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Hythe Fabrication Services – a New Addition to Hythe Group of Companies

Post author By admin
Post date November 29, 2021

Josh Mathias appoints Scott Fitzgerald to head up his new company Hythe Fabrication Services

The Hythe Group of Companies is on a journey of continuous innovation. Listening to the needs of customers, the industry, and the insight of employees that are leaders in their respective fields is bringing forward new avenues for the business.

In their most recent move, Hythe Group’s Managing Director Josh Mathias has established a new company: Hythe Fabrication Services (HFS). Utilising decades of industry experience and the multifaceted skill of the workforce within Hythe Group Companies, HFS will expand the Group’s clientele and capabilities.

Josh has appointed Scott Fitzgerald to lead this new venture. We spoke with Scott to find out more about his career, expertise and motivations behind the new fabrication services company.

Introducing Scott Fitzgerald – Head of Operations at Hythe Fabrication Services

With over twenty years of roofing and cladding experience behind him, Scott’s existing industry reputation and knowledge gives HFS a solid foundation on which to grow the business. His career took him on projects all over the world, including leading a twelve-person-strong workforce for twelve years.

Scott is highly skilled in all aspects of cladding. From rain screen facades, to twin skin, composite, and trochal membrane roofing, he has the experience and knowledge to lead the new company on all manner of projects. Scott commented, “Every job is different, which pushes you to develop and learn with every project you do.” There’s no challenge that Scott won’t take on, and it’s this attitude that’s led to his success and reputation within the industry.

Speaking on what Scott will bring to this venture, Josh said, “Scott brings knowledge and experience within the roofing industry. He has run large teams and large projects within this sector and has the drive, reputation and capabilities to give a start-up the push it needs to get it off the floor.”

Vision and Goals for the New Company

The idea for HFS started with Scott, which he then took to Hythe Marine Services’ (HMS) Director Of Value Engineering Luke Fitzgerald. After discussing with Luke, they sat down with Josh to look into the feasibility and numbers. They came to the conclusion that it was a worthwhile venture for the Hythe Group of Companies.

Scott explained, “Having the Group in the background of HFS was a no-brainer. What they can offer ticked all of the boxes, and the company’s reputations are an added reassurance for our future customers. HMS’ services and the team’s experience behind us puts HFS a league above the rest.”

Josh recalled, “When Scott and Luke approached me I was intrigued. Scott has worked within Hythe Marines organisation before, and his work ethic and enthusiasm, as per his brother Luke, fits perfectly within the culture driven by the Group. The Group’s purpose is to develop environments or businesses for people to grow with and this approach has worked with Hythe Building Services and I have no doubt it will work with Hythe Fabrication Services. I look forward to building a business around Scott’s capabilities and using the Group structure to develop him, and the team that we’ll build as the company grows.“

But it’s not a one-sided deal. HFS will open the doors for more projects for HMS and the other companies, particularly on the commercial side. First and foremost, Scott is prioritising quality. He wants to establish a class one reputation by hunting for the best of the best when it comes to materials, and ensuring everything used has long guarantees. This quality-led mindset, alongside utilising his existing client base and industry reputation puts HFS in a very strong starting position.

In terms of projects, the new company’s workload will largely consist of industrial buildings and domestic flats. However, the team are looking forward to the challenge of taking on whatever comes through the door.

What is Josh Mathias’ vision for Hythe Fabrication Services?

“We see many issues on-site, with late or incorrect deliveries, empty promises, repeated errors and poor quality finishes. The end clients or users need the reliability and quality and the ability to absorb reactive work at the same standards. This is the direction HFS will focus on in its infant years, building upon this reputation. During this time, the Hythe Group managing company will help develop the processes, education and teams to a level where the HFS management team are planning and building the company’s future.”

– Josh Mathias, Managing Director, Hythe Group

The Advantages for Employees and Customers

For existing employees of HMS and other companies of the Hythe Group, this new business brings exciting opportunities for the future. Most notably, an increased workload and ability to learn or develop skills in different applications. The skills within HMS will be essential to the success of HFS. Particularly the welders as they’ll be regularly helping out when the fabrication team are creating bespoke corners.

As a company that recognises the importance of apprentices in retaining skill, this new business has the potential to increase the number of apprenticeships being offered. Existing apprentices may also see themselves learning new skills, gaining new qualifications or working on projects they otherwise might not have been able to.

When asked whether the new company will bring new opportunities for staff, Josh told us, “Of course! Hythe Group offers efficiencies around time, cost and experience, to support and develop existing and new operating businesses. The group will provide guidance and focus on aligning the operating companies; we want the people within each business to grow and develop the companies. Naturally, businesses will cross over in specific capabilities, but it’s about working together to offer the client the best experience. Marine and Building services are already highlighting this capability. I am confident Hythe Fabrication Services will be bringing work to both their doors and the other way around.”

For future and existing clients of the Group, there are endless benefits. HFS will increase the services the companies can provide. Where a customer may have had to go elsewhere for metal fabrication as part of a project, it will now be available in one place.

Contact us to find out more about our fabrication services.

The Man Behind Hythe Building Services’ Electrical Services Division

Post author By admin
Post date November 8, 2021

A Conversation With Adventure-Seeker and Family Man Neil Mellor

Hythe Building Services (HBS) recently established an in-house electrical services division. Heading up this process and department as Electrical Operations Manager is Neil Mellor. Neil will utilise over twenty years of industry experience and his well-respected reputation to grow the division.

