Construction National Spring 2020 by DMMonline

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COVER STORY

Shoe capital looks forward to museum opening

Our front cover picture shows the new atrium extension to Northampton Museum and Art Gallery. The 9m-high atrium links the original museum building to the town’s Old Gaol Block, which is now a new exhibition space. The extended and refurbished museum allows visitors to explore Northampton’s unique place in the shoemaking industry, together with temporary exhibitions by notable artists, while the new atrium provides a ‘spectacular new focal point for the town’s art, heritage and culture’, in the words of the town’s council leader. Read the full story on page 28

Image courtesy of Northampton Borough Council

7 Constructive Comment

NEWS 9

PiJ Supreme Winners bask in the limelight

Crisis adds to existing woes for housebuilders

Government sets out its plan for the future

Guidance issued on contract terms to avoid

Fire bill responds to Grenfell Inquiry

Aarsleff Ground Engineering segment expands its operations in Norway

Planning body calls for town centre experts

New Homes Ombudsman takes the stage

How changes in international shipping practices impacts on UK pothole repairs

Scottish architects reveal awards shortlist

Red7Marine supports Jackson Civil Engineering on Lincolnshire flood remediation scheme

CONSTRUCTION NATIONAL 21st ANNIVERSARY 19

21 years of Construction National: unlocking some of the century’s major stories

Teamwork brings innovation to online product configurators

Two decades of history reflected in our buildings

The ‘why’ of trees and planning: the key to your success

In construction, the future has already started to happen

MODULAR & PORTABLE BUILDINGS

Property giant weighs in on the side of modular

Offsite used for new hospital wing

DEMOLITION

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Trade body ensures quality

Training group AGM addresses pressing issues

Demolition of old jetty makes way for the new

PPE donations prompted by demolition campaign

NE specialists land offshore decom prize

Demolition contractor appointed for military base

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

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CONTENTS MUSEUMS & GALLERIES 28

Shoe capital looks forward to museum opening

WORKING AT HEIGHT 29

NASC expands Contractual Guidance notes offering

Multiplex signs NASC Safe Scaffolding Charter

Aspects Total Training bring CISRS accreditation to Coventry

For membership audits the NASC is in a class of its own

Awards shortlist announced, but winners will have to wait

PASMA training helps ex-offenders to Bounce Back

Prosecutions continue despite warnings

FITTING OUT 37

Fit-out sector leads the way in proposals for reforming construction

TRAINING AND APPRENTICESHIPS 38

Coronavirus: CITB urges employers to keep apprentices on payroll

Budget commitment to training welcomed by CIOB

New building will enhance top-ranking facilities

Recruitment campaign looks forward to the next three years

UNIVERSITY COURSES 41

Built environment school helps develop professionalism, flexibility, leadership…and more

Safety & Risk Management qualifications at the University of Strathclyde

Constructionarium – delivering the skills you need for the future

HEALTH & SAFETY 45

Safety & Health Expo rescheduled to autumn

IOSH course gains CSCS approval

SOCOTEC’s ground investigation division launches bespoke health and safety training day

CARE HOMES 46

Despite turbulent times, both private and public care sectors can thrive

Restoration adds new feather in Black Swan’s cap

Trio of openings add to offer in Bedfordshire

ROOFING 48

Buy zinc box gutter online from Rainclear

GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMPS 49

Code of Practice guides groundwater heat installations

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Constructive

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THE PRODUCTION PROCESS of this issue of Construction National has been challenging, to say the least. While the whole world outside our (individual) windows is going on in an unprecedented state of turbulence, the stock-in-trade of this publication – the activities of the construction industry – had remained the same until those activities came to an abrupt and, hopefully temporary, cessation. Buildings were being built and subsequently occupied, apprentices were being trained and contracts were being signed. What’s more, when the crisis is over those same activities will resume and we will continue reporting on them. Meanwhile, it has been like reporting in a bubble. • Some of the earliest casualties of the pandemic were conferences and exhibitions scheduled for the next few months. Among them was the Safety and Health Expo, with its co-located shows. Similarly, a major feature on the show planned for this issue has had to be shelved. As a media partner of the event, we were keen to see a good turn-out and hopefully that will be achieved at the rescheduled show in September. • The construction industry’s response to COVID-19 has been very curate’s egg-like. One sector that rose to the challenge in good style was the demolition industry, responding instantly to a call from the NHS for PPE. Two firms in particular organised not just PPE from their own stocks to be delivered to Charing Cross Hospital, but established a special website for co-ordinating donations from other firms – including cash donations to purchase extra equipment. Hats off to Paul Cluskey and Paul Ford. • There have been murmurs during the crisis that the Cinderella workforce of the healthcare sector – the huge army of social care providers – is being sold short by the authorities when it comes to equipment provision. It is a sector we have been spotlighting for a number of years from the point of view of the design and construction of some of the state-of-the-art facilities being brought into being. This issue is no exception: we look at two contrasting providers with the provision of first-class care in common. • The healthcare sector has for a long time been at the forefront of the building revolution that is offsite. What began decades ago as an instant solution to a specific need has transformed into a mainstay of hospital construction, offering unparalleled quality control and design flexibility. Now, a whole wing can be erected, with all the specific and critical facilities it needs, in a fraction of the time it used to take and with a much shrunken footprint. The housing sector has also been keen to adopt the modular method, and it now has the backing of a major player in the real estate industry. • Modular building is one of the more visible modern methods of construction, or MMCs. The future has been happening for some time, but the contracts that construction has relied on – and in some eyes abused – have not caught up. Things are changing in that regard, prompted by a campaign by the fit-out industry and backed by government. • The changing face of construction has been the subject matter of Construction National since it emerged from a stable of regional magazines some 21 years ago. We have seen an Olympic stadium, the world’s largest tunnelling machine, several bridges and the controversy over HS2. We’re not yet, however, a museum piece – although new museum buildings have also figured in our reporting. This issue provides one such. The hugely-expanded Northampton Museum and Art Gallery is now complete and graces our front cover. It was due to open in June, but sadly that event will have to wait. The pandemic does indeed intrude into all aspects of life. q

Chris Stokes Editor, Construction National

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PiJ Supreme Winners bask in the limelight [ ON 24 JANUARY the National

Housebuilding Council (NHBC) announced the Supreme Winners of its flagship Pride in the Job awards: the 39th line-up of winners in the competition’s history. The awards were presented at a gala event in London by TV comedian and lie-detector Rob Brydon. The aim of the Pride in the Job competition now is the same as it was when it was launched in 1981: to seek out and reward the best performing site managers building homes across the whole of the UK. They have become the winners of the most highly-regarded competition in the housebuilding industry. Site managers across the industry aspire to win and are inspired by their award-winning peers. Having won their way through the previous stages of the awards last year – the Quality Awards, Seals of Excellence and Regional Awards – they were assessed across six key areas: consistency, attention to detail, leadership, interpretation of drawings and specifications, technical expertise and health and safety. The winners, decided by a panel of expert external judges, are: • Richard Morrow from Vaughan • Developments Ltd who won the Small • Builder category for Hilltops, Lisburn. • Stephen Walker from C G Fry and Son • Ltd was named as the Medium Builder • category winner for his site in North East • Quadrant, Dorchester.

housebuilding for almost 40 years. There is no doubt that these awards have been instrumental in driving up the quality of new homes and results show that Pride in the Job winning sites have higher levels of customer satisfaction. “The final stage of this competition is tough, so to earn the highest accolade of Supreme Winner a site manager must have successfully managed a wide range of competing demands and challenges. Their determination and success in achieving excellence deserves recognition. More importantly, these site managers are creating high quality outstanding homes that their customers can have confidence in – they are building the future.” In addition to announcing the Supreme Award winners, four runners-up were unveiled. The THE NUMBER OF new-build homes started and completed was already trailing government targets before runners-up were: the COVID-19 emergency slowed the rate to a near halt. • Small Builder category: Craig According to government figures published on 26 March, the fourth quarter of last year saw new-build • Wilson from Lattimer Homes dwelling starts in England estimated at 34,260 (seasonally adjusted): an 11% decrease compared to the • for the Blencogo development previous three months and 17% down on the same quarter a year earlier. Completions were estimated at • in Wigton 44,980 (seasonally adjusted): a 1% decrease from the previous quarter but 3% higher than a year ago. • Medium Builder category: Stuart According to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the new-build dwellings figures • Gillespie from Mactaggart & should be regarded as a leading indicator of overall housing supply. • Mickel Homes Ltd for Greenan Taken on an annual basis the figures paint a similar picture: new build dwelling starts totalled 151,020 in • Views in Ayr the year to December: a 10% decrease compared with the year to December 2018. However, during the same • Multi-storey category: Terry period completions totalled 178,800 – a 9% increase compared to the previous year. • Arnold from Ballymore for Clive Docwra, managing director of leading construction consulting and design agency McBains, said: “The • Wardian London government’s ambitious housebuilding target – delivering a million homes in the next five years – was always • Large Builder category: going to be extremely challenging, and the latest statistics bear this out. However, the impact of the COVID-19 • Andrew Halladay from pandemic will mean this is now virtually impossible. • Miller Homes North West for “Many sites are empty, supply chains have been disrupted and millions of pounds worth of private investment • the Croston Meadow is on hold for the foreseeable future. That will knock back housebuilding rates months, if not years. • development in Leyland. “The government has already announced an unprecedented package of measures to help support business, The competition will start but once we’ve turned the tide on the virus further help, such as tax incentives, will be needed to get the UK again this summer with the building again.” q announcement of the next clutch of Quality Award winners. q • Mark Foley from CALA Evans • Restoration Ltd took the Multi-storey • title for Donaldsons, Edinburgh. • Mark Summersgill from David Wilson • Homes North East was crowned the Large • Builder category winner for his • management of the Grey Towers Village in • Nunthorpe. Steve Wood, NHBC chief executive, said: “Through Pride in the Job, NHBC has been celebrating the best of the best in

Crisis adds to existing woes for housebuilders [

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Government sets out its plan for the future [

ON 12 MARCH the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government published its Planning for the Future document, setting out its proposals to ‘bring Britain’s planning system into the 21st century’. In it the government sets out major proposals for housing and infrastructure – particular developments on brownfield sites and building ‘upwards’ on existing developments and even stations. It looks forward to the publication later in the spring of a Planning White Paper. The document was launched by Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick MP, who commented: “I want everyone, no matter where they live, to have access to affordable, safe, quality housing and live in communities with a real sense of place – as part of our mission to level up, unite and unleash the potential of this country. “We must think boldly and creatively about the planning system to make it fit for the future, and this is just the first step, so we can deliver the homes communities need and help more young people onto the ladder.” The document flags up a plan to launch a register of brownfield sites in April, which will map out unused land as part of plans to encourage councils to make the most of that land first – backed by £400m in government funding. In a bold proposal, developers will be able to demolish vacant commercial, industrial and residential buildings and replace them with well-designed homes without getting delayed in a lengthy planning process. All local authorities will also be required to have up-to-date Local Plans in place by December 2023, or see government intervention. Good design and place-making will be at the heart of the new system, championing tree-lined streets, a ‘fast track for beauty’ and a commitment to lower carbon emissions in all new homes. The proposals were received with mixed emotions by the industry. Speaking for small builders, the FMB’s Brian Berry said: “I’m pleased to learn that the Secretary of State will engage particularly with SME housebuilders to ensure the new system works for them. Key to increasing the volume and quality of new homes coming through is reversing the decline in small housebuilders. “That the government has also made the decision to intervene in local authorities’ plan-making processes by setting a 2023 deadline to update their local plans is helpful. A recent Public Accounts Committee report found that fewer than half of local authorities had an up-to-date local plan, which goes to show that inaction is hampering housing numbers.” There was, as is often the case, a ‘but’. Mr Berry continued: “More detail is needed in terms of how local authorities plan to provide a good quality service to SMEs. While linking fees to performance and offering rebates to developers is a step in the right direction, local authorities need support to get the basics right. That means a dedicated phone number where housebuilders can get through to someone, the ability to arrange meetings that don’t cost an arm and a leg, and regular, goodquality communication. The FMB stands ready to support this review and reform process.” The response of the Royal Institute of British Architects was also hot and cold. RIBA’s executive director for professional services, Adrian Dobson, said: “We are pleased with the pledges to review current housebuilding processes, connect the development of housing and infrastructure more effectively and make land ownership more transparent. “However, there is a fundamental contradiction between the government’s professed commitment to quality and its plans to further expand permitted development. Current rules allow developers to create housing which fails to meet even the most basic spatial, quality and environmental standards. Rather than driving a ‘green housing revolution’, the government’s plans to allow the demolition and replacement of industrial and commercial property with housing under

permitted development would make it easier to build the slums of the future.” The document also carries the announcement of £1bn of grant funding to tackle unsafe cladding systems on high-rise residential buildings over 18m, in both the private and social sectors. That is in addition to the £600m already available. The document states: “This intervention is based on the advice of experts such as Dame Judith Hackitt, and we are clear that this will be the limit to the government’s funding support for remediation. In the private sector this investment will be for the benefit of leaseholders and in the social sector it will focus on those landlords who are unable to pay, ensuring the necessary works take place and cost is not a barrier to remediation. We expect building owners who have already committed to fund remedial works without passing on the costs to leaseholders to stick to these commitments.” q

