matters
Each time I sit down to write these
newsletter articles I realise just how
much more is going on in our expanding
and developing group. Hence this
extended, eight page edition.
We’ve just published our annual report
which shows over £70 million of
revenues – 44% higher than the
previous year - and an order book of
more than £300 million.
Amazing to think that, 25 years ago in
December, Fastflow began in little more
than a broom cupboard in the former
Gateshead and Newcastle Water
Company building. We are thinking
about how to celebrate a quarter of a
century of success, made possible by
the efforts of employees, so expect
more news soon.
You can read about all the new work,
challenges and opportunities of each
of the three divisions and the new faces
joining to help us meet and take them,
in the business update (pages 2, 3
and 4).
But it’s on personal trials, tribulations
and triumphs that I want to focus. Our
very best wishes go to the family of
Stephen Smith, Financial Controller at
FES, whose 22-year-old daughter, Helen
is recovering from surgery to remove a
benign brain tumour (see page 5). We
wish her the speediest of recoveries.
Well done to everyone and here’s to the
next 25 years.
A big ‘well done’ goes to the FPS Great
North Runners, the DWSS muddy
runners, those involved in arranging a
visit for residents and children to
Paulton’s Park and the tidy up of the
community garden (pages 6 & 7); not
forgetting those commended at
Northumbrian Water’s GEM Awards
(page 4) and all mentioned in the jobs
well done section (page 8).
The commitment, enthusiasm and
selflessness of Fastflow people – at
work and in support of personal causes
– never ceases to amaze me and fill me
with pride that we are a business which
puts something back into the
communities in which we work.
Neil Armstrong
Chief Executive Officer
Issue 18 Autumn 2016
Work on the 25km iron compliance scheme at Felling is well
underway, while a 5.6km project in the Hareydene area is
presently being designed and trial holes have begun for a
30km scheme at Westerhope.
NWG has recently issued two lead replacement schemes – for
200 properties in Sunderland and 120 in Blaydon – which are
in the very early stages of evaluation. The network
improvement workload is looking up after budgets were
reduced earlier in the year and new development also
continues to be strong.
The installation of 1,500m of new main for Augean PLC in Port
Clarence, Middlesbrough is complete and following re-design,
we now await approval to commence the installation of a
500m main at the GlaxoSmithKline site at Barnard Castle.
Continued excellent performance on Repairs and Maintenance
(R&M) is especially impressive, considering challenging
changes to NWG’s work scheduling. New policies concerning
promised dates to customers have had a real impact on some
teams, so it is pleasing that everyone has remained focused
and committed to getting the job done - no matter what!
Behind the scenes extensive work is being done to resolve the
issues that are affecting both NW and Fastflow teams and
things should soon improve.
Rangers are back in the Scottish Premier League and so is
FPS, with Manager Drew O’Rourke leading the way from our
office in Hamilton. No doubt, as a Celtic man, he enjoyed the
return of the old firm derbies, thanks to a resounding 5-1 win!
The first orders from Scottish Water are just starting to flow
through, with much more expected over the coming months.
Likewise, outline details of a 75km design and build scheme in
the Black Esk Area of Dumfriesshire have just been received
from Caledonia Water Alliance, with construction likely to start
in the new year.
Summer is always busy for FES but this year workload
increased beyond expectation, with no let-up in sight.
The award of the Lincoln and A19 phase 2 pipeline diversions
demonstrates this and secures work well into the winter. The
Fulham PRS rebuild, North West Asset Health 5 sites upgrade,
ILI digs, Marton PRS upgrade and St. Fergus all continue.
We are tendering for some big opportunities including the
National Grid Complex Engineering Partnership – involving the
design and build of 100 gas sites in England - and the Asset
Health Campaign Work, which includes the upgrade of
transmission sites throughout Scotland.
Further positive news concerns the huge effort by the St.
Fergus Project Team, which has been recognised by National
Grid with the award of the most improved Health, Safety and
Environmental Performance.
Back in Sept 2015 the team was faced with some huge
challenges, including:
● Overrun projects from previous years, straining relationships
between the terminal and transient contractors, which
negatively impacted the culture and attitudes of the
workforce
● The site establishment on the project was installed in 2006
and the wear and tear on facilities posed a unique
challenge to take ownership and improve in a short space
of time
● The remoteness of St. Fergus – 35 miles north of Aberdeen
The team’s enthusiasm to tackle these challenges and embed
a ‘can do approach’ was noted by all. Through this and a
genuine desire to work safely, the team has achieved monthly
improvements, resulting in the award – and a free breakfast
provided by Ryan Ramsey Head of Construction for National
Grid.
The Norwich diversion project made the press with Ian Taylor,
Project Manager for Norfolk County Council, saying success
depended upon close working between National Grid Gas,
FES, the council and Balfour Beatty – the NDR Contractor. He
said “This is a prime example of what can be achieved with
careful planning when teams work together.”
Now settled into new headquarters at Thame, DWSS
continues to enjoy success in winning work with new and
existing clients.
● Reduced stock held and managed in our stores depots and
where possible, reduction or elimination of stock storage
requirements
Following the £3 million refurbishment of student living quarters
at the Royal Holloway University College, in Egham, Surrey last
year, we secured a further £250k contract for refurbishing
other areas - including the main Founders Building,
constructed in 1818.
● A reduction of internal delivery journeys
The team has been busy preparing and submitting prequalification questionnaires for clients including A2Dominion
and Southern Housing Group. We have also been
recommended for British Standards Institute ISO 14001
(environmental) and 18001 (safety) certification.
A drive to improve efficiency and deliver even greater value for
money and resident satisfaction has led to a link-up with Travis
Perkins Managed Services Division to streamline procurement
for our Southern Housing contract on the Isle of Wight.
We are aiming for:
● Economy of scale to drive down purchase cost
● Product standardisation - enabling purchasing efficiencies,
greater ease of replacement and higher product quality
● Greatly improved accuracy of van stock materials through
the use IT communications – at least doubling the rate of
jobs completed from carried materials
The kind of results we anticipate are:
● A 10% improvement rate in jobs completed on time
● A 10% increase – to at least 85% - of repairs completed at
the first visit
● Up to 80% drop in tradespeople’s downtime – waiting for or
getting supplies
● Fewer sub-contractor jobs with more work completed by
our people
● Resident satisfaction of 93%
Each of our efficiency gains reduces the cost of services to
customers, whilst also benefiting their tenants and end-users.
We are now looking to roll out this initiative across other
contracts and potentially to drive further efficiencies across the
group.
New faces welcomed
David Rooney (35) has joined DWSS as Commercial Director,
renewing a working relationship with Conor Bray, which began
when they were both at Amey.
Married to Fiona and with a two-year-old son, Fearghus, he
has vast experience and expertise in virtually all the sectors in
which Fastflow operates.
He began with Wilmot Dixon as a quantity surveyor, working
on the company’s social housing projects, before switching to
work with Enterprise (later acquired by Amey) on Affinity
Water’s mains renewal and repairs.
Then he joined Kier and worked as Head of Commercial on its
Thames Water contracts – worth £180 million annually. David
says: “I am very much looking forward to working with a leaner,
more responsive organisation and helping Fastflow to continue
the sustainable growth of recent years.”
We are also very pleased to welcome to the DWSS team
Derek Thompson, Fleet Administrator; Jodie Pickford, Contract
Shining
GEMs
The Northumbrian Water Group
(NWG) has once again held its
annual GEM (Going the Extra Mile)
awards. Against stiff competition,
FPS was a finalist in two of the
eight categories it was entitled to
enter.
Andrew Dixon (pictured left), a
Team Leader on NWG’s R&M
contract, was nominated in the
Individual Contribution category for
his outstanding customer service
and Georgina Allsopp (right),
Customer Services Team Manager,
represented us in the Customer
Focused category for the FPS
approach to delivering superb
customer service on site, or as we
put it - at the sharp end.
Andrew and Georgina were
presented with finalist trophies by
Heidi Mottram OBE, Northumbrian
Water’s CEO and we received
praise for our contribution to a very
successful awards night.
Congratulations to Andrew and our
Customer Service Team for their
gallant efforts.
Manager; Glyn Lake, Health Safety and Environmental Quality
Manager and Anne-Marie Davis, Bid Writer.
In addition, we also have two new apprentices – carpenter
Luke Butterfield (A2Dominion) and Bradley Jessup - multi trade
(SOHA).
At FPS, one of the new starters is Darren Turner who joined as
Business Standards Manager in August. He has a wealth of
experience in the industry and will therefore hit the ground
running, with a prime focus on behavioural health and safety.
Also new are Dan Colley, Systems Developer who – at over
6’ 4” - is our new tallest employee (see page 7) and Gavin
Bowen, Site Manager.
And at FES we welcome Heather Bartley on reception and
Jason Dean, who joins as SHE Advisor.
Make Stephen’s close shave worthwhile
Stephen Smith, Financial Controller at FES, is literally sporting
a smooth new look – having had his head shaved in support of
his 22-year-old daughter, Helen.
She underwent nine hours of surgery recently at the Royal
Hallamshire Hospital, to have a brain tumour removed.
Fortunately, the operation was a success and tests revealed
the tumour to be benign. Unfortunately, she had to have some
of her beautiful long hair removed. So Stephen offered to have
his somewhat less lustrous locks shorn in support.
Having just been discharged from hospital, Helen was well
enough to witness the event, for which Stephen is collecting
sponsorship to help purchase specialist equipment for the
neurological critical care unit in which she was treated.
Over £1,000 has already been pledged and you can contribute
by logging on to:
www.justgiving.com/stephen-smith-WJFL-Fastflow
Stephen and Helen
Pretty muddy girls
Four fearless females from DWSS braved the rain to get
drenched and dirty in support of charity.
Pictured at the end of the Race for Life 5k Pretty Muddy event
are (left to right) Carole Sims, Ree Dalton, Becky O’Connor and
Keely Sinnott.
The course, made even more challenging by the weather, was
in the beautiful grounds of the 50 acre South Park, with
magnificent views over Oxford. It included some slippery
slopes and muddy obstacles.
The intrepid team completed the course together in just 40
minutes and thanks go to everyone who braved the wet
weather to cheer the girls on and those who have sponsored
the event, which is raising money for Cancer Research UK.
Anyone who has not yet sponsored but would like to do so,
click on this link:
https://www.justgiving.com/DWCteam1
Congratulations to all the runners for a tremendous effort
especially Clare, Lucy and Hayley who were making their
debuts in the race.
Team Fastflow ran for WaterAid in the Great North Run on a
very hot and sunny day – the last thing that they wanted!
Setting off with 54,000 other runners on the gruelling 13.1
miles from Newcastle to South Shields, all nine successfully
completed the course.
Times were: Katherine Williams (1.55), Jacquetta Groves
(2.01), Jess Owen (2.26), Chris Carolan (2.31), Dave Williams
(2.31), Rob Angus (2.48), Lucy Spokes (3.12), Clare Pitcher
(3.18) and Hayley Johnson (3.30).
To date, £1,600 has been raised but donations are still flowing
in. Anyone interested in sponsoring the team can use the link
below or send a cheque to Rob Angus at the Washington
Office; http://www.justgiving.com/Rob-Angus7
Doing our bit for the community
As part of
the DWSS
commitment
to support
local
communities,
we funded a
trip by 15
children and
their mothers
from Banbury
and Oxford
refuge homes
to Paulton’s
Park.
led the initiative and her colleague Jill Baker.
While travelling home, the families were asked to comment on
the day and the results (one shown here) revealed what a
positive impact the trip had made. The children were also kind
enough to make a thank you card, filled with lovely feedback.
Another of our teams supported Southern Housing Group with
the restoration of a community centre and communal
vegetable garden, which helps residents develop new skills
and meet new people, whilst growing their own food.
Entry was paid
and lunch and
gift shop
vouchers
provided,
together with
DWSS branded
rucksacks, hats,
water bottles, ponchos (fortunately not required), van magnets,
colouring books and pens. For the journey, drinks, croissants,
crisps and sweets were laid on and enjoyed by the group,
including Senior Resident Liaison Officer, Tracey Morris – who
All in a day’s work Steve Hutchinson
For this edition, we
have asked Steve
Hutchinson, a
Planner at FPS – and
until recently it’s
tallest employee at 6’
4” - to tell us about
his ‘high life.’
“I began work with
my dad, as a tenant
farmer, but the land
was bought for
redevelopment and
we had to leave.
I was in my 30’s and had no idea what I was going to do until I
saw that Northumbrian Water was looking for operatives. One
of the things that I was good at was digging holes, so I went
for the job and got it.
I trained as a Water Mains Layer and enjoyed work until one
exceptionally cold winter in the 90’s, when my tools stuck to
my hands! I knew I could do better, so sought a supervisor or
inspector job and after two years with a cable-laying
contractor, joined Fastflow in 1999.
