Ashe ConstructionCapability Document

Design Build Manage Innovate Sustain

Ashe Construction enjoys a history and track record spanning more than 40 years. Founded in 1972 Ashe manages the design and construction of buildings for public and private sector clients nationwide. From our offices based in Hertfordshire and Leicestershire we serve a great diversity of markets and industries with schemes which require new construction, internal and external refurbishment, alterations and fit outs.

Contents

About

Sectors

Divisions

Experience

Board

Social Resposibility

Our aim

s, our promise &

our 5 star delivery.

Browse through our range of sectors.

Our d

ivisons explained.

Take a look at some of our com

pleted w

ork.

Meet our board

.

Health & Safety, Environm

ent, Innovation, People, V

alues and Supply C

hain

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About

We aim to construct environments that enhance the lives of the people who use them and to create environments which result in satisfied clients whether they are international blue-chip brands, property developers, public sector, or commercial organisations.

While the nature and size of the schemes we work on varies enormously, they are all informed by our company ethos that regards the standard and quality of service we offer our clients to be paramount.

Our Aim • To work as part of an integrated

team to deliver facilities that exceed client expectations

• To minimise disruption and environmental impact to the client’s operations and surrounding neighbours during ongoing construction works

• To work safely and conscientiously to provide high quality extended and refurbished facilities

Our Promise Ashe views every project as an opportunity to develop innovative and informed solutions that exceed our client’s functional and aesthetic aspirations. Through excellence in design and construction, we aim to affect positively those who experience the results of our work.

Each project undertaken by Ashe, regardless of scale or size, is undertaken with enthusiasm, commitment, a desire to produce high quality buildings and spaces to deliver client satisfaction.

We recognise the importance of personal relationships at all levels. In the development of the scheme proposals, we seek to lead and promote team working and collaboration between the client, design and construction team and all other stakeholders.

We encourage a culture of learning, creative thinking and problem solving within Ashe and with those with whom we work. We seek to share knowledge to provide added value and opportunity. We encourage continuous improvement throughout the delivery of our services.

We encourage a culture of learning, creative thinking and problem solving within Ashe and with those with whom we work.

Our 5 Star Delivery We have a commitment to Ashe’s 5 Star Delivery which means we aim for all projects to be:

1. completed safely,

2. on time,

3. on budget,

4. with zero defects,

5. to the complete satisfaction of our customers.

From education to major commercial projects, new build to renovation and maintenance, we have an open and flexible culture and work tirelessly to innovate in all aspects of our work.

DELIVERY

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Viginia Water Visitor Centre I Ashe Projects | Leisure & Retail | £1.4m

Board

The Ashe board consists of eight directors bringing experience from across all the construction disciplines to provide an effective management team. With a combined total of a hundred and seventy Ashe years between them, they are mindful of the tried and tested traditions that have made the construction industry what it is today.

Robert Blake, ChairmanBob trained as a quantity surveyor working with a number of companies both at home and abroad before becoming managing director of a regional contracting company. In 1972 Bob went into partnership with Melvyn Branch to start their own contracting company known today as Ashe Group Holdings Ltd. Bob is a fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, a member of the Chartered Institute of Building and has an MSc in Project Management.

Robin Blake, Managing DirectorRobin got a taste for how other countries operate by working for French and Danish companies in civil engineering until his return to the UK in 1998 when he joined Ashe, the family business, as a site manager. He was a surveyor and deputy managing director before taking up the post of managing director in August 2005. Robin is a fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building and has an MSc in Engineering as well as a BSc in Building Construction & Management.

Neil Blake, Deputy Managing Director & AftercareNeil started his career with Ashe in 2000 with a background in environmental engineering. He became a member of the Chartered Institute of Building in 2011 and was appointed deputy managing director in 2012. Neil leads Ashe’s Aftercare team and assists his brother – managing director, Robin Blake with long-term development plans for the business.

Richard Clay, Finance DirectorRichard joined Ashe in 1988 as a contract surveyor. In 1999 he was appointed surveying director and in January 2005 became finance director. Working closely with the finance team his knowledge of the industry ensures all aspects of the company’s financial matters are well under control. Richard is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and a member of the Chartered Institute of Building.

