Restoring and beautifying London's most prestigious homes with love for almost 100 years.




Friday 30 September 2011

Nancy

Hi, Niki here. I just wanted to add a few thoughts on the previous post.

It's a truly exciting time and a delight to see Andy move into the role of MD (and very much deserved), and we wish him every success. I am confident that he has the skills needed to succeed, as well the support, respect and co-operation of us all. I would like to wish him wonderful days as the new MD!

We cannot let the day pass without marking the sad news that Nancy is leaving us. However Bastows being Bastows, we know we will ALWAYS be family, and we will still see a lot of her!

Personally, I have to say that Nancy has been a wonderful colleague, dedicated and hardworking, but someone who has also become one of the truest friends you might wish for. It won't be the same here without her... although I know different can also be good!

Nancy, this is to say a more heartfelt 'thank you, and I'll miss you' to you. We have come to share the ups and downs of life and learned to 'treat those two impostors just the same'. We have laughed and seethed together more often than we care to count. We have shared cocktails and tea in equal measure, in London and Las Vegas. I have listened to your insight and your inimitable way of stating exactly what's wrong with a thing (as well as what needs to be done about it), and for that I thank you.

We have made fantastic memories in the 4 years we've been friends and colleagues, and we are not done yet, missus.

Nancy, you're one in several million and we will see you soon, and often.

Our love and luck goes with you on your next adventure.

Hello, Goodbye



Bastows are delighted to announce the appointment of Andy Raczinkaitis as our new Managing Director.

Andy has been involved in th
e building industry for the majority of his career. He worked with our founder Derek Bastow for many years overseeing the scaffolding division of the business, before leaving to set up his own venture, enjoying great success in the field of heating engineering. He returned to Bastows in 2009 to manage the tendering of new projects and work closely with Sales Director Dave Brown to set up our ‘small works’ division.

Frank Bastow, now CEO, said:
"I cannot think of anyone better placed to entrust our Family to. Andy’s strong industry background, dedication and his drive to develop great relationships will be significant assets to us in the coming years. On behalf of the entire company, I am delighted to appoint Andy as a Managing Director that can lead our Family into the future.”

Commenting on his appointment, Andy said:
“Bastows has a proud history and is well-known for high quality and innovation, having built a trusted and valued reputation in our market. My role will be to build upon this strong foundation and help the Company to fulfil our intent, adhere to our values, and continue to deliver peace of mind to clients, residents and Family members.”



New adventures await...

After four years as a dedicated and much-loved member of our team, we are sad to share the news that Nancy Baker will be leaving us on 30 September.

Nancy plans to move out of the area due to her husband Paul landing a fantastic job - however on the upside, she will be moving to the coast, so a life filled with sea air, buckets and spades (and visits from us) awaits them!


Nancy may be leaving our team, however, we know that she will ALWAYS be a part of our Family.

Please join us in wishing Nancy all the very best in her new adventures, and love and luck in her journey. She will be missed by us all!



For more information please contact Niki Rosenbaum via niki@bastows.co.uk

Thursday 15 September 2011

HOT OFF THE CCS PRESS!

We've just received our Considerate Constructors Scheme report back for our project at 130-152 Buckingham Palace Road and are delighted to share the news that we scored an amazing 37 out of 40 points.

The site is managed by Almir Mujagic, who has been with Bastows for over 10 years and is a dedicated and talented member of our Site Management team. Almir had support from our Health & Safety Auditor Adam Crichton, who has championed the CCS programme from its inception.


The CCS scheme monitors how we operate a site over 8 different criteria- Considerate, Environment, Appearance, Good Neighbour, Respectful, Safety, Responsible and Accountable.

This includes not one but TWO 5s for our Responsible approach and Environmental awareness, with 4.5 across the remaining six areas. This is the first time we have ever scored two 5s, and we are enormously proud of our guys for this achievement.

The monitor particularly praised our "Comprehensive community notice board providing photographic detail of works", "high standard of presentation", "Extensive community participation (and)... meaningful charitable donations", our strong Corporate diversity and equality policy and Occupational Health programme including body mapping. It was also noted that our website affords a great way for the public to contact us, including our use of Twitter and Facebook. He recognised that CCS is "integral to company objectives with awareness
encouraged from board level throughout the company." The monitor commented too on the "high standard" of our public image and approachability, "proactive approach to waste elimination" and energy efficiency & rainwater harvesting policies.

As Gold award winners in 2008 and 2010, and National 'Most Considerate Site' award winners in 2010, we know the value of working with the Considerate Constructors Scheme and how their standards can be used as an essential benchmark to help your Company and improve the image of the construction industry.

We are delighted to share this news with you and hope you will join with us in thanking Almir, Adam and the team on site for their efforts, hard work and desire to excel.

Guys- from our hearts: THANK YOU, and CONGRATULATIONS!


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Meet the team...

ALMIR MUJAGIC, Site Manager



"I was born in Bosnia and Herzegovina and lived there until I was 18; little did I know when I was a young lad that I would end up living in London.

I attended a Technical college there and started working as an apprentice plumber when the war started - and all my plans and aspirations were put to rest.

I arrived in London in February 1993 on a special flight. When I was at the airport a guy my age approached me and asked if I could spare a cigarette... his name was Cupo, and he became one of my best friends.

I was in awe of this big city, didn't know the language and it was a scary prospect - I had to rebuild my life.

I worked as a labourer, car wash assistant, chippie and eventually as a painter and decorator.

I joined the Bastows family in 1999 and haven't looked back since. It has been a learning curve and I have enjoyed (most) of it so far.

Besides being a great Site Manager, I am also a proud dad of two (ages 15 and 10 respectively). I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, love photography, have a passion for music and I’m also a bit of a film buff."


ADAM CRICHTON, Health and Safety Auditor
"I’m shortly going to enter my fourth year working within the Bastows family. I enjoy going out with friends on the weekend in and around London to relax, whether it be playing football in the park or on a night out.

I also enjoy boxing and basketball especially during the fine British summers..!
My favourite song is Mr Brightside by The Killers and my favourite film is Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas."