We are now officially employee owned

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We are delighted to announce that our owners have transferred their equity to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), marking a momentous shift in our ownership structure and a significant milestone in our journey towards sustainable growth and employee empowerment.

An Employee Ownership Trust is a legal entity that holds a stake in a company on behalf of its employees. The transaction was completed on 5th September 2024, and owners Kevin Gorman and John Blackwell have transferred 100% of their equity in Britplas companies to its EOT.

Our head office and manufacturing facility are located in Warrington, and we are renowned for our groundbreaking Safevent anti-ligature window which was specially developed for use in mental health environments and has been at the forefront of the industry for two decades both domestically and internationally. We also designs, manufactures and installs glazed façades for commercial buildings nationwide.

Established since 2004, we have earned numerous accolades over the past two decades for our commitment to product innovation, excellence, and client satisfaction. We have also experienced remarkable growth, seeing expansion in the UK and international markets and now boast a group turnover of more than £30 million.

Former Britplas owners Kevin Gorman and John Blackwell will continue to lead the business with the same management team ensuring continuity of service and ongoing commitment to the company’s vision and established values.

John Blackwell, Britplas Group Managing Director, commented,
“The move to an EOT model is a hugely positive step for Britplas and its employees, which now stand at over 100. I am immensely proud of what our team has achieved, and we are already seeing that by further empowering our employees as stakeholders in the business, we are helping to promote a strong sense of shared purpose and responsibility which will create a platform for further growth.”

Kevin Gorman, Chairman of Britplas, expressed his excitement about the transition, stating,
“We are delighted that 100% ownership will be given to the trust on behalf of our staff, allowing them to share in the future success of the business. We have always been committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and shared prosperity. This new chapter represents an immense opportunity for the team and a renewed commitment to our shared values as a business.
Ours has been an amazing journey of development, and I have no doubt that the company will continue to go from strength to strength.”

New head of sales bolsters Britplas secure products division

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Britplas is pleased to announce that it has restructured its secure products sales team including the promotion of Matthew Gorman to head of sales.

Matthew leads a team comprising three specialist technical sales managers and two internal account managers who together are responsible for servicing Britplas’ extensive existing client base within the mental health sector as well as developing new business. 

“Matthew joined Britplas in 2017 and has built excellent relationships with many of the UK’s NHS mental health trusts as well as private providers and the sector’s specialist supply chain” commented Group MD John Blackwell. 

“He brings an excellent level of technical expertise to the role, and supported by a dedicated team, we are pleased to be able to offer an impressive level of service to both new and existing customers.”

Project update: Oxford Humanities Centre

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Britplas has now commenced on-site installation at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities at Oxford University where it is responsible for the façade package, working with main contractor Laing O’Rourke.

The building, designed by Hopkins Architects, uses Schüco AWS 90si windows and doors and features brick and stone façades.  It is set to become one of the biggest buildings to adhere to Passivhaus standards.

Following extensive testing in 2023, a total of 236 windows were initially installed off-site into pre-cast concrete panels and are now being installed via crane at the Oxford site. The team is currently making good progress, with the South elevation ground floor and level 01 windows complete along with West elevation ground floor windows.

The Centre will boost teaching and research in the humanities at Oxford University and provide them with a new home which brings together seven faculties, the Institute for Ethics in AI, the Oxford Internet Institute, and a new humanities library.

Britplas is due to complete works in early 2025, with the building set to open next year.

Britplas kicks off on Race to Zero

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Britplas is pleased to announce that it has achieved SBS Certification by committing to join the UNFCC Race to Zero, that is, pledging to become a Net Zero business by 2045.

Taking 2022 as a benchmark year, the company will be working with SBS (Sustainable Business Services) to monitor and measure its carbon footprint across all areas of its operations.

A full carbon reduction plan with objectives for 2024 is currently being finalised with the aim of reducing emissions by 50% by 2030, and becoming carbon neutral by 2045.

“We are very excited to be able to announce our commitment to becoming a Net Zero business” commented Britplas Business Systems Manager Jodie Thoms.

“It’s an initiative which will involve all areas of our operations and we’re looking forward to working closely with our supply chain and partners to help make a positive impact and reinforce our commitment to responsible business.

