Construction UK Magazine - September 2023

Willmott Dixon school wins

Passivhaus award

MIDKENT COLLEGE

Is your construction business ready for the sustainable skills revolution?

Eight Raimondi flat-top tower cranes deployed in Sharjah, UAE

JRA COMPLETES WORK ON SKANSKA UK’S HEAD OFFICE

UKCW BIRMINGHAM

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WARMFLAME DEVELOPMENTS ANNOUNCES ANOTHER INDUSTRIAL SCHEME IN NORTHAMPTON

A specialist in the construction of industrial and distribution units, Warmflame Developments, is to develop a further 47,275 sq ft scheme on Moulton Park in Northampton. Demand for industrial space remains strong in the area; with one unit already pre-sold off plan.

This new scheme on Anglia Way marks the second site to be developed on the industrial estate by the Solihull based company and underlines its commitment to delivering quality mid-box developments throughout the Midlands.

The company will break ground on its latest project - WD.Park Anglia Way – in July, which will see the construction of two new industrial/warehouse units of 21,528 sq ft and 25,747 sq ft.

Each high-quality warehouse unit will offer a comprehensive mezzanine floor that can be fitted out to provide offices or additional storage space. Other features include an 8m clear internal height, electrically operated loading doors, electric vehicle charging points and generous yard areas.

Unit 1 of 21,528 sq ft has already been pre-sold to a leading global provider of products and services that support patient care.

HENRY BROTHERS STARTS WORK ON BRITISH ARMY PROJECT

Contractor Henry Brothers Construction has broken ground on a £22.5m scheme at Beacon Barracks in Staffordshire.

The company is delivering new facilities at the Ministry of Defence site for 280 (NATO) Signal Squadron – the only British Army unit permanently assigned to NATO.

The infrastructure is being delivered to enable the squadron, which contributes to the NATO Response Force, to move from Dorset to its new home at Beacon Barracks.

As a Deployable Communication Module, its role is to install and control strategic communication and information systems supporting a deployed NATO headquarters.

Henry Brothers is building a new two-storey facility for the Squadron within a secure compound at Beacon Barracks which includes offices, conference rooms, a reception area, workshops, garaging, storage

rooms, welfare facilities and M&E plant rooms. It will feature solar panels on the roof.

The company is also delivering a single-storey satellite communications building as part of the development.

Personnel at the groundbreaking event included representatives from NATO, 280 Signal Squadron, the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), and contractor Henry Brothers Construction.

Construction Director at Henry Brothers Construction Justin Hicklin said: “We are excited to be starting work on this new facility at Beacon Barracks for 280 (NATO) Signal Squadron, who play an important role in NATO. Henry Brothers has worked in partnership with the Ministry of Defence and the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) on numerous projects over many years, helping to deliver a wide range of infrastructure improvements. This is our first contract at Beacon Barracks, but the latest in a long line of developments that we have successfully completed for our armed forces.”

The project, which is scheduled to be DREAM Excellent, is being delivered by Henry Brothers for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) via the Crown Commercial Service Framework. Work is due to be completed in early 2025.

BEARD COMPLETES

SECOND PHASE AT BRUNEL’S HISTORIC CARRIAGE WORKS

Swindon-based construction firm Beard has completed the second phase of redevelopment at the town’s historic Carriage Works.

The £2.5 million project saw Beard complete the structural refurbishment and re-roofing of two units, as well as the construction of a mezzanine at the Grade II listed building. Unit 7 will be an Innovation Centre for Applied Sustainable Technologies for the University of Bath, while unit 9 will serve as a state-of-the-art media facility for local production company Create Studios.

The two newly refurbished units have been delivered by Beard ready for use this summer.

It forms just one part of a wider regeneration project by Swindon

Borough Council, utilising major government investment to breathe new life into the historic site and upgrade other parts of the town.

Built in 1876 as part of Brunel’s Great Western Works, the Carriage Works and other heritage buildings in the area have also received funding from Historic England as part of its Heritage Action Zone programme.

The project follows Beard’s involvement in transforming an adjacent unit into the new Cultural Heritage Institute for the Royal Agricultural University.

The facility provides a postgraduate and professional hub to train the next generation of heritage managers and professionals.

CADDICK COMPLETES NORTH WEST’S NEW £6M SUSTAINABLE MEDICAL CENTRE

Caddick Construction has completed construction of Milnrow & Newhey Medical Centre in Rochdale, becoming United Healthcare Development’s most sustainable healthcare facility that will bring improved services to patients in Greater Manchester.

The development marks the second healthcare facility built by Caddick on behalf of United Healthcare Developments, which also includes the recently completed Carlisle Healthcare South Hub. Both Milnrow & Newhey Medical Centre and Carlisle Healthcare South Hub have achieved a BREEAM Outstanding rating, achieved through a meticulous design and build process focussed on integrated ventilation systems and a ‘fabric first’ energy efficient design.

The Milnrow & Newhey Medical centre comprises one single building spanning over 4,470m2 with ground, first and second floor levels that will be used to provide suites for consultation, examination, treatment and meetings. With an EPC rating of A+ (-8), this building now sits proudly in the Net Zero Operational Energy Category.

Phase

three of the Carriage Works will include further development of the street facing units and the exterior elevations of the building.

Established in 1892, Beard is a family-owned company with headquarters in Swindon and offices in Bristol, Oxford and Guildford. The firm will soon expand its reach with the addition of an office on the south coast in 2024.

Located on Newhey Road, this vital development will provide easy access to patients travelling from the wider area. Work included a secure car park for employees, patients and visitors, a paved area, lighting and landscaping to create a high quality outside space.

In the extra care sector, Caddick’s team previously completed Broomfields, a contemporary apartment living scheme in Appleton for those aged 55, for the North West’s largest affordable housing provider, Torus.

Elsewhere in the North West, Caddick Construction’s projects include new and improved science facilities at world-leading life science and innovation campus, Alderley Park, and the construction of Base at Manchester Science Park, a vibrant science and tech community in the heart of the Oxford Road Corridor Innovation district.

WILLMOTT DIXON CHOSEN TO REVAMP SOUTHEND LANDMARK

Willmott Dixon’s extensive track-record for breathing new life into popular cultural attractions has seen it chosen by Southend Council as its construction partner for a proposed major upgrade of the Cliffs Pavilion.

As part of a pre-construction agreement with the council, Willmott Dixon will carry out design development and a pre-

FINAL STAGES OF CONSTRUCTION AT BOVIS HOMES LOCATION IN STAPLEHURST

Construction work is entering the final stages at a Bovis Homes location in Staplehurst, where the last remaining homes are for sale.

The housebuilder is building 167 new homes at The Meadows, on a 16.5acre site which was formerly part of Fishers Farm. The development will feature 101 private homes and 66 affordable properties available for local people through low-cost rent or shared ownership.

The company has so far built 73 per cent of the private homes and hopes to complete construction at the site in Autumn 2023.

Just 15 of the private homes remain for sale, while 59 of the affordable homes have been completed and handed over.

Alongside the new homes, The Meadows will feature areas of landscaped public open space with ponds and footpaths. Many homes will include an electric vehicle charging point.

construction health and safety plan as well as a construction methodology and programme planning including phasing. The company will then agree a full contract subject to planning approval, an agreed cost plan and works programme that enables the Cliffs Pavilion to stay open for performances throughout the work.

This work at Cliffs Pavilion Theatre will help secure its long-term future as one of the top ten regional theatres in the country. It is owned by the council and operated by Trafalgar Theatres (for Trafalgar Entertainment).

Over £8m is set to be invested into the theatre to fund a major expansion of the restaurant, a new entrance and lobby to improve the customer experience, upgraded ventilation, a new outdoor piazza and several other improvements to the bars, toilets, lifts and other areas.

The theatre will remain open throughout the project, which is expected to start in January 2024, with £5.5m of the project funded through Round 1 of the Levelling Up Fund announced by Government on 27 October 2021, with additional investment from the City Council and Trafalgar Entertainment.

A revised planning application will be submitted in July, when a resident event will take place and artists impressions will be available.

Cllr Derek Jarvis, cabinet member for arts, culture, heritage and leisure, said: “The Cliffs Pavilion Theatre is one of Southend’s key venues for culture, arts and events and adds so much to our reputation as a cultural destination and brings millions of pounds into the local economy. This work will ensure that we reinforce its position as one of the top ten regional theatres in the country.

The proposed expansion and upgrade of the theatre will also help us to secure the future success of the Cliffs Pavilion, in the hopes of benefiting from larger touring shows and bringing larger audiences to Southend whilst also benefitting our local economy.

This is the latest in a series of major projects for Willmott Dixon to improve the cultural and heritage offering of major towns and cities. Others include The Globe in Stockton, the east wing of Alexandra Palace, The Box in Plymouth, Darlington Railway museum and Bristol Beacon. It is currently on site at Walthamstow transforming the EMD Cinema into an entertainment venue run by Soho Theatre.

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“THE STRINGENT IMMIGRATION RULES HAVE CREATED A BUREAUCRATIC NIGHTMARE”: URGENT REFORMS NEEDED TO AVERT CRISIS

By Mandie Sewa,

The construction industry heavily relies on skilled workers from abroad.

With strict immigration policies and issues arising from Brexit, it has become increasingly difficult to find and hire skilled workers in the construction industry. This has resulted in a severe shortage of labour, causing significant setbacks and delays in construction projects across the country.

This not only hampers the progress of construction projects, but also puts a strain on the existing workforce, leading to increased workloads and burnout.

The stringent immigration rules have created a bureaucratic nightmare, making it almost impossible for construction companies to hire talent they desperately need. The shortage of skilled workers has led to increased competition among companies, driving up costs and ultimately burdening the end consumer.

The lack of skilled labour has also compromised the quality of some

Head of Immigration at Brevis Law

construction projects. With fewer experienced workers available, companies are forced to hire less qualified individuals, leading to subpar workmanship and potential safety hazards. This puts the workers at risk and endangers the lives of those who will eventually use these structures.

jobs after a short period of time, this constant turnover disrupts the workflow and increase the costs of recruitment and training for employers.

Some question how effective the sponsorship model will be in an industry with a high level of self-employment, as well as significant numbers of SMEs who may not have the money and know-how to sponsor foreign workers.

The shortage occupation list was updated on 17 July to include bricklayers, masons, roofers, roof tilers, slaters, carpenters, joiners, construction and building trades n.e.c and plasterers. The Construction Leadership Council wanted steel erectors, scaffolders, stagers and riggers, road-construction operatives, thermal insulation installers, plant operatives, general labourers, and ground workers to be added to the list but these were rejected by MAC.

With vacancies in the industry at 65% compared 42% in the overall economy, I fear that whilst the additions to the shortage occupation list are welcome, they may not pose a real solution. Companies will still need to go through the arduous process of applying for a sponsor licence and ensuring foreign workers adhere to the complicated immigration requirements. In most cases, foreign workers will have to pay significant visa costs and prove that they can speak English to a required level. The job must also pay at least £25,600 a year and involve skills equivalent to an A-level or higher. In an industry where many workers tend to leave their

It’s disheartening to witness the consequences of these immigration policies on an industry that plays a vital role in our society. The construction industry is the backbone of infrastructure development, and without a steady influx of skilled workers, we risk falling behind in progress and innovation. The bureaucratic red tape and complex regulations in the construction industry add to the burden faced by employers. Navigating through the maze of permits, licenses, and compliance requirements can be time-consuming and costly, further delaying projects and increasing administrative burdens.

For the industry, the government still needs to do more to fix the labour crisis. Brian Berry, chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders, says: “Going forward, there is an urgent need to develop more home-grown talent, with an emphasis on encouraging more employers to take on more apprentices and greater investment in our further education colleges”.

We need to address these problems and find solutions that promote a skilled and diverse workforce, streamline regulations, and provide support to construction employers. It’s time for policymakers to reconsider their approach and find a balance between immigration control and the needs of our industries. We need a system that allows skilled workers to contribute to our economy without unnecessary barriers and red tape. Only then can we hope for a brighter future where the construction industry can thrive and contribute to the overall development of our nation.

The construction industry is the backbone of infrastructure development, and without a steady influx of skilled workers, we risk falling behind in progress and innovation.

Mandie Sewa

KEEPMOAT STARTS CONSTRUCTION ON NEW DEVELOPMENT

Top 10 housebuilder Keepmoat, has started construction on its new housing development, Park View, at Hawkfield Way on the outskirts of Bristol.

The development will consist of 91 homes, all of which will be sold to housing association Bromford, to provide affordable housing in the area. Residents will have the use of public open space, access routes, and close connectivity with surrounding developments, including Keepmoat’s neighbouring development, Jessop Park.

Sixty-nine of the new homes will be available for social rent, with Bromford making the remaining 22 homes available to partbuy, part-rent through its shared ownership scheme. There will be 74 two, three and four-bedroom houses in addition to 17 one and two-bedroom apartments.

Planning permission for Park View was granted on 24th March 2023. Construction will take around two years, with the first of the new homes expected to be complete by the end of 2023. Overall completion is expected towards the end of 2024.

RISHI SUNAK SEES WORK START ON NEW £7M SCHOOL IN NORTHALLERTON

MP Rishi Sunak took part in a special ground-breaking ceremony at the site of a new multi-million pound primary school in Northallerton.

Mr Sunak, who is the MP for Richmond in North Yorkshire, joined the milestone occasion which signalled the start of construction at the Alvertune Road site.

Also in attendance were representatives from North Yorkshire Council, the Dales Academies Trust and the contractors, Hobson & Porter.

The school, which academy leaders have promised will be a “flagship of excellence”, will be run by the Dales Academies Trust and will be based in the northern part of Northallerton, where a major new housing development is being built.

The Dales Academies Trust was selected as the sponsor for the school following a competitive process, which attracted interest from several trusts. The trust has announced the new educational establishment will be called Oakbridge Church of England Primary School and will begin welcoming its first pupils in September next year.

The 2024 opening date gives certainty to the availability of school places in a part of North Yorkshire where housing growth is expected to increase the population. A phased opening will start with reception children in 2024, expanding to the full cohort over seven years.

Speaking about his visit, Mr Sunak said: “It was great to see work under way on a very important multi-million-pound investment in education in

Northallerton. This is a vital element of the North Northallerton development project, part of making sure the new housing has the appropriate infrastructure in place to support the families that will be moving here.”

The school’s location is close to the new link road which spans the site earmarked for housing, ensuring access for pupils, staff and other members of the public is convenient.

The site was acquired through a planning condition agreed with a housebuilder developing land nearby and Oakbridge Primary itself will account for investment of more than £7 million when complete.

During his visit, the Prime Minister also took time out to see North Yorkshire Council’s Multiply team in action. A series of ‘fun on a budget’ workshops were held for families at the campus in Northallerton.

The Multiply scheme is an adult numeracy programme which has been allocated £2.6 million to be spent in North Yorkshire through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund up to March 2025.

The overall objective of the Multiply programme is to increase the levels of numeracy for adults across the country.

Meanwhile, the Multiply team works with community groups and individuals aged 19 and over who would like to feel more confident with maths in everyday life.

£286M PRISON OPENS TO BECOME ONE OF THE LARGEST OPERATING IN THE UK

A brand-new category C resettlement prison has completed in Leicester, delivering more than 600 permanent jobs in the local area, with a core focus on prisoner rehabilitation through skills-based training and employment opportunities.

HMP Fosse Way, which was named following extensive consultation with the local community, forms part of a UK government plan to deliver 3,360 additional prison places by 2023 at Fosse Way and the recently opened HMP Five Wells in Wellingborough.

The £286 million project will initially house 1,715 prisoners across a 16-acre site, with an additional cell block and ancillary building extension approved by Blaby District Council and Oadby and Wigston Borough Council last December, extending capacity further.

Leading independent property, construction, and infrastructure consultancy Pick Everard was appointed as lead designer for the project, providing architecture, interior design, civil engineering, building engineering, sustainability and energy, structural engineering, landscape architecture and interior design services. Its team has closely collaborated with the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and prison operator Serco.

In total, seven houseblocks and six ancillary buildings come together under a vision from the MoJ to transform prisoner rehabilitation in the UK.

Prisoners have access to a central services hub, which includes a gym, library, educational classrooms, faith halls, as well as workshops and external horticultural areas, with the potential for Serco to work closely with local employers to deliver on-the-job training opportunities.

HMP Fosse Way has been built on the old HMP Glen Parva site, a former young offenders’ institution that closed in 2017.

Its design has included several sustainable considerations, with offsite construction maintaining product quality, whilst helping reduce capital and operational costs. In addition, air sourced heating powers elements within the northern compound, while solar panels have been installed on ancillary buildings.

Work on the planned extension is expected to commence in August, with the project currently at RIBA Stage 4.

Justice Secretary Alex Chalk visiting HMP Fosse Way

NOT LIKE THAT! TOP MISTAKES WE SEE WHEN USING SCRAPERS

The more often you drive, the more comfortable it becomes. After ten or more years, driving becomes second nature. It’s no different in the construction industry when working with the same equipment every day. But when we get too comfortable, it’s easy for little slip ups to sneak their way in, in the same way drivers can pick up bad habits over time. To help crews overcome productivity barriers on the jobsite, Dave Bigham, global director of training at surface preparation equipment manufacturer National Flooring Equipment, highlights some bad habits he often encounters with people using scrapers.

When it comes to scraper faux pas, it’s not always due to lack of care.

Often, there’s a multitude of reasons why crews are using equipment wrong from lack of equipment training to wrong tooling choice, but the end result is the same ― delays that could have been easily avoided. Depending on the issue, production can grind to a halt entirely, taking a few days to rectify the issue. So, how does this happen?

Unprepared

Insufficient preparation can result in poor surface preparation. This could mean having the wrong tooling or scraper, or not having enough equipment to complete the job on time. A bad habit that some crews fall into is the idea that once at a job site, you have to work with what you got. Insisting on continuing job without the proper tools can take even longer than if teams went back to base to get what they need. If problems do occur from incorrect tooling, the job would need to be put on hold until the correct tooling was on the machine and any damage to the floor surface must be corrected, increasing project time.

Dave Bigham

Often, there’s a multitude of reasons why crews are using equipment wrong from lack of equipment training to wrong tooling choice, but the end result is the same delays that could have been easily avoided.

CHARGE AHEAD WITH LITHIUM-ION LIFT TRUCKS

Lift trucks depend on strong, reliable power to move diverse construction materials. These are typically demanding, high-intensity applications, which have historically depended on lift trucks with internal combustion engines (ICEs). However, with the expansion and advancement of new electrification options, the motive power landscape is shifting.

Lithium-ion batteries started small, powering pallet trucks moving loads of consumer goods. But now, lift trucks

carrying heavy loads in harsh conditions can be powered by lithium-ion batteries.

Electric forklifts no longer have a reputation for being ‘indoors only’ and are often tough enough for applications in demanding industries. And with the right battery management, the trucks offer even longer operating times.

