Work experience provides individuals with practical skills and knowledge that may not be taught through an academic environment.
By being able to work in a real life environment, it can help with applying skills and theory learnt in education. It also allows the development of essential skills, playing a vital role in shaping a person’s career path by providing valuable insights and opportunities for the future.
We recently had Sumaiyah Islam, a 2nd year University student studying Marketing, join us over the span of 3 months for work experience in the marketing team. Read below to find out more about the value the experience gave her.
“During my work experience at Willmott Dixon Interiors, I was able to develop and acquire a variety of skills. My communication skills improved as I liaised with many different industry experts which allowed me to create a rapport, express my ideas clearly, listen actively and boost my confidence. I learnt new skills such as learning how to use InDesign, a graphic design software, which enabled me to be comfortable using the platform and allow my creativity to thrive. I was able to design case studies and LinkedIn posts with trial and error, enabling me to use my problem solving skills to overcome obstacles. One of my key achievements is when I designed a LinkedIn post and the content reached many people on the platform.
Work experience is vital as it provides individuals like myself with practical skills and knowledge that are valued by employers. It not only enhanced my understanding of marketing strategies and the construction industry, but also allowed me to develop skills that I will use in the future.
The experience of the past three months has influenced my career aspirations positively as it has made me more excited to work in marketing. I have even more motivation and drive to do well in my studies and work hard to follow this career path in the future.
Confidence is the biggest area I noticed growth in myself. Going into a different setting and settling in is quite daunting, but I allowed myself to try and be more confident whilst having peers promoting this around me. This allowed me to unlock my full potential.
Overall I have thoroughly enjoyed the last three months working on the marketing team and have gained so much valuable insights into the industry. Through practical exposure, I have been able to acquire new skills and develop others. I have a deeper understanding of the construction industry and what goes on behind the scenes in marketing. I have widened my network and boosted my confidence, allowing me to take a step towards achieving my career goals and personal growth.”
To learn more about how we support work experience students and employability, click here.
Leading interior fit out and refurbishment contractor, Willmott Dixon Interiors, is to deliver the new headquarters of the British Transport Police.
The contractor will refurbish 200 Buckingham Palace Road in the London Borough of Westminster, on behalf of landlord, Places for London – The TfL Property Company.
The fast-track design and build project will see the complete strip out of the building’s seven floors and the creation of modern, flexible and collaborative office space to CAT B standards that is fully accessible and DDA compliant.
Visitors to the building will be greeted by an enhanced arrival experience, with an impressive new front entrance being one of the project’s key features.
Safety and sustainability is at the heart of the scheme. Existing M&E services will be replaced as part of efforts to minimise the building’s carbon emissions and maximise energy efficiency, which will result in the building achieving an EPC A/B rating.
There will be additional works to the roof and upgrades to existing fire safety facilities.
Willmott Dixon Interiors has committed to a significant investment in skills and work experience for local people during the lifecycle of the project, which will include the employment of local labour where possible.
The refurbishment of 200 Buckingham Palace Road was awarded by public-sector owned procurement specialist, SCAPE. It is expected to be handed over in full, in 2025.
Roger Forsdyke, chief operating officer at Willmott Dixon Interiors, said: “We are looking forward to delivering this fast-paced project. It will transform 200 Buckingham Palace Road into a stylish and flexible headquarters building, with a working environment that facilitates collaboration and promotes employee wellbeing.
“We will be delivering the programme in phases and have carefully planned logistical arrangements to ensure the building remains operational at all times. As we will be working next to London Victoria Coach Station, special allowances have also been made to limit project delivery hours and minimise disruption.”
Laura Fernie, head of commercial offices at Places for London, said: “This is a key project which will see one of our office buildings transformed into a new headquarters for the British Transport Police. This will transform a previously operational building into a modern, highly-sustainable workplace that is targeting net zero and generate a sustainable revenue that can be reinvested into making London a thriving, more connected city.”
Christine Peppiatt, head of projects & accommodation at TfL, said: “It’s great to be working with Willmott Dixon Interiors, on behalf of Places for London, to transform 200 Buckingham Palace Road. Together we hope to deliver this new headquarters for the British Transport Police, providing an excellent working environment for everyone who works or visits.”
