Construction UK Magazine - May 2023

UK Construction Week: UK’s largest built environment event makes welcome return to London

SUSTAINABILITY: GREENHUSHING MUST NOT IMPACT SUSTAINABLE ACTION

Willmott Dixon starts £61m Oakley School in Warwickshire

Greenblue Urban: Made in Britain

optrel: INNOVATION, INCREASED EFFICIENCY, NO FACE FIT TEST: MEET SWISS AIR!

Lightbulb Credit: Business Credit Ratings explained. Risk-free Insight, Improvement & Monitoring

Sales Executive Hannah Marshall hannah@constructionmaguk.co.uk

Sales Manager Adam Jeakins adam@constructionmaguk.co.uk

Circulation Manager Leo Phillips subs@constructionmaguk.co.uk

Tel: 01843 808 106

Website: www.constructionmaguk.co.uk

Twitter: @constructionukm

LinkedIn: @constructionmaguk

BARHALE SECURES PLACE ON £139M THAMES WATER FRAMEWORK

Thames Water has appointed Barhale to its newly-established framework for Waste Network Services.

The civil engineering and infrastructure specialist will provide reactive, planned and proactive maintenance services under the £139M Lot 5 of the framework which runs for a minimum of five years with an option to extend for a further three years.

VBC AWARDED £10M MODULAR CONTRACT FOR £22M, 500-BED HOTEL IN GERMANY

Global modular building specialist, Volumetric Building Companies, has secured a contract worth more than £10m for the offsite construction of a 500-bed hotel for the Tropical Islands resort near Berlin, one of the world’s largest waterparks.

Worldwide leisure park operator Parques Reunidos is investing £22m in the new hotel, which will expand the resort’s facilities by 500 beds and create its largest hotel on the Tropical Islands site.

VBC’s contract is for the modular manufacture, furniture production, offsite fitting out and installation of five storeys of guest room accommodation.

There will be a range of guest room types, including two- and fourbedroom family suites; double, accessible, and 36sqm deluxe rooms. These will be installed by VBC on to a concrete podium which accommodates the public areas and guest amenities. The new hotel will be clad in grey composite cladding and will be linked to the indoor water attractions.

In addition to the manufacture of 155 steel-framed hotel modules, VBC’s contract includes production of a full range of bespoke, contemporary furniture for the guest rooms at its factory in Poland – from beds and sofa beds

to shelving, bathroom vanity units, and wood and glass partitions between the main bedrooms and bathrooms.

The guest room modules will arrive on site in Summer this year and will be installed in just two months. The hotel is due to open early 2024.

The attractions at the Tropical Islands Resort include an indoor rainforest which is home to 50,000 plants and 600 species, a beach and 1,200sqm swimming lagoon, spa and saunas spanning 10,000sqm, and the world’s longest double water slide. The park welcomes around 1.2m visitors each year, making it one of the most popular leisure destinations in Germany.

Parques Reunidos is one of the fastest growing leisure park operators in the world. It owns and operates over 50 leisure parks across Europe, North America, and Australia – including theme parks, aquaria, zoos, and water parks.

VBC has delivered modular projects in the UK, Europe and around the world for a host of global hotel brands, including for Marriott, Hilton, Intercontinental Hotels, Whitbread, and citizenM.

Lot 5 covers high value proactive and reactive emergency repairs on both the gravity and pressurised wastewater network across the Thames Water Utilities operations area. It requires the provision of a range of activities including addressing acute customer problems such as blockages, flooding and pollutions; and working on subsequent follow-on work and scheduled maintenance, as set out under Thames Water Utilities’ planned programme.

Barhale will be joined by Cappagh Contractors, Clancy Docwra, J Browne, McAllister Bros and Morrison Utility Services on the framework.

Thames Water’s Network Operations Engineering

Lead Jason Moran said: “Waste Network Services

Lot 5 offers an important opportunity within Network Operations not just to strengthen our supply chain but also to harness industry experience from suppliers.

“Barhale’s emergency response team has already provided critical support to our front-line, tackling complex challenges whilst working collaboratively with our breadth of internal and external stakeholders.

“It’s an exciting time within operations, as we focus on innovation and delivery efficiency for the benefit of our customers.”

Barhale Director Phil Cull is pleased to extend the business’s relationship with Thames Water.

“We work closely with Thames across a number of frameworks and sites and have built up a fantastic operational understanding,” he said.

“There is also an important emphasis on innovation –finding new, better value ways to deliver solutions and building long-term resilience into the network.”

Through collaboration we have been able to deliver faster, more effectively and with less disruption to customers and these efficiency gains are key drivers of the how the Waste Network Services framework will be delivered.

ELEVATE PROPERTY GROUP APPOINTS BODE CONTRACTING TO BUILD ITS £50M SILK YARD SCHEME IN DERBY

The developer of a £50m property scheme in the centre of Derby has appointed an East Midlands construction specialist to deliver the project over two years.

Elevate Property Group, which is responsible for the iconic Trent Bridge Quays development in Nottingham, has selected Bode Contracting to build the 258 apartments that will offer high quality,

HENRY BROTHERS APPOINTED ON MINISTRY OF JUSTICE FRAMEWORK

Contractor Henry Brothers has been appointed on the Ministry of Justice Constructor Services Framework for the first time.

The company has been chosen on both national and regional frameworks in support of construction work across the entire justice sector, including courts, prisons, and the Home Office.

Managing Director of Henry Brothers Construction, Ian Taylor, said: “Being appointed to the Ministry of Justice Framework for the first time is excellent news for Henry Brothers. Henry Group has a long history of working in the justice sector, and more recently delivered a new £50m prison Block at HMP Maghaberry.

“We are excited to have been appointed on both the national and regional frameworks, which will give us an extensive pipeline of opportunities.

“Henry Brothers is on numerous frameworks, including the Crown Commercial Services Framework, so we are very familiar with working for Government organisations, such as the

Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO). We look forward to partnering with the organisations under the MoJ Framework to support future construction projects in the justice sector.”

Henry Brothers has been appointed on two Lots in Framework B – construction projects valued at between £5m and £10m. These cover the North region and the Wales and Central England region.

In addition, Henry Brothers has been appointed as one of eight contractors on Framework C for national construction schemes valued at between £10m and £30m.

Both Frameworks run for five years and cover work for MoJ Corporate, HM Courts and Tribunals Service, HM Prison and Probation Service, Legal Aid Agency, Office of the Public Guardian, and the Home Office.

The anticipated value of Framework B is expected to be £0.75bn over four regions, while the anticipated value of Framework C is expected to be £0.625bn.

Henry Brothers Construction is part of The Henry Group, which comprises a number of manufacturing and construction sector companies.

In partnership with its valued clients, it has a proven track record in education, defence, commercial, industrial, transport and healthcare sectors.

affordable city centre living for young professionals, couples, and downsizers.

Phase 1 of The Silk Yard will provide 94 apartments on the corner of John Street and Castleward Boulevard, with the second release set to include 164 properties in a five and seven-storey building on the adjacent site.

Buyers and investors will be able to choose from one, two and three-bedroom apartments, as well as studio-style apartments across the 1.55-acre site that was once an historic manufacturing sawmill.

Steve Dodd, managing director of Elevate Property Group, commented: “We have built a very strong partnership with Bode Contracting. They have just finished The Priory House Development for us in Birmingham and are currently working on the second phase of our Trent Bridge Quays development in Nottingham.

with the well documented supply chain disruption we’ve seen in construction in recent years.

He continued: “Bode are also working with us to ensure that sustainable construction techniques are used in what will be one of the highest-profiles schemes Derby has seen since lockdown eased.”

The Silk Yard, which has been designed by architects Corstorphine & Wright, is the first time Elevate Property Group has developed in Derby and continues the firm’s desire to bring historic city centre sites back to life through high quality residential developments.

Bode Contracting will start work this month and the construction of the three apartment blocks will take two years to complete.

The 258 new homes will be ideally located between the city centre and the railway station, contributing a valuable new source of quality housing in central Derby for firsttime buyers, downsizers, investors, and professionals commuting by rail.

The company have always impressed us with the quality of their build and ability to meet deadlines, especially

BUILD PROGRAMME ENTERS FINAL PHASE AS ONE CITY PARK ON TRACK TO COMPLETE SUMMER 2023

The build programme for One City Park, Bradford’s first new high quality office development in 20 years, is continuing at pace as the project team led by nationwide placemaker, Muse, in partnership with Bradford Council and lead contractor Caddick Construction remain confident that the development is on track to complete summer 2023.

The striking glass and steel scheme will create 56,403 sq ft of sustainable office space across five floors. The steel frame - supplied and erected by Halifaxbased Elland Steel - was completed in November and the aluminium cladding system which frames the floor to ceiling windows is well underway.

Externally, the retaining wall in front of the building has been demolished and work has begun on constructing new Spanish steps which will link the building to the mirror pool and provide an attractive setting for people to meet, sit and enjoy the views over City Park –which is set to play a major role in the district’s UK City of Culture programme in 2025.

Simon Dew, development director at Muse, added: “The skills and specialist knowledge of our extraordinary build team is enabling us to deliver this landmark scheme for the city on track which is an incredible achievement. We’ve had a strong stream of enquiries from potential occupiers – a confident sign that the demand for a modern, high specification office scheme in the city is there.

“Bradford is a place where start-ups and growing SMEs can thrive, and that major corporates have proudly called their home for hundreds of years. The district has always cultivated an entrepreneurial spirit – and we hope that One City Park will become home to the next generation of innovators who will choose to live and work in the city, attracted by the opportunity to fulfil their potential here.”

The scheme has been designed with modern businesses in mind, with flexible floor plates that can adapt to accommodate more agile working practices that promote wellbeing, and strong sustainability credentials. In line with Bradford Council’s ‘Clean Growth Strategy’, which is ensuring that

development in the city is sustainable, clean, environmentally regenerative and socially inclusive, One City Park will feature a range of green design elements including high-performance glazing, photovoltaic panels and air source heat pumps to make sure the building operates on renewable energy. Every car-parking space includes an electric car charging point, coupled with secure cycle storage and changing facilities to encourage workers to take more sustainable and healthier modes of transport.

The skills and specialist knowledge of our extraordinary build team is enabling us to deliver this landmark scheme for the city on track which is an incredible achievement. We’ve had a strong stream of enquiries from potential occupiers – a confident sign that the demand for a modern, high specification office scheme in the city is there.

Paul Dodsworth, Managing Director at Caddick Construction added: “There’s a huge demand for high quality, multipurpose commercial space in Bradford and Muse is leading the region by bringing to market

this exciting new development. It’s a true testament to our team’s commitment and dedication that we’re on track to deliver this fantastic project on time. Creating places where businesses and their people can thrive is important to every commercial build that we deliver, and that’s why we’re working hard to ensure our sustainability target of BREEAM Excellent is met and this flagship scheme provides a market-leading environmentally conscious space.”

The building will feature a panoramic roof terrace offering superb views of the many civic and cultural buildings that surround City Park including City Hall, St George’s Hall and new music venue, Bradford Live, which is currently undergoing a multi-millionpound transformation, as well as bars, restaurants and cafes. It will also complement other major capital developments in the city including the £23m Darley Street Market scheme.

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration Planning and Transport, said: “One City Park entering the final phase of its construction marks an exciting moment in the district’s continual transformation and really complements the wider regeneration of the city centre including the new Darley Street Market and the progress being made with the City Village at the top of town.

“It’s a measure of our ambition for continual growth in the district.”

BOND WOLFE LAUNCHES £10 MILLION DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

Bond Wolfe, the Birmingham-based property specialists, have launched a new development division with £10 million in cash earmarked for new build and part-built development projects.

The company is calling on lenders, receivers and property agents across the Midlands to get in touch and explore the opportunity of taking forward stalled projects.

Chief executive Gurpreet Bassi said: “Against a backdrop of rising interest rates and construction costs, Bond Wolfe will look to acquire distressed part-built residential projects and new build opportunities to complete the construction and retain for long term rental or re-sale.”

Initially, Bond Wolfe has set up a war chest of up to £10 million and will operate without bank debt.

The decision follows a report by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) that highlights the main barriers from stopping small to medium local housebuilders from delivering homes.

Aside from the usual constraints of lack of available land and a tortuous planning process, the report flags up access to finance as the most significant finance-related issue, by far.

BOUYGUES UK’S ‘WALL OF KINDNESS’ IN SWANSEA HELPS PASS ON CLOTHING TO THOSE IN NEED

Bouygues UK have installed a ‘wall of kindness’ at its 71/72 Kingsway site in Swansea to help provide those in need with warm clothing.

Located on the site hoarding on Oxford Street, the wall of kindness allows people to leave clothing they no longer want which can then be used by those in need. Pegs attached to the wall give passers by the opportunity to take or leave coats and other items of clothing.

With a tough winter of cold temperatures, storms and torrential rain, the wall has so far provided more than 30 items for those who cannot afford to buy their own. It was the brainchild of Building Services Manager Mark Crouch and it is the first time Bouygues UK has implemented it at one of their sites.

Mark said: “I have never seen this done at a site I have worked on before. I put the idea forward to our Social Value team and together we came up with our very successful wall. As soon as we place coats on the wall they are taken by those in need and it really has been a success. It has been great to see how welcomed is has been by everyone in the city centre.”

Business Growth and Social Value Director at Bouygues UK, Leigh Hughes, added: “When Mark approached my team suggesting a wall of kindness on our hoarding around the site, we thought it was a great idea.

“This is the only such wall in Swansea City Centre at the moment and is being used frequently by those in need of some warm clothing over the winter period.

“Mark’s initiative aligns perfectly with our social value agenda at Bouygues UK and as part of the community-engagement plan we are rolling out at 71/72 Kingsway.

“It’s great that he came to us with the idea and that we were able to implement the scheme so quickly. We look forward to introducing more walls of kindness around our Bouygues UK sites.”

The 71/72 Kingsway development was once the home of Oceana, and it forms a key part of Swansea Council’s wider sustainability strategy and includes some innovative features to ensure it is carbon zero in operation.

The project is being part-funded by the £1.3bn Swansea Bay City Deal and supported by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government.

