Construction UK Magazine - February 2024

February 2024

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Contents February 2024 of Manchester invests in 04 University sustainable student accommodation

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Construction leaders build an ecological alliance

time and space 12 Optimising with Super Roller CantiDecks

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Driving competency to steer building safety

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Lovell Partnerships bolsters team with three new recruits

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Project 80 paves the way for a

era of sustainable residential 38 new construction How the demolition industry will

the UK’s sustainability 46 support agenda in 2024

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UK Magazine 48 Construction Interviews Kelly Cartwright

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DoorBird D21x door stations honored with the 2024 German Design Award

UK Magazine 54 Construction speaks with Simon Parker

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of excellence for training 60 Ainmark the construction sector conference 2024: 64 Futurebuild Be part of the change Cover image by Samuel Regan-Asante

Lapthorn Media Ltd 5-7 Ozengell Place, Eurokent Business Park, Ramsgate, Kent, CT12 6PB Editor Maria Lapthorn editor@constructionmaguk.co.uk Editorial Assistant Anna Startin editorial@constructionmaguk.co.uk Production/Design Laura Whitehead laura@constructionmaguk.co.uk Accounts Richard Lapthorn accounts@constructionmaguk.co.uk

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Construction UK Magazine - February 2024 03

Project News

PLATFORM AGREE NEW DEAL WITH VISTRY FOR 117 AFFORDABLE HOMES IN NOTTINGHAM More affordable homes will be available near Nottingham thanks to the latest deal between Platform Housing Group and Vistry Homes.

The site at Edwalton Fields in Rushcliffe will provide 117 dwellings for social rent, affordable rent and shared ownership all available across a mixture of maisonettes, bungalows and 2,3 and 4 bedroom properties.

The developer is already on site where work has begun and the first of the new homes are expected to be ready in the summer of next year.

Kate Ellison, Platform’s Director of Land, Partnerships, New Business & Innovation said,

This is great news as we come to the end of a fantastic calendar year for partnership work in providing much needed affordable homes. Our teams have worked hard across the Midlands and beyond to source great opportunities like this. We look forward to continuing this work in 2024, especially with the team at Vistry Homes.

UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER INVESTS IN SUSTAINABLE STUDENT ACCOMMODATION WITH £4M REFURBISHMENT The University of Manchester has made a key step forward in its zero-carbon strategy with the £4m refurbishment of its Graham building.

Situated on the Victoria Park Campus., the build was completed by the property services division of North-West based contractor, Seddon. The project’s large scope entailed making vast improvements to the building’s thermal performance.

The build was completed shortly after the University launched its Environmental Sustainability Strategy, which provides guidance on the

The news comes off the back of the announcement that Platform and Vistry will also provide 33 affordable homes at the site at Norwood Farm near Northampton.

04 Construction UK Magazine - February 2024

actions the University plans to take to reach its zero carbon 2038 target.

A key focus within the strategy is construction and refurbishment, highlighting the University’s achievement of running on 100% renewable electricity. The Graham building refurbishment helps deliver improved thermal efficiency, as well as renewable energy sources, support the University in its efforts.

The project saw Seddon remove and replace all asbestos from the building, including ceiling tiles and Artex surface coating and connect mechanical and electric services to the ceiling. Extensive refurbishment works were also delivered across the accommodation, including bedrooms and circulation spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Project News The project included a three-storey extension, comprising a water tank room on the ground floor, bedroom spaces on the first floor and a plant room on the second floor. The improved plant room helps heat water far quicker, saving water wastage.

Alongside the improved sizing of its 48 bedrooms, the extensions will greatly improve the student experience whilst maximising the energy efficiency and heat retention of the building.

Works on the student accommodation building began in January 2023. Seddon completed the project to schedule in mid-September ahead of the new academic year. With the eight-month project delivered across term time, Seddon had to adapt its processes to accommodate a live campus environment and establish clear lines of communication with stakeholders.

Sustainability features of the project include specialist composite windows, procured from Denmark, made from a combination of timber and aluminium for optimum performance. Solar panels have also been fixed to the roof to support the University’s 100% renewable electricity commitment.

WILLMOTT DIXON TO DELIVER 100 AFFORDABLE HOMES IN RUGBY

John Shannon, managing director of property services at Seddon said: “We are pleased to have supported the University of Manchester in its efforts to achieve net zero. We completed this eight-month project in a live environment, working to minimise disruption to students and staff. The works will greatly improve the building’s thermal capabilities, minimise the property’s running costs and offer impressive improvements to the student experience. It represents a vital step on the University’s journey towards carbon neutrality.”

Willmott Dixon has been appointed by Rugby Borough Council to deliver a £22m project to create 100 new affordable homes.

The project succeeds a long line of building and refurbishment the contractor has completed for the UK’s universities. It follows £4.3m worth of projects for the University of Derby, alongside contracts with the universities of Leeds, Birmingham, Lancaster and Worcester.

The Biart Place scheme, located on Clifton Road in Rugby, will comprise 60 one and twobedroom apartments, alongside 20 two, three and four-bedroom houses as well as 20 maisonettes.

The properties will benefit from renewable energy generated by solar panels and air-source heat pumps, with electric vehicle charging points also available to residents.

The scheme has been part-funded by several grants, with Willmott Dixon’s development team supporting the council in obtaining a £6.8m grant from Homes England under its Affordable Homes Programme 2021-26, alongside a further £2m from the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership via the government’s Getting Building Fund.

Michelle Cotterill, director at Willmott Dixon, said: “These affordable homes will provide much-needed provision in the area, while also delivering sustainable homes which are low carbon and energy efficient. The development is just part of the regeneration efforts taking place in Rugby and will deliver high-quality modern homes, helping

to make the area a more attractive place for locals to stay and for others to consider relocating to.”

Willmott Dixon has been appointed via the Constructing West Midlands Capital Works Framework, which helps procure works that will help the region make its vision for the future a reality.

Designed by architects RG+P, the scheme echoes the Victorian-era housing on the surrounding streets with a focus on creating a sense of place for tenants. Cllr Tim Willis, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for communities, homes, digital and communications, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Willmott Dixon to deliver our ambitious plans to develop Biart Place and build 100 new, social rent homes for Rugby. With support from Homes England and the Government’s Getting Building Fund, we have prioritised building modern, energy efficient homes for our tenants while ensuring the design of the development both complements the site’s Victorian surroundings and lays the foundations for a new, thriving community at Biart Place.”

This latest announcement follows on from last month where Torbay Council said they were appointing Willmott Dixon’s development team to accelerate delivery of several sites in Paignton and Torquay.

Construction UK Magazine - February 2024 05

Latest News

LOCAL HOUSE BUILDERS OFFER BEST SOLUTION TO OVERCOME PLANNING OBJECTIONS, SAYS FMB

CONSTRUCTION LEADERS BUILD AN ECOLOGICAL ALLIANCE Proactive companies Willmott Dixon, FACE Brickwork, Grayson, Speedy Hire and Cemfree have joined forces to raise awareness for environmentally friendly building materials and methodologies.

Green-thinking industry leaders from across the sector have built a demonstration wall using eco-friendly alternatives to prove that by working together, the carbon-heavy industry can do something constructive to help the environment.

The demonstration wall showcases some of the latest developments in environmentally-conscious building; from cement-free mortar and battery operated plant, to recyclable mortar boards and progressive building practices. Even the location has green credentials; the demonstration wall is on the site of Willmott Dixon’s new Spelthorne Leisure Centre project, one of the most advanced, energy-efficient Passivhaus leisure centres in the world.

The aim of the demonstration wall is to prove to other building professionals

Making better use of local house builders offers the best solution to tackling planning objections from communities not wanting new homes, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to today’s speech on housing from the Secretary of State for DLUHC, Michael Gove MP.

that eco-friendly alternatives are not just great in theory, but in practice too.

Keir Dixon of FACE Brickwork had the idea to build a wall that doesn’t divide, but brings together different facets of the construction industry.

“I knew there would be a lot of influential visitors to Spelthorne Leisure Centre as it’s such a ground-breaking project. If they could see the demonstration wall and what’s possible, it might inspire other construction teams to start making change happen.

We’ve already had positive comments from experienced construction professionals that didn’t know some of these green-alternatives even existed.

For example, Cemfree Masonry Mortar is a revolutionary sustainable alternative to Portland cement, cutting the CO2e emissions by up to 70%.

Combining this with the zero-emission battery-powered mixer from Speedy Services, and we’re starting to see a way of building that’s sensitive to the environment.

The alliance is very optimistic about the industry prioritising sustainability.

As Rachel O’Sullivan, Regional Supply Chain Manager at Willmott Dixon says “It’s amazing what can be achieved when like-minded businesses come together and pledge towards a greener future.”

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Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB said: “Michael Gove MP has made clear he wants to see more beautiful homes that overcome the worries local communities may have on developments. What better way to address this than to use local house builders, that deliver high quality, small sites in the local style. If the nation’s small house builders can be grown to the levels of delivery, they once enjoyed a few decades ago, small highquality sites can become the norm across the UK. We can return to organic, sustainable housing growth, rather than relying on large scale, cookie cutter housing.”

Berry continued: “It’s positive to see that local authorities will be held to account for not delivering on housing and that they will be made to allocate land to small builders.

However, we’ll judge land allocation of small sites on the results, as previous efforts have failed. It’s also positive to see that local authorities are being pushed to deliver on local plans. A lack of a local plan is particularly difficult for smaller house builders, who have named land availability one of the biggest barriers to new delivering new homes. However, changes made to stop local authorities allocating greenfield land for development to meet housing needs will result in less housing, particularly in rural areas which are the heartlands of smaller house builders.”

Berry concluded “Overall Gove’s announcement is a bit of a mixed bag. While there are some positive overtures, there isn’t not enough here to turn around the ailing housing market, particularly for smaller house builders. The planning system needs a significant overhaul that helps to boost smaller sites that deliver sustainable organic growth. But at the core of this, we need wellfunded and staffed planning teams that can help SMEs through the planning system.”

VERIFORCE CHAS AND TOWERGATE UNITE TO LAUNCH ‘INDUSTRY FIRST’ INSURANCE SERVICE THAT REWARDS CAREFUL CONTRACTORS AND TRADESPEOPLE Veriforce CHAS has joined forces with Towergate to introduce CHAS Protect, an innovative insurance service designed specifically for contractors and tradespeople, that rewards careful contractors.

Applying CHAS’s experience in supply chain risk management and Towergate’s proficiency as a specialist business insurance broker, this collaboration aims to provide CHAS members with a bespoke insurance offering that recognises their commitment to operating responsibly.

The lower risk profile associated with holding CHAS accreditation grants CHAS members access to contractorfriendly insurance premiums and customised policy

enhancements under the CHAS Protect policy. This comprehensive coverage spans business, tools, equipment, and vehicles and features exclusive additional perks for CHAS members. These include extended ‘new for old’ replacement for stolen or damaged equipment, complimentary tax advice, and 24-hour legal support as well as mental health support for both business owners and their employees.

At a time when the economic climate is extremely challenging and the cost of claims is soaring due to rising labour and material costs, CHAS Protect is designed to help CHAS contractors to safeguard their business, tools, vehicles and livelihood.

Commenting on the launch of CHAS Protect, Alex Minett, Head of Global New Markets at Veriforce CHAS, says: “This partnership between CHAS and Towergate marks true innovation in the industry, offering insurance products tailored to reward our CHAS members’ lower risk profiles.

The contractor-friendly premiums and personalised policy enhancements showcase one of the many ways CHAS adds value to its members as part of their accreditation.”

Towergate’s Managing Director of Affinity Partnerships, Paul Buckle adds, “It’s not every day you get the chance to support a leading risk management company in delivering real industry innovation. We have worked closely with CHAS to deliver an insurance service which recognises the lower risk profile of CHAS members and is tailored to them.”

To find out more about the benefits of becoming a CHAS member, call CHAS now on 0345 521 9111 or visit www.chas.co.uk.

NATIONAL HOME DECARBONISATION GROUP WELCOMES LATEST GOVERNMENT ENERGY EFFICIENCY FUNDS Derek Horrocks, chair of the National Home Decarbonisation Group, said: “This announcement is another incredibly positive step towards decarbonising the housing stock up and down the country – and one we welcome with open arms at the NHDG.

“We’re pleased to see that along with the public sector, private owner-occupier and private landlords will benefit from this funding, with an extra £1.5 billion for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, and a new energy efficiency grant providing £400m to households in England.

“The extra funding for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme gives the opportunity to tie this £7,500 offering into wholehouse decarbonisation proposals for householders, which alongside ECO for fabric measures should create an attractive large-scale offering. This is alongside multiple other heat transformation schemes, and a new £500m local authority retrofit scheme to support 60,000 lowincome and cold homes, including those off the gas grid. Meanwhile, we’re especially pleased to see £1.25 billion for the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund within the funding, which will be match-funded to create £2.5 billion between 2025 and 2028.

“This funding will provide the all-important long-term certainty for businesses within the sector too. This is again something we have spoken publicly about in recent months and called on the Prime Minister himself to assure. With more than £12 billion now committed, industry can be confident in making the investments needed for innovation and expanding the supply chain that will deliver this critical work.

“As a group, we know the power we have together, with an estimation that 80% of the large-scale domestic retrofit in the UK will be carried out by our members.

In 2024, we know we have a huge opportunity to work closely with the government on shaping policy through our growing partnership with DESNZ. Our working groups are established and already working towards achieving real outcomes together, and we look forward to continuing our position as a key driver for net zero – and of social change too.”

Construction UK Magazine - February 2024 07

Drainage & Plumbing News

DUDLEYS COMPLETES WAKEFIELD BUSINESS PARK PROJECT Dudleys Consulting Engineers has completed consultancy works on phase two of a highly successful new £7 million commercial business park in Wakefield.

The project, close to Junction 40 of the M1 motorway, has transformed a prime 4-acre development plot to provide 76,800 sq ft of much needed new business units, supporting around 200 jobs.

and phase two of this prime employment site. Due to previous uses of the site, some remediation was needed. The development Plateaus were also heavily constrained by the steep surrounding embankments and close proximity to an existing substation. We worked closely with the construction team to manage arisings from the foundations and drainage excavations to carefully co-ordinate levels of construction.”

Dudleys was appointed by Frank Marshall Estates to advise on the project following its acquisition of the Flanshaw Way site in 2020. Working alongside KPP Architects and Percy Pickard Contractors, Dudley’s provided advice around remediation and enabling works required for the former abattoir location.

Frank Marshall Estates (FME) is a long established, family-owned commercial development and investment company based in Bradford. Alongside its portfolio of industrial and office developments, FME pioneered its highly successful Nano Park concept which provides smaller and more refined employment spaces for starts ups and satellite operations.

The award-winning practice delivered full Civil and Structural Engineering services including review and appraisal of existing site records, co-ordination and review of additional validation investigation works and subsequent presentation to local authority consultees to support the planning process.

Peter Dixon, Director at Dudleys said, “We were delighted to support Frank Marshall Estates in the delivery of both phase one

The Flanshaw Way development in Wakefield has been named Balme Business Park in honour of FME’s long standing construction manager, Chris Balme.

Established more than 15 years ago in Leeds, Dudleys is an award-winning, privately-owned consultancy. It employs a team of 25 highly skilled people offering structural and civil engineering

advice across the UK and operates in all key real estate sectors including residential, industrial, commercial, retail and education. Key clients include Leeds Bradford Airport, developer CEG, Bettys & Taylors of Harrogate, Leeds United Football Club, Henry Boot Construction and Unilever UK.

The development Plateaus were also heavily constrained by the steep surrounding embankments and close proximity to an existing substation. We worked closely with the construction team to manage arisings from the foundations and drainage excavations to carefully co-ordinate levels of construction.

UK BUSINESSES TO BUILD OVER 350KM OF NEW CRITICAL DRAINAGE SYSTEM IN IRAQ The UK government has secured financing for the construction of a drainage network over 350km long which will bring clean water to tens of thousands of residents in the Al-Hillah district of Iraq, to the south of Baghdad.

The financing comprises a guarantee for £113 million in financing arranged by Standard Chartered Bank, as sole Structuring Bank, Mandated Lead Arranger and Agent, and a £113 million direct loan from His Majesty’s Treasury.

08 Construction UK Magazine - February 2024

Drainage & Plumbing News

JDP ENHANCES DELIVERY FLEET WITH VEHICLE INVESTMENT JDP (John Davidson Pipes), a leading provider of drainage and water management solutions for the civils, housebuilding, and domestic sectors, is pleased to announce a significant investment in its delivery fleet to further enhance its exceptional customer service. Extending the existing fleet further, the additions include a brand new 26 tonne HIAB (Hydrauliska Industri AB) vehicle and nine cuttingedge delivery vehicles.

of heavy and bulky piping materials during delivery. It will operate out of our new flagship Leeds-Bradford branch and will serve as a vital asset for meeting the diverse needs of JDP’s customers.

“And the additional nine brand new delivery vehicles will ensure optimal reliability, fuel efficiency, and safety, enhancing the overall delivery experience for our customers while minimising the environmental impact.”

JDP remains committed to delivering excellence at every step of the customer journey and the addition of these new vehicles underlines the company’s dedication to continuous improvement and sustainability.

Branded with JDP’s distinctive Lion logo and ‘Nature’s Network’ strapline, these additions to the fleet aim to optimise delivery efficiency, ensure timely service, and support JDP’s commitment to providing the very best solutions to its valued customers.

Speaking about the new fleet investment, Darran Rickards, Managing Director, JDP, said: “The newly acquired 26 tonne HIAB vehicle represents a remarkable advancement in JDP’s logistical capabilities.

“Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including a HIAB crane system, this vehicle will facilitate seamless and safe handling

UK Export Finance – the government’s export credit agency – has ensured that the government of Iraq can access £226 million in financing to fund the project, which will be transformational for a district currently unable to treat wastewater.

Upon completion, the network is expected to process up to 20 million cubic metres of water each year, bringing clean water to over 25,000 households and improved sanitation to hundreds of thousands.

The transaction is expected to support over £100 million in UK export contracts, which make up almost half of the total project value.