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Guidance issued on contract terms to avoid [

BUILD UK has issued guidance designed to help the construction industry implement its recommendation on contract terms, published last year. The document, A New Normal in Contractual Practice, provides a more detailed rationale for why the six contract terms identified in the recommendation are problematic and should be avoided. It is widely recognised that current contractual practices can actively inhibit collaboration, create inefficiencies and result in risk being passed down the supply chain. The Build UK recommendation, which was developed with the support of legal counsel to ensure compliance with competition law, seeks to form a new common ground between clients and the supply chain, with the focus on managing the risks rather than passing them on. It has been met with support from across the sector, including endorsement by the Construction Leadership Council, with co-chairman Andy Mitchell saying it is “a first step towards fairer and more responsible contractual practices”. The newly-released guide will now help all parties to implement the recommendation. For each of the terms in the recommendation, there is context explaining the relevant term, the reasons why it should be

avoided, and recommendations on how to more effectively manage the underlying issues. The terms are: • Fitness for purpose • Unquantifiable risks • Specified perils • Breach of contract • Uncapped liabilities • Performance securities. Former Build UK chairman Mark Castle, who has championed the development of the recommendation, said: “This new guidance is a huge step forward. By helping all of us to understand the dynamics underlying these six terms, the rationale for avoiding them and how exactly we can solve the challenges in a more collaborative way. “It can help to create a ‘new normal’ in contractual practice. Ultimately, by avoiding these terms the industry can spend less time negotiating contracts, reduce the incidence of disputes and become more sustainable in terms of productivity, innovation and profitability.” The recommendation is non-binding and Build UK members are free to negotiate their own contractual terms with their clients. q

Fire bill responds to Grenfell Inquiry [THE NEW Fire Safety Bill was introduced as part of the Queen’s Speech

on 19 March. The bill will amend the Fire Safety Order 2005, to clarify that the responsible person or duty-holder for multi-occupied, residential buildings must manage and reduce the risk of fire for: • The structure and external walls of the building, including cladding, • balconies and windows • Entrance doors to individual flats that open into common parts The clarification will empower fire and rescue services to take enforcement action and hold building owners to account if they are not compliant. The bill will also provide a foundation for secondary legislation to take forward recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry phase one report, which stated that building owners and managers of high-rise and multi-occupied residential buildings should be responsible for a number of areas including: • Regular inspections of lifts and the reporting of results to the local fire • and rescue services • Ensuring evacuation plans are reviewed and regularly updated and • personal evacuation plans are in place for residents whose ability to • evacuate may be compromised • Ensuring fire safety instructions are provided to residents in a form that • they can reasonably be expected to understand • Ensuring individual flat entrance doors, where the external walls of the • building have unsafe cladding, comply with current standards The bill will also give the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government the powers to amend the list of qualifying premises that fall within the scope of the Fire Safety Order by way of secondary legislation, enabling the government to respond quickly to developments in the design and construction of buildings. Speaking ahead of the Queen’s Speech, Minister for Security James Brokenshire said: “We remain committed to implementing the recommendations made following phase one of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, and the government has already made major reforms to building safety. Today’s bill will help bring about meaningful change to improving building safety.” The introduction of the bill was broadly welcomed by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Gary Strong, RICS global building standards director, commented: “The government’s publication of this new Fire Safety Bill is a welcome move that will give further clarity to leaseholders and building owners – but we hope the details of this important legislation aren’t lost amongst the growing COVID-19 health crisis.

“RICS have said for some time the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 needed clarifying, and building owners and their agents will now have the information needed – specifically in relation to external walls, balconies and front doors which open onto internal common areas – to better safeguard the people living in their buildings.” q

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Aarsleff Ground Engineering segment expands its operations in Norway [AARSLEFF Ground Engineering segment has announced the

opening of Aarsleff Norge AS – their newest ground engineering business based in Norway – to service the needs and requirements of their clients across the North West Europe market. This marks the organisation’s seventh hub, with existing teams working from offices in Denmark, Poland, Sweden, Czech Republic, Germany and the UK. Aarsleff are by no means a new entrant to the country, having commenced their latest Norwegian contract with client Bane NOR, the government agency responsible for owning, maintaining, operating and developing the Norwegian railway network. Aarsleff have been subcontracted to perform the piling works for the Minnevika railway bridge – the longest railway bridge in Norway to date. This will require installing 280 driven steel piles, up to 60m in length, and the construction of 17 cofferdams utilising 19m long sheet piles. Aarsleff Norge’s new office is located in Råde, a municipality in Østfold county, and from here Aarsleff will supply the general construction market with competences within ground engineering, such as precast and steel piling; sheet piling; large diameter drilling work; diaphragm walls and slurry walls; and anchoring works. Aarsleff’s tender manager Marianne Borup Jensen said: “Aarsleff already has extensive experience of working throughout Europe and it makes clear commercial sense for us to be extending our presence and ground engineering capabilities here. Having a dedicated team based in Norway means we are now extremely well placed to deliver ground engineering services into the Norwegian market.” Marianne added: “We understand the importance of being visible

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and active in key markets, as local engagement is vital to build on reputations, develop client relations and grow our business. I am confident that our experience, reputation and unwavering focus on health, safety, environmental issues, quality and engineering excellence, will see the company strengthen its position and secure a strong foothold in the Norwegian construction market.” q • For more information about Aarsleff Ground Engineering segment, please contact tender manager Marianne Borup Jensen on +45 6120 8254, email maje@aarsleff.com or visit www.aarsleff.com

Planning body calls for town centre experts

[THE Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has issued a call for

planners with specialist knowledge of the high street and its changing needs to apply to become High Streets Task Force (HSTF) experts. The RTPI is one of 13 organisations that make up the HSTF and it is inviting chartered and fellow members with the relevant experience to apply. The institute is also calling for chartered members to apply to become HSTF mentors and facilitators. It follows the announcement by the HSTF that it is to create a new register of experts who will work with local authorities and communities to support the transformation of high streets and town and city centres. Commissioned by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the HSTF aims to transform Britain’s high streets by rolling out a programme of guidance, training and learning as well as data and research on the management of town and city centres. HSTF experts, mentors and facilitators will be called in when specific, complex challenges have been identified to which solutions cannot be found in-house, in the marketplace or from existing relationships with consultancies, to help unlock the strategic potential of a high street or town centre. Earlier, the taskforce announced that this will be even more crucial in light of the COVID-19 outbreak, which it said will inevitably have a significant impact on our town centres. HSTF will now also be developing a comprehensive support programme for all those involved in the country’s high streets, it said. Chief executive of the RTPI, Victoria Hills, said: “We find ourselves in unprecedented times and there is little doubt that life as we know it will change forever after this pandemic passes. “This is an ideal opportunity to really focus on revitalising our struggling high streets to enable them to become the dynamic heart of communities they once were. I urge members of the RTPI who have expertise in this area to apply. Your contribution will be particularly appreciated at this current time.” Experts should be able to demonstrate significant and successful experience of working on high street, town centre and place-based issues. All successful applicants will receive training on interdisciplinary working and the latest thinking on the challenges facing high streets and town centres. q www.constructionnational.co.uk

New Homes Ombudsman takes the stage [ON 24 FEBRUARY the government

“Homebuyers will be able to access help when “Rushed and poorly finished projects are announced details of the New Homes they need it, so disputes can be resolved faster and hugely frustrating for homebuyers; and at the Ombudsman – tasked with protecting people can get the compensation they deserve.” moment any dispute needs to be settled in court, homebuyers from rogue developers. The Commenting on the announcement, Jerald which is both a long and expensive exercise. announcement, by Housing Secretary Robert Solis, director of property investment specialists “A New Homes Ombudsman will ensure the Jenrick, follows a consultation carried out over a Experience Invest, said: “This is an important interests of those buying new-builds are legally three-month period last year. step in the right direction. New-builds are integral protected and rogue developers are stamped Under new rules, rogue builders will have to pay in addressing the housing crisis, yet a handful of out of the market. At the same time, it means compensation for shoddy work and housebuilders developers have tainted how the public perceive new-builds are being constructed to the highest will be obliged to join the Ombudsman scheme. new-build constructions. professional standard.” q Builders must also put quality first to sell homes under the government’s new Help to Buy scheme. The New Homes Ombudsman will step in to help homebuyers with issues ranging from sloppy brick work to faulty wiring – and BUILDING COST INFORMATION SERVICE (BCIS) of the RICS has developed a new proxy index for bitumen will have statutory powers to award emulsion for use in the Price Adjustment Formulae Indices (PAFI). The PAFI are widely used to allow for inflation on compensation, ban rogue developers roads maintenance contracts. from building and order developers to Until December last year, the Bitumen Emulsion Index used in the PAFI has been linked to the movement in heavy fix poor building work. fuel oil. The main market for heavy fuel oil is as ‘bunker fuel’ used to power ships engines, which releases significant The Housing Secretary said: “It’s amounts of sulphur into the environment when burnt. The International Maritime Organisation has set a limit on sulphur completely unacceptable that so emissions that came into effect on 1 January, which will restrict the use of heavy fuel oil. That will impact on the market many people struggle to get answers and therefore the price of heavy fuel oil, but not prices for bitumen emulsion. when they find issues with their BCIS has consulted manufacturers, suppliers and purchasers of bitumen to get an understanding of how prices are dream new home. set. As it is an extremely competitive market, there is reluctance on the part of manufacturers and suppliers to provide “That’s why the Ombudsman will prices. However, they have provided information that has allowed BCIS to propose a solution. That has been through a stop rogue developers getting away consultation process with contractors and clients. with shoddy building work and raise The main component for the new proxy is Europe Brent Spot Price FOB (converted to sterling) with added allowances the game of housebuilders across for shipping, additives and processing. q the sector.

