Aggregate_Guide A5 booklet FINAL 21.09
- 1. special edition Bringing your ideas to life
- 2. Welcome to this special together edition of Agenda magazine. Following the initial launch of together at the February roadshows we have generated over 2,000 ideas. This is a great achievement and we want to thank you all for your enthusiasm and hard work. We are continually reviewing these ideas, looking to develop the ones that will have the greatest impact. We are now six months on from the initial launch and we wanted to take this opportunity to update you on the latest developments, share some of the best ideas that have been implemented and celebrate the success of the teams that suggested them. You may be aware that we have had over 600 duplicate ideas, and that is no bad thing. It shows that other colleagues may have identified the same solution to a problem, which makes it even more relevant. There have also been a good number of ideas submitted that are already in place within the business in some form and clearly we need to work harder to make you aware of these. There are also ideas that have been submitted and have since been developed and rolled out or are in the process of being investigated. Hopefully this booklet will give you a good update on where we are with all of these scenarios. Having hit the halfway point of the year, we want to thank you all for your continued support and efforts, not just towards together but across all aspects of the business. As we have communicated previously, we have had a strong half year and have given ourselves a good opportunity to hit our end of year targets. By working together, and focusing on the important role that each of us plays in the business, we can achieve our 2015 goals and build further foundations for the future. Keep up the good work. UK Executive Committee Aggregate Industries 03 Contents Welcome What good looks like 04 Available solutions 06 Safe together 10 People together 14 Sell together 18 Save together 22 Cheers 26 2,082 Ideas total 571 ideas 555 ideas Already available 110 Being reviewed 957 Closed 202 Complete 76 Local responsibility 121 Duplicate 616 The story so far... 507 ideas 449 ideas
- 3. 04 05 What good looks like In early June, over 120 team leaders gathered together to discuss their progress so far and the next steps for taking together forward. Throughout the day we talked through our successes, challenges and frustrations. Whilst the overriding feeling of the day was positive, we established the need for improvement, particularly in the turnaround of ideas once they had been submitted. It has been no secret we’ve been overwhelmed by the response we have had with over 2,000 ideas submitted so far. That figure is continually growing but now it is time to turn our attention to ideas we can implement in line with expenditure and resources. Consider some of the requirements and priorities in the graphic below: How to describe your idea While we want to hear all of your ideas and issues, we also want to hear your solutions. For example, “Make it easier to contact people” is a good idea but lacks context, explanation or a solution. With a little effort, this can be properly developed into an idea that also identifies a workable solution. “On our calls we have discussed a common issue which is a lack of knowledge about who to contact regarding certain products. Often our sales team receives calls from customers requiring another product (giving us the opportunity to cross promote) or a speculative call requesting a product supplied by another division. Through our discussion, we believe it would be really useful to have access to a searchable tool that allows us to type in a product, or even a word related to that product, and a region and it would automatically provide us with an accurate phone number for that sales team. This could sit on the new intranet within the Quick Links section. The details should be kept up to date and can be expanded to include jargon and other key words that crop up.” You should discuss your ideas within your teams, so that you can share best practice as well as identify those that a) Will give the greatest benefit to the company/individuals and b) those that you may well be able to pilot yourselves. For a further example, see how Joanne Gibson worked with colleague Stuart Race to bring their idea to life. While still in progress, it’s a positive approach which encourages ownership. Idea Feasible Training benefits Time to deliver H&S benefits Cost to deliver Cash benefits Impact Time benefits Pillar: Sell SUBMITTED BY: Joanne Gibson TEAM: Express Asphalt IDEA: Cross promotion – Within our own businesses we have knowledge of the products we sell and are able to advise and speak confidently to customers. Asphalt have recently put together a basic introduction to asphalt course. Could all businesses (concrete, aggregates etc) put a similar basic package together, to assist customer/sales advisor roles in different businesses? This came about as a caller today was looking to resurface an area with asphalt, but it was advised concrete would be better suited for the site. The customer enquired about depths and coverage, but I could not advise the basics. RESPONSE: As a result of Joanne’s idea, a working group – led by Joanne herself with the support of Caroline Dale, Head of Commercial Services and Processes – has been set up. The working group comprises people from around the business who will meet regularly to put together, plan for and implement new packages to aid with cross promotions and product awareness. Well done Joanne. So if your idea makes good business sense, why not discuss it with your team and any relevant managers? If it is feasible and within your remit to do so, start trialling it and feed back your progress in the form of a case study to togetheroneteamonevision@aggregate.com “Proactivity and ownership is so important when someone has a good idea. In my team, Phil Molyneaux came to me with a new dust system he’d seen work well and wanted to try it in Halsvik. Naturally, I gave him the green light!” SCOTT WATSON General Manager, Halsvik Quarry
- 4. 06 07 Pillar: Safe SUBMITTED BY: Rachel Royle TEAM: Diamondcrete IDEA: Offer adjustable height desks to employees that spend a large percentage of their day sat at their desk to encourage them to stand. There has been a lot of research into the health implications of sitting for hours a day. RESPONSE: Every colleague should complete a workstation assessment, alongside their line manager, when they first start working at that location. This is to be repeated if they move or when any of the equipment is updated or replaced. These assessments are in place to identify any Pillar: People SUBMITTED BY: Heather Foo TEAM: Traditional Buff IDEA: Offer more mentors throughout the business. Certain areas have a high turnaround of staff and by introducing mentors to new starters it could help in developing them more quickly and also in retaining them. We could possibly publish a list of people within the business on Aggrenet that would happily offer some time to being a mentor, and therefore individuals can then contact those people should they need to. RESPONSE: There are already a number of people within the business that act as mentors and have allocated mentees. We restrict mentoring to individuals that are on development programmes so that we can keep some central