1CHK 2016 mag p1 108 online by DMMonline

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COVER STORY

New land is the pride of London’s lions This imposing arch marks the entrance to Land of the Lions, the new exhibit that will house the Asiatic lions at ZSL London Zoo. The extremely endangered species is found in the wild in only one small corner of India, where the lions come into close contact with the local human population. That interaction has been mimicked in the re-creation of a village in the Gir Forest.

The story is part of a special feature on zoos beginning on page 11

7 Constructive Comment

NEWS 8 8 9 9

London Mayor unveils proposals for greener river crossings Electric ‘shock’ as Mick George Ltd venture out Construction sector shrugs off (some of) the post-Brexit blues Paul delivers against the odds

ZOOS – SPECIAL FEATURE 11 Getting up close and personal with the animals 11 Chester’s groundbreaking Islands ooze superlatives 12 Specialist electrics provide the perfect environment 13 There’s monkey business going on at Bristol 15 New land is the pride of London’s lions 17 Edinburgh Olympian makes tracks to tigers’ new home WORKING AT HEIGHT 19 NASC launches promotional film to broaden safe scaffolding message 20 Use MEWPs safely in tree care 20 New trailer unit improves delivery service 20 PASMA 2016 Annual Review now available 21 New CISRS cards poster issued 21 New training centre opens in Scotland 22 NASC re-joins Access Industry Forum 23 Revised CAP 609 General Information Booklet released 23 CPD 2017 page goes live on CISRS website

ROOFING 25 Roofing problem areas: it’s all down to the troublesome 10% 26 Young roofing Olympians go for gold 27 Rainclear add innovation in cast aluminium gutter sealing online HEALTH & SAFETY 28 Construction industry warned of early stage fire risk 29 Accidents cost more than you might think 30 CP Electronics taking safe route to success 30 150 wirless fire alarm devices in use on Battersea Power Station redevelopment 31 Directors be aware

DRUGS & ALCOHOL 33 Considerate Constructors raise concerns over drugs and alcohol 33 New legislation targets psychoactive substances CARE HOMES 37 New home sets new standards in care 39 Apply some logic to your energy consumption 41 Established charity opens new specialist home 43 Award-winning care group set the bar high

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For all other enquiries: Tel: 0161 710 3880 Fax: 0161 710 3879 Email: editorial@dmmonline.co.uk Suite 2, 61 Lower Hillgate, Stockport SK1 3AW Editor: Chris Stokes Copyright Construction National. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced or transmitted in any form without prior permission of Construction National. Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. Printed in the UK by The Magazine Printing Company Plc www.magprint.co.uk

1CHK

CONTENTS BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING 67 Today’s BIM champions are tomorrow’s construction CEOs TRAINING & APPRENTICESHIPS 68 Let’s consign ‘skills gaps’ to the dustbin of history 69 Top apprentices head for SkillBuild final 69 Glasgow students are world champions 70 Apprenticeships should be targeted at employers’ needs, says CITB 70 Careers website wins marketing award 71 Mixed reception for Apprenticeship Levy details 72 Innovative training programme attracts new supporter 72 “Career in construction built up my confidence”

London – Olympia October 26-27 45

London calling as expo showcases capital’s projects

TV star hosts a most awarding evening

DEMOLITION 73 The power of collaboration 74 What time is it? It’s Mick George time 76 North East contractor appointed for demolition of Milburngate House FINANCE 77 Don’t turn away a valuable contract because you can’t afford to take it on 78 Project bank accounts: Scotland makes the switch 78 The dreaded Self Assessment tax deadline approaches 79 Brexit – implications for the construction sector ON THE ROAD 81 New Expert: a van designed with the driver in mind 81 Hogging the middle lane still widespread 83 There’s an Expert for any application 83 Largest dealer group are real Peugeot experts OFFSHORE WIND FARMS 85 Our energy future lies offshore 85 Technicians begin work on turbine foundations at Race Bank 87 Dudgeon enters the final stretch with HQ opening PROJECTS 88 Bypass will ease congestion in rural Yorkshire 89 Access for plant involved specialist engineering 90 New pipeline will address issues of water quality and resilience 91 New technology helps find any leaks CONCRETE 92 CPA explains the impact of continuity and shorts on electrochemical treatments SUDS, 93 94 95 95

Glasgow – SECC November 23-24 55

Expo series makes welcome return to Glasgow

Awards recognise excellence in Scottish construction

Scotland’s lead in renewables takes centre stage

Construction has become a digital world

DRAINAGE AND LANDSCAPING Racecourse gets long-term drainage solution Boningale to demonstrate its environmental credentials at SALTEX Innovative Brett Landscaping leads industry with BIM registered products For green infrastructure, use Silva Cells

SECURITY 96 OnGarde – securing remote sites 97 ‘No Pokémon here!’ say contractors 97 AMI tracking technology leads police to stolen JCB 2CX worth £25,000 HOUSING 98 Site managers reap their rewards 98 Who wants to live on a country estate? We do – when Jeff’s in charge! 101 With five in a row, Jason aims to Seal it once more 103 New star Matthew is pitching for PiJ glory 104 Ultimate address provides second award 105 Alan brings added kudos to lakeside development 106 Donald continues the PiJ tradition 106 Onward and upwards – to London!

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IN OUR LAST ISSUE there was a general feeling of unease to report over the decision in the EU referendum. No one knew what would happen and – as always happens in cases of uncertainty – there followed a period of downturn, reflected in the construction industry. This month there is an improvement to report. For the first time since May the Markit/CIPS Purchase Managers’ Index showed an upturn. Whether that is a sign of a return to normality, or a reaction to the previous dips, is unknown. • Housing was seen to be the driver of the reported optimism, and the housebuilding industry is at the forefront in recognising the contribution those at the sharp end of the construction process make to the maintenance of build quality. The NHBC is currently in the process of selecting the top 100 or so site managers for the secondround Seal of Excellence awards in its annual Pride in the Job competition. • Providing living accommodation for the growing elderly population is a sector of the industry that is evolving apace. In particular, standards in care homes have improved markedly in recent decades, with what was once considered luxurious becoming the norm. We look at three new homes in different parts of the country, operated by both private-sector and charitable organisations. • Nowhere is the issue of housing more to the fore in the industry than in London. While there are some notable housing developments taking place in the capital, there is still a definable shortage of quality, affordable accommodation for London’s growing population. Both sides of that housing coin in the capital will be the focus of discussion sessions at London Build, the annual exposition for the construction industry there. They form just two of the whole range of seminars and panel discussions that accompany the exhibition. Following on from London Build, the attention of organisers Oliver Kinross turns to Glasgow’s SECC and Scotland Build. Issues of note there include building for the environment and energy production. In some spectacular cases the two go together, with wind power and pioneering tidal generators coming under the spotlight. • Offshore wind power is a sector in which the UK has established a sizeable lead, accounting for around 30% of world production. And the generating capacity is growing steadily, with new farms being constructed on an on-going basis. Two of those new installations are rising from the waves off the coast of Norfolk. Only a few miles apart are Dong Energy’s Race Bank installation and Dudgeon Wind Farm, a joint venture by Norwegian and UAE developers. • Environmental considerations have become ever-increasingly important when designing and operating zoos. While the original zoological gardens were seen primarily as a place to look and marvel at exotic animals while scientists studied them, the focus gradually shifted towards the function of zoos as sanctuaries and breeding colonies for endangered species. Alongside those considerations, concern for the physical and psychological welfare of the animals led to more and more sophisticated designs. That sophistication has reached a pinnacle today, with new facilities being unveiled across the country – from the complex Islands project at Chester to new homes for baboons in Bristol and big cats in Edinburgh and London. The re-creation of a village in India, home to the Asiatic lions at ZSL London Zoo, is featured on the front cover of this issue. q

Chris Stokes Editor, Construction National

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London Mayor unveils proposals for greener river crossings [

THE MAYOR OF LONDON, Sadiq Khan, has set out a package of proposals for new river crossings to be built in the next five to 10 years that will improve travel across the capital, while supporting new affordable homes and business opportunities in East London. The plans include: • Acceleration of a new pedestrian and cycle bridge linking Rotherhithe • and Canary Wharf • A series of enhancements to the proposals for Silvertown Tunnel to • make it greener and more public transport-focused • A Docklands Light Railway crossing at Gallions Reach, helping • support the development of around 17,000 new homes across • Newham and the Royal Borough of Greenwich • Further assessment work for a Barking Riverside to Abbey Wood • London Overground crossing • Further assessment of a North Greenwich-Isle of Dogs ferry, supporting • new development on the Greenwich Peninsula and the Isle of Dogs. Said Sadiq Khan: “It’s no secret that London has long needed more river crossings in the east. With new homes and economic growth across East London, it becomes even more important that we deliver new greener transport links that allow Londoners to cross the river quickly and more easily. “But we don’t want these to have a damaging impact on our environment, and that’s why I’ve reviewed and improved plans for Silvertown Tunnel and why I’m pushing forward with crossings that encourage public transport, walking and cycling. “As we continue to unlock the massive economic potential of East London, we must secure the very best transport infrastructure that improves the quality of life for everyone living and working in the area.” With congestion and air quality around the Blackwall Tunnel predicted to get worse in the coming years as London’s population grows, the

Congestion and air quality around the Blackwall Tunnel is predicted to get worse in the coming years as London’s population grows – photo courtesy of Geograph.org Silvertown Tunnel is vital to provide a more reliable crossing as well as ensure goods and services can continue to be transported around London, the Mayor’s ofﬁce says. The tunnel, which would open in 2023 and be paid for via a user charge, will help significantly reduce traffic queues. It will also support freight and delivery businesses by providing a more reliable route. David Leam, infrastructure director at London First, declared: “Better river crossings will help unlock the economic potential of East and South East London and connect thousands of new homes in Newham, Barking, Greenwich and elsewhere. We're delighted the Mayor has sped up these plans, aiming to deliver new ways of getting across the river within the next five to 10 years.” q

Electric ‘shock’ as Mick George Ltd venture out [

THE ‘CURRENT’ cannot be stemmed as the power surge at Mick George Ltd continues, with the construction supplier business more traditionally recognised for its earthworks and demolition based contracting services, now engaging within the mechanical and electrical design, installation and maintenance industry. Providing services to the contracting industry for 35 years, Mick George Ltd carry experience and a strong brand reputation in support of the launch. Increasingly, commercial buildings and properties are coming under the spotlight, with owners pressured to ensure they adhere to efficiency regulations. The introduction of the mechanical and electrical service is tasked with tackling exactly that issue. The provision covers an extensive range of services which specifically targets heating, ventilation, air conditioning and fire and security systems to name just a few. Attention is not limited to ‘new’ installations only, but also the upgrading of existing systems. From complex office refits and refurbishments, right through to maintenance and repairs, the business will get involved with the initial design – helping to identify cost savings and installation management and providing timely, cost effective solutions for clients.

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Jon Stump, finance director of Mick George Ltd commented: “It’s exciting times for the business. We’re always looking ahead at potential opportunities to expand and improve and the mechanical and electrical service is just one of a number of areas that we have invested in, with more on the horizon. Our aim is to make it easier for contractors, preventing the requirement for numerous suppliers for each service within a development. “We have tremendously talented employees with varied skill sets throughout the company, so we are sure this service, like all our others, will be provided to the same high quality in which the brand prides itself.” q • For further information visit the website www.mickgeorge.co.uk.

Construction sector shrugs off (some of) the post-Brexit blues [THE LATEST Markit/CIPS UK Construction Purchase Managers’ Index

– the industry standard report on construction activity – reported a return to growth in the sector in September for the first time since May, primarily driven by a recovery in residential building. New orders also rebounded, which ended a four-month period of sustained decline. Respondents cited improving confidence among clients and a reduced drag on demand from Brexit-related uncertainty. Reflecting that, construction firms indicated a further recovery in their business expectations for the next 12 months, with optimism the strongest since May. Just under half of the survey panel (45%) forecast a rise in output over the year ahead, while only 9% anticipate a reduction. However, the degree of confidence remained softer than that seen at the start of 2016. The latest reading was well above July’s seven-year low and indicated the fastest rise in construction output since March. The pace of expansion was nonetheless still softer than the long-run survey average. A solid rebound in residential activity was the key factor boosting overall construction output during September. Moreover, the latest increase in housing activity was the strongest recorded since January. A number of firms cited resilient demand for residential building work and generally improving market conditions. Construction companies also pointed to a renewed rise in civil

Paul delivers against the odds

engineering activity, with the pace of expansion the fastest since March. Commercial construction activity decreased for the fourth month running, however, which is the longest period of sustained decline since early 2013. The latest fall was only modest and the slowest recorded since the downturn began in June. Tim Moore, senior economist at IHS Markit and author of the Markit/ CIPS Construction PMI, said: “UK construction companies moved back into expansion mode during September, led by a swift recovery in residential building from the three-and-a-half year low recorded in June. “Resilient housing market conditions and a renewed upturn in civil engineering activity helped to drive an overall improvement in construction output volumes for the first time since the EU referendum. “A number of survey respondents noted that Brexit-related anxiety has receded among clients, although it remained a factor behind the ongoing decline in commercial building work.” David Noble, group chief executive officer at the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS), added: “The residential sector was the winner this month, as consumer confidence made a modest recovery – post the EU referendum. “Overall, the fastest rise in new orders for construction projects since April ended a four-month decline, and purchasing activity was at its highest since March. “But the sector still faces challenges, with continuing pressures on input prices resulting from the weaker pound and the lingering uncertainty of the Brexit process and how it will impact on future business.” q

[PAUL MARLOW has been named CIOB Construction Manager

of the Year 2016 for his inspirational leadership on a £29m student accommodation project for client Unite Students. Competing against some of the most talented construction professionals in the UK, the McAleer & Rushe project manager from County Tyrone in Northern Ireland beat 85 other finalists and 10 gold medallists to lift the coveted trophy. Paul has also scored a CMYA first – he is the first overall winner to come from a residential category in the competition’s 38-year history. Paul’s achievement is all the more impressive because of the project’s difficult beginnings. The start date had to be delayed by two months to January 2014 due to late land purchase, but the completion deadline remained fixed at July last year, in order for Unite to prepare for the first intake of students. Paul initiated a number of revisions to the build strategy to save two months from the programme. A notable time saving initiative involved switching from a post-tensioned to a reinforced in situ concrete frame. Paul also selected a new lightweight cladding system that could be installed by scaffold, mast climbers and cradles – freeing up tower cranes for other activities. Luke Engmann, development manager for Unite Students, said: “Rather than reporting problems, Paul consistently delivered solutions. His foresight and suggestions enabled us to maintain programme and deliver the scheme in time for 2015 occupation. He also led by example on health and safety. The fact that we had zero accidents can be directly attributed to the conscientious work from Paul and his team.” q www.constructionnational.co.uk

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Getting up close and personal with the animals [

OVER THE PAST DECADES the way in which zoos are designed and managed has undergone considerable change. As our understanding of animal behaviour has advanced, so has the need for zoos to design their accommodation to allow their animals to live as normal a life as possible. Animal husbandry requirements have become more stringent and, since the advent

of organisations such as the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 1966, more standardised. The role of zoos as conservation charities has led to enclosures being designed more as breeding and research facilities. The animals have become the focal point of what the zoo looks like and does. Visitors’ expectations of their experience of zoos

have also changed. It is no longer enough simply to look at an animal: we can do that every day in our own homes. A visit to a zoo involves interacting with the animals – the closer and more involved the better. That has led to more and more complex and spectacular design features involving bigger and more sophisticated construction projects, as will be revealed in the pages of this special feature. q

Chester’s groundbreaking Islands ooze superlatives ISLANDS – CHESTER ZOO

[WHEN CHESTER ZOO launched its £40m Islands zone last year it

proudly billed it as ‘the largest development in UK zoo history’. Phase One opened to enormous fanfare, followed by an even bigger hullabaloo when its Monsoon Forest became the UK’s biggest ever indoor zoo exhibit. This June the effort the zoo put into promoting its mammoth development was recognised by no lesser body than the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums, when it scooped Gold for best PR and marketing campaign in the association’s 50th Anniversary Awards. The zoo’s director general Dr Mark Pilgrim declared: “Our latest development, Islands, has really paved the way for the future of zoological exhibits and showcases a host of endangered species from the region of South East Asia, whilst also explaining to our visitors about the different issues that cause such species to decline in the wild – giving them the information they need to make a difference.” Islands brings conservation to life through detailed recreations of habitats in South East Asia in one of the most ambitious zoo expansions ever in Europe. In the first phase visitors take part in their own expedition – walking over bridges, travelling in boats and seeing buildings that are architecturally identical to those found on the islands of Panay, Papua, Bali, Sumba and Sulawesi. The development shines a spotlight on highly threatened, yet often unheralded species, such as the critically endangered Visayan warty pig, the banteng and lowland anoa, as well as the prehistoric-looking cassowary. It also features a beach, a 15-minute-long Lazy River Boat Trip, school house, street kitchen and play area. Dr Pilgrim described the development thus: “This isn’t just about viewing animals in enclosures, it’s about giving people a sense of the environments they live in – the sounds, the smells, the people, the colour and the culture of far-flung islands in South East Asia. Every element has been crafted with great attention to detail, right down to the hundreds of genuine artefacts that have been shipped over from Indonesia,

the carvings in the buildings and the thatches on the roofs. This has been five years in the making and, not only have we created a first class attraction for people to come and visit, we hope that Islands will put a huge spotlight on South East Asia and the conservation projects we’re involved with in the region.” Later in the year the development expanded to welcome the famous tigers and orangutans of Sumatra into their respective enclosures. The development of such a complex building is slow and painstaking. Chester Zoo’s assistant curator of mammals, Nick Davis, explained: “In 2011 we started working closely with the architects to put the plans into

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In order to get the right conditions for the orangutans the zoo worked with Dr Susannah Thorpe from the University of Birmingham. Orangutans use over 50 types of movement to get between the trees, so it was important to provide as many different types of climbing options in the enclosure as possible to stimulate their natural behaviours. Alongside the various outdoor exhibits, last year also saw the opening of Monsoon Forest, the biggest indoor exhibit ever of any zoo in the UK. This feature showcases further species that can be found across South East Asia, including the Sulawesi crested macaque, rhinoceros hornbill, Asian forest tortoise, the bizarre-looking tentacled snake – a species which cannot be seen anywhere else in the UK – and a pair of Sunda gharial crocodiles. The new exhibit features its own tropical weather system, with temperatures reaching 80°F, and houses some of the world’s most impressive and unique plant species. Richard Hewitt, horticulturist team manager, commented: “Turning Monsoon Forest green is a project that required a huge amount of planning

Specialist electrics provide the perfect environment

place for Islands. We discussed key specifics of the tiger enclosure and provided them with a very large brief – how big it should be, how many enclosures we required, what indoor housing we needed – then we had to work out the relationship between these spaces and how they needed to link together. We went through every tiny detail.”

[A MAJOR ELEMENT of projects like Islands is the range of services

that enable the visitor experience to be enjoyed and the safety of both visitors and animals to be ensured. In the case of Phase One of the project, a number of general, themed and emergency lighting, small power, distribution, fire alarm, data communications and site-wide services were undertaken by System Electrical Ltd, for main contractor Read Construction Holdings Ltd. The various services were installed in a variety of visitor facilities, including the shop, education centre, boat station and toilets. They also equipped a number of animal enclosures, including those for the anoa, babirusa, banteng, cassowary, Bali starling and the tiger breeding centre. The company subsequently undertook the specialist electrical fit-out works on the Monsoon Forest building, working directly for the North of England Zoological Society. In addition to lighting, data/telecoms, hevac systems and building management controls, the contract included the installation of underfloor heating and overhead basking lamps to assist in providing the perfect climatic conditions for the new residents. The company’s managing director Stephen Parry-Jones said: “Right from the onset at tendering stage, it was clear that Islands would be an exciting and unique project, due to both its scale and complexity. The undertaking of this project, which required compliance with the current regulations whilst ensuring it is fit for its purpose and integrated with the theme set by Chester Zoo, has produced challenges to both office staff and electricians alike.” The challenging construction programme required significant labour resources, including flexible and out-of-hours working, to complete the project within agreed time frames. Sourcing, ordering and arranging delivery of materials for a project of this nature demanded precise logistics to ensure continuation of the installation process. Materials were sourced and imported from as far away as Bali and the USA. Said Richard: “The office staff, supervisors, co-ordinators and electricians have worked as a close, well communicated team alongside Read Construction and Chester Zoo staff and with the backing of suppliers and specialist contractors to deliver this complex project.” q

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and 12 weeks of planting. Together with the rockwork, we’ve been able to cleverly use the plantation to create visually interesting and natural looking boundaries between the visitor pathways and the various animal exhibits. The numbers are also impressive: it needed a staggering 1,000m3 of pumice and 200m3 of compost and involved a six-man team working around the clock to get it ready for its grand opening.” Dr Mark Pilgrim said: “With forests being destroyed at an alarming rate, the loss of habitat is having a devastating impact on many wonderful animals and plants found in this part of the world, so it’s important that Monsoon Forest helps to raise awareness of these issues and gives our visitors the opportunity to help make a difference. The opening of Monsoon Forest is a huge new chapter for the zoo and a very exciting point in our history.” The Islands zone has already proved its worth in terms of conserving rare species. A number of rare mammals have been born there, including Sulawesi crested macaques and Visayan warty pigs. One of the first was a banteng, a wild member of the cattle family, while the latest was also a forest-dwelling cattle species – an anoa. q

There’s monkey business going on at Bristol WILD PLACE PROJECT – BRISTOL ZOO

[ IN AUGUST six new inhabitants took up residence at Bristol

Zoo’s Wild Place Project. Hobbit, Hercules, Harshit, Hector, Kito and Kidame are gelada baboons – an all-male group that arrived from Zurich in Switzerland to settle into their new, purpose-built enclosure called Gelada Rocks, in the Edge of Africa exhibit. Gelada Rocks offers visitors the chance to visit a new corner of Wild Place Project which was previously not open to the public. Senior animal keeper Toby Sandmann explained: “The gelada is a complex and challenging species to look after and a lot of hard work has gone into the planning, design and build of the new Gelada Rocks enclosure. They are fascinating animals to watch and we are sure they will be a great hit with our guests.” He added: “Gelada Rocks is designed to be as immersive an experience as possible for guests. It is a visually barrierfree exhibit which invites guests into an exhibit designed to reflect the gelada’s native Ethiopian habitat. It includes a bouldering wall, an ‘abandoned’ safari car and an explorer’s field station, with a ‘discovery area’, an indoor viewing space and picnic areas.” The external paddock area consists of grassland, boulders, rocky outcrops and trees, to provide shade, secluded areas and plenty of grass for the animals to graze. The indoor gelada house is fully insulated and includes central heating. It is able to accommodate more than twice the existing number of animals and has four separate areas enabling keepers to separate the animals when required. In the wild, geladas – which, despite the name, are not true baboons – live in the mountains of Ethiopia, sleeping at night on ledges on the steep cliff faces. They are protected from the extreme cold of their mountain habitat by the characteristic cape of thick fur. Wild Place Project is a family attraction that provides outdoor adventure, play and learning. Visitors can meet amazing animals from across the world – from cheetahs, wolves and zebra to okapi, red-river hogs and eland. It was opened by the Bristol Zoological Society in 2013 with an emphasis on protecting threatened habitats on our doorsteps and around the globe. q • For more information visit www.wildplace.org.uk. www.constructionnational.co.uk

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New land is the pride of London’s lions

LAND OF THE LIONS – LONDON ZOO

[IN MARCH the Zoological Society of London witnessed a rare

meeting of royalty, when HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh officially opened the new home for London Zoo’s Asiatic lions. Land of the Lions is ZSL London Zoo’s biggest project to date. Reflecting ZSL’s decades of animal expertise, the £5.2m exhibit provides the ideal home for the Asiatic lions, of which only 500 remain in the wild. Land of the Lions is the result of ZSL’s Asiatic lions fundraising campaign and will support and promote ZSL’s international conservation efforts to protect Asiatic lions. The event marked a remarkable co-incidence for the zoo: Her Majesty performed the same ceremony for the previous lion enclosure there just 40 years ago, in 1976. Land of the Lions has been created to transport visitors from the heart of London to the vibrant setting of Sasan Gir in Gujarat, India

– the last remaining stronghold of Asiatic lions – and bring visitors closer than ever to the big cats. Two huge enclosures cover a total of 2,500m2 – that compares with the previous space of 400m2. The building of the stunning development was overseen by senior project manager Robin Fitzgerald, who explained the evolution of the project from its first inception. “We formulated a master plan in 2012 and one of the top priorities was to replace the current lion enclosure to encompass the many new things we have learned about animal care in the last 40 years,” he said. A major theme of the exhibition is to depict the close relationship between the Asiatic lion population and the people of Sasan Gir. The whole exhibit takes the form of a typical village in the region, with a replica street and shops, trucks and even a railway station.

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Robin Fitzgerald continued: “Asiatic lions are only found in one location in India – their last remaining habitat – and what we’ve created in Land of the Lions is the re-creation of the edge of the Gir Forest. What we wanted to do was explain about the human interaction and encroachment, the cohabitation between lions and people and how precarious the plight of those last 500 lions is.” The construction of the new exhibit involved a near-complete rebuilding of the site, retaining only three of the original buildings from the earlier lion enclosure. As Robin explained: “It was a 1970s construction, so there were lots of concrete and lots of steel in there. But with our sustainability policy, one of the first things we looked at was to see what we could reuse on the site.” The answer was ‘not much’ – the original enclosures were unsuitable for modern requirements, so a ‘blank canvas’ emerged between the retained buildings. Recycled material is, however, used where possible. For example, paving slabs from the public areas of the old lion enclosure were used for the high street of the new ‘village’. Robin Fitzgerald also described how reused materials were even used to recreate the Gir railway.