As well as 114,000 square feet of commercial floor space featuring flexible co-working and networking opportunities, a new link between Oxford Street and The Kingsway will also be constructed. Completion of construction is anticipated in early 2024.

NATIONWIDE SAFETY AIMS TO REACH NEW HEIGHTS WITH READING FC ASSOCIATE PARTNERSHIP

Nationwide Safety has agreed a threeyear deal with sports rights specialists Eleven Sports Media to become a Reading FC Associate Partner.

As industry leaders in safety, while working at height, Nationwide Safety provides its construction and industrial clients with fully compliant bespoke safety and access systems.

As a Reading FC Associate Partner, Nationwide Safety will work with Eleven Sports Media to share its message via powerful fan engagement platforms

throughout the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

As an Associate Partner, the company will reach out to supporters at every stage of the matchday, using high-impact perimeter LED boards and big screen displays.

Fans will also see Nationwide Safety’s message alongside engaging match related content on screens throughout concourse and hospitality areas of the stadium. The safety experts will also reach fans beyond the stadium, using the Royal’s far-reaching social media channels to share its message with over 800,000 online followers.

Nationwide Safety plans to use its Reading FC Associate Partnership to communicate with a wider audience, ensuring those in need of safe working at height solutions in the South of the UK are familiar with their name, whilst using the platform as an opportunity to broaden its reach through the EFL’s growing television audience.

STERLINGOSB ZERO ‘PRIMED FOR ACTION’ ACROSS THE BOARD

Panel product manufacturer, West Fraser, has introduced a new ready-primed version of its industry-leading SterlingOSB Zero board which is ideal for use in a wide range of situations from site hoardings through to building exhibition stands and other installations where appearance is important.

SterlingOSB Zero PrimedPlus is being produced in 18mm thick, square-edged sheets measuring 1220 mm wide by 2440mm long. The top face is primed with a UV putty and the sides are sealed to reduce water ingress, leaving the sheets ready for decoration or the application of graphics. The high-quality surface is smooth while the structure is free from knots or voids and from an environmental perspective the ‘Zero’ in the name assures specifiers that the product contains no added formaldehyde.

For information, call 01786 812 921 or visit uk.westfraser.com

WILLMOTT DIXON STARTS

£61M OAKLEY SCHOOL IN WARWICKSHIRE

Willmott Dixon has started construction work on the £61m The Oakley School in Leamington Spa as part of Warwickshire County Council (WCC)’s plans to make major additions to the community’s education provisions.

Construction of the new school facilities will be completed in summer 2024, with Oakley School pupils taking occupation at the start of term in September 2024.

Secured through the Scape construction framework, The Oakley Grove School will be an allthrough facility that will comprise a 34-place nursery, 420-place primary and 900-place secondary school with SEND provision.

The project will see Willmott Dixon invest heavily in the local community, with £1.5m committed through social value activities such as delivering careers talks, work

WORK IS UNDERWAY ON NEW PROPERTIES AT FORMER TRANSPORT RESEARCH LABORATORY IN CROWTHORNE

Vistry Group has started work to build 169 new properties on the former Transport Research Laboratory site in Crowthorne.

experience, traineeships for those not in employment, education or training and creating local job opportunities.

The design adopts a fabricfirst approach to reduce energy consumption and limit carbon emissions in operation. The building will also feature air source heat pumps and PV panels as part of a renewable energy strategy.

The Oakley School is part of a wider development across the local area comprising over 4000 new homes and a country park. To facilitate the operation of the school improvements will be made to Oakley Wood Road. The school development will also provide a stand-alone sports hall, several natural turf pitches and an allweather pitch which are both for educational and community use. All playing surfaces will be delivered to Sport England design standards.

The housebuilder’s plans include a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments and two, three, four and five-bedroom houses at Buckler’s Park, as part of the regeneration of the land off Nine Mile Ride.

Vistry is building 85 Bovis Homes properties and 84 Linden Homes properties for private sale, with 17 affordable homes being provided for local people through rent or shared ownership.

Detailed plans for the development were approved by Bracknell Forest Council on 14 December 2022.

Buckler’s Park will be the fourth residential phase of the project to transform the TRL land, which was used for vehicle testing, research and developing innovations – such as the mini-roundabout and cycle lanes – to improve Britain’s roads and transport from the 1960s.

The wider scheme has outline planning permission for up to 1,000 new homes alongside a country park and community facilities.

WORKS PROGRESS ON SECOND PHASE OF HORIZON 29 IN DERBYSHIRE

Pivotal construction works led by McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) are progressing well for Phase 1B of the prominent industrial and distribution hub, Horizon 29, in Bolsover, Derbyshire.

Located one mile from Junction 29A of the M1, Horizon 29 is a new landmark distribution development, which once complete will span 1,150,256 sq. ft and have a total of eight warehouses, delivered over three phases.

McLaren Construction (Midlands & North) commenced construction on Phase 1B in November and will be delivering design

and construction work on two new speculative builds (Units 4 and 5), with extensive ground remediation works to stabilise the former coal site, which will complete this summer.

Works delivered to date for Unit 4 of Phase 1B include earthworks and VSC piling, concrete foundations and steel framing alongside lift shaft and stair installations. The installation of nets for roofing works and office elevation cladding are due to complete this month.

Earthworks are also complete for Unit 5 and concrete foundations have commenced alongside the construction of

steel framing. CMC piling is also due to be finished this month.

The contractor is also in the process of constructing two single storey distribution warehouses for P1A (Units 1 and 2), which are due for completion in April, and all units at Horizon 29 will be constructed to a BREEAM Rating of ‘Excellent’ with an EPC ‘A’ Rating.

Sustainable features of the industrial and development hub include solar PVs, air source heat pumps, enhanced cladding, responsibly sourced sustainable materials, LED lighting and electric vehicle charging points.

All external works are being undertaken by McLaren Construction (Midlands & North) including general hardstanding, car-parking, electric vehicle charging points, landscaping, mains services and drainage.

Equation Properties is a London-based property development company for the distribution and industrial sector.

McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) Ltd is part of McLaren Group – a group of companies formed in 2001 which operate in construction, property and development throughout the UK and UAE.

McLaren Construction serves both the public and private sectors in core areas including commercial offices, residential, education, retail, distribution and logistics, hotels, and leisure.

LEEDS MEDIA CENTRE REFURBISHMENT GAINING PACE

Swift progress is being made on a £1.8 million redevelopment scheme which will create additional business space and improve life chances for aspiring entrepreneurs in Leeds.

Scaffolding his been erected around Leeds Media Centre in Chapeltown in preparation for the installation of a new roof and modern windows.

Internal works are already well underway to remodel the ground and lower ground floors to create space for up to 12 new business units and a bespoke business hub with hi-tech virtual facilities.

The project, due for completion this summer, is being delivered by Unity Enterprise – a not-for-profit subsidiary of housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise – in partnership with Leeds City Council.

It is part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund including support for a full-time business adviser to assist young businesses, with an emphasis on those working in the creative, digital and media sector.

Leeds Media Centre is owned by Leeds City Council and managed by Unity Enterprise on a long-term lease.

NEW £6.5 MILLION FOOTBRIDGE IMPROVES ACCESSIBILITY IN PETERBOROUGH

Civil engineering specialist GRAHAM has delivered a new multi-million-pound footbridge in Peterborough, ensuring that members of the public can continue to cross the A47 easily and safely.

GRAHAM was appointed by National Highways, which needed to replace Longthorpe’s old bridge as it approached the end of its life.

Now operational, the new 30-meterlong structure (which is located just five meters from the site of the old bridge) was designed to be more accessible for cyclists, pedestrians, and wheelchair users.

It was delivered as part of a £250 million package of National Highways projects, geared towards improving safety on the A47 between Peterborough and Great Yarmouth.

To ensure no biodiversity has been lost as a result of the bridge build, four hundred new trees will be planted locally to replace those it was necessary to remove as part of the project. Wood chippings produced were donated to a community garden in nearby Ravensthorpe and wood from pallets, which had been used to deliver materials to the site, were also given to the community garden where a volunteer transformed them into a model of a steam train. This was subsequently donated to a school nursery.

As part of the project, GRAHAM demolished the old arched concrete footbridge, which was built in the 1970s and failed to meet current industry standards. The new structure was constructed whilst keeping the old footbridge open, complete with reinforced containing walls and pre-cast concrete bridge beams. The new bridge

also features shallow access ramps for enhanced accessibility, two abutment walls, CFA piling, and a luminated handrail. Its retaining wall contains Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate (LECA), a unique, sustainable material.

GRAHAM worked to minimise disruption, managing two full weekend closures, and shutdowns of the A47 for the bridge beam delivery and demolition phase.

The old bridge was kept open for the duration of the works, with a minibus service provided for members of the public. GRAHAM’s team could only gain access to the site via the A47, as residents live on either side of the structure.

RED CONSTRUCTION LONDON APPOINTED TO DELIVER ELEVATED OFFICE SPACES WITHIN BARWOOD CAPITAL’S REDEVELOPMENT OF ‘EXPLORE’

RED Construction London, a regional arm to the main contractor RED Construction Group, has announced its appointment to deliver Barwood Capital’s multi-million pound redevelopment of Explore, the office building in Richmond, south west London, formerly known as Eton House.

Explore is set to be repositioned as prime sustainable office space, with a 45,000 sq ft transformation. RED Construction London has been selected to undertake the redevelopment, targeting BREEAM Excellent and an EPC A rating, with a Fitwel two-star certification and WiredScore Gold for digital connectivity. The works involve modernizing the existing building, installing an additional top floor of accommodation with a roof terrace, and an external garden of 4,200 sq ft on the ground floor. Other amenities in the space will include 42 cycle parking spaces, electric vehicle charging points, as well as a gym and spinning studio, with changing rooms and showers.

The regeneration of Explore aims to provide a more elevated office experience, with an emphasis on creating a space that supports employee mental health and wellbeing. Sustainability in terms of energy efficiency and biodiversity are also

a big focus for the new office building, to be achieved through enhanced greening and planting opportunities within external and private spaces.

Mark Iori, Operations Director at RED Construction London, commented: “The redevelopment of Explore is a strong representation of what RED Construction London does best, with sustainable

construction and functional reimagination of spaces, something our team is well versed in.

“We will be creating an environment that evolves the workplace, embedding employee mental health and well-being focuses in its design. That reflects our company culture, so we are thrilled to be working with Barwood Capital on this project.”

MODULAR BUILDING AND PREFABRICATION: A SOLUTION FOR ESG CHALLENGES IN THE ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION SECTOR

By Eva Carranza, Global Director ESG & Sustainability at Hexagon

While modular building used to be associated with low-quality, massproduced building structures and limited design options, state-of-the-art digital tools have renewed interest in offsite construction. Easy-to-use technology and software make offsite construction more efficient and more accessible.

Simultaneously, prefabrication has emerged as an antidote to a number of pressing challenges in the AEC industry: namely, the talent shortages which have long afflicted the construction sector, the ever-increasing emphasis placed on meeting ESG standards, and the increasing demand for affordable, sustainable housing.

In this interview, Eva Carranza, Global Director ESG & Sustainability at Hexagon, delves into the trends which are encouraging a wider adoption of prefabrication and modular building in the industry and its wider impact on factors as varied as sustainability, workplace safety and the notorious construction talent shortage.

Is prefab construction experiencing some kind of renaissance at the moment? Why do you think that is?

Yes, I think that’s true. Alongside benefits such as cost savings, reduced environmental impact and improved working conditions, it’s becoming an attractive option for innovative building construction companies that strive to deliver better standards. These companies can bring fresh, modern designs while also improving their environmental footprint and keeping structural safety a priority. The practice of off-site construction has been around since the early 1900s but has, until recently, remained a niche

approach. This is changing as advances in digital technology have eroded some of the traditional shortcomings of off-site construction. State-of-the-art digital tools enable complex planning and help optimise module design, workflows and delivery logistics. Off-site construction now offers solutions to a range of pressing social and environmental challenges associated with traditional onsite methods, such as reduced noise and traffic congestions.

What is the connection between prefabrication and ESG challenges?

The (AEC) sector traditionally lags behind other industries in terms of its environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards. Responsible for one-third of global energy consumption, the sector’s large environmental footprint stems in part from its waste-heavy and energyintensive supply chains.

Modular construction — manufacturing building parts in a factory and assembling them on site — is one approach to addressing the sector’s ESG challenges. Prefabricated modular units may range from flat-pack components, such as walls, complex mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) assemblies to threedimensional building sections, such as fully built bathrooms.

Currently, an estimated 25% of construction material ends up in landfills. Prefabrication reduces the environmental impact by optimizing material usage and enabling the reuse or recycling of offcuts. Because prefabricated components are manufactured in a controlled, moisturefree environment, it is easier to use sustainable materials for some of the components, such as wood.

The controlled factory environment also reduces the potential for human error, weather delays, and minimises noise and dust pollution at the site. Such optimisations have obvious benefits for the overall efficiency of the construction project, but they also have environmental advantages over traditional practices: for example, less time spent on construction inevitably translates into fewer carbon emissions from vehicles and less heating or cooling requirements at construction sites. At the end of their life cycle, prefabricated building units can be disassembled without demolishing them and are more likely to be reused.

How will a significant change in methodological approach, such as the widescale adoption of prefabricated construction, affect current workflows and working conditions?

The AEC industry’s reputation for workplace safety is pretty poor. Prefabrication offers safer and more comfortable working conditions for construction workers, as part of the construction process is shifted to a controlled factory environment minimising time spent on more unpredictable building sites.

Since the Coronavirus pandemic, studies suggest that people are less willing to travel long distances for long periods of time, which means you end up with a wealth of talent in some areas and a scarcity in others. One of the big selling points for modular building is that factories can be set up where the labour is, addressing talent shortages in the industry.

Prefabrication also provides cost savings and social benefits, such as affordable housing and community-serving infrastructure. During the pandemic, for example, we saw modular building come into its own in China where hospitals were erected within a matter of weeks to meet demand.

What are the factors enabling this shift in industry mindset?