control and ensure that a mentor is not overwhelmed by having too many mentees that they can’t do the job justice. New starters should be able to seek advice from their line manager, and anyone that feels that they would like a mentor should raise this in as part of their development discussion in their dialogue. SUBMITTED BY: Laura Tyers TEAM: Super Hitex IDEA: All sites should organise a sports evening once a week. This could be anything from running to football tournaments. It would give employees the opportunity to get to know each other better, but also to keep fit and healthy as part of the Healthy You campaign. RESPONSE: This is an idea that many sites have already organised themselves. For example a Bardon Hill running club was recently formed, meeting after 5pm every Monday for a 5km run, this was organised in conjunction with Run England for people of all levels of running ability. it is a 12 week free programme with fully insured and trained instructors. If anyone else is interested in organising another running club at their site they should consult the Run England website to get in touch with a local instructor. SUBMITTED BY: Anthony Jones TEAM: Masterblock IDEA: Similarly to the aggregate academy that is used by sales staff, can we develop something for our operational staff that shows a clear direction and the benefits of attending a particular course? RESPONSE: The Aggregate Academy has been a huge success and well received within our commercial teams. In terms of operative training, we actively encourage everyone to develop in their role by achieving relevant qualifications through their attendance on particular courses. We have introduced QCF qualifications and also provide competency training for every operative such as on mobile plant, and for red cards. In addition to this we are currently developing a skills review process for every operator that we expect to be available towards the end of 2015, detailing the qualifications desired, and related courses, for each role. Some of the ideas suggested through together already have solutions in the business, which is no bad thing. It means that you’re having great ideas but we’ve obviously not worked hard enough to make you aware of them. We’ve detailed many of these solutions below. SolutionsSolutions specific work station needs such as adjustable chairs, multiple screens and, if required, a flexible desk. SUBMITTED BY: Jason Smith TEAM: Autumn gold chip IDEA: There should be more training available for interactive safety tours in order to reach a wider audience. Office based staff don’t seem to receive the same level of training as factory and operational staff. RESPONSE: There is training available for conducting interactive safety tours. Such training is available on request and should someone require it they should contact the Health & Safety or Learning & Development teams for advice. The training that we offer is the same for office based and operational staff, however due to the nature of the roles there is a higher uptake from operational colleagues. We would always encourage anyone that wishes to undergo such training to do so. SUBMITTED BY: Scott Murray TEAM: Pipe bedding granite IDEA: We have a lot of lone workers throughout our business and at the moment we control them through regular calls with their line managers to ensure that they are okay. I would suggest that we use TriLoc GPS locators, which are able to send alerts to registered users when the individual falls over, or when they step out of a defined area, as well as having an SOS button. RESPONSE: We do actually already have a lone worker service that is provided to us via G4S. There are radios that have a tilt switch which will alert a registered user when the lone worker has fallen over.
- 5. 08 09 Pillar: Sell SUBMITTED BY: Dave Shaw TEAM: Grey Lakefell IDEA: When a customer goes on stop for non-payment (which can often be in relation to a small value) it sets up a chain reaction which ends with delays on the weighbridge affecting other customers and creating a bottleneck, most often at the busiest time of the day. An improved system of both customer notification (via text similar to the breakdown messages) and notification to the business manager would improve this process and reduce delays. Also taking the account off stop as soon as they have paid would be an improvement as this does not always happen. RESPONSE: A texting facility is being developed where key sales people will receive a text message when their allocated customer hits a certain percentage of their credit limit. This will then enable the TSM to investigate the situation and make contact with the customer before it results in Pillar: Save SUBMITTED BY: AJ Chohan TEAM: Crushed rock fines IDEA: Should sites with multiple offices have just one stationery room, rather than individual stocks, causing them to double/treble up on same items. The minimum quantity for orders is often quite high, so if you only need one or two you are forced to order multiple so that it is cost effective. RESPONSE: Many sites already operate this policy SolutionsSolutions and have central stationery stores that are ordered and managed by one individual. Minimum quantities are a balance between the cost of pick, pack and postage so multiple items are often the cheapest option. SUBMITTED BY: Steve White TEAM: Celtic Plum IDEA: There is old or redundant IT equipment at every location we go to. Are we able to sell the unused equipment to an external company, or even offer it to employees at a small charge? This could generate a little bit of money but more importantly it would free up storage space and improve housekeeping at most locations. RESPONSE:We actually already recycle our old IT equipment via a charity. However we rely on the business telling us where they have old and redundant equipment and returning it to the IT department for recycling. SUBMITTED BY: Roger Tart TEAM: Old Riven Paving IDEA: Many Asphalt plants and Concrete plants could be twinned with their nearest or most appropriate plant of that type in order to better provide for planned maintenance shutdowns, without significant interruption to supplies to their customers – ie they cover for each other rather than trying to do major maintenance out of hours. RESPONSE: For most sites this backup is already in place when there is a large/ the customer being placed on stop. SUBMITTED BY: Nick Gilbert TEAM: Gritstone IDEA: Implement a live customer account feed that tells both ourselves and the customers what credit they have left so they can make an on account payment ahead of going on stop or having to get things resolved first thing every morning. RESPONSE: This feature is already available via the customer portal. The customer can see all of the relevant credit information as well as having the ability to pay their invoices online. SUBMITTED BY: Stu Regan TEAM: Gritstone IDEA: Monthly cross- business meetings to discuss key contracts and key opportunities in certain geographic areas. It cuts down on travel costs, travel risks and optimises selling opportunities. RESPONSE: This offers real benefit and is widely conducted across the business. There are sales meetings that occur between divisions in the SW, Midlands, and Scotland and is encouraged elsewhere. The option to use Google Hangouts would greatly reduce travel time and we will ensure this is reinvigorated.
