City Building (Glasgow) LLP

Minister for Skills and Lifelong Learning Champions Article 19 with a Visit to Glasgow Based Assisted Workshop

r.johnston — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 09:54:58 +0000

GLASGOW—July 7, 2010

Keith Brown, Minister for Skills and Lifelong Learning yesterday (Tuesday 6 July) visited Europe’s largest assisted workshop based in Glasgow for a tour of the site and to meet with employees.

The visit to City Building (Glasgow) LLP managed Royal Strathclyde Blindcraft Industries (RSBi) comes as the minister seeks to champion the development and implementation of policy initiatives and services in Scotland that support the participation of disabled persons and those with learning difficulties, in viable jobs and career opportunities.

With a workforce of more than 250 people, over half of which have a disability, RSBi is one of the most successful examples of the provision of supported employment and offers all employees with skills training, development and career progression which benefits both themselves and the local economy.

The Minister’s key priority is to encourage the take up of EU Directive Article 19, a Government policy which states that every public body should aim to have at least one contract with a supported factory or business and that they should maximise their use of reserved contracts.

To assist in this drive, the Scottish Procurement Directorate, working closely with the British Association for Supported Employment (BASE) of which RSBi is a member, has created a list of Scottish supported businesses and the services and goods they provide.
Keith Brown, MSP said: “I am delighted to be visiting a company that has a reputation for not only producing quality products but also for providing its staff with lasting career opportunities.

“We recognise the unique contribution made by supported businesses in providing real job opportunities for those with a significant level of disability.
“As such we need to ensure that opportunities presented by Article 19 of EU Procurement arrangements are fully utilised.”

Willie Docherty, managing director of City Building who joined the minister for the tour, said: “The Minister’s visit and support of businesses such as RSBi will go a long way in highlighting the top quality products that are being manufactured as well as demonstrate the fantastic skills of the workforce.

“It is essential to the future of assisted workshops that operate in the commercial world, that public - and private - sectors are aware of what we have to offer and utilise Article 19 for the benefit of all involved.
“I am delighted that the Minister has taken the time to visit and I look forward to seeing the results that can be achieved.”

The minister will be given a tour of RSBi and will have the opportunity to speak to members of staff about their jobs and future aspirations.

Media Enquiries
Please contact Mel Brookes, City Building’s Marketing Manager in the first instance on +44 (0)141 287 1956, +44 (0)7734 597296 or e-mail melanie.brookes@citybuildingglasgow.co.uk

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Local Apprentice Brushes Off Stiff Competition to Scoop Painting Prize

d.bunten — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 09:00:33 +0000

City Building’s John Lockhart (left) with Ken Hopkins, Training & Testing Manager for Johnston Leyland

GLASGOW—June 8, 2010

A second year apprentice, undertaking his training at City Building, has brushed off stiff competition to scoop a significant prize in an event open to students from colleges across Scotland.

John Lockhart (19) from Pollok saw off 15 apprentice painters to win the top prize in the Johnston Leyland Painting Competition after completing a series of technical challenges designed to test his skills and workmanship.

Each of the competitors was given a drawing with sizes and colours, which they were required to reproduce to a larger scale. They were tested on:
• Correct sizing
• Use of correct colours
• Accurate translation of drawing radius from the data provided, and
• Good opacity (depth of paint coverage)

A delighted John said: “Winning this competition is a great achievement and I’m really pleased. I was up against painters with more experience but that helped me to push myself and rise to the challenge.

“I’m really enjoying my training at City Building and this win has given me the drive to keep on doing the best I can.”

Willie Docherty, managing director at City Building said; “John should be very proud of what he has achieved and we are all delighted for him. He demonstrated the skills he has learned during his training with confidence, making him a worthy winner.”
John will now represent Scotland at the UK National Final at the Painting and Decorating Show being held in Coventry on 9 / 10 November.

David Morgan (22) from Royston, who is trained by City Building and employed by Cosmo Decorators, took second place.

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City Building & RSBi launch Braille plaques for blind football supporters

d.bunten — Wed, 12 May 2010 09:00:40 +0000

GLASGOW—May 12, 2010

City Building’s Managing Director, Willie Docherty, Celtic’s Johan Mjallby and Robert Mooney from RSBi

THE past year has seen the bi-centenary of the birth of Louis Braille, the Frenchman who invented Braille reading for the blind. To commemorate the event, Royal Strathclyde Blindcraft Industries (RSBi) has produced two special commemorative metal plaques that will be fixed to the walls of Celtic Park and Rangers’ Ibrox Stadium. Celtic interim assistant manager Johan Mjallby and Rangers player Kevin Thomson unveiled the plaques recently alongside City Building Managing Director Willie Docherty and RSBi representative Robert Mooney.

