Construction UK Magazine April 2016

APRIL 2016 Electric Heating Company I’m a WiFi ready hAPPy chAPPy

London’s sewage works are pretty as a picture - Lee Tunnel scoops RICS national infrastructure photography prize

VG ENERGY Unique Pellet Biomass CHP System Goes Live in UK Schöck offers an effective alternative to wrapped parapets, minimising thermal bridges with no maintenance required

Lining Systems The importance of Fabrication

By R D Mantle FIoR Managing Director of Ampteam Limited

SUNDSTRÖM Masking a problem?

Introducing the largest range of packers, shims, plate washers and spacers in the UK. A new online shop to give our customers an easy and convenient place to order.

www.packersandshims.com

t Up to 33% discount on bulk orders t A vast range of sizes and finishes t Fast despatch t Easy to use website

Enter the code CM10 at the checkout for an extra 10% discount

‘Specials’ manufactured to order Galvanised

Stainless Steel

Plain Mild Steel

www.packersandshims.com

Plastic

Zinc Plated

Aluminium

08448 094990

Contents APRIL 2016

06 08 12 14 20 22

Electric Heating Company I’m a WiFi ready hAPPy chAPPy London’s sewage works are pretty as a picture - Lee Tunnel scoops RICS national infrastructure photography prize Lining Systems - The importance of Fabrication By R D Mantle FIoR Managing Director of Ampteam Limited

12

NORTH

Government launch Government Construction Strategy 2016-20

ENGLAND BUILD 2016

New design guide from Lindapter Oliver Kinross Build Ltd New Opportunities for Construction SMEs?

27

VG Energy Unique Pellet Biomass CHP System Goes Live in UK

28

JOYNER BOLT So simple, it’s clever!

31

08

06

Schöck offers an effective alternative to wrapped parapets, minimising thermal bridges with no maintenance required

35

Lynvale Adhesive Tapes

37

Power On Connections Ltd

38

Sundström Masking a problem?

14

20

27

22

28

35

31

37

News 4U Ltd Marlowe Way Ramsgate Kent CT12 6FA Tel 01843 598634

Features Editor Richard Lapthorn richard@constructionmaguk.co.uk

General Enquiries info@constructionmaguk.co.uk

Sales Manager Chris Lewry chris@constructionmaguk.co.uk

Editor Maria Still editor@constructionmaguk.co.uk

Sales Executive Sophie Evans sophie@constructionmaguk.co.uk

Editorial Assistant Lauren Moore editorial@constructionmaguk.co.uk

Accounts Janet Balcomb accounts@constructionmaguk.co.uk

Production/Design Matthew Ryan matthew@constructionmaguk.co.uk

38 Circulation Manager Jake York subs@constructionmaguk.co.uk Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in Refurb & Renovation News however, the publishers accept no responsibility for the claims or opinions made by advertisers, manufactures or contributors.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical, electronic (including photocopying) or stored in any information retrieval system without the prior consent of the publisher.

Construction UK Magazine - April 2016 03

News

Skanska to construct the Copyright Building in Fitzrovia Derwent London has awarded Skanska a £45 million fixed price contract to design and build a commercial development in the West End of London.

Designed by Piercy & Company, the 9,800sqm scheme will be a mixture of retail and offices. The ground floor will provide 1,850sqm of retail space. There will be 7,950sqm of fully fitted out category ‘A’ offices across seven floors with two floors of roof terraces.

Skanska Managing Director Paul Heather said: “We are delighted to have been awarded our first project for Derwent London, a developer which Skanska has wanted to work with for many years. We look forward to developing our working relationship through the successful delivery of the Copyright Building.”

Derwent London Head of Development Richard Baldwin said: “We are very pleased to have appointed Skanska as the main contractor on the Copyright Building.

Together we will deliver a first class office and retail scheme in one of London’s most attractive areas.”

The scheme is targeting the BREEAM Excellent environmental standard, using sustainable approaches throughout the construction phase and installing solar panels on the building’s green roof.

To deliver this project, Skanska has put together a specialist in-house team to combine its skills in design, construction, mechanical and electrical engineering and ceiling installation. The team will install and commission chilled plasterboard ceilings, which are new to the UK, to all of the seven upper floors.

Works are expected to be completed in autumn 2017.

“We are delighted to have been awarded our first project for Derwent London, a developer which Skanska has wanted to work with for many years. We look forward to developing our working relationship through the successful delivery of the Copyright Building.”

Paul Heather, Skanska Managing Director

New data reveals shortfall of non-executive directors from construction sector New data released by online recruitment platform, NonExecutiveDirectors.com, has revealed a shortage of senior candidates in construction looking for non-executive director (NED) positions.

Despite people in the sector having the skills, talent and experience to offer boards, currently just two percent of its 6,000 strong database, who are actively looking for roles, are classed as working or having had worked in construction.

CEO of NonExecutiveDirectors.com, Matthew Roberts, said: “We want more people from this sector to sign up. Perhaps they think they don’t have the skills required for a non-executive director, but being on a board is very much about the behaviours and attributes they display like confidence, self-control and the ability to challenge or support.”

According to the NonExecutiveDirectors.com database, a typical NED is a 57 year old male based in the South East of England, with 14 years’ experience as an executive.

NonExecutiveDirectors.com has attracted high-profile organisations such as Virgin Media, the NHS, Vistage, Jet 2 and the UK Government to post vacancies for non-executive directors and has saved businesses over £5m in recruitment fees last month alone.

Roberts continues: “We want to explode the myth that boards should look this way – they should have a diverse range of people on them from a variety of sectors, age groups, life experiences etc.”

The areas from which there are the highest number of candidates putting themselves forward for NED roles are publishing and media (19%), charity/not for profit (13%), greentech/cleantech (13%) and the NonExecutiveDirectors.com platform has a split of private (26%), public (46%) and charity (28%) sector breakdown.

From 4819 male and 1065 female members – a mere 18% are women, despite the fact that boards would benefit hugely from their ability to bring different perspectives.

Roberts concludes: “The gist of the feedback we’ve been given is that females still have a perception of ‘cronyism’ and boardroom politics at this level, and that many intermediaries helping find non-exec positions are also male, which they can find off-putting. An online platform, helping to cut out the middle man, can help eradicate this and provide a space in which females feel comfortable to apply. It will go some way to helping to level out these discrepancies.”

When it came to location, the data also revealed only 119 NEDs on the platform are from the North East while 3,461 are from the South East and that members ranged from 28 to 73 years old.

NonExecutiveDirectors.com has attracted high-profile organisations such as Virgin Media, the NHS, Vistage, Jet 2 and the UK Government to post vacancies for non-executive directors and has saved businesses over £5m in recruitment fees last month alone.

It has disrupted the sector by putting the power into the hands of businesses by building a powerful network of talent and providing the perfect platform for NEDs to showcase their credentials tearing up the model of expensive head hunter fees.

04 Construction UK Magazine - April 2016

News

Calling for Britain’s Best Brick Projects for 2016 Brick Awards The Brick Development Association (BDA) is delighted to announce that nominations are now open for the 2016 Brick Awards.

sector, and are open to architects, designers, building owners, developers and housebuilders, to contractors and brick manufacturers.

The awards celebrate their 40th anniversary this year, a highly symbolic landmark for inspirational architecture. The awards are designed to showcase skilled and praiseworthy use of brick in the UK construction

For the chance to be included in this year’s competition enter online via the BDA Website or contact the BDA on 0207 323 7030 and an entry form will be sent out.

Turner & Townsend eyes expansion with £80 million funding package Global programme management and construction consultancy Turner & Townsend has secured a finance package of £80 million from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, HSBC and Royal Bank of Scotland to support its global growth strategy.

A market-leading provider of management and consultancy services, Turner & Townsend works across the property, infrastructure and natural resources sectors with operations in 130 countries.

Headquartered in the UK and employing 4,300 employees, the company reported record turnover of £380 million in its most recent financial figures. It also recently converted to a limited liability partnership.

The company’s diverse business model and continued investment in its global footprint helped it to react and adapt in difficult market conditions in the last five years delivering an average growth per annum of 12 percent.

The three bank club, including Lloyds Bank’s Leeds-based Mid Markets and Strategic Finance teams, provided a five year revolving credit facility, with each banking partner providing £26.67 million.

The additional funding provides working capital for the business to expand its geographical footprint and invest in new services and capability.

“The strategic direction of the business, and diversity of its global reach and service proposition, means it is ideally positioned to make the most of the flourishing construction market, in which demand for expert consultancy is soaring. Lloyds Bank is committed to supporting Turner & Townsend through its next stage of growth.”

Dan Howlett, Head of Corporates at HSBC UK, said: “The HSBC team, led by Peter Helliwell and Tony Dean, is pleased to have worked with Turner & Townsend on its recent re-financing. The business has a truly global footprint, aligned to HSBC’s, and we look forward to working with Vincent and his team in the coming years as the business looks to continue its impressive growth trajectory”.

Ronnie Bowron, Relationship Director at Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “Royal Bank of Scotland has been the longstanding banking partner for Turner &Townsend and we are delighted to once again support its next phase of growth. The management team at Turner & Townsend have a strong and proven track record, and we wish Turner & Townsend every success for the future.”

“The impressive growth of Turner & Townsend – with turnover up by 75 per cent since 2010 – is a testament to the ability of the ambitious and experienced management team which has a combined 125 years of service with the company.” Richard Townsend, Relationship Director at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking

Vincent Clancy, Chief Executive Officer at Turner & Townsend, said: “Our sustained turnover growth in the last five years is an endorsement of the consistent investment we’ve made in the company. Our extended banking arrangements, coupled with our switch to a limited liability partnership, allows us to invest in our capability and to continue to transform our business to deliver better results for our clients.”

