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Four Benefits of a Great Coffee Break For Construction Firms

Few things are more universally associated with work than coffee. Roughly two-thirds of workers regularly drink coffee at work, and coffee breaks have been a standard part of most workplaces since the early 1900s.¹

Every day, construction workers across the country climb into their mobile welfare units and drink coffee. But according to research, they’re not just enjoying the spacious setting – they’re doing something actively beneficial to your business.

Here are four ways regular coffee breaks help construction sites thrive:

1. Problem solving

We all know the feeling: you can’t figure something out, so you take a coffee break. And when you come back to the problem, the answer is suddenly just there. But there is now actual scientific evidence to support this. 

Just 10 minutes of downtime increases the likelihood an individual will come up with innovative insights². Coffee breaks give workers an opportunity to stop thinking about work, which is often when the best solutions and ideas appear.

Put simply: coffee breaks an essential tool for construction sites that need more creativity.

Kelling Group Onsite Mental Health - Staff Welfare on Construction Sites

2. Social connections

Few things are more important for construction sites than social connections. From improving employee mental health to building better team dynamics, the benefits of increased social connection are numerous – and coffee breaks are a vital part of that. 

81% of workers say coffee breaks help them forge stronger relationships with their colleagues³. With the right mobile welfare unit to provide space and comfort, teams can share a drink and get to know each other better.

Put simply: coffee breaks are a vital social glue for construction workforces.

3. Employee health

Health and safety are among the biggest concerns for construction workers. While coffee may not appear an obvious factor here, there is a surprisingly large body of research suggesting coffee does have positive health effects.

A meta analysis from the BMJ reports that coffee is “beneficial for almost everything, as long as you’re not pregnant.⁴” Which means simply taking a few coffee breaks in a mobile welfare unit each day actually helps improve your employees’ health.

Put simply: coffee breaks help support a healthy lifestyle for construction workers.

4. Improve cognitive performance

Most coffee drinkers certainly feel their morning coffee helps them think better. But the scientific consensus suggests it’s not just drinking coffee – though that does increase alertness and physical energy. ⁵

Instead, much of the perceived benefit of drinking coffee is tied to rest. Coffee breaks allow workers to “reset”, which supports both concentration and engagement. As a result, their cognitive performance improves, productivity increases and they are less likely to make a mistake onsite.

Put simply: coffee breaks help your workers stay sharp and switched on.

Welfare Hire Supports Better Coffee Breaks

While coffee breaks are positive in-themselves, workers still need a good space to take them in. Many welfare units are simply too small to fit a full team. But with extra-large internal space and comfortable seating, Welfare Hire’s range of mobile welfare units are the perfect setting for a coffee break. We even supply the coffee with our kitchen Welcome Packs as standard too!

Want to learn how our welfare units could improve your site?

CONTACT SALES TODAY
1.https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-09-29/a-brief-history-of-the-office-coffee-break
2.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30388441/
3.https://www.nespresso.com/ecom/medias/sys_master/public/12586979590174/Coffee-in-the-Workplace-UK.pdf
4.https://www.bmj.com/content/362/bmj.k3185 5.https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/caffeine#:~:text=Caffeine%20is%20well%20absorbed%20by,last%20up%20to%2012%20hours.

For more opportunities to partner together, check out our other company, Access Hire Nationwide, the UK’s leading hirer of vehicle mounted access platforms. Kelling Group is a leading provider of specialist access, welfare and lighting equipment hire and services to key infrastructure and construction sectors.

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Service & Breakdown Controller

Type: Permanent, Full-time

Working hours:  Mon – Fri, 8am – 5pm.

Job Function: As part of both the Welfare Hire Service and Breakdown Teams, you will be a central point of contact for our customers, building great working relationships and product knowledge which you will use to translate your customers’ requirements.

Reporting to: Service and Recharge Manager

Liaising with: Depot Managers, Field Service Engineers, Customers, 3rd Party Garages, Suppliers, Operations Teams and Hire Desk Manager

The ideal candidate will be an excellent team player, be flexible, with effective planning and organisation skills and have a strong attention to detail. They will be a confident communicator with a professional telephone manner, being comfortable talking to customers through a diverse mix of sectors. They will be excellent at problem solving, able to handle complaints effectively and develop successful relationships with customers & colleagues.

