Tuesday 21 December 2010

London Marathon 2011


Fancy a challenge? Well, the Up and Under Foundation has one place available for the 2011 Virgin London Marathon. If you are interested and can pledge to raise a minimum of £1200 please contact our office on 01270 589615



Friday 10 December 2010

Working through the snow and ice...again!

Remember this from January this year?


Well, we have been at it again, here's where Dave, Sol and Craig spent last week. We like to look after our clients needs even, or perhaps especially, through the tough times.

While Up and Under Ltd. has been inspecting viaducts Specialist Contracts have been stabilising troublesome slopes, installing duckbill anchors.

If the earth, or your structures, have moved during this cold spell give us a call on 01270 589615

Monday 6 December 2010

New Training Facility

Entrainment was able to use their re-vamped indoor confined space training facility for the first time this week and it was hailed as a great success by both sudents and instructors.  The Indoor manhole/crawling gallery combination allows our instructors to provide a range of challenging training scenarios for trainees in controlled conditions not available in 'live' confined spaces. 

What's round this corner?
Jon Eeles, Chief Instructor, said "In this facility we can really push the trainees and ensure they are learning important skills.  All of this in a safe, controlled environment."

A successful escape!
Entrainment has a number of health and safety courses running in December and January including confined space entry, asbestos awareness, work at height, ladder inspection and harness use.  Call jon on 01270 589615 or contact jon.e@upandundergroup.com

Thursday 2 December 2010

South Cheshire Business Awards


The Up and Under Group
So we were chuffed and why not, this award is given to the organisation judged to be the best employer in S Cheshire and we were chosen.  Thanks to everyone who made this possible.

I think the smiles say it all.  This is a reward for a lot of hard work that goes in throughout the year.  Yesterday Andy was on the winner's show at redshift radio featuring Up and Under, ILX group and the S Cheshire Chamber.  You can hear the show on Redshift's listen  again feature

Photography www.ashforddalyphotography.com/

Monday 22 November 2010

Up and Under Group Sponsor awards

The Up and Under Group will be an associate sponsor of the ICE NW Awards which will take place on 4th February in Chester.

MD Andy Fewtrell will be bringing along a the rally car that has carried him to success in a number of desert rallies.  The company which helps youngster have adventurous experiences they would otherwise be denied due to lack of funds will be selling snowballs to put on their car which will be competing in the Arctic 4x4 Rally starting  12th Feb in Stockholm, Sweden.  If you want to support the charity efforts you can at Just giving

Thursday 4 November 2010

2010 oh! Continues with Snowballs

Send Your Snowball to the Arctic!

The Route
In February 2011 the Up and Under Rally Team will be competing in the Arctic 4x4 Rally, the route covers 5000 challenging (carbon offset) kilometres to the very top of Arctic Norway. We would love to take all our friends and supporters with us, but sadly don’t have the space. You can however join us in spirit by giving us a snowball to take along - complete with your signature and message - and while doing so provide support to the Up and Under Foundation.


What it will look like
 How it works:
For a minimum donation of £5 we will take a 70mm diameter snowball with us in the car. You can write whatever you wish on your snowball (please keep it decent) and we will place all the snowballs in the car for the duration of the Rally. If you wish we will keep you informed of our progress throughout the event via our blog and the online tracking system. The Rally Team will be paying all of their own costs so that all money donated will go to the Up and Under Foundation.

To donate go to http://www.justgiving.com/upandunderfoundation

The Up and Under Foundation, a charity founded in 2007 by Cheshire business the Up and Under Group, aims to enhance the life experiences of local youngsters. It does this by making funds available to provide access to activities for people who would otherwise excluded for financial reasons.

If you want further information you will find it at:

www.upandundergroup.com/community.htm



Tuesday 26 October 2010

Marketing Vacancy

We are seeking a talented individual with a proven track record in marketing leading to measurable sales results. We work nationally across a wide range of market sectors including local authorities, contractors, government agencies, consultants and private clients.
We would prefer a candidate with a variety of skills in this area including knowledge of:
  • Face to face negotiation
  • Online marketing
  • Exhibitions
  • Delivering CPD
  • Managing client data
  • Development of marketing materials
  • Relationship development
The position will attract a salary of £25-40k pa depending upon experience.  We would also consider a 48 week /pa contract with the 4 none worked weeks divided between Xmas and Easter.  Annual holiday is 28 days (or pro rata) and benefits from a pension sheme (currently 3% company contribution). Initial enquiry should be via our standard application form available at www.upandundergroup.com

Thursday 23 September 2010

Happy Anniversary

Brian Garner, who was the Up and Under storeman in the early 1990's, recently celebrated his 60th wedding aniversary with his wife Kath.  Brian was active in the scouting movement as a leader when Andy Fewtrell, our MD, was but a lad.