Turning to the country which gave the world its first modern sewage system, the project will procure equipment and related installation services from the UK. Faruq Muhammad, Global Head of Structured Export Finance, at Standard Chartered Bank, said: “We are proud to provide UKEF-backed

financing for our important client, the Iraqi government, to improve sewage and drainage infrastructure for local communities in the Al-Hillah district, underpinning our here for good commitment to make a positive difference in the places we call home.

Our UKEF financing capability and global network helped us deliver a unique and complex financing, collaborating with multiple companies from various countries.”

The drainage network and water treatment systems will also reduce the local risk of diseases from poor sanitation and flooding from stormwater and the nearby Euphrates River. The project will in addition upgrade existing treatment systems so that they can create biogas and phosphorous by-products to support local agriculture.

Funds will go to the Government of the Republic of Iraq, allowing the Governorate of Babil to contract GCITJ Babel Limited, a UK joint venture, to deliver the works.

Construction UK Magazine - February 2024 09

Drainage & Plumbing

WATER NEUTRALITY - THE CHALLENGE OF WATER SCARCITY

NRv2 LoFlo

NRv2 LoFlo position in manifold

• LoFlo® InLine, which is fitted after the stop tap inside the property.

If our water usage patterns don’t change, the UK will have an ongoing water deficit of 4,000 Megalitres per day by 2050.

Some water companies are introducing a new strategy to manage the ever-growing demand caused by increasing population and new developments - ‘water neutrality’.

The continued growth in population and housebuilding means that reductions in leakage and domestic consumption have not been enough to offset the increasing demand. In all regions, even in our traditionally wetter regions water companies in response to OFWAT guidance, will be introducing Environmental Incentive Schemes in the near future.

The common elements in all these schemes are: • Consumption reduction • Water reuse, and • Water offsetting In some areas of England, particularly the southeast and some coastal areas, future developments are being restricted further and will not be permitted unless ‘water neutrality’ can be demonstrated. This requires both existing and new properties to reduce consumption to the extent that overall water usage levels do not increase despite the additional homes.

Flow restrictors can be installed at the meter, with the permission of the water company, or after the stop tap on the main water supply. Introducing whole site flow restriction can cost as little as £20 per property.

New developments could be required to supply a water neutrality statement with the planning application. This statement must:

• confirm that there would be no increase

•

in water consumption, for example through a combination of water efficiency, water recycling and offsetting measures. includes a water budget showing details of the proposed water consumption, any mitigation measures and mechanisms to secure them in advance of occupation/ use.

Reducing water consumption An example of the new guidance for consumption reduction have been given by Untied Utilities. For a scheme to be eligible to meet the new Environmental Incentive Schemes them must design for: 1. Water efficiency 100 lpppd and flow regulator (14l per minute), and/or 2. Property level SuDS (installation of water butt/raised planter/rain garden) For one element of these new requirements there is an easy solution – Groundbreaker’s LoFlo®. Reducing water flow to a property to 14L/min is one of the criteria for meeting these new consumption targets.

LoFlo® is available in two formats:

• NRv2 LoFlo®, which fits into the meter housing adjacent to the meter, or

A fit and forget solution – how it works.

‘Over supply’ of water, i.e. water flow rates that are higher than required to provide an adequate supply, results in waste of water. Running taps when brushing teeth, showering, or rinsing cups uses more water than necessary. Installing flow restriction devices has been proven to reduce consumption and are an accepted water efficiency measure for water neutrality statements.

Approximately 40% of domestic water usage is from bathroom and kitchen taps and showers. ‘Eco’ or water saving shower heads and tap flow restrictors are designed to restrict the water flow to a single outlet are highly effective but fittings these come at a price, even in smaller properties.

The alternative, and now a recommended method for achieving water consumption reduction, is whole site flow reduction.

Fitting a device such as Groundbreaker’s LoFlo® to the water supply, regulates the level of flow entering customer premises – regardless of network pressure. As the flow of water into the premises is limited, then the amount used in ‘time controlled’ activities is also limited – but without providing a degradation of service. More importantly not requiring any intervention or behavioural change on the part of the customer, so leading to ‘natural’ reduction in consumption.

For further information on how the new conservation guidance may affect future developments, contact your local water provider.

LoFlo Inline, fitted internally

10 Construction UK Magazine - February 2024

For further information on the full range of Groundbreaker products www.groundbreaker.co.uk

Case Study

OPTIMISING TIME AND SPACE WITH SUPER ROLLER CANTIDECKS In the heart of Gloucester, stands the Kings Quarter Forum. A multi-millionpound regeneration project that is transforming a former bus station into a 130-room, four-star hotel with a rooftop restaurant bar and office space, right in the city centre.

Kier is the main contractor on The Forum site, with The Shore Group overseeing all project logistics.

Tight on Space, Tight on Time A bustling building site in the heart of the city, meant logistical access to The Forum was difficult, and space was at a premium.

The project was receiving continuous material deliveries to the site daily, all for different contractors to different levels of the 5-storey building.

The Shore Group needed to find a way to efficiently deliver goods on and off the site in a timely and safe manner.

CantiDecks: Creating Synergy OnSite Enter the Super Roller CantiDecks Installed in a stacked configuration on multiple levels of the building, the Super Roller CantiDecks enabled the road between the two buildings to stay clear with no obstructions and allowed materials to be transported straight into the building, rather than using up available operating space on the ground area of the site.

Installing the CantiDecks on different levels allowed each contractor’s materials to be delivered to the required level without the need for scaffolding.

The Forum had a total of 15 CantiDecks on site, which was a game changer for the project, enhancing efficiency as well as saving time and money.

The Super Roller platforms can retract completely within the building frame, ensuring the full footprint of the deck at the bottom of the stack is available, if the decks above are rolled in. This makes unloading goods and moving materials between floors a seamless process.

‘I would highly recommend using the stacked system of the Super Rollers. It means that you can just push one deck out, load on, pull it back in, and then you can drop down to another level, and do exactly the same again’.

- Richard Hawkswell, Lift Supervisor, Kier Construction

Conquip Super Rollers in the Skies….

The CantiDecks are easy to install with minimal disruption, and ready to use in a fraction of the time that it would take to design and construct a temporary

scaffolding loading bay. Also, with models and temporary works loading charts available off-the-shelf, adding CantiDeck into your methodology at a preconstruction phase is a simple, quick process. If further, bespoke temporary works calculations are required, then our in-house engineers can support you.

The Forum had a total of 15 CantiDecks on site, which was a game changer for the project, enhancing efficiency as well as saving time and money.

‘CantiDecks allow for a multitude of deliveries to be put into the building, once, and once only. Installing a CantiDeck is very simple, it’s a day’s training by a Conquip engineer…. you can then install a CantiDeck within two hours….I would recommend these to any main contractors or sub-contractors who are looking to build a project on time, and efficiently.’

- Chris Jones, Project Manager, Shore Group

A Shift in Methodology This project showcases the evolving methods on construction sites aimed at enhancing overall operational efficiency.

Using a series of Super Roller CantiDecks streamlines the construction process. As each level of the building is constructed, these decks are delivered on-site. They can remain in use until the façade is mostly completed. Stacking all the decks together allows the façade to be built close to the deck edges. This setup ensures efficient material loading and swift waste removal for all trades involved, for example, the M&E and HVAC contractors.

Time to get organised about your vertical logistics? Contact us to learn how CantiDeck’s can enhance your next project https://cqegroup.com/uk/contact/

12 Construction UK Magazine - February 2024

Company News

CHAS BECOMES “VERIFORCE CHAS” CHAS has a formidable reputation in the UK as a leader in supply change risk management and pioneer in setting compliance benchmarks.

Following the acquisition of CHAS by Veriforce in January 2023, CHAS has announced its company brand name will become ‘Veriforce CHAS’, reflecting its position as a key part of the Veriforce group.

The products and services of Veriforce CHAS, including its accreditation offerings and certification, will continue to be known as ‘CHAS’.

Being part of Veriforce enhances CHAS’s stability and market impact, enabling CHAS to expand its reach and influence and build on its position as the UK market leader in risk prevention, compliance and supply chain management.

Veriforce CHAS will continue to focus on delivering award-winning customer service while developing innovative products and services that help buyers, suppliers, and contractors thrive in an ever-changing market. This will include assisting customers in managing and mitigating risk across their supply chains in areas including health and safety, equal opportunities, diversity and environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices.

As CHAS has done for 25 years, notably as a co-founder and pioneer of the Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP) and the Common Assessment Standard, Veriforce CHAS will remain at the forefront of setting compliance benchmarks that improve supply chain risk management standards. Meanwhile, contractors and suppliers will be able to continue to rely on Veriforce CHAS to help them comply with complex regulations and to provide recognised accreditations quickly, easily and cost-effectively.

Commenting on the name change, Veriforce CHAS Managing Director Ian McKinnon says: “We are extremely proud to become an increasingly integral part of the Veriforce family during an exciting period for both our business and our customers.

“The strength of Veriforce’s global experience will allow us to provide even more marketleading products and services. At the same time, it was important to us and our customers that the CHAS name, widely respected across industry and seen on 10s of thousands of vans all over the UK, was retained. Plus we will continue to maintain the outstanding customer service for which Veriforce CHAS is renowned.”

CEO of Veriforce Colby Lane adds: “CHAS has a formidable reputation in the UK as a leader in supply change risk management and pioneer in setting compliance benchmarks.

“We are excited to bring the Veriforce brand alongside CHAS’s very strong name and work together to deliver our mission to make the world of work a safer place for businesses, employees and the public.”

Find out more at: www.chas.co.uk or call 0345 521 9111.

Construction UK Magazine - February 2024 13

Safety, Security & Fire Prevention

FIRE DOORS – IS IT TIME TO MAKE FIRE DOOR INSTALLATION A REGULATED PROFESSION? Isn’t it time fire door installation became a regulated profession? We ask Richard Kowalski, Technical Manager for Doors at Stairways Midlands, an expert in his field with more than 25 years’ experience and a member of the British Woodworking Federation Council, to set out the argument.

Fire doors are a carefully engineered fire safety device required by law in many circumstances to help safeguard life in the event of the fire. It is not enough that they are compliant in themselves – to work effectively, it is essential they are fitted correctly. Yet, there is no formal qualification required to be able to fit a fire door, and the profession remains unregulated. Richard Kowalski is among the leading figures in the sector calling for that to change.

What is the status quo?

While there is no mandatory qualification needed to install a fire door a level of expertise and competency is required: the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO/FSO) sets out that fire doors should be installed by a “competent person” however a question mark remains over ‘what competency means in this context,’ explains Richard.

There are voluntary third-party certification schemes for installation contractors such FIRAS run by Q-Mark for

Richard Kowalski

example, or Certifire certification. Adds Richard: “These schemes mean that the installation company has to have processes and procedures in place - they need to be ISO certificated, attending training courses, inspected both on site and within their offices and in their processes, and know how a fire door works.

“The trouble is each scheme is run differently. The schemes are not mandatory, and they can be very expensive to both be a member of and to manage.

“A gas engineer couldn’t install a boiler legally unless they are registered with Gas Safe, with all the requirements and training that entails. Yet any joiner can turn up on site and install a fire door. The implications for safety can be just as serious.”

Leaving the Door Open for Mistakes While there are examples of good practice, without proper regulation, the door is left open for serious mistakes,

14 Construction UK Magazine - February 2024

believes Richard: “While awareness has improved, we are still turning up on sites and seeing big gaps around doors, doors in the wrong openings or the use of the wrong mastic, because the installer doesn’t know to check the fire certificate and look at the minimum and maximum gaps for that product to make sure it is compatible with that specific door set.

With the new regulatory requirements around ongoing inspection and maintenance of fire doors, we are seeing a number of projects from the past ten years revisited – uncovering fire doors that were never installed correctly and would never have been viable or compliant, which goes to show the extent of this problem.

We’ve even seen inspectors go in and pull off the architrave and find there was no mastic at all between the frame and the structural opening in any of the doors. You can have the best possible fire door which is 100% compliant – but fire will find the weakest point. In this case, they almost might as well have left it open!

Safety, Security & Fire Prevention buyers, the housebuilders themselves.

Everyone has responsibility to get this right, but it often comes down to NHBC or building control inspectors when they come on site to uncover the issues.

“As manufacturers we take our responsibility very seriously. We send out installation instructions with every order acknowledgement and at call off. Every door has a QR code which links to installation instructions, and we have luggage tags on the bottom of every door to make people aware that the undercut might need adjusting – again with a QR code linking to instructions. Our toolbox talks and training are also always available to joiners and contractors.

Taking Responsibility New legislation also demands more from those specifying, installing and responsible for maintaining fire doors – there is a golden thread of responsibility for ensuring the door is compliant and safe.

Adds Richard: “There is a misapprehension that installers don’t have responsibility once they’re off site – but they can be held liable for up to 30 years under changes to the Defective Premises Act brought in under

Building Safety Act 2022 – and that applies to all dwellings.

“There is a lot for them to do, especially in the case of traditional hung doors. Installers have a responsibility for ensuring the door leaf is compliant and compatible with all the components, from the intumescent, to the ironmongery, to the closer, as well as getting the fitting right.

Unfortunately, there is “a massive education gap,” adds Richard: “Not just among joiners and installers, but also site managers,

“It’s not enough to think ‘I’ve been a chippy for 25 years so I’m competent’, or ‘we’ve done it this way for years and never had a problem’. You might have been doing it wrong for years unfortunately.

“While this remains an unregulated profession, we are still going to see mistakes that mean fire doors fail inspection, or even worse, fail in the event of a fire and cost someone’s life.

“That is why it’s so important that we resolve this issue of competency in legislature and ensure that every fire door is fitted correctly first time.”

Construction UK Magazine - February 2024 15

Safety, Security & Fire Prevention Compliance should not be a tick box exercise to meet a minimum standard, but a culture of doing the right thing.

A fire rated EPAM membrane; the next generation of EPDM-type façade products, which can fully waterproof window or structural openings with a Class A fire rating.

CAN YOU FUTUREPROOF YOUR SPEC AGAINST FUTURE REGULATION? Mark Halliday, Divisional Facade & Technical Manager at ARBO, part of Carlisle Construction Materials, asks how specifiers can be confident that the materials they choose now remain compliant throughout the lifecycle of the building.

The Grenfell tragedy was the catalyst for much higher standards of safety and performance in façade specification.

Approved Document B, Regulation 7 states that “…….building work shall be carried out so that materials which become part of an external wall, or specified attachment, of a relevant building, are of European

Classification A2-s1, d0 or Class A1…”, a stipulation that has dramatically improved safety. But when those regulatory requirements became mandatory 10 years ago, they were put in place with a degree of pragmatism, enabling the exemption of certain façade products - such as membranes, gaskets and seals – because there were no products available to fit the criteria.

Those exemptions were only from the need for class A2-s1, d0 or class A1 certification, however, not from the need for any fire classification at all.

An obligation to specify all elements of the façade with the best possible fire resistance has remained both a moral duty and integral to the principles of Approved Document B, Regulation 7. With Class A rated façade membranes now available, a further update to Approved Document B seems necessary at some point in the future.

Façade protection Façade membranes play an important role in weatherproofing and protecting the building, protecting the structure from water ingress while allowing naturally occurring moisture vapour to leave the structure.

Mark Halliday

This is a critical part of the specification, which is still permitted to fall below A2-s1, d0 or class A1 fire safety criteria. However, it is now possible to specify Class A firerated external envelope, using a Class A fire rated breather membrane, Class A fire rated vapour control layer and a Class

16 Construction UK Magazine - February 2024

Like any building material, the performance of façade membranes is reliant on the quality of the installation, and a selfadhesive EPAM membrane not only avoids the mess from paste associated with previous generation EPDM methods, but can also enable ease and speed of installation.

Raising the bar Changes to the Building Safety Act, which came into force in October, mean that the whole construction delivery chain is now more accountable for building safety. Greater transparency is required from building owners who have to share information about the safety of their buildings and any safety measures in place, and all those responsible for building safety are more accountable, with penalties for non-compliance.

Compliance should not be a tick box exercise to meet a minimum standard, but a culture of doing the right thing.

Investment in improving building product functionality is giving specifiers the opportunity to make choices that improve the buildability, quality and safety of their projects, futureproofing them for when regulation catches up.

Website: www.arbo.co.uk

Safety, Security & Fire Prevention

SAFETY RE-DEFINED, CONVENIENCE RE-IMAGINED DoorBird presents its latest product, a groundbreaking access control system that goes far beyond conventional standards.

DoorBird A1122 is more than just an access control system – it redefines security and convenience. Compact and IP-based, it is a multi-technology device that can be used for a wide range of applications. Even when installed as a stand-alone solution, it opens up new possibilities for use in a wide range of locations such as back and side doors, garages, storage and packing rooms and elevators. Its compact design allows the unit to be easily mounted on the door frame and integrate seamlessly into any environment.

The A1122 complements DoorBird’s successful A1121 IP access controller.

This efficient access control system featuring a keypad and RFID reader is now also available with a fingerprint reader in place of the keypad.

Access can be controlled via fingerprint or via the multi-frequency RFID reader (125 kHz + 13.56 MHz) using an RFID transponder.

The integrated fingerprint reader not only provides maximum security, but also features an intelligent locking mechanism that temporarily locks the system after multiple unauthorized attempts.

Easy network integration via wireless or wired connection via Wi-Fi or LAN cable. If a network cable is used, the device can even be powered using Power over Ethernet (PoE). In the event of a temporary internet outage, all functions within the local network will remain active. The software for the IP access

Compact and IP-based, it is a multi-technology device that can be used for a wide range of applications. control solution runs on the device itself, eliminating the need for additional hardware components.

In addition to two relays, DoorBird A1122 has a configurable Wiegand output interface for seamless integration with existing access control or alarm systems.

You can also integrate the device into third-party home and building automation systems via HTTP(S) calls.

This new access control system from DoorBird is more than just innovative technology – it is a holistic solution that combines security, flexibility and ease of use. DoorBird A1122 takes the future of access control to a new level.

For more information, visit www.doorbird.com. DoorBird is part of ASSA ABLOY.

Construction UK Magazine - February 2024 17

Safety, Security & Fire Prevention

SSS PASSPORT

Juma Fire Doors & Compartmentation juma-cg.com “Juma Fire Doors & Compartmentation are proud to be one of the founding members of the SSS Passport scheme. Fire safety is our number one priority delivering only the very highest standards in installation and maintenance.”

