HSE International ISSUE 93 | Page 43

“The company’s strength lies in Collaborative Working and Added Value” Sowga work on long term contracts in the commercial property sector for clients such as Standard Life Investments, Jones Lang La Salle, MJ Mapp and Hilson Moran. Their other clients in this sector include GBR Phoenix Beard, SJ Higgins and Helix Property Advisors. In the luxury residential sector, the company work for VIP clients at exclusive residences within London. The amazing One Hyde Park development is of particular note. W ithin the leisure sector, Sowga have a long term relationship with JD Wetherspoon, the UK’s most famous pub chain. They are recognized as one of the chain’s ‘best in class’ contractors. Sowga are an integrated engineering solutions provider. They try to eliminate the need for subcontractors except in specialist situations whereby their services cannot be delivered by their in-house team. “As a result, we do maintain an approved partner list. All have to complete a supplier questionnaire so we can verify their company details, insurances, accreditations, health and safety policies and ISO standards” Aaron said. The minimum qualifications and accreditations Sowga require when employing subcontractors are Safe Contractor (preferred), Construction Line and CHAS. Sowga take their responsibility towards the built environment and the world around them very seriously. “We recognise that our activities and services have a significant impact on the wider social, environmental and economic wellbeing of the geographical area we operate in. By addressing these impacts, we can also improve the quality and performance of our core organisational processes and responsibilities,” Aaron explained. “Our vision is to provide exceptional quality in a healthy and safe manner whilst contributing to our local and wider communities.” C harity is one of the ways in which Sowga contribute to the community. The company have recently supported the Demelza Hospice Care for Children, providing £1,000 worth of services free of charge. Employees from the West Sussex office (Kirsten Giles, Paula Weller, Rosie Last and Sammy Bashall) recently raised over £1,200 for the St. Barnabas House Hospice by completing the 7km Night To Remember Midnight Walk. Sowga make use of several technologies that significantly reduce the environmental impact of their services. Energy efficiency and carbon reduction can be achieved through the cost effective use of a Building Energy Management System (BEMS). Reducing carbon emissions and lowering energy expenditure are closely linked. The savings made through the use of a correctly specified and maintained BEMS are considerable. “As an authorised supplier and installer of Alerton and Trend Building Management Systems and Optergy Energy Management Systems, we are able to offer our clients such solutions,” Aaron said. “Where possible, we seek to specify and install equipment that meets the Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) scheme. This is a key part of the government’s tax relief program to manage climate change. It provides businesses with enhanced tax relief for investments in equipment that meets published energy saving criteria,” he added. S owga are just as committed to safety as they are to safeguarding the environment. They hold the following professional accreditations and memberships: The Building and Engineering Services Association (B&ES), NICEIC, ECA, Gas Safe, and the British Fire Consortium. They are also members of REFCOM, Safe Contractor, Contractor Plus, MCS and the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) as a Corporate Member. The company have achieved ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems and ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems. T here are currently a number of positions available within the company, including multi-skilled maintenance engineers, air conditioning engineers and controls engineers. “We are passionate about our people and heavily invest in their continual professional development through both professional and vocational training. We operate a ‘promote within’ policy which provides an incentive to our employees, along with an opportunity to climb the development ladder,” Aaron said. When highlighting the qualities that set Sowga aside from their competitors, “Our appro