We are pleased to announce that we have a new Bulk Analyst at our Rosyth office, to strengthen the team and increase local business opportunities.

Joanne Skinner was appointed as Trainee Bulk Analyst in September 2018 and upon her appointment last year, she began training (under the guidance of senior staff members) towards her BOHS P401 qualification – Identification of Asbestos in Bulk Samples. Although Joanne had no previous experience in the asbestos management industry, she passed the exam in December and is now working and gaining experience as a Bulk Analyst in our Rosyth-based Bulk Laboratory.

Her role is varied and day to day entails a mixture of responsibilities including analysis of bulk samples from a variety of buildings/environments and assisting in the production and completion of lab reports.

Speaking of her appointment, Joanne said: “I am new to the asbestos management industry, having worked in a clerical role for a law firm for the past 12 years, I wanted a change of career and to do something a bit more hands on. Franks Portlock is a very well established and reputable company and I didn’t hesitate when they asked me to join them.
“After a long period of training and constant QC checking I’m looking forward to implementing my knowledge and actively working on live projects now that I am qualified and authorised. Going forward, I will conduct lab analysis on asbestos samples in-house at our Rosyth office, this local offering will streamline our turnaround times and increase efficiencies for our Scotland-based projects.”

Phil Franks, Technical Director of Franks Portlock, said: “I am delighted to welcome Joanne to the team, she has grasped the legislation and regulations surrounding the asbestos industry as well as the technical requirements of course, with great ease, as can be evidenced in her passing of her BOHS P401 qualification so quickly after her appointment. I am confident that she will strengthen our ability to continue delivering expert lab analysis services to our customers.”

Franks Portlock offers a comprehensive range of asbestos services, including consultancy, inspection, testing and management. To find out how we can help you with your asbestos management requirements, contact one of our experts here.

Anchor Hanover Group, a specialist housing and care provider for the over 55s, has appointed five companies to a medium-term framework to deliver asbestos survey services and removal works.

Franks Portlock Consulting, Thames Laboratories, PA Group UK, AA Woods and European Asbestos Services have been awarded four-year agreements to deliver services across the national provider’s housing network.

The secure OJEU-compliant framework will be managed by Pretium, a specialist company which delivers and manages frameworks on behalf of contracting authorities operating in the public sector. It was procured for Anchor Hanover by leading procurement consultant echelon Consultancy.

Following a competitive tendering process, Anchor Hanover has opted for a single supplier agreement for each service within each of its geographical regions. This approach means that before accessing asbestos services, residents are assured that the provider meets the highest standards of EU and HSE compliance with a cost-effective transparent pricing structure and a localised delivery model tailored to each region.

Additionally, the new framework is open to other public sector bodies including: Registered Social Landlords, Local Authorities, NHS Primary Care Trusts and the Ministry of Defence. These organisations can tap into the same benefits afforded to Anchor Hanover.

Winston Williams, Director of Property at Anchor Hanover, said: ‘The health and wellbeing of residents is of paramount importance to us, so we are delighted to have these contracts in place. Whilst most asbestos found in the home is low risk and unlikely to harm, it is obviously important we have the right suppliers working with us who have a proven track record to help ensure the continued provision of safe, secure and sustainable homes across the country.’

Nick Hann, Pretium’s Head of Frameworks, said: ‘As ever-increasing efficiencies are sought within the public sector, organisations are looking for more streamlined approaches to delivering services. This framework offers a UK-wide, readily available best practice solution for asbestos surveys and removal works delivered by specialist companies in compliance with regulatory requirements.’

To speak to the Franks Portlock team to discuss your own asbestos consultancy requirements, call 0191 419 3116  or click here to leave us a message.

As 2018 draws to a close Franks Portlock Technical Director, Phil Franks, reflects on the year and provides an insight into what 2019 holds for the company…

How would you summarise 2018? 

I would summarise 2018 as a year of great change and growth for Franks Portlock. Over the past year we have expanded our team and our national presence – as well as making several, well-deserved internal promotions.

We have also developed our services and now offer accredited soil analyses and hosted many of our UKATA certified asbestos awareness training sessions – both at our Sunderland HQ and onsite at customers’ premises.

In addition, we were delighted to be appointed to new frameworks such as those for Hanover Housing Association and Home Group.

What’s been your biggest business highlight this year? 

2018 has been an exciting year for Franks Portlock and there have been many highlights, one of the most prominent was winning the Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster (BECBC) award for our Socio-Economic Commitment to West Cumbria. We strive to provide sustainable economic and social changes in the areas in which we work, and this accolade is testament to the efforts of our team, who go the extra mile to enhance and engage with the communities in which they work.

