FOUR MORE FIRSTS FOR WINVIC IN 2024
THE FIRST UK CONTRACTOR TO USE A REMOTE TOWER CRANE
Our commitment to health, safety and wellbeing were the drivers for us selecting a pioneering technology for use at the 33-storey Crown Place Birmingham project. However, the cutting-edge machinery also turns tower crane operation into specialist digital profession and we’re certain the innovation will attract many young people, especially gaming aficionados.
Skyline Cockpit allows tower crane operators to undertake the role from a ground control system, instead of first climbing up the mast section to the tower crane cab. Break times now don’t include a climb either as the ground control command centre also comprises kitchenette and welfare facilities. The control centre is found inside a cabin on level one at the Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) project, which when complete will contain 814 student beds. The 2.1 by 1.2 metre screen shows simultaneous views from seven cameras that are placed on the crane as well as a combined camera panoramic view providing better all-round visibility and eliminating blind spots. Augmented Reality (AR) also display various data to the crane operator, such as the load line, expected landing spot, wind speed, radius data and more. The controls, safety and comfort aspects enhance the experience for the operator and also facilitate more efficient operations. The 14-tonne capacity Potain MR225 crane with the Skyline Cockpit technology is being used to lift and distribute multiple materials, including unitised curtain walled façade panels and prefabricated bathroom pods. To see Skyline Cockpit in action and to hear from one of our crane operatives, watch the television news report from BBC Midlands Today over on our LinkedIn page.
A LIFE SCIENCES SECTOR FIRST FOR WINVIC
New client Aitchison Developments and funders Savills Investment Management appointed us in March to construct nine units as part of Phase 2 of Bourn Quarter in Cambridge – and we’re delighted the project is a sector first for Winvic.
Bourn Quarter is a best-in-class Life Sciences, Research and Development, production and storage development that already boasts nine occupiers, and we’re delivering nine more facilities. Three of the industrial units – 17,800 sq ft, 16,010 sq ft and 21,400 sq ft – are detached and the remaining six facilities have been constructed in adjoining pairs. The six buildings within the scheme total 144,330 sq ft, all comprises office space – which we’re fitting out – and will achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating and EPC A+.

While the facilities will be complete in January 2025, the scheme will reach practical completion in the Spring when we have finished planting 351 trees alongside shrubs and multiple insect blocks, which significantly enhance Biodiversity on the site.
OUR FIRST SEAT AT THE ESG TABLE IN WESTMINSTER
We’re going to be playing a pivotal role as the sole main contractor representing the construction industry on the Advisory Board of the Policy Liaison Group (PLG) on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG).
We couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity to help shape discussion and report topics, make recommendations to parliament and influence the Decarbonisation Strategy, which will support the current 2030 target in The Labour Party manifesto.

Arun Thaneja, Winvic’s Technical Services and Sustainability Director, Heidi Salmons, Winvic’s Head of Marketing, Communications, and Social Responsibility and Neave Thompson, Senior Sustainability Manager will be joining the PLG organised roundtables with cross-party ministers, parliamentarians, regulators, standard-setters, NGOs and academics. They are looking forward to contributing valuable insights, particularly helping to bridge the knowledge gap in ESG among parliamentarians and advancing the sustainability and social value agenda in Parliament.


Arun Thaneja, Winvic’s Technical Services and Sustainability Director
“It’s an honour for Winvic to be invited to join the Advisory Board of the Policy Liaison Group on ESG. Having a seat at the table will allow us to share our expertise, influence cross parliamentary discussions and collaboratively find solutions to ESG challenges and I’m optimistic that Winvic will gain fresh and innovative insights from other industry experts on the Advisory Board. “As the only construction contractor to join this significant cross-party forum, we are committed to representing the industry positively and honestly. We view this role as both a privilege and a responsibility. We will leverage our extensive knowledge and passion to help advance the ESG and sustainability agenda in Parliament, with the goal of strengthening the UK’s position as an ESG and sustainability leader globally.”

“Winvic has consistently been at the forefront of ESG initiatives in the industry, and we are eager to contribute our expertise to the PLG. We are particularly passionate about highlighting the Social aspect of ESG, underscoring the importance of a Just Transition to ensure that no one is left behind as we work towards a more sustainable future. “We look forward to supporting the PLG’s mission to help parliamentarians understand ESG, and how frameworks, metrics, practices, and approaches can drive both environmental and social impact, while also securing a more stable and efficient business climate through effective corporate governance.”
LOOKING TO OUR LONG-TERM FUTURE SUCCESS
As is evident from the articles on this page alone, Winvic, founded in 2001, has grown to become a leading successful and influential business in the construction industry, working with many clients and supply chain members across its sectors of operation and most importantly employing excellent people throughout its journey.
On 29th October 2024, the founding shareholders of Winvic, Simon Girardier, David Ward and Simon Hunt, along with Richard Butler who joined the group board at a later date, announce the completion of a MBI (Management Buy In) of Winvic Group Limited, which means members of the existing management team have become shareholders. The MBI allows us to secure the long-term future of Winvic, maintain its core values and continue its journey as a leading business in the UK construction sector as well as continuing to be an employer of choice for its valued staff. We are delighted to announce that Chris Allsopp, Rob Cook, Mark Jones and Danny Nelson all become shareholders in Winvic [and its group companies]. With 58 years of Winvic experience between them they have Winvic in their DNA.

Winvic can look to the future and continue its exciting journey with confidence, strength and core values at heart. Learn more about Winvic’s Group and Construction boards, and leadership team, on our website.