Can you give us an overview of what you and the Energy team at Concertus do?

We work collaboratively with customers to enhance energy and water performance by creating, evaluating, implementing, and sustaining best practices across all aspects of their business. This includes the use of smart metering, flexible procurement, and efficient lighting.

Our team also works closely with local authorities and public bodies on behalf of Suffolk County Council to develop and share good practices. We then coordinate council involvement in regional and national energy procurement and energy-saving initiatives.

The team prepare reports, business cases, and justifications for new strategies, initiatives, and projects. We also manage trading agreements and maintain regular communication with customers. We aim to be integral to a high-quality service and provide value for money. We ensure that the highest possible quality is delivered at the lowest possible cost.

How does Concertus Energy Management support businesses to deal with multiple suppliers and reduce their overall energy consumption and costs?

I think most importantly, it’s by customer care. Our company stands out from the rest by providing unlimited helpdesk support to all our customers, all the time. But before that happens, once we have received an enquiry, we will visit the site and produce a site report outlining the customer needs and requirements, and tailor fit their energy needs to their business. We are always available to assist our clients through phone, email, or any other communication channel.

Our services include bill validation, active management of utility metres, complete analysis of data consumption, and supplier query management. With a combined experience of over 40 years, our team is proficient in finding the best possible deals for our clients to ensure they are spending their energy bills wisely.

Many customers have been using the service for several years. Can you talk about why this is and what Concertus Energy Management do to maintain these relationships?

At our company, we understand that dealing with multiple utility suppliers can be a time-consuming and costly process for our customers. That’s why we offer our expertise and experience to handle these tasks on their behalf. Our team has worked for utility suppliers in the past, which means we have a thorough understanding of the industry and know how to negotiate beneficial discounts and terms for our customers.

In addition to saving our customers time and money, we also aid with energy spend budget forecasting. This service helps our customers plan their energy usage in advance, which leads to better budgeting and more efficient use of resources. We can also provide important consumption data for carbon planning purposes. This information is crucial for businesses and organisations looking to reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices.

Over the years we have proven we provide our customers with a comprehensive and hassle-free service that saves them time and money while promoting sustainability. We take pride in our work and are committed to delivering the best possible outcomes for each and every one of our customers. That’s why people enjoy working with us.

As more businesses strive to adopt eco-conscious practices that align with evolving environmental standards, energy sustainability is becoming a priority. How can you support businesses to adopt cleaner and more sustainable energy sources and practices in line with this?

We have designed our tendering process to require all suppliers to disclose their environmental practices. We believe that every supplier should share our values and commitment to protecting the environment.

We take great pride in the fact that the power we supply is by 100% renewable energy. Our energy sources come from solar, hydro, and wind technologies that are clean and sustainable. We believe that using renewable energy is crucial for reducing our carbon footprint and mitigating the effects of climate change.

As many businesses seek to gain tighter control of overheads in a challenging economic environment, how does Concertus Energy Management stay current with the latest energy technologies and regulations?

We offer a flexible purchasing portfolio where we can monitor the wholesale prices of utilities and potentially purchase when the market is on a downtrend. This allows us to protect our customers from price hikes in volatile markets. We keep ourselves updated with the latest technologies and regulations by being registered with OFGEM, which is the government-regulated body. We also use suppliers who have cutting-edge technology for metering and billing services, and we regularly receive information on proposed changes in the industry.

Tell us about your background

I have a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering with a specialisation in Construction and Structures. I am also a Chartered Engineer with 17 years of experience in project and operational management across United Kingdom, European, and African markets. My experience spans various industries and frameworks, including central government frameworks, retail, telecoms, renewables, and real estate development.

What made you join us at Concertus?

When I came across the opening to lead the Project Management team for Concertus in the East Midlands Region, I was immediately intrigued. The chance to take charge of a commercial business unit was exactly the type of challenge I was looking for. What particularly caught my attention was the reputation that Concertus has built in the East Midlands over the last few years. The company has established itself as a leader in the region, and I saw this as a great opportunity to be a part of a dynamic and growing organisation.