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“We’re fortunate in that at Whipsnade [ZSL’s other zoo] we have a railway and we used all the redundant track, sleepers – even the flat-bed cars that were sitting in a siding that we never really used – and put them in the exhibit.” To reproduce the environment as accurately as possible, ZSL’s designers were engaged and went off to the Gir to take in the landscape and photograph actual places. As a result all the buildings and even the rocks are places that actually exist. The architects on the project, Ray Hole Architects, paid close attention to husbandry requirements as well as safety considerations. Lions being cats, they have a love for finding warm places to lie in, so special ‘hot spots’ were created by laying heated cables into the floor. In addition to the lions, other species are at large in the exhibit – strategically separated from the lions. Thus, hanuman langur monkeys and muntjac deer will be seen in and around the forest and the recreated hills. The whole has to be compatible with the safety of visitors. Robin Fitzgerald explained that the perimeter of the lion enclosure has to be 5m high with an overhang – or with another barrier such as a moat. “You have to create those conditions; but not make it look like a mesh enclosure.” The solution is cunning use of landscaping. The primate enclosure was another challenge altogether. “They are much more adept at using three dimensions than lions,” he said. “So it’s a tensioned netting enclosure where we use a woven mesh. It’s almost tent technology where you put poles in the ground, tension the poles down and then stretch the netting over that.” In the case of the langur enclosure the mesh rises to a height of 15m, allowing the monkeys to climb high and observe their surroundings. The most stunning visitor experience is 360 Temple Clearing – a clearing in the forest with a recreated temple ruin from which the visitor has an allround view of the lions. That view is enhanced by the fact that the barrier between visitors and lions comprises a ‘curtain’ of 3mm ﬁne wire strands suspended vertically 50mm apart – resulting in a barrier that is almost invisible. Robin explained: “You can see them; you can smell them – you really feel right amongst them.” And for those who don’t see enough of the lions in a visit to the zoo, ZSL is offering the opportunity to spend the night in the Gir Lion Lodge at the exhibit – nine colourful cabins with en-suite accommodation. q

TIGER TRACKS – EDINBURGH ZOO

Edinburgh Olympian makes tracks to tigers’ new home [

EDINBURGH’S OLYMPIC diving star Grace Reid had no sooner left the land of the jaguar when she headed off to the city’s zoo to officially open the new enclosure for its Sumatran tigers! Tiger Tracks is a key part of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s Big Cat Strategy, launched in 2014, and will form a new and improved home for the pair of critically-endangered felines, named Jambi and Baginda. Grace became one of the first visitors to experience the immersive new viewing tunnel at the heart of the exhibit, where tigers can walk directly above visitors’ heads on a walkway. Barbara Smith, interim CEO of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, said: “We are delighted to have Olympian Grace Reid join us for the opening of Tiger Tracks, our impressive new tiger facility. The new development is part of our ongoing Big Cat Strategy and demonstrates our commitment to the conservation of threatened cat species across the world. “Jambi and Baginda’s new home delivers on welfare, breeding and visitor experience grounds. At three times the size of our previous Sumatran tiger enclosure, Tiger Tracks will provide a more enriching experience for our animals and greater engagement for our visitors.” The new enclosure, up in the treetops of RZSS Edinburgh Zoo, features covered walkways, a high-level viewing platform, feeding posts and a brand new cubbing den and animal house. It also boasts climbing structures, heated rocks and ponds to splash in, with natural landscaping similar to the tigers’ native habitat. The interpretation and design of the enclosure reflects an Indonesian tiger reserve, which tells the story of people living in close proximity to carnivores and how human-wildlife conflict is one of the major issues facing the species in the wild. The innovative design of the exhibit allows visitors to come face to face with the magnificent big cats, while webcams around the enclosure will allow visitors to tune in anytime to watch the tigers via the Zoo’s website. At the heart of the expansive enclosure is a glass viewing tunnel running right across the space,

which allows visitors to feel as if they are entering the territory of a tiger. Darren McGarry, head of living collections at the zoo, said: “The Sumatran tiger is one of the rarest big cat species in the world and is critically endangered in the wild. As part of co-ordinated breeding programmes such as the European Endangered Species Programme, we hope the new enclosure will provide the right environment for Jambi and Baginda to breed and produce cubs, helping ensure the species does not become extinct.” q

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NASC launches promotional film to broaden safe scaffolding message [

THE NASC HAS launched a promotional film aiming to broaden the safe scaffolding message of the UK’s leading access and scaffolding trade body and to encourage small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to become members of the confederation. The three-minute film – which is available to view via the NASC’s social media channels and website – features interviews with three different sized member companies at three separate locations and access and scaffolding jobs across the UK. Kyle Basterfield, commercial director of Kirk Scaffolding Ltd in Blackburn, is interviewed at a conventional tube and fitting scaffold on a large church tower renovation project in rural Lancashire. David McBride, senior contracts supervisory manager of Turner Access Limited in Glasgow, talks about a large-scale housing job using their OCTO system scaffolding for EON Energy Services. And Ian McFarlane, director of business and project development for XERVON Palmers Limited, is on site at a huge job for main contractor Galliford Try, providing scaffolding services and access solutions over live railway lines for the extensive renovation of Carlisle train station. The film was shot by a leading supplier of digital media using the latest equipment and techniques, and the project was managed by NASC marketing manager, Phil Royle of Royle Media, who said: “We wanted to create a modern, fast-paced and engaging film about what being an NASC member does for different sizes of scaffolding contracting firms, why they should want to be part of the confederation, what the benefits of being involved are and to give the construction sector a clear visual message of the quality, safe and regulated service our 200 plus contracting members offer. “The end result is something accessible, interesting and inspirational for those who watch it, and we hope it will be widely enjoyed and shared within the scaffolding, construction and health and safety industries.” NASC president Alan Lilley said: “It has been said by many that the NASC is a closed shop – this could not be further from the truth and this film goes a long way to get that message across. One of my aims during my presidency is to significantly increase the membership by the end of my term in 2017 by raising the profile of the confederation. This film is an important part of that process. Hopefully it will encourage many SME firms to go through the audit process – with our help – and become NASC members.” q • To view the film visit the NASC website at www.nasc.org.uk and Twitter or Facebook social media channels, where the film is pinned to the top of the profiles. www.constructionnational.co.uk

Use MEWPs safely in tree care [

MOBILE ELEVATING WORK PLATFORMS (MEWPS), also known as aerial work platforms (AWPs), are a popular tool in tree care. The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) has published safety tips for the use of MEWPs in tree cutting to ensure that operators work safely at height. Statistics from IPAF’s accident reporting project show that approximately one in five of all MEWPrelated fatalities involve tree care workers. Yet MEWPs are one of the safest means for temporary work at height, provided that a risk assessment is done, managers and operators are properly qualified, trained and familiarised, equipment is inspected and maintained, and safe use procedures are followed, including having a rescue plan. IPAF’s latest technical guidance analyses some fatal incident reports, draws out the lessons learned, and provides safety tips for trained operators before, during and after tree care work. “Whether you are a professional tree worker or a hobby gardener, if you are using a MEWP to work at height, make sure that you complete formal recognised operator training for the correct use of this specialist equipment,” said IPAF CEO Tim Whiteman. IPAF’s guidance for the tree care industry is available in several languages and can be downloaded from the Publications/Technical Guidance section of www.ipaf.org. q

New trailer unit improves delivery service [ FOLLOWING ON FROM recent major development work at the

company’s Liverpool main depot, leading scaffolding suppliers George Roberts have announced yet more investment. This time it is in their ever expanding scaffolding transport and logistics department where they have introduced their first trailer unit to improve and increase their delivery service, across the country.

Along with a fleet of Flatbed and Hi-ab equipped class 2 vehicles, this unit is further evidence the company’s ‘Total Reliability of Supply’ ethos. The unit is now in service, so look out for it anywhere between Lands End and John O’Groats! q

PASMA 2016 Annual Review now available [THE Prefabricated Access

Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association (PASMA) has released the 2016 version of its Annual Review. The Review contains an extensive look into the past year of the association, including reports from key people within PASMA. It also highlights the association’s recent achievements, provides an insight into PASMA’s progress overseas and reports on its marketing and public relations activities. The 2016 PASMA Annual Review is free to download from the association’s website at www.pasma.co.uk. q

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New CISRS cards poster issued [CISRS HAS ISSUED a brand new card information poster entitled ‘Have you got the right

card?’ which is available to all free of charge via the CISRS website. The poster has been created in order to provide a quick reference point for those wishing to ensure that individuals carrying out scaffolding operations on their sites have completed the relevant training, experience and assessment and are holding the correct CISRS card. The poster includes the full suite of CISRS cards – Scaffolding Labourer, Basic Access Systems Erector (BASE), Trainee, Scaffolder, Advanced Scaffolder, Scaffolding Supervisor and Basic and Advanced Scaffold Inspector. It provides details of what each card should look like, how they are obtained and what work they entitle the card holder to carry out. It also highlights the importance of looking for the correct endorsement on the rear of the card for those operatives using systems scaffolding. CISRS scheme manager, Dave Mosley said: “Having just re-issued the CAP 609 General Information booklet, which documents the CISRS scheme rules in detail, it made sense to update the posters which provide the basic information at a glance. They have always been popular and well received and we will make them readily available to any interested party. “The eye-catching poster is a must for all clients, employers, training providers and health and safety consultants involved in the scaffolding sector.” q • To obtain copies of the new poster please visit www.cisrs.org.uk or email enquiries@cisrs.org.uk.

New training centre opens in Scotland [

CISRS HAS GRANTED accreditation to a brand new scaffold training centre in the North East of Scotland – designed to meet the extensive needs of both the construction and oil and gas industries within the region. The £1 million, purpose-built training facility at Clinterty in Aberdeen is the result of a matched funding partnership between The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and the International Oil & Gas Training Academy (ASET). The business is the first scaffolding training centre in a region notable for the offshore scaffolding sector and will deliver a wide range of CISRS training ranging from apprenticeships to scaffold inspection. It aims to provide training for up to 50 scaffolding apprentices a year – with nine apprentices starting their apprenticeship in the first few weeks of the centre gaining accreditation. Atholl Menzies, chief executive at ASET, commented: “This is an exciting time for ASET and CITB as we begin to realise our vision of creating a centre of excellence for scaffolding training in the North of Scotland. This purpose-built facility is perfectly positioned to meet the demand for accredited training at introductory and advanced levels – from Dundee to Shetland. The facility will train and upskill the Scottish workforce and benefit both the construction and oil and gas industries. “The apprenticeship provision will help to attract new entrants into the industry,

making an important contribution to the local economy. And the extensive range of commercial courses available will open up new opportunities for employers and individuals alike. “Organisations now have a greater choice in selecting the right training options to develop the skills of their workforce, and individuals can choose to develop existing or acquire new skills in readiness for market opportunities in the decommissioning arena.”

David Mosley, CISRS scheme manager, echoed these sentiments when he stated: “There has been talk of opening a second CISRS training centre in Scotland for over a decade. NCC Scotland at Inchinnan, Renfrewshire is full to bursting at the moment, so I’m sure the additional capacity in the North of Scotland will be very warmly received within the scaffolding fraternity. We wish them every success.” q

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NASC re-joins Access Industry Forum [ THE NASC HAS re-joined the Access Industry Forum (AIF), the

UK’s leading platform for principal trade bodies and federations in the work at height sector, with effect from 1 July 2016. The NASC was previously a member of AIF but parted company

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four years ago. However, following the successful introduction of benchmark NASC industry guidance TG20:13 Good Practice Guidance for Tube and Fitting Scaffolding in 2014 and publication of the updated SG4:15 Preventing Falls in Scaffolding Operations in 2015, formal discussions with AIF have been back on the agenda. NASC managing director Robin James commented: “We are extremely pleased to be re-joining the Access Industry Forum. NASC and CISRS will contribute a great deal to industry debate and discussion within AIF, and will bring a wealth of expertise in terms of the work at height agenda and training in the access sector. “The confederation is looking forward to re-engaging in dialogue with its partner AIF members during the second half of 2016, and promoting the benefits of using NASC members to contractors in the construction sector.” Peter Bennett, Access Industry Forum chair, commented: “We are delighted to welcome NASC back into the AIF fold. The presence of NASC as the representative trade body for the UK scaffolding industry will bring a welcome additional dimension to debate and discussion at AIF.” The first project with which NASC was associated upon re-joining was the AIF Conference Implementing Change and Innovation in Work at Height which took place in October at Holywell Park Conference Centre, Loughborough. A range of industry speakers and experts considered all aspects of the work at height industry, ranging from the implications of Brexit to the use of drones for access design. The event was supported by the Association for Project Safety (APS), Hire Association Europe (HAE) and the International Institute of Risk & Safety Management (IIRSM), and the keynote speaker was Philip White, HSE head of operational policy and strategy. NASC has also agreed to participate in the AIF stand at the next Safety & Health Expo at London Excel on 20-22 June 2017, with a view to promoting good practice in the work at height industry together with its partners in AIF. The Access Industry Forum is the principal forum for UK trade bodies involved in the work at height sector. Each member organisation within AIF represents a different discipline within the access industry, and the group fosters and supports good industry practice, high standards of training and equipment, and the dissemination of industry information and knowledge. q

Revised CAP 609 General Information Booklet released [ THE POPULAR, user-friendly CAP 609 General Information Booklet

from CISRS has been revised and reprinted – with a bold new cover design, incorporating the new CISRS logo. The 52-page A5 booklet is designed to provide a detailed overview of the CISRS scheme and includes the full range and scope of courses – including CISRS Operative Training Scheme (COTS), Part 1, Part 2, Advanced, Supervisor and Scaffold Inspection Training Scheme (SITS). The CAP 609 booklet is available from CISRS free of charge to industry professionals. A PDF version is also available to download via the CISRS website. The booklet will also be disseminated to industry players such as BuildUK, HSE, CSCS and unions, and will be distributed at UKwide careers days and industry events. Additionally, all CISRS course delegates and training centres will be issued with copies. Included in for the revised version of CAP 609 are details on changes to scheme courses and the card renewal system with the introduction of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) – from 1 July 2017 there is a mandatory requirement to complete a two day CPD course, prior to Scaffolder or Advanced Scaffolder card renewal. CISRS scheme manager, Dave Mosley said: “CAP 609 provides a very useful overview of the CISRS scheme and is a great reference document for those looking to complete CISRS training, scaffolders, employers and the wider Industry.” q • To obtain a copy of CAP 609 visit the website at www.cisrs.org.uk or email enquiries@cisrs.org.uk.

CPD 2017 page goes live on CISRS website [ THERE HAS BEEN quite a reaction on

social media since it was announced that continuous professional development (CPD) courses for scaffolders will be introduced from summer 2017. CISRS has now set up a specific CPD page on its website in a response to some of misinformation being circulated around the sector. The aim of the webpage is to provide background information surrounding the introduction of the new scheme – such as why CISRS has concluded that CPD is necessary and proposed course content, whilst also answering some of the questions that have been raised by concerned scaffolders and employers. The industry has had a mixed response to the announcement however there are many across the wider industry who have welcomed the idea. Graham Wren, chief executive of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) said: “Following the publication of the Industrial Strategy for Construction in 2013, the construction industry has refocussed its efforts on ensuring the workforce is appropriately qualified. CPD is an effective method of ensuring all construction workers keep up to date with the latest developments and processes.

CSCS welcomes the introduction of CPD as part of the renewal process for a CISRS card, further reinforcing the highly skilled reputation of UK scaffolders.” Much of the initial opposition to the introduction of CPD appears to be cost and who will pay for the course, rather than the principle of CPD itself. CISRS are currently in discussions with CITB to see if any additional funding can be sourced to help offset the costs of the CPD programme. CPD for scaffolders has not been driven by training providers and cannot be described as a ‘knee jerk’ reaction. It is an agenda that has been pushed by wider industry for many years, particularly by the Health & Safety Executive.

The HSE’s head of construction sector safety unit, Ray Cooke, commented: “HSE inspectors sometimes come across scaffolders on site who are not up to date on current accepted practices with respect to safe erection and dismantling of scaffolding. This is an issue that is easily resolved through CPD and HSE welcomes the introduction of this into the CISRS scheme. “This brings the scheme into line with many other construction trades and it will have a very positive effect, particularly for those who may not have received any formal training in many years. It should help employers demonstrate that their operatives have the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to fulfil their duties under the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015.” CISRS understands that there will always be a reaction to changes within a sector, but is hoping to dispel some of the myths that have emerged in recent weeks. The web page will be updated regularly and a Frequently Asked Questions section is currently being put together. q • For more information visit the website at www.cisrs.org.uk/cpd-2017. www.constructionnational.co.uk

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Roofing problem areas: it’s all down to the troublesome 10% By THOMAS BELLI of Belzona Polymerics Ltd

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FACILITIES MAINTENANCE ISSUES can have a major impact on productivity in both industrial and commercial environments, with something as small as a leaking roof causing significant disruption and downtime. At Belzona we understand the importance of protecting roofs and how troublesome the smallest roofing problem can be. Years of experience suggest that 90% of the problems we are presented with today will arise from a mere 10% of the roof’s area. How do these roofing problems arise and how can they be categorised?

Flat roofs – do the benefits outweigh the disadvantages? Flat roofs are commonly chosen for industrial and commercial buildings, covering the vast majority of offices, factories and warehouses around the globe. Currently, the flat roofing market is in a particularly healthy state, with the UK commercial sector covering close to eight million square metres each year. It is easy to see why as flat roofs offer a lot of advantages. Notably, they are a low-cost option for many projects, being easier and more economical to install, inspect and maintain. However, flat roofs are historically problematic – suffering from an array of issues Flat roofs are prone to pooling arising from standing water and traditional roofing materials. Pooling of water on roofs can be attributed to either inadequate roofing materials or – strangely – a roof being ‘too flat’. Flat roofs should actually feature a small gradient in order to allow sufficient rainwater run-off; otherwise, the weight of water pooling can lead to deflection and numerous subsequent issues.

Dissimilar materials Most roofs contain a veritable patchwork of materials, including anything from glass and plastics to masonry and metals. Industrial roofs can be particularly troublesome as they boast a multitude of pipes, heating units and other protrusions that make the roof geometry complex to cover effectively. Flashings are a common fixture of both flat and pitched roofs, where metal, brick and felt or bitumen can often all meet. Exposed to varying temperatures and weather conditions, these materials can act differently, altering shape and size Roof flashings can prove problematic dependent upon the material’s due to the amount of dissimilar characteristics. That can result materials in weakness due to different expansion and contraction rates of the materials, allowing water ingress. This problem also arises on any roofs where two metals may meet. Dissimilar metals exposed to continuous weathering can lead to galvanic corrosion, which weakens the roof’s protection, loosening materials and once again leading to issues like leaking.

Joints and seams All buildings feature a degree of movement as a result of thermal expansion, contraction and wind – making joints and seams one of the most vulnerable areas. Gaps or lips can be created, increased further by wind

uplift, which may allow water ingress or exposure of unprotected materials to corrosion and weathering. Found whenever two materials meet, joints and seams are a common sight on roofs covered using traditional materials. For instance, felt or bitumen surfaces are layered in strips and require heat to fuse them together and create one barrier of protection. However, continuous exposure to the elements can lead to delamination of Seams around skylights and the roofing material, creating areas of roof protrusions can cause roof vulnerability such as lips. vulnerabilities Similarly, parapet walls can also become vulnerable at the joints, normally caused by movement between the brickwork. This problem is shared by the seams around skylights and glazing bars, which degrade over time due to the dissimilar materials present and associated movement. Unlike other problem areas in this category, cut-edge corrosion does not stem from two materials meeting; it occurs where an uncoated seam of metal is left exposed and corrodes, resulting in the damage spreading as the metal is slowly eaten away. Corrugated metal roofs are susceptible as they are cut and the edges never receive protection. When cut-edge corrosion begins, it is important to treat it as soon as possible. In certain instances, roof sheets need to be removed and replaced, which is extremely expensive.

Other forms of damage Roofs are also susceptible to various other forms of damage, both in the immediate and long term. Long-term damage will generally arise if roofing is left unmaintained, to suffer from aging and neglect. Over time, rubber roofing materials are subject to the environment and constant UV exposure. The material expands and contracts, becoming brittle and making it prone to cracking. Wildlife can have a detrimental effect on roofing materials, as bird litter can chemically attack the plastic coating on some roofing systems. High levels can cause damage and subsequent deterioration of the lining, which can potentially lead to leaks or exposure of metal to corrosion. Over time, rubber roofing materials can Working on roofs is also a become brittle and crack common way in which damage can occur. One of the key selling points of flat roofs is the ability to carry out maintenance and inspection easily. Whether it derives from maintenance or installations such as HVAC, extensions or rooftop fire escapes, the foot traffic over flat roofs can lead to immediate damage of the roofing substrate.

Eliminating the troublesome 10% For the majority of the problems it is possible to find a repair solution. However, if left without treatment the roof can become too damaged to refurbish, leaving costly replacement as the only option. Repair methods have evolved significantly over the years and eliminating the troublesome 10% is becoming far easier to do since the advent of liquid and cold-applied technologies. Not only does that signify a break with tradition, but crucially highlights the evolution of roofing maintenance materials. q www.constructionnational.co.uk

Young roofing Olympians go for gold

[FOUR OUTSTANDING YOUNG roofers from around the United Kingdom

will be heading to Poland in October to take part in the bi-annual World Championship for Young Roofers, organised by the International Federation of Roofing Contractors (IFD). This year the competition is being hosted by the Polish Roofing Trade Association, Polskie Stowarzyszenie Dekarzy (PSD). Through this international competition, the IFD aims to harmonise professional roof training, raise the profile of training to the public and create a common international message to promote the standards of skilled young roofers. The competition itself covers the three major roofing disciplines – Flat, Pitched and Metal – and Team GB will be aiming for gold in Flat and Pitched. Flying the flag in Pitched Roofing are Connor Martin from Heritage Roofing in Devon and Donal Harkin of D Harkin & Co (Roofing) Limited in Northern Ireland. They are being mentored by Bob Coutts, a long-time mentor for the championship and head judge for the UK skills competition, SkillBuild. They are pictured above (left to right). Pictured top right, and competing for the gold medal in Flat Roofing, are (left to right) Jordan Lane of Lane Roofing Ltd in Birmingham and Ben Revitt from Briggs Amasco Ltd in Cradely Heath, Birmingham. The pair are guided by Gary Walpole, head of training for the Single Ply Roofing Association (SPRA) and also a head judge for SkillBuild.

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NFRC are overwhelmed with support for this year's competition and would like to say a big thank you to the sponsors: Wienerberger Ltd, Single Ply Roofing Association, Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association, the Institute of Roofing, Briggs Amasco Ltd and Lane Roofing Ltd. If other roofing companies would also like to sponsor Team GB they should call NFRC on 0207 638 7663. Livia Williams, NFRC head of training, commented: “The World Championship for Young Roofers is a great opportunity for the UK to showcase excellence in craftsmanship skills in pitched and flat roofing on the international stage. We are extremely excited to see these young roofers, who are previous winners of the Skillbuild competition, reaching one of the highest points of their careers and competing against the apprentices from the international roofing community. “The UK roofing industry must now come together and celebrate, in true roofing Olympic style, the success of these young roofers, so please send your messages of support via social media and get behind #IFDTeamGB.” q • For all the latest on Team GB head to www.facebook.com/TheNFRC or follow #IFDTeamGB.

Rainclear add innovation in cast aluminium gutter sealing online [METSEAL IS THE new gutter sealing system

from Rainclear, which means you no longer need to use messy silicone to make cast aluminium guttering watertight. It is available to buy on the company’s website along with all their guttering components, downpipes and fittings. In conjunction with Metex, Rainclear have developed a dry-jointing gutter sealing kit to give a watertight seal on traditional half round Powder coated anthracite grey cast aluminium gutters along with some unusual angles for which cast aluminium gutters. They are expected, Rainclear arranged bespoke fabrication when installed in accordance with the included instructions, to last as long as the system they wanted a rainwater system that respected the seal – and longer than the traditional silicone alternative, the thickness character of the building whilst also and coverage of which can vary and that also needs to ‘set’ before it giving the roofline a striking new look. becomes watertight. Cast aluminium was the perfect Rainclear, the UK’s largest online retailer and stockist of rainwater choice for its traditional character systems, are confident their customers will benefit from this innovation. and modern powder coated finish. The hydrostrips for cast iron have been a popular replacement to silicone Rainclear worked from the for over half a decade, and Metseal now offers the same solution for cast architect’s drawings and site photos aluminium. Rainclear had an introductory half price offer on Metseal packs to provide a full schedule of material and during September. a quote as well as advice on gutter sizing. 6" half round gutter with A cast aluminium case study 4" downpipes was chosen for the Set in the beautiful mid Wales countryside, Capel Bethel Church, dating main roof, and a smaller 4.5" half from 1895, is a traditional stone-built Grade 2 Listed building and had a Illustration of how the specially round gutter with 3" downpipes for mix of old cast iron and plastic guttering on it. Architects George+Tomos designed and tested EPMD the smaller lower roof elevation. rubber strips seal the gutter Tricky detailing on a couple lengths where they join of the lower roof elevations needed special gutter angles to match the shape of the building. Over a decade’s experience means Rainclear can offer clients a fixed price for items like these. Rainclear then worked with the main contractor, G&M Pryce Builders, to deliver the goods in time to meet the site’s programme. Glyn Pryce of G&M Pryce was extremely pleased with the service provided by Rainclear and with the chosen system, saying: “We hadn’t used cast aluminium before and we were very pleased with how the system went together. We will certainly be considering it on up-coming projects. The anthracite grey powder coated finish looks fantastic, makes a striking finish to the roofline and matches in nicely with the traditional slate roof.” Anthony Hitchman, general manager at Rainclear, said: “We’ve been selling the hydrostrip EPDM rubber sealing packs along with cast iron rainwater systems for over half a decade and demand has grown, so it made sense to develop the same system for cast aluminium. We’re confident the take-up will be just as popular but sometimes people need a bit of an incentive to try something new – hence the half price introductory offer.” The Metseal rubber seal has been specially developed for use with cast aluminium half round gutters. It is suitable for use with half round profile in 100, 115, 125 and 150mm and the pack comes with 20 rubber seals plus associated nuts, bolts and washers. Metseal is supplied with a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty and there is currently a special online offer of £21.25 per pack (RRP £42.50). Rainclear offer free delivery on orders over £300 net, trade accounts, a drawing take-off service and same-day quotations. Plus, there is 20% off cast aluminium rainwater systems online at the moment – although they will always try to beat any like-for-like quote while delivering the best quality system for your project. q • For further information call the team at Rainclear on 0800 644 44 26 or visit the website at www.rainclear.co.uk. www.constructionnational.co.uk

Construction industry warned of early stage fire risk [DELAYS IN INSTALLING passive fire

protection could be putting workers at risk, according to one of the UK’s leading passive fire safety specialists. The message, from Gunfire Limited, calls for the construction industry to consider fire protection during the beginning stages of a build. “While the understanding of passive fire safety has improved over the past decade, thanks to the Approved Document B, Building Regulations (2010), more still needs to be done to ensure a safer working environment for construction workers onsite,” said James Reid, passive fire safety spokesperson at Gunfire (pictured). “When construction activities are not adequately controlled, safety is compromised and fires are more likely. We’ve been made aware of a number of cases where fire safety has been overlooked during a build and the consequences have been vast.” He continued: “All buildings are vulnerable to fire and until all fire protection measures are in place, the risk of fire spreading increases. It is therefore essential that as soon as the interior fit-out is under way a passive fire protection contractor should be sought and a package confirmed. “With the help of a passive fire contractor during the initial drawing stages, designers can specify that permanent fire protection, such

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as stair enclosures, should be constructed as early as possible to improve means of escape for site workers. Additionally, prior installation of fire mitigation methods such as fire detection and suppression systems will also reduce the risk. If the fire is compartmentalised, commercially it may save the integrity of the building and also reduce the cost of recovering the fire damaged site. “It’s definitely a case of the earlier the better. Sourcing a passive fire protection contractor at the earliest possible stage will ensure a safer job in the long run. They can maintain a consistent standard of works throughout the project, including materials used on the job. Overall the customer will benefit from cost savings and liability will be reduced. “Ultimately, a passive fire protection contractor should be on site as soon as possible, to provide knowledge in areas such as fire safety that may be overlooked. A fire protection contractor will improve the safety of a construction project significantly, bringing peace of mind to the customer, but more importantly to the workers on-site.” q • Gunfire is one of the UK’s leading passive fire safety contractors. To find out more visit www.gunite.co.uk/gunfire.

