I’ve been with McPhillips for over a year. As an apprentice I spend 3 weeks a month on site and 1 week at Telford College studying towards an NVQ Level 2 in Construction Operations. I also hope to gain several industry tickets. I’ve already achieved my ‘CAT and Genny’ Operation Ticket, that’s a ‘Cable Avoidance Tool’, we use it to detect cables underground before we start digging.

Since I started at McPhillips, I’ve been part of the team working on the Dudley Road Improvement Scheme in Birmingham. This is a big Civils project we’re delivering for Birmingham City Council; we’re installing new cycle routes, footways and bus lanes which involves widening roads and rerouting existing pathways. It’s very hands on. As soon as I started, I was set to work on various jobs under the guidance of my Foreman and other members of the team, I have learned a lot from them.

Recently I’ve been mixing and laying concrete to the area surrounding the newly fitted NAL sockets, that stands for Non Alluminated Retention System. We fit these into the ground and they act as a socket for street furniture to be plugged into.

You need an eye for detail. There are lots of access covers and manhole covers that need to be levelled to the correct line so that once the sub base and tarmac have been applied there are no dips and everything is level. Some covers need different heights than others, see what I mean about details!

On Winson Green Road I’ve been helping prepare for gulley’s to be fitted and new kerbs to be re-laid. I helped guide our driver of the ‘Pecker’machine which pecks out concrete without damaging the kerb. Some of the machines have funny names, there’s even one called a ‘Rubber Duck’!

At college we’ve covered health and safety when digging. This involved us walking around the campus looking for examples of where work underground may have been undertaken and also plotting where digging would be a safe option.

We also talked about the CAT and Genny tool; how to use it and when to use it. Then we used a CAT and Genny to identify a cable in the ground, then dug out a hole to uncover the cable to prove we’d used the device correctly. In class we’ve been looking at different types of ducts and what their colours mean when in the ground.

I’m really enjoying the different jobs I get involved with on site, working with the team and my time at college with our other apprentices.
I look forward to sharing more of my experiences with you next time.

Kai

The post Apprentice Diary with Kai Ginifer appeared first on McPhillips.

Work packages on the Framework will typically consist of highway, structural, bridge maintenance and other civil engineering works including agricultural buildings and waste management site works.

Since undertaking the Rugby Gateway Section 278 Works in 2015 McPhillips has delivered a total of thirteen road upgrade projects on the Council’s highway network and is currently on-site constructing access improvements for the new Taylor Wimpey Union View development at Hatton.

McPhillips Managing Director Paul Inions said: “We are delighted to remain a delivery partner to Warwickshire County Council and look forward to continuing our relationship with the local authority in providing high quality road and civil engineering projects across the County.”

The post Warwickshire County Council Framework Contract appeared first on McPhillips.

‘Safety, Quality, Value and Production’, were the watchwords of Jim McPhillips, founder of McPhillips Wellington, words that continue to underscore the work of the company today as it celebrates sixty years of trading in 2024.

McPhillips started life as a family business, the company was formed by Jim and his wife Phil from their home in Wellington, Shropshire. Jim and Phil were later joined by sons’ Peter and Nicholas, the original board of directors also included Gerald Clift and John Butler.

Though the McPhillips family is no longer involved in the business, following a management buyout in 2017, the company remains a family at heart. Managing Director Paul Inions believes this is a vital ingredient to the firm’s success: “The company gets under your skin, it’s easy to feel a valuable part of it, which is why people tend to stay here for a long time.”

Over the decades McPhillips has recognised the value to the business of directly employing its workforce. In contrast to a growing industry trend for subcontracting on a project by project basis, McPhillips employs over 240 personnel including a 170 strong in-house workforce for on-site labour, eighty percent of whom live within 20 miles of Head Office in Telford.

For Company Secretary, Val Hardy, bucking industry trends continues to pay dividends: “Our turnover of staff is low compared to many within our industry, we work hard to look after our people. We are rewarded by longevity of service, many have been loyal to McPhillips for well over 20 years, we have two team members at 40 years and counting. Staff development and career opportunities are fundamental to our success, we always prefer to promote from within where possible.”

When you are reliant on a compliment of full time staff you need a pipeline. Every September since 1995, McPhillips have welcomed a fresh intake of apprentices; in excess of 100 people have successfully completed the programme. Over 20% of McPhillips’s direct workforce began life as apprentices.

The company provides young people with a great opportunity. Paul Inions believes McPhillips has developed something special: “We place our new apprentices into suitable teams, they each fulfil genuine roles within the company and receive a competitive wage whilst also studying for a qualification at college. Each apprentice receives our full support, our success rate would indicate that we’re getting a great return on our investment.”

It’s not only their employment model that sets McPhillips apart. In the beginning it was all about digging footings and drainage for local house builders. This was followed by expansion during the 1980’s into larger industrial buildings for businesses moving into Telford. Further expansion saw complex civil engineering projects bearing the name of McPhillips on site banners.