RSBi is the manufacturing division of City Building, one of Scotland’s largest construction companies employing staff of various abilities including a large number of blind and partially sighted workers. The plaques will contain a famous quote from each club and appear in type and in Braille.

City Building Managing Director Willie Docherty commented: “Royal Strathclyde Blindcraft Industries (RSBi) is one of Europe’s largest supported workshops and employs some 260 people, over 50% of whom have a disability. This includes 30 visually impaired workers, all of whom do exactly the same job as their sighted colleagues and work to a very high standard.

“In Scotland, there are over 36,000 people living with sight loss, many of whom struggle to find meaningful employment. As operator of RSBi, City Building is proud to support all our workers, including those with a visual impairment and for their contribution to help us develop what is now a successful, commercial business.
When City Building took over the operation of RSBi 2 years ago, the business was losing some £2million per year.

“In a short space of time, we’ve harnessed the skills and potential within the factory and used this to tap into new markets, including timber kits for houses and schools, to turn the business into a profitable one, with real opportunities for the workers and the local community.

“We’re delighted to highlight the invaluable contribution Louis Braille made over 200 years ago to people with sight loss, with many of those with visual impairment in our factory using Braille on a daily basis to help enhance their lives.”

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Excellence in Sustainability Sees City Building Short Listed For MJ Local Government Achievement Award

r.johnston — Mon, 10 May 2010 08:46:07 +0000

GLASGOW—May 10, 2010

One of Scotland’s largest construction companies has been shortlisted for a major UK-wide government award after demonstrating a clear programme for delivering sustainability initiatives that have produced solid and significant results.

Glasgow-based City Building, which employs over 2,000 staff, has secured a place in the final at the MJ Local Government Achievement Awards 2010 in the category of Sustainable Infrastructure Achievement of the Year.

The entry, submitted in partnership with Glasgow City Council, highlighted City Building’s achievements in delivering a range of green solutions that has seen their carbon footprint reduced by over 25 per cent since 2007. This has been achieved through a range of measures, including the introduction of a wood-fired boiler system which heats a workshop using offcuts from the manufacturing process, the recycling of all metal and timber furniture bases and mattress springs and the construction of a dedicated micro renwables centre, showcasing sustainable technology solutions for heating and hot water.

Whilst the construction industry is often viewed as slow to react to the green agenda, City Building has proactively embraced innovative and effective solutions to environmental issues and is taking a lead role in encouraging others to follow.

With the full commitment of the company’s board of directors, City Building’s sustainable initiatives go further than just the implementation of physical resources. A “sustainability apprenticeship” training programme has been developed and implemented to ensure tradespeople have the skills to manage green technologies, which supports and enhances their lifelong skills and employment opportunities.

In addition, an Environmental Management System has been introduced to review processes, with regular external audits and a dedicated Environmental and Sustainability Committee overseeing quarterly reporting on energy consumption to assess the effectiveness of the processes in place.

The results of City Building’s commitment speak for themselves. At the end of the year to 31 March 2009, the company had salvaged or recycled: -

• 69 tonnes of cardboard
• 263 tones of wood
• 258 tonnes of metal
• 274 tonnes of inert materials

In addition, 2,000 pallets were collected for re-use, together with 2,200 metal furniture bases and 900 timber furniture frames. Since the introduction of a biomass skip in March 2009, 120 tonnes of additional waste per month are now being diverted from landfill.

Willie Docherty, managing director of City Building said: “We are delighted by the results our efforts into sustainability are producing and even more so in being recognised for this award.

“It is crucial for everyone to be involved in protecting the environment and by the very nature of the business, the construction sector has a major role to play. City Building is looking to lead the way for sustainability, by demonstrating that significant results can be achieved with the introduction of simple, cost-effective measures that will go a long way in generating major benefits for the future, for local communities and beyond.

