Welsh construction firm completes BP project with mental health message

The construction division of The Premier Group has completed a project for BP following being appointed to undertake a knock down and rebuild project at a petrol filling station based in Swindon.

The Swansea-based company carried out a full site decommission including the demolition of existing sales buildings and canopy structures. The site’s fuel infrastructure was also decommissioned, which saw the removal of existing underground storage tanks.

The rebuilding of the site included the installation of new tanks and fuel infrastructure to suit. The construction of new canopy structures and larger sales buildings were also provided to accommodate a new Marks & Spencer Simply Food store. The main site has been branded by BP and the sales building as M&S.

The Premier Group began works on the 17 week project during May 2018, with the project recently reaching completion.

As part of the project, The Premier Group carried out a community initiative focused on mental health. With the support of BP – which is committed to changing how mental health is viewed and supporting employees who may have mental health problems – the company partnered with local mental health charity Swindon & Gloucestershire Mind to run a mental health awareness event in a hotel nearby the project site. The event enabled staff at The Premier Group, BP and members of the community to discuss aspects of mental health and its particular impact on those in the construction sector.

The Premier Group also highlighted during the event its support of Mates in Mind – a charity that aims to raise awareness, address the stigma of poor mental health and improve positive mental wellbeing in the UK construction industry.

The construction division of The Premier Group is one of the country’s leading high-spec construction and maintenance companies. The firm is dedicated to running community engagement projects on large projects as a way of giving back to the community while raising awareness of important issues.

Steve Evans, managing director of the construction division of The Premier Group, said:

“Mental health is a significant concern and more awareness is needed on how it impacts those working in the construction sector. The industry as a whole has changed vastly over the years and has progressed into a far more professional and safer industry to work in. However, mental health often isn’t given the attention it deserves. We need to continue to work together to break down the stigma associated with mental health issues, particularly within the construction and fuel maintenance industry.

“It has been extremely rewarding to work with BP and Swindon & Gloucestershire Mind to raise awareness of the importance of supporting mental health and well-being, and how we can best help people in the community and our industry who may be struggling with their mental health. Our staff and their well-being is of utmost importance to us and we will continue to engage in such initiatives to maintain a positive outlook and understanding when it comes to supporting mental health in the construction industry.”

The Premier Group is a leading UK independent fuel engineering company that operates as two main divisions: construction and servicing. In addition to BP, the company works with many major national brands, including Esso, Shell, MFG, MRH, Rontec, Asda and Tesco.