News

Tony Lawther our Managering Director talks with RCI Magainze in their October 2023 issue.

You can read the full article by clicking here.

BriggsAmasco has been announced as a finalist in this year’s NFRC Scottish Roofing Contractor of the Year Awards.

The roofing specialist is a shortlisted entrant in the Reinforced Bituminous Membranes, and the Single-Ply roofing categories.

Category winners will be announced at a presentation luncheon being held at the Grand Central Hotel, Glasgow on Friday, October 27th.

Tony Lawther, Managering Director at BriggsAmasco, said: “We are delighted to have received a double nomination for this revered industry awards event. We pride ourselves on our exceptional delivery of roofing projects of all type and complexity. Congratulations to the teams involved in the nominated projects.”

BriggsAmasco’s shortlisting in the awards’ Single-Ply category is in relation to its delivery of a single-ply roof system at a new residential complex in Westburn Gardens, Aberdeen. The multiple-roof project required BriggsAmasco teams to display a high degree of workmanship to accomplish the building’s complex design.

In the Reinforced Bituminous Membrane category, BriggsAmasco’s nomination follows its supply of a bitumen roofing system as part of an £86m redevelopment at the University of Glasgow’s Adam Smith Business School. The multidisciplinary application provided a stern test of BriggsAmasco’s esteemed roofing skills and experience, with site teams overcoming a number of challenges to meet the client’s strict project requirements.

Tony continued: “Our teams’ workmanship and professionalism were integral to our ability to deliver the Adam Smith Business School, and Westburn Gardens projects to such a high standard. Let’s hope their exceptional performance earns just reward come the awards presentation evening.”

By Rebecca Lawther, HR Manager

In the tough world of construction, BriggsAmasco has always stood out as a market leader for its exceptional roofing services. It has also developed an enviable reputation for its continuous and unwavering commitment to its employees and their well-being.

As World Mental Health Day approaches on October 10th, BriggsAmasco has demonstrated that major companies like theirs can go that extra mile, by providing a supportive environment for their staff, by prioritising mental health issues.

This policy has been reinforced by the company’s support for female staff during the menopause. In the construction industry, women contractors and other key staff members often face unique challenges, and the menopausal transition is one of them. Menopause symptoms, ranging from hot flashes to mood swings, can impact work and overall well-being. Unfortunately, these challenges are not always met with understanding in the workplace.

BriggsAmasco has broken this challenge by offering specialised support for female staff experiencing menopausal symptoms. Dedicated company workshops and sessions provide a safe space for discussion, education, and coping strategies.

Until fairly recently mental health was a topic that was rarely discussed within major companies, but now, thanks to initiatives like World Mental Health Day, conversations around it are opening up – and BriggsAmasco is at the forefront of this dialogue.

All available research consistently emphasises the importance of a supportive workplace in maintaining good mental health. It is one of the major reasons why BriggsAmasco’s mental health policy, designed to create an inclusive and understanding atmosphere, is not just a document, but a commitment to their employees.

“Our mental health policy isn’t just a piece of paper; it’s a promise,” said Rebecca Lawther, HR Manager at BriggsAmasco. “We are dedicated to fostering an environment where every member of our team feels valued, heard, and supported, regardless of their role or gender.”

BriggsAmasco’s mental health support includes counselling services, stress management workshops, and a dedicated support helpline. Moreover, the company promotes an open-door policy encouraging employees to discuss their concerns without fear of judgment. This proactive approach not only helps individuals facing mental health challenges but also cultivates a compassionate workplace culture.

Such initiatives are not just well-intentioned gestures – they are firmly rooted in research. Numerous studies highlight the positive correlation between supportive workplaces and enhanced employee mental health. A recent survey by the Mental Health Foundation found that 88% of employees in supportive environments felt their employer cared about their well-being.

Moreover, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) emphasises the importance of tailored menopause policies. Recognising the unique challenges faced by women, especially in male-dominated sectors, CIPD promotes inclusivity and understanding during this life stage.

As the world gears up to observe World Mental Health Day, BriggsAmasco sets an inspiring example. Their holistic approach, encompassing mental health and menopause support, showcases what a truly compassionate workplace can achieve.