Speaking on the reasons behind the introduction of electrical services for HBS, Neil explained, “We are bringing in-house the ability to deliver the entire Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) package, as a collaborative team effort, all from a single source. This allows us to streamline the design and coordination of both disciplines, leading to greater efficiency and allowing us to build stronger relationships with our customers.”

Neil will oversee the whole process of the electrical division. From finding new clients, getting enquiries, pricing enquiries, managing the bid process, right through to managing the team that will deliver those projects to clients.

To celebrate the new collaboration, we chatted to Neil to find out more about him, his career, and his goals for HBS Electrical.

Introducing Neil Mellor

Outside of work, Neil is kept very busy by his two daughters, aged four and eighteen months. As his girls take up the majority of his time, Neil and his partner’s hobbies and pursuits tend to revolve around getting the family outdoors as much as he can. However, he still makes sure to find the time to play 5-a-side football with his friends.

Neil’s long list of passions all centre around spending time outside. Whether it’s time in the mountains in Wales or the Lake District, rock climbing, motocross racing or kayaking, he’s always up for the next adventure.

In fact, Neil has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro! Between a team of forty people, they raised a quarter of a million pounds for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance. Leading up to the event, Neil spent a year volunteering for the Air Ambulance service, supporting events and holding collection buckets to raise money.

Neil’s Electrical Services Career and Projects

In 2000, Neil took his first steps in the electrical industry as a trainee project manager and electrical apprentice. After completing chose to stay with the business and work his way up through the ranks, eventually becoming Supervisor.

Under his role as Supervisor, he ran one of the company’s largest projects – a large Transit Mess at the Duke of Gloucester Barracks in Cirencester. The successful completion of the project kicked off his journey into management. Neil was offered a role as a Contract Manager in 2008, managing teams of anywhere from fourteen to twenty-four people every week. But he didn’t stop there – Neil also became the qualifying supervisor for NICEIC compliance.

In 2015, Neil joined a large M&E company – J&B Hopkins. The move meant he could get involved in large-scale projects over the one-million-pound bracket, further developing his commercial and financial awareness of project management.

When working for J&B Hopkins, Neil worked on a variety of projects ranging from one and a half to five-million pound combined M&E value projects. These were mainly in commercial and residential projects, such as retirement villages, secondary schools, primary schools, and hospices. Here are some key examples from throughout his career:

Testing Labs for Panasonic Avionics
Building testing labs for Panasonic Avionics, where they test the electrical equipment that goes on planes. Like the marine industry, electricals in avionics work at vastly different voltages and frequencies used in standard installations on land. So, the TV’s, audio systems, and other electronics are required to be tested in a lab.

CHP Roll-Out for Tescos Stores
Being involved in the rollout of energy-saving CHP (combined heating and power) units at Tescos stores across the south of England. These were basically large turbocharged V8 car engines running on natural gas to produce the heating for the store while generating electricity as a by-product and also feeding back into the National Grid.

Seventy-Three Property Private Retirement Village
Project managed the delivery of Luxury retirement village, Bishop Stoke in Eastleigh, from a mechanical and electrical perspective over two and a half years – including the expansion of the current energy centre to include additional plant and distribution and CHP to feed a district heating system serving blocks and individual residences

New Hospice Facility for St Wilfred’s Hospice in Bosham
This project involved the building of a bespoke new building for the charity that provide essential end of life care for patients who were currently working out of a dated facility that couldn’t cope with the high demand for beds. The project included full building-wide DALI lighting controls, centralised emergency lighting systems, state of the art nurse call systems and bespoke medical bedhead trunking designed in conjunction with the client and Cableflow

Town Centre Redevelopment in Addlestone, Surrey
A complete redevelopment of Addlestone town centre in Surrey. They demolished all the buildings around the council offices and built a new shopping centre and a huge residential development. It was a three-year project building the backbone infrastructure and a new energy centre, as the development was heated by district heating systems.

The Old Rectory – A Twenty-Six Million Pound House in Wimbledon
Working on the complete refurbishment and extension of a twenty-six million pound house in Wimbledon called the Old Rectory (previously owned by Henry VIII!).

Neil said, “This was a really good project to work on for two years. The walls were covered in tapestries and artwork, the ceilings were intricately corniced and the wood in the house was wonky and curved as it was built out of timber from old ships.”

The Significance of Reputation in The Building and Electrical Services Industry

It’s evident that reputation is incredibly important in any industry. Building on this, Neil explained, “Reputation is one of the hardest things to earn and harder still to regain if lost. But just as important, and what goes hand in hand with it, is honesty. If you’re not honest, you’ll never gain a good reputation. We’re looking to be the company, client’s trust, and we want to secure repeat work as people want to work with us, not just because it’s the best price on a sheet of four quotes.”

We also discussed what Neil sees as the characteristics of a strong electrical services team. He explained that having engineering at the heart of our drive to do the best job we can do makes us strong. Alongside this, it’s crucial to rely on and pass on our wealth of industry experience to the team – existing and new.

Neil is hoping to use his existing reputation to be the company people want to come to because of the open communication and the collaborative nature, working toward the shared goal of getting the job done.

What Makes HBS Electrical Stand Out?

As part of the Hythe Group of Companies, the marine industry background runs strong through the heart of the company. The backing of the Group and Hythe Marine Services is at the core of HBS’ quality. Neil explained, “The first thing I tell anyone when they ask about the company is that the pedigree of this service is born out of the marine services, the dockyard, and the Navy. It’s those sorts of values that mean we can really push the quality for our electrical services customers.”