Hyster® J10-18XD counterbalance lift trucks with integrated lithium-ion power are available for lifts up to 18-tonnes, with the performance that operations previously

expected only from an ICE-powered truck. They are well suited to moving building materials such as bricks, blocks, concrete precast, cement, wood and composite, metals, plastics, and insulation materials.

These trucks offer opportunity charging, maximise uptime, and have the potential to reduce emissions. But to make the best choice when evaluating lift truck power, operations need access to specialised expertise across the whole range of industrial trucks and available power options. The right fit can make fleets more efficient, help retain forklift operators, and help reach productivity targets all shift long, day after day.

Hyster can help. With tough lift trucks, including lithium-ion power options, applications in the construction industry have a complete range of solutions at their disposal. Service, support, maintenance, parts, and aftermarket solutions are also available locally through the global network of Hyster® dealers.

Machine size

Another issue is using the wrong size or type of equipment for the job. Before going to any jobsite, it’s important to know what the situation is to better plan what kind of scrapers are required. Factors that impact the type of equipment used include, how big the space is, whether the scraper will need to move up and down stairs, how small individual rooms are if there is more than one space. It will also indicate how many scrapers are needed and tools needed to accompany them, like grinders, dust collectors and shanks.

Machine use

What’s important is understanding how to use your equipment. With various solutions entering the market, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest training manuals. Most floor scrapers require very minimal maintenance, as long as contractors use the machine as intended. To ensure success, first make sure the scraper is set up correctly: has the speed control been set to the right level? Are the wheel pins in? Most machine suppliers will have a variety of

training and operating resources to use if crew members are unsure.

Avoiding stick ups

Heavy-duty adhesive residue can be left on the subfloor after removal and must be fully removed before any new floor can be laid on top. If left behind, new flooring may be uneven and its longevity will be reduced. Assessing the floor type will help determine what method is needed for example, vinyl flooring may require heat application to soften the adhesive, while tile or hardwood requires scoring ahead of scraping.

Cleaning as you go

When removing flooring, it’s usually the job of the contractor to safely dispose of any waste. During floor removal and clean-up, contractors must prioritise their safety and wear protective gear such as face masks and dust collectors to minimise the inhalation of dust. A common mistake we see is contractors sweeping up the dust left behind, but this can cause serious health problems if breathed in, even if others in the area are using dust collectors.

Floor sweepers can also be used to help collect debris so that polishers can then buff the floor surface.

While being a seasoned contractor means you work like a well-oiled machine, it’s important to look for ways to improve and knock any vices that affect the quality and effectiveness of the job, no matter how comfortable they may seem. While tried and true methods used at the start of your career may get the job done, there is so much best practice advice out there to help make surface preparation easier and more productive.

What’s important is understanding how to use your equipment. With various solutions entering the market, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest training manuals.

COMPACT LOADERS UK

Compact Loaders UK is the trading name of Ranger Equipment Ltd, with a history in the supply of niche Compact Machinery that create solutions to mechanise where larger machinery just can’t work. The aim is to enable safe working, with enhanced productivity and increased profitability to those who previously had to make do with old methods and sheer hard work.

The company’s mission is a simple but effective one, and it’s products, supply and support ethos certainly mirror it: ‘It is our mission to help you transform your work by adding Productivity and reducing Labour & Costs, whilst enhancing Safety and adding genuine value to your Profit Margins.’

MultiOne

Celebrating their 25th anniversary this year, MultiOne Srl are dedicated to the design and manufacture of MultiFunction Mini Loaders.

With a range of features reflected in very few other brands, MultiOne offer the broadest range of Loaders, from the diminutive 1 Series, to the Class Leading 11.9K. A total of 19 models are available, including the EZ range with Zero Emissions 100% Electric drivetrain.

With ‘cab forward’ design to place the operator in a commanding position, looking directly down the boom and onto any

attachment that may be fitted. This direct line of site is uninterrupted during steering, as the cab and seating position is mounted to the front chassis of the articulated steering design.

High flow auxiliary hydraulics (up-to 95 l/min), with quick connect attachments interface make the MultiOne amongst the most powerful attachments ‘tool carriers’ of their size.

The Telescopic Boom helps keep everything compact, with class leading closed dimensions. Great reach is also achieved with maximum boom heights upto 3.6m, another class leading statistic.

The Articulated steering, coupled with 4WD Hydrostatic Transmission make the MultiOne a go anywhere machine.

MultiOne

Sherpa Sherpa

A range of Labour Saving Mini Loaders and Dumpers to enhance Productivity and Safety on any job site.

DBS (Dynamic Block System) and Torque Divider are switchable, allowing for high traction when needed, but also can be set for minimal to no ground damage for delicate ground. With this a MultiOne can be engaged with challenging Forestry or Agricultural Terrain in the morning, and switch to Lawn Mowing in the afternoon.

Low gross weight is another key feature, with many MultiOne owners choosing to transport their Loader by 3.5T plant trailer. This is even achievable with the flagship 11 Series models, with a gross weight of only 2320kgs and a max tipping load of 3180kgs, it offers the highest lifting capacity of any Telescopic Loader that can legally be transported this way.

Sherpa

I refer to the SHERPA Mini Loader as our ‘greatest labour saver’ and it’s often overlooked due to it’s diminutive size. However, these little machines can work almost anywhere, they fit through single doors and gateways, the electric models work indoors and with a range of innovative attachments they reduce manual labour by a massive margin in spaces where machinery can’t normally be used.

- Steve Hadfield, MD at Compact Loaders

Tools, Plant & Equipment Hire

SHERPA Mini loaders B.V. was founded in The Netherlands in the late 1980s and like MultiOne, is another brand with a long history of innovation and development. Initially the Importer for BENELUX of the Opico Skidster, this transitioned into the SHERPA Mini loader in the mid 1990s and ‘evolution, not revolution’ has continued ever since.

The SHERPA is of ‘stand on design’, with compact dimensions. From just 76cm wide, only 150cm in length and around 135cm tall, many customers transport these diminutive Loaders in the back of their van!

SHERPA were the first to launch an Electric Skidsteer model as early as 2014 and this has become a favourite amongst internal Construction, Demolition and Soft-Strip professionals across the world. In countries like the USA where construction site labour cost is exceptionally high, it’s a real winner. The extended battery run time of 6 hours (continuous use in loading application) from one charge can be further enhanced with a battery ‘change-over’ system to allow multi-shift use of one machine.

The new Z Series is currently in launch, with some models already out with customers. This is a new range of ‘premium’ performance SHERPA Mini Loaders, with enhanced ergonomics, increased lifting capacity, higher torque transmission and much more. In 2020 the Z Series designer’s were rewarded with a European Product Design Award in the transportation category, based on a prototype - https://www. productdesignaward.eu/

Twinca

TWINCA was the latest addition to the range, added in 2022 and is the ideal companion to the SHERPA Mini Loader, especially in Electric guise. These are innovative machines, built to a very high quality level in Denmark from Manufacturer TWINCA A/S.

“For our SHERPA customers looking for the ultimate in labour saving, adding a TWINCA Dumper makes great sense especially for internal applications. For example, an Internal Demolition or Soft-Strip team can be clearing the job site with SHERPA Electric Mini Loaders and use them to load the TWINCA. The Dumper can then transport loads of upto 800kgs swiftly from indoors to outside where their high tipping capability can discharge into skips. Even high capacity Ro-Ro skips can be reached.” Says Steve.

Just like the SHERPA, the TWINCA has an extended battery run time of upto 6 hours, which is ample for the typical 8hr shift patterns on UK sites nowadays. After shift, re-charging is achieved via an on board dual voltage charger, this is ‘self seeking’ from 110v to 240v.

More info…

Tel: 0800 233 5490

Email: info@compactloaders.co.uk

Web: www.compactloaders.co.uk

MultiOne – www.multione.co.uk

Sherpa – www.sherpaminiloaders.com

Twinca – www.electricdumpers.co.uk/ twinca

Social Media…

www.facebook.com/ CompactLoaders

www.linkedin.com/company/ compactloaders

www.twitter.com/ MultioneUk www.instagram.com/ compactloaders_uk/

UK.

Twinca Twinca

AIR & HYDRAULIC TOOL HIRE

The APP Group consists of Air Power Products (Compressed Air Specialist) and Procut Engineering (CNC Precision Engineering) and APP Site Services (Site Supplies and Tool Hire). The group benefits from a full-service department with a wealth of air and hydraulic tool knowledge. We provide an excellent service, not only with the range of products but with the level of care each order is given and the speed with which we can deliver.

The main focus of the business is the hire department for construction tools. The hire fleet has been built up over a long period of time and the tools are always fully serviced and inspected before every hire.

We have a range of tools and associated products available to hire which include Rebar Cutters, Rebar Benders, Hydraulic Splitters, and Pneumatic Picks.

Rebar Cutters

We have a range of hydraulic rebar cutters to suit both factory and on-site applications that can cut up to 40mm Rebar. Designed for professionals that need to cut high tensile rebar in all environments.

Rebar Benders

We have a range of hydraulic rebar benders to suit both factory and on-site applications that can bend up to 40mm Rebar. Designed for professionals that need to bend high tensile rebar in all environments.

Concrete Splitters

Splitters are handheld demolition devices which controllably split material with the use of hydraulic pressure. They are used when larger conventional demolition devices are ruled out due to their excessive dust, vibration, and flying debris.

Concrete Combi Shears

The combi shears are the ultimate in handheld demolition. The interchangeable jaw sets mean that this machine is incredibly versatile and can cut and crush a wide range of materials.

Pneumatic Picks

We don’t just sell & hire the H11, We have a full range of medium duty demolition picks.

Whatever your scenario we have an option for you…

Above are just a few machines we have to offer. For our full range give the office a call on 01909 519 519. Most tools are available for Same Day or next day delivery.

Site Spillage

As well as the hire fleet APP Site Services offer a range of site spillage solutions including the mobile spill kit. If you need further information on the range of spillage solutions we have to offer, please visit the website www.appsiteservices.co.uk

PPE Solutions

As part of the full package, we also stock a range of PPE equipment and workwear for our customers. If you are looking for gloves or a mask to go with your hire or purchase we have got you covered.

www.appsiteservices.co.uk

Tel: 01909 519 519

XCMG RELEASES NEW ELECTRIC TRUCKS AND CONSTRUCTION MACHINERIES IN BRAZIL

XCMG Machinery recently released a lineup of new electric products in the Brazilian market, including five trucks, two loaders and one excavator, as XCMG Brazil inaugurates operations of its electric equipment division to push forward sustainable industry development.

The E7-49T electric truck adopts an electric motor with output of 482hp and torque of 2,000Nm, as well as 4-speed automated transmission that saves energy on starts. While the E7-29Ris a semiheavy 8x4 model with a rigid chassis to support transportation of various cargo

types, the electric truck can also adapt to urban environments as it has the advantage of lower noise design. The battery has a maximum charging capacity of 282 kWh and range of 150 kilometers.

XCMG introduced three off-road trucks that are more suitable for mining operations. The XGE5900E has an electric motor yielding 680hp and 1,000Nm of torque, the intermediate model XEGE95 (816hp and 1,400Nm of torque) that can carry net load of 60 tons and reaching maximum speed of 43km/hour, and the XDR80TE, the largest electric off-road model from XCMG that has an engine with

749hp and 4,9000Nm of torque, as well as 525 kWh battery charging capacity, 4-speed gearbox and track on the two rear axels.

XCMG Exports Large Meter Concrete Pump Trucks to Morocco, A New Generation of Equipment Developed by XCMG and XCMG Schwing

In the meantime, the pure electric loaders XC918-EV and XC968-EV are designed to adapt to operations in smaller spaces and tackling “heavy lifting” respectively, boasting stability and reliability. The XE270E electric excavator which truly achieves zero emissions with an ultralarge battery pack with total capacity of 525.1kw/h, is the industry’s largest tonnage pure electric excavator.

“XCMG is committed to promoting dynamic and sustainable development of construction machinery industry, we continually develop and customize products that best suit the customers’ needs, and elevates our overseas service network, thriving to support global infrastructure projects and build a better future for all,” said Yang Dongsheng, CEO and Chairman of XCMG.

Over 10 Units of XCMG Large-tonnage

LW700KN and LW800KN Loaders Working at the Diamond Mine in Angola

Earlier, XCMG has exported two units of large meter concrete pump trucks to Morocco, the HB69V and HB62V, a new generation of equipment product developed by XCMG and XCMG Schwing. The HB69V is by far the largest concrete pump truck China has exported to Africa, which has a vertical distribution height of up to 68.1 meters.

With a fully optimized design, the HB69V truck can easily achieve high distribution rate, easily meeting the requirements of local customers for high pumping volume, high construction height, and broad operation range. The HB69V can be widely used in the construction projects including housing improvement, hospital, municipal engineering, ports and more.

While in a diamond mine site in Angola, more than 10 units of XCMG largetonnage LW700KN and LW800KN loaders

Large Meter Concrete Pump Trucks, codesigned by XCMG and XCMG Schwing, Delivered in Morocco

XCMG Large-tonnage LW800KN Loaders Works at the Diamond Mine in Angola

have been working an average of 21 hours a day since 2021 to transport raw materials in the harsh environment with high temperature, humidity, and dust. The excellent performance as well as XCMG’s reliable services have won recognition from the customer and an additional batch order of loaders and wheel dozers, which are expected to deliver soon. The highperformance 9-ton loaders will equip with the newly upgraded load-sensitive, fully variable hydraulic system, re-optimized powertrain, and multi-functional dualbrake combination brake pedal.

A fleet of XE500DK excavators from XCMG have been working in mines in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with an average operation time of 18 hours per day, the XE500DK has been appraised as a pioneering mining equipment and “steel beast” for its robust power and high performance. It’s equipped with the Cummins engine which has low fuel consumption and powerful output, which is coupled with high-duty main pump and new main valve that has low pressure loss, stable performance, and precise control. The main structure components adopt

anti-fatigue design to enable the excavator to operate nonstop with extended service life. XCMG has also deployed technical service teams to complete routine inspections across the mines.

XCMG is also expanding operations in countries of Asia, further supporting its international allies in speeding up their infrastructure constructions.

In central Vietnam, eight XR280E rotary drilling rigs from XCMG are now working in a new plant construction project of a steelmaking factory. The project site is located in a mountainous region with complex stratigraphic environment, the XR280E has significantly improved construction efficiency as it achieves drilling depth of 10 meters per hour, while guaranteeing stability and drilling success. XCMG’s on-site supporting staff are also providing all-day services as well as operation trainings.

“From customization of products and solutions to setting up professional service teams to guarantee smooth and reliable operation, XCMG hopes to bring ‘Advanced and Endurable’ products and services to our global customers and contributing to the global infrastructure constructions and economic development,” said Yang.

XCMG’s XE500DK Excavators are put into use in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

INTRODUCING CAVITY TRAY CLEANER: A REVOLUTIONARY TOOL FOR THE BUILDING INDUSTRY

The Cavity Tray Cleaner is an innovative and time-saving tool designed specifically for bricklayers and builders in the United Kingdom. Developed by a professional bricklayer, this tool collects excess mortar that falls onto the cavity tray, saving both time and money.

With its simple three-part assembly, the Cavity Tray Cleaner can be easily clipped together and disassembled within minutes. Its efficiency is unparalleled, capable of effortlessly cleaning a 10m long run. For larger projects, sets of up to 40 meters are available, making it ideal for full house constructions.

“The traditional method of cleaning cavity trays is outdated,” says Ashley Williams, founder of the Cavity Tray Cleaner. “It’s a laborious and time-consuming task that costs bricklayers valuable hours and money. After witnessing this problem firsthand, I’m proud to introduce a product that will revolutionize the industry. The Cavity Tray Cleaner is not a luxury but a necessity for professionals who value efficiency, time, and cost savings.”

The Cavity Tray Cleaner features a trainlike design, connecting in a series. Made in the UK using recycled plastic, these ecofriendly trays are reusable. The scorpionlike tail design ensures that mortar does not track back into the tray, keeping it clean throughout the cleaning process.

“This tool is perfect for both experienced and trainee bricklayers,” adds Ashley Williams. “It accelerates training and saves valuable time spent on scraping with wooden battens or struggling with muck-filled trays. No matter how skilled you are, dropping some mortar in the cavity is inevitable. The Cavity Tray Cleaner eliminates the wasted time and money associated with traditional methods.”

In addition to reducing cleaning time, the Cavity Tray Cleaner prevents damage

to the cavity trays and ensures that ‘weep holes’ remain unobstructed. It is a sustainable investment for builders and bricklayers, meeting the standards set by the NHBC (National House Building Council).

The Cavity Tray Cleaner is set to become an invaluable tool for thousands of professionals and companies across the country, revolutionizing the way cavity trays are cleaned and maintained.

NO POSSIBILITIES FENCED OFF WITH YANMAR’S SV26 MINI EXCAVATOR

Dorset-based agricultural contracting company, Hurn Bridge Fencing, relies on the versatility and sure-footedness of a single Yanmar CE EMEA SV26 compact excavator to keep its operations running smoothly.

All good things come to an end, and so it was earlier this year when fencing and agricultural contractor, Hurn Bridge Fencing (HBF), decided to swap out its old trusty tractor in favour of a more modern, slimmer and altogether more versatile machine. Its model of choice, explains Director Lawrence Wickham, was Yanmar Compact Equipment EMEA (Yanmar)’s SV26 Conventional Tail excavator – and the company hasn’t looked back since.

HBF calls home the picturesque town of Christchurch, on the Dorset coast, where agriculture is the historic mainstay of the region’s rural communities. Born of farming stock himself, Wickham joined his father seven years ago and together founded HBF, specialising in building, installing and maintaining different types of fences; predominantly for farms, but also for residential and commercial properties.

“When researching excavators, we found that the SV26 is a lot more versatile than others on the market, which is exactly what we need. We’re only a team of four, and therefore depend on a machine that can wear many hats and keep up the pace with our diverse day-to-day activities,” explains Wickham.

Wearing many hats

As is often the case for countryside contractors, HBF is required to get involved in a mixed bag of groundworks, trenching and various agricultural projects, alongside its fencing activities. The company fits its SV26 unit with various attachments in order to do so, making this single multifaceted tool carrier the backbone of many of the team’s tasks:

The great thing about the SV26 is that it can be fitted with a ton of different attachments – not only your typical buckets for groundworks and digging trenches, which most are familiar with, but also wire rollers and post drivers for erecting fences. We even fit our Yanmar unit with a rock spike, which is great when we need to firmly position our fencing posts in hard or rocky ground.

Heavy-duty environments

With an operating weight of 2,740 kg, class-leading stability and low ground pressure, the SV26 has also

proven highly beneficial for HBF’s projects on rough, uneven or unstable terrain. The machine benefits from a conventional structure with reduced tail overhang, which gives it increased lifting performance and stability in even challenging work environments. In addition, a long track base adds to digging stability and lifting capacity, while the 300 mm wide tracks offer excellent traction.