In the 1970s Andy worked under Brian's guidance when building scenery for scout gang shows.  Years later Brian Joined Up and Under as a capable storeman and handyman before taking what is proving to be a long and fruitful retirement.

All at The Up and Under Group wish Brian and Kath and their family all the best for their future.

Tuesday 21 September 2010

Marketing Vacancy

We are seeking a talented individual with a proven track record in marketing leading to measurable sales results. We work nationally across a wide range of market sectors including local authorities, contractors, government agencies, consultants and private clients.
We would prefer a candidate with a variety of skills in this area including knowledge of:
  • Face to face negotiation
  • Online marketing
  • Exhibitions
  • Delivering CPD
  • Managing client data
  • Development of marketing materials
  • Relationship development
Initial enquiry should be via our standard application form available at www.upandundergroup.com

Wednesday 15 September 2010

Group aquires specialist contractor

Zenith Interior Contracts Join The Up and Under Group

We are happy to announce that the workplace specialist Zenith Interior Contracts will be joining the Up and Under Group. Zenith, formally based in Warrington, will be able to offer a range of quality services from our base in Crewe. These include everything from installation of new suspended ceilings and partitions through to complete office refurbishment projects.



Many of Zenith’s projects are turnkey in nature including not only the structural works, but also including M&E, carpets and decoration. The dedicated team at Zenith have worked for years to provide everything from initial design to completed fit-out, working within budget and with minimum disruption.

Joining Up and Under (Specialist Contracts) Limited will allow Zenith significant opportunities to develop the business further. All of the Zenith operations will now be covered by the Group ISO 9001 (Quality) and OHSAS 18001 (Health and Safety) accredited management systems.

Grant Williams of Zenith will also be taking over as the Director of Up and Under (Specialist Contracts) Limited who will continue to provide a range of repair and maintenance services requiring either rope, confined spaces or boat access.


Zenith are currently undertaking works at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine whilst Specialist Contracts will soon commence a spectacular project on the Menai Bridge, Anglesey.


Specialist Contracts install safety netting
Details of Zenith’s services can be found at: www.zenithinteriorcontracts.com
Up and Under (Specialist Contracts) limited will be found at: http://www.upandundergroup.com/scltd.html

Tuesday 17 August 2010

Safety Alert - IPV strike

IPVs struck by HGV vehicles


There have been two serious incidents involving IPVs recently.


On the A1 at Leeming Bar a 44 tonne articulated lorry collided with an IPV pre setting TM equipment for a closure to go into place.


At the time of the collision 2 men were working on the back of the IPV as it was being used as a "combination" vehicle (TM and IPV combined), one was thrown from the back of the vehicle onto the road surface and suffered severe head injuries. Despite receiving treatment in hospital the operative never regained consciousness and died of his injuries.

On the A14 near Godmanchester. A 44 tonne articulated lorry collided with the rear of an IPV sitting in front of a lane 1 taper whilst the lane closure was being removed. The lorry swerved at the last minute, clipping the rear RH corner of the IPV before colliding with the central barrier. The lorry then "bounced" back across the road entering the taper area in front of the IPV and ending up down the embankment. Luckily no TM crew members were seriously injured.


Martin Tonks, General Manager of Beaumont Traffic Management stated in an e-mail following these incidents


“Time and time again in my training courses around the country I detail the correct use for IPVs, the correct signage, and the correct positioning of arrows on the back. We work in a dangerous environment where we must take into account the public safety, yes and even make allowances for their stupidity. Any vehicle 16 feet tall and lit up like a Christmas Tree with lighting visible from up to a mile away surely can't be vulnerable - these two incidents prove that that is not the case. Please ensure your operatives do not become complacent just because the IPV is in attendance, it doesn't always provide 100% protection, nothing can replace good working practice and constantly looking out for danger.”


These two incidents serve as a reminder of the high risks associated with working in live traffic lanes and the need to remain vigilant at all times.
 

