Concertus Monthly Round Up – November

We are excited to share key updates and milestones from our recent projects, which highlight our commitment to sustainability, education, and community development.

Concertus successfully appointed to the Procure Partnerships Framework
Covering the East Midlands, East of England, and London, our team have been successfully placed on the following lots on the Procure Partnerships Framework: Architecture, Building Surveying, Project Management and Quantity Surveying. This achievement highlights our unwavering commitment to excellence and our passion for delivering exceptional results for our clients. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with Procure Partnerships and contributing to transformative projects across these regions. Read more here.

New Derbyshire primary school in Boulton Moor invites local community to grand opening
Clover Leys Spencer Academy welcomed enthusiastic staff, pupils, and parents recently to its first-ever school fete, celebrating its official opening, and we were thrilled to be part of it. The school boasts seven classrooms with a capacity for 210 students and includes essential facilities such as a playing field, an all-weather play area, a habitat zone, a 40-space car park for staff and parents, and an outdoor classroom. Read more here.

Swift action taken to address boiler leak at Suffolk school
After an annual boiler service at Barningham CEVCP School revealed a suspected leak, the property management and building surveying teams collaborated to investigate and address the issue. They identified that the Mikrofil and pressure gauge in the plant room needed replacing, and pipework in the early years’ facilities needed to be reconfigured. With funding secured from Suffolk County Council, the team received positive feedback from the school for their support. Dalkia has been appointed to carry out the necessary repairs in the coming weeks.

Tupton Hall School’s canopy project completion enhances outdoor learning
Earlier this year, Tupton Hall School in Chesterfield received planning permission to install four canopies. In June, a specialist canopy company advised that no permission was needed for installation on the playground, but the school had concerns. After discussions with Derbyshire County Council, the school sought help from Concertus, which determined that planning permission was necessary due to the scale of the project. Following this guidance, the school appointed Concertus to prepare the required documentation. The project has since been completed, providing the school with canopies that offer protection from the weather and additional outdoor space for students to eat.

New school expansion in Chesterfield
A new four-classroom block is being developed at Norbriggs Primary School in Chesterfield to enhance the learning experience for KS2 students. This detached building will consolidate KS2 teaching spaces into a single hub and increase the school’s capacity from 169 to 210 pupils. Designed with a careful topography to manage natural water flow, the block will feature powder-coated aluminium frames and a blue and grey colour palette to complement the existing school aesthetics. The project is being delivered for Derbyshire County Council, and we look forward to sharing updates as the project progresses.

New Murrayside Community Centre expansion in Ipswich picks up pace
A new two-storey community centre, due to open in May 2025, will feature a dance studio, a fully equipped gym, and a boxing facility – creating a vibrant hub for community activities and growth in the area. Project lead Oliver Langner shared his experience: “This is my first lead project, and it’s been an incredible journey. With Concertus’ support, I’ve gained hands-on skills and knowledge, seeing how designs come to life on site. As Youth Trustee for the Suffolk FA and Co Vice-Chair of the Suffolk FA Youth Council, I’m passionate about supporting young people, and this project allows me to make a direct impact.” Read more here.

New Property Management webpage and brochure!
Our comprehensive Property Management services are designed to help our clients concentrate on their core business while we manage their properties. From planned preventative maintenance to reactive repairs, we have the expertise, experience, and resources to ensure your property remains safe, secure, and compliant with all relevant regulations and standards. Read more here.

New Carbon Consultancy webpage and brochure!
Designed to guide you on a journey toward sustainable, low-carbon solutions, our brochure will help you discover how our expert consultancy services can help you reduce emissions, optimise energy efficiency and achieve your Net Zero goal. Read more here.

Exciting collaboration for sustainable water management in schools
We have successfully joined the Department for Education’s ‘SuDS in Schools Programme’ and are collaborating with Reclaim The Rain to create tailored designs for sustainable water management at six schools in Norfolk and Suffolk. These works will be delivered in 2025.

Colleagues gathered for an engaging all-staff away day at The Hold in Ipswich
The day began with an interactive icebreaker to promote team bonding, followed by leadership updates on Concertus’ future. Colleagues engaged in a client feedback session to enhance service delivery and discuss strategic goals. Continuous Improvement Groups shared progress and creative solutions aligned with company objectives. The day concluded with a reflection on the discussions and a reaffirmation of the team’s commitment to the company’s vision.

Concertus attend first Building Safety Forum in Birmingham
Lottie Dawn, Associate for Health and Safety, and Chrissie Mittenshaw-Hodge, Associate Project Manager, attended Miller Knight’s first Building Safety Forum at Villa Park, Birmingham last month. The event addressed critical challenges in construction and property management, focusing on building safety amid recent legislative changes. It covered topics like advanced fire safety protocols and compliance with the Building Safety Act 2022. The forum brought together industry leaders to foster discussions and partnerships aimed at creating safer and more accountable spaces. The attendees are eager about the future of building safety, and we look forward to next year’s event.

‘One to Watch’ – Natalie Finnigan
Our Associate Director, Natalie Finnigan was recognised as “One to Watch” in Construction Management magazine’s October edition! As a dedicated committee member for the Ipswich Hub, Natalie shared her inspiring career journey and passion for the industry in an exclusive interview. Read Natalie’s full interview here.

Meet the Team – Bradley Dedman, Architectural Designer
Bradley Dedman, one of our Architectural Designers, has been with Concertus since 2017. Within that time, he graduated with a second-class honour (1st division) from his BA Hons Architecture university course, going from a trainee to a designer while working on significant projects. We recently met with him to discuss his time with the business, how he discovered his passion for Architecture and what advice he would give to someone looking to start University. Read more here.

The Hold project manager shares insights with retired professionals
Annett Thompson, the Senior Project Manager at Concertus, delivered a lecture to retired professionals from the U3A about her experience managing The Hold project, which was completed in July 2020. She discussed the challenges posed by COVID-19, funding issues, and the constraints of the urban site in Ipswich. Emphasising the importance of communication and fostering positive relationships, the session was well-received, and attendees expressed interest in having her return for further insights. The Hold, Ipswich case study.

Vertas Group’s Exec Experiences Initiative Raises Over £23,000 for Cancer Research UK
Our Exec Experiences initiative successfully raised over £23,000 (including gift aid) for Cancer Research UK, contributing to a total of £28,000 for the 2023/2024 charity year. Vertas Group Directors and 44 colleagues participated in five challenges, including climbing Mount Snowdon and Ben Venue. Read more here.

Vertas Group sponsors multiple awards for the East Midlands Business Awards 2024
Last month, Concertus, along with Vertas Group Limited, sponsored the Education and Business Partnership Award at the East Midlands Chamber Business Awards in Derbyshire and the Environmental Impact Award in Nottinghamshire. Congratulations to all the winners and the impressive nominees! It was a pleasure to be part of such meaningful awards evenings.