Construction UK Magazine - April 2022 by Lapthorn Media

April 2022

CONSTRUCTIONMAGUK.CO.UK

Current issues facing the UK construction industry

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Contents April 2022

Band of Builders launches free counselling service for tradespeople

New funding enables expansion of green construction skills initiative

Bellway buys land from Homes England for landmark development

Site managers get seal of approval for construction quality

Soben expands EMEA team with director appointments

Greener, healthier building products take centre stage at UK Construction Week’s Innovation Zone

Henry Boot Construction to deliver park in Sheffield City Centre

Willmott Dixon appointed for Oldham town centre transformation

FIT Show Set to Deliver Recordbreaking Industry Showcase

Infrastructure specialist Magdalene awarded new framework

Actis marks International Women’s Day to help raise awareness of gender bias

BAM to deliver new secondary school for Weldon and Corby

Front cover image by Almas Salakhov

Lapthorn Media Ltd 5-7 Ozengell Place, Eurokent Business Park, Ramsgate, Kent, CT12 6PB Tel: 01843 808 106 Editor Maria Lapthorn editor@constructionmaguk.co.uk Editorial Assistant Francesca Amato editorial@constructionmaguk.co.uk Production/Design Laura Whitehead laura@constructionmaguk.co.uk

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Accounts Richard Lapthorn accounts@constructionmaguk.co.uk Sales Executive Hannah Marshall hannah@constructionmaguk.co.uk Sales Manager Adam Jeakins adam@constructionmaguk.co.uk Circulation Manager Leo Phillips subs@constructionmaguk.co.uk Website: www.constructionmaguk.co.uk Twitter: @constructionukm

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in Construction UK Magazine however, the publishers accept no responsibility for the claims or opinions made by advertisers, manufactures or contributors. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical, electronic (including photocopying) or stored in any information retrieval system without the prior consent of the publisher.

Construction UK Magazine - April 2022 03

Latest News SELECT DONATES SAFE ISOLATION POSTERS AND TOOLBOX CARDS TO HELP KEEP APPRENTICES SAFE Scotland’s largest construction trade association, SELECT, is distributing posters and handy toolbox-sized safe isolation flowcharts to remind apprentices and adult trainees of correct working practices. The campaigning electrical body is currently handing out Ten Steps to Safe Isolation posters to all 22 training centres used by the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT), to be displayed prominently as a reminder of how to work safely.

Smaller durable versions, designed to fit handily into toolboxes, are also being made available to all 2,669 electrical apprentices and adult trainees currently training in Scotland. Running under the banner ‘Work dead safely: Stay alive’, the posters and cards have been adapted from the range of safe isolation materials launched by SELECT in January 2021. The first resources were handed over to David Henderson, SECTT Assessment Centre Manager at Cambuslang, on Friday 18 March, by Bob Cairney, SELECT’s Director of Technical Services. The remaining posters and cards will now be distributed to the 21 Approved Centres around Scotland by Barrie Mckay, Training and Development Manager at SECTT, with the help of SECTT Training Officers.

SCOTS ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS WHO WORK GLOBALLY FOR MAJOR POWER GENERATORS OPEN NEW OFFICE IN GLASGOW CITY CENTRE Made redundant as a result of Pandemic travel ban, two engineering professionals are making their mark worldwide

AMEY ROLLS OUT HAZARD PERCEPTION APP TO STANDARDISE SAFETY TESTING Amey Consulting has created an innovative web-based app that standardises Amey’s approach to hazard perception testing and digitizes the process in a new and much more efficient way.

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Regular testing is needed to make sure supervisors are aware of the health and safety risks they could face on site. To improve current processes, Amey Consulting designed an end-to-end hazard perception testing system that allows line managers to review how their team members score when assessing hazards in a photograph.

The app enables remote testing, which means supervisors can access the test at a time and in a place that suits them. Since supervisors spend so much of their time onsite, accessing an app – rather than being pulled into an office (which may be many miles from site) to complete a paper-based assessment – means that they avoid many hours added onto an already full shift.

The app provides: • A standardised method for administering Hazard Perception tests

The finished system has received good feedback during testing and is in the process of being rolled out to registered users in Amey Rail.

• •

A simpler way for tests to be shared with, and carried out by employees A randomness in which photographs are chosen for the tests Standardised reporting of the Hazard Perception results

04 Construction UK Magazine - April 2022

Electrical Specialist Solutions (ESS), a business formed in 2020 but owned and operated by two seasoned Scots electrical engineers whose teams of sub-contractors operate globally, has opened its first office in Glasgow city centre. Both of its directors, Alan Glen and Alan Mulligan, had worked all over the world as specialist electrical engineering employees of a leading US-based power generation business but were made redundant when the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic placed a global ban on travel. Undaunted, the pair, from Falkirk and East Kilbride respectively, decided that the way forward was to form their own company and pitch for new business opportunities from their former employers once the immediate ban on travel was lifted. The company’s new offices in West George Street will form a base from which its overseas operations can be monitored and directed though neither of them expect to be there much of the time.

Latest News

NEW FUNDING ENABLES EXPANSION OF GREEN CONSTRUCTION SKILLS INITIATIVE Fully funded training for up to 500 Scottish construction professionals provided by CSIC

energy consumption, while a carbon accounting module will highlight the need

Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC) is to expand its successful Low Carbon Learning programme with the launch of a second free-to-attend programme focused on the fabric and structure of sustainable buildings.

for environmental data to be calculated for each project. The role of sustainable insulation materials, including homegrown alternatives, and mass timber solutions will also form a core part of the course. Training includes both online learning and live demonstrations at CSIC’s Innovation Factory in Hamilton – home to the UK’s only commercial-scale vacuum press for manufacturing cross-laminated and gluelaminated timber components, and a Pilot Insulation Line for trialling new insulation materials.

Supported by Skills Development Scotland, through more than £175,000 from the National Transition Training Fund, CSIC is offering valuable training for people in the construction sector looking to upskill and reskill, supporting a Scotland-wide transition towards a zero-carbon built environment. Up to 500 places are available for Low Carbon Learning: Fabric and Structure, which launches with an online webinar on 29th March and will run until July. The course covers four core areas critical to the future of the sector. A fabric-first module will focus on design decisions that can help to reduce

RAISING ASPIRATIONS AT THE RISE A partnership responsible for regenerating Scotswood, has joined forces with a charity, Reviving the Heart of the West End (RHWE), to raise local job aspirations. New Tyne West Development Company (NTWDC), through its partnership with RHWE, has been working with a group of eight candidates, aged 19-56, to demonstrate the wide range of work experience and job opportunities available in the construction industry. Benefitting from three industry taster workshops, covering careers in housebuilding, a practical house building task and a visit to The Rise, Scotswood. NTWDC is a partnership between Newcastle City Council and Keepmoat Homes, which since its formation in 2013, has

BOUYGUES UK WELCOMES SWANSEA COUNCIL TO PROGRESS TOUR OF KINGSWAY SITE improved access to employment, created 18 apprenticeship roles, safeguarded over 1000 jobs and backed a number of school and non-development apprenticeships projects. Geoff Scott, Social Value Manager with Keepmoat Homes, said: “The development at The Rise has played a significant part in transforming the local area, not only through the creation of affordable, quality housing, but by investing in job and training opportunities. It has been a great to work with RHWE to help support individuals who are looking to improve their skills to secure employment.” NTWDC has completed more than 400 homes at The Rise – 332 for private sale and the remainder for affordable rent and shared ownership.

06 Construction UK Magazine - April 2022

Bouygues UK has welcomed councillors and senior officers from Swansea Council on site at 71/72 The Kingsway to give them an exclusive tour of the work carried out so far on this major five-storey office development in Swansea city centre. Located at the former Oceana nightclub site, when finished the building will house up to 600 workers, will be operationally carbon zero and worth £32.6 million a year to Swansea’s economy. Bouygues UK’s Mike Timothy, project director for Kingsway, showed the client delegation around the foundation works that are now well underway before the concrete frame of the building is built in the next few months. Due for completion in the summer of 2023, the scheme will include 114,000 square feet of commercial floor space with flexible co-working and office opportunities for businesses in sectors like tech, digital and the creative industries. Other features of the new development include a roof terrace, a new link between The Kingsway and Oxford Street, and balconies overlooking the city centre and Swansea Bay.

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Company News

KIER HIGHWAYS TRIALS INNOVATIVE RISK ASSESSMENT APP Frontline operatives at Kier Highways are trialling the innovative new app FYLD, which conducts digital risk assessments and in turn saves time, increases safety, and boosts collaborative working practices. In addition to increasing accuracy at the point of work, the new software can reduce the time it takes to produce risk assessments by up to 85%. This digital

A central component to improving systems and processes is to digitise the risk assessment process which currently take field crews an average of 20 minutes per assessment. FYLD uses AI to make a radical step change in improving the quality of risk assessments.

method will increase compliance, reduce stress, and allow other, independent users to view the risk assessment remotely, giving a fresh pair of eyes to spot hazards. FYLD, which is being trialled on the National Highways Area 13 contract, uses video analytics and AI to help operatives and managers identify and record hazards and control measures that they see in their work environment. A central component to improving systems and processes is to digitise the risk assessment process which currently take field crews an average of 20 minutes per assessment. FYLD uses AI to make a radical step change in improving the quality of risk assessments. The application works through field workers taking 30-second videos of their site, talking through hazards that

are present or noticeably absent. The software’s AI-engine then reviews the video and audio data and generates a visual risk assessment (VRA) with an easyto-read bullet point list of potential risks and proposed control measures. Field workers can assess and amend the VRA before it is shared with a remote manager for their review and input. The result is a high-quality VRA completed in a shorter time. The system is set up to replicate social media. All employees involved in a job can all be added to it to chat, video call and collaborate on challenges. So far, 1,300 VRAs have been completed in the trial with each one saving an average of 17 minutes of field workers’ time - that’s an impressive saving of over 360 hours of field worker time in just six weeks.

TRAINING PROVIDER SECTT DELIVERS £54,000 PACKAGE OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO ITS COLLEGE PARTNERS TO HELP WITH RISING MATERIAL COSTS Training provider the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) has come to the aid of facilities hit with spiralling materials costs by providing £54,000 of additional financial assistance. The substantial funding to the electrical departments at 21 Approved Centres – which range from Stornoway and

Thurso in the north to Dumfries in the south – was delivered after costs rose by approximately 30% in just a few months. SECTT says the extra money recognises the huge contribution that the 20 colleges and one private centre make to training as well as the vital importance of apprenticeships to the future of the electrical industry in Scotland.

Anne Galbraith, CEO of SECTT, said: “The past two years have been extremely difficult for all the centres, which were closed for face-to-face learning for long periods. Working with SECTT, they responded magnificently with online learning, which certainly filled a gap until they were able to reopen. However, now we are back to in-person learning again, the rising cost of materials that are essential for training courses has proved a challenge for all our colleges, so we were more than happy to assist.

Electrical apprentices require considerable practical training, so the centres were made a priority, with the money approved by the SECTT Board of Trustees at a recent meeting and allocated proportionately to the number of classes starting in the 2021 recruitment year.

08 Construction UK Magazine - April 2022

Company News

BELLWAY BUYS LAND FROM HOMES ENGLAND FOR LANDMARK DEVELOPMENT AT TATTENHOE PARK Bellway has completed the purchase of land from Homes England in Milton Keynes, where it will adopt new building technology for the first time in the UK, speeding up the build process with some homes built on a factory production line. Bellway will build 160 homes using Modern Methods of Construction on the 9.2-acre parcel of land at Tattenhoe Park. This will include 40 modular homes and 120 homes built using timber frame panels.

AMEY BEGINS ITS FIVEYEAR CONTRACT WITH TRANSPORT SCOTLAND On the 7th March 2022, Amey began its new five-year contract with Transport Scotland to operate, maintain and upgrade the motorway and trunk road technology infrastructure across the whole of Scotland. Working on behalf of Transport Scotland, Amey is working with Traffic Scotland to inspect and improve all intelligent transport systems, transmission buildings and associated communications equipment.

The housebuilder was selected to develop the site at Tattenhoe Park as part of a Homes England pilot project to speed up the delivery of new homes. The build programme will be completed within two years of work starting.

The project is one of a series being led by Homes England with the ambition of delivering 1,800 new homes across the country using a variety of modern construction methods. Bellway secured planning consent for the development at the end of 2021 and expects to start work on site by the summer.

With over 12,000 intelligent transport system (ITS) assets across Scotland, from today, teams at Amey will operate and maintain variable messaging signs, CCTV, emergency roadside telephones (ERTs) and various power and communication cabinets. Social value also forms a key part of this contract. Amey’s approach to social value will encompass giving back to the local community through supporting employment and local skills with work experience and professional training opportunities. To inspire future generations, Amey employees will also work closely with local schools to encourage young people to offer career advice to build skills and confidence and consider the infrastructure industry as a long-term employment opportunity. Amey has been Transport Scotland’s ITS equipment maintenance provider since December 2004. This new contract will run for five years and has the option to extend for up to a further two years. Amey has worked with Transport Scotland for over 20 years, managing and maintaining hundreds of miles of the motorway and trunk road network across Scotland, as well as providing key consultancy services such as asset management, design services and environmental management.

