A new community learning hub has opened at Bromley Pensnett Primary School in Dudley following a £20,000 competition by contractor Novus. School Refurbishments Work Works at the school include a full refurbishment of the previously derelict building that saw our team of 10 install a new roof, repair and redecorate the interior and exterior, fit new steps, replace doors and flooring, and install a new kitchen. We have completed the hub in just two weeks as part of a competition by Novus to support worthwhile projects in the communities we operate in, as voted for by people in the area. We refurbished the school in Pensnett’s community learning centre, which has been closed for the past five years after falling into a state of disrepair. Learning Hub Services The new Novus Learning Hub offers a space where parents and carers can visit for support and advice. The building now provides the facilities for parents to complete health checks and weigh-in sessions and attend breast feeding clinics. It was chosen as part of the Novus’ ‘Big Five’ initiative to mark our fifth birthday, with £20,000 being spent on five individual local community projects across the UK. The project was also made possible by donations from Novus’ supply chain from Crown Paints, Eurocell, Howdens Joinery and Acorn Spencer. Head Teacher Feedback Helen Tomlinson, headteacher at Bromley Pensnett Primary School, said: “The new Novus Learning Hub provides a centre for our community that it was once lacking. We’re grateful to Novus for taking the building out of its derelict state and refurbishing it to the highest standards. “Everyone at the school is really happy with the finished project and we’re looking forward to seeing the ongoing benefits it will bring to the community.” Site Supervisor Feedback Dani Roberts-Wright, site supervisor at Novus, said: “Delivering the new Novus Learning Hub at Bromley Pensnett school was an honour to work on and we’re all really pleased with the final results. “As part of our commitment to the communities we operate in we’ve been working hard to deliver projects that local people could be proud of and use for years to come. This new community centre achieves that.” Bromley Pensnett Primary School Bromley Pensnett Primary School caters for 320 children aged between three and 11 years old in Pensnett and the surrounding areas. In 2015 it partnered with drb Ignite Multi Academy Trust to become a sponsored academy.

Novus has marked its fifth birthday by announcing sales of £148.6m in 2017 (2016: £130.3m) following four consecutive years’ growth in revenues and profits. For the first time, the Stoke-headquartered contractor has been recognised in the annual Sunday Times Top Track 250 league table (206th) for having achieved some of the biggest sales among privately-owned mid-market growth companies in the UK. The business, which traces its origins to the founding of Seddon more than 120 years ago, was formed in 2013 after the Seddon Group restructured into two independent businesses – Novus and Seddon. In the first year, Novus achieved sales of £96.9m and recorded profit before tax of £2.3m. In 2017, the business achieved sales of £148.6M and profit before tax of £5.4m. The company, which employs 1,000 people nationally, is entirely financed by its own cashflow, with no bank debt. In 2016, £1.5m was invested into a new modern headquarters building in Stoke-on-Trent. Novus Locations Novus operates from 30 locations across the UK with revenues coming from the refurbishment and maintenance of buildings for housing associations, local authorities, the NHS and the hotel, leisure and grocery retail sectors, as well as construction and new build projects across the Midlands and North West of England. Chief Executive Neil Hand’s View Commenting on the figures, Chief Executive Neil Hand said: “We’re delighted to have achieved industry-leading organic growth in every year since we became an independent business. And being recognised as one of the stand-out performers among privately-owned British companies is the icing on our fifth birthday cake.  “Central to the way we do things is a risk governed, measured and controlled approach to managing our finances. This gives us the flexibility to take long-term decisions that are in the best interests of our employees and clients. “Part of this includes a commitment to paying our suppliers according to their terms and, critically, on time. We’re very proud of our record and it’s why we have a loyal supply chain built on long-term relationships.  “Like every business in our sector, cost inflation is a significant headwind. Our procurement team continues to do excellent work in managing our materials supply contracts and we always police our working capital closely. This means that we can maintain our financial independence, allowing us to run our business according to our values.” Neil continued: “There are signs of a slowdown in construction and we remain mindful of this, even if maintenance continues to be an area where demand is fairly robust. We believe growth is achievable again this year but the strength of our financial position means we don’t need to pursue it at all costs. “Our focus is on nurturing our existing relationships through a partnership-led approach to working with clients. We find that customers and suppliers return to us because of trust and an understanding that we will work together to solve problems.    “To ensure we have the right platform in place for another five years of success, we’re making significant investments in the business, particularly in two key areas: people and technology.  Both are crucial to our continuing evolution and ensuring we remain at the leading edge of innovation in the sector. We’re very excited by the potential of enhancing our IT infrastructure to make life easier for our people and clients. “Regionally, we are also investing in senior talent to join our Scottish business as we anticipate further growth in that market this year. “We’re proud at how our business has developed as an independent entity under the Novus brand since the Seddon Group restructured. I joined the business as a 15-year old apprentice and 37 years later I lead a fantastic team of people working towards the same vision - being the best contractor to work with and the best contractor to work for.”

