Logi-tek & Commtech Asia are taking steps towards a better future in national walking month

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We are delighted to announce that Logi-tek (UK) and Commtech Asia will be taking steps towards a better future throughout May, raising money for charity.

As May is national walking month our teams will record every step they take, and we will donate money on their behalf. Yes, you did read that right, every single step! Whether it is walking to work, around a data centre carrying out their duties, or playing football with the kids on the weekend, it all counts.

Raising money for the great causes is of course at the forefront of this campaign. However, choosing to do this in May is no coincidence. We recognise the positive impact increasing the number of daily steps a person makes can have on their body and mindset. So, to get our team walking more is important to us and this is especially significant considering these unprecedented times.

These are just some of the reasons why you should try to work in more walking to your daily routine:

It is good for your heart; a brisk walk for 30 minutes every day is said to reduce your risk of a stroke by 27%. If this was not enough, it also reduces bad levels of cholesterol and increases the levels of good cholesterol too!
 
It can reduce the risk of; Alzheimer’s disease by 40%, breast cancer by 20%, coronary heart disease by 20%, depression by 30%, colon cancer by 40% and type 2 diabetes by 40%.
 
It makes you happy; a walk can be just as beneficial as taking an antidepressant and can be a great helping hand if you are suffering from depression, anxiety or feeling stressed. It can also boost self-esteem and reduce symptoms of social withdrawal.

Our teams across Europe and Asia-Pacific are ready and set to go.

Employee spotlight with Design Manager / Commissioning Manager Adam Plavecky

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In this month’s employee spotlight, we talk to Adam Plavecky, Design Manager / Commissioning Manager based in the United Kingdom.

Adam is working across two commercial fit-out projects, a Shell and Core project for a prominent property developer and a 150kV Substation for a Hyperscale Data Centre.

Three words to describe Logi-tek?

Energetic, leading-edge, unified.

Adam, what is something your proud of achieving outside of work? 

In 2007 I backpacked around South America for four months. When in Peru, I completed the 88 km trek along the Inca trail to Machu Picchu. The hike was over 3.5 days, at high altitudes reaching 4100 km above sea level at the pass. The majority of the walk was stone steps either going up or going down. My knees suffered badly (an old football injury); however, it was all worth it looking over Machu Picchu at sunrise.

Why is the Commissioning process so important, and why is it essential to manage it?

Commissioning optimises and enhances building systems; it extends the equipment’s service life, improves comfort and indoor air quality, reduces energy cost and gives the client an in-depth knowledge of how their building operates. The perfect scenario for any client is a project that finishes on time, is snag-free, and all systems operate efficiently. Without management, the commissioning process would be rudderless. This could lead to a lack of coordination, little tracking of progress and no one driving the process. Ultimately this would lead to a delayed project, plant not operating autonomously and a client with no confidence in the installation.

Who/what has influenced you the most when it comes to how you approach your work?

This would have to be my Grandpa, Harry. Now 94, Harry left school and started work as a driver at the age of 13. By the time he retired, he was the lead project manager in constructing multiple high-rise buildings in Sydney, Australia. Harry worked hard, led by example, and was always positive. He valued the art of diplomacy to get the most out of people.

Where do you see the Commissioning of the future?

The industry has shifted towards intelligent buildings, and I see this developing further with AI technology advancement. Maybe, one day, we will see a building that commissions itself.

To find out more about commissioning opportunities at Logi-tek please send your CV to recruitment@logi-tek.co.uk

Transitioning from the Armed Forces to civilian life and Logi-tek (UK) – Blog featuring Chris Buller

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The CTP (Career Transition Partnership) scheme aids ex-Armed Forces personnel find work after their Armed Forces career. We strongly believe the skills and acumen utilised in service life provides a strong mix of transferrable skills. In our latest blog, we learn more about Chris Buller a former Royal Navy engineer.