Responsibilities:

  • Receiving breakdown calls and providing solutions by liaising with the relevant suppliers/engineering support for all equipment. Proactively booking servicing from incoming calls, emails, or alerts through our internal ordering system.
  • Communicating effectively with customers and colleagues giving regular progress updates on vehicle repair status, providing a helpful and friendly point of contact. You will be an ambassador for our “Customer First” culture, resolving any issues quickly and keeping our customers informed, so that they feel truly valued.
  • Allocation of unit/light breakdowns to Field Service Engineers.
  • Efficiently scheduling routine servicing to Field Service Engineers.
  • Daily communication with Servicing Contractors to ensure servicing is booked accurately, therefore minimizing credits, missed services and invoice queries.
  • Ensuring the accurate administration of waste notes and orders, maintaining system and paperwork accuracy and ensure that this is completed in a timely and accurate manner internally and externally. To ensure all records are maintained on Syrinx.
  • Ensure vehicle downtime is kept to an absolute minimum.
  • Proactively documenting Customer complaints as per the company Complaints Procedure.
  • Provide a high level of accuracy and detail on all records created within Syrinx.
  • Follow company’s Employee handbook policies and procedures.
  • Any other duties requested by your manager to support the business.

Requirements:

  • Experience in a similar role (desirable, full training will be provided)
  • Proven ability to work to targets and deadlines.
  • Strong communication skills; both verbal and written.
  • A professional and polite approach to Customer Services, ensuring accuracy of information and ensuring that all parties are effectively communicated with.
  • Excellent self-organisation and attention to detail, to ensure accurate document management.
  • Ability to work closely with colleagues at all levels and build rapport with internal and external customers.
  • Sound Analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Good PC skills including use of Outlook, Word & Excel.

For more information on this position, please apply today with your latest CV hr@kellinggroup.com

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Senior Fleet & Transport Controller

Type: Permanent, Full Time

Working hours:  Mon – Fri, 08.00 – 17.00

Job Function: Overseeing and contributing to the day-to-day support of the fleet & transport department. You will be responsible for any schedule changes whilst using our own resources and those of 3rd parties when necessary. The Senior Fleet & Transport Controller will be responsible for the training and development of new and existing staff regarding processes and procedures whilst offering guidance and support.

Reporting to: Hire Desk Manager

Liaising with: Senior Hire Controller, Hire Controllers, Operations, Customers, Sales, Subcontractors, Depot & Head Office Staff.

The ideal candidate will have good communication skills, excellent planning, and organisation capabilities along with strong attention to detail and accuracy, previous experience in a similar role and looking to make the next step on their career journey.

Responsibilities:

  • Ensure the Fleet & Transport team functions to build great working relationships internally and externally.
  • Ensure staffing levels are appropriate to the volume of work, also maintain and safeguard the correct balance of productivity.
  • Keeping and maintaining accurate correct data regarding everything pertaining to a fleet.
  • Managing Fleet capacity and de -fleet information in a timely manner.
  • Maintain awareness and drive performance to ensure high levels of performance, accurate administration work, along with reviewing and actioning where necessary with the guidance of the Hire Desk Manager
  • To appraise Transport process and communicate 3 quote rules.
  • Ensure efficient allocation of fleet whilst understand cost impact and operational impact.
  • Liaising effectively with wider teams across both businesses.
  • Ensuring that high levels of customer service are always maintained. An ambassador for “Customer First”.
  • Developing a strong sense of customer ownership, being fully conversant with all aspects of the relevant customer requirement and process.
  • Working to deadlines and the ability to prioritise and manage changing workflows.
  • Maintain and safeguard the correct balance of productivity.
  • Oversee and resolve any issues regarding fleet.
  • Work closely with the wider department, reviewing process and procedures and adopting collective best practice.
  • Review working process and bring change as and were required.
  • Compile and provide weekly reports for the board of directors.
  • Training new members of staff on the correct processes and procedures, being on hand for any first line queries from the team before relaying to the Hire Desk Manager
  • Carry out and complete HR duties where necessary for the Fleet and Transport team, e.g. absence reporting, performance monitoring etc.
  • Follow company’s Employee handbook policies and procedures.
  • Any other ad-hoc duties.