Martin Petts, Construction DirectorMartin joined Ashe in 1990 as an assistant site manager before being promoted in 1992 to site manager and then in 1995 to project manager. In this time Martin constructed prestigious schemes across all industry sectors including homes, motor dealerships, sporting facilities and education facilities. In 2001 he was promoted to contracts manager and in 2004 to contract director. Martin is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building and a Chartered Environmentalist.

Andrew Morris, Business Development DirectorAndrew joined Ashe in 1989 as a contract surveyor. In 1997 he was promoted to marketing manager and in 1999 was appointed business development director. Responsible for sales and marketing operations Andrew’s knowledge and understanding of Ashe and the construction process is invaluable in securing new frameworks and contracts. Andrew is a member of the Chartered Institute of Building

Ian Robbins, Partnerships & Performance improvement DirectorIan joined Ashe in 2000 and worked in site-based management before moving to Ashe’s Partnerships division. In 2003 he became operations manager for the division and has been instrumental in the success of Ashe’s framework operations for SMARTE EAST (Hertfordshire, Essex and Suffolk County Councils) EMPA (East Midlands Property Alliance) and Oxfordshire County Council. He was appointed Partnerships Director in 2012 and manages Partnerships contracts from the company’s headquarters in Hertfordshire.

Sheridan McKnight, Partnerships DirectorGraduating in 1996 with a BSc in Quantity Surveying, Sheridan started his career with Edmund Shipway before joining Ashe as a surveyor in 2001. He moved over to the Partnerships division in 2003 rising through the ranks to become Business Manager in 2009. Sheridan was appointed Partnerships Director in 2012 with responsibility for the EMPA framework delivered by Ashe’s Leicestershire office.

We act with integrity and professionalism and have a culture of ‘right first time’.

Divisions

We operate through four main divisions – Projects, Partnerships, Modular, Maintain – all of which offer excellent quality, value and service provided in the way you want it. We’re flexible and that’s why Ashe is able to deliver projects through a variety of procurement routes. We typically work through traditional and negotiated contracts, and our Design & Build team can be mobilised to support our activities across all divisions and sectors. We also deliver projects of a more sensitive nature through a range of framework and bespoke agreements.

Each division is has the full support of highly trained dedicated teams which include marketing, estimating, buying, IT and accounts.

Projects

Modular

Partnerships

Maintain

Projects undertakes contracts of any size across the whole spectrum of construction sectors. Much of our work is for clients who return to us again and again because they know we will deliver what we promise – exceptional standards of project management, workmanship, and aftercare. We’re creative and flexible and can respond to our clients’ needs. Whether through traditional forms of contract or Design & Build, we can be relied upon to complete our work safely, on time and on budget.

Ashe actively encourages the use of off-site and modular building technologies though this specialist division. We have pioneered the use of several systems, in their infancy, which have now become common-place. The countless benefits of sustainable construction have enabled Ashe to create buildings with longevity, increased safety, reduced waste, reduced programme time, increased quality and reduced cost.

We have worked with systems such as EcoCanopy, KLH, Eurban and System 1200 with impressive results.

The division specialises in strategic alliances and framework agreements with local authorities and public sector bodies across the central belt of the UK.

Through organisations like SMARTE EAST, empa, LGSS, Milton Keynes Framework and the University of Hertfordshire, the division offers an unrivalled service, meeting the needs of communities in the most efficient way.

Taking a full ‘life cycle’ approach, the team continues our relationship with clients following the completion of their projects. Maintain manages the transition from post-construction customer care to planned and reactive maintenance regimes.

We innovate by adopting new initiatives and modern methods of construction.