I am proud of the work our team has undertaken to support our local communities and charities – much of which contributed to the award win. This has included supporting Grace House Short Break and Respite Centre, and working with the Little Lifers First Aid Initiative, the Energy Coast University Technical College and ongoing fundraising activities for Hospice at Home West Cumbria, West Cumbria Carers and the North Lakes Food Bank.

Is there a business lesson you’ve learnt in 2018? 

We combine our industry experience and consultancy expertise to offer all our customers a personal, flexible service. Clear and regular communication is crucial to ensuring that we fully understand our clients’ needs and that what they are requesting is in their best interests. Over the past year we have grown our team and national operations, having teams throughout the UK has further cemented my understanding of how critical effective communication is to successful delivery and relationship management, both internally and externally.

What changes do you anticipate within the industry? 

We’re still awaiting the updated HSG248 which I am confident will officially bring in a number of guidance changes and improvements, although for us, we are already working to the standards in many aspects of our business.

Looking ahead, what will 2019 bring? 

It looks to be a great year for Franks Portlock as we have a number of new frameworks in the pipeline and we are confident that we will further build on our customer base throughout the year.

To support this growth, we will also be seeking to establish more bases throughout the UK and continuing our recruitment drive to enhance our offering. We will also continue to deliver the highest quality service to our customers and further strengthen our working relationships.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our customers – we look forward to working with you in the new year.

For more information on our services and how we can help your business in 2019 and beyond, please contact us.

We are proud to announce that we have won a prestigious industry award for our socio-economic commitment to West Cumbria.

Franks Portlock won the Socio-Economic Commitment to West Cumbria Award in Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster (BECBC) Awards 2018. The award, which was sponsored by Balfour Beatty, was presented to the Franks Portlock team at a black-tie gala dinner, held at Energus, Workington on Thursday 22 November 2018.

BECBC is a private sector led organisation, with members from SMEs to global companies with business interests in West Cumbria. In line with the organisation’s aims, the awards recognise and celebrate ‘Cumbrian collaboration’.

We undertake a range of activities and projects as part of our socio-economic commitment to West Cumbria, covering areas such as: employment training, educational and STEM development, volunteering and fundraising.

This includes working with the Little Lifers First Aid Initiative, the Energy Coast University Technical College and ongoing fundraising activities for Hospice at Home West Cumbria, West Cumbria Carers and the North Lakes Food Bank. In addition, we have provided equipment and training – including UKATA certified Asbestos Awareness Training and ten health and safety training modules – for West Cumbria Works’ 12-week community improvement project, which aimed to boost local employment.

James New, Sellafield site contract manager and North West regional manager at Franks Portlock, commented: “I am honoured that Franks Portlock has won this prestigious accolade. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality service to our clients and delivering ongoing support and impactful change to the communities in which we work. It is fantastic that this has been acknowledged on such a grand scale.

“I would like to thank Sellafield for all of its support, as well as everyone who has supported us and the organisations that we aim to help. I would also like to congratulate the other winners on their success, as well as all those nominated.”

Phil Franks, technical director at Franks Portlock, said: “Providing sustainable economic and social changes in the areas in which we work is a core value of Franks Portlock. I am therefore delighted that we have won this award – it is testament to the continued dedication of James and the Sellafield team who go the extra mile to enhance and engage the communities in which they work.”

You can read more on our work in West Cumbria here.

We are pleased to announce that we will be exhibiting at the NDA Estate Decommissioning Supply Chain Event taking place at EventCity, Manchester on Thursday 1 November 2018.

The NDA Estate Supply Chain Event is the biggest networking event in Europe for nuclear decommissioning, with last year’s showcase attracting around 1,600 delegates and providing an opportunity to network with more than 300 exhibiting companies.

With a focus on SMEs, the event also aims to attract new businesses to the nuclear decommissioning sector. In addition to the nuclear showcase, this year’s event will feature a People Zone, which brings together companies who are working to support people within the nuclear industry and an Innovation Zone, a dedicated space for companies who have innovative technical products to display.

As a leading asbestos and environmental consultancy, with extensive experience of working within the nuclear and decommissioning sector, our team of experts will be on hand at stand F2 to discuss how we can help you with your asbestos management requirements through our wide range of services. This includes asbestos surveying, lab analysis, air testing, training and clearance certification.

James New, Sellafield Site Contract Manager/North West Regional Manager at Franks Portlock, said: “We are thrilled to once again be exhibiting at the NDA Estate Decommissioning Supply Chain Event as it will allow us to showcase our in-house expertise and demonstrate our extensive experience within the nuclear and decommissioning sector.