Accidents cost more than you might think While some costs of a workplace accident are obvious, it can often be the hidden costs that are the most damaging – and the most enduring, as specialist safety barrier manufacturers A-SAFE explain

[IN THE UK the cost associated with workplace accidents is

£4.9bn per year, according to the HSE. There are over 475,000 occurrences of employees taking up to six days off work as a result of a workplace accident and a further 154,000 occurrences of workers taking even longer. That’s before we even consider the 140 or so fatalities. The average cost of an accident ranges from £1.6m per fatality to £7,500 per non-fatal injury. Clearly, these are figures that can damage – even devastate – a business, whatever its size. They highlight the very real need for health and safety best practice that greatly reduces the likelihood of accidents occurring. Let’s examine a typical non-fatal accident and the effect it will have on a business. A lightweight counterbalance forklift truck, traveling at 12kmph and with a total load weight of 3,570kg, impacts a piece of equipment at a 90-degree angle. That will damage the forklift and the piece of equipment, and potentially injure the driver. An employee who was working on the piece of equipment is lucky not to be seriously injured, but has suffered some injuries from the equipment becoming displaced and is psychologically traumatised. The repercussions on a business begin immediately, as the costs start to accumulate, with the facility manager’s worst nightmare – downtime. A large-scale incident of this nature is likely to halt productivity across a whole facility. In major automotive plants it is estimated that downtime costs an average of £15,000 per minute. In a typical SME food packaging line it costs around £24 per minute. Over time some production may be able to restart, but it may be weeks or months until maximum capacity is regained. Some orders may need to be cancelled. Perhaps overtime wages will need to be considered to cover lost production and procedures will need to be examined in time-consuming detail – perhaps with the HSE in tow. The obvious costs of maintenance, repairs or replacements for the vehicle and the equipment involved are likely to be significant. Depending on the severity of injuries to staff, there may be a range of costs attached – including first aid treatment, off-work salary, new staff recruitment, training and salary costs, possible compensation pay-outs or lawsuits and the avalanche of legal and administrative documentation that needs addressing. A report by Oxford Economics estimates an average cost of over £30,000 to replace a member of staff, made up mostly from the cost of lost output while a new employee ‘learns the ropes’ and the logistical costs of recruiting and absorbing a new worker. Other estimates place a percentage of annual salary as the real costs of re-hiring, with mid-level employees earning over £30,000 per year costing about 150% of their annual earnings to replace. In a world where business owners are responsible for the welfare and safety of their staff, the knock-on costs of an accident can be astronomical – and that is before the often even more costly secondary factors are considered. Take the company’s reputation and credibility. No business wants to get involved in managing the fallout of a workplace accident. No business wants to deal with the messy business of a damaged reputation. More importantly, no potential client would want to do business with a company if they thought that company was lax or lacking in its operating procedures. Rumours of a bad reputation can spread extremely quickly in the business community. Existing customers may be placated, particularly if they have had previous good service, but new customers may become much more difficult to find – and as all businesses know, new customers are the lifeblood of successful companies. On top of that, insurance premiums are likely to suffer as a result of an accident. Any no claims bonus will be forfeited and compulsory

insurance such as Employer Liability will probably rise. Even those employers with solid insurance may discover the accident is not fully covered, depending on its nature. Any uninsured costs will come directly from a company’s bottom-line profit and, in some cases, there may even be difficulty in obtaining future insurance cover.

Psychological fallout Some other effects of a workplace accident are more difficult to quantify, but there is growing evidence of the negative psychological and behavioural consequences that follow the aftermath of a serious incident – consequences which keep workers absent for longer periods, or contribute to reduced performance at work. The Health and Safety Authority of Ireland has noted that ‘…serious work-related accidents and illness can have a widespread impact on individuals and their families’ and that ‘…many will find their working life is significantly affected.’ The psychological and behavioural consequences can include posttraumatic stress disorder, a higher number of cases of anxiety and depression, disturbed sleep, frustration and anxiety about the future – even detrimental changes in the behaviour of associated children. One often-overlooked factor of a workplace accident is the effect on employers. While few will have sympathy with a business owner who has deliberately overlooked health and safety best practice, there are still business owners with good intentions who have simply failed, through poor planning or bad advice, to implement suitable safety practices. While excuses are no excuse, particularly where an injured employee is concerned, the aftermath of an accident on the wellbeing of employers can be extremely negative. Managing directors have the stress of dealing with the immediate accident situation, while also trying to maintain the business and their other responsibilities to their employees. It is likely there will be very stressful legal implications, from compensation claims to fines to liability and court costs. Most employers today understand the benefits of good health and safety practice, but not every employer understands the real implications of a workplace accident. Hindsight might be a wonderful thing – but for businesses who neglect or ignore health and safety, it can also be filled with regret. In health and safety terms, the only way to live without regret is to put accident prevention and protection at the heart of a facility. q • A-SAFE is the manufacturer and inventor of fixed, flexible safety barriers that protect people, property, profits and performance in industrial environments. For more information visit www.asafe.com. www.constructionnational.co.uk

CP Electronics taking safe route to success Accreditation ‘completes the set’ and offers further peace of mind to customers

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CP ELECTRONICS, the market leading designer and supplier of lighting controls solutions, is celebrating the award of a prestigious international safety standard. The London-based company is believed to be the first lighting controls manufacturer in the UK to become accredited to British Standard BS OHSAS 18001-2007. The award follows a rigorous audit process spanning 12 months and covering a variety of areas from risk assessment and legislative compliance to welfare policies and staff awareness of health and safety issues. The accreditation means companies working with CP Electronics can be assured that it is operating to rigorous, independently verified standards in all areas of health and safety, with a safe, well-trained and competent workforce and the lowest possible risk of delays in production. It completes the set for CP Electronics which has held the ISO 90012008 quality management standard since 1999 and the ISO 14001-2004 environmental standard since 2009. Once again the company is believed to be the only lighting controls manufacturer in the UK to hold all three accreditations. CP Electronics’ quality manager Mo Moharananjan explained: “Quality is a watchword at CP, as evidenced by our returns failure rate of just 0.003% and our offer of a five-year warranty on the majority of products. Similarly, our commitment to the environment and sustainable practices is clearly demonstrated through our ISO14001 accreditation. “However, we believe we have really broken the mould in the lighting controls sector with the OHSAS 18001-2007 acrreditation. This is something we believe no other lighting controls supplier has achieved and so sets us apart, guaranteeing customers and specifiers of the standards to which our 160-strong workforce operate and so providing peace of mind when selecting a supply partner.

Maureen Sumner Smith, managing director at BSI UK & Ireland, and Mo Moharananjan, quality manager for CP Electronics “In a sector where some manufacturers have chosen to relocate production abroad, CP Electronics has once again proven itself as a great example of a UK company setting the standards globally in quality, innovation and service.” CP Electronics supplies a range of innovative, energy-saving lighting control systems which are at the heart of major projects across a broad spectrum of sectors including education, housing and commercial buildings. q • For further information visit www.cpelectronics.uk.com.

150 wirless fire alarm devices in use on Battersea Power Station redevelopment [

BULL PRODUCTS’ Cygnus wireless fire alarm system has been selected for use during the redevelopment of Battersea Power Station, one of London’s major landmarks. The Grade II listed building is undergoing an £8 billion redevelopment within 42 acres of former industrial land. Phase 2 of the development involves the iconic power station building itself, where no less than 150 Cygnus wireless alarm systems are installed to ensure a safe environment for construction workers on site. With the project at groundwork stage and nearly all of the internals demolished, the Cygnus system is there to protect workers in the old wash towers, on ground levels and around all the pedestrian walkways. The Cygnus system provides a comprehensive network of fire alarm call points, first aid alerts, combined call points and first aid alerts, smoke detectors and heat detectors which are linked together in different zones. As many as 480 alarm and detector units can be linked in this way. Darren O’Brien, security and fire systems manager for Woodlands Site Services, which is working for Skanska UK on the project, was keen to specify the Cygnus wireless alarm system, commenting: “We have had much experience of using the Cygnus system on other projects and had no hesitation in using this for Battersea Power Station. It is absolutely perfect, is very solid and robust and does the job extremely well.” Intended purely for use on construction sites, the CE marked Cygnus system has been specifically designed for use in dense concrete and steel structured buildings and areas where there are many other radio frequencies in operation, and so particular attention has been given to achieving an impressive

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connection range. Where there are multiple sites within range of each other, the Cygnus system has been designed to operate on different site addresses in order to keep each system separate and free from interference. A major feature of the Cygnus system is the optional control panel. It provides a very sophisticated capability with an event log function recording events such as an alarm activation, low battery warning and signal faults – all of which can be viewed in the history folder held on the panel. The system also has the ability to test all units and has an evacuate function which will act as a call point to the rest of the alarm units. Each unit in the system can provide the panel with information at regular intervals. This explicit information confirms the unit is still present and what the battery status of each device is. Known as the ‘heart beat’ this message is monitored by the control panel and if it is not heard for several intervals, the control panel logs a fault status for that unit. A PIR option is now available on any of the modules which can detect an intruder and alert off-site personnel for added safety protection. Bull Products offers a full one-year guarantee on all Cygnus devices and provides high levels of technical, on-site and after-sales service support in addition to its standard maintenance contracts. q • Further information on the Cygnus wireless alarm system is available from Bull Products on 01432 371170, by emailing info@bullproducts.co.uk or by visiting the company’s website at www.bullproducts.co.uk.

Directors be aware [

THE CORPORATE MANSLAUGHTER and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 came into force on 6 April 2008 and targets the behaviour of companies but, in the prosecutions brought to date, senior management have found themselves in the dock alongside their companies. In any workplace death, juries will now be directed to consider how the fatal activity was managed or organised throughout the company, including any training, systems and processes for managing safety and how these were actually operated. You can now be convicted if it is proven that there was a gross breach of duty of care by senior management, instead of just one individual. Companies can be prosecuted under this Act if: • The way in which it managed or organised its activities causes a • death • There was a gross breach of duty of care • Part of the breach was caused by the way senior management • organised activities. With the introduction of this Act, enabling the prosecution of the company or organisation, in addition to the existing health and safety and criminal laws that enable prosecution of directors, board members, companies, senior managers and individuals, it is ever more important to ensure your top management are suitably trained and informed of the potential implications of a health and safety breach or failure and the best practice used to avoid them. There are a number of ways you can protect yourselves including increasing the health and safety training for all senior managers and directors. This training will make a difference if your company finds itself in the dock. To help protect senior managers and directors THSP Risk Management have launched their brand new IOSH Safety for Executives and Directors training course. This IOSH accredited course has been designed to provide managers and directors with all the information they need to help them effectively manage health and safety in their workplace. On completion of this course they should: • Understand the importance of strategic safety management and its • integration into other business management systems • Identify accident causes and plan for prevention through risk • assessment and control strategies • Know the consequences of failing to • manage health and safety effectively • Understand the importance of • consultation and communication • with employees on health and safety • issues • Understand the importance of • employee selection and the effect of • human factors on health and safety • Know the importance of • performance monitoring for continual • improvement of health and safety • management. This essential training course can be run for up to ten delegates at your premise for £895 plus VAT. Alternatively THSP offer open training courses at Victoria, London and Sandy, Bedfordshire, costing just £295 plus VAT per delegate. q • To find out more about THSP’s IOSH Safety for Senior Executives training course or any of their other health and safety courses please call the training team on 03456 122 144 or visit the website at www.thsp.co.uk. www.constructionnational.co.uk

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Considerate Constructors raise concerns over

drugs and alcohol [THE CONSIDERATE CONSTRUCTORS SCHEME (CCS) has launched

a campaign to raise awareness of the important issue of drugs and alcohol across the UK construction industry. The scheme’s new Spotlight on… campaign focuses on taking measures to protect and safeguard the entire workforce in relation to drugs and alcohol. In a statement the CCS said: “The need for attention and consideration could not be more of a priority than within the already safety-conscious construction industry. A recent survey of over 1,300 people working across the industry discovered that 59% have concerns over the effects of drugs and alcohol in construction.” The survey, conducted by the scheme in May, also revealed that: • 65% have never been tested for drugs and alcohol • 39% admitted the issue of drugs or alcohol could be better tackled in • their workplace • 35% have noticed their colleagues under the inﬂuence of drugs and alcohol • 25% agreed drugs or alcohol affected them at work through tiredness • 23% agreed it affected them through decreased attention during work • 19% agreed the affects made them less productive at work Many contractors, suppliers and clients in the industry undertake rigorous and regular measures to tackle the issue, including zero tolerance to drugs and alcohol, random testing and providing information through toolbox talks, site inductions and resources such as on-site posters. A number of contractors registered with the scheme have provided case studies on how they tackle the issue, which are all available on the scheme’s Best Practice Hub at ccsbestpractice.org.uk. Chief executive Edward Hardy said: “Maintaining a safe working

environment is of the utmost importance for any employer; this not only applies to the workforce, but also the surrounding public and anybody else who may be affected. “Spotlight on… drugs and alcohol is an essential read for everyone, as the scheme’s latest industry survey revealed 59% of respondents agree that drugs and alcohol are issues of concern. It is clear action must be taken across the industry to ensure workforce safety, health and wellbeing on sites and in companies throughout the UK.” To read Spotlight on…drugs and alcohol visit the website at ccsbestpractice.org.uk/spotlight-on/drugs-and-alcohol/. The Considerate Constructors Scheme is a non-profit-making, independent organisation founded in 1997 by the construction industry to improve its image. Construction sites, companies and suppliers voluntarily register with the scheme and agree to abide by the Code of Considerate Practice. The code commits those registered with the scheme to care about appearance, respect the community, protect the environment, secure everyone’s safety and value their workforce. q • For further information visit www.ccscheme.org.uk.

New legislation targets psychoactive substances By MICHALAKIS MICHAEL, Scientific Advisor at LGC

[ ON 26 MAY the Psychoactive Substances Act came into force

across the UK. Legislation covering the control of drugs already existed under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Under that Act the possession, distribution and manufacture of controlled drugs are illegal. All of the drugs are categorised as Class A, B, or C – reflecting the relative harms of a drug and the equivalent penalties. Although the 1971 Act incorporates a wide range of drugs, each controlled drug is specifically named to avoid confusion. Despite being thorough, the process required to add a new drug to the Act was also laborious and slow. Some industrious illicit drug suppliers took advantage of this weakness and started to manufacture drugs not listed in the Act, but which would give psychoactive experiences. That would mean that the compounds being sold were not captured by the 1971 Act and were therefore not illegal to manufacture, supply, distribute or possess – but would give the user psychoactive experiences. These compounds became known as ‘legal highs’ and are now known as new psychoactive substances (NPS). To try and stem the ever growing problem with NPS the UK Government introduced the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016. The Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 states that: • It is illegal to actively, or have the intent to, produce or supply • psychoactive substances. It excludes legitimate substances such • as food, alcohol, tobacco, nicotine, caffeine and medical • products. • The maximum sentence is seven years imprisonment • Controlled drugs will continue to be regulated by the Misuse of • Drugs Act 1971

• Exemptions will exist for healthcare activities and approved • scientific research The 2016 Act does not define specific substances but uses a generic term of ‘psychoactive’ compounds. A psychoactive substance is any substance intended for human consumption that produces a psychoactive effect. Neither the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 nor the Psychoactive Substance Act 2016 covers employment safety or impairment, or matters related to the use of the controlled substances. However, the HSE gives clear advice on the position of misuse of drugs in the workplace and cites a number of legislations that support their advice. These include the Road Traffic Act 1988, Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, and Transport and Works Act 1992.

Testing What has become clear is that traditional testing techniques are no longer suitable for the changing world where an increasing number of new drugs are being introduced onto the market. With over 100 new substances introduced in 2014 alone, the traditional methods are simply not able to keep up. It can take months – sometimes years – to introduce new drugs to these traditional testing protocols and they prove to be ineffective when trying to keep up with the changing pattern of drugs available to users. For a successful solution, cutting-edge drug screening methodology, coupled with experts with a track record in NPS and independent quality evaluation such as UKAS, form an essential package. q www.constructionnational.co.uk

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atoz construction national website

Welcome to our A to Z guide of the websites of some of the industry’s leading players. If you are one of our many online readers simply click on any of the logos listed below and you will be automatically directed to that company’s website. To get your company’s website listed on this page just give us a call on 0161 710 3880 or email ian@dmmonline.co.uk

Asta Powerproject BIM – affordable 4D planning

Cable Management Systems

Saving Time, Saving Money

Innovative Manufacturers of Adhesives, Grouts, Cements and Coatings

New & Used Portable & Modular Building Sales. • Alteration • Refurbs • Installation • Relocation

Online Tradesman Search Facility & Directory

Suppliers and Distributors of Scaffolding and Access Equipment

Construction Finance Specialists

Think Roofs, Think NFRC

High Speed 4G Wireless Broadband Routers

Working within the Construction Industry • Health & Safety Training • Roofing Training

Your partner for working safely at heights

www.astapowerproject.com/bim

www.competentroofer.co.uk

www.cotacabin.co.uk

www.scaffoldingsales.co.uk

www.nfrc.co.uk

www.nimrod-training.co.uk

www.constructionnational.co.uk

www.skyhook-gb.com

www.rotafix.co.uk

www.stockporttradesmen.com

www.ultimatefinance.co.uk

www.4grouter.co.uk

www.xsplatforms.com

New home sets new standards in care

MANOR GRANGE CARE HOME, EDINBURGH

[EDINBURGH’S LATEST state-of-the-art care facility for the elderly, Manor Grange Care Home, is set to open its doors to residents in October. Located in the prosperous Pinkhill area of Scotland’s capital, Manor Grange is pioneering a new standard of luxury living within a care home environment. The custom-built facility will provide nursing, residential and respite care for the elderly, in addition to specialist support for elderly people living with dementia. Featuring 83 en-suite bedrooms, a coffee area, cinema room, hair salon, private fine dining, library and gym, it will create an environment in which its team will provide the highest standard of all-inclusive care, 24 hours each day. The philosophy is to make life for residents as simple, straightforward and enjoyable as possible, within a luxurious and comfortable setting. The design and finish of the home is more akin to that of a five-star hotel. In developing Manor Grange a key consideration was to ensure that not only would it

become a home-from-home, but that it would also meet the needs of a new generation moving into care. In addition to impressive communal areas – including the main reception and café bar, lounges and dining rooms on each floor – each en-suite bedroom is furnished and decorated to an impeccable standard. Many rooms offer direct access onto the enclosed landscaped gardens and enjoy their own dedicated outdoor space and gardens. Other rooms feature stunning views over the nearby Carrick Knowe Golf Course.

Developing connectivity The main entrance space was a key focus for architects Yeoman McAllister. The desire for an open and inviting entrance space, combined with the objective of creating a communal hub which linked to other parts of the home – both visually and physically – saw the creation of a welcoming and practical

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space for visitors and residents alike. From that core it is possible to access not only the private bedroom wings but also all the shared areas which can be used by both residents and guests. The connectivity doesn’t end at the entrance space, either. To maintain the link throughout the home, from each level you can make a visual connection to the other, while the roof features large areas of glazing, allowing light to flood through the core at both levels.

Constructing for the future The building rests on pile foundations, with a concrete ground floor slab. The superstructure is a steel frame clad externally with a combination of render on block, with Trespa rain screen cladding and reconstituted stone – both Ashlar and ‘random rubble’. The flat roof is covered by a single-ply membrane. Curtain walling is used at the home’s main entrance, while the remaining windows and doors are double-glazed, with aluminium-clad timber frames. Environmentally, the building achieves all the relevant building standard requirements. Together with the design input from M&E specialist the Keenan Consultancy, Yeoman McAllister Architects looked to minimise the home’s

impact on the environment by using low-energy lighting throughout. In addition, the team also created assisted/passive perimeter stack ventilation in the corridors and heat stations in each bedroom, offering a complete solution for hot water and space heating with efficient energy transfer. The estimated total length of works is around 18 months, with a total project value approaching £10m, and Manor Grange Care Home LLP worked with a number of contractors to create their vision. In addition to Yeoman McAllister Architects, they worked with Just Imagine Contract Interiors to create the interior design. Just Imagine Interiors are specialists in interior design for dementia care homes, creating environments which encourage positive mental connections. Hart Builders were responsible for the building of the home. Established in 1954 and an integral part of the Cruden Group, Hart Builders delivers construction projects to the highest of standards throughout the Central, Lothians, Fife and Border areas of Scotland. Zeta Specialist Lighting, a UK-based developer and manufacturer of LED and solar-powered lighting systems, helped to provide a solution for the exterior signage, in partnership with signmakers Image Technique.

Excellence in care The team at Manor Grange will be led by director of care Joan Fraser, supported by home manager James Webb and a number of skilled staff. The opening of Manor Grange Care Home is set to create over 120 jobs for the local area. Manor Grange Care Home LLP director Paul Beaumont is extremely excited about the home’s opening and the impact it will make in the local area. Paul commented: “Not only will Manor Grange Care Home deliver a considerable amount of investment in the local area, it will also serve to address a recognised shortage of care beds across the Lothians, as well as opening up and improving a currently vacant site for wider community use. “We believe that the development of Manor Grange reflects the changing needs and expectations of caring environments. Our aim was always for Manor Grange to become an excellent example of a modern care home environment, and one which all others will look to in the future. “Our priority is to provide a high standard of living for each resident, ensuring they can make the most of every day through stimulating surroundings and a selection of activities, as well as excellence in care.” q

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Apply some logic to your energy consumption [TODAY’S PUBLIC and health care sectors

face many challenges. Alongside the need to make cost savings, there is legislative and stakeholder pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Many organisations have already taken steps to address both of these issues through the introduction of energy saving policies and measures. However, government legislation, together with its numerous commitments and targets, require continued reductions in order to make the transition to a truly low-carbon and sustainable economy. A key opportunity for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and associated costs lies within buildings. Non-domestic buildings account for around 18% of the UK’s carbon emissions and result in significant energy bills for the resident organisations. While new buildings are becoming increasingly efficient, 60% of today’s non-domestic buildings will still exist in 2050. Therefore organisations will need to improve the energy efficiency of existing building stock to respond effectively to both short and long-term greenhouse gas reduction targets.

Opportunities in non-domestic buildings Non-domestic buildings, especially care homes, must maintain comfortable working conditions for their occupants, ensuring they are warm enough in winter and cool enough in the summer. Heating, cooling and ventilation systems are, however, responsible for 57% of carbon emissions in those buildings and therefore represent a key target for emission reduction technologies. The energy consumption of these systems can be severely impacted by a building’s glazing. Heat loss through glazing can be responsible for one quarter of a building’s heating requirements in the winter, while solar heat gain through the glazing can be responsible for one third of its cooling requirements in the summer. In the past, most window films technology has focused on a summer solution via solar control. Now, EnerLogic window film from Llumar

addresses both summer heat gain and winter heat loss. As a result it can reduce total energy consumption – and therefore carbon emissions – by more than 10%.

How EnerLogic works EnerLogic’s low-emissivity (low e) coating – patent pending – reflects 93% of radiant energy back to its source, locking heat in the building in the winter and reducing heating system energy consumption. It upgrades single-pane windows almost to the performance level of double and double-pane windows to that of almost triple. EnerLogic also exhibits 75% total solar energy rejection. That substantially reduces the solar energy entering through the glazing in the summer, reducing cooling system energy consumption. That combination of solar energy rejection and high performance heat retention makes EnerLogic the market-leading energy-saving window film, providing savings in all seasons. In addition to its financial and environmental benefits EnerLogic also has other advantages which are important factors to consider in care homes. In relation to the comfort and well-being of residents, it offers reduced glare and temperature variations along with a 99% reduction in UV emissions – the latter not only protecting residents and staff but also reducing the fading of textiles and furnishings.