Mark Robinson, group chief executive at SCAPE said: “We are proud to be working closely with our partner, Willmott Dixon Interiors and TfL to ensure the seamless and efficient delivery of 200 Buckingham Palace Road. Willmott Dixon Interiors has a fantastic track record in delivering high-quality transformative projects alongside SCAPE and by utilising early contractor engagement and proactive collaboration, we will be able to guarantee that every aspect of the scheme exceeds expectations. At SCAPE, we are also committed to delivering social value in the local areas we serve. This will be a pivotal project which benefits the community, and we look forward to seeing the successful completion of the building and the lasting legacy it leaves.”
Willmott Dixon Interiors is set to commence works on the next stage of an £11 million project to expand and refresh A&E facilities at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.
The fit-out and refurbishment specialist contractor will revamp facilities at the hospital’s Millennium Wing on behalf of University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (UHSussex).
The project is an acute floor expansion, which will provide modern healthcare facilities and significantly increase capacity to support critical patients in the Emergency Department.
Willmott Dixon Interiors will manage the removal of all existing internal walls, ceilings and flooring within the building, and a full MEP strip out and replacement. The scope of the works also include furniture, fixtures and equipment, and decoration.
The Royal Sussex County Hospital project was awarded through SCAPE, one of the UK’s leading public sector procurement framework providers.
As part of its delivery of the project, Willmott Dixon Interiors has committed to a programme of social value activities which will benefit the hospital and local community.
Roger Forsdyke, chief operations officer at Willmott Dixon Interiors, said: “Over recent years, we’ve enhanced multiple healthcare environments on behalf of UHSussex. We’re proud to continue our successful partnership with the Trust and to deliver facilities at Royal Sussex County Hospital that will improve services, increase capacity and enhance the experience for staff and patients.”
James Millar, deputy director of capital development and property at UHSussex, said: “We’re pleased to progress to the next stage of a project that will greatly enhance the Emergency Department at the Royal Sussex County Hospital. The Trust’s investment in the Millennium Wing is part of a much broader commitment to improve standards and deliver a better hospital environment for patients and staff. It will enable patients to access emergency care as quickly as possible.”
Mark Robinson, group chief executive at SCAPE, said: “The refurbishment works at the Royal Sussex County Hospital will prove invaluable in supporting the need for greater capacity in the A&E department, while also enabling better patient outcomes.
“We are, therefore, pleased to be working on such an important and significant project with our partner, Willmott Dixon Interiors helping to accelerate this project forward, and provide improved NHS services for the community.”
Willmott Dixon Interiors has successfully delivered several construction projects on behalf of UHSussex. Recent examples include a £7.5m modular refurbishment at Princess Royal Hospital, and a state-of-the-art children’s audiology testing centre at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital, Brighton.
Above: External view of Royal Sussex County Hospital
Leading fit-out and refurbishment specialist contractor, Willmott Dixon Interiors, is to redesign Brent Civic Centre.
The contractor will refurbish 22,600 sq ft of the award-winning council building in Wembley Park, to ensure it continues to provide a positive experience for all visitors.
The redesign will see changes to Wembley Library on the ground floor, customer services on the mezzanine floor and wedding area.
Accessibility is at the heart of the project, with the building being reconfigured to accommodate wheelchair users, pushchairs and people with complex needs. Visitors will be greeted by an enhanced arrival experience, including a new main entrance and feature staircase.
Upgrades will be carried out to the mechanical and electrical systems to create a user friendly and brighter workspace for the visitors. The wedding area will be spacious with improved acoustics.
Opened in 2013, Brent Civic Centre attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to speak to customer services, get married, register births and deaths, study, and socialise.
The project to refurbish the centre has been shaped by a wide-ranging review into how visitors and residents access its services. It included a consultation with more than 500 residents, staff focus groups and surveys.
Willmott Dixon Interiors was awarded the contract to refurbish Brent Civic Centre via the Procurement Hub framework. As part of its delivery of the project, the contractor will work with West London Careers Hub to support local schools and colleges through careers events, work experience and industry insights.