Speaking on company growth, Neil said, “I want to try and grow the division organically. This means bringing people through and developing their skills, so you’ve got that complete buy-in of people who are passionate about the businesses success. I also want it to be collaborative, by creating an environment where everyone feels they can speak up. I’d be a fool if I sat here and said I couldn’t learn something new from someone who’d just joined the industry.”

Having in-house electrical services allows HBS to make sure a turn-key solution for M&E is provided to customers. The client receives a fully coordinated product, with a guarantee of quality as nothing can fall between the cracks of the services.

Contact us to find out more, or click here to connect with Neil on LinkedIn.

How to Make the Most of Your Apprenticeship

Post author By admin
Post date April 30, 2021

Becoming an apprentice is a valuable move in a young persons’ career, allowing you to learn from industry experts alongside formal education. But knowing how to make the most of your apprenticeship, and squeezing everything you can from the opportunity is what makes the real difference.

As most apprentices are new to the working world, they may not know all the tricks for getting ahead in their career. Following these tips will help you make a mark on the company you’re learning with, and succeed in your industry.

How to Make the Most of Your Apprenticeship

1. Ask Questions, Listen, and Show Willingness to Learn

Apprenticeships allow you to learn directly from skilled workers with decades of experience and industry expertise.

Throughout your apprenticeship, actively listen to your colleagues, ask questions every day and learn how they do things.

The senior team at Hythe Group fully recognises the importance of training the next generation of workers.

Senior Weld Inspector Paul Stone commented, “The younger generation is the future of Hythe Group. We’ve got to try and push the younger generation. If you didn’t have the youngsters coming through and learning the skills of the trades, the company would crumble.”

2. Accept and Go After Every Available Opportunity

As well as your apprenticeship qualifications, there will most likely be other certifications you can go after. This could be driving lessons, a new skill within your own trade, or a qualification for a separate trade.

Saying yes to every available opportunity will ensure you complete your apprenticeship with well-rounded knowledge, and the documentation to go with it.

“We strive to make an apprenticeship unique within the group of companies. We have numerous trades and believe that an apprentice should spend time across all skill sets. By the end of an apprenticeship, each student should have a primary and secondary trade with the ability, if required, to touch on other skill sets to ensure the business can keep the teams dynamic. We believe in keeping the workforce engaged and constantly developing. Carrying out an apprenticeship within Hythe Group turns the students into invaluable members of the business and extremely employable to the industry if they choose to move on.”

– Josh Mathias, Managing Director at Hythe Group.

Wondering what an apprenticeship at Hythe Group is like? Check out this interview with one of Hythe Group’s very first apprentices: A Careers Starter: Hythe Marine Services Apprenticeship Scheme

3. Positive Attitude and Self-Confidence

Stepping into an unfamiliar environment where you’re starting from scratch is daunting.

As an apprentice, people aren’t expecting you to go into the job knowing exactly what to do. Many of the workers started as apprentices themselves, so they’re fully aware things can get confusing, and tiring, and apprentices will make mistakes.

Remember that things can and will go wrong. What shows real determination is maintaining a positive attitude in the face of adversity.

Being confident, polite and friendly to your colleagues shows that you’re there to learn and you’ll quickly become a crucial part of the team.

4. Be Proactive About Your Mistakes

When something goes wrong, proactively resolve the issue and find out what caused it.

Failing should be a positive experience, you need to make mistakes, learn rejection, learn from re-work and difficult situations. It’s not just about a skill; it’s about interaction, communication and behaviour.

On your learning journey, it’s completely expected that you’ll make mistakes. Admitting when you’ve gone wrong and learning how to fix the problem for the next time is one of the best ways to learn.

And if you’re not sure why the problem occurred, ask a senior employee the following questions:

What might have caused it
How to avoid it
How to fix it

Apprenticeship FAQs

How to Find an Apprenticeship?

Apply directly with a company – Hythe Group has an internal application process
Through your school or college
Through UCAS: UCAS Apprenticeship Finder
Search through the government website: Find an apprenticeship with gov.uk

Can You Get an Apprenticeship With No Experience?

In most cases, no formal experience is required as apprentices will usually be coming straight from education. In England, apprenticeships use a Level system to determine the education requirements for a particular apprenticeship. Almost all apprenticeships will require GCSEs, and you may be required to have A-Levels or a full or partial degree for some higher-level apprenticeships.

That’s a wrap on our tips for How to Make the Most of Your Apprenticeship!

Interested in becoming a Hythe Group apprentice? Head to our Apprentice page here for more information: Hythe Group Apprenticeships

A Year on With Hythe HOSMU Storage and Distribution Solutions

Post author By admin
Post date February 25, 2021

HOSMU airport winter resilience storage and distribution solutions

One year after Hythe HOSMU was formed, we take a look at the companies storage and distribution solutions projects, the challenges faced, and goals for the future.

In their first year, Hythe HOSMU installed a modular self-help system at Heathrow Airport. This system allows for the distribution, deployment and return of equipment, coupled with the safe, measured and effective dispensing of de-icing media. We discuss the challenges and wins of this crucial winter resilience project at one of the world’s busiest airports.

But before we get into it, what exactly does Hythe HOSMU do?

An Introduction to Hythe HOSMU

Back in 2019, HOSMU was formed to support the mass production of bespoke modular units. These units enable the efficient storage, distribution and deployment of self-help tools, plus aircraft stand and roadway clearing equipment.

HOSMU is part of the Hythe Group. What sets it apart from the other companies within the group is its capability to design, develop and install bespoke and tailored storage and distribution solutions specific to clients’ operational requirements.

Specialising in Aviation and Rail projects, HOSMU compliments the group’s proven strength and experience in providing Marine and Building Services.

