Which brings me to the often misunderstood and somewhat grey area of Corporate Social Responsibility…

There is no denying that CSR has become a long-established business model for ethical operations. Acting with a ‘corporate conscience’ in the best interests of wider society is broadly recognised as standard practice, and if you haven’t cottoned on to this yet, shame on you!

Personally I like to think of myself as a moral individual, and it’s for that reason that I am a huge fan of the good intentions behind CSR. However, I’m not naive and I’m well aware that organisations like to know how such policies ultimately fit into the wider business model and in-turn affect the bottom line. So here goes…

Gone are the days of the ‘nice guys finish last’ nonsense. People want to work with people they like and adding value for your customers positions your organisation as an innovator in the adoption of sustainable business practices. In short, a well thought out CSR strategy can go a long way in creating differentiation in increasingly competitive business environments.

But you must be sincere. Surely the most solid rationale for CSR is to give back. If you’re the fortunate one in the playground with all the sweets, share them! It is the unquestionable duty of organisations to use their position for the greater good and contribute to the communities in which they operate.

Let me to turn your attention to the ethical stalwart, The Co-operative, whose CSR initative is, in my opinion, the most progressive amongst food retailers, alongside that of Marks and Spencer’s. Both place such important subjects as sustainability and employee welfare (to name but a few) at the core of its business. And why? Because it matters that the Braeburn apple you’re eating was grown in the UK and wasn’t imported from New Zealand.

The unfortunate reality is that there are people out there that mistakenly believe that CSR is only skin deep, and in truth in some instances this may sadly be the case. But meaningful CSR strategies have a genuine purpose, are carefully planned and meticulously executed.

It goes without saying that if an organisation claims to lead, it should do just that. It’s essential that you are ‘doing’ and not just ‘saying’. If you don’t put your money where your mouth is, you’re not only telling an untruth, you’re wasting time and resource. More importantly you’re missing an invaluable opportunity to set yourself apart from your competitors by making a tangible difference.

Ruth Thomas is an Account Manager at Truth PR

Construction work has now begun on the new £32m building for Dixons Allerton Academy on Rhodesway in Allerton, on behalf of Bradford Council and partner Integrated Bradford LEP.

Representative from Bradford Council joined delegates from Dixons Allerton Academy and Integrated Bradford to celebrate the start of the project, which will see Wates Construction build the new 14,500 sq m. through-age academy.

Once complete the school will hold a specialism in health and science, with an increased capacity accommodating 1,886 students of age three to 19 years. The academy, which is sponsored by Dixons City Academy, will comprise 26 nursery places; 420 primary and pre-school places; and 1,440 secondary school places.

Designed by BDP Architects, the new academy building is being built on the land adjacent to the existing school buildings on Oaks Lane, which will remain open throughout the construction works.

Rachel Kidd, Dixons Allerton Academy Principal, commented: “It is a very exciting time for Dixons Allerton as work has started on our brand new education facilities. Our new school will provide a first class learning environment for both staff and pupils and I look forward to working with everyone involved as the new building begins to take shape.”

Upon completion, which is scheduled for August 2013, the old buildings will be demolished to make way for state-of-the-art sports pitches, which will also be available for community use.

The work is set to include the construction of new teaching spaces, a sports hall and the installation of a ground source heat pump to boost efficiency and reduce the operational costs of heating and cooling the school buildings.

David Price, Business Unit Director for Wates Construction, Yorkshire, added: “Our extensive experience in the successful delivery of education facilities across the region has generated a solid understanding of the needs of the academy. We have an excellent site team in place who will work hard to integrate the pupils of Dixons Allerton in the construction of their new school.”

Cindy Peek, Bradford Council’s Deputy Director, Department of Children’s Services, said: “Education is a top priority for the Council.  The new academy will be a tremendous learning environment for our young people.  The excellent new facilities being built here will mean that even more young people in Bradford will have access to the very best.”