SSS Passport team would like to wish you all a very, happy, healthy and safe New Year.

Here’s to continued success to businesses new and old, to building new relationships and strengthening the ones we have and to positive minds coming together for the greater good.

The SSS Passport team would like to thank everyone for the overwhelming positive support as we joined the fire door community. Your encouraging comments have certainly confirmed the necessity for the Passport.

The new required high standard of education and monitored performance SSS provide is creating much needed awareness and considered interest, which is exactly what the industry has been waiting for.

We only launched SSS Passport a week before Christmas and are already extremely proud to announce our very first Founder Members who are raising the bar and setting new standards as part of the new SSS Fire Door Responsible Actors Scheme and National Register.

(FDRASNR). You are now part of the Solution not the ongoing problems, thank you.

Vision West Notts College www.wnc.ac.uk “Vision West Notts College are proud to hold a founder membership and partner with SSS Passport on the Fire Door Passport Scheme. In partnering with SSS Passport, Vision West Notts College are endeavoring to develop the future work force of the fire door industry, to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to enable improvement across the industry, for the future.”

Andrew Cropley, Principal and Chief Executive Officer Phil Clark, Assistant Principal Construction, Building Services Engineering, Civil Engineering and Rail Engineering Member since December 2023 NHS Property Services www.property.nhs.uk “NHS Property Services Ltd are proud to be SSS Passports first founder member to facilitate the highest standard of fire door installation inspection and maintenance in line with the recommendations within Dame Judith Hackett’s independent review of British Regulations and Fire Safety. The NHS

Matthew Hoyes, Director Member since December 2023 SSS exciting new collaborations and partnerships.

Property Services will be upskilling their InHouse Colleagues, and contract partners to achieve this third-party accreditation within all installation, maintenance and inspection activities related to fire doors to support the fire safety of patients, staff and visitors.”

David Holmes, Programme Manager Fire Compartmentation Member since December 2023 ABCA Fire & Security www.property.nhs.uk “ABCA are proud to be a Founder Member of the SSS Passport. For over 35 years we have strived to maintain and deliver the highest standards in industry for our fire door installers, maintainers and inspectors.

Our number 1 priority is customers’ safety.

Our accreditations endorse the quality of our business and gives peace of mind to our customers that they have employed trusted experts, who will ensure they remain compliant to required standards and regulations. Being part of the SSS Fire Door Responsible Actors Scheme and National register demonstrates our commitment not only to our clients but to all our employees CPD and own personal high standards.

We believe that the SSS Passport is finally addressing many issues the fire door industry faces with the lack of competency by raising the standards and partnering with VWNC in the delivery of the new City & Guilds practical classroom courses.”

ABCA - “Part of the solution not the ongoing problems”.

Phil Miller, Managing Director Member since December 2023 Rutland Door Control www.rutlanduk.co.uk “We’re always interested in any fresh initiatives or schemes in the marketplace that contribute to, enhance life safety at every fire door , and that’s why we’re pleased to support the SSS Passport concept.”

Neil Smith | Rutland, Certification, Compliance & Marketing Director Member since December 2023

We have made it very clear from the start that SSS are keen to collaborate and partner with like minded people in industry. We sincerely believe that industry influencers must come together with their combined skill sets and join forces to create the most effective change.

We invite anyone appalled by the current 75% failure rate on inspection of fire doors to join us in creating a safer environment for people in this country to live, work and visit.

2024 will showcase the numerous innovative projects we are working on with new collaborators, amazing companies, leaders in their field wanting to be at the forefront of change.

February 2024 launches our SSS Passport App and Profile Checker, here is an insight of whats to come.

Monitoring every individual and company who becomes a member of the SSS Passport (FDRASNR) is no mean feat. In order to maintain our high standards, we have created the SSS Passport App. A secure digital space providing all members access to monitor their CPD, additional course work support, legislation updates, door data information and much more. The SSS App is also available in various languages. The App will be yours free of charge with your membership.

Our SSS profile checker is a valuable tool for the wider community. Anyone who requires fire door installation, maintenance or inspection will be able to utilise our easy-to-use tool to either find a reputable fire door company from our national register or to check the credentials of each individual they have on site. This will give peace of mind, your project is being completed by a SSS Passport member.

We will be showcasing the app and profile checker in the March edition.

Website: www.ssspassport.co.uk

Construction UK Magazine - February 2024 19

Safety, Security & Fire Prevention

ADVANCING FIRE DOOR TRAINING: A NEW ERA WITH UK FIRE DOOR TRAINING In an industry where safety and knowledge are key, UK Fire Door Training leads the way. Our commitment to delivering first class training in fire door safety and installation is stronger than ever, especially with our recent upgrades.

These advancements place us at the forefront of this essential field in the UK.

Online Courses: Ideal for those who favour a self-directed learning pace, our online courses are comprehensive and userfriendly.

State-of-the-Art Learning Management System (LMS)

Practical Training: Our practical sessions equip learners with hands-on skills essential for fire door installation and maintenance.

Our investment in a cutting-edge Learning Management System (LMS) signifies a groundbreaking shift in fire door training. This innovative platform offers an unparalleled learning experience, redefining industry standards. It’s more than a tool; it’s a portal to a wealth of knowledge, accessible anytime, anywhere.

With this advanced LMS, learners can:

• Gain lifetime access to training

materials, ensuring vital information is always within reach.

• Benefit from enhanced knowledge retention through interactive and engaging content.

• Receive ongoing updates and

improvements, keeping them abreast of the latest developments in fire door safety.

Diverse Training Methods At UK Fire Door Training, we recognise that learning preferences vary. Thus, we offer various training methods to cater to every requirement:

Classroom-Based Learning: For a more conventional approach, our classroom courses are led by expert trainers, offering an interactive and practical experience.

Premier Training Centre Our newly established elite training centre in Wolverhampton epitomises our commitment to excellence. This modern facility is outfitted with the latest technologies and resources, ensuring a superior learning environment for all participants. It’s not merely a training centre; it’s a hub of innovation and expertise.

FireQual Recognised Programmes Our pride in our offerings is reflected in the FireQual recognition that all our courses receive. This acknowledgment ensures that our programmes adhere to the highest standards of quality and relevance in the industry.

Rapid Growth and Industry Leadership Since its inception in 2021, UK Fire Door Training has experienced remarkable growth, quickly becoming the largest

fire door training company by 2023. This impressive achievement stems from our dedication to offering industry-leading courses at reasonable prices.

Key factors contributing to our rapid ascent include: Innovative Course Design: Our courses are meticulously crafted to meet the evolving needs of the industry. We combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills, ensuring that our trainees are wellequipped to handle real-world challenges.

Affordable Pricing: We believe in making quality training accessible. Our pricing strategy has been instrumental in attracting a wide range of clients, from individual professionals to large corporations, without compromising on the quality of training.

Customer-Centric Approach: Our focus has always been on the learner. We listen to feedback and continuously refine our courses to ensure they deliver value and exceed expectations.

Expert Instructors: Our team of instructors is made up of industry veterans with extensive experience. Their expertise and passion for teaching have been pivotal in providing exceptional learning experiences.

This journey from a new entrant in 2021 to an industry leader by 2023 reflects our commitment to excellence and our ability to adapt and respond to the needs of the fire door safety sector. As UK Fire Door Training continues to grow, we remain focused on our mission to deliver highquality training that is both effective and affordable.

Contact and Enquiries For further information or to enrol in our courses, please reach out to us at 01902 931 101 or email info@ukfiredoortraining.com.

Our team is prepared to assist you in starting your journey towards fire door safety proficiency.

20 Construction UK Magazine - February 2024

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Safety, Security & Fire Prevention

DRIVING COMPETENCY TO STEER BUILDING SAFETY Nigel Morrey, Technical Director at Siniat, discusses how there needs to be a drive for collaboration, accountability and transparency if the industry is to increase competencies and rebuild its reputation.

Nigel Morrey, Technical Director at Siniat

Following the introduction of the Hackitt Report and subsequent changes to regulations - including the Building Safety Act, the construction industry has had to navigate a multitude of challenges and changes to the way it operates.

One of these challenges is how the industry itself can begin to rebuild its reputation.

A thorough review, and honest reflection, of industry failings has been vital to create step change. However, many outside of the industry have been left wondering why we appear to have been waiting for legislation to dictate our next steps. And it isn’t just onlookers who feel disillusioned, many within the construction industry have been left confused and concerned, too.

While a change in practice is challenging, we need to shift our perspective.

This is a moment in time when we have the opportunity to reset, better our professions and embrace safer construction. But, to do this, we need to focus on driving competency.

Still, competency cannot be driven in siloes. The only way that we will recognise common issues, find solutions and improve practice is by working collaboratively, embracing transparency and educating each other.

A good example of this is new industry groups and forums such as the Passive

Fire Knowledge Group (PFKG), which comprises of contractors, consultants and trade associations. Forums such as this provide a space where concerns, issues, and grey areas, can be discussed and addressed.

However, this type of working relationship – which allows parties to share queries and solutions - is vital not just in specific groups or professions, but on every project and by every party.

Each member of the supply chain has specialisms that others will not, so we need to share knowledge, data, and solutions if we are serious about building safely.

The sharing of data, in particular, is now enforceable by the Building Safety Regulator which has laid out the requirement for a ‘Golden Thread’ of information. This should include easily

accessible data on all building details including design, product, installation, and maintenance. It must be available digitally, be coherent to all parties, and include robust test data and performance classifications that cover all building materials and systems used in the building - from conception right through to deconstruction. This is the only way that we will ensure that our buildings are not just safe today, but will remain safe tomorrow, too.

At every point in the supply chain - be it manufacturers, architects, designers, subcontractors and main contractors we need to collate data in as simple a format as possible and share it with partners in a digital, easy-to-access format.

The challenge here is that, currently, there is no existing template or example for how this data should be developed or shared. Today, the best method we have available is to work together to share data with our partners, with minimal complexity. This is where collaboration and transparency become ever more crucial. At every point in the supply chain - be it manufacturers, architects, designers, subcontractors and main contractors - we need to collate data in as simple a format as possible and share it with partners in a digital, easy-toaccess format.

To support with this provision, since 2019, we have invested heavily in testing and the acquisition third-party classification reports for our entire portfolio of systems, which are available as standard within Siniat project packs.

This helps us ensure that from our initial interactions with partners, we are designing with performance, data, and safety in mind.

To find out more about Siniat’s investment and provision of third party fire classifications, visit: https://www. siniat.co.uk/en-gb/uk/exap

22 Construction UK Magazine - February 2024

ZENTIA UNVEILS NEW INNOVATIVE BIOBLOC FAMILY – PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS BIOGUARD Zentia, the UK’s market leader in complete ceiling solutions, is excited to announce the successful launch of its new Biobloc family, formerly known as Bioguard. The range, launched on 29th November, offers high-quality performance in areas such as infection control and acoustics, making it the ideal solution for healthcare and various commercial settings.

The Biobloc family features the Biobloc Acoustic tile and Biobloc Plain tile. The tiles have been meticulously designed for application in healthcare environments, particularly in areas where the risk of infection varies from moderate to severe.

The Biobloc tiles feature an additional coating which actively inhibits the growth of micro-organisms, contributing to enhanced hygiene and safety. They are also water-repellent, allowing for effective disinfection as well as fogging in alignment with established infection control protocols.

The Biobloc Acoustic tile offers the same robust antibacterial qualities as the Biobloc Plain tile but with additional enhanced acoustic performance. With a Class C sound absorption rating, the Biobloc family make the ideal addition to any healthcare setting that aims to enhance patient well being.

As well as meeting rigorous standards for hygiene with an ISO 4 classification per ISO 14644-1:2015, the ceiling tiles have an aesthetic appeal, designed with sleek, square edges to ensure easy and seamless installation. With a high-light reflectance and a uniform surface, the tiles compliment the grid structure and seamlessly integrate with its surroundings, achieving a cohesive and polished aesthetic.

Both tiles in the new range contain recycled content, are fully recyclable and can be recycled through Zentia’s recycling scheme for Pinnacle Approved Partners.

The successful launch of Zentia’s Biobloc family represents a significant leap forward, combining cuttingedge technology, sustainability, and design to meet the ever-evolving demands of healthcare and commercial environments. With its aesthetic, acoustic and antibacterial features, the range offers a complete solution for organisations looking to prioritise infection control and acoustic performance without compromising on aesthetics and sustainability.

For more information on Zentia’s Biobloc range, click here.

Construction UK Magazine - February 2024 23

Workwear

7 WINTER WORKWEAR ESSENTIALS FOR OUTDOOR PROFESSIONALS As the winter chill sets in, the cold weather and blistering elements can create a particularly challenging working environment for those who work outdoors and on-site.

months. Dressing in layers is not only important for warmth, but also allows for flexibility, enabling workers to add or remove layers to adapt to changing, and often unpredictable weather conditions.

As employees face the winter elements, from heavy rain, ice, snow, blistering cold and biting winds, safeguarding the personal safety and wellbeing of outdoor workers is paramount to employers, especially during the winter months.

Be mindful that too many layers can be restrictive of movement - if working in a role which requires movement and flexibility, consider opting for lightweight, thermal clothing that is less restrictive.

John Johnston Head of E-Commerce at Workwear Express, the UK’s leading provider of Workwear clothing, provides expert tips that both employers and employees should be following, in order to maximise safety and comfort whilst working outdoors during the height of winter.

3. Waterproof, slip-resistant footwear

1. Insulated Outerwear High-quality, insulated outerwear is essential for outdoor workers in winter.

Not only does the outerwear need to protect them against low temperatures, but should also ensure that it is waterproof, so that workers can avoid getting wet during the winter months.

Also, consider investing in outerwear that has zip pockets so that essentials and personal items can be kept safe whilst working outdoors and at a height.

2. Layered or thermal clothing Of course, outerwear isn’t the only essential workwear item for the winter

24 Construction UK Magazine - February 2024

Selecting appropriate footwear is a vital consideration for outdoor workwear all year round, but becomes imperative during the winter months.

With increased slip hazards during cold weather and rain, slip-resistant footwear becomes essential to minimise the risks of workplace accidents. Also, ensure that footwear is both waterproof and insulated, in order to keep feet both warm and dry during winter shifts.

Workwear For roles that involve manual labour, invest in gloves with grip, so that you can complete workplace tasks with more ease, as items and surfaces may well be cold, wet, and slippery during the winter.

4. Insulated gloves with grip Cold hands are not just a source of discomfort during the winter, but can also be detrimental to productivity and hinder workers’ abilities to conduct their duties whilst working outdoors.

Ensure that you are purchasing gloves which provide adequate thermal protection, are waterproof, and also allow for enough dexterity and movement to adequately complete work tasks. This is a particularly important factor if your role requires you to carry out intricate and precise tasks.

For roles that involve manual labour, invest in gloves with grip, so that you can complete workplace tasks with more ease, as items and surfaces may well be cold, wet, and slippery during the winter.

5. Winter headwear and ear protection During long outdoor shifts, keeping your head and ears warm is vital from both a comfort and a general safety and wellbeing perspective. The head is a significant source of heat loss from the body, and in cold weather, can lead to discomfort and increase the risk of employees developing cold-related illnesses. Invest in high-quality woolly hats or ear protectors to reduce heat loss during the working day.

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During the winter months, the elements can cause plenty of challenges for those working outdoors. Wind and rain can impair visibility whilst working outdoors, and may lead to hazards and workplace accidents occurring in low visibility.

Snickers Workwear has been inventing and reinventing Work Trousers with Kneepads since 1975.

As well as visibility issues, working in direct sunlight even in the cold, winter months, can still cause UV damage to the eyes. This is why protective eyewear with UV protection is often necessary for those working outdoors, regardless of the time of year.

Protective eyewear is often a necessary addition to the winter workwear wardrobe, to improve general safety and comfort whilst working outdoors in poor weather conditions.

7. Hi-vis clothing With the hours of daylight being reduced in winter, it’s likely that when working on-site during the early mornings and evenings, this work will be conducted during the hours of darkness. To keep employees safe and easily visible to both their colleagues and the general public, hi-visibility clothing is essential to minimise risks.

Not only does hi-viz clothing make you visible to co-workers and potential hazards, but they are often lightweight, comfortable, and tend to be waterproof, making them the perfect item of clothing for working outdoors.

Renowned for continual innovation, the process continues with the launch of the world’s first built-in, certified kneepads which are completely integrated into a pair of Snickers Workwear’s premium stretch Work Trousers.

The unique AllroundWork, Stretch Trousers with Capsulized™ Kneepads and Holster Pockets deliver low-profile, comfortable impact protection. They’re an innovative combination of cuttingedge sportswear technology coupled with Snickers Workwear’s world-renowned comfort, functionality and sustainable fabric design technology. www.snickersworkwear.com/campaign/capsulized These street-smart hard-working slim-fit Trousers combine enhanced flexibility and comfort with a 2-way stretch fabric plus additional 4-way stretch panels at key stress points. There’s also CORDURA® reinforced holster, ruler, and cargo, pockets.

And, as is typical of all Snickers Workwear clothing, these durable and comfortable Work Trousers with the lightweight Capsulized™ kneepads provide in-place ergonomic protection all day, every day.

01484 854788 www.snickersworkwear.co.uk sales@hultaforsgroup.co.uk

Construction UK Magazine - February 2024 25

Modular Buildings & Welfare Units breaking GenFree™️ solar-powered cabin range. With a wealth of experience in perfecting the solar technology and energy management systems needed to eliminate generators in welfare units, they have applied the same principles to create an advanced solar hybrid power generation solution that they are confident surpasses anything currently available in the market.

SOLGEN SPEARHEADS A NEW ERA IN OFF-GRID POWER GENERATION In an era when sustainability is key, companies are constantly looking for ways to cut the environmental footprint of their operations and there is a huge demand for reliable and innovative technologies capable of driving down emissions.

Nowhere is this more imperative than in the traditionally high-consumption world of off-grid power generation.