Neil Adams, senior operations manager at Willmott Dixon Interiors, said: “Brent Council recognises the importance of responding to the changing needs of those using its facilities. The Civic Centre is a hugely important community resource and this project has been purposely designed to ensure it continues to deliver a positive experience for everyone. We’ll be repurposing the space to provide better public access, with open spaces that are not only more welcoming, but are easier to find and navigate too.”
Councillor Fleur Donnelly-Jackson, cabinet member for customers, communities & culture at Brent Council said: “Our award-winning Civic Centre has served residents and the council well over the past decade. However, a lot has changed, particularly since the pandemic and it’s important for us to adapt to meet the evolving needs of our residents.
“This exciting transformation will enable us to better serve our community, prioritising those with the most complex needs, creating a more accessible space and providing enhanced facilities for all to enjoy.”
Andy Peck, senior client relationship manager at Procurement Hub, said: “This is another project that represents a great example of how working with Willmott Dixon Interiors through the Major Projects Framework provides great benefits for the public sector. In this challenging environment, the flexibility of the framework enables Willmott Dixon Interiors to move forward with Brent Council and deliver value in the right areas.”
Willmott Dixon Interiors has gained a reputation for the successful delivery of public sector refurbishment projects. The contractor recently worked with Enfield Council to complete the CAT B fit of flexible office and meeting space at Edmonton Green Library, and handed over a new children and family hub at Thomas Hardy House in Enfield, which opened last year.
Above: CGIs of the redesigned Brent Civic Centre.
Willmott Dixon Interiors is to deliver the £4.4 million refurbishment of two historic buildings in Sutton, South London, as part of exciting plans to bring the town’s high street back to life.
The leading fit-out and refurbishment specialist contractor will transform 137-145 High Street in Sutton town centre, on behalf of London Borough of Sutton.
Willmott Dixon Interiors will protect the historic features of both four-storey buildings, while creating 20,000 sq ft of modern retail and business space.
Upper floors will provide large, open plan floor spaces, while the basement and ground floor will be refurbished as separate commercial units. New M&E arrangements will also be installed.
Formerly occupied by Topshop and Vision Express, the heritage buildings form part of a broader strategy to revitalise Sutton town centre, which is being led by London Borough of Sutton.
The project was tendered via Procurement Hub and is part-funded by the government’s Future High Streets Fund, through which the Council secured £11.35 million to transform the town centre.
Willmott Dixon Interiors has committed to investing in the local community as part of its delivery of the project. It is partnering with The South London Careers Hub and Construction Industry Training Board to promote career opportunities within the sector, with specific initiatives made available to students, women and care leavers.
Simon Wilson, director at Willmott Dixon Interiors, said: “We are looking forward to supporting Sutton Council’s efforts to breathe new life into the high street. Our team has vast experience in transforming underused buildings for the benefit of local people and economies. This important refurbishment will not only deliver commercial spaces fit for the 21st century but has the potential to attract new occupiers that will encourage wider town centre regeneration too.”
Carolyn Dwyer, Strategic Director for Development, Growth and Regeneration at the London Borough of Sutton, said: “We’re excited about the progress being made to renovate this much-loved site. By protecting the buildings’ historic features and creating a space for new businesses, this will help to guarantee a bright future for our town centre and bring new exciting opportunities for everyone living in our borough.”
Courtney Cole, client relationship manager at Procurement Hub, said: “The London Borough of Sutton has demonstrated its commendable efforts in revitalising their local high street by refurbishing the former TopShop and Vision Express stores, which emphasises their commitment to enhancing the vibrancy of the community, creating a dynamic high street that will attract increased footfall. The collaboration between Procurement Hub and Willmott Dixon Interiors has been instrumental in creating a harmonious dynamic from a procurement perspective, which will facilitate the smooth execution of the project.”
Willmott Dixon Interiors has gained a reputation for the successful delivery of multi million pound town centre refurbishment projects. The contractor worked with Enfield Council to complete the CAT B fit out of flexible office and meeting space at Edmonton Library, and handed over a new children and family hub at Thomas Hardy House in Enfield, which opened last year.
It has also recently completed the £18.8 million redevelopment of two vacant retail warehouse assets in Oxford to deliver Inventa, the first commercial science scheme in the city’s central science district.
