The Up and Under Blog

This is why we do it!

2012-01-26T17:10:00.000Z

25 years of running the Up and Under group and this is the best thing I have ever read. We helped this young lad with funding, through the Up and Under Foundation, so that he could attend a course at the Conway Centre.

If you are a one of our clients you can feel proud because a percentage of every invoice we send you goes to help youngsters like this one. As part of the Up and Under family you help to make these fantastic things happen.

Recognising Excellence

2012-01-26T13:09:00.000Z

The Up and Under Group are pleased to announce that they have been selected as a finalist in the Sentinel Business Awards 2011.The award we have been shortlisted for is the Training Excellence award in recognition of the efforts we put into the development of our team.

This award nomination follows our double success in the S Cheshire business awards as Employer of the Year 2010 and 2011. Since receiving the second of these two awards we have been encouraging best practice amongst other employers by a variety of means including 1 to 1 meetings with business owners and last week we hosted a lunch for all of the Award nominees in the Emplyer of the Year category. Obviously with a meeting of this type there are many common experiences and opportunities for exchange of ideas.

The winners of the Sentinel Awards will be announced on the 27th March at a gala dinner at the Kings Hall in Stoke. Whatever the outcome we are already reaping the rewards of our investment in the people that make Up and Under special.

Up and Under - your safe choice!

2012-01-20T16:26:00.000Z

We have recently been accredited under CHAS (The Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme) The process was eased considerably because we have held the OHSAS 18001 accreditation.

Both these audited systems are in place to give you confidence that we take health and safety seriously and have robust systems in place for its management.

Many local authorities use CHAS as part of their prequalification processes so this should make this more straightforward for clients wanting to use our services as part of larger projects.

Safety has been an important part of the Up and Under story with us having involvement of the development of the IRATA rope access guidelines, the 1997 confined spaces regulations (HSE), the work at height regulations (HSE) and guidelines for masonry arch bridge maintenance (CIRIA) amongst others. We are currently involved in the development of standards for bridge inspectors and a review of the systems for the selection rail industry suppliers.

This level of high level engagement allows us to confidently provide safety training through Entrainment. When you come to us you know that we ‘practice what we teach!’

No place for mistakes

In addition to our range of safety training courses we offer bespoke training for companies with specific needs, if you are having difficulty fulfilling a particular training need please contact either Andy or Simon on 01270 589615

Grant's Leap of Faith

2012-01-12T15:04:00.001Z

Beautiful workspaces created by Zenith Interior Contracts

Grant Williams, Director at Up and Under (Specialist Contracts) Ltd, comes from the world of ceiling tiles, glass partitions and exquisite joinery provided by Zenith Interiors Contracts - the company he founded, which is now part of the Up and Under Group.

The walk to work

Here though, he shows he has no fear of the outdoors by joining his Specialist Contracts team on a project to remove potentially dangerous loose material off a disused railway viaduct.

It doesn't look too high..........

Until you look at it like this!

Up and Under in the Media - Again

2012-01-09T12:16:00.000Z

Following our winning the S Cheshire Employer of the year award we seem to keep getting our faces in publications so for completion here is the latest, the S Cheshire Chamber of Commerce Mag.

Don't we look smart ;o)

Happy Christmas!

2011-12-23T09:27:00.000Z

Everyone at Up and Under wishes you a Happy Christmas. We hope you enjoy the time with family and friends, eat well, drink wisely ;o), go for walks, ride bikes or whatever else you love to do; enjoy the smiles of children and loved ones. There are too few opportunities to stop a while and just enjoy just being, we all hope this will be one of them for you.

Happy Christmas

A Few Photos

2011-12-19T10:34:00.000Z

See if you can spot yourself:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbqXGXCvKSc&context=C382e40aADOEgsToPDskJsV2j1KgHqiLSXmTAlCoT4

Employer of the Year 2010 .... and now 2011

2011-12-04T10:51:00.001Z

Up and Under Group were proud to receive the Employer of the Year Award for an unprecedented second year in succession at the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce's Business Awards. The judges were very complimentary about our commitment to the development of our team at all levels. They recognised that we had taken even more steps to create opportunities following our award in 2010.

This award, sponsored and judged by Manchester Metropolitan University, represents a huge vote of confidence in the whole team at Up and Under. We would like to thank also our clients without whom this would be meaningless, our supporters at MMU and Goldman Sachs, our advisors, the trustees of the Up and Under Foundation for their hard work and most of all the people who form the team that is Up and Under.

Two happy ex- Crewe Grammar School pupils
Andy Fewtrell (UU) and Rick Carter (CTC Physio)

2012 will no doubt provide its fair share of challenges and now one of them is to look to see how we can improve and compete for this award for a third time.

Everyone Wins With Partners

2011-11-30T16:27:00.000Z

Inspectors from Up and Under and Amey recently joined forces to successfully complete two Principal Inspections in Birmingham.

No, not walking on air, but supported by tensioned webbing!

Access is one of the areas where we excel and these structures had their fair share of challenges including, motorways, rivers and even a canal. Up and Under team members brought their access experience to bear inspecting the sections where the Amey team’s conventional access methods were thwarted by vegetated embankments and adjacent structures; furthermore, the methods used allowed for daytime working without carriageway closures.

This is another in a long line of successful projects where we have combined forces with our clients to get the best result.

If you have worked with us you will know what we are talking about, if you would like to experience the cooperative can do approach of Up and Under give us a call on 01270 589615, Rob (inspection/testing), Miles (structure management) or Grant (difficult access maintenance) will be pleased to get involved.

Cooperation - you get there and have a look, I'll record it

Restricted Access No Restraint to Up and Under

2011-11-17T13:54:00.000Z

A team from Up and Under Limited completed an investigation project last week in South Wales to determine the thickness and construction of a section of highway retaining wall.

Dense vegetation and a steep slope below the wall did not prevent the team from completing the works using rope access. These techniques are very effective in terms of time cost and disruption. We have also used these techniques on buildings and bridges to avoid disturbance of environmentally sensitive areas and also over water.

On this project we utilised euipment with the capacity to remove core samples up to 3m from the surface. We have the capability to drill holes to depths in excess of 15m where required.

If you want further information contact Rob on 01270 589615 or rob@upandundergroup.com

10,000 Small Businesses Manchester Cohort - Volunteer for a holiday

2011-11-02T15:24:00.000Z

We have been lucky enough to be part of the Goldman Sachs supported 10,000 Small Businesses programme. The first NW England cohort contained a number of fascinating businesses and over the next few months we will be giving you a taste of the people we shared this experience with.

Heilwig Jones is passionate about responsible travel and through her company, Kaya Responsible Travel, she is presenting people with the opportunity to have incredibly rewarding holidays on a range of volunteer programmers throughout the world. She says:

"Volunteering - its the new adventure holiday.

It used to be the case that volunteering abroad was the reserve of gap year students and missionaries, but now we all have the chance to travel responsibly and have the experience enhanced by cultural awareness and interaction. Volunteering holidays are becoming a popular way to see the world for many more people.

What better way to see the Amazon rainforest, than on a conservation project? You could make some real Masai friends by helping students at a guiding school on the Mara or walk with lions on a Zimbabwean breeding programme. Our volunteers have been welcomed into Indian tribes, helping to care for their children and even enjoyed diving amongst the amazing marine life off the Thai coast, while undertaking important research.

With projects available from just 2 weeks up to a few months, you can trade in your beach holiday for a far more exciting trip that will not only be remembered by you for a lifetime, but will also make a positive impact on a community or environment.

