LEADING BUILDERS MERCHANTS HELP SAVE SUBSTANTIAL FUNDS FOR NEW SEARCH & RESCUE CENTRE

Bradfords Building Merchants with 27 branches in the South West have been a major contributor towards saving costs for the exciting new Exmoor Search and Rescue Centre based in South Molton, Devon.

The new centre was officially opened on 2^nd May, National Mountain Rescue Awareness day by the legendary Sir Ranulph Feinnes. Sir Ranulph Fiennes said: ‘I am delighted to be able to show my support for the Exmoor Search and Rescue Team. They are a dedicated and essential rescue team for the area, who make a huge difference, donating their time and efforts so freely.’

Clive Carvell, Area Operations Manager for Bradfords and Bill Allen, Chairman of the Exmoor Search & Rescue Team

Area Operations Manager for Bradfords Clive Carvell said: “As well as ensuring that we offered the best possible rates for building materials, we have worked closely with many of our suppliers to either donate materials or ensure that Exmoor Search and Rescue obtained very favourable rates. The total amount is hard to quantify, but we would estimate our contribution to have saved the team a substantial five figure sum”.

Another highlight was the launch of a specialist ale in aid of the team, courtesy of Exeter Brewery Ltd. The brewery has been working with the team over the last few months to develop an ale that will be sold throughout the South West. 10 pence of each pint for a year will go to assist the work of all the PenMCRA (Peninsula Mountain and Cave Rescue Association) teams. These include Exmoor SRT, Dartmoor Rescue Group, Cornwall SRT, Devon cave Rescue and SARDA, (the Search and Rescue Dogs Association). The ale is appropriately named ‘’Fraid Knot’ .

Sales and Operations Director for Bradfords Andy Gamble said: “We have supported Exmoor Search and Rescue team for a number of years, so we were delighted to be of assistance with this major project. The team cover a vast area, and in the past year they have been called out to many places including towns where we have branches such as Crewkerne, Taunton, Honiton and Bridgwater.”

The architect for this project was TWP based in Exeter and the structural works were completed by local builder Tim Stribley. The twelve month build comprised of a two storey building plus office area as well as the conversion of an industrial unit into a vehicle bay; a two storey classroom; meeting room; drying room and stores.

The Centre during building works

Phil Sparks, Team leader of Exmoor SRT said: “This was a very special day for everyone at Exmoor SRT because it has been the culmination of a lot of hard work by so many people. We would like to take this opportunity to pass on thanks to everyone who has helped, team members, supporters and sponsors alike. Without these special people, as well as everyone who donates so generously to us, our base and this centre would not have been possible.”

FREE TRAINING SEMINARS IS JUST THE TICKET FOR LOCAL BUILDERS

Leading construction industry partners successfully launched the first of a series of free training sessions for local small building companies in Exeter on 1 February at Matford Centre on Marsh Barton.  Sponsored by premier builders merchants, Bradfords Building Supplies, it attracted over 50 attendees.  Rolling out across the South West over the next couple of months it delivers a major new green and low carbon training initiative which will prove to be a great business opportunity for the local smaller builder.  The main topics covered are conservation of energy, ventilation, heating, electrics and the new water safety and usage regulations. 'I've been updated' van stickers were allocated to each attendee at the end of the one day workshop.  This means that builders can demonstrate they have been fully briefed on the latest industry changes and have the essential knowledge required to offer ongoing advantages and service to their clients.

(L-R) Mike Kerslake Area Sales Manager, Bradfords Building Supplies, Tom Harper Director of Constructing Excellence SW, Anna Thompson Director of Training LABC, Dave Easterlow General Builder, Yvonne Mazzotta H& S Awareness Officer HSE and Andrew Sutton Associate Director BRE  SW

Bradfords Building Supplies Limited with 27 branches nationwide including Cornwall outlets in Redruth, Liskeard and a new branch in St Austell due to open this spring, has teamed up with key national construction industry organisations  including Local Authority Building Control (LABC), Constructing Excellence South West, BRE, HSE and the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). The series of one day training seminars being held across the South West region provides updates for builders on important legislation changes with the unique opportunity to meet experts in each of their individual fields and to share information and concerns with associates in their industry. The Cornish seminar will be held at The Dragon Centre in Bodmin on the 16^th February 2011 with the programme eventually being rolled out nationally.

Mike Kerslake, Area Sales Manager for Bradfords Building Supplies Ltd, Exeter. Says: “We were keen to support the key industry organisations in the region and Exeter was a natural choice as the first venue to launch this new initiative.  We were very pleased with the turn out and are hoping to increase numbers across the region as we roll out the programme; it is then the intention to push this out nationally.  The sticker for the van proved very popular with the builders as it adds value to the great service they already provide and offers peace of mind to their customers."

Director of Constructing Excellence speaking at the first seminar in Exeter.

Tom Harper Director Constructing Excellence says: "85% all construction companies employs 5 and less people therefore it is good for the industry to build knowledge and expertise in the local sector.  By displaying the 'I've been updated' van stickers it shows that small building companies are staying up to date with technical issues, regulations and challenges which gives consumer confidence.”

Further events will be held at Bodmin, Poole and Taunton.  Places are limited and allocated on a “first come” basis.  For more information please visit: www.bradfords.co.uk