8th January 2011 - Piston Broke vs PCUK FC (Final Score: 0 – 7)
In the first game back after Christmas, PCUK were keen to avoid a Xmas hangover and a win was a must. With Sam Gerrard starting up front for the first time this season, the pressure was on him to perform. The first 30 minutes of the game were filled with chances for PCUK, but they were unable to break through a resolute Piston Broke defence, despite dominating possession. The opportunity finally came when Sam found space in the box and finished decisively. Soon after, his strike partner for the day, Andy Malam, scored with another well worked effort. With the score of 2-0 at half time, PCUK were in the driving seat and the floodgates were soon opened once the game resumed. At the end of the game, Sam Gerrard had netted 5 clean goals with a deflected finish making up the 6th (following consideration by the dubious goals committee). The double hat trick was well earned by Sam who made very clever runs all morning. A mention has to go out to the rest of the team though, who battled well following a late flurry from the home side. James Kelland, starting in central midfield, ran the show and Rob Stewart gave good width from left wing. With Sam the clear man of the match, Simon Hiscox was a close second as he maintained a clean sheet with not only good saves, but a command of his area that had been lacking in previous games. Filled with confidence, Simon even saved a late penalty with a fantastic low save to his right, the penalty awarded following a debatable handball in the box.
With a benchmark for the year now set, the big question is will Sam be able to keep scoring goals for the rest of the season, with the first test coming this weekend against Wyvern PQR reserves. There are also rumours Shane Powell will be making the step up to competitive 11 a-side football, but the despondent centre back has failed to comment.
(Team: S Hiscox, C Treeby, S Lane, A Crichton, J Fish, J Kelland, S Gallagher, D Ashley, R Stewart, A Malam, S Gerrard)
13th November 2011 - PCUK FC v Piston Broke FC (4 – 1)
Following last weeks loss to Shepherds Wednesday, PCUK were keen to bounce back against league strugglers Piston Broke. A pre season friendly against Piston had resulted in a 9-2 win for PCUK and the home side were keen to replicate this previous match result.
The first half started according to plan with PCUK dominating the early possession in the game. Several chances were spurned by PCUK, but they finally got their reward when Lee Kilpatrick netted after neat build up play. Lee soon followed this up with a second, beating his man, and powering a shot into the top corner leaving the away keeper with no hope of making a save. The game continued, with Nick Richards and Sean Gallagher dominating the midfield; their combative approach leaving the centre backs, James Kelland and Steven Lane with little to do. A 3rd goal soon followed for Lee, although this was a much more scrappy affair, scuffed in from 5 yards out.
At half time, and at 3-0 up, PCUK were clearly in control. The second half showed Piston Broke making a few changes to their line up, and this improved their performance greatly. They were posing more of a threat, but this may have been down to PCUK letting their foot off the gas a little. However, Lee soon broke down the left and into the box, and was consequently fouled leading to a penalty. Nick calmly slotted the ball home and PCUK settled back down a little. The away side did get one goal back when their veteran striker crossed-come-shot within the box, the ball curling wickedly over Simon Hiscock in goal. PCUK were never in any doubt of losing the game though and the final score of 4-1 was fair in the end.
(Team: Simon Hiscock, Craig Treeby, Steven Lane, James Kelland, John Lowe, Nick Richards, Sean Gallagher, Rob Stewart, Will Stevens, Darran Ashley, Lee Kilpatrick. Subs: Ricardo Fletcher)
Property Consortium Group Hits The Treble At Somerset Business Awards 2011

Property Consortium Group has achieved success for the second year running at the Somerset Business Awards; after its pioneering work in customer service within the insurance sector saw the company secure the Service Excellence title.
This accolade is the third presented by Somerset Business Awards to the Taunton-based company, which last year won Business of the Year as well as the Albert Goodman Entrepreneur of the Year title, presented to Property Consortium Group's CEO, Jeremy Hyams.
The Service Excellence award recognises how, across all activities at Property Consortium Group, the company's approach to customer service steps well beyond the standard to keep both policyholders and insurance clients happy.