SolGen is a new UK engineering and manufacturing firm dedicated to providing proven sustainable energy solutions for off-grid applications. The company has just launched a full range of mobile and static solar hybrid generator models that they claim will dramatically lower energy consumption, fuel use, harmful emissions and noise pollution on off-grid sites, helping to redefine energy independence in the construction, rail, highways, events, infrastructure and other sectors.

Solgen created a massive fuel and cost saving and outperformed the savings achieved by other supplier’s solar hybrid products.

- SMARTWATCH SolGen’s approach combines advanced solar technology, lithium battery storage, and a Stage V HVO generator in a selfcontained, easily transportable unit. Unlike traditional diesel generators that often run continuously, SolGen provides power only as the site demands. The intelligent automated system seamlessly shifts power supply between the various sources, with energy coming primarily from solar, either directly or stored in the lithium-ion batteries. The generator only auto-starts either to recharge the batteries if levels drop or if power demand exceeds inverter capacity.

SolGen is the brainchild of the team behind manufacturer Boss Cabins’ ground-

SolGen’s Engineering Director Ian Wild explains: “We have used everything we know to create the best solar hybrid generators available anywhere in the world today – our units boast a larger adjustable solar panel array than any other with greater solar harvesting capacity, larger battery storage, larger fuel tanks plus our mobile units are the only ones on the market that lower to the ground to prevent theft.

“In addition, SolGen has a crucial USP in the sophisticated proprietary telemetry and smart control mechanisms we have developed. Our intelligent systems can automatically switch off all unnecessary power draws according to parameters laid down by the client, meaning we can eliminate all excessive power use and dramatically cut fuel consumption.

“With less power draw, it is easier to provide all the power required via solar energy alone and we expect that for many months of the year the generators in our SolGen units will not need to run at all. Whereas, on many traditional off-grid site set-ups we visit, generators are being forced to run long hours - often 24/7 - completely unnecessarily.

“Our telemetry also makes it simple for users to track performance, as well as produce detailed transparent reports for ESG scoring etc. showing exactly what cost and environmental savings have been made.”

In a recent case study, SolGen were able to reduce a Tier One constructor’s energy use by 48%. A combination of this and solar power meant the company were able to reduce their overall fuel consumption on site by 4669 litres over a 40 day period with a cost value of £7470 – a saving of over £1300 per week. The overall reduction in CO2 emissions was 14754 kg.

Ian Wild continues: “We are extremely excited that our SolGen products will help more and more off-grid sites to be powered sustainably by renewable energy, not only saving money and reducing global greenhouse gas emissions but also giving a cleaner and quieter environment for those who work on the sites and their neighbours.”

SolGen units are available to hire or buy. For more information, contact 01778 300394, email sales@solgenpower.co.uk or visit www.solgenpower.co.uk.

26 Construction UK Magazine - February 2024

Modular Buildings - Case Study

A MODULAR SOLUTION TO ONE OF THE NHS’S BIGGEST PROBLEMS In the realm of architectural and construction innovation for healthcare, the NHS is grappling with a formidable challenge: the prolonged backlog for a spectrum of vital medical services and the physical space in which to provide for additional capacity. This issue is fuelled by a variety of factors, including an ageing population, rising demand for healthcare services in general and strain on existing infrastructure, all of which have profound repercussions for patient wellbeing and the healthcare ecosystem.

Vanguard Healthcare Solutions is a world pioneer in the deployment of mobile, modular and mixed-modality Healthcare Spaces, and has been supporting the NHS and other healthcare systems around the world for more than twenty years. Lindsay Dransfield, Chief Commercial Officer, discusses how modular facilities are proving to be an exceptionally versatile solution, both for stopgap requirements and longer-term planning of buildings and spaces.

The Benefits of Modular Facilities There’s nothing new about the fact that the NHS has long had a capacity and waiting list issue, and the pandemic really couldn’t have come at a worse time, with its legacy of backlog. Whilst the government may have promised new hospital builds and facilities, these are longterm strategic assets, whenever they might arrive, they don’t solve the problem in the here and now. Whilst this is a clinical issue first and

foremost, it’s also one about buildings, physical structures and real estate, the gamut of healthcare estates decisionmakers up and down the country.

Modular off-site construction provides a range of advantages that can address some of these challenges effectively.

Modular facilities can be assembled swiftly due to their prefabricated nature, minimising disruption to existing facilities and augmenting patient and staff environments.

Unlike conventional construction, which can take years, modular buildings are ready for use in a matter of months, quickly addressing the need for additional medical capacity where there is a strain on existing infrastructure. They also offer versatility and speed in adapting to emerging needs, providing a degree of future-proofing and long-term relevance and value.

This was the case for Skåne University Hospital (SUS) in Malmö, Sweden’s third largest and one of two national centres for cardio-thoracic surgery, which is undergoing a major, seven to ten year construction programme. During the build, an urgent need arose for increased capacity for performing high-risk orthopaedic procedures, and the hospital’s management wanted an interim solution that would be quick to implement, while being robust enough to fill the gap until the new building was complete. Installing a 324 m2 operating theatre complex to strict requirements, it included an ultra-clean air system, the latest surgical lights and a bespoke building management system. The interim facility was to be integrated with the existing operating theatre department on the third floor of the hospital to ensure a seamless extension, something that involved a precision engineered steel construction that was fixed at the exact same height as the existing facility.

The entire project was completed within just 10 months from start to finish, and while commissioned as an interim facility, the complex is designed to serve the hospital for a period of up to 10 years.

In terms of value to the public purse, modular facilities represent remarkably cost-effective solutions to very specific capacity problems. The streamlined manufacturing process and shorter construction timelines for a start. We all know the NHS is under financial constraints and budgets simply aren’t available for large scale healthcare infrastructure overhauls, including the fact that buildings undergoing renovation or construction will be out of action for long periods of time with all the knock-on issues this implies.

Resultant cost savings can quickly be redirected towards other pressing elements of the clinical pathway in addressing capacity and patient outcomes.

Modular facilities can be assembled swiftly due to their prefabricated nature, minimising disruption to existing facilities and augmenting patient and staff environments.

Modular Buildings - Case Study

Regarding cost control, there is one other final, but I think especially important point. Estates managers - in fact all budget-holders in the public realm - need as much control over their budgets as possible. It’s often a challenging balancing act for them as new pressures come in on what is meant to be a plannable year.

However, because of the standardisation of components designed into modular solutions, there is budgetary predictability and dependability. It really is possible to get certainty with modular, right down to the last penny. What’s more, the fact that parts are in stock all of the time, means that deployment times really can be properly relied upon, guaranteeing timely and efficient implementation.

It goes without saying that continuity of service and facilities in any hospital is crucial, and one of the attractions of modular is the ease with which modular facilities can seamlessly be integrated within an existing footprint.

In the same way, hybrid solutions, combining modular facilities with one of Vanguard’s standard units, the vehicleborne mobile theatres, or indeed with existing fixed buildings, can help to expand the hospital’s capacity seamlessly, flexibly, and quickly. This was the case at Kettering General Hospital during the pandemic which commissioned a modular ward at the start of the pandemic to provide a Covid-free zone. This stand-alone ward facility was completed within a period of

just five weeks, despite the restrictions imposed by the lockdown protocol that was in place at the time and reinforcing the nimble and rapid solution that modular is.

Post-Covid, one of the areas that Vanguard has been focusing on especially hard recently has been in its support to Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs).

The aim of CDCs is to deliver additional diagnostic capacity in England by providing quicker and more convenient access for patients and reducing pressure on hospitals. The Richards’ Report from 2020 emphasised the urgent need to transform diagnostic services in response to rising demand, proposing creating new diagnostic facilities outside main hospitals, using locations like high streets and retail spaces for quicker and more convenient access to tests. The report advocated for Community Diagnostic Hubs to revolutionise UK diagnostics.

Vanguard has been supporting CDCs as a flexible solution for non-acute diagnostic needs. The centres themselves are custom designed in collaboration with service providers and can include a wide variety of diagnostic solutions, from cancer screening, women’s health, endoscopy, right through to imaging services.

Each modularly configured centre can be deployed rapidly thanks to modern construction methods and modular builds, whilst their inherent flexibility enables inter-connecting different specialties

as required. Ideally, a dedicated clinical team should be provided as part of the modular specialists’ integration package, helping healthcare providers to familiarise themselves, particularly important in the first four to six weeks as clinical teams adjust to their new environment.

Fitting within Integrated Care Systems (ICS), which tend to cover large geographical areas, typically a population of more than 1 million, Vanguard Community Diagnostic Centres offer a flexible and economic solution. These can then be strategically placed across the ICS to offer a range of diagnostic services.

The benefits can be huge, from tailored design and ultra-rapid deployment to the advantages of increased availability of appointments, freeing up main hospital space, improved infection control, whilst at the same, importantly, bringing services closer to patients.

Modular facilities can also be tailored to specific healthcare needs, providing an opportunity to design spaces that optimise patient flow and enhance efficiency.

Continued >>>

Construction UK Magazine - February 2024 29

Modular Buildings - Case Study Whether it’s additional treatment rooms, diagnostic centres, or outpatient clinics, modular structures can be easily customised to meet the evolving demands of NHS hospitals and health facilities.

Modular assets can also be easily digitised for efficient building management, displayable on an easy-to-use, all on one page dashboard, from HVAC to utilities.

Looking at the construction and assembly of modular facilities, this also brings with it its own environmental and sustainability considerations, with each building solution incorporating eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems, aligning with the NHS’s commitment to sustainability simultaneously providing efficient and accessible services. Modular facilities also incorporate composite materials to meet fire compliance standards. Alongside the high priority placed on environmental considerations. Vanguard’s modular team places significant importance on social value when deploying modular facilities into local communities, seeking local supply chains and SMEs.

It goes without saying that continuity of service and facilities in any hospital is crucial, and one of the attractions of modular is the ease with which modular facilities can seamlessly be integrated within an existing footprint.

Standardisation of construction methods, materials, and finishes is important to guarantee that every module meets the same high standards.

Any Old Modular Won’t Do It is important for NHS estate managers to know how they want to benefit from the modular concept before they commit to it. For example, modular buildings are not just static but can be repurposed to meet new needs, be it more beds or surgical facilities. NHS trusts implementing modular buildings need to seek advice from modular constructors to understand what they need and then how to make modular solutions effective in the healthcare environment.

Because healthcare is such a highly regulated sector, it’s important that modular suppliers understand the implications, and yet incorporating these regulations into modular structures can be complex and requires meticulous planning and coordination with relevant health authorities to ensure compliance.

Modular structures need be flexible enough to accommodate different clinical settings, equipment and technologies.

Achieving this adaptability while maintaining a standardised approach across different modules can present its own challenges, it’s not a generic solution to a generic problem.

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Standardisation of construction methods, materials, and finishes is important to guarantee that every module meets the same high standards. As with any building project, but more so in healthcare, is the importance of ensuring consistent quality across all module installations, requiring meticulous construction planning and assembly and an intimate understanding of the complexity of delivering critical services. Integrating modular structures with existing systems, such as electrical, and plumbing, demands precise planning and coordination and, again, an understanding and familiarisation of NHS environments.

While modular facilities offer potential cost savings compared to traditional construction, they still require significant upfront investment. Balancing the initial costs with long-term savings is important.

Fixing modular build costs makes this easier, which is why rental schemes and other ways to offset the upfront investment are attractive.

Considerations for Successful Implementation The patient experience should lie at the heart of good design process. Modular facilities that are comfortable, conducive to patient needs, and efficient in delivering care is what NHS estates managers are striving for. Involving clinicians and patients in the design phase can provide valuable insights to create patient-centred spaces. Meanwhile, the ability to expand or reconfigure the facility as demands evolve ensures its longevity and costeffectiveness.

In Conclusion The integration of modular facilities holds the potential to reduce waiting times significantly, without disruption or delay, all whilst improving patient experiences and at genuine value for an already overstretched public purse. Pressed NHS management and estates professionals need solutions which are quick to deploy, effective in delivery, responsible to budgets, and versatile enough to cope with changing needs. For their sake, and the patients they serve, modular facilities must be higher on the agenda.

Modular Buildings

PROTECTING THE BUILDING BLOCKS With its low cost, timesaving and sustainability-based attributes, modular construction has seen tremendous growth in the last few years. Rick Perkins, global technical manager passive fire protection at Sherwin-Williams, examines the advantages of this approach and how intumescent coatings play a key role in ensuring high levels of fire safety in modular buildings.

Modular construction is the process of creating buildings using off-site prefabricated building components.

These components are manufactured in a controlled environment and then transported to the construction site for final assembly. Although this method of construction has been around for decades, in recent years it has gained popularity due to its many advantages.

Probably the most significant advantage of modular construction is its speed. Modular constructions manufactured in a factory can be completed in a fraction of the time of traditional on-site structures.

Safety first Being produced in a factory also means there are fewer hazards than on a traditional construction site – modular buildings are built to strict safety standards to ensure that they are structurally sound and safe for occupants.

This is especially evident in their ability to protect against the potentially devastating effects of fire.

A large part of this is due to the intumescent coatings that are applied to the structural steel frames that are used in their construction. These are designed to expand when exposed to high temperatures, forming a thick, insulating

layer that helps to protect the underlying steel from the heat of a fire. This delays, or prevents, structural failure and collapse, giving occupants longer to evacuate and firefighters more time to respond.

Every second counts Since assembled modules are transported and erected as a unit, intumescent coatings make a great choice for fire protection as they are the lightest and most compact form of fire protection available. There are several types of intumescent coatings available, each with their own unique properties and application methods.

It is important to engage with a coatings manufacturer as early in the design stage as possible in order to ensure that the most appropriate solution is applied.

Depending on the building’s design and structure, intumescent paint has the ability to protect steelwork for 30, 60, 90 or 120 minutes in a fire, as required by the building regulations. It is applied by airless spray to a thickness according to the level of protection required and, if the steelwork is visible in the final design, it will not detract from the appearance.

Probably the most significant advantage of modular construction is its speed. Modular constructions manufactured in a factory can be completed in a fraction of the time of traditional on-site structures.

Application form When applying an intumescent coating, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and coating specification carefully to ensure that it is used correctly and provides the desired level of fire protection. This may involve applying multiple layers of the coating, preparing and priming the surface before application and allowing the coating to dry and cure properly.

Using an appropriate intumescent product will mean that it is durable both once in service in the finished building, as well as during construction/erection phase, when it may be exposed to weathering. Some of the latest generations of intumescent coatings are not only very fast drying, they also have excellent mechanical resilience, making them a fantastic option when steelwork may need to be further worked on quickly after coating application.

Look ahead The future of modular construction looks bright, with increased adoption likely to transform the way we build and design buildings long-term. However, like any other type of building, fire protection should be a primary concern, so intumescent coatings from leading manufacturers should be used to provide an effective, versatile and reliable solution.

For further information please visit https://bit.ly/3iovJNg

Construction UK Magazine - February 2024 31

Modular Buildings & Welfare Units

A GREENER WAY TO DRY CLOTHES ON SITE In the unpredictable UK climate, having a facility on site to dry wet clothing is not just a legal requirement, but also an absolute must from an employee welfare perspective, keeping the workforce dry and comfortable.

However, traditional drying rooms are a major power draw on worksites consuming significant energy. Whilst the initial hire rate of a conventional drying room may be inexpensive, the costs of running the unit can be exorbitant, not just to the P&L in terms of fuel expenditure, but also to the environment by contributing heavily to a site’s greenhouse gas emissions.

The vast majority of drying cabins currently on offer operate in an extremely inefficient

and wasteful way. They use power-hungry electric fan heaters to heat excessively large spaces to dry clothes hung around the perimeter of the cabin.

On a site connected to mains electricity, this is bad enough, racking up large energy costs for the end user. However, on an off-grid site, the challenges escalate significantly. A drying room will usually be connected to a large site generator which runs continuously when power is demanded. A large generator creates much more power than that required by the drying unit, and the excess is wasted.

To make things worse, poorly regulated thermostatic controls, coupled with the inability to remotely monitor the cabin’s operation when no one is on site, often result in generators running unnecessarily 24/7, nights and weekends, burning fuel, disrupting the local area with noise, emitting harmful pollutants and incurring significant costs.

Moreover, using a generator to burn diesel to create electricity for fan heaters is inherently inefficient - 45% of the calorific value of the fuel is lost in heat and noise

We’ve 100% done away with the need to use a generator by adopting the most efficient means of generating heat via a diesel heater combined with the latest solar technology.

32 Construction UK Magazine - February 2024

even before any electricity is produced.

Another disadvantage is that running a generator at low load constantly is not good for the engine, causing internal contamination and potential damage.

In response to these challenges, UK welfare manufacturer Boss Cabins has launched a ground-breaking new off-grid drying solution. The patent-pending GenFree Dry Space offers a low-energy, low-emission means of drying clothes and workwear on any site, with no need for an on-board generator, connection to a site generator or a mains hook-up.

A completely standalone towable unit, the Dry Space’s electrics are powered entirely by solar energy, while rapid effective drying is achieved via an extremely efficient ultralow consumption heating system, which uses 0.25 litres of fuel per hour. Advanced temperature and humidity controls shut the heating system down automatically as soon as clothes are dry, meaning no energy is wasted.

Boss Cabins MD James Kearsey explains: “Having perfected our solar-powered GenFree welfare units, we wanted to address other ways our customers could save energy onsite and improve their environmental performance.

“With drying rooms being such a huge and obvious guzzler of energy, we are delighted to have come up with this convenient and costeffective solution to ensure that staff clothes are dry and wearable whilst minimising the amount of fuel required. We’ve 100% done away with the need to use a generator by adopting the most efficient means of generating heat via a diesel heater combined with the latest solar technology.

“Dry Space is also equipped with our usual GenFree 24/7 remote monitoring and reporting system so it’s easy to track how much the units are saving and report on your carbon reductions. In tests, we’re seeing cost savings of as much as £400 per week in fuel alone. And being a towable unit, users will save even more on the cost of getting their units on and off site.”

For more information, contact Boss Cabins Sustainable Welfare Team, sales@bosscabins.co.uk or call 01778 300475.

