Charity bike ride across London
To mark the two-year anniversary of Kier’s partnership with Macmillan, Kier employees cycled across London visiting sites and offices raising money for the charity. The group raised over £10,000 for Macmillan.
Kier employee climbs Mount Everest
Mark Starling, SHE Manager at Kier, climbed Mount Everest raising money for the Kier Foundation and COINS Foundation. Mark reached the 8,448 metre high summit in May 2017 and raised over £37,000 for his chosen charities.
Kier sponsors the Surrey Hills Festival of Food and Drink
Kier works with Surrey County Council to maintain its highways and to support the local community, Kier sponsored the Surrey Hills Festival of Food and Drink. Kier commissioned artist Tiffany Budd to create a cow in Kier colours to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society, Kier’s corporate charity partner
Kier Christmas card competition
We held a competition with schools to design our 2016 Christmas card and the winner was Miranda Hogg from Belmont School. She received a £100 Amazon voucher from Kier for her efforts.
Meet Ally, the orphaned kitten
Whilst working at Alexandra Palace, London, through the Scape Minor Works Framework, our site team found a stray kitten on site. A kitten of one of the stray cats living on the Palace grounds, he was left behind after his mother relocated. However, our site manager, Daniel Iacob, took him and Ally is now fully settled into his new home.
Kier shows Pride in London
At Pride in London 2017, Kier marched with industry colleagues as part of the LGBT+ Construction Working Group, under the banner #BuildingEquality. Kier is one of the 18 partners that make up Building Equality, a group of companies championing LGBT-inclusion within the construction industry.
Easter Egg Donation
Our Kier North Tyneside team and mascot Kieran visited Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care hospital to deliver 150 Easter eggs to patients, donated by colleagues and subcontractors.
Kier Living Golf Day
Members our Kier Living team held a charity golf day in Leeds to raise money for our corporate charity partner Alzheimer’s Society. They raised a fantastic £10,000.
2020 Challenge
Our Construction division is attempting to raise £200,000 for charity by travelling from Orkney to Truro using only green, non-motorised transport. The 2020 challenge will be completed in 2,020 hours and so far they’ve travelled by punt, stilts and rickshaw to name a few!
Environmental community day
Our Environmental team in Solihull held a community day earlier this year and refurbished a porta cabin and garden to provide a vital indoor space at Bluebell Community Garden.
Erik Pieters lends a hand
Stoke City and Netherlands international Erik Pieters paid a visit to one of our sites in Newcastle-under-Lyme, where we’re building a new civic hub, to speak with our apprentices and try his hand at some plastering. Erik’s visit was part of Open Doors Week, where construction companies open their sites for the public to visit and find out more about the scheme. In 2017 we had over 40 sites taking part, more than any other company.
Dementia Friends training
Some of our apprentices in North Tyneside underwent training to become Dementia Friends, working alongside our corporate charity partner Alzheimer’s Society to create better dementia-friendly communities in the local area.
Cedarwood workshop
Apprentices working as part of Kier North Tyneside gave up their free time to convert an old shipping container into a workshop for local charity, the Cedarwood Trust.
Stogursey v Kier charity match
Our team working on Hinkley Point in Somerset helped local football team Stogursey FC by relaying their pitch and improving the drainage. A Kier XI then took on Stogursey to officially open the new pitch.
Highways road sign donation
Our highways team donated some old signs and cones to the Guide Dog Association in Newcastle. They’re being used to train guide dogs in getting round obstacles left on pavements, and the cones have been a great help for Wizard and Albert!
Kier donates ducklings to school
We were carrying out work at Bromstone School in Kent, through the Scape Minor Works Framework, and learnt that the school’s ducklings had been stolen. Our project team stepped in and replaced them, then surprised the pupils with their new residents in a special assembly.
Jack Butland tries his hand at carpentry
Stoke City and England goalkeeper Jack Butland visited our Stoke Minster Church project to help Kier apprentices carry out a refurbishment of its kitchen. Four apprentices were given time of their course to do the work, which Kier completed free of charge.
Kier and Peter Crouch team up for charity
Kier’s housing maintenance team, which provides a range of services to Stoke City Council, commissioned a number of mugs to commemorate Stoke City and England star Peter Crouch’s 100th Premier League goal. He kindly signed the mugs and we’ve auctioned them off to raise money for Stoke City Football Club’s community trust.
Health & Safety Manager
Tim Lacy
I help our Group and Property divisions deliver on their strategic SHEA (Safety, Health, Environment, Assurance) goals for Vision 2020. I do this through the development and application of SHE programmes. I help ensure that our business units remain compliant with all SHE related legislation and drive to deliver continuous SHE improvements.
I believe that good health and safety is vital for any business, so the management of health and safety is an important role that provides added value to any organisation. It is a technical function that utilises my professional training and experience. It is a challenging and varied role that provides job satisfaction, exposure to many other business functions, as well as a mix of activities at offices and sites.