“Due to the compactness and weight of the SV26, we can also easily work on steep inclines or boggy areas without scuffing up the areas too much with the tracks. Whereas with larger excavators or tractors, we have found that they can weigh a lot and sink into the ground, especially when it’s wet. The arm is also a good length (1150 / 1400 mm), helping us to carry out our projects safely and with ease”.

Wickham purchased his Yanmar unit from Hunt Forest Group, a long-standing approved Yanmar dealer also situated in Devon, not 30 minutes away from HBF’s facilities.

“The work we do is tough and I like the physicality of it,” Wickham shares. “But having a machine that can alleviate the manual strain of digging holes and breaking up rocks has made a big difference to efficiency of our work. We’re really happy with our decision to purchase the SV26, and the support provided to us by Hunt Forest Group”.

THE ONLINE COMMUNITY THAT UNLOCKS RENTAL COMPANIES POTENTIAL

UK e-commerce brand Rent Pay Go has emerged with its exciting new rental community.

With collaboration at the heart of its business Rent Pay Go is designed to help rental companies build partnerships, improve efficiencies and drive sustainability online.

When it comes to digitalisation in rental in many cases the rental industry has been left behind, with customers forced to rent products in a more traditional way using phone, email, or SMS. Traditional ways have served its purpose over the years, but not all contractors want to work this way.

Rent Pay Go has recognised that digitalisation will play a key part in how the rental industry needs to operate to be successful.

By connecting its users to their customers online, rental companies will be able to provide digital ordering with ease.

The benefits to both the customers and rental company can be great. By offering a consistent customer experience online can unlock rental companies’ potential.

By choosing Rent Pay Go as your e-commerce provider, you join a community where you can work in isolation with your customers or expand your network and collaborate with other rental companies.

With Teamwork it gets better, construction sites are busy places where teamwork is vital, often when it comes to renting equipment for a job site it may mean contractors dealing with multiple rental companies to find the right available equipment. This can lead to multiple calls and waiting around, time taken away from site duties can lead to frustrations and delay important decisions.

Forward thinking rental companies can team up with other trusted rental companies to provide a single source solution for their customers. This allows rental companies to strategically extend their offerings without holding additional inventory.

With many contractors working around the UK, rental companies can offer local hire with national power. Be part of a bigger community all over the UK, with like-minded people, joined together in an industry that wants to be successful.

If we can get the industry working together, it’s better for everyone, and the planet too - a rising tide lifts all boats.

Rent Pay Go has the technology to make this happen, connecting supply chains to enable a great customer experience.

“A win win for the contractor who needs local equipment and rental companies building partnerships”.

THE RA40 PAIR HELPING CARRY THE LOAD FOR ATLAS QUARRIES

In New Zealand, Rokbak RA40 articulated haulers supplied by long-time machine partner Porter Group are in Atlas Quarries’ fleet at its tough, steep site.

One of New Zealand’s leading quarrying and aggregate production companies Atlas Quarries has added two Rokbak RA40 articulated haulers to its Brynderwyn site. These robust haulers are now assisting quarry operations, accompanied by a brand promise to deliver exceptional performance, efficiency and productivity.

Approximately 100km north of Auckland, the Brynderwyn site, known for its rugged terrain and challenging working conditions, required a robust and reliable hauling solution capable of meeting the demands of heavy-duty quarrying operations. After careful evaluation and consultation with dealer Porter Group, Atlas Quarries selected the Rokbak RA40.

New trucks in New Zealand

A variety of industries in New Zealand contribute to growing articulated hauler

demand in this developing environment. Orders are often required for civil work along freeways and for general construction, alongside Atlas’ speciality of quarrying and aggregates.

The RA40 has the capacity to carry 38 tonnes (41.9 US tons). A modulating transmission retarder coupled with an efficient exhaust brake and fully enclosed oil-cooled multidisc brakes offer superior braking performance – something which is greatly appreciated by operators at the Brynderwyn site.

“Where we haul and fill out to is pretty steep, so with a full load onboard you need to know the truck is going to stop where you want it to,” says Brynderwyn quarry manager, Tony Turnbull. “It’s one thing to scramble up a hill without any worries, but when you’re at the wheel, you also want to know the machine will remain predictable and maintain traction on the way down too.

“In investing in the Rokbak haulers we were also looking for a big improvement in reliability and safety. The trucks are well designed for servicing and all the main checkpoints are at ground level.”

Still run by the Collie family today, Atlas Quarries has been a reliable supplier of quarry aggregates for almost 75 years. A prominent production company with a strong presence in Auckland, it specialises in providing high-quality construction materials for various infrastructure projects across the region.

The company produces around 300,000 tonnes of material annually. And with over 100 years more raw material resource to mine, Atlas Quarries should be helping lay the foundations of Auckland’s growth well into the future – and the RA40s are now right there with them, 11,000 miles away from the Rokbak factory in Motherwell, Scotland.

Big asks and tough tasks

The RA40 offers a range of features designed to maximise performance and operator comfort. The hauler’s robust construction and superior capabilities allow it to navigate the challenging terrain of the Brynderwyn site. When working conditions are more arduous and punctuated by steeper inclines and tricky ground structure, tractive effort can be increased by approximately 50% to provide the necessary performance.

The automated limited slip cross-axle and manually applied inter-axle differential locks distribute torque between axles and / or across the axles to limit wheel spin and maintain machine momentum. This adaptable traction control provides excellent machine stability in poor conditions, while the operator-friendly cabin design provides exceptional visibility and ergonomic controls to maintain operator comfort throughout.

The successful implementation of the haulers not only enhances operational efficiency at the site but also contributes to a significant reduction in maintenance costs. The haulers’ durable design and advanced diagnostic systems minimise downtime, resulting in increased productivity and substantial cost savings.

“We are pleased to have partnered with Atlas Quarries in optimising its operations at the Brynderwyn site alongside our Global Parts Dealer of the Year, Porter Group,” says Lee Irving, Rokbak Regional Manager. “The success achieved with them in New Zealand and an increased Rokbak profile in the country demonstrates our commitment to delivering innovative, high-performance solutions tailored to the unique needs of our customers wherever they operate in the world.”

TRAVIS PERKINS PLC ANNOUNCES UK’S LARGEST ELECTRIFICATION FORKLIFT PROGRAMME TO ACCELERATE DECARBONISATION

which encompasses Safety, People, Quality, Environment and Community to ensure all projects are delivered to the highest possible standards, while positively impacting its clients and society as a whole.

As part of this Standard, the Group pledged in August 2021 to reduce carbon emissions from all site equipment by over 90% within the following two years.

Travis Perkins Group, the UK’s largest distributor of building materials, is accelerating its decarbonisation plan by switching out its diesel forklift trucks - up to 1,100 - with electrics by mid 2024.

This multi-million pound investment, which the Group refers to as ‘Project Switch’, is one of the largest forklift truck change programmes of its kind, and involves the diesel powered forklift trucks being replaced with electric alternatives up to eight years ahead of schedule.

Rye Group, a leading provider of demolition, remediation and ground and enabling works has achieved carbon neutral status, after switching from standard red diesel to HVO [Hydro-treated Vegetable Oil] Green D+ fuel.

Rye Group adheres to its own Sustainable Standard philosophy,

In working closely with national fuel and lubricant provider, New Era Fuels, Rye has successfully replaced the use of diesel fuel with HVO within all site plant and machinery, and across its entire fleet of company vehicles.

As result, it has reduced its annual carbon emissions figure from 3,065 tonnes to 135 tonnes within just 12 months. This represents a reduction of over 92% in just one year, demonstrating what is possible with decisive action.

To then obtain carbon neutral status, Rye Group offset the residual emissions via two VCS (Verified Carbon Standard) schemes that focus on forest protection in Brazil and Colombia, whilst addressing ten of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Once the new forklift trucks have been rolled out across the Group’s branch network, it is estimated Project Switch will reduce the Travis Perkins plc scope 1 carbon emissions by up to 6,600 tonnes per annum - equivalent to the carbon emissions of nearly 4,000 cars¹.

Project Switch is just one of the actions implemented by the Group to achieve 27% reduction in vehicle and plant fleet emissions by 2027. Other steps include trialling alternative fuels and providing training for drivers to ensure they operate the machinery and trucks in the most energy efficient way. Decarbonising its fleet is an integrated part of the Group’s decarbonisation roadmaps, which set out in detail how the Group plans to meet its ambitious 1.5°-aligned carbon reduction targets, which were announced by the Group in 2021 and accredited by the Science Based Targets initiative (‘SBTi’)².

Briggs Equipment will be the provider of the new forklifts, which will also feature the latest technology including; upgraded safety systems, an improved turning circle to improve site safety whilst also lessening stock and racking damage. These improvements will help reduce running costs of the machines, reduce downtime and ensure easier management of compliance.

The 18-month forklift truck electrification switchover will commence this Summer and is estimated to be completed by mid2024.

People On The Move

PLACEFIRST APPOINTS INVESTMENT DIRECTOR AS EXPANSION PLANS CONTINUE

Leading UK build-to-rent provider Placefirst has appointed Henry Marshall as its new investment director, to drive forward the business’s ambitious growth plans.

Henry joins the senior leadership team in this newly created role at a key moment for the business which looks to build on recent success. Henry will be based in the London office and will be responsible for leading Placefirst’s expansion geographically, which will include working with third party delivery partners.

Henry has more than 15 years’ experience in real estate investment, specialising in the living sectors. He was most recently at property investment firm Realstar responsible for the acquisition and asset management of residential investments, helping grow the business to over 4,000 units. Prior to this, Henry held transaction roles at Quintain and Deloitte.

This is a pivotal time for Placefirst which has established itself as a leader in the singlefamily BTR market and has ambitious aims to reach 6,500 homes in the coming years.

SISK UK NORTH APPOINTMENT ANNOUNCEMENT

John Sisk & Son is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Cant as Regional Director in its UK North Division. Chris brings a wide range of experience and will support the business as it looks to grow in the Fit-Out Sector in particular.

Commenting on the appointment

Alan Rodger, Managing Director, John Sisk & Son UK North said: “There is a growing market that we feel we are well placed to service, as clients & landlords look to decarbonise their assets and achieve their net zero ambitions and we are delighted that Chris has joined us to help deliver a Sisk offering in this sector. Sisk’s commitment to our purpose of creating places for future generations and our recent success on the Pagabo Fit-Out Framework, combined with our relevant experience across the business in the UK, Ireland and Europe puts us in a strong position to move forward.”

Speaking on joining Sisk, Chris said: “I am really excited about the opportunity to work with the Sisk

team and help grow the business. Sisk has a wide range of experienced people.

I am passionate about construction and most enjoy delivering exceptional projects of high quality in a collaborative manner and I look forward to working with the Sisk team to do just that.

Chris graduated from the University of Northumbria with a degree in construction management in 1993 and started his career with Taylor Woodrow working on various projects in the north west joining as trainee QS before being responsible for his own projects.

He then spent eight years with Styles&Wood, initially as a quantity surveyor progressing to senior quantity surveyor where he worked on prestigious fit out projects including Debenhams and John Lewis on Oxford Street, London.

MOORES APPOINT NEW KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER IN THE SOUTHEAST

Leading British kitchen manufacturer, Moores, have recently welcomed Holly Adeniji to the company as Private Development Key Account Manager for the Southeast.

In her new role, Holly will be responsible for maintaining relationships with existing customers in the area, as well as driving forward new business opportunities

KEESTRACK

ASSIGNS

NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR FOR THEIR CHINESE FACILITIES

Richard Li, has been assigned as new managing director of Keestrack Construction Equipment Co., Ltd. based in Chuzhou, China since June first.

“With over 33 years of experience within the construction equipment industry and having loads of management experience, Richard Li is an asset for Keestrack”, says Frederik Hoogendoorn, Vice president Sales & Marketing.

Richard Li is a member of the management committee of

the Chinese Association of Equipment Manufacturers since 2006 and has been selected into the Top 100 influencers in the Chinese Construction Equipment Industry from 2006 onwards. After Richard graduated from university in 1989 he has been involved in the Construction Machinery Industry, first as customer at the Municipal Construction department of the city of Xiamen, later in his career as construction equipment dealer and manufacturer in several enterprises.

Richard has an impressive track record with companies such as WesTrac, Doosan Infracore, NFLG, Bauer and IngersollRand, and has proven to be a highly efficient managing director in a variety of roles.

within the private development housebuilding sector.

Having worked in the KBB sector for a number of years, Holly has developed a vast knowledge of the kitchen industry, working in both design and sales roles for Benchmarx and B&Q Contracts.

Holly comments: “I am thrilled to have joined the Moores team and am looking forward to getting to know our customers across the region.

“It’s great to work for an industry leader in the KBB market with a commitment to innovative product design and sustainable practice, so this is a very exciting time to join and I’m looking forward to being a part of Moores growth.”

JRA COMPLETES WORK ON SKANSKA UK’S HEAD OFFICE

JRA has completed the new Skanska UK head office, 1 Hercules Way, in Leavesden Park, Hertfordshire.

Skanska UK appointed JRA as a long-term design and architecture partner to develop the workplace strategy and interior design of the four-storey, 6,000m2 head office in 2021.

Acknowledging how working patterns and office cultures have been impacted

by the pandemic, JRA’s design focused on producing both a sustainable and futureproofed central office with hybrid working / hotdesking models integrated throughout, including multiple collaboration and agile working spaces.

This approach:

• Enables employees to communicate within project and client teams as effectively as possible

• Supports Skanska in becoming a customer-centric business

• Uses embedded technology that allow for more‐efficient hybrid working models

• Puts digital productivity at the heart of its design

• Incorporates extensive biophilic elements which align with Skanska’s strong sustainability focus

• Aligns, overall, with Skanska’s position as a low carbon leader

Working in collaboration with representatives from across Skanska, JRA’s design has resulted in the creation of a range of different ‘homezones’ or ‘neighbourhoods’ across the building which are engineered to meet the needs of each team. These zones are supplemented by a rich mix of agile and collaborative spaces

As a leader in sustainable construction, Skanska required an office space that offered significant carbon reductions by optimising the reuse and recycling of materials as well as use of low carbon products.

including around 50 meeting rooms, collaboration centres, and training areas.

The integration of these spaces supports Skanska’s open and transparent working culture, encouraging employees to come together to share ideas and learning. The incorporation of a mixture of formal and informal spaces have helped to give the building a sense of community and a clear identity.

To support employee wellbeing – and to mirror some of the attractions of remoteworking – JRA has integrated breakout areas, wellbeing rooms, and quiet spaces across the building.

As a leader in sustainable construction, Skanska required an office space that offered significant carbon reductions by optimising the reuse and recycling of materials as well as use of low carbon products. 80% of the floor finishes are reused, as well as 30% of the furniture, while the new furniture uses recycled materials wherever possible. The materials palette evokes Skanska’s brand focus on the use of natural and sustainable materials. Natural oak has been used throughout the building’s four floors of workspace. This is incorporated in a range of approaches including wall decorations, space partitions, and various wooden design elements including oak storage cabinets, welcoming tea-points, and meeting islands.

A key focal point for capturing Skanska’s philosophy of responsible construction is the new reception desk, which pairs oak with ultra-high performing 100% cementfree concrete. Evoking both sustainability and engineering, the desk pattern is a reference to the design developed for concrete structures by Pier Luigi Nervi in 1958, where structural optimisation was inspired by the leaves of the waterlily, Victoria Cruziana.

The reception is linked to the ground floor plate through a sequence of arches, conceived as reference to one of the biggest revolutions in the history of engineering, the introduction of arches, which enabled the building of bridges and aqueducts, covering spans never achieved before and still standing today. 3D backlit branding shapes complete the space, while curated furniture pieces showcase the best of Scandinavian design.

In the interiors, the wooden panels are complemented by green and earthy tones. Running planters, freestanding pots, and isolated tree benches are among the biophilic features which aim to bring elements of nature into the office, accentuated by the significant amount of natural light across the building.

The result is an environment that is the embodiment of Skanska’s brand values and its Swedish heritage, working with, rather than against, the existing building.

Festus Moffat, Director of John Robertson Architects, says: “As a long-term design partner for Skanska, we previously completed 51 Moorgate, its London offices, which embodies the company’s desire for agile workspaces with a clear focus on flexible working and employee wellbeing.

“Our work on 1 Hercules Way builds upon these aspirations and our understanding of Skanska’s strategic vision.

As a practice with a strong focus on retrofitting legacy commercial assets, we’re pleased to be able to bring forward this progressive workspace.

“The resulted is a future-proof design which still maintains much of the existing building fabric, this must be the future of sustainable workplace design.”

Harvey Francis, Skanska UK Executive Vice President and project sponsor says: “Working together with JRA, Leavesden Park has given Skanska UK a smart, sustainable, and inspiring workplace which supports a modern, collaborative, and hybrid way of working. It truly embodies the Skanska brand and our values.

“The huge range of spaces, meeting rooms, studios and large collaboration hubs also support our focus on inclusion, creativity, learning, and sharing.”

35 YEARS AND COUNTING

2023 sees GEZE UK celebrate another milestone in the company’s history –35 years in business, and in that time the company has grown and developed hugely.

Formed in 1988, GEZE UK was the second subsidiary to be established by German parent company, GEZE GmbH, following GEZE France. Based in Chelmsford, Essex,

the company started trading mainly in the distribution of door closer products.

Recognising a gap in the UK market, a new division was set up in 1997, in Tamworth, Staffordshire to concentrate on the provision of complete automatic door solutions from design to installation and including technical advice and guidance on building regulations.

By 2003, GEZE UK had outgrown the Chelmsford office and the decision was taken to merge it and the Tamworth operation into new purpose-built premises at Fradley Park in Lichfield, Staffordshire.

In 2008 the first service office was set up followed by a further 6 offices throughout the UK. The Scottish office, near Glasgow, is a full service provider for the Scottish

market, dedicated to the specification, installation and service of automatic doors.

Kaz Spiewakowski, MD of GEZE UK, said “During my 10 years at GEZE UK I have seen many changes and challenges including Brexit, the Covid pandemic and a recent cyber-attack. As a company we have shown fantastic resilience and the ability to all pull together in difficult circumstances.

From a handful of staff in the early days to over 250 today, the company would not have developed as it has without their expertise, determination and dedication.

“As we look to the future we continue to focus on offering the very best customer service, as well as managing issues such as product certification, sustainability and fire safety. We also look to ‘give back’ through our corporate social responsibility programme”.

To find out more about GEZE UK and the comprehensive range of automatic and manual door closers, and window technology products, email info.uk@geze.com or visit www.geze.co.uk.

SELECT WELCOMES ‘CLARITY AND CERTAINTY’ OVER NEW 2-YEAR WAGE AGREEMENT FOR ELECTRICIANS

Campaigning trade association SELECT says it is “extremely pleased” that a two-year wage agreement has been agreed for Scotland’s electricians.