Prefabrication has been around for a long time, but when it started every workflow was very manual and time consuming. It is becoming increasingly

clear that digitalisation and automation will rapidly transform the construction industry, for a variety of reasons but generally, effectively automated workflows and carefully integrated digital solutions improve the overall efficiency, safety and cost of construction projects. Prefabrication will play a major role in this with today’s project-based approach set to shift to a more product-based one, with construction sites increasingly becoming places of assembly of pre-engineered parts.

Tight building schedules, labour shortages and increased demand, of affordable housing for example, are driving the adoption of prefabrication methods out of necessity. BIM-focused reality analysis platforms have emerged to effectively address these pain points. Automated workflow tools enable teams to design and produce exactly what is needed, early on detect and fix mistakes, reduce costly rework, prevent delays, and gain accurate, transparent financial visibility into the project’s progress.

What technology will prove especially important with the rise of the prefabricated construction model?

The need to keep all project participants up-to-date increases demand for building information modelling (BIM) and

modern data-sharing solutions. Current industry solutions connect previously siloed players by making data accessible to disparate stakeholders across all phases of the construction project. This is especially important in modular building where several stages of the traditional construction process can be progressed simultaneously; on-site foundation work can take place while the modular units are assembled, for example. While this makes for a much more efficient and environmentally-friendly build process, effective communication between stakeholders is vital.

Stacks of integrated solutions empower customers to monitor the complexity of their projects based on near real-time status and geographic location. Purposebuilt for the construction industry, these solutions provide an easy-to-use interface for material coordinators, workforce planners, and construction management teams to plan activities effectively and support the schedule.

Total stations enable the creation of more sophisticated and flexible systems of off-site components and the integration of off-site components into conventional builds. The technology thus helps address a major “image problem” of modular construction, a method often associated

with boring building designs that allow for little customisation. In addition, software modelling and simulations let designers fine-tune building designs and optimise prefabrication — which helps to speed up construction and reduce waste.

Taken together, modular construction and digitalisation have the potential to help the AEC industry meet ESG standards, improve working conditions and address the talent shortage, all while developing buildings that will last many years into the future. What may look like an almost impossible challenge — to meet skyrocketing building needs in the face of dwindling resources and labour shortages — can turn into promising opportunities for reimagining construction practices poised to benefit the environment, society and the bottom line.

GOSPORT

APPRENTICE CALLS

FOR MORE EMPLOYERS TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES

A 16-year-old boy with learning difficulties is making leaps in his career, thanks to unwavering support from his employer – and he’s urging other companies to support young people in his position.

Callum Pettitt, who is from Gosport, suffers from a Global Development Delay – a condition in which children are significantly delayed in their development of speech, motor, cognitive and social skills.

His employer, Hampshire housebuilder, Barratt Homes Southampton division, has put measures in place to support Callum, allocating a buddy system and funding transport to and from his specialist college, and the teenager has gone from strength to strength.

Having struggled in an academic setting, Callum was looking for an alternative, and now works five days a week as a carpentry apprentice, alongside his course at Leicester College, which offers additional learning support to young people like Callum.

Not only do Barratt Homes fund all transport to and from Leicester, but the housebuilder also pays for accommodation in the city while Callum studies there for two weeks out of every 20.

When he’s on site, Callum has a ‘buddy’ called Luke, who is on hand if Callum is ever struggling at work and needs someone to talk to.

The results have seen the 16-year-old flourish and he is relishing his on-site work with the developer. He said: “I have learnt so much since starting with Barratt, and they have done so much to support me.

“Being away from a desk and on site most of the time, really suits me. I think more employers should look to support more young people with learning disabilities as it has made such a difference to me.

“I’m looking forward to learning more from the team over the coming months.”

Callum’s mum, Stacey, said that the support her son has received from the housebuilder, has been incredible. She said: “I was anxious about him starting as apprentice with Barratt, I needn’t have worried.

“On starting with Barratt Homes, Callum had an occupational health assessment and was then assigned a manager as a ‘buddy’, who lets him know exactly what he’ll be doing and who he’ll be working with ahead of time. This is very important for Callum.

“To be forewarned about the tasks he’ll be doing beforehand means he can be prepared, and it will calm his anxiety.”

She continued: “The Barratt apprenticeship scheme has been perfect for Callum, and I would definitely recommend it to other young people in the area.”

Anthony Dimmick, Barratt Homes Community Liaison Officer, is pleased to see the talented youngster thriving in his role.

He said: “Barratt work in tandem with the communities where we are building new homes, and we work closely with schools and the local council, to offer apprenticeships to young people in the area. I’m so glad Callum decided to make his first step into a career in construction with us – it’s wonderful to see how much he’s grown in confidence already. I wish him every success for the future.”

Barratt Homes is building new homes across Hampshire, and is committed to supporting individuals and organisations in the region.

For more information, please visit www.barratthomes.co.uk.

HOUSING ASSOCIATION SECURES GRANT TO HELP FUND LOCAL COMMUNITY WARM SPACES

A warm welcome will be offered to local housing association’s customers, thanks to £10,000 grant funding, secured from the EEM Trust cost of living fund, which offers grants for projects that will support local people struggling with the cost-ofliving crisis.

Platform Housing Group – one of the largest housing associations in the country – is using this grant, along with a further £20,000 from their Wellbeing and Community Chest Funds, to help fund existing and new community warm hubs.

Marion Duffy, Chief Operations Officer at Platform Housing Group said, “We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded this grant funding from EEM, which we have increased to £30,000 to help support existing, vitally important, warm spaces and launch a new warm space in one of our community hubs in Skegness.

“More than 50 existing warm spaces will receive a share of this funding, to enable them to hold more sessions, stay open a little longer or offer more food. The funding will also make it possible for us to provide warm packs for people to take away to help them keep a little warmer at home.”

Platform has allocated the funds to groups across their communities in Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Derbyshire Dales and the West Midlands, taking into consideration the number of homes in the area, along with high levels of hardship and fuel poverty.

AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMPS: HELPING YOU TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR ENERGY CONSUMPTION

The Electric Heating Company is excited to announce the pre-launch of our newest product, the Air Source Heat Pump. This innovative product is designed to provide efficient heating for homes and businesses, while also reducing environmental impact.

At The Electric Heating Company, we are committed to creating products that not only meet the needs of our customers but also contribute to a more sustainable future. The Air Source Heat Pump is a perfect example of this commitment in action.

So, what exactly is an Air Source Heat Pump? Simply put, it’s a system that uses the air outside to heat your home or business. This is achieved through a process known as reverse refrigeration, which involves removing heat from the air and using it to heat water or the air inside the home or building.

One of the key benefits of the Air Source Heat Pump is its efficiency. Unlike traditional heating systems that rely on burning fossil fuels, the Air Source Heat Pump uses the abundant renewable energy from the air outside. This means it is not only more environmentally friendly but can also save you money on your energy bills.

Another great feature of the Air Source Heat Pump is its versatility. It can be used in a variety of settings, from single homes to large commercial buildings. It is also compatible with both underfloor heating and radiators, making it a flexible solution for all heating needs.

At The Electric Heating Company, we understand that reliability is important when it comes to heating systems. These systems are designed to last for many years and are less likely to break down compared to other heating systems. It also comes with a range of smart features, such as internet gateway, so you can remotely and easily manage your heating from wherever you are.

As a company, we take pride in our commitment to providing high-quality products and excellent customer service. We understand that choosing a heating system is an important decision, and we are here to help you make the right choice for your needs.

The pre-launch of our Air Source Heat Pump is just the latest example of our dedication to innovation and sustainability. We believe that everyone has a role to play in creating a more sustainable future, and we are committed to doing our part.

In conclusion, the Air Source Heat Pump is a fantastic addition to our range of products, and we are excited to be able to offer it to our customers. With its energy efficiency, versatility, and ease of use, it is the perfect choice for anyone looking for an environmentally friendly heating solution. At The Electric Heating Company, we are proud to be leading the way in sustainable heating, and we look forward to helping you make your home or business more efficient and eco-friendly with our new product.

If you want to find out more or would like to discuss the advantages of an air source heat pump, please feel free to contact our Sales Team on 01698 820 533 or visit www.electric-heatingcompany.co.uk

Lets take back control of our energy consumption!

As a company, we take pride in our commitment to providing high-quality products and excellent customer service.

TOP REASONS TO PLAN A TRIP TO FIT

FIT Show returns to the NEC for its ten year anniversary edition from May 23 - 25, 2023. Over the last decade, FIT Show has firmly established itself as the number one event for the UK glass, glazing, windows, doors, hardware and components industry.

Here’s why FIT Show 2023 should be an essential fixture in your calendar this May:

UK’s Only Dedicated Industry Event - FIT Show is the UK’s only dedicated event for the fenestration industry. Across the three days, FIT Show will welcome 10,000 installers, builders, fabricators, specifiers, architects and local authorities who will all be visiting to see the latest products and innovations on the market. Nowhere else can you find every link in the supply chain under one roof.

An International Showcase - Alongside all of the FIT Show heritage brands and UK favourites, you will also be able to see a large number of completely new brands at FIT Show in May. Over 25% of the lineup is made up of brands who will be exhibiting for the very first time, as well as the largest selection of international brands we have ever had. Expect to see the very latest products from countries including Turkey, China, France, Italy, Germany, America, India, Poland, Spain, Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Lithuania, Luxembourg and The Netherlands.

A Full Lineup - 200 brands. Thousands of the latest products & innovations. Tonnes of FIT Show exclusive discounts & offers. A jam-packed learning programme. A live broadcast and giveaways from FIX Radio. Installation challenges and practical products demonstrations. All under one roof. Only at FIT Show. When we say that this year’s lineup is going to be full, we mean it. Miss FIT, miss out.

Not Just Windows & Doors - FIT Show is so much more than a windows and doors event. Alongside our core UPVC, aluminium, timber and hardware lineup, we’ve introduced new features for outdoor living related products too. Expect to see windows, doors, hardware, running machinery, rooflights and lanterns, railings and balustrades, tiled roofing solutions, sealants, decking, lifting equipment, software, technology…The list goes on. This is your chance to see, touch and play with the latest products, as well as speak directly to the manufacturers and suppliers of them.

A Decade of Innovation - When FIT Show returns this May, it will be ten full years

since the show launched. This is your chance to help celebrate ten years since the launch of FIT Show, and a decade of being the UK’s number one trade show for the glass, glazing, hardware and components industry. Who doesn’t love a party? And what better way to celebrate than getting the whole industry together in one place at FIT Show?

Features & Learning - The saying; ‘every day’s a school day’ will definitely apply to FIT Show 2023. Our learning programme, in conjunction with the GGF and FENSA, will arm you with the latest information and guidelines around building regs, certification and legislation. From the latest guidance on trickle vents, through to how to market your business and drive more leads. A visit to FIT will arm you with the knowledge and power to do better business, from the moment you walk through the doors, until long after you leave the show.

No Show Until 2025 - After FIT Show 2023 this May there will be no show until 2025. Can you wait a full two years before seeing and comparing the latest products on the market, side-by-side? This is your chance to secure your pipeline for the next two years.

FREE to Attend - FIT Show is completely FREE to attend. Registration is already open so you can lock the biggest days of the fenestration calendar in at www.fitshow.co.uk. For exhibitors, walk on stand packages are still available from as little as £3,000. Our team of experts is on hand to help you at every step of the journey.

Don’t miss out on your chance to be a part of FIT.

DON’T MISS OUT! 2 YEARS UNTIL THE NEXT SHOW

STEEL TIMBER UPVC IT’S ALL THERE.

GLASS

People On The Move

STEPHANIE LOWE APPOINTED AS NEW SNIPEF DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE

SNIPEF Board promotes Stephanie Lowe following 18 months as Acting Chief Executive.

Stephanie Lowe has been appointed Deputy Chief Executive of the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF). The official appointment promotes Ms Lowe from Acting Chief Executive with immediate effect.

Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of SNIPEF, said: “Over the last 18 months, Stephanie has impressed the SNIPEF Board by bringing clarity, structure, focus, and drive in helping the organisation and its members through the difficult pandemic years.

“Apart from her evident passion, energy, and commitment to SNIPEF and the plumbing profession, Stephanie’s experience will assist me in continuing to improve SNIPEF and realise its new strategy beyond this year’s centenary celebrations.”

Stephanie Lowe, Deputy Chief Executive of SNIPEF, said: “Over the years, I have been impressed by the quality of the people, strength of culture and desire to build stronger industry relations for employers and plumbing operatives alike.

“I am excited to continue my close working relationship with Fiona, helping her to implement our new corporate strategy and ensure SNIPEF remains relevant to the profession that it has represented and supported since 1923.”

Stephanie joined SNIPEF as Industrial Relations Officer in 2006 and has held a variety of executive, operations, and project leadership roles, including Secretary to the Scottish and Northern Ireland Joint Industry Board. Most recently, she was appointed Acting Chief Executive to support the SNIPEF Chief Executive, Fiona Hodgson, during her absence.

NEW BOARD MEMBERS APPOINTED AT MANNINGHAM HOUSING ASSOCIATION

Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has made three Board appointments.

Rupert Pometsey becomes Vice Chair with Alice Kinder and John Knox joining the Bradford-based organisation as new Board members. They replace Abdul Ravat, Vicky Szulist and Haroon Rashid who have stepped down after many years of collective service.

Mr Pometsey is an architect and brings with him a wealth of experience following a career spanning over two decades of senior level experience as a housing development and asset management professional. Between 2015 and 2023 he was the Director of Development and Growth at Incommunities. Previously, he was the Managing Director of Firebird Joint Venture Company and Lumia Homes. He has served on the MHA Board since September 2022 and was the association’s Director of Development and Asset Management from 1998 –2005. He was also a Board Member and Chair of the development company at

Ongo Homes for several years. He has a real passion for tenant involvement and customer service having worked for the Tenant Participation Advisory Service (TPAS).

Alice Kinder is a specialist Employment Solicitor at the firm Bexley Beaumont. The current Vice President of Birmingham Law Society – believed to be the youngest person to hold this role in the Society’s 200-year history - and a Social Mobility Ambassador for the Law Society of England and Wales, she is also experienced in delivering training and strategic advice on equality, diversity and inclusion issues.