Richard Townsend, Relationship Director at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “The impressive growth of Turner & Townsend – with turnover up by 75 per cent since 2010 – is a testament to the ability of the ambitious and experienced management team which has a combined 125 years of service with the company.

Construction UK Magazine - April 2016 05

I’m a Wi-Fi ready hAPPy chAPPy The Ecosave Dynamic Heater is designed to meet the heating demands of the modern home with designer styling to blend with any décor and the latest innovations to enhance heating comfort and lower energy usage. They are suitable as a heating solution for apartments, domestic dwellings, holiday homes and offices.

Unlike other inferior heaters on the market the Ecosave is manufactured from high grade aluminium designed to last.

The Heating Elements and High Performance Heating Oil are housed within the sturdy aluminium body of the heater. Due to the modular construction and air flow outlets at the top of the heater the Ecosave benefits from fast heat up times and provides an even surface temperature with optimum convection through all heating cycles.

For ease of operation the easy-to-use digital programmable thermostat is located at the top of the heater. It will accurately control both time and temperature, is fully programmable 24/7 and offers comfort, economy, frost protection and on/off settings.

At EHC we value your safety and as such the product is fully protected against overheating using a high precision automatic cut-out device.

The Ecosave Heater combined with the SmartHome Wi-Fi kit is ideal for Hotels, Student Accommodation, Properties for Let as all the Heaters can be fully controlled remotely anywhere / anytime 24/7.

During periods when the Heater is not required the main on/off switch located on the side of the radiator can be switched off.

Our “Click & Fit” hanging brackets make the installation of the Ecosave Heater easy and quick to install however Feet and Castors are also available which make the Heaters a versatile heating solution.

For future maintenance purposes the main PCB

is housed in an easy to remove cartridge system to avoid removing the Heater from the wall during repair.

Simply connect to the Internet within your property using a Smartphone, Tablet or PC and you will be able to open your EHC SmartHome APP to control your heating 24/7.

Our APP is compatible with both Apple and Android products. The ‘easy to use’ APP has a selection of menus designed to maximise your comfort and reduce your Heating costs

t Control your heating anywhere and anytime 24/7

t Switch the Heaters On/Off at anytime t Adjust each room temperature separately t Limit electricity consumption to avoid exceeding maximum power available

t Monitor your current electricity consumption t View the electricity and temperature consumption history

t Check the latest weather forecast To convert your SmartHome Wi-Fi ready Ecosave Heater to an intelligent appliance that can be controlled anywhere, anytime you can install the EHC SmartHome Wi-Fi kit which includes:

t SmartHome Gateway t Power Meter Clamp The Ecosave Heater combined with the SmartHome Wi-Fi kit is ideal for Hotels, Student Accommodation, Properties for Let as all the Heaters can be fully controlled remotely anywhere / anytime 24/7.

For further information on the above please visit our website at the above address, e-mail info@electric-heatingcompany.co.uk or call us on 01698 820533 to discuss.

06 Construction UK Magazine - April 2016

News

New Opportunities for Construction SMEs? Recent announcements by the Homes & Communities Agency (HCA) have provided plenty of cause for optimism; 80 public land sites, coming in at over 600 acres, will be put up for sale to accelerate house building.

Government has recognised this fact and as well as communicating with the HBA to find a solution the HCA is making a strong effort to identify small sites and support SMEs. This will surely help but the HBA remains staunch in its opinion that fixing planning and giving small sites and infill the same focus as large sites would not only improve the housing crisis but begin closing the gap between ‘affordable’ and realistically affordable.”

of Commerce, North England Build 2016 will be held at Manchester Central in April, and has positioned itself as a key platform for SMEs to discover opportunities within the housing sector as a result of the Northern Powerhouse initiative.

However, with the EU Threshold in place, a number of SMEs are struggling to compete in Chris Fletcher, Marketing & Policy Director at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, the tendering process due to restrictive financial said: controls. The House Builders Association (HBA) are working with the “We are really pleased HCA to break this “We are really pleased to be able to support North down by providing to be able to support England Build and it’s great that Manchester has been chosen North England Build a catalogue of smaller sites with as the venue for this event. There is a lot of discussion and talk and it’s great that a simpler tendering Manchester has been around the Northern Powerhouse at present and also a lot of chosen as the venue process for smaller differing views over what business opportunities will come for this event. There housebuilders, as well is a lot of discussion as facilitating access about as part of this. and talk around the to finance.

Northern Powerhouse at present and also a lot of differing views Speaking on the behalf of the House Builders Alongside housebuilders, SMEs operating in the over what business opportunities will come Association (HBA), Policy Advisor Rico north of England stand to benefit substantially Wojtulewicz said: from government support, as the Northern about as part of this. There’s no doubt that the construction sector will play a major part in the Powerhouse plan begins to show more tangible Powerhouse and events like this will help set “Access to finance has improved but many benefits for smaller construction companies. the scene for many as to what the benefits will developers have difficulty drawing it down due to a lack of planning permission. The be.”

Supported by the Greater Manchester Chamber

Reaction to Markit/ CIPS UK Construction PMI for March The Vinden Partnership says the cautiousness affecting the UK construction industry output growth may continue into coming months.

The latest Markit/CIPS UK construction PMI for March has been released and reveals that growth within the industry remained at the same level as the previous month.

March saw UK construction’s PMI remain at 54.2 from February’s figures, marking the 35th consecutive month of growth by being above the growth threshold of 50.0.

Job creation also slowed down to its lowest level since June 2013.

“The downturn in fortunes of the housing sector is a real cause for concern, however, not just for the government but also for all the first time buyers struggling to get on the property ladder. Martin Bennett, a Regional Director of The Vinden Partnership.

Over half of the respondents remained optimistic over the prospects of an increase in business activity over the coming 12 months, with only 11% prediciting a decrease.

“The downturn in fortunes of the housing sector is a real cause for concern, however, not just for the government but also for all the first time buyers struggling to get on the property ladder.

Martin Bennett, a Regional Director of The Vinden Partnership – a leading multi-disciplinary consultant company to the built environment – said: “It would appear that the political uncertainty around the economy is still playing a significant part in this subdued period of growth for the construction industry.

“At the moment, the construction industry would appear reliant on infrastructure projects to sustain growth.

There was disappointment for the housebuilding sector as output fell to its lowest level since January 2013. This drop was offset by increases in activity in commercial work and civil engineering.

“With the EU referendum not until June, this level of cautiousness looks set to continue throughout the coming months.”

Construction UK Magazine - April 2016 07

London’s sewage works are pretty as a picture - Lee Tunnel scoops RICS national infrastructure photography prize

WINNER - Lee Tunnel by Matthew Joseph

A London sewage system has been crowned Britain’s best-looking piece of infrastructure after winning first prize in the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) national Infrastructure Photography competition.

The tunnel was completed in January 2016 and is key to London’s future water infrastructure.

RICS has today announced the top ten images – including the overall winner – of its nationwide infrastructure photography competition, which celebrates the UK’s most iconic and important infrastructure schemes.

Matthew Joseph - who received a prize of specialist photography kit to the value of £2,000 This competition is part of RICS’ ongoing commitment to - said: “The Lee supporting UK infrastructure and its members involved in Tunnel is a stunning delivering important infrastructure projects. In addition, the example of modern organisation aims to develop professional standards within civil engineering the sector, through training and accreditation programmes and practical – helping professionals achieve chartered status – and architecture - an work among influential British construction and project amazing feat management firms. of construction completely hidden from Londoners, who will ultimately use it. I’m naturally drawn to symmetry, mood and anything epic; the Lee Tunnel has all three in abundance. This image, to me, “After making the 80 meter descent in a cage and the 20 minute train ride to access captures the intricacies of its construction along with its vast scale and mood, whilst it, I just had to show this to the world.

A striking photograph of The Lee Tunnel – part of the River Thames Tideway Scheme in London – taken by professional Londonbased photographer, Matthew Joseph beat hundreds of entries to be crowned the overall winner.

The Lee Tunnel, which runs under the London Borough of Newham and is the deepest tunnel ever bored in the capital, was designed to capture 39 million tonnes of Londoner’s sewage each year.

08 Construction UK Magazine - April 2016

About RICS RICS is a global professional body. We promote and enforce the highest professional qualification and standards in the development and management of land, real estate, construction and infrastructure. Our name promises the consistent delivery of standards – bringing confidence to the markets we serve. The work of our professionals creates a safer world: we are proud of our profession’s reputation and we guard it fiercely.

simultaneously placing the authors of its creation - us small humans - right at the centre of the frame.”

The runner-up prize of £1,000 worth of photographic equipment was awarded to Patrick Higgins, a professional photographer from Liverpool for his image of the Medway Valley Crossing, a road and rail bridge over the River Medway in Kent.

Commenting on what inspired him to photograph the Medway Valley Crossing, he said: “I have been travelling backwards and forwards to the area since 1996 and have seen the entire crossing develop.

“Most structures can pass you by and often you don’t get to see the bridges from this low perspective. It’s incredible just how the right kind of light can transform your view and create magical textures that you see within the photograph.”

Anyone aged 18 and over could enter RICS’ Infrastructure Photography competition by submitting original photographs of any man-made physical infrastructure structure, such as roads, bridges, railways, power stations and wind farms.

RICS President Elect, Amanda Clack, Partner at EY and Head of Infrastructure (Advisory) was a judge on the panel.

She said: “The top ten images show the breadth and depth of some of the UK’s most essential infrastructure schemes – from historical through to modern day.

“The Judges and I particularly loved the composition of the winning image and how it demonstrates the magnificent scale of such a vast and complex infrastructure project in such a stunning and eyecatching way, with people working on the project, live in action. The mix of textures, light and contrast of beautiful colours are captivating.”

RUNNER UP - Medway Valley Crossing, Kent

by Patrick Higgins

Clydesdale, Scotland by Dylan Nardini

Anyone aged 18 and over could enter RICS’ Infrastructure Photography competition by submitting original photographs of any man-made physical infrastructure structure, such as roads, bridges, railways, power stations and wind farms.