Modular Buildings

HEBRIDEAN HOUSEBUILDER SPECIFYING STERLINGOSB ZERO ON SUSTAINABILITY GROUNDS Situated seven degrees west of the Greenwich Meridian, and exposed to some of the harshest weather conditions anywhere in the British Isles, the Hebrides present a challenging location for building projects, prompting a recently-established building company to adopt offsite construction technologies which make full use of the technical and environmental benefits of West Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero.

70-22’ Systems was established in 2022 by three business partners whose experience encapsulates architecture, education and manufacturing amongst other skills, and who decided to develop their own highly-insulated, modular timber building system. Growing organically by providing bespoke packages to clients of parent business, Fraser Architecture, 70-22’ has already delivered properties on the Outer Hebrides; and has more than half a dozen schemes of different sizes in the pipeline for the coming year.

The trademarked system has been designed specifically to avoid the need for craneage, due to the inaccessibility of many sites, while the cellular component modules take the form of

wall blocks, lintels and beams to span larger openings. The SterlingOSB Zero is CNC machined and assembled in the workshop before being filled with Warmcel recycled paper insulation.

Significantly, the 70-22’ Systems design personnel were determined from the outset to utilise the West Fraser board because of its formaldehyde free formulation and the fact the material is manufactured in the North of Scotland, using mainly locally sourced softwood from well managed forests.

70-22’ Systems’ co-founder and Commercial Director, Alex Durie, commented: “We use West Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero to construct our ecological building components, that are prefabricated in our workshop utilising CNC technology to achieve 0.1mm tolerances for each beam and block. It is the ideal material to use as the shell for our components, which are then filled with recycled insulation to achieve a building system that can achieve market leading thermal performance, with a U-value of 0.1 W/m²k, and excellent airtightness, while maintaining a breathable floor, wall and roof construction. The added bonus of being formaldehyde-free, OSB enables us to build ecologically, utilising

34 Construction UK Magazine - February 2024

timber grown and processed in Scotland as we aim to limit the travel miles in each of our builds.

The OSB produced

by West Fraser has performed very well in our structural testing, with our system proving to be 1.6 times stronger than a traditional timber frame and as our system arrives on site as a component that is pre-fabricated, preinsulated and designed for manual handling, it is much quicker to assemble.

Not only do all of the 70-22’ Systems structures exceed the thermal requirements of Section 6 to the Building Standards, Scotland, but can also be delivered as a Passivhaus compliant solution where the client or

Modular Buildings planning consent demand it. In the medium to long term, the business is building a pattern book of standard house types and has plans to establish a pilot plant on the mainland. The company will also be showcasing its system at the Self-Build and Renovation exhibition in Aviemore this autumn.

SterlingOSB Zero is available in a range of sizes and thicknesses up to 22mm as well as a T&G version ideal for flooring and decking applications. The high performance panel product, free of added formaldehyde, has also earned BBA approval and meets the requirements of NHBC Technical.

As is always the case, West Fraser’s experienced technical team is available to aid with product specification, while downloadable data sheets are available at https://uk.westfraser.com For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit https://uk.westfraser.com/

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Construction UK Magazine - February 2024 35

People On The Move

LOVELL PARTNERSHIPS BOLSTERS TEAM WITH THREE NEW RECRUITS Leading developer Lovell Partnerships has appointed three new recruits to support its ambitious growth plans across the North East region.

Joining the team as health, safety and environment manager; trainee sales executive; and forklift operator, respectively, Naz Singh, Catherine Galley and Gavin Leahman bring a wealth of talent and experience to their roles.

Catherine Galley, trainee sales executive

Naz joins Lovell with more than ten years of experience working in health and safety roles across a variety of sectors. As Lovell’s new health, safety, and environment manager, he’ll be responsible for ensuring sites across the region maintain Lovell’s commitment to quality and safety, while complying with legal requirements.

A FOND FAREWELL AS MANNINGHAM HOUSING ASSOCIATION CHAIR STEPS DOWN

As well as auditing and reviewing accident and incident reports internally, Naz will also be engaging with sub-contractors and making sure health and safety compliance meets expectations.

The Chief Executive of Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has paid tribute to the Bradford-based organisation’s Chair, Barrington Billings, who is stepping down at the end of December after more than six and a half years in the role.

Bringing fresh sales talent to the team, Catherine Galley will be responsible for handling enquiries at Lovell’s Cornish Park development in Spennymoor.

Mr Billings has more than three decades of experience in the housing sector and is currently Head of Asset Management and Development at Tuntum Housing Association in Nottingham.

Catherine said: “It’s not very often you get the opportunity to join a housebuilder when they’re expanding into a new region, so it’s brilliant to be joining Lovell during such an exciting time for the company.

He is a former President of the Chartered Institute of Housing.

I’ve always been attracted to the property world as buying a house is one of the biggest purchases of your life, so getting the chance to be part of that experience is really rewarding.

Naz Singh, health, safety & environment manager

36 Construction UK Magazine - February 2024

Lee Bloomfield said Mr Billings has played “an absolutely pivotal role in enabling MHA to establish a reputation as one of the most forward-thinking housing associations in the country.”

Barrington Billings said: “Establishing our Community Investment Strategy and the range of community based initiatives that followed were proud highlights for me.

“Winning awards and accolades are always welcome, but these are merely recognitions of the critical grass roots work MHA have been doing in local communities. I am delighted to be handing over the reins to Rupert Pometsey our current Vice-Chair, who I regard as one of the best in the country. I will leave knowing that the organisation is in great shape and in good hands, ensuring that the vision and legacy of its founding members - in providing excellent housing and related services to local communities - will endure.”

People On The Move

DYNAMIC DUO REWARDED WITH DIRECTORSHIPS Renowned Northampton construction consultancy Bhangals Construction Consultants has celebrated its recent expansion and office move by making two dedicated members of staff directors of the business.

Former operations manager Katie Newman is now Associate Operations Director and Harrison Baxter, who was previously estimating manager at the firm, has been named Associate Estimating Director.

The dynamic duo have worked their way up the career ladder at Bhangals

Construction Consultants over the last five years and both recently featured in the company’s Build A Career at Bhangals campaign which marked Careers in Construction Month.

Katie started out as a client services executive five years ago, and now oversees and improves business processes and in-house strategies to ensure the company’s success.

The month-long celebration of the career paths available in the construction industry shone a much-needed spotlight on the rewarding opportunities on offer in the sector to people looking learn a new craft or skillset.

She said: “I’m thrilled to announce my new role. From starting out as an administrator five years ago to being where I am now is something I’m extremely proud of and I’m incredibly grateful to be a part of such an amazing team. I’m so excited for the journey ahead!”

Katie and Harrison were perfect examples for the campaign as both have grown with the business.

Harrison, who studied product design and has a natural eye for detail, looks after a team of around 20 estimators and enjoys the responsibility of his role.

He said: “I am so excited about this promotion. My journey throughout the last five years has been unimaginable and I have grown within the business and within myself by a staggering amount. I am excited for what this new opportunity brings and can’t wait to hit future goals with our amazing team.”

LEFT: Harrison Baxter & Katie Newman

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Construction UK Magazine - February 2024 37

Sustainability Project Photos by Midland Heart Housing Ltd

PROJECT 80 PAVES THE WAY FOR A NEW ERA OF SUSTAINABLE RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION The brainchild of forward-thinking housing association, Midland Heart, Project 80’s design and construction has been significantly influenced by the Future Homes Standard, set to be introduced in 2025.

From the outset, Midland Heart was keen to meet all the requirements of the new regulations, which will see all new homes expected to produce a 75 to 80% reduction in carbon emissions compared to currently accepted levels.

The Future Homes Standard covers a wide range of criteria and the developer had to carefully plan every aspect of the build to ensure the lowest whole-

life carbon performance. This ranged from the materials chosen and systems specified, through to the machinery used on-site and the fixtures, fittings and finishes in the property.

A low-carbon home also needs to be structurally safe, built to last and comfortable for the occupier. This meant balancing achieving the Future Homes Standards requirements without compromising the essential elements which comprise a quality home.

Fabric first housing The Future Homes Standard is set to usher in a new age of energy-efficient,

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low-emissions housing. Midland Heart was keen to ensure it met the stipulated low u-values on its upcoming developments, leading to the initial concept of Project 80 and the objective of delivering a fully ‘Fabric First’ development.

As Tony Hopkin, Head of Construction & Quality at Midland Heart revealed: “Our residents are at the heart of everything we do, yet we’re also conscious of our environmental responsibility, so we wanted to build homes which not only protect people, but the planet too. So, Project 80’s overarching aim became the elimination of any unintended consequences which would cause the properties to fall out

Sustainability Project A material success To meet its aims of achieving Part L compliance, Midland Heart needed to specify materials that could deliver maximum efficiency, yet also deliver safe, secure, comfortable and affordable dwellings.

Furthermore, they were keen to work with local businesses, ensuring a small supply chain with the minimum amount of energy and fuel consumption possible.

As the project took shape, in the form of Eco Drive, comprising 12 new homes built using fabric first principles, Midland Heart, an advocate of traditional construction methods, embraced tried and tested cavity wall construction. A traditional method, they understood that this system would deliver the desired thermal efficiency without reinventing the wheel.

The 12 homes were delivered in 2022, and a report on resident evaluations of living and occupying the homes is due to publish in late 2023. The ongoing R&D programme will also include a detailed cost analysis, to identify areas for further gains in efficiency on later developments.

Cementing concrete’s low carbon credentials

of compliance with the Future Homes Standard, as this would have massive negative implications for potential occupiers, and Midland Heart.

“Particularly, we wanted to show that, with the right materials and systems, achieving ultra-low u-values was entirely possible. By trialling different solutions, particularly the latest concrete and aircrete blocks, we were able to achieve u-values of 0.13, putting our properties comfortably within the Standard’s requirements.”

Project 80 is providing definitive proof that concrete can play a crucial role in contemporary, sustainable housebuilding.

It’s also proving there’s more to meeting sustainability requirements than upfront, embodied carbon.

That’s not all, the manufacturing process of the blocks used (Besblock’s Universal Star Performer in this case), helped Midland Heart achieve homes

that met the design brief’s 80% carbon reduction target providing significant embodied carbon savings. Cured by energy from a nearby waste wood facility, using biomass boilers the products had significantly lower embodied carbon values than equivalent products.

Besblock’s use of SustainaCem cement, a pre-blended sustainable binder, and blocks cured using energy from a nearby waste wood facility, kept embodied emissions low, further reinforced by a local supply chain.

Tony Hopkin concluded;

Project 80’s vision has been to deliver highperforming but low-impact homes that are heavily tailored to resident needs.

Technology and sustainability have been at the heart of this development to improve efficiency, but the fabric of the building was the starting point that needed to be addressed.

“Blockwork, whether concrete or aircrete, has very impressive whole-life carbon qualities which are often overlooked, but they are truly circular products that embody the core principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle. In partnering with them (Besblock and H+H), we found sustainable products that could adapt and flex according to the other low-carbon components selected to achieve homes fit for the Future Homes Standard.”

The West Midlands has a wealth of local block manufacturers and a rich heritage of block production. For this project, concrete blocks were manufactured by Shropshire-based Besblock and aircrete blocks were manufactured by H+H. This blended approach not only achieved the required thermal efficiency, but the use of high-performance aircrete blocks, which are lightweight and easy to install, supported the air-tight structures and reduced the chance of thermal bridging. It also significantly sped up the construction process.

Construction UK Magazine - February 2024 39

Sustainability News

ESH GROUP SET FOR ‘EVEN GREENER’ FUTURE WITH 2040 NET ZERO TARGET The Even Greener strategy sets out plans for reducing carbon emissions throughout the business and its operations.

North of England firm, Esh Group, has outlined its commitment to becoming a more sustainable contractor with the launch of a carbon reduction strategy named Even Greener.

By taking achievable steps across the business to reduce carbon emissions year-on-year, Esh Group aims to achieve net zero by 2040.

This year, Esh signed up to the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), committing to both short and longterm goals, with a key part of the Even Greener strategy being a series of headline targets to be achieved ahead of 2040. Targets include 100% of owned fleet being fully electrified or low carbon vehicles by 2035, and a 65% reduction in business operating carbon by 2034 – specifically, Scope 1, 2, and Scope

3 waste, business travel, upstream transportation, and staff commuting.

The Even Greener strategy will be underpinned by the recent introduction of ‘carbon champions’ who are senior representatives and subject matter experts from across various divisions in Esh Group. Carbon champions are tasked with bringing forward ideas and innovations that can be trialled, assessed, and, where key outcomes for carbon reduction, operational performance and commercial viability are met, then adopted into business operations.

Additional focus areas include that of pre-construction, supply chain engagement, client engagement and project delivery. Business processes will be realigned to ensure that low carbon alternatives are offered at tender stage and ‘even greener’ alternatives will be added to stock catalogues at purchasing stage.

Proactive engagement with clients is an essential ingredient throughout the strategy with a view to embedding low carbon building solutions and processes within future projects, while identifying funding available to support such initiatives.

The largest proportion of Esh’s carbon emissions is contained within Scope 3, those generated by suppliers and subcontractors, and steps have already been made to survey a large proportion of the supply chain and offer guidance, resources and training.

JET PLANT IN NEW GREEN PLEDGE AS ALL ROAD PLANERS TO BE POWERED BY HVO Leading UK road planing contractor, Jet Plant, continues to set the industry standard for sustainability after announcing that 100% of its planing machines will be fuelled by Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil. The Evesham-based business already has a strong sustainability plan and trialled the use of HVO, a diesel-like fuel that can be produced without fossil resources, in some of its planers in August 2022. HVO is created by processing renewable waste lipids in vegetables.

Following the success of that trial, and with customers reporting zero issues with the machines when powered by HVO instead of diesel, Jet Plant has made the bold decision to begin powering all its planing fleet with the alternative fuel.

The switch will allow the company to reduce the well-to-wheel C02 output by 50% per shift, significantly decreasing carbon footprint for the company and its customers.

Road planing is a technique used to remove the surface layer of a pavement when it is damaged to allow a new surface to be directly overlaid to the existing base layers. Jet Plant’s specialist Wirtgen planers skim the damaged surface, with planings collected and reused in alterative surface applications, such as pathways and farm tracks.

In addition to fuelling all planers with HVO, Jet Plant has set further sustainability targets in the drive to reduce fossil fuel usage by 50% by 2025. These include reducing fuel consumption through effective fleet management, sourcing utilities from only renewable carbon neutral providers, and switching all company cars to electric vehicles.

40 Construction UK Magazine - February 2024

Sustainability News

EXTENDING THE USE OF IN-SITU RECYCLING TO THE STRATEGIC ROAD NETWORK Finding solutions to meet the carbon reduction targets is at the top of the agenda for the highways sector. In the latest phase of a project to reduce carbon emissions through resurfacing, Colas technical experts have developed and adapted the Internationally used Recycol process for the strategic road network and have completed work on a 2km section of the A41.

Phase one of the project in Coventry in October 2022 successfully demonstrated the use of Recycol, going on to win an International Green

Apple Environment award in recognition of a commitment to the environment and the Department for Transports Net Zero Project of the Year at the recent LCRIG Awards.

As the newly appointed Highways Delivery Partners for Cheshire West and Chester Council, Colas were able to support the Council who were eager to introduce the Recycol process to the region. Their strong commitment to decarbonisation made the council a clear and ideal candidate for showcasing the potential of using the innovative treatment. The scheme, a key part of phase two of the project, also signifies the first implementation on a strategic road, distinguishing it from its previous application on urban roads in Coventry in 2022.

Through adjustments in the binder mixture by the technical teams, Colas effectively reduced curing

times, enabling the application of the final surface course within just one day, a key factor for use on the strategic road network.

Using the internationally recognised SEVE Carbon Calculation tool, the project team were able to show that the Recycol technique achieved a substantial 57% reduction in carbon emissions compared to the initially specified traditional Hot Mix Asphalt.

The project has a strong ethos of collaboration, with research being conducted by partners the University of Nottingham, and scheme support by RMS. Each time the technique is used, the team from Colas are able to invite interested parties to site to see for themselves the solution, presenting a great opportunity for sector wide feedback as part of the development process.

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Sustainability

WHOLE LIFE CARBON – ARE WE REDUCING CARBON TO THE EXTENT WE THINK WE ARE? Climate change is real, and something that we simply cannot avoid, with recent severe weather conditions and regular news coverage further cementing the issue. As a result, it’s important that we are constantly questioning whether we are doing enough to mitigate these issues.

Buildings account for 17% of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the UK and 39% globally, and the buzz word around the industry for the past few years has been ‘Net Zero’. In simple terms, net zero in the construction industry looks at buildings in operation i.e., all emissions produced from the operation of a building via the heating, lighting, cooling etc. and whether they are mitigated or offset by systems and activities that absorb emissions.

However, raising the climate issue is only the first step, greenhouse gas emissions come from various aspects across the construction industry, with the extraction and production of construction materials

Ingleton Wood’s Director of Sustainability Shawn Galliers

being a large source. As a result, we have to ask the question, are we saving as much greenhouse gas emissions as we think?

Currently, it is difficult to answer this question as we can’t account for all emissions, most notably the embodied carbon within the materials we are using.

Therefore, to understand the whole picture we have to start to ask further questions, such as:

• What happens to embodied carbon through the life of the materials?

• Where does the carbon from these materials end up?

• Can some or all of the emissions be

reclaimed, through reuse and recycling?

If a material is sent to landfill at the end of its life, is there another material required to take its place? If so the embodied carbon from the extraction and production of the new material is added to the emissions of the building.

By taking a phased approach to tackling greenhouse gases, the construction industry has been able to ensure that the strategy that has been put in place falls in line with UK and global targets. That being said, it’s important to remember that net zero is only the first phase!

The whole process from cradle to grave, including the extraction, production, in use operation, decommissioning and reuse/ recycling/disposal is called Whole Life Carbon (WLC).

Currently, we can’t say much about the embodied and Whole Life Carbon of materials, as there has been little done to measure their effects. However, in recent years regulations have been updated to include WLC. Furthermore, organisations are providing guidance on WLC and potential methods for measuring the embodied carbon of materials.

These are essential steps towards understanding the implications of embodied and Whole Life Carbon, however, further regulation is required to ensure the industry is doing its part to reduce the WLC of the materials is uses.