John Knox is Director of Strategy Implementation and Head of Property at The Anglican Diocese of Leeds. An experienced accountant with expertise in a wide range of policy areas including property and corporate governance, he is an associate member of both the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and Chartered Global Management Accountants, and an IOSH Health and Safety Trained Practitioner.

CONSIDERATE CONSTRUCTORS

Amit Oberoi has been appointed as the Executive Chairman of the Considerate Constructors Schemethe organisation which works with the construction industry to improve its image - to help raise its standards and build public trust in construction.

Amit takes on this role with effect from 1 March 2023, having held the position of non-Executive Chairman from July 2022 and Board Director from January 2022.

Amit will lead the organisation on an interim basis, while the Board resumes the recruitment of a new Chief Executive.

Amit is a Global Risk Management Practitioner, with over 20 years crossindustry experience in leadership roles in construction, technology, management consulting and national authorities. Amit currently works as Chief Executive at yppah, a mental health technology organisation. He has previously worked for construction organisations including Lendlease and on large high profile infrastructure projects in locations across the UK, Middle East and Australia.

Amit commented:“I am excited to take on this role and to be able to put my knowledge and experience to work in developing the organisation. I will be guiding the efforts of the executive, upholding our values, and delivering a smooth transition to the new Chief Executive when we make this appointment.”

HOW TO GET FUTURE HOMES STANDARD READY AT THE LOWEST COST

Ground source for the price of air source

Join Kensa Contracting’s free webinar to learn how you can install ground source heat pumps for the price of air source heat pumps, unlocking the cheapest route to compliance.

What will the webinar cover?

 Describe how ground source heat pumps work

 Bust the myth that air source is cheaper

 Explain how you can meet building regulations at the lowest cost

 Illustrate the benefits to your end customers

WEBINAR DETAILS

27 APRIL 2023

AM

 Describe how cost is recuperated through standing charge arrangements similar to the gas grid model

 Explain the benefits of cooling

 Demonstrate our unrivalled experience in deploying ground source on newbuild sites

Scan the QR code to register or visit:

https://kensa.group/WebinarApril23

Or, contact info@kensacontracting.com for a one-to-one CPD.

NEED TO QUICKLY REFUEL YOUR SNOWMOBILE OR SNOW PLOUGH?

This project at a ski resort in Andorra (Pyrenees) involved the design and installation of a new diesel pipeline system for the resort’s private snowmobile, snow plough and maintenance vehicle refuelling centre. KPS piping was specified for the project by a trusted regional contractor and KPS-certified installer.

Key Requirements:

• Reliable and compatible with the low temperatures consistent with this operating environment.

• Easy to install.

• Electrostatically safe (conductive piping).

• Double wall piping with an interstitial space.

• Installed by a certified installer.

The KPS Solution:

• KPS conductive 2” (75/63mm) double wall piping proved the perfect solution for this project, enabling the fuel flow rate required to supply diesel to the fleet and exceeding safety requirements.

• KPS conductive pipes are electrostatically safe (like the metal piping used in the past) avoiding potential static charge build-up (which can lead to sparks). In fact, KPS developed the first conductive HDPE piping system in the world.

• KPS 75/63 double wall piping system provides an extra layer of safety due to the interstitial space between the inner and outer pipes. This interstitial space can be monitored by a leak detector to prevent leaks and contamination, a big concern for the resort.

• KPS pipes are tested and approved according to EN14125. This testing standard facilitates an operating temperature range between -20ºC to 50ºC making KPS the ideal choice for the harsh winter environment consistent for this region.

• KPS offers technical support from the beginning to the end of every project, services offered including relevant product drawings, site surveys (on request), on-site training and pipefitter certification. The wealth of technical support readily available to KPS-certified installers ensures they are optimally equipped and trained in the installation and effective use of KPS plastic pipe systems.

KPS piping connects the above-ground tank to the outdoor refuelling area.

KP 75/63 double wall and KP 63 single wall piping connected to the above-ground tank. A leak detector is also connected to the interstitial space of the double wall pipe.

KP 75/63 double wall pipe coils were installed in a concrete trench around the ski resort.

Above-ground diesel tank: KPS piping was installed on the roof of the gallery using metal supports.

REMEMBER ME

The Remember Me memorial portico at St Paul’s Cathedral is a physical memorial to all those that died as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Entered via the cathedral’s North Transept entrance it is home to the online book of remembrance.

Designed by Caroe Architecture with Connolly Wellingham, the portico is a beautiful, elliptical structure crafted in the UK and featuring several GEZE doors.

As a visitor enters the cathedral from the North Transept they pass through a pair of swing doors powered by GEZE Powerturn automatic swing door operators. These doors take the visitor into the memorial and were chosen as they can open large or heavy doors and offer the flexibility of allowing the doors to be used both manually and automatically due to GEZE’s Smart swing function.

Above the doors, etched in to the structure in gold are the words ‘Remembering all who died as a result of the coronavirus pandemic’.

Once inside the portico, visitors can view the online Remember Me memorial, search for and view the tribute to their loved one, light a candle and take a moment to pause and reflect in this tranquil space. The online book is open to all people, whatever their faith or none.

From the memorial portico the main entrance into the cathedral is through GEZE’s TSA 325 NT, a manual revolving door with 4 leaves. The revolving door was chosen as it minimises air flow into the cathedral as only one quadrant is open at a time.

To ensure access for all a GEZE Slimdrive SCR curved automatic sliding doors was installed opposite the revolving door enabling those who are less able, or people with children in buggies, can still visit the memorial and access the cathedral. The Slimdrive SCR is controlled by wave sensors to ensure the doors only

open when requested. This is part of the portico’s design to minimise air flow.

Across all the glass in the doors are beautiful phrases such as ‘we will always remember’ and ‘never forget’.

The Remember Me memorial portico is a poignant tribute to those who died as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and is the most significant change to St Paul’s Cathedral in 300 years.

Following the public response to the online memorial, and in partnership with the Daily Mail, over £2million was raised to give the Remember Me memorial a physical home within the Cathedral.

Said GEZE’s National Specification Manager, Richard Richardson-Derry, ‘We were honoured to play a part in the construction of the Remember Me memorial. The combined challenges of minimising air flow, ensuring equal access and creating a beautiful structure to recognise those lives lost has been successfully achieved’.

For more information about GEZE UK’s comprehensive range of automatic and manual door closers call 01543 443000 or visit www.geze.co.uk

MAYOR OPENS NEW SHOW HOME AT LINDEN HOMES LOCATION IN ELY

The Mayor of Ely cut the ribbon to open the new show home at a Linden Homes location in the city.

Councillor Richard Morgan declared the Pembroke show home open at a VIP ceremony at the Willow Woods development, where Vistry Group is building 258 new properties on land off Lynn Road.

The mayor was joined at the exclusive launch event by a delegation from the senior management team at Vistry East Midlands, which included managing director Fraser Hopes, sales director Nic Chapman, and regional build director Andy Pearce.

As part of the planning agreement for the development, Vistry is building a new ECBapproved cricket pitch and pavilion for the City of Ely Cricket Club and representatives from the club also attended the event, including managers Ross Bailey, Richard Lee, and Ed Aniskowicz.

Cllr Morgan said: “As the Mayor of Ely, it was a great pleasure to officially open the

Pembroke show home at Willow Woods. This Linden Homes development will bring 258 much-needed new homes to our city, including 46 affordable homes specifically for local people who cannot get onto the housing ladder. This project will deliver the homes we need to attract new residents to the city to sustain the local businesses and the community that makes this such a fantastic place to live. I look forward to new residents

moving into the homes at Willow Woods and becoming part of the wonderful community in this beautiful and thriving city of ours.”

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE COMPANY SHORTLISTED FOR TOP INDUSTRY AWARDS

A property maintenance company has been shortlisted in an award that recognises excellence in safety and compliance.

Platform Property Care – a subsidiary of one of the UK’s largest housing associations, Platform Housing Group – is a finalist in four categories in the ASCP 2023 awards.

These are:

• Customer Service Excellence Award;

• Resident Engagement Strategy Award;

• Safety and Compliance Initiative of the Year Award;

• Safety and Compliance Training and Development Award.

The winners will be unveiled at the ASCP Conference and Exhibition which takes place on 14 – 15 June at Telford International Centre in Shropshire.

The Customer Service Excellence Award and the Safety and Compliance Initiative of the Year Award entry focused on the social landlord’s employment of the

Voicescape Compliance solution resulting in a significant increase in customer’s first-time gas appointments; in 8 months, the rate of no-access appointments has reduced by 20 per cent;

The Resident Engagement Strategy Award entry focused on the introduction of a live video solution to identify gas problems within a customer’s home, resulting in a level of customer service not seen before;

The Safety and Compliance Training and Development Award entry focused on the collaborative training practices between teams which has resulted in better team skills, increased efficiency and a better service for customers.

The Association of Safety and Compliance Professionals have been the voice of safety and compliance in the social housing sector since 2010 with more than 1000 members.

MICHAEL GOVE VISITS

GREENCORE’S MULTI-AWARD WINNING SPRINGFIELD MEADOWS IN OXFORDSHIRE

Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities visited the multi-award winning development Springfield Meadows, in Southmoor, Oxfordshire last week. He was joined by the local MP, David Johnston. The development of 25 climate positive homes, is built to be better than net-zero in terms of embodied carbon and aims to be netzero energy in use.

Michael Gove said “We want beautiful, well designed, and greener neighbourhoods and the community I’ve seen in Springfield Meadows is something we wish to replicate right across the country. By modernising the planning system, our reforms will create more places people are proud to call home.”

Greencore has aggressive growth plans and aims to deliver at least 10,000 climate positive homes by 2035.

In early 2022, M&G’s Catalyst team, which is investing up to £5 billion into innovative privately-owned businesses working to create a more sustainable world, acquired a majority stake in Greencore. At the time, M&G’s real estate investment team announced its intention to invest up to £500 million into new sustainable private rental and affordable shared ownership housing developments in partnership with Greencore.

LEEDS COLLEGE OF BUILDING

PRINCIPAL JOINS CEO SLEEPOUT TO FIGHT HOMELESSNESS

The Principal and CEO of Leeds College of Building has joined a growing list of senior managers taking part in CEO Sleepout.

Nikki Davis, the first female principal in the history of Leeds College of Building, will be sleeping under the stars to raise awareness of homelessness across the UK and reach a donation target of £1,000 for charity.

Nikki is the only senior manager from the Further Education sector currently registered to participate in the Leeds CEO Sleepout.

CEO Sleepout Leeds will take place at LUFC’s Elland Road on Thursday, 20 April, from 8 pm – 6.30 am. The event is open to business leaders, owners, c-suite execs, directors, and teams who will unite together and experience sleeping rough to fight poverty and homelessness in the UK.

Nikki said: “Homelessness is increasing and far more nuanced than we realised. The reasons for homelessness are complex, and sadly the support networks for people of all ages are not fully accessible. Personally, I hear more stories of students who might be sofa surfing or are made homeless quickly, and it’s such a difficult position for them to manage. As a college, we do all we can to help individual students, and by taking part in this event, I hope to raise awareness and funds to support more people.”

According to the latest statistics from the Government’s Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities, the number of people estimated to be sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2022 was 3,069.

This figure was up 26% from 2021. Most people sleeping rough in England are male, aged over 26 years old, and from the UK.

CEO Sleepout is a national charity set up in 2013 to inspire the business community to unite and fight homelessness, raising money for frontline services and helping to change lives. CEO Sleepout events are held in cities the length of the UK, raising funds that make a difference to people facing homelessness in host cities.

To date, over £3.6 million pounds has been raised by CEO Sleepout, involving more than 5,000 participants. Funds have been donated to over 100 hard-working charities nationwide on the frontline of homelessness.

Donate to Nikki’s CEO Sleepout Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/nikki-davis7

Alternatively, register to take part in the Leeds CEO Sleepout: https://ceosleepout. co.uk/leeds/

Personally, I hear more stories of students who might be sofa surfing or are made homeless quickly, and it’s such a difficult position for them to manage. As a college, we do all we can to help individual students, and by taking part in this event, I hope to raise awareness and funds to support more people.

Nikki Davis, CEO and Principal of Leeds College of Building. © Carolyn Mendelsohn

SAFE IN THE KNOWLEDGE

Effective performance is everything when it comes to fire safety products. However, without knowing it, many of us could be making compromises when it comes to our choice of fire foams and fire rated sealants.

As a company that manufactures sealants, adhesives and other building chemicals, you might expect us to advocate increased awareness when it comes to choosing fire foams. But self-gain never has, and never will, be Bond It’s main motivation for urging greater consideration when it comes to these products.

Instead we believe the building industry in the UK is affected by a serious issue

with equally serious, and potentially lifethreatening, implications.

With lives at stake, and against a backdrop where we are all increasingly accountable for our work and where they have been a number of high profile examples of poor building practices contributing to the spread of fire, we see it as our responsibility to share our knowledge.

The problem stems from the existence of too many different but similar sounding classification systems. This has created a degree of confusion which has left many in the sector at risk of inadvertently using fire foams with levels of performance that fall woefully short of the mark.

Not all fire foams are created equal

Years ago specifying a fire foam was a lot simpler and arguably safer than it is today. You had the choice of either a standard foam or a fire foam with both types available in either a gun or handheld form.

To benefit from its classification, fire foam had to comply with BS476 part 20. This meant it would act as a barrier to fire for 4 hours giving a building’s occupants vital time to escape.

Then, with an influx of European foams into the UK came a proliferation of different standards. The most widespread was a German standard based on a sliding scale. This ranged from A1 (100% noncombustible) through to A2, B1, B2 and B3 with the latter offering the worst levels of performance.

If the introduction of a whole new standard system and a large number of differing classifications didn’t serve to create enough confusion, the way of assessing the UK and European standards was also totally different.

The UK standard meant a fire foam had to act as a barrier to prevent fire transferring from one room to another for a period of four hours. The German standard meanwhile was based on someone trying to ignite the foam itself - not a very realistic scenario.

Depending on the product formulation, application and backing material, an intumescent sealant can be resistant to fire for up to 4 hours.

Savings - but at what cost?