Storage and Distribution Solutions for Heathrow’s Winter Resilience

Previous winters had seen the deterioration of the pre-existing winter resilience solution at Heathrow, coupled with inadequate storage for grit and de-icer.

Hythe HOSMU provided Heathrow’s Winter Operations team with a one-stop location for important tools and necessary equipment. The project aided the safe and efficient turnaround of aircraft on stands, while keeping airside roads and pathways clear.

The innovative HOSMU self-help solution we manufactured provides the consolidated and organised storage of essential winter resilience tools and stand clearing equipment. De-icing products are now distributed safely and with precision.

“We’re delighted to report that following the recent snowy conditions our HOSMU custom made modular units have successfully improved operational effectiveness during a ‘snow event’ airside at Heathrow Airport.” – Neil Robinson

What Did the Project Involve?

Following a period of consultancy and development of the project brief, the HOSMU system installation provided an innovative four-part solution.

This included a consolidated single collection point for essential winter resilience operating equipment and the management of stand waste, combined with winter media storage and distribution.

Forty-eight key airside locations were identified across the terminals, including aircraft stands, pathways, roadways and control posts. These key locations were provided with the requisite modular parts to provide winter resilience tool storage and effective, consolidated housing and distribution for snow and ice clearing media in use across the entire site.

Each custom made component features an RFID asset management and inspection system. The system regularly records inspections and reduces the need for maintenance and equipment replenishment commonly associated with winter operational use.

During an intensive period of prototyping and feedback, HOSMU presented Heathrow with nine client-driven revised prototypes. To ensure quality throughout the project, each step incorporated feedback gathered from presentation and review at airside events and consultations with the winter operations team.

What Was the Biggest Challenge HOSMU Faced and How Was it Overcome?

In addition to understanding, overcoming and changing behavioural and methodological operational airside practices in Winter, perhaps the biggest challenge faced by the HOSMU team was providing a solution to safely store and dispense the winter de-icing media commonly known as ‘Prill’.

Prill is a pelletised form of de-icing media formed by the congealing of a liquid and it provides a safe and effective way to rapidly de-ice and melt ice and snow. It robustly stays in place when deployed ahead of a ‘snow event.’ Prill is packaged in 25-kilogram bags which, once opened and left exposed to the elements or moisture, hardens and is wasted. Hundreds of kilos of prill were often squandered during winter due to bags being partially used or stored ineffectively in grit bins or left exposed to the elements.

The key was to develop a modular unit capable of being able to receive an entire bag of prill at a safe lifting height and then dispense a specified amount determined by the user, depending on the surface to be treated.

Nine concept prototypes were developed by the HOSMU team offering a range of solutions. After a sustained period of testing the final ‘media Hopper’ design was approved by Airfield operations and following two winters has proven a success. It uses a unique mechanism to ensure the prill is dispensed in its pelletised form, even if it has solidified within the hopper, or has been added to the hopper in a solidified form.

How Has the Installation Changed Life for the Winter Resilience Team?

“HOSMU’s custom solution has taken our outdated self-help tools and media storage and provided airfield operations with an innovative and robust concept ready to tackle the snow events we manage each winter, helping to keep the airport fully operational…”

– Winter Operations Manager at Heathrow

For the first time airside at any airport, all winter self-help equipment is in one easy to use modular system at key locations.

Winter operational efficiencies were vastly improved during the recent snow events at Heathrow. Notifiable asset management and inspection systems are in place with each component. As a result, the need for maintenance and equipment replenishment associated with winter operational use is reduced.

The HOSMU now provides a clearly identifiable, branded focal point for the organisation and storage of the equipment and winter media. It also ensures operational equipment is returned, reducing the likelihood of trip hazards and lowering the need for tool replenishment. The units are also used as a mechanism to promote safety messages, like the ‘safety 6’, to the airside community.

What’s next for Hythe HOSMU?

HOSMU are ready to present their winter resilience solution to the wider airport community and other industries with a winter resilience requirement.

The team have also been developing four additional components. These allow for totally consolidated equipment storage on stands and airside at airports. Including; bollard bin clamps, cone and trolley storage, sawdust storage for minor spills and a tiered approach to chock storage.

HOSMU‘s storage and distribution solutions will give ramp users a one-stop location for all equipment associated with the safe and efficient turnaround of aircraft. It also provides stakeholders with the necessary self-help tools to carry out their roles.

The HOSMU modular concept can be tailored to any industrial operational requirement

Contact our team to discuss HOSMU’s storage and distribution solutions capabilities for your upcoming projects.

Hythe Group Introduce a New Joinery and Carpentry Workshop

Post author By admin
Post date May 13, 2020

Meet Peter Barker and Mike Budd

Hythe Group have opened up a brand new workshop specifically for woodworking projects. To find out more we spoke to experienced carpenters Peter Barker and Mike Budd, who recently joined the Hythe team.

Peter and Mike first worked with Hythe Marine Services (HMS) in May 2019, as contractors on a project for the Royal Navy’s Hunt Class minesweepers. After seeing their skill and work ethic, HMS offered them permanent roles within Hythe Group and in September 2019 they joined the team full-time.

The new joinery workshop

Hythe Marine Services’ shop floor previously focused solely on metalwork and fabrication. Metal welders and fabricators often work in cold environments, whereas woodwork requires a warm, dry workshop. Combining these two crafts under the same roof would have posed a potential fire hazard (between the sparks of welding and the wood shavings of joinery work) and so the decision was made to keep the two workshops apart.

