Manton Building Contractors have proven that even small projects can be considerate
Birmingham based, Manton Building Contractors is one of the leading regional constructors, who undertake both public and private sector projects. Their particular expertise is seen in the social housing, health, local authority and education sectors.
This small project with an approximate value of £150,000 in Green Moors, Lightmoor Village, Telford focused on fitting out a newly constructed retail premises, comprising of flats above and adjoining businesses.
Explaining how the company incorporated the Scheme’s Code of Considerate Practice into its working practices, Manton Building Contractor’s director, Stan Hughes commented:
“CCS was originally forced upon us by clients! But we have learned from it and would recommend construction companies who have not used the Scheme do so and see how they measure up. Over time we have improved our health and safety systems and the company has seen the benefits. We have better trained operatives and fewer accidents on site, along with cheaper insurance premiums. We try and work with everyone associated with the project, from the neighbours through to the architect, and we aim to create teamwork so that all contributors feel part of a team. If we can make things run smoothly on site and around site, then everyone benefits; we do this by liaising with all parties and keeping them informed.”
Manton Building Contractors first registered with the Scheme in 2003 and have since registered 70 of their projects. They have received two Bronze National Site Awards in 2015, one of which was achieved from this project.
Since registering sites with the Considerate Constructors Scheme, benefits include improvements in staff safety, company expenditure and improved relationships with communities.
The project faced a number of challenges due to the high profile location within the new village, a great deal of care and attention was taken to ensure that the neighbours and public were kept informed and considered at all stages.
Here are some examples of best practice initiatives carried out by Manton Building Contractors:
- An Ivor Goodsite ‘Hunt the Hazard’ board was clearly displayed on the hoarding.
- To minimise site traffic, the village overflow car park was used rather than parking adjacent to the site.
- Newsletters were produced which included information on the site’s recycling performance and the accessibility to all of the company complaints procedures.
- A leaflet was dropped to neighbours, to provide informative project updates.
- Waste water from the canteen was collected and disposed of responsibly.
- The project team were challenged by youths climbing the walls to access what used to be a public footpath before the work commenced. Following unsuccessful attempts to capture the culprits on CCTV, this issue was tackled by the installation of suitable signage in critical locations.
- For a project of this size, the available welfare facilities were noteworthy, with lockers provided and a good standard of toilet provision, including hot water.
- Ill-health prevention topics were introduced on site for staff, with feedback to be gauged in the New Year.
- They only had a workable system for achieving a specific objective. If something was needed to improve their safe systems of work, they discussed it at their management meetings, with directors. Only then was it to be implemented if there was a specific need.
- To keep up to date with the latest issues and practices they checked the Best Practice Hub website to see what others have been doing.
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