- 6. 10 11 RESPONSE: This has now been included within the new road scheme at Heathrow which has already commenced construction work. It should be considered when visiting other sites/plants across the UK as an additional warning to reversing vehicles. SUBMITTED BY: Ian Stewart TEAM: Decorative Aggregates IDEA: When netting and strapping down delivery vehicles the place to stand when securing and tightening the straps should be kerbside and not roadside so that the driver is kept away from flowing traffic. RESPONSE: This has now been included in the sheeting and loading and strapping down guidelines for improving driver safety. It should be adopted as best practice. SUBMITTED BY: Thomas Bell TEAM: Articimo IDEA: Introduce UV Beads for workers exposed to sunlight. These beads change colour when there are increased levels of UV light. As the colour changes it alerts the wearer to high levels of UV light so that they can apply lotion, cover up or take shade. They can be worn as necklaces, bracelets or simply attached to hi-viz vests. RESPONSE: The UV bracelet has been priced via Tower at £2.95 and we have now made it available to order via Tower as a non-core item. You can also order suncream via Tower, and when purchasing Stocko products including sunscreen you are able to claim a free Stoko dispenser or Stocko Skin board (four dispensers) for your site. There is also a sun cream/skin cancer TBT available online via Healthy You; it can be found in google drive: https://drive. google.com/a/aggregate. com/file/ SUBMITTED BY: Andy Clifton & Robert Welsh TEAM: Hydro Kerb & Pipe Bedding Granite IDEA: Introduction of Halo lights to help with visibility of night shift employees, Health & Safety is the most important priority in our business. Our vision is to achieve Zero Harm and that includes all direct, subcontracted and third party employees, as well as visitors to our sites. It is a challenging vision but it is the only vision which can be acceptable to all of us. Your ideas on helping us achieve that vision are invaluable so let’s take a look at some of them. We’ve had over 550 Safe together ideas so far, many of which have already been developed and implemented. These can be viewed on the together platform on Aggrenet. Quite a few are also in the process of being investigated with an aim to rolling out when developed. These are listed under ‘In Progress’. Safe together especially with contracting, as at present the small head torches are not clearly visible to hauliers, co-workers or general public. I have personally sourced some of these lights and have had excellent feedback from contracting, quarry based personnel and hauliers. Hauliers have commented that having a light which can be seen by them no matter which way the wearer is looking helps no end when they are reversing because when an employee turns their head away when they are wearing a head torch the driver can lose sight of them. RESPONSE: As a result of this suggestion, it has been successfully rolled in Scotland thanks to Robert. It is now being looked at for the rest of the UK. We currently have an additional Illumination project being undertaken across the Contracting division. This will look at options like the Halo and many more. Safe togetherSafe together Now live! SUBMITTED BY: Peter Bowden TEAM: Drivecrete IDEA: Utilise the skip maglock gate system, which restricts access under the asphalt plant skip systems, when the skip is powered and in drive. This is already in place at our Liverpool, Hulands and Back Lane plants. RESPONSE: This has now been included on our skip safety reviews at all asphalt sites across the UK, with the view to implement as soon as possible. SUBMITTED BY: Richard Ball TEAM: Fyfepave IDEA: Where lorries park at the Heathrow plant, there is a walkway that goes around the back of them. However there is nothing but a concrete pillar to stop vehicles reversing into the pedestrian walkway. We should insert rumble strips short of the barrier to alert the driver to stop.