Potential energy savings The savings which a window film can achieve varies between buildings. They are primarily influenced by the building fabric – including glazing type and area – and the systems used to heat, cool and ventilate the buildings. Using building modelling software, an energy saving assessment can be prepared which calculates potential energy, cost and carbon savings for a specific installation. q

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Established charity opens new specialist home GRIFFITHS HOUSE, BRISTOL

[CREATING AN INVITING, safe and calm

home-from-home environment is an important factor in enabling those living with dementia to live life to the fullest. That is precisely the environment that has been created at Griffiths House â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a new, purpose-built, eight-bed residential care home on the outskirts of Bristol. Tucked away from surrounding main roads and benefiting from stunning views over the Bristol Channel, Griffiths House has been thoughtfully designed to provide a warm, bright, spacious, safe and secure environment for people living with dementia. It forms part of The Cote Charity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whose trustee is the Society of Merchant Venturers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and is situated alongside the well-established and respected Katherine House. Using sustainable materials and the latest technology, its innovative design offers wellequipped private bedrooms with specialist dementia furniture and lighting, and individually colour-coded doors to promote the recognition of surroundings. Furniture has been carefully chosen to meet the needs of older people, enhancing comfort and confidence. Wardrobes include vision panels in order to aid a resident's memory when looking for personal belongings. Each has an en-suite wet room, tiled to highlight the toilet and sink area, with contrasting toilet seats and grab rails and

with a mirror which can be tilted to hide a reflection if needed. A bright and welcoming communal lounge, a fully-equipped kitchen and a small salon that offers hairdressing and other therapeutic treatments all contribute to the home-from-home environment provided for residents. At the centre of Griffiths House is a large and purpose-designed communal space which allows natural light to permeate the surroundings, leading to an enhanced sense of well-being. Residents can move freely around, but can be safely monitored by staff, depending on their individual needs. Open space and an ambience of tranquillity are echoed in the exterior grounds, where

Griffiths House shares beautifully landscaped gardens with Katherine House. It is a safe and secure area which allows residents to sit quietly and relax, observing the local wildlife and taking in the smells and sights of this tranquil setting. The garden has been designed to allow the residents to use this space for calm and safe experience with a planting scheme to emphasise colours and fragrance. A team of specialist dementia care staff, led by experienced care home manager Vivienne Withers, offer a person-centred yet holistic approach to resident care with a particular emphasis on trust, empathy, respect and kindness as each individual is supported to retain their own identity. The construction of Griffiths House was project managed by Andrew Wilson Partnership and carried out by Saltford Construction. The services engineer was Keyplan Engineering, who specialise in the care home sector, having carried out projects for the St Monica Trust, whose endowment trustee is the Society of Merchant Venturers. q

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CUFFLEY MANOR, POTTERS BAR

Award-winning care group set the bar high [SITUATED IN A semi-rural environment in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, is Cuffley Manor – a new

residential home providing luxury accommodation for 60 residents. The home opened in August and is the newest addition to TLC Care Group’s estate. With accommodation set over five floors, Cuffley Manor strives to challenge views of how a traditional care environment looks and feels. The home takes advantage of leading-edge architecture to bring to fruition a totally refreshed idea about care. Private rooms and en-suite facilities provide excellent living comfort, while lounges and dining areas create a relaxing community environment. Interiors are tastefully designed and the thoughtful use of natural light softens the atmosphere to create a homely effect. Additional features such as a putting green, beauty and hair salons, shop, café, air-conditioned big-screen cinema and an old-style country pub are examples of how Cuffley Manor takes the idea of a care home to a new level. The home commands impressive views across the Hertfordshire countryside, with large, attractive, communal balconies on each floor, so residents can enjoy outdoor space throughout the year. To ensure resident safety the balconies offer their uninterrupted views by using glass surround. Each floor has a dining room and a comfortable and attractive TV lounge, together with a quieter themed lounge suitable for reading and designed to inspire and create interest. The landscaped gardens have resin anti-slip paths, which provide a safe environment to walk in, while raised flower beds help residents tend and create their own individual area. The design for Cuffley Manor was created by DWA Architects, who saw the project through from planning to completion. The firm have worked with the TLC Group on a number of other care homes, including the award-winning Karuna Manor and Camberley Manor. The Architects expressed the hope that Cuffley Manor can follow suit. The main contractors were Cuffe Plc. Again well experienced in the sector, Cuffe have also recently carried out contracts at St Thomas’s, the Royal Marsden and Charing Cross Hospitals, in addition to the Marie Curie Hospice in Hampstead. q

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London calling as expo showcases capital’s projects

[ OCTOBER SEES ATTENTION in the construction industry

focusing once more on the capital, as London Build 2016 opens its doors at Olympia. With much uncertainty besetting UK industry and many ups and downs in the construction sector, London is forging ahead. Housing in particular is under the spotlight at the event, taking place on 26-27 October. The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has given the green light to deliver 10,000 new homes on a 180-hectare brownfield site on the banks of the River Thames as part of the Barking Riverside masterplan. The project is part of a larger growth programme for the borough, which will include delivery of 45,000 new homes and 10,000 jobs over the next 10 years. Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, Cllr Darren Rodwell, will be joined by Andrew Boff, chair of the Housing Committee at the Greater London Authority, and Monika Slowikowska, board member of the House Builders Association, at a special Panel Discussion – Tackling the Housing Shortage – at 12 noon on 26 October. Said Cllr Rodwell: “We welcome the Mayor’s approval for Barking Riverside masterplan. This is a key part of the regeneration jigsaw, not just for Barking and Dagenham but for London as a whole.” Residential development will also be the focus of another Panel Discussion, this time in partnership with the LCCI. Showcasing London’s Largest Regeneration & Housing Developments will look at the £8.4bn housing development at Greenwich Peninsula, Old Oak and Park Royal regeneration, Nine Elms and New Covent Garden Market, Newham and Hallsville Quarter, Canning Town and the Thamesmead regeneration. They are just part of the comprehensive list of discussions and ‘summits’ that will accompany the 200-booth exhibition. Conference sessions will also be led by the London Chamber of Commerce, Chartered Institute of Building, Greater London Authority, Crossrail, Battersea Power Station and many more. Transport and infrastructure will form the other main focal point of the expo, with a Civil Engineering & Infrastructure Summit giving insight to London's major infrastructure development plans and the future of engineering. In addition, London Build is launching a wide range of fantastic features. They include an official PechaKucha night in the Architects Hub along with dedicated zones for sustainability, sponsored by the Carbon Trust, and skills development, supported by the CITB.

CPD-accredited workshop ﬂoors will provide over 30 hours of CPD training from a wide range of industry experts. The BIM Summit will feature a BIM VIP Networking Lunch and conference sessions discussing BIM implementation, achievements and expectations for BIM Level 2. It’s not all serious, though. It couldn’t be October without the construction industry’s first-ever Oktoberfest Beer Festival, providing an opportunity to network, unwind and have fun! The first day of the show will come to a climax with the London Construction Awards and Jimmy Carr comedy evening: a prestigious Gala Dinner featuring London's leading construction awards ceremony with world-class entertainment from the renowned funny man. London Build is the leading construction expo exclusively for the construction industry in London and the South of England. It is attended by thousands of movers and shakers in the UK’s construction industry, from contractors, developers, government, architects, local councils and property developers to suppliers, solution providers and more. It forms part of a series of shows mounted by exhibition specialists Oliver Kinross and is supported by Construction National as a media partner. Magazine staff will be on hand to hand out copies and make new friends. q

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Industry leading product range meets clients’ demands [

IN RECENT YEARS Avantgarde FM has developed its product range to meet the demands of it clients – and one of the areas that has undergone the most redevelopment is the technical aspect. As the company specialises in providing services to the construction industry, unique challenges were faced and overcome in designing and producing the products their clients required. At the forefront of Avantgarde FM’s product range is its industry leading CCTV rapid deployment tower. The V360 tower stands at an impressive 6m tall and boasts the latest HD CCTV camera with infrared imaging as standard. Its robust base contains a digital video recorder allowing up to a month of reviewable footage, back up battery supply to ensure on going CCTV coverage even in a power out and wheels for easy installation and re-deployment. The tower’s 4G connectivity allows for remote viewing through the app and by the company’s ACS monitoring partners. Whatever your site demands are, Avantgarde FM’s CCTV solutions can meet them. In addition to CCTV, Avantgarde FM can also provide an access control solution that allows you to monitor and control site

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access during working hours. The V-Stile access control system has custom designed software to allow close monitoring of who is accessing your site, primarily using CSCS card information for fast uploading of staff details. Registration is instant and can be set up before staff arrive on site. Reports are also easily obtained from the secure cloud allowing your Co2 footprint and Breeam status to be easily monitored along with payroll information. Access is gained by a state of the art fingerprint reader that is designed to read a person’s fingerprint even if their hands are cold, wet or dirty. The V-Stile system can be installed so as to meet site requirements whether it be a compact desk top connect case or self-contained module. Full training is given on registering staff and reporting. To complete the company’s product range, they can supply your site with a wireless fire evacuation system. Easily installed, it will not impede on the development of the site but will provide the safety and security of a monitored fire evacuation system. With a wide range of call points, sounders and detectors available, along with an easy to use

control panel, the V-Fire system is the ideal addition to any site, large or small. All of Avantgarde’s products will be on display and available for demonstration at London Build 2016 Expo on Stand F91. q

App brings mobile technology to building surveys [

HAVE YOU EVER thought about managing a complete building survey on your iOS or Android mobile device? Can you imagine a professional floor plan created on your smartphone? From now on, you can do it. Established in Hungary in 2004, OrthoGraph Ltd provides building survey solutions on mobile platforms to those who need to map out and measure buildings and architectural spaces quickly and accurately. The company has won several awards and serves users around the globe from all sectors of the architecture, engineering and construction industry. In October, OrthoGraph launched a renewed app – OrthoGraph I – which promises to bring a new dimension to building surveys. By using OrthoGraph I you can forget pencil, paper and inaccurate drawings with too much information on them. You need only your iOS/ Android mobile device and the app to make professional floor plans in a fast and accurate way. Draw and set walls with simple touches; measure walls and diagonals as you go; get calculations on site easily. Save long hours of manually loading survey results into your CAD software – OrthoGraph I is compatible with most CAD platforms, so you don’t need to worry about data loss anymore! By using OrthoGraph I you build BIM models, which can be exported into the main large-scale desktop file formats, such as IFC and DXF, with just a simple touch, to be emailed to your desktop or even to your clients. To be extremely effective, combine OrthoGraph I with a Leica DISTO D2, which is the best DISTO choice for indoor measurements – small in size with high performance and flip-out end piece. That allows you to measure all corners and diagonals with speed and with the highest accuracy – and you’ll no longer need another colleague to support your survey. It’s all there on your mobile device. Plus, OrthoGraph I’s drawing and measurement functionality is free to use – you can sketch rooms, make measurements and furnish your floor plan – there

is even a proposal to preview your plans in 3D. You only need to pay for the results you use – project saving, on-site reports or 3D walkthrough. If you subscribe to use the service you can choose the weekly ticket or the monthly or annual plan. Are you curious about OrthoGraph I? Take part in the webinar on 22 November 2016, 3:30 CET to see how the application works, and get a chance to win a Leica Disto with an OrthoGraph I-ARCHLine.XP package. For more information visit orthograph.net/webinar. q • Meet OrthoGraph at London Build 2016 – they will be at Stand E50. For further information visit www.orthograph.net and cloud.orthograph.net, email info@orthograph.net or call +44 20 3411 9438.

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Psst! G4S can construct your security solution Through 35 years of protecting construction sites, critical national infrastructure, multiple industry sectors and any other kind of vulnerable entity, G4S Secure Solutions has built an extensive repertoire of security philosophies and proficiencies. Our bespoke range of products and services have met the needs of more than 6,000 multifarious clients, including – and not limited to - the deployment of security officers, monitoring, installation and maintenance of CCTV, life safety systems and turnstiles.

Our bespoke products and services include: Security Systems:

Site Security:

Life Safety:

• CCTV

• Manned Guarding

• Fire Detection and Alarm

• Access Control

• Canine

• Disabled Refuge

• Visitor Management

• Monitoring

• Fire Suppression Systems

• Perimeter Protection

• Mobile Guarding

• Air Aspirating System

• Intruder Detection

• CCTV Smart Towers

• Intercom

• Access Control – • Turnstiles & Barriers

• Public Address & Voice • Alarm (PAVA)

• Gates & Barriers • Turnstiles & Speed Gates

Our award winning Fire and Security Services team epitomises excellence through a track record of unrivalled customer service and support. We work closely with our suppliers in order to proudly offer our clients products and services which are specifically tailored, efficient and incontestably cost effective – hence why we are suited protectors of construction sites. Our G4S trained engineers, combined with our cutting edge technology and high class manpower, are a force to be reckoned with.

You may not realise, but as a leading integrator G4S has over 50 ‘Best in Class’ product partnerships, 70 engineers in the UK, a fully accredited monitoring station, fire design centre and 24/7 customer service centre. With our history, we understand the construction market. We understand that we must maximise efficiencies and minimise costs - whilst maintaining an effective security solution. Our dedicated project teams and security technology design team are constantly innovating our integrated solutions, providing our clients with state-of-the-art technology to protect their assets, premises and people. Our clients are at the forefront of our priorities. It is our duty to support them at every step of the process from design to installation and on-going maintenance.

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TV star hosts a most awarding evening [

THE EVENING OF 26 OCTOBER will see the return of the leading and most prestigious construction awards in London – following a successful inaugural ceremony at The O2 last year. The London Construction Awards, which were free to enter for companies working on any construction project across London and the South East of England, are impartially judged by a panel of industry experts. They will be presented at a prestigious Gala Dinner on at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington, with over 500 leading figures in the London construction industry in attendance. The London Construction Awards will feature a three-course meal and entertainment from none other than TV star comic Jimmy Carr. Fresh from ‘doing Countdown’, Jimmy will be presenting his special Comedy Evening. Other stand-up and London-based acts will be performing at the interval of the awards.

The judges this year include senior representatives from Balfour Beatty Construction Services UK, Bouygues UK, CBRE, Chartered Institute of Building, CIC, Futureworks, John McCall Architects, K10, KPMG, Lendlease, Mace Group, Ramboll UK and Skanska UK. Categories include the London Build Excellence Award, Sustainable Construction Award, Regeneration Project of the Year, Contractor of the Year, Supplier of the Year, Project Design of the Year, Marketing Initiative of the Year, Health and Safety Solution of the Year and Apprenticeship Scheme of the Year. There are also three awards for Innovation of the Year: in Manufacturing, Software and Materials. q

It’s ever onwards and upwards for contractor compliance scheme [LEGISLATION IS PLACING an ever-increasing burden on organisations

to ensure the health and safety competency of contractors, so it is vital to have a reliable system in place to assess the suitability of arrangements made by service providers while they are on clients’ premises. With more than 300 clients and over 27,000 contractor members, Alcumus SafeContractor is one of the fastest growing health and safety assessment schemes in the UK. The scheme enables businesses to reduce risk by establishing and maintaining a compliant, approved contractor list, ensuring that their supply chain is compliant by identifying and flagging perceived risks before any work takes place. As well as highlighting health and safety risks, the scheme provides businesses with a full audit trail to prove that participating companies are meeting legal requirements. Members also have access to a benefits package that includes trade discounts and insurance advice. Alcumus SafeContractor is the new name of Safecontractor, which has undergone a strategic rebranding by new owner Alcumus. It was recently acquired as part of Alcumus’s takeover of Santia Consulting, the scheme’s previous owner. Alcumus SafeContractor is now part of a risk management portfolio servicing 32,000 clients and users worldwide. Martin Smith, CEO of Alcumus Group said: “Our business has grown through a number of successful acquisitions and our pedigree, products and services can be tracked back over 30 years. The acquisition and subsequent rebrand of Alcumus SafeContractor unites the businesses under one strong umbrella brand and helps to develop a new, differentiated identity in the minds of customers, investors, competitors and other stakeholders.”

Since June, as the brand has taken on its fresh new look, Alcumus has been supporting members of the scheme by supplying branding toolkits comprising new promotional logo stickers, certificates and artwork for letterheads. All the information needed by existing participants or those wanting to join is available from their London Build stand. q

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Understanding and remediating Japanese knotweed

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LONDON BUILD 2016 is the leading, and indeed the only, construction exhibition to focus exclusively on construction opportunities in London and the South East of England. The event organisers, Oliver Kinross Ltd, were keen to have the Japanese knotweed remediation industry represented, and so Japanese Knotweed Ltd are happy to be exhibiting at the event on Stand F10. Japanese Knotweed Ltd are the UK’s largest Japanese knotweed eradication company and are a PCA accredited contractor. The exhibition stand, manned by experienced professionals, will provide an informative insight to the problem of knotweed and to the solutions for dealing with it. The company can help property/land owners and developers to be aware of the impact that the presence of Japanese knotweed can have. It can cause structural damage – this is relatively rare, but it does present a significant loss of amenity use to a property. The ground containing living or chemically treated knotweed is contaminated by the plant’s rhizome. If this ground is disturbed, the plant can grow and spread. If the same ground is removed from site, it is classed as controlled waste under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

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Property owners and developers therefore need to be aware, and they have a duty of care in the correct management, treatment and disposal of this contaminate. For construction companies, if ground containing Japanese knotweed is planned for disturbance under development, then in nearly all cases it will require instant eradication by way of excavation. Japanese Knotweed Ltd work with their clients to devise the most effective and economic method of remediation, utilising either on or off site disposal of knotweed waste. For property owners it’s important that Japanese knotweed on their land is identified and controlled, to ensure that it doesn’t impact on neighbouring land. Conversely, it’s important to identify any knotweed encroachment risk from neighbouring land/property as early as possible. Japanese Knotweed Ltd has vast experience in the identification, management, control and treatment of this non-native invasive plant and can help individuals or companies in its eradication. q • For further information call 0333 241 4413, email info@knotweed.co.uk or visit www.japaneseknotweed.co.uk.

New product marks 30 years of innovation [THIS YEAR SEES Warrington-based Acrypol

Products Ltd celebrate its 30th anniversary in business. But the market-leading manufacturer of cold-applied liquid waterproofing and slip-resistant coatings is not resting on its laurels. The company is continuing to innovate and has launched a brand new product onto the market. Acrypol already boasts an impressive range of industry-renowned products, such as Acrypol+, Nu-Life, System 15, Quartzdek, System 10 and Metal-Kote. All provide ideal, cost-efficient

methods of repairing failing roofs or walkways to their original standard. The company has now added Ultra by Acrypol to that range. Combining a single coat application with 21st century technology, it is ideal for tackling gutters and flat roofs and can be applied without the need for a reinforcing mesh. Ultra can provide complete protection for up to 20 years. Acrypol’s range of reliable waterproofing products can be applied to all roofs and surfaces. They are proven to prevent water

leakage and protect against all weather elements, with long-lasting results. It’s no wonder then, that they were named Waterproofing Solutions Firm of the Year in the 2016 Sustainable Building Awards. It follows success in Build magazine’s Construction & Engineering Awards, where they won the title ‘Best for Structural Waterproof Coatings in the UK’. Acrypol products have been used to great effect in numerous high-profile housing refurbishment projects – including at Llys Tylcha Fawr in South Wales, where the Quartzdek coating was used to add slip resistance to staircases and walkways, and the Sunningdale Estate in Preston, where Nu-life was applied to the roofs. The company also boasts a long list of commercial premises that have benefitted from its products. It is confidently anticipated that Ultra by Acrypol will add to this impressive list of achievements. In addition to supplying its unequalled range of products, Acrypol is able to provide complete site survey, specification and quotation services for the supply and application of those products via its specialist Contract Service Division. Here Acrypol’s quality workmanship and site experience comes to the fore, ensuring the right product is used for every job. All work is carried out to the highest standard and is backed up by a five, ten or 15-year product guarantee, depending on the product and specification. q

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Chemical expertise and customer service combine to deliver the goods [

ONE OF THE familiar presences at this year’s London Build show will be Fosroc. Founded on long expertise in chemical engineering, Fosroc’s broad range of products includes waterproofing, sealants, concrete repair, grouts and anchors, and concrete admixtures. The Fosroc brand has become synonymous with innovative engineered solutions in the construction sector, delivering world-class, chemical-based products and materials to new build and refurbishment projects worldwide. In the UK Fosroc operates across a broad crosssection of markets, supplying infrastructure projects, stadia, industrial sites and power plants – as well as high-rise construction and refurbishment projects. What sets Fosroc apart, however, is its capacity to respond to challenges that require innovative, tailored solutions. Working together with architects, structural engineers, contractors and owners the company formulates products that are not only fit for purpose, but also meet and exceed standards in safety, sustainability and performance.

That was exactly how Fosroc developed its new, rapid-curing Thioflex 555 runway joint sealant. Working in collaboration with applicators and end customers, the company’s team developed a product which can seal more metres in less time, saving time and money in airside closures. Fosroc’s National Sales Manager, Tim Mole explained: “At Fosroc we don’t just strive to perfect our products, we take a broad approach to projects. Working closely with clients to build partnerships, we aim to eliminate inefficiencies, manage risk and add value to projects by providing specialist advice and technical support across the entire supply chain. “By being integral to the design, specification and project scheduling stages, we are able to formulate bespoke solutions that are not only time and cost effective, but safe, sustainable and long-lasting. Our involvement at an early stage in these crucial conversations costs nothing, but can be invaluable in the end.” That approach underpins their successful partnerships in major construction projects,

such as Crossrail’s Victoria Dock. Following initial discussions with the design teams and client, Fosroc’s highly experienced staff produced a waterproofing solution using Supercast PVC waterstop and Supercast SW hydrophilic waterbar. Other materials, including special Supercast PVC angles, were hand-made at the company’s Tamworth manufacturing plant. After passing the scrutiny of the Crossrail approvals team the materials were used on the project’s C340 phase and subsequently on other rail projects. Support was also given to the installing contractor, including presenting a series of ‘toolbox talks’, which included full training on the materials and equipment to be used. Marcin Nowak, C340 project manager for Taylor Woodrow, commented: “The Fosroc brand is always taken under consideration, due to the quality which follows it on both materials and documentation.” q • You can visit Fosroc on Stand C61 at London Build 2016 or for further information visit the website at www.fosroc.com.

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Flowcrete UK takes new product ranges on tour

Flowcrete UK will be showcasing their recently unveiled Comfort Resins collection (left) and new line of polished concrete systems (right) at both London Build and Scotland Build events

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THIS YEAR FLOWCRETE UK will be presenting its new range of polished concrete systems to the nation’s construction industry, displaying it at both London Build (Stand C64) and Scotland Build (Stand D47). At the two shows Flowcrete UK will be giving attendees a sneak peek into its new polished concrete and coloured screeds range as well as showcasing its recently unveiled Comfort Resins collection. In fact, the resin-flooring manufacturer will be delivering a presentation on polished concrete during London Build to inform attendees about the possibilities and practicalities of this type of flooring material as well as what they can expect from Flowcrete UK’s new line of polished concrete systems. The entire event and presentation will be live streamed on the @ flowcrete Twitter account for anyone who can’t make it on the day. At 12pm on day two of London Build, Alan Dean, Flowcrete UK’s sales director, will host a 50-minute CPD workshop entitled ‘The World of Polished Concrete’. The CPD will provide an overview of concrete technology, outline the benefits of this flooring material and how it compares to other floor finishes as well as explain the proper specification and application processes of polished concrete. Flowcrete will also be showcasing its recently launched Comfort Resins range at both shows. This range has been developed to provide the designers of commercial and public facilities with floor finishes that combine design with comfort and care. The Comfort Resins collection consists of four self-smoothing and flexible polyurethane coatings (Peran Comfort, Peran CHD, Flowshield Comfort and Flowshield CHD) that are ideal for creating durable, seamless and easy to clean surfaces.

The durability of the range’s polyurethane formulation means that every system is able to withstand intensive foot traffic and rigorous cleaning as well as the daily scuffs, stains and scratches that floors in busy environments are exposed to. This is a particular issue within the public and commercial sectors, as it is imperative in facilities such as hospitals, schools and shopping centres that the floor retains a hygienic, visually appealing surface despite a variety of challenging operating conditions. Resistance to UV light has been built into the Comfort Resins collection and the low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) content in each floor makes them a sustainable choice. At London Build Flowcrete will be highlighting its new partnership with the London based architects studio, Materials Lab. Located at 10 Great Titch Street, Materials Lab provides a space for architects and interior designers to immerse themselves in surface coverings of every kind - and now a variety of Flowcrete’s decorative resin solutions will be joining the studio’s extensive collection of inspirational resources. Now customers at Materials Lab will be able to browse products including the seamless resin terrazzo range Mondéco, the resin bound gravel system Naturewalk Pave, the exceptionally scratch-resistant epoxy Flowshield FX as well as the polished concrete and Comfort Resins systems unveiled at London Build. q • Head to Flowcrete UK’s London Build stand (C64) or Scotland Build stand (D47) for all this as well as even more on its wide range of solutions, such as samples of its Mondéco and fast curing Flowfast systems.

FLOWCRETE UK LTD The Flooring Technology Centre, Booth Lane, Sandbach, Cheshire CW11 3QF Tel: 01270 753000 Fax: 01270 753333 Email: uk@flowcrete.com

www.flowcrete.co.uk 54

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Expo series makes welcome

return to Glasgow [

WITH LITTLE TIME to draw breath from London Build, the Oliver Kinross series of regional construction industry expos travels north to Scotland’s major industrial hub to present the view from across the border. In just one major hit Scotland Build has established itself as the leading event to cover construction opportunities north of the border. After a very successful event last year, Scotland Build will return to Glasgow’s SECC on 23-24 November, doubling in size and featuring over 150 international exhibitors, showcasing the latest projects, developments, investment and opportunities. As with all of the Oliver Kinross series of city-based construction exhibitions, Scotland Build will be accompanied by a two-day conference examining all the major issues facing the industry in Scotland, together with a wealth of CPDaccredited workshops. New ‘Focus Zones’ will include an Architects Zone, a Market Intelligence Zone, a Skills Hub and many more. The Expo is attended by all the key players in the Scottish construction industry, including architects, contractors, developers, government and solution providers. As is the case throughout the UK, the major issues facing the construction industry are housing, infrastructure and energy supply. Those priorities will be reflected at Scotland Build by a number of specialist seminar sessions. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon recently announced the upcoming Programme for Government to MSPs at Holyrood, with updates on significant investment across those very three issues. Over the course of the life of the present Parliament, almost £20bn will be invested in major infrastructure projects, over £3bn will be invested in affordable housing and a new Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Programme (SEEP) will start in 2018, accompanied by regulation focused on improving the longterm energy efficiency of the current building stock. That theme will be reflected at Scotland Build with a number of seminar sessions. Patrick Flynn, head of housing and regeneration at Glasgow City Council, will lead a Panel Discussion on A Collaborative Approach to Tackle the Housing Crisis, at 2.05pm on 23 November. Scotland is uniquely placed in the UK to lead the way in sustainability and renewable energy. A number of sessions will address those issues, led by experts in the field. They include a Panel Discussion on Sustainability in Scotland’s Build Environment – Supporting Europe’s Sustainability Plans and a series of presentations on offshore wind and tidal power. The Architects’ Zone will be an exclusive area for architects to engage, learn, network and be inspired! A Project Wall will showcase the latest projects from a wide range of established and emerging architects from Scotland. BIM will also figure large, with a number of sessions offering advice. In common with the series of regional construction expos from Oliver Kinross, Scotland Build will also feature the successful series of Meet the Buyer sessions and seminars on training and design. Marking the culmination of the first day of the show, the Scottish Construction Awards will recognise the achievements by those that have played a defining role in delivering exceptional quality, innovation and service and in driving the industry forwards. Not to be outdone by London Build’s Oktoberfest, this year’s Scotland Build will feature the Scottish construction industry's very own Beer & Whisky Festival on 23 November. As with London Build, Construction National will be acting as a media partner for Scotland Build, with staff on hand to introduce new friends to the publication. q www.constructionnational.co.uk

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Pioneers in boiler technology [

DUTCH MANUFACTURER, INTERGAS HEATING, has always been a pioneering company and, in 1989, launched its first condensing boiler in the Netherlands. In fact, the Netherlands was also the first country to take the energy efficiency credentials of this boiler seriously, and sales soared, propelling Intergas into pole position as the leading brand in condensing boiler technology.