If you're up for a real challenge, you can volunteer with Manchester-based Kaya Responsible Travel in over 200 projects across Asia, Africa and Latin America. Check out your options on www.kayavolunteer.com/

We have a conservation project in South Africa that is desperate for people so we offering free spaces on the wild coast of South Africa for people participating from now until January. For anyone who signs up they can bring a friend for free on stays of 1-12 weeks. Check it out on: Conservation Project in South Africa"

The Construction Act 2009 - useful link

2011-10-27T12:22:00.000+01:00

The “Construction Act 2009” came into force on the 1 October 2011 below is a link to a brief outline of some of the more important points as considered by JR Knowles, we have been kept up to date on these matters by the ever helpful, and knowledgeable Geraldine Flemming.

http://www.jrknowles.com/index.php?p=51

We trust that you will find it helpful.

Up and Under Group Sponsor Awards

2011-10-04T11:52:00.000+01:00

Once again the Up and Under Group will be sponsoring the North West Civil Engineering Awards in 2012, our 25th year. The dinner will take place on Friday 3 February 2012 at the Ramada Manchester Piccadilly.

We feel it is important to support the presentation ofthe Civil Engineering industry through the tough times as well as the good. We hope many of our friends in the NW will be able to join us at the event.

The Up and Under Foundation, which supports development of youngsters in Cheshire, and further afield, will be one of the charities on the night.

Protection against rising sea levels

2011-09-22T13:00:00.002+01:00

As part of our ongoing program to protect our Trademarks this web page came up. Having a sense of humour we felt not only should we permit the use of Up and Under (TM) in this construction context, but we should bring this article to your attention, I hope you enjoy it ;o)

http://www.flyintheface.com/up%20and%20under.html

I also like the Stock Exchange section and am considering ordering a large box of fresh air soon, if only they could supply unlimited sunshine.

10,000 Small Businesses - Graduation

2011-09-21T19:37:00.001+01:00

Last night the first NW cohort of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 small businesses program celebrated their graduation at Greens in Didsbury.

It was an excellent event attended by program participants, facilitators, tutors, the admin team, the sponsors representitives and the Vice Chancellor of Manchester metropolitan University.

Andy receives his certificate from MMU VC

The VC presented certificates to all of the program's successful graduates, before speaches of thanks were made and people got down to the serious business of eating, drinking and, well, celebrating.

Andy and the VC - best mates!

Participation in this program has been a joy as well as tremendously helpful to our business's growth plans.

Congratulations to Ann Mulhaney, sorry, Doctor Ann Mulhany on her Phd.

Photos: MMU/Lucy Edgar/Goldman Sachs 10, small businsses

Cheshire Business Awards 2011

2011-09-17T12:17:00.000+01:00

Friday night was both frustrating and rewarding; frustrating in that we didn't win Employer of the Year and rewarding in that we were identified as one of the three best employers in the county.

This is testament to the efforts of everyone at the Up and Under Group. I think we should all be very proud of our success.

Below are a few comments from the organisers, sponsors and presenters:

Friday night began with an introduction from Rob Irvine, publishing director Trinity Mirror North Wales and Cheshire, who described the awards as growing in importance every year.

“It was a tough but rewarding job for the judges to draw up a shortlist and pick the winners,” he said.

“The awards represent the pick of the crop of Cheshire talent who are helping to get Britain back on track.

“Tonight you will hear examples of people who have launched start up companies, developed small businesses into bigger organisations, done sterling work in their communities and helped staff to reach their full potential.”

Returning as host for the occasion was Granada and ITN news presenter Lucy Meacock, a former Chester Chronicle journalist with a life long commitment to Cheshire and its business community.

Paying tribute to the businesses represented at the event, she said: “You create the jobs so that people can enjoy the opportunity to stay in this wonderful county and start their careers here.”

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Programme

2011-09-12T11:45:00.000+01:00

The Up and Under Group is extremely proud to have been a participant on the 10,000 Small Businesses programme in the North West. On 20th September 2011 we will graduate from the first full UK cohort following on from the pilot project in Leeds.

10,000 Small Businesses is designed to unlock the economic and job creation potential of small businesses and social enterprises operating in the United Kingdom. The programme is targeted at small businesses and social enterprises with clear ambitions to expand. The goal of the programme is to provide participants with tools and resources to help them lay the foundation for long-term sustainable growth and job creation in their communities.

The programme has help us to create a more effective and sustainable business model which will help us to provide a better and more diverse service to our customers whilst meetingthe aspirations of our team members.

Andy Fewtrell has been working with Aston University Business School to promote the programme roll out in Birmingham.
10,000 Small Businesses is funded by the Goldman Sachs Foundation and delivered in the North West by Manchester Metropolitan Business School

http://www.mmucfe.co.uk/services/providing/10000-small-businesses

An Interesting Programme

2011-09-08T10:23:00.000+01:00

For the most part current radio and TV output is background noise, but from time to time you hear something that you think is worth sharing. As an organisation that believes in increasing peoples opportunities both within the company and in the wider society I found the programme below, 'The Class Ceiling', very interesting so thought i'd share it.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b014629m#synopsis This has a link to listen via the iplayer.

"Next on: Today (8th Sept), 21:30 on BBC Radio 4

Synopsis
In a major new two-part documentary series for BBC Radio 4, the journalist and author Polly Toynbee explores the ever-more-pressing question of how possible it is to move up through British society. Who gets to break the 'class ceiling'?

Polly argues that, while deference is long gone, and some politicians have swapped ties and titles for first names and informality, Britain's class system is still going strong.

In the first programme in the series, Polly examined how a child's family life and education can block or boost their social progress. In this second programme, Polly asks what happens when young people enter the workplace and in the housing market. Do these rites of passage help break the class ceiling, or do they reinforce it?"

Westminster Bridge Examination

2011-09-07T12:05:00.000+01:00

Up and Under Limited continued their association with bridges over the Thames yesterday, undertaking an examination of bridge strike damage to Westminster Bridge. This type of inncident is relatively common and varies in seriousness from paint scrapes to physical damage.

Dan with the London Eye in the background

Our involvement with bridges over the Thames goes back to 1988 when we carried out a Principal Inspection of Battersea Bridge. Later that year we inspected impact damage on the same bridge and thus started an involvement that extends to dozens of projects on 16 of the road bridges on the tidal section of the river.

There are 22 road bridges in total and we would very much like to complete the set.

"Why You?"

2011-09-01T11:18:00.001+01:00

“Why you?”

A question asked by a business colleague when the shortlist for the Cheshire Business Awards were released.
“Because we believe in our team and invest in them” I answered.
“Evidence?” he asked
So that got me thinking and so far this is a list of the training and development opportunities offered to our team that I can think of from the past 12-18 months:

NWDA High Growth programme member - this has opened up a range of half day seminars on a variety of management issues to the senior and middle management team.
NEBOSH Gen. Cert.- All our directors have either completed the course or are undertaking it.
LEAD - all of our directors have completed or are in the process of completing the LEAD management development programme at MMU.
Degrees - One successful foundation degree and one sponsored student this year, continued sponsorship of two candidates next year.
Foundation Cert. Human Resources - one candidate sponsored on this day release course.
NVQs - level 6 Construction Site Management: one candidate, Level 3 Site Technical Support; 4 candidates, Level 3 Occupational Work Supervision: 3 candidates.
H&S Training- a wide range of courses including the whole team completing Emergency First Aid and Fire training plus a range of confined space training, PASMA courses and rope access training.
Goldman Sachs 10,000 small businesses programme - One of 23 businesses selected in the first cohort of this prestigious programme in the NW.
Personal Coaching - provided to a number of staff members.
Charitable Activities - members of the team have been involved in a range of fund raising activities to raise funds for the Up and Under Foundation that supports youngsters in the local community.
Social activities - all staff, partners and children were invited to the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power - we cannot be held responsible for the foul weather on the day!
Membership of the Winning Pitch High Growth Foundation - opens up a range of training seminars to team members.

