UKATA

Chesterfield’s UKATA Joins Forces with The Confederation of Roofing Contractors

The UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA), a leading association dedicated to improving the quality and standards of asbestos training, has announced a new corporate partnership with The Confederation of Roofing Contractors (CORC).

CORC is a highly respected trade association representing the roofing industry in the United Kingdom.

The partnership aims to provide CORC members with information and access to comprehensive asbestos training courses, ensuring that roofing professionals possess the necessary skills and knowledge to identify and manage asbestos-related risks effectively.

The CORC, founded in 1985, is committed to supporting roofing contractors, manufacturers, and suppliers across the UK while championing excellence and professionalism within the industry. By teaming up with UKATA, the CORC will further strengthen its commitment to the well-being of its members and the wider roofing community.

UKATA, based in Chesterfield, is an industry-recognised association, making it a trusted name in the industry. Through its network of members, UKATA approved training equips individuals and organisations with the expertise needed to work safely and confidently in environments where asbestos may be present.

The collaboration between UKATA and the CORC underscores the shared commitment to promoting safe practices, raising awareness, and reducing the risk of asbestos exposure within the roofing sector.

Craig Evans, Chief Operating Officer at UKATA, said, “We are thrilled to be partnering with The Confederation of Roofing Contractors. This collaboration represents a step forward in reinforcing asbestos safety practices within the roofing industry. UKATA members provide high-quality asbestos training courses, which will ensure that CORC members have the knowledge and skills to handle asbestos-related risks effectively.”

Gemma Doherty, Insurance Manager at the Confederation of Roofing Contractors, commented: “We are delighted to welcome UKATA as our new corporate partner. Asbestos poses a significant risk within our industry, and it is vital that roofing professionals are adequately trained to protect themselves and others. This partnership will play a crucial role in enhancing safety standards and professional development in the roofing sector.”

UKATA supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Craig Evans UKATA web main

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Chesterfield’s UKATA announces sporting legend as host of upcoming awards ceremony

The legendary British athlete and TV personality Kriss Akabusi MBE is set to host the upcoming awards celebration of Chesterfield Champion UKATA.

Kriss will host 2023 UKATA Excellence Awards which are being held on Friday 7 July 2023 to coincide with Mesothelioma Awareness Day. UKATA-approved training providers and associates working within the UK’s asbestos industry will be honoured at the celebration.

The event will also celebrate the 15th anniversary of the creation of UKATA, a leading authority on asbestos standards and training.

Kriss said: “I am truly honoured to be hosting the UKATA Excellence Awards 2023 event and joining in the celebration of UKATA’s remarkable 15-year anniversary. This momentous occasion is a testament to the unwavering commitment and dedication of UKATA in advancing excellence and fostering growth within the construction industry.

“I am thrilled to be a part of this prestigious event, where we will recognise and honour the outstanding achievements of individuals and organisations who have made a significant impact in this dynamic field.

“Together, let us embrace the spirit of excellence and raise a toast to 15 years of success and innovation!”

This will be the second time Kriss has hosted UKATA’s awards, which are sponsored by Asbestos Analysts Ltd, Tersus Consultancy Ltd, Asbestos Management Consultancy Ltd, Roundworks IT, DSK Environmental Ltd and Specialist Assessment and Training Centre Ltd.

Craig Evans, UKATA Chief Operating Officer, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Kriss Akabusi as the host of this special event. His energy, enthusiasm, and charisma will add an extra dimension to what promises to be a fantastic evening celebrating the achievements of those in the asbestos industry.”

Established in 2008 at the request of the HSE (Health and Safety Executive), UKATA (the UK Asbestos Training Association) has since gone on to set the industry standards in asbestos training as well as develop a network of approved asbestos training providers.

The event, which is being held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, East Midlands Airport, will see Kriss present six prestigious awards which recognise the achievements of individuals and organisations working in the industry to protect workers and the public from the risks associated with asbestos exposure.

Despite the use of asbestos being banned in the UK in 1999, asbestos exposure is responsible for the deaths of *20 tradespeople in the UK every week, making it the single biggest cause of work-related deaths.

Kriss will present six awards at the event:

  • Contribution to the Community Award
  • Customer Service Excellence Award
  • Workforce Development Award
  • Excellence in Innovation
  • Industry Associate of the Year
  • Rising Star Award

An expert panel of judges will decide the winners of the awards which will be announced on the night.