Judges of the Service Excellence award were looking for an approach over and above normal industry expectations and clear strategies for maintaining such a level of service. They recognised Property Consortium Group's new initiatives, including their client specific, Bespoke Customer Lifestyle Satisfaction programme, introduced this year, which is at the cutting-edge of customer excellence – and how the approach and attitude of staff were key to the success of customer service overall.
Sandra Wilson – Ylem Managing Director, Chair of the Somerset Chamber and Judge of the Service Excellence Award, said: "Property Consortium Group are working with customers who have had extremely distressing experiences and need not only an excellent service but support and completion as soon as possible.
"Property Consortium Group have systems and processes in place to offer all of this plus much more and have a wealth of glowing feedback from very happy customers confirming that the entire team offer a service of the very highest level."
Jeremy Hyams, CEO of Property Consortium Group, said: "We are delighted the work we do for our insurer clients and their policyholders has been recognised at the Somerset Business Awards.
"Our objective is to become the market-leading property repair service for the insurance industry and key to achieving this is our commitment to exceptional customer service."
Jeremy added: "The team at Property Consortium Group takes pride in delivering exceptional customer service.
"Since our employment turnover rate is very low, many of our staff have been through various surge events, such as storms. They go the 'extra mile' when clients and their policyholders need them the most.
"This approach allowed us to easily handle increased volumes caused by the cold temperatures last winter – and this ultimately saw our clients transfer more business to us, meaning the great work of the team and their commitment to exceptional service is at the route of the Group's continued growth and expansion."
Success at the Somerset Business Awards comes just months after the Group, which includes Property Consortium UK, Building Claims Services (BCS) and Property Consortium Drainage, revealed major expansion plans.
The Group – which currently operates across 13,000 square feet of office space – announced it was extending into buildings adjacent to its headquarters, increasing the floor space by more than 50 per cent.
The new space covers 7,000 square feet. The deal also has the option to expand into a further 4,000 square feet in the future.
This expansion gives the company space to grow, and develop enhanced facilities, including a 'surge room' equipped with 40 empty work stations and a training and development class room, as well as enhanced welfare facilities for the 100 staff on site including a fully-fitted gym.
30th October 2011 - PCUK FC v Wyvern PQR Reserves (Final Score: 2 - 0)
PCUK FC lined up for the home league fixture against PQR with a strong starting 11 in what was expected to be a close match. A pre-season friendly against PQR reserves had resulted in a 1 – 1 draw and PQR had made good progress in the league since that fixture.
The game started well for PCUK FC with the home side winning several early corners. Terry Lowe was as dominant as ever with his heading, but failed to hit the target. Lee Kilpatrick was once again struggling to stay on side, but when he exploited the lack of pace within the PQR defence, chasing down a long ball, the defender clumsily fouled him in the box. With penalty taker Sean Gallagher returning to the team, he calmly stepped up, but powered his shot into the underside of the crossbar and the away side scrambled the ball clear. PCUK refused to give up though, and continued to apply extensive pressure on the away side. PQR had little to offer in attack and the only chances they had were from set pieces which PCUK managed to defend well, with James Kelland and Terry proving what a brilliant partnership they are at the heart of the defence. The only time a header from PQR did cause problems, Simon Hiscock was there to palm the ball clear with an excellent reaction save. PCUK missed further chances with both Sean and Lee drawing good saves from the away team keeper.
At half time, the scores were still level and PCUK were controlling the game well, with sensible passing football. They were rewarded straight from the re-start when Lee broke free down the left and his shot-come-cross eluded the PQR defence and an unmarked Darran Ashley followed up with a easy finish. Not long after this, PCUK missed the chance to go two up when in similar fashion to the first goal, Lee put Darren in on goal, but he failed to find the target, slicing the ball wide. The game was finally put to bed when substitute Warren Binding released Lee through the middle with an excellently weighted through ball and Lee made no mistakes about finishing it.
It was a great result for PCUK FC and represents their first clean sheet, something that will no doubt give confidence to Simon in goal. The whole team played excellently and there were no areas of the pitch that PCUK were lacking. With a tough draw against first division side Shepherd Wednesday next week (6th November) in the knockout stages of the Gardner Cup, PCUK will need to maintain the level of team performance from today to stand any chance of progressing to the quarter finals. They currently now stand at 7th in the league.
