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Did you know it’s National Do Something Nice Day on Thursday 5 October? This unofficial holiday inspires people to perform random acts of kindness and make an extra effort to be kind and considerate to others.

Following our successful National Give Something Away Day competition in July, we have another cracking prize on offer thanks to our principal partnership status with Plymouth Argyle Football Club. We have a pair of tickets for the Mayflower Stand to watch Plymouth take on Swansea City Football Club in the Sky Bet Championship on Saturday 7 October (3pm KO).

Simply head over to our social media channels and follow the instructions for a chance to win the tickets. The competition is running on the following platforms:

• Retain Limited on LinkedIn
• Retain Limited on Instagram
• Retain Limited on Facebook

We will announce the lucky winner on Thursday – good luck, everyon

The Directors of Retain Limited are thrilled to reveal that the company has become a Patron of the Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce. Livewell Southwest joins us after accepting patronage at a hugely exciting time for the Chamber.

This winter marks the 210th anniversary of the Chamber – two centuries of proudly supporting the region’s businesses. So much of that longevity and success is thanks to the patrons of the Chamber, who represent some of the best-known and respected names in the local business community.

Jamie Gibbs, Retain’s Founder and Director, commented: “The Retain Limited team and I are very excited to become a Patron of the Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce.

“This patronage presents a unique opportunity for us to grow our local and regional visibility and become further connected throughout the southwest of the country.

“The patronage also offers us many opportunities to support the Devon and Plymouth business community with our unique and award-winning three-in-one services within the construction and renewable energy sectors.”

The Devon & Plymouth Chamber is delighted that two of their most well-respected members and collaborators have stepped up to become Patrons. Chamber Chief Executive Stuart Elford said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome not one, but two new Patrons to our Chamber family.

“Retain Limited and Livewell Southwest are both hugely successful and influential organisations here in the southwest.

“Through their support for the Chamber, our patrons demonstrate their commitment to the development of the economy and business throughout Devon and Plymouth.

“Our patrons will take centre stage as we look ahead to our packed events programme for the rest of 2023 and beyond. And we’re also counting down to this year’s Devon Business Show, which promises to be a true celebration of our region’s thriving business community.

“Our Patrons play a unique role in developing the future of our region, and the Chamber is far stronger with the support and Patronage of Retain Limited and Livewell Southwest.”

Patrons of the Chamber are some of the best-known and respected names in the business community. They are woven into the Chamber’s extensive lobbying activities and become one of the region’s principal voices.

In our latest team-building event, the Retain Limited team enjoyed a thrilling few hours at Plymouth Karting on a Friday afternoon. As you can imagine, the competition was very fierce, and we’ve just about recovered from our whiplash injuries! 

We had three sessions altogether, which culminated in a 20-lap final race. Our times were calculated throughout a qualifying session, and we lined up on the grid in true grand prix fashion. The adrenaline was well and truly pumping in everyone as we waited for the green lights. 

After a dramatic and incident-packed final 20 laps, our Technical Director, Darren Notman, was first across the line and through the chequered flag. Daz was followed by second-placed Sam Betts (Quantity Surveyor), and James Styles MCMI (Operations Manager) finished third. However, some of James’s tactics were questionable, to say the least! 

Ultimately, it wasn’t about who won or lost the race (although Daz would disagree!). It was about the team’s realisation that sometimes it’s good to shift gears, take a break from the spreadsheets, and be let loose in a go-kart!

Many thanks to everyone at Plymouth Karting for your hospitality – we all had a blast.

A recent Health and Safety Executive (HSE) publication reports that 135 workers in Great Britain were killed in work-related accidents in 2022/23. This was an increase of 12 fatalities (10%) from the previous year.

Also, 68 members of the public sustained fatal injuries from work-related accidents. This is a 20% decrease from the 88 deaths in 2021/22, significantly lower than the number of fatalities recorded before the COVID-19 pandemic hit our shores.