These are the things that come immediately to mind and the list is unlikely to be exhaustive, so next time I am asked, “Why You?”, I will have a more detailed answer.

Andy

Cheshire Business Awards

2011-08-26T15:37:00.001+01:00

The shortlists for these awards have now been released and we are happy to report that the Up and Under Group are one of three shortlisted in the Employer of the Year category. So we are officially one of the best three employers in Cheshire, this is fantastic recognition of the efforts we make in creating a stimulating and rewarding working environment.

The awards are now in their 8th year and have attracted interest from the companies ranging from the smallest start-ups to some of the nations largest employers.

The icing on the cake would be to win the award which will be announced at a Gala Dinner at Chester Racecourse on 16th September. It would be a fitting step up from the S Chesire Award we received in 2010.

Our real challenge is to continue getting better whatever the award outcome.

Dakar cars help local youngsters

2011-07-22T19:26:00.000+01:00

The Up and Under Foundation teamed up with Rally Raid International to raise funds at the recent Cholmondeley Pageant of Power. The money raised will be used to subsidise adventurous trips run by local schools, Scouts and other youth groups.

Andy Fewtrell of the Up and Under Group said that “visitors to the event were generous in their support paying at least £10 for a ride around an off road circuit in a desert race car” In total we raised £925.

The Charity, founded in 2007 by Crewe based civil engineering specialists has helped a number of local organisations this year including Underwood West Junior School and the Wilson House Scout group.

Rally Raid International provided one of the cars and a driver to support the fund raising event. The Desert Warrior car has completed the Dakar Rally, probably the toughest motorsport event in the world, so took the bump and dips of the Cholmondeley course in its stride.

For more information see www.upandundergroup.com/community.html

Snowdon for Charity

2011-07-08T10:43:00.000+01:00

The Up and Under Foundation will be teaming up with our accountants Banks Sheridan and Barclays in an ascent of Snowdon this Sunday. Members of the team are raising money for the Up and Under Foundation.

You can support their efforts here: http://www.justgiving.com/Kate-Watkinson

David Morris of Banks Sheridan said:

"The impetus of this day is very much in accordance with the primary objects of the charity we are supporting by raising funds:- The Up and Under Foundation.
The foundation is a small local charity which enables South Cheshire youngsters to experience adventure and similar activities which may be outside their reach due to economic and social circumstances. The intention is to inspire those children towards an active and rewarding life."

Please click on the charity website for more information:

http://www.upandundergroup.com/community.html

The Up and Under Foundation currently has approximately £1000 available through its two main funds:
The Eric Swan Bursary - youngsters attending the Conwy Centre
The Tom Dootson Memorial Fund - Working with the local Scouting community

Cholmondeley Pageant of Power

2011-06-30T19:18:00.000+01:00

For those of you attending Cholmondeley the following is a link to the TV add that will be aired next week on Granada TV.

http://www.cpop.co.uk/event-attractions/cpop-tv-ad

We are looking forward to seeing many friends at the event where we will be offering rides in Dakar race cars to raise money for the Up and Under Foundation.

Controlled Tension at Up and Under Limited

2011-06-30T08:37:00.001+01:00

Specialist bolt manufacturer TCB were impressed with the work we recently undertook on Chain Bridge, Monmouthshire, using their products; so much so they wrote about it here:

http://www.tcbolts.co.uk/16_projects/11_Rivet_replacement.html

If you'd like to discuss a similar project contact Rob Huges on 01270 589615

Engineering Excellence Awards 2011

2011-06-24T13:02:00.000+01:00

Up and Under Limited, together with Network Rail and BAM Nuttall are tonight finalists in the ICE, SE England, Engineering Excellence Awards 2011 for the surface retention design works at Falmer Cutting.

The project was an excellent example of combining specialists from a number of organisations to produce a project meeting the needs of the client through cooperation.

Network rail commented:

"The site had complex access and involved negotiating with a number of parties. When access was obtained the works comprised the installation of soil nails and rock netting. This was carried out without impact on the railway using a novel catch fence. The works were completed early resulting in project savings and reduced impact on the travelling public."

Working with clients to produce great results often sounds expensive and time consuming but the comments above provide you with at least puase for thought.

Well done to Rob for carrying this project through, hopefully he will get his hand on the prize this evening.

Up and Under Foundation - Update

2011-06-13T10:35:00.000+01:00

Just a short ipdate on where we are up to.

We have recieved a letter from the Scout group we helped with funding for their trip to the Menin Gate and Ypres. It would to appear to have been an enjoyable and eye opening trip and they even met the Australian Ambassador. It wasn't all sombre experiences and Scouuts being Scouts they did manage to sample the local Belgium Chocolates and visit a theme park before returning home.

We currently have £500 immediately available to youngsters through the Eric Swan bursary and the Tom Dootson Memorial fund so if you know of any youngsters who need assistance with funding for trips to the Conway Centre or of Scout activities in South Cheshire needing assistance for less well off members please contact us.

Details can be found at: http://www.upandundergroup.com/community.html

And if you are considering a fund raising event or are organising a function where we could have a collection please do not hesitate to contact us. You can be sure that funds will not be swallowed up like this:
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/world-of-sport/article/53999/
Because all admin and insurance costs are met by the Up and Under Group.

Development training

2011-04-13T08:24:00.000+01:00

Andy will be continuing his series of Commercial Awareness courses for Thomas Telford in Birmingham today. If you don't know your variable costs from your fixed costs or understand just how important getting your invoices in on time is then this could be one for you.

Up and Under director on the Radio

2011-04-11T08:51:00.000+01:00

Andy Fewtrell will be on Redshift Radio www.redshiftradio.co.uk between 10 and 11am today on the day to day business show. Andy is a regular contributer to the Monday morning show, reviewing business and personal development books.

If you miss it you can listen again by going to the Redshift web site. If you are in the Crewe area catch it on 87.7FM

2011 Specialist Awards - National Finalist

2011-03-23T11:50:00.000Z

Sadly we didn't win an award this year, but national finalist is a good start, we'll have to see what we can do to improve before the 2012 awards, but meanwhile the comments of the Construction News Editor, Nick Edwards make good reading:

“Eighty companies made it onto the shortlist of this year’s awards across 18 categories. Eighty reasons why whatever the state of the economy, while the planners delay, the politicians talk and the bankers get paid, the country’s specialist subcontractors will keep on delivering the goods. Well done to all of you.”

Rope access bridge inspection for Hyder Consulting
http://www.upandundergroup.com/uubridges.html

Installation of safety netting
http://www.upandundergroup.com/scltd.html

Safety Training
http://www.entrainment.co.uk/

We are here to solve your problems whenever or wherever you need us.

24 Today!

2011-03-09T10:33:00.000Z

Today we are celebrating 24 years of Up and Under. Established in 1987, while Andy was carrying out sewer and manhole surveys in Southampton, it was spring 1988 before we did our first rope access inspection, on two tower blocks in Guildford.

First desk in Underwood Lane

Andy Perkins, now a mountain guide in Chamonix, Southampton 1987

Our first exhibition

Up and Under One - On the Snowdon Mountain Railway

Set up to do jobs others couldn't do safely the, then, new notepaper carried the promise 'Above, Below, Through ............ Anything!' and looking back over the last 24 years I think that has proved to be pretty close to the mark.

Autumn 1988 - skint, huge debts then somebody
crashed into Battersea Bridge, phew! The rest they say is history ;o)

Years later, Simon's first job and a step into the future.

Thanks to everyone who has made the past 24 years not only possible, but also fun.

Up and Under Downhill at Speed!