Other images – praised by the judging panel of industry and photography experts – which made the overall top are:

t Greenwich Park Reservoir (Greenwich, South East London) by Matt Emmett

t Humber Bridge (connects the East Riding of Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire)

York Station by James Reid

>>

Construction UK Magazine - April 2016 09

t by Lee Furlong t Second Severn Bridge (spans South

Gloucestershire and South East Wales)

by Jim Cossey t York Station (York, North Yorkshire) by James Reid t Battersea (Wandsworth, South London)

by Finbarr Fallon t Clydesdale, Scotland (South Lanarkshire, Scotland) by Dylan Nardini t Ballynure, Larne (County Antrim, Northern Ireland) by Colin Jones t Menai Bridge (the Isle of Anglesey, north Wales) by Clive Drury Battersea by Finbarr Fallon

“The Judges and I particularly loved the composition of the winning image and how it demonstrates the magnificent scale of such a vast and complex infrastructure project in such a stunning and eyecatching way, with people working on the project, live in action. The mix of textures, light and contrast of beautiful colours are captivating.”

Amanda Clack, RICS President Elect

Humber Bridge by Lee Furlong

The top ten images will be showcased in an exhibition for one week at RICS’ Headquarters (Parliament Square in London) commencing on Monday 18th April. They will later be auctioned in aid of property industry charity, LandAid. RICS research revealed that the term infrastructure does not resonate too well with the general public, with many being unaware about the role and responsibilities of RICS members (chartered surveyors) on infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, tunnels, power stations, airports, railways and wind farms.

With this in mind, RICS’ Infrastructure Photography competition is just one of the initiatives the organisation has launched to help raise public awareness of the importance of our infrastructure, and for improvements to be made to our infrastructure to meet the general public’s needs.

Menai Bridge by Clive Drury

Greenwich Park Reservoir by Matt Emmett

Second Severn Bridge

by Jim Cossey

10 Construction UK Magazine - April 2016

Ballynure, Larne by Colin Jones

Structural www.firmanglass.com

Glazing Excellence

To find out more visit www.firmanglass.com Firman Glass,19 Bates Road, Harold Wood, Romford, Essex RM3 OJH Tel: 01708 374534 Fax: 01708 340511 Email: sales@firmanglass.com

www.firmanglass.com

Lining Systems - The importance of Fabrication

By R D Mantle FIoR Managing Director of Ampteam Limited Sometimes a spark of clarity will result in a “eureka” or “light bulb” moment and an idea will evolve into a unique product.

I don’t know how many people get such moments but it is certainly not uncommon as it is one of the things that makes us Human, our inventiveness!

Such was the case many years ago when the idea for the Unifold® hinge was born, only I called it my “beer mat” moment, because at the time I was bending a beer mat and you can probably guess where I was when I was doing it!

Since those early days of trials, tests, disappointments and triumphs, Unifold® has become a complete system and this has been achieved through an evolutionary process more by necessity than design, most often encountering a problem on site and returning to the factory and solving it in the workshop, employing fabrication techniques and whatever tests were necessary to prove the solution.

Most of the fabricated components which are vital to the Unifold® system were designed in the early years of product development and we had many “light bulb” moments in that process along the way, such as the patented Clip Joint used for difficult and narrow applications.

We learned the use of our hinge principle in so many ways to aid the fabrication process and to produce components which would be impossible any other way. From the outset this produced fabricated components fit for purpose and of exemplary quality.

We also realised early on that site working inside a gutter cavity could often be very difficult and to expect site operatives to “cut and carve” and then effectively seal a lining system was too much to ask, so our intention was and has been throughout for us to provide all fabrication, factory manufactured with simple gutter joints so the installation is constant and repetitive and as easy as we can make it.

We became a “single product company” concentrating on providing product and service excellence.

The system has proven to be entirely versatile with the ability to correctly line almost any existing system whether it is a level gutter or laid to falls.

Some of our fabricated components are corners, tees, side boxes, sumps and expansion joints and these are just a few! In fact there are solutions for any circumstances however difficult or complex.

For quite some time now we have insisted that anyone who installs Unifold must be trained to install the system. This is to ensure conformity and continuity of the system quality on site.

This supports our 25 year comprehensive guarantee that includes the installation as well as quality of materials and manufacture. An industry first in gutter

lining applications.

It is also without doubt that Unifold® is a technical product which the following photographs clearly demonstrate.

This first photograph shows part of a fabrication that was probably one of our most complex and certainly one of our largest.

And this is the complete fabrication in situ, 18 pieces in total!

And five gutters entering a single space! Not easy, and not a common occurrence, but if you are going to “set your stall” to line gutters then the ability to cope with such circumstances is elemental and vital.

This is a two piece corner detail with an intruding pier section.

This photograph shows a sump unit with two coned outlets and demonstrating that each end is a gutter section for ease of installation. Can you imagine attempting the manufacture of this on site?

The message is clear, any lining system must be able to cope with whatever the site conditions dictate and if a 25 year guarantee is offered then this must warranty that the system is going to work, without leaking, for that period of time and beyond.

Our quality and fabrication expertise means we are content with our promises.

12 Construction UK Magazine - April 2016

We’ve set the standard everyone else follows Once in a while a product comes along and changes everything, from the way it’s crafted to the way it works. Products are often copied and many are great ideas that never really see true success in their application. Many years are spent searching for a product that will ultimately surpass expectations, stand the test of time and become recognised as the leader in its field.

We created one of those successful products nearly two decades ago and still today it has never been equalled.

Why? Because we have never compromised on quality.

UNIFOLD® Unrivalled excellence in gutter lining technology. www.gutterliners.com

News

Government launch Government Construction Strategy 2016-20 The Government Construction Strategy 2016-20 has been launched and will aim to make £1.7Bn in efficiency savings by 2020.

The construction industry makes ups a major part of the UK economy, making up 6.5% of GDP in 2014 and providing 6.3% of the UK’s jobs total.

The document sets out the government’s plan of action to improve its capability as a construction client and ‘act as an exemplary client across the industry.’

The strategy builds on the 2011 Government Construction Strategy and will also support 20,000 apprenticeships over the course of this Parliament.

Setting out its plans for how the government will seek to develop productivity, the strategy outlines that through early collaboration and involvement with the supply chain, fairer payment and advance beyond the soon to be mandated BIM level 2 to BIM Level 3 throughout all government departments.

The report says that the majority of government departments have already met the requirements for BIM Level 2 and those that haven’t will have done so to meet the mandate.

The construction industry makes ups a major part of the UK economy, making up 6.5% of GDP in 2014 and providing 6.3% of the UK’s jobs total.

A strategic delivery group will also be created to help implement the strategy and report to the Government Construction Board.

Commenting in the report, Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Bridges said: “We need to ensure that taxpayers’ money is spent carefully; that projects are delivered on time and to budget; and that government uses its muscle to help

our economy become more competitive – by helping SMEs bid for contracts or improving our workforce’s skills. This strategy sets out how we will do this.”

The government has also revealed its new National Infrastructure Plan 2016-21, which for the first time brings together all of the infrastructure priorities for the government.

National Living Wage comes into force April sees the National Living Wage come into force in the UK, with employers now required to pay employees aged 25 and over a minimum of £7.20 an hour.

The measure was announced by the Chancellor, George Osborne, in his Summer Budget last year as part of the government’s plans for a higher wage economy.

Around 1.3 million workers should see their pay rise immediately, with the new rate 50p higher than the previous minimum wage.

Those workers aged 21 to 24 will still be entitled to National Minimum Wage of £6.70.

Around 900,000 women and 500,000 men will see their wages rise immediately. By 2020, 1.9 million women and 1 million men will have benefitted from a rise in their pay. It is hoped that the move will see an to the gender pay gap for the lowest paid workers.

Over the next five years women earning the National Living Wage will see their pay increase by over a 25% and rising more than 1.5 times faster than the salary of an average worker.

14 Construction UK Magazine - April 2016

It is hoped the National Living Wage will increase to more than £9 an hour by the end of the decade.

The Chancellor said: “I said last year when I announced plans for the National Living Wage that Britain deserved a pay rise. Today, I’m proud to say Britain is getting one.

“So I’m delighted that 1.3 million people across Britain will benefit from the biggest wage increase in eight years thanks to the new National Living Wage.

“The National Living Wage will play a central role in moving Britain to a higher wage, lower tax, lower welfare economy. It will also mark the end of the gender pay gap for some of our lowest paid and hardest working people.”

“I said last year when I announced plans for the National Living Wage that Britain deserved a pay rise. Today, I’m proud to say Britain is getting one.” Chancellor, George Osborne.

:H SURYLGH PDQDJHPHQW DQG SURRͤQJ VROXWLRQV IRU WKH LGHQWLͤHG ULVN IURP birds, wildlife and pests to ensure project continuity, health & safety and conservation.

7DON WR RQH RI RXU PLWLJDWLRQ FRQVXOWDQWV by calling 0800 169 9646 or email us at mitigation@nbcbirdandpest.co.uk

®

www.Lindapter.com

Faster Steel Connections For over 80 years Lindapter has pioneered the design and manufacture of steel connections by providing a faster alternative to drilling or welding, saving contractors’ time and money.

®

Hollo-Bolt

HIGH SLIP RESISTANCE

Type AAF Girder Clamp

Hollo-Bolt

A High Slip Resistance (HSR) steel connection for frictional applications and high tensile loading. Like most Lindapter products, it does not require drilling or welding, resulting in a faster installation and lower labour costs.

The original expansion bolt for steel is a fast, cost-effective connection for Structural Hollow Section (SHS) that is quickly installed by inserting the Hollo-Bolt into a pre-drilled hole and tightening with a torque wrench.