- 7. 12 13 In progress SUBMITTED BY: Robyn Howat TEAM: Fyfepave IDEA: Bitumen delivery points are fitted with flange covers. At Peterborough these have been fitted with an alarm to alert the bitumen delivery driver to lower the cover once the delivery pipe has been fitted should they forget, and to make plant staff aware. RESPONSE: The Operational Excellence team is currently following this up with a site visit and will provide feedback, with the view to implement as best practice across the asphalt division. There is already a cross functional team that reviews bitumen systems and control measures and this will be included in their review following the site visit. SUBMITTED BY: Stuart Ellison TEAM: Greywacke IDEA: We have now completed 3D models of our sites to make it easier for visitors and new hauliers to understand the environment they are about to enter. They have been created using a free Google app that can be downloaded. In addition I am working on animated versions to assist people in finding the site from the nearest main road and for when there is a requirement to move from one location to another within the site. RESPONSE: This is a really innovative solution to help irregular visitors to our sites. It would be very useful in larger sites where there are multiple businesses and could be displayed at weighbridges or even emailed to visitors prior to arrival on site. The working transport group are picking this up with the hopes of rolling out to all sites. SUBMITTED BY: Jim Flatman TEAM: Hydro Kerb IDEA: Issue ‘Take 5’ pads to the workforce. It appears that some incidents are as a result of people rushing to carry out tasks or shift changes. If we had ‘take 5’ pads it would encourage employees to take a step back and really think about the task that they are about to carry out. Such pads have been proven successful in Australia, South Africa, and South America, encouraging people to properly assess the task that they are about to undertake. RESPONSE: Burton Concrete products are rolling out a Risk/Hazard mapping visible management tool. Hulland Ward are also reviewing their Risk Assessments. The ‘Take 5’ aspect should be discussed by the team and incorporated into the pre-shift team brief that is used by surfacing and then rolled out across the AI business. The Risk Mapping process starts the day/shift with a team brief in the Health & Safety communication zone, in front of the hazard map and this is a perfect place to incorporate the ‘Take 5’ model. SUBMITTED BY: Luke Tough TEAM: Tweed Pebbles IDEA: Use light reflective spray such as Volvo Life Paint or Glowtec UK’s product, in conjunction with our regular PPE, mainly for road Contracting colleagues at night or in low light situations. Due to its versatility it can be applied to clothing, hard hats, and fixed and mobile plant. RESPONSE: This is a fantastic product that is currently being sourced. Once we have it, we have organised for the product to be trialled on the Sheffield PFI and within our Contracting division in the South East in order to decide how it can be best used. SUBMITTED BY: Rick Harbour TEAM: Enviroblock IDEA: On all asphalt plants the outgoing gas temperature as well as the incoming should be monitored and possibly recorded. Where the latter exceeds the former an alarm can alert the operator to the potential of a fire within the baghouse. In the event of a fire in the filter house, the operator can be alerted much faster reducing the overall damage. RESPONSE: Both of these ideas are currently being tested. The environmental temperature monitoring is in progress of being rolled out to all sites with an enclosed processing plant. The baghouse monitoring is under evaluation and a pilot site is recording data to validate the effectiveness. The Operational Excellence team will continue to liaise with the site teams in order to produce a national proposal. Safe togetherSafe together
- 8. 14 15 As a company we’re committed to investing in and developing our most valuable asset – our employees. Our core principle is to be the ‘employer of choice’ in the extractives industry. In order to reach this goal we need your input. The People pillar relates to anything that impacts our employees, from training and development, HR issues and the AI advantage benefits scheme. We’ve had over 440 People together ideas so far, many of which have already been developed and implemented. These can be viewed on the together platform on Aggrenet. Quite a few are also in the process of being investigated with an aim to rolling out when developed. These are listed under ‘In Progress’. People together everyone could be given a personal one-to-one so that they could discuss any problems that they may have. RESPONSE: You are right – unfortunately the numbers of people who suffer from depression is high. Typically one-in-four people will experience a mental health issue at some point in their lives and in fact one-in-six people in the workplace suffer from some form of mental health condition. That’s why in 2013 we launched Healthy You and a big part of our strategy is to tackle the stigma and to increase our employees understanding and awareness of mental health. We now offer a half-day or a more in-depth two-day course for anyone who wishes to learn more about mental health and we encourage all managers to attend. We want employees who are experiencing issues to feel that they can talk openly to their managers about these issues and that our managers have the skills to support them appropriately. After all, if an employee is suffering then their manager is often best placed to support them at work. Outside of this, we also have the Employee Assistance programme which is a free and confidential phone service available to all employees, 24 hours a days, seven days a week. Plus through our occupational health medicals all employees have the chance to discuss any health concerns they have with the nurse in private at their biannual medical. Finally, we are also offering Mental Health First Aiders at some of our larger sites as a pilot. If this proves successful then we will roll out across other parts of our business. SUBMITTED BY: Kate Gillanders TEAM: Mepal Gold IDEA: To encourage us all to become more active we could set up a scheme where we each log our activity, for example anything from a lunchtime walk to training for a marathon, and a monetary value would be logged against it. AI would then donate the money to charity, meaning that the more that we exercise the more money is raised. We could encourage healthy competition by making the activity logs public and having a leader board with prizes/recognition for those