Requirements:

  • At least 2 years experience in Fleet & Transport or a similar role.
  • Strategic planning abilities.
  • Strong communication skills.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Highly organised self-starter
  • Ability to prioritise and delegate where necessary
  • Ability to remain calm under pressure.
  • Strong IT skills including Microsoft office.

For more information on this position, please apply today with your latest CV hr@kellinggroup.com

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Welfare Hire Receives ESG Accreditation to Inspire Customer Confidence

Measurement is an essential part of any effective carbon reduction strategy. From improving your ESG score to reaching net zero, leaders must know how each procurement decision impacts their environmental goals.

But what kind of data should you look for? And how can you be confident it is accurate?

At Welfare Hire, our mission is not simply to supply the best fleet of mobile ECO welfare units and tower lights – we want to build lasting relationships with our customers based on trust. And that is why we’re so excited to announce our recent accreditation from Sustainable Advantage.

An intelligent approach to Sustainable Advantage

Sustainable Advantage are industry leaders for ESG due diligence in the infrastructure, energy and waste sectors. They have particular expertise in carbon handprint reporting and data validation, assessing industry vendors’ claims about their products’ carbon emissions.

This made them the perfect candidate to independently verify Welfare Hire’s empirical data – and provide an impartial judgement for our partners to refer to.

And the verdict is…

Through a rigorous due diligence process, Sustainable Advantage analysed ​​Welfare Hire’s empirical volumetric data recorded on the performance of their mobile ECO welfare units and benchmarked it against other eco welfare units in the market. 

Here is what they had to say:

“Sustainable Advantage are pleased to be able to verify Welfare Hire’s carbon handprint. The calculations demonstrate to customers that by choosing Welfare Hire products, significant emissions are saved, resulting in a reduced environmental impact.”

Michael Warwick, Head of Net Zero

This should come as no surprise: with empirical data amassed from the recording of actual volumetric data for our units across hundreds of thousands of real project days, Welfare Hire is in a unique position to offer the most robust and qualified volumetric data in this field. But having this fact independently verified by such a respected organisation helps qualify the integrity and value in this.

Download Sustainable Advantage Report

Moving forward with confidence

We believe this accreditation will be a positive moment for the core infrastructure sectors we operate in. The ability to source strategic equipment like mobile welfare units and tower lights with full confidence that they will improve your ESG score should inspire more decisive action towards net zero – which is a core part of what Welfare Hire exists to deliver.

Our Eco Calculator is a vital tool for any contractors or clients looking to improve their ESG score, reduce their carbon emissions or gain clarity on what using our equipment would mean for their project:

Try our eco calculator

Want to start meeting your ESG goals faster?

SPEAK TO OUR EXPERT TEAM TODAY

For more opportunities to partner together, check out our other company, Access Hire Nationwide, the UK’s leading hirer of vehicle mounted access platforms. Kelling Group is a leading provider of specialist access, welfare and lighting equipment hire and services to key infrastructure and construction sectors.

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Regional Sales Manager Scotland

Type: Permanent, Full-time

Working hours:  Mon – Fri, 8am – 5pm.

Job Function: Deliver growth targets, maximise sales revenue and opportunities with accounts and prospects in your region. Supporting National Account Managers on developing key strategic accounts at site and project level in your territory. Working closely with existing Senior Sales Team helping to steer the sales focus and support company strategic objectives.

Reporting to: Senior Sales Team / National Account Manager

Liaising with: Senior Sales Team, Hire/Service Support Controllers, Business Intelligence Analyst, Accounts Dept.