For more information on the regeneration of Sutton High Street, please visit: https://suttontowncentre.sutton.gov.uk/
Above: External image of the refurbishment of 137-145 High Street in Sutton town centre.
Property consultants, building designers and procurement professionals came together last month to discuss procurement for public sector construction projects.
Hosted and facilitated by Willmott Dixon Interiors, the roundtable events in London and West Midlands centred around changes to the Procurement Act 2023 and featured John Simons, Chair of the National Association Construction Frameworks and Procurement Director of SCAPE, as a guest speaker.
The Procurement Act 2023
- sets out to ‘shake up’ current procurement processes
- to drive greater transparency across the public sector
- received Royal Ascent in October 2023 and is expected to “go live” in October 2024.
- Emphasis moved away from lowest cost/most economically advantageous tender (MEAT) most advantageous tender (MAT) and puts more emphasis on sustainability, environmental considerations and social value, for example.
The general consensus from the roundtable was that the Act is a positive step towards creating a more open tendering process. However, some ambiguity remains around the full implications, and questions were raised over what resources local councils and authorities have to enable effective implementation.
Joshua Armstrong, Regional Head of Framework Management at Willmott Dixon Interiors said: “The incoming changes will be positive in terms of ensuring fairer tendering and more effective use of public funding, however they are likely to increase pressures on public sector bodies. While the central government has capacity and skills in house, many councils, regional authorities and blue light organisations are unlikely to have teams dedicated to construction procurement. Therefore, it’s important to have appropriate solutions in place.”
Frameworks: tried, tested, compliant
Roundtable attendees agreed that a procurement framework could save time and resources during what could be a lengthy tender process, while ensuring the approach is tried, tested and compliant.
The transitional arrangements, published recently, means that existing frameworks or those authorities who have issued a Contract Notice before October 2024 will be subject to the terms of the current 2015 Regulations. Once live, all new frameworks will need to be procured and compliant with the new 2023 Act.
“Despite having limited internal resources and lean teams, public sector organisations can’t ignore this. The changes are coming and they will have an impact. In order to overcome challenges, opting for a framework enables an agreement to be put in place without running lengthy full tendering exercises. A framework provides certainty at a time of relative uncertainty.”
To find out more about procurement frameworks, please visit:
www.willmottdixoninteriors.co.uk/frameworks/
Leading fit-out and refurbishment specialist contractor, Willmott Dixon Interiors, has completed the first commercial science scheme in Oxford’s central science district.
The contractor has handed over 65,000 sq ft of CAT A laboratory, office and collaboration space at the Inventa building, Botley Road on behalf of Mission Street and BGO.
The £18.8 million redevelopment saw the extension and refurbishment of two vacant former retail warehouse assets, to create a single, two-storey building, providing world-class facilities for biomedical research and development firms.
Willmott Dixon Interiors has substantially upgraded the building’s fabric and façade, as well as installing new mechanical and electrical services.
The project has enabled the creation of a new reception welcome area, enhanced common and meeting rooms, new collaboration and breakout spaces, café and end of journey facilities.
Above: Internal space featuring the staircase
Externally a cycle and pedestrian route and a newly landscaped car park deliver a revitalised visitor experience, with landscaping at the rear of the building doubling as an area for flood mitigation.
Sustainability was a key element of the scheme, with existing materials reused wherever possible. The majority of the building’s original steelwork and cladding has been retained, together with the original roof structure which was overlaid with a new metal roof system.
In addition, Willmott Dixon Interiors and its supply chain partnered with International Tree Foundation to plant nearly 1,000 trees at the Blue Cross in Burford, as well as repurposing used pallets and timber into onsite planters and composters.
Partnerships with local schools saw more than 1,000 students given the opportunity to learn more about a future career in construction, while items of food were collected and donated to the nearby Oxford Community Emergency Foodbank.
Roger Forsdyke, chief operating officer at Willmott Dixon Interiors, said: “We are proud to have delivered the first building in Oxford’s central science district. The Inventa building is a transformative project that provides outstanding facilities for future occupiers. It is ideally positioned to support the growth of biomedical research and development in the region, and provide access to wider talent pools.”