2011-02-28T14:15:00.001Z

Rob Hughes - Director at Up and Under Limited - started his 2011 downhill race season started on Sunday 20^th Feb. and got his best result yet. He said it is looking positive for the rest of the year. The result – 7^th place in category, 3.81 sec off fastest time in category!

Rob - Flat out!

Rob's day job has no less adrenelin as he is responsible for the activities of our speciaist access consulting company. He has recently been involved with a range of confined space, rope access and waterborne projects.

Rob - Hanging around!

If you have a project requiring inspection, testing or surveying in a difficult location you can contact him on rob@upandundergroup.com

Culvert failure video

2011-02-23T14:37:00.000Z

Do you have any culverts that need inspecting before this happens?

Scarify a Road Surface - Funny blooper videos are here

Running to Help

2011-02-04T11:32:00.000Z

More than 100 members of the South Cheshire Harriers witnessed the presentation of a cheque for £1600 to the Up and Under Foundation at their recent annual prize giving event. Profits from races organised by the club were added to sponsorship money raised by members at events including the London Marathon.

The club, which meets every Tuesday and Thursday evening at the Vagrants sports club, provides a warm welcome to runners of all standards and abilities. The club’s success during 2010 is reflected as much in the new recruits who have been supported in their running development as in the club’s achievements in many local and regional events. It is a measure of the strength and confidence of the club that it has been able to make such a significant contribution to the Foundation’s charitable efforts.

Marathon fundraisers Mike Hatton and Peter Marquis-Jones

present a cheque to charity founder Andy Fewtrell.

Photo by Roger Foden

The money will be used to help local youngsters access courses and activity events which they might otherwise be unable to attend due to lack of money. All of the money will be used for these purposes as The Up and Under Group covers all of the administration costs of the charity.
If you want to help raise money for the Up and Under Foundation we have a just giving page www.justgiving.com/upandunder . We will continue to support local youngsters with grants throughout 2011.

ICE NW Civil Engineering Awards

2011-02-03T22:03:00.001Z

In 2011 we will be sponsoring these awards. As a company we feel it is important to support stuff: charity, young people, profesional development and sporting endeavour are just some of our interests.

The Civil Engineering industry has an important and exciting history in the North West, but also today it contributes to the health, wealth and pleasure of all of our society, a fact often lost in our celebrity centred world.

Well tomorrow many of the hard working people who ensure that we have safe drinking water, roads, airports, sports stadia, shopping centres, hospitals, power and many other essentials of our modern life will recieve their recognition and we are proud to be supporting this event.

Good luck to all of the finalists from the Up and Under Group.

Rope Access inspection in Manchester

Specialist Contractors Awards 2011

2011-01-24T20:21:00.000Z

The Up and Under Group seems to be on the Awards trail again. After our success as best Employer in the 2010 S Cheshire Chamber of Commerce's Awards we have been shortlisted in the Scaffolding and Access section of the Specialists Awards.

These awards are one of the construction industry's most notable annual events, recognising and rewarding the best specialist contractors in the business, run by Construction News and with the support of the National Specialist Contractors Council.

The shortlisting is in reccognition of our innovative approach to overcoming access problems for our clients, to undertake both inspection and maintenance works.

If you have an access problem associated with a project give us a call: 01270 589615 or take a look at our web site for inspiration: www.upandundergroup.com

Will we win the award? Well you have to be in it to win it ,and we are so watch this blog to find out ;o) Results announced at the Hilton Hotel in London on 22nd March. Now we need to get some work done to pay for the tickets!

2010 Oh! - The results

2011-01-11T16:08:00.000Z

Remember this?

Well after a year of effort by many members ofthe Up and Under team we are totalling up the results and they are impressive.

With some funds still to collect we have raised :

£25,349

A big thank you needs to go out to all those who have cycled, baked, Wii'd, sold stuff and plain old given. We have had support from clients, staff, friends and suppliers.

The target of £20,100 was considered optimistic by many (who didn't know Up and Under) but the fact that we have smashed it indicates just what we can do.

The bulk of the the money will be invested and the money earned from the investments used to provide funds to help disadvantaged youngsters enjoy life enhancing experiences.

So 2011, what next? We have a number of schemes and projects ongoing and will no doubt be repoporting on them throughout the year and if you have a spare fiverthat you want to add to the pot go to:

http://www.justgiving.com/upandunder/Donate

Thanks

London Marathon 2011

2010-12-21T09:15:00.000Z

Fancy a challenge? Well, the Up and Under Foundation has one place available for the 2011 Virgin London Marathon. If you are interested and can pledge to raise a minimum of £1200 please contact our office on 01270 589615

http://www.upandundergroup.com/community.html

Up and Under on the Telly

2010-12-14T20:23:00.000Z

Anglia Regional News Anglia Tonight - ITV Local

Working through the snow and ice...again!

2010-12-10T14:56:00.001Z

Remember this from January this year?

Well, we have been at it again, here's where Dave, Sol and Craig spent last week. We like to look after our clients needs even, or perhaps especially, through the tough times.

While Up and Under Ltd. has been inspecting viaducts Specialist Contracts have been stabilising troublesome slopes, installing duckbill anchors.

If the earth, or your structures, have moved during this cold spell give us a call on 01270 589615

New Training Facility

2010-12-06T14:19:00.001Z

Entrainment was able to use their re-vamped indoor confined space training facility for the first time this week and it was hailed as a great success by both sudents and instructors. The Indoor manhole/crawling gallery combination allows our instructors to provide a range of challenging training scenarios for trainees in controlled conditions not available in 'live' confined spaces.

What's round this corner?

Jon Eeles, Chief Instructor, said "In this facility we can really push the trainees and ensure they are learning important skills. All of this in a safe, controlled environment."

A successful escape!

Entrainment has a number of health and safety courses running in December and January including confined space entry, asbestos awareness, work at height, ladder inspection and harness use. Call jon on 01270 589615 or contact jon.e@upandundergroup.com

South Cheshire Business Awards

2010-12-02T08:58:00.001Z

The Up and Under Group

So we were chuffed and why not, this award is given to the organisation judged to be the best employer in S Cheshire and we were chosen. Thanks to everyone who made this possible.

I think the smiles say it all. This is a reward for a lot of hard work that goes in throughout the year. Yesterday Andy was on the winner's show at redshift radio featuring Up and Under, ILX group and the S Cheshire Chamber. You can hear the show on Redshift's listen again feature

Photography www.ashforddalyphotography.com/

Up and Under Group Sponsor awards

2010-11-22T13:15:00.000Z

The Up and Under Group will be an associate sponsor of the ICE NW Awards which will take place on 4th February in Chester.

MD Andy Fewtrell will be bringing along a the rally car that has carried him to success in a number of desert rallies. The company which helps youngster have adventurous experiences they would otherwise be denied due to lack of funds will be selling snowballs to put on their car which will be competing in the Arctic 4x4 Rally starting 12th Feb in Stockholm, Sweden. If you want to support the charity efforts you can at Just giving

2010 oh! Continues with Snowballs

2010-11-04T10:31:00.001Z

Send Your Snowball to the Arctic!

The Route

In February 2011 the Up and Under Rally Team will be competing in the Arctic 4x4 Rally, the route covers 5000 challenging (carbon offset) kilometres to the very top of Arctic Norway. We would love to take all our friends and supporters with us, but sadly don’t have the space. You can however join us in spirit by giving us a snowball to take along - complete with your signature and message - and while doing so provide support to the Up and Under Foundation.

What it will look like

How it works:
For a minimum donation of £5 we will take a 70mm diameter snowball with us in the car. You can write whatever you wish on your snowball (please keep it decent) and we will place all the snowballs in the car for the duration of the Rally. If you wish we will keep you informed of our progress throughout the event via our blog and the online tracking system. The Rally Team will be paying all of their own costs so that all money donated will go to the Up and Under Foundation.