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BUILDING EQUIPMENT Construction UK Magazine - April 2022 09

Events & Awards News

BRITISH BRICKLAYING TALENT SHOWCASED AT BEST IN LONDON BRICK CONTEST Best in London Brick (BiLB), the professional bricklaying competition established by leading building products manufacturer Forterra, returned for 2022 last week. Hosted by Lewisham College, the contest saw professional bricklayers from across the UK compete to build a set competition piece. First place was taken by Alfie Thompson from Swift Brickwork Contractors Ltd, followed by Luke Lovegrove from Highgrove

Master Masonry LTD in second, and third was Connor Honeyman from Winchmore Brickwork. London Brick, which has been in production for more than 140 years, has an iconic “frog” design which means it is easier to work with, making it an ideal product for professional bricklayers. Today, the brand, whose heritage is closely linked to economic regeneration due to its role in post-war housebuilding, is used almost exclusively for residential renovation, maintenance and improvement.

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE SITE MANAGERS GET SEAL OF APPROVAL FOR CONSTRUCTION QUALITY Two Barratt Homes Site Managers have won a top national award for the quality of homes being built at new housing developments in Bingham and Newark. The National House Building Council (NHBC) have recognised Paul Hulme (45) and Liam Pettet (32) for their site management capabilities with a Seal of Excellence Award, marking them as among the best in the UK. Paul is overseeing the construction of the Romans’ Quarter development in Bingham, while Liam is overseeing the developer’s Fernwood Village development in Newark. These accolades rate Site Managers against key criteria such as technical expertise, health and safety, consistency, leadership and attention to detail. The awards celebrate the vital role Site Managers play in ensuring new homes are delivered on-time, on safe sites and to the highest quality standards.

KEYSTONE LINTELS AWARDED BUILDBASE SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR FOR SECOND YEAR IN A ROW Keystone Lintels, the UK’s leading manufacturer of steel lintels, is delighted to once again be awarded ‘Supplier of the Year’ by Buildbase for 2021 in recognition of its outstanding customer service. Keystone Lintels has won this coveted award for the second year in a row having won in 2020. With over 142 branches nationwide, Buildbase is now part of the Huws Gray Group and is one of the largest builders merchants in the UK.

In what was a difficult year for trading, the award was especially poignant for Keystone whose core customer promise has held true. Keystone is the largest supplier of steel lintels in the UK and Ireland and carries more stock than any of its rivals. The company also supports merchants with innovative ranges of products which solve problems for the builder and deliver more opportunity, added value and margin for merchants.

In what was a difficult year for trading, the award was especially poignant for Keystone whose core customer promise has held true.

10 Construction UK Magazine - April 2022

Events & Awards News

LEISURE PARK PARTNERS CELEBRATE GROUNDBREAKING AT COLCHESTER NORTHERN GATEWAY Turnstone Estates celebrated the start of work at its £65 million Colchester Northern Gateway Leisure Park development with a special ground-breaking ceremony this week.

On 16 March, representatives from main contractor HG Construction, met on site with those from Colchester Amphora Trading, Colchester Borough Council, Turnstone Estates and Canada Life to see work get underway. Construction of this major development is expected to be completed by the autumn of 2023. The 200,000 sq ft leisure development is located within Colchester’s Northern Gateway, south of junction 28 of the A12. The event marks a significant step in the delivery of this ambitious project which already boasts an impressive line-up of occupiers committed to the scheme including Cineworld, Travelodge, Hollywood Bowl, Puttstars, Jump Street, Kervan Kitchen, Greggs, Wendy’s and Fastned.

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Construction UK Magazine - April 2022 11

Women In Construction Feature

WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION: WHY IT’S TIME TO LEVEL-UP THE GENDER IMBALANCE By Paul Simpson, Commercial Director at Gradient UK Organised by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), Women in Construction (WIC) Week (March 6th to 12th) 2022 highlights the increasing role women are playing in the building sector, whilst emphasising the need for a levelling-up of the gender imbalance that still exists. Women in construction: statistics Despite signs that more women are considering a career in the construction industry, the figures tell a different story. According to website Go Construct women account for just 14% of the sector’s professional workforce, an underwhelming number particularly with the industry in urgent need of new recruits in order to address the current skills shortage. The building trade has long stood accused of being reluctant to change, which might be why it’s been slow to embrace the idea that it should no longer be considered a ‘male-only’ career. But the barriers to women playing a significant part in this fantastic industry are gradually being removed – and not before time. The sense that times are a changing might explain why one-third (37%) of new entrants into the UK construction industry from higher education are women. Women in construction: jobs Diversity is a mainstay of Gradient’s culture. We thrive on employing a workforce that is dependent on the collaborative skills and experience of our personnel, rather than their race or gender. This inclusive policy is borne out by the number of women who hold senior roles at Recticel and our tapered insulation division, Gradient. This year, for example, four women have takenup leadership roles in key areas of the business: Jen Shepherd, Naomi Lucas and Sally Wright. Women in construction management Given the opportunity, women have shown themselves as capable as men in terms of performance throughout all levels of the building trade. They’ve also given the industry a fresh outlook, bringing new ideas and creating a more pleasant, less misogynistic environment. Studies show women tend to be more risk-averse than men. Therefore, as females take-up more site-based, project

management roles, there’s reason to think health and safety in these areas might improve accordingly. Women are more than equal to their male colleagues in terms of workplace communicators. This has certainly helped level things up in the sales aspect of the construction industry, with female sales representatives having far greater access to key suppliers than they were previously afforded. It’s now understood that these women really know what they’re talking about, and that their product knowledge is crucial to improving sales. But whether in an engineering capacity on construction’s frontline, or putting their skills to use in a customer service role, women are starting to find their place in the construction sector. If this trend is to continue then the industry must do more to present itself as an equal opportunities career – particularly in terms of pay – if it’s to become a more attractive proposition for women. Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that across the building industry in 2020, women earned 11.4% less than men. Wide-ranging opportunities Improved training and work placement opportunities are also key in recruiting women to fulfil traditional roles within construction, as well as positions less associated with the industry. For a number of years Recticel and Gradient have run a programme for postgraduates and interns to gain a year’s valuable work experience. Not only has each of our trainees thoroughly enjoyed their time with us, they’ve spoken about having their eyes opened in relation to the opportunities a construction-based career present. This is particularly true of sectors such as marketing, which some people might think is more relevant to retail or the food and drink industry, but can actually play a huge part in promoting the building trade as a desirable profession. In this respect, perhaps the construction industry should take a leaf out of Recticel’s book and partner-up with local colleges and universities to form a relationship that is beneficial to both parties.

12 Construction UK Magazine - April 2022

According to website Go Construct women account for just 14% of the sector’s professional workforce, an underwhelming number particularly with the industry in urgent need of new recruits in order to address the current skills shortage. Women in construction awards Initiatives such as the European Women in Construction and Engineering Awards provide excellent proof of the industry’s progress in addressing its gender imbalance. The annual contest is designed to encourage companies to employ and train more women across the sector. Its aim, which is to find Europe’s ‘most exemplary women’ in construction and engineering, has highlighted some superb individual achievements. Previous finalists have included women involved in a range of high-profile engineering roles from developing earthquake resistance research software, through to creating technical solutions that provide high-quality tunnelling and foundation outcomes. By rewarding the highlyskilled professionalism of the female participants, it’s hoped these awards and other similar events will inspire other women to emulate their success in an industry previously considered beyond their talents. Encouraging more women into construction Ultimately, the construction industry needs to send a message to women of all ages that the sector is in a different place to the one it occupied in the previous century. It needs to highlight that the building process itself is a relatively small part of the industry, which requires a plethora of expertise to function effectively in the form of designers, planners, surveyors and engineers. Construction needs problem-solvers, people who like a challenge and enjoy meeting other people because in the building trade, employees do not exist within the confines of their own organisation. A tradesperson’s network will involve many building-based organisations and even competitors, who will be committed to achieving the goal that inspired us to join the industry in the first place i.e; we wanted to make the world a better place. For women who have the same aim, then a career in construction is definitely for them.

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People On The Move

SOBEN EXPANDS EMEA TEAM WITH DIRECTOR APPOINTMENTS Award-winning construction cost consultancy, Soben, has expanded its EMEA team with the appointment of Robert McQueen and Max Elswood as Project Directors for Soben Consultancy UK & Europe as part of its targeted plans for growth.

office sector delivering the £75m Atlantic Square scheme for BAM Properties. Prior to joining Soben, Max was employed at Turner & Townsend as an Associate Director and worked across various data centre sites in both EMEA and the US.

A quantity surveyor for 17 years, Robert joins Soben from Robinson Low Francis, where he spent five years as a Project Director working in a variety of sectors, most recently specialising in the commercial

Soben has further plans for expansion, targeting 1000 people globally by 2030 to support growth in current locations and expansion into additional territories.

Max Elswood, Project Director at Soben

Robert McQueen, Project Director at Soben

FROM SELLING SWEETS TO SELLING HOMES – GRADUATE KIERAN EMBARKS ON SALES CAREER WITH BELLWAY A Northumbria University graduate who helped run a small business selling sweets as a schoolboy has set his sights on a career selling homes with national housebuilder Bellway. Kieran Buchanan, 24, from Cramlington, joined the Newcastle-based company’s graduate programme in September last year – and is already aiming to go as high as he can within the business. Based at Bellway’s North East divisional office in Gateshead, the sales graduate spends much of his time at the housebuilder’s various developments across Northumberland and Tyne and Wear. Kieran graduated with a master’s degree in business with management in 2020 before starting his role with Bellway the following year.

Kieran Buchanan with Bellway North East Sales Director, Emma Chesterton, at the divisional offices in Gateshead

14 Construction UK Magazine - April 2022

The Rhino Barrier system also demonstrates Border Group’s commitment to sustainability as it is fully recyclable, and this is proving popular with customers who want a greener option.

BORDER GROUP: ACQUISITION REVITALISES BARRIER SPECIALISTS Almost 12 months ago, Border Group, one of the UK’s leading specialists in barrier hire under the Border Barriers brand, was acquired by another Carlisle-based family-run business and has subsequently gone from strength to strength. Lloyd Ltd, one of the country’s largest machinery dealers, purchased the business and, thanks to significant reinvestment and their new commercial focus, Border Group has bounced back from the impact of the pandemic on the construction and events sectors to take on new opportunities and meet increasing customer demand. Henry Lloyd, Director of Border Group, commented: “Border Group has been wellknown throughout the Carlisle area and

beyond so we were delighted to be successful in acquiring the company in 2021. The existing team have been instrumental in moving the business forward and we now have a product range and focus on service which meet the needs of our many valued customers nationwide. As part of the acquisition, we purchased the global rights to manufacture and distribute the renowned Rhino Barrier System, which are not just the highest quality barriers, but the safest water-filled barriers on the market, and we are seeing an increase in demand for these solutions for both short- or long-term hire. It’s been an exciting year and that looks set to continue.”

to sustainability as it is fully recyclable, and this is proving popular with customers who want a greener option. This recyclable aspect does not require any compromise on the robust design quality of the barriers which are long-lasting and therefore offer a secure investment for long-term projects across the UK’s road networks, and construction and rail industries. With a wide range of additional safety solutions, from welfare units to hoardings and site toilet facilities, Border Group is truly a onestop shop for your site safety needs. For more information on how Border Group can support your company’s activities, visit their website – www.bordergroupltd.com.

The Rhino Barrier system also demonstrates Border Group’s commitment

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Construction UK Magazine - April 2022 15

UK Construction Week Show Preview GREENER, HEALTHIER BUILDING PRODUCTS TAKE CENTRE STAGE AT UK CONSTRUCTION WEEK’S INNOVATION ZONE Construction contractors, specifiers, and architects looking for innovative environmental solutions can explore a mix of products at this year’s UK Construction Week Innovation Zone. Held at London’s ExCel from 3-5 May, the sector’s green change-makers will be demonstrating construction innovations including advanced sensors for buildings to improve air quality, multi award-winning tapes for insulation boards for improving thermal performance, an energy and chemical-free water purification system, and a timber pallet recycling scheme. Nathan Garnett, UKCW event director says: “As part of our theme of culture change, we’re encouraging new ways of thinking across all areas of construction, to challenge and inspire others to drive the future of the industry. There’s an abundance of new technology at our disposal, which is crucial to help us achieve net zero and improve building safety.

Just one small change in a process can completely transform the way a business operates and its outcomes, and we want to open doors to innovative solutions that will better serve companies, end users, and the environment. That’s why we’ll be showcasing some of the best products and innovators out there. Some of the game-changing developments demonstrated at the Innovation Zone include:

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Aico’s Environment Sensors are designed to improve home-life safety. The Ei1025 sensor supports better maintained, healthier, energy efficient homes to overcome challenges from compliance and carbon footprint reduction to mould risk and fuel poverty.

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by reducing excavation by up to 80% and lessens the environmental impact of hard landscaping, as well as the cost of installation. Gapotape is a multi-award-winning combination of foil and foam tape specifically designed for use in conjunction with rigid insulation board. It is the first product proven by the British Board of Agrément (BBA) to eradicate air leakage and thermal bridging. Halcyan Water Conditioners - a sustainable solution for the prevention of mineral scale accumulation and removal of existing mineral deposits in hard water areas, improving energy efficiency and equipment lifespan, while decreasing maintenance energy bills and system unreliability. Pallet LOOP, a circular economy pallet reuse scheme aiming to replace a significant quantity of the circa 18 million single use pallets currently used in UK construction each year, while eliminating avoidable pallet waste and helping meet carbon net zero targets.

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16 Construction UK Magazine - April 2022

MOBIE with architect George Clarke, a case study on 3D printing from Cucinella Architects on the TECLA building, and sessions from UK Research and Innovation and the Construction Innovation Hub. Sponsor, Construction Industry Solutions (COINS), will hold its COINS Grand Challenge 2022, which is free to enter and now open, aimed at kickstarting innovative ideas to improve the built environment. UKCW London will host more than 300 exhibitors (600 including co-located shows), 10,000 products, 300 expert speakers, seven theatre stages, multiple specialist hubs, and 150 hours of CPD content. Free registration is now open with one entry badge providing access to co-located shows Concrete Expo (3-4 May), the Offsite Show (3-5 May), and Grand Designs Live (30 April-8 May). Industry conferences the Future of Work in Construction (4 May) and REA’s Heating Conference: Decarbonising Buildings (5 May) will also be running alongside the event. Download the free UKCW app from iOS and Android app stores to book one-toone appointments with delegates and exhibitors.

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HYBRID INVERTERS ARE KEY TO INCREASED ENERGY INDEPENDENCE FOR HOMEOWNERS Demand is soaring for solar energy technology as homeowners look to save money on energy bills. Greg Rhymes, Sales Manager at GoodWe UK discusses how hybrid inverters are the gateway to energy independence, and what installers need to know. Without doubt, one of the most worrying challenges facing the nation right now is the energy crisis. Sky high wholesale prices are driving up costs for consumers, and the energy price cap has risen significantly. To put this into perspective, the price cap from winter 2021-22 to summer 2022 has jumped by some 54%. In monetary terms, that’s £693 for default tariffs being paid by direct debit (£1,277 to £1,971, with the difference rounded up). In the meantime, a very different challenge has hit people up and down the country – namely, the intense, unexpected storms that the UK has experienced since November 2021.

Storms Arwen, Dudley, and Eunice have all made notable headlines. The latter brought record-breaking wind speeds of 122mph that ripped up trees, left the O2 Arena’s roof in a state of disrepair, and brought down power lines that disconnected thousands of people from the grid. With these two prevailing challenges seemingly not going away any time soon, how can homeowners safeguard against both energy costs and power outages? A key solution lies in solar power, and more specifically, new hybrid inverter technology. Hybrid Inverters are the ideal ‘halfway house’ Hybrid inverters blend two technologies into one. These inverters combine both functions of solar inverters and battery inverters into one unit. Homeowners are already rushing to fit solar panels and solar power technology – 61,455 UK properties had solar panels installed in 2021, up 71 per cent on 2020, according to Microgeneration Certification Scheme. This means the time is ripe for installers to consider how hybrid inverters can take consumers one step closer to microgeneration.

As solar installers will already know, most inverters send power to appliances for immediate consumption, or back to the grid if not used. However, the key difference between hybrid inverters and standard string inverters is that homeowners can use the former to augment their grid supply, but also later add a battery should they choose to upgrade to a full energy storage solution. For example, GoodWe’s EH Series Hybrid Inverter can be upgraded at any time from purely inverter-only functionality to include a battery storage solution, and all that is needed is an activation code. With smart hybrid inverters like the EH, homeowners can choose to either immediately consume the energy they generate from their PV (photovoltaic) panels or harvest it and store it in the battery. This then allows for better flexibility with energy tariffs, and the ability to use the battery’s energy to power appliances during peak times where electricity is sold at a premium. For installers, this is a key development, and as the popularity and awareness of these inverters grow, so too must installers know how to specify and install them. The 3.6-6kW EH inverter is compatible with high voltage batteries in a range of 85-450V, and it is always recommended to analyse homeowners’ usage patterns before specifying the system capacity to prevent over-sizing and inefficiency. A back up to weather the storms Another key benefit of hybrid inverters is that if they are connected to a battery, they can continue powering nominated back-up loads or appliances in the event of a power outage. As already alluded to, with the frequent power outages that the UK has experienced and will continue experiencing, the benefit of this function is clear. People would potentially be able to

18 Construction UK Magazine - April 2022

ride out storms and better manage power outage situations. During installation, it is necessary that installers know what appliances should be connected as back-up loads. Typically, appliances that use little power should be chosen (e.g., router/modem, lights, television, computers, and fridge/freezer). More power-intensive appliances (e.g., washing machines, stoves, ovens, and electrical heating) will often exceed the maximum capacity that can be connected as backup loads and are therefore not recommended to connect as backup loads. The number of appliances connected as backup loads will also limit the time they can be sustained during a disconnection from the grid. For instance, if there is a power outage during night-time, the PV panels won’t supply any power and all power will be extracted from the battery. If more loads are connected and used, the battery will of course be drained much faster and thereby reducing the time the backup loads can be powered. In the case of GoodWe’s EH Series, the switch to battery storage energy would happen in fewer than 10ms meaning that, in a power cut, most people (and most appliances) won’t even notice. Moving people towards microgeneration On top of the spike in energy prices and recent power cuts, there has also been another big change that has significantly altered society arguably forever, and that is the continued ‘work from home’ situation that many people find themselves in. Even though we’re coming out the other side of the pandemic, ‘hybrid’ working is expected to continue, and many offices have already been shut down entirely. As a result, people in such situations are likely to see their own energy costs go up, while a power cut could impact on their productivity and ability to earn. For these reasons, microgeneration and moving to energy independence is critical. At GoodWe, our focus is on smart energy innovation, and so alongside the EH Series, we have a range of residential-use inverters and batteries to achieve this goal. For more about GoodWe, please visit en.goodwe.com.

GOODWE REBRANDS, HIGHLIGHTING THE ROLE OF SMART TECH IN TRANSFORMING THE FUTURE OF ENERGY GoodWe has refreshed its brand in line with the evolution of the global new energy space, emphasizing on collaboration and digitalization. At the core of this new brand identity is GoodWe’s commitment to harnessing smart tech to drive the global energy transition and bring about a more sustainable future for all. GoodWe considers technological innovation a key brand pillar, and so both its new logo and the accompanying brand slogan “Smart Energy Innovator” were rebranded to bring out this high-tech identity. The new logo launched January 7–8, 2022. Following that, new product

designs have incorporated the new logo, highlighting the innovative brand identity behind the products. As a smart energy innovator, GoodWe has committed itself to innovating around net-zero-enabling technologies, and digital interconnection is a key tenet of its vision for the future of new energy. The company has made it its goal to provide complete and integrated solutions in digitalized new energy. It has made significant investments in the research and development of products and systems that operate intelligently and efficiently, and are able to ultimately increase the productivity, safety, cost, and sustainability of energy systems. GoodWe has also revamped its website and adopted a cleaner look that is optimized to offer site visitors a smooth, user-friendly experience. GoodWe’s brand personality has also been redefined and now emphasizes a brand identity that is “Strong, capable, and reputable.” This new identity reflects the brand’s core values of professionalism and reliability.

As a smart energy innovator, GoodWe has committed itself to innovating around net-zero-enabling technologies, and digital interconnection is a key tenet of its vision for the future of new energy. Collaboration and sharing are also part of GoodWe’s core values, and that is why it has set out to build communities in sustainable energy that are able to deliver value to all its key stakeholders, while creating a sustainable future for the Earth, Humanity, and Future generations. GoodWe’s rebrand delivers a cleaner and more streamlined look, in spirit with its commitment to help its customers transition to cleaner, more streamlined products and energy systems that deliver on efficiency. The brand sees smart tech as a critical tool in the transformation of the global energy space, and has committed itself to developing smarter and more efficient energy solutions that help meet the energy needs of the future so as to realize the shared global net-zero goals. Website: goodwe.com

Construction UK Magazine - April 2022 19

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Finance

CONSTRUCTION DELAYS AND PRICE INCREASES: HOW COOPERATIVE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN PARTIES LIKELY TO BE THE “MOST SENSIBLE SOLUTION” With the UK construction industry in the middle of a materials procurement and shortage crisis, parties should make certain the terms of a contract are drafted carefully to ensure the transfer of risk in price increases and delay reflects their requirements. Mark Christie, a Senior Associate at national law firm Clarke Willmott LLP, says: “The question of whether it is possible for contractors to pass the cost of these issues on to their employers under existing contracts is not clear cut and will depend on the express wording of the contract itself. “In the current climate, with the current uncertainty in the global markets due to the Covid pandemic, Brexit and the Ukraine conflict, amongst other things, contractors are likely to be wary of agreeing to the standard form JCT provisions without expressly including any amendments - as the standard forms are unlikely to provide any relief against the time and cost implications of materials shortages on their projects. “Some standard form JCT contracts include optional “fluctuation” provisions which, if stated by the parties to be applicable, may entitle the contractor to be reimbursed for certain price changes to specified items or currencies or inflation throughout the duration of the project. “However, in the case of “fixed price” JCT contracts with no such fluctuation provisions agreed, there are usually only very limited circumstances in which a contractor can seek to claim back additional costs or time for any price increases/ delays to the works caused by the unavailability of materials.“ In the event an identifiable element of the works specified in the agreed Contract Documents is not “procurable”, under the JCT Design and Build Contract 2016, Mark says the contractor has the option to seek the Employer’s consent to substitute any materials or goods.

comply with the technical specification agreed for the construction of the Works if it can demonstrate that the goods and materials were not “procurable”. However, whether something is “procurable” or not is not straightforward and will be heavily fact dependant – I suspect that it means a situation where the Contractor simply cannot get hold of the required materials at all rather than, for instance, some kind of delay or additional cost in procuring them for the Works. “Whilst a contractor could seek agreement from the Employer under Clause 2.2.1 of the Contract to substitute materials or goods due to the fact certain materials are no longer “procurable”, an Employer would appear to have the absolute discretion to withhold its consent to any proposed substitution,” he added. “In those circumstances, a contractor who is unable to get the Employer to agree to the proposed substitution would be left with the option of trying to argue that the Employer’s failure to consent was unreasonable and possibly constituted an act of impediment or default under the contract. However, given the JCT’s wording, such an argument in my opinion is fairly unlikely to succeed.” In the current climate, according to Mark, employers are therefore likely to find a landscape where the terms of the contract are much more heavily negotiated by prospective contractors

for specific reliefs and remedies in the event of any price/delay issues for key materials constituting the works. “Employers would be well advised to try and ensure that any such clauses are drafted very carefully to ensure that the transfer of risk in price increases and delay is kept to the absolute minimum where commercially possible. If an Employer was to agree to something drafted too widely, then it could quickly find that the price and timescales for the works under a contract quickly get out of hand. “With that said, on any project, if issues arise caused by delays/price increases to the works, proactive and cooperative communication between the parties in an attempt to resolve the situation without resorting to a formal dispute will normally be the most sensible solution.” Mark Christie is a Senior Associate in the Construction Team at Clarke Willmott, specialising in both contentious and transactional construction law. Clarke Willmott is a national law firm with offices in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Southampton, and Taunton. For more information visit www.clarkewillmott.com or contact Mark Christie at mark.christie@clarkewillmott.com

If an Employer was to agree to something drafted too widely, then it could quickly find that the price and timescales for the works under a contract quickly get out of hand.

“An interesting clause in the standard form JCT Design and Build Contract 2016 is Clause 2.2.1 – which essentially states that the Works shall be ‘so far as procurable’ as set out in the Employer’s Requirements or Contractor’s Proposals. This means the Contractor may not have to strictly

Construction UK Magazine - April 2022 21

Project News

HENRY BOOT CONSTRUCTION TO DELIVER LANDMARK PARK IN SHEFFIELD CITY CENTRE Henry Boot Construction has been appointed to deliver Pound’s Park – the landmark new public space in Sheffield City Centre, with work set to get underway this month. Seen as a key piece of Sheffield City Council’s Heart of the City programme, Pound’s Park becomes Henry Boot Construction’s third project within the

wider scheme, with the Sheffield-based firm already on site at major residential development Kangaroo Works, and at a second site that features the Elshaw House office development and Cambridge Street Collective – a major food hall and restaurant destination. Named after Sheffield’s first Chief Fire Officer, Superintendent John Charles Pound,

the park will be located on the former fire station site between Rockingham Street, Wellington Street and Carver Street. It will help integrate a network of open spaces that run from Devonshire Green through to the Peace Gardens. It will provide an expansive, safe and accessible space that adds distinctive character and an element of escapism to the city’s busy urban environment. By prioritising walking and cycling, active play and relaxation, all within a visually attractive green setting, the park aims to bring The Outdoor City ethos right into the heart of the city centre. It also provides another world-class space to host outdoor events in the city centre. The Pound’s Park contract was procured through the dedicated contractor framework Pagabo. It is expected to take around one year to complete.

BAM SET TO COMPLETE NEW £7 MILLION CEDARBANK SCHOOL IN WEST LOTHIAN BAM Construction is set to hand over the new state-of-the-art Cedarbank School in Livingston to West Lothian Council. Staff and pupils are expected to start the transition to the new school after the Easter break, following confirmation from delivery partner Hub South East and BAM, the main contractor, that construction will be complete in March 2022.

Cedarbank provides quality education for secondary pupils with additional learning needs from around West Lothian, and is currently spread over three locations.

include a multi-purpose hall, specialist classrooms for CDT, Music, Science, Home Economics, Art, IT and Life Skills in addition to standard classrooms.

The new stand-alone, modern purposebuilt facility will bring Cedarbank pupils from S1 to S6 together under one roof in the same campus as The James Young High School. Facilities within the school

There is also a kitchen/dining area within the school and externally a mixture of natural hard and soft landscaping, comprising of spaces to learn outdoors and an allotment. A dedicated school access road has been built from Dedridge North Road, separate from the Quentin Rise entrance for The James Young High School. The new school is part of a £26.5 million investment in schools dedicated to supporting pupils with additional support needs, which will see a new Beatlie School in Livingston built as well as improvements to Ogilvie Campus in Livingston and the Pinewood ASN School in Blackburn.

22 Construction UK Magazine - April 2022

Project News

LINEAR DESIGN & CONSTRUCT SCOTLAND SECURES LANDMARK AYR RIVERSIDE PROJECT Principal contracting specialist, Linear Design & Construct (LDC) has secured a significant redevelopment project as part of the comprehensive rejuvenation of Ayr Town Centre. Set to transform Ayr’s riverside, the completed project will create an exciting and inspiring space offering both practicality and functionality to the people of Ayr.

WILLMOTT DIXON APPOINTED FOR OLDHAM TOWN CENTRE TRANSFORMATION Willmott Dixon’s town centre regeneration skills are being utilised by another local authority as Oldham Council appoints the company as the main contractor for the Spindles Town Square redevelopment. It follows similar transformation work Willmott Dixon is delivering in the North West in Rochdale and Stockport, and will see the company demolish the former TJ Hughes unit as part of a wider masterplan to create a 450,000 square foot development that will be home to a new market, flexible offices, event space and heritage archive. Willmott Dixon’s team of regeneration specialists will now work with Oldham Council to provide expert advice to help shape detailed designs while also appointing the required specialist

supply chain partners to support the full redevelopment works of the shopping centre. The company will also deliver a £10m social value package as part of its ‘Upskilling in the Community’ plan that aims to create local jobs, economic growth and social mobility. With Spindles, Willmott Dixon will help to create 16 local jobs with Willmott Dixon– two of which will go to longterm unemployed residents.

Working on behalf of hub South West as the development partner of South Ayrshire Council, LDC will undertake the construction of high quality public realm event space and community pavilion overlooking the River Ayr. Once complete, the area will play host to an array of dynamic local events including markets, concerts and events as well as providing a space for walking, relaxing and enjoying the riverside surroundings. Partnering with an experienced and expert design team incorporating architects Austin-Smith:Lord, Civil Engineer and MEP consultants Harley Haddow and marine specialists, Arch Henderson Engineering, LDC will play a pivotal role in ensuring the works support the vision to deliver the ongoing vitality and viability of the town centre, whilst integrating the new space with its historically important surrounding environment. The team began work on site in January and are set for completion in early 2023.

The project was procured through the Procure North West Framework and subject to approvals, the main building works is expected to get underway later this year with the full redevelopment scheduled to complete towards the end of 2023.

Construction UK Magazine - April 2022 23

Project News

HOUSEBUILDER TO BEGIN CONSTRUCTION WORK ON FORMER WATER WORKS SITE IN FOBBING

Maple Creek will comprise a mix of two, three, and four-bedroom houses, and one and two-bedroom apartments on a 24.2acre site off High Road.

As part of the housebuilder’s plans for Maple Creek, half of the site will be developed into public open space, which will include a children’s play area, woodland and wildlife pond.

The development, which received planning permission from Thurrock Council in January 2021, will be built on the derelict former Vange Water Works site, which was most recently used for commercial storage.

The development will comprise 119 properties for private sale, and 59 affordable homes for local people, with the first homes due to go on sale in September this year.

National housebuilder Bellway is preparing to start construction work on 178 new homes in Fobbing, near Basildon.

PARTNERSHIP IN STOCKTON-ONTEES DELIVERS QUICKEST EVER DEVELOPMENT New residents now occupy the new homes in Stockton-on-Tees, following national housebuilder, Keepmoat Homes, completing its £2.2 joint venture scheme, and handing over to housing provider Thirteen Housing Group. The 14 two-bedroom, energy efficient and environmentally friendly bungalows at Elm House were built by Keepmoat

Homes in partnership with Stockton-onTees Borough Council, the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority and Thirteen Housing Group, to provide a desirable place to live for older people and vulnerable residents in the area. The site is adjacent to Keepmoat Homes’ £21m Sycamores town centre regeneration project which is delivering a further 143 new homes. The development forms part of an ambitious plan to regenerate Stockton town centre, creating over 1,000 new homes in Tees Valley on neglected and disused land, following £19.3million funding from Government’s Brownfield Housing Fund.

The site is adjacent to Keepmoat Homes’ £21m Sycamores town centre regeneration project which is delivering a further 143 new homes.

24 Construction UK Magazine - April 2022

CONSTRUCTION WORK STARTS ON NEW CHRYSTON COMMUNITY HUB Work on a new £20million community hub in Chryston has begun, with a turf-cutting event to mark the start of construction taking place on Monday 28 February. North Lanarkshire Council is working in partnership with NHS Lanarkshire on the project that will deliver a 21st-century learning environment along with state-of-the-art health and wellbeing facilities.

The new community hub is being delivered by hub South West, the development partner of North Lanarkshire Council with construction partner Robertson Construction and will replace the existing Chryston Primary School as well as provide a new Community Health Clinic. Plans for the hub include high-quality outdoor and indoor sports facilities; an extensive landscaped playground for the school; healthcare gardens for clinic patients and staff; and community greenspaces and paths designed to enhance connections across the site and encourage active travel. The new learning facility will see up to 509 pupils learn in naturally lit, flexible spaces and be flexible to accommodate a wide range of learning requirements. The new facility is expected to be operational by August 2023.

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FIT SHOW SET TO DELIVER RECORDBREAKING INDUSTRY SHOWCASE Organisers of FIT Show, the UK’s leading trade show for the glass, glazing, hardware and components industry, have announced record levels of industry support for its delayed 2021 event. FIT Show will return to the NEC Birmingham from 10 - 12 May, 2022 and is set to bring together every link in the supply chain from manufacturers and suppliers of the latest windows, doors, glass, hardware and components, right through to the specifiers and fitters of these products. Visitor registration for the event is currently tracking at 50% above the same point in the campaign for FIT Show 2019 show, highlighting the appetite to get back to live events. When FIT Show opens in May, it will be the first live European trade show for the fenestration industry in more than three years. Organisers have reported that there will be an exciting lineup with a combination of brand leaders, new and exciting start-ups, FIT Show first-timers and some well known brands who will be returning for the first time in several years. In January, machinery giant Haffner Murat increased its space to 610sqm, making it

the largest stand in FIT Show’s history, in order to be able to showcase more running machinery such as the Graf Synergy Range. Fenestration industry recruitment experts Chase Taylor have also taken more space at the show, as did composite decking supplier Ronjack. Debut FIT Show exhibitors who have signed up in recent weeks include bespoke metal door manufacturer, Strongdor and modular steel outbuildings manufacturer, Telluria. They will be joined by FIT Show first-timers ICB Fabrications, sustainable merchandise supplier Media HUT, Checkatrade and Solar Calibre Doors. Returning brands include machinery experts Emmegi, bespoke timber window, door and fire doorset manufacturer West-Port Timber, window and door manufacturer Force 8, and hardware manufacturer J Banks & Co Ltd. FIT Show event director, Nickie West comments: “We really have hit the ground running this year and I am delighted to see so many exciting brands, both new and returning, added to the FIT Show 2022 lineup. “The lifting of UK restrictions and delay of Fensterbau have boosted both exhibitor and visitor enquiries, making the UK a safe haven for those looking to connect their brand with the market, en masse, via a trade show. We’re proud that FIT Show will be the first major European trade show for the entire industry, post-pandemic. “For manufacturers and suppliers of the latest glass, glazing, hardware and components products and services - FIT Show offers an unrivalled opportunity to get the brand infront

26 Construction UK Magazine - April 2022

of our 10,000 decision makers who are visiting the show specifically to purchase these goods. For those who specify or install these products, whether that be on small domestic projects right through to multi-site and complex commercial builds or retrofits, a trip to FIT Show will allow them to see the latest products on the market. We’ll have every link in the supply chain under one roof allowing visitors to speak directly to manufacturers, network and connect with colleagues and suppliers old and new. “We’re working hard behind the scenes on our learning programme, which is taking shape at pace. We’ll be delivering the very latest information about key industry issues, including presentations about the Approved Documents F, L & O covering the upcoming changes to Building Regulations, which are to come into force from 15th June. “We’ll also be looking at sustainability, offsite and modular construction and content that helps our audience to do better business when they leave the show. From finding the most sustainable product offerings and managing their supply chain, through to improving efficiencies.” Over 200 brands will display the very latest products and materials for use across domestic, commercial, private and public sector building and renovation projects. Visitors can expect to see the likes of door manufacturer Doorco, glazing experts Glazpart, window systems giant Kommerling, Roseview Windows, lantern roof experts Made For Trade, Morley Glass, Ultraframe, VEKA and Victorian Sliders.

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Company News INFRASTRUCTURE SPECIALIST MAGDALENE AWARDED NEW FRAMEWORK Infrastructure specialist Magdalene has been selected as a supplier for Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Design & Build Telecommunications Infrastructure Services Framework. Magdalene, a leading UK technology solutions specialist and a part of M Group Services, have recently been awarded a framework contract to provide design and project delivery services linked with the ongoing upgrade of SSEN’s Transmission and Distribution telecommunications network infrastructure which extends across North of Scotland, Scottish Islands, as well as central southern England. Magdalene will undertake a range of activities linked with the delivery of SSEN’s Operational Telecommunication capital build programme which will encompass design, multi-vendor equipment supply, fibre and cabling infrastructure renewal works and communications network implementation. The framework contract will support SSEN Transmission’s RIIO-T2 planned communication upgrade programme. In addition, the contract will be supporting the remaining RIIOED1 investment period as well as the forthcoming RIIO-ED2 investment period for SSEN’s two distribution businesses in the north of Scotland and central southern England.

Could an R&D claim put a halt to financial challenges for construction businesses?

KIER APPOINTED BY NETWORK RAIL TO DELIVER THE NEXT STAGE OF £65M IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AT OXFORD RAILWAY STATION Kier has been appointed by Network Rail to deliver the detailed design and enabling works package at Oxford railway station, as part of the Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Project. Kier has secured the contract to take Phase 2C and 2D of the project through Governance for Railway Investment Projects (GRIP) Stage 5 ahead of the final funding decision by the Department for Transport, which is expected in the coming months. Phase 2C Botley Road enhancement includes the replacement of the existing railway bridge spanning Botley Road with a new, wider structure which will incorporate 4-metre-wide cycle/footways on either side of the road. Highway lowering and realignment will provide additional height clearance resulting in double-decker buses being able to comfortably pass underneath the bridge for the first time. This will also see the replacement of the existing footbridge.

Companies within the construction industry are still navigating a perfect storm of rising overheads and continued disruption to global trade patterns. The price of materials rose steadily last year and the cost of living, fuel and energy prices have rocketed to an all-time high in 2022.

Phase 2D platform 5 and station improvement works will involve the construction of an additional platform and overhead canopy, a new western station entrance, ticket office, waiting room, toilets, café and shops, alongside the construction of a subway to connect the western entrance to the new platform.

Research and Development Specialists Ltd (RDS) is an expert in helping companies navigate the government’s HMRC tax incentive. It believes that many more construction firms could be eligible to claim.

The package includes the demolition of buildings surrounding the station, and road alignment works at Roger Dudman Way, including the replacement of Sheepwash Bridge, to improve safety at the junction with Botley Road.

RDS has already helped to recover around £2.1million solely for 27 construction industry clients. The average R&D claim is around £53,000, a sum that could be even more valuable in the current economic backdrop. An initial fifteen-minute conversation is all it takes.

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28 Construction UK Magazine - April 2022

Artist impression of the new western entrance to Oxford Station (© Network Rail).

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Interview

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF - DIRECTOR OF PRODUCT MANAGEMENT OF ELECTRIFICATION AND LI-ION BATTERIES AT BRIGGS & STRATTON - DAVID SCHULENBERG As Director of Product Management – Electrification and Li-Ion Batteries at Briggs & Stratton, David Schulenberg is at the forefront of the business’ aims to develop the latest battery technologies. David was instrumental in the creation and implementation of Vanguard Batteries as part of a movement into the emerging electrification market for Briggs & Stratton. In his role he led on

the creation of the new business arm and the product vision of large form factor lithium-ion batteries for commercial markets. With 13 years of experience as a global leader in construction and compaction equipment OEM, David has a vast understanding of the power needs within the construction sector. In his day-to-day role, David focuses on collaborating with his global colleagues on the latest battery developments, working strategically to identify new business opportunities. He works closely with the wider product team to create bespoke

solutions for businesses looking to move to electrified power. Consulting with key partners and suppliers, his unique understanding of battery technology allows him and his team to create viable product solutions to meet the customer’s needs. What is your job role and what are the main responsibilities? As the Director of Product Management for Li-ion Batteries and Electrification, I have number of responsibilities that I oversee. The first and most important is the management of our new product development roadmap. The roadmap is designed to track and manage all the new products that we are currently working on and plan to work on in the near future, helping to develop new technologies to better support our customers. As part of managing that roadmap I am constantly reviewing the latest news and studies relating to battery technology, and technology in general, to find new ways to enhance our customers’ applications. Explain what your day to day looks like My day by day can look very different depending on the week. A majority of my time is spent in the office at our Engineering Center supporting the engineering team as they solve problems in new product projects. From helping to devise new innovative ways to deliver battery power for construction equipment

30 Construction UK Magazine - April 2022

Interview One of the coolest things is seeing how new technology can have unintended applications. Multiple times I have seen technology that was developed for something like a car be applied to something completely different like a concrete trowel.

to working with the sales and marketing teams to define the next projects we want to work on, no two days are the same! There are other days when I am out of the office meeting with our customers to understand their power needs, visiting our manufacturing plants and attending trade shows. What are the main aims of the company? Briggs and Stratton is a power provider. Many people think of the millions of small internal combustion engines that we make every year, but we are a lot more than that. During the process of helping our customers apply our engines to their products for over 110 years we’ve developed an amazing understanding of how to apply power to a wide range of applications. We are now utilizing that same knowledge to help our customers apply battery power. Our aim is to be the preferred provider of power regardless of whether it is an internal combustion engine or a battery.

What are you currently working on? Currently, my focus is on two major areas, continuing to launch new batteries and growing our team to be able to develop even more products. We are seeing a tremendous amount of demand for our batteries and have a huge list of new customer applications that we are working on across a range of industries and sectors. We are doing everything we can to work with the OEMs to engineer new batteries for those applications, while simultaneously growing our engineering and production capabilities as fast as we can. Our customers need batteries as fast as possible so it’s my goal to get them the batteries they need. Talk us through one of the most challenging projects the company have worked on The most challenging project I have ever worked on was the development of our 3.8kWh Vanguard battery. We had a customer with a dire need for a battery to

use in a new vehicle they were developing, with a hard deadline. We had to develop the battery and put our manufacturing facility in place in just nine months. The short deadline was a daunting challenge and four months into the project Covid hit. So, on top of taking on an extremely aggressive project we all had to learn how to work from home whenever possible and figure out how to work safely on the things that couldn’t be done from home. I am still very proud of how our team responded. It’s flat out amazing that we pulled it off and is a clear indication of our ability to work efficiently on new projects to support our customers. What motivates you? I love developing new products that surprise people, improve efficiencies, and make their lives easier. It’s a lot of fun for me to develop a new product that solves a problem that the customer doesn’t even realize they had. Taking on new projects and working with the customer to understand their needs and to develop the battery so that it cannot only deliver the power output required but also fits within their design is always exciting. Plus, it’s very rewarding to hear positive feedback from a customer that really loves your product.

What is your favourite part of your role and why? My favourite part of my role is keeping up to date on technological advancements. I have always loved learning about battery and electric powertrain technology, and I love being able to apply my knowledge to the projects we are working on. The technology is advancing incredibly fast and there are so many different solutions being developed, that keeping up with its evolution a never-ending task! One of the coolest things is seeing how new technology can have unintended applications. Multiple times I have seen technology that was developed for something like a car be applied to something completely different like a concrete trowel.

Construction UK Magazine - April 2022 31

ENGEL WORKWEAR’S SUSTAINABLE & STRETCHCOMFORT COLLECTIONS HELP SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT Alongside a continual policy of developing products to keep ahead of the highest comfort and protection standards demanded by their customers, Danish manufacturer, ENGEL WORKWEAR also focus on making a positive contribution to aiding the Global climate challenge. With comfortable and functional clothing designed for almost every work situation and a wide choice of sizes for both men and women, the company’s ‘Safety Super-Stretch’ High Visibility range incorporates 50% of regenerated polyester REPREVE® eco-fibres which are spun from recycled plastic bottles. Combined with Engel’s FE Super Stretch fabric, the fibres are woven together

into a polyester and cotton mix; the resulting flexibility of this sustainable, hard wearing but light-weight fabric allows the wearer to be clearly seen in daylight or at night and to be able to work unrestricted even in the most confined spaces. By the use of regenerated polyester in the manufacture, the Environment benefits from significant consumption savings on energy, water and greenhouse gas emissions. Verified numbers of recycled plastic bottles used to produce the fibres are typically 19 for a pair of trousers, 20 for a work jacket and 37 for a boiler suit; the range is available in a choice of 8 different colour combinations. Continuing its support of the Green Environment, ENGEL WORKWEAR includes the versatile ‘Galaxy’ range amongst its collections which now combine a mix of 65% sustainable REPREVE® regenerated polyester fibres with 35% cotton. Giving strong protection, with the emphasis on style and fit, the range includes slim-cut, functional trousers and jackets available in a choice of two-tone colour combinations plus soft-shell and winter jackets, a comfortable fleece cardigan, bib-overall and boiler suit. Most items incorporate many practical details such as several spacious pockets giving quick and easy access to tools and personal accessories, concealed buttons and zippers; the jackets have adjustable cuffs and are reinforced with CORDURA. There is also a wide choice of Galaxy sustainable workwear specifically designed to be practical, comfortable and stylish for women. For more details contact Gareth Bladen at gbl@f-engel.com Telephone +44 (0) 7759 520034 or visit www.engel.eu/en

We deliver your construction office! Fast availability in different sizes Effortless reconstruction when relocating Adaptable and expandable at any time www.containex.co.uk

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32 Construction UK Magazine - April 2022

17.03.22 12:01

Dehumidifiers and the drive for energy efficiency

With the world facing a climate change crisis, cutting energy use and reducing our carbon footprint has reached the top of the agenda. Businesses are under pressure – from both their clients and the public – to move towards carbon neutrality and highlight their ‘green’ credentials, while homeowners are looking for every opportunity to reduce their bills as electricity prices soar. Recent invents in Ukraine, and the inevitable further hike in energy costs that will follow Russia’s invasion, have again highlighted the need for more efficient use of an increasingly expensive resource. For Ecor Pro, the drive for efficiency is nothing new. The team, led by managing director Martin Gray, has always sought to combine classleading results with minimal impact on the environment.

in a tank, there’s no chance of a secondary leak or flood. But can a desiccant dehumidifier compete with the positive input ventilation (PIV) systems that have been used to remove moisture from homes for many years now? Construction UK asked consultant Jerry Gibbs, a renowned expert on the science behind dehumidifiers and an important part of the Ecor Pro team. “A PIV system works by pushing fresh filtered air into a building in order to push humid air out, but that means pushing air you have paid good money to warm up straight out of the building,” he said. “That’s not just crazy, but goes against all the government guidelines designed to save heat and reduce carbon usage.” So, a desiccant humidifier is not just far more efficient than a refrigerant unit at removing moisture from the air, it also avoids the need to keep the central heating running constantly to top up the heat that would be expelled by a PIV system.

Martin Gray

That determination to avoid compromise has seen Ecor Pro unveil dehumidifiers such as the DH1200, which has the least possible impact on the environment while doing an impressive job of removing excess humidity. Launched in 2016, it is sold as the EPD50 in the USA. Desiccant dehumidifiers have been shown to be far more efficient than refrigerant models, removing up to four times more water at lower temperatures – and because the water is removed as a vapour rather than being collected

It’s a persuasive argument, so why haven’t we heard it before? The answer is simple. Desiccant dehumidifiers designed for domestic use have only been around for the past ten years ago, and are only now coming into their own, with rising energy costs and the drive for carbon neutrality making them increasingly attractive. Ecor Pro dehumidifiers are built to the exacting standards demanded by the flood restoration industry and have a variety of applications, from boats and swimming pool buildings to attics, basements and warehouses. A refrigerant dehumidifier will do a similar job, but that technology turns vapour into water that then has to be emptied from a storage tank,

www.ecor-pro.com

whereas desiccant models vent the moisture away and out of the building, meaning there’s nothing to empty. And then there’s the cost. A fully installed domestic refrigerant system cost around £1,500 30 years ago, while today’s desiccant models are cheaper to buy and can be installed quickly and easily. “Our engineers are determined to reduce the company’s carbon footprint and deliver the most energy-efficient dehumidifiers available,” said Martin Gray. “Their aim is to ensure that the amount of energy needed to extract each litre of liquid using an Ecor Pro model is the lowest in its category.” Jerry Gibbs added: “Using less electricity to do the same job not only has a direct cost saving for customers but also helps preserve the planet. We also contribute to sustainability by making sure our dehumidifiers are built to last and can be repaired quickly and easily if ever something does go wrong.” With more than 40 years’ experience in the market, Ecor Pro has developed a wide range of machines. The materials used reflect the focus on quality, with those designed for the marine environment, for instance, made from 316 Marine Grade stainless steel. The company’s extensive range is another environmental plus. “It’s important not to overspec the machine,” explained Jerry. “Our wide choice means you only need to run a unit that will do as much as you need it to. It’s another way of ensuring energy efficiency.” For more information on Ecor Pro’s products and services, visit our website. You can find out more about the DH1200 DryFan 12L Desiccant Dehumidifier here.

Finance

CURRENT ISSUES FACING THE UK CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY By Ryan Gilluley of Glasgow-based GCM cost and claim consultants In normal circumstances the construction industry is a bellwether sector for the wider economy and it’s not difficult to work out why. When homes, offices, factories, and roads are being built, it’s the most visible sign of confidence in the economy because people are funding their construction for others who are willing to pay to live in them, use them or employ people to work in them. But circumstances are nowhere near normal, and they haven’t been for some time. Just as the effects of Brexit are starting to kick in, the stop-start impact of the Covid pandemic has made predictions about the health and even the direction of the construction industry – and the wider economy – extremely difficult to make. Just as new figures appeared to show signs of supply shortages easing, Omicron emerged, threatening to scupper any progress made in unblocking bottlenecks. Added to that are soaring energy costs – with warnings that fuel bills could rise by 50% by the Spring ¬– which have contributed to inflation rising to levels not seen since the start of the 1990s.

stabilise – due to more regular demand for housing and imports increasing to prepandemic levels – will be of little comfort. Price volatility always leads to delay and inaction, as project sponsors and developers hold off on inviting tenders, more in hope than expectation that the picture in six months or a year will be clearer. Contractors across the UK have already had to contend with rising tender prices caused by higher material costs, with some projects being halted and retendered. According to the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply’s latest snapshot of 150 construction companies across the UK, many are reporting delays to decision making by clients, contributing to the slowest sector growth for three months. There was some good news with the number of firms reporting supplier holdups falling from 47% in November to 34% in December, as fewer shortages of building supplies improved delivery times, but there’s no guarantee that trend will continue. However, those forecasts don’t take account of measures that can be taken by the industry or government to assist.

With those external pressures bearing down on the sector, it’s understandable that forecasters are expecting material shortages to drive up tender prices this year and next.

As the recent vaccine rollout demonstrated, we are at a stage far in advance of where we were at the start of the pandemic in dealing with and working through the pandemic.

According to global construction consultancy Mace, UK tender prices are expected to be 4.5% higher this year, compared with last, and 2.5% higher than it predicted last September.

Business resilience and continuity plans are more developed, allowing companies across the supply chain to work through the imposition of restrictive measures with less disruption.

While Mace expects inflation to slow next year, tender prices will be 3.5% higher than in 2022 and even the elimination of Omicron and the smoothing of Brexit related road bumps are unlikely to alter that. The main short-term issue for the construction industry continues to be widespread material and labour shortages, which is driving price growth. Last month Arcadis warned that rising energy costs could push construction tender prices up by between 4% and 5%. News from the Timber Trade Federation (TTF) at the start of the month that timber supplies and costs are expected to

Ryan Gilluley

As costs for fuel, energy, labour, and materials rise, bidders are altering their commercial assumptions, insisting on more flexible change control provisions in contracts, with clearer and more detailed clauses that reflect the potential for external factors to cause disruption and delay. Amid this uncertainty cost consultants are proving their worth by providing valuable insights into likely market rates and supply trends as well as offering advice on cost saving and adding value to projects. Governments are playing their part with the commissioning of public sector infrastructure projects and long-term housebuilding targets. Governments at Westminster and Holyrood have long championed small-tomedium sized enterprises (SMEs) enjoying a greater share of public procurement business but this needs more urgent attention. It’s clear from research and anecdotal evidence that SMEs find the public procurement process challenging and many need additional support with bid submissions.

Last year companies were hampered by the triple whammy of fuel supply, lorry driver shortages and supply chain delays while also dealing with the impacts of Covid, Brexit and labour shortages.

Brexit and the Covid pandemic have introduced changes to the way everyone does business and the construction industry is no different. Given its importance to the economy, it is monitored and used as a gauge of how the wider economy is performing and the message, we should be sending out is that the future can be a lot brighter than current statistics suggest.

Many have learned from the experience and put in place contingencies to ensure those factors can be dealt with more efficiently and expeditiously.

Ryan Gilluley is managing director of GCM Ltd, a Lanarkshire-based firm of cost consultants, claims and disputes experts for the construction and engineering sectors.

34 Construction UK Magazine - April 2022

Finance

RIFT RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT: CREDIT WHERE CREDIT’S DUE Innovation is a make-or-break issue for UK construction, and RIFT R&D is dedicated to making sure your biggest ideas always bring the greatest rewards. There’s an estimated £1 billion+ in Research and Development Tax Relief going unclaimed each year in construction alone. This is money that should be - and needs to be - flowing back into UK businesses in recognition of the contributions they’ve made to the industry. To get the credit you deserve, it’s vital that you’re supported by teams with dedicated expertise and a true hands-on approach to building R&D claims. Are you maximising your R&D claims? The shocking fact is that huge numbers of companies are missing out on the full value of the R&D Tax Credits their work entitles them to each year. This most common reason for weak claims is receiving incomplete advice from “general practitioner” accountants without the specialist expertise to maximise an R&D claim. By contrast, RIFT specialists work as a core part of your team, collaborating with departments and individuals in a frictionless R&D process. We also work closely with accountants to ensure R&D claims are maximised and processed smoothly. Working with RIFT’s experienced R&D Tax specialists means: • Regular visits and structured quarterly reviews. • Develop on-site action plans. • Board Meetings, presentations, curated training sessions and workshops. • Collaborating with partners, subsidiaries and connected parties when required.

Innovation is an essential part of day-to-day construction work. Even though many companies are now claiming R&D tax relief for the solutions they’ve found, their claims focus too narrowly on expenditure that can immediately be identified as R&D.

knowledge management, capturing innovation as it occurs, understanding and tracking qualifying costs.