How changes in international shipping practices impacts on UK pothole repairs [

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Scottish architects reveal awards shortlist [

AS ALMOST its last piece of business before closing its offices in March, the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) announced an 18-strong shortlist for its 2020 awards. Taken from 80 entries, the list includes a broad cross-section of buildings – from private dwellings and housing schemes to educational facilities with a number of functions. The heritage sector is well represented, with a new art gallery, visitor attractions and restored council offices. Reflecting on this year’s submissions and the climate challenges for Scottish architecture, the chair of the awards judging panel, Jenny Jones, commented: “Given that these projects would have been commissioned at the very least several years ago, there are some very strong carbon-conscious submissions, which demonstrate an attention to the challenges we all face. “The greater shift will become evident in the next years if we continue to challenge and create innovative responses as to how we can ’build’ with environmental consciousness." Alongside Jenny Jones, who is founding director and architect at Studio Jenny Jones, the panel includes Tony Chapman, a former head of Awards at RIBA and freelance architecture critic – representing the

RIBA – Brian McGinlay, founding director and architect at McGinlay Bell, and Ann Allen, chair of Architecture & Design Scotland. Also involved in the shortlisting discussions were Nick Ribbons, sector manager for construction at Zero Waste Scotland, plus Joann Russell and Steven Robb of Historic Environment Scotland. q

Red7Marine supports Jackson Civil Engineering on Lincolnshire flood remediation scheme [

LEADING MARINE CONSTRUCTION and consultancy organisation, Red7Marine, was recently contracted by Jackson Civil Engineering to respond to a flood incident as part of their Collaborative Delivery Framework with the Environment Agency and its Emergency Flood Response arrangements across Lincolnshire. Red7Marine supported the incident response on the Barlings Eau, a tributary to the River Witham. The project was carried out on behalf of the Environment Agency. The north of the UK experienced torrential downpours and extreme flooding at the end of 2019 which caused flooding in numerous areas, including a breach in the river bank of the Barlings Eau. This breach resulted in complex access challenges for any plant to reach the isolated repair site. It also resulted in severe disruption to the local community transport links and surrounding areas, in particular road closures around the Short Ferry area. The marine partner of choice, Red7Marine, was contracted by Jackson Civil Engineering, for its ability and immediacy to respond effectively to the works. The team mobilised a modular pontoon and associated equipment required to undertake the remedial works in the short time frames required by the client. Red7Marine commenced installation of the pile wall to stem the flood waters, bringing some much needed relief to the area. Through collaboration with the numerous contractors associated with the emergency works, Red7Marine’s expert team – comprising of operations specialists, engineers and labour supply – collaborated seamlessly to alleviate the initial breach. The team worked on-site until the repair had

been completed and the flood waters were drained and removed from the affected farm land. Works were successfully completed on Tuesday 17 December and Red7Marine left the site on Friday 20 December. CEO, Nick Offord, commented: “We are ideally positioned to provide comprehensive consultancy services and advice to the marine construction industry – especially within emergency works. Our highly trained, in-house team offers early stage involvement to all clients, inclusive of planning developments, consents, geo-technical and geophysical surveys to provide peace of mind. In this instance, we offered a turn-key package and expertise from all of our departments to support Jackson Civil Engineering and reduce stress for the local community so they can continue living their lives as normal.” Richard Barnes, divisional director at Jackson Civil Engineering said: “We want to extend our thanks to the Red7Marine team with regards to its approach to the works at Barlings Eau, it was an awesome effort. I have been with a number of senior directors of the Environment Agency throughout the project and they are all extremely complimentary of the works, effort and the innovative approach being taken to solve the problems. “All of the teams have shown an incredible ‘can-do’ attitude and it’s been great to see everyone pulling together. What a brilliant foundation we can continue to build on.” q • For further information call 01255 886710, email enquiries@r7m.co.uk or visit the website at www.red7marine.co.uk www.constructionnational.co.uk

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21 years of Construction National: unlocking some of the century’s major stories

[ BACK IN 1999 the construction industry had two

major preoccupations: the Egan Report on Rethinking Construction and the race to complete landmark projects up and down the country before the chimes of Big Ben signalled the new millennium. The Rethinking Construction report had caused repercussions throughout the industry. The old ways of doing things had persisted for decades, with efficiency, management excellence and value-for-money as afterthoughts. The report, sub-headed ‘The report of the Construction Task Force to the Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, on the scope for improving the quality and efficiency of UK construction’ changed all that. Its repercussions were to be felt down the years to the present time. The impending millennium was also a time for great excitement. Huge building projects around the world would mark the new era. In London we were to have…the Millennium Dome (below). The huge, tent-like structure being built to house a national exhibition was viewed with less than total enthusiasm in the country. It was seen as Tony’s Folly. It was, nonetheless, a major project and had to be finished on time. In Greater Manchester a less earthshattering dilemma was evolving. A changing market in the construction industry, aided by the dawn of the information age, had shrunk the country for contractors and the view was now a national one. To reflect that change in perspective, a group of regional construction magazines were amalgamated to form a new national publication. It did what it said on the cover: Construction National. That same title is still performing that same function 21 years later. In those 21 years the magazine has seen off the Millennium Bug (the date glitch which was supposed to bring all computer programmes to a halt), hailed a female Supreme Winner in the Pride in the Job Awards, tracked the

development of computer-aided design to become BIM, and joined in the chorus warning of the need to develop more environmentallyfriendly ways of building: now known as MMCs. We have also covered the building projects that have accompanied momentous events in the country’s cultural and economic life. In the following pages we will be reliving some of the notable events we have covered over the decades, as well as gazing into our crystal ball to reveal some of the issues we think we will be continuing to cover in the next 21 years. q

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Teamwork brings innovation to online product configurators Nowadays, product configuration systems are being used increasingly by manufacturing companies. Assisting customers to specify their requirements and helping them to easily find the best product for their construction project is a must-have service. Creating a credible product configurator that enables customers to quickly set up a particular product based on their specific needs is not an easy task. It is a long and complex process, usually requiring the alignment of multiple software systems. Only after that can the end-user benefit from meaningful product information.

[

DATA MANAGEMENT SPECIALISTS Cobuilder are collaborating with pump and valve manufacturer the KSB Group to transform the latter’s existing online configurator into a cutting-edge service based on real-time data. As part of the strategic agreement between the two companies, Cobuilder will facilitate the alignment between KSB’s pump configurator, a 3D CAD modelling tool and Cobuilder’s goBIM – the data management solution for manufacturers. Using Cobuilder’s data templates, KSB will manage a pool of digitalised product data that is structured according to the latest industry standards. In that way, not only will the product data be turned into a universally-readable ‘digital language’, but it will also allow the data to be linked to relevant 3D objects – thus visualising the new configuration. The result is a huge amount of digitalised product data flowing seamlessly back and forth between various platforms to meet the needs of each individual construction project. The KSB Group have already pioneered the development of tools for the online selection and marketing of its sophisticated products in the past. The continuous improvement of the online configurators and the associated data management is an important step taken by them to keep their leading role in the market. As part of the new development, end-users are only required to interact with a single interface hosted by the KSB Group. That allows them to access structured product information and 3D visualisation of the pump

or valve in question and download all relevant information for the product they have configured. KSB’s global executive officer Oliver Kraus (pictured left) commented: “Cobuilder has a proven track record when it comes to exploiting the potential of product data in construction. With this partnership, we will achieve interoperability across multiple software systems and will provide our customers with the best possible experience while using our product configurator.” Andrea Minerdo, Cobuilder’s VP global sales, explained: “Product manufacturers within construction are being pushed hard to provide better and better digital services. KSB is a great example of a consolidated global manufacturer being able to apply innovation in a systematic way through the adoption of industry standards. We at Cobuilder are honoured to partner with KSB in developing this cutting-edge technology.” q

COBUILDER is a privately-owned international business with more than 120 employees distributed between its HQ in Oslo and wholly-owned subsidiaries in England, France and Bulgaria. It is a major driver of digitalisation in construction and a strategic contributor to ISO, buildingSMART, CEN and CENELEC – plus the winner of several innovation awards internationally. The company offers an IT platform that employs relevant international standards for data management to help the construction industry exploit the potential of product data. Fit-for-purpose and accurate product data improves quality of service and time to market, as well as reducing time, cost and environmental footprint. For further information visit the website at https://cobuilder.com/en/ or email support@cobuilder.no

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Two decades of history reflected in our buildings THROUGHOUT THE two decades since the turn of the millennium the major changes we have seen in this country have been accompanied by remarkable events in construction. While the major players in the IT world have had their effect in our everyday lives, the likes of Google and

Apple have marked that rise with new edifices to house their organisations. On this page we have highlighted three areas of construction that have reflected major areas of development for the country: leisure and culture, infrastructure and – a perennial concern – housing.

LEISURE AND CULTURE

INFRASTRUCTURE

HOUSING

[IN 2012 LONDON became the centre of

[TODAY, ONE OF the main issues of

[IT IS OFTEN said that Britons

attention in the world when for two weeks the greatest sporting festival – The Olympic Games – took place in the city. The construction effort to create the spectacle the public saw took place over a period of many years and we were fortunate to be given insights into the development of the site from urban wilderness to world stage – including some wonderful pictures taken by David Poultney of the columns that would form the foundations for the stadium, pictured on the front cover of the Autumn 2008 issue. Editor Chris Stokes described the columns as bearing ‘an apt resemblance to the columns still standing at the original Games site at Olympia’. Nearer to the present, one of the most stunning buildings of the past decade – as well as one of the most environmentally friendly – is V&A Dundee, the first manifestation of the famous museum in Scotland. Described by its architect Kengo Kuma as Scotland’s ‘living room’, the building also brought forth stunning photography, such as the shot of the finished article by HuftonCrow featured on the cover of the Autumn 2018 issue. As well as providing Scotland with its first purpose-built design museum, the building leads the way for public buildings in its energy efficiency measures. q

consideration when planning national priorities is that of the infrastructure to support development. For example, the Northern Powerhouse is not possible, the politicians point out, if the infrastructure is not in place. The same has always been the case, as exemplified by many of the covers of Construction National. One of the most spectacular pictures to grace the cover of Construction National was the issue of May 2010, which showed the jaws of a demolition boom ‘biting’ into Heathrow’s old Terminal 2 building. The building, also known as the Europa Building, had opened in 1955 and in the ensuing 54 years had seen many celebrities pass through its doors among the many millions of business and leisure travellers. It had also been the subject of tight security in 1980 when the tapes for the ‘Who shot JR?’ episode of Dallas arrived. Bringing the concept of sustainability into infrastructure development was the theme in 2014, when we featured the installation of a green roof on the SSE Hydro in Glasgow. A total of 37,000 shrubs were planted to form a hardy green mat over the low level ‘skirt’ above the entrance of the arena. q

are obsessed with their houses – and housebuilding has been an ever-present in Construction National throughout its 21year history. One of the constants for all of that time has been the National House Building Council’s annual Pride in the Job Awards for site managers. From the initial announcements of the first-stage Quality Awards to the crowning each January of the Supreme Winners, we have been reporting on some of the more notable developments and some of the most interesting recipients, as evidenced by the montage on the Autumn 2009 cover. A growing movement in the housing sector has been the renovation of notable old buildings and their conversion for residential purposes. A perfect example took place directly across the road from the Construction National offices in Stockport, as we featured in 2012. The development, known as Heritage, involved the conversion and extension of three historic buildings in the centre of the town to provide 51 apartments for shared ownership sale and intermediate rent. q

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The ‘why’ of trees and planning: the key to your success by MARK CHESTER, Registered Consultant with the ICF and Chartered Arboriculturist

[FOR EVERY REQUEST to help with a

planning application involving trees that my practice receives, we ask the same question: Why is our help needed? This may seem an unusual question, especially when there may not be any tree issues and the need for a report is merely to progress an application. However, the process can be complex and by focusing on the specific issues, we are then best equipped to help, especially if there are challenges ahead. The management of trees within the planning process is covered by BS5837:2012. This sets out up to six stages that can be involved in the successful retention of trees – from the initial survey to measures for protecting trees on a development site. We may be instructed simply to advise on feasibility, to undertake the survey (Tree Constraints Plan), or to help with measures to protect the trees, the ‘how’ (Arboricultural Method Statement). Sometimes, the standard document is more than sufficient. However, used without careful consideration, it can leave the ‘why’ unanswered and the application refused, wasting the applicant time and money.

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One of the challenges is that requests from planners for more information can be limited. A request for a Method Statement or a Tree Protection Plan may actually mean ‘please explain how you will do this’. Without explaining what the issues are, and why special measures may be needed, the Method Statement with thirty pages of details doesn’t help. Similarly, the Constraint Plan, without the details of how a tree will be protected, is limited. I have helped with both scenarios to progress matters after initial refusal, providing the extra details. Part of answering the ‘why’ involves exploring the issues with the client. Have they fully considered how they will implement the proposals and the timing of operations? One site I worked on needed branches overhanging from a neighbour’s tree to be pruned. Earlier in the process, scaffolding provided access – but when it was removed before pruning, the access was lost. A client wished to build a conservatory on a property surrounded by trees. The local authority requested a tree report to explain how works could proceed without damaging the

trees. The applicant was puzzled: they had no wish to damage any trees! This application did not need the full report with a Constraint Plan and Impact Assessment but a focus on ‘how’, with an introduction to set the scene so the reader was informed. In this case, a tree needed to be pruned so the roof could be installed. I ensured that consent to prune was included in the Arboricultural Method Statement provided. With my reports, I state on the first page why it has been commissioned – ie what the key issues are and the conclusions. Presented clearly, the reader understands the situation and doesn’t need to wade through pages of text. This makes obtaining consent more straightforward. q • Mark Chester is a Registered Consultant with the ICF and a Chartered Arboriculturist. He is the Principal Consultant at Cedarwood Tree Consultants. For further information visit the website at www.cedarwoodtreeconsultants.co.uk or call 01981 570426.