Rail Fixings

Lifting Points

Floor Fixings

®

Support Fixings

Decking Fixings

4 | Girder Clamps by Lindapter ®

Type CF

Lindapter products provide a faster, cost-effective alternative to on-site drilling or welding and are designed to reduce installation time and labour costs. A high strength, permanent (or temporary) connection is quickly achieved by clamping two steel sections together.

Hooks over the flanges of beams, angles and channels to connect steel sections that do not face, such as connecting horizontal beams with vertical columns.

Nose

HIGH SLIP

Anti-rotation marks

RESISTANCE

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Bring the location plate and the lower beam into position below the upper beam.

Fit the bolts with two Lindapter clamps, any packings required, a nut and a washer.

Using a torque wrench, simply tighten each bolt to the recommended torque.

Legs

Y

RAIL FIXINGS

RAIL FIXINGS

GIRDER CLAMPS

Quick and easy to install

GIRDER CLAMPS

X

T

LIFTING POINTS

LIFTING POINTS

NEW CATALOGUE

Girder Clamps by Lindapter ® | 15

Girder Clamp - The Connection Concept

Z HOLLO-BOLT

HOLLO-BOLT

V

:Xe Y\ ZfdY`e\[ n`k_ Xep C`e[Xgk\i ?JI ZcXdgj n_\e lj\[ n`k_ property class 8.8 bolts; see table below for safe working loads.

Jl`kXYc\ ]fi gXiXcc\c Xe[ kXg\i\[ ]cXe^\j lg kf /o.

Save time and money

£

Safer connections

x

On-site drilling and welding is avoided, removing the need for hot work permits and encouraging safer site conditions.

Location plate / end plate details can be found on page 17.

Material: SG iron to EN 1563, hot dip galvanised to EN ISO 1461.

kN

High strength

Industry leading approvals

Lindapter clamps are manufactured from high strength materials to resist high load requirements and harsh environments.

Lindapter has earned a reputation synonymous with safety and reliability, gaining multiple independent approvals.

Further details can be found on page 74.

Adjustable

Free connection design

Quickly align steel sections by sliding the section into the correct position before tightening the Girder Clamp to complete the installation.

Lindapter’s experienced Engineers can design a bespoke connection based on your specific requirements free of charge. See page 75 for more details.

Product Code

®

Bolt 8.8 Z

Safe Working Loads Tensile Resistance / 1 Bolt (FOS 5:1)

T

Width

mm

mm

3.4

3.9

90

6 - 13

32

14

21 - 29

46

M16

16.0

8.0

10.0

240

8 - 16

44

18

25 - 33

56

M20

26.3

13.0

16.0

470

10 - 19

53

22

30 - 41

65

CF / A3)

M12

5.8

0.7

0.7

69

CF / A3)

M16

7.3

1.5

1.7

147

CF / A3)

M20

14.7

3.0

3.0

285

CF / AF

M12

8.5

3.4

3.9

90

kN

Turn to page 6 to see the components of a Girder Clamp in more detail.

®

Watch installation videos of Girder Clamps and many more products at www.Lindapter.com

+44 (0) 1274 521444

www.Lindapter.com

©

Lindapter International 2016

©

Dimensions

Slip Resistance1) / 2 Bolts (FOS 2:1)

CF16 CF20

CF12 Established 1934

CF combinations with other Lindapter clamps

FLOOR FIXINGS SUPPORT FIXINGS

Clamping two steel sections together avoids time-consuming welding or conventional drilling and bolting.

M12

8.5

Painted Steelwork2) kN

Galv.

Steelwork kN

Tightening Torque

Nm

CF / AF

M16

16.0

8.0

10.0

240

CF / AF

M20

26.3

13.0

16.0

470

Lindapter International 2016

www.Lindapter.com

Clamping Range V

Y

X

mm

mm

mm

1) Slip Resistance figures are based on Type CF and Location Plates in hot dip galvanised finish calculated against slip (movement exceeding 0.1mm).

2) Shot blast and painted steelwork.

3) Also applies to Type B (page 9), Type LR (page 18), Type D2 (page 19) and Type BR (page 31).

+44 (0) 1274 521444

DECKING FIXINGS

DECKING FIXINGS

£ £

SUPPORT FIXINGS

REASONS TO USE...

£

FLOOR FIXINGS

More product information can be found in the new Lindapter catalogue, out now!

Visit www.Lindapter.com for your copy.

®

Technical Innovation in Steelwork Connections

Lindapter International Brackenbeck Rd, Bradford BD7 2NF | T: +44 (0) 1274 521444 | enquiries@Lindapter.com | www.Lindapter.com

TESTED TO BS EN AND UL STANDARDS Coopers Fire offer Vertical, Horizontal and Multisided Concertina fire and smoke protective curtains for many applications and building types.

From smoke curtains for large atria to domestic fire curtains that facilitate open plan designs.

We’ve developed an extensive range of fire and smoke curtains to work with every building and application to provide designers with bespoke solutions for every fire protection problem. www.coopersfire.com

+44(0) 2392 454 405

@CoopersFire

L E ADI NG T HE WAY IN FIRE PROTEC TION

info@coopersfire.com

Helping to protect the world’s most iconic buildings

FIRE AND SMOKE CURTAINS

-21(6 2) 26:(675< have been a premium provider of high quality mild and stainless steel building products to the construction industry for over 50 years.

Our extensive range of building products incorporates access covers, tree surrounds, drainage gratings and lintels and is the first choice of Engineers, Designers and Specifiers alike due to the quality of the design and the material used in their construction.

Our design team can provide full technical support and site liaison at an early design stage to help identify the sustainability issues to be considered and to avoid hazards.

The Jones of Oswestry Arborslot tree surround with Integral rootbox meets the requirements of DDA, Sustainability & Pavement Performance.

sales@jonesofoswestry.com 01691 653251 www.jonesofoswestry.com

News

Crisis meeting held for future of steel industry Prime Minister hosting crisis talks on UK steel industry, the future of the Port Talbot Steelworks and 5,500 staff.

Prime Minister David Cameron is hosting crisis talks in Downing Street, after mounting pressure to guarantee the future of the Port Talbot steelworks, following Tata Steel’s announcement of plans to sell the plant in south Wales.

The meeting, which will be attended by ministers and senior officials from the Treasury, Department for Business, Cabinet Office and Welsh Office, will focus on providing a “sustainable long-term future” for the steel sector.

Tata Steel directly employs 15,000 workers and supports thousands of others. Steel production makes up one per cent of Britain’s manufacturing output and 0.1% of the country’s economic output.

Energy costs relief for steel sector and other energy intensive industries A consultation has been launched outlining details of an exemption for energy intensive industries, from major energy tariff costs.

The government published a consultation on 1 April 2016, on introducing an exemption worth £390M a year, for Energy Intensive Industries (EII’s), such as the steel industry from renewable electricity costs.

The move which was first announced in the Autumn Statement, could save the steel industry over £400M over this Parliament, exempting all EII’s from paying £390M a year in policy costs of the Renewables Obligation and Feed-in Tariff. Worth more than £400M to the steel sector, the move will provide greater investment certainty for the future.

From 2017, the exemption will come into force with the government keen to get the steel industry involved, securing the exemptions it will be entitled to.

After meeting with the steel industry workers in Port Talbot, Business Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Help with energy costs has been one of the steel industry’s key asks and, having extended last year the compensation we are paying out, I want to see progress on exempting them altogether.

“Help with energy costs has been one of the steel industry’s key asks and, having extended last year the compensation we are paying out, I want to see progress on exempting them altogether.”

Sajid Javid, Business Secretary.

“While we can’t control the global price of steel, we are doing everything we can to help our steel industry, not just on energy costs but also securing flexibility on EU emissions rules and on tariffs.”

Ells industry includes the ceramics industry amongst others, employing around 600,000 people and contributing £52Bn to the UK economy.

The Port Talbot plant is said to be losing £1M a day.

The government will continue to pay compensation to EII’s, a total of £160M to date since 2013 – of which over £60M has been paid to the steel industry to reduce their energy costs.

Labour has urged ministers to “get their act” together and step in now, with the government wanting reassurance Tata Steel will not close its plants before a buyer is found.

The Manufacturers’ organisation EEF has warned that a permanent exemption is the only way to future proof EII’s and the UK economy as a whole. Chief Executive of EEF, Terry Scuoler, said: “A system of permanent exemption from energy policy costs is the only long term solution that can provide these sectors with that crucial sense of certainty that is so important for future investment decisions. This is something the current system of compensation payments will struggle to do to the same degree.”

Jeremy Corbyn has said that the government must intervene to safeguard the future of the UK steel industry, so far stopping short of taking the business into permanent public ownership.

Labour has urged ministers to “get their act” together and step in now, with the government wanting reassurance Tata Steel will not close its plants before a buyer is found.

A survey conducted by npower Business Solutions revealed that more than half of the 200 companies surveyed could see the benefits that the new legislation would introduce.

A total of 74% of respondents were unaware of the consultation into energy costs exemptions, revealing that the government will need to do more to raise awareness of the changes.

Construction UK Magazine - April 2016 19

marsotti

Digital Construction

Specialists in draining water from in and around buildings for over 100 years.

Renovation roof outlets are just one of our specialties, see www.dallmer.com for our complete range of products.

Paint a thousand words to tender documents, bid submissions, interview shows and pre-construction presentations with Marsotti’s digital construction service From logistics layouts to phasing diagrams, our graphics will help you clarify tenders, win bids, convey intentions and improve planning Visit www.marsotti.co.uk or call 0114 345 0323 Dallmer Ltd 4 Norman Way, Lavenham, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 9BY

T: 01787 248244 info@dallmer.com www.dallmer.com

New design guide from Lindapter

Tough around the edges!

With edge-casting systems from RAMPF.

