hub North Scotland Limited’s Post

I posted earlier sharing the Humber Freeport update and thought I’d share this update from Freeport East which is in Felixstowe just down the East of England coastline. With Jayne & Hannah based in Immingham part of Humber Freeport and Ivan being Mayor of Harwich which is part of Felixstowe Freeport we actually are in quite a strong position to see what opportunities really exist for SoloPreneurs and Micro (1–11 employee ) Businesses from the 3 Counties of Beds Herts Bucks in these geographic areas in 2024 especially in :- Tech Property Transport Infrastructure Remember no part of the U.K. is more than 70 miles from the sea and these North Sea ports are directly opposite their mainland Europe neighbours in a range of countries from Norway to the very north down through Germany and Holland. Just as space scientists are looking at the Moon as a jumping off point to explore the Galaxy perhaps Solo/ Micros should be looking at these 2 Superports and of course East Midlands Freeport ( the only airport) in the broader East of England region as the way to access markets in mainland Europe and help turn UK’s Balance of Payments from a deficit to a surplus through increasing exports. It will need a “ sea change” ( geddit) in attitude from the Freeport Operators in Humber; Felixstowe and East Midlands to create level playing fields for such Solo/ Micros Btw is it a condition of employment in Freeport East that you have to be white ; suited ; booted; wear a tie and glasses ……and look bored stiff? What’s that word ….oh yes “ diversity????!!”

Collaborating across the sector is so important.

We picked up some invaluable insights at the Construction Industry Federation's Mid-West Construct event on Friday. Housing took centre stage as panelists, and the keynote speaker of the morning, Minister Patrick O'Donovan, discussed Ireland's progress in expanding both public and private housing stock. 🏠 Investment in housing and education is vital to addressing Ireland's skills shortage in the trades. But there’s another key challenge: reshaping perceptions around apprenticeships. We need to move beyond outdated stereotypes—like the "apprentice" as a manual labourer working themselves into early retirement—to reflect the modern, skilled, and well compensated opportunities the sector offers. While long-term solutions are essential, immediate action is just as crucial! That's where we come in - Elite Talent Hub specialises in hiring for difficult to fill construction and engineering roles. Reach out to Dermot Doherty today for a conversation about how to approach today's market! ✉️dermot.doherty@elitetalenthub.ie Construction Industry Federation (CIF)

Well it’s been a very busy and productive week this week: Attending 3 networking events: Grafters Super Groups 🔷Central 🔷Challengers International Women’s Day Brunch This was very inspirational with a speech from Emma Varnam of Tameside Council and other speakers talking about their journeys and what has inspired them to work in what was known as a male dominated environment. With working in the construction industry since 2006 I have had many journeys and obstacles but my passion and perseverance has made me what I am today. Apart from the networking it’s been busy at Diamond Decorators 🔹15 Quotes done ✔️ 🔹4 New projects won Current projects our teams are working on include: ✅ Near completion of 12 New-build Apartments & a 4-bed house ✅ 20 New-build 3-bed houses ✅ 35 New-build 2/3 bed houses -phase 1 complete ✅ Housing Association works This week our teams have been working hard on various projects in Salford and Stockport. Interviewed and taking on 4 new Apprentices from Tameside College Apprenticeships on a two week workplace trial with a view to employing as apprentices starting on Monday - we will be welcoming them onboard. To top the week off we have been shortlisted in the Tameside Business Awards for Small Business of the Year - which will be held at the end of this month. So how has your week been? #propertyandconstruction #sustainability #construction #business #networking #paintinganddecorating #commercial #fitout #refurbishment #newbuild #manchester #northwest #tamesidebusiness #awards

Ward Personnel attending the CIF Mid-West Summit Ward Personnel’s Anthony Savage, Head of Business Development, and Jack Finn, Business Development & Account Manager, recently attended the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) Mid-West Construct Summit at the Castletroy Park Hotel, Limerick. The event began with a welcoming address from Joanne Treacy, CIF Director Southern & Eastern Region, and Tom O Connor, Chairman CIF Mid-West, followed by an industry review from CIF President Joe Conway. The summit featured a busy schedule of keynote presentations and panel discussions on topics such as local housing markets, issues affecting residential construction, future developments in the Mid-West, tendering, future environmental requirements, and infrastructural challenges. The morning's keynote speaker, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Patrick O'Donovan TD, delivered an insightful address on the importance of stability in the sector, infrastructure development, and education and apprenticeship programs to support regional and national growth. The event concluded with Hubert Fitzpatrick, CIF Director General, summarising the key messages and takeaways: housing, infrastructure, and the need for more training and apprentices. Congratulations to all involved in organising an excellent event. #WeAreWard #BuildingFutures