In construction, the future has already started to happen [

SO WHAT OF the next 21 years? The world has changed immensely in the past two or so decades – even in the past few weeks – and is likely to see even faster evolution over the next, so any predictions will just be musings on the way things are going now. Even so, some extrapolation is possible. Two major movements that are emerging from the present into the future are connected: the desperate need to take more care of the environment when planning development, and the embrace of modern methods of construction (MMCs) to enable buildings to be constructed more efficiently and with more built-in quality – maybe even finally solving our housing crisis. On the former issue, it is a front that Construction National has been fighting on for some time. The mantra of Reduce – Reuse – Recycle informs a growing proportion of the activity around construction sites, and the commitment to end fossil fuel use in heating and cooling by 2025 is being actively pursued by bodies such as the Ground Source Heat Pump Association. Whether that commitment will be met waits to be seen. The magic date is only five years away, so we can hope that this publication will be able to report the achievement of this target. It is equally to be hoped that we will not be lamenting our abject failure

to reach such a long sought-after goal – although it is looking increasingly likely. Where the industry is making more tangible progress is in the embracing of MMCs. From the drawing board to the fit-out process, the technological age is having its effect on the way we build. And that effect is set to accelerate over the next few years. The influence of MMCs is beginning to pervade the whole of the build process – from the design stage through construction and fit-out to the operation of the building and its eventual demolition and reuse. The more sophisticated BIM programmes are designed to integrate the carbon footprint of a building’s life by building-in energy efficiency – and the materials used are being selected for their emissions in production and disposal as well as in use. Away from the virtual drawing board, the move towards offsite production has already made itself felt. The factory production of modular units (left) can only increase. It is possible – just – that the Holy Grail of an adequate housing stock might even be attained. Looking even further ahead, to the realm of flying cars and the like, it is likely that by the year 2041 the entire build process will be automated. Drones will be the norm for working at height and robots will be carrying out the actual building work. And Construction National will be written by AI. q

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Property giant weighs in on the side of modular [

LEADING PROPERTY CONSULTANTS Lambert Smith Hampton have become the latest heavyweight name to come down on the side of offsite construction. Quoting figures from the UK Green Building Council showing that around 400 million tonnes of materials are used by the UK construction industry each year, the property giant asserts that new, ecofriendly building techniques such as modular construction could play a key role in reducing the carbon footprint of the UK’s development sector and improving its sustainability credentials. Its senior planner Louise Hinley penned a revealing insight on how the modular trend in housing is bringing in sustainable benefits that the sector should look out for. “Those in favour of modular construction cite many benefits to the technique,” said Ms Hinley. “It can be much quicker than traditional construction, for example; particularly in terms of time on site, which reduces disruption to any neighbours. The 28-storey Apex House, for instance, took just a year to complete and, once on site, up to 11 prefabricated apartment units could be installed each day. “When buildings are produced in a factory, no time is lost due to bad weather. Constructing buildings in a factory creates less waste and quality control can be easier to maintain. Costs are generally lower, both in terms of reduced material use and reduced labour costs.”

She refers to the landmark deal announced towards the end of the year between Homes England and ilke Homes, before addressing the system’s benefits in terms of sustainability. “Modular construction has several sustainability benefits. Streamlined design and efficient production reduce waste to landfill, for instance. By producing buildings in a factory setting, the quality of elements such as insulation can be better assured. It is easier to control energy use in a factory setting than in an open construction site. “However, some sustainability benefits are yet to be tested. For example, the robust nature of each individual part of a building should, in theory, ensure a longer life for the building as a whole. The modular industry could provide opportunities for the reuse and recycling of components as it grows.” Even the building of factories to produce buildings is itself an opportunity. “Producing buildings close to home will reduce carbon emissions that are often generated on large construction sites due to lorry traffic. “While the UK has been slower to embrace the technique, publicity of existing schemes and the government’s enthusiasm are accelerating its growth. Modular housing is seen as a potential solution to the UK’s affordable housing crisis, for example.” q

Offsite used for new hospital wing [THE POTENTIAL FOR modular building to rapidly deploy

in the healthcare sector is typified by the completion of a new £15m wing at Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital by offsite specialists McAvoy. The first floor has been fitted out to create one of the UK’s first purpose-designed ambulatory care units, which is now helping to de-congest the emergency department. Designed by P+HS Architects, the 6,500m2, three-storey building was manufactured offsite by McAvoy using the latest modular technology to minimise disruption to patient care and to reduce the build programme by half to less than 12 months. The building envelope was in place just 10 months after the first meeting with Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. The ground and second floors of the building will be fitted out in the next phase of the development. The new wing had to integrate seamlessly with the design of the existing hospital to meet the key requirement for efficient patient flows. That was achieved with a specially engineered structural flooring solution between the existing hospital and the new wing, removing the need for ramps and steps. Mechanical ventilation, heating and cooling systems were installed in the ceiling voids in the McAvoy factory. This is believed to be an industry first in the offsite healthcare sector. Commenting on the new wing, Robert Sanderson, deputy director of capital projects at the Trust, said: “Everyone worked on this project

in a completely collaborative and focused way to define and build the new wing in a highly ambitious timeframe. What we have achieved collectively – in terms of complexity and timescale – is unprecedented in the healthcare sector and we hope the partnership will continue on other projects.” q

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Trade body ensures quality [FORMED DURING the Blitz to co-ordinate

the making safe of bomb-damaged buildings, the National Federation of Demolition Contractors has championed the standards and professionalism of its members for more than 75 years. The

most powerful voice in the demolition industry, the NFDC ensures the maintenance of professionalism is maintained and reinforced – backed up with regular member site audits and appropriate training from its partnered training

provider, the National Demolition Training Group (NDTG). q

Training group AGM addresses pressing issues [ ON 14 FEBRUARY over 60 members of the National Demolition

Training Group came together for the group’s AGM at The Montague on the Gardens Hotel in London. The meeting was hosted and chaired by NDTG chairman David Darsey, supported by NFDC CEO Howard Button. Guest presenter Chris Carter-Rowlands, deputy head of construction at the National Open College Network, delivered an important update regarding the CPCS transfer, and Carl Licorish of the CITB’s Partnerships Team was in attendance to share details of the Skills and Training Fund, due to come into effect for employers in April. The meeting also highlighted the challenge the industry is facing with the volume of demolition operatives remaining on the red Trained Operative CCDO card, which is valid for a three-year timeframe only and cannot be renewed. In order to encourage more of the demolition workforce to qualify their card to Competent Operative with the appropriate level NVQ, new NVQ assessors are being recruited and the cost of NVQs would be reduced by 15-18% from 17 February. The meeting paid due attention to the NFDC’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Programme, administered by NDTG. The programme creators, David Price and Steve Muggridge, shared an update of how

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the programme has been received by members so far, and implored more demolition employers to take the valuable opportunity to gain the necessary know-how and confidence to support their workforce by participating in the CPD certified workshops over the year. q

Demolition of old jetty makes way for the new [

TOURISTS TRAVELLING from Helensburgh to Arrochar in Argyllshire will be distracted by the ominous presence of Faslane – the base for the UK’s submarine deterrent. They will probably not notice the smaller jetty further along the road at Glenmallen, built for the use of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. Built during the 1970s to provide facilities for the loading and unloading of munitions and stores for vessels, the jetty was identified during the past decade as no longer suitable and in need of replacement. Last autumn the job of dismantling and cutting up of the jetty, piers and cranes was carried out by Beattie Demolition, a leading member of the National Federation of Demolition Contractors. The job involved the dismantling of two tower cranes sitting on the jetty in Glenmallen; the hot cutting of the cranes into sections and lifting off with the use of a mobile tower crane; the cutting up of the jetty with a floor saw into sections and lifting away with use of a mobile tower crane; and the wire sawing of the piers. The job lasted nine weeks, after which work could begin on constructing the new jetty. q

PPE donations prompted NE specialists land offshore by demolition campaign [

THE DEMOLITION INDUSTRY was quick to respond to the shortage of equipment in the NHS as the coronavirus crisis deepened. Senior managers of two firms, Cantillon and De Group, launched an online appeal for PPE to supplement supplies in the NHS pipeline. The online appeal, at www.contractorsappeal.com, calls on contractors to ‘give back’ by donating PPE, either to their local NHS or to a central distribution bank. The appeal was sparked when Cantillon managing director Paul Cluskey was made aware that supplies were running low at Charing Cross Hospital in London. The firm then delivered 1,500 masks and 300 pairs of overalls, as well as glasses and gloves. The focus then shifted to local providers of medical services away from the hospitals as Cluskey joined with Paul Ford of De Group to launch the website. In an interview with Construction News Cluskey said: “We are not criticising the government or the NHS; we think they are doing a fantastic job. But the simple fact of the matter is that, logistically, it is a huge task to feed the PPE where it needs to be. “They are prioritising getting PPE to the hospitals, which we all expect and understand. Where we think we can help are those areas beyond the hospitals – the GP practices and the care homes and hospices – these people are all crying out for help at the moment. “No donation is too small: if every business in the construction industry offered 10 bits of PPE, then we would have more than ample to help in the effort.” Meanwhile, the Institute of Demolition Engineers has acted as a message board for members who have knowledge of particular facilities in need of supplies. On its website it reported: “We have been approached by a member who has contacts at a hospital in Bradford, which has severe shortages of PPE as they treat victims of COVID-19. If you have surplus supplies of Industrial Disposal PP3 masks they are asking for donations. “Also, we have a report of a lack of suitable changing facilities – if you have an appropriate portable facility for safe changing out of contaminated PPE they would also like to hear from you.” q

Demolition contractor appointed for military base [ AS PART OF the £17m contract

for the redevelopment of Bassingbourn Barracks in Cambridgeshire, Kier Graham Defence Ltd have appointed the locally-based Mick George Group to complete demolition and asbestos removal works. The project to bring the barracks back into military use is being carried out on behalf of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation. It will see the relocation of the British Army’s Mission Training and Mobilisation Centre (MTMC) and will entail the refurbishment of accommodation blocks, social facilities, offices, classrooms and training areas, as well as medical and dental facilities. Scheduled for completion during the summer of next year, the scheme will provide infrastructure that allows the MTMC to train effectively in one location, with up to 1,000 staff and troops on site at peak times. It will play a critical role in the training of approximately 12,500 military personnel every year, as well as the training of a battlegroup to be deployed in Afghanistan to carry out Operation Toral – a British military operation utilising British forces in Afghanistan to teach their Afghan counterparts protection and security techniques. The works are part of Project Hercules and follows on from the first phase of work, which saw the MTMC move its Kent-based elements to Bassingbourn in December 2018. Project Hercules supports the MOD’s optimisation of the Defence estate by co-locating capability and disposing of sites that the military no longer needs. q

decom prize

[ A MAJOR DECOMMISSIONING

programme is being carried out away from the gaze of the general population and it involves a number of multimillionpound contracts. The site is the North Sea and the facilities in question are offshore energy platforms that have outlived their usable lives. One of the shore-based centres of the programme is the Port of Blyth in Northumberland, which has announced a partnership with demolition specialists and NFDC members Thompson of Prudhoe, that will enhance its offshore decommissioning capability. Having been awarded an Environment Agency licence in 2018, the port has already completed several offshore decommissioning projects, but is now in a position to significantly expand its capacity in partnership with one of the UK’s most trusted demolition and decommissioning contractors. Strategically located on the UK’s east coast, the facility offers a common-user 2.3ha designated site handling up to 50,000 tonnes of materials per year, including NORM, and is well placed to serve all sectors of the North Sea. An initial investment from the partnership of up to £1m will continue the expansion of the site. John Thompson Snr MBE, chairman of Thompsons of Prudhoe, said: “With the Port of Blyth being one of the UK’s major offshore energy hubs, and having seen them develop their decom offering over the past couple of years, Thompsons of Prudhoe are looking forward to a productive partnership. This is a natural progression for us, having previously decommissioned a number of significant onshore facilities and refineries on behalf of some of the world’s leading oil and gas operators.” q www.constructionnational.co.uk

Shoe capital looks forward to museum opening

Images courtesy of Northampton Borough Council

[A SIGNIFICANT refurbishment and expansion programme has

recently been completed at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery. The museum, on Guildhall Road in the town, has doubled in size with the addition of a 9m-high glazed atrium extension. It links the original museum to the Old Gaol Block, now home to a new temporary exhibitions gallery, Shoe Gallery and schools activity space. The atrium includes a café and south-facing outdoor terrace. The new Shoe Gallery, housed on the lower floor, showcases Northampton’s internationally-important shoe collection. Northamptonshire’s heritage as a centre of the shoe industry is also celebrated in an expanded shop and selling gallery, with a focus on local artists and makers. The existing art gallery has undergone light refurbishment and will feature a range of changing exhibitions drawn from the museum’s extensive collections, as well as exhibitions focusing on local artists and touring shows. The revamped History Gallery includes new displays on lacemaking and the post-war development of Northampton. New teaching facilities will also be available, with a dedicated schools

Image courtesy of GSSArchitecture

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and activity space available for visits and workshops, alongside a central hall capable of hosting major events and for corporate hire. Cllr Jonathan Nunn, leader of Northampton Borough Council, said: “Following a major renovation programme, we are incredibly excited to announce the opening date for the town’s new museum and art gallery. “This much anticipated development, in the heart of our expanding Cultural Quarter, has been five years in the making and represents a significant addition to Northampton’s cultural life. “A spectacular new focal point for the town’s art, heritage and culture, the redevelopment has created exciting new galleries, alongside welcoming public spaces and high-quality visitor facilities. “It is set to be a major attraction, where visitors can discover Northampton’s internationally important shoe collection, explore the town’s rich history and experience an ever-changing programme of art, activities, events and temporary exhibitions.” Architects, lead consultants and principal designers for the expansion project were GSSArchitecture. The firm’s associate Tom Jagger commented: “We are incredibly excited about the museum opening and believe it will quickly have a positive impact on the town. This project has been developed over the past five years and will see the previous museum offer significantly diversified to meet the needs of modern visitors, while celebrating the town’s heritage. “The new spaces will allow the museum to act as a hub for varying events and as a general meeting and social space within the fabric of the town centre.” The museum is due to open with a major new temporary exhibition – We Are Northampton – which explores the character and history of Northampton through people, places and events. Alongside that will be a retrospective of notable and prolific Northamptonshire artist Christopher Fiddes: Challenging Perspectives. The refurbished museum was scheduled to open to the public on 20 June, but the opening has been postponed indefinitely. The new date will be posted on the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery’s website. q

NASC expands Contractual Guidance notes offering [

THE NASC’S contractual guidance offering has been updated and expanded as part of the confederation’s ongoing efforts to ensure all reference materials remain comprehensive and fit-for-purpose. CG15 – Engineering and Construction Subcontract has been revised to bring it in line with the latest version of the NEC3 contract, and also provides additional advice to member companies who may be asked to engage in this form of contract but don’t have a full technical understanding of what it could entail. Two new titles have also been published. These are CG20:20 – A Guide to Monitoring and Chasing Debt and CG22:20 – Early Payment Schemes. CG20:20 provides an overview of a contractor’s legal rights and courses of action in the event of late payment of commercial debts. It also includes detailed flow charts and template letters that can be used to help chase any monies owed.

CG22:20 explains the increasingly common early payment schemes, offered by main contractors to provide shorter payment terms in return for a discount on amounts charged. This guidance provides information from the point of view of the subcontractor, enabling them to make more reasoned decisions that best suit their company. Matthew Cousins, chair of the NASC Contracts Committee, said: “We are pleased to have further strengthened our contractual guidance library with the addition of two new titles. “The Contracts Committee continues to produce practical guidance that helps make complex issues and requirements easier to understand and action, helping contractors to ensure they have appropriate contracts in place with clients and suppliers.” NASC members can download the new titles via the NASC website. Hard copies can also be purchased by members and non-members. q

Multiplex signs NASC Safe Scaffolding Charter [CONSTRUCTION GIANT MULTIPLEX has become the latest main

contractor to sign the NASC’s Safe Scaffolding Charter. The multinational firm, which builds large-scale and complex structures across the globe, specifies ‘NASC-only’ for its UK-based scaffolding-related works. Multiplex follows Amey, Hinkley Point C developers Nuclear New Build Generation, DE Construct and Knight Harwood in signing the NASC Charter, recognising the ever-growing number of organisations that place NASC membership at the heart of their scaffolding contractor procurement policies. Andrew Ridley-Barker, Multiplex’s operations director for Europe, said: “At Multiplex we recognise the value of the NASC membership as a quality mark bringing a consistent and assurance-led approach to improving safety in one of the industry’s highest risk aspects of work at height. “Our work in creating iconic high-rise buildings demands exacting standards to protect the workforce and the public from falls and falling objects and we see the use of NASC-only contractors as being in the best interests of everyone affected by our undertakings.” The NASC’s Safe Scaffolding Charter recognises the ever-growing number of organisations that place NASC membership at the heart of their scaffolding contractor procurement policies. The Charter is open to any organisation that has specified ‘NASConly’ in their scaffolding-related tender documents and/or has had an established commercial relationship with a full NASC member for at least a year. Through using NASC members for their scaffolding needs, Charter

signatories have recognised the value of NASC membership – which has to be earned by meeting a stringent set of qualifying criteria unparalleled in the scaffolding industry. Robin James, NASC managing director, said: “We are pleased that Multiplex has signed the NASC Safe Scaffolding Charter and are happy to recognise their efforts with an NASC Safe Scaffolding Charter signatory logo and certificate. “Our Wall of Honour on our dedicated Charter webpage is beginning to take shape but we know there are hundreds of companies across the UK that are eligible to feature and would encourage them to come forward to get the recognition their exemplary scaffolding procurement decision deserves.” q

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Aspects Total Training bring CISRS accreditation to Coventry [ THE PROVISION OF CISRS-approved scaffolding training in the

Midlands has been increased through the launch of Aspects Total Training Ltd. The Coventry-based training provider is now offering COTS, Inspection, Part 1 and System Scaffold courses, having gained CISRS accreditation earlier this month. The site on which Aspects’ purpose-built facility is situated

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has undergone a number of changes in recent years, having been converted from a pub to a scaffolding storage depot. Its change of use to a training centre was driven by Aspects’ managing director Glenn McFall, an experienced scaffolder and scaffolding contractor, who was initially seeking a place to train his own operatives. “In the past, our operatives have had to travel to Wakefield, Nottingham and Newcastle to undergo CISRS training, which incurs travel and overnight accommodation costs. “So we thought it would be useful to establish a training centre in Coventry to provide extra capacity for contractors in and around this area. It’s taken us two years to gain planning permission and then carry out the necessary works required to lift the roof of the storage depot and fit it out as a training centre but the hard work has really paid off. “We’re really proud to have gained CISRS accreditation and are already looking forward to offering Part 2, CPD and Advanced training in the coming months.” Dave Mosley, NASC training director and CISRS managing director, added: “Glenn and his team have done an excellent job with the facility, the training area in particular is first rate. It was obviously a long time in the planning stages, however it appears to have been worth the wait, well done to all concerned.” q

For membership audits the NASC is in a class of its own JAMIE MCGUIRE, membership manager of the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation, argues that its audit process provides unparalleled reassurance for main contractors [

WE ESTIMATE THERE are somewhere in the region of 5,000 scaffolding contractors currently trading in the UK. That’s a lot of contractors and a lot of competition, with many businesses going up against each other to win work on a local, regional, national and sector level. From a main contractor’s point of view, an element of scaffolding subcontractor competition is healthy: it helps to drive working standards upwards while at the same time keeping costs in check. But it does throw up one significant dilemma; how to select the best contractor for their needs. Given that on-site safety is of paramount importance – in terms of protecting scaffolding operatives, other trades working on site and the general public from injury, as well as the main contractor from risk of prosecution under Working at Height Regulations 2005 should any scaffolding failings occur – procurement based on lowest cost alone is perhaps not the best course of action. Selecting a subcontractor that holds accreditations from a recognised health and safety scheme, such as Safety Schemes In Procurement (SSIP), is one way of gaining a level of reassurance. However, many specialist contractors are registered with those schemes as they are not industry specific, and so while it might help slightly in sieving subcontractors, the pool of potential service providers operating at that level may remain extensive. The next step up in terms of differentiation is trade body membership, at which independent audits are introduced. The NASC is the trade body for scaffolding and access in the UK and has been setting the standard for scaffolding since 1945. It’s for that reason that a great number of main contractors of all sizes and sectors – from Isle of Wight Council to global construction giant Multiplex – specify NASC-only for their scaffolding needs…and a lot more specify ‘NASC or equivalent’. It is worth pointing out at this stage that not all trade bodies – and the audits they carry out – are equal. We would argue that there is no ‘equivalent’ to NASC membership. That’s because the minimum requirements we have put in place for scaffolding contractors to attain NASC membership are unparalleled in the scaffolding industry.

They include: • Training – all NASC members must • have a minimum of 90% of its scaffolding • operatives registered with the • Construction Industry Scaffolders Record • Scheme (CISRS) • Expertise – a minimum of 75% of all yard • and site operatives must be directly • employed • Experienced – a member must have been • trading as a limited company for at least • two years Similarly, the NASC annual audit process is unsurpassed. It is the most in-depth and comprehensive available.

The NASC audits its members on a yearly basis and carries out site audits on a biennial basis. That includes a review of the company’s premises and yard, and at least two live sites to review scaffolders are working safely. It’s for those reasons that the confederation believes main contractors should adopt an NASConly procurement policy for their scaffolding requirements. No other criteria provide such assurances in terms of a contractor’s demonstrable commitment to safety, expertise and compliance. Attaining and retaining NASC membership is not easy: that’s the whole point. So, for scaffolding solutions of the highest quality it has to be NASC. There is no equivalent. q www.constructionnational.co.uk

www.constructionnational.co.uk

Awards shortlist announced, but winners will have to wait [

IN FEBRUARY the shortlist for the 2020 International Awards for Powered Access (IAPAs) was confirmed. A record 130 entries to the awards were received, with the judges having met in London to select their favourite entries in each category. Euan Youdale, editor of Access International and non-voting chair of the judges, commented: “There was an incredible response from the industry to the IAPAs this year, with a record 130 entries. The quality of the entries was also very high across the board, making a challenging decision process for the judging panel – made up of five highly-experienced powered access industry experts. “The IAPAs organisers would like to thank the judges for their efforts in carefully considering all the entries and to all those companies and individuals who entered. If you did not make it on to the shortlist this year, please try again next year.” The award categories range from Best New Product in a number of product areas to individual awards for safe working and training. There is also an award for the Access Photograph of the year. The winners will be announced at the presentation dinner held on the same day as the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) Summit at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel in Kensington, London. The

event was originally scheduled for 23 April, but has been postponed until 8 October. The postponement was announced prior to restrictions being announced in the UK due to its international profile. Peter Douglas, CEO and MD of IPAF, said: “Owing to the fluid nature of the virus and worldwide efforts to control, slow and treat the outbreak, we felt 8 October is the most suitable new date. We hope that as many of the original planned attendees as possible will be able to join us on this revised date. “Anyone who was booked to join us for the event will have their reservations honoured on the alternative date as confirmed. A full refund will be made to anyone unable to attend the rescheduled event or who wishes to cancel attendance at this time. Anyone who has booked hotel accommodation at the venue is advised to contact the Millennium Gloucester directly to ensure that their reservation is reconfirmed. “The annual IPAF Summit & IAPAs is a highlight of the worldwide powered access events calendar; we sincerely hope that those planning to attend an event that was already close to capacity will be able to rearrange their plans in order to join us for this popular event as it returns to the UK for the first time since 2017.” q