Ashe Organisation Structure ChartChairman

Robert Blake

Managing DirectorRobin Blake

Information Technology

Human Resources

Deputy MD & AftercareNeil Blake

AftercareProject Management

Account Management

Business Development

EstimatingSales &

Marketing

Business Development

DirectorAndrew Morris

Construction &SHE DirectorMartin Petts

Partnerships Director

(Lutterworth)SheridanMcKnight

Partnerships & Performance Improvement

Director (Hitchin) Ian Robbins

SHE

Safety, Health, Environment & Temporary

Works

Accounts

Finance DirectorRichard Clay

Supply Chain

Modular

Design & Build Design & Build Design & Build Design & Build

Procurement Procurement Procurement Procurement

Quality Assurance

Quality Assurance

Quality Assurance

Quality Assurance

Training & Development

Training & Development

Training & Development

Training & Development

Maintain ProjectsPartnerships

Sectors

Whether you’d like to challenge us to build a lifeboat station under tidal conditions, create an eco-friendly school during the holidays, an office development to help you expand your business or a fast food restaurant – fast, Ashe knows just what it takes to deliver a first class project.

We’re versatile and flexible and understand the specific requirements of projects across all market sectors. Each is delivered sensitively with a true understanding of our clients’ and their end-users’ needs. Whether through traditional forms of contract or on a design & build basis we have built our business by forming strong partnerships with both private and public sector clients.

Commercial & Industrial

Education

Health & Community

Finding a cost-effective solution when your business requires new premises or a refurbishment is vital. That’s why Ashe is the contractor of choice for many companies who need flexible working space. Our industrial developments often require high specification engineering plant, as well as office and meeting space, while our commercial clients may need a flexible combination of offices, warehousing as well as showrooms and light engineering space. Whatever the company’s operations, having the right working environment is key to maximising business success. From dock levellers at major warehouse units to corporate training and conference facilities, Ashe works closely with construction and design consultants to produce the highest quality commercial and industrial buildings.

We are proud of the contribution we have made to the health and wellbeing of the thousands of people who use the facilities we create. Working with the public and private sectors, we form close relationships with our clients to produce unique buildings which benefit our society. We understand the needs of faith groups, healthcare providers and community groups and on all our projects we know exactly what is expected of us – attention to detail, ability to stick to budget and programme, and to work in the most environmentally-efficient manner so that we can deliver the exceptional facilities our communities deserve, for today and tomorrow.

The work we undertake for schools and colleges of all sizes is our most rewarding. Through close communication we encourage staff, pupils, students and parents to become engaged in the construction process so they can feel part of the wonderful learning environments we create. Through intelligent planning and close liaison we overcome the unique challenges presented to us when working in ‘live’ schools settings. We are able to timetable our work around exam periods when silence is required and make sure that our activities don’t affect the safety of staff and students during the busiest parts of the day.

Leisure & Retail

Motor Dealership

Residential

From fast food chains to high street names, Ashe understands what makes the retail and leisure industries tick. Careful planning on all leisure and retail construction projects ensures trouble-free refurbishments, which allow trading to continue unabated. On new build developments, Ashe’s early involvement enables a smooth project delivered with the highest quality project management and workmanship. Retail and leisure is a fast moving and ever-evolving sector and Ashe is uncompromising when it comes using innovative construction techniques to increase health & safety and sustainability on our sites. Strict controls are kept to reduce the impact our work has on the environment, with social responsibility at the core of our operations.

Ashe has considerable experience in providing the very best in construction services to the motor dealership industry. We receive a large amount of repeat business from both franchise operators and motor manufacturers proving that our knowledge of the industry coupled with exceptional project and deadline management are fundamental requirements for clients in this sector. From practical working spaces such as valeting facilities and workshops to the high specifications required for offices and luxury showrooms, we create great working environments that take the pressure away from our clients so they can get on with maximising their business’ potential. Some projects require the sensitive development of greenfield sites, while others demand the refurbishment of existing facilities.

Our work in the residential sector spans private developments of luxury homes to sheltered housing schemes for social housing providers. We have built a reputation for delivering specialist residential facilities for those with unique needs and understand the sensitivities of working within live settings. We are constantly aware that we’re building people’s homes and build to the standards we would expect in our own. From specialist care homes for the elderly to converting historic, listed buildings into modern apartments, we’re proud to construct practical and well design properties for both our private and public sector clients.

