Recognising excellence in data centre construction

Through its partnership with Data Centre Dynamics, utility infrastructure specialist Matrix Group is sponsoring the 2023 DCD Global Awards.

The Award ceremony is taking place at London’s Park Plaza hotel on Wednesday 6th December and finalists are competing in 17 categories covering every aspect of data centre development, impact and innovation worldwide.

As a supply chain partner in the build out of data centres, Matrix Group is the exclusive sponsor of the Data Centre Construction Team of the Year Award. This category is open to any new data centre build project which has been delivered over the past 12 months. Judges are looking to shortlist teams which have overcome regulatory, supply chain, technical or other major challenges, to deliver projects on-time and on-budget.

James Smith, Managing Director of the Group’s Independent Connections Provider (ICP), Matrix Networks, is an Award judge. He said: “As an ICP with specialist capabilities working on high voltage (HV) and extra high voltage (EHV) installations, we have a keen interest in the how the landscape for data centre construction is evolving. This is the first time we’ve sponsored these Awards and from what I’ve read of the category entries so far, there are some stand out submissions which are worthy of industry recognition.”

A spokesperson for DCD added: “For 17 years, we’ve been recognising the best people, projects, and teams who put innovation at the heart of this vibrant industry sector. The DCD Awards are the most anticipated and most-talked-about awards programme that annually attracts hundreds of entries from all around the world. And ultimately, it’s the strength of our judging panel that makes us the data centre award-to-win, comprised of recognised experts from all the technical domains and disciplines.”

Supporting James in the judging process are expert panels from across the data centre industry. Category entries are now being reviewed with finalists due to be revealed in early November.

Matrix supports Olympic star in the making

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Through its Community Support Fund, utility infrastructure specialist Matrix Group is sponsoring Olympic canoe hopeful Aimee Collins as she set her sights on the 2032 Brisbane Games.

Aged 18 years old, Aimee has been working to perfect her sport since she was 10. And now thanks to her uncle, Matrix Group SHEQ Director Simon Spencer, she’s been given a financial boost to help cover the costs of her equipment and accommodation as she travels to qualifying competitions across the UK.

Rob Sparkes, CEO of Matrix Group, said: “Our Community Support Fund provides an opportunity for us help local charities, events and individuals through nominations by our employees. It embodies our values of ‘Teamwork’ and ‘Integrity’ and in Aimee’s case, celebrates her determination to achieve her ambitions.”

Aimee has recently qualified in the 2023 Junior World Championship and Junior European Championship, with the latter resulting in a Silver Medal as part of the Junior Women’s C1 Team.

Aimee added: “I’m grateful for the support I’ve received from Matrix Group. The new Racer ST tops they’ve sponsored are a much-needed addition to my kit and the funding they’ve provided for covering my accommodation costs will help with my pre-race preparation and post-race recovery.”

Matrix Group wishes Aimee every success on her journey to 2032 and will continue to cheer her along the way.

Matrix Group to exhibit at UKREiiF 2024

Utility infrastructure and network adoption specialist Matrix Group will be taking part in the UK’s Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) at the Royal Armouries Leeds, in May next year.

Exhibiting alongside 150 other companies from across the public and private sectors, Matrix is looking forward to connecting with some of the 10,000 built environment professionals who are expected to attend – including developers, investors and local authorities.

The three-day event engages people, places and businesses with the aim of accelerating and unlocking sustainable, inclusive and transformational investment across the UK. And, with Matrix Group’s interests focussed on industrial and commercial developments, data centres and high-rise residential projects, its attendance at UKREiiF promises to provide a platform for discussion around innovation and opportunity in utility infrastructure solutions.

Sunny Vij, Matrix Group Senior Business Development Manager, said: “I’ve attended UKREIIF as a delegate for the past couple of years. I know it as an event which provides the opportunity to reconnect with companies we’ve worked with before, as well as forge new relationships which might be beneficial to our future. 2024 will be our first year as an exhibitor, but I have no doubt it will be worth our investment.”

The UKREiiF event is organised by Built Environment Networking, with support from leading property and infrastructure companies. It aims to attract investments, generate economic growth, and drive a more sustainable and inclusive culture within the property and construction industries.

Keith Griffiths, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of UKREiiF, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Matrix Group to the third annual UKREiiF event. We look forward to providing them with ample opportunities to expand their client base.”

www.ukreiif.com/event/ukreiif-2024/

Matrix Group Sponsors 2023 Construction News Awards

As one of the most prestigious and coveted accolades in the construction industry, Matrix Group is proud to sponsor this year’s Construction News Awards.

The Awards recognise and reward the people, pride and passion of the construction industry and now in their 27th year, winning a Construction News Award continues to be a well-recognised badge of excellence amongst clients and peers.

More than 20 categories are open for entries, with Matrix Group sponsoring the Construction Leader of the Year. This Award is open to any leader of a construction company who can demonstrate excellence in leadership and who goes above and beyond for their business and the wider industry.