who have increased their activity the most. RESPONSE: This is something that we offered to those Now live! SUBMITTED BY: Jamie Greenwood TEAM: Ancestry Paving IDEA: Introduce customer service training for our weighbridge staff. RESPONSE: A working group from across the business has now been set up to develop an adequate programme for weighbridge and other customer facing employees such as drivers. This working group hopes to be able to deliver their outcomes in January 2016. SUBMITTED BY: Andy Clifton TEAM: Hydrokerb IDEA: I have recently seen a documentary on TV about the high risk of depression and suicide in men. I am sure this is the same problem for women too. I suggest that in addition to the physical medical checks that are carried out by AI for the benefit of employees, we could also provide the opportunity for psychological discussions for people. Rather than provide a telephone hotline that people may be embarrassed to call, employees that joined the ‘Lighten the load’ challenge back in January of this year. We now have a total of 200 people competing against each other and logging their activity in a system via the ‘Yeti’ phone app. We also offer prizes to those that are the most successful in mini challenges throughout the year. This is actually just a trial at the moment, but should it be successful this year then we will look to open it out to all employees next year. SUBMITTED BY: Tim Saddler TEAM: : Brackendale IDEA: The vacancy list is now published on Aggrenet but several tricks are being missed. Principally, there are no postcodes so unless you know where a site name is, the list has little use without you separately having to search its location. We could develop this and include location and maps. And then when a person is looking for a job, they can register to our site detailing the role and location they are looking for and then when something becomes available they get an alert with the job details included. People together People together
- 9. 16 17 RESPONSE: As a result of this we are making changes to the vacancy section on Aggrenet. We have started to include the job descriptions alongside the vacancy – you will see more and more of these as new roles are posted. We are also looking at the possibility of including the geographic area alongside the location. SUBMITTED BY: Phil Coupland TEAM: Madoc Coping IDEA: It has been noted that there are local posters throughout sites with advice into different health checks, for example the testicular cancer advice poster that has been put up in the men’s toilet at Croft. Could there be AI-wide links with different health charities to circulate such posters for a consistent approach? This could then be expanded to enhance the link with the charity by raising money and holding events to build awareness of the cause. RESPONSE: We are running several national campaigns throughout the year which are the main health issues that affect the UK population and thus our colleagues. For each campaign we create a tool box talk, and have posters and links to charities for support. The campaigns cover the following: National Heart Month (Feb), National Walking Month (May), Cancer awareness (Summer), Stop smoking (Summer), stress and mental health (Sep/Oct). You can find information regarding this on the Healthy You portal on aggrenet https://sites. google.com/a/holcim.com/ cp-healthy-you/home In progress SUBMITTED BY: Jodie Hill TEAM: Sandstone IDEA: Many businesses now operate apprentice schemes and I am aware that we do too. However, could we offer an apprenticeship scheme for drivers? In the RMX business there is a shortage of franchisee drivers which puts added pressure on the business every day. If we could offer a driver apprenticeship scheme with on-the-job training we could entice more people into the business. RESPONSE: Driver shortages is an issue that affects the whole industry. As a result this is being looked at by all the major employers in our sector and the MPQC has recently discussed it and set up a working group to design an apprentice programme to train young drivers. SUBMITTED BY: Ed Varco TEAM: Granular Fill IDEA: AI company standard new starter training programme, tailored to the division, which includes information on AI and product awareness, as well as training on systems. This will improve the customer experience when dealing with AI employees RESPONSE: This is a good idea and one that we are looking into. We are currently reviewing our induction procedures and are working with the IT department to see how we can deliver training on systems more effectively. SUBMITTED BY: Phil Coupland TEAM: Madoc Coping IDEA: Aggregate Industries has various discount opportunities through the AI advantage website and scheme, including for gym memberships. A number of people on our team’s Together call noted that gyms in their area were rarely covered in this scheme; mainly only large national chains. Is there a possibility to include local authority leisure centres on this discount scheme? This would not only expand the range available to employees but help in the local community. RESPONSE: We are currently reviewing the corporate gym membership rates. In the meantime you can use The Gym website via the AI advantage page, where you can search a larger selection of gyms local to you sometimes with up to a 50% discount. You can find this just by logging into AI advantage and entering ‘The Gym’ in the search facility. SUBMITTED BY: Chris Clegg TEAM: Enviroblock IDEA: We should increase the frequency of our health screenings so that we can closely monitor the health of our employees. RESPONSE: As you know we currently conduct health screenings for all of our new starters, and repeat these every two years for People together People together our operational staff and three years for office based employees. As part of our contract renewal with our occupational health provider we are currently obtaining costs to increase the frequency of our medicals and also to increase the amount of health awareness/ advice that is included in this provision. SUBMITTED BY: Doug Galbraith TEAM: Litepave IDEA: Many other companies have in house ‘universities’ for training purposes. For example there is a Lafarge University, Hanson Aggregate Academy and Imerys Safety University. Such a facility could be owned by our Learning & Development team but be enhanced by other departments in the business such as Customer Excellence, Health & Safety, IT etc. RESPONSE: The idea of having our own university is a really good one and, with the merger now complete, we can tap into Lafarge’s experience of running a similar training initiative.