The deal, which will see rates of pay for electricians, apprentices and adult trainees rise by 7% in 2024 and a further 5% in 2025, will come into effect in January 2024.

The new wage agreement, which will apply across the UK, has been announced following lengthy negotiations between

SELECT, the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) and Unite the Union. Fiona Harper, Director of Employment & Skills at SELECT, said: “This agreement has taken a lot of hard work over a number of months but we are extremely pleased with the outcome.

“In the current climate of ongoing financial uncertainty, and with the cost-of-living crisis continuing to impact on everyone, we are pleased to have been able to reach a deal that provides clarity and certainty over a two-year period.

“We also believe the deal reflects the dedication required to become an electrician and the standing in which such tradespeople are held in

today’s construction industry. The future is electric and will require a properly trained and competent workforce, so it is only fitting that such skill is rewarded.”

Under the new deal – which comes into effect on 1 January 2024 – hourly rates of pay will rise for technicians, approved electricians, electricians, labourers, apprentices and adult trainees.

Ms Harper, who is also The Secretary of the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB), added: “Full details of the new agreement can be found on the SJIB website, and I would urge all operatives and employers to familiarise themselves with the details so they are prepared when they come into effect.

“As well as thanking the representatives from Unite for their constructive cooperation during the negotiations, I would also like to thank all SELECT member firms for their patience and recognition that, once again, their trade association was working tirelessly on their behalf.

“The agreement has taken a while to achieve but shows the value of working together to provide a positive solution that serves the best interests of electricians across Scotland.”

PIONEERING GRANT FUND

PROGRAMME AIMS TO

BRIDGE THE CONSTRUCTION SKILLS GAP IN BLOXWICH

The official Heads of Terms Agreement for the Construction Skills Through Regeneration programme was signed on behalf of Walsall Council and Walsall College at an event on Friday 21 July 2023.

Walsall Council has developed the Construction Skills Through Regeneration programme in Bloxwich to build local capacity to deliver on Walsall’s housing targets. Walsall College will lead on the delivery of Apprenticeships training and skills development while the Council will manage grant funding to support local Social Landlords.

The latest Construction Market Outlook report suggests that 225,000 more construction workers will be needed in the UK by 2027 to meet demand levels for the upcoming pipeline.

£25million of funding is being invested to transform the town of Bloxwich in Walsall, and Walsall Council will work in partnership with Walsall College to upskill local people and help local housing developers meet demands.

The fund is open to local housing associations and developers to support the remediation of derelict brownfield sites, and the environmental upgrading of existing dwellings.

To access the fund applicants will be asked to make commitments to providing local jobs for local people, the use of local supply chains and the delivery of construction skills and training for local people by developers. Outcomes will include improved quality of neighbourhood, reduced carbon emissions and costs, together with local people trained and employed.

EIGHT RAIMONDI FLAT-TOP TOWER CRANES DEPLOYED IN SHARJAH, UAE

Raimondi Middle East deployed eight flat-tops for the fast-growing Aljada megaproject, developed by Arada, in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

The machines, erected in April 2023 with the support of the Raimondi Middle East operations team, are participating at the construction of the Sokoon apartment blocks. The jobsite consists of five residential buildings, featuring 482 homes plus commercial space in the Naseej District, Aljada’s cultural neighbourhood.

The four Raimondi MRT111s, one MRT159, and three MRT294s bring the total number of Raimondi machines working on the development to 22.

Onsite for an additional 14 to 16 months approximately, the models were chosen for their technical specifications, as well as the contractor’s requirements and the tight development delivery schedule.

“We opted for cranes with a maximum lifting capacity ranging between 8tn to 14tn, and a maximum lifting speed of 136 m/min,” explained Wael Hasan, Commercial Director, Raimondi Middle East. The larger number of cranes needing installation, paired with the congested nature of the site, required careful evaluation of the site planning

and crane positions to avoid overlap, noted Hasan.

The four MRT111s-8tn are all currently working with a jib length of 36m and final heights of 60m and 48m. Boasting versatility in terms of tower height and good performance with respect of load and hoist speeds, the cranes are equipped with a 30kW hoist and drum capacity of 450m, lifting at a maximum speed of 100m/ min.

Building on its best-in-category load diagram and on its ease of installation, the MRT159- 8tn has been erected with a jib length of 44m and a 45kW hoist power, allowing the flat-top to lift at a maximum speed of 136m/min with a final height 66 m.

With the same maximum lifting speed of the Raimondi MRT159, the three MRT294s are onsite with a hoisting gear of 73.5kW, a maximum lifting capacity of 14tn and final heights of 54m and 60m. Erected with jib lengths of 36m and 60m, these cranes ensure excellent performances and durability in a variety of climates.

“The Raimondi Middle East operations team will continue supporting the construction of Sokoon buildings by performing monthly maintenance checks, as well as the full cranes climbing procedures as required based on jobsite progression,” Hasan concluded.

Raimondi Middle East is concurrently actively engaged with several key residential developments across the UAE.

UKCW BIRMINGHAM RETURNS WITH SPOTLIGHT ON INNOVATION

Robotics, sustainability and productivity will all be highlighted in the ever-popular Future Lab at UKCW Birmingham this October - a showcase of technology, disruptors and change-makers who are at the leading edge of innovation in the industry.

The three-day construction show, which returns to the NEC from October 3rd to 5th, will welcome over 25,000 visitors, with a key focus on culture change in construction, and feature over 6,000 products and services.

Each product featured in Future Lab is part of a step in building a home or building: from AI supported tools, CO2 reducing products and performance enhancing building materials:

• Apogee - the strikingly designed, AI-supported Apogee is German Bionic’s next-generation smart robotic wearable tool. It is even lighter and more comfortable than its predecessors and broadens the areas of application.

• Minimass - a family of new, patented, low-carbon, low-cost, 3D printed concrete structural elements for use in the construction of buildings and bridges.

• Nav520 & thermal camera - the RealWear Navigator 520 is the gold standard in rugged frontline solutions. An agile, lightweight headset, it engages, empowers and elevates remote working.

• Cyanoskin - an innovative living paint that efficiently absorbs carbon dioxide.

By harnessing the extraordinary power of photosynthesis, it is a unique paint primarily composed of algae, offering an eco-friendly way to transform spaces.

• CUT - POZZ - a novel technology platform which unlocks new advances in strength and durability for cement replacements. By permanently storing CO2 in industrial by-products and natural materials—from coal plants, glass manufacturing, mine sites, and more—they improve performance and lower emissions.

• Breathaplasta - a range of breathable plaster, designed for healthy buildings and people. The Breathaplasta product line (Thermal, Universal and Smooth) has proven to reduce mould and damp using natural additives, offering fabric first solutions that are a fast and easy way to insulate homes.

Nathan Garnett, UKCW show director, commented: “In a rapidly changing industry, UKCW strives to showcase the companies who are fundamental in shaping the construction world with innovation and technology. That’s why we’re excited for Future Lab to be returning to Birmingham”

Officially opened by architect and Channel 4 presenter George Clarke and championed by partners and sponsors such as HP, Conquip Engineering Group, Northgate, Find It In Birmingham, CIOB, BMF and NFB, the show will feature sessions and seminars led by industry experts across six stages. Other key features include:

• Robotics Theatre - sponsored by HP.

• UKCW Role Model Awards - celebrating the unsung heroes of construction.

• Timber Expo - celebrating 10 years at UKCW this year, the UK’s largest display event for wood and timber presents the future of the sector.

• Seminar Programme - covering latest building regulations, the Building Safety Act and its implications, and advice on retrofit.

Visitors will also be able to explore sections dedicated to Build, Infrastructure, Roadmap to Net Zero, Digital Construction and Offsite. With exhibitors including Biffa, Topcon, Containex, SDS, Hanson Plywood, Expedeon, Celsa Steel UK and HP Construction Services; 2023 on track to be the most successful year yet. To register for UKCW Birmingham

For more information on Future Lab visit www.ukconstructionweek. com/future-lab

Apogee

Nav520

UK Construction Week: Sponsor Case Study

CONQUIP: ACCELERATING EXCAVATION PROGRESS WITH BULKX AT CROSSRAIL

About Conquip Engineering Group

Conquip is constantly pushing the boundaries of productivity, safety, innovation and sustainability.

Founded in the UK in 2003, Conquip has grown rapidly to become a large, global brand, recognised for innovative engineering and manufacturing, excellent service and as a genuine solutions provider.

Conquip has worked on several major UK construction and infrastructure projects in the 21st century, from Heathrow Terminal 5, the London 2012 Olympic Village and the Shard, to Crossrail, Hinkley Point C, Thames Tideway and HS2. It has also worked on many international infrastructure projects including Sydney Metro, Melbourne Metro and Toronto’s Union Station.

About BulkX

BulkX is a revolutionary excavation methodology that significantly enhances the efficiency and safety of construction projects. It is designed to handle large volumes of material, discharging into muck bays rapidly and safely. This innovative solution is a testament to Conquip’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of productivity, safety, innovation, and sustainability in the construction and infrastructure industries.

Conquip Engineering Group, the engineering and manufacturing organisation supplying products and services to customers globally, helped to cut 12 weeks from the excavation program for Crossrail through their innovative BulkX methodology.

At the time, Crossrail was Europe’s biggest infrastructure project: time was a precious commodity. The ability to expedite processes without compromising on safety or quality can make a significant difference in project outcomes. This was the case at Stepney Green, one of the largest drive shaft sites for the Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) on the Crossrail project, where Conquip Engineering Group’s innovative BulkX methodology played a pivotal role.

About the Project

In 2013, Crossrail was the largest infrastructure project in Europe. At Stepney Green, the initial task was to construct two large spray-lined concrete caverns for maintenance and services on Crossrail. These caverns, measuring 50 metres length, 17 metres width, and 15 metres height, were the meeting point for the ‘Drive Y’ and ‘Drive Z’ TBMs, extending from Pudding Mill Lane and Canary Wharf, through Stepney Green, and onwards to Farringdon Station.

The Challenge

Being a major drive site for the TBMs, a significant amount of spoil and waste material needed to be removed from the shafts. The excavation began using traditional methods, predominantly crane lift Boat Skips, which were low capacity and posed a safety hazard when discharging into the muck bays. The process was time-consuming, and the dig program was at risk of falling behind schedule.

The BulkX Solution

Enter BulkX, a game-changing solution designed and developed by Conquip in collaboration with Crossrail at a different shaft site. The design team got involved and attended site to carry out site surveys. The solution that the engineers proposed was a Muck Bay Discharge BulkX. This was essentially a large skip with a capacity of 10,000 litres that was filled in the shaft and then discharged directly into the muck bay. The BulkX skip could discharge into the muck bay in just 5 seconds, approximately 20 times faster than a Boat Skip. This not only improved efficiency but also enhanced safety on site as no workers had to be in the discharge zone.

Impressive Results

The implementation of BulkX methodology resulted in a 12-week reduction in the excavation program at Stepney Green. It facilitated 24/7 excavation, improved planning, and reduced the number of vehicle movements on site. By the time excavation was nearing completion, BulkX had removed over 90,000m3 of London clay, equating to approximately 135,000 tons.

Feedback

Glenn Carr, Site Manager, commended the Conquip team, stating, “It was a pleasure to have Conquip on site, the communication was first class, and the solution provided (BulkX) really turned this project around.”

THREE WAYS TO DO DUE DILIGENCE ON A BRIDGING AND DEVELOPMENT LENDER,

By Scott Marshall, Founder,

There’s been a surge of new property finance lenders over the last five years and the increased competition is good news for borrowers.

They’re all very different in terms of size, strategy, processes and lending approach. That’s why the due diligence a property professional does on the lender is just as important as the assessment we do on them.

So, where do you start?

1. Look at the leadership

Understand who is running the lender. Have they got a background in lending, property development, managing hedge funds or maybe something else?

If the management has a strong background in lending, their business strategy is likely to be focused on ensuring that their loans perform, through careful underwriting and customer care that’s focused on helping you redeem on time and in full.

If the leadership team has a background in property, that could be useful if you need hands-on support with your project. They’ll have a good understanding of the challenges commonly faced and be geared towards helping the project succeed.

Roma Finance

Lenders should always be happy to tell you. For example, the management team at Roma has extensive lending and property development experience. Our absolute priority is to help borrowers redeem their loans on time; creating prosperity from property. Plus, we have the practical experience to help them overcome any challenges. We never want to repossess a property.

2. How are they funded?

Next, you want to know how the lender gets their funding.

If they have just one or two funding sources, perhaps be cautious. We’ve seen how quickly funding markets can dry up, especially in challenging economic conditions.

If you choose a lender with multiple funding lines from institutionalised banks and building societies, you have more confidence their funding is secure.

Lenders have to go through the mill to be given certain funding lines in the first place, so you can be reassured that due diligence has been done on its systems and lending strategy.

At Roma we have nine diverse funding lines, from small building societies to large institutions and the British Business Bank, giving us more flexibility to lend as well as stability of funding.

3. Do your detective work

Thirdly, research your lender.

You can do this in many ways, from looking at social media for reviews or comments in forums, to give you a flavour of how they behave.

Understand the level of defaults the lender has, because that tells you a lot about how it treats its customers after lending the money. Don’t be afraid to ask lenders directly about what happens if something goes wrong.

Importantly, speak to your peers. Ask other developers about their experience using a lender.

Trusted partnership

Finding a reliable, consistent and competitive bridging and development lender helps borrowers form a successful relationship for their property project, so it makes sense to put in some work to get it right.

Our absolute priority is to help borrowers redeem their loans on time; creating prosperity from property.

MOST PROJECT PROFESSIONALS WORKING IN CONSTRUCTION SAY AI WILL HAVE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THEIR SECTOR –NEW SURVEY BY APM REVEALS

A new survey by Association for Project Management (APM), the chartered membership organisation for the project profession, has revealed that the majority (70%) of project professionals working in the construction industry think the latest advancements in AI technology will have a positive impact on their sector, such as improved decision-making, cyber security and reporting.

Only 8% of respondents who work in construction-related roles said it would have a negative impact, with 22% feeling its impact will be neither positive or negative.

APM surveyed over 900 project professionals working across industry sectors, including construction, engineering and transport, in a poll carried out by research company Censuswide.

The most popular reasons given on how AI will positively impact their sector were:

• Assisting in decision making

• Stronger cyber security

• Produce more consistent and/or timely reports

• Free up time for construction project professionals to work on more strategic areas of the job

Among those respondents (8%) who said AI will have negative impacts, the reasons given included:

• Disruption to projects while new systems and technologies are implemented

• Reduced budgets due to the expense of implementing and maintaining AI systems

• Job losses

The survey revealed the extent to which AI is already being used in construction projects. Almost a third (32%) of project professionals working in construction say their organisation is already using AI in projects, and 43% say their organisation is planning to use it in the near future. Only 24% of professionals working in construction say their organisation does not use AI and does not plan to introduce it.

The survey also revealed the impact AI is already having on individual project practitioners. Of those respondents whose company is already using AI technology as part of their project delivery, the majority

Many survey respondents are telling us the arrival of AI has already necessitated training for them or their colleagues.

(83%) say that it has caused a change within their role or their team.

The most common changes are:

• “It has necessitated training/upskilling for people in my team.”

• “It has required me to recruit people with specialist skills into my team or organisation.”

• “It has enabled me to plan ahead more effectively.”

• “It has given me more free time to concentrate on other priorities.”

Professor Adam Boddison OBE, Chief Executive of APM said: “Our latest survey shows project professionals in construction and other sectors are embracing AI and the impacts it is having.

UK Construction Week: Show Preview

“This is encouraging to see, but the implementation of new technology means project professionals will need to adapt and keep themselves updated with the rapid advancements we are seeing and adjust their skills accordingly to stay abreast of the change. Many survey respondents are telling us the arrival of AI has already necessitated training for them or their colleagues. We strongly urge business leaders and senior project managers who are considering implementing AI to factor in training for the intended users, to ensure desired improvements to project delivery are realised.

“APM, as the chartered membership body for the project profession, recognises that AI has potential to become a significant tool for aiding project delivery now and in the future.”

APM’s recent Salary and Market Trends survey (of over 2,000 project professionals) highlights the increasingly important skills which project professionals will need to develop to take advantage of the introduction of new technology. Communication skills (44%), project leadership (38%), stakeholder engagement (34%), people management (29%) and strategic planning and monitoring (24%) – with AI language models providing more accurate risk analysis and insights, project managers will need to be skilled at strategic planning and risk management.

Through APM’s Corporate Partnership Programme, construction firms can

Harness the power of change

equip their project professionals with the training and skills required to adapt to such technological changes and advancements. The programme, which is comprised of over 400 organisations, is suited to those who are serious about developing their project management capability and community; who want to recruit the very best talent and develop their team’s skillset to deliver projects successfully in the rapidly evolving business landscape.

APM, as the chartered membership body for the project profession, recognises that AI has potential to become a significant tool for aiding project delivery now and in the future.

Professor Adam Boddison OBE, Chief Executive of APM

Building Safety Act: A game-changer requiring competency planning for your business

The introduction of the Building Safety Act marks a monumental shift in the construction industry, compelling businesses to rethink their approach to competency planning.

With the act designed to address the critical issue of building safety, it sets the stage for a safer and more resilient built environment. However, the onus is now on businesses to step up and ensure their workforce is adequately equipped to navigate the challenges and demands posed by this landmark legislation

The Building Safety Act fundamentally redefines the responsibilities of those involved in the construction process

From archi tects and engineers to contractors and developers, every stakeholder is subject to stricter regulations and heightened scrutiny.

The act places a paramount emphasis on competency, necessitating that every professional involved in the construction process possess the appropriate knowledge, skills, and experience to safeguard against building failures

One of the core components of competency planning is ensuring that individuals possess the requisite qualifications and certifications

Investing in continuous professional development and training programs is no longer optional; it is now a fundamental requirement to remain compliant with the Building Safety Act.

Businesses that overlook the importance of competency risk facing severe consequences, suc h as financial penalties and reputational damage

So what action should you and your business take now?

It’s important you review the level of competency within your company and your ability to work to the requirements of the Building Safety Act

By investing in training, qualifications, and certifications, you can not only comply with the law but also enhance their standing in the market, foster innovation, and ultimately contribute to a safer built environment for all.

Temple Quality Management have joined forces with ConstructTuition to provide support, advice and training on how improve competency planning in your organisation, providing over 40 years experience combined delivering accredited training, with unrivalled knowledge of construction in high hazard environments and Building Safety Knowledge.

We can support you to review competency within your organisation and also the training you may need to improve. Go to www.templeqms.com to get started.

MEET THE TEAM ON STAND N200 3RD-5TH OCTOBER 2023 NEC

FIRST SPEAKERS AND SEMINAR HUBS ANNOUNCED FOR UKCW BIRMINGHAM

The first set of speakers and details on seminar hubs have been announced for this year’s UK Construction Week Birmingham, which makes a welcome return to the NEC from October 3-5, following a hugely successful London show in May.