Colin Brown, development director at Mission Street, said: “Inventa delivers some of Oxford’s highest quality lab and office space for science and innovation companies at all stages of growth, in a first for the city’s West End. This includes the highly sustainable re-use of the bulk of the original structure and slab, complemented by strategic extensions to provide best-in-class arrival areas, plant space and bespoke back-of-house facilities. Inspired by the industrial heritage of the previous site uses, Inventa’s extensive meeting areas, amenities and network of high streets and squares seek to foster a culture of collaboration among Oxford’s scientific industries, while significant improvements to pedestrian/cycle connections and the public realm benefit the local community.”
The project team included Owers Warwick Architects (Cambridge), Abakus Consulting, Buro Four Project Services and Hilson Moran Partnership.
Above: External of the completed building
Welcoming young people to visit construction sites can lead a lasting positive impact and inspire them into the industry. This week, we took part in Open Doors in partnership with Kier Property, to provide insights to young people on what goes on behind the scenes of a live construction site.
We’re currently on site at 19 Cornwall Street in Birmingham, transforming the 139,000 sq ft building into an exemplar net zero carbon in operation, smart-enabled office building for Kier Property. The redevelopment is seeing the creation of a central atrium, interactive breakout areas and a planted, communal roof terrace. There will also be a 150-space car park with electric vehicle charging points, a multi-functional studio, 74 cycle spaces and changing rooms.
Open Doors is a week-long event delivered by Build UK, which enables people to visit construction sites and workplaces across Great Britain and see the range of careers available in the industry.
Not only were we joined by fantastic groups of students and the public throughout the week, we were also pleased to welcome Julie White, the chair of Build UK, the managing director of D-Drill & Sawing, and the industry’s representative on Government’s Small Business Council, to 19 Cornwall Street.
Julie said: “I was thrilled to be in Birmingham on the first day of Open Doors 2024 and I am proud to be supporting such an incredible initiative.
“For many years, I have been talking about what a wonderful industry construction is and what amazing career opportunities it offers, and there is no better way to do that than by letting people see it in action.
“Through Open Doors, we actually get to show people what goes into the construction of a new building or piece of infrastructure and the difference that it makes economically and socially.
“As an industry, we need 50,000 new recruits a year and, by showing the thousands of people who have signed up for Open Doors what we do, we can make a real difference and demonstrate that there is a career in construction for everyone, whatever their skills and interests.”
Jayne Anderson, Social Value Manager at Willmott Dixon Interiors, said: “We are proud to be a partner of Open Doors. It is a terrific initiative that enables a whole new generation to learn more about construction and the positive difference it can have on people’s lives. We hope that everyone who visited 19 Cornwall Street gained an insight into the many career opportunities the sector has to offer.”
Tom Gidlow, Employability Tutor at University College Birmingham, added: “As good as classroom education can be, it can never be an adequate replacement for going out and seeing the theory becoming a practical experience. For our students, it is about believing and seeing themselves in a place of work and seeing what their achievements can lead to.”
To find out more about how we work with students and young people to inspire them into the world of construction, click here.
Willmott Dixon Interiors has completed the multi-phased refurbishment of a mental health hospital in Warwick.
The national fit-out and refurbishment specialist contractor has handed over the newly upgraded Larches Ward at St. Michael’s Hospital, on behalf of Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust.
It is the final phase of a project to upgrade 5,853 sq m across six inpatient wards at the hospital, which began in 2022 with the anti-ligature refurbishment of Rosewood Terrace.
The contractor has since upgraded facilities at the hospital’s Hazelwood, Rowan, Ferndale and Willowvale wards, which provide age dependent mental healthcare services.
All works were carried out in a live hospital environment and included the installation of new windows and internal doors, and adaptations to power, data and access control services.
Willmott Dixon Interiors has also made improvements to lighting, ventilation grilles, radiator covers and sanitaryware. Flooring has been repaired, and all six buildings have been decorated throughout.
The contract to refurbish St. Michael’s Hospital was awarded to Willmott Dixon Interiors via the Procurement Hub Major Project Framework and was delivered by a project team including Fulkers Bailey Russell and Design Buro.
It generated a social return on investment of almost £200,000 during the project lifecycle – equivalent to more than 19% of the total contract value – and met high sustainability standards with 99% of project waste diverted from landfill.