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

I am 34 years of age from a little seaside town near Newcastle, Newbiggin by the Sea. I joined the Royal Navy around 8 years and a half years ago. I left at 8 years as a LET(ME), Leading Engineering Technician (Marine Engineering), having served on several class ships (Type 23s, River Class in the UK and Falklands, FSU and HMS Bristol). I saw my last 6 months out on the HMS Bristol before it was decommissioned, briefing and training phase 2 recruits so it was nice to get that experience before I left. I spent most of my time with diesel engines and control systems, but like many others experienced all M1, M2 and M3 sections.

What inspired you to join the forces?

I was stuck in a dead-end job, wasting my life away living for the weekend (and sometimes weekdays) I had previously had family in the Royal Navy and decided it was time to pick up and go. I joined the Royal Navy to follow in their path, but also to turn my life around, get out of the boring rut I was in, and here we are.

How have you found transitioning to civilian life?

I found the transition difficult at first. Going from a physically demanding, high pressured job which is so regimented and incredibly fast paced, to a very mentally demanding job which at times can be frustrating and slightly slower. I found this hard due to the way my mind operates, needing to be busy all the time, something else the Armed Forces breeds into its recruits.

How did Logi-tek help with your transition?

Logi-tek promotes a very similar ethic regarding teamwork. Teamwork is a vital part of the Armed Forces and for a company to have very similar core values was amazing. This meant that transitioning was made that little bit simpler due to the fact you could be placed anywhere in the world and know those around you were there to support you. This was primarily one of the reasons I was attracted to Logi-tek in the first place. The teamwork and morale shown regardless of the stress involved on the job have made this transition as simple as a crew change in the Royal Navy. Support is only an email or phone call away if need be. As a result, the tools I have learned in the Armed Forces have been utilised and I’m focused on the task at hand.

Can you tell us a little about your current role/project at Logi-tek?

I am a Commissioning Manager, working on hyperscale data centres, Mechanical and Electrical Systems. This includes the day-to-day management of resource, approaching a job methodically and problem solving as required. I am managing the process of the first functional tests of these systems and their integration, so no one day is the same.
Have you found that your military skills and training are transferable to your role at Logi-tek?
100%. Whilst the projects are on a way bigger scale, there are less systems to look after than on a ship. So, you can really focus your skillset into a couple of areas and expand your knowledge on the job. The management and methodical approach to a job in the Armed Forces really transfers well to this current role.

What impact has life in forces made on your work ethic today?

From Day 1 in the Armed Forces, you are re-programmed into using your time in the most efficient way. Upon entering the Forces I already had a half decent work ethic. By the time I left basic training, I became the most productive, efficient and punctual I could be with my wayward discipline turned around. The Armed Forces certainly encourage you to become the best possible human you can be, once you reach that then all the ownership is with you to maintain these gained skills. The can do, stay until the job is completed, attitude serves very well in this industry.

What advice would you give those who have left the forces and looking to get into work in our industry?

My advice would be to make use of the resettlement tools available to service leavers through CTP. More specifically, courses aimed at Commissioning and Project Management. The skillset and work ethic will already be there with most so topping up that education and experience would be vital. There is a lot of work with spreadsheets etc so any ICT courses would also be beneficial.

Employee spotlight with lead commissioning manager Robert Tonner

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In this month’s employee spotlight, we talk to Robert Tonner, Lead Commissioning Manager based in The Netherlands.

Robert has been with us for 12 months and is currently managing a hyperscale data centre project not far from Groningen in the Netherlands, we were interested to find out a bit more about him and his role.

Three words to describe Logi-tek?

Progressive, Collaborative and Rewarding.

Robert, please tell us some interesting facts about yourself?  

Well, a brief resume: In 1986, I joined the army Cadets at 15, became a 2nd Lieutenant officer in 1992, and left as a Captain in 2000.

Shooting was always my sport, so I joined the local shooting club. I became club champion and captained the Scotland National team for two years and shot for the Great Britain team in 2019. I’m still very much an active part of the GB squad now.