As a result, Hythe Group built a brand new workshop designed especially for woodwork, which is spacious, warm, clean and well-lit.

New team members Peter Barker and Mike Budd

Both Peter and Mike obtained their NVQ Levels 1,2, and 3 in Carpentry and Joinery whilst completing apprenticeships at shipyard companies. Throughout their careers, they have worked for numerous businesses within the marine engineering industry.

Since his apprenticeship, Mike built a wealth of experience and skill working for A&P Shipcare, Sunseekers, Harris Pye Marine, Trimline, and BSA building and maintenance. During Mike’s time at A&P Shipcare, he worked on deck heads and bulkheads, built cradles for the ships

to sit on, was part of the team dry docking ships and was involved in stripping out cabins.

Whilst working with various businesses, such as BAE Systems, Peter gained invaluable industry knowledge which he brought to HMS. Peter also spent time working for luxury yacht companies like Oyster and Compass Tenders. Throughout his time at Compass Tenders, Peter built and moulded high-end superyacht tenders from scratch, such as the Jupiter tender for their superyacht ‘Alisail’.

Prior to joining Hythe Group, Peter and Mike were working at the same company. Peter told us about a fantastic antique yacht he worked on during his time there. “I worked at a classic boatyard in Germany where we re-planked an antique boat from scratch. We used American cedar inboard plank and mahogany exterior plank, and the joinery consisted of old school scarf joints or for oak frames we used brass screws. It was traditional boat building in a very prestigious boatyard. A great project to be a part of.”

Through their previous company, Mike and Peter worked for Sunseekers on interior subfloors, roofing and decking. Interior fit-outs were always to an impeccably high standard. They recalled being in awe at the sheer size of the superyachts, and their unbelievable features like gyms and even cinemas!

“The work that we do is really rewarding because ultimately, the end result is on display for everyone to see. Having worked with superyachts and other high-end clients, the standards are extremely high and the finishes must be top-notch. It’s great to finish a project and see all that hard work on display,” Mike Budd.

What does this mean for Hythe Marine Services?

With the new workshop, Hythe Marine Services can now provide custom high-quality joinery and carpentry services to the marine industry. This is a new in-house capability for Hythe Group, and they look forward to the different nature of projects it will bring.

Since starting with HMS in September, Pete and Mike have been busy working on some exciting woodwork projects. These will usually begin with a drawing, cutting list and edging and finish with bespoke, handmade items that meet customer’s exact requirements. These projects include custom wardrobes with built-in beds, radiator covers and bathroom utility units. After drawing up designs for one customer, they built a bespoke kitchen suite using tongue and groove vertical lines.

Mike commented: “Hythe Marine Services do exceptional work but it’s usually behind the scenes and hidden once the end product is completed. Our work is the final product, minus the finish, so it has to be perfect before leaving the workshop.”

In the future, Pete and Mike are looking to do more woodwork for Royal Navy carriers, such as their cabin refits, bar tops and workspaces and are also hoping to expand within the building side of the business. Their diverse careers have given them a wide-ranging skillset which enables them to adapt to anything. Their skills go beyond woodwork to mechanical fitting and installations, with Mike and Pete often helping out with bulkheads, tracks and deckheads. They also spent a lot of time last year working on the HMS Queen Elizabeth adding hinges to fire doors.

The new joinery workshop is now up and running within Hythe Marine Services. A great benefit to Hythe Group is the new workshop can also assist Building services on their projects where required. The new team with Peter and Mike is there to support the turnkey solutions HMS require. This gives customers the added ease of a one-stop-shop for their projects.

To find out more about how our bespoke woodworking services can help your next project, contact us here!

HYTHE HOSMU PROVIDES STORAGE & DISTRIBUTION SOLUTIONS FOR HEATHROW AIRPORT

Post author By admin
Post date May 1, 2020

Who and what is HOSMU?

HOSMU is a Hythe Group company which was introduced to support the mass production of custom metal fabrication projects, providing innovative solutions to customers’ storage and distribution challenges.

The HOSMU concept was developed in partnership with Heathrow Airfield Operations, the safety and workplace supplier, Our Soles Ltd. and proven engineering specialists, Hythe Marine Services (HMS).

The resulting turnkey solution is a concept driven, manufacturing business capable of designing, delivering and implementing consolidated and organised storage of essential resilience equipment.

This process has been designed to give customers the highest quality solutions, based on Hythe Marine Services knowledge and experience from the marine sector, including cost efficiencies and speed of a production line.

The Heathrow Airport project

Hythe HOSMU was installed airside at Heathrow Airport in readiness for winter 2019/20. The installation provided a new solution for a consolidated, single point of collection, for essential winter resilience operating equipment.

Operational efficiencies are instantly improved by placing all equipment into one modular system (situated in multiple locations airside) which ensure self-help snow and ice clearance equipment is organised and readily available. By providing a clear focal point for organistaion and storage HOSMU ensures operational equipment is returned, reducing the likelihood of trip hazards whilst lowering the need for tool replenishment.

The HOSMU for each stand or airside location is assembled depending upon the footprint and operational requirements of the area. Each unit can contain a number of functions such as:

Winter operations locker
Winter media distribution hopper
FOD (Foreign Object Debris) and POL (Polluted waste) wheelie bin storage

What was the problem Heathrow Airport’s winter resilience team faced?

You might be wondering what winter resilience really means? Heathrow has a team specifically dedicated to winter operations and they are entrusted to plan, prepare and manage robust strategies and resources for effective winter resilience. This may concern the shocks and stresses of winter weather, such as snow and ice, which impact airport operations.