Are you tracking all of your R&D from the point of tenders?

A brief, informal chat with our specialist team will quickly identify whether your work qualifies for R&D Tax Credits. Once we’ve established that you have a claim, we get to work tracking down all your qualifying costs and turning them into a crucial financial boost for your business.

Innovation is an essential part of day-today construction work. Even though many companies are now claiming R&D tax relief for the solutions they’ve found, their claims focus too narrowly on expenditure that can immediately be identified as R&D. As a result, they’re missing the bigger, more critical picture. Far too much genuine innovation is being swept under the carpet as simple “day-to-day problem solving” – and it’s cutting off a vital source of tax relief. In an industry facing a potentially catastrophic skills shortage, this is something few can afford.

RIFT R&D was built on the foundation of a hard-won track record for reliability, honesty and expertise. We’ve spent years earning our reputation, and we never stop working to justify it.

Free consultation for Construction UK Magazine readers To see what you’re missing, contact RIFT construction specialist Sarah Collins or Katy O’Neill, who’ll be delighted to arrange your free consultation. We’ll examine your R&D set-up and offer valuable, expert advice and feedback to maximise any new or existing claims – and make sure you get the credit you deserve.

We will assist in: • Identifying all qualifying R&D activity. • Compiling a crystal-clear set of. calculations and build a compelling technical narrative. • Building methodologies for information retention and gathering. • Ensuring your claim is compliant through every part of the process. Have you reviewed your R&D claims process? RIFT has specialists on-hand to support the technical aspects of all your projects. They’re the key to building a track record of success in R&D claims. We’ll help you develop a systematic approach to

Katy O’Neill – Partnerships Director koneill@riftgroup.com

Sarah Collins – Technical MD scollins@riftgroup.com Visit www.riftresearch.com for more information on how RIFT R&D’s expertise unlocks the full rewards of your innovation. Alternatively, call on 01233 653008 or email info@riftresearch.com to take the first steps toward ensuring your best ideas always bring the biggest rewards.

Construction UK Magazine - April 2022 35

RISING FUEL COSTS DRIVE SHIFT TO SOLAR WELFARE With fuel tax increases and the phasing out of ‘red’ diesel for welfare cabins on 1st April, is now the time to make the change to solar? Welfare owners operating traditional diesel fuelled cabins are facing up to the huge increase in running costs that the proposed tax changes on April 1st will bring. With ‘red’ diesel no longer permitted for use, companies will have to turn to expensive white diesel or plant-based HVO biofuel which is also being hit with a tax hike of 46.81 pence per litre. With this mind, many people will be looking for alternative ways to power their welfare cabins. Hydrogen is one option but at the current time, it is still prohibitively expensive and also most of the hydrogen available in the UK is ‘dirty’ hydrogen produced in a way that means its environmental impact is very high. Therefore solar is looking like the most viable alternative. UK manufacturer Boss Cabins recently launched its new Deep Green 2030 range

of welfare products, which are designed to operate almost entirely from solar energy and produce virtually zero emissions. The cabins are fitted with a raft of roofmounted high-spec solar panels, lithium ion batteries and a smart energy monitoring system which shows at all times exactly how much energy the cabins are generating and using and from what source. A tiny 3.5kVA generator is installed as back-up to charge the battery during periods of low light or if they are placed in locations where there is minimal sun exposure. The cabins are fitted with a SolarFlow™️ electrical system which consumes as little energy as possible while still providing all the functions needed in a high-end welfare unit. All items operate from 24V battery power, so can be powered purely from solar energy. Data gathered from the fleet of solarpowered Deep Green cabins currently out in the field has shown their solar production capacity to be exceeding even the manufacturer’s own expectations. Boss Cabins Managing Director James Kearsey

states: “We are delighted by the results we are seeing. Even in the low winter light of February, these cabins are generating almost all the power they need from solar alone.”

We have Deep Green welfare cabins deployed in different locations all around the UK, and in the last week of February, the data showed that these units were creating 91% of their energy requirements solely from the bank of solar panels mounted on their roof. These results are extremely encouraging and show that for most of the year, the Deep Green range will be able to run 100% on solar power using no fuel at all and creating no emissions. As well as providing an effective solar alternative to traditional welfare, the Deep Green units include a raft of other environmental benefits including a unique and innovative system for harvesting rainwater and recycling grey water which cuts the need for water refills and waste pumpouts. James Kearsey continues: “We developed the Deep Green 2030 range to give the welfare industry a product that truly reduces environmental impact while not sacrificing any of the performance you expect from a Boss welfare cabin.” The first cabins in the Deep Green range include a 24ft Canteen/Office and a 16ft Canteen, both with twin toilets. Several more models are in the pipeline with a 12ft model being released soon and several sizes of static as well as a range of portable toilets. To book a Deep Green demo or for more info, visit the website bit.ly/DeepGreenSolarWelfare

36 Construction UK Magazine - April 2022

Fire Safety, Security & Prevention

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Built to withstand heat Ceildoor’s 1 hour and 2 hour Fire Rated Access Panels are amongst our most popular products. They are chosen by hundreds of contractors across the UK when structural integrity and thermal resistance is required. Our Fire Rated Access Panels can also be used as flue inspection hatches for heat producing appliances and are used in residential, commercial, retail and education environments. Designed to comply with Thermal Resistance to BS EN ISO 100771:2006 (Part J) and by Exova Warrington for Fire Resistance to BS476:Part 22:1987 (Part J) for integrity performance.

Call us on: 01902 733645 www.ceildoorproducts.co.uk Construction UK Magazine - April 2022 37

Women In Construction Feature

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY: CAMBRIDGESHIRE GRADUATE WORKING IN MANUFACTURING DISCUSSES HOW COMPANY ETHOS CAN ENCOURAGE WOMEN IN THE WORKFORCE Throughout my induction into the business as I started my graduate scheme, I saw multiple examples of women in senior positions who had earned promotions internally and it inspired me.

The opportunities and platform provided for women at building products manufacturer Forterra – best known for its production of the famous London Brick – has inspired Operations Manager Graduate Laura Watts. Laura, 24, joined Forterra’s graduate scheme in September 2021 after graduating from Coventry University with a degree in Business Management.

A year’s placement in the automotive industry confirmed to Laura that she wanted to pursue a career in manufacturing. Laura’s experience of being a woman in a male dominated industry has been a positive one, “The working culture and ethos at Forterra mean gender norms are often challenged – they want everyone on a level playing field at all times.”

ASSISTANT SITE MANAGER ENCOURAGES MORE WOMEN INTO THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY Following International Women’s Day (Tuesday 8 March), assistant site manager Emily Langston is encouraging more women to enter the construction industry. The 24-year-old Vistry Group employee, from Evesham, is keen to shine a light on the vast number of roles that are available to women in what has traditionally been a male-dominated field. “To any woman considering a career in construction, I’d say go for it”, said Emily. “There’s a whole industry waiting with a scope of opportunities, from roles in land and planning to technical – there’s nothing stopping anyone from achieving their dreams.” Emily joined Vistry - which includes Bovis Homes, Linden Homes and Vistry Partnerships - in November last year.

Prior to joining Vistry, Emily spent five years at housebuilder Taylor Wimpey where she started her career on a twoyear trainee assistant site manager scheme before progressing to assistant site manager.

and love being outdoors, so I knew I didn’t want to be stuck in an office all day long.”

She said: “I wanted a change and was keen to gain experience working for a new housebuilder, and get the experience of working at new sites under my belt.” After finishing school, Emily decided against going to university and instead completed an events and business management course at college.

I had no experience of working in construction, but ever since I secured the trainee site management position, I haven’t looked back.

“I knew university wasn’t for me, but I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do, so I ended up applying for a whole mix of jobs. I do, however, come from a farming background

She is currently based at Vistry’s dualbranded Oaklands development in Hardwicke, Gloucestershire, where she works at both the Bovis Homes and Linden Homes sites. “Although it’s a male-dominated environment, I’m never treated differently on site for being a woman. My team always show me respect, listen to what I have to say and value my opinions. “As I grew up on a farm, working in this kind of environment comes naturally to me – I’m definitely not afraid to be the only woman in the room!”

38 Construction UK Magazine - April 2022

Emily, who also enjoys being outdoors in her spare time, either to play golf or go hiking, added:

Although she’s only been with the company for a few months, Emily already has high hopes of climbing the career ladder at Vistry. She said: “I really value the level of support and guidance I receive from my team. The company supports progression and that’s so important to me. The next step up is site manager and after that, area build manager - I want to get all the way to the top and I definitely feel as though I’m at the right company to achieve that. “I get involved with all sorts on site, like ordering materials and monitoring health and safety regulations. What I love most about the job is seeing the daily progress of each house being built – and how much I get to be outdoors!” For more information about careers with Vistry Group, visit vistrygroup.co.uk

Women In Construction Feature As part of her graduate training, Laura is currently working in a senior position at our King’s Dyke brick factory and says that she has never felt out of place in the role, “Forterra encourages diversity and inclusivity and is not shy about recognising that the industry has historically been male-dominated. It is serious about addressing this by making the organisation attractive to women. “Throughout my induction into the business as I started my graduate scheme, I saw multiple examples of women in senior positions who had earned promotions internally and it inspired me.”

be hesitant to apply: “Take a risk and don’t put yourself off the unknown – try it! Anytime I’ve taken a risk it’s led to new and interesting opportunities, and I hope other women will do the same and find themselves in roles and industries they are passionate about.” Forterra Chief Executive, Stephen Harrison, says, “As an organisation, we endeavour to stamp out the age-old stereotype that the manufacturing industry is male dominated we have many women who work out on our sites as well as in office-based roles.

“We have a range of opportunities here and we want to remind women that every one of them is open to them, and if they believe they are capable then they should apply – gender never has been, and never will be, a barrier. “Both Laura and Nicki are amazing case studies for this year’s International Women’s Day, and set an example for the rest of the industry to follow.” For more insight into careers at Forterra, visit https://www.forterra.co.uk/careers/

“I feel at home at an organisation that takes this seriously and provides such opportunities to women – telling them that they will do well if they are good enough, in the same way the opportunity is there for men. “I think this push for diversity is impressive, and I have seen strong and talented women being recruited into the business in the short time I’ve been working here. I can see a clear career path into becoming a Plant Manager, which is my long-term goal. I have seen other women at Forterra who are fulfilling their potential as a result of opportunities available, and I want to achieve the same.” Laura’s advice to any woman interested in a career in manufacturing, but who might

ACTIS MARKS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY TO HELP RAISE AWARENESS OF GENDER BIAS Actis marked International Women’s Day by celebrating the achievements of some of the female members of the team across the UK. Actis regional sales director Jemma Harris is also one of scores of Women in Construction ambassadors, who are on a mission to drive equality and diversity within the construction industry. “Diversity and inclusion are always something industries should strive for. I’d like to think that, along with other women in the industry, we are making an impact and difference in inspiring the next female generation to get involved in construction,” she said. Among activities aimed at encouraging more young women into the profession have been talks to teenage girls about her own career path - which saw her move from the Royal Navy into another traditionally male industry. Year 11 students at a recent talk said they were inspired as a result

of hearing what she had to say, with comments such as: “Jemma’s talk gave us a chance to show young women that they can do anything that they actually want to do and that they don’t have to do the stereotypical ‘girl jobs’ and that girls are just as good as boys and that everything should be equal.”

Diversity and inclusion are always something industries should strive for.

Actis South East and London area sales manager Liane Bayliss was recently longlisted for an annual industry award for helping customers across the South East address complex technical issues and running merchant training sessions. Gemma Slatcher says breaking the bias needs to start in schools. “Most construction trades are aimed at men, so if this is spoken about in schools more I think more girls would be inclined to look at it for a future career. Go and get some experience. If you have a family member in the construction industry ask them if you can do some work experience with them to get a feel if that’s what you would like to do.”

Construction UK Magazine - April 2022 39

Project AECC UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CELEBRATES NEW £4.5 MILLION INVESTMENT IN NEW CLINICAL REHABILITATION CENTRE AND SPECIALIST EQUIPMENT AECC University College staff and students are celebrating the Topping Out Ceremony as their new rehabilitation centre building structure is completed. This is a £4.5m investment in facilities, works and specialist healthcare equipment – which will form an important part of the University College’s clinical service offering to the community.

forwards, ensuring that Boscombe is home to a specialist health sciences university and a recognised centre of excellence in clinical and rehabilitation education, care and research. The new rehabilitation centre will provide nine treatment rooms and a large multi-zoned physical rehabilitation space to help people get back to health and mobility after injury or illness.

Part of the Topping Out Ceremony involved putting the final brick into the outer building of the new clinical rehabilitation centre by local firm Mildren Construction Limited. The new 754 square metre building marks a significant investment in the future of the campus.

The new facility will be open to the public from September 2022, and will allow the University College to add an even broader range of clinical and rehabilitation services to their current offering – AECC University College already offers the local community chiropractic treatment, specialist MRI, ultrasound, x-ray, physiotherapy, a breastfeeding clinic and first contact physiotherapy.