Today McPhillips provides industry leading design, construction and development to the residential infrastructure, public civil engineering and building sectors. This diverse experience of civil engineering and building contracts provides a unique ‘single source’ solution.

Stuart Mackenzie is Contracts Director; he believes McPhillips’s diversity is a huge advantage: “It’s our ability to deliver more value to our clients. Because we work across several sectors, we have accumulated a wealth of experience which we are able to call upon when faced with complex design and construction projects or when something unforeseen presents itself mid-project. The fact that all this experience is contained under one roof reinforces our direct employment model.”

This year McPhillips will complete their first residential building projects, a total of 58 homes across two sites 5 miles apart in Shropshire. Consisting of two, three and four-bedroom homes including detached and semi-detached houses and bungalows.

For Building Director Chris Walker this is further valuable experience to add to the mix: “The projects at Ifton Heath and Ellesmere are our first complete builds, which includes the fitting of kitchens, bathrooms, wardrobes, laminates, carpets etc. It’s certainly been a learning curve. Would we do it again? Under the right set of circumstances, most definitely.”

Whether it’s installing complex pipework to divert a sewer, designing and building an animal zone for a zoo or creating a new six lane roundabout, retaining clients is something McPhillips are adept at. What is the special sauce? Contracts Director Andrew Dunham has the answer: “Our culture is collaborative; we involve our clients and partners in every stage of a project. We’re open, for instance if something doesn’t go to plan, because you can’t control everything, we go out of our way to find solutions in pursuit of the very best results for our clients. They get to know our teams, this familiarity fosters reassurance, our clients know they can depend on us.”

Although you’ll find McPhillips teams across the Midlands and into Cheshire, back in 1964 it was Telford where it all began. In 2024 McPhillips will build a precision engineering facility for a high speed press manufacturer and a new distribution hub for a transport firm in Telford.

This is especially pleasing for Paul Inions: “We’re from Telford, therefore we like to work in Telford. We’re proud of our roots. I’m looking forward to us starting and completing a few projects on our doorstep in 2024.

“I think my fellow board members would agree that we’re the custodians of a very special company. We owe it to everyone concerned over the past 60 years to ensure that we keep building on our successes to date.”

The post Sixty years of McPhillips, the story so far appeared first on McPhillips.

I have been with the company since…
Since 2010, I started as an apprentice.

I would describe my professional development with McPhillips as…
Ongoing, you learn new things everyday.

The most challenging aspect of my role is…
Making sure everyone is working safely around me.

I would describe my colleagues as…
Hardworking, friendly and helpful.

My colleagues would describe me as…
A safe driver, hardworking and would go out my way to help the gang out!

The single biggest thing that sets McPhillips apart is…
The company makes you feel part of the family and a valued employee.

Outside of work I really enjoy…
I really enjoy being a manager at my local football club ‘Randlay Colts Juniors’, playing golf and spending time with the family.

The post The Deep Dig… Owen Lloyd appeared first on McPhillips.

Wishing you and your families a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Paul Inions
Managing Director

The post Thank you for your support in 2023 appeared first on McPhillips.

The world’s leading manufacturer of high-speed presses, which has been based in the UK for 55 years, has appointed local specialist McPhillips to lead on the build of its bespoke factory and showroom.

Creation of a dedicated competence centre – capable of servicing new and pre-owned machines as well as showcasing new models and turnkey solutions – will take eleven months to complete and will provide a ‘gateway’ building for the new Hortonwood West scheme.

The development is a real Shropshire affair, with Telford-based Cyril Orchard Group project managing and Design & Planning Associates in Oswestry providing the architectural drawings.

“We are really pleased to be working with three local experts in their respective fields, all of whom are all passionate about creating a world class new home for Bruderer in Telford,” commented Adrian Haller, Managing Director of Bruderer UK.

“McPhillips is a proven contractor and we’re looking forward to seeing groundworks start shortly, with the frame due to be up by early Spring and then fit out set to take place from June.”

Bruderer UK has seen demand for its high-speed presses and full turnkey tooling/production solutions rise to record levels and this has driven the plan to relocate from Luton to a purpose-built factory and showroom in Shropshire.

The move will create four new jobs and the launch of a new apprenticeship programme to help futureproof the workforce and industry talent of the future.

Bruderer CEO Reto Bruderer and Board Member Andreas Fischer flew in from Switzerland to join UK MD Adrian Haller for the ‘groundbreaking’ ceremony held yesterday.

Paul Inions, Managing Director of McPhillips, was also at the event and added his support:

“This is a major win for our business and brings yet another global manufacturer to Telford. Importantly, we are working with a client who wants to make a statement with the building, creating a facility and showroom that is pleasing on the eye, energy efficient and a fantastic place to work for its staff. We’re going to make that dream come true.”

For the first time in the UK, Bruderer customers will have a state-of-the-art demonstration centre to explore its latest high-speed presses and even set-up tooling projects to prove-out the effectiveness of the machine.

