26 July 2018
Ciara's blog: Working in industry, for industry
Ciara writes: At VGC we constantly work to improve the way we deliver our business, and ensure that we meet the needs of our clients and the people who work for us. This is why we don’t just focus on the job we are delivering. We also want to be at the forefront of our
13 July 2018
Macdonald wins joint Crossrail collaboration award
Michael Lee, construction interface manager, and Macdonald Onwona, general foreman and lead worksite train controller (WTC), have jointly won a Crossrail collaboration award. Macdonald reports to Michael on ATC Systemwide. This is the Alstom TSO Costain joint venture managing the C610 Crossrail tunnel fit-out from Royal Oak to Canary Wharf and Plumstead. “Mac is so committed,
20 June 2018
VGC supports 5% Club recommendations to tackle 'diversity deadlock'
We support The 5% Club ‘Breaking the Deadlock’ report in calls for urgent action to drive a more diverse and inclusive uptake of earn and learn placements. The report notes that business heads, industry sectors and the government need to be involved in ensuring a diverse talent pipeline. It offers tips to help companies offering earn
19 June 2018
June 2018 company update
Different presenters offered new points of view at last week’s six-monthly update. Twice a year, everyone who can make it gathers in the Cardinal House boardroom, for an update on how the business is doing. Thanks, welcomes and a sad farewell Managing director Laurence Mckidd started the meeting with thanks to everyone for their work
18 June 2018
Kim prepares for a week on site
As VGC Group’s women in construction champion, I’m responsible for attracting women to the industry. Although I deliver many presentations on this subject I’ve decided that I’d like to get some hands-on experience so that I can give the women I talk to an honest insight. I want to do a week’s experience on a
12 June 2018
Observations lead to fewer incidents
Our key influencers are making a tremendous difference everywhere they work. Since 2012 the number of observations has risen in direct proportion to the number of key influencers on site. And, as shown on the graph above left, as observations (blue) have risen, incident rates (red bars) have fallen dramatically. As trained workforce champions, our key influencers
11 June 2018
Meeting the secretary of state for work and pensions
Ciara writes: I met Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Esther McVey in Caxton House in Westminster last week. It was a very useful discussion of the labour market with key industry leaders. They included Peter Cheese, chief executive of CIPD, James Hick, MD of Manpower, Laura Hegarty, head of comms for Indeed, Chloe
18 May 2018
Ciara Pryce is one of the UK's top Modern Slavery influencers
Our group services director, Ciara Pryce, has been named one of the top 100 Modern Slavery influencers. The inaugural 2018 Annual UK Top100 Corporate Modern Slavery Influencers’ Index recognises people from all sectors who are leading awareness to end modern slavery and labour exploitation. The index was developed by BRE Group and Sustain Worldwide to recognise
16 May 2018
RIP Ron Cairns
We are deeply sorry to announce the death of former IT director Ron Cairns. Ron made a huge contribution to the development of the VGC Group business over the last 35 years. In 1983, Ron joined VGC as a consultant. He came to help with the administration of what was at the time a very
15 May 2018
Yet again, VGC is one of LSE 1000 inspiring companies
For the second time, VGC is included in the LSE’s ‘1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain’. The London Stock Exchange list is an annual celebration of some of the fastest-growing and most dynamic small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK. To be included in the list, companies needed to show consistent revenue growth over a minimum
14 May 2018
Ensuring a smooth ride for the royal wedding
We have been making sure everything is in top condition on the streets of Windsor, ahead of the royal wedding on 19 May. Our teams, led by graduate engineer Samuel Yick, have been responsible for ensuring that roads and pavements around the castle are in good order. The streets are expected to be crowded, with
11 May 2018
Supporting former Carillion suppliers and staff
Our sympathy goes out to staff and supply chains hit by Carillion’s liquidation. Fortunately, VGC has not been directly affected. “Our finance and commercial teams are reviewing our supply chain to identify any indirect exposure,” said VGC chairman Sean Fitzpatrick. “We are working with our framework partners who have been in joint ventures with Carillion