By taking a phased approach to tackling greenhouse gases, the construction industry has been able to ensure that the strategy that has been put in place falls in line with UK and global targets. That being said, it’s important to remember that net zero is only the first phase!

The idea of net zero is already well embedded within the industry, therefore, we need to shift our focus towards tackling other aspects of greenhouse gas emissions. The scale and impact of whole life and embodied carbon should not be underestimated, however, the only figures we have at the moment are estimates.

The need to be able to measure and quantify the impact of emissions across the whole life of materials is absolutely essential for the industry to be confident that it is doing everything possible to reduce carbon.

Construction UK Magazine - February 2024 43

Sustainability

THE DEMOLITION INDUSTRY NEEDS TO SHOUT ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY TO ATTRACT YOUNG TALENT Demolition has long been a stalwart of the built environment industry, playing a pivotal role in the safe removal of outdated or hazardous buildings to make way for new and improved ones. Despite its importance, however, demolition is currently facing a significant skills crisis, referred to by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors as ‘the most severe since 2007’. With so many of the sector’s skilled workers reaching retirement age, and 75% of contractors experiencing issues recruiting talent, according to the Civil Engineering Contractors Association [CECA], there’s no clear end in sight to this crisis. The question that remains for demolition companies, therefore, is: ‘what can be done to attract young talent to the industry?’

will provide them with fair pay, sufficient training, and career satisfaction – just as workers of any age do – many young people hold stronger views on various key social issues than their older counterparts. For example, a recent study conducted by KPMG found that businesses lacking robust environmental credentials are not appealing to younger prospective candidates, given the importance of environmentalism to many millennials and Gen Zs. In fact, the research went on to conclude that a fifth of young jobseekers would rather turn down a role in favour of holding out for a position with a company whose environmental values aligned with their own.

This makes it clear that any company that doesn’t take its environmental responsibilities seriously will likely find itself at the bottom of the pile for What young workers want young, would-be candidates. As such, those operating in demolition should In order to answer this question, it’s be rejoicing, given how sustainable necessary to consider what’s important the sector has become in recent to young workers in 2023. While times. Indeed, organisations like the millennials and Gen Zs want jobs that National Federation of Demolition Contractors [NFDC] has long been committed to making demolition in the UK safer and more sustainable, having ensured that 90% of the materials used by its members are recycled, reused, and repurposed. This is often preferable to expending lots of energy producing new, replacement materials because most waste masonry substances, like concrete and hardcore, can be crushed and reused – not only helping contractors to keep costs down, but also reducing the impact their work has on the environment Simon Barlow significantly. On top is the Managing of this, the NFCDC Director and has encouraged all Founder of Rye members to switch to Demolition low-emission, low-

44 Construction UK Magazine - February 2024

carbon fuel while working on site, due to it emitting 90% less CO2E than diesel.

Initiatives such as this will be pivotal if the UK is to hit its net zero target by 2050, and help demonstrate the demolition industry’s commitment to more sustainable working practices.

It’s the responsibility of demolition companies though to shout it from the rooftops, and get the message to those who could help the industry build towards a brighter and greener future.

The industry needs to make more noise So why are so many demolition contractors continuing to struggle in their efforts to recruit young talent?

The simple answer is that not nearly enough is being done to shout about the fantastic environmental initiatives that the industry is championing. At present, it is likely that, when people think of the demolition industry, images of dust clouds and wrecking balls violently crashing into buildings are the ones that pop into their heads. This may well be what happens on TV, but the reality is quite different. Demolition is a process that requires meticulous planning, with safety and sustainability forever at the forefront of contractors’ minds. While the industry tends to get a bad rap, much of the criticism it receives is based on assumptions that are either outdated or just plain wrong.

However, contractors can’t blame people for the misconceptions they have about what they do; they need to be far more vocal about how sustainable demolition is in 2023 if they hope to attract young talent. After all, the industry is certainly doing its bit to protect the environment where others are failing, and this is something that many millennials and Gen Zs would be pleased to hear. It’s the responsibility of demolition companies though to shout it from the rooftops, and get the message to those who could help the industry build towards a brighter and greener future.

Sustainability

UNVEILING SUSTAINABILITY: GREENBLUE URBAN’S ROOTSPACE LCA In the realm of urban development, sustainability is the keystone to building a greener and more environmentally conscious future.

GreenBlue Urban, a pioneer in urban sustainability, has undertaken a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for RootSpace, following a BRE certification* will achieve an Environmental Product Declaration.

This groundbreaking assessment, conducted by Eight Associates, focuses on the product’s UK material source and manufacturing processes, utilising 100% recycled polypropylene.

The LCA Process: The LCA for RootSpace is a comprehensive study that delves into the fundamental aspects of the manufacturing process. It encompasses the product composition, energy consumption, water consumption, and the use of ancillary materials such as lubricating oils and hydraulic oils.

The approach is based on primary data, ensuring accuracy in assessing the environmental impact. Moreover, the study considers the types and quantities of materials used for packaging, as well as the transport distances between raw material suppliers and the production site. *Product LCA aligns with obtaining EPD certification, within the BRE Product Category Rules “PN 514 Rev 3.0” for Type III EPD of construction products.

Primary Data and Allocation: One notable aspect of this assessment is the reliance on primary data, ensuring that the data used is specific and accurate to the RootSpace manufacturing process.

Allocation, a crucial step in LCA, involves distributing the environmental burdens of a process between the life cycles served by that process. This approach provides

a more nuanced understanding of the environmental impact, setting the stage for a holistic evaluation.

Carbon Emissions and Recycled Polypropylene: The report reveals compelling data on carbon emissions for the RS 400 and 600 single units. The Functional Unit (FU) used is 1m2 of products installed underground in tree pits over a study period of 50 years – aligning with the BBA accreditation (British Board of Agrément: Construction Product Certification.

Notably, the declared unit was compared to those made with 100% virgin polypropylene.

The use of 100% recycled polypropylene marks a significant leap in sustainability.

The carbon emissions associated with the use of recycled polypropylene are impressively lower compared to its virgin counterpart. In fact, the specification of recycled polypropylene showcases a remarkable carbon saving of over 80%. This statistic not only underscores GreenBlue Urban’s commitment to environmental responsibility but also positions RootSpace as an eco-friendly solution for urban landscapes.

GreenBlue Urban’s RootSpace, backed by a thorough LCA, stands at the height of sustainability in urban development.

The use of 100% recycled polypropylene and the meticulous assessment of the product’s life cycle demonstrates a commitment to reducing carbon emissions and environmental impact. As our towns and cities strive for a more sustainable future, RootSpace sets the standard for responsible urban development, proving that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand.

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Construction UK Magazine - February 2024 45

Sustainability

HOW THE DEMOLITION INDUSTRY WILL SUPPORT THE UK’S SUSTAINABILITY AGENDA IN 2024 The UK government has set itself the ambitious goal of achieving net zero by 2050. This means decarbonising all sectors of the economy, including construction, over the next 27 years.

It’s a fundamental change that requires an innovative approach – one that could, notably, be led by the demolition industry.

Demolition has long been a green process, whether opting for a full removal or partial deconstruction. In either case, approximately 90% by weight of all materials left over after demolition are somehow reused, reclaimed, reprocessed or recycled, serving to reduce the overall amount of waste that reaches our landfills.

In the case of selective and partial-strip demolition, certain aspects of the building may even be preserved in their original state. Contractors will carefully and systematically remove any unwanted features that may be structurally unsound, leaving everything else intact.

A series of retrofit options can then be recommended to upgrade the building to make it more sustainable.

Site work is becoming increasingly responsible, too, with demolition companies using low-emission, lowcarbon fuels in their machines. The resulting savings in emissions are the cherry on top of an already carbonconscious industry, which has succeeded in reducing construction’s footprint considerably thanks to the energy saved on producing, transporting and implementing new materials – not to mention the associated cuts in waste and water.

As concern for our planet reaches a peak, the appetite for such sustainable

46 Construction UK Magazine - February 2024

construction methods is only soaring.

As such, the demolition industry – which has long been positioned to support environmental initiatives – can expect to come into its own in 2024, ready to respond to the growing push for sustainable building trends with expert knowledge. This might include responsible clearance, retrofitting, façade retention or cut-and-carve removal techniques, for example.

Cut and carve essentially consists of removing problematic elements of a building’s interior whilst leaving the external shell unscathed. It’s just one of the ways in which demolition experts can help to minimise waste and reduce carbon output in the built environment.

Indeed, industry representatives can also advise on potential refurbishments that would breathe a new lease of life into neglected or unwanted buildings, helping to limit waste.

Sustainability This is not to say that selective demolition is always the greener option. Full demolition can often be the best decision for the planet, especially when you factor in the bigger picture. It’s therefore important to consider each project on a case-by-case basis, ensuring that people are fully aware of the range of green options available to them. It’s important to increase public awareness of the sustainability of these options, too.

It’s all a matter of industry experts delivering advice early on, catching clients at the start of the decisionmaking process to engage them in green ideas before they’ve committed to a rigid plan. It can even be a good idea to engage with clients prior to constructing a brand-new building, as this ensures that any new projects that go ahead are created with long-term sustainability in mind. Demolition contractors can then steer people away from materials like heavyduty adhesives, which may be difficult to recycle, recommending greener materials and methods to use instead. This would make new buildings as eco-friendly as possible once they eventually reach the end of their useful life – making demolition a consideration that truly serves to safeguard the future.

Ultimately, 2024 will be about working together as a complete supply chain and being more vocal about the carbon efficiencies that demolition has always been proud of.

It’s time to break down the stereotypes of environmental devastation, showing the world just how protective, uplifting and fundamentally essential demolition can be when it comes to meeting the 2050 net-zero target.

Construction UK Magazine - February 2024 47

Interview BIO: Kelly was born in King’s Lynn, Norfolk in 1992. She was educated in the village of Mulbarton and later Hethersett, before completing her A Levels at Norwich’s City College. She entered the recruitment industry at the age of 17 and launched her own business six years later, after spells with two national recruitment firms.

Outside of work, Kelly likes the finer things in life. She regularly jets off to explore new wonders of the planet with her travel buddy, her husband Tom. Kelly is incredibly appreciative of the support she receives from her husband, parents and closest friends who all play a huge part in her continued success.

CONSTRUCTION UK MAGAZINE INTERVIEWS KELLY CARTWRIGHT What drove you to get into construction and how did you start Core Recruiter Ltd? What were some of the influences that set you on your path?

I wish I could say I have always wanted to go into the construction recruitment space, but I can’t – as at school, construction or recruitment was never really pushed. I was actually had a job lined up to go into advertising and marketing, but I needed to

gain my A Levels but I needed to earn some money in the interim to fuel my little car. So, I started with a national recruitment agency as an administrator – and just loved it… I loved the industry, I loved the pace of recruitment and have obviously never left. My time at the national was invaluable, but there was a lot of red tape in the big corporate world – and I wanted the freedom to run things how I wanted to. I was lucky my parents had a very successful business whilst I was growing up, which I was often roped in to helping of a weekend – so I was exposed to the running of a business from an early age. I knew what I was signing up to, not all glitz and glam!

What would you say is your proudest moment in the industry?

Every day, what we do changes lives.

I never take anything for granted and just embrace and appreciate what happens each day – no matter what it is, who I speak to, who I meet, who I help, who I inspire…

What are some of the barriers to women entering the construction industry? What was your personal experience?

Without stating the obvious, but gender stereotypes and biases, limited representation, unequal opportunities

Every day, what we do changes lives. I never take anything for granted and just embrace and appreciate what happens each day – no matter what it is, who I speak to, who I meet, who I help, who I inspire…

48 Construction UK Magazine - February 2024

Interview I hope for increased inclusivity, where women are not just accepted by celebrated for their contributions. for skill development and workplace cultures that maybe unwelcoming.

Personally, my age was questioned – starting a business at 23 in a male dominated industry definitely raised a few eyebrows! Although I see more women in our industry now compared to back then, we still have a long way to go. PPE is a huge problem, I am working with some incredible brands currently (Amblers, Leo Workwear, Pulsar) to support the CIOB’s #PPEthatfits campaign – as how can we encourage women in to the industry if we don’t offer them the right clothing, to make you feel like you “belong” – not just a shrunk men’s jumper!?

Tell us where your inspiration came from to wear your unique hi-vis dress?

I have always felt uncomfortable when going to awards, imposter syndrome sets in and I feel like I don’t belong. When speaking about this, my husband always says – you waltz on a construction site

within hundreds of people on and never feel like that…? Its because I have my armour on, my PPE, I feel like I belong. He joked and said, why don’t you wear your PPE to an awards then… fast forward, 6 months, 6 high vis vests, a crazy idea and a brilliant seamstress and voila!

Can you tell us about winning the Gold Winner of the Women in Construction Award at the National Building & Construction Awards 2023?

I was crowned the Gold Winner of the Women in Construction Award at the National Building & Construction Awards 2023, held at the Hilton Wembley earlier this month. For me, this isn’t just the win of the trophy; it’s a rebellious shout in an industry that underestimated us. To everyone who questioned the status quo with me – as we all know this is a male dominated industry, this one’s for you ladies. Let’s turn every ‘you can’t’ into a ‘watch me.’

The award acknowledges not only my accomplishments but also the broader significance of diversity in construction.

By celebrating women who excel in a variety of roles within the sector, the Women in Construction Award promotes inclusivity and sets a precedent for future generations. It serves as a beacon, highlighting the importance of recognizing and fostering talent irrespective of gender.

The judges said “Kelly radiates energy and passion, serving as a fantastic role

model for all. Kelly exemplifies resilience and commitment, notably in an industry where women have been historically underrepresented. Her track record of overcoming challenges and leading the way made her undoubtedly the winner.”

Tell us how it felt being crowned Great British Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

I will be really honest, it is the biggest awards I have ever been to – being in a room with 1,500 people was insane. I had almost “checked out”, I didn’t think I had a hope in hell. When my name was called out, I was absolutely stunned!

What advice would you give to a woman entering the construction industry today?

Short and simple - Challenge stereotypes, break barriers and let your ability be your loudest statement.

How do you hope the industry can change for women entering the industry in the future?

I hope for increased inclusivity, where women are not just accepted by celebrated for their contributions. Creating mentorship programs, breaking down gender biases and promoting a culture of respect can pave the way for a more equitable and empowering construction industry. It would be good for a female on site to just been the norm… not a surprise.

Construction UK Magazine - February 2024 49

Events & Awards News

CHAIRMAN OF HALDANE GROUP RECOGNISED FOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AT THE BUILDERS’ MERCHANT AWARDS Ian Haldane, Chairman of leading builders merchant Haldane Group, has received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual Builders’ Merchant Awards for his outstanding contribution to the industry and Haldane Group as a whole.

“On behalf of the entire Group, we want to wish Ian a massive congratulations for this undoubtedly well-deserved recognition – he has been a true pioneer across the industry and it is fantastic to see him acknowledged for the tangible and positive effect he has had.”

Ian was presented with the award in celebration and recognition of his hard work and dedication to the sector, the local community and Haldane Group employees.

Ian added: “It is an honour to have received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Builders’ Merchant Awards. It stands as testament to the legacy we have constructed over the years, with customer service and knowledge at the heart of our operations throughout. This wouldn’t have been possible without my family, and I have every confidence that our reputation for innovation, excellence, and resilience will continue to be upheld as we move into a new era under David’s leadership.”

Speaking of Ian’s achievement, David Haldane, CEO at Haldane Group, commented: “The Lifetime Achievement Award serves as a tribute to Ian’s decadeslong impact on the growth and success of Haldane Group, as well as his influence on the broader industry landscape. Striving

for excellence and demonstrating a commitment to providing quality materials and outstanding service, Ian’s exceptional leadership has led Haldane Group to grow organically and through acquisition while retaining the high levels of personal service associated with a family run business.

KELDA SHOWERS WIN TWO ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS The team at Kelda Showers are celebrating having recently won two prestigious awards, the first was for Technology and Innovation Award at the inaugural Hampshire Business Awards, and the second for Water Saving Domestic Product of the Year Award at this year’s national Energy Saving Awards. Both ceremonies recognise the achievements of the UK’s most outstanding tech and energy saving businesses.

The Hampshire Business Awards, organised by The Business Magazine, were presented at the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre on the 30th November, and were rapidly followed by the Energy Saving Awards which took place at the Park Plaza London Riverbank on 1st December.

The judges said, “Kelda Showers was chosen as the 2023 Technology and Innovation Category winner for their creation of an innovative product that simultaneously saves water and energy, cuts energy costs and yet still delivers an elevated customer experience. This product is scalable and can be used by a diverse

range of industries, and their trademarked Air-Powered technology has the potential to create real change and have a positive impact on the environment, both in the UK and worldwide.”

now focused on helping the housebuilding sector to build sustainable homes that are affordable places to live – increasingly important due to the current energy insecurity.”

Paul Ravnbo-West, Marketing Director at Kelda said, “We are extremely delighted to win these awards. It’s great recognition for the team and encourages us to keep working hard to protect our most valuable resource – water. We are on a mission to deliver the best possible shower using the least amount of water. By radically reducing water use we can reduce hot water energy and carbon emissions – to help support our customers on their way to net zero. Our showers can also help reduce household energy bills by around £300-£400 per year. Our Air-Powered showers utilise the principles of fuel injection technology to mix the right amount of water in air to deliver the most efficient shower spray without compromising quality or performance.

“We are extremely delighted to win these awards. It’s great recognition for the team and encourages us to keep working hard to protect our most valuable resource – water.

We are on a mission to deliver the best possible shower using the least amount of water. By radically reducing water use we can reduce hot water energy and carbon emissions – to help support our customers on their way to net zero.”

“The technology has been developed with the University of Southampton. In the leisure sector we have helped one David Lloyd Health Club save 10,000 litres of water every day. We believe this technology and its benefits are scalable and we are

50 Construction UK Magazine - February 2024

Events & Awards News

INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY MEETS AWARD-WINNING DESIGN DoorBird stands for the combination of modern IP technology with an exclusive design. Our products are characterized by high-quality materials and straightforward design. The IP video door stations from the D21x series were recognized with the German Design Award in the “Excellent Product Design - Building and Elements” category with the “Winner” label by the German Design Council for their design.