The number of fatal injuries in the workplace fluctuates year-on-year. Over the last ten years, the highest number has been 150 in 2012/13, and the lowest was 113 in 2019/2020. Whilst these numbers continue to vary, one thing remains consistent – the construction industry is the most significant contributor of fatalities each year.

The profile of fatal injuries to workers by industry sector in 2022/23 is generally similar to the profile of the last five years, with 82% of deaths in 2022/23 occurring in five industry sectors. These are:

• Construction (45 fatalities)
• Agriculture, forestry and fishing (21 fatalities)
• Manufacturing (15 fatalities)
• Transportation and storage (15 fatalities)
• Wholesale, retail, motor vehicle repair; accommodation and food services (15 fatalities)

The 45 fatal injuries in the construction industry during 2022/23 was an increase of 16 from the previous year’s total of 29. However, this difference is not statistically significant, as the five-year average for fatalities in this sector is 37.

However, when you look at the fatal injury statistics regarding the number of fatalities per 100,000 workers employed, the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector comes out as the worst.

Falls from height, being struck by a moving vehicle and being struck by a moving (including flying or falling) object continue as the three leading causes of fatal injury. They have accounted for over half of all fatal injuries yearly since at least 2001/02.

In 2022/23, a total of 40 fatal injuries were due to falls from height, which accounts for 30% of all worker deaths over the year. This represents an increase of five fatalities from the previous year.

As a professional three-in-one contractor in the construction and renewable energy sectors, all our projects are above ground level, working on industrial or commercial roofs or from scaffolding. The health and safety of our workforce are constantly at the forefront of our minds.

We are proud to have developed market-leading health and safety policies that go above and beyond the standards of the sectors we operate in. These award-winning policies have been the solid foundations on which we have successfully built our business.

We’ve been annual winners of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) Gold Award for Health and Safety since 2016. These awards fully endorse our primary objective – the continued safety of our employees.

Jamie Gibbs, Founder and Director of Retain Limited, commented: “Compared to other countries worldwide, Great Britain is regarded as one of the safest places to work.

“However, the subject of health and safety needs to be a top priority for all organisations regardless of the industry they operate in. We must ensure our workers return home to their families after a hard day’s work.”

Knowledge based on experience.

Scientists are already calculating that last month will be the hottest month on record and is likely to be the warmest month humanity has ever experienced. As heat waves and wildfires savaged many parts of Europe, Asia and North America, global heat is rising faster than attempts to counteract it.

Human-caused global warming made July 2023 hotter for four out of five people on Earth, with more than 2 billion people feeling climate change-boosted warmth daily.

Over 6.5 billion people, or 81% of the world’s population, sweated through at least one day, where climate change significantly affected the average daily temperature. This staggering fact is included in a new report published by Climate Central, a science non-profit.

Researchers observed 4,711 cities worldwide and found climate change fingerprints in 4,019 of them for July. The new study calculated that burning coal, oil and natural gas had made it three times more likely to be hotter on at least one day in those cities.

In the US, where the climate effect was most prominent in Florida, more than 244 million people felt more significant heat due to climate change during July. “We really are experiencing climate change just about everywhere,” said Climate Central Vice President for Science Andrew Pershing.

Easing the effects of global warming requires collective efforts from individuals, governments, and businesses. Businesses can significantly mitigate climate change due to their substantial influence on resource consumption, emissions, and innovation.

We have recently designed, installed and commissioned a 56kWp commercial solar energy system for YMCA Plymouth. This commercial solar energy system will help the organisation save money on their electricity bills, but, more significantly, it will help reduce the building’s carbon output by almost 11,000KG per year.

We all have a small part to play in fighting global warming, but businesses hold the key to reversing the damage already caused. If you would like to know more about the benefits of a commercial solar energy system for your business and the world, please get in touch with Alex Isted at 0800 027 2244 or alex@retainlimited.com.

Retain Limited was delighted to participate in National Give Something Away Day this year. We were provided with some fantastic prizes from our principal partners, Plymouth Argyle Football Club.