Team: Simon Hiscock, Ian Bodger, James Kelland, Terry Lowe, John Lowe, Will Stevens, Sean Gallagher, Nick Richards, Rob Stewart, Darran Ashley, Lee Kilpatrick (Substitutes: Steven Lane, Warren Binding)
16th October 2011 - PCUK FC v Wyndham Arms (Final Score: 3 - 1)
PCUK's second home game of the season was against Wyndham Arms and with the away team sitting just ahead of PCUK in the league table, a win was a must.
The game started very well with PCUK dominating early possession and controlling the pace of the game. This was quickly rewarded with a goal when centreback Terry Lowe powered in a header from a well delivered corner. PCUK maintained this pressure and a second goal followed with Darren Ashley chipping a ball into the box, directly into the path of Lee Kilpatrick, and the striker took the shot on the volley, looping the ball over the head of the away side goalkeeper. On the 25th minute, Lee was then hauled down in the box and a penalty was awarded to PCUK. Darren Ashley stepped up, but struck wide leaving the score at 2 – 0. Wyndham Arms now rallied and started to fight back. They got lucky when a prospective shot from 35 yards, which seemed to be heading over, deceived Simon Hiscock in goal allowing them to get back into the game.
PCUK started to fight back in the second half and once again, were setting the pace of the game. Terry Lowe and James Kelland were unbeatable at the back, with only set pieces causing any problems for the home side, Simon Hiscock having to make several excellent saves to keep Wyndham Arms at bay. PCUK also failed to take their own chances and really should have put several more chances away. With 5 minutes to go, the away side were throwing everything at PCUK in the search for a winner. PCUK defended well though, and substitute Craig Treeby cleared off the line. PCUK then counter attacked from a Wyndham Arms corner and Lee Kilpatrick broke down the left. A perfect through ball was met by Terry Lowe, who then chipped the oncoming keeper.
The game ended 3-1 to PCUK and in truth, it should have been a much higher result. Everyone played well and it was a real team effort to control the game as they did. PCUK now have a weekend with no game, with the next match to be played at home (Galmington) against Wyvern PQR Reserves on the 30th October 2011. PCUK are currently 7th in the league (out of 12) and will need more results like this to help them move up the table.
9th October 2011 - Blue Park Rangers v PCUK FC (Final Score: 4 - 3)
In their 4th league match of the season, PCUK FC were playing away against Blue Park Rangers. With Blue Park Sitting just one place above them in the league prior to the game, this was a game where PCUK really had to take their chances.
The match started well for PCUK and possession was retained with good progress being made down the wings. Unfortunately, no real shooting opportunities came from this good play and it was the home team that eventually took the lead with a decisive break away goal. PCUK were struggling to dominate the middle of the park and this was placing considerable pressure on the defence. Simon Hiscock made several excellent saves to deny the home side another goal. A counter attack from PCUK allowed Lee Kilpatrick to get one on one with the central defender, but was barged off the ball inside the opposition area. Appeals for a penalty were raised, but the referee did not give the decision. Almost immediately down the other end, a Blue Park Ranger's striker broke into the box and won a penalty, dramatically going to ground with no obvious contact. The home side scored the penalty and at half time, PCUK were 2 goals down.
PCUK were well beat and the football they were playing lacked confidence and creativity, Manager, Rob Stewart, switched tactics to a 4-4-2 formation (previously playing 4-5-1) in an attempt to get back into the game. Almost immediately from kick off, Blue Park Rangers scored a 3rd goal and PCUK were now in trouble. The team rallied though and managed to get a goal back when Lee Kilpatrick set up substitute Paul Elsley inside the area. Blue Park Rangers responded with a 4th on the break, but PCUK were now playing good football. A second goal for the away side came following good pressure from Will Stevens, causing a defender into putting the ball into his own net. A 3rd PCUK goal came shortly after this as Lee Kilpatrick was involved once again, his shot hitting the inside of the post, before being bundled over the line as the defender attempted to clear it. Unfortunately, despite good pressure, PCUK could not find the equaliser and after dominating the second half, they eventually ran out of time.