What is your primary focus now you have joined the business?

My primary focus now is on enhancing productivity, streamlining our operations to increase efficiency, maintaining a high standard of quality in all our work, and ensuring that we achieve positive returns on our investments. My goal is to solidify Concertus’ reputation as a leader in our industry and to continue providing the best possible service to our clients. We believe that by focusing on these key areas, we can stay ahead of the curve and continue to grow and succeed in the years to come.

We are pleased to share that all colleagues who got in touch with us are happy for us to share their stories with you. Today we are honoured to share Lizzie’s story. Lizzie Percival is one of our Graphic Designers for Vertas Group.

What type of neurodiversity do you have?

Dyslexia

How have you found navigating the workplace as neurodivergent? Please feel free to tell us about yourself, your story, and any challenges you may have faced. Anything you feel comfortable sharing.

I am proud of my neurodiversity, it’s something that I am very open about and am always happy to talk about and share with others. But this wasn’t always the case.

There was a time when I felt embarrassed and ashamed that I was ‘different’. I would be scared to mention that I was dyslexic to new employers because I knew I would be met with prejudice and discrimination. I can recall countless encounters with managers and senior colleagues where I was made to feel like my disability wasn’t valid. One such comment that will always stick with me was when I was told by a manager “dyslexia isn’t a disability, not being able to spell isn’t a disability, it’s just laziness”.

I can vividly remember being in a team meeting and asking for clarification of a really vague brief I’d been emailed, my manager turned to me in front of a room full of people, speaking to me like a child and finishing with “Do you understand now? or do you need me to break it down into smaller words?”. The same manager would take great pride in pointing out mistakes I’d made and make ‘jokes’ about them.

Because of instances like this, I have spent the majority of my career feeling like a fraud, and that I didn’t deserve my place in a team. I have always had to fight to prove my worth and have my voice heard.

I am so incredibly lucky that I have now found myself in an amazing and supportive team, where I am treated with respect and most importantly, as an equal. Because of them, for the first time in my life, I have confidence in my ability.

Are there any common misconceptions or stereotypes you would like to address?

here are so many misconceptions! But the big ones for me are that dyslexia isn’t just not being able to read, write or spell; it’s far more nuanced, and it varies from person to person.

We are not lazy or stupid – neurodivergent people have been proven to be amongst the brightest and hardest working people in a team.

Do you have any advice or insights you would like to share with others who may have a similar neurodiversity?

Never see neurodiversity as a setback or negative quality. Embrace your quirks, they’re what make you unique, they’re what make you, you! Be kind to yourself, accept that there are some things you find difficult and if you can’t find ways around them, that’s ok, never feel ashamed. Be proud of how far you’ve come and everything you’ve achieved. If no one has told you recently, you’re doing great!

Never be afraid to ask for help or adaptations.

And finally…you’re not the only one, we’re everywhere y’know! So never feel like you have to suffer in silence, there are always people that you can talk to and share your experiences with – I love chatting to other people with dyslexia about the embarrassing dyslexic moments I’ve had. Having a community of people just like me, makes me feel less isolated and alone.

Your stories will help us to educate and encourage conversations around neurodiversity, including celebrating strengths and squashing misconceptions.

Thank you for sharing your story, Lizzie!

#NeurodiversityCelebrationWeek

To celebrate Neurodiversity Celebration Week this week, we asked colleagues to share their stories with us. Today we are honoured to share Steven’s story. Steven Ryles is an Associate for Design at Concertus.

What type of neurodiversity do you have?

Severe dyslexia

How have you found navigating the workplace as neurodivergent?

I did not realise I had dyslexia until I started university and got a formal test and diagnosis. Turns out it is more common in design-based jobs. This helped me to not only work through the general challenges I was facing with my university work but helped me to identify the coping mechanisms I have used through school to just scrap through my A-Levels.

By the time I finished university and started working in construction, it was clear that I had managed to find ways of working through the hurdles dyslexia poses, with very few people ever really noticing, apart from my odd smelling!