- 10. 18 19 Customer Excellence is at the heart of everything we do. Our culture throughout Aggregate Industries and our parent company LafargeHolcim aims to always put our customers first. Customer Excellence covers a broad range of aspects within our business such as our current sales systems and practices, marketing, strategy, pricing, sales training and development and of course customer relationships and value management. We’ve had over 500 Sell together ideas so far, many of which have already been developed and implemented. These can be viewed on the together platform on Aggrenet. Quite a few are also in the process of being investigated with an aim to rolling out when developed. These are listed under ‘In Progress’. Sell together name and the relevant sales offices that can provide the product will appear along with their contact details. This saves the customer being put on hold or passed around offices. RESPONSE: There is now a product selector tool available on Aggrenet that does exactly this. The tool has been created by the Customer Excellence team alongside input from PIT team members within the business. The tool is now live and can be found within the quicklinks section of Aggrenet. SUBMITTED BY: Alan Jenkinson TEAM: Grey Lakefell IDEA: The communication of delays/plant issues to the Sheffield PFI is currently poor. This impacts our ability to close out schemes and manage the client’s expectations. Early warning of issues via text alerts to contract managers and supervisors on the PFI would greatly improve this. The numbers are supplied to the order teams who can then keep us up to date on breakdowns and material despatch. RESPONSE: Text alerts are already available to be set up through E1, similar to those that we use internally to inform of plant breakdowns. They are best used to inform customers of delays, breakdowns, or that their material has been despatched. This can save phone calls back and forth between the customer, sales office, plant and even the driver. We have now set these up for Sheffield as requested, and any other requests should be put through to the IT service desk for assistance. SUBMITTED BY: Ben Greet TEAM: Clearway IDEA: Start selling complementary products at readymix concrete sites such as wheelbarrows, gloves etc. for collect customers to purchase these when buying their concrete. RESPONSE: This follows the Express Asphalt business model, which has proved to be really successful. We have implemented this at some readymix plants already and will continue to do so where possible throughout the business, taking into Now live! SUBMITTED BY: Jamie Greenwood TEAM: Ancestry Paving IDEA: Provide AI uniforms to weighbridge staff to maintain a professional look for customers. RESPONSE: Whilst in some parts of the business we have uniforms – for example employees in plants that might take orders and ship material – most are required to wear full branded PPE due to the environment that they are working in. Therefore Aggregate Industries polo shirts have been designed for weighbridge employees so that they are easily identifiable to our customers and are in the final stages of being ordered. SUBMITTED BY: Caroline Dale TEAM: Diamondcrete IDEA: Create and introduce a product selector tool, that can be used as an aid to our sales staff. For example when a customer calls up requiring a specific product to a certain area you can input the product consideration areas where we have a large and consistent collect customer base. SUBMITTED BY: Chris Collins TEAM: Strike IDEA: Increase product awareness with the public by having a competition on the local radio station with a reward such as driving a dumper or starting a blast in the quarry. RESPONSE: As part of an engaging advertising campaign to promote Ronez, car stickers were given out emblazoned with a new strapline for the business – ‘Part of the Island’s Foundations’. Residents then gave their registration plate and contact details to the radio stations and went about their day, and then every month a car was picked at random and the owner got the chance to push the button to fire a production blast at the quarry. This could easily be replicated elsewhere throughout the business and was a great way to get the locals talking about us. Sell together Sell together
- 11. 20 21 In progress SUBMITTED BY: Rob Westell TEAM: Industrial Sands IDEA: Implement a cross- divisional complaints logging procedure to identify large customers who may have problems with more than one product, in order to ensure that complaints are dealt with efficiently and through one point of contact. Structural currently operates its own complaints logging procedure which wouldn’t recognise whether or not the customer had problems with other AI products. RESPONSE: We have a plan to investigate a revised complaints management process this year. This is a good idea that will be included within this process when the time comes. SUBMITTED BY: Rod Holroyd TEAM: Drivecrete IDEA: The customer needs to feel they’ve had a good experience when visiting one of our sites. We almost have to be chameleon-like to change to our customers’ needs, so why don’t we try the mystery shopper approach? RESPONSE: We do actually do this within our sales offices, and a few years ago we also included weighbridges. It is a valuable experience – as a result of your suggestions we will review this and look at conducting this process again throughout 2016. SUBMITTED BY: Katie Farr TEAM: Base course IDEA: Phone hold recording that sells/promotes our products (rather than just music, or in some cases nothing). This will help to cross promote when our customers call us. RESPONSE: At present we have multiple phone systems, when we would need one phone system for this to work. We have looked at this previously, and will review it again following the move to Vodafone to see if it is feasible. SUBMITTED BY: Sally Payne TEAM: Rock products IDEA: Our current POD system costs us a lot of time and money. In the long-term, handheld electronic devices to capture signatures would be ideal, but this will take time to implement. In concrete, our current system prints out a three-fold ticket. Once the batcher has printed the ticket he retains the pink copy, the driver takes the other copies to site. Once signed the driver gives the batcher the white signed copy and keeps the yellow for himself. I believe if we add another layer to the ticket the driver can leave two copies with the batcher, one that they send to head office and one that they keep. Therefore if an invoice goes into query and the ticket can’t be found the batcher still has an original. This would save a lot of time chasing PODs up with drivers when we haven’t got them. RESPONSE: This is something that has been continually reviewed since 2005. Unfortunately it would require a substantial investment to replace the current tickets, as well investigating/introducing printers than can handle the four-part slips. We are already investigating the electronic POD idea. This is a process that could be adopted very easily if sites have a photocopier on site – white copies could be copied and stored alongside the pink. This would only work for the smaller sites as the volume of delivered tickets coming through for a site such as Bardon Hill would be impractical. Sell together Sell together SUBMITTED BY: Sally Giles TEAM: Infilta IDEA: Make the process for employees purchasing goods a lot easier than it currently is. There are no clear processes for obtaining goods and then having to arrange your own haulage is a nightmare. It is much easier and often cheaper to go direct to Jewson or Travis Perkins. We must be losing thousands to such suppliers. If this process was made simpler we would be more likely then to recommend to friends and family. RESPONSE: We will initiate a project to look at improving the way that we handle staff sales to make them a lot more appealing to staff, friends and family.
