud to be part of such an historic company and today’s celebration has been fantastic.”

View pictures here…

Adam Scoops Award at NFB

May 28, 2012

Emanuel Whittaker has been recognised for our commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility at the 2012 National Federation of Builders Awards in London.

Lead Resident Liaison Officer Adam Berry received a Commendation for his dedication and efforts in supporting the residents of Laurence Lowry Court, a sheltered scheme in Swinton during the extensive improvement works which were carried out there last year.

Being a sheltered scheme meant that many of the residents had a variety of needs. Some were simply lonely whilst others were too frail to venture out of the block with conditions ranging from mild dementia to severe mobility needs.

Whilst getting to know the residents Adam had discovered what a lifeline the communal activities provided to many of them. He realised that closing down the communal areas and calling a halt to activities could effectively render many residents housebound for the duration of the work.

Adam and the site team were determined that residents well-being would be at the heart of the planned work. And so it was. Adam introduced his own ‘meals on wheels’ service. The team helped residents with shopping, taking their bins out, making cups of tea and spending 5 minutes with them to have a reassuring chat.

Adam and the team arranged various trips sponsored by Emanuel Whittaker. A barge trip to the Portland Basin Museum and a trip to the Theatre. The highlight was a mock up of Westminster Abbey to host the Royal Wedding party.

Emanuel Whittaker are a contractor with a social conscience which is why City West have chosen us to deliver the improvement works on all their sheltered schemes.

Well done to Adam and Emanuel Whittaker site team!

Emanuel Whittakers Announced as Finalists at 2012 NFB Awards

Apr 25, 2012

The shortlist of finalists has been announced for the National Federation of Builders’ (NFB) inaugural annual awards which celebrate the high quality work and commitment delivered by members to improve the built environment.

Emanuel Whittaker are delighted to announce that our entry has been shortlisted in the category of Corporate Social Responsibility Campaign of the Year 2011.

Managing Director of Emanuel Whittaker, Clive Newton said “We are delighted to be shortlisted within this category. Emanuel Whittaker have always been a contractor with a social conscience, and this nomination recognises the contributions our site teams make towards delivering on our CSR committments.  We look forward to the announcement of the winners next month.”

The winners will be announced on Thursday 24 May 2012 at a gala awards luncheon at The Grand Connaught Rooms in London.