A challenge that changed boiler technology for ever In the early 1990s, Intergas senior engineer Harry Bosscher developed an energy efficient boiler replacement to the unreliable open vent stoves and Geyser-style water heaters prevalent in Dutch properties at the time. It featured the ground-breaking back-to-back, two-in-one heat exchanger. With only four moving parts (there are only 12 components in total in every boiler) and eliminating the need for a diverter valve, valve motor, hot water plate heat exchanger and auto air vent, it meant that installation, servicing and maintenance would be relatively problem-free. Although the heat exchanger carries a ten-year warranty, since its introduction almost 20 years ago not one heat exchanger has suffered a mechanical breakdown. Harry is now the company’s chief executive. The boiler’s ability to condense 100% of the time in both hot water and central heating modes improves energy efficiency, as does the almostzero stand-by losses. In the Netherlands, where the Intergas HRE combis have been used in social housing schemes since 1996, energy savings of at least 15% are routinely being made and carbon emissions reduced by the same amount.

features that have made the HRE a stand-out boiler. Now, with its new smartphone app called Intouch, installers will be able to revolutionise their customer service capability and increase sales. Via a free smartphone app (there are both installer and consumer apps) which can be downloaded from App Store and Google Play, installers can now monitor the boiler performance of every ECO RF boiler they’ve ever installed. They can also change their parameter settings and receive real-time updates on possible faults from wherever they are in the world. This precise and relevant information makes keeping in touch with customers more meaningful – installers can advise on maintenance issues, provide updates on boiler performance and introduce new products or upgrades. They will need to install the Intouch system to a customer’s Intergas ECO RF and download the free app. The Intouch system comprises LAN2RF gateway, ethernet cable, installation manual, mains adapter, fixings and the Honeywell Round room thermostat. The customer’s free Intouch app turns their smartphone into a smart thermostat enabling them to manage the central heating controls remotely. Stephen Zouch, UK managing director Intergas Heating, added: “We are a small manufacturer in the UK, but we have a very special range of boilers that deliver energy efficiency on an unprecedented scale.” q • For further information visit the website at www.intergasheating.co.uk or call 01527 888000.

Intergas punches above its weight Intergas may be a relatively small company, but it is certainly punching above its weight. This October Intergas was recommended by Which? magazine. One of its Trusted Traders heating engineers had this to say: “This is a brilliant boiler. The build quality is top notch and there is much less to go wrong.” In April its biggest selling boiler, the HRE, was named H&V News Domestic Product of the Year 2016. The judges said it was: ‘… genuinely innovative, with a low maintenance configuration, innovative controls and imaginative design.’ Innovation comes in the form of the boiler’s revolutionary heat exchanger which promotes longevity. Imagination is demonstrated by its flexibility as it can be converted to heat only, sealed system, open vent, open vent combi and a multipoint water heater – that’s five products from one boiler. It can easily be configured to work with wired and wireless systems, analogue and digital and, due to the unique design of the heat exchanger, the homeowner will still have hot water even if the pump fails.

New app improves customer service The recent addition to the range, the ECO RF, with its remote monitoring facility, thanks to software built in to each boiler, gives you the ability to be predictive in servicing and maintenance. It keeps first-time fix rates high and wasted call-outs low, while retaining all the

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Sports venues feature among high-profile partition projects

[A 26M-HIGH ACOUSTIC WALL dividing

the landmark Crystal Hall in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, was one of the most spectacular partitions created by Hampshire-based PJS Solutions. The huge wall was built in a competitive build programme of just three weeks for the inaugural European Games in 2015. It was the latest in a series of projects undertaken by the company at major sporting events. Others have included the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympics and the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games. PJS Solutions install extremely high, robust fire-rated acoustic partitions throughout the UK and in selected international locations. Typically they build partitions from 10m up to 30m-high – structurally engineered to withstand high

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internal wind loading pressure and tested up to a two-hour fire rating. All large global projects are considered but most projects are within the UK. PJS Solutions’ partition systems have many properties. They include continuously achieving competitive fire, acoustic and thermal ratings, robust construction, economical options, the use of recycled materials and a selection of finish options. No hot rolled steels or foundations are required and the company pride themselves on providing a quick installation time. They have also worked in sports halls, biomass plants and energy from waste centres, water works, industrial buildings, shopping centres and commercial buildings. A spokesperson commented: “We always aim to be professional and endeavour to find a

solution fitted for your requirements. We value every enquiry that comes to us and always aim to respond as soon as possible.” q • For further information visit the website at www.pjssolutions.co.uk.

Meet a global player in fire detection [ OPERATING ACROSS SIX CONTINENTS, Fike Corporation is

a globally-recognised supplier of products and services that protect people, critical assets and facilities from a number of hazards, such as fire. With over 65 years of experience in manufacturing safety solutions, Fike has grown into a truly global company. That growth is based on three key principles: innovation, quality, and customer service. All the company’s products and services are designed to meet or exceed customer and industry standards and are technologically advanced, fast and flexible. From a sophisticated fire alarm system to early warning detection, Fike has the right fire alarm solution at a cost that can fit any budget. A highly-trained customer and technical service team deliver quick answers to all product, capability and technical questions. Fike’s broad range of fire alarm products that are designed for markets requiring European approvals include: • TWINFLEX – a smart, two-wire fire alarm system incorporating the • Multipoint ASD combined smoke and heat detector, with optional • built-in sounder and strobe (pictured) • Duonet® and Quadnet® – multi-loop, networked intelligent • addressable systems (NIAS) providing cost-effective and reliable • solutions for a wide variety of fire detection applications • Multipoint Detector – advanced multi-criteria detection technology • with seven modes of detection in one device • SigniFire video image flame and smoke detection – the state-of-the-art, • camera-based SigniFire detection system visually detects the presence • of fire or smoke at its source, independent of airflow in the area • Suppression – inert gas and clean agent fire suppression systems that • are effective, easy-to-use and safe for people, key assets, facilities and • the environment

Fires can – and do – occur and Fike has the right fire protection to meet the needs of any business and any budget. But it’s not just about the products – it’s the people that make the difference. No matter what the application, Fike works with the customer to provide innovative solutions, quality made products and outstanding service. They also offer free training on all of their products to ensure each customer gets the most from the company’s fire protection solutions. q • Visit Fike Safety Technology on Stand C49 at Scotland Build 2016.

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Icopal adds to its expanding portfolio of roofing solutions

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WITH 160 YEARS EXPERIENCE in the roofing and waterproofing sector, specialising in building protection from the roof right down to the basement, Icopal remains a recognised and respected industry leader. From Icopal’s UK headquarters in Manchester and through its national network of over 2,000 stockists, the company offers the UK’s most complete range of construction membranes, support services and insured roofing guarantees. Present throughout Europe and the United States, and currently operating out of 35 production sites and 95 ofﬁces, Icopal uses state-ofthe-art production technology and holds unique track records in innovation and customer satisfaction. In April 2016 Icopal was acquired by GAF, North America’s largest roofing manufacturer, thus creating the largest manufacturer in the global roofing industry. With a shared focus on manufacturing excellence, strong customer service and innovation, Icopal and GAF are an ideal cultural fit, offering a world-class service to their combined client base. As a company, Icopal is proud of its strong environmental credentials. It actively promotes the recycling of its products wherever possible in order to minimise the use of raw materials and energy in the development and

production of roofing and waterproofing solutions. This means that many of its products already meet, and often exceed, environmental standards and are recognised by many of the industry bodies promoting excellence in this field. As sustainable construction practices become increasingly mainstream, Icopal is ideally positioned to offer architects and developers the products they need to satisfy evolving environmental standards and meet the increasingly informed sustainability expectations of building users. The new Decra Noxite tile is a case in point. Combining the durability and lightweight design of the popular Decra Classic tile with the depolluting technology of the Noxite membrane, Icopal now offers the best of both worlds. Icopal introduced the flat roofing membrane Noxite in 2010 to help combat the harmful effects of NOx – an air pollutant which is particularly prevalent in urban areas due to the gas created during fuel combustion in car engines. Since then, Noxite has been installed on many sites and continues to convert NOx pollution into harmless nitrates, as validated by the British Board of Agrément (BBA). Now, with Decra Noxite, pitched roof applications can also enjoy the same environmental benefits that Noxite provides flat roofing. As with the rest of the Decra range, Decra Noxite matches the aesthetics of concrete tiles but delivers the same weight savings and increased security that Decra tiles have done for the last forty years. Decra roof tiles also outperform other lightweight roof systems. Much like the Decra Classic tile, the new Decra Noxite tile is totally dry fixed throughout and contoured to provide a strong, interlocking roof covering. Other benefits that are identical to the original tile include its resistance to the elements, speed of installation and reduced transportation costs. These have proven to be significant advantages for modular construction. With installation time being significantly faster than traditional roof tiles, labour costs are reduced too, meaning that it won’t cost any more to give something back to the environment. With a comprehensive range of products already on the market, Decra Noxite is an extremely valuable addition to Icopal’s expanding portfolio of roofing solutions, offering important benefits from both design and environmental perspectives. q • For further information on Icopal visit www.icopal.co.uk and for further information on Decra visit www.decra.co.uk. www.constructionnational.co.uk

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Awards recognise excellence in Scottish construction

[THE SCOTLAND CONSTRUCTION AWARDS return to the SECC on

23 November to recognise achievements, developments and innovation within the country’s booming construction industry. They feature a wide range of categories for solution providers, contractors, architects, developers and local authorities. This year, for the first time, there will be a joint voting system for the flagship Scotland Build Excellence Award. This award celebrates the best that Scotland has to offer and is an opportunity for any company or individual to cement their reputation as a purveyor of excellence. The award will be voted for by both the judging panel and by the wider Scottish

construction industry, who will have the opportunity to vote via Twitter. The other categories follow the pattern established last year. They are the Sustainable Construction Award, Regeneration Project of the Year, Contractor of the Year, Supplier of the Year, Project Design of the Year, Marketing Initiative of the Year, Health and Safety Solution of the Year and Apprenticeship Scheme of the Year. There are also three awards for Innovation of the Year: in Manufacturing, Software and Materials. All awards are free to enter and are impartially judged by a panel of industry experts. Complimentary drinks and canapés will be provided. Entries close on 20 October. q

ISO-CHEMIE’S tapes seal it at Scotland Build [

THE LATEST GENERATION of high performance sealing solutions for the building sector will feature on the stand (D48) of ISO-CHEMIE, one of Europe’s leading suppliers of foam sealant tapes, at Scotland Build 2016. Among the products will be the recently launched ISO-BLOCO WIN2WALL multi-level sealing tape, which combines excellent performance with competitive cost and is designed for sealing the perimeter joint between windows, doors and walls in most UK buildings. This tape can be used to seal gaps from 2 mm to 8 mm, accommodating the vast majority of UK window installations, and comes in two widths to provide extra thermal insulation equivalent to A Rated (40mm tape) or A+ and A++ windows (65 mm tape). Also on display will be ISO-BLOCO ONE and ISO-BLOCO 600 foam sealant tapes alongside ISO-BLOCO FILLER, which provides a fast and cost-effective solution for sealing the cavity wall and weatherproofing the window in a check reveal situation. ISO-CHEMIE’s VARIO SD and XD humidity regulating foils will also feature. Peter Thompson, general manager UK for ISO-CHEMIE, said the exhibition will showcase the performance benefits of the company’s cost saving sealing solutions for Scotland’s building sector. He said: “We can prove how we can assist builders to meet quality, insulation and air tightness standards, without harming the environment. We have the products that do exactly this, making them suitable for new build, selfbuild and even Passivhaus timber frame constructions.” ISO-CHEMIE is one of Europe’s main producers of impregnated foam sealants, specialising in the manufacturer of foam

ISO-CHEMIE’s ISO-BLOCO WIN2WALL will be a central feature at Scotland Build 2016 products from polyethylene (EPE), polypropylene (EPP) and polyurethane (PUR) using the latest production techniques. The company’s UK technical and distribution operation is supported by a dedicated logistics service to ensure customer orders are completed as quickly and efficiently as possible, usually with next-day delivery. q • For further information visit the website at www.iso-chemie.co.uk. www.constructionnational.co.uk

www.constructionnational.co.uk

Scotland’s lead in renewables

takes centre stage [

RENEWABLE ENERGY is an area of infrastructure development in which Scotland has a particular lead. From the establishment of leading turbine producers in the noughties to major offshore developments in recent years, Scotland has been at the forefront of exploiting its hitherto most unwelcome characteristic. That leading-edge industry is the subject of a series of seminars at Scotland Build 2016. In particular, the £2.6bn Beatrice Offshore Windfarm Ltd (BOWL) project will be profiled on 24 November as a closing presentation at the event. The project will be one of the largest private investments ever made in Scottish infrastructure. The 588MW, 84-turbine project will be constructed in the Outer Moray Firth. Work at the operations and maintenance facility in Wick and the transmission works in Moray will commence this year. Offshore construction will begin in 2017 and the wind farm is expected to become fully operational in 2019. The presentation on Beatrice will follow a detailed look at the revolutionary MeyGlen tidal power project. Scottish Government

Minister for Business, Energy and Tourism, Fergus Ewing, said of the project in January: “This is an exciting, first-of-a-kind project. I am pleased to be here in Caithness to meet the team and see how the onshore

construction works are progressing.” Discussion of the two projects will be prefaced by a Panel Discussion on Sustainability in Scotland’s Build Environment – Supporting Europe’s Sustainability Plans. q

Construction has become a digital world [RUNNING AS AN integral part of Scotland Build is the Scotland Digital Construction Show – a

dedicated event for innovation and technology in construction, masterplanning and building design. The built environment is no stranger to technological innovation. The introduction of computer generated software, CAD, BIM, wearable tech, virtual reality and drones has led to new potential for efficiency and sustainability in building projects. A range of seminars will look at a multitude of applications of technology in construction, including BIM at Levels 2 and 3, virtual and augmented reality in construction, how to bring innovations to SMEs and technologies for health and safety in construction. In addition, a series of Panel Discussions will examine topics such as the future for facilities management and which new technologies could be about to change the face of construction. The event is free to attend for those attending Scotland Build and takes place over the two days. q

www.constructionnational.co.uk

Today’s BIM champions are tomorrow’s construction CEOs By JASON RUDDLE, Chief Operating Officer, Elecosoft

[ DESPITE THE FACT that many companies today still see BIM as

an area involving ongoing effort, the digital future actually looks very bright for construction. The barriers to BIM and digital construction will melt away over time as more and more people increase their digital skills. Where today’s construction leaders are working to understand the potential of cloud, social media and big data, tomorrow’s construction companies will be digital to the core. There’s a new generation coming, which sees none of the fears or barriers to using digital technology or sharing information. They will look to disrupt construction with new business ideas that embrace technology to give them competitive advantage. Today’s CEO is fully capable of seeing opportunity and making strategic decisions that move the company towards a digital future, but it will be the challenger generation which will make it a universal reality. Tomorrow’s digital construction industry leaders may very well be today’s BIM champions. Many construction firms have found these champions from amongst the youngest of their professionals. As these mature and learn, and move higher up the organisation, they will increasingly direct and dictate the business strategies and the digital processes used in construction. This generation is more diverse in every sense, and willing to blend the old and new ways of doing things to create unpredictable and exciting results.

Every day digitally aware millennials will form a greater and greater proportion of the workforce: they are the generation who have grown up with digital and can most quickly adapt to a fast changing technology environment. At Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) the belief is that students on their construction management and civil engineering courses learn better and faster by simulating real-world work, enabling them to translate their academic studies into useful professional experience.

Students at LJMU are very confident in their use of technology, like most millennials, and this is harnessed to prepare them for the profound change that BIM and digital construction practices are bringing to the construction industry. Most importantly, they hone their digital construction skills in real life BIM environments using software such as ours. We provide our Asta Powerproject software free of charge to help students understand each stage of the construction process from design to delivery, so they are ready to hit the ground running when they start work. BIM requires a very specific mix of skills that span technologies, processes and people and the ability to collaborate across multiple teams and disciplines – the very attributes that make successful modern leaders. At LJMU students learn how to collaborate using Asta Powerproject’s BIM module – each one focusing on a different specialist aspect such as cost, structural design or construction, then they work together for a common goal. As senior lecturer John McLoughlin explains: “They learn the collaborative skills they will need in the real world at the same time. We find that people on different courses become pals too. In the real world it can be very ‘siloed’ but we hope to help change that.” There are other aspects of BIM that are vital lessons for future leaders like managing risk, being flexible and being able to respond to changing conditions, just as in any construction project. This goes beyond switching tracks and focussing on another part of a project when, for example, a delivery fails to arrive. Tomorrow’s leaders need to be agile and respond quickly to technological change, such as the increased openness that BIM brings as well as changing regulations, economic factors or even natural disasters. They also need to be good communicators, another aspect that sits at the heart of BIM and its inherent openness. Training the future generation and giving them digital skills and knowledge is the essential first step to prepare them for the top management positions in construction all the way up to CEO. It is why Elecosoft takes every opportunity to support the very institutions that are providing the training and shaping the construction professionals of tomorrow. This foundational support will help us in realising much, such as the ambitions of the government’s Digital Built Britain strategy in leading the world on global BIM standards. It also supports the idea of creating a knowledge economy for construction services leading to new employment opportunities that will attract a young, digitally prepared influx of new talent. On this foundation we have every chance of shaping the future construction CEOs that will help Britain become a global digital construction powerhouse. q • For further information visit www.astapowerproject.com. www.constructionnational.co.uk

Let’s consign ‘skills gaps’ to the dustbin of history By MATT SIMMONS, Construction Lead, City & Guilds

[

YOU’RE PROBABLY SICK of hearing the phrase ‘skills gap’ bandied about. Being honest, I am too. It’s a term applied to almost every sector, but perhaps none more so than to construction, where employers are struggling to fill one in three vacancies, because they can’t find people with the right skills. Construction – from big infrastructure projects to localised housebuilding – is a vital building block for British competitiveness, contributing nearly £90bn to the UK economy and over a million jobs. It is strategically important in its contribution to housing, infrastructure and initiatives to stimulate UK growth. All this depends on a supply of skilled workers. Yet according to the Government’s ‘National Infrastructure Plan for Skills’ we don’t have enough. To meet the demand of a pipeline of £411 billion planned public and private construction, including projects such as HS2 and airport expansion, the UK will need 150,000 more construction engineers and 250,000 more construction workers by 2020. But I don’t have to tell you all that. You know construction is facing a skills gap. To my mind, we’ve diagnosed the problem – now it’s time to move the debate on and identify the solution. And that’s about making the next generation part of the plan to close the skills gap. Firstly, that means making sure tomorrow’s workforce knows which sectors are growing and which aren’t. City & Guilds’ report Great Expectations surveyed 3,000 young people to get a sense of whether their career aspirations matched up with the jobs predicted to be available in the future. At first glance, it appeared there was a general correlation between the number of jobs predicted by 2022 and the number of young people aspiring to work in the construction sector. However, when we looked at the specific jobs set to be available within that, the picture was less positive. Some jobs like electricians and engineers were clearly preferred, while others such as production managers were not chosen at all. This mismatch has the potential to exacerbate the skills shortages over the coming years – so we need to get better at ensuring young people can make informed decisions that help them progress into a sustainable career. Careers advice in schools must be independent, based on accurate local labour market information, and have strong links to business so that young people are given a realistic view of the local and national jobs market.

www.constructionnational.co.uk

But that advice must be deep as well as wide – it needs to communicate the specifics of different industries and the range of careers on offer in any one sector, construction included. That means relaying the fact that not all construction jobs involve hard hats and high vis, just as not all army jobs involve being a sniper. For young people to consider these roles, they need to know about them before they make those decisions which determine what path they will take into employment. Employers must get into schools to inspire young people and engage earlier in their education. It is only by giving young people direct insight into available roles that they will begin to see themselves pursuing different careers. It’s also about embedding better and consistent exposure to employers and the workplace in education and ensuring technical skills are prioritised to the same extent academic education is. For example, at City & Guilds we offer a range of construction technical qualifications that form part of the City & Guilds TechBac course and can also be taken as stand-alone qualifications. They were designed with employers to give students the deep sector knowledge and broad workplace skills demanded by employers and they allow students to progress into higher education, apprenticeship or straight into work. As the debate about selective education continues, we can only hope we will see concurrent progress with reforms to 14-19 education. Before the summer, the Government set out its vision for technical education, based on the work of Lord Sainsbury’s independent panel. Pleasingly, construction was chosen as one of 15 technical pathways, along with other key industries such as engineering and manufacturing. However, as with all good ideas, hard work is now needed to ensure real change is embedded into the system and, most importantly, employers take on a key role in shaping these pathways. These reforms are the right way forward, as they would enable young people to move between technical and academic routes, widening choice. But they must not fall by the wayside as the Government focuses on matters such as Brexit. By the same token, and although the construction sector is ahead of many in this regard, we need more employers to recognise the value of educational routes other than traditional academic ones and create the demand for people with professional and technical qualifications and apprenticeships. My hope is that in ten years we will have a construction sector teeming with bright people across all roles in the industry – from engineers and supervisors through to electricians and production managers. To get there we need robust careers advice, a curriculum informed and supported by employers, and a new approach to education that sees technical skills as a necessity, not a ‘nice to have’. Above all, I hope that within a decade the term ‘construction skills gap’ is consigned to the dustbin of history. q

Top apprentices head for SkillBuild final [THE COMPETITORS HAVE been announced for the final of SkillBuild,

which will be held on 17-19 November at the NEC in Birmingham. Over 70 of the UK’s best construction apprentices will battle it out in their chosen trades after progressing from this year’s regional heats. The category winners will then have the chance to compete at next year’s WorldSkills final in Abu Dhabi. SkillBuild, which is organised by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has taken place annually for over 40 years. It is supported by the National Federation of Roofing Contractors, the Tile Association and the Stone Federation. Carl Rhymer, delivery and customer engagement director at CITB, said: “I would like to congratulate all of the finalists for reaching this stage of the competition. After battling it out against some great construction talent in their regional heats, they should be extremely proud of their achievements so far – but I’m sure they will all be desperate to come out on top. “SkillBuild is an excellent way of showcasing the talented young people that are currently in the industry and will also inspire more people to consider a career in construction.” The level of competition was emphasised by Lee Appleton, the lead judge for plastering at SkillBuild: “As a lead judge, I go to every regional heat of the competition. There are 14 regional heats in total and at each one I am reminded of the outstanding talent and passion we have in the construction industry. It just shows how far young people can go with a bit of encouragement and nurturing.” q

Glasgow students are world champions [

CALI CONSTRUCTION, comprising students from Glasgow Caledonian University, have won the third annual Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Global Student Challenge competition. They collected their award from the CIOB’s president Paul Nash at the President’s Inaugural Dinner on 15 July, having beaten five other finalist teams to the award. They also received £2,000 in prize money, along with access to mentoring from industry leaders – who will offer advice and guidance with their professional development. In the final, held at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, Cali Construction held off the challenge from five teams from around the world in the process of becoming champions. Alongside the UK, the other countries represented in the final were Australia, Hong Kong, South Africa and China. The annual CIOB Global Student Challenge invites teams to compete at running a virtual construction company in a simulated environment using the MERIT software. Developed at Loughborough University, it has been used to train young professionals since 1988 as part of in-course modules in degree programmes. Around 50 teams from universities all over the world entered the 2016 competition, which began back in March. After six rounds of competing the top six ranking teams travelled to Hong Kong for the finals on the 10 to 15 July. Cali Construction team member Peter McElroy said: “Winning topped off what was a fantastic event. Everyone involved was part of something very special. Our team had a real blend of personalities, but with a common purpose. The clear strategy – listening and compromising – gave us our best results.” q

Construction training courses and/or apprenticeships are available at the following colleges: Activate Learning

T: 0800 612 6008 E: enquiries@activatelearning.ac.uk W: www.activatelearning.ac.uk Oxpens Road, Oxford OX1 1SA

Barking & Dagenham College T: 020 3667 0294 E: admissions@bdc.ac.uk W: www.bdc.ac.uk

Rush Green Campus, Dagenham Road, Romford RM7 0XU

Basingstoke College of Technology T: 01256 354141 E: information@bcot.ac.uk W: www.bcot.ac.uk

Worting Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 8TN

Bath College

T: 01225 328729 E: apprenticeships@bathcollege.ac.uk W: www.bathcollege.ac.uk City Centre Campus, Avon Street, Bath BA1 1UP

Central Bedfordshire College T: 01582 477776 E: enquiries@centralbeds.ac.uk W: www.centralbeds.ac.uk

Main Campus, Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU5 4HG

Bolton College

T: 01204 482000 E: info@boltoncc.ac.uk W: www.boltoncollege.ac.uk Deane Road Campus, Deane Road, Bolton BL3 5BG

Boston College

T: 01205 313218 E: info@boston.ac.uk W: www.boston.ac.uk Skirbeck Road, Boston, Lincolnshire PE21 6JF

Business Solutions Bury College

T: 0161 280 8650 E: business.solutions@burycollege.ac.uk W: www.burycollege.ac.uk Enterprise Centre, Market Street, Bury BL9 0DS

Cambridge Regional College T: 01223 418778 E: training@camre.ac.uk W: www.camre.ac.uk

Kings Hedges Road, Cambridge CB4 2QT

Croydon College

T: 020 8686 5700 E: info@croydon.ac.uk W: www.croydon.ac.uk College Road, Croydon CR9 1DX

www.constructionnational.co.uk

Apprenticeships should be

employers’ needs, says CITB [

CITB HAS RESPONDED to a new report on apprenticeships by saying that funding must meet employer demand. The wide-ranging report, by the National Audit Office (NAO), looks at how to maximise benefits from the Government’s apprenticeships programme. In the report, the NAO said: “The Department for Education has not set out how it will use the increase in apprenticeship numbers to deliver improvement in productivity, and how it will influence the mix of apprenticeships in order to deliver the most value.” Research shows that different apprenticeships offer significantly different benefits, but the Department for Education is not clear about how it plans to use this evidence to maximise the value derived from the mix of apprenticeships undertaken. Annual public funding of apprenticeships has grown over time, the report recognises. In 2010-11 it amounted to just under £1.2bn, but by 2015-16 the ﬁgure had risen to around £1.5bn. Since 2013, there has been a process to develop new, employer-led, apprenticeship ‘standards’, which will eventually replace the previous frameworks. The report found that many of the employers and training providers involved in designing and delivering apprenticeships support the principles behind the new standards, but more work is needed to raise awareness of them. The NAO says: “In practice, the process of introducing the new standards has been resource-intensive and has taken longer than the Department envisaged. Employers involved in developing the new standards have expressed concern about the time they have to invest at their own expense. As at April 2016, only

around 2,600 people had started an apprenticeship under the new standards. “Furthermore, some employers and industry representative groups are concerned that the approach is leading to a large number of narrow and overlapping standards, which may restrict the extent to which apprentices gain transferable skills.” While employers report high levels of satisfaction with the training offered and benefits experienced, surveys of apprentices provide a less clear view on quality of delivery. One in five apprentices reported that they had not received any formal training at all, either at an external provider or in the workplace. The NAO did find that the DfE is managing individual risks associated with the delivery of components of the current change programme in an appropriate way. It also conceded that it is developing a more effective approach to managing cross-cutting risks to the programme’s success, but further progress is necessary. Among the NAO’s recommendations is that the DfE should set out the planned overall impact on productivity and growth, along with short-term key performance indicators to measure the programme’s success, and should develop more robust ways of managing behavioural risks. Sir Amyas Morse, head of the National Audit Office, said: “The Department for Education needs to chart and follow a course from having a lot of apprenticeships to having the right apprenticeships in order to help improve the UK’s productivity, and achieve value for money, in return for the costs of the programme.” Responding for the CITB, its director of policy Steve Radley said: “While this