- 12. 22 23 Save together covers a broad spectrum across all of our different businesses. It focuses on making savings on the costs of running our businesses as well as exploring the possibility of adding value where the potential gains outweigh the investment. Small changes can make a big difference and Save ideas can potentially be replicated across each business for maximum benefit. We’ve had over 570 People together ideas so far, many of which have already been developed and implemented. These can be viewed on the together platform on Aggrenet. Quite a few are also in the process of being investigated with an aim to rolling out when developed. These are listed under ‘In Progress’. Save together running/idling on site whilst we wait for material to be delivered. If we used better technology such as tablets we would be able to have more accurate delivery times and be able to make an informed decision to either leave our plant running or turn it off. This would then save wear and tear and fuel for the vehicles. RESPONSE: This has been taken to the Asphalt Management team for discussion. There is now a downloadable app available that enables a customer to sign up and be notified when material has been dispatched to the site. A toolbox talk about leaving vehicles idle is also being developed for refresher training later on in the year. SUBMITTED BY: Judy Perdrisat TEAM: Granular Fill IDEA: At the moment concrete plants cannot accept full loads of cement because the silos are not big enough. This often leads to plants running out of cement, and us losing money having to order Ordinary Portland Cement for a faster delivery time which can be up to £6.00/m3 more expensive. In these instances this increase cannot be passed onto the customer because we have already agreed the price. RESPONSE: We are in the process of introducing a bulk powder best practice. As part of this, all new sites will have the larger silos to accommodate a full tanker delivery. We will also try to phase out the smaller silos that we currently have in operation – however there is limited capex so this will be done as and when we can. SUBMITTED BY: Dave Brown TEAM: Lytacrete IDEA: Develop an easy access database system for recording mechanical and electrical spare holdings across the whole business. This will enable a sharing culture, better access and quicker identification of options available in an emergency. This should be considered as an enhancement to a site’s planned preventative maintenance scheme. RESPONSE: We have now re-launched the surplus exchange that was available Now live! SUBMITTED BY: Brian Mclean TEAM: Dense Blocks IDEA: Challenge car drivers to reduce their mileage by 10% year on year. We can utilise Google Hangout video conferencing as an alternative to driving for meetings. Record the saved mileage. RESPONSE: This initiative is already in place for senior managers. However everyone should be encouraged to use alternative means of communication rather than travelling to meetings. This has health, safety and wellbeing benefits, as well as cost saving and time saving benefits. As communicated in the weekly Bulletin a couple of months ago there is now a travel saving form that can be found in the Toolkit section of the Together webpage. SUBMITTED BY: Tony Brooks TEAM: Building Sands IDEA: Quite often plant is left on brains. You will now find it in the Quicklinks section of Aggrenet. This will enable people to post any needs as well as any spares that are not required that may be used by the rest of the business. SUBMITTED BY: Ben Greet TEAM: Clearway IDEA: Use Delvo to wash out mixer trucks to reduce washout wastes produced. RESPONSE: We have now introduced Delvo at a wide range of sites for trial and comment. Following the trial and after employee feedback we will look to make the wash available for implementation across the business. Save together Save together
- 13. 24 25 In progress SUBMITTED BY: Thomas Smith TEAM: Thin surface course IDEA: There should be a centralised control of admixtures so that we know which admixes we have in stock, how much we have, and where they are located. This would help when we need to transfer admix between sites by letting us move them the shortest distance possible and allowing us to use any older stock before it passes its sell-by date. RESPONSE: This is something that we are looking to implement alongside the core development of a readymix stock system. The benefits of having a proper stocking system and better control will ensure that admixtures are appropriately supplied and ordered, and delivered as required to the desired location for use. SUBMITTED BY: Monique Allen TEAM: Sub base material IDEA: Travel management companies can provide cost savings and peace of mind in the event of emergencies and cancellations. A TMC will negotiate fares and conditions on our behalf and manage all bookings centrally. They can also offer services such as carbon reporting, event management, self booking, and out-of- hours facilities. In the past I have made hotel bookings through Venue Options yet found the same hotel at a fraction of the price myself on the internet. When challenged venue options said that their price included breakfast. Should we move to a different company and have the opportunity to book hotels with/without breakfast? RESPONSE: We do have a travel management solution in place through Egencia for rail and air and then Venue Options for hotel bookings. We are currently working to implement a new management solution that incorporates all expense into one system so that cost management and