Great speaking with @FelicityHannah this week on BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme. We discussed the continuous growth in the UK’s manufacturing sector highlighted in @S&PGlobal’s latest report and how our £200 million Rail Village in Goole, Yorkshire, and investment announcement of £100 million in a new digital engineering and R&D facility at Chippenham, Wiltshire, has contributed to this. With a strong market in the UK, Goole will be our third Siemens Mobility manufacturing facility in the UK, complementing our existing operations in Chippenham and Ashby. Our new Goole factory will assemble @TransportforLondon’s new Piccadilly line trains and all our future UK train orders, including our battery bi-mode trains. With production mobilising at our Goole site, we're committed to investing in people and skills and helping #TransformTheEveryday. Our current workforce of 5,500 spread across the UK is set to grow as we actively recruit young talent through apprenticeship programs. By nurturing the next generation of skilled workers, we're not just expanding our team—we're building a stronger, more sustainable future for British manufacturing. For the long term manufacturing outlook, it’s crucial that the new government provides the stability and certainty on investments needed to maintain this growth. We’re hopeful that next month’s budget will deliver a strong commitment to a clear project funding pipeline which is essential for advancing our rolling stock and rail infrastructure projects, right here in Britain. #BuiltInBritain #UKManufacturing #UKmfg

Most people are surprised by the large number of subsidiaries Fletcher Building has.  I know the company is undeetaking a strategic review.  Here are my thoughts: (1) Spin off the NZ and Australian materials and resources business into a separate company.  This could be for cash, or for an in return for shares in the aquiring firm.   (3) Fletcher Building home and apartment construction. Retain minority stake in materials business to secure supply. (4) Separate Fletcher infrastructure business and seek long term strategic partners from Australian and global strategic partners. The main benefit of such a split into 3 parts is to allow each part to access capital, strategic partners and the abilitu aquire and use new methods and technology without producing it themselves.

Denmark’s King is to inaugurate the first element of the Fehmarnbelt tunnel on the 17th June to be submerged on the Danish side. This project is one of the most modern, under sea projects in the history of tunnelling. #tunnelling #fehmarnbelt

Are you wondering why attending industry events like the LMN Summit is worth your time? At LMN, we believe in community and disrupting the industry together. Our recent Summit was inspiring because we lift each other up, learn from one another, and are changing the trajectory of the landscaping industry. By attending events like these, you can contribute to higher profits and wages, better products for consumers, and sustainable apprenticeships for the workforce. Check out this article on our recent Summit to learn more about the benefits of understanding your business. Join us in shaping the future of the landscaping industry! #LMN #landscaping #community #disruption #industryevents

A newly proposed apprenticeship mandate has been passed to Albuquerque’s City Council. Get the details and the arguments for and against the ordinance from two industry organizations: https://lnkd.in/gfSUdhkR Luxury homes that could come to Las Cruces, New Mexico, are subject to community concerns. Step into the development and see the pitfall: https://lnkd.in/gtSg4cUw Critters in Arizona will see the creation of a corridor under Interstate 10. See what’s parting the land: https://lnkd.in/gaU2aYRt Big Lots files for bankruptcy, leaving hundreds of store fronts as open season: https://lnkd.in/gWCmh5fu Big Lots Pima County Arizona Department of Transportation Doña Ana County Moongate Water Co National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) Associated Builders and Contractors ABC New Mexico City of Albuquerque Carla Kugler #construction #projects #apprentice #apprenticeship #mandate #ordinance #rule #legislation #city #abq #albuquerque #newmexico #trades #disciplines #industry #associations #union #education #news #publication #luxury #homes #lascruces #development #housing #homes #wildlife #crossing #interstate #corridor #biglots #chapter11 #storefronts #vacant #commercial #realestate #land #acquisition