To donate go to http://www.justgiving.com/upandunderfoundation

The Up and Under Foundation, a charity founded in 2007 by Cheshire business the Up and Under Group, aims to enhance the life experiences of local youngsters. It does this by making funds available to provide access to activities for people who would otherwise excluded for financial reasons.

If you want further information you will find it at:

www.upandundergroup.com/community.htm

Marketing Vacancy

2010-10-26T10:49:00.000+01:00

We are seeking a talented individual with a proven track record in marketing leading to measurable sales results. We work nationally across a wide range of market sectors including local authorities, contractors, government agencies, consultants and private clients.
We would prefer a candidate with a variety of skills in this area including knowledge of:

Face to face negotiation
Online marketing
Exhibitions
Delivering CPD
Managing client data
Development of marketing materials
Relationship development

The position will attract a salary of £25-40k pa depending upon experience. We would also consider a 48 week /pa contract with the 4 none worked weeks divided between Xmas and Easter. Annual holiday is 28 days (or pro rata) and benefits from a pension sheme (currently 3% company contribution). Initial enquiry should be via our standard application form available at www.upandundergroup.com

2011 Calendar Download

2010-10-22T11:51:00.000+01:00

You'll find it here:

http://www.upandundergroup.com/downloads.html

Happy Anniversary

2010-09-23T16:13:00.001+01:00

Brian Garner, who was the Up and Under storeman in the early 1990's, recently celebrated his 60th wedding aniversary with his wife Kath. Brian was active in the scouting movement as a leader when Andy Fewtrell, our MD, was but a lad.

In the 1970s Andy worked under Brian's guidance when building scenery for scout gang shows. Years later Brian Joined Up and Under as a capable storeman and handyman before taking what is proving to be a long and fruitful retirement.

All at The Up and Under Group wish Brian and Kath and their family all the best for their future.

Marketing Vacancy

2010-09-21T13:38:00.003+01:00

Face to face negotiation
Online marketing
Exhibitions
Delivering CPD
Managing client data
Development of marketing materials
Relationship development

Initial enquiry should be via our standard application form available at www.upandundergroup.com

Group aquires specialist contractor

2010-09-15T16:48:00.001+01:00

Zenith Interior Contracts Join The Up and Under Group

We are happy to announce that the workplace specialist Zenith Interior Contracts will be joining the Up and Under Group. Zenith, formally based in Warrington, will be able to offer a range of quality services from our base in Crewe. These include everything from installation of new suspended ceilings and partitions through to complete office refurbishment projects.

Many of Zenith’s projects are turnkey in nature including not only the structural works, but also including M&E, carpets and decoration. The dedicated team at Zenith have worked for years to provide everything from initial design to completed fit-out, working within budget and with minimum disruption.

Joining Up and Under (Specialist Contracts) Limited will allow Zenith significant opportunities to develop the business further. All of the Zenith operations will now be covered by the Group ISO 9001 (Quality) and OHSAS 18001 (Health and Safety) accredited management systems.

Grant Williams of Zenith will also be taking over as the Director of Up and Under (Specialist Contracts) Limited who will continue to provide a range of repair and maintenance services requiring either rope, confined spaces or boat access.

Zenith are currently undertaking works at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine whilst Specialist Contracts will soon commence a spectacular project on the Menai Bridge, Anglesey.

Specialist Contracts install safety netting

Details of Zenith’s services can be found at: www.zenithinteriorcontracts.com
Up and Under (Specialist Contracts) limited will be found at: http://www.upandundergroup.com/scltd.html

Safety Alert - IPV strike

2010-08-17T10:31:00.001+01:00

IPVs struck by HGV vehicles

There have been two serious incidents involving IPVs recently.

On the A1 at Leeming Bar a 44 tonne articulated lorry collided with an IPV pre setting TM equipment for a closure to go into place.

At the time of the collision 2 men were working on the back of the IPV as it was being used as a "combination" vehicle (TM and IPV combined), one was thrown from the back of the vehicle onto the road surface and suffered severe head injuries. Despite receiving treatment in hospital the operative never regained consciousness and died of his injuries.

On the A14 near Godmanchester. A 44 tonne articulated lorry collided with the rear of an IPV sitting in front of a lane 1 taper whilst the lane closure was being removed. The lorry swerved at the last minute, clipping the rear RH corner of the IPV before colliding with the central barrier. The lorry then "bounced" back across the road entering the taper area in front of the IPV and ending up down the embankment. Luckily no TM crew members were seriously injured.

Martin Tonks, General Manager of Beaumont Traffic Management stated in an e-mail following these incidents

“Time and time again in my training courses around the country I detail the correct use for IPVs, the correct signage, and the correct positioning of arrows on the back. We work in a dangerous environment where we must take into account the public safety, yes and even make allowances for their stupidity. Any vehicle 16 feet tall and lit up like a Christmas Tree with lighting visible from up to a mile away surely can't be vulnerable - these two incidents prove that that is not the case. Please ensure your operatives do not become complacent just because the IPV is in attendance, it doesn't always provide 100% protection, nothing can replace good working practice and constantly looking out for danger.”

These two incidents serve as a reminder of the high risks associated with working in live traffic lanes and the need to remain vigilant at all times.

Although not associated with either of the above incidents the picture above shows what can happen when a large vehicle strikes an IPV. This incident occurred on a 50MPH road.

If you wish to discuss your needs formaintenance or inspection of bridges or other highway structures please contact us on 01270 589615 or view details of our services on our web site.

Saferty Alert Issued by EnterpriseMouchel Alert 2010/16 7/7/10

Just to make you smile

2010-08-16T16:05:00.000+01:00

Are we are mamils

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-10965608

Well it made me smile (until my wife goes shopping for shoes that is)

Simon - 24hrs racing in North Wales

2010-08-06T12:08:00.003+01:00

Simon (Technical Director of the Up and Under Group) has recently competed in the Open Adventure 24hour adventure race. The race, this year held in North Wales, took teams of two from Anglesey to Betws y Coed via the high mountains, on foot, bike and in kayak.

Si paired up with the 2008 adventure race world champion for an interesting 24hours and achieved a great result in getting second place.

Read a full report of the race here.

Nick's Arrived at Land's End

2010-08-03T20:19:00.000+01:00

The four intrepid cyclists have just arrived at Land's End six and a half days after leaving John O'Groats.

Well done from all at Up and Under.

Nick is 20 miles from success

2010-08-03T17:45:00.000+01:00

Nick Morrey a part time engineer's assistant at Up and Under Infrastructure Management is 20 miles from completing a cycle ride from John o'Groats to Land's End.

Nick is riding with three other friends to raise money for four charities. In under 7 days they have ridden nearly 1000 miles through all sorts of weather.

They have received much support along the route from friends, family and total strangers.

Good luck on the final section and we all hope the wounds heal before you have to sit down again ;oD

Infrastructure Management Help Charity Riders

2010-08-02T13:25:00.000+01:00

Up and Under (Infrastructure Management) lent a team of cyclists a van and provided fuel for support duties over the first 500miles of a John O'Groats to Land's End Charity Ride.

The four young men, aged between 18 and 22 are riding nearly 1000 miles in only 7 days to raise money for four charities:

Not the normal site arrangements

If you would like to support them there are links to the Just Giving web pages and information about their trip on their facebook page.

All smiles only 1000 miles to go!

The riders went by two by two

High Growth for The Up and Under Group

2010-07-27T15:59:00.000+01:00

The NWDA has approved The Up and Under Group's access onto their High Growth Programme for existing businesses with the potential to grow by 20% year on year.