The new building is the flagship project within a broader programme of developments which will also provide upgrades to other areas of the estate, develop new patient services, provide new jobs, and increase the number of students studying health degrees. AECC University College has been working closely with partners across the Dorset Integrated Care System, other public, voluntary and independent sector partners to developing a suite of new training courses in key areas to help fill local workforce gaps. These new developments will provide a significant boost to the Bournemouth East community economy going

The new facilities will now allow the institution to also offer clinical services in physical and sport rehabilitation, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, dietetics, podiatry and more. The new facilities will also support the delivery of new health sciences courses at AECC University College, providing much needed training placement capacity and give its students the chance to learn and practise in a multi-professional environment under expert supervision of practising clinicians. AECC University College, on Parkwood Road, Boscombe, works with the NHS and the Dorset CCG (Clinical

Commissioning Group), private providers as well as providing a self-referral service for anyone needing support – from sports injury rehabilitation and alleviating back, neck and shoulder pain to helping older people recover normal mobility and function after a fall. The state-ofthe-art facilities also includes an open upright MRI scanner, one of only six in the country, which is helpful for patients who have mobility issues or suffer with claustrophobia and therefore are unable to tolerate the tightly confined space experienced within a standard MRI scanner as they sit and stand, rather than lie inside a tightly confined space. The University College is also currently developing its simulated education and training facilities, with the development of a digital skills innovation suite incorporating radiology and radiotherapy simulation, immersive virtual reality and high-fidelity mannequins and a digital skills training hub to support educational delivery. AECC University College’s facilities are open for public utilisation and feature a cafe and bookable rooms for community use. We will provide a world-leading university and health care service which sits at the heart of the community. Across the next five years, AECC University College plans to double its student numbers and to provide more services, classes and courses to the community – including providing postgraduate courses for mature students who aren’t currently in a health care role and are wishing to take up a new career in health sciences. Such courses are to include speech and language therapy, occupational health, dietary and podiatry, which will commence in January 2023. The new multi-million-pound state of the art facilities were enabled by a £2.7 million Getting Building Fund grant funding allocation by Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). AECC University College will be providing additional funding towards the cost of the facilities and suite of courses and services that will be available to the community. Dorset LEP secured £11.8 million of the government’s Getting Building Fund in 2020, set up in response to economic challenges of the pandemic. The new facility at the AECC University College is one of nine projects supported by Dorset LEP through this fund.

40 Construction UK Magazine - April 2022

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UK Magazine - April 2022 41 2022 xx Construction UK Magazine - February Construction

People On The Move VITAL ENERGI APPOINTS CÉCILE PARKER AS CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER TO DRIVE DECARBONISATION AGENDA Energy services company Vital Energi Group has announced the appointment of Cécile Parker to the role of Chief Financial Officer to help drive its business growth and decarbonise the UK’s energy systems. Cécile has a wealth of multinational board-level experience, with a track record of raising funds to enable growth organically and through mergers and acquisitions. She enjoys strong relationships with private equity firms, major banks, financial institutions, and global payment providers. Her appointment is described by the company’s CEO as a strong signal of plans for “transformational growth”, as

it looks to expand its offering from being a delivery partner to being an asset owner. Cécile Parker has been working as CFO at Europe’s largest supplier of industrial maintenance, repair and overhaul products and services, where she was instrumental in turning the business around and doubling the company’s profitability. Previously she was Group Finance Director at a critical asset business which provided commercial laundry, catering and heating solutions. She has also served in senior finance roles in the construction, telecommunications, food and drink industries, and is a twotime winner of the Industrial Engineering CFO of the Year award. Operating in the energy market for over 30 years, the Vital Group has 550 employees across the UK. The company is building the energy infrastructure that will help the UK achieve its decarbonisation targets and has a turnover of £250million and a future order book of over £500million.

WILLMOTT DIXON STRENGTHENS LEVELLING UP TEAM WITH KATHERINE KITCHENER APPOINTMENT Willmott Dixon has strengthened its specialist team working to support local authority levelling up plans by appointing Trafford Housing Trust’s former head of delivery Katherine Kitchener as regional head of land and development in the North. Kat will work with both public and private sector organisations to help accelerate town centre regeneration projects by leveraging funding, unlocking challenging sites and providing the extra capacity that can bring projects to site more quickly. It comes as Willmott Dixon has just been appointed for its latest urban renewal project, the Spindles Town Square redevelopment in Oldham. Kat brings more than 15 years’ experience in residential sector development. She joins a specialist team within Willmott Dixon that is providing additional expertise to help public sector organisations across the country unlock the opportunities coming from the Government’s Levelling Up agenda by providing asset and development management, as well as support with funding solutions and land sourcing.

It comes as Willmott Dixon has just been appointed for its latest urban renewal project, the Spindles Town Square redevelopment in Oldham.

WELL-TRAVELLED JILLY FINDS FIRM FOUNDATIONS IN CONSTRUCTION A young woman who attended eight primary schools as a child has found firm foundations in the construction world.

Jilly Rapley may only be 21, but she is relishing her role as technical co-ordinator Derby-based Hodgkinson builders. Jilly was born in Vietnam to a Vietnamese mum and an English father, and the family moved around a lot, relocating back and forth between Qatar, Oman and England for her dad’s job. She attended eight primary schools, which Jilly says was hard. “People say ‘you are lucky to have travelled’, but it’s also very difficult when you are young and want to stick to one place and not leave friends you’ve just made”, said Jilly. But she added:

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It’s made me well-rounded - I think it has made me more respectful toward other people and other cultures and how they live. The family settled in Derby and now Jilly, of Chellaston, is carving out a career in construction. She took the plunge into the sector after trying out apprenticeships in mortgage brokering administration and sales administration. According to the GMB union, women account for just 12.5 per cent of the workforce in the construction sector.

People On The Move

WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION:

ELEANOR OGILVIE PROMOTED TO HEAD OF LAND & PARTNERSHIPS AT MCI DEVELOPMENTS Eleanor Ogilvie, from Stockport, joined MCI Developments in 2019 as a Land & Partnerships Manager, and within 3 years has been able to achieve her goal of Head of department at just 27 years old. The promotion reflects Eleanor’s ambition to identify additional development opportunities, and during her time at MCI Developments has purchased and facilitated land opportunities, resulting in the delivery of over 650 much-needed affordable dwellings across the North West.

in me to learn more about the property and construction industry. For me, being knowledgeable in the industry and being able adapt to new challenges has helped progress my career quickly.” With an aim to open more doors to women within the construction industry, Eleanor has been a member of Women in Property for five years, and Chair for the organisation in the North West for 2021/2022.

Having started her career in the construction industry in 2015, Eleanor has been able to quickly progress in the industry, and as Head of Land & Partnerships, she will be responsible for leading the department to acquire and deliver residential development sites, with an aim of 500 homes per year in the region. Often stereotyped as an all-male industry, Eleanor’s promotion marks a progressive step forward as the industry is slowly becoming more diverse, particularly in managerial roles. Eleanor commented: “I’m immensely proud to be leading the Land & Partnerships team here at MCI Developments.

I’m looking forward to strengthening the Land Team and continuing the success of delivering much-needed affordable housing across the North West of England. “I decided I wanted to pursue a career within the construction industry whilst I was at university. I thoroughly enjoyed the regeneration modules, and it sparked an interest

Construction UK Magazine - April 2022 43

The South Building under construction

NEW FROM SCHÖCK – A THERMALLY INSULATING CONCRETE WALL CONNECTION Due for completion in 2036, the overall masterplan envisages 3500 spacious new homes in a combination of terraced housing, a contemporary update of the London mansion block and a series of taller buildings. Improved open spaces will also be a major feature. Aylesbury Square graphic. Courtesy of Vistry Partnerships

With reinforced concrete construction, minimising linear thermal bridges at the wall connection to the floor, or floor slab, has been a perennial problem for the building industry. However, Schöck has introduced a dedicated new solution – the Sconnex type W. It is a product that offers outstanding insulation performance, combined with an exceptional load-bearing capacity. Around 40% of all thermal bridges in a building are caused by walls and supports, which in turn are responsible for about 10% of heating energy losses. Schöck, the market leaders in the development of structural thermal breaks for balconies and other cantilever constructions, has now also applied its Isokorb expertise to reinforced concrete wall and support. Thereby offering an application-friendly and high-quality solution that contributes to a permanently sustainable building concept. The first major project to incorporate the new product is the Aylesbury Estate regeneration in the London Borough of Southwark. Extensive regeneration required The Aylesbury Estate, completed in 1977, was planned to house over 10,000 residents, with a design embracing concepts of modernist urban planning. During the 1990s however, despite its ambitions, the estate was considered one of the most deprived areas in the

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country. With deteriorating buildings and disillusioned residents, the estate was in need of extensive regeneration and Southwark Council considered the possibility of refurbishment. However, in 2005, having assessed the overall cost and benefits, it was decided that the best option was to demolish the existing estate and build new, better quality, mixed tenure homes. Various remedial developments have taken place since, but more recently the regeneration has escalated and currently there is a phased demolition and redevelopment programme which will see the Aylesbury Estate transformed into one of the most significant urban renewal projects in London. Aylesbury Square is at the heart Due for completion in 2036, the overall masterplan envisages 3500 spacious new homes in a combination of terraced housing, a contemporary update of the London mansion block and a series of taller buildings. Improved open spaces will also be a major feature. Pivotal to the scheme is Aylesbury Square, which is one of the earliest sites to be delivered. It consists of two separate blocks, from four to fifteen storeys, situated around a new public square forming the civic heart of the Aylesbury Estate regeneration. The North Building will provide 122 new homes on the square and it will also incorporate a community facility, which includes a public library and commercial space at ground level. The second block, the South Building, accommodates a Health Centre with a Primary Care GP Medical Centre and a Community Health Care facility.

On-site installation shot

A serious source of linear thermal bridges The construction of the two blocks is of reinforced concrete and the wall connection, to the floor or floor slab, has traditionally been a serious source of linear thermal bridges. The result being not just serious energy loss, but also the high risk of condensation. This can easily lead to mould growth, resulting in possible structural damage and worse, posing a health risk to the occupants. There is a sustainability strategy in place for Aylesbury Square, which is to ‘create a place which meets or exceeds the highest quality standards for new development in London.’ This is to be achieved by delivering highly energy efficient buildings as part of a London Plan policy compliant

Graphic of the product in position

The Sconnex type W

strategy using the BREEAM Communities sustainability standard. Sconnex is a unique Schöck solution The new Sconnex type W thermally insulating connection for reinforced concrete walls is unique in its ability to help to meet these criteria. This new Schöck product minimises the thermal bridge between the exterior wall insulation and the insulation above the floor slab, increasing the energy efficiency of the entire building. Thermal losses are greatly reduced and the surface temperature in the room increases to considerably more than the critical dew point temperature. Heating costs are lower, a pleasant room climate is created and the linear thermal transmittance (Psi) of the connected reinforced concrete wall is reduced by up to 90 percent. The outstanding insulation performance is combined with an excellent load-bearing capacity, which transmits very high pressure, tensile and shear forces in the longitudinal and transverse direction. This is made possible by the use of a pressure buffer consisting of ultra-high performance fibre reinforced concrete. A material which achieves compressive strength levels in excess of 175 N/mm², but with extremely good flexural strength as well. A further important benefit is the generally significant cost reduction involved when compared to installing insulation beneath the floor slab.

For further information on the new Sconnex type W product contact Schöck on 01865 290 890; or download the brochure at www.schoeck.com

Construction UK Magazine - April 2022 45

Project News

BAM TO DELIVER NEW SECONDARY SCHOOL FOR WELDON AND CORBY Following full planning permission from North Northamptonshire Council, BAM Construction is beginning work on Weldon Village Academy, a new coeducational secondary school which is to be situated on land east of Weldon village, near Corby. BAM has been appointed to the £30 million scheme by the Department for Education (DfE) under its national education framework. The school will be operated by the Cambridge Meridian Academies Trust (CMAT). The new 8 form school is being built to meet the increased demand for pupil places in the area by providing 1,200 places for students in Years 7 to 11 and 300 post-16 places. The school is expected to be completed in time for the beginning of the academic year in 2023.

The new three storey school building will feature two teaching wings stemming from the main building spine, creating a protected courtyard. The rear of the building form will link to the school’s sports and recreation facilities that will include a sports hall, a four court multiuse games area, two full-sized football pitches and three five-a-side pitches. The school will also provide safe, dedicated access to parking and drop off areas, as well as well as cycle and pedestrian links to the main building entrances and sports areas. A new

The site layout will retain as much of the existing vegetation within the site as possible, as an integral part of the landscape scheme that will also incorporate a comprehensive sustainable drainage system.

46 Construction UK Magazine - April 2022

roundabout will also be created on the A427 Oundle Road to support easy access to the new school. The site layout will retain as much of the existing vegetation within the site as possible, as an integral part of the landscape scheme that will also incorporate a comprehensive sustainable drainage system. BAM is also behind the DfE pathfinder school, Southam College, which will be one of the UK’s most sustainable schools on its completion.

PREMIER TECH IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE NEXT GENERATION OF ITS HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL REWATEC SOLIDO SMART Premier Tech Water and Environment has upgraded its 3,000 L and 4,000 L range of Rewatec Solido Smart sewage treatment plants, to provide a peace of mind wastewater treatment solution for its customers and installation partners. By utilising proven sequencing batch reactor (SBR) technology to provide wastewater treatment and clarification in a single, durable tank, the Rewatec Solido Smart delivers exceptional reliability and efficiency, with a small footprint.

A new super reinforced polyethylene shell structure means that Premier Tech can extend its level of warranty cover for the new system from 10 to 25 years for the shell itself, whilst also extending the pump warranty from 1 to 3 years. The warranty for all electro-mechanical parts will remain at 3 years. Design changes such as a complete pre-assembly of internal componentry, a combined inlet and desludge pipe which can be rotated to align with underground pipework, a 50% wider access turret with simple on-site height adjustment, and the incorporation of pump lifting chains are all ways in which the new Rewatec Solido Smart is significantly easier to install and service. In addition, each Rewatec Solido Smart is equipped with an electronic control panel to ensure that pre-determined outflow values are maintained during operation. When the number of habitants for a property are entered into the panel, the pre-set control parameters are automatically loaded to ensure that wastewater treatment and energy usage is optimised.