What strengths and skills do you feel your neurodiversity has enhanced for you in the workplace?

Dyslexia is just the gap between your knowledge/thinking skills to your reading/writing skills. It just means that our brains are wired differently but it means we can sometimes think outside the box on logic or spatial problems others may not see.

Are there any common misconceptions or stereotypes you would like to address?

People with dyslexia can’t read or write! We most certainly can (otherwise I wouldn’t be able to put this answer together) we just go about it in different ways, and it may take a few more attempts than others. Technology and the software we use have gone a long way to make this much easier for everyone.

Do you have any advice or insights you would like to share with others who may have a similar neurodiversity?

People class dyslexia as a disability, I do understand this (although it doesn’t qualify you for a blue badge, I tried!) but I don’t see it that way. If you know that you have it, there are so many systems and people out there who can help you to understand it. I find ways to work with it and not against it. It’s boring being the same as everyone else!

Thank you for sharing your story, Steven!

#NeurodiversityCelebrationWeek

The Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk, Clare, Countess of Euston officially opened the new and improved Foxhall Recycling Centre today to herald a new era of reuse and recycling in Ipswich.

Improvements to the site’s layout, access and capacity will make it easier than ever before for Suffolk residents to reuse and recycle their rubbish.

Work on the redevelopment commenced in October 2022 and reopened fully to the public, ahead of schedule, in December 2023. Today marked the site’s official opening.

The new site, designed by Concertus Design and Property Consultants and built by RG Carter, increases capacity for vehicles on site, improves access from Foxhall Road and reduces queuing on the highway.

It also has a new raised level construction, giving better access to containers for users without the need for stairs.

Improvements have also been made to the site’s Re-use shop, which sells furniture, sports equipment, kitchen supplies, books, toys and bric-a-brac collected at Suffolk’s recycling centres and which would otherwise have been disposed of as waste.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk, Clare, Countess of Euston, who officiated at the event and declared the facility to be open, said:

“I’m delighted to have been able to open the new, improved Foxhall Recycling Centre today. As a keen recycler myself, I know the importance of recycling and re-using items to prolong their life. I took great pleasure in visiting the Re-use shop; the Benjamin Foundation do a fantastic job keeping items in circulation and it supports the great charity work they do for young people and families across Suffolk and Norfolk.”

Cllr Richard Smith MVO, Suffolk County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Skills, Transport Strategy and Waste, said:

“Moving waste up the hierarchy is one of our main priorities when it comes to managing waste and Foxhall Recycling Centre is designed to do just that. The Re-use shop is at the start of the journey into the recycling centre, prompting site users to see if their items could be used again by someone else. The layout of the new site makes recycling easier for the public and helps to future-proof the recycling service for years to come.”

Steve Longdon, CEO of FCC Environment, said:

“We are delighted to mark the official opening of the Foxhall Recycling Centre today after a swifter build than even we could have imagined. The ability to design and build a new recycling facility such as this, which places what users of the site need at the heart of the design, is a very positive move not just for members of the public, but the new site will enable us to maximise the amount that is reused and recycled making a real environmental contribution by doing the right thing. I am delighted that this site is now open and doing just that.”

Last week, over 100 local suppliers participated in a ‘Meet the Buyer’ event at Endeavour House, hosted by Concertus, a company within the Vertas Group. The event was the second one that has been organised since the launch of the Suffolk County Council Construction and Building Services Framework in the summer of 2023. The framework, now in its fourth generation, has facilitated collaboration between contractors and suppliers to deliver various projects across Suffolk and the Eastern Region.

The event allowed suppliers to network with other like-minded businesses in Suffolk and build partnerships across the supply chain. Ashley Shorey-Mills, from the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, delivered a keynote speech and said:

“The Chamber of Commerce is pleased to support the Meet the Buyer event as it is great to see such a local focus from one of Suffolk’s largest and most successful businesses. Our role is to build Suffolk businesses to be the best around, and it’s great to see suppliers taking these opportunities to build a more sustainable circular economy”.