transparency is easier. At the same time we are reviewing travel management company options and will open online booking through a TMC for hotels as an alternative. Travel booking is something that fluctuates dramatically with spot deals/flexi offers. The key is that if it doesn’t seem like good value, challenge and request alternatives. A revised expenses policy is also under review and will be launched in line with the revised TMC solution. SUBMITTED BY: Judy Perdrisat TEAM: Granular Fill IDEA: As a concrete business we spend a lot of money on the disposal of waste concrete. We could purchase some steel moulds and produce blocks with the waste concrete that can then be used in other parts of the business – for example for site improvements or even sell them to other businesses. This would reduce our costs, reduce waste, and potentially generate additional income. RESPONSE: The disposal of waste concrete comes at an extremely high cost and due to the nature/lifespan of the material we are unable to sell returned loads. Utilising the concrete on site would reduce the cost of disposal and also help with repair/ redevelopment works on sites. We are currently reviewing this in the concrete business with the view to implement later on this year. SUBMITTED BY: Alex Makin TEAM: Rapid Screed IDEA: Although common purchasing practice is operated within the Procurement department, this may not be the case at site level, where the needs of the site may be viewed as more important than the necessity to achieve best cost. If we had a Procurement quick reference guide to purchasing that could be distributed to sites, they could make more informed decisions. RESPONSE: The intention is that Coupa Procure provides the main guidance on such matters, and of course contact via the P-hub. Procurement are looking to develop such quick reference guides and are as always available on the phone to provide any assistance/ answer any queries. SUBMITTED BY: Trevor Leney TEAM: Rootzone IDEA: Introduce a pre-heater to the drying process on coating plants using exhaust Save together Save together gases from the heating process in the dryer as the source of heat, before the exhaust gasses are expelled into the atmosphere. This would have a double benefit of reducing our emissions and reducing our fuel costs. RESPONSE: We are keen to adopt this idea and principle to reduce our energy usage and costs. The Operational Excellence team is currently reviewing the practicalities of implementing this and looking at the overall benefit and return on investment. This process may take a few months to work through but we are committed to working towards a solution.
- 14. 26 27 A big thank you to everyone that has so far contributed to together, especially our team leaders and mentors who play a vital part in bringing teams together to share best practice and submit ideas. together is a journey, one that will help us all to change our mindset and behaviour, breaking down barriers between sites and divisions. The results so far have been outstanding, and whilst together is still a relatively new process, its success so far proves what we can achieve when we work as one team. Cheers DOUG GALBRAITH Maintenance Manager Sharing the 5s methodology in the Southern Aggregates business SHARNA PEAKE Office Manager Innovative solutions to keep everyone up to speed in her team ANDY PALMER Estimator Suggesting we assist our customers through training them in our material specifications, a great idea that we plan to adopt PETER BOWDEN Area Operations Manager Sharing H&S best practice regarding skip safety JOANNE GIBSON Administrator Suggesting and leading a new project to consolidate our internal product training ALAN JENKINSON Contracts Co-ordinator Setting up text alerts for better communication on the Sheffield PFI JASON SMITH Factory Manager Exceptional efforts to ensure that all employees have the opportunity to take part in together JUDY PERDRISAT Internal Sales Representative Multiple great suggestions for cost saving in the concrete business JULIE ELLERBY Territory Sales Manager Innovative ideas to ensure that our sales contact details are visible to the public STUART ELLISON Operations Manager A fantastic cross promotion, resulting in a win of 140,000t of aggregate and 8000m3 concrete JAMIE GREENWOOD Sales and Logistics Manager As a result of Jamie’s idea we are now going to be rolling out branded polo shirts to all of our weighbridge staff ROBERT WELSH Plant Operative Robert led the implementation of Halo headbands in Scotland. It has been such a great success improving the safety of our colleagues, we are now hoping to introduce them to the rest of the business LUKE TOUGH Operations Supervisor Driving forward and implementing ideas submitted by his team JIM SUTHERLAND Maintenance Supervisor Innovative solution designed and built to reduce manual handling in the workshop ALAN STIRLING Shipping Manager Having a keen eye on ensuring our website is correct for customer concrete orders THOMAS SMITH Batcher Brilliant suggestion for centralised admix control ANDY SMALL, Quarry Operations Manager, Ripon Improving energy efficiency and saving costs for current dewatering equipment STUART RACE, Business Manager, Express Asphalt Suggesting and leading a new project to consolidate our internal product training THOMAS BELL Estimator, Spadeoak Introduction of UV beads now available through Tower TIM MANLEY Key Account Manager, Concrete Products Increasing the use of the Aggregate Academy for training Cheers A massive thank you to our colleagues who have helped bring together to life.