Moving into a civilian career can be as challenging as it is an opportunity.
Former solider Joe Porter made the transition from combat solider with the 1st Battalion The Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment to now site manager for Pennyfarthing Homes almost 10 years ago, and would encourage anyone to think about the construction industry as a career option.
After leaving the forces and returning home to be closer to his friends and family, Porter took a job in the construction industry – an industry he had worked in briefly before he joined the army.
He understood he would have to start at the bottom in his new career, but his ambition of becoming a site manager aligned with his drive and leadership skills. He believed he could utilise his strengths gained during his time in the forces in such a role.
Since climbing the ladder from labourer to the role of site manager, Porter has worked on over 300 new build properties, furthering his education and career goals.
Porter said: “My time with the armed forces put me in good stead to achieve, and I learnt many key qualities that I now apply as a site manager.
“I have the confidence and knowledge to problem solve and lead a team.
“Being organised, having attention to detail and taking responsibility for everyone’s safety on site are also vital parts of the role.”
Morgans City Living lends a hand to Mencap
More than 30 property professionals from Morgans City Living took part in a volunteering day at Mencap Leeds The Vinery Centre, which supports more than 450 children and adults with learning disabilities and their families.
The team of helpers took part in helping with everything from painting and cleaning, to programming the heating system and laying fresh turf.
The charity has been the firm’s main charitable beneficiary for last five years.
Sales executive Alex Lavigne is bravely adding to this years’ fundraising, by taking part in a four-part challenge to complete the Three Peaks, a parachute jump, and run both the Leeds Half Marathon and the Leeds 10k.
Bidwells go for gold
Bidwells’ Golden Triangle Bike Ride takes place on 5 September, in aid of cancer support charity Maggie’s.
For the firm’s 180th anniversary, riders will be challenged to take on a new 180km course from Oxford to Cambridge via Milton Keynes – one km for each year of business. The event is sponsored by Coel, SDC, Redrow and Vectos. Registration closes 8 August. Click here for more details.
£750k landmark total raised by CBRE
CBRE has donated £150,000 to its UK charity partner Action for Children, in honour of the charity reaching its 150-year anniversary. The donation brings CBRE’s fundraising and pro bono activities total to £750,000. CBRE’s three-year, UK-wide partnership has enabled Action for Children to hire six transition workers.
Going green makes sense for charity
The Milton Park annual car-free day saw 375 people take part in the green travel initiative organised by MEPC, the manager and developer of the Oxfordshire science and business park. The event challenges employees to travel to work in greener ways. MEPC awarded £1,500 to the winning companies for the most staff participation across three categories. The champion occupiers where NorthRow, Ipsen and Evotec, all of which received a £500 donation to a chosen charity.
Businesses unite against homelessness
Manchester businesses have come together with St John’s Homelessness Initiative in a pioneering project to help end homelessness in the city.
The SJHI will involve businesses and charities collaborating through awareness-raising, inclusive employment and fundraising for as long as the support is needed.