After a disappointing start, PCUK did well to get back into a tough game. The performance lacked the fight and determination of the previous weeks win against DB United, but there were still positives to take. A great performance from Goalkeeper Simon Hiscock will do wonders for his confidence and the second half return of Ian Bodger was great to see, with the fullback due to start in the next match against Wyndham Arms (16th October). James Kelland is also due back, and will partner Terry Lowe at centreback, further strengthening the defence.
Somerset Business Awards for Service Excellence - Oct 2011
The company is pleased to announce that it has reached the final three for the Somerset Business Awards for Service Excellence. This is open to all businesses in Somerset so we are proud to of achieved this.
The Somerset Business Awards are organised by the Somerset Chamber of Commerce. The aim of the Awards night is to Celebrate business success across Somerset, Raise the profile of Somerset businesses in the region and nationally and Encourage growth within start-up businesses.
The final winner is due to be announced on the 21st of October.
Link: Somerset Business Awards
2nd October 2011 - DB United v PCUK FC (Final Score: 1 - 2)
PCUK's first cup game of the season was drawn against newly promoted second division side, DB United. The Gardner Cup is a knock out tournament involving all 3 leagues of the Taunton Sunday League. The game started well and PCUK proceeded to retain the ball very well from the kick-off. This dominant play quickly resulted in a goal from striker, Lee Kilpatrick. This impressive play continued for the majority of the half and Lee Kilpatrick had another goal disallowed before half time as he was judged offside by the home team linesman.
At the start of the second half, PCUK continued to play well, but the intense heat was starting to take it's toll. This allowed DB United to get back into the game and they had two efforts hit the bar in quick succession. PCUK rallied though and substitute Ricardo Fletcher was set free on goal and finished decisively following excellent hold up play by Lee Kilpatrick. Late drama was to ensue when the Home team got a goal back following a corner; Simon Hiscock getting a hand to the powerful shot, but failing to keep it out. However, PCUK continued to make good chances and Lee Kilpatrick was brought down in the box by the opposing teams centre half, and PCUK were awarded a penalty. Defender James Kelland stepped up and coolly slotted the ball towards the left hand side of goal, but the opposing goalkeeper saved well, much to his disappointment.
Shortly after, a shot from within the box was well saved by Simon Hiscock, but fell to a DB United players feet 6 yards from goal; the resulting shot was cleared off the goal line by the hands of PCUK substitute defender, Craig Treeby. Craig was shown the red card for his actions and a penalty awarded to the home side. This was consequently missed and PCUK remained ahead, despite having a man less. The last 10 minutes of the game were tough, and PCUK showed great character to keep DB United at bay. With 3 minutes left on the clock, James Kelland went to clear a ball from just inside the area, only for it to spin up and hit his hand. The referee blew his whistle, but rather than award the penalty both teams were expecting, gave the home side a free kick right on the edge of the area. PCUK defended this well and managed to hold out until the end.
If performances such as these continue in the league, PCUK should be able to get the season back on track and make a firm push for a top 3 finish. The work ethic of the team was excellent and intricate passing allowed for the PCUK midfield to control the pace of the game. The football was excellent at times and the team should take great confidence from this win against much higher placed opposition.
22nd September 2011 - PCuk fall short in the South West Insurance 5-aside cup
Property Consortium entered a team in to IIB 5-a-side football tournament sponsored by Hays Insurance last Thursday.
The Team consisted of Rob Stewart – Tech Senior, James Kelland – Rob's Sidekick, Dave Finn – IT wiz kid, Shane Powell – IT support (sometimes) Tom Phillips – Groupama Mascot and El Capitano, Sam Gerrard – Tom's Right hand man.
The Tournament consisted of teams from insurance companies, brokers and loss adjusters.
The games were 8 minutes long and we decided that our tactics were to shoot at any given opportunity. There was no above head height and you were not allowed to enter the keeper's area throughout the game apart from the keeper.