Heathrow provides a number of useful tools and consumables which are kept in strategic areas of the airport for use by stakeholders and contractors as ‘self-help’. This ensures the safe passage of working areas in the event of ice or snow.

Heathrow had previously been using open mesh steel cages to house self-help equipment (brooms, shovels, scoops and buckets) and HDPE bins for the storage of winter media (grit and prilled de-icer) for in-situ distribution when required.

The open mesh steel cages offered no protection from the elements, nor did they provide any dedicated space for each of the self-help items to be kept in an organised fashion. Items were routinely being tarnished by exposure to the elements or lost in use.

In addition the HDPE bins were proving inadequate to store bags of prilled de-icer, especially when they had been partially used due to the products requirement to be kept dry at all times. Therefore a solution was required to enable safe, dry storage of the prill and grit allowing for accessible dispensing without any deterioration of the media or risk of manual handling issues – as grit or prill were lifted out of the bins in bulk, or scooped out from the bin whilst bending.

During a routine meeting with the Heathrow Winter Operations team to discuss the provision of PPE and safety workplace supplies (specifically related to the self-help clearance of Snow) Neil Robinson, managing director of Our Soles, was asked to provide concepts for robust self-help equipment that could develop innovative solutions to enable the safe storage and distribution of the items.

Why was Hythe Marine chosen to solve the problem?

Neil has been servicing Hythe Marine with safety kit and uniforms for almost a decade. During this time his relationship with key personnel within Hythe Marine Services has grown, as has his understanding of their capabilities related to turnkey projects. Neil’s experience watching HMS work made Hythe Group the perfect partner for this task. The project was reliant upon Hythes Marine’s metal fabrication and engineering skill set, and familiarity with bespoke problem solving, to ensure delivery of a robust, elegant and effective solution.

How did HMS solve the problem?

The brief was as follows:

Manufacture a storage unit whereby all self-help tools could be safely stored and easily accessed.
Design a hopper capable of dispensing prilled de-icer and grit without jamming whilst ensuring the disposal of media doesn’t involve any unnecessary bending or lifting
Design a bin clamping mechanism to keep wheelie bins located airside and locked into one location
Make the component parts modular

Following a number of meetings between key personnel the requisite self-help products to be housed in the locker were decided upon and each of the media. Prilled De-Icer and Aviation Grit were analysed for their mechanical properties to enable prototype hoppers to be developed. A shadow-boarded ‘locker’ was quickly developed that would effectively, safely and securely keep the tools shielded from the adverse weather conditions and ready for use when required.

The ‘Hopper’ was more of a challenge. After multiple trials of the media (particularly the prilled de-icer) in cold, wet, warm and dry simulated environments, and experimenting with numerous dispensing mechanisms, HMS Technical Director Luke Fitgerald and Operations Manager Greg Strange finally developed a solution. This is now in effective operation at Heathrow, dispensing media reliably, safely and accurately.

Following multiple prototypes, client led revisions and design developments the final HOSMU locker prototype was produced in time for presentation at the Summer Airside safety event in May 2019. At the event it was presented to the airside community for feedback as well as the winter operations team for approval.

What was difficult about the bespoke requirements of this project?

This project was different to others Hythe Marine Services is used to due to the requirement for airside stand locations and proximity to aircraft. Numerous operational safety considerations needed to be adhered to in order to enable a safe and robust solution to exist airside. The most tricky element was the design and mechanism of the hopper, specifically for prill which is a notoriously difficult media to work with.

This is what led to the pioneering bespoke hopper design. All modular component parts have been bespokely manufactured to the original brief.

What is difficult to adhere to airport regulations?

Numerous operational safety instructions exist for contractors working airside at Heathrow of which HOSMU are proud to have complied with in delivering this project.

Specific safety management systems were built to assist the project in complying with HOSMU’s obligations to the project Risk and Method Statements, control and procedures for aerodrome works.

Adherence to ground operations in terms of use of personal protective equipment, airside cleanliness and FOD management in accordance with the airport operations plan, alongside our commitment to environmental management and sustainability, all featured as part of the project delivery.

Future Development Plans for HOSMU?

To provide additional operational resource and further reduce hazards in operational areas, we are proposing the following additional equipment storage:

Cone and Cone trolley storage
Sawdust storage for minor spills
A tiered approach to chock storage

This will give ramp users a one-stop location for all equipment associated with the safe and efficient turnaround of aircraft, as well as providing our stakeholders with the necessary tools to carry out their role.

University of Portsmouth Installation

Post author By admin
Post date May 1, 2020

Hythe Building Services designed and delivered the Mechanical services for this prestigious project with Kier Construction for Portsmouth University.

The Hythe Building Services team stripped out all existing Domestic, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Services and installed a completely new system that included new wash hand basins within the new Consultant rooms, a VAV system complete with heating coils to control the optimum environment within the teaching spaces, intricate BMS modifications to incorporate the new systems onto the existing BMS Schnieder infrastructure.

The project was a great success and Hythe went on to secure and deliver two other extremely time sensitive projects with Kier for The University of Portsmouth, our relationship with Kier and the University continues to flourish.

Hythe Group – Where it all began

Post author By admin
Post date April 29, 2020

Today, Hythe Group specialise in the provision of premium design and engineering services. The Group operates globally within a variety of industries such as building, commercial, marine as well as the storage and distribution sector.

But where did Hythe Group begin?

A little history

The original business, Hythe Marine Services (HMS), are renowned worldwide for their work on bespoke design and engineering services. As HMS developed a strong reputation within the marine sector, demand for their design and engineering services started to diversify beyond that of the marine market.

