Build Magazine September 2015

Build Magazine 6 Highways England Goes Out to Tender on Construction Works Framework Agreement in the East Midlands Highways England has published a tender for a new framework agreement for construction works expected to be worth more than £250mn, and running for four years, in the East Midlands. It is the second invitation to tender to be pub- lished under the new set of arrangements in the East Midlands, which sees Highways England making a change from its previous way of work- ing, bringing key functions in-house to take direct control of its road network. The framework is made up of 14 lots representing the disciplines of construction required to main- tain, repair, renew and improve the strategic road network in the East Midlands. In a change from previous arrangements, the new framework will see successful contractors having direct contact with Highways England, making it easier for them to showcase innovative materials, products and techniques. David Poole, director for commercial and pro- curement, commented: “This represents a real step change for Highways England and the way it has previously managed contracts. This new way of working in Area 7 demonstrates Highways England’s commitment to enhancing the way it operates the strategic road network over the next five years.” The framework agreement will be in place from 1 April 2016, and it is expected that the total value of contracts to be awarded through the frame- work could be more than £250 million. The new contract arrangements in the East Mid- lands bring with them new employment oppor- tunities, with Highways England looking to boost its in-house capability through the recruitment of new staff - with a significant number expected to transfer from the current Area 7 provider Aone+. Project to provide sustainable homes around the world as part of development plan. Habitat for Humanity Taos today announced that Huron Consulting Group, a provider of business consulting services, will participate in a weeklong Habitat for Humanity Global Village build in Taos. “We are thrilled to partner with Huron and appre- ciate their dedication to make a difference in the community building affordable homes with partner families.” Global Village is Habitat for Humanity’s international volunteer travel program engaging volunteers to build and renovate homes and to help create de- cent, sustainable communities around the world. “Habitat for Humanity welcomes Huron for their weeklong build in Taos,” said Cynthia Arvidson, executive director, Habitat for Humanity of Taos. “We are thrilled to partner with Huron and appre- ciate their dedication to make a difference in the community building affordable homes with partner families.” In Taos, 90% of residents cannot afford homes of their own. Habitat for Humanity Taos takes on this challenge by building wood-frame or adobe block houses. Volunteers help in all aspects of new construction: digging foundations, framing, roofing, installing windows and doors, appliances, insula- tion, sheet rock, painting and finish work. “I am proud to be part of an organization where employees volunteer a week of their time to give back to the community. It is a testament to our employees’ dedication and is what makes Huron special,” said Mark Hussey, chief operating officer and chief financial officer, Huron Consulting Group. “We are proud to work with Habitat for Humanity and help achieve their goal of creating affordable housing.” Huron employees have participated in numerous Habitat for Humanity community service activities across the country since 2009. Huron provides time off and travel arrangements for employees who take part in the build. Habitat for Humanity is one of Huron’s civic partners, which the company supports through matching gifts, sponsorships and employee volunteerism. Huron’s ongoing commitment to the community brings employees together by helping others through its Huron Helping Hands program. In ad- dition to the community service projects that Huron participates in throughout the year, the company also coordinates an annual Day of Service where employees receive the day off to participate in philanthropic service projects. As part of the 2015 Day of Service, Huron and its employees partnered with more than 60 different charitable and nonprofit organizations in more than 25 locales around the world. Habitat for Humanity Partners with Huron Consulting Group for Weeklong Build