Tony Smith, General Manager at Integrated Bradford commented “We have appointed an excellent project team to design and build this new state of the art Academy, and we are very proud to be developing this facility on behalf of our Clients, which will be a valuable legacy for the Bradford area for many years to come.”

The new building for Dixons Allerton Academy is being funded by Partnership for Schools on behalf of the Department for Education, with £5m funding from Bradford Council.

Wates Construction has embarked upon a three-year partnership with Bruntcliffe High School in Morley to help its students develop vocational skills and raise career aspirations for future employment.

The joint venture will see Wates’ employees down tools and take to the classroom to engage in activities to develop the aspirations of young people and introduce them to career possibilities. Activities will include ambassador mentoring; careers fairs; work experience opportunities and Wates’ very own 100% attendance award.

The collaboration between Wates, based in Wortley, and the neighbouring school forms part of Business Class, a nation-wide education programme by Business in the Community (BITC). The scheme is designed to match businesses to local schools and help them forge long-term relationships to address the needs of the school.

Ryan Hirst, Assistant Head Teacher at Bruntcliffe High School, commented: “We are very much enjoying our partnership with Wates. We are always looking for innovative opportunities to take learning beyond the classroom and this partnership certainly creates these. We have already fired the imagination of several groups of students through visits, workshops and presentations. Hopefully this will result in greater motivation in the classroom, more defined goals and, in time, better achievement.”

David Price, Business Unit Director for Wates Construction, Yorkshire, added: “Engaging with the community has always been a deep-rooted commitment for Wates and we are delighted to embark on our collaboration with Bruntcliffe High School, a partnership which I hope will contribute to the bright future of these local young people. We are looking forward to the next three years and playing our part in the academic improvement and practical up-skilling of the region’s future workforce.

“As chairman for the Leeds Business Class cluster I would also be pleased to hear from any other like minded businesses that would be interested in joining the scheme.”

Business in the Community is a business-led charity, focused on promoting responsible business practice. Liz Needleman, Regional Director for Business in the Community, said: “We are delighted that Wates has entered this Business Class partnership with Bruntcliffe School. The enthusiasm from both the school and the Wates employees has been fantastic, and we have already seen many tangible and positive outcomes from the partnership.  We are excited to see how it develops over the coming years.”

Wates’ work to improve educational attainment was recognised in July 2011 when it was named Responsible Company of the Year by Business in the Community. The company was also awarded a Platimum Plus status in the BITC Corporate Responsibility (CR) Index last year, which examines the extent to which companies serve their community.

For more information about how to get involved with BITC’s Business Class please contact Julie Cullen at BITC on Tel: 0113 205 8232.

Councillor David Hibbert, Cabinet Member for Housing, Transport and Regeneration joined residential developer, Countryside Properties, to officially launch its newest development, Oak Mill Chase in Oldham. The event marked the formal opening of the new Show Village at the collection of three, four and five bedroom homes on Spencer Street.

Deputy Leader of Oldham Council, Cllr Shoab Akhtar, Cllr Hibbert and Countryside Properties Managing Director, Ian Kelley, planted a tree to celebrate the strengthening partnership between Countryside Properties, Oldham Council and Great Places Housing Group to provide high quality homes in Oldham. Cllr Hibbert delivered a speech regarding the new development and the positive impact it will have on home affordability in the area.

The opening of Oak Mill Chase signals the second development from Countryside Properties to launch in Oldham in 12 months, following the unveiling of The Triangle in Hathershaw in July last year.

Once complete, Oak Mill Chase will comprise 112 homes, of which 81 will be available on the open market. Countryside Properties and Oldham Council will aim to give first time buyers a step-up onto the property ladder through the provision of an affordable home ownership initiative.

The remaining 31 homes will be available for affordable rent with opportunities for low cost home ownership through social landlord, Great Places Housing Group.

Councillor Dave Hibbert, Cabinet Member for Housing, Transport and Regeneration, said: ”This marks a real step towards the Council’s drive to regenerate the Borough and ensure that no resident goes wanting for somewhere to call home. We are committed to making sure that there is sufficient accommodation available for people who want to live in Oldham.