Nabeel Javed, construction manager at Willmott Dixon Interiors, said: “At the heart of this refurbishment is a commitment by Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust to improve patient experience and keep vulnerable people safe from harm.
“We’ve worked incredibly closely with the Trust over the last two years to ensure the successful delivery of each phase of the project. Our understanding of mental health estates has enabled us to create a modern environment that will support patient recovery.”
Sonya Gardiner, chief operating officer at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, said: “Safety and comfort of our patients is paramount, so we understand how important it is to invest in the refurbishment of our hospitals. St Michael’s Hospital is one of our main mental health facilities and these improvements ensure we will continue to provide safe and therapeutic environments to support the recovery of our patients now and into the future.”
Andrew Peck at Procurement Hub said: “This project demonstrates the improvement to quality of life for all involved with St Michael’s Hospital. This is a great example of how Procurement Hub, working with Willmott Dixon Interiors, provides great benefits for the public sector. It is also a clear indicator that social value is at the heart of what Procurement Hub and Willmott Dixon Interiors always strive to deliver through this framework.”
Willmott Dixon Interiors is currently working with Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust on the delivery of a separate refurbishment project at the Caludon Centre in Coventry. It includes remediation works, the replacement of fire doors and fire compartmentation line surveys.
Pictured Above: (l-r) Nabeel Javed, Willmott Dixon Interiors; Anthony Percival and David Steeds, both of Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust; and Craig Kitchen, Willmott Dixon Interiors.
National Apprenticeship Week is between 5-11 February. Funding and Learning Manager Janette Welton-Pai explains why this week matters to the future of the construction industry.
Janette Welton-Pai, Funding and Learning Manager
Quite simply, our future depends on attracting and upskilling many more people. This puts National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) into sharp focus as an opportunity to showcase the industry and attract the best.
While in the past there may have been misperceptions about apprenticeships based on outdated stereotypes, this has changed. Willmott Dixon’s own approach has evolved massively, to a point where apprenticeships are integral to developing skills and supporting career mobility for our people.
To do this, we use funding from the Apprenticeship Levy to access an array of apprenticeships for our people. This pathway of learning is not only for people at the start of their careers; it is also available for people already established in their roles who want to turbo-charge their opportunities with new skills and qualifications.
A shift in how we upskill tomorrow’s leaders
We place a lot of emphasis on our management trainee programme as the foundation for a new generation of future leaders. There’s no better illustration than Graham Dundas, our new CEO, who started on the programme in 1998.
Success means adapting. In recent years, we have moved away from registering all management trainees for degree courses to now include apprenticeships. So now many trainees are registered for apprenticeships at levels 4 – 6 (equivalent to degree). This includes Construction Site Management, Quantity Surveying technician, Design and Construction Management and the Construction Site Supervisor apprenticeships.
However, as mentioned, it’s not just about people at the start of their careers. Apprenticeships are becoming important in supporting our business priorities. An example is our data apprenticeship, which is being delivered by Corndel and Imperial College Business School. In January 2024, 12 of our people started the level 3 Data driven apprenticeship programme, following the success of recent learners who completed the level 4 Data analyst apprenticeship.
This shows how apprenticeships can meet the changing skills landscape in an era of unprecedented technological innovation and change. We’re on a journey to establish a common culture to use data to its full potential, which this apprenticeship neatly serves.
Apprenticeships are allowing our people to progress their careers at different levels, and as a company that wants its people to feel challenged and able to enjoy a pathway for their own personal development, this is important.
Retaining the best people
Apprenticeships help us develop potential and retain talent. Our focus on using apprenticeships to support mid-career upskilling and mobility has seen us register people for HR support at level 3, Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Practitioner at level 4 and Digital and Technology Solutions Professional at level 6.
This was recognised in November 2023, when we achieved a second Gold award from the 5% club for our ‘earn and learn’ programmes.
So with the national spotlight on apprenticeships, it’s a timely reminder of the role they play in addressing recruitment, skills and career progression. Certainly at Willmott Dixon, they are a vital way we remain an employer of choice and a key element of how we help our people enjoy what we term a ‘career of a lifetime’.