6 August 2015

Applications are underway for entrants to this year’s ‘Costain Academy’ for supply chain members that want to improve their processes and working practices. One plant hire company that ‘graduated’ from the Academy has shown what can be achieved. South Wales-based Jenkins Plant’s connection with the Group dates back only to December 2013: “We held an event at Celtic Manor resort and conference centre near Newport, to identify new small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to work with us,” said Sarah Thomas, Supply Chain Manager – Infrastructure. 

“Tom Jenkins attended that day. We later awarded him a package of work and after that we invited him to join the Academy.”

The Academy has been in place for four years, with a syllabus that consists of 19 modules covering everything from ‘Risk assessment and method statements’ to ‘Understanding equality and diversity’. They focus on industry best practice, sound business strategies and awareness of legislation, with the aim of developing and improving Costain's supply chain partners.

In feedback to Costain, Tom’s company Jenkins Plant detailed how it had made the most of the Academy syllabus: after each module, the company set aside time for the attendee to relay the lessons learned to the Jenkins Plant team. “This alone has broken down several barriers. The Academy has bridged an internal gap between our administration and operator staff, where traditionally one doesn’t understand the other.

“Since completing the Academy we have been successful in making it through the approval process to supply two UK energy providers with plant and related services. On both occasions our policies and working practices were audited, together with lengthy discussions as to how we manage our plant and people on site.

“On both occasions the quality and clarity of our approach was praised, with one provider commenting that it was rare for their new, smaller suppliers to tick all the boxes first time round.

“They were very surprised to learn of the Costain Academy and the investment Costain makes in its suppliers.

“Jenkins Plant are now looking to obtain formal accreditations in order to differentiate ourselves from our peers.”

Costain Project Manager, Dave Morris, who worked with Jenkins Plant on the Baglan Energy Park project in South Wales, commented that it had been a pleasure “to work with a supply chain partner that wants to be the best in what they do. Costain takes great pride in the time and effort put into our supply chain and relationship management in order to unlock the full potential of our supply chain.”

 

Pictured: The Costain Academy for ambitious supply chain partners has helped boost the prospects for several participants.

 

Ends

 

Media Enquiries
Costain Communications Department
01628 842585
[email protected]