“Developments like this show the Council’s drive to work closely with partners and creating jobs in the Borough. It really is the time to invest in Oldham.”

Councillor Shoab Akhtar, Ward Member for Werneth, added: “I am impressed by the size of the properties and the amount of storage space which is unusual in new build properties. This is an excellent development with good houses.”

Ian Kelley, Managing Director of Countryside Properties’ Regeneration North Division, commented: “Councillor Hibbert kindly attended our launch of The Triangle last year and we are delighted to welcome him back, accompanied by Councillor Akhtar, for the opening of Oak Mill Chase . This event reinforces Countryside Properties’ intentions to deliver high quality homes which aim to provide buyers with an affordable route to achieving their home ownership ambitions.”

Countryside Properties’ Shared Equity scheme, available at Oak Mill Chase, allows eligible home buyers to own 100% of their property, whilst only paying for an 85% share. For a three-bedroom homes priced at full market value of £130,000, buyers need only pay a 5% deposit of £6,500 and a mortgage for £110,500, equating to £495 a month.*

*Terms and Conditions apply

As many agencies struggle to keep their heads above water I ask the question has the food chain shifted?

The design industry has always evolved with the advance of technology and also trends in consumer taste, and the manner in which we communicate. Is the industry’s usual harmonious process of natural selection, or ‘survival of the fittest’ if you like, beginning to evolve too? 

It has always be a case of the fat getting fatter as big agencies, with big reputations attracted large corporate clients with large budgets, which facilitated great work. The smaller studios scratched around for work from smaller, and more creative savvy ‘cooler’ clients with smaller budgets, but more interesting briefs.

Natural selection has changed and the creative food chain has shifted significantly as large corporate clients are now becoming design savvy and seeking out creative specialists in the ever increasing list of new media channels and consumer interaction points.

More and more clients are taking their big budgets and putting faith in smaller more innovative and progressive studios, as their consumers demand the creative wow factor. It’s no longer just about the ‘big idea’ anymore, it is about new and innovative ways to plant the seed and watch it grow in the mind of the consumer. It’s getting your clients brands to be absorbed into the bloodstream of the digital world. Clients don’t want to be loved anymore, they want to be ‘Liked’. And clients are becoming more aware that if they want followers, they must be leaders. Great leaders must push forward and lead by example, they innovate, they’re progressive, they are creative. They make you worship them and become a disciple of their philosophies, and their products.

So are a new breed of multi-disciplined entrepreneurial designers and agencies finally beginning to change the world? At worst they are surviving, many are growing in stature and influence at a time when many of the larger traditional agencies struggle to adapt and evolve beyond the ‘Pre-iPhone’ period.

What has caused the entire world of design to pivot
on such a different axis?

In a word – ‘innovation’. The relentless advance of technology is spitting out new media channels and ways to consume and share information faster than we can absorb them. And with change comes opportunity, and with opportunity comes innovation. But as designers we need to evolve with technology, embrace it and harness it. Design writer Adrian Shaughnessy recently called it a ‘Post-Graphic Design’ period. But is it?
This influx of new technology and media channels or ‘consumer interaction points’ like Facebook, digital books, digital newspapers and mobile apps to name a few, has made graphic design more relevant than ever. The more we communicate, and the increasingly diverse ways in which we communicate allows us to consume more and more information. All this knowledge consumption needs to be controlled, manipulated, appropriated and most importantly branded. Graphic design could and should be on the brink of a ‘Golden Period’ a real period of influence and change. The design industry had ‘Golden Periods’ before, and again they were based around the development of technology. When Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press midway through the 15th Century it sparked a communication boom. Similarly in 1961 Leonard Kleinrock published a paper about the idea of ‘packet switching’, unknowingly dropping a match into the powder keg that exploded to become we now call – the internet. This world wide web of useful and not so useful information is the biggest shift in the way humans have ever communicated with each other.

