James Tourgout, Author at Reidsteel Structural Engineering

10 07, 2023

REIDsteel among firms coming together to show business is force for good

James Tourgout2023-07-10T15:13:05+01:00July 10th, 2023|Categories: News|Tags: Jobs Foundation|

John Reid & Sons (Strucsteel) Ltd has thrown its weight behind a gamechanging new initiative to combat poverty and boost employment and social mobility.

The Dorset firm – known as REIDsteel – has become one of the first members of the Jobs Foundation, which is uniting industry leaders and entrepreneurs nationwide.

Managing director Simon Boyd has become a trustee of the independent charity. Quality, Health, Safety and Environment manager Jo White features on the foundation’s website and in its launch video.

Businesses are the most effective creator of jobs and social mobility, according to the foundation.

It will help firms to learn from each other to do even more in their local communities to relieve poverty and unemployment.

The foundation is headed by an advisory council of business leaders from a range of sectors, locations and sizes, all uniting behind the message that a successful society requires successful businesses.

Simon Boyd, managing director at 130-strong REIDsteel, said: “Business is a force for good.

“It makes an incredibly positive contribution to our society. Business provides jobs, drives the economy and funds our country’s vital public services through its taxes […]

31 05, 2023

Landmark agreement in REIDsteel redevelopment plans

James Tourgout2023-05-31T16:51:01+01:00May 31st, 2023|Categories: News|Tags: Peeks, redevelopment|

British manufacturer John Reid & Sons (Strucsteel) Limited is today celebrating a major milestone in redevelopment plans for its site in Dorset.

The company – known as REIDsteel – has acquired a 2.2-acre plot immediately next to its existing headquarters in Christchurch.

Purchase of site, which was formerly occupied by Peeks Party Store and Monkey Madness soft play centre, will allow REIDsteel to move forward with plans to invest in a state-of-the-art manufacturing complex, new offices and staff facilities.

The redevelopment over a total of 6.4 acres will allow REIDsteel to considerably enhance its productivity and capabilities in the design, engineering, manufacture and supply of steel structures across the UK, Europe and the world.

It will provide a major boost for the local economy and supply chain as well as UK plc.

REIDsteel managing director Simon Boyd signed the deal with Nick Peek in Christchurch.

Simon said: “This is a major milestone in our redevelopment plans for the company.

“It is great news and represents major investment in our business, the local economy, the Christchurch community, and the county of Dorset.

“It will regenerate a vacant brownfield site in a key location […]

31 05, 2023

Students get to grips with work experience

James Tourgout2023-05-31T18:43:21+01:00May 31st, 2023|Categories: News|Tags: welding, work experience|

Work experience students Edward and Ricardo gained valuable hands-on experience at REIDsteel – quite literally!

They got to grips with welding when they fabricated their own steel sections during a week spent with us.

The year 10 duo – from Twynham and The Grange schools in Christchurch – were the latest students to join us on placement.

They both expressed an interest in fabrication and spent the majority of their week in that area of the business.

The pictures show Edward and Ricardo above marking out sheet metal and trying their hand at welding as well as their finished work, below.

They were also given an overview of the other areas of the business as part of a bespoke placement programme to get a sense of the broad range of opportunities that we offer here.

We were really proud to be able to offer a meaningful, practical placement where Edward and Ricardo were able to try their hand at welding, following the appropriate risk assessments.

When asked if they had enjoyed themselves it was a resounding ‘yes’ from both of them. […]

24 05, 2023

Premier League Kicks is a winner with REIDsteel

James Tourgout2023-05-24T16:53:48+01:00May 24th, 2023|Categories: News|Tags: AFC Bournemouth, Premier League Kicks|

AFC Bournemouth duo Antoine Semenyo and Steve Fletcher were the star attractions at a special session of REIDsteel-sponsored Premier League Kicks in Christchurch.

Striker Semenyo and Cherries legend and first team coach Fletcher took part in the event at Mudeford Wood Community Centre.

The pair also conducted an enlightening question-and-answer session when Semenyo was asked about his maiden Premier League goal which came against Leeds.

Premier League Kicks offers free football and additional opportunities to more than 1,000 young people locally every year.

Sessions take place at Mudeford Wood Community Centre between 4pm and 5pm on Wednesdays for ages 8-10 and between 5pm and 6pm for ages 11-14. There is no pre-registration required as they all operate on a turn-up and play basis. Some 59 children have taken part since last October.

Donna Campo, operations director at REIDsteel, headed down to watch the session with colleagues Lisa Cherett, Lee Stevens and Peter Reid.

Donna said: “We have sponsored this campaign for the past season and a half, and we became involved because community is really at the heart of what we believe.

“Our factory has […]

5 05, 2023

Coronation congratulations from REIDsteel

James Tourgout2023-05-05T18:43:45+01:00May 5th, 2023|Categories: News|Tags: coronation, King Charles III|

Simon Boyd, managing director of Christchurch-based REIDsteel, said: “Congratulations from REIDsteel to His Majesty King Charles III and Camilla, the Queen Consort, on their coronation.