Lindapter has launched a product guide for engineers and other professionals involved in the design of structural and secondary connections.

In your home, in schools, hospitals, or in the laboratory – our products offer long-term protection for doors and furniture.

Challenge us.

RAMPF Polymer Solutions polymer.solutions@rampf-gruppe.de www.rampf-gruppe.de/en

20 Construction UK Magazine - April 2016

The document features popular products such as the Girder Clamp for quickly connecting I beams without drilling or welding and the Hollo-Bolt®, the original expansion bolt for Structural Hollow Sections (SHS). The new guide is designed to be faster for engineers to select the solution for their connection requirement and includes a helpful product comparison table, typical applications and independently approved safe working loads.

There are several new approvals including the CE mark and Hollo-Bolt becoming the first to achieve full seismic approval (A-F) from Californian based ICC-ES. The catalogue also reveals new products such as the Type AAF high slip resistance clamp and Type ALP adjustable lifting point.

Download the new catalogue from www.lindapter.com

Specify CFA members and

6SHFLI\LQJ D &)$ PHPEHU IRU \RXU QH[W ÁRRULQJ SURMHFW FRXOG PHDQ WKH GLIIHUHQFH EHWZHHQ VXFFHVV ³ RU D ÁRRULQJ IDLOXUH 0RVW RI WKH 8.·V ODUJHVW DQG EHVW NQRZQ 0DQXIDFWXUHUV 'LVWULEXWRUV &RQWUDFWRUV DQG &RQVXOWDQWV DUH &)$ PHPEHUV ³ DQG IRU JRRG UHDVRQ &)$ PHPEHUV SURPRWH KLJK VWDQGDUGV NQRZOHGJH DQG H[SHUWLVH 6SHFLI\LQJ &)$ PHPEHUV ZLOO PD[LPL]H \RXU LQYHVWPHQW DQG PLQLPL]H FRVWO\ ÁRRULQJ IDLOXUHV $OO PHPEHUV KDYH WR SDVV D YHWWLQJ SURFHVV

,PDJH NLQGO\ VXSSOLHG E\ *HUÁRU /WG

,PDJH NLQGO\ VXSSOLHG E\ -XQNHUV /WG

,PDJH NLQGO\ VXSSOLHG E\ ,QWHUIDFH

Tel: 0115 941 1126 www.cfa.org.uk

Email: info@cfa.org.uk

Contract Flooring Association, 4C St Mary’s Place, The Lace Market, Nottingham, NG1 1PH

NORTH ENGLAND BUILD 2016

THE LEADING CONSTRUCTION EXPO FOR NORTH OF ENGLAND

BUILD INTERNATIONAL SERIES

FREE TO REGISTER | www.northenglandbuildexpo.com | @N_EnglandBuild | #NEBExpo

Four exclusive VIP Meet the Buyer sessions along with extensive networking opportunities over the two days, with key decision-makers present from developments such as the TransPennine Project and NOMA.

Sectors Covered

26-27 Oct 2016

Lead Event Partner:

Event Partners Include:

The Construction Industry Charity

TEL +44 (0)207 127 4501

FAX +44 (0)207 127 4503

EMAIL info@oliverkinross.com

23-24 Nov 2016

Officially Supported by:

New Opportunities for Construction SMEs? Recent announcements by the Homes & Communities Agency (HCA) have provided plenty of cause for optimism; 80 public land sites, coming in at over 600 acres, will be put up for sale to accelerate house building.

However, with the EU Threshold in place, a number of SMEs are struggling to compete in the tendering process due to restrictive financial controls. The House Builders Association (HBA) are working with the HCA to break this down by providing a catalogue of smaller sites with a simpler tendering process for smaller housebuilders, as well as facilitating access to finance.

Speaking on the behalf of the House Builders Association (HBA), Policy Advisor Rico Wojtulewicz said: “Access to finance has improved but many developers have difficulty drawing it down due to a lack of planning permission. The Government has recognised this fact and as well as communicating with the HBA to find a solution the HCA is making a strong effort to identify small sites and support SMEs. This will surely help but the HBA remains staunch in its opinion that fixing planning and giving small sites and infill the same focus as large sites would not only improve the housing crisis but begin closing the gap between ‘affordable’ and realistically affordable.”

Alongside housebuilders, SMEs operating in the north of England stand to benefit substantially from government support, as the Northern Powerhouse plan begins to show more tangible benefits for smaller construction companies.

Supported by the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, North England Build 2016 will be held at Manchester Central in April, and has positioned itself as a key platform for SMEs to discover

opportunities within the housing sector as a result of the Northern Powerhouse initiative.

Chris Fletcher, Marketing & Policy Director at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are really pleased to be able to support North England Build and it’s great that Manchester has been chosen as the venue for this event. There is a lot of discussion and talk around the Northern Powerhouse at present and also a lot of differing views over what business opportunities will come about as part of this. There’s no doubt that the construction sector will play a major part in the Powerhouse and events like this will help set the scene for many as to what the benefits will be.”

For more information and to register for a free ticket, visit www.northenglandbuildexpo.com

Are you confused by your 106 obligation to install electric vehicle charge points?

We can provide you with a solution and take away all the hassle. $ Smartphone enabled chargepoints that drivers love to use. $ Intuitive management software to track usage. $ Optionally set tarrifs to generate revenue.

Find out how we can help.

Get your free consultation today www.pod-point.com

www.firmanglass.com www.firmanglass.com

Glass Excellence Established in 1975 Firman Glass is one of the leading independent glass processors in the UK, manufacturing toughened glass, laminated glass and specialist sealed units.

Based in Harold Wood Essex within 5 minutes of junction 28 of the M25 and half an hour from Central London we are ideally situated to service our ever growing and diverse customer base.

Manufacturing all forms of processed toughened glass, with comprehensive stocks of clear float, low iron, satin, body tinted, mirrors, laminated glass, acoustic laminated and fire rated glass.

With some of the most advanced capabilities in place Firman Glass is able to manufacture high quality products for all markets sectors including architectural, retail, leisure and domestic.

Products • • • • •

Toughened glass Processing CNC shaping Laminated glass Toughened and laminated constructions • EVA and Vanceva coloured interlays • Fabric and decorative interlays • Saflex DG41 structural interlay

• • • • • • • • •

Specialist insulating glass units Anti–slip glass Fire rated glass UV bonding FIRMALITE electric switchable glass Heated glass Decorative glass Sandblasting ColorfirmTM back painted glass

• • • • • • •

Staircases Treads and stringers Shower screens Shelving Glass doors Acoustic reduction Fire rated

Applications • • • • • • •

Structural glazing Glass floors Partitions Roof lights Balustrades Full height barriers Canopies

• • • • • •

Decoration Wall cladding Splashbacks Privacy Technical Support Nationwide Coverage

p

Further information is available from our sales and technical offices or visit www.firmanglass.com Firman Glass,19 Bates Road, Harold Wood, Romford, Essex RM3 OJH Tel: 01708 374534 Fax: 01708 340511 Email: sales@firmanglass.com

www.firmanglass.com

News

Wikihouse could fix the housing crisis by making construction accessible to all The construction industry needs to build high volumes of affordable but energy efficient housing in order to meet Government targets of 400,000 new homes during the current Parliament.

But with the added elements of a major skills shortage throughout the supply chain and the need to cut carbon emissions to meet Building Regulations and national commitments making this a perfect storm of challenges, how can industry deliver? Part of the solution to this daunting problem might already be here with the invention of the WikiHouse, a democratic as well as affordable approach to housebuilding that enables everyone to build a house.

WikiHouse is an open source building system which means that many design minds have come together to create it, forgoing the normal intellectual property issues to offer a collaborative approach that is refreshingly different in construction.

WikiHouse is an open source building system which means that many design minds have come together to create it, forgoing the normal intellectual property issues to offer a collaborative approach that is refreshingly different in construction.

The prototype UK WikiHouse project, WikiHouse 4.0 was built at the Building Centre in London

in 2014 to a design by Arup and Alistair Parvin of Zero Zero Architects, with a frame made of SmartPly OSB3. It not only provided a model of a good quality, affordable house that can be quickly constructed with minimal training, but also showed that OSB was an ideal structural material.

The Government has pledged to build 400,000 homes over the life of this Parliament and there is currently little sign of that being delivered. There needs to be alternative visionary on how this will happen and WikiHouse is one route that needs to be taken more seriously. As part of an affordable answer to the problem, OSB can provide a cost-effective construction solution which also has a credible sustainability story behind it, in the case of SmartPly OSB3 offering full FSC accreditation.

WikiHouse can reduce build costs by up to two-thirds which is why housing associations have begun to take a keen interest faced with a reduction in rent income as Right to Buy is extended. South Yorkshire Housing Association is one of the first to take it forward with a plan to build a pilot home in the village of Darnall, again to a design by Alastair Parvin. The housing association is looking to construct it for around ÂŁ50,000.

There is a wider and even more acute global context that could see the WikiHouse to come into its own, as exemplified by a pioneering project by a group of students in Delaware, USA called WikiHouse FirstState. They are working to establish proof of concept for applying the model to create sustainable, locally manufactured permanent shelters for disaster

26 Construction UK Magazine - April 2016

relief, and to help those in poverty such as displaced refugees. This is a particularly important development in the light of ongoing events in the Middle East, and the student group is taking an inspiring lead in showing how WikiHouse could help the 1 in 116 people worldwide that have had to flee their homes.

The WikiHouse initiative has demonstrated the versatility of OSB as one of the main structural material options for creating affordable low energy houses of the future. The more fundamental impact of this important movement is bringing democracy to housebuilding, opening the doors to delivery to everyone.