Head of Legal
Vicky Squibb
I am the solicitor who has overall responsibility for the legal advice given or procured on property-related (and other commercial) matters for the Property and Living business units.
I drive and lead commercial property deals to conclusion within challenging time-frames in order to ensure the delivery of the necessary commercial outputs, whilst taking a balanced view as to risk. I appreciate that sounds a bit contrived, and possibly a bit dull (I am a lawyer, after all). In reality I help the team that I work with (who I very much like and respect) to solve problems which enables them to buy, develop and sell property in order to make profit for the Kier Group. I enjoy it because the team is great, the buildings we create are tangible and of a high quality, and I can see the part I play in our success.
Graduate Analyst
Virgin MediaElla Dawson
Hi my names Ella and I’m an Analyst Graduate at Virgin Media. I studied Biochemistry with French at university, and I love being an analyst because I can put the analytical and problem solving skills that I developed as a scientist to good use, but in a completely different environment.
I really did not want to go into a financial environment, and so Virgin Media was perfect for me: it’s a company with a great atmosphere, lovely people, and there’s always something going on which makes working here really fun.
Senior BIM Manager
Andy Boutle
My role involves a very wide and broad range of activities and functions. BIM is about modernising project delivery and cultivating more collaborative integrated teams, using technology and improved processes to harness efficiencies. The focus of BIM is more in data and better information management, which requires a cultural and behavioral change to the way we work traditionally, as industry shifts into the digital world.
My role is incredibly challenging as it involves winning hearts and minds working towards a collaborative BIM environment. The successes along the way are incredibly rewarding. In this role you are always looking ahead at the cutting edge of technology, processes and behaviors.
Behavioural Improvement Manager
Tony Roscoe
I head up a small team that aims to help improve health and safety behaviour in our business through the application of behavioural and cultural programmes
I love working with people (especially front line staff) in order to help to improve how we as an organisation operate. If we can engage with staff in order to improve how we operate, we start to create a culture of continuous improvement across the business.
Environmental Advisor
Andrew Staufenbiel
I assist with both the pre-construction and construction teams looking to address associated environmental risks on our projects. This includes; looking at risks within the ground before we even start building and helping sites to understand and manage risks throughout the construction phase (protecting & enhancing ecology/wildlife, waste management, etc). I travel across all of our offices and construction sites, providing ongoing support and visibility and I particularly enjoy managing the wide range of changing issues we face and the varied people I work with.
I have a strong interest in people and the environment, and believe that the construction industry has a huge part to play in protecting and enhancing the environment in which we all live.
Assistant Quantity Surveyor
Zoe Morgan
I assist in placing orders and managing work packages at SA1. I’m a site based assistant Quantity Surveyor, and I have very good hands on practice as I’m able to work closely with design and operational staff.
I love my job because no day is the same! I work with intelligent people who I am constantly learning from.
Quantity Surveyor
Jacob Austin
I’m currently managing the budget for a £18 million new hospital for children, young adults and families with mental health problems. The job involves buying packages of work from local tradespeople and valuing their work as they complete it, paying them for their work, and charging the client for what has been completed. It involves use of maths skills, and practical knowledge of building.
In my role no two days are the same as the work on site continually changes and brings new challenges. I get to see how everything is done and to meet lots of different people. I’m not stuck in an office all day every day and it’s great to be challenged.
HGV Mechanic
Jamie Daniels
I look after Kier’s fleet vehicles on our TOR2 contract. From inspections, to services, to repairs; there’s not much I don’t do! I’ve always loved cars and I’d like to run the garage one day. My apprenticeship is helping me on my way to accomplishing this; I’ve already achieved my level two light vehicles and levels two and three heavy goods vehicles qualifications.
I’m well looked after – my team is a great bunch and Kier’s a good company to work for. I know an apprenticeship can seem scary, but everyone has been really helpful. The friendly environment has really brought me out of my shell, which has helped me in life as well as work.
Trainee Supervisor
Lewis Scott
I joined Kier in August 2014 and I love it. I like that each day is differently and I’m constantly learning new things. I enjoy interacting with the different workers on site too – I look forward to coming into work every day.
A typical day for me on site involves managing our supply chain and materials, as well as ensuring health and safety standards are always being maintained. I also spend time shadowing the site managers and giving inductions to visitors. I’m currently studying for my NVQ Level 3 in construction alongside my work on site. In the future I would like to become a site manager and maybe explore construction overseas.
SHE Advisor
Michael Simmonds
My role involves the implementation of our health, safety and environmental action plan by monitoring and mentoring other employees in our offices and on our projects in the central region.