We kicked off with our first game against a team called 'Matt Le Tissier's Nose'. We started strong and sharp from the first whistle. Some good pass and movements between James and Sam, set up Sam for his first chance. He coolly fired in to the bottom corner to leave the keeper unmoved. We kept the pressing the opponents in to making mistakes, when James picked up the loose ball and side stepped one defender before firing in to the keepers net for a 2-0 lead. With not too long left on the clock 'Matt Le Tissier's Nose' took advantage of a rare chance they had in front of goal and slotted the ball passed Rob in goal. PCUK knew they had to try and hold on to the lead to take the first win. A quick thinking tactical kick off from PCUK caught the opposition out and finished the game off. James took hold of the ball and knocked it back to Tom who took one touch, looked up and drove the ball with venom from his own half in to the bottom corner of the goal. A sweet strike that left the keeper with no chance and the on field players deflated, Goal of the tournament contention. 3-1 the game ended and PCUK had kicked off with 3 points!
PCUK's second game was against a team called 'unbelievable Jeff'. PCUK did not get out of the blocks with this game and some silly mistakes from all members of the team let the opposition run away with a 4-0 walk over.
PCUK knew that they had to pick themselves back up for the next game if they had any chance of progressing further in the competition. PCUK were up against a team called 'Aragamuffins'. We started off well and created some chances that were well kept out by the keeper. But after much pressure we broke the deadlock with a toe poke shot from Tom through the keeper's legs to go in front. Shane and Dave defended very well as we looked to see out the last couple of minutes of the game, when 'Aragamuffins' had an opening and took advantage of it. 1-1 heading to the final minute and PCUK's chances of another win were slim. As we kept possession of the ball advancing forward Dave played they ball to James who knocked the ball passed the defender and executed a brilliant finish to seal 3 points.
With two wins under our belt we went in to the next game with confidence. CW Law (Personal injury insurers) were our next opponents and they were unbeaten so far. We started the game well with lots of possession with the ball. The chances soon came and our aim was perfect – a quick fire double from Sam and James gave us the lead, before James took the game by the scruff of the neck and run the show. He coolly slotted his second to go 3-0 before a through ball from Shane and a lay off from James led to the 4th goal from Rob. We then extended the lead when James picked up a loose ball and finished well to complete his hat-trick to go 5-0. CW Law did grab a late consolation goal to finish the game 5-1.
Our final test was against insurance company Allianz. ABC United they called themselves. We started the game poorly and before we knew it we were 2-0 down. Sloppy mistakes and giving the ball away cheaply cost us. But then we sparked in to form and soon pulled a goal back through the in form James. He struck a half volley in to the net after neat foot work from Sam. We were then on the back foot as ABC United pushed to extend there lead before a quick break from Rob in goal who launched it out to Tom wide, who cut inside and sent a thunderbolt in to the bottom corner to equalise. With seconds remaining the ball was end to end to try and grab a winner, an error from PCUK let ABC united attack. They took a wild shot from just outside the box and it somehow went in. PCUK were heartbroken. The restart gave us no time to create a chance and the road to victory was over!
We were all pretty down with finishing 3rd and knocked out so close to the end. We were pleased with the team spirit and our performance throughout the tournament.
We still kept our heads high and wait for our next challenge.
18th September 2011 - PCUK FC vs Pegasus (Final Score: 0 - 1)
The first home game of the season for PCUK ended in a disappointing defeat against Pegasus. PCUK started the game with no energy or purpose and struggled to retain possession. Si Hiscock made several excellent saves early on to keep the scores level, but Pegasus did not relent and a badly cleared ball to the edge of the box allowed the away side to capitalise; a powerful shot finding the top corner of the goal. PCUK didn't respond and no improvement led to further pressure from the away side. PCUK striker Lee Kilpatrick did break through on goal, but failed to round the goalkeeper. The second half continued with no real attacking purpose from the home side, although defensively, things had improved. The game ended with a first loss of the season for PCUK and with a difficult cup game coming up against DB United (02/10/2011) things will definitely have to improve.
11th September 2011 - Werder Beermen vs PCUK FC (Final Score: 2 - 2)
PCUK lined up with a strong team in their second league game of the season away against Werder Beermen. The fixture was almost called off when the league was unable to supply a referee and the home team had no substitutes to stand in. However, PCUK defender Steven Lane (currently suffering from a swollen knee) agreed to stand in at last minute. Injuries and unavailability meant there were some changes required to the defence with John Lowe switching to centre back, a position unfamiliar to him. Darren Ashley dropped into left back with regulars Tom Phillips and Ian Bodger completing the back four line up. PCUK played 5 across the middle with Lee Kilpatrick given his usual lone forward role.