Enlightened users have long recognised the structural performance capabilities of OSB in wall sheathing, flooring and roofing applications, yet wider general perception still regards OSB largely as a material for packaging, hoardings and other temporary functions. However, the WikiHouse initiative has demonstrated the versatility of OSB as one of the main structural material options for creating affordable low energy houses of the future. The more fundamental impact of this important movement is bringing democracy to housebuilding, opening the doors to delivery to everyone.

Unique Pellet Biomass CHP System Goes Live in UK VG Energy has successfully commissioned one of the very first Entrade E3 pellet biomass combined heat and power (CHP) systems to be deployed in the UK. The VG E3 was installed at Edward Baarda Ltd in North Humberside, providing clean, renewable heat and electricity to this market garden business and making those greens even greener. The E3 is an ideal solution for both new and retrofit projects. It is containerised and scalable and can be deployed in a matter of days. The lowered fuel costs and government incentives can transform the economics of building projects, while the green, carbon-neutral energy provided gives developers an additional USP to offer clients.

Edward Baarda is one of the largest market gardener businesses in the region and the company was looking for a reliable, renewable and affordable form of heat and power.

Lowering costs and gaining a competitive edge in the form of additional income streams was vital and Mr Baarda soon focused on Biomass CHP and the Entrade E3 unit from VG Energy.

VG Energy is the UK distributor for the E3 and one of the largest biomass specialists in the UK, with plenty of experience in the agricultural, fabrication and manufacturing sectors. The size of Mr Baarda’s business meant that a powerful, dual E3 unit was specified, providing 50kW of electricity and 120kW of heat.

Baarda tomatos being grown with green energy

The unit arrived in December last year and was quickly commissioned and ready for launch on 7 January 2016. Baarda’s tomatoes and cucumbers will now be grown with green, renewable heat and power, and the business will benefit from a 20-year income stream.

Mr Baarda says: “We were at electrical supply capacity and would be penalised for exceeding this. We therefore wanted to produce our own heat and electricity and quickly worked out that the E3 Biomass CHP unit was the best option.”

VG Energy’s Commercial Director, Stephen Heslop, says: “We are absolutely

Baarda Dual E3

“We are absolutely delighted that Mr Baarda has decided to invest in the VG E3 pellet biomass solution.

The system represents a breakthrough in biomass combined heat and power and is perhaps the most exciting new product in the renewable energy market at the moment.”

Stephen Heslop, Commercial Director at VG Energy delighted that Mr Baarda has decided to invest in the VG E3 pellet biomass solution. The system represents a breakthrough in biomass combined heat and power and is perhaps the most exciting new product in the renewable energy market at the moment. The manufacturing, leisure and fabrication sectors are now realising the potential of biomass combined heat and power and the E3 has arrived at the right time.”

VG Energy Ltd vgenergy.co.uk info@vgenergy.co.uk

Construction UK Magazine - April 2016 27

JOYNER BOLT

NE

W

So simple, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clever!

Joyner Bolt was designed BY users FOR users to overcome the frustrations and shortcomings experienced using coach bolts and threaded rods - saving time and money on site.

9 7KH VSLNHG FDSWLYH KHDG LPPHGLDWHO\ JULSV WKH WLPEHU DOORZLQJ RQH KDQGHG Âż [LQJ 9 It wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t turn, fall out or pull through timber even with an overdrilled hole 9 It guarantees a quality joint to Building Control Standards EVERY TIME 9 ,W UHTXLUHV QR UHZRUN DQG LV DYDLODEOH LQ D SLHFH WDVN VSHFLÂż F UDQJH WR FRYHU RI construction joints

Joyner BoltTM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for when speed, quality & performance matter )RU RII Âż UVW order quote ref UKC 7R Âż QG RXU PRUH DQG VHH -R\QHU %ROW LQ XVH YLVLW RXU ZHEVLWH ZZZ MR\QHUEROW FR XN &DOO XV RQ RU HPDLO VDOHV#MR\QHUEROWXNOWG FRP

Infrastructure

Metering

Energy Contracts

Services

Connections & Metering

One point of contact and on-site support from day one

Providing expert support to the construction industry

From the initial quote to project completion, a team of technical experts will simplify the connection and metering process for you.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why we work with suppliers we trust to deliver on our exacting standards, and have strong, reliable industry contacts experienced on large-scale projects.

For more information call British Gas Business Connections & Metering on 0800 316 4036* or visit britishgas.co.uk/business/constructionmagazine

For more information about the mix of fuels used to generate our electricity, simply visit britishgas.co.uk/fuelmix

1315/01/16

* We record and monitor our call to improve our service to you.

Calls to 0800 numbers are free.

Call us

Learn more

01296 481220

osmouk.com

YOUR OWN TRULY BESPOKE FLOOR NEW

BROCHURE OUT NOW! including the new Harfa Vintage!

ESCO FLOORING: Highest quality european oak flooring

9

|

9

|

9

|

9

|

9

CUSTOM-MADE NATURAL POLYX-OIL TREATMENT DURABLE YOUR STYLE

Schöck offers an effective alternative to wrapped parapets, minimising thermal bridges with no maintenance required It is well documented that parapets allow conductive materials to transfer energy through the thermal barrier and are therefore just as prone to the problems of thermal bridging as balconies.

In the majority of cases, the conventional method of insulating parapets is to wrap the perimeter of the wall with an insulation barrier. This is costly and has associated long term risks. However, the new Schöck Isokorb type AXT offers a cost-effective and more thermally efficient alternative.

Its 120mm insulation thickness results in low psi-values and therefore significantly reduces heat loss – and there is no wrapping required. It permits a more sophisticated construction opportunity for greater freedom of design and allows flexible distance between elements according to load requirements. An added benefit being that there is no risk of any additional thermal bridging through balustrade fixings.

Other key factors in the selection criteria for suitable solutions are durability and water impermeability. The Isokorb type AXT solution does not require maintenance and there is no risk of expensive restoration due to waterproofing problems. Wrapped components are similar in principle to an insulated flat roof, with many of the associated problems. They are prone to damage and almost inevitable repair and maintenance outlay; particularly where

railings or covers pierce the insulating layer. With thermally separated parapets, railings and covers can be attached directly into the concrete.

The Isokorb type AXT is assessed as a ‘Certified Passive House Component’; provides BBA Certification, LABC Registration and NHBC approval and meets full compliance with the relevant UK

The new Schöck Isokorb type AXT offers a cost-effective and more thermally efficient alternative. Its 120mm insulation thickness results in low psivalues and therefore significantly reduces heat loss – and there is no wrapping required. building regulations. The temperature factor used to indicate condensation risk for occupants in residential or commercial buildings – the (fRsi) value – must be equal to or greater than 0.75 or 0.50 respectively, and is comfortably met by incorporating the Isokorb. In addition, there is also compliance with the Government Standard Assessment Procedure, SAP 2012, concerning CO2 emissions from buildings and respectively heat losses through non-repeating thermal bridges.

For your free copy of the new Thermal Bridging Guide and / or the Schöck Specifiers Guide – contact the company on 01865 290 890 or visit www.schoeck.co.uk

Construction UK Magazine - April 2016 31

News

Interserve and Paragon open first regional construction hub Interserve, the international support services and construction group, officially launched its London and South East Construction Hub on Wednesday 24th February. The new office brings together the regional construction team with its specialist commercial interiors business, Paragon, to jointly deliver a wide range of projects to clients across multiple sectors.

Acquired by Interserve in May 2013, Paragon has increased its turnover to £175 million and grown from 55 to 180 staff in the period.

The London and South East Hub is the first regional hub that brings together specialist fit-out operations and construction services. The new City office will support the combined 240-strong team to deliver in excess of £250 million of projects over the next year.

Ian Renhard, Managing Director of Interserve Construction, said: “The launch of our new office is a significant step in the strategy we set to grow our business within London and the South East. In a very short time we have become a major force in this key market and have developed a sustainable workstream ahead of us.”

Gordon Kew, Managing Director of Interserve Building, said:

“I have been so impressed by the spirit of collaboration that has led to the smooth amalgamation of Interserve and Paragon. I’m excited to see this continue and for everyone to reap the rewards.

Going forward, our vision is to be the leading contractor and fit-out specialist in London and the South East. The region presents a number of fantastic opportunities and we have already had great success.”

Matt Bray, Managing Director of Paragon, added: “The new office is a massive landmark for our business and for me personally. The opportunity to move into such an inspiring space is testament to our success and underlines the faith that Interserve has had in the Paragon team from the start. The last three years have been really exciting and we couldn’t have hoped for more support to achieve our goals, we have grown together and proved that we can construct new build and fit out seamlessly.”

The new office is a showcase of what can be done as one team. The exemplar space achieved RICS SKA Gold after an assessment of more than 100 ‘good practice’ measures.

“I have been so impressed by the spirit of collaboration that has led to the smooth amalgamation of Interserve and Paragon. I’m excited to see this continue and for everyone to reap the rewards.”

Gordon Kew, Managing Director of Interserve Building.

Barnsley College Construction Centre opens its doors Barnsley College Construction Centre was officially opened by Lord David Blunkett on Friday 11th March.

The grand opening began with a welcome by the Principal of Barnsley College Christopher Webb, followed by a speech from Lord David Blunkett who spoke about his time as a tutor at the college.

Guests included The Mayor of Barnsley Councillor Brian Mathers, Michael Dugher MP (Barnsley East), Dan Jarvis MP (Barnsley Central) and Dickie Bird O.B.E the former international cricket umpire.

The new Construction Centre for Barnsley College consolidates their existing facilities into one location.

t With a gross internal floor area of around 5,000m2, the new facilities provide a range of large-scale construction workshops for courses in brickwork, plastering, joinery, plumbing and gas as well as in painting & decorating. t Combined with a large covered project

area as well as an external sheltered area, these flexible workshops enable the College to respond to the rapidly changing skills needs of the construction industry. t The workshop areas are also supported by a range of smaller-scale teaching, learning and social facilities.