The ideal candidate will have previous experience in a similar role coupled with excellent communication and organisational skills. The individual will have a proven track record in Sales and New Business Development, within either the welfare or affiliated sectors with the ability to build credible, lasting relationships to ensure long-term strategic growth.

Responsibilities:

  • Develop new business and existing customers in line with budget requirements and the strategic plan
  • Comply with approved sales process when qualifying prospects, nurturing leads, and identifying opportunities to produce budgeted order conversion ratio
  • Prepare and deliver customer regional sales plans to maximise profitable revenue growth and compliment company objectives whilst managing customer expectations
  • Comply with company guidelines regarding the maintenance and updating of customer contact databases (CRM)
  • Promote the Kelling Group brand and core values to maintain market leading image
  • Develop strong network of contacts within key accounts and project teams
  • Any other tasks commensurate with this post

Requirements:

Overview:

Welfare Hire Nationwide Ltd is the market leader in mobile ECO welfare and lighting, with the largest and most modern fleet in the UK. Following significant investment, the business is continuing to expand and is currently recruiting for a Regional Sales Manager to join the sales team covering Scotland and supporting our existing Senior Sales Team. This role will suit an ambitious, dynamic salesperson capable of developing new business opportunities and optimizing sales growth in line with strategic objectives. This is a customer facing, field-based role targeted on new business development from prospects, as well as developing and maintaining a base of existing customers.

You will identify new business and develop relationships with target customers to maximise all opportunities with the portfolio of Welfare Hire Nationwide. You will have the ability to understand the client’s needs and be able to introduce WHN’s innovative, value added proposition. You will keep in regular contact with your customer base using the CRM system and customer plans so that progress can be maintained and monitored.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for a target-driven sales hunter with account management capabilities. You must have a proven track record in Sales and New Business Development, within either the welfare or affiliated sectors, however the right aptitude and work ethic is more important than direct sector experience. You will have the ability to build credible, lasting relationships to ensure long-term, sustainable strategic growth. Project pipeline and new business planning is a key skill you will be required to demonstrate. You must be an excellent and confident communicator with the ability to sell value-added, differentiated products.

The role benefits include a competitive salary and very attractive bonus scheme and benefits package.

For more information on this position, please apply today with your latest CV hr@kellinggroup.com

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How Should UK Businesses Adapt to Climate Change Acceleration?

The window for a smooth transition to net zero is closing fast. That’s according to the latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change¹, which warns that environmental risks are increasing more quickly than scientists previously expected. 

Recording-breaking weather events are becoming more common – just look at Europe’s recent spate of extreme heat waves. Such events will continue to affect supply chains and drive public demand for more decisive action. 

But what does this mean for the UK’s construction firms in the short-term?

Companies face greater scrutiny

Construction has made huge efforts in recent years. Firms have been under extreme pressure to change their operating models to reduce carbon emissions, and recent reports suggest the majority have made strong progress².

This is down to a number of key factors – from widespread efforts to increase the use of renewables to the introduction of carbon-saving strategic equipment like mobile welfare units and mobile tower lights. 

However, the revelation that climate change is accelerating can only increase the pressure on construction firms. A recent pledge to eliminate 78% of diesel from construction by 2035³ is positive news, but many argue this is not enough. One report earlier this year claimed that the UK had “lost a decade” in its battle against climate change – and construction must act fast to catch up.

Net zero goals won’t change – but firms must

The current net zero deadline of 2050 is unlikely to change. This doesn’t mean the pressure to decarbonise will not increase though. With some firms already claiming they will reach net zero in the next few years⁴, the commercial and reputational damage of not acting will soon become clear.

This could manifest in multiple ways, including:

  • Losing out on government contracts, as net zero firms are treated preferentially
  • Rising costs, as experts warn of future taxes on carbon emitting supply chains⁵
  • Lack of investment, as measurable progress on ESG is increasingly expected

The question is no longer whether construction leaders will respond to reports of climate change acceleration – it’s how they can do so faster than competing firms.