I am passionate about my role because I have always loved the building of anything and when in the world of safety, it makes you feel that you are making a difference and assuring the safety of everyone on site. It is a very interesting career because you get to see how buildings are constructed from the ground up to the roof. It is a demanding job but I couldn’t see myself doing anything else, as the satisfaction you get when a project is handed over on time, on budget and with no accidents is a good feeling. I would recommend any young person as it gives you a satisfying feeling at the end of each day.
Personal Assistant & Social Impact Manager
Laura Negus
In my role as Personal Assistant, I assist Rob Gray, a Technical Services Director within Kier, with every day responsibilities including diary and calendar management as well as supporting his senior management team to support and deliver the best possible service to our clients and various jobs within the business. As well as a P.A. I am a Social Impact Manager, where as part of the Scape Framework, I ensure the delivery of social impact across all projects led by our Kier Workplace Services South team. This includes liaising with various public bodies and organisations to capture and evidence all activities, assist in implementing the apprenticeship programme, arrange work experience with locals schools across the UK, conduct Health and Safety talks in Schools and record all the professional development across the team.
I really enjoy the two roles I carry out as my duties and responsibilities are constantly changing and adapting creating a challenging environment which is something I thrive on and I find allows me to do the best I can. Working with a great team is a welcomed bonus as I enjoy working with them every day without a dull moment insight.
Plumber
Natalie Beech
I joined Kier in 2013 initially as a logistic technician apprentice. I was really pleased to be recognised for my work on that apprenticeship – I was nominated for the Rising Star award at Kier and I was also invited to London to meet Prince Andrew as part of an event to celebrate and promote apprenticeship schemes. I recently had the opportunity to become a plumbing apprentice, which I took with both hands.
So far I’ve learnt how to complete first fix, carry out repairs and maintenance, bathroom renewal and much more. I’m keen to keep learning and enjoy a variety of work at both Kier and College. I’m looking forward to what the future holds and furthering my career.
Operations Director
Jason Taylor
I oversee the regional Construction Business within South Wales. I am responsible for leading the delivery of business development, work winning, construction and aftercare of the buildings we create. in South Wales. I have the pleasure of leading around 94 staff who deliver around £100m worth of contracts per year.
Its a real pleasure to create buildings and improve local communities and leave a lasting legacy, where we work, live and play. To see our staff grow and develop and achieve the best of their abilities is always a pleasure.
Head of Planning
David Mellows
I work with the planning team to develop construction programmes and methodology, from initial concept stage, though the tender and construction process to final completion of a project.
The great thing about planning is that you are involved in the project from start to finish and I work with many different departments and organisations all with the common goal of completing the project on time.
Assistant Administrator
Cherry Lisle
I’m the first point of contact for enquiries around the courses we provide and I am responsible for ensuring bookings are taken. I also work with our supply chain to arrange asbestos awareness courses.
Before each training course takes place, I make sure all relevant learner files are prepared and available to the participants. After the courses I then manage the payment process, sending out invoices and helping with any enquiries relating to this. I really enjoy working at the Gas Training Centre, the team are really supportive and have helped boost my confidence.
Trainee Site Manager
Ian Brumskill
I joined Kier as an apprentice when I was 20 and I’ve been working on our project to redevelop Chester Theatre since February 2016.
My main responsibilities on site consist of supervising subcontractors on site, making sure the work is on schedule, and making sure all required materials are available when needed. I also carry out quality assurance on the project and carry out site inductions for visitors. I supervise a number of site tours every week in addition to walking round with my mentors to identify which jobs need to be completed. Kier has invested a lot of time in helping me develop and I’m extremely appreciative of that.
Construction Supervisor
Stewart Croft
I started working at Kier as an apprentice after I left St Francis Xavier School. I’m finding my apprenticeship really interesting and varied and a typical day for me usually consists of carrying out site inductions, attending progress review meetings with subcontractors and liaising with clients about the scheme’s management.
I also spend time working with other members of the project team to understand the various roles required to deliver projects. There’s a lot of competition for apprenticeship places but if you work hard and secure one you can learn so much. I try to take in as much knowledge from the people around me as I can as each day is different within construction.
Bid Director
Paul Leadbitter
I am responsible for managing a team that puts together all of the Housing Maintenance bids that we submit across the country. I coordinate activities, manage processes and make sure we constantly strive to be better at what we do.
There are different challenges in my role every day, and on every bid with no two days being the same. I am passionate about winning work for Kier and being able to put together solutions that satisfy the objectives of our clients.
Development Surveyor
Mica Latouche
I assist the development team in the evaluation and acquisition of sites. I also appraise and manage opportunities including the management of the development appraisal system throughout the bidding process. I regularly attend site for inspections and for site progress meetings with Project Managers and Development Managers.
I love my work because it is challenging, lucrative and it’s great to see final results of my work, particularly when every project is different. Additionally there are lots of networking opportunities to engage with other organisations.