MORE POWER MORE CONNECTIVITY

For periodic usage, or periods with no usage such as holidays, “economic mode” can be selected to reduce aeration by 50% of the set value for a maximum of 30 days. This again maximises energy efficiency whilst also reducing cost and carbon footprint. Ian Wake – Sales and Marketing Director commented on the upgrade by stating: “Premier Tech prides itself on providing sustainable local solutions that protect our planet, and the upgrade to our Rewatec Solido Smart range is no different. We have listened to the feedback from our customers and implemented design changes that have enhanced our overall solution, whilst maintaining the core offering of highly efficient wastewater treatment. By manufacturing the Solido Smart so that is it has more features and benefits and is quicker to install and easier to service, we truly believe we will continue to make a lasting and positive difference to the lives of our customers and the planet we all share.” CE and UKCA marked, and fully tested and certified to EN12566-3, the new Rewatec Solido Smart is suitable for properties of up to 10 people. To find out more about how this innovative sewage treatment plant provides the next generation of domestic wastewater treatment, visit: https://www.premiertechaqua.com/en-gb/ wastewater-treatment/sequencing-batchreactor-sbr

machine smoke extraction system the THZ N4 is particularly suited for operating fresh air drives such as GEZE’s RWA K 600.

GEZE have completely upgraded their control panels for smoke and heat extraction systems. Control units are the brain and the power supply of the smoke and heat extraction systems in a building. The new THZ N4 and THZ Comfort replace the previous versions and offer a more powerful power supply, increased connectivity and easier installation. In addition to extracting smoke from staircases the THZ N4 and THZ Comfort can also be used for smaller smoke and heat extraction systems such as a foyer and are suitable for use on new buildings and retrofitting. In large event venues with smoke extraction installed in the roof or with a

Both versions have received a hardware and capability upgrade; the more powerful power supply enables an increased output of 4.5A from the 3.4A in previous models which broadens the panel’s specification possibilities and allows more drives to be connected. The motor line connection has also been upgraded to a spring level motor terminal to allow for easier installation and both can now be interfaced with the GEZE ST 220 service terminal for quick and easy commissioning. Both control panels have a compact and attractive design; the THZ N4 has a plastic housing in white whilst the THZ Comfort has a robust metal housing in orange. Andy Iredale, National Sales Manager for Automatic Doors and Window Control, said:

These new control units offer even more options for smoke and heat extraction as more drives can be connected due to the more powerful power supply which in turn allows more options on where they can be used. To find out more about the THZ N4 or THZ Comfort visit GEZE’s website or for a brochure email info.uk@geze.com. For more information on GEZE’s comprehensive range of door and window control products visit www.geze.co.uk

Construction UK Magazine - April 2022 47

Project News

MC CONSTRUCTION TO DEVELOP NATIONAL TRUST’S NEW ‘PARK IN THE SKY’ MC Construction has been appointed by the National Trust to transform a disused railway viaduct in Manchester into a new urban sky park in a £1.8m scheme. Work will soon get under way on the project, which will bring more green space and nature to the Castlefield area of the city. The National Trust is aiming to turn the imposing 330 metres long steel viaduct, which stands 17 metres above the Castlefield canal basin and has Grade II listed status, into a temporary park in the sky and create a meeting place to benefit people and nature that celebrates the area’s industrial heritage. It is scheduled to open in July. Russ Forshaw, Group Operations Director at Salford-based MC Construction, whose headquarters are just a mile from the site, is overseeing the construction of the pilot. The pilot phase of the park in the sky project will see a green space created to stretch halfway across the elevation of the viaduct. Trees, flowers and shrubs will be planted to soften the hulking, grey steel work of the industrial structure to help attract wildlife. When the first phase opens in July, 100 people a day will be able to visit. Entry onto the structure will be free, with a booking system in place to help manage numbers. As part of the experience, visitors will be able to join a guided walk on the viaduct.

LAND & WATER COMPLETES WORKS ON ONE OF THE LARGEST RIVER RESTORATION PROJECTS OF ITS KIND IN EUROPE Leading wet civil engineering firm Land & Water has completed phase two of works at the ‘Unlocking the Severn’ fish pass construction site at Holt Weir, along the River Severn in Worcestershire. On behalf of its client Kier, the penstocks have now opened with the main fish pass works complete and signed off, enabling the rare migratory fish, the shad, to travel to their natural spawning grounds for the first time in nearly 180

On behalf of its client Kier, the penstocks have now opened with the main fish pass works complete and signed off, enabling the rare migratory fish, the shad, to travel to their natural spawning grounds for the first time in nearly 180 years.

Russ Forshaw, Group Operations Director at Salford-based MC Construction

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years. The fish pass will also benefit salmon, eels and lamprey. Having been involved in the project since the beginning of 2020, Land & Water has achieved many milestones during this project from championing new ways of working due to the Coronavirus pandemic to delivering one of the biggest crane and pontoon arrangements in the business’ history. Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the European Union LIFE programme, ‘Unlocking the Severn’, a project led by the Canal & River Trust with partners Severn Rivers Trust, Environment Agency and Natural England, will restore connectivity on the UK’s longest river and aims to deliver ambitious heritage, education and science programmes that will reconnect millions of people with the river.

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Construction UK Magazine - April 2022 xx 49

ARCHAEOLOGISTS UNEARTH ANCIENT BURIAL MOUND AT OXFORD UNIVERSITY’S ‘LOST COLLEGE’ The archaeologists who uncovered Oxford University’s ‘lost college’ think they have now discovered evidence of a 4,000-yearold prehistoric burial mound beneath it. A fragment of skull and part of a human jawbone with some teeth still in place has been unearthed, together with remains typical of a Bronze Age barrow used for human burials.

The findings by Oxford Archaeology follow their recent discovery of part of the limestone foundations of the former St Mary’s College, which was founded for Augustinian Canons studying in Oxford but was abandoned following the Dissolution of the Monasteries by Tudor monarch Henry VIII towards the end of his reign. The archaeological dig has been taking

place on a site where construction firm Beard is developing 30 student rooms at the Frewin Annexe of Brasenose College, where Grade II* listed Frewin Hall is located within Oxford’s old city walls. Oxford Archaeology’s senior project manager Ben Ford said it appeared the south-eastern part of St Mary’s College – known as the ‘lost Augustinian college’ The remains of the possible Bronze Age barrow mound (C), on top of the original prehistoric ground surface (B), cut by the foundations to St Mary’s College (A). Photo: © Peter Beilby, Beard.

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Project because so little of it remains today – had been built on top of part of what was once a circular burial mound. He said: “Locating part of the original massive limestone wall foundation of St Mary’s College was a significant archaeological discovery, and it is exciting to have now discovered underneath it and nearby the remains of an earthwork, a fragment of skull, and part of a human jawbone.

These intriguing discoveries strongly suggest a prehistoric burial mound was on this site thousands of years before Oxford even existed. The jawbone is robust and clearly from an individual of some stature. The mound is built from reddish colour soils and natural gravel – its survival is very unusual. We are now searching for the circular ditch which would have surrounded it, and the remaining bones of the individual. Ben Ford added that Oxford is situated on a long north-south promontory between the River Thames and the River Cherwell, and there have been previous discoveries of Bronze Age barrows, and an earlier Neolithic henge. He explained: “In the Neolithic era the Oxford promontory was probably a sacred area, which remained significant in the Bronze Age when it became an extensive burial ground to commemorate powerful and important people from local communities, under large earthen mounds.

“Frewin Hall is one of the oldest buildings still in use in the city, and when we started this project, we hoped to uncover evidence of Oxford’s earliest years as a fortified Saxon town, as well as its later use as the residence of some of Oxfords most powerful Norman families.

Peter Beilby, project manager at Beard, and Ben Ford senior project manager at Oxford Archaeology crouch on the remains of the possible Bronze Age mound next to the foundations St Mary’s College. Photo: © Janet Lake.

“However, it had not been previously documented that there was a prehistoric burial site here. This rare discovery brings a new dimension to what is known about this rich archaeological area, and we are grateful to Brasenose College for making this possible by funding the excavation.” A selection of artefacts discovered by the team from Oxford Archaeology were put on display at a recent open day. They included near complete ceramic wine or beer jugs, bone objects, coins, glass vessels and highly decorated window glass, along with decorated floor tiles and glazed roof tiles from the medieval period. Members of the public were also given guided tours by experts from Oxford Archaeology, and were able to see the excavations, from viewing areas especially built for the event by construction firm Beard. Peter Beilby, project manager at Beard said “We stopped work for the day and opened the gates. Despite the weather we received 500 visitors to view the excavations. It was fantastic, a huge success. “We collaborated closely with the team from Oxford Archaeology during the excavations, and also on the run-up to the event. “It was decided to construct the viewing areas for the public open day so that people could see the excavated areas safely while getting a full picture of the archaeological work that has taken place.”

Ben Ford added: “There is so much interest in the archaeology of this great city – it’s always a special day when we can show off our discoveries in this way.” More information about the excavations can be seen at: https://oxfordarchaeology. com/our-projects/frewin-hall-oxford/ information-sheets Peter Beilby project manager at Beard, and Ben Ford senior project manager at Oxford Archaeology, with BJ Ware of Oxford Archaeology and members of the public at the display of artefacts on the open day.

Ben Ford, senior project manager at Oxford Archaeology takes a group of open day visitors on a site tour from the walkway. Photo: © Nigel Firth.

Construction UK Magazine - April 2022 51

News AMEY CONSULTING LAUNCH NEW CAREERS SCHEME TO HELP ENGINEERS BREAK THE ‘CAREER BREAK CURSE’ Amey Consulting, one of the UK’s leading engineering consultancies, has formed a new partnership with STEM Returners to help engineers get back into work after a career break. Working with clients such as National Highways, Network Rail and Transport for Wales, Amey Consulting provides consultancy & design and advisory & analytics services to owners of critical national infrastructure, vital to the sustainable growth of the UK. The consultancy will offer a STEM Returners programme with varied opportunities

aligned with consulting hubs located across England, Scotland and Wales. STEM Returners, based in Hampshire, will source candidates for the programme, which aims to return or transfer experienced engineers back into industry following a career break. The fully paid placements act as a ‘returnship’, allowing candidates to be re-integrated into an inclusive environment upon their return to STEM. There is a well-known skills shortage in the UK engineering industry, but despite a clear need for people, professionals who have had a career break are often overlooked. Successful candidates may be offered full-time positions at Amey Consulting upon the completion of their 12-week placement. Since STEM Returners launched in 2017, more than 200 STEM Returner candidates have joined programmes across the UK.

HUB SOUTH WEST COMPLETES ITS 500TH HOME AS IT BUILDS ON ITS SUCCESSES AS A PREFERRED DEVELOPMENT PARTNER Infrastructure specialist hub South West has passed a major milestone on its journey as a preferred development partner with the completion of its 500th home since it diversified into housebuilding just over four years ago.

An artist’s impression of the new zero carbon homes at Ryves Vale, Tickenham, by Newland Homes.

The remarkable achievement was marked by a gathering of the hub team, including Chief Executive Officer Michael Ross and Chairman Dr Willie Mackie, at the new terraced town house in Irvine, part of the major Towerlands project for North Ayrshire Council which is being built by Ashleigh Construction. It is the seventh large scale social housing development for the Council, which was the first local authority to come on board with hub South West in social housing provision, and is one of 21 sites now handed over, under construction or under development, worth more than £205 million. The celebration was further enhanced by the revelation that the public-private partnership will also reach financial close on its 1000th house within the next few months. Its housing procurement route offers local authorities a meaningful and structured social value platform, ensuring a lasting legacy is built beyond the homes.

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NEWLAND HOMES LAUNCHES THE COMPANY’S FIRST ZERO CARBON OFFERING Climate considerate housebuilder Newland Homes has brought its first zero carbon homes to the market, with more than 800 people registering an interest to find out more about just 32 zero carbon houses in Tickenham, North Somerset, demonstrating a strong consumer demand for more energy efficient homes. As the cost of living continues to rise, and with many people facing unprecedented energy bills, these homes are attracting interest thanks to their use of renewable energy from free, natural sources that will never run out, such as solar and wind power. The 32 highly-efficient homes have the potential to produce more energy than the building itself requires to run and the excess can be sold back to the National Grid. Three, four and five bedroom homes are available and all properties achieve an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating in excess of 100, placing them firmly in the top energy performance band of A, which is achieved by only 2% of houses in the UK. Newland Homes has created three new house designs especially for this site, one of which is called the “Tickenham’. The idea of a house with substantially lower energy bills is appealing to many in the current climate, and they are better for the environment too as the homes don’t rely on fossil fuels.

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Construction UK Magazine - April 2022

Articles inside

BAM to deliver new secondary school for Weldon and Corby

Cambridgeshire graduate working in manufacturing discusses how company ethos can encourage women in the workforce

FIT Show Set to Deliver Recordbreaking Industry Showcase

New funding enables expansion of green construction skills initiative

Willmott Dixon appointed for Oldham town centre transformation

Band of Builders launches free counselling service for tradespeople

Infrastructure specialist Magdalene awarded new framework

Greener, healthier building products take centre stage at UK Construction Week’s Innovation Zone

Bellway buys land from Homes England for landmark development

Henry Boot Construction to deliver park in Sheffield City Centre