Sustainability initiatives delivered by City Building include;

• The COSLA award-winning Female Lone Parents into Construction scheme.
• Craft Apprenticships - providing training and qualifications in a range of skills through the SQA approved Queenslie Training Centre.
• Work Experience for school pupils, further education colleges and local economic development companies.
• Overseas Tradesperson Assessment and Re-Skilling - an initiative which offers asylum seekers and residents from other countries who do not hold a recognised Scottish qualification, the chance to gain certification in their area of expertise.
• Construction for All - a unique initiative developed to break down real or perceived social barriers. Aimed at minority ethnic communities and other under represented groups in Scotland to encourage interest in careers in construction.
• Construction Skills Academy - opened in Autumn 2008, the Academy provides training for up to 400 individuals per year with employer-led training and qualifications in construction disciplines.
• RSBi - one of the largest supported employment facilities in Europe, employing around 250 staff, over half of who have a disability. RSBi provides real job opportunities for people with disabilities and helps towards the economic regeneration of the local community and beyond.

The awards ceremony will be held at the Hilton Hotel in London on the 24th June and will be hosted by broadcaster and political commentator, Michael Portillo.

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City Building Employee May McCann Celebrates 50 Years At RSBi (Blindcraft)

d.bunten — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 12:00:24 +0000

GLASGOW—April 14th, 2010

City Building’s Director of Operations, Graham Paterson, congratulates May McCann on 50 years with RSBi.

City Building employee May McCann has just clocked up a magnificent milestone with the company. May, who has been blind since birth, celebrated an incredible 50 years in the job on April 11.

A sewing machinist with Royal Strathclyde Blindcraft industries, May (68) started as a knitting machinist in the old factory in Glasgow’s Possilpark area where her first wage was the princely sum of £3 3/4d (£3.17p).

At a special ceremony on Monday afternoon in the RSBi factory in Springburn, Glasgow, she was presented with gifts including a ring to mark the milestone.

A delighted May commented: “I love my job and my colleagues at Blindcraft . It is a great place to work and I have been very happy here. Everyone has been so kind to me. The factory is a huge part of my life and I have no plans to retire. I will be here as long as they want to keep me and as long as I can continue to do my job to the high standards set in here.”

City Building’s Director of Operations Graham Paterson said: “During her 50 years May has proved to be one of the real characters at RSBi. She keeps everyone going with her funny stories and anecdotes and is popular with everyone. She is also a model employee who produces excellent work, has a wonderful attitude and a first-class attendance record. Today is her day and our way of showing how much we appreciate her and how popular a member of staff she is.

“She has never had a day off up until last week when she broke a bone in her foot. She was off for two days in total. The first to get a cast on her foot and the second to let the cast settle. Two days off in 50 years is absolutely remarkable.”

As the proud operators of Europe’s largest assisted workshop facility at RSBi, predominantly employing people who have a disability or who have learning difficulties City Building are committed to ensuring equality and fairness not only for all employees but also prospective employees.

RSBi is a unique organisation with unique resources. Specialising in manufacturing a wide range of furniture products, RSBi is also dedicated to ‘making a difference’ in the community. From its roots as a supported facility for the visually impaired, RSBi is today committed to providing opportunities for people with disabilities, as well as helping towards the economic regeneration of the local community and beyond.

The contribution makes RSBi one of the country’s leading examples of social enterprise, combining commercial success with socially responsibility practises.

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Excellence in Equality and Diversity Sees City Building Short Listed for Local Government Chronicle Awards

d.bunten — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:00:05 +0000

GLASGOW—January 28th, 2010

Construction company City Building (Glasgow) LLP, (City Building), has been short listed in the prestigious Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Awards 2010, for their clear demonstration in driving and delivering innovative equality and diversity initiatives.

As part of the short listing process and to further support their entry, a team from City Building will be in London tomorrow (Friday 29 January) to present to the judging panel on how their initiatives and policies have made a significant difference to local communities, individuals and minority groups.

City Building, whose mission statement is ‘Building to a higher standard,’ uses its commitment to community benefit to deliver sustainable training and employment opportunities for a diverse range of people, including ethnic minority and other under-represented groups, across Glasgow and beyond.

Consequently, the opportunities available to encourage people into work, whatever their background and experience, has delivered unrivalled results and has seen previously overlooked minority groups take active steps into long-term employment.

Willie Docherty, managing director at City Building said: “Being short listed for these awards is a significant achievement in itself and demonstrates that we are being fully recognised for the real difference that our initiatives have made to thousands of people across a wide spectrum of backgrounds.”