Although not associated with either of the above incidents the picture above shows what can happen when a large vehicle strikes an IPV. This incident occurred on a 50MPH road.

If you wish to discuss your needs formaintenance or inspection of bridges or other highway structures please contact us on 01270 589615 or view details of our services on our web site.



Saferty Alert Issued by EnterpriseMouchel Alert 2010/16 7/7/10

Monday 16 August 2010

Just to make you smile

Are we are mamils

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-10965608

Well it made me smile (until my wife goes shopping for shoes that is)

Friday 6 August 2010

Simon - 24hrs racing in North Wales

Simon (Technical Director of the Up and Under Group) has recently competed in the Open Adventure 24hour adventure race. The race, this year held in North Wales, took teams of two from Anglesey to Betws y Coed via the high mountains, on foot, bike and in kayak.


Si paired up with the 2008 adventure race world champion for an interesting 24hours and achieved a great result in getting second place.


Read a full report of the race here.

Tuesday 3 August 2010

Nick's Arrived at Land's End

The four intrepid cyclists have just arrived at Land's End six and a half days after leaving John O'Groats.

Well done from all at Up and Under.

Nick is 20 miles from success

Nick Morrey a part time engineer's assistant at Up and Under Infrastructure Management is 20 miles from completing a cycle ride from John o'Groats to Land's End.

Nick is riding with three other friends to raise money for four charities.  In under 7 days they have ridden nearly 1000 miles through all sorts of weather.

They have received much support along the route from friends, family and total strangers.

Good luck on the final section and we all hope the wounds heal before you have to sit down again ;oD

Monday 2 August 2010

Infrastructure Management Help Charity Riders

Up and Under (Infrastructure Management) lent a team of cyclists a van and provided fuel for support duties over the first 500miles of a John O'Groats to Land's End Charity Ride.

The four young men, aged between 18 and 22 are riding nearly 1000 miles in only 7 days to raise money for four charities:

Not the normal site arrangements
If you would like to support them there are links to the Just Giving web pages and information about their trip on their facebook page.
All smiles only 1000 miles to go!

The riders went by two by two

Tuesday 27 July 2010

High Growth for The Up and Under Group

The NWDA has approved The Up and Under Group's access onto their High Growth Programme for existing businesses with the potential to grow by 20% year on year.

The Programme web site describes the programme as:

"Supporting Entrepreneurs with Ambition in the Northwest



The High Growth programme is a three year business coaching initiative aimed at ‘high growth’ businesses and entrepreneurs. It will support budding entrepreneurs with ideas that can achieve a turnover of £500,000 within three years, and established SME’s with ambition and capacity to expand by at least 20 per cent a year.

It is being led by the North West Development Agency with additional funding from the EU. Over 3 years it will generate 2,000 jobs and provide a £250m boost to the region’s economy."
We will recieve intensive coaching and assistance at senior management level which will help us to achieve our ambitious goals whilst continuing to meet our clients expectations.

If you would like to discuss our experiences contact andy@upandundergroup.com or join in the discussion at http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=132470996790943.

Friday 16 July 2010

Leaders Graduate

Yesterday Andy Fewtrell and Simon Enderby collected their certificates upon successful completion of the LEAD course run by Manchester Metropolitan University.

The course spread over the past 10 months brought together business leaders from Cheshire on a programme designed to improve leadership skills and foster business growth.

The course comprised a variety of elements including: an action learning programme, business exchanges and a series of masterclasses by people from business and accademia.

The graduation ceremony was rounded out nicely when Simon was awarded a prize for 'Critical Thinking' by the other course members.

Thursday 27 May 2010

Transport Top 100

The Up and Under Group features in the 2010 Transportation Consultants Directory at no.72 ranked by staff working in the Transport sector.  Ranked by turnover we come in at no.100.

Sadly there isn't a category for 'Interesting and Exciting'

Friday 21 May 2010

Crewe to Middlesborough for a quid

Simon Enderby a Director of the Up and Under Group completed a challenge ride from his home in Crewe to his parents home in Middlesbrough. The event was part of the Up and Under Foundation’s 2010 Oh! Project in which Up and Under staff members are attempting to raise £20,100 during the year to allow the Foundation to support more projects.