At this time the company’s sole focus was not on growth, or being the biggest company within the industry, speak with Hythe Group Director Josh Mathias and he will tell you it’s all about being the best at what you do, that reputation for delivering unrivaled quality and service is far more valuable than purely chasing market domination.

Having said that, in 2016 a highly motivated team within HMS pitched the idea of separating the company into two entities. One side would continue operating within the marine sector and the other would focus wholly on the building industry to meet growing demand. They saw a requirement to take on small prefabrication and installation packages for larger companies, who held a major part of contracts. The demand was clear, these larger companies were over stretched and needed a reliable, flexible and motivated team to take care of the problem. Josh Mathias commented that, “funnily enough this attitude towards work was how Hythe Marine Services was built and is what continues to ensure its growth today.”

Anyone who’s done it will tell you that the thought of starting a new business is daunting. However when it became clear there was an opportunity for slow, controlled growth, and high demand for quality labour within the commercial sector, expansion seemed to be a good and progressive option. And so in 2016, the team took the leap and Hythe Pipe Services was born, which later got rebranded as Hythe Building Services in 2019.

“It’s largely because of that team that the idea became a reality. Today the foundations have become even stronger by bringing in like minded people to help drive the company in the correct direction at a controllable rate.” Josh Mathias | Director |Hythe Group

Today Hythe Building Services (HBS) specialise in bespoke pipework, welding, fabrication and design services within the industrial, commercial and public sectors. For HBS to succeed, in this new and extremely competitive market, the team focused predominantly on controlled growth and the maintenance of Hythe Group’s reputation with solid client relationships and outstanding project deliverance.

Three years later, in 2019, Hythe HOSMU was formed. This division within Hythe Group is a concept driven manufacturing business capable of designing, manufacturing and implementing consolidated and organised mass storage and distribution solutions. The team specialise in providing bespoke solutions to unique storage and distribution challenges, access limitations and/or functional hurdles.

Hythe HOSMU was developed in partnership with Our Soles Ltd. and Heathrow Airport, to provide bespoke storage and distribution solutions to Heathrow’s winter resilience team. Although this is the youngest company within Hythe Group, HOSMU will soon begin to take on larger projects of mass-produced and bespoke items, using its knowledge from the marine fabrication sector to fast track its quality and set up.

“Hythe Group were the perfect team to choose for the Heathrow project. I had seen how diverse their skills in metal fabrication and engineering really were, skills that were essential for the bespoke nature of the Heathrow Airport project.” Neil Robinson | Managing Director | Our Soles Ltd.

After the creation of Hythe HOSMU Josh decided it was time to group the companies together and link them all under one umbrella. The overarching Hythe Group brand now allows for the promotion of each company’s diverse skill set through one single platform.

The role of the team

A unique advantage for Hythe Group businesses is the ability to create brand new companies using existing team members. Hythe Marine employee capabilities are recognised globally for their quality service, high standards, unique skills and attention to detail. These characteristics have carried through to the newer companies and employees.

Many team members have worked together for decades, harking back to when HMS was under previous titles Avrotech Design and Mathon Engineering. These long term employees of Hythe Group are known by name with industry-leading organisations, such as the Royal Navy, Babcock, BAE systems and the Ministry of Defence.

The small team who came up with the idea to split HMS into marine and building divisions are a great example of the Hythe Group mentality. It was because of their knowledge and dedication that the idea became a reality. Since then, the foundations have become even stronger by bringing in like-minded people to help drive the company in the correct direction.

We asked Josh Mathias about the team dynamic at Hythe Group: “The entire group at all levels enjoy improving themselves. The senior workforce is happy to pass on their knowledge to our apprentices and it’s great to watch them support the younger generation by passing on their knowledge within specific trades. In years to come, these apprentices are going to be highly skilled in multiple disciplines, making them the future must-haves hybrid traders of the industry.”

Group diversity

The staff turnover at Hythe Group is almost non-existent. Because of this, there are ever-growing amounts of in-house knowledge to continue the overall goal of upskilling and developing the workforce throughout the group.

Creating Hythe Group has made the company extremely versatile in applying their core skill sets. The workforce are able to comfortably move around to meet demand due to their wide-ranging experience. Despite being standalone companies, Hythe Group’s integrated teams ensure they are able to assist each other in periods of high or low demand.

Team members are used to following incredibly strict policies and procedures. As a result the group is renowned for their ability to complete demanding turnkey projects in what are usually very short time scales.

What comes next?

An inevitable result of carrying out quality work and building strong relationships is an increase in demand. Hythe Group predicts the continued natural growth of each business for the coming years. This will be managed by selecting the right companies to work with, by taking on turnkey projects and supporting a growing workforce.

Hythe Group’s immediate focus is the development of each business within the group, working to solidify their foundations, maintain the Hythe brand reputation and grow at a controllable rate. But most importantly, Hythe Group will ensure both the workforce and their clients are being looked after.

To discuss how Hythe Group can assist with your next project?

Hythe Marine Services Achieves CE Accreditation for Structural Steelwork

Post author By admin
Post date April 9, 2020

The CE accreditation marking of construction products became mandatory in the summer of 2014 at which time fabricators were legally required to demonstrate compliance with BS EN 1090, a required European standard for the execution of steel and aluminium structures and construction products. The associated accreditation falls under the UK Construction Products Regulations (CPR).

Driven by customer demands and a commitment to continuous improvement, Hythe Marine Services (HMS) set CE marking accreditation as a primary strategic target to attain in 2020.