Light Towers on Construction Site

3. Three ways to respond to climate acceleration

1. Focus on measurement

As Richard Robinson, deputy co-chair of the Construction Leadership Council, says: climate progress is made through measurement⁶. Leaders need to quantify their current emissions and understand exactly how each change to their strategic approach will affect their environmental impact. This is especially important for avoiding offshoring of emissions via tier 3 suppliers.

At Welfare Hire, we’ve created a useful tool to enable such quantification. It offers a transparent measure of the effect each of our mobile welfare units and mobile tower lights will have on your emissions:

2. Scrutinise your vendors

From the materials you use to the mobile welfare unit on your site, the supply chain is construction’s achilles heel when it comes to carbon emissions. Leaders must carefully scrutinise every vendor they work with, and ask them how they are planning to reduce their own emissions.

Wherever possible, leaders should opt to partner exclusively with companies that are able to offer clear readings on their products’ emissions. This will make planning far easier, and enable you to map out a faster path to net zero.

Try our eco calculator

3. Find strategic partners

Climate change acceleration demands faster net zero efforts. But for most firms, this will only be possible with innovation. Staying on top of cutting-edge technology trends is challenging though, especially across the numerous areas that impact construction firms’ emissions. 

Strategic partners like Welfare Hire are therefore vital. We pride ourselves not only on supplying our customers with eco-friendly mobile welfare units and lighting towers, but keeping them abreast of changes in the industry – and making sure they benefit from every new innovation that comes to market.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PARTNERSHIP WITH KELLING GROUP?

CONTACT SALES TODAY
1.https://www.ipcc.ch/report/sixth-assessment-report-cycle/
2.https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/which-construction-companies-are-on-track-to-meet-their-net-zero-targets-07-02-2023/
3.https://www.constructionleadershipcouncil.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/CLC-Press-Release-05-June-2023-Diesel-to-disappear-from-most-construction-sites-by-2035-under-new-plan.pdf
4.https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/which-construction-companies-are-on-track-to-meet-their-net-zero-targets-07-02-2023/
5.https://www.building.co.uk/comment/a-carbon-border-tax-is-essential-to-prevent-the-offshoring-of-emissions/5122700.article
6.https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/sections/news/on-the-ground-net-zero-progress-is-made-by-measurement-29-06-2023/


For more opportunities to partner together, check out our other company, Access Hire Nationwide, the UK’s leading hirer of vehicle mounted access platforms. Kelling Group is a leading provider of specialist access, welfare and lighting equipment hire and services to key infrastructure and construction sectors.

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Depot Engineer – Monmouth

Type: Permanent, Full-time

Working hours:  Mon – Fri, 40 hours, overtime available.

Job Function: To provide in depot maintenance.

Reporting to: Depot Manager.

Liaising with: Depot Managers, Field Service Engineers, Drivers & Valeters.

The ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic, attention to detail and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities:

  • Carry out in house repairs and fault diagnosis on equipment, including but not limited to;
    • Chassis and brakes
    • Diesel generators
    • Diesel heaters
    • Towing mechanisms
    • Water heaters
    • Hydraulic pumps
    • Electric modules
    • Paining/Spraying
    • Bodywork
  • Carry out planned maintenance for all equipment in the depot.
  • Ensure optimum parts stock level is achieved, always maintain and review.
  • Allocation of any parts used on to the works mobile tablet.
  • Correctly process all jobs on the works mobile tablet and in a timely manner.
  • Provide back-up support in other areas and depots.
  • Ensure work area is kept clean, tidy and maintained at all times.
  • Follow company’s Employee handbook policies and procedures.

Requirements:

  • Experience in a similar role.
  • Good communication skills.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Ability to work alone or as a team.

For more information on this position, please apply today with your latest CV hr@kellinggroup.com

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Hire Desk Controller

Type: Permanent, Full-time

Working hours:  Mon – Fri, 8am – 5pm.

Job Function: To be a central point of contact for our customers building great working relationships and product knowledge which you will use to translate your customers’ requirements into hire products and services that meet their needs, whilst also maximising sales opportunities.

Reporting to: Senior Hire Controller

Liaising with: Drivers, Operations Managers, Depot Managers.

