This cause is very close to our hearts and touched most of lives in one way or another.

We would appreciate any support you can give us at our Just Giving page at http://raceforlifesponsorme.org/rdf-fillies

Since forming RDF in the early 1990’s I have focussed on developing an integrated service capability encompassing all areas of construction activity. The on-going evolution of our in-house help desk has been enhanced by the incorporation of our own M&E department and our joinery workshop continues to go from strength to strength. Being able to offer our clients in-house services across all disciplines, together with the support of our own project managers is, we are told by our clients, a major bonus. Our defence against the last 5 years of recession has been to maintain our core values which are built around value for money and excellent service standards. Despite the squeeze on margins due to the on-going rise in the cost of raw materials, we continue to support our clients by offering additional service inputs, clearly demonstrating our commitment to developing long term relationships with them.Our key focus as an organisation has been to ensure sector variation and we have been successful in developing some strong relationships in the healthcare and education sectors, whilst still maintaining our close ties with our clients in retail and leisure. The bedrock of RDF is the team, who, together, make it all happen and who deliver our services to our clients.  Meet them in future editions of our newsletter

Since employing a dedicated Health & Safety Manager in 2010, we have seen a continual reduction in our insurance costs and an increased awareness of health and safety from all our operatives on site, in our joinery workshop and in our M&E department. Our on-going training programme ensures all staff are kept fully up to date with any changes in legislation, as well as providing regular updates on existing requirements. In 2011 we provided a total of 14 courses amounting to 115 training days. In 2012 this increased to a total of 19 courses amounting to 137 training days. Many of the training days are conducted on site in the “live” environment, an approach which has shown real benefits. And we don’t just stop with our own staff. All our sub-contractors, our clients and any persons to whom we owe a duty of care are given the same level of priority as our own staff

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After

The project has attracted a lot of attention from local residents who were concerned about the future of the site. Very early on we entered into open dialogue with the residents in close proximity, holding meetings with them to discuss the scheme and talk through any concerns they may have had. Our approach has ensured full support for the scheme and we continue to liaise closely with residents

19 Shire Oak Road has an interesting history. Records suggest there has been a building on the site of the former College of Music  since the early 14^th Century. Over the years it has had some famous owners including Thomas Cranmer, the Earls of Cardigan and renowned Leeds architect, George Corson, who added some of his own touches to the building. Around 1940 the house was bought by famous soprano Madame Lilian Stiles-Allen who gave singing coaching lessons to a select few. Her most notable student was Julie Andrews, who mentions the house in her memoirs.  Madame Stiles-Allen donated the house to the Yorkshire College of Music and Drama in 1964 when they lost their premises, and it remained in use by the College until its sale in 2012, by which time it had sadly fallen into very poor condition.

Work is progressing to programme and will complete shortly.

Before