High-profile names will bring some of the industry’s most eminent leaders together to challenge, discuss and address the core issues affecting the built environment sector from transforming infrastructure performance, sustainability, well being and building health and technology and the skills gap are on the wide-ranging programme, along with some brilliant minds from Nottingham Trent University.

Celebrating Culture Change in Construction, UKCW Birmingham 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, mental health, and improving diversity and inclusion and climate change.

Confirmed Main Stage speakers include:

• Andy Street, Mayor of West Midlands Combined Authority

• Anita Malster, CEO, Blossom Mental Health

• Becky Valentine, Co-owner, LeadSustainability, Wellbeing & Building Health

• Chithra Marsh, National Chair of Women in Property

• Dame Judith Hackitt DBE, FREng, Chair, Industry Safety Steering Group

• Jennifer Winyard, Senior Strategic Land Manager, Barratt Developments plc

• Joanne Williams MSc, MRICS, Historic Building Surveyor – Historic Building Climate

• Change Adaptation

• Jon Loveday, Director of Infrastructure, Enterprise and Growth, Infrastructure Projects Authority

• Paul Kitson, Strategic Director of Place, Prosperity and Sustainability, Birmingham City Council

• Richard Bull, Deputy Dean, School of Architecture, Design and Built Environment, Nottingham Trent University

Nathan Garnett, UKCW event director, commented:

This year’s fantastic line-up of speakers really sets the stage for what the show has in store for in 2023. This is just the beginning for our announcements and we are looking forward to revealing more sponsors, speakers and exhibitors very soon.

Visitors to UKCW Birmingham will also be able to find a wealth of panel discussions and seminars led by industry experts across various areas including:

• Sustainability Hub - the heart of Timber Expo. The hub programme will tackle the issues, layout strategies and case

studies to help the sector reach its net zero targets.

• Infrastructure Hub - sponsored by Conquip Engineering Group, highlights digitalisation and improving quality and sustainability, this hub will deliver a three-day programme for those working on infrastructure projects of case studies, debates, networking opportunities, and keynote speeches on crucial issues.

• Digital Construction Hub – the centre piece of innovation at UKCW. This hub will deliver a series of presentations and panel discussions including topics such as Information Management using BIM.

• CPD Hub – sponsored sessions by Pure Vista, Blossom Mental Health Training, Quadrant (QAI Services UK), BP Collins, Lesniak Swann featuring a worldclass education programme delivered by industry experts, association partners, government departments and exhibitors.

• Robotics Theatre - From little robots on wheels, to exoskeletons and big robotic arms this area sponsored by HP Construction Services showcases the latest in robotics and automation from the global built environment.

• Culture Change Hub - a focus on improving inclusivity within the built environment, wellbeing and mental health and professional development.

CONWIZE UNVEILS REVOLUTIONARY TECHNOLOGY FOR STREAMLINING RISK MANAGEMENT IN CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATING

In the fast-paced and dynamic world of construction, accurate cost estimating is the foundation upon which successful projects are built. Estimating is not just about crunching numbers; it is a meticulous process that requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure profitability and project success. One crucial aspect of cost estimating that cannot be overlooked is risk management. Identifying and mitigating potential risks can save construction companies from financial setbacks and help them stay competitive. In this blog post, we will explore some common risk factors in construction cost estimating and how the ConWize estimating and bidding software simplifies the process with just a click of a button.

Not Enough Profit for Each Bill of Quantity Line:

ConWize’s comprehensive software goes above and beyond in providing valuable alerts to users, particularly when it comes to identifying cases where there is an insufficient profit margin for specific bills of quantity lines. Ensuring adequate profit margins is a primary objective in cost estimating, as compromising on this aspect may initially make a bid more appealing, but it can lead to severe repercussions in the long term. A construction company without sufficient profits may find it challenging to manage overhead costs, sustain growth, and effectively deal

with unforeseen challenges. By utilizing ConWize, construction professionals gain the advantage of swiftly analyzing profit margins for each bill of quantity line, guaranteeing they are set at a level that is both sustainable and competitive.

Mistakes in Overloading Profit Margins – Decreasing the Chances of Winning:

On the other hand, overpricing bill of quantity lines can hinder a construction company’s ability to secure contracts. While healthy profits are essential, excessively inflated prices may deter potential clients from choosing your bid.

ConWize’s sophisticated algorithms take into account previous projects pricing, allowing estimators to set competitive prices without compromising on profitability. This balanced approach increases the chances of winning bids and securing more projects.

Bill of Quantity Lines with Exactly the Same Scope of Work but with Different

Prices:

Another risk that estimators face is inconsistency in pricing for similar scopes of work. This disparity can

arise due to various factors, such as human error, lack of centralized data, or miscommunication between team members. ConWize’s all-inone estimating and bidding software streamlines the process by providing a centralized platform where estimators can access historical data and standardized pricing guidelines. This minimizes the chances of discrepancies and ensures consistency across all bills of quantity lines.

Missing prices or BOQ mistakes

Errors in pricing are common in manual estimating processes, and even the most experienced estimators can overlook a line item or miscalculate costs. Such omissions can lead to significant financial losses if not caught in time. ConWize automates calculations and cross-references data, significantly reducing the likelihood of errors. By clicking a single button, estimators can instantly generate accurate and reliable cost estimates, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual checks.

Conclusion:

In the world of construction, risk management is crucial to maintaining profitability and winning bids. Estimators must pay close attention to factors such as profit margins, pricing consistency, and accurate calculations to avoid costly mistakes. The ConWize estimating and bidding software revolutionizes the construction cost estimating process by providing an allin-one platform that enables quick and accurate risk analysis. With just a click of a button, construction professionals can ensure that each bill of quantity line is profitable, competitively priced, and free from errors, ultimately leading to more successful projects and increased growth opportunities for their companies. Embrace the power of technology and take your construction cost estimating to new heights with ConWize.

See us on stand Stand: T225 at UK Construction Week on the 3-5 October 2023 | NEC Birmingham

THE SIMULATION CENTRE

The Simulation Centre, part of Coventry University, is an award winning, leading edge, people development training centre. Utilising digital technology, the centre is used to create fully immersive, real-time, virtual training environments.

The virtual environments are combined with our experiential learning approach to immerse delegates in a physical space that replicates a realistic work environment - dealing with a relevant situation that includes live interactions with real people. This mixed reality enables us to simulate realistic safe learning spaces, where

delegates can develop practice and explore, to improve and enhance a variety of skills and behaviours, based on the principle that people learn from personal experience. The situation could be an existing or new business need, a dangerous situation or an unknown location. This experiential learning, without impacting on your organisation’s financial status, safety or customer perception is reinforced through feedback and coaching, sharing knowledge and mentoring.

Coventry University’s School of Energy, Construction & Environment brings

together multiple subject disciplines that span the world’s natural and built environments. We provide a portfolio of courses that aim to develop our students’ understanding of the natural environment, its resources, and how these resources are used by society. The school also aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of how the built environment is designed and constructed, how it functions and how it impacts the world we live in. Our vision is to be at the forefront of addressing sustainability issues, placing sustainability at the heart of teaching and research activities.

90,000 DATA POINTS REVEAL THE SHOCKING TRUTH BEHIND CONSTRUCTION WASTE COMPLIANCE

Qflow, the climate-focused construction tech company, has today released a comprehensive report analysing the state of waste management in the construction industry. This industry-first report analyses over 90,000 legally required Waste Transfer Notes (WTNs) from June 2018 to April 2023, revealing a concerning average waste compliance rate of just 64 percent, meaning that one in three legally required fields go unchecked.

‘The UK Construction Industry Annual Waste Report 2023’ highlights that these omissions leave an incomplete picture of how waste is handled, where it is sent to, and what type of waste it is. This lack of data makes it impossible to accurately

quantify the cost involved and the physical waste produced in the process, and the resulting impact on our planet.

The Environment Agency is increasing its efforts to manage waste crime. Failure to produce complete documentation can result in a fixed penalty notice of £300 or prosecution and even imprisonment. If all the non-compliant WTNs analysed in this report incurred a fixed penalty charge, the resulting fines would exceed £13M.

Brittany Harris, Co-Founder & CEO of Qflow, said, “When we started this analysis, we knew it was going to highlight some pretty shocking practices, but I wasn’t prepared for this level of non-compliance! As an industry, construction consumes over 40% of the world’s raw resources and accounts for over 40% of landfill waste. Without good data on what’s happening to all this waste, we don’t have a chance of reducing it or improving material reuse and recycling. We hope that with the insights shared today, and by helping the industry get better data far more easily, we can work together with the regulators, industry bodies, developers and contractors to really transform construction

from a linear and wasteful industry to one that is circular and low carbon.”

The report also uncovers the significant carbon footprint of waste management in construction. The average emissions associated with waste transport per project equates to over nine tonnes of CO2e, or more than 6,000 miles of travel. The current average carbon emissions associated with waste management during construction is 190 tonnes of CO2e per £1,000,000 of project spend.

Other key findings include:

• Average emissions associated with waste transport per project are over nine tonnes of CO2e, equating to more than 6,000 miles of travel.

• 93 percent of non-compliant WTNs had missing facility permits/exemptions.

• 83 percent of non-compliant WTNs had missing carrier licences.

• Seven percent had a missing EWC code (a six-digit code used to identify waste as listed in the European Waste Catalogue).

Ed Green, Sustainability Director at Grosvenor Property UK explained, “Qflow’s waste report strikingly details the flaws in the construction waste sector, which have become apparent to us since we invested in and began to use their platform. There are so many holes in the chain of custody that it’s hard for any developer, no matter how responsible, to reliably report on what is happening to 100 percent of its construction waste. It is of paramount importance that the entire industry takes responsibility and ownership of its waste cycle. Material circularity in the built environment can only be achieved when true accountability is taken for the waste from construction sites.”

Founders Brittany Harris & Jade Cohen

As a market leader in low carbon heating systems, we help housing developers comply with the changes to Part L of the Building Regulations by specifying Ecodan Air Source Heat Pumps for new build homes.

Our dedicated website pages provide you with support at every one of the seven steps of the RIBA Plan of Work.

ecodan.me.uk/cuk9

HARD TO TREAT HOMES: DG CITIES AND THE BARTLETT TEAM UP ON GOVERNMENT STUDY TO INVESTIGATE HARD TO DECARBONISE HOUSING

The UK Government has set the target of reaching net zero carbon by 2050. Heat in buildings accounts for 37% of annual greenhouse gas emissions. However, an estimated 10 million homes Britain are difficult to insulate or improve by conventional means. The project, commissioned by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), aims to identify these homes, define what makes a home ‘hard to treat’ or ‘hard to decarbonise’ (in the context of energy efficiency), and develop a practical framework to help inform policy and guidance to tackle challenging properties.

The study is being undertaken by a collaboration between the Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London and urban innovation agency, DG Cities. Initial research includes an assessment of existing evidence, and interviews with specialists in housing, energy, conservation, industry, residents’ associations and built environment professionals, among others, to build an extensive evidence base.

Ed Houghton, Head of Research and Service Design at DG Cities: “This isn’t just about buildings, it’s about people – ‘hard to treat’ doesn’t just mean the properties, but also the diversity of ownership, needs, as well as the time and budget residents are able to spend. The project is about making sure that nobody, and no property, is left behind when it comes to the transition to net zero carbon. We want to highlight what works, and draw on a wide range of examples to assess not only the challenges of these properties, but also the practical interventions that can make a difference.”

There are significant economic, social and health benefits to improving the quality of all housing stock, but there is a statistical relationship between ‘hard to treat’ and fuel

poverty. For example, properties with uninsulated solid walls have a higher rate of fuel poverty than (22.5% of these households are in fuel poverty, compared to 8.0% of those with insulated solid walls). Older homes are frequently more challenging to keep warm, and their residents are also more likely to be in fuel poverty: 21.7% of households living in pre-1919 homes were in fuel poverty in 2020, compared to 10% of those built between 1965 and 1985; and less than 5% of those built after 2002.

To find out more and take part, visit: www.dgcities.com/hard-to-treat-homes

BEWI SHOWCASES THE FUTURE OF HOUSEBUILDING AT UK CONSTRUCTION WEEK: STAND NO. B172

Come on to BEWI’s stand at UK Construction Week and find out how sustainable houses of the future will be built.

BEWI building systems include the ICF system THERMOMUR® and the insulated concrete raft system JACKODUR® ATLAS. They enable the rapid construction of highly thermally efficient buildings, with market leading air tightness and excellent acoustic insulation.

These systems are revolutionising sustainable house construction in the UK. The JACKODUR® ATLAS Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) insulation and formwork system is for floor slabs, while THERMOMUR® is a robust pre-formed wall block with a hollow core manufactured with Expanded Polystyrene (EPS). The empty core is filled with a concrete pour during construction.

When planning a new bathroom or modernising old bathrooms, ideas can be implemented easily and safely with the JACKOBOARD® construction boards, which are the ideal substrate for all types of ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone tiles. Thanks to their extruded polystyrene foam core and the special coating on both sides, the JACKOBOARD® construction boards are the ideal base for plaster and tile.

Website: www.bewi.com

See us at UKCW: Stand No. B172

Ed Houghton © DG Cities

BARRATT DEVELOPMENTS SCOTLAND PLEDGES £50,000 FUND TO AID FOOD INEQUALITY AND SUPPORT FOR CANCER CARE

Funds to go to charities supporting those who are facing food inequality, and which offer cancer care across Scotland.

Barratt Developments Scotland, which includes Barratt Homes, David Wilson Homes, has donated £50,000 to charities providing support for individuals living with cancer and families impacted by food inequality.

Five charities spanning the length and breadth of Scotland have received a share of the funds, which will go towards helping low-income families struggling with the cost of food and supporting organisations which provide lifeline care for those affected by cancer.

CONLON CONSTRUCTION LANDS CONTRACTS FOR SUSTAINABLE PRIMARY SCHOOLS

Conlon Construction will begin work this summer on the construction of two primary schools in North Manchester and Leyland, which are set to lead the way in sustainable school building.

Part of Star Academies, The Olive School, Manchester is due to open late 2024. The new, two-form entry primary school in Cheetham Hill promises to address an identified need within the community for additional quality school places locally.

The 420-pupil, 23,000 sq ft school will boast 14 classrooms and one science block, plus outdoor spaces, including a sports pitch and community batting nets.

Seven Stars Primary School on Peacock Hall Road in Leyland opened its doors more than 50 years ago and will be fully demolished and rebuilt by Conlon Construction.

Dramatically improving the setting for its pupils, the development will bring the school to the peak of current standards in sustainability and as a learning environment. The build will be carried out in two phases, and the school will remain operational throughout the course of the project.

Plans for Seven Stars include 10 classrooms within a part-two-storey, part-single-storey primary school, plus parking, landscaping and a new multiuse games area. The project is due to complete late 2024.

The schools will be among the first 50 net zero carbon schools, in line with the Department for Education’s recent codes. Among the green initiatives built into the design are grass roofs, solar energy, high performance thermal insulation, passive ventilation solutions, air source heat pumps and no dependency on fossil fuels for heating or hot water.

Beneficiaries include Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts in Edinburgh, Launch Foods in Glasgow, Dundee-based Dundee Bairns, Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation in Elgin and Friends of ANCHOR in Aberdeen, which all received a £10,000 donation from Barratt Developments Scotland.

The donation to Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts, will go towards helping the charity carry out its work of turning surplus food into nourishing meals for families in need, reaching marginalised groups across Edinburgh.

With a coffee shop, Launch Coffee, on Bothwell Street in Glasgow, Launch Foods works all year round to provide children with free hot and nutritious food after their school day and during the holidays.

A third of children in Dundee are living in poverty. Through Barratt Developments’ donation, Dundee Bairns can continue to provide basic needs for children in the city, helping them access food, clothing, activity, and other essentials they need to thrive.

Based in Aberdeen, Friends of ANCHOR has a collection of specialised wards and clinics within Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, giving treatment and support to those diagnosed with cancer. Barratt Development’s donation will go towards funding specially crafted experiences for those receiving end of life care for an oncology or haematology illness in the North-east of Scotland and the Northern Isles.

Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation, based in Elgin, provides support for children with cancer across the UK. The organisation gives children gifts and grants - referred to as ‘sparkles’ - in memory of Abbie who passed away aged 15 on Christmas Day in 2017, after living with Sarcoma - a rare form of cancer.

AMEY CONSULTING AND FINBOOT TO PIONEER ‘UK FIRST’ USE OF BLOCKCHAIN IN RAIL

BAXALL WINS 2 CONTRACTS TO DELIVER SOME OF DFE’S FIRST NET ZERO PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN THE SOUTH EAST

Award-winning Kent-based main contractor, Baxall Construction, has secured Department for Education (DfE) contracts to deliver two of the South East’s first net zero in operation schools. Baxall has designed and will build the £5.7m new St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Deal and the £8.4m Iqra VA Primary School in London – both of which are being completed under the DfE’s School Rebuilding Programme.

The single story 1,248m2 1FE St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School is being built on the school’s current site while the existing 1960s-built school remains in operation. The 67-week project will encompass demolition and new-build to create 8 new classrooms, a library, new sports/assembly hall, kitchen and Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) for 210 pupils with overall completion scheduled for October 2024.

Meanwhile Iqra VA Primary School in Clapham, South London, will be a two story 1,596m2

1FE primary school built on the school’s current site (the school has relocated to temporary teaching accommodation enabling a complete overhaul of the site grounds). The 52-week project will encompass demolition and newbuild to create new classrooms, a library, new sports/assembly hall, kitchen and MUGA for 210 pupils, plus a new 26-place nursery facility. As a Muslim voluntary aided faith school, Iqra’s new building has been designed to cater

for the school’s specific Islamic faith curriculum. Overall completion is scheduled for April 2024.

Procured via the DfE’s £2 billion 10-year School Rebuilding Programme using the School Building Construction Framework 2021, St. Mary’s and Iqra have been designed using Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology to deliver net zero carbon in operation (NZCiO).

Both will also use the advantages of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) in delivery to maximise sustainability and ensure the state-ofthe-art buildings deliver on the DfE’s commitment to reduce schools’ carbon emissions and energy running costs.

To achieve net zero in operation both buildings have a ‘fabric first’ design approach optimised to provide the required high levels of insulation and air tightness. Both new schools will surpass the standard Building Regulations while minimising heating demand and energy consumption. Sustainable features include Air Source Heat Pumps, roof-mounted photovoltaics (PVs) and LED lighting as well as green roofs and sustainable drainage systems.

Blockchain will now be used to improve rail possession planning for the first time in the UK. The news comes following a unique partnership between infrastructure consultancy Amey Consulting and tech firm Finboot. The technology will be pioneered by Amey alongside Transport for Wales on its transformation of the Core Valley Line rail network.