Rob Sparkes, Matrix Group CEO, said: “We celebrate and reward excellence within our own organisation, so wanted to embrace that culture in the wider industry. The Construction News Awards have firmly established themselves as a key date on the industry calendar and I’m delighted to be associated with what they stand for.”

Entries will be judged by an independent panel of more than 70 major industry figures, including Matrix Group CEO, Rob Sparkes – all of whom are keen to reward those who are passionate about driving the construction industry forward.

The deadline for submissions is Friday 10th February and can be made by following this link.

Matrix Networks Appoints New MD

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Matrix Maintains Quality Standard

Three years on from achieving Quality Management System ISO9001: 2015 for the first time, utility infrastructure provider (UIP) Matrix Networks has this month successfully passed its recertification.

Employees right across the business from the CEO, to Project Managers, to Estimators were interviewed as part of the process, providing evidence on how the Company operates and demonstrating to the Auditor an overall positive workplace culture.

The ISO standards specifically for quality management and environmental systems are key to Matrix Networks’ work in the utility infrastructure industry, where contractors can be severely penalised for not demonstrating due diligence. This renewed certification proves how seriously the UIP takes quality and is keen to see standards raised across its industry sector.

As stated by the ISO, 9001 is a standard based on a number of quality management principles, including a strong customer focus and the motivation and implication of top management. These are two areas in which Matrix Networks strives to excel and principles on which the Company was founded. In the Auditor’s report it was also commented that procedures, relationships and compliance had improved right across the business and this was a positive reflection on how colleagues are working together.

Rob Sparkes, Matrix Group CEO said: “Achieving our ISO9001:2015 recertification is extremely good news. Our business has been through and continues to go through a period of rapid growth, so to know the quality of our work is being upheld is encouraging to hear.

“Maintaining this ISO standard isn’t easy though and my thanks go to our SHEQ department for their continued commitment to quality and to all our employees for their tireless dedication and hard work.”

Matrix supports hybrid working with launch of Perkbox

Recognising the flexibility needed in supporting a new hybrid approach to working, utility infrastructure specialist Matrix Group has partnered with global employee benefits and reward platform, Perkbox.

Rolling out this autumn, Group employees will for the first time be able to access Perkbox’s new location-agnostic platform – providing a host of benefits and free resources to staff, whether they’re based in an office, on site or remotely.

Following the Covid-19 pandemic, Matrix Group like many other companies has reviewed how its employees work together and understands that a blend of working practices, hours and locations is needed to achieve the right balance of wellbeing and productivity.  With this in mind, it recognised some changes and modifications needed to be made to its business operations and one part of that, is the introduction of Perkbox.

In addition to the many money-off vouchers and discount codes for retail, entertainment and leisure activities nationwide, Matrix Group’s dedicated Perkbox portal will provide employees with access to wellness, celebration and culture hubs. Respectively these provide resources for self-help, an opportunity to recognise achievements, and a central point for the Group to share business news and information.

Annabel Joseph, Matrix Group Human Resources Manager, said: “In the short time I’ve been working at Matrix Group I could see this was a Company which genuinely cared about its employees. Like many other organisations, they’re working hard to understand what a post-Covid world looks like and how they can adapt their working practices to accommodate hybrid working.

“One of the biggest challenges faced by companies over the last 18 months has been the lack of in-person interaction and group collaboration, which would be a given in a traditional office environment.  These play a key role in supporting employee wellbeing, recognition of achievements by peers and managers, and communication in general. Accepting that working life will probably never quite be the same again, we’re embracing this change in working life at Matrix Group and the resources provided by Perkbox’s new location-agnostic platform, will help us as we navigate our way forward.”

www.perkbox.com/uk

Prioritising Mental Health Awareness

Committed to supporting the wellbeing of its employees, Matrix Networks is investing in mental health first aid training for staff at all levels across its business.

Working with delivery partners including RoSPA and Mind, and using materials provided by Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England, the rolling programme of mental health awareness training is being undertaken by Directors, Managers and employee volunteers.

Taking place through a series of online and face to face sessions, the overarching aims of the training are to improve understanding of different mental health conditions, know how to notice early warning signs in colleagues and be able to assess the best ways in which to provide support.

To date, 15 employee volunteers out of a workforce of more than 90 have attended the one day training sessions, earning their MHFA Champion accolade. While Champions are not able to diagnose conditions, through discussion and workshop sessions these employees have been equipped with simple tools they can apply when talking to others, such as ALGEE: Approach; Listen; Give support; Encourage finding help; Encourage further support.

Alex Wilson is a Business Development Manager at Matrix Group and volunteered to take part in the one day workshop. He said: “Mental Health and its effects are something I have first-hand experience of, and with this in mind I thought it would be a useful exercise for me to take part in.

“The most important technique we discussed on the course was that of listening, no judgment, just listen and be there when somebody wants to talk. We discussed the different issues that may be troubling people, resulting in stress, depression, or anxiety. We all need to remember, it’s OK to not be OK.”