Contractor Novus has appointed John Palfreyman, a former IBM director, as a non-executive director. His appointment will see him support the Stoke-headquartered contractor’s board with strategic decision making and integrate information-led innovations into project delivery and business management. John Palfreyman’s Background Palfreyman, an independent cybersecurity and emerging technology consultant, has combined general management with emerging technology leadership roles over his 40-year career in IT. Neil Hand, chief executive of Novus, said: “John brings a wealth of experience to Novus. At IBM he led the strategic direction of some of its key emerging technology businesses globally and the board is looking forward to gaining this different perspective. “Every industry, not least construction, is witnessing massive change because of technological innovation. While the sector may have lagged behind others in this respect in previous years, we’re now seeing an explosion in the use of data and insight in the delivery of construction projects. His experience working for one of the world’s largest data and technology firms will undoubtedly prove invaluable over the coming years.” John Palfreyman’s View on Novus John added: “Novus has a history of innovation which has seen it embrace change and adapt to meet new challenges. It’s an exciting time to join the business as it looks to improve efficiencies through digitization and leverage information for strategic advantage.”

We have been appointed to deliver a refurbishment programme to the Pendle and Grizedale accommodation blocks at Lancaster University’s Bailrigg campus totalling £1.5 million. The project will see Novus refurbish the common areas including new flooring, handrails, suspended ceilings, communal entrance doors, door systems, installation of new power sources and data provision throughout the halls. Works will run over the summer and be completed before students arrive in September. Lancaster University Lancaster University is a top 10 university as ranked by the Complete University Guide. The project is designed to help the accommodation maintain its award-winning status having won the Best University Halls in the National Student Housing Awards 2017 for the seventh year running. Novus University Projects Liam Cox, contracts manager at Novus, said: “This new contract follows our work on a series of projects with Lancaster University over the past 10 years. “Students are universities’ lifeblood and many institutions are making investments in their accommodation and facilities to help them attract greater numbers from around the world. We’ve been appointed to over £12 million worth of projects in the sector in the past 12 months, as a result.” Lancaster University Feedback Helen Wood, senior project manager, facilities division at Lancaster University, said: “Ensuring our campus provides our students with a great experience throughout their university life is key. We’re looking forward to seeing the finished facilities come together ahead of our 2018 students joining after summer.”