All successful contractors appointed to the new iteration of the framework were among the businesses that exhibited, alongside wider Vertas Group businesses Oakpark Security, Vertas Environmental, and Verse. In support of the framework’s ethos to foster relationships to build on Social Value initiatives, representatives from Suffolk New College, Apprenticeships Suffolk, and Suffolk County Council Skills were also in attendance, highlighting local training and apprenticeship opportunities.

The framework provides an effective and efficient route for the Council and other public sector partners who use it to deliver projects across the East of England. Concertus, which has over a decade of experience managing the framework, has worked closely with suppliers to enhance the communities in Suffolk. Andy Bates, Associate Director at Concertus, expressed his delight at seeing so many familiar and new faces at the event. He added:

“We wanted to bring all suppliers along on this journey with us, working collaboratively to deliver exceptional framework projects.”

“Partnerships and collaboration are crucial in allowing us to promote and support the health and wellbeing of all people in Suffolk, strengthen our local economy, and protect and enhance our environment whilst providing value for money for the Suffolk taxpayer. We look forward to working with each supplier and continuing our positive relationships”.

Read more information about the new Suffolk County Council £500m Construction and Building Services Framework here.

Who are Salix?

Salix was established in 2004. Since then, up until 31 March 2022, they have assisted public sector organisations in committing to nearly 22,000 projects by administering £2.7 billion in funding. These projects have resulted in a total annual saving of 1.1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide across all of them.

Last year, we were thrilled to receive recognition from Salix for our Heat Decarbonisation Plans.

Our plans were acknowledged as “exemplary,” which is a testament to the exceptional standards and detail we invest in our projects. Commendation from the Salix Finance Low Carbon Skills Fund Team for our efforts in setting the benchmark for others in the industry highlights what we can achieve through dedication and innovation. We are committed to supporting Salix in maximising the value of public money and are dedicated to driving sustainable change.

Below, we wanted to showcase a small snippet of one of our reports.

If you need help or advice on your upcoming sustainability plans, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Heating Plants

The existing gas-fired boilers were still operational, but servicing had revealed signs of underperformance. This necessitates the consideration of a new heating strategy, which will be a more complex swap for a like-for-like gas boiler. Transitioning to Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) will require careful planning to ensure maximum system efficiency, given the lead-in times for equipment. The replacement of pipework distribution and heating emitters is essential for accommodating ASHP installations, especially since the existing systems are nearing the end of their lifespan. Coordinating decarbonisation efforts with planned maintenance can streamline the process, although replacing all pipework and emitters in one go may not be feasible or prudent within a short timeframe, like the summer holidays. We recommend a phased approach to converting to high-temperature ASHPs to address these challenges. This approach involves decentralising the existing plant room and implementing ASHPs in each teaching block, along with new heating pipework and emitters. The final step would include transitioning the Main Block from gas-fired boilers to ASHP. This task presents additional complexities due to separating the hot water system from the commercial kitchen. By strategically phasing the conversion process, the transition to ASHP can be more manageable and cost-effective, ensuring a smoother and more efficient heating system for the long term.

Domestic Hot Water

The Teaching Blocks and Main Block use electric point-of-use water heaters to supply hot water outlets. We advise maintaining these systems and replacing them with newer models when they end their operational lifespan. By doing so, the facilities can continue to provide efficient hot water to meet the occupants’ needs. In the Commercial Kitchen, the plant room’s indirect hot water cylinder meets hot water demands. As part of the Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) conversion plan, we recommend separating the space heating and hot water systems. This separation has been shown to enhance the commissioning process and improve the system’s overall performance. The Commercial Kitchen can benefit from optimised hot water supply and operational efficiency by implementing this strategy.