Each project undertaken by Ashe, regardless of scale or size, is undertaken with enthusiasm, commitment, a desire to produce high quality buildings and spaces to deliver client satisfaction.

Social Responsibility

Ashe cares about its impact on society and the environment. Innovation plays a key role in helping us to improve the way we carry out our business. Constant improvements in training, construction methods, minimising our impact on the environment, improving the lives of our staff and the people for whom we create buildings and facilities is fundamental to the way we work.

Ashe welcomes clients and suppliers who embrace our philosophy of adopting sustainable technologies and responsible stewardship of the environment to promote best practice within our industry.

We register many of our sites with the Considerate Constructors scheme which monitors our operations against a code of practice. The company regularly works on projects requiring BREEAM ratings and works with suppliers who understand what it takes to achieve Excellent status.

Ashe is committed to fulfilling the requirements ISO 14001 environmental management system which is audited annually. We promote the reduction of energy consumption, the minimization of waste and the recycling of paper and other materials. Moreover, the system outlines how the company’s construction sites should care for the environment by protecting water courses, wildlife and fauna as well as the control of spillages that may arise in site operations.

Ashe is working towards EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) accreditation.

We fund training and development programmes for several of our Framework partners as part of the localism agenda and we regularly sponsor organisations and events in the communities we work in.

Ashe was selected as one of only 12 contractors in Building Magazine’s Good Employer Guide 2013 proving that Ashe is a great organisation to work for. The guide highlights employees’ attitudes to the leadership, corporate social responsibility, opportunity to contribute, working atmosphere, opportunities for smarter working, career progression and the company’s response to current market conditions.

Health & SafetyWe take health & safety very seriously with leadership as the cornerstone of our approach to safety management. We’ve made a commitment to constantly raise standards of health & safety not only within Ashe but by helping to spread our health & safety culture across our supply chain. We want to change behaviours so that everyone who has any contact with our operations whether they be a member of staff or a member of the public can be confident that they will get home in one piece. Click here to read our health & safety policy and find out about how we maintain our excellent health & safety record through training and communication.

The environmentWe know the construction industry is responsible for having a huge impact on the environment and that’s why Ashe has made a pledge to make a difference. We promise to operate in the most environmentally-efficient way we can. We reduce, re-use, recycle and recover where ever we can and only dispose of waste as a last resort. Through the use of innovation and using local suppliers and services, we reduce our impacts.

We review our processes and constantly strive to improve the way we work. We design environmental best practice into everything we do. Take a look at our Modular division to see how we embrace modern methods of construction to maximise our sustainability and minimise our impacts on the environment.

InnovationOur commitment to innovation isn’t just about finding new ways to replace old methods of construction. It’s about finding techniques that help us to drive improvements in safety on our sites, and it’s about making our business and our industry truly sustainable.

We encourage everyone in our business, whatever their role, to play a part in our commitment to innovation. From investing in ‘paperless’ information technology, which helps our supply chain and clients to be more efficient, to pioneering the use of modular building systems to reduce waste and energy use.

We incorporate innovative design into every stage the construction process.

Our peopleMany of our customers return to us again, and again, because they say Ashe is different. We give them a positive experience of the construction process. We believe this is down to our people. It’s not just because we’re skilled and knowledgeable, but we’re open and enthusiastic too. We value each other and ensure our people receive the career development and appreciation they all deserve because they are central to our success. We employ talented people and encourage them to pursue their career ambitions.

We believe in teamwork, and we’re always open to fresh ideas and new initiatives because improving the way we do things is our priority.

There’s a unique culture at Ashe which stems from our open and informal style of management. We are a dynamic team, respectful and supportive of each other. In fact, Ashe was selected as one of only 12 contractors in Building Magazine’s Good Employer Guide 2013, proving that Ashe is a great organisation to work for. The guide highlights employees’ attitudes to the leadership, corporate social responsibility, opportunity to contribute, working atmosphere, opportunities for smarter working, career progression and the company’s response to current market conditions. Ashe is also an Investor in People.