PASMA training helps ex-offenders to Bounce Back

[PEOPLE LEAVING PRISON can now

get PASMA training to help them on the path to paid employment, thanks to a new partnership between HSS Training and Bounce Back – a charity that equips exoffenders with sought-after construction industry skills. The courses will be offered to those who are keen to learn but have no previous experience with scaffold towers. Bounce Back was founded by people who want to make a difference. It started life in 2011 as a small painting and decorating social enterprise, employing workers who were coming

out of prison. It wasn't long before they began to offer training as well, brightening the job prospects for more and more ex-prisoners. Their partnership with HSS Training means those they support can now join the 70,000-plus trainees who take PASMA training courses every year. PASMA’s managing director, Peter Bennett OBE, visited the new HSS training centre at the Bounce Back HQ in London’s Victoria for the official launch of the partnership. He is pictured (right) presenting a plaque and certificate to Francesca Findlater, CEO of Bounce Back, alongside Mark Winfield,

managing director of HSS Training. Mark Winfield said: “We are over the moon to officially open our new training centre at the Bounce Back headquarters in London. Like them, we firmly believe that everyone has the ability to change and deserves an opportunity to do so. Holding a PASMA card gives you an advantage with potential employers, who need people on site that can safely assemble and use mobile access towers. Through our work with Bounce Back, we're providing ex-offenders with the skills they need to take their next step into employment.” q www.constructionnational.co.uk

www.constructionnational.co.uk

Prosecutions continue despite warnings [DESPITE THE CAJOLING of trade

associations and government agencies, and despite the best efforts of the HSE to gain compliance with safety rules by persuasion rather than litigation, there is still a procession of court cases of companies in the building industry for breaches of working at height regulations. A cursory glance through the latest news stories from HSE reveals five prosecutions in February alone for safety failings while working at height – one resulting in a suspended prison sentence. Another case concerned an event that ended a teenager’s hopes of a career in construction. In that case it was revealed how a 17-yearold worker fell more than three metres through an opening for a rooflight. The teenager fell through a sheet of insulation covering a skylight when walking across an unmarked and unguarded area on the first floor of a construction site in Gloucester. He suffered multiple broken bones in his right leg and foot and, after two operations, was advised it was unlikely he could work in construction again. An investigation by HSE found that the inexperienced young employee was not supervised properly and was unaware of the

risks on site. There were no physical warnings that there was a hole or a fragile surface, and no verbal warning had been circulated to workers on site. There were also no physical barriers to stop anyone walking from the scaffold onto the flat roof. The company concerned, Mark Holland Group Ltd, was fined over £55,000. The following day, 27 February, a company specialising in roofing work was fined £20,000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court after a self-employed roofer was seriously injured when he fell from a roof. The court heard that, in September 2016, the roofer was carrying out work for Phoenix Roofing and Cladding Ltd, placing new roof panels and

other materials on a roof at an industrial unit. While traversing the roof, the roofer slipped and fell through an existing rooflight and landed on a suspended ceiling below. Earlier in the month a sentence of eight months imprisonment, suspended for two years, was handed down at Manchester Crown Court after Imtiaz Hussain, a former director of Bradford Builders (UK) Ltd, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 6(3) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and two counts of Section 22 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. On 6 December 2018, a HSE site visit took place following a report of unsafe roof work the previous week at a site in Oldham. Roof work was being carried out from a scaffold at the rear of the building, despite Prohibition Notices being issued the previous July and August. Two further Prohibition Notices were served on the two separate scaffolds at the site. Earlier in February, two further prosecutions resulted in fines of £8,000 and £1,000 respectively. By the time of writing in March, two prosecutions have already been reported in the first part of the month – one resulting in a fine of £80,000 for a logistics company in Blackburn. q

www.constructionnational.co.uk

Fit-out sector leads the way in proposals for reforming construction [THE FIT-OUT SECTOR has taken the lead in proposing ways in which

construction can be ‘rebuilt’ – shaking the sector out of the convoluted system it has fallen into. In March the Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) – the major trade body representing fit-out companies – published its Three Steps to Rebuilding Construction campaign. The three steps were summarised as: • Step One: Return to the principles of the JCT (and NEC contracts) and • stop amending them • Step Two: Rethink insurance through integrated project insurance • Step Three: Draw a line under the past with a Building Safety Fund The return to the principle of unamended contracts is the first step. In 1931 the industry agreed that risk should be shared fairly through the supply chain. To that end it established and set up a suite of contracts that defined the roles and responsibilities of the various parts of the industry, from design through to specialist: the JCT contracts. Since day one, however, the industry has abused and manipulated the system and now we see contracts that have reams of amendments, often larger that the initial contract, and invariably designed to squeeze risk down the supply chain. In a sector where margins are measly, why on earth do we allow legal fees almost double the industry average to remove vital waste, the FIS asks. Step Two advocates a move to integrated project insurance. While contracts bounce risk around like a game of pinball, insurance does little to protect or manage it. A move towards project insurance would start to ensure that risks are clearly thought through from the outset and managed throughout, ensuring that the details are considered and the industry moves away from the Build and Design culture that it finds itself in. The final stage, Step Three, is to establish a Building Safety Fund. As the Grenfell Inquiry causes companies to revisit risks in the past, buildings are being opened up. As part of those investigations there is the essential review of fire safety, but a concern about who will pay the bill. “Now we would never advocate that where there is genuine negligence people should not be held to account,” the FIS states, “but the culture

now is that jobs are being revisited with the benefit of hindsight with a view to finding any minor issue that will enable some of that bill for rework to be loaded on the sub-contractor responsible, whether or not it relates directly to the core issue identified. “The reality here is that few will be able to afford the punitive damage claims and many will be wound-up. Many problems are simply symptoms of an industry that has been ground down for decades and, we have to accept, are based on endemic systemic failure: an industry not set up to succeed.” The publication of the campaign document, delivered by the FIS president Helen Tapper in an online video, follows a letter to the Chancellor ahead of the Budget and consultation with its membership, following publication of the CBI State of Construction Report. In the letter FIS welcomed the new government’s focus on the Construction Sector Deal, but cautioned that legacy and liquidity issues mean the sector needs support to effect real and profound change in a meaningful time frame. It looked at seven critical areas where intervention would be welcomed, including the introduction of a Building Safety Fund (extending the current remediation fund), a review of insurance provision for the sector, more leadership on fair payment issues through public sector contracts, a review of business rates and how this encourages investment in buildings, consultation on resolving credit issues in construction, reconsidering Reverse Charge VAT and extension of the way that Apprentice Levy Vouchers can be invested in our training infrastructure. Its CEO Iain McIlwee stated: “The industry needs to look to the future; but this is difficult with the shadow of the past looming over us. To step beyond this is about marginal gain and hence we have drawn out seven key areas where government could intervene. The simple fact is that the industry is evolving, but it is difficult to step beyond the past when many of the same behaviours are enduring and we are hampered by a lack of credit constraining investment, and operating in an environment where risk has been parcelled up and pushed down the supply chain in contracts that are just unfair.” q www.constructionnational.co.uk

Coronavirus: CITB urges employers to keep apprentices on payroll [AS THE CRISIS developed regarding

coronavirus and COVID-19, the CITB issued a series of announcements regarding the position vis-à-vis apprenticeships. On 12 March its CEO Sarah Beale issued a message to the industry, stating: “At CITB we are focused on skills and training and during this time we will be doing all we can to support the industry to protect those skills for when things return to normal, hopefully in the nottoo-distant future. “We have been both implementing existing plans and putting in place new ones to keep our

business running during this period – doing our best to ensure that grant payments continue and that we maintain delivery of our essential products and services. Together with other industry bodies we will ensure that we provide our customers with regular updates on our supporting activity on a specific page dedicated to coronavirus on our website and on our social media platforms.” The message was followed two days later with a statement from Braden Connolly, CITB’s products and services director, in light of the support package for employment announced by PM Boris Johnson.

Mr Connolly said: “Apprenticeships are critical to the future of the construction industry. Coronavirus is placing unprecedented pressure on employers – especially SMEs – so CITB will help them with the funding of apprenticeships by bringing forward payment of some apprenticeship grants. This is additional to the Chancellor’s Job Retention Scheme announced today. It is clear that relief must come rapidly, and CITB will announce details in days rather than weeks. In the meantime, we urge all employers not to dismiss any apprentices without first speaking to our Apprenticeship Team.” q

Budget commitment to training welcomed by CIOB [THE Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has welcomed news

announced in the Budget to bolster funding for construction training. The institute points to the government’s commitment to a points-based immigration system to the UK as leading to a further focus on investing in the country’s talent pool – in order to raise productivity and growth across all nations and regions. In a statement the CIOB said: “The move includes an announcement of a £2.5bn National Skills Fund to improve adult skills, which will help individuals train and retrain over the course of their lifetimes and fill the skills gaps that hold back productivity at a local, regional and national level. This sees the continuation of the Construction Skills Fund which was launched in June 2018.” The CIOB also pointed to the government’s commitment of £95m

for providers in England to invest in high-quality facilities and industrystandard equipment to support the rollout of T-levels. Funding will support T-level routes being delivered from autumn 2021, including construction, digital, health and science. Eddie Tuttle, director for policy, research and public affairs at the CIOB commented: “It is encouraging to see that the government is investing more money into the education and skills of the next generation of future leaders. Importantly, acknowledging the need to work with the Metropolitan Mayoralties across the regions is crucial for rebalancing our economy. Construction skills are in significant demand across the country and any additional funding must be tied with campaigns to help attract more people into a rewarding career in the sector.” q

New building will enhance top-ranking facilities [A NEW £23m Skills and Innovation Hub is planned for Stafford

as the next stage of development for Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group. Equipped with leading-edge equipment and state-of-the-art skills, construction, engineering and motor vehicle facilities – along with a fourcourt sports hall, gym and 300-seat auditorium – it will complement the £13m already invested to transform the learning facilities and resources and create a modernised and inspiring environment for the students at Stafford College. Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) was formed in November 2016, following the merger of Newcastle-under-Lyme College and Stafford College. Today the group is Staffordshire's largest and most successful further education provider and one of the most successful in the country. It has recently become the first further education provider in England to achieve the top grades in every area of Ofsted's recentlyreformed Education Inspection Framework. Situated in the heart of Stafford with excellent transport links, Stafford College is home to an award-winning Construction and Engineering department with an excellent track record for working with a variety of regional and national employers.

www.constructionnational.co.uk

Artist’s impression of the new £23m Skills & Innovation Hub at Stafford College NSCG is in the top 10% of general further education colleges in the country for learners aged 16-18 and was recently ranked in joint second position nationally in the 2018 NICDEX league tables. The college offers a range of courses such as bricklaying, carpentry and joinery and aims to prepare learners with the best skills for a successful a career in this highly valued profession. q

Recruitment campaign looks forward to the next three years [IN MARCH CITB launched a new campaign to help get more young people ‘on the tools’ in construction. With an estimated 168,500 construction job opportunities set to be created by 2023, the industry needs to change the hearts and minds of under-25s to address the skills shortage. Currently 71% of that age group are turned off by construction jobs, according to research. The campaign, Future Made, aims to change their perceptions of construction, using social media influencers posting content on their platforms to show young audiences their adventures in trying out bricklaying, roofing,

painting and decorating and more. Anjali Pindoria (right) is a 24-year-old project surveyor with Avi Contracts and has submitted one such clip to the campaign. She said: “I absolutely love coming on site. Not only do I learn new carpentry and joinery elements, but I also get to learn about construction in general; you get to see the different parts of the logistics and you just get to be inquisitive about what is going on on site.” Billie-Jo Judd is a 22-year-old plasterer who also has made a Future Made video. She said: “It’s always something new, I just love it, it’s amazing; it’s probably the most therapeutic

job in the whole world. The reaction from the customers is probably the best feeling ever.” Although the attention of the industry is now on the effects of the COVID-19 epidemic on the industry, perception changing takes time, so the Future Made campaign is timed to take place throughout the next three years with annual results evaluated through surveys of young people’s attitudes to the industry. q

Construction training courses and/or apprenticeships are available at the following colleges: Accrington and Rossendale College

New College Durham

Broad Oak Campus, Broad Oak Road, Accrington BB5 2AS

New College Durham, Framwellgate Moor Campus, Durham DH1 5ES

Bath College T: 01225 312 191

Newbury College

T: 01254 389933 F: 01254 354001 E: info@accross.ac.uk W: www.accross.ac.uk

T: 0191 375 4000 E: help@newdur.ac.uk W: www.newcollegedurham.ac.uk

City Centre Campus, Avon Street, Bath BA1 1UP

Business Team: 01635 845229 Switchboard: 01635 845000 E: business@newbury-college.ac.uk W: www.newbury-college.ac.uk

Somer Valley Campus, Wells Road, Radstock BA3 3RW

Monks Lane, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 7TD

W: www.bathcollege.ac.uk E: apprenticeships@bathcollege.ac.uk

Apprenticeships at Salford City College T: 0161 631 5555 E: apprenticeships@salfordcc.ac.uk W: www.salfordcc.ac.uk

Frontier House, Merchants Quay, Salford M50 3SR

Fife College

The Sheffield College

Pittsburgh Road, Dunfermline, Fife KY11 8DY

City Campus, Granville Road, Sheffield S2 2RL

Kirklees College

Stafford College

Huddersfield Centre, Waterfront Quarter, Manchester Rd, Huddersfield HD1 3LD

Victoria Square, Stafford ST16 2QR

Leeds College of Building

West College Scotland

North Street, Leeds LS2 7QT

Paisley Campus, Renfrew Road, Paisley, Renfrewshire PA3 4DR

Tel: 0344 248 0132 E: Sales@fife.ac.uk W: www.fife.ac.uk

Tel: 01484 437000 E: info@kirkleescollege.ac.uk W: www.kirkleescollege.ac.uk

T: 0113 222 6061 E: info@lcb.ac.uk W: www.lcb.ac.uk

T: 0114 260 2600 E: info@sheffcol.ac.uk W: www.sheffcol.ac.uk

Tel: 01785 223800 E: info.stafford@nscg.ac.uk W: www.nscg.ac.uk

T: 0300 600 6060 E: info@wcs.ac.uk W: www.westcollegescotland.ac.uk

www.constructionnational.co.uk

Built environment school helps develop professionalism, flexibility, leadership…and more Thomas Edison said: “We should remember that good fortune often happens when opportunity meets with preparation.”