“The DoorBird D21x IP Video smart door station’s timeless, clean look gives entrances a premium touch. Thanks to the wide choice of materials and colors, it can either be discreetly integrated into the wall or become a striking eye-catcher,” said the panel, explaining their decision.

Last year, DoorBird received a “Special Mention” from the German Design Award for the A1121 IP access control system, the D11x series door stations and the A1101 indoor station, which recognizes outstanding design achievements that feature a special approach.

DOORBIRD D21X DOOR STATIONS HONORED WITH THE 2024 GERMAN DESIGN AWARD

Since 2012, the German Design Award has been awarded annually to submissions in the three main categories “Excellent Product Design”, “Excellent Communications Design”, and “Excellent Architecture”. It is one of the most prestigious cross-industry awards in the design world. The awards are judged in a multi-stage process by a panel of renowned design experts from business, education, academia, and the design industry.

Bird Home Automation GmbH develops and manufactures IPbased video door intercoms, access control devices, indoor stations and accessories under the DoorBird brand. The company’s headquarters and production plant are in Berlin, Germany, with sales offices in San Francisco, California and Jacksonville, Florida, USA. The smart home products are made in Germany according to the highest quality and security standards and are installed worldwide. DoorBird stands for the combination of exclusive design with innovative IP technology in the door communication sector.

For more information, visit www.doorbird.com. DoorBird is part of ASSA ABLOY.

Construction UK Magazine - February 2024 51

Coatings, Paints & Sealants

CT1 AND JEWSON LANDSCAPING ROADSHOWS: PAVING THE WAY FOR SUCCESS, CREATING A LASTING IMPACT CT1, a leading innovator in sealants and adhesives, partnered with Jewson to host a series of vibrant and enlightening landscaping roadshows, traversing from Carlisle to Devon. These events served as a dynamic platform to showcase CT1’s groundbreaking landscaping solutions in collaboration with Jewson, leaving an indelible mark on industry professionals and enthusiasts.

The roadshows were immersive experiences, designed to provide firsthand insights into CT1’s innovative products and their diverse applications within the landscaping realm. Attendees were treated to live demonstrations and expert advice, unveiling the versatile and highperformance nature of CT1’s showcased products, tailored to cater to a spectrum of landscaping needs.

Among the featured products were:

• PGB (Power Grab ‘n’ Bond): Recognised for its outdoor adaptability, PGB’s robust adhesive capabilities shine in heavy-duty outdoor applications, exhibiting resilience against diverse weather conditions.

• Superfast Plus: Engineered specifically

for joinery, Superfast Plus delivers rapid and enduring bonding for decking and joints, boasting superior moisture resistance, ensuring longevity in outdoor settings.

• Green Sealant: CT1’s colour-matched

sealant emerged as a preferred choice for artificial grass installations, offering an impeccable blend of weather resistance, robust adhesion, and flexibility for seamless integration.

CT1’s specialised range of sealants and adhesives embodies unparalleled versatility, durability, and weather resistance, positioning them as the go-to solution for landscaping projects of varying complexities.

The successful collaboration between CT1 and Jewson highlights their shared dedication to excellence in the landscaping industry. These roadshows demonstrated innovation and expertise, leaving a lasting impact on the landscaping community and inspiring transformative projects in the future. CT1 has earned the prestigious title of being the top sealant and adhesive

brand through the trust of the trade, including many of whom are loyal Jewson customers.

Not only were CT1 in attendance but also some of their very influential brand ambassadors such as Simon Bowler and Lawn Stripes & Hedges, Mark Marshall, were also in attendance at these events.

Together, these brand advocates possess an extensive collective reach of over 3 million followers within the construction and landscaping spheres, amplifying CT1’s presence and credibility in the industry.

The trailblazing CT1 and Jewson landscaping roadshows continue to chart new territories in landscaping practices, reinforcing the unwavering dedication of both entities to propel the industry forward through innovation and unparalleled solutions.

Website: www.ct1.com

52 Construction UK Magazine - February 2024

Training & Education - Interview BIO: Simon Parker is T Level Lead for Construction and Engineering at South Essex College and plays a pivotal role in teaching the On-Site Construction T Level.

CONSTRUCTION UK MAGAZINE SPEAKS WITH SIMON PARKER

With over 25 years’ experience in the construction industry specialising in designing and fitting kitchens and bathrooms, Simon decided to transition into teaching in further education (FE) in 2019. His extensive industry experience and dedication to educating the next generation have been invaluable in his further education teaching career.

WHY HE DECIDED TO HELP BRIDGE THE CONSTRUCTION SKILLS GAP BY TEACHING IN FURTHER EDUCATION

Simon believes construction industry professionals can play an important role in helping to prepare the next pipeline of talent. He hopes that by sharing his journey he can help inspire other construction professionals to consider the skills they can share through teaching in FE.

What have you learnt through the years about the industry as a whole?

How did you start out within the construction industry, was this the career path you had always wanted to take?

My first job was as a picture framer, this was supposed to be a summer job, but I liked the job so much I decided to stay for seven years.

I then worked for a couple of sales companies before starting a job with a small building firm when I moved to a new town. I quickly learned the different trades and realised I preferred carpentry. This was always a passion of mine as my dad was a furniture maker and restorer in his spare time, so I grew up with the smell of wood stain and timber. I went on to work

for a kitchen fitter before deciding to take the plunge and set up my own business designing, supplying and fitting kitchens and bathrooms. This then progressed into building extensions and loft conversions.

There is a pressing need to be significantly more sustainable and reduce waste, and this comes with educating and supporting the industry and those working in it. We need more industry professionals to consider sharing their existing skills and experience to prepare future workers to enter industry. This will greatly support learners and ensure they are confident using new technology that is evolving in our industry.

What challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?

Managing cash flow was always a challenge when running my own business, paying for materials, paying for labour and all the unexpected costs along the way.

Running your own business can be difficult and I learnt quickly not to overstretch, be more organised and always practice good communication skills. Balancing this with finding and retaining the right people to work in your business was key to success and keeping the customer happy. All of these skills proved transferable when I pivoted to teaching in FE and I regularly share my experiences of learning them with students in my class.

There is a pressing need to be significantly more sustainable and reduce waste, and this comes with educating and supporting the industry and those working in it.

54 Construction UK Magazine - February 2024

Training & Education - Interview

What made you take the leap into teaching in further education?

I reached a point in my business where I needed to start to come off the tools before my knees and hands told me to.

I had also spent a long period of time working by myself a lot, so felt it was time for a change. I wanted to make use of my industry experience in a different way, luckily for me that’s when the perfect job came up at my local college teaching onsite construction.

How did you find it studying to be a teacher alongside your FE teaching job?

It was really interesting to learn how to teach better while making the transition from a construction mindset into a teaching mindset. I trained for my teaching qualification alongside the job, completing my studies one evening a week for a couple of years. I finished with a foundation degree and the confidence and skills to effectively pass on my knowledge to learners, which has been really rewarding.

What opportunities are available in FE teaching alongside work?

I have been supporting teachers all over the country with their preparation and delivery of T-Levels through the T Level Professional Development Programme. This has further built up my experience and bolstered my CV for future employment opportunities.

How do you think construction industry professionals can play a role in preparing the next talent?

Construction professionals are in a unique position to help prepare the next pipeline

of talent for the industry. Our knowledge of how the industry works in practice is absolutely key for those wishing to hit the ground running and excel in successful careers. That’s why professionals make such good FE teachers, I’ve found that learner’s get a lot out of interacting with people currently in the industry. This can be achieved through site visits, industry visits into colleges, and project setting from employers to prepare students for work. Those at certain points in their career could also think about teaching part time. I know from experience that being able to use your knowledge to build the talent pipeline is very satisfying from a personal point of view and essential to ensure the industry continues to thrive.

How important and what impact does industry experience have when teaching within the classroom?

Having your own experience can give students a real-life perspective to their learning, you are able to phrase certain questions or mould teaching in a way that is relevant and relatable. Creating an environment that is different from the students’ usual classroom experience is vital to maintain engagement. When students know that you have worked in the industry, they respect you and your teaching method and can learn from your real-life experiences.

What do you think will encourage more industry professionals to consider teaching?

Spending time in a classroom or workshop and seeing the difference you can make.

Some learners walk into the classroom unsure of their own ability and what they can achieve, I play a role in building their confidence, skills and knowledge so they

Construction professionals are in a unique position to help prepare the next pipeline of talent for the industry.

Our knowledge of how the industry works in practice is absolutely key for those wishing to hit the ground running and excel in successful careers.

achieve their qualifications and go on to secure employment. This process is highly rewarding. I’d say to professionals contact your local college and see what’s going on or what opportunities there may be. You don’t always need a teaching qualification to get started in FE – you can train on the job, sometimes even funded by your employer/college. I never thought that in my late 40’s I would get a degree so that has been a personal achievement. Give it a try, if you are a tradesperson, you already work in one of the most difficult and demanding jobs. Teaching is a fantastic way to share your skills, get paid for it and feel like you are doing something good in the world.

If you’re interested in finding out more about how you could share your skills with the next generation by teaching in further education, visit gov.uk/teach-in-furthereducation.

Construction UK Magazine - February 2024 55

Training & Education News WALSALL COLLEGE STUDENTS BUILD ON CLASSROOM LEARNING WITH WINVIC ENRICHMENT PROGRAMME

CPW APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME WELCOMES 2023 COHORT International building services consultancy CPW has welcomed 16 new recruits onto its 2023 apprenticeship programme, which is being delivered in partnership with regional colleges to train the next generation.

Established more than 22 years ago, 17% of CPW’s workforce is currently part of the programme thanks to its commitment to bridging the skills gap and taking on apprentices in all levels of education, including mature students, as well as those already in work.

This year’s trainees have joined the Birmingham, Derby, Leicester, Huntingdon, Nottingham, and Solihull offices, and includes specialised apprentices in the lighting, public health, and HR teams – a first for the firm as it looks to diversify its offering.

CPW is dedicated to developing young people and its record speaks for itself with the apprenticeship programme producing more than 150 young engineers in the past ten years – many of whom have progressed into senior roles at the company.

Ryan Beary, a trainee electrical design engineer based in CPW’s Birmingham office, recently came runner up at the CIBSE Apprentice of the Year Awards in the Level 3-4 category.

He said: “We’ve spent the last six weeks in rotation, meeting new people and opening

up opportunities. I’ve particularly enjoyed that we’re exposed to other disciplines and the fundamentals of each role – it gives a really well-rounded experience and will help later down the line.

I’m quickly learning that it’s a career that has a lot of value – I was drawn to CPW’s push for net zero carbon as making a difference in the world really spoke to me.

However, the social aspect and working with various teams has also been amazing – I’d definitely recommend an engineering apprenticeship to anyone considering it.

Last year CPW was proud to win first place in the CIBSE Employer of the Year award, demonstrating the firm’s ongoing commitment to supporting young people within the industry.

CPW is an international M&E consultancy with more than 300 staff based across 13 offices and specialises in designing and integrating a full range of energy solutions into existing and new buildings.

56 Construction UK Magazine - February 2024

Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects has given 16 Design, Surveying and Planning T-Level students from Walsall College hands on experience at three sites as part of the Winvic Enrichment Programme.

Over a three-week period, the students spent a total of six days across three projects. Kent St Baths is a 406 apartment build-to-rent scheme in the centre of Birmingham being delivered for Edmond De Rothchild and Stoford’s Redditch Gateway is an industrial project where two facilities are being constructed. West Midlands Interchange is a 734-acre site where civils and infrastructure works have recently commenced for Oxford Properties Group and Logistics Capital Partners. The six days of on-site education not only upskilled and improved the confidence of students in further education, but it also contributes to the three projects’ social value commitments and Walsall College’s 35-hour enrichment activity aims. In total the sessions have provided 465 enrichment activity hours.

Training & Education News

CHIPPING AWAY AT THE SKILLS SHORTAGE Sessions in the Winvic Enrichment Programme have been designed to showcase several elements of a construction project, but they can also be tailored to meet the needs of each cohort and their course subject.

Sessions enjoyed by Walsall College students included digital engineering, earthworks, planning, quantity surveying, CV writing, mental health and fairness, inclusion and respect (FIR); they were given activities to complete, site tours, got hands on and up close with various construction processes and were encouraged to ask questions at any time.

The Programme has led to more engagement in the coming weeks including the provision of on-site block placements for four students; the new HTQ Level 4 in Construction Management for England students will also be visiting Crown Place Birmingham – Crown Student Living’s Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) project comprising 814 beds – for a bespoke one day site visit.

Furthermore, Winvic collaborated with Walsall College over the summer to provide Continued Professional Development (CPD) training to two tutors, on site at IM Properties’ Peddimore industrial project, supporting them to gain knowledge about the very latest construction technologies, materials and methods of construction.

A Wakefield based joinery firm’s team is feeling chipper, after scooping an award for its commitment to skills, training and local employment.

Joinery Direct, established in 2005, has been awarded sub-contractor of the quarter, by Sheffield Housing Company (SHC) for the work at the Pennine Village development, which has been built by delivery partner Keepmoat.

SHC is Sheffield City Council’s joint venture development company with private developer and top 10 housebuilder Keepmoat and Great Places Housing. Established in 2011 it has an ambitious target of building 2,300 properties on a total of 23 sites by the end of 2026.

Every three months, the council monitors the performance of SHC’s subcontractors – with a focus on the employment and training opportunities they provide. These could be work placements, apprenticeships, training

and educational programmes and the number of jobs created.

Joinery Direct has provided more than 15 training and employment opportunities for people in Sheffield. This includes the recruitment of apprentice Thomas Hewitt, 19, who has achieved an NVQ level 2 in carpentry and joinery and is now working towards his level 3 qualification.

He said: “I’ve really enjoyed the experience and teaching I’ve received during the first years of my apprenticeship and look forward to continuing to work towards my level 3 qualification.”

Joinery Direct has over 45 employees and works with a large variety of clients throughout Yorkshire, providing joinery services for new build, residential and social housing projects. The business prides itself on the quality of its work and in training the next generation of joiners to the very highest of standards.

The award was presented to the business’ Joinery Supervisor, John Howarth, at SHC’s Eclipse development,

by SHC Development Manager, Howard Young.

SHC is committed to supporting organisations, communities and individuals within the city. To date, working with its partnering organisations, it has delivered 75 apprenticeships and contributed over £50,000 to local community groups, schools and good causes.

Construction UK Magazine - February 2024 57

Training & Education

REVOLUTIONISING THE WAY YOU LEARN: HOW LINKS TRAINING GROUP IS TAKING THE HEADACHE OUT OF TRAINING Are you tired of running in circles, trying to keep up with the ever-changing training demands of your business?

Worry no more, LINKS Training Group has got you covered!

In the fast-paced world of professional development, where time is of the essence and knowledge is power, the training process should be a seamless experience that empowers, not a headache-inducing ordeal.

At LINKS Training, we understand this and the challenges organisations and individuals face when it comes to training, and we are on a mission to take the headache out of the learning journey.

When asked how LINKS Training is making a difference in the training industry, Founder and Director, Billie Bond says: “We’re not just about understanding the importance of training; we also recognise that the booking process can be a bit of a headache for managers. That’s where we come in. LINKS Training Group offers a full training coordination package for any training requirement (from Health and Safety right through to soft skills) requirements, eliminating the need for multiple suppliers, purchase orders, and forms.”

‘We have truly honed our approach to learning and development to deliver measurable and lasting performance enhancement, in the most efficient way possible.’

So, why is training so important?

In the ever-evolving landscape of the modern workplace, the importance of

Daniel Puttick, Billie Bond, and Tiffany Briggs - Directors of LINKS Training Group

We have truly honed our approach to learning and development to deliver measurable and lasting performance enhancement, in the most efficient way possible.

employee training cannot be overlooked any longer!

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We envision a world where every individual has the opportunity to reach their full potential and every organisation can achieve peak performance through continuous learning and development.

At LINKS Training Group, we are dedicated to your success, and we look forward to helping you achieve your training and development goals.

Organisations that recognise the value of continuous learning, and invest in comprehensive training are those reaping the most benefits, from increased productivity and innovation to enhanced employee satisfaction.

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Investing in employee training is investing in your company’s success - Billie Bond To achieve this goal, we’re proud to say that we have created a unique and seamless training service that allows you to choose, how where, and what you learn

58 Construction UK Magazine - February 2024

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Claim your exclusive discount on all training with code: constructionmag10 Ready to find out more? Scan the QR Code to book a meeting with LINKS Training Group Director, Billie Bond.

Training & Education

FOR GREEN CONSTRUCTION, THE FUTURE IS NOW With 26 million homes across the UK’s existing housing stock that don’t meet current energy efficiency requirements and approximately 460,000 new roles needed within the construction sector, a government grant has been awarded to Midkent College to take forward their innovative ‘Green construction’ plan which equips them to deliver sustainable building training at scale to employers and tradesman in the sector through a broad range of newly developed short courses.

Program Lead Richard Wilde, who led the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF) bid for MidKent College sees this as a major breakthrough to deliver real skills and qualifications to construction and Engineering businesses to meet the UK’s commitment to Net Zero 2050.

He says: “We already have facilities that we built from the ground upwards furnished with modern training assets, such as air and ground source heat pumps and renewable energy solutions located in the Skills Factory and Home Energy Centre at our Maidstone Campus.

‘The current facilities are great for awareness training around renewable energy solutions and increasing the knowledge that people require for the future. This next stage enables us to expand, including a new facility, to deliver the practical competencies trades like installers, operatives, and retrofit assessors and others need. We will have a complete portfolio of training to cover all aspects from sustainability awareness right through to retrofit installations.

‘The overall challenge of Net Zero 2050 is not going to move. We have to reach those targets and the more we delay, the greater the challenge becomes. Finding and developing the workforce skills is fundamental to that and we’re now able to support employers and trades people to meet those needs. We plan to be proactive in developing that workforce.’

Richard says the ideal – but impossible - solution for the 26 million homes that don’t meet current energy efficiency requirements would be to flatten them and build new ones. In reality the practical answer is to retrofit the existing homes, and that’s where nearly half a million new jobs will be created.