Our valuesWe want to run a successful business and we want to do it the right way. We set high standards for ourselves and the people we work with. We employ talented people and develop their potential so we enhance their skills and knowledge. We act collectively as a team, giving everyone a voice, and a rewarding career.

We want to make continuous improvement in all areas of our business. This means acting responsibly with regard to health and safety, the environment and the communities in which we operate. We act with integrity and professionalism and have a culture of ‘right first time’.

We focus on our customers’ needs and aim for each project to be completed on time, on budget, free of any defects, safely and handed over to a delighted client.

Supply ChainThe “Ashe Force” supply chain is a vital part of everything we do. We have projects spread throughout the Midlands and south east of England serviced by an experienced and dedicated supply chain which helps us to deliver efficiency benefits to all our partners. We use the knowledge and skills of a fully integrated local supply chain which includes sub-contractors, suppliers and consultants. We share our experiences, initiatives and the lessons learned from all of our collaborative partnerships.

We have committed to helping the communities in which we work through tender opportunities, training, employment and environmental initiatives with assistance from local support agencies. We are proud to fund training through our framework partners such as the empa Academy which provides development and careers for people.

Experience

Ashe’s experience of working in occupied environments is extensive and varied and includes many schools, nursing homes, care homes, traveller sites and council offices.

80% of our recently completed works have been undertaken with occupants still in-situ.

In all cases of our working within occupied and operational buildings extreme care and planning is essential to achieve success and minimise any disruption to users.

Stakeholder inductions and presentations are implemented on all projects in advance to inform users of works to be undertaken and the dangers and problems associated with them; we also take the opportunity to advise on the expected project outcomes.

During these discussions we review travel plans and fire routes to ensure client/end user procedures are in place prior to our arrival. We also explain that any issue, however small, should be passed to the site manager to deal with.

Any complaint received by our on site liaison officer or in the head office is logged and followed through as part of our ISO Quality Assurance system. Assemblies to children, meetings with parents, staff and governors would also be held prior to starting on site.

We have found that when working in an environment with the public in close proximity and especially in schools, it is essential to maintain clear and robust separation of construction works from the public.

Through our extensive experience specifically working in live school environments we have developed methods of creating robust segregation through the use of herras fencing corridors, ply fencing or internal partitions to define the construction site.

All personnel on the construction site are inducted by the site manager before they are allowed access to the site. The induction would include our standard site rules and also any specific rules that apply to that site.

As site conditions change, the site managers regularly advise site personnel of any new rules or risks on site to ensure the public are not put at risk, we have found that tool box talks are the best way to present this information. Any personnel, whether employees or subcontractors, not complying with the rules will be removed from site.

All staff are appropriately identified in hi-vis, helmets and other protective clothing.

From our experience we have found the following practical measures are vital to ensure the prevention of disruption when working on occupied premises:

• Early contractor involvement to assist in designing out noisy operations and time spent on site by utilising MMC’s and innovative design solutions.

• Optimise project start dates to make good use of premises shutdown periods especially within educational environments.

• Good segregation between work and occupier areas, reducing unauthorised access between areas, noise transmission and dust transmission.

• Advanced planning allowing material deliveries to site out of hours or during quiet times during the working day.

• Careful planning of works phasing programmes in conjunction with end users.

• Plan and undertake noisy works out of hours.

• Adequate time allowance and assistance for occupier moves between project phases.

• Well designed and signed temporary evacuation routes whilst project works ongoing.

• Utilise site managers and supply chain partners with specific experience and expertise in undertaking projects of this nature and dealing with end users in a caring and compassionate manner.

• Tailor site inductions to explain potential problems that may be encountered and how Ashe staff and subcontractors should react if a problem arises.

• Walk all vehicles through live sites to compound area.

• Ensure supply chain partners work in pairs as a minimum.

• Ensure end user staff fully appraised of changing work conditions and areas of operation.

• Ensure heavily segregated work areas and operations with strict security measures to prevent unauthorised exit or entry onto site.

• Ensure all materials and tools are well stored and locked away when not in use.