One of the most widely seen classifications people now find on fire foams is B2 and it’s not hard to understand why. B2 strikes a fine balance between offering some fire resistance and at a cost that won’t hurt budgets – or margins.

However, in our opinion, B2 ‘fire’ foam’s performance is totally inadequate and we don’t think it should be sold as fire foam at all. Yes, there are savings and profits to be made, but at the end of the day, what price do you put on property or even more poignantly, on someone’s life? As we near the 4th anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire, we are hoping lessons have been learnt.

Like most of our competitors, we react to market demand and do supply a B2 PU foam as part of our range. However, we are strict about this not being referred to as a “fire” foam and it is not marketing under this guise at all. We clearly state what the products performance characteristics are and what it is tested to.

Sealants also play a big part in ensuring the integrity of fire resistant seals and joints. These are used in re-establishing the fire-rated integrity of a wall or floor assembly compromised by the inclusion or exclusion of a penetrant. Flames and smoke can spread through the smallest of gaps causing extreme damage to buildings and even human lives. Applying an intumescent sealant to linear joints, around pipes and between cables to close all the gaps and add fire resistance. An intumescent seal slows down the burning process and does not contribute to spread of flames. Therefore, it can minimize the damage by protecting structures, giving fire fighters more time to arrive and take the fire under control as well as fireproofing escape routes allowing for efficient evacuation.

How does intumescent sealant work?

Intumescent seals are known as means of passive fire protection, but what is an intumescent sealant in practice? Also known as expansion sealant, intumescent sealant expands when it becomes exposed to extreme heat and can swell up to 40 times its original volume. The sealant increases in volume but decreases in density forming a char layer. The expanded sealant does not actually catch fire, but the char burns eventually, still much more slowly than most building materials. Depending on the product formulation, application and backing material, an

Fire Safety

intumescent sealant can be resistant to fire for up to 4 hours. Buildings require different levels of fire resistance depending on their size and whether they have a residential purpose.

Better safe than sorry

Of course, it would be remiss of Bond It to highlight an issue as grave as current fire foam classification and misclassification without proposing a solution. Thankfully, there is one - and it’s also fairly easy to implement.

In its simplest terms, our advice would in every circumstance if you need fire protection from your foams nothing less than B1 is really acceptable as a bare minimum standard and for sealants we would recommend a fire tested sealant. Look for the standards EN1366-4, EN1366-3, EN ISO 10140-2 and EN135012 on packs - which are proof that the foams and sealants will do their job and you can be safe in the knowledge that you’ve chosen a true fire foam or fire rated sealant that will leave people safe in their homes, offices and other buildings.

DISCOVER GROUND-BREAKING FIRE SAFETY INNOVATION AND THE LATEST IN LEGISLATION AT EUROPE’S BIGGEST FIRE SAFETY EVENT

As an integral part of the fire safety community, FIREX is the perfect place to connect face-to-face with the entire fire safety supply chain and network with companies across passive fire protection and prevention, fire detection and emergency lighting.

“Every visitor will come away with knowledge and inspiration to help make your buildings comply and approach your projects more efficiently.”- Event Director, Gerry

Dunphy

Over 3 days, you can come down to ExCeL London to meet over one hundred of leading fire safety suppliers, from the like of C-Tec, Kentec, Advanced, Rockwool, HAES Technologies, STI Europe, Vimpex, Detector Testers, Warrington Testing & Certification, Aico, PlanRadar, Baldwin Boxall, Quelfire, Uptick, and many more.

Why attend FIREX?

• Meet and network with industry associations such as the FIA and ASFP and expand your network.

• Stay on top of government legislation, industry standards and best practice in our Expertise & Guidance Theatre sessions led by leading industry professionals.

• Explore some of the newest fire safety technologies available and examine recognised third-party approved fire safety products and services.

FIREX has taken the decision to fully commit to only supporting and promoting third-party approvals, independent accreditation and competency for construction products and services. This

means all exhibiting companies with relevant fire protection or prevention systems and materials will need to hold recognised third-party approval on their products to participate.

NEW TO 2023 - IFSEC & FIREX will be introducing the brand-new Distributor Network in recognition of the pivotal role distributors play in the professional fire and security sectors. Visiting customers can meet leading distributors such as ADI Global, DVS, CIE-Group, COP, Dynamic CCTV and Oprema to discuss product solutions from market leading suppliers.

“I am incredibly proud to represent the only event in the UK which makes accreditation a condition of exhibiting. Neither you nor your customers take chances – so why should we? FIREX remains the biggest and best annual opportunity to stay up to date on the latest trends, developments, and opportunities .” Event Director, Gerry Dunphy

Together with IFSEC, the shows will continue to provide a platform where security and fire safety professionals can come together to discover new technologies and solutions as well as meet up with friends and colleagues from across the sector.

IFSEC will be hitting a significant milestone in 2023 as it celebrates 50 years of providing the industry with an unmissable diary date to meet its customers and showcase the very best in video surveillance, access control, intruder detection, perimeter protection and training.

A key theme for this year show will be sustainability as the show will aim to be carbon neutral by 2024 in line with Informa’s chief strategy of being the most sustainable event organiser in the world.

This year FIREX has also partnered with a leading mental health and wellbeing charity, Gerry said: “We are delighted to partner with Mates in Mind this year – since they launched in 2017, Mates in Mind have been committed to improving mental health across the construction industry. Their target is to reach 75% of the industry by 2025 and we are thrilled to be working with them to help spread their message within what has been a traditionally very difficult audience to break into.”

4 shows, 1 ticket: Enhance your fire safety strategies with solutions from health and safety, facilities management, security & smart buildings. FIREX also grants you free access to the co-located IFSEC, Facilities Show and Safety & Health Expo.

Register & get your free ticket.

I am incredibly proud to represent the only event in the UK which makes accreditation a condition of exhibiting.

EUROPE’S MOST IMPORTANT FIRE SAFETY EVENT

16-18 MAY 2023 | EXCEL LONDON

Bringing fire safety competence and excellence to the forefront

Connect with the fire safety supply chain to share expertise and explore an extensive range of approved solutions to help you make your buildings comply and approach your projects efficiently.

An excellent opportunity to view the latest products, network and learn more about new resources to support fire industry-related companies.

Capita Fire and Rescue

HIGH-RISK RESIDENTIAL: ASSESSING REGULATION 10

The fire risks associated with multioccupied residential buildings remain high on the sector’s agenda, and the latest wave of fire safety reforms can help address key concerns, says

Karen Trigg of Allegion UK.

In recent years, both high-rise and highrisk building environments have been the subject of much industry focus. Where Grenfell was a catalyst for change, the incremental introduction of new reforms (such as the Fire Safety Act 2021 and Building Safety Bill) - alongside major Government funding schemeshave since been key in raising fire safety standards across the board.

But while significant steps have been made in a number of areas, professionals can’t afford to now stand still. Only recently, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service were forced to evacuate a block of flats deemed to be a fire safety risk, of which tenants cited a lack of communication concerning the building’s fire safety. Evidently, these are not isolated incidents, and there is still work to be done.

In fact, many multi-occupied building environments have been exposed for falling short in fire safety situations. While it’s true that the complexity and scale of high-risk settings present unique fire safety challenges, responsible parties must endeavour to address them, focusing on all components of fire protection in the process. And where fire door safety is concerned, the latest evolution of the legislative landscape might prove to be the answer.

Introducing Regulation 10

On January 23rd 2023, The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, made it a legal requirement under regulation 10 for responsible persons of all multi-occupied residential buildings in England with storeys over 11 metres in height to:

• Undertake quarterly checks of all fire doors (including self-closing devices) in the common parts; and

• Undertake – on a best endeavour basis – annual checks of all flat entrance doors (including self-closing devices) that lead onto a building’s common parts.

In addition, the updated regulations state responsible persons must provide residents with relevant fire safety instructions and detailed information relating to the importance of operational fire doors in regard to the building’s fire safety systems.

These essential updates derive from the recommendations made in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry (Phase 1 report) and, among others detailed under The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, are designed to improve fire safety standards in high-rise, high-risk residential buildings. Under UK legislation, all revisions must now be followed closely, with responsible persons expected to alter their approach to fire door safety in response to the framework.

Educating and Evaluating

For decision makers overseeing fire door safety in high-risk residential buildings, in relation to Regulation 10, there are perhaps two key takeaways:

• The rate and proficiency of risk assessments on fire doors and their hardware is changing; and

• There is greater accountability to provide residents with improved communication and education on fire door safety.

Last year, after an increase in demand for fire door inspections, the Fire Door Inspection Scheme revealed three quarters of fire doors inspected in the UK did not meet the required standard.

Karen Trigg

Furthermore, prior to the Fire Safety Act 2021, flat entrance doors in multioccupied residential buildings may not have been considered as part of fire risk assessments.

Today, there is a greater impetus on providing detailed checks on fire doors and their hardware as fundamental components of passive fire protection. The newly proposed quarterly checks of fire doors - as well as the annual checks on flat entrance doors and self-closing devices - will ensure the standards of inspected fire doors rise, with responsible persons pushed to systematically inspect the key elements of all doorsets moving forward, including the certification, gaps, seals, hinges and closing elements.

Commonly, third-party tested fire doors are available in ratings ranging from FD30 to FD120 and can protect buildings and their residents from smoke and fire for 30 to 120 minutes respectively - but only when the aforementioned components are fitted, maintained and used appropriately. Furthermore, to remain compliant, all dedicated fire doors must be fitted with a certified fire door closer (a minimum power size of EN3 is required to conform to the EN 1154 standard) as a fire door will only do its job to contain a fire and smoke if it is closed.

Upon inspection, if a fire door isn’t operating as intended, or there is any ambiguity in regard to hardware classifications and reliability, it’s imperative to seek out professional advice and ensure maintenance is carried out both quickly and professionally. For those who remain unclear on fire door safety and risk assessments, online assistance - in the form of guides or specialists - can further support and educate on key areas of fire safety practice, such as risk assessments, fire door checks and compliance.

In multi-occupied building environments, residents are also encouraged to raise concerns if fire doors are not operating as they should. On the other hand, as Regulation 10 points out, there is now a greater responsibility for building owners to provide clear information on the building’s fire safety. This should comprise of clear instructions on how to report a fire or fire safety related issue, as well as emergency evacuation instructions, which should highlight routes of escape with concise signage and fully compliant, operational fire doors. In addition, to combat poor fire safety practice (such as propped open stairway or flat entrance doors), it’s vital to provide up-to-date, educational information on the importance of fire doors and their role in the building’s system.

FIRE RATED ACCESS PANELS

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.

With Regulation 10, there’s once more a clearer strategy for fire safety in multioccupied residential buildings. The latest in reforms will continue to transform the approach to fire risk assessments and the competency to which they’re completed. What’s more, with a well-rounded educational approach, all parties, including residents, can further understand the intricacies of fire door safety and how their own actions may alter the effectiveness of a building’s fire protection. In doing so, we may well be moving towards a brighter, safer future for high-risk environments.

The full Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 document can be viewed here: www.gov.uk/government/publications/ fire-safety-england-regulations-2022

UK’S LARGEST BUILT ENVIRONMENT EVENT MAKES WELCOME RETURN TO LONDON

A host of new features, famous faces, interactive demos and ground-breaking products await visitors to the UK’s largest event for the built environment, UK Construction Week (UKCW), when it makes a welcome return to London’s ExCeL from 2-4 May 2023. Registration is now live.

TV architect and education campaigner George Clarke, BBC News Business Editor Simon Jack and BBC presenter Victoria Derbyshire are set to chair the Main Stage at UK Construction Week and will join the 25,000+ visitors who will head to UKCW London, which debuted in the capital in 2022. UKCW London is co-located with Concrete Expo and The Offsite Show as well as the UK’s premier event for the selfbuild sector, Grand Designs Live.

With over 10,000 products on display from over 300 exciting exhibitors including Sika, Rointe Kingspan, Google, Sevadis, HP, Celsa UK, Houzz Pro, Hanson Plywood and many more, the multi award-winning show attracts a wealth of overseas exhibitors from as far afield as Australia, China, India, Norway, Turkey and the UAE.

Celebrating Culture Change in Construction, UKCW London will host three days of debate and discussion from top speakers on how the industry can move forward to tackle its biggest issues, including quality, fire safety, sustainability, offsite manufacturing, mental health, and improving diversity and inclusion.

Visitors will also be able to find sections dedicated to Digital Construction, Infrastructure, Offsite, Surfaces, Net Zero including Renewables, HVAC, Energy Management; Build Show including Roofing, Cladding and Insulation; Tools; Health & Safety; Fire Prevention; Future Lab; and a Careers Trail.

Officially opened by architect and Channel 4 presenter George Clarke, UKCW London will also feature sessions and seminars led by industry experts across the show’s six stages; the show will feature an incredible300 speakers, with over 150 hours of CPD seminars available.

Nathan Garnett, UKCW event director, commented:

UK Construction Week

London got off to the best start we could ever have imagined, and this year’s second edition will be bigger and better. The amount of innovation we see each event is proof this is an industry changing fast, and this May UKCW at London ExCeL will be the best interactive showcase for a sector that should be optimistic about the future as we continue to embrace culture change.

Key show features include:

• Seminar programme over seven dedicated theatres and workshops; details of the comprehensive seminar programme and CPD opportunities will be revealed in March.The Future Lab - a dedicated showcase of innovative products of new solutions for the built environment

• The MTC’s interactive sandpit feature – an exclusive showcase of innovative products of new solutions for the built environment

• 3 full scale builds illustrating the benefits of MMC & offsite construction

• UKCW Careers Trail - giving free face-face professional development advice, and meet and network with top employers

• 2 Co-located conferences delivered by event partners

Your free ticket to UK Construction Week also gives you free entry to colocated shows Grand Designs Live, Concrete Expo, The Offsite Shoe and Green Living Live. Register for UKCW London for freehttps://bit.ly/3JE5UEl

ALL ABOARD! UK CONSTRUCTION WEEK & CONSTRUCTION SPORT LAUNCH REGATTA WITH A DIFFERENCE

UK Construction Week London has teamed up once again with Construction Sport - in the form of a boating regatta with a difference.