Gemma Clark was the lucky winner of local star goalkeeper Michael Cooper’s match-worn shirt, and Amber Reeves was thrilled to take Sam Cosgrove’s match-worn shirt home. Our Technical Director, Darren Notman, handed over the shirts in a special presentation box.

National Give Something Away Day, celebrated annually across the nation, brings communities together and encourages people to share their abundance with others. From small acts of kindness to grand gestures, this special occasion offers a chance for everyone to make a positive impact and spread joy far and wide.

Our congratulations go to Amber and Gemma, but we also want to acknowledge all the other hundreds of entries who didn’t win this time. There will be more competitions throughout the year, so please keep an eye out for those on our social media channels.

Everyone has a role to play when tackling the current global climate crisis, and small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are no expectation. Global warming is here and clear to see. Record temperatures were recorded here in the UK last year, and now places in Europe, such as Greece and Italy, are experiencing unbearable heatwaves, with wildfires destroying land and property.

The climate crisis has reached the point where businesses no longer have a choice about going green and ultimately achieving net zero status. It’s now quite simply a case of when rather than if.

The good news is that becoming a sustainable organisation is easier and cheaper than you think. Various financial support options are available to help SMEs become more sustainable. Here are a few possibilities you might want to consider:

UK government

Almost £5 billion of government funding is available to help UK businesses as part of its commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050. The funding will be awarded to businesses that invest in green technologies to increase energy efficiency or reduce carbon emissions.

The list is continuously being updated as new funding becomes available, so please keep an eye on the government’s green funding webpage for current openings. The website can be found here.

Also, check out the Department for Environmental, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). They run initiatives to help businesses become more sustainable, and you can sign up to receive their email alerts here.

Green loans from financial institutions

Many banks and financial institutions offer loans and products tailored to support green businesses and initiatives. These loans can be used for various purposes, such as renewable energy installations, energy efficiency improvements, or other sustainable projects.

UK banks, including Lloyds (Clean Growth Financing Initiative), NatWest (Green Loans) and HSBC (Green SME Fund), are currently offering schemes that are worth checking out.

Local authority funding

Some local authorities may offer grants or funding programs to support renewable energy projects within their control. These schemes can vary depending on your specific region, so it’s good practice to check with your local council for any available or planned funding opportunities. If you’re unsure what local authority your business falls under, just visit gov.uk/find-local-council and enter your business’s postcode.

It’s essential to thoroughly research each grant or loan scheme to understand its eligibility criteria, the application process, and any specific requirements. These schemes will have a shelf life or a certain amount of funding available, so it’s difficult to say how long they will last.

If you would like to know more about our commercial solar Pv solutions and the positive difference a renewable energy system can make to your business and the planet, please contact Retain Energy’s Alex Isted at 0800 027 2244 or alex@retainlimited.com.

The Directors of award-winning Retain Limited are thrilled to announce that they achieved the prestigious Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award. This accolade follows the ERS silver and bronze awards which were attained last year.

Achieving the Gold Award reflects our continued commitment to supporting the armed forces community in a manner that aligns with the values of the Armed Forces Covenant.

Through a three-tier approach of bronze, silver and gold, the ERS scheme acknowledges employers’ different levels of commitment. It allows the Ministry of Defence to publicly thank and reward organisations for their support.

Retain Limited is privileged to have worked closely with the Royal Marines Charity (RMA) over the last few years. The RMA is a fantastic charitable organisation that provides lifetime support to the Royal Marines Family by any means required. We are delighted to offer our support, including mentoring and career opportunities for former service personnel.

With many of our employees previously serving in the Royal Marines, including Founder and Director Jamie Gibbs and Technical Director Darren Notman, we endeavour to offer employment opportunities to help former Royal Marines and other armed forces personnel adjust to their new lives as British civilians.

Retain Limited also strives to help educate, train and create bespoke career pathways tailored to individual skill sets to enable and encourage a successful and fulfilling life post-service.