More than 100 people working within the industry are expected to attend the event, including campaigners and fundraisers for charities dedicated to people affected by mesothelioma, asbestosis, or other asbestos related diseases.

Craig added: “Although the use of asbestos was banned in the construction of buildings nearly 25 years ago, it still presents a very serious health risk to people. The work of our approved training providers, charities and campaigners within the industry continues to be vital in increasing asbestos safety standards. I am delighted that we will be able to recognise them at this very special celebration.”

Asbestos was used widely in construction for 100 years prior to its ban. It is estimated that today there are six million tonnes of the highly toxic material in as many as 1.5 million buildings in the UK.

Since UKATA was established 15 years ago, approved training providers have delivered asbestos training to more than two million people.

To find a UKATA approved asbestos training provider near you, visit www.ukata.org.uk or for free advice call the team on 01246 824437.

UKATA supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Kriss Akabusi

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

Recognition for Chesterfield Champions as finalists confirmed for Generation Next Awards

Some of the most promising young talent across businesses in the region has been recognised among the finalists of East Midlands Chamber’s Generation Next Awards 2022.

The shortlist includes Craig Evans of Chesterfield Champion business UKATA, who has been shortlisted for the Future Leader Award. The University of Derby’s Fred Gough also made the list of finalists for the Diversity & Inclusion award.

The second instalment of the awards, held in conjunction with headline partner the University of Derby, recognise young professionals and business leaders aged under 35, as well as organisations led by people in this demographic.

A shortlist has now been revealed across the 10 categories, ranging from a Breakthrough Award and Customer Service Award through to marking Excellence in Innovation and Technology and the Generation Next Future Leader.

New prizes for this year recognise outstanding contributions in diversity and inclusion, arts and culture, corporate social responsibility and sustainability.

A virtual judging day will take place on 8 and 9 June, in which finalists will be interviewed by members of the chamber of commerce’s senior management team, Generation Next board and representative of the sponsor.

Winners will be crowned at an awards ceremony with a twist – featuring street food, cocktails and live music – held at Bustler Market, in Derby, on 14 July.

Lucy Robinson, East Midlands Chamber’s director of resources and Generation Next lead, said: “The Generation Next Awards are a celebration of the rising stars of business who make outstanding contributions to their communities.

“We received some brilliant applications from a diverse breadth of individuals, and our shortlist of finalists offers a glimpse into the amazing young talent that exists here in the East Midlands.”

Finalists were announced at an event held at Cosy Club, in Nottingham, last night (25 May) in which two of the three founders of Derby-based doughnut delivery service Project D – who won the Entrepreneur of the Year category at the inaugural Generation Next Awards – talked about their journey to date and hopes for the future.

Winners will be crowned at an awards ceremony with a twist – featuring street food, cocktails and live music – held at Bustler Market, in Derby, on 14 July.

Tickets cost £65 + VAT for Generation Next members and £75 + VAT for non-members. Early-bird tickets are available at bit.ly/GenNextAwards

UKATA, University of Derby and East Midlands Chamber support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Generation Next Awards 2022 shortlist

Future Leader Award (sponsored by University of Derby)

Craig Evans – UKATA

Matilda Swanson – Loates HR

Mir Patel – Unique Window Systems

Theo Kirk – Express Recruitment

Emma Roberts – Derby Community Parent Programme CIC

Dan Heffernan – D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership

David Maran – MP Digital Limited

Rob Spence – Paragon Sales Solutions

Umar Razah – Mauricare Homes

 

Breakthrough Award (sponsored by Nottingham University Business School)

Alpha Geek

Dan Poynton – On Poynt Creative

Kate Johnson – Rate Social

Sophie Redman – Linford Grey Associates

Kevin Kapezi & Leo Worsley – Growthack Ltd

 

Customer Service Award

Danielle Harkness – Plastek UK

James Hardwick – Future Life Wealth Management

Anxhela Agaci – Gents of Notts

Arran Gessey – Bam Boom Cloud

Ben Wilkinson – MHA MacIntyre Hudson

 

Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Loughborough College

Emily Jacob – emh group

Frank Hemmingway – Plastek UK

Polly Oakes – Express Recruitment

Rebecca Houlston – Cross Productions

Ruby Birks – Purpose Media

 

