Rhodar Specialist Enabling Works

‘Preserving the past whilst embracing the future’…at East Calder Primary School… Rhodar is currently undertaking an 8-month enabling works package for West Lothian Council at the former site of East Calder Primary School – a comprehensive package of progressive demolition and site clearance. As part of our programme of delivery, we regularly capture drone footage to track progress on our sites … and whilst taking a selection of shots for this particular project, we took the opportunity to capture some great images of the very impressive new school, which sits adjacent to the site. These images turned out so well that we thought we’d take this a step further and produced a large acrylic colour wall graphic, which we presented to the school this month - much to the delight of headteacher, Fiona Stewart (see pictured with Stephen Conway, Rhodar Project Director). Over the course of this project, we have retained a range of items from the former Primary School, such as stained-glass windows, ornate doorknobs, ironmongery incorporating the school crest and other items of memorabilia for display in the new school building. We’re pleased to be playing a part in preserving the history of the former Primary School, whilst ‘visually’ celebrating the exciting new school development.

Great Site Visit to the Darwin Building Demolition Project! A big thank you to Goodson Associates and Rhodar Specialist Enabling Works for hosting our students at the Darwin Building Demolition Project. It was an excellent opportunity for us to see how demolition projects are planned and carried out. Special thanks to our Edinburgh alumni, Euan Kerr and Alastair Slessor, for arranging the visit and giving an excellent presentation. It’s always great for students to hear from professionals who were once in their place! We really appreciate the time and effort that went into making this visit happen! #EngineeringEducation #SiteVisit #CivilEngineering #EdinburghUniversity #GoodsonAssociates #Rhodar #Construction #Demolition #LearningBeyondTheClassroom

Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) update … Over 400 group employees* have received an income tax-free bonus in their payslips this month. Following a record 2024 turnover for the company - where all four core divisions exceeded budget expectations - we were delighted to be able pay our most substantial EOT bonus to date to a high percentage of our team; acknowledging the collective contribution that these employees’ hard work has made towards the company’s very successful results. The EOT continues to foster a strong sense of commitment, loyalty, and collaboration across the business, and since its inception, we have been pleased to be able to pay multiple such bonuses to staff, in line with our annual business performance. The EOT has proven to be a great success and we look forward to another strong performance in 2025 and being able to share this with our employees. (*employed for a minimum of 12 months at the time of the bonus payment)

Rhodar supports publication of two books inspired by Edinburgh’s iconic North Bridge … As our enabling works continue at the historical North Bridge, we’re pleased to be supporting some of Edinburgh’s young people, who have been inspired by their visit to this large renovation project. Hosted by Balfour Beatty plc, students at Abbey Hill Primary School, Broughton Primary School and Leith Walk Primary School were taken on a tour of the impressive North Bridge site back in 2023. During their visit, the pupils took inspiration from the bridge to create a host of short stories which have since been published in two books, titled ‘Stories from the Stones’ and ‘What’s That About North Bridge?’. After months of hard work - in partnership with Rhodar, Balfour Beatty, The City of Edinburgh Council, Ancestry Scotland, Edinburgh Archives and Historic Environment Scotland – The Super Power Agency launched these books… and we’re very excited to have just received our own copies! We’re incredibly happy to support these young creators and help spark their imaginations to create such wonderful stories – and what better way to celebrate #WorldBookDay?!

🎭 Rhodar Specialist Enabling Works was delighted to support Mawdesley Amateur Dramatics Society (MADS) at their Charity Race Night! 🎭 I was personally very pleased to be invited along to the event at Mawdesley Village Hall was a fantastic success, with a great turnout and vital funds raised to help keep local, community theatre alive! These contributions will support exciting new productions, foster creativity, and keep community spirit thriving in Mawdesley, West Lancashire. MADS is always looking for new members—whether you want to perform on stage or help behind the scenes! It’s a fantastic way to meet new people, get creative, great too for mental wellbeing and being part of something special. ✨ MAD have asked us to thank everyone who attended, donated, and made the night so memorable! #Rhodar #CommunityTheatre #MawdesleyDrama #SupportLocalArts #MADS

As part of the Procure Partnership Framework Collaborative Working Group (CWG) for East and West Midlands, Rhodar has partnered with Hutton Construction and Stepnell for our February social value campaign - focusing on Mental Health and the practical support available to all. Mental Health struggles are often exacerbated by financial difficulties, and one of the key issues we are all facing is the rising cost of food. In fact, between April 2023 and March 2024, The Trussell Trust Food Bank distributed over 3.1million emergency food parcels across the UK – which is an increase of 94% over the past five years. Our CWG has produced a helpful resource sheet - detailing various organisations that can help alleviate financial pressures and ultimately contribute to better mental health. This week, Rhodar also visited The Salvation Army in Burton-upon-Trent to donate x20 food parcels, along with copies of the full resource sheet to be made available to those visiting the organisation. It’s been great to collaborate with Hutton and Stepnell for this initiative, as part of our important social value responsibilities in conjunction with the Procure Partnerships Framework. (A big thank you to Rhodar’s Cheryl Green and Benji Humphries for all your help organising the food parcels (see pictured, with Kevin from The Salvation Army, Burton-upon-Trent)). The Lighthouse Charity National Debtline StepChange Debt Charity Olio • Share More, Waste Less #TooGoodToGo #Rhodar #PPF #MentalHealth

Rhodar is delighted to announce its selection as a key supplier to the East Sussex County Council & Brighton & Hove City Council Planned Maintenance Framework. Over the next 4 years, we look forward to supporting and developing relationships with East Sussex CC & Brighton & Hove CC, and all of the framework’s associated contracting authorities, encompassing council, education, police and fire & rescue properties. Our team stands ready to provide a first-class asbestos abatement service to the framework’s large portfolio of properties, on both responsive and planned maintenance projects.

Today we kicked off our year-long Charity-6 campaign, where we provide our staff the opportunity to produce six bespoke campaigns for organisations of their choice over the course of the coming 12 months. Our first initiative, to raise vital funds for Archie's Caravan, was nominated by Lisa Hill, who has organised a Valentine’s-themed Coffee Morning, serving up lots of delicious goodies for the team at Rhodar HQ to enjoy. Lisa also ran a ‘Secret Admirer’ scratch card game over the past two weeks, allowing each office the opportunity to guess the hidden name and a chance to win a cash prize – congratulations to all our winners! A huge well done and special thanks to Lisa for organising such a ‘lovely’ campaign…and thank you to all colleagues who contributed such delightful treats! ❤

Preparations are progressing nicely at our Darwin Tower demolition project in Edinburgh.   As this recent drone photograph shows, the external scaffold is nearing completion, ready for installation of the monoflex protective covering … and the crucifix tower crane has now been constructed on the purpose-built base.   Working for our client, The University of Edinburgh, our team is looking forward to commencing the phased deconstruction of this 10-storey tower early next month.   Our works will pave the way for the follow-on construction of the New Darwin building, due to commence later this year. University of Edinburgh Estates Department

We’re delighted to announce that Rhodar is the new Main Club Sponsor for Glynde & Beddingham Cricket Club. Partnering with the club for the next 3 years, we will be supporting both the senior and junior sections until the end of the 2027 season. We wish Glynde & Beddingham CC all the success in the coming year and look forward to developing this exciting new partnership! #GlyndeAndBeddinghamCC