Simon faced headwinds for the whole of the 155 mile ride which included hilly sections through the Peak District and across the N Yorkshire Moors. The forecast was always looking unhelpful, but without experiencing 40mph gusts after riding for 10 hours it is difficult to explain how tough it can be.

Simon stopped only once during the journey, to fill up water bottles, in Wetherby after nearly 100miles. For those of you unused to long distance cycling it takes some comprehending what sitting on a bike seat for eleven hours is like without the need to push the pedals round. For Simon this is just one more challenging event to be savoured, he can add it to his successful completion of a multi day adventure race in Abu Dhabi and 60+km mountain race in the French alps.

As part of the 2010 Oh! Project other initiatives include selling cakes, donating the proceeds of a car sale, donating Christmas presents and persuading our clients to part with donations at marketing events.

Later in the year members of the team will be climbing mountains, running marathons and rowing to ensure that we hit our target.

During this year we have delivered sports kit to kids in Africa, donated funds to a local scout group and made money available to help local youngsters attend outdoor activity courses.

Tuesday 13 April 2010

Foundation Assists Local Scout Group

The Up and Under Foundation has made a donation to a local scout group to assist youngsters with the costs of activities including camps.
As the charity develops it is hoped that more grants of this kind can be made to local groups helping youngsters in the local area.
In addition to this donation the first payment from the Eric Swan Bursary has been made to assist youngsters with costs of attending courses at the Conway Centre in Anglesea.  Here they will take part in a range of outdoor activities which can quite literally be life-changing experiences for the youngsters.
We would like to thank Lester Fabrication and Cladding Co Limited for their very generaous support of the Foundation's activities.

Wednesday 7 April 2010

Up and Under Group 138th in UK Consultants List

The Up and Under Group stands a creditable 138th on the list of UK consultants compiled by the New Civil Engineer for 2010.

The figures are published in the NCE Consultants File throw up a number of interesting things; one, that we are twice the size of Chesterfield Borough Council Engineering Services and that we are 37 places (only!) behind Sir Robert McAlpine Design in terms of staff employed - now there's a challenge for 2011.  There were only 63 companies with 100 or more Civil/Structural staff and 93 with 50 or more.

Who was first?  Well at least, by Civil and Structural staff numbers, it was one of our clients - Mouchel - with 6850 staff and a £740M turnover.

Monday 5 April 2010

Foundation delivers in Morocco

Meeting remote farmers
Although a little bit out of our normal operating area The Up and Under rally team assisted the Foundation by delivering a box full of sports kit to younsters in the Missor area of Morocco.  The kit was passed on to Mr Baroudi a prominent figure in the area for distribution to those youngsters most likely to benefit.  Kit was donated by the South Cheshire Harriers, Crewe Alex, Up and Under Staff and supporters of the Foundation
.
Kids always like new stuff.
Handing over kit in Missor
Mr Baroudi, Andy  and Rainer (rally organiser)
Oh and we finished the rally in third place!

Wednesday 31 March 2010

Tuareg Rally

Andy has been playing in the big sandpit in the south, the story can be found here:

http://www.ukrallyraiders.blogspot.com/
Cheers

Thursday 11 March 2010

Happy 23rd Birthday

Up and Under celebrated its 23rd birthday in style with a party at the company HQ last Friday. The stores had a serious makeover into what the band described as "one of the best venues" they'd played.

In between band sets party goers entertained themselves with scalextric and wii competitions and a couple of drinks at the bar.

Andy Birchall was presented with  his well deserved award for Employee of the Year 2009.

In 1987 the company offered specialist access inspection services, in the intervening years a range of additional services have been added including contracting, traing, safety consultancy and mediation.

In 1987 turnover was £3400, in 2010 it is expected to be in excess of £1.5Million.

We would like to thank all of our clients, staff and suppliers for helping us to become as successful as we have been. We are looking forward to the next year withthe same excitement as you always find at Coppice House

If you haven't worked with us, what are you waiting for?

Wednesday 3 February 2010

A few recent projects

Do any of these look like a problem you have?  Problem solved!

Monday 1 February 2010

For the golfers amongst you

I saw these offers recently and though they may be of interest to some of you.

Wychwood Park Golf Course, host of the 2010 PGA Europro Tour:

Good Friday: Cheese and bacon Oatcake followed by 18 holes £19
Easter Saturday: Coffee and bacon Rolls - 18 holes Golf - Steak and Ale Pie £25
Easter Sunday: 18 holes Golf followed by Chef Roast - One course - £22.50

Don't know if this is good or bad, but if it is good call 08449802323 or email nsmith@deverevenues.co.uk and don't forget to mention Up and Under, it is unlikely to get you a discount, but will confuse the guy on the other end of the phone.