Training will also be completed on-site, and it is anticipated that several ‘open houses’ will be held to encourage young people to consider a career in the engineering and manufacturing industry.

Rob Orchard, Managing Director of Cyril Orchard Group, went on to add: “This project has been four years in the making, and I’m delighted that we are now finally at the stage where we will be helping make Bruderer’s vision become a reality.”

Design & Planning Associates’ Gareth Edwards concluded: “The building will combine the latest construction materials with thermal management technology, including air source heat pumps to maximise energy efficiency.

“We’ve been able to overcome some complex issues to design a visually striking facility that gives Bruderer a new home they will be proud of.”

The post McPhillips appointed as contractor for Bruderer’s new Telford factory and showroom appeared first on McPhillips.

Wrekin Junior Tigers play in the Telford Junior Football League. The team enjoyed a very successful 2022/2023 season, winning the Telford Junior League Shield. With a new season underway the players are ‘over the moon’ to be wearing a shiny new away kit.

McPhillips were delighted to transfer the funds and help support another winning team in Telford. Andrea Phillips commented: “We were able to purchase the away kit for the team thanks to a very kind contribution from McPhillips. I’ll certainly be keeping everyone up to speed with the team’s progress this season.”

Val Hardy, Company Secretary at McPhillips added: ”We were really pleased with the applications for sponsorship that we received. It was a difficult decision, but in the end we chose to support the football team along with a judo club for the opportunities they both provide for youngsters in the local community.”

The post McPhillips play a blinder for local U10’s football team appeared first on McPhillips.

During a recent visit to our project at Chester Zoo, McPhillips’ SHEQ Manager Stuart Bishop caught up with two of our apprentices Louis Dean Smith, and Rory Burns. Both are currently benefitting from the professional guidance of Foreman Steve Farr (aka Ringo) and Machine Operator Malcolm Tracey.

We posed a few questions to Louis and Rory…

Louis Dean Smith (2 years in)

My apprenticeship has enabled me to…
Become an independent young adult.

The most surprising thing has been…
Responsibility.

What I have enjoyed the most is…
Every day is different.

What I have enjoyed the least is…
The pressure of digging around services.

I have learnt from the people around me that…
Don’t over complicate it.

I would like my career to progress to…
Site Manager.

The best advice I’ve been given is…
Take every day as it comes.

I’d recommend an apprenticeship with McPhillips because…
Reputation, established, structured.

Summing up my apprenticeship in one word I would say…
Opportunity.

Rory Burns  (1 year in)

My apprenticeship has enabled me to…
Learn new skills.

The most surprising thing has been…
How quickly you settle in.

What I have enjoyed the most is…
I enjoy kerb laying and the job satisfaction of it.

What I have enjoyed the least is…
Wet days.

I have learnt from the people around me that…
If a job is worth doing, do it well.

I would like my career to progress to…
Foreman or Machine Operator.

The best advice I’ve been given is…
Keep going.

I’d recommend an apprenticeship with McPhillips because…
I feel secure in my work.

Summing up my apprenticeship in one word I would say….
Rewarding.

About the McPhillips Apprenticeship Programme
The McPhillips structured apprenticeship programme is designed to enable young people to develop the skills and knowledge required to realise their full potential. McPhillips apprentices fulfil genuine roles within the company and receive a competitive wage whilst also studying for a qualification at college. Since 1995 well over 100 people have successfully completed the programme, over 20% of McPhillips’s direct workforce began life as apprentices. For more information visit: https://www.mcphillips.co.uk/apprentices/ or contact: mcphillips@mcphillips.co.uk

The post Two Apprentices: Their Journeys so far appeared first on McPhillips.

WSJC was founded in 1965, the club is affiliated to the British Judo Association and provides expert training in the martial art of Judo for members aged 6 – 50 plus. The club is run as not for profit, relying on a group of volunteer coaches and helpers.

When the opportunity arose for the club to purchase second hand equipment from a local gym, Tom approached McPhillips on behalf of WSJC and asked for our help. We were only too happy to oblige, members of the club are now enjoying the use of 3 static exercise bikes, a static arm bike and a treadmill.

Tom Adams commented:” WSJC are extremely grateful to the management of McPhillips for their very kind support. This equipment has made a real difference to members of all ages and abilities.”

The post New equipment makes the grade for Judo club appeared first on McPhillips.

Step forwards Site Manager Phil Bennet…

In Birmingham and other city / town centres where we regularly work there are many utilities underground. Some of the hidden services have the added potential to cause harm, gas – explosion, electric – shock. The dangers of us driving steel setting out pins into the ground are obvious, electric shock is likely if unlucky.

Phil’s bright idea was to suggest we move to an alternative to steel pins by using fibre glass non-conductive pins. We have decided to trial fibre glass pins in different diameters to establish the most suitable. By switching over to these pins we can reduce the likelihood of shock and injury at little additional cost.

Well done Phil!

The post Bright idea reduces risk appeared first on McPhillips.