Initiatives delivered by City Building include;

The COSLA award-winning Female Lone Parents into Construction scheme.
Craft Apprenticships – providing training and qualifications in a range of skills through the SQA approved Queenslie Training Centre.
Work Experience for school pupils, further education colleges and local economic development companies.
Overseas Tradesperson Assessment and Re–Skilling - an initiative which offers asylum seekers and residents from other countries who do not hold a recognised Scottish qualification, the chance to gain certification in their area of expertise.
Construction for All – a unique initiative developed to break down real or perceived social barriers. Aimed at minority ethnic communities and other under represented groups in Scotland to encourage interest in careers in construction.
Construction Skills Academy – opened in Autumn 2008, the Academy provides training for up to 400 individuals per year with employer-led training and qualifications in construction disciplines.
RSBi – one of the largest supported employment facilities in Europe, employing around 250 staff, over half of who have a disability. RSBi provides real job opportunities for people with disabilities and helps towards the economic regeneration of the local community and beyond.

Recognised as the biggest and most prestigious local government awards, the awards ceremony takes place in London on 24 March and will focus on rewarding the success and achievements of the very best in local government practice.

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City Building (Glasgow) LLP Awarded £500,000 Repair and Maintenance Contract

r.johnston — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 07:36:05 +0000

GLASGOW—December 11, 2009

Local suppliers set to benefit bringing welcome boost to economy

Following a competitive multi-way tender, City Building (Glasgow) LLP has been awarded a major contract by Cassiltoun Housing Association.

The contract, worth £522,000, will see City Building take on the repairs and maintenance of 1000 houses and flatted accommodation in Cassiltoun, based in the south side of Glasgow, over the next three years.

Local suppliers are also set benefit as City Building continues its ethos of employing businesses in the area to undertake specific elements of the contract.

Laura Edwards of Edwards McDowall, consultants brought in to assist the housing association with the tender process, said there was “…no comparison on quality or price” and that the level of service which City Building could provide, made them the obvious choice to take on the contract.

Willie Docherty, managing director of City Building, said: “This is a significant win for us.

“Cassiltoun has long been considered one of the most forward thinking and established housing associations and we are delighted that they have recognised the unrivalled experience and expertise we can offer, coupled with great value that doesn’t scrimp on quality.”

Charlie Millar, chief executive of Cassiltoun Housing Association, said: “This is a great deal for our tenants. Not only have we secured a long fixed price contract which will help control costs which is so important in the current climate but the service we have previously experienced from City Building has been excellent and we are confident this will improve further as our partnership develops.

“In addition we have secured apprenticeship places for our tenants. My board are delighted with the contract”

City Building will also recruit a new apprentice from the housing association to work on the contract, giving them the chance to gain first hand experience and develop their skills. They will work alongside six other apprentices already undergoing training at City Building and who live in - and know - Cassiltoun.

The contract will get underway on 1 April 2010.

Old Firm Stars Kevin Thomson and Paddy McCourt Launch RSBi & City Building Initiative

d.bunten — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:00:41 +0000

GLASGOW—November 19, 2009

Celtic player Paddy McCourt and Rangers star Kevin Thomson visited Royal Strathclyde Blindcraft industries (RSBi) recently to meet visually impaired members of staff and help launch a special initiative. This year sees the bi-centenary of the birth of Louis Braille, the Frenchman who invented Braille reading for the blind. To commemorate the event, RSBi has produced two metal plaques that will be fixed to the walls of Celtic Park and Ibrox Park.

Each of the plaques will contain a famous quote from an Old Firm legend and both will be in type and in Braille. Both plaques will be placed at the gates the visually impaired use on match days and they will be able to read them upon entering the park.

“It’s not the creed nor nationality that counts. It’s the man himself,” are the wise words from Jock Stein.

While the Rangers words of wisdom come from John Greig and read: “Life is about learning and experience. If someone sets an example, you should look at that.”

Scottish construction giant City Building’s manufacturing facility at RSBi is one of Europe’s largest supported employment facilities and Scotland’s largest independent employer of visually impaired workers.

George Gaffney, head of manufacturing for RSBi said: “RSBi employs a range of visually impaired people who deliver highly skilled work, creating furniture and other items used by the housing and construction industry.

“We have several football fans amongst our staff and we are delighted to support the launch of such a fantastic initiative, which will enable our workers, and the wider blind and partially sighted community, to visit these grounds and appreciate the history of these clubs.”