Diversity & Inclusion Award

Fred Gough – University of Derby

Jake Wood – Jake Wood PT

Martin Croft – Barrister Link

Rob Spence – Paragon Sales Solutions

 

Entrepreneur of the Year (sponsored by Fraser Stretton Property Group)

Adam Bamford – Colleague Box

Alpha Geek

Dan Poynton – On Poynt Creative

Kate Johnson – Rate Social

Katie Gilbert – TTK Confectionery

 

Excellence in Innovation and Technology Award (sponsored by Hardy Signs)

David Maran – MP Digital

Harsh Shah – De Montfort University

Jack Hall – Scenariio

Nicola Ciaessen – RSM UK

Rachel Saunders – Duncan & Toplis

 

Sustainability Award (sponsored by MHA MacIntyre Hudson)

Carys Tetlaw – RSM UK

Daniel Kelk – Plastek UK

Jake Hall – Scenariio

 

Creative Award (sponsored by PPL PRS)

Dan Poynton – On Poynt Creative

Deng Yudan – Follow the Orient

Joey Lever – Another World Media

Katie Brennan – Cross Productions

Sophie Price and Tom Dennis – My Town Vision

 

Volunteer Award (sponsored by RSM UK)

George Hanvere – Paragon Law

Izzy Plummer – TTK Confectionery

Taylor Gee – 360 Autoleasing East Midlands

2021 Generation Next Awards Ceremony

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,

UKATA Urges Construction Industry Employers to Ensure Apprentices are Asbestos Aware

This National Apprenticeship Week, a leading UK authority on asbestos training is urging employers to ensure asbestos awareness training is provided to all apprentices, to reduce the number of tradespeople contracting fatal asbestos related diseases.

Research has shown that younger people, if routinely exposed to asbestos fibres over time, are at greater risk of developing deadly asbestos related diseases than older workers.

Providing apprentices with key information about asbestos at an early stage will enable them to challenge poor work practices and protect themselves.

Craig Evans, Chief Operating Officer of the UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA), urged: “With the death toll from asbestos exposure over 5000 per year, UKATA is calling on all employers of apprentices working in trades, to ensure asbestos awareness training is conducted as soon as possible.”

Apprentice electricians, plumbers, carpenters, joiners, heating and ventilation engineers, painters and decorators are just some of the 1.3 million tradespeople that are at risk from exposure to the killer building material. And the facts are startling:

• Asbestos kills around 20 tradespeople in the UK every week, making it the single biggest cause of work-related deaths (www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/tradesperson.htm)
• Electricians are almost 16 times more likely than the general population to develop the killer lung disease mesothelioma in their lifetime. (Occupational, domestic and environmental mesothelioma risks in the British population: a case-control study.)
• Asbestos exposure kills 4 plumbers every week (Health & Safety Executive)
• The UK has the highest death rate from mesothelioma in the world. The risk is highest in people who were exposed to asbestos before age 30. (Institute of Cancer Research)

Despite the well-publicised health risks posed by asbestos, a 2017 survey conducted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) of 500 tradespeople showed that less than a third were aware of the correct ways to deal with and handle asbestos in the workplace.

Craig explained: “It’s never too early to provide asbestos awareness training to your workforce. The statistics show that the earlier in a person’s career they receive the appropriate training, then the better protected they are against developing asbestos related cancers in later life.

“A half day awareness course could prevent them from contracting a deadly disease and also ensure they don’t expose others to the dangers of asbestos.”

For employers whose apprentices are yet to receive asbestos awareness training, UKATA advises that they access UKATA approved asbestos awareness training, either with a local provider or online.

“Asbestos awareness training is low cost and readily available. I urge all employers to book their apprentices on these half-day courses and provide them with a safe foundation for a long and safe career within the construction industry,” added Craig.

UKATA approved asbestos awareness courses are available both online and in training centres throughout the UK. Alternatively, the training provider may deliver on site.

To find a UKATA approved asbestos training provider near you, visit www.ukata.org.uk or for free advice call our team on 01246 824437.

UKATA supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Development, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Chesterfield’s UK Asbestos Training Association ‘highly commended’ for mental health leadership

Chesterfield-based UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) has been ‘highly commended’ in the ‘Senior Leadership Engagement Award’ category at The Impact Awards, hosted by mental health charity Mates In Mind.