“We wish you a long, successful, peaceful and happy reign as our monarch and head of the Commonwealth.

“British engineering and manufacturing has an excellent reputation on the world stage, where the monarch’s role as an international ambassador and champion of UK plc is absolutely vital.

“REIDsteel has been privileged to design, manufacture and construct steel structures at home and abroad under five monarchs dating back to George V in 1919.

“We are proud to continue flying the flag for British engineering and manufacturing under King Charles III’s reign. Long live the king!”

REIDsteel will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday.

1 05, 2023

Recruiting now – Graduate Structural Engineer

James Tourgout2023-05-01T13:01:33+01:00May 1st, 2023|Categories: News|

John Reid & Sons (Strucsteel) Ltd is seeking an enthusiastic graduate to design a wide range of steel structures.

This is an excellent opportunity for training and development to become a successful structural engineer and progress to IStructE chartership.

Work will include designing steel structures varying from simple buildings to large aircraft hangars, grandstands and highway bridges.

As your training progresses you will be expected to assist sales staff in the preparation of offers; the draughtspeople in the detailing of the building elements; erection staff in the safe methods of building; and the end clients with a view to encouraging them to come back to us. This is a demanding, hands on structural engineering position.

John Reid & Sons (Strucsteel) Ltd – REIDsteel – is a well-established company and as has a large export market, so the ability to use a variety of codes and design criteria is important.

We offer a competitive remuneration package including bonuses that scale as you rise through the engineering levels within the company.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

Complying with all relevant company Health, Safety, Quality and Environmental (QHSE) policies.

[…]

21 04, 2023

REIDsteel resigns membership of CBI

James Tourgout2023-04-21T16:04:39+01:00April 21st, 2023|Categories: News|Tags: CBI|

Brexit, REIDsteel, business, Dorset, steel, construction, structural steel, cladding, glazing, design, manufacturing, engineering, structural engineering, fabrication,

Structural steel firm John Reid & Sons (Strucsteel) Ltd has resigned its membership of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) with immediate effect.

The company left the business lobbying group after further serious allegations emerged about misconduct.

REIDsteel managing director Simon Boyd has also resigned his position as a founder member of the CBI’s manufacturing council.

REIDsteel – which employs 130 people – acted immediately, citing allegations of misconduct at the CBI as completely incompatible with its own company values.

Mr Boyd said: “It is wholly inconceivable that REIDsteel can continue any association with the CBI following the latest, incredibly serious allegations.

“We have taken the decision to resign our company’s corporate membership and my personal position on its manufacturing council with immediate effect.

“The latest allegations are deeply concerning and completely at odds with our company’s values and culture where respect and inclusivity are absolutely paramount.”

REIDsteel previously said that it was reserving judgement about its CBI membership pending further developments.

Simon added: “Our thoughts are with those at the centre of the latest allegations, and […]

14 04, 2023

REIDsteel statement – Membership of the CBI

James Tourgout2023-04-14T08:48:51+01:00April 14th, 2023|Categories: News|Tags: CBI, Simon Boyd|

REIDsteel statement – Membership of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI):

Simon Boyd, managing director of REIDsteel, said: “There have been some incredibly serious allegations about completely unacceptable behaviour at the CBI.

“It is shocking and of deep concern to us that such misconduct appears to have been allowed to happen over a number of years.

“There is absolutely no excuse for this type of behaviour at any organisation or business, whether in the City of London or elsewhere.

“It is emphatically at odds with what REIDsteel stands for as a company where values of respect and inclusivity for everyone are non-negotiable.

“Our initial reaction was to break all ties with the CBI, both in terms of our company membership and in my role as a founder member of its manufacturing council.

“However, we have been re-assured by the immediate and decisive action taken by the CBI’s president Brian McBride and its new director general Rain Newton-Smith. This has included a dismissal, suspension of employees and the launch of a root and branch review of its culture and governance.

“They have spoken to us and given us confidence […]

30 03, 2023

Great new career opportunities at REIDsteel

James Tourgout2023-03-30T08:13:21+01:00March 30th, 2023|Categories: News|Tags: careers, jobs, recruitment, roles|

We’re hiring – multi-award-winning John Reid & Sons (Strucsteel) Ltd has a variety of new openings to join its talented team.

They are an exciting opportunity to join a well-established and improvement-driven business which values its people and is a great place to work.

Our values are central to how we work and everything we do. We have a ‘One Team’ ethos which puts people and safety first to deliver for customers.

We are recruiting as our company continues to grow with customers across the UK, Europe and the world.

The positions will be based at our headquarters in Christchurch, Dorset.

The positions are:

Document Controller
Trainee CNC Operative
Cladding Detailer (experienced or trainee)
Sheetmetal Operative
Apprentice Fabricator/Welder
Placement – Student Structural Engineer

Please read below for more about each position.