The game started well, but PCUK failed to dominate the midfield, an area where they outnumbered the opposition. This led to the team failing to get a hold on the game and play was disjointed. Despite this, several early chances were created including winger Paul Elsley breaking through 1-on-1 with the goalkeeper, but he fired wide with his weaker right foot. The breakthrough finally came when a freekick was delivered in and the ball eventually fell to Lee Kilpatrick after Werder Beermen failed to clear the ball. Lee chipped the ball back across the goal and midfielder Sean Gallagher headed in a powerful goal from 1 yard out. Unfortunately, Werder Beermen were soon back in the game when a shot from inside the area beat Simon Hiscox at the near post.
In the second half, PCUK were better and were playing some good football at times, however Werder Beermen still made chances from both their pacey strikers. Good saves from Simon Hiscox and excellent defensive reading of the game from Tom Phillips ensured the score remained level. Werder Beermen eventually took the lead when Simon Hiscox failed to collect a high ball into the box and the home team attacker headed into the empty net. PCUK's misery was further compounded when substitute Ricardo Fletcher tripped one of their players in the box and a penalty was awarded. Thankfully, the resulting penalty was hit well over and the score remained 2 - 1 to the home team. A late break from PCUK led to a penalty being awarded at the other end and team topscorer, Sean Gallagher, did not miss from the spot.
The final score of 2 - 2 was a good score in the end, but PCUK will be disappointed not to take all the points. Improvements will be required for the next game, the first home game of the season, against Pegasus on Sunday. Manager Rob Stewart will be hoping for some unavailable players to return to the squad to allow for a first choice defence and will be looking for performance levels to improve. The team are currently unbeaten in four games (2 league) and will hope to keep this run going.
Property Consortium Charity Day - September 2011
Staff at Property Consortium Group joined forces to help a colleague - whose close friend was killed following an assault - raise funds for a charity set-up to take action against violence. Tom Phillips initiated a fund-raising day at the Taunton-based company, for the charity Stand Against Violence. Lloyd Fouracre was beaten to death one day before his 18th birthday - and Lloyd's brother Adam set up Stand Against Violence in his memory. Since then the charity has worked to change attitudes towards violence – and to support the cause staff at Property Consortium Group came together with a range of ideas to raise money, including holding an auction, barbeque, fancy dress, cake sale and raffle. Support was also received from organisations including Somerset Cricket Club, who donated prizes for the event. Steve Kirby from the Somerset Cricket first team also attended the afternoon to show his support and present the prizes for the raffle.
The amount raised on the day was £637, and Property Consortium Group's management team has now pledged to match-fund this, taking the total to £1274.
Tom, who works in the operations department at Property Consortium Group, said: "Days like this help to show that Lloyd is never forgotten. The money will help Stand Against Violence make more people around the UK aware of the consequences that violence can cause."
Jeremy Hyams, CEO of Property Consortium Group, said: "Stand Against Violence does an incredible job and we really wanted to give the charity as much backing as we could. The charity is something very close to Tom's heart and, as a valued member of the team, all of us here wanted to offer support. Everyone pulled together to make the day a great success and we are delighted with the amount raised."
Stand Against Violence's website at www.sav-ed.co.uk gives people more information about the charity. Adam Fouracre added: "I am both touched and amazed by the efforts of Tom and the team at the Property Consortium for their immense efforts that quite clearly went into the fundraising day. We will be using part of the raised funds to purchase a projector and presentation equipment to help us in our educational work telling Lloyd's story, which has been invaluable to so many."
Stand Against Violence (SAV) is a UK registered violence prevention and reduction charity based in the South West. Created following the murder of Lloyd Fouracre in 2005, SAV seeks to prevent further mindless violence through using Lloyds tragic story. SAV focuses on using specially created educational resources to educate young people about the consequences of violence and anti social behaviour. We also provide several services both in and out of schools. We hope that through our work in Lloyds memory we can prevent further deaths of this nature and save the heartache of friends and families.