Value for our Customers

As of March 2020 HMS is now approved to fabricate steel and aluminium structures to an Execution Level of Class 2 as classified within the UK Construction Products Regulations. HMS level of accreditation comprises all supporting structures made of steel up to strength class S700 and structural components made of aluminium alloys. This typically includes buildings with between 2 and 15 floors.

Each product produced by Hythe Marine Services will follow a regulated process. The European Commission website explains, “It is the manufacturer’s responsibility to carry out the conformity assessment, set up the technical file, issue the declaration of conformity if requested by the customer, and affix the CE marking to the fabrication. Only then can this product be traded on the EEA market.”

We spoke to Hythe Marine Services, Compliance Manager, Paul Lessiter, who told us, “Just having the CE marking shows your prospective customers that you have gone through very stringent process controls in your production process. It shows that you’re checking things like materials, consumables, whether machines used are calibrated, that welders are qualified, that you’re putting the right people on the right jobs at the right time, and that you can certify all of this with full traceability.”

Responsibilities of Manufacturers using CE marking

As a CE accredited manufacturer, Hythe Marine Services has an obligation in ensuring its structural steel fabrications are safe and maintain the high standard required by BS EN 1090, ISO 3834 and the EEA market.

All components that comprise the fabrication are strictly controlled and audited. Line Managers in conjunction with an appointed Responsible Welding Coordinator, are responsible for the quality of the supply chain, the qualification of the fabricators, the traceability of materials, the approval of weld processes, the contractual and technical approvals. Auditing programmes are maintained and implemented through Paul Lessiter the Compliance Manager for HMS.

Looking to the future

HMS has embarked on a clear strategy of improvement, setting objectives from within the company that drive best kaizen practices across all of its functions, engaging with the marketplace and looking at potential future demands. The Company looks to demonstrate its achievements through an ongoing commitment to associated ISO Certifications.

Would you like to discuss a project?

Turnkey Belzona Solutions with Hythe Marine Services

Post author By admin
Post date April 7, 2020

Discover the processes and training behind Belzona applications.

Hythe Marine Services (HMS) is a highly competent applicator of all Belzona Polymeric Engineering Composites and Protective Coatings. Belzona marine coatings and metal repair composites are ideal solutions for the marine industry due to its ability to withstand extreme weather and long-term wear.

“Our products are specifically designed to cope with harsh offshore conditions and have exceptional resistance against erosion and corrosion.” – Belzona

What is Belzona?

Belzona are an internationally renowned manufacturer of repair and refurbishment services as well as coating inspection and application training. Their unique technology provides solutions to wide ranging repair needs, from full turnkey systems to in-situ repairs. Their mission is to ensure customers have the correct materials and knowledge to protect against erosion, abrasion, corrosion and chemical attack.

“Our approach to refurbishment and protection avoids the need for replacement, reducing repair and maintenance costs, and above all, downtime.” – Belzona

Founded in 1952 by entrepreneur Jorgen Svendsen, Belzona is now a global leader in repair compounds and industrial coatings. Hythe Marine Services understand the importance of providing bespoke and effective solutions to every client and Belzona’s materials, applications and training help make that possible.

Belzona commented that, “In recent years the Hythe Group have invested extensively in team training which has resulted in qualified members of the Group reaching Belzona Certified Trained Contractor status.”

What is Belzona used for?

Hythe Marine Services works with Belzona to protect and repair common erosive forces such as cavitation, impingement and entrainment. This ensures long term solutions against the effects of water erosion and corrosion in marine equipment. From mechanical parts through to damaged ships or offshore structures, Hythe Marine applies Belzona processes and materials to ensure exceptional defence against harsh offshore conditions.

By utilising a wide range of rapid and cold-curing marine coatings and metal repair composites, repairs can be safely carried out in-situ, to reduce downtime and the need for hot work.

“When hot work isn’t achievable we use Belzona. Using this method we got the system back in action in a fraction of the time of conventional methods!” Hythe Marine Belzona Applicator

What makes Belzona special?

“It’s our mission to exceed customers’ needs and expectations by providing long-lasting, quality repair and maintenance solutions” – Belzona. With over six decades of experience, the Belzona specification consists of the highest standard of long-term repair and protection, with the team priding themselves on sourcing the best raw materials available, to enable the highest quality manufacturing.

The company also has a cycle of continuous improvement, working to improve the standard of Belzona material application through theoretical and practical training programs. These programs enable Belzona certified engineers at Hythe Marine Services to learn and perfect their application skills.

Verified Belzona training

Hythe Marine Services have various engineers that are extensively trained to eliminate the risks of incorrect application practices. Belzona commented that, “To enable our reputation to remain as world leaders in our field we acknowledge the need for providing training whilst working alongside contractors.”

Belzona has state of the art training facilities where courses have been developed following internationally recognised Engineering Standards. Each course enhances application skills and provides the technical and practical knowledge required to adapt to the ever-changing demands of the marine industry. After completing training at Belzona headquarters, applicators can earn their verified status.

What Belzona services does HMS provide?

Within Hythe Marine Services, Belzona materials and processes are used for a variety of projects including sea tube repairs and initial sea tube protection measurements, steel pitting repairs, cold plate bonding and rubber seals.

“It is comforting to know that when a Certified Trained Contractor such as Hythe are involved then the level of application will be of a very high standard.” Steven Stay, Independent Area Consultant, Belzona Polymerics Ltd.

Hythe’s verified applicators are trained in a vast range of Belzona services to match all project needs, such as Belzona’s ceramic erosion resistant coating, which prolongs the life of marine equipment against weathering and water wear.

Looking for Belzona solutions?