It’s a call to action for other companies, especially in traditionally male-dominated sectors, to break the silence, open the dialogue, and support their employees not just on this day, but every day.

BriggsAmasco has demonstrated that empathy is the strongest tool in their arsenal. As they continue to champion mental health and support female staff, they have set a path toward a more understanding and inclusive future for all in the roofing business.

In the September 2023 edition, Roofing Today spoke with Tony Lawther, who took over as the Managing Director in May.

You can read the full article from Roofing Today (pages 16-19) or view the full September 2023 edition

BriggsAmasco, the UK’s largest and oldest roofing contractor, continues to lead the way in addressing the pressing issues of mental health within construction and roofing. It has always recognised that the industry has alarmingly high suicide rates and has invested heavily in providing mental health support for its staff. The company has now taken another major step forward with support for World Suicide Prevention Day, on September 10th.

Shockingly, recent statistics reveal that, on average, two construction workers take their own lives every working day, which is why the company has taken the opportunity to use World Suicide Prevention Day, to highlight this issue and underscore the support systems in place for its employees.

BriggsAmasco has always made significant investments in mental health support for its staff. The company takes pride in having two of its Area Safety Advisors fully trained as Mental Health First Aid Instructors and Mental Health Awareness Instructors.

These dedicated individuals continue to visit each of BriggsAmasco’s branches to conduct Mental Health First Aid courses for employees and refresher courses for those already trained. The company also offer offers Mental Health Awareness courses to all remaining employees without the First Aid qualification. Additionally, BriggsAmasco continues to promote its Employee Assistance Helpline, ensuring that both existing and new employees have access to vital mental health resources.

The harrowing statistics reveal that one in six construction-based workers face some form of mental illness. Perhaps even more alarming is the fact that suicide claims more lives in the construction sector than falls from height. These sobering numbers underscore the dire need for roofing companies and the industry as a whole to educate employees and provide unwavering support by recognising mental stress symptoms, both in themselves and in their colleagues. Such efforts are essential steps toward a full recovery from the debilitating effects of anxiety and depression.

The construction industry has long grappled with a stereotypical image of the macho male worker. Despite the significant influx of women into the industry, this perception has remained largely unchanged in recent years. Unfortunately, this image has far-reaching consequences for mental health, as men are more likely to bottle up feelings of anxiety and depression, contributing to an increase in mental health issues on building sites.

Just in case anyone is in any doubt, just look at the statistics. There were more than 13,000 suicides of construction workers in the UK between 2011 and 2015 according to the Office of National Statistics. This represented some 13% of the total workforce suicides in Britain – and to get this figure into perspective, construction workers as a whole only account for 7% of the working population.

BriggsAmasco’s commitment to mental health extends to every new employee, who undergoes a two-day induction at the company’s Birmingham head office. This comprehensive introduction includes a presentation and discussion on the company’s mental health strategy, ensuring that each employee has access to at least one mental health first aider both on-site and within its offices. The company boasts two Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trained staff members, ready to deliver courses across the organisation.

Since March 2019, Briggs Amasco has trained 40 staff as mental health first aiders, with plans to increase this number in the coming year. Remarkably, even the company’s board of directors have undergone training in mental health awareness, highlighting the seriousness with which the company regards its staff’s psychological well-being. By tackling the longstanding taboo surrounding mental illness in the construction industry and through its robust education and training initiatives, BriggsAmasco is committed to ensuring its employees’ peace of mind.

As BriggsAmasco forges ahead in its mission to destigmatise mental health in construction, the company’s efforts serve as a beacon of hope. The statistics paint a stark picture of the challenges faced by the industry, but through proactive initiatives and unwavering commitment, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

The construction sector can no longer ignore the mental health of its workforce. By providing essential support, education, and resources, companies like BriggsAmasco are not only breaking stereotypes but also building a stronger, healthier, and more resilient industry for the future.

The Best of British supplement from RCI Magazine has covered the work BriggsAmasco has completed at Battersea Power Station, in London.

The Grade II-listed chimneys were rebuilt with IKO Permaphalt used for the base. In addition 8,000m2 IKO Permatec waterproofing membrane together with inverted insulation and sedum green roofs were installed across the project. 

Read the full article of the RCI website (page 11).