It’s estimated that one in four people will experience mental health issues in any given year and to date, a community of around 4 million people in the UK have been mental health trained. Rob Sparkes, Matrix Group CEO added: “Mental health awareness has become a big part of our business. We’ve already engaged in a number of mental health awareness initiatives this year, but as this training demonstrates, looking after our mental health takes more than an awareness week, it’s relevant every day.

“I’m pleased so many of our employees have wanted to take part in the full day’s training and I know the support they’ll provide as MHFA Champions will be invaluable.”

MHFA England’s vision is to improve the mental health of the nation by creating societal change so we can all talk freely about mental health and offer and seek support when we need it.  This will be achieved by its mission to train at least 1:10 of the adult population in mental health knowledge and skills.  MHFA England offers a number of face-to-face, online and digital training options to increase mental health awareness, knowledge and skills, including the internationally licensed product, Mental Health First Aid.  This course provides people with the skills and confidence to recognise the signs and symptoms of common mental health issues, start a conversation, and effectively guide a person towards the right support, be that self-help or professional services.

More information about MHFA England and its courses can be found at mhfaengland.org or by emailing [email protected].

 

 

Purfleet 338 contract secured for Matrix

Matrix Networks has been appointed by Goodman to design and install multi-utility connections for the new Purfleet 338 logistics development at Purfleet Commercial Park in Thurrock.

The Independent Connections Provider has been commissioned by its long-standing client following a competitive tender process to supply electricity, gas and water connections for the eight-hectare site located within half a mile of junction 30/31 of the M25.

Matrix Networks will be installing a 11kV, 4MVA metered electricity supply, medium pressure gas main and a 1l/s water supply for the new commercial park, which will comprise 338,267 sq ft of strategically-located logistics space.

The highly sustainable development will be delivered to a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ specification and will include roof-mounted solar photovoltaics (PV), solar thermal hot water, rainwater harvesting, infrastructure for electric vehicle fleets and smart metering, helping customers to achieve energy and cost savings.

Rob Sparkes, Matrix Networks Group CEO, said: “We’ve worked with Goodman since we were first established in 2007. We value our long-standing relationship with them and continue to work hard to deliver on our promises, working closely with their consultant team.

“Purfleet 338 is a fantastic win for us, and we’re pleased to be associated with a development which so clearly has sustainability at its heart. While we’re responsible for installing the multi-utility infrastructure required to bring this development to life, we’ll be doing so in the knowledge that on-site energy consumption will be considered by all users.”

“Designed for those operating across e-commerce, retail and third-party logistics, where connectivity is crucial in distributing products to increasingly time sensitive consumers, it will provide high-quality and well-located space to serve customers across London and the South East.”

Matrix Networks is due to start utility-infrastructure works on site in the Summer, working to achieve energisation by Spring 2022.

Matrix to switch to fully electric car fleet

Utility infrastructure specialist, Matrix Networks Group will be switching its company car fleet to battery electric vehicles from June 1st 2021.

The change in stance is part of the Company’s plan to operate as a carbon neutral business within the next decade. This is in line with the Government’s plan for achieving a carbon neutral economy by 2050 and for all vehicles to be zero emissions by 2035 (1).

Cars are currently leased by Matrix Networks Group for employees and by switching to zero emission alternatives, the Company hopes to cut its carbon emissions by 29 tonnes, based on data from its existing corporate fleet. There is also future scope for its fleet of commercial vehicles to join the electric revolution, delivering further savings for the business and the environment.

Rob Sparkes, Matrix Networks Group CEO, said: “The Government has made its 10 Point Plan clear for achieving carbon net zero by 2050, and with further findings published by the IEA this week (2) about the benefits to be gained from switching to clean energy sources, the need for us all to take action on climate change is clear.

“Switching our company car fleet to fully electric vehicles is just one step along our own journey to operate as a carbon neutral business. It’s the collective effort however of the same small steps being made by so many others, which will ultimately help us all achieve our goal.”

More than 239,000 zero emission battery electric vehicles are now on the road in the UK, supported by more than 45,000 charging points nationwide (3). Rob continued: “The choice for battery electric vehicles is broadening all the time and its encouraging to see how infrastructure across the country is changing to support this. And, from the point of view of our own business as an Independent Connections Provider and Independent Distribution Networks Operator, we’re seeing an increasing number of contracts asking for Electric Vehicle Charging (EVC) points to be installed, as more Developers and Main Contractors opt to make this facility available.”

Matrix Networks’ new fleet will be gradually introduced as the agreements on its existing vehicles come up for renewal. A variety of different makes and models will be leased by the Company according to need and suitability for individual employees and EV charging points will be installed where possible at its offices in Warrington, Northampton and Slough.

 

1: The Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution
2: IEA: Pathway to critical and formidable goal of net-zero emissions by 2050
3: RAC: The Road to Electric, April 2021

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