The challenge aims to show how team sports can help improve the mental health of those working in the construction industry, where work characterised by limited-term contracts, long hours, long commutes, time away from family and the pressure to complete on time and within budget can negatively impact mental wellbeing.

Working with London’s Royal Docks and waste management and recycling service provider Powerday, four teams will be invited to build a boat from construction waste materials, with the aim to race across Royal Victoria Dock on the opening morning of UK Construction Week London, Tuesday 2nd May.

As well as earning respect and plaudits from their peers, the winning team will also open the show alongside George Clarke and a host of industry movers and shakers.

Nathan Garnett, UKCW event director, commented: “Working collaboratively, the teams will highlight one of Construction Sport’s key aims - showing how team sports and activities can improve the day-to-day mental health of construction workers.

“Not only that, but by using waste materials from Powerday’s Waste Management centres, the teams will be able to illustrate how the sector is taking sustainability to heart.”

Steve Kerslake, founder, Construction Sport, added: “For us, construction is all about teamwork, passion and camaraderie. As an industry we build for the future, the future of our environment, the future of our community and the future of our workforce. The UKCW London Boat Challenge has it all!”

The winning boat will be on display at UK Construction Week London, the UK’s biggest trade show for the construction Industry.

This year’s regatta follows on from last year’s overnight mission to walk from Twickenham to ExCeL London to open UK Construction Week.

Walking the route of the Thames Tideway, Steve Kerslake and his team from Construction Sport were followed by “This is England”, the BBC documentary that focused on the mental health challenges faced by construction workers - and the work Construction Sport and others are doing in this space to help.

UKCW London, which runs from May 2-4, will feature sessions and seminars led by industry experts across the show’s six stages; the show will feature an incredible 300 speakers, with over 150 hours of CPD seminars available.

Visitors will also be able to find sections dedicated to Digital Construction, Infrastructure, Offsite, Surfaces, Net Zero including Renewables, HVAC, Energy Management; Build Show including Roofing, Cladding and Insulation; Tools; Health & Safety; Fire Prevention; Future Lab; and a Careers Trail.

Register for UKCW London for freehttps://bit.ly/3JE5UEl

•

Energy-efficiency versus heating alone

Compact, wall mounted construction

Minimal maintenance

Simple plug-and-play installation

Long product life

Self-regulating humidity control

FUTURE LAB HIGHLIGHTS INNOVATION IN CONSTRUCTION

Innovation and inspiration will once again come together with the return of the popular Future Lab feature at UK Construction Week London, shining a spotlight on change makers who are forging a real difference in the sector.

Robotics, sustainability and productivity will all be highlighted in Future Lab at UKCW London, which takes place at the ExCeL from May 2-4. It will include exciting UK show exclusives and innovative exhibitors from around the world - from Colorado, Hong Kong, Germany, Austria and the UK.

Each product featured in Future Lab is part of a step in building a home or building: from renewable mycelium products to 3D printers, telescopic steel frames to recycled bricks, bio-cement to robotic systems and radiative cooling paint:

• HP SitePrint - a UK show premiere for HP Construction Service, who will be demonstrating their innovative robotic site layout solution

• Baubot Mobile Robotic Systems - highly modular robotic systems, which can accomplish precise tasks on construction sites where space and floor-load are limited, or which require stability, reach and torque

• Made of Air - carbon-negative tiles and facade panels created out of biochar, developed by heat pressing or extrusion forming

• Mykoslab - 100% circular, renewable and recyclable, MykoSlab is a mycelium rigid insulation developed by femaleowned, Bristol-based biotech company Mykor. It is highly thermally and acoustically performative, and made of completely renewable bio-based waste resources

• Prometheus Materials - inspired by nature, the Colorado-based company’s process combines microalgae with sunlight, water, natural binders and ambient CO2 to create a bio-cement. When mixed with aggregate, it forms an ultra low-carbon building material which is comparable or, in some cases,

superior to Portland cement-based concrete.

• i2cool - Hong Kong tech start-up showcasing the latest advanced passive radiative cooling paint, providing the ability to cool buildings 24 hours a day

• SilentUP - the world’s first standalone retractable noise barrier for construction noise control up to 7m high. It does not require concrete foundation, only water barriers - and the entire structure can be installed by manpower without using any machine

Nathan Garnett, UKCW event director, commented:

Technology and innovation are key focuses for both the construction sector and UK Construction Week London, so it’s fundamental that we are a forum and showcase for the kind of companies who’ll be at Future Lab in May.

UKCW London will feature sessions and seminars led by industry experts across the show’s six stages; the show will feature an incredible 300 speakers, with over 150 hours of CPD seminars available.

Visitors will also be able to find sections dedicated to Digital Construction, Infrastructure, Offsite, Surfaces, Net Zero including Renewables, HVAC, Energy Management; Build Show including Roofing, Cladding and Insulation; Tools; Health & Safety; Fire Prevention; Future Lab; and a Careers Trail. Register for UKCW London for freehttps://bit.ly/3JE5UEl

SEMINAR PROGRAMME AND STRONGER EMPHASIS ON CULTURE CHANGE AT UK CONSTRUCTION WEEK LONDON ANNOUNCED

A plethora of world-class seminars, CPD sessions and presentations - as well as a newly-created Culture Change Hub - are all in store for visitors heading to UK Construction Week London (UKCW London), which returns to London’s ExCeL from 2nd to 4th May 2023.

Organisers of the UK’s largest event for the built environment have announced that the packed programme of seminars will focus on a myriad of important industry topics, complemented by 150 hours of dedicated CPD opportunities over the three-day show.

Themes up for debate and discussion across the show’s seven dedicated stages include: Net Zero; business and innovation; building safety and regulation; mental health and wellbeing; quality control; digitalisation in the industry; women in construction; developments in timber and concrete; supply chain and procurement; updates on major infrastructure projects such as HS2 and more!

The line-up of speakers for this year’s education programme feature industry leaders from Building People, BuildOffsite, Offsite Alliance, HS2 Ltd, BSI, Future Homes Hub, Federation of Master Builders, Waterman Group, CEMEX UK, The Building Safety Regulator, Women in Property, Miller Homes, Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) and the UK Government.

UKCW London 2023 has an even stronger emphasis on future development in the industry, with the continued

theme of Celebrating Culture Change in Construction present in all elements of the show.

The organisers have also announced a dedicated Culture Change Hub that will deliver daily programmes by The National Federation of Builders, Building People and The Women in Construction Awards, on topics that focus on improving inclusivity within the built environment, wellbeing and mental health, and professional development.

Some of our CNC partners

Stand D467 Stand OS444

BUSINESS CREDIT RATINGS EXPLAINED –RATINGS MATTER NOW MORE THAN EVER, PARTICULARLY IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR:

James Piper, MD of Lightbulb Credit explains why knowing and being able to improve your company’s trade credit ratings will be key to unlocking cash, funding, and growth for construction.

The UK trade credit market

There are several key trade credit ratings agencies in the UK – Creditsafe, Experian, Equifax, Dun & Bradstreet, and Red Flag Alert. These agencies assess your credit rating and publish a score on a scale of 0 -100, this determines your recommended credit limit. The scoring methodology for each agency is different, but all utilise data from Companies House, historical trends, alongside payment data collected from your suppliers to evaluate your payments against agreed credit terms.

These ratings and limits impact many areas of your business, construction firms particularly:

1. Working capital, directly impacting your trade terms.

2. Access to funding and the rates you pay. The higher your business is rated, the easier you can access finance/leasing, and at better rates.

3. Tendering is a significant factor in Construction. Tenders will be judged against your credit rating, gaining, or losing you larger contracts.

What does all this mean?

These agencies impact construction firms, specifically due to the “working capitalintensive” nature of the sector, along with volatility in market sentiment – recent insolvencies have increased this adverse reaction.

The slightest drop in score can impact negatively on operations as issues with credit ratings can arrive unannounced, only flagged up when a business experiences an unexpected rejection. This could occur in tendering for a contract, being denied credit terms, or maybe suffering credit terms reduction or removal.

Why knowing all of the key ratings matters?

When it comes to trade credit ratings and recommended credit limits, the economic forecast is mixed, with many challenges ahead. However, the construction sector is a key element of the UK economy and traditionally one of the quickest to recover following financial uncertainty.

There is also a universal recognition that a strong construction sector in the UK is vital. Awareness of your business rating can help you manage working capital volatility, furthermore, understanding how your business is viewed by all the UK agencies is a hugely positive and powerful insight valued by our many clients.

Knowing your credit rating and having the ability to improve it quickly is a persuasive case for you to contact Lightbulb, but to make the decision compelling, we are offering a completely FREE Credit Insight report, along with a 60-day FREE trial of our unique monitoring solution by simply visiting https://go.lightbulbcredit.com/ report-request-ad

Ratings matter now more than ever in Construction.

Construction is one of the key sectors experiencing significant challenges as the economy recovers from Covid. It makes sense therefore to ensure your credit rating is the best it can be giving your business a distinct advantage. Firms failing to address the credit rating negativity in their operations will quickly experience disappointment for all the reasons outlined above.

THE GROWTH OF WOMEN’S WORKWEAR

The women’s workwear market is growing at a rapid rate. More and more industries are expanding to embrace women workers, from more heavy-duty and construction sectors to transport, and higher corporate positions. This drive-in inclusivity means a new collection of workers looking for suitable clothing and uniform.

Here, we will explore how the market is expanding and the challenges and opportunities it will face.

The trending growth of women’s workwear in the market

The women’s workwear market has grown substantially in the past years, with an expectation for this to continue exponentially between 2022 and 2027. In fact, in Germany, which has the largest workwear economy, as of 2020, women’s workwear has seen a 5.2% growth increase.

In the Netherlands, women’s workwear has seen a bigger increase in growth than men’s wear between 2015 and 2020 – with women’s workwear seeing an increase of 19.2%, whereas men’s workwear had only seen an increase of 11.2%.

In Belgium, women’s workwear has seen a growth increase (10.5%), whereas men’s workwear has had a negative growth increase of -2.2%. This shows the strength of women’s workwear interest as growth is continually occurring, even in declining workwear economies.

Driving factors in women’s workwear

As more women start approaching previously closed industries, such as STEM and construction sectors, the disparity between men’s and women’s workwear has been drawn into question. In fact, movements within industry sectors are now calling for better accessibility to work garments suitable for women workers. For example, female tradies are calling for properly fitting hi-vis jackets as the loose fabric of being forced to wear men’s hi-vis is actually dangerous for the jobsite.

As the industries remain maleorientated, so do the clothing. This has led to 9 out of 10 women finding it difficult to get appropriate protective wear. Having fitting PPE is important for the protection, health and safety of all workers, so drive-in women’s workwear is coming from the necessity for the proper clothing.

Challenges and opportunities

Work from home

The recent change in working flexibility and locations has resulted in a decline in the need for specific workwear. This could potentially see a decrease in women’s workwear as we become more comfortable with our new working arrangements. Many may be less inclined to spend their money on new work clothing if the majority of their time is spent working from home.

Rather than affording specific corporate wear, many are now adopting more relaxed dress codes. In fact, 22% of companies encourage daily casual wear at work – meaning less pressure is placed on employees to adopt workwear, and so this might see women’s workwear take a step back as more look towards comfortable means of clothing.

Diversity innovations

However, as the increase suggests, there is some desire for women’s workwear. And the current interest in returning to office in a hybrid fashion could mean more innovations. As self-expression becomes more apparent within the workforce, we might see clothing shift from men’s and women’s workwear to a more androgynous form of fashion. Clothing may drift from tight, formfitting designs to more gender-inclusive and customisable fittings.

We have seen this desire for comfort, diversity, and inclusivity with the new dress code adaptations made by Virgin Atlantic Airlines. Pilots and cabin crew uniforms are now not prescribed based

on birth gender; instead, staff can choose clothing that is more selfexpressive and comfortable for them.

Industry-specific women’s workwear

Advancements are occurring across workwear fashion, including more breathable fabrics, waterproofing and fireproofing. As more women step into heavy-duty roles, including construction, health, and emergency sectors, it is important that clothing evolves too.

From the development of flex and stretch fabrics, which makes working safer and more comfortable, to wearable technology, which can range in functions from fall protection capabilities to sensor detection.

Women’s workwear is currently increasing in popularity, with imports finding positive growth in this fashion sector, even above men’s workwear imports. And the opportunities with this increased interest in women’s clothing mean that companies can now support a larger portion of their staff. Not only is this important for the inclusion of women in industry sectors, such as STEM industries, but it can also help support identity, diversity, and inclusion across businesses, as a focus on women’s workwear can help push diverse size and design variations.

Website: www.jsd.co.uk

INNOVATION, INCREASED EFFICIENCY, NO FACE FIT TEST: MEET SWISS AIR!

Protecting lungs is becoming increasingly important in the construction industry. In particular, it is imperative to protect oneself from the health implications of silica dust. We are proud to introduce you to optrel’s fully carbon-neutral blower respirator.

Silica dust exposure is no more

Silica dust particles get into the lungs very easily. Once there, they lead to coughing, shortness of breath and bronchitis. In the long term, there is a risk of pulmonary fibrosis and silicosis. This is precisely why it is important to equip workers on the construction site with respiratory protection systems. But standard respirators are associated with respiratory resistance, fatigue and sweating. With optrel’s swiss air blower respirator, these issues are a thing of the past.

No need to down tools – and no need to shave

With the swiss air respirator, your construction worker is supplied with fresh, filtered air thanks to the integrated blower system. This creates an overpressure in the half mask that supports breathing and counteracts fatigue. The fresh air brings a cooling effect that reduces sweating and promotes concentration. But not only that: Thanks to the overpressure system, the mask does not have to fit tightly, no fit tests are required, and beards don’t need to be shaved either.

Your construction worker does not have to take forced breaks because of the mask, as is commonly the case with standard dust masks. This results in increased performance and efficiency, combined with reliable respiratory protection.

Innovation and sustainability

The swiss air respirator is a reliable respiratory protection system that truly pays off. Not only that, the respirator lends workers an extremely professional appearance, thereby enhancing your image.

With the swiss air respirator, your construction worker is supplied with fresh, filtered air thanks to the integrated blower system. This creates an overpressure in the half mask that supports breathing and counteracts fatigue. The fresh air brings a cooling effect that reduces sweating and promotes concentration.