[

DELIVERING A CONSTRUCTION project is invariably a challenge – whether it be a housing development, upgrading of existing buildings, minor or major infrastructure development to add environmental or economic resilience, or an emergency response to a disaster. Modern construction is more involved than it was 50 years ago, as projects are faster-moving and involve more complex supply chains than before. As a result, construction project managers need to achieve a high level of both professionalism and ability if the challenge is to be met successfully. While it would be ideal if all construction professionals arrived fully formed on the first day of their joining the industry, the truth is that is simply not a realistic expectation. Professionals need time and support as they progress through the ranks to become acknowledged by their peers as being expert. The Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen has many years of supporting students from different backgrounds in their preparation to make the most of the opportunities offered by the industry. It has provided professionally accredited surveying courses for over 100 years and is one of the three oldest academic schools of its kind in the UK, with a history going back to the 19th century. During that time, the school has responded to, and in many cases correctly anticipated, changes in the industry by updating both the content of relevant courses and the approach of its staff when working with students.

“

”

One of the key skills for construction project managers is their ability to be flexible in problem solving and the delivery of successful solutions. The school has long had a culture of flexibility that is upheld by all its staff, irrespective of the nature of their role. They recognise that it is not just about getting the job done, but doing it well, so as to lead by example and provide students with a sense of the standards representing professionalism. Providing students with examples of professional behaviour is only one component of the environment in which the school seeks

to support the development of the ability that Edison felt was vital. The range of components includes over-used but still valid ideas such as team working and good leadership. Increasingly, the industry needs people who understand that team working goes beyond away-day exercises, and that good leadership is not achieved simply by reciting quotes from the Art of War, even though some can be quite motivational! Ability, in the context of modern construction projects, is increasingly reliant upon being able to ask the correct questions, rather than being able to offer generic solutions. The Scott Sutherland School offers a developmental pathway, not only to students but also to industry professionals who feel the need to add some ‘polish’ to their experience. Much of what the school offers is available through Robert Gordon University’s virtual learning environment, and the Scott Sutherland School has significantly added to its expertise and capability in that area through a five-year programme of structured development. For example, the school has moved away from the traditional ‘sage-on-the-stage’ model, in which the lecturer simply delivers material. Instead, the current model is one where students are supported in forming learning communities that encourage the sharing of industry experience. The diversity of the global student community – in terms of level of practice within the industry, differing national frameworks and years of industry experience – represents a resource that adds to the development of those confident, creative professionals that the modern industry needs. q www.constructionnational.co.uk

www.constructionnational.co.uk

Safety & Risk Management qualifications at the University of Strathclyde [ THE UNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDE offer a postgraduate

programme in Safety and Risk Management, designed to develop highly effective occupational safety and health practitioners capable of operating across the full spectrum of working environments. The programme is delivered through part-time, online distance learning, enabling those with full-time work commitments to participate and study in their own time, from any location, whilst achieving a valuable qualification of benefit to both the individual and the organisation. The course content is written and supported by a dedicated team of tutors/practitioners engaged in health and safety practice across a variety of workplace settings. The course offers a unique opportunity to acquire knowledge and expertise in a highly practical context. Each student is supported by a personal tutor throughout their studies. The Postgraduate Certificate (Year 1) is recognised by the Institution of Occupational Safety & Health (IOSH) for graduate level membership (GradIOSH). For those who already hold GradIOSH membership, the university offer entry to the Postgraduate Diploma (Year 2), meaning students can achieve their MSc in less than two years. A direct entry MSc is also available for students with appropriate prior experience and qualifications. These qualifications are open to students from a range of industries and locations. The programme offers flexible entry and exit points meaning students can exit at any level of the programme and receive an appropriate award. Prospective students without a first degree are welcome, with relevant work experience and training being considered for entry. In addition, the university offer continuing professional development courses, including the highly popular IOSH Managing Safely and a Professional Certificate in Radiation Protection. The IOSH Managing

“I enjoyed the practicality of the course. I was able to relate a lot of the course materials directly to my work environment which enhanced my learning experience” Rens Duisters, MSc Safety & Risk Management student

Safely course is held on campus in Glasgow city centre and is led by an experienced Chartered Safety and Health professional. q • To find out more about the University of Strathclyde’s Safety and Risk Management programme visit the website at www.strath.ac.uk/ studywithus/centreforlifelonglearning or get in touch by email scosh@strath.ac.uk

www.constructionnational.co.uk

Constructionarium – delivering the skills you need for the future

[

WHAT ARE EMPLOYERS in the construction industry looking for in their new recruits? Is it technical knowledge or practical skills? Or are they more concerned with interpersonal skills such as communication or problem solving? Can you teach them how to react calmly when something goes wrong on a project? Constructionarium Ltd is a not-for-profit training organisation established in 2003 in order to deliver a unique learning experience which would teach practical skills, reinforce theoretical knowledge and develop the so-called ‘soft’ skills such as communication, problem solving and commercial awareness. In the last seventeen years, over 13,000 delegates have completed one of their projects, building scaled down replicas of iconic structures from around the world. From the

“

Taught me so many things that I will definitely be taking away for my future career in the industry. Construction student

”

Gherkin to the Millau Viaduct each project has been developed in collaboration with industry.

Real world learning

On site, students form multi-disciplinary teams and report to their client daily. Teams must decide on their own project plan and team structure and deal with unexpected situations – such as a shortage of bolts or nesting birds – and weather conditions as they arise. Basing the experience on the real world means that learning is amplified. Students watch a task being completed and are then trusted to perform it themselves with support from experienced professionals. The next day they get to review what they did and repeat it again. Constructionarium is more than just a field trip and students are given the chance to lead, as co-founder Alison Ahearn of Imperial College explains: “The most profound educational development is the model of the three-way relationship between academia, industry and students. Instead of being taught by their teachers, the students take the lead on a joint enterprise.” Constructionarium hosted 854 delegates

Constructionarium E jstevens@constructionarium.uk D www.constructionarium.uk

www.constructionnational.co.uk

last year from 23 different institutions. Texas A&M University and Mid Tennessee University travel from the USA with their students, Multiplex send their graduate trainees each year and in 2019 JN Bentley brought apprentices and tutors from the Learning Skills Partnership. Universities such as UCL, Imperial, University of Salford and Cambridge University visit year after year as they value the opportunity to engage their students in a real-life learning project. Contractors and consultants including Laing O’Rourke, JN Bentley, Careys, Multiplex and Sir Robert McAlpine have supported projects at Constructionarium for many years. As Mike McNicholas of Atkins says: “Working collaboratively enables us to promote industry practices, shape the career paths of students, spot talent and raise our profile with the students who attend. It is a definite win-win for all concerned.”

New for 2020 Since 2004, Constructionarium has been based at Bircham Newton, Norfolk on a specially designed 6-hectare site within the National Construction College. In 2020, they will expand to open a second site within the Berkeley Homes Southall Waterside regeneration site in Greater London. The Southall site will be the UK’s first zero carbon training facility and will offer an updated portfolio of activities with a focus on sustainable construction methods. New projects will include the decarbonised Gherkin and Facades: design for delivery as well as short courses covering low carbon, mental health first aid and site management skills. Constructionarium Ltd is now a CITB Approved Training Organisation meaning courses can be booked through citb.co.uk as well as constructionarium.uk q

IOSH course gains Safety & Health Expo rescheduled CSCS approval [ to autumn [ THE ORGANISERS OF the Safety & Health Expo and its co-

located shows were quick to react to the circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak. As early as 13 February they announced that the stable of expos would be rescheduled to take place on 8–10 September at London ExCeL. They were originally scheduled to be staged in May. In addition to the Safety & Health Expo, the rescheduling covers a number of events by the same organiser, Informa Markets. They are IFSEC International, FIREX International, Facilities Show, Intelligent Building Europe and the Workplace Wellbeing Show. Four events organised by Clarion – Counter Terror Expo, Ambition, Forensics Expo Europe and World Counter Terror Congress – have also been rescheduled to the same dates. Chris Edwards, group director of Informa Markets, commented: “We have been closely following developments since COVID–19 began spreading, and we have consistently been mindful of its potential impact on global events like ours. “The rescheduled date provides clarity and ensures we have time and space to deliver the same fantastic event we promised, providing a safe and secure environment conducive to business, networking and career development – for the health and safety and facilities management professions.” q

THE CONSTRUCTION training course of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health has been approved by the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS). The course is designed to provide construction workers with the essential knowledge to keep themselves and others safe at work on site. CSCS approval means that the IOSH Safety, Health and Environment for Construction Workers course will equip delegates with the knowledge and skills required to be eligible to apply for the Green Labourer card – allowing them to work on construction sites in entrylevel positions. The course is also approved by BUILD UK and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). IOSH worked with industry specialists from its Construction Group during the development of the course, along with representatives of major firms associated with the sector and existing training providers. The course can be delivered in one day and is suitable for any geographical location and any size of organisation, to improve safety and health awareness among workers. Jonathan Nobbs, head of corporate engagement at IOSH, said: “There’s no getting away from the fact that construction is a high-risk sector to work in, when you consider things like the use of machinery, working at height, long hours and outdoor working. “While a high number of people are killed in construction site accidents, many more are becoming ill because of past exposure to harmful dusts and materials. This is unacceptable. No one should have their safety or health harmed by work.” q

SOCOTEC’s ground investigation division launches bespoke health and safety training day for new recruits [

SOCOTEC, the UK’s leading provider of testing, inspection and compliance services, has launched a bespoke health and safety training day for new starters within its ground investigation division. Ground investigation staff will be required to complete this training day early on within their employment and prior to them undertaking other accredited courses, such as the Site Management Safety Training Scheme and/or Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme. Every new recruit will be required to participate, even if they have completed health and safety training in a previous role. During this training, employees can expect to cover a variety of subject matter – including how to complete permits, how to conduct risk assessments, what to look for on drill rigs and the fitted safety devices, as well as how to comply with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) and Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER). Customised to meet the individual roles and responsibilities of each new recruit, SOCOTEC’s health and safety training day is highly interactive, offering employees plenty of opportunity to ask questions in an engaging environment. They are also encouraged to spend more time on areas of the course that they feel require more attention or explanation. Once employees have completed their training day, they will not be required to participate in any refresher training, as this will be strictly monitored via follow-up audits and engagement tours by their supervisor and health and safety management. Updates to any taught processes or procedural change will also be provided through further communications and toolbox talks. “In order to equip our employees with the skills required to excel, we are

pleased to have developed a bespoke health and safety training day for all new starters within SOCOTEC’s ground investigation division,” commented Clare Chapman, operations director, ground investigation at SOCOTEC UK. “Not only will this prepare new employees for the variety of site environments they will encounter on the job, but it also equips them with the confidence required to carry out their role and responsibilities to the best of their ability. We look forward to seeing all of our new recruits participate in this training day, which serves as the beginning of an exciting new chapter with SOCOTEC.” q • For further information call 01283 554400, email salesuk@socotec.com or visit the website at www.socotec.co.uk www.constructionnational.co.uk