It is truly an exciting time to be a graphic designer, a period where experimentation, exploration and innovation are championed as technology kicks down boundary after boundary in the name of communication. People are embracing change and finally understanding the role of design within society and how design can really add value to our lives and create memorable experiences. Consumers have always lived with good design, but I believe only now they as starting to understand it and accept that it enriches their lives. Apps like Pinterest and Instagram encourage ‘non-creative’ types to appreciate and explore what stimulates them visually, and openly share their eye-candy with others.

It feels like graphic design has been waiting for this moment all its life, since the term ‘commercial art’ was invented anyway. So have we been in a ‘Pre-Graphic Design’ period all this time? Has graphic design simply been doing its stretches before the main event. With so many new outlets of communication, graphic design has never been more visible to the consumer, never has design been more consumed. It feels like technology has finally started to catch up with the human imagination and is facilitating amazing creative ideas.

Typography and typeface design have never been more important to how we consume and decorate our information. Legibility and readability for screen are becoming more and more important as consumers Hoover up knowledge from multiple screen-based sources. Consumers not only understand the importance of good interface design, they demand it. Consumers finally understand design, they openly debate it, share it, ‘Like’ it. They want their lives to be enriched by good design, and buying to become a pleasurable experience. They want products that innovate, add value, and look good, but not only that they want it to come in beautiful packaging, from a well-designed store, with great customer service. And finally graphic designers have the technology at their disposal to achieve this easily. So, has graphic design been waiting for the planets to align before it could really break into its stride and begin to shine, did it just want to be loved, revered as a valuable commodity, respected as a visual science, or simply worshipped just like many of the brands it creates?

To do so, I’m afraid I’m going to have to utilise a few of the most overused and trite phrases that have ever been coined – please bear with me.

You see, we’re in an ‘economic crisis’ (told you) and in the ‘current climate’ of a potential ‘double-dip recession’, cash is king.

This means that companies are ‘tightening their belts’ and keeping a ‘firm hold of the purse strings’ (ok enough now) and whilst investing in communications is finally recognised as an essential contributor to bottom line, how it is being embraced seems to have changed.

Ever more frequently, clients seem keen to free themselves of their monthly PR retainers – they don’t want to cut off PR completely (we all know that would be crazy!) they just don’t want the financial commitment of a regular monthly fee.

I understand that during difficult trading times costs need to be stripped back and as we’re a flexible agency, we are always prepared to accommodate our clients’ changing circumstances. We’re in it for the long haul.

But nine times out of ten, clients end up spending more.

It’s the first thing I warn clients about when they move from working on a retained basis to project-by-project. You see, they have become accustomed to the level of service the good old retainer allows and when this has gone, they find that we actually do deliver an awful lot for the monthly fee. Media relations, social media, experiential marketing and not to mention crisis communications are all vital to ensuring companies maintain their glowing reputation with customers and stakeholders and if you have to pay for it bit by bit, costs start to rise. At the same time, it is no longer having the same impact because it isn’t being strategically planned in advance or delivered in the timeliest manner. So now you’re paying more and achieving less. The only option remaining is for you to reduce the level of PR activity being provided – and when consumer spend is frugal and competition is fierce, this is definitely Not. A. Good. Plan.

I know what you’re thinking. If costs are increasing, why don’t agencies just keep schtum and reap the financial benefits? Well firstly, as an ethical and honest agency this doesn’t sit well with us, and secondly the retainer enables us to forward plan activity so we can manage workloads accordingly. Let’s face it, deadlines are challenging in this PR game and anything we can do to prevent further pressure compromising a hard working campaign, means that as a client, you always get a better return on your investment.

So what’s the solution? Budgets are being cut and efficiencies need to be made somewhere, after all cash is king and currently, there isn’t a lot of it about.