I started as a Customer Services Technician (CST), operating
valves on the NW network and progressed to Senior CST, then
to planning network rehabilitation and new development
schemes, a role that’s lasted 17 years.
I thoroughly enjoy my job because, as a farmer at heart, I love
getting out and about in the fresh air and communicating with
people, particularly the teams I work with.
We have a great team spirit and I would hope that I play my
part in that – happy to join in with the craic and banter! I would
like to think that I have a good reputation within Fastflow and
with the relationships that I have developed with the client and
the local councils over the years.
Away from work, I have a partner, Pam. Between us we have 5
grown up children and 3 grandchildren which now takes up
most of our spare time.
My love of the outdoors means I enjoy gardening, walking and
golf, which I took up when on a training course near Troon in
Scotland. I now play off a 14 handicap, which I hope to
improve when I retire - but I am in no hurry to do that just yet.”
Release the cyberhawks
We are all aware of how much technology is integrating itself
into our working and personal lives. Whether we are talking
over digital lines (VOiP) or controlling our home heating
systems from smart phones - which by the way contain more
processing power than man put on the moon - we are
increasingly reliant on technology for communications, data
storage and running our lives.
However, as well as presenting new opportunities for us, it
does the same for criminals. Whilst these crimes may have
new names like Vishing (telephone), Phishing (email), invoice
fraud, CEO impersonation, they can have the same outcomes
as traditional scams, fraud, or robbery.
To combat these risks, we have set up a project team, led by
Ben Rattigan, IT Manager and Jessica Owen, Senior
Accountant, working with Network Security Specialists Jo
Austin and Stuart Green.
Group Director Shaun Hastings is sponsoring the project and
says: “This is about ensuring our IT infrastructure is resilient to
cyber risks and combining this with building our human firewall
through education and awareness.”
The project commenced in September with cyber risk
assessments carried out at Washington, Thame and Golborne.
Jobs well done
Here is this edition’s collection of congratulatory messages for
Fastflow people.
Our regular briefings and training on Working in the Spotlight
certainly worked for Tyrone Tindle from the FPS R&M team pictured (centre) with Business Standards Manager, Darren
Turner (right) and team mate Scott Parsons. Tyrone was called
out to repair a burst in Durham close to midnight on Tuesday
13th September.
A man approached him, asking a number of questions about
the repair. Tyrone handled the situation very well and even told
him that he needed to wear a hi-vis jacket to continue standing
in the area – a request which was carried out by the onlooker who turned out to be none other than David Aland, Head of
Customer and Network Services for NWG.
David was very impressed with the work and service delivered
by Tyrone and passed his comments over to Barry McDonald.
Tyrone was also thanked – together with colleague Andrew
Hope – by Mr. Goad from Durham who called to say the pair
were “absolutely brilliant.”
Mr. Hunter of Consett rang to thank Paul Taylor and Rob
Dargue for their efficiency and helpfulness, while Paul was
also praised by Mr. Cohen, of Gateshead, together with
Warwick Hopper, whom he described as: “Amazing.”
“Can you please pass on our thanks to Alan Hughes and
John Hayton for installing an Ebco box live on 1” lead,” said
Michael Harrison, NWL: “In doing so there was no disruption
to supplies as lots of properties would have been affected.
Good work.”
“I would like to thank Tommy Shaw and Robert Watson for
their excellent work last night. They repaired two bursts under
difficult conditions. A great team effort lads.” Said Dave
Robinson, NWL.
“I am very grateful that my job has been done efficiently today.
Albert Duffy was very polite and a lovely person.” Writes Ms.
Berry of Washington.
“We would like to write to say many thanks to Robert Clayton
and Jamie Keeler for their prompt attention to our problem of
finding the outside stopcock and removing our meter to
outside. Everything went like clockwork and was left perfect
including our neighbours front lawn. We cannot praise them
enough.” Wrote Mr. and Mrs. Errington, Hebb.
Mike Biggs, who works on the Isle of Wight with DWSS,
received an ACE award for going to the assistance of a
resident who took ill whilst he was in the property. Mike took
control of the situation and helped with contacting the
ambulance and keeping the other residents calm whilst first aid
was administered.
Fastflow Head Office:
12 Parsons Road, Parsons Industrial Estate, Washington, Tyne & Wear NE37 1HB.
Tel: 0191 415 7744 . Fax: 0191 419 3051 . www.fastflow.co.uk