Document Controller

He or she will work in our drawing office, managing technical documents and drawings. They will be a key member of the project team. Experience in a similar role and of main contractors’ document management systems is desirable.

Trainee CNC Operative

Full training provided for a computer literate team player with a desire to learn. They will provide support in our manufacturing facility with […]

7 02, 2023

Love where you work…we do

James Tourgout2023-02-07T09:13:23+00:00February 7th, 2023|Categories: News|Tags: careers, jobs, love where you work|

We’re looking forward to taking part in the ‘Love Where you Work’ expo in Bournemouth this week.

We’ll be among the exhibitors at the event at the Hilton Hotel on Wednesday February 8 from 10am to 7pm.

It’s part of a trailblazing initiative by Bournemouth University with funding support from BCP Council to help local employers in their recruitment campaigns and to create more job opportunities for young talent in the area.

We will be among employers from six key sectors at the event who will be showcasing their companies, holding activities and giving an insight in what a typical day looks like.

There will also be a stand to take professional photographs of visitors that can be used on LinkedIn and other channels to help create a professional first impression.

The event follows BU-led research in the first part of the project which included interviews with employers about their recruitment challenges and alumni about their career paths and employment priorities.

The Love Where you Work expo aims to bring employers and prospective employees together to show why the Bournemouth, Poole […]

21 12, 2022

Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year

James Tourgout2022-12-21T15:04:27+00:00December 21st, 2022|Categories: News|Tags: Christmas, Merry Christmas, new year|

12 12, 2022

REIDsteel backs Premier League Kicks

James Tourgout2022-12-12T09:49:29+00:00December 12th, 2022|Categories: News|Tags: AFC Bournemouth, football, Premier League Kicks|

REIDsteel has sponsored AFC Bournemouth’s Premier League Kicks project in Christchurch for the 2022/23 season.

The initiative offers free football and additional opportunities to over 1,000 young people in the local area every year.

The project is backed by a player ambassador from both the male and female team while staff of REIDsteel will have the opportunity to volunteer at sessions and support community coaches.

Rob Mitchell, commercial director at AFC Bournemouth, commented: “We are delighted that REIDsteel have agreed to sponsor our Premier League Kicks project this season.

“It highlights their commitment to support and enhance the local community, which is something AFC Bournemouth feels passionate about.

“The Premier League Kicks project has already had a massive impact within Christchurch and continues to allow youngsters the opportunity to play football and make new friends.”

Donna Campo, operations director at REIDsteel, said: “As a business with Christchurch at its heart for more than 50 years, we’re proud to support the Premier League Kicks campaign and enable young people in the town to enjoy these exciting sessions.

“AFC Bournemouth’s focus […]

8 12, 2022

Lift-off for award winning service centre

James Tourgout2022-12-08T14:34:50+00:00December 8th, 2022|Categories: News|Tags: Biggin Hill, Bombardier, hangar, MRO, REIDsteel, service centre|

Congratulations to London Biggin Hill Airport and Bombardier on the official opening of their award-winning service centre.

Dignitaries performed the honours at the super-hangar, which is among the largest business jet maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities in the UK.

John Reid & Sons (Strucsteel) Ltd worked with main contractor, Tonbridge-based Civils Contracting Ltd on the dual-cantilever hangar.

We provided the design, drawing, fabrication and installation of the complete steel frame, electrically operated hangar doors and underslung cranes as well as the floor decking, cladding and glazing elements.

Our Pre-Construction Director Richard Hanson and Head of Technical John Harrison, pictured above, represented the company at the ceremony.

As well as a ribbon-cutting and presentations, the event included the opportunity to tour the hangar and its offices, look inside some of the private and business jets on show, and see a Spitfire at close quarters.

The inauguration of the super-hangar represents major expansion of Canadian aviation giant Bombardier’s presence at Biggin Hill where it is the airport’s largest tenant.

Its new service centre extends over 250,000 sq ft. Among its features are 22 service bays, […]

2 12, 2022

Simon back on board at chamber

James Tourgout2022-12-02T14:25:19+00:00December 2nd, 2022|Categories: News|Tags: board, Dorset Chamber, non-executive director, Simon Boyd|

REIDsteel managing director Simon Boyd has been re-elected as a non-executive director of Dorset Chamber.

Simon was voted back onto the board at the chamber’s annual meeting, along with fellow directors and president Caron Khan, vice-president Tony Brown and new honorary treasurer Lesley Fox.

Simon first joined the board in March 2019 and acts on a voluntary basis as a non-exec director alongside his role as REIDsteel managing director and his many other commitments, including his membership of the Confederation of British Industry’s (CBI) manufacturing council.

REIDsteel is also a Platinum Business Partner of the chamber, which is Dorset’s leading business support organisation and the county’s voice of business. The company has also been a sponsor of the chamber-organised Dorset Business Awards.

REIDsteel has the community at its heart and is proud to support its local chamber and help it drive forward the economy.

Dorset is one of the leading chambers in the South West of England and the only […]

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