Well this is the thing, hasn’t cash always been king? The way we run our business is no different to if the UK wasn’t in debt by one trillion pounds – keeping a close eye on overheads and ensuring profit margins don’t fluctuate too dramatically. Cash flow, always a sticky wicket, is monitored as if it were the blood coursing through my veins. It doesn’t mean we don’t invest in areas that add value to our business or service offer. It just means that we very carefully consider what we spend and who with, so that we’re given a competitive advantage and provided with maximum benefit.

There are clearly occasions when a retainer simply isn’t appropriate, such as when businesses are in their infancy or when a client needs a specific one-off project to compliment their existing marketing communications. We work with all manner of clients in this way and on projects of varying sizes. It’s not the project with which we take umbrage; it’s those occasions when we know a retainer really would make so much more sense.

So, drawing to a conclusion, if you have faith in your PR agency and are confident they are delivering you true value and a real return on your investment, listen to them and take their advice. They know what they’re talking about.

Spend wisely certainly, but don’t stop spending. That’s what’s causing this country’s financial mess in the first place.

Trust me, I’m telling the truth. It’s all in the name.

Lisa French is Managing Partner of Truth PR.

Brand as a Religion.

Many modern brands have become mini-religions or achieved cult status. Social media has allowed brands to offer themselves up to be worshipped. Brands have followers, fan pages and every retweet effectively makes you a preacher for your brand of choice. The passing of the collection plate has been replaced by subscription fees, and baptism by loyalty schemes as brands encourage consumers to commit and to spread the gospel of their brand. 

Brand values have become the new commandments, the foundations every brand scribes to define their faith. A recognisable brand mark adds value to what you offer, it allows you to stand out from the crowd, and it can build relationships with your customers. But it doesn’t stop there, consuming a brand has become an experience, a lifestyle choice, a way of saying this is what I am all about, I believe in this.

Consumers like to align themselves with like-minded brands.
It says: “Hey, I believe in what you’re doing, let’s do it together”.

Apple has achieved this by constant innovation and projecting an über cool attitude towards design innovation and customer service. They believe they can change the world, their believers think they can change the world, some believe they already have. As a result their customers are loyal and freely share their love for the brand, they are Apple ‘disciples’ if you like. They wear the brand like a badge of honour, with sense of pride and belonging.

This trust and loyalty allows Apple to drive the brand into new areas applying the same Brand philosophies as they go. The consumers now automatically believe their products WILL be better and WILL be cooler.

This blind devotion is THE ultimate in brand loyalty, it is the promised land.

Faith.

Like any religion, brands want people to have faith in what they have to offer. This faith leads consumers to have a life-long devotion to the quality of their brand. This leads to a sharing of beliefs and a growing following of devoted disciples.

Omnipresence.

The most successful brands try to be visible everywhere and to everyone.
Many of the world’s most recognisable brands have achieved this. For example, the ‘Golden Arches’ of McDonald’s are arguably more widely recognised and prominent in modern society than many religious symbols.

Deities and Iconography.

Endorsements are big business, many icons of sport and entertainment align themselves with brands they believe in, or not. In fact, many of our modern ‘icons’ like Tiger Woods (fallen icon) and David Beckham have become global brands in their own right.

The Place of Worship.

You may have noticed that people still worship on the Sabbath day, just not in the same place anymore. The buildings still tend to be tall and instantly recognisable by the iconic signs and symbols. But, these temples are no longer made of grey stone and covered in crucifixes. They are the brightly coloured monolithic structures of B&Q and IKEA. These are now the weekend pilgrimage for many consumers.

Miracles.

Many technology brands perform what many would consider modern ‘miracles’.
When Sony launched the Walkman in 1979, people were able (for the first time) to carry music around in their hand. Many doubted it, but it changed the music industry and went on to become the biggest selling electronic consumer product in history. This made Sony a global super brand. Apple performed a similar miracle when the late Steve Jobs (God bless his soul) turned the muddied water that was portable music into the fine wine that is now iPod and iTunes.

A Sense of Community.

