29 July 2019
Signalbox for train locations
Bob writes: I’ve been enjoying a new website called Signalbox. It shows the real-time location of every passenger train in Great Britain. It’s almost hypnotic watching the different trains moving along the lines. And it brings a new perspective to the four million passenger journeys on Network Rail each day. Signalbox (www.signalbox.io) currently covers the
25 July 2019
Summer 2019 six-monthly company update
Our six-monthly meeting was held at Cardinal House at the end of June. After Sean Fitzpatrick, our executive chairman, welcomed everyone, MD Laurence Mckidd gave up update on the year so far. We are working in a challenging environment, but infrastructure is a growth sector. Our clients expect us to solve their problems and help
23 July 2019
Charity golf day in Cumbria
George writes: Our recent Cumbria golf day raised over £500 for charity State of Mind Sport. A good day was had by all who attended. The standard of golf was very high, plus we were blessed with the weather. Attendees included the Sellafield team from Morgan Sindall, two teams from M&W, Jacobs, and PPS. VGC
23 July 2019
Infrastructure Employment Forum (IEF) meeting
Kimberley writes: On Tuesday 16 July we presented the Infrastructure Employment Forum to tier 1 contractors and their supply chain. They are keen to come together to support ex-offenders into sustainable employment. Attendees included representatives from HS2, Keltbray and Thames Tideway. At our presentation we talked about the IEF and what we want to achieve,
17 July 2019
Air quality workshop
Ben writes: On Tuesday 2 July I attended a breakfast meeting in Lambeth on the subject of air quality. It was hosted by the Supply Chain Sustainability School, in conjunction with the Mayor of London’s Climate Action Week. After signing in and enjoying coffee and hot breakfast rolls the meeting began as Sean McCarthy, SCSS
1 July 2019
Thames Water 'night club' to improve sleep
Fiona writes: Last week I went with some of our team to the Thames Water ‘night club’. Huge thanks to Aimee Cain, Thames Water’s occupational health and wellbeing manager, for hosting the group from VGC Group and Balfour Beatty. (The main photo shows me and Aimee at the event.) Our team members are working nearby:
17 June 2019
London Healthy Workplace Award
We’re pleased to have achieved the London Healthy Workplace award. VGC is one of around 250 organisations to have achieved the standard. “Your hard work is helping to improve the health of Londoners,” said Vicky Hobart, head of health of Directorate of Communities and Intelligence. “You are showcasing the criteria as a valuable framework for
31 May 2019
Mental health awareness week 2019
Fiona writes: VGC had a great week raising awareness of mental health. We had a series of activities which got head office and site staff involved in our initiatives to inspire people to think and talk about mental health. To kick things off, we launched our brand-new tool box talk. This talk was delivered across
17 May 2019
Kimberley's part in CSJV's HS2 award shortlisting
Skills and employment adviser Kimberley McGinty has been invited to attend the Ground Engineering awards by Costain Skanska JV. The Costain Skanska JV HS2 enabling works programme in London is shortlisted for Community Engagement Project of the Year in the Ground Engineering awards. Thanks to her contribution to the skills, education and employment legacy of
10 May 2019
Reponsible Business Tracker achievement
VGC’s performance as a responsible business has been favourably noted by Business in the Community (BITC). We took part in the forerunner cycle of the Responsible Business Tracker at the start of 2019. Feedback noted three particular strengths: Strength 1 “VGC Group has undertaken a detailed data analysis to find issues that are important to
24 April 2019
Record achievement for Hinkley Point apprentices
In total 11 VGC Hinkley Point apprentices achieved industry qualifications in the first three months of 2019. The apprentices gained NVQ and BTEC diplomas in construction and civil engineering that will be of value to them for the rest of their careers. They qualified with the NVQ level 2 Diploma in Construction and Civils Operations,
16 April 2019
Improve your mental fitness
Guest blog by Dr Phil Cooper of State of Mind Sport: Simple steps to begin to improve your mental fitness 1. You could think about the last time you did something new and how it felt. It’s never too late to learn a new skill or take on a new challenge. Doing it will make