Bond Bryan’s scheme was to unify the various disciplines and to create two distinct areas - to differentiate between the practical and theoretical study functions:

t The workshops feature a prominent “saw-

in a double-height, flexible work space with striking views of the surrounding landscape.

Project Architect at Bond Bryan - James Woodhouse - who worked on this project and attended Barnsley College himself said: “It was a great opportunity for me, personally, to give something back to the college that formed part of my education enabling me later to become an architect. It was exciting to help create fantastic new facilities for a town I feel very passionately about.”

tooth” roof profile to maximise the amount Andrew Fairest - Vice Principal, Property of natural daylight entering the practical Development at Barnsley College learning areas, whilst the teaching areas are commented: “Bond Bryan have delivered a encompassed in a simple, naturally ventilated truly outstanding performance, and one to be 2-storey block. extremely proud of.” t An atrium space “Bond Bryan have delivered a truly provides a physical division between the outstanding performance, and one to be two areas - offering extremely proud of.” Andrew Fairest - Vice social and informal Principal, Property Development at Barnsley learning facilities, College. which culminate

32 Construction UK Magazine - April 2016

News

Slow start to the year for construction continues as February fails to gain momentum The subdued start to the year continued for the construction sector throughout February, as the industry struggled to regain the successful form amassed in the third and fourth quarter of 2015.

According to the latest Economic & Construction Market Review from industry analysts Barbour ABI, total construction contract value for February totalled £5.6 billion, a slight increase of 4.2 per cent on January’s figures but still way down on the £7.9 billion recorded in November, resulting in a 29 per cent decrease (see figure 1.1).

On a more positive note though, renewable energy continues to thrive. The sector shows no sign of slowing down after the recent subsidy cuts, with the £1.8 billion East Anglia One offshore wind farm being given the go-ahead – which is easily the biggest construction project awarded in February. The value of this project is so great that it propelled the East of England to the top spot for the location of contract value in February, which is usually exclusively occupied by London.

Commenting on the figures, Michael Dall, lead economist at Barbour ABI, said: “After another slow month in February, it’s clear that overall construction performance hinges heavily on the residential sector, in particular private housing.

Even with residential increasing its total contract value compared to January, it is still well below the figures of the fourth quarter in 2015. However, steady improvement from the Infrastructure and Commercial & Retail sectors could significantly help remove the reliance the industry has on housebuilding contracts.”

“Overall consensus is that construction activity remains on track to grow, with a solid pipeline building up over the spring and summer months. The industry is still growing at a steady enough pace, but as previously stated, more growth from the infrastructure and commercial & retail sectors would provide a substantial boost.”

“Overall consensus is that construction activity remains on track to grow, with a solid pipeline building up over the spring and summer months. The industry is still growing at a steady enough pace, but as previously stated, more growth from the infrastructure and commercial & retail sectors would provide a substantial boost.” Michael Dall, lead economist at Barbour ABI.

Knocking down emissions in construction: EA works with King’s College London on PhD studentship Tackling the largely ignored issue of emissions from vehicles and generators on construction sites, Emissions Analytics is teaming up with the Analytical & Environmental Sciences department at King’s College London on a three-year project based in the capital.

London is currently experiencing a boom in domestic and commercial development, as well as key civil engineering projects, such as Crossrail. However, a lack of reliable data means that there is no easy way of estimating the levels of pollution generated. This includes the amount of NOx and particulate matter, the byproducts of combustion that are seen as a major contributor to urban health issues - including cancer, respiratory disorders and asthma.

As the world’s leading provider of real-world emissions measurement, Emissions Analytics will provide in-depth technical training on the Portable Emissions Measurement System (PEMS) that the study will rely on.

Designed to help us better understand and document the levels of pollution generated, the project will investigate emissions from equipment on construction sites across London. Working with academic, industry and government partners, it aims to deliver scientifically ground breaking and policyinforming data.

As the world’s leading provider of real-world emissions measurement, Emissions Analytics will provide in-depth technical training on the Portable Emissions Measurement System (PEMS) that the study will rely on.

Industry estimations believe that Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM) emissions contribute approximately 10% of the NOx and PM10 emissions within London. However, these figures are derived from very little real-world measurement, instead relying on engine test bed studies and activity estimates.

The PEMS equipment will not only be utilised to assess the automotive elements of the construction industry, but also all relevant NRMM that is used onsite. Emissions Analytics has pioneered the use of PEMS in the UK, developing its own test scenarios and assessment models.

figure 1.1

The three-year PhD studentship is funded by the London Low Emission Construction Partnership. It also aims to test emissions abatement solutions, and provide measurement for emissions moderation.

Construction UK Magazine - April 2016 33

34 Construction UK Magazine - April 2016

EŽƌƚŽŶ ^dΡ :ŽŝƐƚ dĂƉĞ

EŽƌƚŽŶ ŽŵĨŽƌƚ Θ ^ŝůĞŶĐĞ dĂƉĞ ŝƐ Ă ƉĂƚĞŶƚĞĚ ƵŶŝĨŽƌŵ ŐĂƐŬĞƚ ƚŚĂƚ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞƐ Ă ƵŶŝƋƵĞ ŶŽŝƐĞ ĐŽŶƚƌŽů Θ ƚŚĞƌŵĂů ďƌĞĂŬ ƐŽůƵƚŝŽŶ ƚŽ ďŽƚŚ ƌĞƐŝĚĞŶƚŝĂů Θ ĐŽŵŵĞƌĐŝĂů ĐŽŶƐƚƌƵĐƚŝŽŶ͘

^ƵĐĐĞƐƐĨƵůůLJ ƵƐĞĚ ĨŽƌ ŵŽƌĞ ƚŚĂŶ ϭϱ zĞĂƌƐ͊ /ƚ ŚĂƐ Ă ƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞ ƐĞŶƐŝƚŝǀĞ ĂĚŚĞƐŝǀĞ ŽŶ ŽŶĞ ƐŝĚĞ ĂŶĚ Ă ƉƌŽƚĞĐƚŝǀĞ ĚƵƌĂďůĞ ƐƵƌĨĂĐĞ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ŽƚŚĞƌ ƐŝĚĞ͘

dŚĞƌŵĂů ƌĞĂŬ ^ŽůƵƚŝŽŶ

tŚĞŶ ƵƐĞĚ ŽŶ ĞŝƚŚĞƌ ŽŶĞ Žƌ ƚǁŽ ƐŝĚĞƐ ŽĨ ƐƚĞĞů ĨƌĂŵŝŶŐ EŽƌƚŽŶ ^dΡ ƐĞƌǀĞƐ ĂƐ Ă ƚŚĞƌŵĂů ďƌĞĂŬ ƚŚĂƚ ǁŝůů ŚĞůƉ ůŽǁĞƌ ƚŚĞ ƌĂƉŝĚůLJ ŝŶĐƌĞĂƐŝŶŐ ĐŽƐƚƐ ŽĨ ĞŶĞƌŐLJ͘ EŽƌƚŽŶ ^dΡ ĚŽĞƐ ŶŽƚ ŵŽůĚ Žƌ ŵŝůĚĞǁ͕ ďLJ ƉƌĞǀĞŶƚŝŶŐ ĐŽŶĚĞŶƐĂƚŝŽŶ ĐĂƵƐĞĚ ďLJ ƚĞŵƉĞƌĂƚƵƌĞ ĚŝĨĨĞƌĞŶƚŝĂůƐ EŽƌƚŽŶ ^dΡ ŚĞůƉƐ ĞůŝŵŝŶĂƚĞ ͚ŐŚŽƐƚŝŶŐ͛ ƐƚĂŝŶƐ ƚŚĂƚ ŽƵƚůŝŶĞ ŵĞƚĂů ƐƚƵĚƐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ǁĂůů͘ /ƚƐ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ĂŶĚ ĚƵƌĂďŝůŝƚLJ ŵĂŬĞƐ ŝƚ Ă

>ŝĨĞ >ŽŶŐ sĂůƵĞ ĚĚŝƚŝŽŶ

ƚŽ ĂŶLJ ƌĞƐŝĚĞŶƚŝĂů Žƌ ĐŽŵŵĞƌĐŝĂů ďƵŝůĚŝŶŐ͘

EŽŝƐĞ ŽŶƚƌŽů

^ƋƵĞĂŬLJ &ůŽŽƌƐ ʹ EŽƌƚŽŶ ^dΡ ŽĨĨĞƌƐ ĂŶ ĞĂƐLJͲƚŽͲƵƐĞ ƐŽůƵƚŝŽŶ ƚŽ ƐƵďĨůŽŽƌ ƐƋƵĞĂŬƐ͘ dŚĞ ƐƋƵĞĂŬ ŝƐ ŽĨƚĞŶ ĐĂƵƐĞĚ ďLJ ŐĂƉƐ ďĞƚǁĞĞŶ ƚŚĞ ƐƵďĨůŽŽƌ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ũŽŝƐƚ͘ EŽƌƚŽŶ ^dΡ ǀŝƌƚƵĂůůLJ ĞůŝŵŝŶĂƚĞƐ ƐƋƵĞĂŬƐ͖ ŝƚ ůĞĂǀĞƐ Ă ƋƵŝĞƚĞƌ Θ ŵŽƌĞ ĐŽŵĨŽƌƚĂďůĞ ĨůŽŽƌ͘ /ŵƉĂĐƚ ^ŽƵŶĚ dƌĂŶƐŵŝƐƐŝŽŶ ;// ZĂƚŝŶŐͲ /ŵƉĂĐƚ /ŶƐƵůĂƚŝŽŶ ůĂƐƐŝĨŝĐĂƚŝŽŶͿ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ĨůŽŽƌƐ ŝƐ ƌĞĚƵĐĞĚ ƵƉ ƚŽ ϭϬ dŝŵĞƐ͊ ŝƌďŽƌŶĞ ^ŽƵŶĚ dƌĂŶƐŵŝƐƐŝŽŶ ;^d ZĂƚŝŶŐ ʹ ^ŽƵŶĚ dƌĂŶƐŵŝƐƐŝŽŶ ůĂƐƐͿ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ǁĂůů ŝƐ ƌĞĚƵĐĞĚ ƵƉ ƚŽ ϮϬ dŝŵĞƐ!