The unstoppable rise of social networks has seen brands like Facebook become the worlds fastest growing ‘religion’, it is the already the biggest and most diverse community on the planet, it transcends race, language and geography. It brings more people together more than any other faith. It is so high and mighty that even the biggest brands worship it, even to the extent where they display their faith proudly in the form of a LIKE button.

So if new ‘religions’ are merging, talking, sharing values and faiths, is the world heading towards one divine super religion called the internet?

To discover the secret to brand worship for your business, let Truth show you the way!

Construction work has begun on the new £10million De Warenne Academy in Conisbrough, marking a significant milestone in the transformation of Doncaster’s education facilities.

The council delivered project will see Wates Construction build a new 6646 sq m school building to the rear of the existing academy on Gardens Lane, which will remain operational during construction.

The work will include the design and build of a new two-storey main school building, refurbishment of the existing sports hall, and the remodeling of the academy’s Student Support block to create a new Design, Technology and Construction centre.

De Warenne Academy, which was designed by CPMG Architects, was granted planning permission in November 2011 and will see the academy expand to provide 750 places for 11-18 year olds. Completion is scheduled for February 2013.

Mayor of Doncaster, Peter Davies, said: “It is fantastic to see work get underway and there is obvious excitement throughout the school. The educational facilities are being transformed and the modern learning environment will help the young people grow, develop and make the most of their talents. The Academy is set to become an asset the whole community can tap into and will benefit generations to come.”

Principal Gill Pollard said, “We are delighted that work has started on our fantastic new building.  It will allow us to give all our students the modern facilities that they deserve and support us in continuing the significant improvements that have already been made since we became an academy. Our students tell us they are really excited about this development and are looking forward to contributing further to the plans. It is hoped that some students will have the opportunity to work with Wates to contribute to the building of the academy.”

David Price, Business Unit Director for Wates Construction in Yorkshire, commented: “Today marks an exciting time for Wates as we embark on the delivery of this latest academy project.  We look forward to continuing our work with Doncaster Council’s education build team and further contributing to the transformation of the borough’s educational landscape. We have an excellent site team in place and we fully intend to utilise this project to uphold our commitment to making a positive impact on the areas in which we work.”

The move on site at De Warenne comes just three months after Wates began work to deliver the  new £16million Outwood Academy Adwick and as building work on the new Campsmount Technology College is expected to be complete. Both academies have also been designed by CPMG Architects.

Sara Harraway director of CPMG said: “It’s exciting to see work finally start on site after months of design development with the sponsor, the academy, its students and the wider community.  They can now look forward to the learning opportunities that the new academy will bring through its construction and into the future.”

Both Outwood Academy and De Warenne Academy come on the back of Wates’ role in the rebuild of Campsmount Technology College in Doncaster, which was destroyed by fire in 2009. This is through a Future Schools Agreement used to speed up the procurement of the new Outwood and De Warenne academies. Wates was the first contractor to successfully pilot the government’s simplified procurement process as part of the Review of Education Capital.

The Government’s Review of Education Capital, led by Sebastian James, made recommendations to speed up and reduce the cost of procurement of school rebuilding projects across the country.  It is partly due to the success of Campsmount that Doncaster’s two academies were given early approval to start.

De Warenne Academy is being delivered by Doncaster Council’s Education Build team, on behalf of the academy sponsor, the School Partnership Trust with support from Partnerships for Schools (PfS).

For further information regarding Doncaster Council’s education build programme, please visit www.doncaster.gov.uk/educationbuild

The multi-million pound project to restore Northwich’s historic Lion Salt Works takes a major step forward this week.

A specialist team moved on to the site today (Monday) to begin preparation for the work that will see it reborn as a unique heritage visitor attraction.

The news comes as Cheshire West and Chester Council reveals it has appointed Wates Construction as its partners in the £8m scheme.

Wates will work in partnership with restoration contractors William Anelay, which has already carried out initial enabling works to make the site safe and ensure each of the elements are recorded.

Subject to planning consent, restoration of the 19th century open pan salt works will begin in April.