Thursday 28 January 2010

Foundation to support local groups

The Up and Under Foundation will be making up to £250 available to assist a local group (s) with an initiative to assist young people gain experience they would otherwise be denied.  This is part of the ongoing support for this type of initiative supported by the Up and Under Group through the Up and Under Foundation.

More details: www.upandundergroup.com/community.html follow link to 2010 Awards

Monday 25 January 2010

What did the snow do for you?

So we are all back to normal, the ‘Arctic Freeze’ of early January is already fading from our memories. But if you are a structure owner of manager should you forget it happened or take some action? Freezing can have effects far beyond the obvious burst pipes. Consider the following and their effect upon your building function and your liabilities:
  • Loosening or spalling mosaics and slip bricks;
  • Loosening of copings;
  • Damage around windows;
  • Lifting and other damage to waterproofing;
  • Damage to porous materials cause them to fall on people below;
  • Damage to pointing in brickwork;
  • Excessive movement in structural joints and bearings.


If you need to carry out an inspection of your structure or have spotted a maintenance action call us to discuss how our specialist access methods can help keep the costs under control. And think on if you can’t afford major repairs to a building that is dropping pieces onto the ground below, temporary measures are available to help you manage your liabilities.



Call Jon on 01270 589615 to discuss solutions

Monday 11 January 2010

Directors Cribb

Ok we got you with the title, but you are not expecting country house splendour here are you? You are right.

Taking full advantage of the recent chilly weather Andy and Simon set out to dig themselves a mountain top retreat.



So the weather started off fine, but soon deteriorated.


But with a bit of shovel work (about 4 tonne) a home was excavated and the kettle put to good use.
For those with a head for the figures the snowhole had two entrances, three rooms, two wardrobes. was 7m from front to back and had a maximum span of 2.5m. The snow was over a metre thick over the highest part of the cave. The temperature inside was a consistent zero degrees whilst outside it was horrible!




Are you a worker or a shirker?

To celebrate the efforts of the Up and Under team through the freeze we have had a limited edition bumper sticker printed. You too can get one by sending £2 via paypal, Contact Andy for details; andy@upandundergroup.com or 01270 5897615. All profits will go to the Up and Under Foundation.



Go on tell the world, a little bit of snow can't stop you!

Friday 8 January 2010

Beat the Freeze!

It seems the whole country is grinding to a halt, but at Up and Under it is business as usual. During the week the country stood still we have had teams out on site carrying out inspections and contracting activities. In the snowy midlands we have been taking core samples and in N Wales we have been undertaking survey works on the Menai Bridge.

It is testament to the 'can do' attitude of our team that we have not let a little cold weather get in the way of solving our clients problems.

In one example of lateral thinking the coring team obtained a camping stove and boiled the water for the coring rig to keep things going through the worst of the weather.

If you need this no fuss, get on with it kind of approach you know where to come.

Tuesday 5 January 2010

£2010- Oh! in 2010

The Up and Under Group set out to raise £20,100 in 2010 for the children’s charity The Up and Under Foundation

It is normally this time of year that we make personal resolutions that will make us better people in the year ahead. As a company the Up and Under Group is no different.

Over the past few years we have raised money to help local youngsters do things that might otherwise be denied them due to lack of funds. This money is administered by the Up and Under Foundation. Last year company MD Andy Fewtrell and his wife Lorna raised more than £2k in sponsorship by completing two simultaneous marathons. This money helped to establish the Eric Swan Bursary.

This year we are setting a far greater challenge for the whole company. Initially we thought we could try to raise £2010 in 2010, but that seemed a bit of a small challenge for Up and Under so the goal is to raise £20100.00 in 2010. To make this a true Company effort every one of our 30 strong team has pledged to raise a sum of money during the year. In keeping with the theme the pledges are either £2.01, £20.10, £201.00 or £2010. We will be looking to have a number of events during the year that people can get involved in, more details will be announced and published on our Blog. Meanwhile if you are considering doing a challenge during the year and would like to support the Foundation we would be happy to hear from you.

More details of the charity can be found at:
www.upandundergroup.com/community.html