The ideal candidate will be an excellent team player with effective administration, planning and organisation skills with strong attention to detail and accuracy. Good communication skills whilst being comfortable talking to customers through a diverse mix of sectors about their need to hire equipment.

Responsibilities:

  • Receiving hire enquiries via telephone, email, and our internal ordering system.
  • Coordinating with the depots and transport teams to ensure that our fleet is ready and delivered to customer sites.
  • Communicating effectively with other colleagues and providing a helpful and friendly point of contact.
  • Ensuring the accurate administration of contracts and orders, maintaining system and paperwork accuracy and ensure that this is completed in a timely and accurate manner.
  • Building great working relationships and product knowledge which you will use to translate your customers’ requirements.
  • You will be an ambassador for our “Customer First” culture, resolving any issues quickly and keeping our customers informed, so that they feel truly valued.
  • Develop and maintain knowledge of the Company’s equipment for hire or sale.
  • Communicate effectively with our Business Development Mangers while supporting their customer base.
  • Follow company’s Employee handbook policies and procedures.

Requirements:

  • 2 year+ Sales and Hire Desk experience.
  • Proven ability to work to targets and deadlines.
  • Strong communication skills; both verbal and written.
  • A professional and polite approach to Customer Services, ensuring accuracy of information and ensuring that all parties are effectively communicated with.
  • Excellent self-organisation and attention to detail, to ensure accurate document management.
  • Ability to work closely with colleagues at all levels and build rapport with internal and external customers.
  • Flexible and self-motivated, able to work as part of a team, supporting colleagues.
  • Sound Analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Good IT literacy for production of presentation.

For more information on this position, please apply today with your latest CV hr@kellinggroup.com

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Van Driver – Monmouth

 

Location: Monmouth

Type: Permanent, Full-time

Working hours:  40 hours.

Job Function: To provide timeous professional delivery/collection of welfare vans to/from site.

Reporting to: Depot Manager.

Liaising with: Customers, Depot Staff and Hire Desk administrators.

The ideal candidate will have good communication skills, will have excellent planning journey skills.

Responsibilities:

  • Driving company vans to and from premises.
  • Carry out daily vehicle checks and reporting any defects. (Including correct manufacturers service intervals are adhered to
  • Ensure that the company’s health and safety policy and procedures are adhered to in relation to all operations.
  • Follow company’s Employee handbook policies and procedures.
  • Prepare vans for hire, including the valeting, testing and inspecting of welfare vans.
  • Any other duties requested by your Manager.

Requirements:

  • Experience in a similar role.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Attention to detail.
  • 2 years driving experience on a UK driving licence.
  • Be always polite and well-mannered.

For more information on this position, please apply today with your latest CV to hr@kellinggroup.com

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Field Service Engineer

Type: Permanent, Full-time

Working hours:  40 hours.

Job Function: To provide on-site engineering support.

Reporting to: Service Controller, Depot Manager

Liaising with: Customers, Depot Managers, Customer Service Engineers, Service Controllers.

The ideal candidate will have good communication skills and a good understanding of the importance of excellent customer service.

Responsibilities:

  • Implement routine servicing schedule for all equipment out on customer sites.
  • Attend breakdowns on site, fault diagnosis and correct rectification.
  • Carry out planned maintenance for all equipment out on customer sites.
  • Ensure optimum van parts stock level is achieved, always maintained and reviewed.
  • Allocation of any parts used on to the works mobile tablet.
  • Correctly process all jobs on the works mobile tablet and in a timely manner.
  • Report any potential customer recharges to the Service Controller.
  • Provide back-up support in other areas and depots.
  • Ensure company vehicle is kept clean, tidy and maintained as per the manufacturer’s guidelines at all times.
  • Follow company’s Employee handbook policies and procedures.

Requirements:

  • Experience in a similar role.
  • Driving license.
  • Experience with relevant mechanical knowledge of Electrical and hydraulic systems.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Flexible with regards to travel, tasks performed and working hours.
  • Excellent time keeping.

  • For more information on this position, please apply today with your latest CV to hr@kellinggroup.com