Why is the Commissioning process so important when managing Data Centre projects?

The setting up of any installation goes through a natural process from design, construction, through to completion.

The critical infrastructure to keep a Data Centre operational as soon as it goes live, demands a very high level of thoroughness of quality and commissioning checks.

On a particularly large project like this, the activities involved in this process has to be managed and documented carefully.

The margin for error is slim, so the planning, the preparation of the schedule, the commissioning activities and the respective teams all need to be co-ordinated to allow all the integrated testing to take place in a controlled, correct, and sequential manner.  

Delivering the project with a target of zero defects, fully tested and operational is the standard we set ourselves on every project.

So, what does a typical day look like for you, Robert?

I start on site at 07:30 and lead the daily briefing.

The commissioning teams then progress their work and I receive their updates throughout the day.

I then alter any commissioning strategies as the day progresses, problem solving with the team, whilst keeping the client up to speed with the progress.

We always finish the day with a de-briefing meeting – a really good summary of the achievements during the day.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?

Leading teams! I’ve been leading teams for a long time and it never becomes tiresome. Every day is about delivering the best service I can and guiding the team around me to do the same.

The team we have on my current project are one of the best I’ve ever had the privilege of working with.

To find out more about commissioning opportunities at Logi-tek please send your CV to recruitment@logi-tek.co.uk

Go follow our brand new Twitter account

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We are delighted to announce that we have joined Twitter and look forward to sharing content with the world.

Go follow us here: https://twitter.com/logitekuk

Logi-tek appointed client-sided commissioning manager on CAT A fit out in London

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We are very pleased to announce our client-side Commissioning Management appointment for a German multinational financial services company. This CAT A fit-out is at one of their London sites, and our appointment is to ensure all building services systems are installed to design and global standards are achieved.  

#CxA #CommissioningManagement #Global #Logitek #LogitekUK #UK #CATA # Fitout

Logi-tek receives the ConstructSecure Platinum Safety Award

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We have received the ConstructSecure Platinum Safety Award. This award is presented to companies that register a safety score of 95% or greater in the Safety Assessment Programme administered by ConstructSecure.

“Platinum status is not easily achieved, Logi-tek has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to implementing safety management systems resulting in exceptionally low incident rates,” state Garrett Burke, CEO of ConstructSecure.

The Safety Assessment Programme reviews a company’s historic safety performance and current safety management systems. The platform normalises data for vendor or contractor size and type of work performed.

The programme provides thorough, objective and consistent evaluation of company performance so clients can identity, monitor, and manage risk smarter. The results provide a strong indicator of how a vendor or contractor values safety and a reliable predictor of future performance. Find out more about ConstructSecure here: https://www.constructsecure.com/

Logi-tek awarded CAT A fit-out for British multinational professional services organisation

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We are delighted to announce our contractor-side Commissioning Management appointment on a CAT A fit-out for British multinational professional services organisation who work across every aspect of today’s built environment, helping their clients solve their most complex challenges.  

This is an exciting project for our team, as there will be the implementation of full SMART IB enablement.

#CxC #CommissioningManagement #Global #Logitek #LogitekUK #UK #Innovation #CATA #Fitout #BuildingServices

Logi-tek set to manage the commissioning process end-to-end on another project in London

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We are pleased to announce our appointment as contractor-side #CommissioniongManager.

Our team will support and guide the GC throughout construction to ensure all building services system installs meet design and global standards.

We will manage the commissioning process end-to-end working closely with the design team and clients consultants.

#CxC #CommissioningManagement #Global #Logitek #LogitekUK #UK #Innovation #Fitout

Logi-tek awarded another contractor-side commissioning management appointment

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We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded another contractor-side Commissioning Management appointment in London, this project comprises of enhanced mechanical systems and sustainable excellence inclusive of LEED accreditation.

#CxC #CommissioningManagement #Global #Logitek #LogitekUK #UK #Innovation #Fitout #BuildingServices