“If you are attending the event, come and visit our team of specialists at stand F2, or pre-book a meeting, to discuss how we can help with your asbestos management requirements.”

To find out more about our work in the nuclear sector, click here, this includes our work for Dounreay Site Restoration Limited, and our ongoing relationship with Sellafield Ltd.

You can book a meeting with one of our specialists here.

Leading asbestos and environmental management consultancy, Franks Portlock has been shortlisted for a prestigious accolade for its commitment to the West Cumbria area.

Franks Portlock has been shortlisted for the Socio-Economic Commitment to West Cumbria Award in Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster (BECBC) Awards 2018.

BECBC is a private sector led organisation, with members from SMEs to global companies with business interests in West Cumbria. In line with the organisation’s aims, the awards recognise and celebrate ‘Cumbrian collaboration’.

Founded in 2006, by Phil Franks and Stephen Portlock, Franks Portlock is a leading asbestos consultancy company offering a complete range of asbestos consultancy, inspection, testing and management services.

The company, which has an office in Sellafield, Cumbria, undertakes a range of activities and projects, as part of its socio-economic commitment to West Cumbria, covering areas such as: employment training, educational and STEM development, volunteering and fundraising.

This includes: working with the Little Lifers First Aid Initiative and the Energy Coast University Technical College; ongoing fundraising and volunteering activities for Hospice at Home West Cumbria and the North Lakes Food Bank; and providing equipment and training – including UKATA certified Asbestos Awareness Training and ten Health & Safety training modules – for West Cumbria Works’ 12-week community improvement project, which aimed to boost local employment.

James New, Sellafield site contract manager and North West regional manager at Franks Portlock, commented: “At Franks Portlock, we are dedicated to supporting the local communities in which we work and to the positive impact we can make to the West Cumbria area, through both immediate short-term support and long-term sustained development.

“As a local employer, we aim to maximise impact through engaging directly with local bodies, partners and agencies and, where appropriate, through collaborative working with fellow members of the Sellafield Supply Chain.

“I am delighted that we have been shortlisted for this award – it is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team who go above and beyond their duties to support the West Cumbria region and engage with local initiatives, projects and charities.”

The awards cover seven categories: SME Innovation and Creativity, Collaboration, Socio Economic Commitment to West Cumbria, Inspiring People, Growing Business, Micro Business of the Year and Company of the Year.

Judging for the shortlisted categories, including the Socio-Economic Commitment to West Cumbria Award which is sponsored by Balfour Beatty, will take place over the summer with judges visiting the shortlisted companies and talking to entrants to find the winner in each category. Winners will be announced at the Gala Dinner at Energus on Thursday 22 November 2018.

Franks Portlock is an accredited testing and inspection body and helps a wide range of organisations to manage workplace and environmental risk to comply with UK safety regulations. It also offers certified UKATA Asbestos Awareness Training for businesses and individuals who may come into contact with asbestos containing materials.

We are pleased to announce that we will be exhibiting at the Contamination Expo Series 2018, which will be held at Birmingham’s NEC on September 12 and 13.

This exhibition, which will be a two-day event, will showcase the latest in modern strategies, techniques and technologies currently being used to prevent, treat and manage contaminated land, water and air.

Featuring 150 suppliers, 120 expert-led seminars and seven mini-shows dedicated to the fields of clean air technology; hazardous materials; land remediation; geotechnical and geo-environmental engineering; hazardous spills; nuclear decommissioning and remediation; and wastewater – this is the most comprehensive event of its type in the world.

As a leading asbestos and environmental consultancy our team of experts will be on hand, at stand 5P103, to discuss how we can help you with your asbestos management requirements through our wide range of services. This includes:  asbestos surveying, lab analysis, air testing, training and clearance certification.

Lawrence Clack, Commercial Manager at Franks Portlock, said: “We are thrilled to be exhibiting at a renowned event such as the Contamination Expo as it will allow us to showcase our extensive in-house expertise and hopefully make great connections within the industry.

“I strongly encourage any attendees to visit our team of specialists at stand 5P103, or pre-book a meeting, to discuss how we can help with their asbestos management requirements.”

You can book a meeting with one of our specialists here.

At Franks Portlock we value the fantastic services our local charities provide to the community. To show our appreciation we try to support as many of these organisations as possible through sponsorship, participation and volunteering.

We are proud to announce, team members from our Sellafield and Sunderland offices are signed up to the Muncaster Colour Run, which will be held on the 8^th of July on behalf of Hospice at Home West Cumbria, a charity that serves those in need of palliative care, as well as providing support for their family and carers.

