Ukraine: How UK contractors are helping the relief effort
28 Mar 2022 By Greg Pitcher
Construction companies across the UK are doing their bit to support Ukrainians affected by the Russian invasion.
More than three million people are believed to have fled Ukraine since Russian president Vladimir Putin began his assault on the country on 24 February.
While braced for the economic fallout of the war, the UK construction industry is also trying to lend a hand to those most in need.
Ferrovial Construction UK has match-funded £8,000 donated to the dedicated bank accounts it set up to provide humanitarian and health aid to people displaced by the conflict. The Spanish-owned group has collected £85,000 globally and doubled this to £170,000.
Karl Goose, UK managing director at Ferrovial Construction, called for even more donations.
“It's been a month since the invasion of Ukraine began and we have all seen the horrifying impact of this on the country and its people,” he said. “Like everyone, I have felt deeply concerned and utterly helpless seeing it all unfold.
“I would personally like to invite anyone reading this to donate to the account. I appreciate people are always being asked to contribute to good causes, but this is actually the fastest growing refugee crisis since the Second World War and the people of Ukraine really need everyone's help still.”
Bam Nuttall staff based at Grimshaw Lane in Manchester worked together to collect and load items required by refugees. They were able to take two van-loads from site to a local Ukrainian Centre.
Holly Marritt, office manager on Bam’s Transpennine Route Upgrade West scheme, said watching videos at the centre of the people receiving a parcel “made you feel proud”.
But she added: “The sad part was seeing the damage that this has caused all the people and what all these people were dealing with on a day-to-day basis.”