Spec Finish

READER FOCUS www.thefis.org 15 “The launch of Indeglas was funded by carefully reinvesting the profits earned in the past five years back into the business. Scottish Enterprise awarded some support funding with the artwork and concept work to define and design the new brand. The funding of our trademark protection, the design and launch of the new website, complete refurbishment of our offices and the creation of a new store and workshop have all been self-generated.” Championing light for wellbeing Wellbeing has always been a factor Jeanette is keen to champion, and she believes productivity gains will also be achieved by designing around connectivity with natural light to support mental health and resilience – factors that have been sorely tested by the effects of lockdown. Based just across the road from Cumbernauld Airport in Scotland, Indeglas is recognised by design teams and construction companies UK-wide as a trusted, knowledgeable source in advanced glass technology and systems application. “We bring solutions to engineer the transfer of natural light to the very heart of buildings, creating internal spaces which underpin general health and wellbeing whilst achieving high levels of fire, acoustic and safety properties,” said Jeanette. She believes everyone should prioritise wellbeing when it comes to building fit-outs, with glass playing a prominent role. “I would like to influence the way our work is procured and valued by demonstrating the lifecycle savings applying glass contributes, whilst also underpinning the production levels and wellbeing of every individual occupant,” she said, adding: “Architects and designers can engage more with suppliers to push the boundaries of what is possible with glass, using the flow of natural light to create interior spaces which fully promote the wellbeing and productivity of their occupants.” Just before lockdown, Jeanette’s company secured an on-going agreement to regularly inspect and maintain internal glazed screens with the University of Strathclyde, whom Jeanette cited as a good example of an organisation putting an emphasis on the future wellbeing of a building’s inhabitants. “In appreciation of the whole life value of its estate and the continued wellbeing and safety of its occupants, this type of maintenance contract emphasises the university’s core values of supporting useful learning with operational excellence,” she said. Covid-19 has had an enormous impact on contractors and suppliers within the finishes and interiors sector, and Jeanette’s business is no exception. “Minimising financial effect and controlling ongoing works has been difficult as projects in England and Scotland became affected by differing Government guidelines and it became apparent that our dedicated response and ability to work COVID-safe has not always guaranteed a quick return to ongoing projects,” she said. Staff support and wellbeing have never been more important than at this time, she stressed. “At the very outset of the lockdown owing to COVID-19, the management team at Indeglas collectively agreed to work through, and our contingency plan was implemented within two days, allowing us to work remotely with regular Zoom meetings, supporting each other through the monumental challenges which followed. The ongoing safety of our entire team always was, and continues to be, our main priority,” she said. A more reflective workforce Jeanette remains passionate about training, diversity and support for SMEs. Having been made UK Construction Week Role Model in 2018 and 2019 to help promote careers in construction to a more diverse range of people, especially females, she offers some sound advice to those entering the industry, especially in the current climate: “The word ‘construction’ which means ‘the bringing together of elements to create a new form’ unfortunately has many negative connotations for school age girls. We must adopt a new language and break down the barriers which currently deter girls and every diverse sector of the next generation entering this industry sector,” she said. “It is critical that the environment of the future is shaped and driven by a more reflective, diverse, informed community. In my experience, shaping the built environment is an exceptionally exciting, innovative and transformative process. It encompasses procurement, design, engineering, costing, managing, building and maintaining the entire built environment for every member of our population - 51% of whom are women within the UK alone. It’s little wonder that the industry is faced with such a critical skills shortage when it champions so few women and minority groups.” The future of fit-out Looking to the future, one of the key changes needed in the industry are extended payment terms and agreement on how variations are paid she said. “The complexity of contracts, coupled with the demands of tight construction programmes and challenging construction site conditions, make for a life fraught with complexity and risk,” she said. “Not being paid on the terms that have been agreed in the contract when these terms are already requiring significant upfront funding of the works is a headache, one that sometimes drives you to ask yourself why you chose this sector.” Jeanette believes all SMEs in our sector are exposed to high levels of risk because of poor payment terms and cash flow problems and that we need to keep pressing for higher industry standards. “Government and key developers need to take greater ownership of the procurement process, appointing qualified advisors to ensure good practice and building lifecycle budgeting, regulating supply chain purchasing processes and payment arrangements through engagement with the Hubs and Tier One contractors. Attention to detail and not allowing risk to cascade downwards throughout the construction sector demonstrates good corporate responsibility and has the potential to underpin long term economic stability,” said Jeanette. She praised the support offered by membership organisations like FIS, particularly over the past few months, stating: “The leadership and support provided are to be commended at every level. I look forward to meeting with people again, as soon as it is safe to do so, and believe that before too long opportunities for more of us to collaborate and share can be arranged.”