“Do watch this space as we’ll be issuing more details on our plan and progress in due course.”

Chris Kennedy promoted to commercial director

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Britplas is pleased to announce that it has boosted its leadership team with the promotion of Chris Kennedy to group commercial director.

Having joined the business in 2020 as group commercial manager, Chris stepped into his new role at the end of 2023 and takes overall responsibility for the busy Britplas commercial and procurement department which spans both Britplas’ secure products business, including the Safevent window, and also Britplas Façades.

“Chris’ promotion to commercial director is a testament to his authentic leadership, impressive commercial acumen and dedication to developing his team and department” commented Group MD John Blackwell.

“We are delighted to see him progressing within the company and look forward to working with him to continue to drive the business forward.”

Britplas appointed to new Mossley Hill facility by GRAHAM

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We are delighted to announce that Britplas has been appointed by GRAHAM to provide windows, curtain walling, doors and their specialist Safevent windows to a new state-of-the-art mental health facility commissioned by Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust on land owned by the Trust in Mossley Hill, Liverpool.

Designed by architect Gilling Dod, the new inpatient facility will phase out traditional shared dormitory mental health wards to provide 80 single bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. Throughout the hospital, therapeutic spaces with light and airy environments have been prioritised as well as facilities for family visitation and multi-faith worship.

Plans for the new development were approved in 2022 and the former hospital buildings, which were deemed unfit for purpose, were demolished in February.

Dorothy Pattison Hospital to use Safevent windows

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Britplas has been selected to provide the windows and glazing to a new inpatient facility for Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust at Dorothy Pattison Hospital in Walsall.

Working for Kier, the contract encompasses the design, manufacture and installation of Safevent Access windows, along with curtain walling and doors.

Intended for older patients, the new unit will lead to creation of a 15-bedded functional ward and a ten-bedded dementia ward and will replace the current facilities located at Bloxwich Hospital.

Britplas are on site in Q3 2023, with the new facility expected to open in 2024.

Safevent window chosen for two new mental health units in Derbyshire

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We are pleased to announce that Britplas has been appointed to complete the window packages to two new mental health units in Derbyshire.

Working with Integrated Health Projects (IHP), the joint venture of Vinci Building and Sir Robert McAlpine, the new facilities are for adult acute care (AAU) and are located at the Kingsway Hospital in Derby and Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

Britplas will be supplying their multi award-winning Safevent® Access windows, which provide optimum security and safety as well as allowing natural ventilation and light and a high degree of service user control, in addition to doors and curtain walling.

Commissioned by Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, each facility will have 54 single, en-suite rooms, replacing the current male facilities in Derby and Chesterfield which have dormitory accommodation. The Derby scheme includes a 14-bed psychiatric intensive care unit (PICU).

Both projects are due on site this summer, with the facilities expected to open next year.

New contract for Oxford Humanities Centre

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Britplas is delighted to announce that it has been awarded a contract by Laing O’Rourke to complete the glazing package to the new Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities at Oxford University.

The new building, designed by Hopkins Architects, is one of the university’s biggest ever building projects, bringing nine faculties and institutes and seven libraries and collections into one home, with spaces for graduate, postgraduate and post-doctoral learning and research.

Britplas will be carrying out the design and installation of Schuco aluminium windows and door sets along with associated perimeter detailing and flashings.

The windows and doors are required to meet Passivhaus standards, with rigorous energy efficient design standards therefore being applied by the Britplas design team.

The project starts on site next month, with completion scheduled in June 2024.

 

Britplas wins 4 Glass Wharf

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Britplas has been awarded a contract by Wates to complete the glazing and cladding package to 4 Glass Wharf, a major new Grade A office building in Bristol city centre.

The building will create 212,000 sq ft of flexible workspace in the city’s Temple Quarter and is targeting a BREEAM Outstanding and WELL Core Platinum certifications alongside an EPC ‘A’ Rating.

Works are now underway and the project is scheduled to be complete by the second quarter of 2024. The development will also include a ground-floor café with outdoor space, wellness and fitness facilities, and green landscaped terraces with views of the Bristol skyline.

Bristol City Council is working with partners including Homes England and Network Rail to deliver the broader Temple Quarter project, a 100-hectare regeneration of land around Temple Meads station.