Careers website wins marketing award [

GO CONSTRUCT, the careers website created to inspire people to consider entering the construction industry, scooped the User Experience and Design award at the Masters of Marketing Awards in London on 4 October. The resource, www.goconstruct.org, was co-designed with over 400 employers and stakeholders, and launched by the CITB last year. It has attracted nearly half a million visitors so far and 80,000 people have taken its online Personality Test to help discover which construction career would suit them best. It is also used by employers and careers advisors looking for information and materials to help promote construction. Reacting to the win, CITB’s Go Construct manager Lorraine Gregory said: “Winning this award is further testament to what can be achieved through employers coming together and working collectively to show people that construction really is a career for all. We cannot thank employers, educators and other partner organisations enough for their valued contributions throughout the co-design process. “Go Construct has been designed by industry for industry, facilitated by CITB. I would encourage employers, careers advisers and people looking for a rewarding career to use the Go Construct website and downloadable resources available.

www.constructionnational.co.uk

“Go Construct is ultimately about getting more people to join our sector. Construction is a vast modern industry with brilliant opportunities and it’s open to everyone. We want to send that message far and wide.” Emma Bull, education and community manager at BAM Construction said: “It’s been a real privilege to have been on this journey with CITB with the new, exciting and innovative campaign; working with them to create such a specialised and accessible resource using case studies, images and feedback through the codesign workshops; working collectively as an industry. “For Go Construct to receive this accolade from the UK Masters of Marketing Awards is further vindication that the website really does have a significant impact and will continue to raise the profile of construction as a viable, exciting and rewarding industry to work in.” Karen Campbell, director of policy at Homes for Scotland, commented: “Ensuring we have a sufficiently diverse skills base is crucial if we are to build enough homes for our growing population. With homebuilding having to compete with so many other industries for such talent, Go Construct is a fantastic resource to help our sector showcase the wide range of careers that are available to potential entrants in a fun and engaging way.” q

targeted at

Construction training courses and/or apprenticeships are available at the following colleges: Derby College Apprenticeships

T: 01332 387421 E: apprenticeships@derby-college.ac.uk W: www.derby-college.ac.uk The Roundhouse, Roundhouse Road, Pride Park, Derby, Derbyshire DE24 8JE

Eastleigh College report supports boosting apprenticeship numbers, it also shows they must be good quality and targeted at the skills employers need to increase productivity. High quality construction apprenticeships are vital to building the homes and infrastructure our economy needs. “A target for apprenticeship starts helps to raise its profile but it must take into account employer demand to ensure funding is targeted where it can have the greatest impact.” q

Mixed reception for Apprenticeship Levy details [IN AUGUST THE government published further details of the new

Apprenticeship Levy, which will come into force next year. Responding for the construction industry, Steve Radley, director of policy at CITB said: “This announcement brings mixed news for construction, but it’s good that Government has responded to what we said on the challenges faced by smaller firms.” That good news included the amount small businesses have to pay. “The co-investment rate for non-levy payers is lower than expected, at 10%, with the remaining 90% covered by funds raised by the levy. It’s also encouraging to see that smaller firms will be exempt from coinvestment if they take on a 16-18 year old apprentice. With more than half of all construction apprentices under the age of 19, this is a win for the industry. Companies of all sizes will also appreciate the £1,000 incentive for taking on one of these younger learners.” He sounded a note of caution regarding proposed funding bands. “There is still work to do to make sure funding bands reflect the actual costs of training, so that apprenticeships are affordable for companies of all sizes. We will seek further clarification from Government on how the bands have been set, and together with industry, set out the likely impact on construction firms and their ability to take on apprentices.” Looking forward to the future, he said: “We will now work with Government to ensure the Apprenticeship Levy works for the construction industry. Today’s proposals will inform our on-going work to reshape the CITB grants scheme, so that it supports the most-needed skills and helps employers take on the apprentices construction vitally needs.” CITB’s head of apprenticeships Steve Hearty said: “We support the new, employer-designed standards, because we think they will improve the quality of apprenticeships, and it is encouraging to note that Government states these will be funded at a higher rate than those recently published. However, no standards for construction have yet been approved and we are still working under the existing frameworks system and may well continue beyond 2017. “Even with the sector-beneficial STEM increases to funding, the Government’s proposed funding bands will cut funding for construction apprenticeships by between 20-30%. “We are concerned that training providers could stop training or they could ask employers to make up the shortfall in cost, which might deter firms from taking apprentices on.” q

T: 023 8091 1000 E: goplaces@eastleigh.ac.uk W: www.eastleigh.ac.uk Chestnut Avenue, Eastleigh, Hampshire SO50 5FS

Hertford Regional College T: 01992 411400 E: info@hrc.ac.uk W: www.hrc.ac.uk

Broxbourne Campus, Turnford, Herts EN10 6AE

Kendal College

T: 01539 814700 E: enquiries@kendal.ac.uk W: www.kendal.ac.uk Milnthorpe Road, Kendal LA9 5AY

Leeds College of Building

T: 0113 222 6061 E: info@lcb.ac.uk W: www.lcb.ac.uk/higher-education North Street, Leeds LS2 7QT

Lowestoft College

T: 01502 525151 E: apprenticeships@lowestoft.ac.uk W: www.lowestoft.ac.uk St. Peter’s Street, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR32 2NB

The Manchester College T: 03333 222 444 E: enquiries@tmc.ac.uk W: www.tmc.ac.uk

Ashton Old Road, Openshaw, Manchester M11 2WH

Wakefield College

T: 01924 789789 E: apprenticeships@wakefield.ac.uk W: www.wakefield.ac.uk Wakefield City Campus, Margaret Street, Wakefield WF1 2DH

North Warwickshire & Hinckley College T: 024 7624 3000 E: the.college@nwhc.ac.uk W: www.nwhc.ac.uk

Nuneaton Campus, Hinckley Road, Nuneaton CV11 6BH

City of Wolverhampton College T: 01902 836000 E: mail@wolvcoll.ac.uk W: www.wolvcoll.ac.uk

Paget Road, Wolverhampton WV6 0DU

www.constructionnational.co.uk

Innovative training programme attracts new supporter [THE LATEST COMPANY to pledge its support for the PlanBEE

training initiative for construction students in the North East is law firm Bond Dickinson, via its Newcastle-upon-Tyne office. The initiative is the brainchild of Ryder Architecture and was developed in conjunction with Gateshead College, with support from Arup, Brims, Cundall, Esh, FaulknerBrown, Sir Robert McApline and Xsite. It offers students with an interest in design, construction and leadership an alternative training programme which will help shape the future of our ever-more sophisticated cities. The idea behind the higher apprenticeship programme was sparked by a belief that the construction industry needs a workforce more broadly educated across all disciplines. It was launched by Ryder Architecture in 2013 as a campaign for change in built environment education (BEE) and is now an industry-wide partnership working together to shape the talent of the future and inspiring people to consider a rewarding career in the existing world of construction. PlanBEE will prepare students to forge careers in a variety of roles by

offering them hands-on experience, as well as lectures and seminars which result in a BEng degree through Northumbria University. The training programme, which is being run through Gateshead College, will include a construction law module prepared by lawyers at Bond Dickinson. The module will provide a practical understanding of the basic legal principles relevant to the construction sector. Simon Lewis, head of the construction and engineering team and a partner at the firm, said: "This is a fantastic training programme for young people in the region. It gives students the opportunity to work for some of the industry's leading companies, train on the job and earn a salary. I am delighted that we have been able to offer our support to this programme and I look forward to meeting some of the students later this year.” Mark Thompson, managing director of Ryder Architecture, said: "We’re delighted to have Bond Dickinson join the growing business partnership bringing their expertise to the benefit of PlanBEE students.” PlanBEE is supported by the Institute of Civil Engineers, Constructing Excellence and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. q

“Career in construction built up my confidence” [

WITH MORE THAN 230,000 jobs expected to be created in the construction sector over the next five years there has never been a better time to get into the industry. The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) offers a range of construction apprenticeships and skillsbased training courses including bricklaying, dry lining, carpentry, plumbing and electrical courses. The Industrial Insights 2016-2020 report by the Construction Skills Network (CSN) states that the industry is expected to grow by 2.5% each year – 3.5% in Greater London. Fiona McKinney, 24, studied at CONEL as Former CONEL carpentry apprentice Fiona McKinney (left) and Adam Tezzare receiving an part of an apprenticeship in carpentry and Excellence Award from CONEL principal Andy Forbes in 2015 joinery with Haringey Council’s housing service Homes for Haringey in 2009-11, where she “This job has given me confidence. They [my employers] have given still works today. me the information and trusted me to work well, and I‘m learning all She went on to secure the top prize in the Association for Public Service the time.” Excellence National Housing and Building Apprentice of the Year Awards. According to the CSN report, in Greater London alone 18,250 “I didn’t really like school and wasn’t that academic,” said Fiona. construction jobs – 3,650 a year – are expected to be created over “Woodwork was the only thing I had an interest in and I managed to get the next five years, with each year the capital needing 1,210 builders, an apprenticeship with Homes for Haringey and on a course at CONEL. 480 glaziers, 420 wood and interior fitters, 200 floorers and 480 non“I was quite shy and nervous when I started and wondered if I could construction operatives. handle it. I really enjoyed learning about carpentry, and now I love it! It Strong investment in commercial and infrastructure projects and a really helped me grow in confidence. I’ve just been put on a management growth in private housing, at levels not seen since before the start of the course and am also going to be a health and safety rep.” recession in 2008, have led to the demand for skilled workers. Adam Tezzare began an apprenticeship with T Clarke, a nationwide In Greater London there are also a number of large projects in the building services contractor delivering mechanical, electrical and ICT rail industry which are expected to continue to require skilled workers services, in June, having previously studied for a Level 1 and a Level 2 over the coming years, including Crossrail, HS2 and the Thames Diploma in Electrical Installation. Tideway Tunnel. q The 31-year-old, who was among the college’s Excellence Award winners in 2015, said: “The teachers at CONEL are very good and • For more information on carpentry and joinery courses at CONEL you supportive. When doing something practical they would give a good can browse the website at www.conel.ac.uk, call 020 8442 3055 or visit explanation why it was important, and what would happen if you didn’t do the college for enrolment. it, and made sure you did not forget anything.

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The power of collaboration [

THE FACT THAT the World Demolition Awards has dedicated a trophy to reward collaboration says much about the importance of teamwork in the modern construction sphere. The fact that this award was won in 2015 by C&D Consultancy – who have since been shortlisted twice in the 2016 awards – speaks volumes for that company’s collaborative approach. In truth, collaboration is very much the theme of modern construction. Although the sector still relies upon multiple layers of contractors, subcontractors and specialist contractors, the dawning of the BIM age has required these multiple layers to communicate more effectively and more transparently than ever before. But, according to C&D Consultancy’s Mike Kehoe, there is more to collaboration than merely satisfying the requirements of BIM. “There are genuine cost savings to be made when companies collaborate effectively,” he asserts. “With close collaboration comes an effective allocation of work. There is less chance of miscommunication. Project management is just so much more straightforward if everyone is working to a unified plan rather than attempting to work in silos.” Kehoe, who regularly acts as a conduit between client, contractor and local authority, further believes that potential cost savings do not end there. “Demolition contractors are generally the first contractor on site. As a result, they are often required to put in place and create resources that could be

useful to specialist contractors following on behind,” he says. “The most obvious example of this is the fact that most demolition creates a valuable recycled material that can be used in foundations, piling mats and road sub-bases. “But there are also less obvious examples. Demolition contractors hire in dust, noise and vibration monitoring equipment. It would be far less expensive for the main contractor to merely take over the hire of that equipment. This would save all the hassle of removing and replacing systems and devices that all elements of the build will require. It would also ensure a consistency of information through all aspects of the project.” Mike Kehoe believes that the key to collaboration rests in a dedicated and centralised project management approach that takes into account the needs and specialities of all the various stakeholders. “In the past, demolition and construction projects were run on an every-man-for-himself basis with individual sub-contractors merely looking after their own portion of the works. Today, with the advent of electronic communications and BIM that need no longer be the case,” he concludes. “As we have seen with major civil engineering projects such as HS2 and the Thames Tideway, collaborations and joint ventures bring together the very best skills, experience and expertise. I firmly believe that collaboration will be the key to the success of demolition and construction companies in the future.” q

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North East contractor appointed for demolition of Milburngate House [THE DEVELOPMENT CONSORTIUM

leading the regeneration of Durham City’s Riverside has appointed specialist contractor Thompsons of Prudhoe to undertake the demolition of the old Milburngate House building. A national business based in Northumberland, Thompsons will deliver the 12-month demolition programme in partnership with Carillion Construction Ltd, the lead contractor on the Milburngate regeneration project, supporting around 70 local jobs. Thompsons has more than 40 years’ experience in professional demolition services operating across the UK. A member of the National Federation of Demolition Contractors since 1981, the company’s managing director, John Thompson Jnr, is a past chairman of the body’s north east region and a regional representative at its national level. Employing 250 people, the company has a long association with Durham, including delivering the earthworks and site preparation for the Radission Blu Hotel, adjacent to Milburngate. Following the completion of the internal strip out of the disused Milburngate House building, which is now in progress, Thompsons will then

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embark on the external demolition later this year. As a highly-experienced contractor in the sector, the company will employ a range of methods to minimise the impact of the process, which will include the crushing and re-use of building materials in the site’s future development. Demolition of the former Passport Office building, which has reached the end of its useful life and is highly energy inefficient, will enable the £150 million regeneration of the site on Framwelgate Waterside. The development consortium, consisting of Carillion, Arlington Real Estate and Richardsons Capital LLP, has submitted a planning application to Durham County Council to create a premium, mixed-use development. Featuring an Everyman Cinema as the cornerstone of its leisure offering, the riverside development will also host a range of premium restaurants and bars. Milburngate will also include high-specification apartments and highquality, energy-efficient office space. Helen Hillary, director at Thompsons of Prudhoe, said: “We are proud to have been appointed to such a prestigious project in the North East. The developers have a fantastic

Pictured (l-r) in front of Milburngate House are project manager Ian Beaumont, Steve Hunter, project director for Carillion, and Helen Hillary, director at Thompsons of Prudhoe vision to transform Durham’s Riverside, which can be realised once this building has been removed. We will utilise all of our experience and expertise to deliver a sustainable and environmentally-aware project taking into the consideration the site’s unique location.” Ian Beaumont, Milburngate project manager, said: “We are keen, whenever possible, to engage a local supply chain for our projects and Thompsons of Prudhoe is a highly-respected and award-winning North East contractor. “The demolition is the first step in a significant regeneration project that will dramatically enhance Durham’s Riverside. The existing building has reached the end of its useful life, is very energy inefficient and is not suitable for conversion to other uses that will offer maximum benefit to Durham City.” q

Don’t turn away a valuable contract because you can’t afford to take it on TIM WILKINSON, sales director of Ultimate Construction Finance, provides a solution to a potential cashflow problem faced by first tier subcontractors.

[ IT’S A MASSIVE DILEMMA – you have the opportunity to tender

for a large contract and you’re confident you’ve a good chance of winning it. But by taking it on you know that in the short term it could cause massive cashflow problems for the firm which could have a detrimental effect on the business. If you do win it you know there’s no way you can put off paying the workforce for a few months, or even extend your credit terms with the materials suppliers. You also know through experience that some leading developers and construction companies will make you wait for your money. In fact SMEs in the construction industry are second only to the manufacturing sector in having the most unpaid outstanding billing. According to research by the Asset Based Finance Association, it takes, on average, a staggering 107 days before payment is made. So if you don’t have the cash reserves to cover the period between paying out and getting paid, and your bank is not able to act quickly enough or is not willing to provide you with an increased facility, it would appear the deal’s off. But there is another solution – and that is to make the most of

your ‘assets’. In this case, we are referring to your outstanding billing – whether it be uncertified applications for payment or invoices. By arranging a construction finance facility through Ultimate Construction Finance, funding could be provided against both outstanding billing and new billing moving forward, thereby closing the gap between works being done, supplier bills being paid and the customer actually paying.

Appetite to lend These are uncertain times following the Brexit vote with differing reports about how the construction industry is performing. And one thing’s for sure – none of us like uncertainty. With this in mind we’d like to reassure you that Ultimate Construction Finance has a real appetite to lend and is well placed to support the growth aspirations of first tier subcontractors by providing cash advances of up to £3 million against uncertified applications for payment. As part of the Tavistock Group (www.tavistock.com), a privately owned investment group, we are fully supported by its considerable financial strength. Furthermore, as an independent business, which is not beholden to the public markets and other financial institutions, we understand both the challenges and opportunities that businesses are facing and can react accordingly.

Record lending Testament to the confidence our clients have in the help and funding we can provide, is the fact that Ultimate Finance Group has exceeded £100m of lending to SMEs for the first time – an increase of a third in the past year. In uncertain times it is vital that businesses have stable and reliable funding partners they can depend on and who will not, as the cliché has it, ‘remove the umbrella when it starts to rain’. In Ultimate Construction Finance, our clients have a strong, reliable and knowledgeable business partner who will support them through whatever challenges lie ahead. We can provide you with a totally confidential service, with complete cost transparency and no hidden extras. Furthermore, we will give you live access to accurate, real time information 24/7 that shows how much funding is available. So next time you have an opportunity to present for a big contract, don’t turn it down. Talk to Ultimate Construction Finance first. Give me a call on 07870 212180 or email twilkinson@ultimatefinance.co.uk. q

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Project bank accounts: Scotland makes the switch [THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT has announced that, from 31 October,

public sector building and civil engineering projects over a certain value must include project bank accounts for the payment of sub-contractors as a tender requirement. Project Bank Accounts (PBAs) are ring-fenced accounts from which payments can be made directly and simultaneously by a client to contractors and sub-contractors, improving cash flow through the supply chain. Typically, recipients are paid within five days. Legal trust status protects the funds should a main contractor fall into administration. The announcement in September, by Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Constitution Derek Mackay MSP, follows a two-year trial programme. The trial began with payments on two work packages worth £1.4m at Monklands Hospital and also included Transport Scotland’s Inveramsay Bridge project and Scottish Borders Council’s Galashiels Transport Hub project. PBAs must be included in tender documents for contracts with an estimated award value of at least £4,104,394 for building projects and £10,000,000 for civil engineering projects. Secretary Mackay said: “This is an important milestone in the government’s commitment to improving cashflow for smaller firms. The PBA guidance translates trial programme experience into a simplified common approach

with practical resources for implementation in Scottish Government projects. We urge all other organisations involved in commissioning work on Scotland’s infrastructure to use PBAs.” Among the bodies who welcomed the move was the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), which was heavily involved in the campaign to have PBAs introduced. The BESA congratulated Mr Mackay and called for the rest of the UK to follow suit by implementing a policy that could improve financial conditions for the whole construction sector. Its chief executive Paul McLaughlin said: “Unfair and abusive payment practices have been a blight on the construction process for decades, the Scottish Government should be roundly praised for taking a bold step to remove one of the barriers to efficient project delivery. “Security of payment allows firms to invest in the skills and processes they need to improve productivity and fund growth. By improving cash flow through the supply chain, project clients can also be assured of a more cohesive, harmonious and, therefore, efficient project process.” From as early as 2009 PBAs have been recognised as the preferred payment method for public procurement by both UK Government and the devolved governments. The move by the Scottish Government in September is another step forward in making them the norm. q

The dreaded Self Assessment tax deadline approaches [YES IT’S THAT time of the year when we are on the countdown to Self Assessment tax return ﬁling for 2015/16 – 31 October for those submitting on paper or 31 January for online returns. So, to avoid being one of the 385,000 people who ﬁled on the last day or the 2,044 filing on Christmas Day last year, Charlotte Wright of Foremans LLP provides the answers to some frequently asked questions.

Do I need to file an income tax Self Assessment? You must file income tax returns if you are self employed, a company director, a partner in a business partnership or in receipt of more than one source of income.

Why would I need to file a Self Assessment? You may have received income which has not been taxed at source on which you should pay tax. Alternatively you may have had too much tax deducted from income received, including under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS).

How can I reclaim any CIS deducted? You can reclaim any CIS deducted from you personally by completing your Self Assessment. You will need to record the full amounts of your invoices as income along with any deductions contractors have made in the ‘CIS Deductions’ box. If you are unsure how to complete and file your Self Assesment it’s worth appointing a qualified accountant to assist you, as errors can be costly.

Will I get a refund of all of the CIS deducted? Your tax and NI due for the tax year will be calculated and any CIS already paid deducted from the tax due. You may have to pay HMRC some tax and

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NI if your CIS deductions are less than the total due. If your CIS is greater you should receive a refund. At Foremans LLP we help hundreds of contractors each year make sure that they’ve paid the right tax for their circumstances. If you have any questions, we offer free initial advice.

I have been asked to make a Payment on Account for my Self Assessment income tax. What is this? A payment on account is an amount of tax you will be asked to pay in advance of your next income tax calculation. Payments on account for 2015/16 are due on 31 January 2017 and 31 July 2017. These amounts will then be deducted from your income tax due when it is calculated.

Can I get a repayment if I have paid too much? Yes. At the time of submission of your data for the tax year HMRC will complete a calculation and deduct any payments on account made. Any overpayment should be refunded to you. So, to avoid being forced to use one of the exceptional excuses heard by HMRC last year including ‘My tax papers were left in the shed and the rat ate them’ and, my personal favourite, ‘I had an argument with my wife and went to Italy for five years’ start planning your tax return now. q • For further information contact Foremans on 01244 625 500, email charlotte@foremansllp.com or visit www.Foremansllp.com.

Brexit – implications for the construction sector By ANDREW SAGAR, managing director of the Construction and Recycling Division at Close Brothers Asset Finance

[

BREXIT IS UNDENIABLY the single biggest issue that the UK has faced in generations. Media coverage is extensive, and every commentator has a view on the eventual implications, including for the construction industry which contributes around £90 billion to the UK economy annually and employs around 10% of the nation’s workforce. All the focus from both pundits and experts is on attempting to make sense of the vote to leave the EU and contextualise what it really means, and it’s no different in the construction industry. At a macro level, sterling slipped as did the FTSE and various other indices but, as anticipated, they have all made a recovery and, in some instances, to a startling extent.

Because it happened so recently, data to substantiate various views and predications has been slow to appear; however, that’s slowly changing. Every quarter Close Brothers Asset Finance conducts a cross-sector survey of SMEs called the ‘Business Barometer’ that asks a variety of questions on a wide range of issues, including Brexit. What the results tell us is that nationally more than half of SMEs (56%) say they have felt no impact on levels of business from the UK’s decision to leave the EU, while a further 20% said it was too early to tell. Only 24% had felt any kind of effect. In the construction sector, the results mirrored those of the UK as a whole, which makes it clear that the majority of construction businesses are yet to feel any real and tangible effects from Brexit. In terms of spending decisions, more than three quarters (76%) of businesses have not delayed spending or investment decisions because of the EU referendum. Once again, construction businesses reflected exactly the national picture. But what is interesting to note is that 88% of smaller firms – those with a turnover of between £250k to £500k – were the least likely to allow the EU referendum stop them from pushing their business forward and investing. Close Brothers has a history of lending through all economic cycles, and experience tells us that these organisations aren’t sitting on large reserves of cash. This means that in order to maintain business levels they typically don’t have a choice but to spend and invest to ensure a sustainable flow of cash. Firms don’t become unviable overnight; we see it as our responsibility to do what we can to ensure our customers, who are in the main SMEs, remain in business and can build towards a profitable future. One option to consider is restructuring your business finances to make any rise in costs easier to deal with. A great way to do this is through asset finance, which is where our team of experts at Close Brothers Asset Finance can help. Asset finance helps businesses spread the cost of major purchases over their life cycle. The asset delivers the same value, but the cost of its acquisition is paid in stages as opposed to a significant one-off payment. It relieves pressure on cash flow and frees up money to pay for other essential overheads, including machinery and equipment, managing complicated operations, client pitches and even wage increases. Construction is a significant player in the UK economy but there are ways to mitigate the risks and still have a productive and successful business. q

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New Expert: a van designed with the driver in mind [SEPTEMBER SAW THE first deliveries of a

new panel van from Peugeot. With a worldwide launch at the Birmingham Commercial Vehicle Show in April, the New Expert is available in three body lengths offering up to 6.6m3 of carrying space and up to 1,400kg of load weight with a potential length of up to 4 metres. The three body lengths are designed to cater for a variety of markets – the Standard and Long versions, at 4.95m and 5.30m respectively, are designed for the core market, while the Compact version, at 4.60m, is unique in the segment. It still allows loads of up to 5.1m3 and 1400kg, with a useful length of 3.32 metres. The reduced dimensions and overhang of the New Expert range allow it to offer great manoeuvrability, particularly popular with business professionals working in urban areas on a daily basis. Its reduced height of 1.90m guarantees access to virtually all car parks. At its launch, the Peugeot brand CEO Maxime Picat commented: “Our ambition with the new Peugeot Expert is to attract new customers. Its innovative design offers differentiating services and embodies a new aspect of Peugeot’s highend strategy in the utility vehicles sector.” The new van is built on a new vehicle platform: the Efficient Modular Platform 2 (EMP2). The platform offers compactness, weight reduction and versatility, and combines the most efficient engine options – achieving as little as 133g/km of CO2 – with the highest build quality. It introduces innovative features to the segment such as hands-free sliding side doors, the Moduwork cab modularity concept, Active Safety Brake system, rear-view camera with VisioPark and connected 3D navigation. The Expert features Peugeot’s renowned Euro 6 BlueHDi engine, with options from 95hp/210Nm to 180hp/400Nm, mostly equipped with Stop&Start technology. The train offers excellent driving comfort and record fuel economy and emissions for the segment. The new BlueHDi 180 EAT6 gearbox and the BlueHDi 95 ETG6 electronic automated gearbox free up extra legroom for the middle passenger in the three-seat options. The most efficient version gives 55.3mpg and CO2 at 133g/km, while the entire range, with an average 52.3mpg at 140g/ km of CO2, are best-in-class. The BlueHDi engine options incorporate selective catalytic reduction upstream of the additivated diesel particulate filter. They also meet the Euro6 standard with the most effective pollution control technology on the market. The 22.4l AdBlue additive tank provides a range of 9,320 miles. The economies in running costs are added to by a 25,000 miles or two-year service schedule. The Expert offers a new take on some features for the market segment. The

compact overhangs and wheels positioned at the four corners give it a powerful presence and hint at its manoeuvrability and optimal use of internal space. The short, high

bonnet sits high above the wide, enveloping and protective bumper, tailored to the daily needs of professionals operating in a demanding environment. q

Hogging the middle lane still widespread [DESPITE THE FACT that the first conviction for middle lane hogging took place in July last

year, new research from Confused.com reveals that 32% of drivers still admit to the offence, where a driver stays in the middle lane of a motorway for an excessive length of time. On-the-spot fines for middle lane hoggers were introduced in 2013 as part of a wider initiative to tackle ‘careless driving’. Yet only 135 charges for the offence have been recorded since then, according to the research. That may explain why almost two fifths (37%) of drivers aren’t aware that middle lane hogging is even an offence. Furthermore, nearly a fifth (19%) claim they were never taught about it in the first place. More than one in 10 (11%) of drivers have had an accident or near-miss as the result of a middle lane hogger. Middle lane hoggers are frowned upon by many drivers – the activity has been reported as the second-biggest motorway faux-pas – and doing so can usually land you with penalty points and a fine. Ironically, much ‘careless driving’ behaviour arises as a direct result of someone else hogging the middle lane. As a response to someone hogging the middle lane, 17% said they have undertaken the offender and 4% said they have tailgated. Worryingly, 42% said that they have broken the speed limit in order to overtake a middle lane hogger. q www.constructionnational.co.uk

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There’s an Expert for any application [ BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS in

the small panel van segment have many different requirements and expectations, depending on their activities and the number of people that they need to carry. To meet them, the Peugeot Expert offers a range of body shapes. The vans are available in three body lengths – Compact, Standard and Long. The Compact version, new to the segment, offers fully-fledged van specifications, with a maximum useful load of 1400kg. It is particularly suited to working in urban areas on a daily basis. The Standard and Long versions can carry up to three Euro-pallets. There are also three levels of trim to choose from – The Expert S, Expert Professional and Expert Professional Plus. All come with driver and passenger airbags, full size spare wheel, speed limiter with cruise control and an entertainment system

featuring DAB radio, Bluetooth connection and 12-volt socket in the dashboard. The Expert S is kitted out with full steel bulkhead, remote central locking and deadlocks. In addition, twin sliding doors on the side, unglazed rear doors, dual passenger bench seat and electric windows are all included in the entire range. As well as the range of features offered in the Expert S, the Peugeot Expert Professional comes with air conditioning and heated electric door mirrors. For the transportation of difficult or bulky goods, the Moduwork feature is a great bonus for adapting seating for more space. The entertainment system gets an upgrade from the Expert S, with the touch screen DAB Audio Pack.