The Programme web site describes the programme as:

"Supporting Entrepreneurs with Ambition in the Northwest

The High Growth programme is a three year business coaching initiative aimed at ‘high growth’ businesses and entrepreneurs. It will support budding entrepreneurs with ideas that can achieve a turnover of £500,000 within three years, and established SME’s with ambition and capacity to expand by at least 20 per cent a year.

It is being led by the North West Development Agency with additional funding from the EU. Over 3 years it will generate 2,000 jobs and provide a £250m boost to the region’s economy."

We will recieve intensive coaching and assistance at senior management level which will help us to achieve our ambitious goals whilst continuing to meet our clients expectations.

If you would like to discuss our experiences contact andy@upandundergroup.com or join in the discussion at http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=132470996790943.

Leaders Graduate

2010-07-16T17:24:00.000+01:00

Yesterday Andy Fewtrell and Simon Enderby collected their certificates upon successful completion of the LEAD course run by Manchester Metropolitan University.

The course spread over the past 10 months brought together business leaders from Cheshire on a programme designed to improve leadership skills and foster business growth.

The course comprised a variety of elements including: an action learning programme, business exchanges and a series of masterclasses by people from business and accademia.

The graduation ceremony was rounded out nicely when Simon was awarded a prize for 'Critical Thinking' by the other course members.

Transport Top 100

2010-05-27T10:42:00.000+01:00

The Up and Under Group features in the 2010 Transportation Consultants Directory at no.72 ranked by staff working in the Transport sector. Ranked by turnover we come in at no.100.

Sadly there isn't a category for 'Interesting and Exciting'

Crewe to Middlesborough for a quid

2010-05-21T16:03:00.000+01:00

Simon Enderby a Director of the Up and Under Group completed a challenge ride from his home in Crewe to his parents home in Middlesbrough. The event was part of the Up and Under Foundation’s 2010 Oh! Project in which Up and Under staff members are attempting to raise £20,100 during the year to allow the Foundation to support more projects.

Simon faced headwinds for the whole of the 155 mile ride which included hilly sections through the Peak District and across the N Yorkshire Moors. The forecast was always looking unhelpful, but without experiencing 40mph gusts after riding for 10 hours it is difficult to explain how tough it can be.

Simon stopped only once during the journey, to fill up water bottles, in Wetherby after nearly 100miles. For those of you unused to long distance cycling it takes some comprehending what sitting on a bike seat for eleven hours is like without the need to push the pedals round. For Simon this is just one more challenging event to be savoured, he can add it to his successful completion of a multi day adventure race in Abu Dhabi and 60+km mountain race in the French alps.

As part of the 2010 Oh! Project other initiatives include selling cakes, donating the proceeds of a car sale, donating Christmas presents and persuading our clients to part with donations at marketing events.

Later in the year members of the team will be climbing mountains, running marathons and rowing to ensure that we hit our target.

During this year we have delivered sports kit to kids in Africa, donated funds to a local scout group and made money available to help local youngsters attend outdoor activity courses.

Foundation Assists Local Scout Group

2010-04-13T10:51:00.000+01:00

The Up and Under Foundation has made a donation to a local scout group to assist youngsters with the costs of activities including camps.
As the charity develops it is hoped that more grants of this kind can be made to local groups helping youngsters in the local area.
In addition to this donation the first payment from the Eric Swan Bursary has been made to assist youngsters with costs of attending courses at the Conway Centre in Anglesea. Here they will take part in a range of outdoor activities which can quite literally be life-changing experiences for the youngsters.
We would like to thank Lester Fabrication and Cladding Co Limited for their very generaous support of the Foundation's activities.

Up and Under Group 138th in UK Consultants List

2010-04-07T13:59:00.001+01:00

The Up and Under Group stands a creditable 138th on the list of UK consultants compiled by the New Civil Engineer for 2010.

The figures are published in the NCE Consultants File throw up a number of interesting things; one, that we are twice the size of Chesterfield Borough Council Engineering Services and that we are 37 places (only!) behind Sir Robert McAlpine Design in terms of staff employed - now there's a challenge for 2011. There were only 63 companies with 100 or more Civil/Structural staff and 93 with 50 or more.

Who was first? Well at least, by Civil and Structural staff numbers, it was one of our clients - Mouchel - with 6850 staff and a £740M turnover.

Foundation delivers in Morocco

2010-04-05T08:16:00.001+01:00

Meeting remote farmers

Although a little bit out of our normal operating area The Up and Under rally team assisted the Foundation by delivering a box full of sports kit to younsters in the Missor area of Morocco. The kit was passed on to Mr Baroudi a prominent figure in the area for distribution to those youngsters most likely to benefit. Kit was donated by the South Cheshire Harriers, Crewe Alex, Up and Under Staff and supporters of the Foundation

Kids always like new stuff.

Handing over kit in Missor

Mr Baroudi, Andy and Rainer (rally organiser)

Oh and we finished the rally in third place!

Tuareg Rally

2010-03-31T21:26:00.000+01:00

Andy has been playing in the big sandpit in the south, the story can be found here:

http://www.ukrallyraiders.blogspot.com/
Cheers

Happy 23rd Birthday

2010-03-11T09:31:00.001Z

Up and Under celebrated its 23rd birthday in style with a party at the company HQ last Friday. The stores had a serious makeover into what the band described as "one of the best venues" they'd played.

In between band sets party goers entertained themselves with scalextric and wii competitions and a couple of drinks at the bar.

Andy Birchall was presented with his well deserved award for Employee of the Year 2009.

In 1987 the company offered specialist access inspection services, in the intervening years a range of additional services have been added including contracting, traing, safety consultancy and mediation.

In 1987 turnover was £3400, in 2010 it is expected to be in excess of £1.5Million.

We would like to thank all of our clients, staff and suppliers for helping us to become as successful as we have been. We are looking forward to the next year withthe same excitement as you always find at Coppice House

If you haven't worked with us, what are you waiting for?

A few recent projects

2010-02-03T11:08:00.001Z

Do any of these look like a problem you have? Problem solved!

For the golfers amongst you

2010-02-01T10:42:00.001Z

I saw these offers recently and though they may be of interest to some of you.

Wychwood Park Golf Course, host of the 2010 PGA Europro Tour:

Good Friday: Cheese and bacon Oatcake followed by 18 holes £19
Easter Saturday: Coffee and bacon Rolls - 18 holes Golf - Steak and Ale Pie £25
Easter Sunday: 18 holes Golf followed by Chef Roast - One course - £22.50

Don't know if this is good or bad, but if it is good call 08449802323 or email nsmith@deverevenues.co.uk and don't forget to mention Up and Under, it is unlikely to get you a discount, but will confuse the guy on the other end of the phone.

Foundation to support local groups

2010-01-28T14:39:00.001Z

The Up and Under Foundation will be making up to £250 available to assist a local group (s) with an initiative to assist young people gain experience they would otherwise be denied. This is part of the ongoing support for this type of initiative supported by the Up and Under Group through the Up and Under Foundation.

More details: www.upandundergroup.com/community.html follow link to 2010 Awards

What did the snow do for you?

2010-01-25T11:45:00.002Z

So we are all back to normal, the ‘Arctic Freeze’ of early January is already fading from our memories. But if you are a structure owner of manager should you forget it happened or take some action? Freezing can have effects far beyond the obvious burst pipes. Consider the following and their effect upon your building function and your liabilities:

Loosening or spalling mosaics and slip bricks;
Loosening of copings;
Damage around windows;
Lifting and other damage to waterproofing;
Damage to porous materials cause them to fall on people below;
Damage to pointing in brickwork;
Excessive movement in structural joints and bearings.

If you need to carry out an inspection of your structure or have spotted a maintenance action call us to discuss how our specialist access methods can help keep the costs under control. And think on if you can’t afford major repairs to a building that is dropping pieces onto the ground below, temporary measures are available to help you manage your liabilities.