The system is a one-off initial investment – after this, it is only the filters that need to be changed on a regular basis* Using filters reduces waste compared to conventional dust masks. But with the swiss air, you play your part in contributing to even greater sustainability – with every purchase we plant a tree through global reforestation projects. The fully carbon-neutral respirator is truly innovative, as attested by its winning the Red Dot Award.

* Filter changes depend on the dust load. But that is solved very easily: The swiss air respirator indicates the degree of contamination of the filter.

Compatible with all common helmets, ear defenders and goggles

Swiss air is easy to operate and, thanks to its protection cover, is protected against dust and rain. The system is lightweight, so wearers will barely notice it’s there, and the ergonomic carrying unit allows your construction worker to move freely. The blower respirator functions autonomously, meaning it works independently of other protective headgear, hearing protection or protective eyewear.

www.optrel.com/swissair

WHAT HAPPENS TO WASTE FROM MINING AND PROCESSING?

Reuse and recycle waste in the best possible way, according to the mantra of the circular economy. Turning waste into products for the construction industry and beyond. It is easier with MB Crusher units

What are the main issues common to all mining sites? The management of the extracted material, the processing waste and the economic yield of the material itself.

With MB Crusher equipment installed on the heavy equipment already present in the quarry, systematic waste recovery becomes a source of profit for the company. Also bearing in mind that with the recent increase in demand for raw materials and the consequent rise in prices, many companies have realised that they are sitting on a large pile of profit.

In particular, the growing interest in ‘recycled’ in the aggregates market has led many companies to recover their quarry waste and process it appropriately. The re-use of these materials brings an economic advantage to operators in the sector and a major environmental benefit, as it implies less exploitation of quarry deposits, thus saving non-renewable natural resources.

The waste material finds new life in various areas of application: aggregates for concrete, granular mixes for fillings and embankments, aggregates for railway ballast, boulders for reefs, waterproofing material for landfill sub-bases, stabilised mixes, bituminous conglomerates, production of highdensity concrete, to be used for works such as, for example, wind turbine blade foundations or other strategic infrastructures.

All this becomes easier and more profitable if the material is processed with MB Crusher equipment, directly on-site, with the only help of the heavy machine already present in the quarry.

Puerto Rico: extracted material produces gravel for other projects

With the combo of two MB Crusher units - a BF80.3 Crusher Bucket and an MB-S10 Screening Bucket - a Puerto Rican company has succeeded in producing gravel on its own for reuse on its construction sites.

ABOVE: A BF80.3 crusher bucket and an MB-S10 installed on a Samsung 210 and Caterpillar 307 excavator in Puerto Rico.

The two pieces of equipment process quarry waste material to produce mainly subgrade material: the crusher bucket crushes the coarser stones and with the screening bucket the material is cleaned for better quality. This saves them a lot of time and money because they produce the material themselves and do not have to buy it from other suppliers.

India: excavated earth will become concrete

By using an MB-S18 screening bucket installed on a Kobelco excavator, an Indian company was able to optimise its processing time and procure the material to be used for cement production. The screening bucket selects the material directly s ul truck, without the need for any other means. A quick and easy operation to do directly on-site.

Peru: gypsum crushed with the bucket crusher has more value on the market

The higher the quality of the material, the more it gains in value and the more the company gains. But to have real benefits, it is necessary to process the material by optimising time and resources. This is what a Peruvian mining company did in its huge gypsum quarry. It installed an MB Crusher bucket to its excavator and crushed the material to the grain size required by the customer.

PLANT TRAILERS THAT ARE BUILT TO LAST

Specialists in trailer design and engineering for over 60 years, the tried and tested Ifor Williams GH & GX range is built to last.

The GH Range:

• Boasting 7 model options, 6 sizes - from the small but mighty single axle 6x4’ GH64 to our largest tri-axle workhorse 14x6’ GH146

• One of the highest payloads on the Market

• Fully galvanized welded chassis

• Durable leaf-spring suspension

• A choice of sliding skids or full width ramp that can be further enhanced with an aluminium treadplate floor, additional low level lashing points or a toolbox

• Larger models also come with a beavered rear floor section to reduce loading angle with enhanced grip for slippery conditions

The GX Range:

• Sizes range from the smallest GX84 up to the largest GX126.

• Constructed from folded pre-galvanised steel sections with filled-in sides for greater flexibility

• Trailers are offered with hinged adjustable skids or a full width loading ramp.

• The trailer can be further enhanced by accessories such as a ladder rack, aluminium treadplate floor covering, mesh side extensions

• Standard with three pairs of integral lashing points attached to the body of the trailer.

• GX Models are available with maximum gross weights of 2700kg and 3500kg.

Ifor Williams Trailers – for a trailer that never lets you down.

www.iwt.co.uk

T:

GH94BT

FLOOD INNOVATION CENTRE OFFERS FREE SUPPORT TO HELP CONSTRUCTION FIRMS NAVIGATE FORTHCOMING CHANGES TO PLANNING LEGISLATION

With legislation requiring new building developments to include sustainable drainage systems set to be introduced in 2024, the Flood Innovation Centre is offering free support to help businesses in the construction sector to navigate the forthcoming changes.

The introduction of the new legislation was one of the key recommendations of a Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) review for the implementation of Schedule 3 to The Flood and Water Management Act 2010. The review recognised the important role that nature-based drainage solutions play in draining land, protecting against surface water and sewer flooding, and reducing storm overflow discharges, as well as harvesting water at the same time as enhancing local biodiversity and amenity. It concluded that we ‘must increase the use of these alternative solutions to improve drainage, particularly in urban areas’, where drainage systems can become overwhelmed, causing surface water flooding. DEFRA will shortly be consulting on how to implement the new policy in preparation for sustainable drainage systems becoming mandatory in new developments from next year.

Anton James, Project Manager at the Flood Innovation Centre, said: “We were pleased to note the recent Government announcement that new building developments will be required to include sustainable drainage systems, often referred to as SuDS, from 2024. However, I’m sure that many developers and construction firms will want to know more about sustainable drainage systems and understand what this new piece of legislation will mean in practice.”

“They certainly have nothing to fear from the changes. In fact, they’ll undoubtedly find that it saves them money as a result of what’s known as Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), which is something that all local authorities are required to address.

“Here at the Flood Innovation Centre, our team of experts are funded to work with eligible businesses in Hull, East Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and South Yorkshire, as well as several other areas of the country.

“We can help developers and construction firms to understand the principles of sustainable drainage systems, as well as how and where to apply them. We know from speaking to our contacts within the construction sector that a growing number of developers are keen to address climate change and help protect our environment.”

Here at the Flood Innovation Centre, our team of experts are funded to work with eligible businesses in Hull, East Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and South Yorkshire, as well as several other areas of the country.

Anton added: “Sustainable drainage systems are a very important part of the solution and we see the introduction of this new legislation as a positive step forwards that will help to make our communities more resilient in the face of climate change, as well as making our rivers cleaner and boosting biodiversity. We’d encourage any developers with questions or concerns to get in touch so that we can help them to prepare.”

Sustainable drainage systems mimic natural drainage solutions to provide an alternative to the direct channelling of surface water through networks of pipes and sewers to nearby watercourses.

In natural environments, rain falls on permeable surfaces and soaks into the ground in a process called infiltration. However, in urban areas, where there are many hard, sealed surfaces, natural filtration is limited. This is why we have drainage networks in our towns and cities to direct surface water to nearby watercourses. However, in some areas, this can contribute towards flooding further downstream, as well as impacting upon the quality of river water. Sustainable drainage systems aim to address these issues by storing or re-using surface water close to where it falls, reducing the volume of water flowing into our rivers and, at the same time, improving water quality. This process be described in three simple steps; slow, store and filter.

Elements of sustainable drainage systems include detention basins, which are depressions covered with vegetation that hold rainfall and slowly drain it; retention ponds, which are larger depressions that can even store water during dry conditions; wetlands, which are green spaces featuring shallow ponds and marshland; and permeable paving. It’s also possible to apply sustainable drainage techniques in small gardens and outdoor spaces.

For more information, visit www.floodinnovation.co.uk.

I’m sure that many developers and construction firms will want to know more about sustainable drainage systems and understand what this new piece of legislation will mean in practice.

Anton James, Project Manager of the Flood Innovation Centre

REDUCING WATER WASTE, WITHOUT ACTIVE CUSTOMER PARTICIPATION

Meter Location Best Practice Guidelines

1. Preferably water companies should use the Water UK/HBF Amended Contaminated Land Assessment Guidance Document for new sites and connections.

2. The use of a continuous and uninterrupted length of service pipe from the water main to the dwelling. The service pipe should be designed and constructed in such a way as to minimize the risk of leakage.

3. The Stop tap should be located above ground.

4. Water meters should be located above ground.

5. Water Companies should consider the use of technology such as ‘smart’ metering to enhance the accessibility of water consumption data for both homeowners and themselves.

Leakage and domestic consumption are the two primary strands of water conservation in the UK.

Reduce leaks, Design out joints on pipes and prepare for smarter meters

It has been calculated that 25% of water leakage on the customer side, i.e. service pipe leakage. Whilst this can be due to old and corroded lead supply, the majority of leaks originate from joints in the supply pipe. The House Building Federation (HBF) and Water UK have since 2014 issued best practice guidelines. Of the 5 principles, 4 relate to minimising use and leakage.

An early adopter of the surface mounted meter housing is Portsmouth Water. For over 15 years they have applied a no joint policy to water supply pipes coupled with an above ground meter enclosure which probably explains their primary place at the top of the leakage charts.

Bob Taylor, CEO Portsmouth Water explained their philosophy, ‘In the context

of the Water UK Public Interest Commitment on leakage, our recent industry level reviews and our desire to build ‘leak free’ new networks have highlighted further evidence of the need to improve quality standards at the point of installation of new networks, with poor quality pipe joints often the source of future leakage.’

Fitting a device such as Groundbreaker’s NRv2 LoFlo®, at the meter regulates the level of flow entering customer premises – regardless of network pressure.

‘Portsmouth Water’s policy of having a single joint free service pipe from mains connection right the way through to the wall mounted boundary box has certainly improved confidence around the longer-term quality of these new assets from a leakage perspective. This policy is also helpful in the context of reducing customer side leakage and emerging knowledge in this area is showing that this is a bigger challenge than our previous understanding indicated.’

Steve Leigh, Managing Director Groundbreaker, and developer of the wall mounted boundary box has over 40 years’ experience in the Water Industry. ‘We’ve been putting pipes in holes in the ground to protect them from frost for decades’, he explained. ‘Although it works, today’s new materials allow for a much better solution. Keeping pipes on the surface reduces the risk of leaks developing and allows for easy repair and maintenance. It’s just a must better method of working.’

Steve continued, ‘The advent of new smart metering options has also highlighted the problems of burying meters in a hole in the ground. Groundbreaker allows for a stronger communications signal strength relative to underground meter installation. Such systems have been proven to be able to be read from over 2 miles away from a single pick-up point and worldwide if linked to the internet.’

Replacing supply pipes, the quick and easy solution

Surface mounting and joint free supply does not need to be restricted to new build. Traditionally, any supply replacement program requires major excavations outside a property and causes huge disruption within. Resulting in mess and disturbance to householders over several days. This disruption has often been the cause of users’ reluctance to have the work undertaken, hence allowing leaks to persist.

Using insulated supply pipes and surface mounted boundary boxes, a new water service can be routed up the external face of the building and connected to the internal plumbing above ground level, whether this is the ground floor or upper storey. INSUduct® only requires one simple core drilled hole through the wall, at an appropriate point to connect with the internal plumbing.

This enables most water supply replacements to be completed within a couple of hours, without the traditional mess and disruption to the householders or occupiers.

Just as in a new supply, a no joint method of installation is used.

Reduce usage, a fit and forget solution

Water conservation is the key to reducing energy bills. Heating water accounts for nearly 1/5th of energy use in UK homes. Approximately 40% of domestic water usage is from bathroom and kitchen taps and showers. ‘Eco’ or water saving shower heads are designed to restrict the water flow to a single outlet are highly effective but retrofits like these come at a price, especially larger properties with multiple bathrooms.

For households on an increasingly tight budget, or developers trying to minimise costs, multiple fittings for each tap or shower might not be an investment they are able to make. The alternative is whole site flow reduction. Fitting a device such as Groundbreaker’s NRv2 LoFlo®, at the meter regulates the level of flow entering customer premises –regardless of network pressure. As the flow of water into the premises is limited, then the amount used in ‘time controlled’ activities is also limited – but without providing a degradation of service. More importantly not requiring any intervention or behavioural change on the part of the customer, so leading to ‘natural’ reduction in consumption.

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

GREENBLUE URBAN: MADE IN BRITAIN

The current impacts of climate change are profusely clear, affecting millions of people across the world, especially the vulnerable. As the crisis worsens governments need to plan and now is the time to adapt.

The multi-functional benefits of blue-green infrastructure (BGI) within our communities, towns and cities include economic, social, cultural, and environmental. Therefore, should be renamed as critical infrastructure and as we know heavily dependent on collaborative design and planning for the long term.

To ensure our towns and cities are welcoming, we need to build strong communities that provide a sense of belonging and ownership within our residential, amenity, and shared spaces, providing a quality of living and life for all, therefore a people focus approach also needs to be adopted.

At GreenBlue Urban we have the experience to help you plan your climate change adaptation strategy through use of nature-based solutions in our towns and cities.

Greenblue Urban is the global leading solutions provider and acts as the interface between nature and the built environment.

Established in 1992 with more than 40 years’ experience in the landscaping industry GreenBlue provide exceptional expertise & solutions in planning, design, and the installation of green and blue infrastructure in the hard landscape.

With our headquarters based in East Sussex, in the Southeast of England, we recently purchased our on-site manufacturing facility, in doing so became a member of the Made in Britain* affiliation. To gain the trusted mark seemed fitting that we resonate our brand as the UK market leader.

Customers can rest reassured that our ArborSystem® products are of the highest quality manufactured using 100% recycled, recyclable materials, in stock, enabling shorter lead times, promoting the circular economy and reducing our carbon footprint.