Largest dealer group are real Peugeot experts [THE LARGEST PEUGEOT dealer group in the UK is Robins and Day, with 29 sites nationwide. The company was founded in 1913, when two bicycle businesses run by Mr Robins and Mr Day were incorporated. They then became part of the Rootes Motor Company, selling Hillman Humber, Singer and Sunbeam models before later adding Talbot and then Peugeot in 1960. Robins and Day is now a manufacturer-owned dealership group selling Peugeot, DS and Citroen vehicles, as well as thousands of used cars from all major manufacturers. Network development director David March said: “The Robins and Day strategy is to provide a network of modern dealerships covering the major UK cities, where customers can experience the highest levels of customer service, feel comfortable to spend time viewing our range of vehicles and understanding what motoring solutions we can offer. Alongside the showroom and used car areas of our business, we are also creating state of the art workshop facilities in order to ensure we have the latest tools, equipment and expertise to look after the needs of all of our customers well into the future.” A key element of the Robins and Day offer is a comprehensive fleet and business service, offering new sales, as well as contract hire and servicing contracts. The company extends its unique level of exemplary service to all of its business customers too: whether it’s through the sales process or during aftercare; in servicing a single vehicle or a whole fleet. And you don’t have to take their word for it either – more than 98% of customers recommend them for sales and 91% for after-sales, according to the Peugeot Customer Survey 2015. As part of the Expert launch, Robins and Day are currently offering 1,000 miles of free fuel on orders placed before 31 December, subject to T&Cs. q

The Expert Professional Plus offers the highest trim of the range, coming with all the benefits of the Expert S and the Expert Professional. Additional features are an upgraded payload, rear parking camera, automatic headlamps and wipers. The Expert Professional Plus also has body-coloured bumpers, a choice of metallic paint, 16” alloy wheels and front fog lights, making it ideal for professionals with their own business. Depending on the spec, the new range will be in the region of £19,000 to £27,000. Specialist variations include crew vans and a combi version, while platform cabs allow a range of bodywork conversions. Available in Standard and Long wheelbases, the crew van versions make it possible to carry up to six people while benefiting from the commercial vehicle registration category. They are available in two forms, with fixed and folding bulkhead depending on needs in terms of use and load volume. The extended cab version with folding partition and bench increase potential load volume by 1.5m3 with three passengers on board. The combi variant is available in three body lengths for passenger transportation. It offers multiple seat configurations, comfortably seating between two and nine passengers. Unique in the segment, the Compact version accommodates from two to nine people on board and up to 3,600 litres of boot space in a length of only 4.60m. Available with a long wheelbase of 3.275m, the platform cab offers numerous bodywork conversion possibilities: for example, large volume versions which offer maximum space within a reduced area compared with the next segment up, or refrigerated vehicles for transporting perishable goods. q

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Our energy future lies offshore [

SITUATED OFF THE coast of Norfolk, just a few miles apart, are two sites of intense activity. Jutting out from the waves are two arrays of monopile columns – all that is yet visible of the massive wind turbines that will compose huge offshore wind farms. The installations are being constructed and will be operated by two disparate companies, but when complete they will form part of the biggest offshore generating capacity the world has ever seen. The UK is already the world leader in deployment of this fast-developing renewable energy technology, with over 3.7 gigawatts of capacity built in the past five years alone – enough to power 3 million homes. Estimates are that offshore wind energy could meet

35% of the UK’s electricity demand by 2030 and support 50,000 skilled jobs. “Offshore wind is one of the great UK success stories, unfolding at a time when the country is facing an energy security challenge and needs low carbon technologies to replace traditional power sources,” said Benj Sykes, co-chair of the Offshore Wind Industry Council, at the launch of Offshore Wind Week in November last year. “It is only 15 years since the first UK offshore wind farm – just two 2MW turbines – began operating. Since then the technology has matured rapidly to the point where the UK leads the world in deployment and could readily build 30 gigawatts of capacity by 2030.” q

Technicians begin work on turbine foundations at Race Bank [IN AUGUST eight offshore wind technicians

began work on the installation of wind turbine foundations at the Race Bank Offshore Wind Farm. Race Bank is located off the north Norfolk coast and is being built by Danish energy pioneer DONG Energy. The installation will consist of 91 Siemens wind turbines of 6MW each. Each turbine will have a rotor diameter of 154m and be erected on monopile foundations in water depths ranging from 6m to 26m. Each turbine will be 177m tall. The new phase of activity follows the completion of the first of two offshore substations – the installation linking each turbine to the main export cables that transmit electricity back to shore. Work has now begun on the installation of the second substation and the foundations for the huge turbines. The construction of the wind farm is being carried out from DONG Energy’s base in the Grimsby Fish Docks. Work is expected to be completed in the latter part of 2018. Jason Ledden, construction project manager for Race Bank at DONG Energy, said: “Work on Race Bank is progressing well and having the first offshore substation installed is an important milestone. It’s part of the overall plan that will eventually see two offshore substations and 91 turbines installed on the Race Bank site. “It’s fantastic to have eight local technicians being part of this vital stage of construction. They have been trained to the highest standards for working offshore and have a crucial role to play.” An accommodation jack-up vessel, capable of accommodating up to 100 people, will be based offshore at the construction site and technicians will live on the vessel for up to two weeks at a time. DONG acquired the project from Centrica for £50m in December 2013. With an estimated

operational lifespan of 25 years, the Race Bank wind farm is expected to produce 580MW of electricity – sufficient to provide for more than 400,000 UK homes. It is further estimated to offset more than 830,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year. Samuel Leupold, executive vice president at DONG Energy, said: “The Race Bank Offshore Wind Farm is yet another enabler for the growth of the offshore wind supply chain in UK, and the project will create jobs in the UK at all levels of the supply chain. “The size of this project will enable us to utilise the economies of scale to continue to drive down the cost of electricity produced by offshore wind farms. This is a must-win battle and we are getting one step closer with the decision to build this offshore wind farm.” An onshore substation has been constructed next to the National Grid Walpole Substation near King’s Lynn. It includes all the necessary equipment required to transmit power from the offshore wind farm to the national grid network. During a large scale offshore inspection campaign on the Race Bank site, 41 unexploded ordnance (UXO) items were discovered, ranging from small rockets to larger 1,000lb high-explosive bombs. The most notable item

discovered was a German Luftmine B ground mine containing a net explosive quantity of 698kg of hexanite. A total of 36 live, high explosive-ﬁlled items were destroyed in their current locations at sea, using highly skilled specialist contractors, while five items certified as free from explosives were recovered to shore, where they were safely scrapped in approved facilities. Eleftheria Melekou, site investigations project manager at DONG Energy, said: “As a routine part of the preparatory work before construction of an offshore wind farm, seabed surveys are carried out to ensure the seabed is clear of obstacles, including unexploded ordnance. This is standard procedure, although the number of items discovered was a surprise and the most we have seen on a DONG Energy project to date.” DONG Energy have since announced plans to invest in the UK’s largest offshore wind operations and maintenance hub in Grimsby. Described as ‘game-changing’, the hub will be served by hightech vessels capable of accommodating up to 60 crew and technicians while remaining at sea for long periods. The first vessel will arrive late next year to support a phased activation on the new hub. The vessel will initially support the operation and maintenance of Race Bank. q www.constructionnational.co.uk

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Dudgeon enters the final stretch with HQ opening [

CELEBRATIONS AT THE Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival were given added significance on 9 September with the opening of the Dudgeon Offshore Wind Farm Operations Centre by developer Statoil. The former warehouse has been completely redeveloped to accommodate offices and a dedicated 24/7 control room, to manage the operations and maintenance of the £1.5bn Dudgeon Offshore Wind Farm. Once in operation in 2017, more than 70 people will be working full time with the operation and maintenance of the wind farm at the onshore base or at the offshore site.

The offshore substation jacket secured in position

sustainable technology based in Abu Dhabi. The company will continue as its operator when it starts generating electricity next year. Located some 20 miles off the coast of Cromer in North Norfolk, the wind The Statoil UK Wind Energy Centre farm will have a capacity of 402MW, delivering an annual production of up to 1.7 TWh (TeraWatt/hours) – enough to power more than 410,000 UK homes. In June a milestone was reached when around half of the foundations had been installed and the export cables were laid. It followed the lifting into place of the substation jacket on 17 May to celebrate Norway’s Constitution Day. In total, 67 turbines will be installed as part of the project, as well as the 1,000-tonne offshore substation. “The project is really starting to become visible and the Dudgeon Bank is no longer an untouched area,” said Dudgeon project director Olav-Bernt Haga. Electricity will be transmitted through export cables from the substation to the Weybourne landfall, and then by onshore underground cables to Necton, where it will be transformed once more before it enters the National Grid. ”We have many on-going activities at the moment, and fortunately most of them are proceeding as planned. The project has not had any serious injuries,” added Mr Haga. The Dudgeon investment is providing local opportunities in the UK as a number of British suppliers are involved in the construction. In addition to the 70 local jobs created directly in the operations phase, many jobs have been created indirectly in the supply chain. q

The opening event also saw the naming of the wind farm’s purpose-built 84-metre service operations vessel, the Esvagt Njord. The vessel marks a new approach to operations and maintenance, with accommodation for up to 40 wind turbine technicians who will live on the ship and walk to work on the turbines via a special gangway system. The head of Statoil Wind Operations UK, Rune Rønvik, commented: “The location for the base is ideal and we have a purpose-built office ideal for our operations. In a wider perspective Statoil may serve other wind farms from this Great Yarmouth base.” He is also pleased with the new vessel: “We are the first offshore windfarm in the UK using a service operations vessel in regular operations and maintenance. We believe this is a solution for the future as the wind farms get bigger and are located further from shore.” Statoil is developing the installation as part of the joint venture company Dudgeon Offshore Wind Ltd, together with fellow Norwegian company Statkraft, and Masdar – an international investor in renewable energy and

The service operational vessel, Esvagt Njord www.constructionnational.co.uk

Bypass will ease congestion in rural Yorkshire

Looking east from the A1(M) towards Northallerton

[ON 11 AUGUST the first vehicles drove the three-mile length of the

brand new Bedale bypass in North Yorkshire. The bypass is designed to ease congestion by reducing traffic through the villages of Bedale, Leeming Bar and Aiskew by half – from approximately 14,000 vehicles a day. It will also reduce environmental and road safety problems, improve access to the A1(M) for local communities and improve access to a local industrial estate. The new road was officially opened by Roads Minister Andrew Jones, who commented: “The much-needed bypass will improve the community’s lives by cutting traffic and improving air quality and road safety. The tourist industry will also benefit as journey times to the beautiful Yorkshire Dales will be reduced. The government is making a record investment in roads, such as the Bedale bypass, speeding up people's journeys and boosting the economy.” After Mr Jones cut the ribbon, he and other invited guests drove the length of the bypass in a coach, opening the road to traffic behind them. The bypass – planned and designed by Jacobs – runs from Northallerton Road, on the eastern outskirts of Leeming Bar, to a new junction on the A684 near Bedale Golf Club. It crosses the A1(M) at approximately its midpoint, where it connects with the junction created as part of Highways England's A1 Dishforth to Barton upgrade.

Main contractor Wills Bros began work in February last year and finished about two months ahead of the anticipated completion this autumn. The project, which was budgeted at about £34.5m, is also expected to come in under budget. The Department for Transport provided £29m, with North Yorkshire County Council funding the rest. “The bypass has been long-awaited and will greatly reduce congestion in Bedale, as well as Leeming Bar and Aiskew,” said County Councillor Don Mackenzie, the Executive Member for Highways. “It will make a huge difference to residents, businesses and tourists and is an example of the county council's commitment to improving road connections across the county to support the economy and make North Yorkshire a good place to live, work and visit. “The scheme is expected to come in under budget, which has been noted by the Department for Transport and the Treasury, as few major infrastructure schemes are delivered under budget. This is a fantastic piece of work by Wills Bros Ltd, Jacobs and North Yorkshire County Council. “Brown tourism signs have been erected on the approaches to the roundabout at the Bedale end of the bypass to encourage tourists to visit

The Rectory Wood Bridge

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Bedale as part of their trip to the county. The market town will be an even more attractive place to explore following the reduction in through traffic.” Bedale’s County Councillor, John Weighell, added: "Like me, local people will have watched Bedale bypass taking shape over the past 18 months and I'm sure they will be keen to use it to make their journeys easier. For businesses, it will improve access to the Leeming Bar Industrial Estate and for visitors will open up easier access to the Dales. For those living in Bedale, Leeming Bar and Aiskew, it will also improve road safety and the environment, particularly by reducing the traffic flow past homes in Aiskew.” The contractors had to deal with poor ground conditions, particularly into the high embankments on the bridge approaches. The design caters for the settlement of these embankments over an extended period of time and the programme of works allowed for a future visit to smooth out the carriageway surface once settlement had ceased.

A Roman villa uncovered during the project has been designated as an ancient monument. The Aiskew villa is one of the most northerly in Britain and for a northern villa is exceptionally large and complex. It includes a main building with a wide range of features and a large complex of other buildings and enclosures. The site was thoroughly explored and the finds are being assessed and catalogued. It has provided well-preserved finds, including bone and ironwork, and could provide considerable information about a signiﬁcant villa in 3rd and 4th-century Yorkshire. It is hoped some of the finds will be displayed locally and could be made available for schools to study. q Photos ©North Yorkshire County Council

Access for plant involved specialist engineering [THE CONSTRUCTION OF the Bedale Bypass involved heavy plant crossing the Wensleydale Railway. In order to facilitate that plant movement, a number of heavy duty crossing points had to be installed over the tracks and Will Bros commissioned specialist contractor Premier Rail Services to carry out the work. The installation happened at the beginning of the project, enabling the essential heavy plant and equipment to cross the running railway. Premier Rail was established in 1997 and has expanded to become the largest installer and supplier of specialist access equipment on the UK railway infrastructure. The company works directly for Network Rail and for the majority of the other top-tier railway contractors. q

Holmfield Bridge and Northallerton Roundabout

• For more information visit the website at www.premier-rail.co.uk.

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New pipeline will address issues of water quality and resilience

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A PROJECT TO lay a new 8.5km water main in North Wales, which will bring about significant improvements to the water supply for more than 43,000 people, is around 40% complete. The project is being carried out by Dee Valley Water – one of the country’s smaller supply companies, which supplies the area around Wrexham and Chester – and will link the recently rebuilt Llwyn Onn treatment plant with the network hitherto supplied by the Legacy treatment plant, which will be decommissioned. Risks to supply and quality were identified at the Legacy works, which led to a notice being agreed with the Drinking Water Inspectorate – the company’s regulator with responsibility for drinking water quality – to rebuild the treatment works and subsequently remove the issue of manganese associated with the treatment process at these works, which led to occasional discolouration. A review of the initial plan allowed a better option to be developed. Rather than rebuilding Legacy treatment works, a decision was taken to utilise the high-quality water from Llwyn Onn and to strengthen network connectivity. This new plan will achieve the original outcome but also deliver additional benefits to customers. The construction manager on the project, Stuart Owen, explained: “We looked at the options available to us; looked at the actual project designs and the cost of that project, and we came up with an alternative solution.” In addition to improving the quality of the water by being able to remove manganese, the project will allow measures to improve ‘network resilience’ – the ability for suppliers to co-operate to maintain supply. Said Stuart: “We are currently investigating the option of fetching in water from neighbouring water

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companies and vice versa: being able to supply them with water in the event of an emergency.” The CEO of Dee Valley Water, Ian Plenderleith, commented: “We have worked closely with our stakeholders and Customer Challenge Group to ensure that the alternative plan offered a better solution to our customers and we thank them for their support in this process. Overall the plan forms part of our longer term vision of a simpler, high-quality, reliable supply for our local customers.” Local MPs Ian Lucas and Susan Elan Jones, together with local AM Lesley Griffiths, led a sod turning ceremony to mark the commencement of the programme in May. AM Lesley Griffiths said: “Wrexham certainly benefits from having a water company which is locally-based and focused on the community, and Dee Valley Water’s multimillion-pound investment will enable them to offer an even greater service for people in and around Wrexham.” The project has offered a number of challenges. Although the bulk of the pipeline will be 600mm ductile iron pipe laid using open trench methods, there are a number of special sites requiring innovative approaches. The route crosses both Offa’s Dyke and Wat’s Dyke – both scheduled monuments – which will require the pipeline to be laid via directional drilling. This is a complex technology, requiring the expertise of a specialist contractor. There are also a number of Sites of Special Scientific Interest on the route – one of which is home to the largest colony of great crested newts in Europe while another is a protected marshland – and the National Trust’s Erddig Park and House. The next challenge will be to run the pipeline under the railway line that runs from Wrexham to

Shrewsbury. Augur boring to achieve that is due to begin in October. The use of augur boring allows the work to be carried out while the line is in use. A major watchword of the whole project has been the environment – both locally and globally. The great crested newt population is not only being protected by newt fencing, but also encouraged to increase by the installation of ponds. Where the route runs through nesting hedgerows a ‘fingertip search’ is carried out by an ecologist to ensure work does not take place while nests are still occupied. Any hedgerows disturbed will be replaced with similar species. A heritage consultant and eco consultant are involved at all stages and there have been a series of briefings for all staff on the main issues. Globally the carbon footprint of the project is being kept to a minimum by the use of local materials. Where that is not possible the least energy consuming option is chosen – for example the use of anchor joints instead of concrete. Although the joints are imported from France, the reduction in road traffic more than compensated. A notable ‘green’ development is the use of a helium/compressed air mixture to test for leaks rather than traditional water testing. The method is being pioneered on the project as the first in the UK for a new pipeline by SUEZ, the developers of the process. The pipeline is due for completion in December next year, which is the deadline for the taking out of operation of the old Legacy pumping station. In the meantime Dee Valley Water has been carrying out a number of measures to reduce the discolouration. These have included flushing pipes and a new mains cleaning technique called ice pigging. This has substantially reduced the number of discolouration incidents. q

New technology helps find any leaks [AS PART OF the commissioning process, the newly-laid pipeline was

tested for leaks using a mixture of helium and compressed air. The process was carried out by SUEZ Advanced Solutions UK, the first company in the UK to employ that method of testing. The new pipeline would normally be pressure tested using the traditional method, where the main is filled with water and then the pressure is increased to test for any leakage. That method of testing was going to be very challenging for a number of reasons, so SUEZ were asked if they could use the helium leak detection equipment as a way of commissioning water pipes. The mixture of helium and compressed air was injected into the pipeline and pressure was increased for a set period of time. If no decrease in pressure was noted the pipeline was deemed watertight and ready for disinfection; if any decrease in pressure was witnessed the leak detection equipment was deployed in order to detect the leak. The leak detection equipment, known as iDroloc, is designed to look for increased levels of helium which indicates where the leak is located. The principle of the system is that helium is introduced into the water flow. Any leaks in the pipework are identified when the gas/water escapes through and leaks in the surrounding area. The water carries the helium out of the pipe and, as the gas is lighter than air, it rises to the surface. The concentration of helium in the atmosphere is very small, allowing detection at ground level. At the time of writing, just over 3km of pipe has been surveyed, with a small number of very small leaks being identified. Dee Valley Water is also using the SUEZ â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;ice piggingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; method in its extensive mains cleaning operation. Ice pigging is a highly-effective and exceptionally low-risk method of removing sediment, biofilm and other objects from pressurised water pipes, providing the ultimate alternative to conventional pipeline pigging or other pipeline cleaning techniques. Suez Advanced Solutions UK deliver innovative methods of water and wastewater management throughout the UK. Its suite of environmental technologies and services deliver optimised methods of water network management for the water sector. Utilising a wealth and depth of experience in water and sewerage networks, a wide range of pioneering

iDroloc is designed for the urban environment although off-road equipment is also available and innovative process solutions are now successfully providing commercial benefits to water companies, and improving service quality for the end user. Its industrial water specialists deliver bespoke solutions based on the specific needs and process requirements of the customer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to provide reduced cost, energy and water consumption. Committed to continuous development through technical innovation, Suez Advanced Solutions UK transfers knowledge and expertise from a diverse range of industrial sectors, offering a comprehensive understanding of processes and relevant environmental and industry legislations. q

In the red circle a small leak has been identified by iDroloc. Once the pipe was exposed a very small leak was located by iDroloc and confirmed using a soapy solution. This size leak would be virtually impossible to find using traditional techniques

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CPA explains the impact of continuity and shorts on electrochemical treatments [WITH ELECTROCHEMICAL TREATMENTS

for corrosion damaged concrete becoming more prevalent, the Corrosion Prevention Association (CPA), one of the associations that comprise the Structural Concrete Alliance, has issued new guidance on the impact of continuity and shorts on the efficiency and continued performance of such systems. The CPA’s Technical Note 25: Continuity and Shorts in Electrochemical Treatments explains the potential effect of shorts and steel discontinuity on electrochemical treatments – such as impressed current and galvanic cathodic protection, chloride extraction, re-alkalisation, and hybrid treatments using a temporary power supply. It explains that electrochemical treatments are delivered using an electrical circuit, which includes the steel as the cathode, the concrete, an anode system, cables/connections and in some cases a power supply and highlights the importance of the resistance of the components within the circuit. The document explains that steel continuity is essential, since the protective effects of an electrochemical treatment rely on the flow of ionic current through the electrolyte in the concrete and the conversion of ionic current back to electronic current on the protected steel surface. Such continuity is normally achieved by connecting together the steel reinforcement prior to casting the concrete, usually using tie wires. Discontinuity within the steel may result from corrosion of the tie wires, inadequate steel fixing practice during construction or where different

elements of the structure are constructed separately. The document also explains that the impact of short circuits varies with the type of electrochemical treatment. In an impressed current system, the resistance of the short relative to that of the concrete between the anode and the steel determines the percentage of impressed current that bypasses the concrete. Current that does not flow through the concrete and discharge on the steel will not provide protection. As a result, short circuits of low resistance may render an impressed current anode totally ineffective. By contrast, in a galvanic system the anode has a more negative potential than the steel and is deliberately connected (shorted) to the steel. Thus a short does not compromise the protective effect delivered in a galvanic treatment, it just makes it difficult to monitor that effect using standard procedures. Where inert anodes, such as titanium based anodes, are used, these tend to have natural potentials that are more positive than steel. As a result, the steel would be the anode of an inadvertently formed couple. Shorts between an anode and the steel may occur when steel tie wire extends to the concrete surface and the anode is attached directly to the concrete surface. Anode systems that are prone to this type of short are the conductive organic coatings and thermally applied metallised coatings. Discrete anodes located in holes or chases are also prone to shorting because exposed steel within the cavity is not easily seen. The document offers advice on testing and recommends professional advice is sought wherever shorts or discontinuity are suspected of affecting the performance of an electrochemical treatment. The CPA has also released two new guides to help newcomers to the industry and those with overall responsibility for structures to understand available cathodic protection systems and how they work. Technical Note 11: Impressed Current Anodes for the Cathodic Protection of Atmospherically Exposed Reinforced Concrete summarises the anode systems currently commercially available in the UK, detailing the main features of each system including their installation, typical application and performance. It explains that impressed current cathodic protection is widely used to provide corrosion control on reinforced concrete structures suffering from reinforcement corrosion. It is also applied to early 20th century steel framed masonry and brick clad buildings and monuments. Meanwhile, Technical Note 28: A is for Anode is a useful glossary of terms. It provides a brief overview of the technical terms used in cathodic protection of steel in concrete. The glossary is intended to help newcomers to cathodic protection to understand the terms which may be used during a project. The publications are available for free download from the Corrosion Prevention Association website. To see the full range of available CPA publications and Technical Notes visit www.corrosionprevention.org.uk/ publications.php. The Structural Concrete Alliance brings together the Corrosion Prevention Association (CPA), Concrete Repair Association (CRA) and Sprayed Concrete Association (SCA) to provide authoritative guidance on the repair, refurbishment and renovation of concrete; cathodic protection of steel and concrete structures; and sprayed concrete technology and application techniques. q • For further information on guidance documents and training available from the Structural Concrete Alliance, and for details of its free regional CPD seminar programme, visit www.structuralconcretealliance.org.uk.