Call Jon on 01270 589615 to discuss solutions

Directors Cribb

2010-01-11T16:41:00.001Z

Ok we got you with the title, but you are not expecting country house splendour here are you? You are right.

Taking full advantage of the recent chilly weather Andy and Simon set out to dig themselves a mountain top retreat.

So the weather started off fine, but soon deteriorated.

But with a bit of shovel work (about 4 tonne) a home was excavated and the kettle put to good use.
For those with a head for the figures the snowhole had two entrances, three rooms, two wardrobes. was 7m from front to back and had a maximum span of 2.5m. The snow was over a metre thick over the highest part of the cave. The temperature inside was a consistent zero degrees whilst outside it was horrible!

Are you a worker or a shirker?

2010-01-11T11:05:00.001Z

To celebrate the efforts of the Up and Under team through the freeze we have had a limited edition bumper sticker printed. You too can get one by sending £2 via paypal, Contact Andy for details; andy@upandundergroup.com or 01270 5897615. All profits will go to the Up and Under Foundation.

Go on tell the world, a little bit of snow can't stop you!

Beat the Freeze!

2010-01-08T11:04:00.001Z

It seems the whole country is grinding to a halt, but at Up and Under it is business as usual. During the week the country stood still we have had teams out on site carrying out inspections and contracting activities. In the snowy midlands we have been taking core samples and in N Wales we have been undertaking survey works on the Menai Bridge.

It is testament to the 'can do' attitude of our team that we have not let a little cold weather get in the way of solving our clients problems.

In one example of lateral thinking the coring team obtained a camping stove and boiled the water for the coring rig to keep things going through the worst of the weather.

If you need this no fuss, get on with it kind of approach you know where to come.

£2010- Oh! in 2010

2010-01-05T15:22:00.000Z

The Up and Under Group set out to raise £20,100 in 2010 for the children’s charity The Up and Under Foundation

It is normally this time of year that we make personal resolutions that will make us better people in the year ahead. As a company the Up and Under Group is no different.

Over the past few years we have raised money to help local youngsters do things that might otherwise be denied them due to lack of funds. This money is administered by the Up and Under Foundation. Last year company MD Andy Fewtrell and his wife Lorna raised more than £2k in sponsorship by completing two simultaneous marathons. This money helped to establish the Eric Swan Bursary.

This year we are setting a far greater challenge for the whole company. Initially we thought we could try to raise £2010 in 2010, but that seemed a bit of a small challenge for Up and Under so the goal is to raise £20100.00 in 2010. To make this a true Company effort every one of our 30 strong team has pledged to raise a sum of money during the year. In keeping with the theme the pledges are either £2.01, £20.10, £201.00 or £2010. We will be looking to have a number of events during the year that people can get involved in, more details will be announced and published on our Blog. Meanwhile if you are considering doing a challenge during the year and would like to support the Foundation we would be happy to hear from you.

More details of the charity can be found at: www.upandundergroup.com/community.html

Up and Under @ Civils 2009

2009-11-27T14:04:00.001Z

Up and Under recently exhibited at Civils 2009, the first time since 2000. The reception we recieved was a fantastic. Many previous and existing clients dropped by to say hello. It was also fun to spread the message to others who dropped by for a chat.

Our next exhibition will be at the IHT Midland Branch Symposium - 21 January 2010, Nottingham provisionally titled 'Smarter Choices for a Better Future'

South Cheshire Business Awards

2009-11-10T08:49:00.000Z

The Up and Under Group were recently nominated as Best Employer in the South Cheshire Business Awards. It was a tense wait for the result, but in the end we were beaten by St John Ambulance, and after Simon's recent racing injury we couldn't really complain. The important thing is that the real judges think we are the best - our staff!

The photograph shows Richard, Andy and Simon in their normal working clothes. The Ladies have have gone to more of an effort ;o)

In the footsteps of Brunel

2009-08-06T15:51:00.000+01:00

Up and Under are this week carrying out inspection works on sections of Brunel's masterpiece of railway engineering the Saltash Bridge. As you can see from the photograph the view are good.

We are carrying out a visual condition survey of a number of the bridge elements as part of a routine maintenance programme.

This is typical ofthe type of work we do and we would be happy to discuss any similar projects that you have. We are just as happy working on less high profile structures ;o)

Marathon Success

2009-06-11T15:21:00.000+01:00

Andy and Lorna successfully completed their respective marathon challenges with Andy finishing in 3 hrs 12 mins whilst Lorna battled hills and rain to complete the Windemere marathon in 4 hrs 53mins. Thanks to all who helped us to raise £3500 for the Eric Swan bursary.

Details www.upandundergroup.com/community.html

Marathon leads to row

2009-05-12T11:16:00.000+01:00

One marathon in the family is hard enough, but this Sunday morning Andy and Lorna Fewtrell will be lining up for two different ones. At 10.30 Lorna, a long time runner, will set out for the 26miles 385 yards of Windemere Marathon whilst Andy will be sitting down at Crewe Hall’s Reflections Spa to row the 42,195m of his own marathon challenge.

Andy and Lorna will be raising money for the Up and Under Foundation who wish to set up a bursary in memory of Eric Swan, a man who was highly respected by all who had dealings with him during his life. His enthusiasm for sports, the outdoors and athletics was generously shared with all he came into contact with. The fund will provide assistance with fees for outdoor education to youngster(s) in the S Cheshire area.

Andy was introduced to mountain walking and later mountaineering through the efforts of Mr Swan, or ‘Biffa’ as he was affectionately known, whilst a pupil at Crewe Boys Grammar School. The interest in mountaineering led Andy to set up Up and Under in 1987 which carries out building and bridge works using abseiling techniques. Therefore there is symmetry in the Up and Under Group Charity seeking to help other young people experience adventurous activities.

There is a bit on needle between the couple who are both aiming to beat the others time. If you are in the Lake District at the weekend look out for the runners and give them a cheer, if not you could always pop around to Reflections and give Andy some encouragement. At the end of the run it is likely that Lorna will have sore feet, where Andy will be sore doesn’t bear mentioning.

If you wish to donate to the Eric Swan Bursary fund you can donate at Crewe Hall on the day or send a cheque made out to ‘The Up and Under Foundation’ at Coppice House, Quakers Coppice, Crewe, CW1 6FA

The charity currently receives all of its income from the Up and Under Group but would be happy to hear from anybody who would like to undertake a fund raising event in its name. Earlier in the year the Foundation donated funds to assist scouts with costs of attending camps.

The Up and Under Foundation is a charity founded in 2008 by the Up and Under Group to provide financial assistance to youngsters in the South Cheshire area to allow them to have beneficial experience which they might otherwise miss out on due to lack of funds. We are particularly interested in area involving adventure, physical activity and music performance.

Currently the funds available for awards are limited. The plan is to make awards from the interest earned on a capital sum which it is intended will continue to grow from further Up and Under donations to form a legacy fund which will be capable of making payments into the future.

2009-04-27T12:47:00.000+01:00

When we advertised for a Contracts Delivery Manager for Infrastructure Management we did not expect the result that we got. I am, however, happy to report that the result is a better one than we could have imagined.

After careful consideration of the applications we received it was concluded that the best solution would be to offer Miles a transfer from Specialist Contracts to IM and to employ Richard Herries, who has been assisting with IM works for the past few weeks, as Director of Specialist Contracts.

Miles we all know, has a great deal of experience in the type of work undertaken by IM will no doubt do a great job with here. Richard has years of experience, both in the UK and overseas in delivering projects and managing teams delivering construction projects in the Telecoms sector. It is hoped that this experience will benefit Specialist Contracts in the coming years.