In response to receiving the ERS Gold Award, Jamie Gibbs said: “We are truly honoured to have gained ERS Gold Award status.

“This is such a proud moment for everyone associated with Retain as we receive recognition for the endeavours we employ as a business to support the armed forces and veterans community.

“To have received all three ERS awards within 18 months is a wonderful achievement and must be applauded.

“Our new gold status further demonstrates to our staff and clients that we fully support the armed forces community and are a safe and trusted employer.”

The colour gold is familiar at Retain as we have been year-on-year winners of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) Gold Award since 2016 for our ongoing commitment to health and safety.

Furthermore, we have recently announced our support for Plymouth Argyle Football Club by agreeing to be a principal sponsor for the next three seasons. A gold-coloured Retain logo appears on the Argyle playing shorts, reaffirming our gold standard in everything we do as a trusted three-in-one contractor operating in the construction and renewable energy sectors.

Knowledge based on experience.

Plymouth Argyle FC has launched their new kit for the 2023/24 season today, and we’re thrilled to see the Retain Limited logo on the back of their playing shorts. We announced that we had become a principal sponsor of Argyle back in April, and today is the day we have all been waiting for.

Those of you who are familiar with the Retain branding will notice that the logo on the shorts looks a bit different. The Retain logo is in gold, perfectly aligning with our gold approach and the gold standard in everything we do as a three-in-one contractor in the construction and renewable energy industries.

The colour gold is well acquainted at Retain as we have been year-on-year winners of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) Gold Award since 2016. This accolade reaffirms our ongoing commitment to providing first-class health and safety procedures throughout the Retain Limited group of companies.

Furthermore, we have recently applied for the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award, which encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same. We were awarded the ERS Silver Award in October 2022 and are proud to be an active Armed Forces Covenant member.

Jamie Gibbs, Founder and Director of Retain Limited, said: “The new playing kit looks fantastic, and we’re delighted to support Plymouth Argyle for the next three seasons as a principal sponsor.

“I have watched the club go from strength to strength over the last few years, and to see Argyle back in the Sky Bet Championship, with the Retain logo on their shorts, is a wonderful feeling for my team and I.

“I would like to take the opportunity to wish Steven Schumacher and his team all the best for the new season ahead of their first friendly tomorrow night against Hearts in Spain.”

Please click here to view the new Plymouth Argyle kit.

The 2023 Armed Forces Day takes place tomorrow (Saturday, 24 June), an annual event that sits very close to our hearts at Retain Limited.

Every year, the Armed Forces Day national event puts the host town or city in the spotlight, drawing national media and public interest. This year’s national event will be held in Falmouth (Cornwall) after Scarborough (North Yorkshire) hosted last year’s event.

Armed Forces Day is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to come along and show their support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community, from presently serving troops to reservists, veterans, cadets and their families.

The Plymouth Armed Forces Day, in association with Babcock, promises to be an exciting day for everyone, with Plymouth Hoe being the venue. There will be activities for all the family to enjoy and get involved in, from exploring military vehicles and equipment to tackling the Royal Marines challenging activities and the Army’s weapon displays.

Explore the dynamic displays in the Royal Navy Village and chat with the RAF recruitment teams to learn more about the wide range of careers, from aircrew to chef! Look out for the brilliant displays from the emergency services too, who will be on-hand to speak with you, offer advice, and explain how and when they use their emergency equipment.

The Veterans Village will host many interesting and interactive displays, plus a wide range of charities and organisations offering information, support and advice, including training and recruitment opportunities for ex-military personnel.

The event starts at 10:00am and families can enjoy an exciting arena programme, bands, parades, live music and the awesome junior field gun tournaments running throughout the day. The day will finish late into the evening with a free concert offering an outstanding line-up of brilliant performances to dance and sing along to, with the stunning backdrop of Plymouth Sound.

There are many ways for people, communities and organisations nationwide to show their support and get involved with many other events planned throughout the UK. We hope you can attend these events and show appreciation and respect to the armed forces community.