Working in Occupied Environments

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

Our DBS checking process is managed by our HR department at our Head Office in Hitchin. In the last few years we have carried out a phased DBS checking programme for site & office staff.

Individuals involved in projects near vulnerable people are fast tracked through system to ensure validation prior to starting on site. Those requiring DBS checks are sent application forms by our HR department, noting when sent & advising return dates.

If applicants experience difficulties filling out forms they are invited to the office where the HR department explains & assists forms population alongside applicant. When received back forms are reviewed for accuracy before being sent to Hayes Recruitment, who are registered to legally undertake the DBS validation process on Ashe’s behalf.

If employees refuse to participate, a notification advising the situation is sent to department

We guide our customers through the entire process from pre-construction to life time maintenance.

heads ensuring individuals are not considered for projects involving vulnerable members of society.

DBS Project requirement is on tender check & logged on the project and procurement files 38 of our 41 site staff are currently DBS checked (either standard or enhanced).This equates to 92%.

100% of our operational office based staff who visit site are already DBS checked (either standard or enhanced).

We have also undertaken to assist our subcontractors in obtaining DBS checks for their employees and provide this service at cost with no administration charges made.

Our cherished supply chain partners who work regularly for our framework partners are all DBS accredited. Other supply chain partners are being advised to ensure that they will be able to meet the new regulations being introduced.

Rickmansworth School, Rickmansworth I Ashe Projects | Education | £3m

Modular Experience

Open Air Theatre, Inner Circle, Regents Pak, London, NW1 4NR 27 weeks £1.9m

Contract titleOpen Air Theatre, Regents ParkClientRegents Park Theatre LtdArchitectHaworth Tompkins LtdDescriptionRefurbishments and extensions to workshop to create backstage facilities, office and new timber framed box office following demolition of existing buildings.

Tring Park, Tring, HP23 5LX 30 weeks £2m

Contract titleTring Park School, TringClientThe AES Tring Park Aspire TrustArchitectBurrell Foley FischerDescriptionConstruction of 5 New build dance studios, in a single independent structure with pedestrian link to adjacent existing school clock house building.

Modular Experience

Sherwood Avenue, Sherwood Park, St Albans, AL4 9QW 19 weeks £345k

Contract title

Sherwood Park, St AlbansClient

Hertfordshire County CouncilArchitect

MaceDescription

New build children’s centre.

Coldharbour Lane, Bushey, Herts, WD23 4PA 15 weeks £420k

Contract title

Bushey Meads School, BusheyClient

Hertfordshire County CouncilArchitect

MaceDescription

New build children’s centre.

Modular Experience

Dulwich Way, Croxley Green, Rickmansworth, Herts, WD33 3PX 12 weeks £330k

Contract title

York Mead Primary School, RickmansworthClient

Hertfordshire County CouncilArchitect

MaceDescription

New build children’s centre.

School Lane, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 6HD 12 weeks £280k

Contract title

Essendon School, HatfieldClient

Hertfordshire County CouncilArchitect

MaceDescription

New build children’s centre.

Modular Experience

Crown Road, Kidlington, Oxon, OX5 1AG 14 weeks £360k

Contract title

Magpies Pre School, KidlingtonClient

Oxfordshire County CouncilArchitect

AtkinsDescription

Construction of a new EcoCanopy children’s centre facility.

Sunderland Drive, Bicester, Oxfordshire, OX26 4YJ 14 weeks £460k

Contract title

Glory Farm Priory School, BicesterClient

Oxfordshire County CouncilArchitect

AtkinsDescription

Construction of a new EcoCanopy children’s centre facility.

Ashe Construction Ltd (Head Office)Ashe House / Cooks Way / Hitchin / Hertfordshire / SG4 0JET: 01462 630 630 F: 01462 630 631 E: hitchin@asheconstruction.co.uk

Ashe Construction Ltd (Midlands Office)Unit 7 / St. Johns Business Park / Rugby Road / Lutterwortth / LE17 4HBT: 01455 886 121 F: 01455 556 569 E: lutterworth@asheconstruction.co.uk

www.asheconstruction.co.uk