Blockchain, an immutable ledger which digitally records transactions, will be used to agree access times for engineers to safely access rail tracks for maintenance, renewals and enhancements.

Blockchain’s ability to securely and independently record decisions provides a marked improvement on traditional planning systems, which can be open to duplication and inconsistency. While improving accountability and security, Blockchain will also lead to greater automation of possession planning.

The impact will reduce costs, improve planning and operational efficiencies, while also improving safety.

Speaking on the announcement, Tom Kinnear, Partner, Amey Consulting said: “Safe, effective, and predictable possession planning is essential in keeping our engineers safe and our rail network running. Through partnering with Finboot, we will provide the rail industry a UK first, in using Blockchain to radically improve this process. Opening the rail industry to new technologies from other industries is essential if we are to innovate, and build a forward thinking, digital-first railway we can all be proud of.”

Juan Miguel Perez, CEO & Co-Founder, Finboot says: “At Finboot we’ve been thinking about how blockchain can provide a digital solution for the complex requirements of railway maintenance. To have this opportunity to explore and develop this with Amey, a leader in the railway industry, is great. Blockchain is a key piece of industrial tech that will bring added transparency and real-time visibility to such an important process within the rail sector.”

Today’s news follows a Railway Industry Association (RIA) report launched in March 2023, outlining the challenges and opportunities facing the rail industry on data and digital technologies. Among its recommendations was the need for the industry ‘to open itself up to different ideas from new and experienced innovators in its own and other industries’.

In 2022, Amey Consulting and Finboot, announced they had won funding to develop a solution to remove costs associated with conflict in the rail industry.

FROM HARD HATS TO LESSON PLANS: HOW YOU CAN FIND JOB SECURITY THROUGH TEACHING

Are you feeling uncertain about your job security due to rising costs of materials and cancelled projects? It’s a tough time for those working in the industry, but have you considered a career in teaching? Here at Edgware Associates we have seen countless individuals find success and security in the field of education.

The Benefits of a Teaching Career:

There is a nationwide shortage of qualified lecturers and assessors, which means FE Colleges and Training Centres are always in need of educators. Teaching also provides regular working hours and frequent breaks throughout the year, ensuring a better work-life balance. There are plenty of opportunities in FE Colleges and Training Centres.

Teaching can offer job security, competitive salaries, and excellent benefits, including pension schemes, holiday entitlements, sick pay, and flexibility.

Flexibility for Self-Employed Individuals:

What about those who are self-employed in construction? Switching to education doesn’t mean giving up your independence. Many teachers work as ad-hoc or parttime lecturers, private tutors, or temporary contractors, which allows for flexibility in their schedules. You can teach part-time, full-time, or on an ad-hoc basis – whatever fits around your existing commitments.

When working on-site, the winter months can often mean a significant decrease of available job opportunities due to the reduced need for outdoor work. However, temporary lecturing and assessing roles can be a fantastic option for those looking to supplement their income.

Financial Benefits of Teaching:

Temporary teaching staff are offered generous hourly rates and in a permanent role, they often come with regular pay increases and opportunities for advancement.

Teaching is also a highly fulfilling profession. Making a positive impact on young minds can be incredibly rewarding. Many find it far more satisfying than physically demanding work.

Transitioning Into Education:

The first step is to research the required qualifications and training. Many FE Colleges and Training Centres offer training programmes specifically for career changers. Some even provide financial support to assist with the move. Start by researching the subject and the levels you want to teach. Get your CV in order with a list of your qualifications and previous experience. Don’t forget to reach out to our team – we can offer as much help as you need.

Here at Edgware Associates we have seen countless individuals find success and security in the field of education.

OUTDATED STEREOTYPES AND POOR CAREER ADVICE CITED AS THE MAIN BARRIERS TO WOMEN ENTERING THE PLUMBING INDUSTRY

Trade body for the plumbing industry encouraged by the small but increasing number of women apprentices who are changing the face of plumbing but more still needs to be done.

Outdated stereotypes and poor career advice are seen as the main barriers for women considering a career in the plumbing and heating industry, according to a new survey from the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF).

• In a poll-of-polls of 674 people, 39% of respondents believed sexist and outdated stereotypes were the main barrier to women entering the UK plumbing industry, with 21% stating poor career advice.

• The poll, conducted between 23-27 February, also found that 28% of people thought there was no barrier to entering the profession, with 12% citing a lack of respect for women.

Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of SNIPEF, said: “It is unbelievable that in 2023 outdated and sexist stereotypes continue to be made about what women can and cannot do, often reinforced by misguided career advice that the trades are men-only professions.

“Thankfully, SNIPEF is finding a small but growing number of women who are challenging these misconceptions and entering the plumbing industry, finding it an attractive and lucrative career option.

“We need to encourage greater diversity into our industry, helping us address the current skills shortage and meet the demand from 30% of customers who have stated their preference for a women plumber.”

SNIPEF also revealed ahead of International Women’s Day (March 8), Scottish Apprenticeship Week (6-10 March) and World Plumbing Day (11 March) that 2% of its apprentices are now women, an increase of 50% since 2020. Although still small, trends indicate a growing demand from women to train as plumbing professionals.

Typical of the new cohort of young women trainee plumbing and heating professionals is 17-year-old Naomi Watson from Aberdeen, studying

at Dundee and Angus College and about to enter the second year of her apprenticeship with SNIPEF member EJ Parker Technical Services.

Naomi said: “I absolutely adore my job, and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. As a commercial plumber, I visit new places with new challenges each month. This week I am heading to Inverness to work on renewable technologies.

“I couldn’t ask for a more supportive team. I love every single one of the boys I work with and get on so well with my journeyman. He has taught me so many things to get me started. This job has made me incredibly confident. I feel now that there isn’t anything I can’t achieve if I put my mind to it.”

Dale Thomson, Apprentice Training Manager for SNIPEF, said: “The talent and energy apprentices, such as Naomi, bring to their journey towards the status of a qualified plumber is remarkable. The young women who sign up to learn about plumbing bring a fresh element of enthusiasm, skill and dedication to the profession, and it is good for the industry that we are seeing more and more of them.”

In the Autumn, SNIPEF will unveil its new Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion action plan, aimed at confronting industry misconceptions, to encourage more girls and women to consider training as a plumber and setting its ambition to have women making up 10% of all apprentices by the end of the decade.

Fiona Hodgson

Gemma Ireland

Marion

Naomi Watson

Nina Hamilton

IS YOUR CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS READY FOR THE SUSTAINABLE SKILLS REVOLUTION?

A third of UK businesses don’t believe their workforces are equipped with the skills necessary to achieve their net zero target by 2050 – but a new project is aiming to put that right.

MidKent College has launched a Green Skills Factory and Home Energy Centre at its Maidstone campus to support the construction and building services sector in embracing the UK’s transition to a net zero economy,

A range of courses have been designed that will help employers to skill up and make the most of opportunities available now and in the future – from solar energy to ground source heat pumps. These courses focus on developing skills and knowledge to help construction staff and planners deliver energy efficiency, and to meet targets for buildings with low environmental impact.

Introductory courses will also offer practical installation plus more advanced theoretical and academic programmes. A partnership with The Retrofit Academy with the challenges of insulating older housing stock. The building will also be available to hire for meetings and events, becoming a new hub for construction related businesses interested in building their sustainable credentials.

Simon Cook, Principal and Chief Executive, MidKent College and Chair of Kent Further Education (KFE), which champions the FE sector across Kent and Medway, said: “This new centre will ensure that local employers can call upon the skills and best practice needed to transition to Net Zero as well as putting down a marker for Kent and Medway as a leading hub for the green economy.”

Jane Le Poidevin, Director of Curriculum at MidKent College, added: “What we have launched is only the beginning, it will evolve. We will continue to work with the sector to develop courses for the skills they will need as new technologies develop.”

The Green Skills Factory and Home Energy Centre will provide hands on experience of renewable technologies and low energy solutions – including air sourced heat pumps and solar PV - plus a simulator that will recreate different scenarios for training purposes, including wind turbines and energy storage.

The new skills accelerator project has been funded through the government’s Strategic Development Fund scheme, in support of ongoing work to tackle a sustainable skills gap in supporting part of a broader strategy to skill up the UK, as old carbon hungry technologies are phased out and renewables take centre stage.

To view courses available at MidKent College’s Green Skills Factory and Home Energy Centre, visit: https://bit.ly/mkc-cukm

CONSTRUCTION STARTS ON WILLENHALL GREENWAY

Construction has started this week to develop Willenhall Greenway, the first phase of the wider Movement and Regeneration works for Willenhall Garden City, Levelling Up Fund Round 2.

The Greenway is a 3km utility and leisure route for both pedestrians and cyclists, running east-west from Willenhall Memorial Park, through Moat Street / Villiers Street connecting with green space, residential and employment areas.

Walking and cycling are good for our physical and mental health. The Greenway will improve connectivity in Willenhall and the wider Walsall area, giving residents more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors whether for leisure or commuting purposes.

A number of housing developments are planned for the area as part of the wider Regeneration works, and the street network within the vicinity of new housing areas will be redesigned to make the area safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

Councillor Adrian Andrew, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, said: “this is a really exciting time for Willenhall. Willenhall’s distinct heritage and mixed land uses presents opportunities to boost housing, and to create a more vibrant, healthy, and prosperous community.”

The Willenhall greenway programme forms part of the Willenhall Framework Plan, a 10 year vision and delivery strategy for future housing growth and development. The Framework Plan was supported by Walsall Council’s Cabinet in February 2022 and secured funding in round 2 of the Government’s Levelling Up fund.

HENRY BOOT CONSTRUCTION COMPLETES WORK ON LEEDS HIGH SCHOOL EXTENSION

The main phase of work on a contemporary two-storey extension at an outstanding Leeds high school completed this week, helping to increase student capacity by over 400.

The lead contractor on the project, Henry Boot Construction, started construction on the new 2,500m2 extension at Allerton High School on King Lane in June 2022.

In addition to the extension, which sees the school’s capacity grow from 1,400 to 1,840, the project added attractive new outdoor landscaping, modernisations to the car park –including new EV charging facilities, and minor refurbishment to an existing block.

In total, the development has added multiple new classrooms and offices, a bespoke suite of rooms to house

provision for students with SEND, PE changing rooms, a staff room, a meeting room, a new cafeteria and a kitchen.

Now that this primary stage of the development is complete, installation of a Sport England football pitch will begin, with completion set for late 2023.

In September 2022, Allerton welcomed an additional 60 Y7 pupils, aged 11, as part of a phased plan to add more than 400 pupils over the next few years. The new building extension enables the school to add to the overall capacity without greatly increasing individual class sizes – providing the best possible learning environment for their students.

Yorkshire-based Henry Boot has worked closely with Leeds Local Education Partnership, Leeds City Council and design partner NPS Group on this project.

Yorkshire-based Henry Boot Construction is an award-winning construction contractor working across the public and private sector.

YOUR BUSINESS CREDIT RATINGS MATTER NOW MORE THAN EVER

James Piper is the Founder and CEO of Lightbulb Credit; established in 2018, the company has put over 1.5 billion pounds back on their clients’ balance sheets through improved supplier terms and has enabled over 700 million pounds worth of funding since then. He explains the benefits of knowing and improving your company’s trade credit ratings and how this can unlock capital, funding, and growth.

Understanding the UK trade credit market

There are five major trade credit rating agencies in the UK: Creditsafe, Experian, Equifax, Dun & Bradstreet and Red Flag Alert. Lightbulb Credit is the only company that provides data and insights on your business credit score for all of them.

Each agency assesses your credit rating and publishes a score on a scale of 0-100, this determines your recommended credit limit. According to Creditsafe, the average credit score within the construction industry in England is 68.58, which is seen as medium risk. The scoring methodology differs for each agency, but data is collected from Companies House, historical trends, and supplier payment data, evaluated against agreed credit terms.

Your business credit ratings impact many areas of your construction business:

1. Working capital directly affecting your trade terms

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

3. Tendering is a significant factor in construction. Tenders will be judged against your credit ratings, especially larger contracts.

What does this mean?

The construction sector is working capitalintensive, and alongside the current market volatility, recent insolvencies have increased the importance of having good credit ratings.

Even the slightest decline in your credit ratings can negatively impact operations; a change may only be noticed when a business experiences an unexpected rejection. This could be when tendering for a contract, being denied credit terms, or facing a reduction or removal of credit terms. Understanding and monitoring your

credit score is the best way to safeguard your construction business.

The economic future of the construction sector

The current economic forecast is changeable, and experts predict challenges ahead. However, the construction sector is fundamental to the UK economy and traditionally one of the quickest to recover following financial uncertainty.

Whilst the economic future may be ambiguous, awareness of your business credit ratings can help to manage any working capital volatility.

Your credit ratings matter now more than ever in construction

Businesses failing to address a negative credit rating will quickly experience disappointment. To avoid this, utilise Lightbulb Credit’s free Company Credit Insight Report. Typically, clients receive their personalised report within 24 hours when requested during the working week.

Stay informed with Lightbulb Credit Lightbulb Credit is offering a completely free Company Credit Insight Report, plus a 60-day free trial of its unique Credit Monitoring solution. To claim this offer, simply visit lightbulbcredit.com/construction. See

• The terms offered by your suppliers

• The rates on your borrowing

• Your ability to tender work

• How your business is perceived and viewed as a risk.

all five of the main credit rating agencies. Request a free report and you will typically receive this within

Credit Improvement service

If you discover your credit scores need work we offer a risk-free Credit Improvement service. You could improve your credit rating in as little as 72 hours! Our unique “success fee” based solution means that you don’t pay a penny if we can’t help. You could benefit from:

• Enhanced supplier trading terms, leaving you with more capital for longer

• Access to more funding and finance, with improved rates at a reduced cost

• Winning tender work when your credit ratings matter.

WILLMOTT DIXON SCHOOL WINS PASSIVHAUS AWARD

The UK’s first Passivhaus Plus school – completed by Willmott Dixon in 2019 - has won an industry award for setting the standard for zero carbon educational buildings.

Hackbridge Primary School in the London Borough of Sutton was named winner in the non-domestic category at the UK Passivhaus Awards 2023.

Designed by Architype for customer Sutton Council, the zero-carbon school generates more energy than the building consumes each year. It also integrates Passivhaus principles of airtightness and insulation to surpass RIBA’s 2030 operational energy targets.

Described as a ‘modernist version of a log cabin’, Hackbridge is constructed from a lightweight timber frame and filled with

EMPLOYER BREAKFAST TARGETS GREEN SKILLS IN CONSTRUCTION

Local employers gathered at a recent Leeds College of Building event to learn more about the growing demand for green skills in construction.

The employer breakfast welcomed a range of construction stakeholders and focussed on green skills gaps, the College’s training, and exciting opportunities to collaborate.

Around 35 guests attended the JAST (Joseph Aspdin Skills Trust) sponsored event, including representatives from West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), United Living, Leeds City Council, Sparta Systems, Wrapt Homes, and R. Bunton Ltd.

Industry experts delivered presentations highlighting the latest trends and best practice in green skills and sustainability.

Following this, attendees participated in interactive activities to share ideas across specialisms.

Data from The UK Trade Skills Index 2023 shows that the drive for decarbonisation and transitioning homes to net zero alone is expected to grow by 1.5% annually from 2023 to 2027, increasing to 1.9% from 2028 to 2032.

Leeds College of Building is now hoping to attract more SME construction firms to the green skills network, to benefit

Warmcel recycled newspaper blown insulation. It also has a green roof made up of a variety of plants including sedum, ferns and wildflowers to provide a natural canvas for the school’s solar PV panels. As a result, it exceeds the LETI’s 2020 embodied carbon targets, with the building using half the embodied carbon of a typical ‘business as usual’ building.

To ensure optimum performance, Willmott Dixon has monitored the school since handover in October 2019 using its Energy Synergy™ approach to ensure energy is optimised and look at further ways to reduce carbon emissions. As a result, energy use has decreased by 10,000kWh/ annum from its peak use, while energy generation has increased by 40,000kWh/ annum from its lowest yield.

The UK Passivhaus Awards are hosted by the UK Passivhaus Trust and recognise buildings that meet the highest standards of energy efficiency, comfort, and sustainability.

from the knowledge and best practice of larger firms in the group. The College is also looking at ways to get even more students involved in sustainability.

Plans include setting up a student-led action group, delivering training on the requirement to decarbonise current housing stock, embedding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the college, and enhancing staff CPD and training.

‘TOPPING OUT’ MARKED AT THE NEW BELFAST GRAND CENTRAL STATION

Translink and the Department for Infrastructure, recently joined hosts and construction partner Farrans Sacyr for a traditional ‘topping out’ ceremony.

The occasion was marked with a ceremonial tightening of the last bolt in the highest point of the steel structure of the iconic new Belfast Grand Central Station.

Construction of the worldclass integrated transport hub, funded by the Department for Infrastructure, is rapidly progressing.

When completed it will bring further transformation of public transport in Northern Ireland.

It will enhance local and international connectivity with bus, coach and rail links across Northern Ireland and beyond.

There will also be enhanced walking and cycling provision encouraging more sustainable travel for a cleaner, healthier city while also helping NI reach its climate goals.

BRITCON’S DOUBLE CONSTRUCTION AWARD WINS

Britcon (UK) Limited, one of the north’s leading civil engineering, building and steelwork solutions contractors, is thrilled to announce that it won two awards at the annual Constructing Excellence (Yorkshire and Humberside) regional awards, held in Leeds recently.

Following closely on from Britcon’s success with four wins at the British Safety Council awards, Britcon won the regional Constructing Excellence awards for SME of the Year and The Best of the Best Category.

Britcon will now go forward to represent the Yorkshire and Humber region at the national Constructing Excellence Awards, which will be held in London on 23rd November.

Nick Shepherd, Britcon’s Managing Director, explains: “These awards recognise excellence whilst also demonstrating that the built environment is an exciting and innovative sector to work within. I am exceptionally proud that we received the ‘Best of the Best’ award, as we were up against some

exceptional regional winners. These awards are also testament to the hard work and dedication of all our team and suppliers, as well as underlining our collaborative approach to deliver exceptional value and service for our clients.”

Britcon was awarded the SME of the Year award for demonstrating sustainable growth and profitability, whilst addressing head-on many of the Construction Playbook key themes, including embracing digital technologies, investing in employee wellbeing and becoming a certified carbon neutral company.

The highlight of the event was Britcon being named ‘Best of the Best’, which recognises the best category winner that truly demonstrates ‘Constructing Excellence’ in action.

Britcon expanded its business operations earlier this year, with a new office in the North East to add to its existing offices in Yorkshire and its production plant in Scunthorpe, to support new framework and contract wins.

For more information about Britcon, visit www.britcon.co.uk or call 01724 280022.