4th September 2011 - Wellington Warriors vs PCUK FC (Final Score: 3 – 3)
PCUK started the new season with a difficult game away against Wellington Warriors. Within the first 10 minutes, the home team were ahead, but a fine strike from the edge of the area by James Kelland levelled the score. PCUK then took the lead with a well worked goal from Lee Kilpatrick, with the in form striker missing several chances to extend this lead. Wellington Warriors were soon back in the game with a well taken equaliser, but PCUK were not deterred. A foul in the box from one of the Wellington defenders gave PCUK the chance to take the lead from the penalty spot and Midfielder Sean Gallagher made no mistakes, smashing the ball in the back of the net leaving the keeper no chance. Unfortunately, a lack of organisation in defence allowed the Wellington side to break from a corner and equalise through a pacey counter attack. The final score of 3 – 3 was a fair result in the end and the manager will take confidence from the performance exhibited by the side.
28th August 2011 - Piston Broke FC v PCUK FC (Final Score 2 – 9)
In PCUK's 3rd and final pre-season friendly, a strong performance was required against fellow 3rd division team Piston Broke FC. Lining up with a familiar 4-5-1 formation, PCUK started the game well with good level of pressure, but an early foul on the edge of the box allowed the home team to capitalise on a catalogue of defensive errors, taking the lead just 5 minutes into the game. Behind, but in no means deterred, PCUK started to pass the ball around and showed a clear advantage when in possession. The score was quickly equalised in an excellent team move and soon 2nd, 3rd and 4th goals followed for the Division 3 newcomers.
At half time the score was 5 – 2 and PCUK were clearly in control of the match. Switching to a more orthodox 4-4-2 formation in the second half, PCUK continued to dominate the game and the final score of 9 – 2 was well deserved. Despite the positive result, there were several negatives to draw from the game, namely the amount of chances spurned. Manager Robert Stewart must now look to address these issues that could easily cost them results against some of the tougher opponents in the league. With a difficult first game of the season away against Wellington Warriors (04/09/2011), PCUK will need to improve on pre-season results and look to make a strong start in the league.
UIA Insurance marks 10-year relationship with PCUK with new contract deal
UIA Insurance has renewed its contract with the seamless, integrated companies of Property Consortium UK, Building Claims Services and Property Consortium UK Drainage.
Since 2001, Property Consortium UK and Building Claims Services has delivered a broad range of service support to the insurer, including validation and repairs.
The companies – both part of the Property Consortium Group based at Taunton and led by CEO Jeremy Hyams – have seen their contracts renewed for another three years. Under the new deal, UIA has also elected to use another group company, Property Consortium UK Drainage.
Jeremy Hyams said: "We are delighted that UIA Insurance has extended their partnership. The original relationship started in 2001 and over the years has strengthened and grown. Our relationship with UIA Insurance includes validation, repairs, restoration and large losses – and now drainage works."
Angela Devon, UIA Insurance claims manager said: "I am delighted with our relationship with Property Consortium UK and have no hesitation to extend our partnership. Their staff are always extremely helpful and share UIA's service commitment to our members. PCUK understand our culture and values, as a mutual insurer, and always go the extra mile to accommodate our needs."
Andrew Thompson has recently joined PCUK as the Regional Manager for... - May 2011
Scotland and the North of England. He brings with him a wealth of experience in surveyor and contractor management. Although he is now based in North Yorkshire he has worked extensively throughout Scotland, including work for several Councils and Housing Associations.
Property Consortium (Holdings) Limited Purchase of New Premises - May 2011
Property Consortium (Holdings) Limited, the newly formed parent company for the Property Consortium Group, has acquired new premises known as Cipher House, situated at Culmhead Business Centre.
The property is approximately 7000 sq. ft. and will be used for office space which will allow the company to expand in line with its current business plan; to also include a surge room equipped with 40 empty work stations and a training and development class room not to mention extra welfare facilities for the staff including a fully fitted Gym.
Jeremy Hyams, Chief Executive Officer, was quoted as saying "We are all very excited about the new acquisition. This is a major step in our business plan and will assist the company with its future expansion"