‘It’s not all going to be new people coming into that sector. 460, 000 new roles is obviously quite a hole to fill. We’re looking at is people moving. It might be somebody that’s reskilling or upskilling to fit into one of those roles.’

MidKent College has taken the initiative and secured resource for future sustainable ‘Green’ skills. We’re ready to listen to Employers and tradespeople to equip them with the skills they will need.

Richard says: ‘Future legislation will likely drive changes we already know are needed in upgrading houses. Things like eliminating damp and poor ventilation, wasting energy through leaky walls, roofs and floors. A cold house is not a healthy house. The first steps will be with local authorities and housing associations wishing to upgrade their housing stock and we can help provide those essential skills. Where’s the workforce going to come from to be able to do that? If there’s reskilling, upskilling, that’s going to be required or assessment of competencies before people can go out and carry out these installations, then MidKent College facilities and resources will be in place to help.

insulation in this area. A lot of installers are going to be needed to be able to carry that out.

We can develop competencies not only new people coming into the construction industry, but also to upskill and reskill existing people in construction sector to be able to carry out building fabric measures. There are also other skill requirements we would address for designers, retrofit coordinators and managers to be able to specify the right materials and products for certain applications. Selection of the right products and systems is just as important as the installation of them.’

Another area ‘green’ construction training will mitigate is poor retrofit. Richard Wilde says: ‘If we’re not careful, once the retrofit tasks start to roll out across the county, if installers and operatives are not carrying out those retrofit tasks correctly, that’s more damaging than actually not doing any retrofit on those buildings at all. Developing the competencies to be able to carry out those retrofit tasks correctly is essential to what we’re trying to achieve along this path to net zero.’

What’s important now is for us all to have the conversation as to what’s needed and we’re ready to support employers FutureBuild and tradespeople to shape their Stand future workforce M46 and provide the necessary skills.

‘For example, if there is a significant amount of housing stock of solid wall construction then there may be a requirement for external wall

Tel: 01634 383080 Email: courses@mkctraining.com Website: www.mkctraining.com

Construction UK Magazine - February 2024 59

Training & Education

A MARK OF EXCELLENCE FOR TRAINING IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR Organisations are increasingly recognising the value of investing in training, learning and development (L&D). Not only does it ensure they remain competitive and fit for the future, but it boosts employee motivation, confidence, well-being and satisfaction. This leads to greater engagement, productivity, innovation and retention, delivering substantial financial gains and organisational growth.

For organisations dedicated to upskilling their employees, showcasing this commitment and sharing success through achieving an award can be hugely rewarding and is a great way to attract new talent. But it can be difficult to know which award to apply for.

One option is the Princess Royal Training Awards, which recognises organisations that can demonstrate the positive impact of training on their business. These Awards have seen a substantial rise in applications in recent years, marking them out as the pinnacle of achievement in L&D. It is not difficult to see why, as they offer something a little different from other awards.

Distinctive awards that celebrate excellence Notably, the Awards offer a Royal stamp of approval, with recipients being celebrated at a high-profile ceremony and presented with their accolades by HRH The Princess Royal. Recipients also get to join an Alumni of more than 600 professionals committed to L&D, providing an important network, a community of support and a platform for sharing best practice.

Better still, the Awards are completely free, valid for three years, and as a standard of excellence, organisations don’t compete against one another, they simply need to show that they are meeting the standards through their training.

Applicants also receive unrivalled support from the team at every stage of the application journey. Applicants can join friendly support workshops and ‘tea and chat’ sessions, connect with the team through webchat and even get feedback from Assessors on a draft application!

Open to organisations of all sizes and sectors All private, public or not-for-profit organisations operating in the UK and Ireland, regardless of size or sector, can apply for the Awards. Several organisations in the construction sector have applied and been successful over the years, including Balfour Beatty, Cyfle Building Skills Ltd, Errigal, Lee Marley Brickwork, Persimmon Homes, Travis Perkins Plc, and Walker Construction and 2023 was no exception.

Amongst the 53 Award recipients of 2023 was construction contractor Galliford Try, for a Virtual Reality (VR) training programme designed to improve site safety. This authentic learning experience has led to a 50% reduction in ‘high potential’ accidents. Nimesh Patel, Head of Health, Safety & Environment explained: “Receiving the highly-respected and prestigious Princess Royal Training Award is an absolute honour. We are extremely proud to have earned this recognition, and for doing what was truly best for our people.”

An Award that makes a difference Achieving the Award has had a big impact on recipient organisations. In a recent survey, 99% of respondents highlighted the increased confidence in their organisation’s approach to culture and training, 90% cited the positive impact on their organisation’s ability to demonstrate the role of L&D in their commitment to Social Value and 88% reported increased investment in L&D programmes. One recipient even stated: “It immediately attracted interest from overseas. It is a mark of excellence and I think people recognise that both in the UK and internationally.”

Apply for the 2024 Awards If you want to showcase your training, get external recognition for your hard work and join an outstanding Alumni network of organisations committed to L&D, why not apply for a Princess Royal Training Award today? The Awards are open until 28 March 2024.

60 Construction UK Magazine - February 2024

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Company News

CLEGG CONSTRUCTION STARTS WORK ON CENTRE FOR GREEN TECHNOLOGY Contractor Clegg Construction has broken ground on a £13.5m Centre for Green Technology at Peterborough College.

The company has been appointed by the Inspire Education Group for the design and build of the three-storey reinforced concrete frame green technology centre, which is being constructed at the main college campus, off Park Crescent.

The centre – which will be a low-carbon project – will offer a curriculum that includes modern methods of construction, emerging construction technologies, alternative heat sources and electric vehicle technology. It will include a total floor space of 2,300 sq m and is due to be completed towards the end of next year.

Darren Chapman, director at Clegg Construction, said: “The Centre for Green

Technology at Peterborough College is an inspiring project which will make a real difference to the future, training the next generation to work in green technologies and modern methods of construction.

“Clegg Construction is very pleased to have been appointed to partner with the Inspire Education Group to deliver this exciting scheme and we are delighted to have now started on site. With this being a live and busy educational

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HOUSE ANNOUNCES LANDMARK PBSA COLLABORATION WITH HG LIVING International Students House is to develop a new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in partnership with property development specialist HG Living at Kennington Lane, Vauxhall, London.

International Students House (ISH) is a charitable organisation dedicated to providing affordable homes and a safe community for students from around the globe since 1965. The Kennington scheme marks a significant milestone for ISH as its first brand new building in its 58-year history, on land that was purchased by the charity earlier this year.

The new energy-efficient development has been designed to achieve a ‘BREEAM Excellent’ rating.

Encompassing 185 student beds, the scheme will offer shared facilities including communal kitchens and living areas, laundry room, indoor cycle parking and electric bike charging points.

The ground floor will incorporate a café

open to the local community, as well as back-of-office space for ISH staff to help manage and operate the building.

a new location, where we look forward to fully integrating and engaging with the local community.”

ISH and HG Living will partner with HG Construction as the main contractor on the scheme, a leading player in delivering high quality student accommodation schemes across the UK.

Lord Nicholas Bourne, Chair of ISH’s Board of Trustees, stated: “This is the most exciting development for ISH in a generation. It represents a real leap forward for us all and a new chapter in the ISH story.”

The scheme is a short walk from Vauxhall tube, bus, and railway station and close to The Oval Cricket Ground. It is also close to a large supermarket and a gym, with Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens and Kennington Park a short distance away. Construction is due to commence in early 2024 and the development is expected to complete in summer 2026.

Martin Chalker, ISH CEO, commented: “After many years of searching for a suitable building to expand the delivery of our mission of supporting university students in London, this acquisition marks a significant milestone for the House. It is the beginning of an exciting journey in

62 Construction UK Magazine - February 2024

Craig McPhail, HG Living Director, added: “We are delighted to be partnering with ISH to help them deliver on their mission to help young people from all backgrounds to achieve their academic goals.

“The new Kennington development will provide students with a very high standard of accommodation along with beautifully designed shared spaces that will enable them to connect with their fellow students and feel at home. Importantly, the scheme will be much more than simply a building, it will provide a safe space and a supportive network to enable students to thrive and succeed.”

Company News setting, with public access, and lessons and exams to consider, the safety and wellbeing of students, staff and visitors is at the forefront of our approach – particularly as the building phase of the project gets underway.”

Over the course of the build, Clegg will be engaging with the college to provide experience and insight into the construction sector and associated professions for students.

Clegg Construction has previous experience of building a similar lowcarbon project, having delivered the Energy Technologies Building at the University of Nottingham, which at the time it was built was the world’s first zero-carbon operational laboratory complex to facilitate research into bioenergy, hydrogen fuels, carbon capture and storage, biomass and sustainable architecture.

Clegg has also delivered numerous educational facilities including projects at Carlton le Willows Academy and Maltby Grammar School. The company also has local experience in the Peterborough area and is currently building an 80-bed care home on Waterhouse Way. Other members of the project team building the Centre for Green Technology include consultant Gleeds, building services consultancy QODA, architects rg+p, and civil and structural engineers Stirling Maynard.

Peterborough City Council has provided £1.9m towards the cost of the scheme via the Towns Funds scheme, with the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority providing £2.471m.

Clegg Construction is a Midlands, East Anglia, and Yorkshire-based construction firm specialising in the delivery of public and private sector projects.

GRS ACQUIRES GROUND STABILISATION SPECIALISTS SOIL SCIENCE LTD Construction materials group GRS has acquired startup ground stabilisation and enabling works contractor Soil Science Ltd in a multimillion pound deal.

The bolt-on acquisition complements GRS’s growing portfolio of contracting services for the construction industry, which includes enabling works, earthworks, civil engineering and land remediation.

With a turnover of more than £6 million, Berkshire-based Soil Science has pioneered a low carbon, zero waste and easily reversible soil treatment for temporary construction works such as compounds, access roads, piling mats and crane pads.

Known as Sureground™ the inert soil treatment system reduces the need for contractors to move large volumes

of materials off and onto site during temporary enabling works. As a result it has up to 70% lower carbon impact, results in zero waste and can slash works programme times by as much as half.

Because it is easily reversible, and involves minimal vehicle movements, Sureground™ is ideal for infrastructure works such as power, water, rail and data networks that need to go across farmland and nature-sensitive landscapes.

Since launching in 2020, Sureground™ has grown its workforce to 25 people involved with infrastructure schemes for National Grid, Network Rail and a string of Tier 1 contractors. Most recently the team completed work on Hinkley Point OHL Connection Project, involving 24km of haul roads and 82 crane pads.

GRS has grown rapidly from its aggregates and waste trading roots to become a full-service supply chain partner to the construction industry.

Today, with a turnover of more than £500 million, GRS is structured into three main divisions – Trading, Building Products and Integrated Solutions which is where Soil Science Ltd will fit.

Construction UK Magazine - February 2024 63

Futurebuild 2024 - Show Preview

FUTUREBUILD CONFERENCE 2024: BE PART OF THE CHANGE The Futurebuild conference is back in 2024, and it’s taking a stand for change.

The time is now for serious climate action and collectively we can make a difference. Through collaboration, we can share our visions and drive positive action.

The Futurebuild Conference is more than just a sustainability event, it’s a call to action for change. This highly respected gathering of influential innovators and collaborators tackles the big issues head on and is inviting all those involved in the built environment to take part in the conference sessions to inspire and drive change to achieve a better built and natural environment for the long term.

Sponsored by Soprema and One Click LCA and curated by the Edge think tank, the Conference Programme is focused on embracing change, with the three daily themes: Pathways to change, Levers for change and Sharing visons for change.

Featuring a line-up of the who’s who of the built and natural environment, each speaker will use the conference stage to ‘take a stand for change’ to tackle the big climate and ecological issues.

The Futurebuild Conference is more than just a sustainability event, it’s a call to action for change.

The Futurebuild Conference 2024 we will be welcoming Smith Mordak, Chief Executive, UKGBC; Muyiwa Oki, President, RIBA; Sara Edmonds, Co-director, National Retrofit Hub; Richard Benwell, Chief Executive, Wildlife and Countryside Link; Caroline Gumble, Chief Executive, CIOB; Ramesh Deonarine, Team Leader – Built Environment, Climate Change Committee; Danisha Kazi, Head of Economics, Positive Money; Sam Burdett, Carbon Manager, Skanska and Co-founder of ZERO Next and Education co-lead, ZERO; Helen Fadipe, Vice President, RTPI; Ed Lockhart, Chief Executive, Future Homes Hub; Paul Morrell OBE, Co-chair, Independent Review of the Construction Product Testing Regime; Flora Samuel, Head of Architecture, University of Cambridge; the Rt. Hon. Chris Skidmore OBE, MP and Founder, Mission Zero Coalition; Julia King, Baroness Brown of Cambridge; Elwyn Grainger-Jones, Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute; Simon Sharpe, Director of Economics for the UN Climate and author of Five Times Faster; Tim Smedley, author of The Last Drop, solving the world’s water crisis, to name just a few.

The full programme can be found here with speaker details and biographies.

The aim of the conference, as with the whole Futurebuild knowledge programme, is that attendees should leave feeling more empowered and inspired to make changes to support the environment in their own work.

Commenting on sponsoring the conference programme, Debby Dawson sponsor of Soprema said: “At Soprema, we believe in building a sustainable future, and our commitment to eco-friendly solutions is at the core of everything we do. That’s why we’re joining hands with Futurebuild, a platform that shares our passion for sustainable innovation.”

Johanna Jarvinen of sponsor One Click LCA added: “The One Click LCA team is excited to be taking part in Futurebuild 2024. Paving the way towards a better built environment is at the core of everything we do, and it’s going to be an inspiring few days surrounded by other organisations and industry leaders who share the same values, wanting to proactively drive the industry forward and change how we build for the better.” Now is the time to take action through collaborative engagement. We ask you to take part, join the discussion and be part of the transformative change. The industry is ready and action is coming.

Futurebuild 2024 Conference Programme will take place in the Main Arena from 05-07 March 2024 at London’s ExCeL For more details and exhibitor enquires, visit www.futurebuild.co.uk Don’t miss out on Futurebuild 2024.

Visitor registration is now open

64 Construction UK Magazine - February 2024

05-07 March 2024 / ExCeL, London

05 - 07 March 2024 ExCeL, London

what will you take a stand for?

Driving Collaboration and Innovation for a Sustainable Built Environment at the sectors most influential, large scale exhibition and conference.

Futurebuild is more than an event; it’s a call for action. It’s a platform to engage and collaborate, and a stage for debate. It’s three days of education and dissemination of knowledge, and a showcase of innovation.

Take a stand for a better built environment.

www.futurebuild.co.uk

Join us at Futurebuild 2024

Futurebuild 2024 - Show Preview

FOR GREEN CONSTRUCTION, THE FUTURE IS NOW With 26 million homes across the UK’s existing housing stock that don’t meet current energy efficiency requirements and approximately 460,000 new roles needed within the construction sector, a government grant has been awarded to Midkent College to take forward their innovative ‘Green construction’ plan which equips them to deliver sustainable building training at scale to employers and tradesman in the sector through a broad range of newly developed short courses.

Program Lead Richard Wilde, who led the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF) bid for MidKent College sees this as a major breakthrough to deliver real skills and qualifications to construction and Engineering businesses to meet the UK’s commitment to Net Zero 2050.

He says: “We already have facilities that we built from the ground upwards furnished with modern training assets, such as air and ground source heat pumps and renewable energy solutions located in the Skills Factory and Home Energy Centre at our Maidstone Campus.

‘The current facilities are great for awareness training around renewable energy solutions and increasing the knowledge that people require for the future. This next stage enables us to expand, including a new facility, to deliver the practical competencies trades like installers, operatives, and retrofit assessors and others need. We will have a complete portfolio of training to cover all aspects from sustainability awareness right through to retrofit installations.

‘The overall challenge of Net Zero 2050 is not going to move. We have to reach those targets and the more we delay, the greater the challenge becomes. Finding and developing the workforce skills is fundamental to that and we’re now able to support employers and trades people to meet those needs. We plan to be proactive in developing that workforce.’

Richard says the ideal – but impossible - solution for the 26 million homes that don’t meet current energy efficiency requirements would be to flatten them and build new ones. In reality the practical answer is to retrofit the existing homes, and that’s where nearly half a million new jobs will be created.

‘It’s not all going to be new people coming into that sector. 460, 000 new roles is obviously quite a hole to fill. We’re looking at is people moving. It might be somebody that’s reskilling or upskilling to fit into one of those roles.’

MidKent College has taken the initiative and secured resource for future sustainable ‘Green’ skills. We’re ready to listen to Employers and tradespeople to equip them with the skills they will need.

Richard says: ‘Future legislation will likely drive changes we already know are needed in upgrading houses. Things like eliminating damp and poor ventilation, wasting energy through leaky walls, roofs and floors. A cold house is not a healthy house. The first steps will be with local authorities and housing associations wishing to upgrade their housing stock and we can help provide those essential skills.

‘Where’s the workforce going to come from to be able to do that? If there’s reskilling, upskilling, that’s going to be required or assessment of competencies before people can go out and carry out these installations, then MidKent College facilities and resources will be in place to help.

‘For example, if there is a significant amount of housing stock of solid wall construction then there may be a requirement for external wall insulation in this area. A lot of installers are going to be needed to be able to carry that out.

We can develop competencies not only new people coming into the construction industry, but also to upskill and reskill existing people in construction sector to be able to carry out building fabric measures. There are also other skill requirements we would address for designers, retrofit coordinators and managers

66 Construction UK Magazine - February 2024

to be able to specify the right materials and products for certain applications. Selection of the right products and systems is just as important as the installation of them.’

Another area ‘green’ construction training will mitigate is poor retrofit. Richard Wilde says: ‘If we’re not careful, once the retrofit tasks start to roll out across the county, if installers and operatives are not carrying out those retrofit tasks correctly, that’s more damaging than actually not doing any retrofit on those buildings at all. Developing the competencies to be able to carry out those retrofit tasks correctly is essential to what we’re trying to achieve along this path to net zero.’

What’s important now is for us all to have the conversation as to what’s needed and we’re ready to support employers FutureBuild and tradespeople Stand to shape their future workforce M46 and provide the necessary skills.

Tel: 01634 383080 Email: courses@mkctraining.com Website: www.mkctraining.com

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