The winner of our second Big 5 project in the South East was the Bereavement Suite at Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton. Previously mothers and fathers of still-born babies or babies who die shortly after birth had been sharing the same area. The new suite gives parents who lose a child during pregnancy or delivery the space, time and facilities they need during the grieving process. Maternity Ward Refurbishment The team transformed a separate area of the maternity ward into a delivery area and bereavement suite over a 10-day period. This new facility contains a studio flat alongside the delivery room with a cold cot, which will mean the family will get more time with their babies to create memories and a private place for them to grieve. The project started on the 11th June in a restricted environment on the 13th floor of the live ward. It consisted of stripping out three existing rooms including electrics, plumbing and flooring, reconfiguring them along, building new walls, installing a kitchenette and preparation room, a full redecoration and new flooring, and installing the furniture donated by Oscar’s Wish. Abigail’s Footsteps The work was carried out as part of our Big Five campaign to support worthwhile projects in communities up and down the country to celebrate our fifth birthday, where we are offering the opportunity to win £20,000 refurbishments. Abigail’s Footsteps won the South East competition. Without the support of our supply chain and the enthusiasm of our own workforce the project could never have been completed within the time scales. Ray Fielder, operations manager at Novus, said: “We received a lot of worthy nominations as part of the judging process, but Abigail’s Footsteps’ project to deliver the bereavement suite at the Royal Sussex County Hospital stood out from the beginning. “Everyone involved in the selection was moved by the cause and the work the charity does. We’re really proud to see the final result and that our work will leave a lasting legacy in the community.” Hayley Stevenson, Labour Ward and Pregnancy Loss Lead, said: “For recently bereaved parents, the labour ward can be a very hard place to stay, surrounded as they are by the activities and sounds of deliveries and newborn babies. “It is difficult to fully express what a difference this bereavement suite will make to them. “It will give bereaved parents time away from the main ward to form bonds with the child they have lost and create memories of them, memories that are so important in the grieving process. “There is no timescale for the parents who need this suite.” Abigail’s Footsteps was founded in 2010 to improve bereavement training for healthcare professionals, provide vital amenities and to allow parents to grieve in their own space away from maternity wards. The Oscar’s Wish Foundation was founded in 2015 to provide support for parents, families and siblings who experience the loss of their baby. It is raising funds to furnish the suite and is advising on how the facility is set up.  

Thistley Hough Academy and Stoke-headquartered Novus Property Solutions have won the national Education Partnership accolade at the Business in the Community Responsible Business Awards 2018. The organisations were recognised in the Small Business category for their five-year strategic partnership to enhance employability in the region. The work is part of Novus’ Business Class initiative, which sees the firm partner with local schools across the country to give pupils skills to help make them ready for the working world. The award was presented to Novus and Thistley Hough Academy at a ceremony, organised by The Prince’s Responsible Business Network, on Wednesday, 3rd July at the Royal Albert Hall, London.  Winners of the other categories on the evening included Barclays, engineer Arup, Aviva and Nestle. Business in the Community – The Prince’s Responsible Business Network - is a business-led membership organisation made up of progressive businesses of all sizes that seeks to encourage social, environmental and economic sustainability. Its annual Responsible Business awards programme celebrates the best work done by organisations in supporting social value in their communities. Kevin Rhone, head of social value and customer service at Novus, said: “Our Business Class initiative is one of many ways we’re reinvesting in the communities where we work. Across the country, we have a range of CSR projects and initiatives that are having a demonstrable impact on peoples’ lives. “Construction is witnessing a huge skills shortage. And that’s not just in terms of trades, we need people will excellent soft skills too and this is something we’ve always been keen to support. Winning the Business in the Community accolade is a fantastic result given its national prestige.” Thistley Hough Academy Principal Holly Hartley says: “Our school had faced a number of challenges and so, when approached by Novus I was very keen to be involved in the scheme. From the outset our partnership with Novus has had a significant and tangible impact on life at the Academy and is founded on trust and integrity and so it has been easy to engage, despite our significant operational differences. She continues: “Novus is now a daily part of life for us providing both our staff and students with inspiring opportunities – from mentoring pupils, to offering support in high-level Public Finance Initiative meetings, to the development of a new school allotment, or by working with students on employability-based skill sessions.”   Across the duration of the initiative, thanks to the support of Novus, the Academy has been graded some ‘Outstanding’ features by Ofsted. Similarly, the partnership has resulted in direct commercial benefits for Novus including new relationships across the local education sector, helping it to win more than £5 million worth of construction work.   For more information about Thistley Hough Academy visit thistleyhoughacademy.org.uk or call 01782 883500 and for more information about the Business in the Community Awards log on to awards.bitc.org.uk.