20 March 2013

Costain recently welcomed the second intake of small and medium-sized businesses into its Supply Chain Academy, the Company’s carefully structured learning programme that aims to help train and develop people from all aspects of its supply chain.

Fourteen small and medium-sized businesses attended the second intake to the Academy which was held at its head office in Maidenhead. The companies included AVRS Systems, Millcroft Scaffolding, WW Pipetech Ltd, Franklyn Yates Engineering Limited, Flannery Plant Hire, RJC (UK) Limited, C J Thorne, Max Wright, Richard Alan Group, Westshield, Kelly Formwork, Clipfine Logistics, Wingate Electrical and Bridges Electrical.

After a brief welcome from Alex Vaughan, Costain’s Corporate Development Director, and Head of Supply Chain, Richard Howell, the attendees went straight into a module on Behavioural Safety. Costain’s Peter Brown and Carly White introduced the attendees to the concept of Behavioural Safety and the importance of creating an environment where, through exhibiting leadership, everyone in the Company - from working on-site to working in the office - understands the importance of taking responsibility for their own safety and those around them.  

Feedback from this session was very positive. Chris Thorne, Managing Director of C J Thorne, said: “Pete’s no-nonsense approach to behavioural safety, so different to many safety professionals who often put theory before practicality, really improved the learning experience.”

Roy Jones, Managing Director of Millcroft Scaffolding, added: “We’ve attended a number of Behavioural Safety seminars over the years but this had an interesting approach to communicating its importance which really raised the bar in terms of communicating awareness.”

The Academy comprises 20 modules covering a wide range of topics including business administration, commercial and financial best practice, insurance, health & safety, Lean Engineering, behavioural safety and quality. The training is provided at no cost to the suppliers and is in-line with Costain Cares, the Company’s vision to build a longer-term sustainable business that creates economic, environmental and social value.

Recruitment for the next intake will commence in May. If you are interested in attending Costain’s Supply Chain Academy then please contact Richard Howell at [email protected].

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