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Racecourse gets long-term drainage solution [LAST WINTER Ripon Racecourse invested in the complete resurfacing

of the hard standing concrete apron in front of its paddock and club stands. It was part of several years of refurbishment at the course, a six-time winner of the ‘Best Small Racecourse in Northern England’ award. The apron is an important area for the racecourse. Always busy on race days, it allows access to various parts of the course, as well as encompassing the main betting ring. Unfortunately, by the end of 2015 the 40-year old apron was in poor condition. The concrete was uneven and had started to crack, with weeds a constant problem. Clearly, this presented a trip hazard for racegoers and was simply not up to the standards of a prestigious racecourse. When Ripon Racecourse decided to invest in a new surface they asked local specialist road surfacing contractors AE Duffield to take on the project. In order to source the most suitable drainage infrastructure, AE Duffield consulted with Ripon-based builders’ merchants MKM Building Supplies who recommended Clark-Drain and arranged for a site assessment. Brian Duffield said: “Clark-Drain understood our requirements very well, including the need to ensure that women’s high heels wouldn’t slip down into the grate. Overall, we were looking for a quality drainage product that would be easy to install and that has certainly been the case.” Anne Simpson of MKM added: “Clark-Drain responded quickly to our initial enquiry, sending us several samples from their product range.” The outcome of the process was the supply by Clark-Drain of 144 metres of polymer concrete linear drainage channel. Along its length there are 6 silt boxes, also of polymer concrete, with the complete installation topped with C250 ductile iron narrow slot grating.

The products were chosen for a number of reasons: Hard wearing – polymer concrete has greater tensile strength and resistance against corrosion than traditional concrete, while galvanised steel edge rails also ensure long-term durability. Narrow slot grating – the grating slot width of 6mm makes it especially suitable for pedestrian areas, ensuring that high heels cannot slip down. Easy to install – each one-metre length of channel weighs less than 16kg and can be lifted and moved easily by manual handling. BS EN1433:2002 C250 load rating classification – capable of withstanding 25 tonnes vertical load and suitable for car parks, forecourts and other areas with slow moving non-HGV traffic. Hydraulic performance – with a maximum through-ﬂow of 5.3 litres per second, the CD C10-L00G-26 channel (pictured) provides an efficient drainage solution for tarmac surfaces. Constant depth design – this makes the channel ideal for use in laidto-level or naturally sloping ground. Locking bars and bolts – provided as standard with an optional tamper-proof bolt locking system where security is a concern. The work was carried out over the winter, taking advantage of the close season, and completed in January this year. Clerk of the course, James Hutchinson, reported that the project had been a success, saying: “The new surface, complete with durable drainage facilities, is a fantastic asset to the course and it has greatly improved the experience of our customers and the bookmakers who work from our betting ring.” q

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Boningale to demonstrate its environmental credentials at SALTEX [BONINGALE NURSERIES, one of the leading suppliers to the British landscaping industry, will be exhibiting at SALTEX for the first time this year. At the NEC Birmingham on 2-3 November the company will show some of its new and exclusive hedging and specimen plants, and offer expert advice on its environmental planting range. Joining them on the stand at SALTEX 2016 will be experts from the company’s award winning green roof department, Boningale GreenSky. Together, they will be demonstrating how they have been successfully supplying both traditional nursery and green roof planting stock to contractors and architects working on designs that increasingly require a roof garden. By combining the nursery’s horticulture expertise and the cutting-edge research from GreenSky, Boningale’s customers are benefitting from this ‘single source of expertise’. To see how Boningale is uniquely placed to provide the in-depth knowledge required when planting both a roof garden and the surrounding landscape, visit Stand G222 in the BALI pavilion. q

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Innovative Brett Landscaping leads industry with BIM registered products [ BRETT LANDSCAPING, the

specialist commercial and domestic paving supplier, has announced that its range of high quality commercial hard landscaping products has now been listed on the National BIM Library, making the company one of the industry’s earliest adopters of BIM technology. These BIM objects can be sourced for free through the National BIM Library, an online resource of thousands of building products that have been BIM registered – and this library now includes many of Brett Landscaping’s most popular commercial products. The information held within BIM is invaluable to everyone involved in a building project, especially to the contractor when it comes to ensuring the efficient management of the construction phase and BIM Level 2 compliance. BIM provides contractors with a better understanding of an architect’s vision, enabling them to contribute to a build which helps to create a truly collaborative environment, from the architect right through to the contractor. A significant benefit to BIM is the ability to reduce the construction phase and a contractor’s time on site by improving site scheduling, which results in less downtime waiting for products to arrive. Site safety

is also improved as any potential risks are identified, and resolved, during the design phase. BIM also helps to reduce snagging time and any time spent on site resolving conflicts, as any issues will have been found during the design of the building. “Building Information Modelling is definitely the long-term future of construction and as such it is imperative the industry is prepared,” explains Andrew Gill, marketing manager at Brett Landscaping. “It is already mandatory that all products sourced for government projects should be to BIM Level 2 and we are now starting to see BIM filter down to private sector projects. “Brett is renowned for innovation and remaining at the forefront of industry developments and being part of the BIM revolution is another example of this. By having our products included in the National BIM Library we are providing our customers – whether that is an architect sourcing the products, a contractor using them, a merchant selling them or the facilities management team managing the infrastructure – with the products they need to succeed within this highly competitive market.” q • Further information about Brett Landscaping and BIM can be found at www.brettpaving.co.uk/knowledge-hub/ or by calling 0845 60 80 577.

For green infrastructure, use Silva Cells [

THE DEVELOPMENT OF green infrastructure in the urban landscape can be shown to yield many benefits, and the innovative Silva Cell soil cell system from DeepRoot Urban Solutions Ltd is one way of achieving that. The Silva Cell is a modular suspended pavement system that holds unlimited amounts of lightly-compacted soil beneath the paving, while supporting traffic loads above. That soil serves two important functions: allowing the growth of large trees and the consequent treatment of stormwater onsite through interception, evapotranspiration and long-term infiltration. Interception and evapotranspiration – large trees intercept and evapotranspire significantly more rain than small trees. For example, a healthy 40-year-old Hackberry tree is estimated to provide 14 times as much interception as a 10-year-old Hackberry. Long-term infiltration – as the trees’ roots grow and then decay, they leave open channels in the soil that restore and/or enhance porosity and infiltration rates. Several studies have found a significant increase in saturated hydraulic conductivity in cases of bioretention with plants, compared to those without. Vegetation is crucial to many water quality benefits, including removal or sequestration of dissolved nutrients, hydrocarbons and total suspended solids. Plants also slow water flow, allowing more time for sedimentation to occur. Silva Cells have been installed in over 1,000 projects worldwide to achieve the benefits of green infrastructure in the urban environment. q • For more information contact Steve Chatwin-Grindey. Email steve@deeproot.com, call 0207 969 2739 or visit www.deeproot.com. www.constructionnational.co.uk

OnGarde – securing remote sites

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HOT ON THE HEELS of last year’s launch of its Duo Tower, rapid deployment CCTV specialist OnGarde have announced the arrival of the OnGarde Solar Tower, a true standalone security option. The Duo Tower built on the success of the original tower by offering customers a choice of both LED green lamps and infrared lamps. The new dual lighting options complemented the tower’s already impressive specifications: • Six-metre high anti vandal tower acts as a visible deterrent • Live audio warning on detection of an intruder • Advanced detection system using video content analysis so no false alarms This increased flexibility of the product made it more suitable for use on sites where uninterrupted power may have been an issue, as the Duo can operate for 72 hours using its own internal battery pack up. The introduction of the Duo Tower has seen the number of OnGarde towers operating in the UK more than double in the last 12 months. So why introduce the OnGarde Solar? Mike Fleck, director of OnGarde, provided the answers: “Even with the highly effective OnGarde Duo we still get calls from customers where power is a real issue. It could be for a green field site where none of the long term infrastructure has been put in place or, as is often the case on extremely remote sites, where external power is not possible,” he said. “Whilst a power pack could be an option, the overall cost and the logistics of transporting two devices led us to believe there was a better way, and that is why we have introduced the OnGarde Solar.” The most notable feature of the OnGarde Solar is its ability to operate for five months with no maintenance and no refuelling. To achieve this OnGarde opted for a thermal camera which means no external lights are required. Use of the thermal camera brings with it the benefit of an increased range of up to 200 metres, making the Solar ideal for monitoring perimeters and large areas. The OnGarde Solar is powered by fuel cell technology, supplemented by an array of solar cells. When the fuel cell is spent, OnGarde receive notification and will travel to the site and replace the fuel cell as part of the rental package. This approach means the client does not need to worry about supplying power or sending personnel to top up the fuel level in generators. This factor alone offers a significant saving. q

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‘No Pokémon here!’ say contractors [THERE IS MUCH written and spoken about the role of new technology

in the construction industry, including gaming sites such as Minecraft. Few could have foreseen, however, the encroachment of Pokémon Go onto building sites and the headaches it causes regarding site security. Over the summer a clutch of major contractors added their sites to a list of those posting ‘Pokémon No!’ signs to deter trespassers. They include Mace, Network Rail and Bam Construct. The issue has also come to the attention of contractors’ body Build UK, which reported: “Build UK members have reported Pokémon Go players attempting to gain unauthorised access to their sites to play the game, and ‘catch’ characters that appear within site boundaries. “Security measures to prevent players from gaining unauthorised access to construction sites should be no different from those in place to prevent

any other trespasser attempting to illegally enter a site. Site boundaries should be safe and secure, and signage sufficient and clear.” Other reports are more alarmist, warning that contractors could be held liable for injuries, even to trespassers, and urging an upgrade to security. So how do you know if you are at risk? One report in online resource BuildingTalk suggests: “If you’ve seen people wandering around staring at their smartphones outside your site or even asking to come inside, the first thing you should do is check whether your site is featured as a ‘Pokéstop’ or ‘gym’ in the game.” Build UK advises: “If you would like to restrict the game’s availability from a specific site or location, this can be done by submitting a removal request on the Pokémon Go support website.” q

AMI tracking technology leads police to stolen JCB 2CX worth £25,000 [

AMI GROUP’S tracking technology has led the police to a stolen JCB 2CX Streetmaster backhoe loader worth around £25,000. The high value machine was reported stolen at around 10.30am from a site in Croft-onTees south of Darlington. Owned by one of the UK’s major plant hirers, the JCB 2CX had been fitted with an AMI Nexis GPS tracking system and AMI’s monitoring station was able to utilise the company’s web-based Nexis software portal to establish that it had been moved to a new location in Snipe Lane just off the A66 in Darlington, some six miles away. Using the latest Google mapping and GPS positional information, AMI’s monitoring station could see that the 2CX was actually hidden in some bushes. The hiring customer contacted County Durham Police who subsequently liaised with AMI’s monitoring station to obtain the exact position. The police went to Snipe Lane and the machine was recovered at around 2pm, just a few hours after first being reported stolen. Peter Stockton, operations director at AMI Group, said: “This recovery shows the speed with which stolen plant machinery can be recovered if it is fitted with an AMI tracking device, plus it shows the level of detail we can provide to the police to lead to a successful recovery. We were able to provide very intricate mapping information and the JCB 2CX was able to be returned to the hiring customer within just three and a half hours of first being reported as stolen.” AMI tracking devices are used in conjunction with AMI Nexis – a web-based platform whereby customers can log-on to the system to not only use it as an anti-theft deterrent, but as a total fleet management solution. Following months of development work and consultation with customers, the AMI Nexis portal has recently been enhanced to empower AMI customers with more information than ever before to help locate

and manage plant equipment and vehicle fleets more efficiently and safely. A series of new high tech features have also been added to give organisations full control and visibility of their plant or vehicle fleets. For example, a new timeline feature has been introduced to allow users to see a quick snapshot of each asset’s activity over the last 24 hours, allowing rapid identification of any assets being used outside working hours or over the weekend. New features such as a new hours usage widget have also been added to enable users to identify the utilisation of plant equipment or other assets. This enables customers to identify under-use or over-use of plant and help ensure accurate charging for plant use. One of AMI’s latest innovations is the AMI Nexis AT5 – a self-contained, battery operated tracking device which utilises state-of-theart GPS, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) and RF (Radio Frequency)

technology. The AT5 is lightweight, tiny in size (21 x 55 x 52mm) and can be concealed almost anywhere on any asset. Via its advanced battery management software, the unit has the capacity to last up to 18 years and is backed by IP68 waterproof rating, ensuring it is robust and heavily protected. The device has the ability to be traced both outdoors and indoors even in very remote locations. In situations where GPS is unavailable, the device relays GSM cell site positions and the internal RF beacon can be activated to assist in locating stolen assets. Such innovations have led to AMI Group recently being named ‘Best for After-Theft Recovery Technology and Recognised Leaders in Plant Security Systems - UK’ as part of the esteemed 2016 Technology Innovator Awards. q • For further information visit the website at www.amigroup.co.uk, call 0844 412 4860 or email enquires@amigroup.co.uk. www.constructionnational.co.uk

Site managers reap their rewards [

IN JUNE THE National Housebuilding Council (NHBC) announced the winners in the first round of its annual Pride in the Job awards. Now in its 36th year, Pride in the Job celebrates the exceptional contribution that site managers make in creating homes of outstanding quality. The first round of the competition this year saw the top 445 site managers honoured with Quality Awards for their dedication to building such homes. As well as undergoing spot checks on the day-to-day running of the sites, each site manager is assessed across 37 areas of site management, including their technical knowledge, consistency in the build process and the quality controls they have in place. With more than 16,000 site managers competing for the awards, this year’s Quality Award winners have been hand-picked for their excellent standards on site.

Mike Quinton, chief executive of NHBC, commented: “Congratulations to all the 2016 Quality Award winners: the strength of this year’s entries, coupled with the judges’ long and hard deliberations over selecting 445 winners from 16,000 site managers, should give great pride to them all and their teams.” In the following pages we will be looking at a number of winners from one of the regions of the NHBC that receives less attention than perhaps it deserves – Northern Ireland, which also includes the Isle of Man. The region is characterised by a predominance of small, local developers – a fact attested to by the fact that this year the region’s 25 Quality Award winners represent a remarkable 20 companies! We open the feature, however, with a look at an out-of-the-ordinary, award-winning development in Scotland. q

Who wants to live on a country estate? We do – when Jeff’s in charge! [SITUATED ON THE north bank of the River

Tweed in Berwickshire is Coldstream, a historic Scottish Border town. There, on the edge of the Hirsel Estate is Leet Haugh, a new residential development that is one of a kind. Leet Haugh comprises a mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes which are specifically designed to suit modern living within the structure of a ‘country estate’. The architectural style and design reflects the regional design vernacular, but with the use of some contemporary influence in the specification and detailing to ensure that homes provide traditional qualities with the benefits of modern energy efficient living. That ‘estate’ structure provides a range of accommodation from ‘gate lodges’ in a bungalow style to ‘farm houses’ and ‘factors houses’ in bungalows and detached one-and-a-half and two-storey homes around the village green. The Courtyard is a mixture of 24 detached ‘lodge houses’, town-houses and ‘stable mews’

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built round a grassed courtyard, while the Village Green is a stunning development of 16 three and four-bedroom detached homes looking out onto a green of almost an acre.

Award-winning Jeff Loughlin

The development is being built by Hudson Hirsel, which is a partnership between local developer Jamie Hudson and the Hirsel Estate itself. The Hirsel Estate is one of the Douglas and Angus Estates, the DouglasHome family estate company. The family, an amalgam of two of the great Border Families – Home and Douglas – also own the Douglas Estate in South Lanarkshire, where unbroken stewardship goes back for nearly 1,000 years. That sense of pride in the development’s heritage is being maintained by the build team. Hudson Hirsel announced with great pride that Jeff Loughlin, the site manager at Leet Haugh, has been recognised by NHBC with a Pride in the Job award. The award is seen as a visible demonstration of Hudson Hirsel’s overall commitment to quality and the firm is extremely proud of it. Jamie Hudson declared: “Jeff has been with Hudson Hirsel for over 10 years and

this award is well-deserved recognition of his hard work and attention to detail. His strive for excellence helps us to deliver high quality homes with many traditional details.” The quality of both the design and the construction at Leet Haugh – particularly the feeling of a traditional community that is being created – was further recognised in September at the Scottish Borders Design Awards, where Leet Haugh won the award for Placemaking. The award scheme was first established in

1984 and runs every two years. This year the awards are part of the national Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design. The award went to Hudson Hirsel and architects Aitken Turnbull of Galashiels. The judges said: “With two phases completed, there is now a real sense of place. There is a hierarchy of space and a lovely contrast between the courtyard and the large village green. The houses have a vernacular theme and great care has

been taken to provide distinctive homes. The vision of the landowner has been energetically embraced and enhanced by the developer to provide a ‘step change’ for placemaking within the Borders.” The creation of this new community continues, and with a new phase underway, a new show home is now open to visit. The show home is on the stunning corner plot with views over the village green and to the Cheviot Hills. q

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With five in a row, Jason aims to

Seal it once more

The four-bedroom Pavilion

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JASON MOORE IS fast becoming a phenomenon among the Northern Ireland housebuilding community. Jason is currently celebrating his fifth Pride in the Job award in succession; moreover, in each of the past three years he has gone on to add a Seal of Excellence to his Quality Award. All five of the awards have been for his work in building homes for bespoke developer QTH. This year the award is once more for the company’s outstanding development on Belsize Road in Lisburn. The next phase of the development, Belsize Gardens, is currently under construction next to the flagship scheme Belsize Crescent. Just one house on that phase, the Hammond, was reported available in September. Belsize Gardens is ideally positioned for both Belfast and Lisburn city centres. As Lisburn is now an established city, it offers a fantastic range of amenities and is home to some of the best schools in the province. Every aspect and detail of Belsize Gardens has been meticulously thought through in order to deliver a total of 28 luxury three and fourbedroom detached homes. The exterior has been expertly chosen to incorporate a unique mix of rustic tumbled brick and authentic stone façade. They include the spacious Pavilion. At 1,467sq ft, the four-bedroom detached provides a family home with all the comforts the 21st century has to offer. The design includes a sunroom option. Also available is the Trummery: a detached home featuring double gables in the vernacular style. It is available either with three bedrooms, or with a fourth above a sunroom, offering 1,280sq ft of floorspace. In September the QTH blog declared: “With the fantastic spell of good weather in recent weeks, the progress onsite in Lisburn is notable and we can now see some of our featured homes coming alive, with a show home to follow in a number of weeks. I must say we are all very excited in the office to start tailoring and The Trummery is showcasing the quality of our homes.

“Sales for phase two are so strong that we are now progressing with a number of foundations to keep up with our build schedule.” QTH – quality tailored homes – are passionate about clients being able to acquire dream homes which are stylish both inside and out. The company states in its brochure: “We appreciate that buying your dream home is one of, if not the biggest financial investment you will ever make. With this in mind we want the experience of realising your dream home to be as enjoyable a journey for you as possible. “QTH ensure that each home is built to an exceptionally high standard with excellent levels of energy efficiency and insulation. Each home is constructed with the highest level of attention to detail and workmanship using the best quality building materials.” With Jason bidding for yet another Seal to add to his collection, he is ensuring that QTH continue to achieve recognition as one of the leading property developers in Northern Ireland. q

available as either a three- or four-bedroom home www.constructionnational.co.uk

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New star Matthew is pitching for PiJ glory [OVERLOOKING THE HARBOUR at Portstewart is a new type of seaside development. The Ebb

delivers cutting-edge architectural technology, providing a stunning addition to the promenade at the traditional resort town. The project is the latest from bespoke developer MAM Magnificent views, along with the convenience of living on the promenade, ensure that it will be a much sought after development. Whether from the lower floors to the sensational top floor – the superb vista over the Atlantic Ocean offers much. With the constant ebb and flow of the ocean tide, life at The Ebb will surely never be dull – and life hasn’t been dull for the site team currently realising this particular dream. In particular, they have been celebrating the award of a Pride in the Job Quality Award for MAM director Matthew McCauley, who is also the site manager at The Ebb. Matthew established MAM Developments in 1981 and during the past 30 years the company has acquired a wealth of experience in all types of building work. MAM have established an excellent reputation and have an impressive portfolio of successful projects throughout Northern Ireland – including the construction of over 200 homes, several apartment blocks and numerous commercial units. Said Matthew: “MAM Developments recognises that its excellent reputation and continued success is dependent on the completion of every job to the total satisfaction of the client. This commitment to quality drives our company to reach ever-higher standards of workmanship, and more effective management control.” Those principles have certainly shone through at The Ebb, where no expense has been spared to provide what will be leading-edge and contemporary apartments, with specifications that are second to none. The kitchens have been designed with meticulous detail using the finest fittings throughout. The contemporary, custom-built units are made with the best materials are and innovative in nature. The influence of the interior designers is very apparent throughout the apartments. The bathrooms, for example, are finished to the highest aesthetic standard with co-ordinated ceramic wall and floor tiles and stylish chrome fittings. The master bedrooms offer the ultimate in luxury, with stylish en-suites, while all bedrooms come equipped with the latest technology and have been designed to maximise the use of natural light. All in all, the interior designers have provided an exceptional living space which will be the example for others to follow in the future. While neighbouring Portrush may have provided Europe with two leading Ryder Cup stars, a new major player in the Pride in the Job stakes is just along the beach. Watch out, Rory and Darren – here comes Matthew! q

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Ultimate address provides second award [

GAVIN MURRAY of Lagan Homes NI has scooped his second Pride in the Job award for his work at the company’s Blackwood Manor development in Newtownards. Last year Gavin’s first Quality Award was followed by a Seal of Excellence at the Regional Awards. Commenting, Gavin said: “To have our work at the Blackwood Manor development acknowledged by the NHBC for the second year is a fantastic achievement. The award proves that meticulous planning and the right team results in a quality product for our homebuyers. Essentially this award acknowledges the dedication of everyone working at Blackwood Manor, from the planning stage to applying the finishing touches to our homebuyers’ houses.” The homes at Blackwood Manor are situated just off Mountain Road in Newtownards, described as the ‘ultimate address’ in the town. The development is close to the established Falcon Park development. The development is described as: “Combining charming architecture featuring elegant and defined features with practical room proportions and a complete turnkey specification, Blackwood Manor integrates all the required elements for comfortable modern living in homes that are a pleasure to live in.”

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A variety of house types are on offer at the development, from functional townhouses and semi-detached homes to spacious two, three and four-bedroom detached properties. Earlier this year Lagan Homes launched a new release of spacious three-bedroom semidetached houses built over three storeys. The

Springwood (pictured below) features a practical layout, making it perfect for couples and young families. Externally, the charming stone effect cladding on the ground floor contrasts with the cream render, providing an eye-catching exterior elevation. The plan retains the traditional layout of twostorey homes on the first and second floors, while providing a single integral garage and entrance hall on the ground floor. Finished to a high-specification turnkey finish, the homeowner only has to add their individual interior design touches such as furniture, light fittings and window dressings. Blackwood Manor’s location in Newtownards adds to its popularity. Nestling at the foot of the Craigantlet Hills, Newtownards lies at the northern tip of Strangford Lough in County Down. The thriving market town offers a full range of shops and businesses, including some national brands and household names, plus a traditional Saturday market. Overlooking the town is the spectacular Scrabo Tower, a noted landmark built on a volcanic plug in 1857 as a memorial to one of the Duke of Wellington’s generals in the Napoleonic Wars. q

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Alan brings added kudos to lakeside development

AN EXAMPLE OF the unique nature of award-winners in Northern Ireland is Alan White, who has won a Quality Award for his work on The Old Mill development for developers Wilson and Mawhinney of Ballymena. Wilson and Mawhinney are building and civil engineering contractors, who are also well known for constructing projects for major clients. On this occasion they have brought all their considerable expertise to bear on another of their own projects. The Old Mill is a collection of three and fourbedroom semi-detached homes near to the village of Whiteabbey, near Newtownabbey in County Antrim. The four-bedroom Furrow is complemented by the three-bedroom Cullin, Weaver and Spinner styles. The Weaver and Spinner combine to form a single building, while the other styles offer two side-by-side. They are all contemporary energy efficient homes. The unique development enjoys an ideal The four-bedroom Furrow location just off the Shore Road on the banks of Belfast Lough. They are just a few minutes walk from Whiteabbey Village and Loughshore Park, with a wonderful backdrop of the Knockagh Monument and hill. The ideal location on the edge of Whiteabbey Village ensures that residents at The Old Mill could not be better placed to enjoy all the superb facilities that this wonderful part of County Antrim has to offer. It will be

an address at which to live and relax in style, and will give purchasers a host of enticing features to satisfy all of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs and lifestyles. In addition to the high specification of the homes themselves, a management company is being formed among the residents to organise the upkeep and well-being of the development. q

The three-bedroom Cullin

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Donald continues the PiJ tradition [

THE LATEST site manager from Farrans Homes to be rewarded with a Pride in the Job award is Donald Doyle. Donald’s award is for the luxurious Lady Wallace Square development in Lisburn. Lady Wallace Square is the latest phase of new homes from Farrans at the Thaxton Village development in North Lisburn. This latest release showcases the great attention that has been paid to internal layouts and elevational

treatments to create interesting and desirable homes and streetscapes. All homes come complete with an exceptionally high turnkey finish and specification. There are 75 homes in this phase of the development, comprising a range of types – from three-bedroom detached and semidetached houses to townhouses – embodying the elegance of a by-gone era. Donald has been a site manager at Farrans

Farrans Homes’ award winner Donald Doyle

The three-bedroom Conway

Homes since 2000. He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Building and has been involved in some of Farrans’ most prestigious projects, including the award-winning New Boy's Model School in Belfast – valued at £26.5m. Says Donald: “What separates Farrans from its competition is the personal relationships we make. This is what Farrans Homes is all about: building relationships and building homes so that when we finish the job we have created something genuinely special.” q

Onward and upwards – to London! [THROUGHOUT THE AUTUMN a series of ceremonies take

place to select the winners of the Regional Awards in the various categories, as well as the top 100 coveted Seal of Excellence awards. The ceremonies began on 2 September in Cardiff and continued throughout England and Scotland. They will conclude on 11 November at a dinner dance in Belfast. Announcing the first round winners, NHBC chief executive Mike Quinton said: “For 36 years our Pride in the Job awards have played a pivotal role in NHBC’s work to raise standards across the industry through the celebration and sharing of best practice. “Pride in the Job rewards those site managers who produce the best new homes which are built and finished to the highest possible standard. Most importantly, homeowners who buy a Pride in the Job award-winning home benefit from a high quality product. “It’s no surprise that our data shows Pride in the Job winning sites have higher levels of customer satisfaction as these homes are without doubt among the best the UK has to offer.” The regional winners all go through to contest the national Supreme Winner title in their category. The Supreme Awards gala ceremony for this year’s competition will take place on 13 January at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel in London. q

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ACCESS EQUIPMENT

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TRAINING & ASSESSMENT

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