Fabric Upgrades

A fabric-first approach is essential for optimising the energy efficiency of buildings. In this context, focusing on improving the fabric of the building, such as cavity walls and roofs, can significantly reduce heat loss and energy consumption. We suggest prioritising filling existing cavity walls with insulation to enhance thermal performance. Additionally, upgrading windows to triple glazing can further improve energy efficiency, although funding limitations may need to be considered. While the existing double-glazed windows may be in good condition, exploring triple-glazing in the future can provide even better thermal performance. However, it is noted that current decarbonisation funding schemes may not cover the cost of triple glazing, as they often target replacing single-glazed windows. When financially viable, improving roof insulation should also be considered to enhance the overall energy efficiency of the building. It is acknowledged that insulating existing floors may be challenging due to cost constraints and potential disruption, but efforts to improve other aspects of the building’s fabric can still lead to energy savings and a more sustainable environment.

Solar PV

Based on the information given, installing a solar PV system on the existing roofs may require supplementary structural support due to the orientation and makeup of the roof. However, a solar array of around 8 kWp could be viable for installation on the flat roof sections, pending a detailed simulation and structural survey to confirm feasibility. The calculations have been based on an 8 kWp system with an estimated yearly yield production of 8,600 kWh, with the possibility of slight variations depending on the type of solar panels used for system efficiency and optimisation.

Councillors were joined by representatives of The Friends of The Paddocks group, as they met with contractors to officially handover the keys so the eight-month renovation project could get underway.

Contractors moved onto the Canvey Island site last week to secure it and install the necessary cabins and fixtures to enable their work. This week (19 February), the first phase of work will begin with scaffolding being erected on the low-level roof.

Approximately £1.5m of improvements will be made to the centre, including work to both the interior and exterior as well as upgrading electrics, heating, lighting, and ventilation systems.

Cllr Dave Blackwell, Leader of Castle Point Borough Council, said “Renovations to The Paddocks Community Centre have been long overdue, so we welcome the start of these works. Our residents deserve to have a local centre that can serve the community well and we believe this investment will ensure that The Paddocks remains an important asset for the Borough for the future.”

Matthew Smith, Associate Building Surveying at Concertus, said: “This is an exciting project for Concertus, working in collaboration with Castle Point Council and SEH French to deliver a significant refurbishment project. The refurbishment scope identified as part of condition improvement plans has been a positive approach. The work completed to date by the teams to get to this point has enabled the Council to make informed decisions on their approach and ultimately a decision on how to progress the project.

“The project works to be undertaken will make a positive change to both the building fabric and energy performance of the building. We are excited to see the project commence and look forward to seeing the completed works at the end of the project.”

The Paddocks is expected to reopen in late September 2024. Until that time, current users have been offered alternative provisions at other Council facilities.

What made you return to the business?

I decided to return to Concertus because they are such a talented and supportive team, and I wanted to be part of the exciting projects and opportunities that the company has to offer. I also appreciated the culture and values, and how they invest in their staff’s development and wellbeing.

Concertus has always been a great place to work, and I realised that after working for another company. I also enjoyed the collaboration that I had with my colleagues, and I was eager to rejoin them. I returned to Concertus because I felt that it was the best fit for me. I liked the variety and quality of the work that I did at Concertus, and I learned a lot from the experienced and knowledgeable professionals that I worked with.

What new skills do you bring to the position after working for another company?

Working for another company was a valuable experience for me, as it exposed me to different methods of working in the industry and the Building Surveying role as a whole. I gained a lot of skills and knowledge from the training, feedback, and support that I received and was grateful for the opportunity. I also faced some challenges, such as dealing with complex or unexpected issues as a contract administrator that I hadn’t faced before.

I learned from these challenges and improved my performance and professionalism. I have also gained experience in assisting in procurement and tendering for projects for commercial clients, something of which I had no experience in previously. This has enhanced my understanding of the business and financial aspects of the projects and has also improved my negotiation and presentation skills.

What’s the team like at Concertus?