These Awards are open to Senior Leadership from SMEs, Large size organisations and Projects who have shown inspirational leadership that has made a meaningful impact on the understanding and support for mental health amongst its workforce, as well as across their industry more broadly.

The commendation recognised the efforts of Chief Operating Officer, Craig Evans, and Senior Operations Manager, Debbie Nixon in a virtual ceremony on 27th May 2021.

“Being shortlisted for the Senior Leadership Engagement Award demonstrates the tightknit relationship between Debbie and myself. Working alongside one another for almost 10 years, has strengthened our partnership and undeniable rapport. It’s an honour to be recognised with my longest serving employee ” said Chief Operating Officer, Craig Evans.

Mates in Mind is a registered UK charity raising awareness, addressing the stigma of poor mental health and promoting positive mental wellbeing across workplaces, helping to make sense of available options and support employers to address mental health within their workplace.

Each year Mates in Mind hold Impact Awards to celebrate their Supporters contributions to improving mental health within their workplaces and across the wider sector. The awards are an opportunity to highlight the impact of both large and SME organisations across the UK, as well as acknowledging individuals who have championed the development of mentally healthy workforces.

Established in 2008, UKATA is a highly respected, leading authority on asbestos training. The company’s passion is to both maintain and improve asbestos training, ensuring the highest standards are upheld by means of continually monitoring UKATA training provided by its members.

UKATA supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Featured, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,

UK Asbestos Training Association welcomes its first international member

The UK’s leading authority for asbestos training, the UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA), has welcomed its first international member from Kosovo.

Professor Mimoza Dugolli of Pristina University and manager of Kaizen Environment is now the only provider of asbestos awareness training in Kosovo despite the fact the use of asbestos has been prohibited in in the country since 2005.

Professor Mimoza Dugolli, who is an asbestos trained architect, has worked on many projects including United Nations’ rebuild projects following the Balkan conflicts in the 1990s, and energy efficiency projects for public buildings in Kosovo, will now deliver asbestos awareness training not only in Kosovo but to other Balkan countries that also have no asbestos regulatory bodies.

Explaining why she chose to become a member of UKATA, Professor Dugolli said: “Although I could have gone to other countries for asbestos awareness training, UKATA was the only quality provider where I could become a trainer myself and enable me to deliver much-needed asbestos awareness training.”

Professor Dugolli, who has written a number of academic papers on asbestos safety in Kosovo, added: “Currently in Kosovo there is a huge gap in legislation framework where asbestos is concerned. Most of the industrial complexes and buildings in Kosovo constructed both before and after the war contain asbestos. Unfortunately, Kosovo has been very slow on adapting and preparing specific laws, rules and regulations relating to asbestos, so there is a severe training shortfall in the country.

“Becoming a UKATA member gives me the opportunity to organise and offer asbestos awareness training in Kosovo and other countries like us that lack regulatory bodies. I see asbestos awareness training as a starting point and hope to expand the future training offering to include asbestos removal.”

Professor Dugolli completed her application to UKATA virtually during lockdown. “I received superb support whilst applying and the process was excellent. I even learnt a few new facts and can’t wait to start sharing my knowledge. There is a big job ahead of us,” she commented.

UKATA’s Chief Operating Officer, Craig Evans, added: “We are delighted to welcome Professor Dugolli to UKATA and would like to congratulate her on becoming our first international UKATA-approved training provider.

“Professor Dugolli’s commitment to raising awareness of the dangers of this deadly material in her country is highly commendable and we wish her every success and are delighted that we are able to assist in her mission.

“Asbestos is an incredibly dangerous material when handled incorrectly which is why widespread training is so important. The UK and UKATA has long strived to remain at the forefront of asbestos training and awareness since use of the mineral was banned in this

country in 1999. Hearing about a shortfall in legislation in countries like Kosovo, highlights the progress we have made both as an industry and country over the last 20 years.”

Since being established in 2008, UKATA has gone from strength to strength, now numbering more than 190-member organisations from all corners of the UK and now also in Kosovo who, together, deliver asbestos training to in excess of 200,000 people each year.

For details on becoming a UKATA member or to find a UKATA-approved training provider in your area, please visit www.ukata.org.uk, call 01246 824437 or email info@ukata.org.uk.

 

Posted in Business, Development, Featured, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , ,

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