MONTPELLIER PORT REPLACE CORRODING METAL PIPES WITH KPS CORROSION-RESISTANT HDPE PIPING TO PREVENT FUEL PERMEATION

The managing authority of Séte Port in the south of France chose KPS HDPE conductive pipe to replace their previously installed steel pipe system for their fuelling network. A replacement was needed to prevent the steel pipes from corroding and fuel permeation into the environment, which would damage wildlife and be costly to clean up.

Project Overview

Séte port began work on their fuelling network to replace their previously installed steel piping system. Over time, the proximity of the pipes to the salty sea environment had caused them to become rusty and corrode, which posed a risk of fuel permeation and leaks into the environment, which is especially important to avoid in ports and marinas due to the volume of fuel being used and the proximity to the sea/ocean.

The KPS Solution

Key features of KPS piping for this project:

• Completely un-reactive to saltwater, eliminating the risk of deterioration/ corrosion from constant exposure.

• Conductive KPS piping is electrostatically safe, preventing potential static build-up and ensuring safe grounding in the event of sparks.

• Engineered for quick and easy installation, KPS double wall electrofusion fittings are compact and weld both pipe walls simultaneously.

• KPS 4” piping allows a flow rate of 933 litre/minute enabling fast fuel delivery.

• On-site training is available to familiarise installers with KPS easy install piping and electrofusion welding system.

KPS piping is engineered for quick and easy installation. KPS double wall electrofusion fittings weld both pipe walls simultaneously. All of this, along with the professional training program with which KPS certifies each installer, makes KPS an ideal choice for port, marina, and harbour projects.

Explore KPS’ technical case study library here

KPS 4” double wall pipe (125/110mm) provides a 933 litre/min flow rate

KPS 4” piping allows a flow rate of 933 litres/minute enabling fast fuel delivery

KPS double wall piping adds an extra layer of security

A long-term replacement for corroded steel pipes at Séte Port, Montpellier was required

KPS piping is designed for fast, simple installation

KPS piping has provided Séte Port with a long-term replacement for their previously installed corroded steel pipework

TURN A NEW LEAF

GEZE has launched Revo.PRIME a new premium solution for revolving doors. The new operator boasts an exceptionally low canopy height, narrow profile systems and an improved running performance.

Providing maximum transparency the Revo.PRIME is perfect for creating beautiful entrances and is especially suited for hotels and offices or any building where a statement entrance is required. With its class leading canopy height of just 75mm which houses the automation it ensures the minimal aesthetic whilst achieving excellent technical functionality. In addition the narrow profiles of just 60mm

on the door leaf and side panel create a visually appealing entrance and increased transparency creating a light and airy entrance.

The Revo.PRIME is environmentally friendly as well, the operator saves up to 30 per cent in energy compared with its predecessor models which is achieved through the drive unit’s reduced power consumption.

Another benefit of the Revo.PRIME is its improved running performance. The brushless direct current motor (BLDC) with 1,000 Nm torque and the enlarged

diameter of the door system, up to 3,800mm, ensures ease of access and meets the demands of today’s architects and designers.

Available in 3 or 4 leaf versions and in a choice of gold, silver and black the Revo. PRIME can be networked to building automation systems via BACnet.

Andy Howland, Sales and Marketing Director of GEZE UK, said “The Revo.PRIME is an impressive edition to our range of automatic operators and one that is sure to delight architects and specifiers giving them the freedom to design stunning entrances.”

To find out more about the Revo.PRIME visit the dedicated Revo.PRIME microsite, see it in action on YouTube or email info.uk@geze.com.

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

TREHARNE HOMES MAKING FULL USE OF STERLINGOSB ZERO’S BENEFITS

A Welsh timber frame specialist has been utilising SterlingOSB Zero, or the forerunners beforehand, for over 20 years to deliver bespoke building solutions including high-performance homes for councils and other affordable housing providers.

Treharne Homes is based near Llanelli in Carmarthenshire and serves clients in multiple sectors, offering an award-winning, custom design, manufacture and erection service. The company prides itself on the quality and accuracy of its fabrication processes – even producing its metal web joists at its plant. The team employs West Fraser’s 22mm SterlingOSB Zero T&G panels for its wall and roof constructions as well as CaberDek panels for its floors.

One of the key considerations for social housing landlords is trying to ensure their properties have a low environmental impact and are affordable for their tenants to heat which, in turn, requires accuracy of manufacture to achieve high standards of airtightness.

Available in thicknesses of 18 and 22mm, the 2400mm length boards come in widths of 590 and 1200mm, while being manufactured using UK grown timber and with Zero added formaldehyde, SterlingOSB Zero has outstanding environmental credentials.

For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit https://uk.westfraser.com/

BAM ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO CONSTRUCTION SEGMENT OPERATING REGIONS

BAM UK & Ireland has announced a realignment of the operating regions for its Construction segment in England.

The changes will see the business reduce the number of operating regions from seven to five, with the key changes being the combining of the North West and North East regions to create a new Northern Region; and the South East region being merged across the London, Western and Midlands regions, with the latter being renamed Central region.

James Wimpenny, Executive Director Construction, BAM UK & Ireland, said: “Like most companies we are constantly reviewing our structure and how we operate in line with best practice and market conditions.

“As a result, we have announced today that we are reducing the number of regions within BAM UK & Ireland’s Construction segment from seven to five.

The changes will start to take effect from today and will see our North West and North East regions combine into one Northern region which will be led by John Phillips, and our South East region will be merged across our London, Western and Midlands regions.

“The Midlands region will be renamed Central region and be led by Adam Harding. Our Scotland region is unaffected by the changes.

“Unfortunately there will be a small number of redundancies, but where possible we are seeking alternative internal roles.

“This has been a considered decision, but the vast majority of what our people do, right across our business and for our clients and customers every day, will not change.”

BARRATT DEVELOPMENTS

MARKS 75TH NHS ANNIVERSARY BY EXTENDING ITS KEY WORKER DEPOSIT SCHEME AND DONATES £75,000 TO NHS CHARITIES

To help celebrate the 75th anniversary of the National Health Service and to say thank you for the amazing work it does, Barratt Developments Scotland is helping all NHS workers to afford a new home by helping to pay their deposits.

Barratt Developments - which includes Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes - is specially extending its existing Key Worker Deposit Contribution scheme for another six months to help NHS and front-line workers afford a new home.

On top of extending the deposit scheme, Barratt Developments UK is also donating £75,000 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the NHS.

The three charities each receiving £25,000 are: NHS Charities Together, The Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and the Florence Nightingale Foundation.

The extension to the deposit scheme has been timed to celebrate the NHS’s 75th anniversary on 5th July and will now be available on reservations up until 15 December.

The scheme means NHS workers can be offered £1,000 as a deposit contribution for every £20,000 of a home’s purchase price. So for example, for a home costing £325,000, NHS

workers would qualify for a contribution of £16,250. Not only that, but there is also funding towards flooring, worth up to a further 1% of the value of the home.

The scheme, originally launched in October 2022, means Barratt has helped around 2,000 NHS workers. Taken together, the total savings from it for NHS workers is over £23 million.

As well as being a welcome boost to the 1.2 million workers in the NHS, the deposit scheme will also support workers in: Education, The Police Force, Postal Service, Fire Service, MOD, Environmental Service, Transport Scotland, Probation Service, Prison Service and Local Authorities.

Douglas McLeod, Regional Managing Director at Barratt Developments Scotland, said: “Our Key Worker Deposit Contribution Scheme has helped 2,000 NHS workers to be able to afford their new home, so what better way to mark the 75th anniversary of the NHS by extending the scheme for another six months. The NHS treats over a million people a day and touches all our lives, so we want to say a big thank you to all of our essential frontline workers through this deposit scheme extension and by donating £75,000 in total to NHS Charities Together, The Great Ormond Street Hospital and the Florence Nightingale Foundation.”

In a display of expertise and craftsmanship, two specialised suppliers and an exceptionally skilled team of installers are breathing new life into seven tired flat-roofed apartment blocks. The result? Spectacular, characterful flat-topitch conversions leaving the client and residents in awe.

This visionary, flatto-pitch project in Prestwich broke

ground in November 2022 and the team’s dedication and unwavering commitment have kept progress flowing consistently. With intricate details to master, the collaboration between Dibsa and Andy from JB Roofing proved to be the perfect synergy. From the outset, the client’s directive was clear: preserve the inherent charm and allure of these buildings throughout the flat-to-pitch conversion process.

Pioneers of Lightweight Steel Roof Structures

With over 33 years of unrivalled expertise in the steel roof industry, Dibsa stands out as one of the nation’s leading manufacturers of technically superior steel roofs. Throughout our journey, we have continuously honed and refined our services, ensuring quality and innovation at every turn.

The advantages of opting for a Dibsa lightweight steel roof

over traditional timber are substantial. Not only does it boast reduced erection time, resulting in lower installation costs, but it also offers unparalleled flexibility in design possibilities. A key highlight of our structures is their ingenious installation process, loaded directly onto the existing flat roof, the weight is skilfully spread across the entire deck. Embracing steel structures means embracing greater sustainability, as these roofs exhibit exceptional longevity and are 100% recyclable.

Choosing Dibsa for your project, you gain access to an all-encompassing service that goes beyond mere product provision. Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive consultation, valuable advice, meticulous structural surveys, and innovative design solutions. From the project’s inception to its triumphant completion, Dibsa will be your reliable partner every step of the way, offering a professional service with a personal touch.

For more information about Dibsa: www.dibsa.co.uk

DIBSA STRUCTURES, METROTILE & JB ROOFING: A REMARKABLE COLLABORATION GLEEDS HONOURED WITH ARMED FORCES GOLD AWARD

International property and construction consultancy Gleeds has announced that it has been recognised by the UK government for its continued support for the Armed Forces with the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award.

The ERS Gold Award is the highest badge of honour for organisations which have signed the Armed Forces Covenant

and demonstrated outstanding support for those who serve and have served.

The Awards recognise employers who actively support the Armed Forces community in their workplace and encourage others to follow their lead.

Gleeds has been a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant since 2015.

Since then, it has been growing its community of reservists, veterans, and forces families by offering support

throughout its recruitment and selection process, with assistance during the transition to civilian employment, and with additional paid leave for reservists undertaking annual training.

Chairman of Gleeds Worldwide, Richard Steer, said of the Award, “I’m incredibly proud that Gleeds’ commitment to supporting the armed forces community and their families has been recognised with this Gold Award. I strongly believe that we have a responsibility to our service men and women and to do what we can to ease their transition into civilian life.

“I’m also delighted to provide a professional home for an increasing number whose skillsets and experience make them valuable members of our team.”

To win a Gold Award from the Ministry of Defence, organisations must show that they provide 10 extra paid days leave for reservists and have supportive HR policies in place for veterans, reserves, Cadet Force adult volunteers and spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces. They must also advocate the benefits of supporting those from the Armed Forces community, encouraging others to improve their own practises.

CAMBRIDGE CANCER RESEARCH HOSPITAL APPOINTS CONSTRUCTION FIRM

Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital (CCRH) has appointed Laing O’Rourke as its preferred construction partner to join the project for its next phase of design.

The international construction and engineering company will start working on the project under a pre-construction services agreement. The appointment comes as NHS England, the Department

of Health and Social Care and HM Treasury have approved the new hospital’s Outline Business Case (OBC), which demonstrates to Government the vision and benefits that Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital will offer to patients across the region.

The seven-storey c.26,300 m2 facility planned for the Cambridge Biomedical Campus is set to be the first hospital

delivered in the East of England as part of the Government’s New Hospital Programme.

Following a robust procurement process, Laing O’Rourke were chosen to help finalise designs and ensure maximum value for money as the project moves closer to breaking ground.

The specialist cancer research hospital is a partnership between Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the University of Cambridge and its Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre (CRUK CC). It will combine NHS clinical space with three new ground-breaking research institutes, focusing on accelerating the early detection of cancer and delivering precision cancer treatment, to support the ambitions set out in the government’s Life Science Strategy and the NHS Long Term Plan.

Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) and Cambridge University Development and Alumni Relations (CUDAR) are fundraising to secure additional significant donations needed for the hospital. The state-ofthe-art facility will be a specialist cancer hospital for the East of England. It has been designed by architects NBBJ and engineers AECOM, in partnership with patients, carers and staff.

MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL FIRM, STEVEN HUNT ASSOCIATES, CELEBRATE PROJECT WINS WORTH ALMOST £70M

Leaders in mechanical and electrical engineering, Steven Hunt Associates has secured a host of project wins across the UK, with the total contract value in excess of £68m.

A trusted industry-leader since it was founded in 1989, the company starts the second half of the year with confidence securing new projects with the likes of the deconstruction of the old Royal Liverpool University Hospital, worth £15m in construction costs; £4m worth of council projects across Rochdale; remodelling of the International Slavery Museum with the National Museum of Liverpool totalling £27m in construction costs; this project involves replacing all of the existing services to bring the building

to a modern standard with sustainability at the forefront. £10m worth of projects for Sandway Homes; and various projects with the University of Liverpool one in which being an extension to the Sydney Jones Library, worth £7m in construction costs.

The success comes more than a year after the firm appointed four new directors in 2022. Led by managing director and company founder, Steve Hunt, the expanded leadership team also includes directors, Neil Baines, Dave Kelly, Anne King and Dominic Sibbring.

Steven Hunt Associates, which employs a team of 23, works across a wide range of sectors including healthcare, residential,

education, commercial, care and extra care, social housing, hotels and industrial. Some of the firm’s most notable projects include Urgent Care and Trauma Centre at Aintree hospital, University of Liverpool Cypress Building and School of Management and Novotel Paddington Village.

STRING OF NEW CONTRACTS MAKES FOR RECORDING BREAKING JUNE FOR KORI CONSTRUCTION

Ambitious main contractor Kori Construction reported a record-breaking month in June, securing six new projects with a combined value of £75m.

The business, based in Corby, Northamptonshire, was appointed to build four new care homes and an assisted living complex totalling more than 400 bedrooms, and a 100 bed hostel on behalf of the YMCA.

The projects, which span Surrey, Norfolk, the West Midlands, Cambridgeshire, Berkshire, and Hertfordshire, reveal Kori’s growing geographical footprint as the business continues to expand across the UK.

80% of the work comes by repeat business from existing customers impressed by the contractor’s previous schemes.

Jordan Connachie, Managing Director of Kori Construction, described the contract wins as a major result for the business.

Last year, Kori Construction’s turnover grew to £35m, up from £20m the year before, but these latest appointments propel Kori Construction to the next level, Mr Connachie said.

SNICKERS WORKWEAR TROUSERS – WORKING AS HARD AS YOU DO!

Hi-tech fabrics, functionality and fit are the hallmarks of this market-leading working clothes range.

For discerning professional tradesmen and women, trousers that deliver maximum functionality, comfort, protection and mobility are key factors in their brand choices.

That’s why the sustainable, street-smart, body-mapping features of Snickers Workwear Work Trousers make them the clothes of choice for those who want to work at their best.

To support the business’s growth trajectory, Kori Construction has been gearing up for an increase in workload over recent years with key strategic appointments, a far-reaching digital transformation, and by investing in its brand and sustainability activities.

The business has also forged close relationships with suppliers and subcontractors since being founded in 2009, and these relationships play a vital role in the successful delivery of every scheme.

Mr Connachie added that securing the contracts coincided with the release of the company’s latest annual accounts that reveal Kori Construction achieved industry-leading profit margins and a 100% increase in net worth in 2022.

The AllroundWork trousers suit any kind of work in any trade. FlexiWork trousers deliver superior freedom of movement. While LiteWork trousers keep you cool, dry and ventilated.

Then there’s RuffWork trousers, reinforced and tough for the roughest work on site. ProtecWork protective wear for hazardous environments and certified High-Vis trousers when personal visibility on site is a priority.

Snickers Workwear Trousers also deliver certified protection with the patented KneeGuard® system and CORDURA® reinforcement for greater flexibility, comfort and durability.

All in all, this is what makes them the optimal choice for craftsmen and women who need to get every job done comfortably, efficiently and sustainably on site.

For more information: www.snickersworkwear.com/list/ product-guide/trousers-made-to-fit

The projects, which span Surrey, Norfolk, the West Midlands, Cambridgeshire, Berkshire, and Hertfordshire, reveal Kori’s growing geographical footprint as the business continues to expand across the UK.

MC CONSTRUCTION BEGINS WORK ON MULTI-MILLION POUND SCHOOL EXTENSION

Work has begun on a multimillion-pound extension at a school in Cheshire to create additional places.

The scheme being undertaken by Salford-based MC Construction at Springfield School in Crewe will help address an urgent need for extra provision in the area for children with complex needs.

The project involves building a wrap-around extension to the school’s existing sports pavilion to create eight new classrooms, ancillary spaces including calm rooms, a sensory room and a therapy room, new hygiene suites and toilets, as well as extending and remodelling existing kitchen facilities.

Springfield is rated as outstanding by Ofsted and was named 2022 School of the Year in the National Schools Awards. It caters for pupils aged from four to 19 with severe learning difficulties and complex needs, including autism.

Cheshire East Council’s southern planning committee unanimously backed the extension scheme to alleviate the shortfall in places at the school. Demand for specialist school provision is at an all-time high in the area. The new block is scheduled to be ready for use in September 2024.

Russ Forshaw, managing director of MC Construction, said:

We’re delighted to be returning to Springfield School and to be once again partnering with Cheshire East Council. We have a strong track record of delivering education projects across the region, and the construction of the new teaching block will be our largest to date.

“This is a significant and important scheme which will greatly enhance provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities in the local authority area. Our team has proven experience in delivering major projects in sensitive environments and we’re looking forward to delivering a new facility of the highest quality.”

The contract was procured through the North West Construction Hub framework. The architect for the scheme is Halliday Meecham and the quantity surveyor is Currie & Brown.

Other professionals involved in the project include construction design and management adviser David Trowler Associates, mechanical, electrical and plumbing consultancy Davies Partnership and structural engineer Sutcliffe.

WORK UNDERWAY ON £250M GARDEN VILLAGE AT SEAHAM

The creation of a new landscapeled garden village on the Durham Coast is underway as three housing developers lay the foundations for the development of a new thriving community.

Existing infrastructure works are underway on the new Seaham Garden Village development, which will see 1,500 new homes built over the next ten years.

There will be a range of homes available, with 750 of the homes being developed for private sale by Taylor Wimpey and Miller Homes and the remaining 750 homes, being developed by Karbon Homes,

will be available for a mix of both affordable rent and affordable home ownership options through shared ownership and rent to buy.

The 78-hectare garden village, located on the A182 going into Seaham town centre, has sustainability and community spirit at its heart.

In addition to the planned housing, to take advantage of the beautiful location and views out to sea, around 50% of the garden village will be dedicated to managed green space and a range of landscapes and spaces for residents to use. Residents will also benefit from

over 3 miles of landscaped paths and cycle routes.