Hospice at Home West Cumbria is the sole provider of Lymphoedema services in the region. The care it provides is crucial, not only to patients suffering from life limiting illnesses but also to the patient’s family members and carers. Alongside the high quality individualised palliative care it provides, the charity also offers support to families, by providing services such as complementary therapy and bereavement support.

The Hospice at Home Colour Run is an annual event, however this year is guaranteed to be ‘INCREDI-BUBBLE’ with the introduction of a new foam zone as well as the usual colour paint covering. The race is 5k or 1k and can be jogged, walked, skipped, or danced – meaning it is suitable for all abilities.

Franks Portlock has successfully established a team of seventeen employees, as well as friends and family for the event. We will also have volunteers manning our Blue Colour Station at the event – Franks Portlock’s chosen colour for sponsorship.

James New, Sellafield Site Contract Manager and North West Regional Manager, said of the upcoming charity run: “We are proud to be supporting such an important cause through raising funds and awareness by participating in the Muncaster Colour run. As a local charity, we are aware of the care Hospice at Home provides to the West Cumbria area, we wanted to make a difference, and felt the Muncaster Colour Run was a great opportunity to give something back as a team. We hope that the contribution we make on the day means Hospice at Home West Cumbria can continue to provide its fantastic charitable services.”

If you would like to be involved, but cannot attend on the day, please visit our Just Giving page to make a contribution. Any donation, no matter how small can make a significant difference.

We are proud to announce that Anita Jeremy, Sellafield Administrator at Franks Portlock, has recently undergone training to become a West Cumbria Carers Champion.

The Carers Champion scheme by West Cumbria Carers is in aid of both young and adult carers and aims to provide support in the workplace. It is estimated that 62% of workers believe they don’t know ‘any work colleagues’ who help look after a loved one. However, it is estimated that one in nine people are juggling paid work with unpaid caring. To create a supportive working environment, and change perceptions, West Cumbria Carers believes it is important to raise awareness regarding those who may be struggling with the commitment of caring.

As Franks Portlock’s Carers Champion, Anita will be focused on providing a reassuring presence in the workplace. After attending the West Cumbria Carers Champion training course, Anita acquired the necessary skills to recognise signs of mental health issues and raise awareness regarding the services available to those struggling as a working carer. Anita will also be on hand to help those who wish to contact the charity for further assistance, or simply listen to the stresses and strains a carer may be facing.

Anita plans to further develop her training by attending a Mental Health First Aid Course, linking with her current role as Franks Portlock’s emergency first aider.

Anita said of her new role as Franks Portlock’s Carer Champion: “I am very proud to be a qualified West Cumbria Carers Champion, I think that people are open to discussing mental health now, more than ever before. I hope that in my new role I can help people and offer guidance, as well as raise awareness regarding working carers in the community.”

Phil Franks, Technical Director at Franks Portlock, said of the scheme: “At Franks Portlock we pride ourselves on offering all staff a safe and supportive working environment, implementing the West Cumbria Carers Champion scheme is another means in which we can do this.

“Care givers are often under a great deal of mental, and at times, physical stress from the work they undertake. At Franks Portlock we believe that recognition is important and would like to commend the care giving community in general, as well as the West Cumbria Carers Champion scheme, for the fantastic work they do in providing relief and support to carers in the West Cumbria area.

“We would like to congratulate Anita on her role as Carers Champion and look forward to supporting her on the delivery of the scheme. We hope this makes a positive impact and provides support to the local community as well as any of our team members who may be a working carer.”

We will be hosting UKATA certified Asbestos Awareness Training courses for both businesses and individuals.

Asbestos awareness training is mandatory for those who are likely to come into contact with Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs), such as construction industry workers who may disturb the fabric of buildings, people who work on contaminated land and anyone maintaining a building that may be affected by asbestos.

The 1/2-day training session will provide you with:

• An increased awareness of the nature and properties of asbestos and its effects on health.
• An understanding of the key aspects of asbestos regulation.
• Knowledge of how to use appropriate workplace precautions and undertake work activities in a safe manner.
• Information on the types, uses and likely occurrences of asbestos in buildings and where appropriate items of plant.
• And much more, you can see the full scope here

Delegates will undertake training that is compliant with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and those who are successful will receive a UKATA Certificate of Training which is valid for one year.

You can see our full training schedule here.

For more information or to book a place, click here or call Lawrence Clack, commercial manager at Franks Portlock Consulting Limited on 0191 419 3116.