The new appointments will take effect from 1st June 2009 with May being a period of transition. I trust that we will all wish them well as they take on their new challenging roles.

2009-04-27T12:31:00.000+01:00

Welcome to the new Up and Under Blog. We will be looking to keep you up to date with happenings atthe Up and Under Group and hopefully provide you with some interesting stuff to help your day along.

If there is anything that you think we should be posting here do get in touch or leave a comment.

Andy

24hour Adventure Race July 2010

2009-04-27T12:27:00.004+01:00

Open 24 Adventure Race 2010

How quickly things can change!
Just over a week before the Open 24 I was all ready to race with Jo Spivey, with a plan to take a more sociable approach to the race to build on endurance for the upcoming Terrex race. However, whilst training Jo picked up and injury and my plans quickly changed to finding a last minute replacement.
Call it fate, but at about the same time I received an email which ended with a comment that Stuart Lynch, the 2008 world champion with Orion Health, was looking to get a late entry and did I know of anyone he could race with.
With a bit of apprehension I offered the place and we teamed up to race the Open 24.

It did not take long for me to realised that the original plan for a more sociable race was out of the window, and my focus now turned towards planning on how I could survive what was going to be an interesting 24 hours.

Race day started early with a 06.00 wake up for a quick breakfast and look at the maps before a transfer by coach to the prologue start on Anglesey. The prologue was a coasteering stage, with a swim across the bay to start. Once on the rocks we followed the instructions of the marshals and jumped, climbed, swam and clambered along the coast line. Although not timed, we seemed to be moving fast through the prologue and soon found ourselves on the coastal path to the Silver Bay. After a short wait on the beach the rib arrived and we swam out to meet it. The next 10 minutes or so were nearly as exhausting as the coasteering, trying to keep hold of the grab handles as the rib bounced and lept over the waves on its way to Rhosneigr. With a short swim to the beach we were back with our kit bags for the start of the race proper.

Due to the worsening weather conditions the organisers had moved to plan B, this shortened the paddle stage with an initial MTB section on Anglesey taking us to a revised transition on the shore of the Menai Straits.

Setting off at 30 second intervals it was not long before we were on the bikes and tearing along the lanes. Again, and not for the last time in the 24 hours, Stuart sped off and I tucked in behind as we navigated to the controls. Keeping a good pace, it was not long before we had passed most of the teams who had started before us, with several trying to tag on the back and draft. This worked for a while until Stuart took a track off road which had us hurtling downhill ducking and weaving, and trying to stay upright as the overgrown vegetation grabbed at us and braches tried to take our heads off. As the hill bottomed out we hit a stream which was in flood resulting in a short push before climbing back on and hitting the roads again. This seemed to have done the trick and the followers were now some way behind.

An optional section on Anglesey was that of a trail run around Newborough Forest. We arrived with only one or two other teams in front of us and set off at a good pace to clear the longest of the three routes. This was a nice change from the fast biking but Stuart kept the pace up, and I did my best to follow.

Once back on the bike we picked up a couple more controls and headed to the next transition to start the kayak.

Quickly picking up the compulsory kayak kit we jumped into the boat and headed off. The plan was to clear all the controls along the Menai Straits with a route that took us up to the Britannia Bridge before returning to the transition at Felinheli. We were swift at each control and soon found that we were pulling ahead of the others around us. With the paddle having being shorted, it was not long before we were surfing the tide back to transition to meet up with our bikes again.

The next stage was to take us from the shores of the Menai Straits up into the mountains, to the transition near Idwal Cottage. The majority of this stage was on roads and cycle paths resulting in a fast pace, yet again. The initial plan was to clear the stage, but with the option to drop a 15 point control later on dependant on time, as we did not want to be late into transition. The initial fast pace had now started to catch up with me and I resorted to grabbing a tow now and again on the hills. Getting all but one control we passed by Bethesda for the 7km or so rise up into the mountains.

Arriving at transition we had a quick change, coffee and kit check and then set off on foot up in to the Glyders. It was clear from the start that this stage would not be clearable, so we picked a route to hit the high scoring controls and any others we would pass on route. After collecting the control at Llyn Idwal we started the long hard slog up to Foel-goch. On route we caught up with several other teams, and then steadily pulled away with Bruce Duncan and Nicola MacLeod, to summit in very poor visibility. The next control was on Y Garn and after descending for a while we started the next climb to the summit. The descent from Y Garn saw us land straight on the stile crossing point and then hit the area of Llyn y Cwn, but then the path seemed to disappear and we found ourselves knee deep in bog. Taking a bearing we quickly headed off to find the control at a fence corner.
Our next plan maybe should have had a bit more thought, as we climbed up on to Glyder Fawr and then Glyder Fach for a 15 point control, which was not the easiest to find in the boulder strewn summits of the mountains, before descending to Bwlch Tryfan and then again to Llyn Bochlwyd, only to be confronted with a retrace of our steps back up to Bwlch Tryfan and then up to the miners track back on the ridge. This out and back saw us descend and then climb back up nearly 200m vertically over about 1km, however it was for a high scoring control. It was also at this time that Stuart found a large and quite heavy flash unit for a camera, and asked me to stuff it in his pack as he would take it to the next transition. The next few controls proved tricky in the poor visibility, but once we had found them we started the descent of the ridge, out of the cloud and onto the transition in Capel Curig.

From previous experiences it was anytime now that I would start to go really slow and hit a seriously low patch. However, it was not happening. I was slowing but it was relative to the initial fast pace and probably inline with other people, with the exception of Stuart who just seemed to keep on going. Had I finally got my food/energy intake right, had my body decided to stop fighting and just let me get on with it? Who knows but I hope I can repeat it in future races.

The next bike stage was relatively short, albeit over a hill into the next valley. As we descended I was grateful of the Exposure Maxx d and Joystick lights I had which lit up the track like daylight. On reaching the main road, after a slight nav error, we were left with two opposing out and backs to clear the stage and the transition window was fast approaching. Pushing hard we got both controls, forming a partnership with Tom Gibbs and John Houlihan to open and close several gates along the route.

The transition was essentially a bike drop with no access to your kit bag, so we were quickly back out on foot heading into the forest alongside Tom and John. After the first control our routes differed and we headed off on a relatively direct route to the special stage at Rhiw Back Mine. On route we caught up with Bruce and Nicola again and whilst trekking across the open moor caught a glimpse of the sun rise. This quickly disappeared as we descended in to the depths of the mine to find controls.
The initial descent was steep down a tunnel flowing with ice cold water. On reaching the bottom we were instructed that there were four controls to be found. Running though numerous tunnels and blind headings we finally found all the controls and then donned on buoyancy aids and used inflatable kayaks to cross an underwater lake to reach the final tunnel leading to the transition.

This final transition saw us meet up with our bikes again for some single track action around the Penmachno and Marin MTB trails. Clearing the controls around Penmachno we headed north to an optional foot orienteering stage around Llyn Elsi Reservoir. After completing the long course we assessed our time and Stuart came up with a plan to best utilise our time. This resulted in us hitting some big hills, getting to the point of having to use the granny gear for what seemed a life time. However, in addition to the sweeping downhill single track, we did have a fun moment where we caught, past and then dropped a roadie on the road up past Swallow Falls, and this after some 23 hours of racing.
Picking up our last control we turned and headed for the finish in Betws Y Coed, crossing the finish line in a race time of 23hours 52 minutes and 58 seconds.

Reflecting back on the race I think I did more than just survive. There was certainly times when I was holding Stuart back and I benefited from his tow, but other times where we seemed to be cruising along together.
The whole experience was fantastic, racing with an ex world champion, on a great course from sea level to the high mountains and topping it all off with a second place.

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