tĞ ĐĂŶ ĞůŝǀĞƌ Ez ǁŝĚƚŚ LJŽƵ EĞĞĚ ŝƌĞĐƚ ƚŽ ^ŝƚĞ

tĞ ůŽŽŬ ĨŽƌǁĂƌĚ ƚŽ ĚŝƐĐƵƐƐŝŶŐ LJŽƵƌ ĐŽŶƐƚƌƵĐƚŝŽŶ ƉƌŽũĞĐƚ Θ ƐŽůǀŝŶŐ LJŽƵƌ ĚŚĞƐŝǀĞ dĂƉĞ ƉƉůŝĐĂƚŝŽŶƐ Tel: 01440 766 975

www.lynvale.co.uk

Call us 01296 437827 Callus us01296 01296437827 437827 Call

UNBREAKABLE UNBREAKABLE UNBREAKABLE PROTECTION PROTECTION PROTECTION

PU SE A LER: For all resilient and resin floors PUSE SEAALER: LER: For Forall allresilient resilientand andresin resinfloors floors PU

9 9 9 9 9 | POLYURETHANE-BASED 9 9 9 9 9 9 ELASTIC COVERAGE | HARD-WEARING | HIGH9

||

||

||

ELASTIC POLYURETHANE-BASED POLYURETHANE-BASED HARD-WEARING HARD-WEARING HIGH HIGHCOVERAGE COVERAGE ELASTIC

Services offered t Electricity t Gas t Water t Ultrafast fibre (min 50Mbps) t Community-based district energy

t Renewables Fully compliant We are a NERS (National Electricity Registration Scheme) accredited provider, and our company is CHAS (Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme) registered.

Health and Safety Power On Connections is the U.K.’s No.1, largest and market leading Independent Connections Provider (ICP), specialising in designing and delivering high and low voltage electrical infrastructure to residential city living developments; commercial; industrial; retail; leisure; public sector and renewable energy projects.

Our competent and highly skilled design and construction teams have successfully completed over 8,000 contracts since our inception in 2003, connecting over 2 gigawatt of electrical infrastructure, or enough electricity to power around 160,000 homes.

Our parent company Brookfield Utilities UK, owns and operates over 30,000 discrete networks serving over 1.3m utility connections. Our clients therefore, benefit from access to multi-utility solutions from just the one source.

Case Study - Kidbrooke Village, London – Residential Kidbrooke Village is an urban regeneration development from

Berkeley Homes that will provide 4,763 new homes, retail and leisure facilities. Our major projects team has been awarded a £4m contract to build, own and operate the 33kV Primary substation that will serve Kidbrooke Village and has completed installation of a 4.9km off-site cable route through the Royal Borough of Greenwich.

Self-Accreditation Accredited to conduct ‘Self Determination’ in all areas of the UK, Power On can ascertain the nearest point of connection, speeding up your application considerably. Power On can also self-approve designs in-house, providing a complete ‘onestop shop’ and is one of the UK’s first ICPs to be accredited to undertake self-connection works. We are also Lloyd’s accredited for 11kV selfconnection jointing and operational work.

We are committed to upholding strict environmental standards and ensure minimal disruption and environmental impact as well as working considerately alongside other contractors, highway users and residents, and are certified to ISO 14001, BS OHSAS 18001, a framework for an occupational health and safety management system. This helps us achieve the best possible working conditions, aligned with internationally recognised best practice.

Call us now for your no obligation quotation on 03453 223322 or email us at enquiries@ poweronconnections.co.uk

To safely deliver consistently high quality service to customers to earn their long term loyalty to Power On Connections – Power On Mission Statement Construction UK Magazine - April 2016 37

MASKING A PROBLEM? The UK Construction industry has improved substantially on its Safety record over the last few decades, but certain Health issues in the industry are under some scrutiny at the moment.

Respiratory complaints such as COPD and occupational Asthma caused by exposure to harmful dusts, gases and vapours are often not immediately diagnosed, and are on the rise.

Symptoms do not manifest themselves for a number of years or even decades, by which time it is often too late to reverse debilitating medical conditions. The health issues caused

by Silica dust (Silicosis) are a top priority for the HSE who are looking to reduce the worrying increasing number of sufferers. With over 35000 workers reporting they currently have breathing/ lung problems, caused or made worse by work, the cost to the construction industry in both lost time and expertise is enormous. Are you masking a problem?

Sundström are a third generation family company with a passion for designing and manufacturing respiratory equipment. We have 90 years experience, and are proud of our reputation for quality and innovation.

Our range includes a solution to most environments found in construction from half masks to airline, powered solutions to escape hoods. UK Sales Manager Tony Smith added; ‘It is not only about understanding the contaminant, but also the needs of the wearer, the employer and their legislative requirements. The equipment must be acceptable to all parties but above all it must be comfortable and compatible with all other PPE used by the wearer.’

SR 900

Sundström’s extensive range provides a solution to all your ‘masking problems’.

SR 200

Sundström are a third generation family company with a passion for designing and manufacturing respiratory equipment. We have 90 years experience, and are proud of our reputation for quality and innovation.

SR 500/580

The SR 100 half mask is widely used as the product of choice in the asbestos industry due to its excellent face fit performance. Due to the popularity of facial hair and the legal requirement to undertake face fit testing, the use of negative pressure masks may not be acceptable. Our powered units offer a comfortable and highly effective solution to extended respiratory practices whilst not requiring a face fit.

38 Construction UK Magazine - April 2016

Our new SR 900 respiratory system gives the user the option to use a remote housing worn on a belt which takes the cumbersome heavy filter away from the face. This facilitates usage under visors, welding masks or just to improve on wearer acceptability.

The same mask can be used on both powered and airline equipment offering a complete inter connective respiratory solution.

With a team of technical experts UK wide Sundström are happy to visit your sites.

Give us a call and ‘unmask’ your respiratory problems!

For further information please contact Tony Smith (tony.smith@srsafety.com) or visit our website www.srsafety.com

News

London hits highest level of commercial construction since 2008 JLL and Glenigan’s latest UK Commercial Construction Index reveals that London has reached the highest level of commercial construction since 2008, with activity totalling £7.4 billion.

The level of speculative office development under construction in Central London totalled 8.3 million sq ft at the end of Q1 2016, well ahead of the long term average (5 million sq ft) indicating that developers are continuing to respond to London’s burgeoning requirements for new office floor space. In the West End office market alone, construction started speculatively on nine schemes in Q1 totalling 596,997 sq ft; the highest level of commencements since Q4 2014. The largest starts were at Brunel, W2 at 241,000 sq ft, which is scheduled to complete in 2019 and The Foundry, W8, a refurbishment planned to complete by the end of this year totalling 110,000 sq ft.

Commenting on JLL and Glenigan’s UK Commercial Construction Index, Helen Gough, lead director of JLL’s Buildings & Construction team, said: “Generally, the construction industry remains cautious, however a recent fall in costs has offered some rebound for the commercial sector. While total construction starts fell marginally this quarter, construction data on the whole remains volatile. Construction activity levels remain solid with London showing notable signs of resilience.”

activity is down on the annual and quarterly comparison, although activity levels are broadly in line with the long term trend over the last five years.

Nevertheless, the pace of growth we have seen over last couple of years is beginning to moderate.

This could be partly due to wider economic and political uncertainty but to some extent, growth will also be moderated by skills and resources shortages with workloads nearing capacity in some cases.”

Additional key highlights from JLL and Glenigan’s Q1 UK Commercial Construction Index include:

t

Commercial construction for the 12 months to the end of March fell to £23.0 billion, a fall of 7.2% on the previous quarter. The latest fall in overall construction activity mirrored the trend recorded for construction output with current Office of National Statistics (ONS) figures showing that construction output had fallen.

t

The survey highlights a continued willingness to commit to the core sectors of office, retail and industrial, which together continue to account for over half of commercial construction activity.

The offices sector regained some momentum this quarter with total starts of £4.9 billion up 21.1% compared to the previous quarter.

t

As noted last quarter, strong underlying demographics have continued to drive appetite for alternative sectors, notably education, where activity increased 5.1% to £5.8billion.

t

On the regional level, activity in London remains resilient with total commercial construction up by almost 20% compared to the previous quarter and 9.4% compared to levels seen one year ago.

Allan Wilén, Elsewhere, Northern Ireland saw a 7.1% increase, economics albeit from the smallest base in the sample. Of director at the English regions, activity slowed particularly Glenigan, in Yorkshire & Humber. However this was mainly concluded: caused by an unusually strong Q1 2015 dropping “There are many out of the cumulative figures. During these three reasons to months £1.2billion of work started in Yorkshire & remain optimistic – commercial Humber alone, including work on the £600 million construction Victoria Gate retail project. activity in London Jon Neale, lead director of JLL’s UK and in many of Research team, added: “Construction the major regional cities remains solid. Major infrastructure projects such as Crossrail will also drive activity and “Generally, the construction industry remains cautious, with further projects in the pipeline there is positive momentum. New however a recent fall in costs has offered some rebound orders activity from the ONS also for the commercial sector. While total construction starts suggests there will be continued fell marginally this quarter, construction data on the whole growth in construction activity this year with new construction orders for remains volatile. Construction activity levels remain solid commercial property increasing by with London showing notable signs of resilience.” Helen 62% (Q4 2015) from their lowest point Gough, lead director of JLL’s Buildings & Construction in Q3 2012.”

t

Construction UK Magazine - April 2016 39