To help build a thriving community, the village will also include associated community facilities including a primary school, a local shopping facility, an innovation centre and a health and wellbeing hub. All homes will also be built to the very latest energy standards.

Both Taylor Wimpey and Miller Homes have begun work on their private sale properties, with first homes expected to become available from Autumn 2023.

Karbon Homes is currently in the process of appointing a new contractor and hope to be on site with homes being built later in the year.

The delivery of the 750 affordable homes by Karbon is supported by funding from Homes England, through Karbon’s Strategic Partnership with the government’s housing delivery agency.

The strategic partnership has provided Karbon with funding to deliver 2,200 new affordable homes across the North East and Yorkshire over the next few years.

STEELWORK BEING INSTALLED AT PRESTON’S £45M+ ANIMATE LEISURE COMPLEX

Steelwork is being installed at Preston’s Animate leisure complex, the latest milestone in the £45 million+ scheme, one of six major projects planned under Preston’s Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme.

Preston was awarded £20.9m from the Government’s national Towns Fund initiative in March 2021, and the Harris Quarter is a unique part of the city centre undergoing a £200m investment programme to transform its historic buildings, sites and public realm into a diverse culture, leisure and employment offering.

An estimated 1,150 tonnes of steel are being used for the new steel frame of Animate, the flagship development of the Harris Quarter. The frame is being erected in multiple phases, with each section built sequentially rather than being constructed floor by floor because of the city centre location of the scheme.

The steelwork follows the recent completion of piling work and construction of Animate - on the site of the former indoor market and car park - is expected to complete in late 2024.

Almost fully pre-let, Animate will provide an eight-screen cinema, 16-lane bowling alley with gaming zone, five family restaurant units, a street food hub, public realm, a competitive socialising unit and 164-space undercroft car park, with national leisure brands including Hollywood Bowl, ARC Cinemas, Zizzi, Cosmo, Las Iguanas and Loungers already signed up as tenants.

L-R Adrian Phillips, Nick Hague, Chris Hayward, John Chesworth

SPECWALL LEADS THE WAY WITH SUSTAINABLE, A1 & A2 CLASSIFIED MODULAR WALL SYSTEMS

The construction sector is beginning to change at every level in response to climate change – but there is a lot more to do. The built environment is responsible for an estimated 40% of the UK’s carbon emissions and approximately 60% of the waste generated in the country.

As sustainability in the built environment continues to rise up the priority list, everyone in the sector will have to adapt rapidly. Architects, developers, specifiers and everyone else must put all of their processes and products under the environmental spotlight to improve performance.

Doing so will mean reviewing and changing practices at all levels of the business. One of the most important ways to do this is through taking a hard look at the products used in property development and our approach to procurement.

We are proud of the many sustainability features of Specwall. Our modular wall system can play a major role in making any development more sustainable and is contributing to the overall industry shift.

It allows you to increase the environmental rating of your project at the same time as offering economic savings in the right conditions. As sustainability becomes more and more necessary in the years to come, products like Specwall will become the new standard.

Specwall’s environmental benefits include:

• Extremely low waste, as little as 0.5% in some cases

• Removes need to over order materials, cutting down on material extraction

• Inherent insulation and acoustic ratings

• Single-visit construction process reducing programme time and site emissions

• A1 fire-rated panels available

• Water permeable, not damaged by water or mould

In addition to all of those benefits, one of the main advantages of Specwall is its reusability. Our product’s Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) covers modules A1-A3, C1-C4 and D and shows the impact of our panels not just from cradle to gate, but also at the end-of-life phase and beyond.

This level of accountability is the new norm and is essential for any building looking to achieve BREEAM certification or meet Building Regulations. If an product’s EPD does not include the module D end-of-life calculations, you will have to undertake a lot of paperwork and documentation to satisfy that requirement yourself. It is altogether easier to only specify products which already include this on their EPD.

Our A2 panel performed extremely strongly in its EPD in the following ways, especially when it comes to the module D considerations which are a key part of the recent EN 15804+A2 amendment update:

• Panel can be removed and reused in a different location at the end of the building lifetime (30 years assumed as standard).

• 50% of panels reused without any changes by cutting down the middle, re-forming grooves and reinstalling.

• 38% of panels recycled and used as aggregate.

• 10% returned to Specwall for use as samples.

• Only 2% sent to landfill.

Finally, Specwall is an extremely fire safe product which outperforms plasterboard, blockwork and SFS systems.

Fire safety is right at the top of the list for architects, developers and specifiers, and it is also a key aspect of sustainable construction.

To meet this need, Specwall has developed an A1-rated wall panel for the construction industry. Our A2-rated panel has a standard fire rating of at least two hours, meaning that it meets current regulations and will continue to do so. Our A1 panel is designed to meet and exceed them, with the recent completion of a 3 hour 30 minute test. The testing was carried out at an independent, fully qualified fire testing house.

Key technical fire safety information about our A1 panel is as follows:

• No flammable material in the panel

• Cannot contribute to a fire at any stage

• Same weight and strength as standard A2-rated panel

• 100m depth, single-layer system

• Simple, integrated, stand-alone

As costs rise, efficient materials like Specwall will not only benefit your bottom line but also will support with environmentally friendly construction. Sustainability will go beyond regulatory compliance and become the new standard for the sector – and the sooner you act, the more benefit you will receive. This is the perfect time to make the switch to low waste, sustainable products like Specwall.

For more information about Specwall and how it can improve the sustainability of your development, please get in touch via www.specwall.com or by calling +44 (0) 161 511 4790.

We are proud of the many sustainability features of Specwall. Our modular wall system can play a major role in making any development more sustainable and is contributing to the overall industry shift.

This is the perfect time to make the switch to low waste, sustainable products like Specwall.

PRECISION MANUFACTURED

WALL SYSTEMS, TRANSFORMING

UK CONSTRUCTION SUSTAINABILITY

BBA APPROVED & A1-FIRE RATED

Specwall is an advanced wall system with inherent insulation, acoustic, and A1 & A2 fire ratings, and allows for the direct application of finishes including tiles and paint.

This superior alternative to blockwork, SFS, and drywall systems will give you the following benefits:

WHERE IS EVERYONE?

Challenges facing the UK.

of opportunities ready and waiting, crying out, to be taken up across this industry?

At Door Controls Direct we are dedicated to delivering superior products, exceptional service, and expert guidance to help you find the perfect solutions for your project or facility. Whether it is fire door remedial works, on-going maintenance, or new construction sites, we have the door hardware for your project, and the technical know-how to help you with any product or compliance queries.

When we’re looking ahead at the construction landscape, we see that the government is holding firm to its pledge to deliver 1 million new homes during their parliament. Michael Gove commented that “speed and scale matter”.

The School Rebuilding Programme has targets for rebuilding and renovating 500 schools over a 10-year period yet a recent damning National Audit Office (NAO) report suggests this is the tip of a substantial iceberg. They have identified 64,000 individual school buildings in England. 38% of these are “believed to be past their estimated initial design life”.

Despite lofty yet necessary targets for our built environment, in Spring this year, construction output by volume is estimated to have decreased for the third month in a row, “solely from a decrease in new work”. Private housing new work decreased by 1.7%.

There is a vast amount of construction work ahead. But where are the people to carry it out?

Property Reporter has estimated that: “Collectively, the whole construction industry faces an impossible goal of needing to recruit over 950,000 workers by 2030 to meet all of these demands”.

So, where is everyone? And how do we encourage them into construction trades with all urgency?

The problem is investment and people. The Industry Skills Plan 2021-2025, set out to address the long-publicised and discussed skills. But what tangible progress has been made now that we’re halfway through this timeframe?

It has long been acknowledged that we’re lacking home-grown talent which extends as far as the skills gaps in general labour through to our local authorities, which is now being addressed through the Planning Skills Delivery Fund

Even if we are to make a dent in the construction numbers laid out in recent years, it would seem we’re some way off of the mark, with little chance of meeting the volume required to bolster our declining infrastructure.

Why not construction?

The current perception that is widely publicised is that our youngest generation of school-leavers has no inclination towards physical trades.

However, recent research has highlighted a digital skills shortage in construction too, covering data construction such as AI and BIM.

Seemingly contradictory to popular opinion?

It would appear the qualifications and the talents required in construction are widereaching, and we’re short of them all. This has only been intensified by the on-going shortage of non-UK labour.

Current built environment targets outlined in the government Transforming Infrastructure Performance: Roadmap to 2030 policy paper, also include succession planning and workforce resourcing and skills.

Is this enough to rebuild the robustness required in the multitude of construction trades?

Unless the root cause of this shortage, whether that is a deficit of non-UK based labour, a lack of incentive or of awareness for Gen Z of the wealth of careers across our built environment sector, a failure in foresight by the government, or a substantial shortfall in investment, or all of these, how will we truly be able to solve this crisis?

What is it going to take to fill the wealth

And if they’re not filled, and filled soon, what will be the impact?

How we see it.

Growth. Innovation. Disruption.

At Door Controls Direct we take pride in our dependability, doing all we can to keep people and facilities safe and secure. We are your dependable source for comprehensive door solutions and quality door hardware.

But that doesn’t mean we’re static. It doesn’t mean we’re satisfied with the status quo. Dependability for us, doesn’t mean passive or stagnant.

We’re taking action. We are taking

It would appear the qualifications and the talents required in construction are widereaching, and we’re short of them all. This has only been intensified by the on-going shortage of non-UK labour.

action before we find ourselves with a skills shortage, with the possibility of underdelivering, or becoming complacent, and therefore left behind.

Investing in digital innovation, continuing to diversify our team, upskilling with a forward focus on technology, including integrating AI into daily workflow - this is how we are growing. This is how we are addressing this wider issue within our own business, the wider issue of skill shortages within construction.

In the 1930s, engineer Allen F. Morgenstern is credited with the now common proverb: “work smarter, not harder”. Smarter in 2023 can mean AI or efficiencies of process but we’re proposing something that will build robustness and a wealth of adaptability of skillset with our business - hybrid roles. Through our general recruitment processes, for a wide range of roles from marketing, to sales and technical support, we’re innovating, combining, and growing stronger.

Safety, Security & Fire Protection

Whether you are searching for digital door locks and access control, commercial door closers or door hardware products, you can depend on Door Controls Direct. This has been true for decades, and we’re doing all we can to ensure our DipGAI-qualified technical sales team will be on hand for years to come, to deliver to you the right product for the right job.

The disruptive force. The person, the group, the company who leverage all they can to their advantage. By employing a breadth of people, with a range of backgrounds, personalities, and skillsets, layering that with technology, and our existing wealth of industry knowledge, we’re building in a contingency to deal with whatever is coming our way.

What next?

Should we now make a prediction on how the mammoth industry-wide construction skillset shortage should be addressed?

There cannot be one way, one method to tackle the vastness of this issue. A multi-

faceted, well-considered amalgamation of systems and techniques will be required if the government targets are to be even got close to within the outlined timeframes.

Our solution? Hybridise. Smarter ways forward. Integration of different people and systems. Sexing things up.

Where is everyone? We’re all here, ready to be taught, guided, and to do our part. But who’s taking the lead, who is showing the way?

We don’t have to leave it to government to communicate an overarching plan to us all.

Have your say, progress the conversation, learn, educate, and innovate. We can all be part of the solution but it won’t happen by standing on the sidelines.

Safety, Security & Fire Protection

marking, proving that the product meets all the safety, health, and environmental requirements within the EU.

Each fire stopping product is evaluated according to the following stages:

1. Fire Testing to estimate fire performance.

2. Preparation of Test Reports and EXAP’s (Assessment Reports), including raw results to characterize fire performance after series of tests.

3. Classification Report.

4. European Technical Assessment (ETA).

What are the main fire protection testing documents?

DO YOU

UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF FIRE STOPPING TESTING & CERTIFICATION?

When it comes to specifying Passive Fire Protection (PFP) products and solutions, it is mandatory to include the fire resistance rating, i.e., the period in which these products perform their protective role and can contain a fire. Different fire ratings will be required, depending on local fire regulations, building types, fire strategy, etc. A product will only be awarded a classification, and therefore assigned a fire rating, if it passes rigorous fire testing.

In this article, you will learn the basics of fire protection testing & certification and the necessary documents to ensure the appropriate level of building safety.

Do certification and CE marking necessarily guarantee the product quality?

Certification process is a procedure performed by a third party, the certification body, to assure that a certified body claims a system, service, product, or a person meets the requirements specified in a standard or reference document.

Being a voluntary act, certification is an important competitive tool for a company, withholding it. Though, an existing certificate does not guarantee that products and services are necessarily meeting the quality offered by a

Reports describe everything that happened during the specific fire test and provide the temperature evolution of every seal, which afterwards can be expressed as a fire rating.

company, since it meets the specified and compliance requirements.

Here, it is important to distinguish voluntary certification from CE marking, the latter is an independent trusted assessment, mandatory for products covered by hEN (harmonised European standard) or European Assessment Document (EAD) and enables these products to circulate freely in all countries of the European Economic Area.

Indeed, Fire Stopping products are not covered by hEN, so this is a decision of a manufacturer, whether obtain CE

There are several documents that you need to be aware of and refer to when considering fire protection testing to ensure basic safety requirements at all levels:

• Test reports,

• EXtended APplication (EXAP’s) or Assessment Report,

• Classification Report,

• European Technical Assessment (ETA).

Test reports

Used for fire resistant products, these reports characterize fire resistance of a building element and include raw results only. Reports describe everything that happened during the specific fire test and provide the temperature evolution of every seal, which afterwards can be expressed as a fire rating. Nullifire fire stopping products are tested in accordance with European Test Standards, typically EN 1366-3 for Service Penetrations, and EN 1366-4 for Linear Joints.

Test reports can’t be used to justify fire resistance performances of a product, according to a Fire safety regulation.

EXAP’s (Extended Field of Application) or Assessment Report

Being linked to Test Reports, Assessment Report describes the modification and fire performance of the building elements and construction system. The reference standard for penetration seal here is EN 15882-3, and EN 15882-4 for linear seal.

Classification report (CR)

Based on one or multiple fire tests, these reports validate the fire performance of products and building materials. Classification reports are issued by a third-party accredited organisation in

accordance with the standards approved by several independent laboratories. These reports must follow EN 135012 standard and normally include the following information: an explicit description of the product or material, its classification, expected performance, and the field of application.

For fire stopping products, the classification is expressed in terms of EI, where:

• ‘E’ stands for integrity.

The term demonstrates that flames or hot gases cannot physically pass through the surface from one side (the side exposed to fire) to the other side (the side non-exposed to fire) through holes, gaps, and service openings, showing its ability to contain the fire. E-integrity is described in terms of the time taken to fail due to fire exposure.

It means, while testing pipe penetration seals in the uncapped situation on the unexposed side, the end of the integrity for the related seal is realised by the ignition of a cotton pad.

• ‘I’ stands for insulation.

In other words, the product should be able to withstand fire exposure from the Fire Side to Non-Fire Side without transmitting heat. This classification is measured by an accredited facility and described in terms of time taken to

Safety, Security & Fire Protection

failure. The failure criteria of insulation (I) are typically a rise in temperature exceeding 180 °C across the seal or integrity failure.

The above means, testing in the laboratory, thermocouples are placed in different key locations of the seal, and, as soon as the temperature goes over 180°C plus the ambient temperature, related to one specific seal, which means the insulation of the related seal has failed.

The European Technical Assessment

ETA stands for European Technical Assessment and is established by the Construction Product Regulation (EU regulation no. 305/2011) ETA is issued by a Technical Assessment Body (TAB), upon the request of a manufacturer, using an EAD (European Assessment Document), which is a basis for writing an ETA.

Providing effective fire protection

Effective fire protection can only be achieved with a combination of both Passive Fire Protection and Active Fire Protection systems - these are not alternative systems but complementary ones! This approach is the best chance that occupants have to exit the building safely and minimise its damage.

The importance of technical support and early involvement

We all know that most of the time PFP is considered and carried out too late in the

design-building process. Fire resistant sealing, for instance, should be planned in the initial stages to avoid unplanned costs, time losses and ensure compliance.

By engaging your manufacturer at the briefing and design stage, architects, specifiers, and main contractors can be assured that compliance and a golden thread approach will be easier to achieve.

At Nullifire, you will find a specialist team keen to support you from the design stage, build and installation process, right through to inspections and maintenance. Our goal is to help you to ensure that a project has been completed correctly, but most importantly that the building and its people are safe from fire!

By engaging your manufacturer at the briefing and design stage, architects, specifiers, and main contractors can be assured that compliance and a golden thread approach will be easier to achieve.

JUST

BUILDING CONTROL PROFESSIONALS FEEL CONFIDENT WHEN IT

TO THE SPECIFICATIONS OF SYSTEMS FOR FIRE SAFETY

Less than a fifth (14%) of building control professionals feel confident when it comes to understanding the specifications of systems for fire safety.

Grey areas and ambiguity around the fire safety guidance detailed within Approved Document B (ADB) is continuing to cause confusion for professionals across the construction industry. Consequently, an overwhelming majority (86%) say that they are worried about liability when it comes to specifying systems for fire safety, according to new research from Siniat

Changes to Approved Document B in 2019 outlined that products and systems for fire resistance should be tested to the latest EN standards and that any assessment of fire resistance must use tested evidence. It also stated that this should now be conducted by 3rd parties, and follow the EN standard for direct or extended application, known as DIAP or EXAP.

Despite this, the survey of over 200 construction professionals revealed that less than two in five (35.7%) of those working in building control know that ADB contains the guidelines for fire

safety building regulations and a quarter (28%) are not familiar with the extended application standards that should be used to assess and classify systems for fire performance.

Robert Cridford, technical manager at drywall manufacturer Siniat, said: “The updated guidelines in Approved Document B are more onerous than previous testing standards. EXAP is more rigorous and demands extensive additional testing, extension and the classification of a manufacturer’s entire portfolio of systems.

“The onus is on manufacturers to provide this performance data and test their products using the most robust standards possible. However, building control professionals must ensure that adequate fire performance data is provided for any project.

“The easiest way to do this, as asked by Approved Document B, whilst also ensuring a Golden Thread of performance data, is to request 3rd party classification reports for all systems used for fire safety.

“Approved Document B gives some legacy allowance for the 1980s BS476 fire resistance methods, and in some cases newer EN standards don’t cover every

eventuality so reverting back might be the last resort, but for partitions, and many other areas, full EN testing and classification is available now.

As an industry, there is no room for error, we have to work collaboratively and ensure we are all building to the highest standards. This is the only way we, as an industry, can meet the most up-to-date legislation, avoid liability issues and most importantly, ensure the safety of the people who will live and work in the buildings we construct.

Since 2019, Siniat has made a huge investment in achieving third-party EXAP classifications for 700 of its partitions. These official third-party reports have been available for inclusion as standard in project specification packs since February 2023.

To find out more about its 3rd party classifications, please visit www.siniat.co.uk/en-gb/uk/exap

14% OF

COMES