The Building Surveying team at Concertus is a great mix of junior and experienced professionals with a spread of expertise in multiple disciplines. We work on a variety of projects, from new builds and extensions to refurbishments and conservation. We communicate and coordinate effectively with each other and with other stakeholders, and we always strive to deliver the best outcomes for our clients. Working in a multi-disciplinary team has taught me a lot about different aspects of the building industry, and has also improved my communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. We have a strong team spirit and a friendly atmosphere. The team gets along great with one another, and I’m pleased to be part of that again.

Why did you decide to become a Building Surveyor?

Becoming a Building Surveyor was a natural choice for me, as I wanted to work in a role which allowed me to use problem-solving skills for a large variety of projects and challenges.

I like being involved in different stages of the building lifecycle, from planning and design to maintenance and refurbishment. I also appreciate the diversity of the role, as I get to work with different clients, contractors, and consultants across various sectors and locations. It is very rewarding to help clients achieve their objectives and deliver high-quality outcomes. I also value the social aspect of the role, as I get to interact with a wide range of people and build lasting relationships in the industry.

What are your career goals?

A big focus of mine for the next 18-months is to pass my RICS APC to become a MRICS Chartered Building Surveyor. This will be a great milestone in my career, I am confident that with the help from the team, and the work experience I can gain from carrying out the Building Surveying services we offer to clients at Concertus, I will be able to pass my APC within the next 1 – 2 years.

We have witnessed that project and professional teams are the most creative, innovative, and collaborative when they are diverse. Therefore, we seek to build a business that benefits from a range of experience levels, industries, and insights. We not only offer recruits the opportunity to partake in an apprenticeship but we are invested in the people who are already part of Vertas Group.

As a graduate or apprentice, you can benefit from mentoring, blended learning, and support to gain further professional qualifications and/or chartership. We work with everyone to ensure that they can follow their desired career path. Last year, we met with just some of our apprentices to find out how they were getting on. Now, a year later, we are joined by Laura Spink, Project Finance Assistant, and Harvey Barfield, Trainee Civil Engineer, to see what they have been up to since.

When we last caught up with you, Laura, you were only a month away from your End Point Assessment (EPA). How did your EPA go, and how has your role developed since finishing your apprenticeship?

My EPA went really well, and I officially completed my apprenticeship with a distinction in February 2023. Now that I have received my Level 3 Business Administration qualification, I have taken on new responsibilities, such as leading all training of our internal information management system. My apprenticeship helped me understand the business functionalities and allows me to help support other members of the team.

When asked what your career goal was last year, you said you would like to continue your professional development. Would you complete an apprenticeship again?

I am passionate about continuing to develop within my role, so should the opportunity arise where an apprenticeship would support my learning, I would definitely complete an apprenticeship again.

Harvey, you started at Concertus back in April 2021 and are currently studying towards a Civil Engineering Degree (Level 6) at Suffolk New College. What have you learned throughout your apprenticeship, and how has that helped you in your day-to-day role?

At Concertus, we provide both Civil and Structural engineering services, which means I have been developing my skills within both disciplines for the last 2 ½ years. Since I joined, I feel as though I have developed as an engineer and as a person tremendously. Although I do feel this is mainly due to the help and support from my colleagues at work, along with my University Tutor. Recently, we have completed the ‘Structures A’ module which covers the basics behind Structural design. I feel like this module was taught brilliantly, and it has been a great help in both reinforcing my existing knowledge and providing me with alternative methods to solve problems.

What piece of advice would you give to someone looking to join the industry or already working within the industry about starting an apprenticeship?

I recommend starting a Civil Engineering apprenticeship for its hands-on learning, providing practical experience in the field, and accelerating skill development. The exposure to real projects enhances your understanding of the industry, while networking opportunities foster connections with experienced professionals. Completing an apprenticeship not only makes you more employable but also boosts confidence in applying theoretical knowledge to actual projects. Earning a salary during the apprenticeship adds financial support and job security. Overall, I feel as though it serves as a great foundation for (hopefully) a successful and fulfilling career.

Our apprenticeships and training programmes provide the valuable opportunity to earn a salary and start a career as part of a successful business with real-world experience, whilst also gaining the qualifications needed to excel in the industry.