Despite turbulent times, both private and public care sectors can thrive [OVER THE PAST couple of years we have been charting the

development of a number of parts of the social care sector – from small privately-run homes to larger groups, public-sector facilities and charitable foundations. In this latest feature we look at two examples from different areas of operation. In Lincolnshire the final touches are being put to the latest addition to the

stable of established private provider Black Swan. Unfortunately, occupation by residents will have to wait until the health situation improves. Baycroft, on the other hand, is the care home arm of one of the biggest providers of social housing in London and the surrounding region, One Housing. The group has recently opened three new homes in Bedfordshire. One of them is up for a prestigious design award. q

Restoration adds new feather in Black Swan’s cap

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NEARING COMPLETION OF a £750,000 renovation, Black Swan Care Group’s The Haven in Boston, Lincolnshire, is set to become a luxurious living environment with the atmosphere of home. The renovation works were due for completion during March; however, an open day scheduled for 2 April had to be postponed because of the COVID-19 crisis. Every one of the 37 new bedrooms is equipped with full-size wetrooms enabling residents to have privacy and dignity for any personal care they may require, rather than a shared bathroom. The property has been overhauled, with a new eight-bedroom extension being added to the back, helping to create an enclosed courtyard for residents to enjoy activities and socialising, as well as barbecues throughout the summer. The home also boasts two large lounges, allowing for entertainment and activities to take place in one while the other can be used as

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a relaxing environment for sitting, reading, watching television and drinking a nice cuppa. There will be a salon for pampering days and weekly hairdresser visits, a large dining room where residents can sit together for meals, a quieter café style area beneath a glass ceiling for relaxing, and all of the surroundings grounds and courtyard will have level access. Black Swan Care Group prides itself on providing a spacious and homely environment for residents, with brilliant facilities they can enjoy, personcentred care packages as unique as they are, and a place they are proud to call ‘home’. The company began in 1991 as a consultancy firm for the care sector, before buying its first home in 1994. It now operates 20 homes throughout the East of England – from Essex to Lincolnshire. Three are rated ‘Outstanding overall’ by the Care Quality Commission, nine have ‘Outstanding’ lines within their reports, and the rest are rated as ‘Good’. q

Trio of openings add to offer in Bedfordshire [BAYCROFT IS A COLLECTION of luxury

care homes and villages in the South East of England that was created by One Housing – one of the UK’s largest housing associations. The creation of Baycroft allows the association to “fulfil our vision of moving beyond building and selling residential homes on the open market into the direct provision of private care”. The profits generated by Baycroft are invested back into One Housing’s core housing, care and support services. The 75-bedroom Baycroft Fairfield (left) and the opening of Baycroft Flitwick (right) In the past few months Baycroft have opened three new homes – all in Bedfordshire. Baycroft Fairfield is a superb luxury home in the village of Fairfield The home was officially opened on 1 November by the Mayor of Park. Built over two floors, there are 75 bedrooms, comprising eight Flitwick, Cllr Phillip Thompson. suites, 44 ‘Premium’ rooms and 23 ‘Classic’ rooms. All rooms come Said the Mayor: “I was so pleased to take part in the official opening fully equipped with a wet room-style en-suite bathroom. of Baycroft Flitwick. This is a wonderful facility, which will be an asset Facilities for residents include a cinema, library, hair salon, for local people. It is a lovely environment for older people to live in treatment room and gym, as well as access to beautiful landscaped and be cared for in their local community. It is also providing local gardens. There is also a stylish café plus comfortable lounges with employment opportunities.” outdoor terraces. The latest of Baycroft’s collection to open is the 80-bed Baycroft Kempston, located between Kempston and Wood End. Built on three Baycroft Fairfield has been selected as a finalist in the Best New floors, the residents’ luxurious rooms comprise 11 suites, 41 ‘Premium’ Care Home category of the Pinders Healthcare Design Awards: the rooms and 28 ‘Classic’ rooms. Again, all rooms come fully equipped ‘Oscars’ of the care home industry. The nomination comes with a £500 with a wet room-style en-suite bathroom. Most ground floor rooms donation to a local charity, which Baycroft Fairfield has donated to the have their own private outdoor space. local branch of Dementia UK. Prior to the opening of the Kempston home in November, the staff General manager Cheryl Forshaw declared: “Everyone at Baycroft held an open day for prospective residents, at which a taste of the is delighted that our success will help such an important charity to catering on offer was previewed. q the community of Fairfield and beyond. Baycroft and Dementia UK are both dedicated to providing specialist dementia support so we are really pleased to be able to support them.” Nomination for the Pinders Awards is a major achievement for a newcomer to the care home market. The award submission included a description of the home’s key objectives and how they have been achieved, with reference to aspects such as resident comfort, wellbeing and choice, design features and innovation, meeting market requirements and aesthetic features. In November Baycroft opened its new Baycroft Flitwick home – located between Ampthill and Flitwick itself. Built in a relaxing, purpose-built setting with tranquil landscaped gardens, the home offers expert 24-hour personalised nursing and dementia care. The ground, first and second floors contain 75 luxurious bedrooms, comprising nine suites, 38 ‘Classic’ rooms and 28 ‘Premium’ rooms. Again, all rooms come fully-equipped with a wet room-style en-suite bathroom, while most ground floor rooms have their own private outdoor space. The beautiful landscaped garden is overlooked by the luxury dining area, where fresh, locally sourced and seasonal meals are served. To break down loneliness, use of the on-site cinema, library, hair salon, spa treatment room and activity room are actively encouraged. The home is also equipped with the latest dementia care and resident safety technology, so that older people living at the home and their families feel secure.

The latest of Baycroft’s collection to open is the 80-bed Baycroft Kempston www.constructionnational.co.uk

Buy zinc box gutter online from Rainclear [

RAINCLEAR SYSTEMS, the UK’s leading specialist metal rainwater system stockist and online retailer, have now added a box profile zinc gutter to their website. The quartz zinc rainwater system is also available in a half round profile with simple to install fittings for the average domestic project. But the two systems are aimed at different projects and skills sets. The box profile system is more suited to a large house with a highpitched roof or small commercial buildings, where a high capacity gutter is required, and is designed to be soldered where the gutter lengths and corners meet. Therefore, this system requires a slightly higher skill set, and the 120mm wide fascia brackets – recommended to be spaced at 400mm intervals – are far stronger, to support a greater weight of water.

If you are unsure which size gutter best suits your project, you can contact Rainclear on 0800 644 44 26. They can do a flow calculation to ensure that the gutters will cope with run off in the worst of the British weather. You will need to supply dimensions of the roof area, roof pitch/ slope and the geographic location of the project for this service.

Compatible and incompatible timber Incompatible woods for zinc gutters are Oak, Chestnut, Larch, Cedar (red or white), Douglas Pine and all wood with a pH less than 5. Compatible woods are Fir (red or white), Spruce, Poplar and Pine. You should also avoid contact with copper, or water run-off from areas of copper, to prevent the possibility of electrolytic corrosion. Zinc is in plentiful supply throughout the earth’s crust and is mined globally. It is considered to be one of the most sustainable metals used in construction because its low melting point requires less energy to convert it into recyclable material, and each recycling process takes away none of the mechanical and chemical properties that make it such a high-quality material. Furthermore, 30% of world production comes from recycled material, another of the reasons it has become a popular choice compared to other types of metals and materials such as plastic.

Distinctive appearance The unique appearance of the quartz zinc finish makes it the perfect choice of guttering if you’re looking to make a statement. Pre-weathered, as the quartz zinc is, it is a similar colour to lead and so can be used on stone or period properties that are being refurbished and can also look great on contemporary style new builds.

Zinc is unaffected by weather conditions. It does not corrode, but instead builds up a patina, a layer that protects the metal, meaning the gutters do not require any painting or coating for protection. As the patina continues to build-up, it hides imperfections such as scratches, so there’s very little maintenance necessary to keep it looking good.

Unique characteristics The pre-weathered zinc used to manufacture the quartz zinc rainwater system will not discolour, distort or become brittle over time. Cut edges – you cut final lengths with a hacksaw – will not corrode as the natural selfprotecting patina develops over time. Zinc is poisonous to moss and algae, meaning that there is little buildup of plant materials over time which would otherwise contribute to blockages in the guttering. This reduces the need for maintenance and gutter clearing, apart from periodic removal of leaves and other debris, and makes it great for collecting and storing rainwater. q • Visit www.rainclear.co.uk to shop for all your metal rainwater, drainage and roofline systems requirements and if you have any questions call 0800 644 44 26 or email sales@rainclear.co.uk

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Code of Practice guides groundwater heat installations [THE Ground Source Heat Pump Association (GSHPA) and the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) have published a Code of Practice for open-loop groundwater source heat pumps. Open-loop groundwater source heat pumps: Code of Practice for the UK looks at the huge opportunity to provide low-carbon heating and cooling to buildings from aquifers and mine water using groundwater source heat pumps (GWSHPs). It aims to raise standards across the supply chain and encourage the adoption of groundwater heat pumps. Phil Jones, chairman of the steering committee that produced the code, said at its launch: “The rapid decarbonisation of the electricity grid means that heat pumps are the low-carbon solution for providing heating and cooling in buildings. Groundwater provides a relatively constant temperature source, making GWSHPs an efficient technology right across the year. This new Code of Practice sets out minimum standards to give the buildings sector confidence in applying GWSHPs correctly." GSHPA chairman Bean Beanland expressed his delight that further collaboration with CIBSE had delivered another excellent Code of Practice. The GSHPA declared itself keen to work with CIBSE to promote heat pumps and the codes, as specifiers increasingly turn to ground and water source heat pumps to satisfy Building Regulations, meet increasingly demanding local planning conditions on emissions and deliver the lowcarbon buildings of the future. They are increasingly being demanded by homeowners, the domestic rental sector and by commercial building owners and tenants as social awareness develops and as increasing carbon taxation looks set to become a reality.

Groundwater heat pumps and Fifth Generation District Heating Each succeeding generation of district heating has moved to a lower temperature of heat distribution, which reduces the heat losses to the ground from connecting pipework between buildings, up to the current Fourth Generation District Heating which distributes hot water at around 65°C. The next logical step is to move to circulating water at ambient ground temperature in the network: Fifth Generation District Heating. That eliminates heat losses to the ground and reduces the need for expensive pipework. It also eliminates the need for a central ‘energy centre’. A heat pump in each building extracts heat from the network when its building needs heating, and rejects heat to the network when its building needs cooling in summer. The ambient ground circuit will need to balance its temperature with a source of heat and the best opportunity to do this is likely to come from groundwater using groundwater heat pumps.

Installation of ground or ground water source heat pumps To get the full benefit of a GSHP installation or a GWSHP you will need to employ someone with design and installation experience. A groundwater source heat pump, like a ground source heat pump, may not perform well unless it is incorporated in a good design by someone who understands the needs of the building, the use to which the building is being put and the local geology. The Code of Practice points to the dangers of fragmentation: “A successful open-loop GWSHP project is often made more difficult by the fragmented nature of the industry and complex procurement processes. It is common to find the feasibility work is carried out by a consultant, the detailed design and construction by a design-and-build contractor and the operation and maintenance by an unrelated facilities management company. The procurement approach adopted should consider the risks involved in this fragmentation and lack of incentives for each party involved to deliver an optimal scheme.” q

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c o n s t r u c t i o n n a t i o n a l w e b s i t e a toz 50

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

ACCESS EQUIPMENT

23 years experience in theming & scenic art for zoos, leisure and visitor attractions

www.alanbishopthemeworks.co.uk

BUILDERS & PLUMBERS MERCHANTS

Construction finance from Aldermore offers fast access to working capital

www.aldermore.co.uk/constructionfinance

DRILLING CONTRACTORS

CapSure is a range of products from Soteria Group formulated to support the reduction in human and environmental impacts associated with the management of hazardous materials.

capsure-pure.com

HEATING ENGINEERS

General and bespoke metal fabrications. Specialist secondary steel manufacturers and installers.

www.clmltd.co.uk

RAINWATER SYSTEMS Helping the timber industries to come to the right decision!

www.ghanatimber.org

The trusted name for chimney sweeping and relining. We supply and fit Stovax stoves and FuranFlex lining systems