Why chose UK Manufacturing?

Britain is known for its highly educated and skilled workforce, with an expertise in engineering and technology, translating into high-quality products, along with a stable business environment, legal regulatory frameworks, ethical and environmental considerations, ensure production processes are sustainable.

British made products are often associated with higher levels of quality, safety, and reputation.

What are the biggest challenges of manufacturing in Britain?

Factors such as high wages, energy, and raw material costs. These costs can often make is difficult to compete with overseas manufacturers where production is lower.

The UK’s infrastructure can also present challenges, in some areas transport links and infrastructure is not as developed as it should be, albeit a key focus currently, also rising costs in fuel are all challenges in moving materials/product around the country.

Brexit and other political and economic factors have made it difficult for companies to plan and make long term investments. However, GreenBlue have been truly fortunate in terms of British supply of raw materials. Maintaining stock levels for immediate dispatch is our USP and we are proud to support our customers to create healthier urban spaces in harmony with nature.

With the landscaping industry still poised to see what Spring will bring, it is important that we are able to react quickly to meet our customer’s needs.

* The Made in Britain mark is accredited to businesses that sell goods that have been manufactured or have undergone a final substantial change in Britain before sale. All companies that apply to use the Made in Britain mark must submit written evidence that they manufacture their products in Britain.

The mark does not apply to Kerbflow inlets, ArborCell or our Verdecade Green Wall and StreetPark Street Furniture ranges.

GreenBlue Urban – Made in BritainCreating healthier urban spaces in harmony with nature.

The world’s leading urban tree planting system

GREENHUSHING MUST NOT IMPACT SUSTAINABLE ACTION

LRQA, a leading global assurance partner, has warned that organisations must not lose focus on their sustainability targets amid claims of ‘greenhushing’ expected to rise this year.

Greenhushing is the term given to organisations who are hesitant to share progress on sustainability goals to avoid external scrutiny. It is expected to rise up the agenda for some organisations, as scrutiny increases on sustainability statements.

For example, it was recently reported that the EU plans to crack down on inflated claims around products’ environmental credentials through the introduction of ‘proportionate’ penalties. With accusations of greenwashing being likely to increase as punishments are formalised, LRQA is encouraging organisations to relieve any concerns about sharing updates by adopting independent verification to inform progress against sustainability goals.

Heather Moore, Technical Director for Sustainability at LRQA, said: “While greenhushing may seem like a viable option to avoid any potential external scrutiny, it could have a detrimental impact on our collective progress towards a more sustainable future.

“Organisations have a big role to play in achieving global sustainability targets. As such, they need to feel confident when speaking about progress, so they can share their wins and losses and learn from each other. Third party verification is one way to regain confidence when communicating progress, as it helps to prove the improvements being made.”

According to LRQA, the role of independent verification and certification frameworks will be key to demonstrate more transparent and accurate sustainability commitments, in turn reducing the risk of being criticised for a lack of progress or misrepresenting data. ISO 14064, for instance, is a standard for greenhouse gas accounting and verification for organisations looking to quantify and reduce emissions, helping companies hit projected greenhouse gas reduction targets.

Organisations have a big role to play in achieving global sustainability targets. As such, they need to feel confident when speaking about progress, so they can share their wins and losses and learn from each other. Third party verification is one way to regain confidence when communicating progress, as it helps to prove the improvements being made.

Together with verification from independent third parties, following such standards can help ease the pressure facing organisations and avoid the need to adopt greenhushing processes, as Heather Moore explains: “Greenhushing may be on the agenda for some organisations this year, but it could have a detrimental impact on long-term global sustainability targets.

“The best way to safeguard sustainability objectives is through independent thirdparty verification, as it ensures that companies can accurately keep on track to meet their goals. That way, organisations can be safe in the knowledge they are on the best path to success, creating greater transparency and trust with key stakeholders throughout.”

For more information, please visit www.lrqa.com

The best way to safeguard sustainability objectives is through independent third-party verification, as it ensures that companies can accurately keep on track to meet their goals. That way, organisations can be safe in the knowledge they are on the best path to success, creating greater transparency and trust with key stakeholders throughout.

Heather Moore

WHY DO WE NEED SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION SECURITY SOLUTIONS?

Two reasons - the statistics concerning construction site theft are frightening, and we need to support green construction practices to minimise the negative effects of construction on the environment.

• Theft alone costs the construction industry £800M a year*

• A recent Freedom of Information request that circulated on social media revealed that replacement tools and equipment alone cost the industry £15 million a year.

• The Chartered Institute of Building survey revealed 21% of respondents had their construction sites robbed on a weekly basis.

At Clearway we understand that securing your construction site and properties under refurbishment is imperative. We have a wealth of experience in delivering professional construction site security and protection – from temporary, mobile, solarpowered CCTV towers with NSI Gold remote monitoring, to site access control and manned guarding – we’ve got you covered.

Our security solutions are designed to deter criminal activity and ensure your site and its valuable assets remain protected, as the consequential costs can be considerable, both in terms of delays to your project and financial loss to the scheme promoter/ contractor.

Do you need a reliable, cost effective and sustainable CCTV solution for your site?

Look no further than the Clearway rapid deployment, solar/battery powered inView CCTV Tower - perfect for sites with limited or no access to power/phonelines. They can be installed in 20-30 minutes, being fully live and monitored within a couple of hours. These towers require little to no maintenance and can be repositioned or removed at a moment’s notice.

The inView CCTV Tower comprises a telescopic 6m mast, topped by a highdefinition PTZ digital camera providing coverage in every direction. Via connection to multiple remote sensors, they provide 360-degree coverage of even the largest areas, complete with in-built capacity for night illumination and infrared vision to provide a visual deterrent and capture footage 24/7/365.

Communication is via the mobile network, and with footage viewable and controllable from remote devices, plus arm/disarm feature, they ensure your site is viewed and secured from every angle.

Our towers can also be monitored in realtime by a dedicated team within our NSI Gold Cat ll Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC)

accredited by the UK’s National Security Inspectorate. Bespoke construction site monitoring is a cost-effective, viable and flexible service that provides the ultimate assurance that your site is professionally protected; whilst reducing the demand to invest in physical security around the clock.

How do you ensure that the correct PPE is worn?

Protect staff and reduce your liability with our automated, AI-powered edge and cloud-based solution enabling PPE compliance. This solution can be deployed with our inView Towers or via clients’ existing IP CCTV systems to detect Health and Safety breaches/risks with real-time detection and notification to our cloudbased analytics platform.

Additional Site Security Solutions:

• Full range of bodycam and helmet cam devices

• Manned guarding / K9 patrols

• Site access control

• Perimeter security

• Temporary CCTV

• Temporary alarms

Ensuring correct PPE usage not only reduces workplace injuries, which in turn means a reduction in absence, but also helps companies avoid prosecutions, fines and legal fees.

The system generates automated email notifications and near miss reporting, accompanied by snapshots of the noncompliant wearing of hard hats, hi-visibility trousers, vests or jackets. It can also be easily tailored to monitor the minimum PPE requirements of specific sites, whether full PPE or just hard hat and jackets, and detection zones can be implemented to mitigate false positive alerts for areas where PPE isn’t required.

* Allianz Cornhill

ASWS GOES OVER AND ABOVE ON KNIGHTSBRIDGE CONTRACT

Metal window specialist, ASWS, has delivered an integrated repair contract for one of its regular clients in helping to redevelop a landmark London office property. This building not only enjoys some of the best views in the capital, but also offers sustainability credentials in excess of those benchmarked by the GLA for new-build commercial properties.

Completed at the end of last year (2022), 1 Knightsbridge overlooks Hyde Park and is close to iconic destinations like the Lanesborough Hotel and some of the world’s most expensive real estate. The reconfiguration of the five-storey building, mainly dating from the eighties, has been led by ISG and has created spacious 24,000 sq ft floorplates, totalling 122,000 sq ft of Grade A space. With 99% of all the strip out material being diverted from landfill, low embodied carbon, and the use of heat pumps within the all-electric building services package, the scheme has earned a BREEAM Excellent rating.

As a trusted specialist sub-contractor to ISG, having worked on past projects such as the former BBC building, Bush House, ASWS was initially invited to carry out a full condition survey on all of the existing fenestration which included outmoded 1980s aluminium windows and curtain walling as well as late 19th century steel frames.

The company went on to be awarded the full overhaul contract, as well as work such as servicing the rooftop actuated smoke vents, and facilitating the installation of a large foliage inspired hanging light in the courtyard atrium. The complex geometry of this challenge required both high levels of expertise and flexible working which saw ASWS named ISG Contractor of the Month.

The Operations Director for ASWS, Kris Bennell, reflected of the project saying: “As on previous contracts with ISG, we were not only asked to conduct a full survey but also contracted to carry out enablement works, which included the removal of an upper floor

window for the installation of a hoist for the duration. During the main works, we serviced, replaced gaskets and installed new glazing as well as sourcing new Schucco ironmongery for the window - a task which had to respect the age of the windows and outdated nature of the sections. Also, all of the atrium and floor doors were ‘suited’ to use the same key.”

“Window repairs included replacement of damaged sections as well as filling and respraying frames across all floors, both internally and externally. In respect of enabling the installation of the large garden feature light in the atrium, we had to demount large areas of the cladding so that it could be taken back to our Croydon workshops for amendment; in order for it to be refitted around and conceal new bracketry. This involved a lot of evening and weekend work to help meet a deadline for striking the scaffolding, and we were very pleased to be named ‘Contractor of the Month’ as a result of our hard work.”

The Project Manager for ISG, Chris Cooke commented, “ASWS is one of our approved contractors who we would always look to on projects of this nature, and they did a very good job at 1 Knightsbridge in terms of quality and flexibility. The contract was completed on time in December and everyone is very pleased with the results.”

ASWS is a member of the Steel Window Association and is experienced in working with both planning authorities and heritage bodies to ensure all conservation requirements can be met on contracts. ASWS can also carry out the forensic dismantling, cataloguing and secure storage of metal, timber and aluminium windows while major alterations are in progress, prior to restoration and reinstatement. As well as full replacement projects we also specialise in full window and façade surveys.

For more information on ASWS, please visit asws.co.uk

Kris Bennell, Contracts Director for ASWS

They say Rome wasn’t built in

A stretch? Yeah maybe, but a quick turnaround is one of the biggest benefits of upskilling your existing electrical team in the renewables sector.

With courses in EV and solar ranging from 1-3 days, we give them the skills to power up and get going.

Well, we say it could have been.

a day.

BOSS CABINS LAUNCHES GENERATOR FREE RANGE

UK manufacturer Boss Cabins recently announced the launch of a range of generator-free welfare, the first manufacturer in the world to offer 100% silent-operating towable welfare units with no back-up generator on board. Based on the company’s successfully established solar-powered rainharvesting Deep Green range of mobile and static welfare, the new patentpending GenFreeTM range has been enhanced with advanced solar-harvesting capacity in the form of an extendable solar array on the roof and additional vertical damage-resistant solar panels on the cabin’s exterior. This extra capacity, coupled with a highly efficient intelligent electrical system, means the welfare unit generates enough free renewable solar energy to power all electrical operations effectively though the entire year, meaning no generator is required, even for back-up.

Already shortlisted as finalist in three prestigious awards - the Plantworx Innovation Awards 2023 ‘Environmental Initiative’ category, Construction News ‘Product Innovation of the Year’ and Ground Engineering’s ‘Award for Equipment Innovation’, the Deep Green GenFreeTM welfare range is fast drawing attention throughout the welfare and infrastructure industries and successful trials have been carried out with a number of high-profile Tier 1 construction companies.

Boss Cabins Managing Director James Kearsey commented: “We are incredibly excited about this new product. We developed the concept using our smallest 12ft unit as we knew this would be the hardest unit to make work with limited space for solar panels and a relatively high user count compared to its size. And we tested it during the darkest winter months when least solar is available. Although we knew in theory we were onto a winner, in real-life testing, we have been blown away by the results.”

Boss Cabins’ Head of Customer

Experience Sarah Butcher, added: “This new generation of generator-free welfare has enormous implications for welfare users, owners and hirers alike. Welfare users enjoy a 100% silent welfare cabin experience with no generator noise at all. The only emissions produced are from the ultra low-consumption HVO-fuelled heater so in summer the cabins will be totally Zero Emissions and in winter, emissions will be at an extremely low level, even more so if you use HVO biofuel in the heater.

“There’s clearly a huge financial benefit for hirers from the virtually fuel-free operation. The only fuel consumed is in the heater which will not be in use for many months of the year and only uses 0.25 litres an hour when it is, so fuel costs will be slashed dramatically. In addition, welfare owners will eliminate ALL generator-related servicing and repairs costs. This is significant as statistically, generator faults are the biggest cause of welfare breakdown callouts and downtime.

“Adding together fuel and servicing savings, we estimate the cut in operational costs in our largest Canteen Office welfare units to be over £11,500 per year!

“Another benefit comes from the remote monitoring system installed in the cabins. Via a 24/7 online portal, users can track and report on the significant reductions they will be making in their carbon footprint and fuel usage, as well as checking tank levels and faults to make sure visits to site are organized efficiently and kept to a minimum.”

The Boss Cabins’ Deep Green GenFree range is available in both mobile and static format with cabins from 12ft up to 32ft in size.

Boss Cabins will be showcasing the Deep Green GenFreeTM range amongst other products at the Plantworx show this 1315 June, being held at the East of England Showground in Peterborough, where they will be on Stand C-CD2.

For more information, call 01778 300475 or visit www.bosscabins.co.uk

This new generation of generator-free welfare has enormous implications for welfare users, owners and hirers alike. Welfare users enjoy a 100% silent welfare cabin experience with no generator noise at all.

NO GENERATOR? NO PROBLEM

WELCOME TO THE FUTURE OF SITE WELFARE. ALL ELECTRICS POWERED 100% BY SOLAR ENERGY. THE GENERATOR-FREE GENERATION STARTS HERE. bosscabins.co.uk

GENFREE AND DEEP GREEN AWARDS AND SHORTLISTS:

ENGINEERED BY BOSS CABINS

DEEP GREEN GENFREE