Willie Docherty, Managing Director for City Building said: “RSBi and City Building are proud to acknowledge the impact Louis Braille has had on millions of visually impaired individuals around the world, including several of our highly trained staff members. Having well-known personalities like Kevin and Paddy visit our facility really gives our workers a lift and the plaques produced will enable both visually impaired and fully sighted fans of both teams to commemorate this historic occasion.”

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Media Enquiries
PMPR and McGarvie Morrison Media are our retained agencies and they deal with all enquiries on our behalf.

For any general media enquiries, please contact Russell Kyle at PMPR on +44 (0)141 339 8880, +44 (0)7763 579196 or e-mail rk@pmpr20.fsnet.co.uk

For any enquiries relating to business issues, please contact Lindsay McGarvie at McGarvie Morrison Media on +44 (0)141 221 9041, +44 (0)7836 569988 or e-mail lindsay@mmm.pr

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City Building’s Green Machine Keeps on Winning

d.bunten — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:00:03 +0000

GLASGOW—October 28, 2009

City Building (Glasgow) LLP, one of Scotland’s largest construction companies, has scooped its third environmental award in as many weeks after coming away victorious from the Government Opportunities (GO) magazine ‘Scottish Excellence in Public Procurement’ Awards.

The company won the GO Sustainability Award at the event held in Glasgow on Wednesday 28 October, after impressing the judges with their many initiatives in delivering community benefits as part of their construction projects.

The win comes hot on the heels of two further awards won this month - Best Green Large Company at the Insider Magazine Scottish Green Awards and the award for Sustainable Development at the prestigious Glasgow Business Awards – as well as winning the Glasgow Business Diversity Awards’ “Best Social Enterprise” award for its manufacturing facility, Royal Strathclyde Blindcraft Industries (RSBi).

Steve Kelly, corporate services director at City Building said: “We have had a really strong month and it is great to see that all the effort that’s been put in is already starting to pay off. I’m honestly delighted - for the business, as well as for our 2200 - strong staff.”

Download the Press Release

Media Enquiries
PMPR and McGarvie Morrison Media are our retained agencies and they deal with all enquiries on our behalf.

For any general media enquiries, please contact Russell Kyle at PMPR on +44 (0)141 339 8880, +44 (0)7763 579196 or e-mail rk@pmpr20.fsnet.co.uk

For any enquiries relating to business issues, please contact Lindsay McGarvie at McGarvie Morrison Media on +44 (0)141 221 9041, +44 (0)7836 569988 or e-mail lindsay@mmm.pr

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City Building Named Best Green Large Company at Premier Scottish Green Awards

d.bunten — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:00:34 +0000

GLASGOW—October 5th, 2009

Staff at City Building (Glasgow) LLP were celebrating this week after winning the award for Best Green Large Company at the Insider Magazine Scottish Green Awards.

The prestigious event, the first to be held, took place at the Glasgow Science Centre and was packed out by representatives from businesses contending for the ‘green oscars’.

City Building, which is one of Scotland’s largest construction companies and employs over 2,000 staff, scooped the top award for demonstrating the significant achievement of reducing their carbon footprint (for gas and electricity consumption) by 25 per cent since 2007 - with plans to stretch this even further.

In addition, City Building’s Royal Strathclyde Blindcraft Industries (RSBi), one of Europe’s largest supported employment facilities, uses waste wood to fuel a wood boiler on-site and also reuses all metal and timber frame bases for future production.

The judging panel describes the company’s achievements as “…a great example of a holistic approach to environmental issues.”

Steve Kelly, corporate services director at City Building said: “The business was only formed three years ago, so we’re delighted to win this award.

“We recognise that we all have a responsibility to protect the environment and have introduced a number of processes and initiatives to reduce our carbon footprint and the amount of waste material being produced. We will continue to drive this forward.”

Alasdair Northrop, editor of Insider Magazine, said: “We decided to launch the Scottish Green Awards to recognise the achievements of individuals, companies and organisations taking positive action to protect the environment.

“We have been delighted by the number of entries for the awards.”

Download the Press Release

Media Enquiries
PMPR and McGarvie Morrison Media are our retained agencies and they deal with all enquiries on our behalf.

For any general media enquiries, please contact Russell Kyle at PMPR on +44 (0)141 339 8880, +44 (0)7763 579196 or e-mail rk@pmpr20.fsnet.co.uk

For any enquiries relating to business issues, please contact Lindsay McGarvie at McGarvie Morrison Media on +44 (0)141 221 9041, +44 (0)7836 569988 or e-mail lindsay@mmm.pr

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