John Shannon, Business Unit Director at Wates Construction in the North West

, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen as partners on this restoration project, which will see us working within Marston’s community.

“We have extensive experience in heritage refurbishment and are committed to ensuring the redevelopment of this Scheduled Ancient Monument will be led with the utmost care and commitment.”

Councillor Stuart Parker, Executive Member for Culture and Recreation, said: “With a track record spanning 40 years in the restoration of cultural and heritage buildings, we are confident that Wates brings the expertise a project of this sensitivity demands.

“We are delighted to welcome them on board and look forward to working together to bring this unique piece of history back to life.”

In a further development, the archaeologist who will oversee the restoration has now taken up his post.

Industrial archaeologist Chris Hewitson will be responsible for monitoring, investigating and recording the buildings and finds unearthed during excavations.

Chris, who previously worked for Birmingham Archaeology, said: “My work will provide an extra layer of knowledge to what we currently know about the site.

“It can be likened to peeling back layers of paint which have been added over its 200-year industrial history to reveal more about what was happening during each phase.

“It’s a very exciting project to be a part of. The Lion Salt Works site is unique in the UK and therefore has a very significant archaeological importance.”

The salt works is expected to re-open in spring 2014 as a ‘living museum’, providing a unique insight into a period in history when Cheshire produced 86 percent of the nation’s salt.

Visitors will be able to explore the restored buildings, discover how the salt works operated and find out how the industry impacted upon Cheshire’s people, economy and landscape.

The project is being funded by a £5m Heritage Lottery Fund grant and a £3m contribution from the Council.

The scheme is expected to be considered by the Council’s Planning Committee on 20 March.

The project was awarded to Wates through the North West Construction Hub since it was appointed to both the medium and high value Hub frameworks in 2010. Alongside the low value frameworks, these agreements are delivering the efficient procurement of public building construction works in the North West.

Wates Construction has now begun work to deliver Derbyshire County Council’s new £4m records library on New Street in Matlock.

The contractor was joined on site by Cllr Andrew Lewer, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, and Strategic Director for Cultural and Community Services, Martin Malloy, to mark the start of the works. Peter Bignall of Scape also joined the ceremony on behalf of the East Midlands Property Alliance (empa) framework, through which the project was procured.

The move on site signals a significant milestone in the construction of the 1,196 sq m. new build extension to the existing record office. Throughout the works, Derbyshire Record Office will be temporarily located at the County Hall crèche building.

The project, which is due for completion in December 2012, will also include the refurbishment of the existing building and the provision of additional archive storage, new staff offices and new public viewing facilities, to be located in the new building.

Enabling works on the project began in November 2011. Work on the external elevations is set to begin in May of this year and will be constructed in local Ashlar stone masonry.

Councillor Lewer said: “This signals an important landmark in the redevelopment of the record office, the home of Derbyshire’s collective memory and of its most important documents stretching back over many centuries.

“We are bringing together all our important collections – and our expertise – under one roof to create a fitting centre for what is one of our key responsibilities as a council.”

Andy Hands, Business Manager for Wates Construction, Midlands, commented: “Beginning work on the concrete frame of Derbyshire Record Office is a significant build milestone for Wates and we are delighted to commence work on the project joined by Derbyshire County Council and Scape. This project was made possible through the efficiency procurement of the Scape/empa framework and our presence in the area will see us offer opportunities for local people throughout and beyond the life of the project.”

Peter Bignell, Development Manager for Scape, added: “We have formed a very strong relationship between all members of the build team and this project should be delivered on time, to cost and quality specifications. Providing opportunities for the local supply chain to deliver high quality services is one of the main aims of the empa Alliance of which Derbyshire County Council is a lead member.”

Wates was awarded the £2.9 contract to deliver the project in February 2011 through the empa framework, which was established in 2008 with the aim of improving the delivery of property services to communities and all public sector bodies across the East Midlands.

Planning permission for the project was granted in September 2011 and will see Wates work closely with Derbyshire County Council’s Design Team.