Construction National Summer 2020

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COVER STORY

New facility is music to the ears of Midlands student community

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Our front cover shows the impressive façade of the new Resonance music institute, housed in the transformed Cable Plaza building in Brierley Hill, West Midlands.

The result of a complete refurbishment programme, the new facility is set to be the wellspring of future generations of music stars, producers and impresarios. And, as befits a musical centre of excellence, state-of-the-art sound engineering and acoustics were at the core of the transformation.

The result is a tour de force of fit out technology.

Read about some of the magic wrought by contractors to bring about the transformation from page 8

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NEWS 10

Extension of planning approval will help preserve developments

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Forum signs the safe way forward

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Scottish government backs certification

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Professional institutes welcome new rules on sprinklers

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Giant test chamber arrives at satellite centre

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Infrastructure pipeline will help construction industry to flow again

ROOFING

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Natural Zinc – now in stock for next day delivery

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Roofers call on Education Secretary to release repair funds

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Get guttering knowledge online, the safe way

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Roofing Awards are carried over to next year

TRAINING, APPRENTICESHIPS AND EDUCATION

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College’s success is reflected in students’ achievements

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Williamson announces expanded T-Levels for 2022

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HS2 beckons for West Midlands students

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CITB levy and Consensus plans get mixed reception

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Scottish trade bodies welcome new SVQs

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Get builders training more builders, says FMB

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NHBC training goes online

HERITAGE

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Children’s museum project finds its way through lockdown

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New facility boosts heritage motoring industry

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.

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CONTENTS WORKING AT HEIGHT 22

NASC 2020 Safety Report shows record low accidents

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Confederation announces new appointments

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NASC launches Design Membership category

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How to keep your distance while working at height

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International Information Membership moves into double figures

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Ladder Association offers guidance on keeping safe during the pandemic

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Prefabricated access standard EN 1004: old version extended and user instructions included

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Fall injury leads to million-pound fine

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Machine safety testing: IPAF lobbying leads to clarification

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HEALTH & SAFETY 29

Charity welcomes plans to open up construction sites: but workers’ wellbeing paramount

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Webinar addresses mental health of ‘returners’

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Safety & Health Expo moves to next year

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H and S awards: still up in the air

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ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES 33

Scottish regeneration programme hailed as a ‘Green Swan’

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Flood defence work completes during lockdown

HEAT PUMPS 34

Standard helps match heat pumps to water cylinders

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Industry bodies consult on low-temperature heating training criteria

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Heat pump industry welcomes consultation on grants

DIGITAL IN CONSTRUCTION 35

BIM interoperability: consultation shows massive support

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Construction takes a leaf from manufacturing’s book

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MODULAR & PORTABLE BUILDINGS 37

Modular industry joins housing associations to campaign for Homes for Heroes

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MMC champion appoints new chair

CARE HOMES 39

Work on care homes continues despite COVID crisis

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Green Belt planning achieved for dementia care centres

HOUSING 40

PiJ winners announced as competition turns 40

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Appointments mark step on road to reform

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Sale will lead to two major developments

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FMB: SME builders crucial to housing recovery

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Constructive

comment

[IN THE LAST ISSUE this column was surveying the grinding to a halt of the construction industry and

expressing the hope that the hiatus would be a short one. As this issue goes to press the industry is indeed beginning to emerge from lockdown – not in the way we hoped with a return to normality, but tentatively and with many precautions against continuing infection.

Nevertheless, loins are being girded and a mass of new work is being embarked upon and, crucially, planned. A long list of infrastructure projects are in the pipeline, with the Prime Minister announcing additions. If it all comes off the industry is going to be very busy indeed.

•When the industry downed tools there was a great deal of work on-going or planned that needs to be resurrected.

The planning and inspection system could have scuppering a good deal of it, but fortunately, the need to get things done and get them done as safely as possible has been addressed to a remarkable extent. The planning application process has been adapted to allow quicker and more remote outcomes, while the three-year deadline for jobs to start on site has been extended.

In Scotland, work such as electricals and plumbing is being signed off via the certification process by on-site professionals. This speeds up the compliance process and obviates the need for one more site visit.

• Two events that are still victims of the lockdown are the Safety and Health Expo and the UK Roofing Awards. Both were postponed from this May to the autumn, and both have been further delayed to next year.

• In an industry already scourged by a high level of mental health problems, dealing with the risks inevitably involved in returning to site during a pandemic can only exacerbate those problems. Mental health charity Mates in Mind is urging employers to be mindful of the stresses employees are under, while the IOSH has been hosting webinars to help deal with the issues.

• Online activity didn’t stop with the lockdown, of course, and training in particular could carry on more or less unhindered where remote courses were available. The NHBC was one organisation to put its courses online.

• Looking forward to the return to the classroom, Scotland has a clutch of new SVQs in the construction industry, while the new T-Levels are due to receive their first intake. Those new qualifications involve a substantial work placement, which in the case of some youngsters in the West Midlands will mean working on the HS2 project.

• The success of the construction industry will be judged by its ability to deliver the housing stock the country needs. That can only be achieved by removing barriers to small builders, according to the Federation of Master Builders.

• Those who build the homes – the site managers – can’t be kept out of the spotlight. Despite the lockdown, the NHBC Pride in the Job Awards have begun their journey to crowning the UK’s best managers. We will be following their progress.

•The ‘modern’ approach to solving the housing crisis is via modular construction. An alliance of social housing providers and modular champions is proposing a new ‘Homes for Heroes’ programme of modular homes, based on the post-WWI slogan. These would be affordable homes for the keyworkers so generously applauded and ungenerously rewarded during this crisis.

• In the care sector these past few months have seen the construction teams themselves come to the fore, completing new care facilities at the very height of the pandemic, providing places for the care of the most vulnerable as they recover from COVID-19. q

Chris Stokes Editor, Construction National

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New facility is music to the ears of Midlands student community

[ THE KEYS TO a new state-of-the-art music institute in the West Midlands have been

handed over by fit out contractors Overbury, as refurbishment work finished and it prepares to welcome its first students.

Resonance occupies the Cable Plaza building on the Waterfront Business Park in Brierley Hill, Dudley. The building has been undergoing a complete refit by Overbury – the UK’s leading fit out and refurbishment specialists – over a period of six months.

The project managers were Turner & Townsend.

The 43,357ft 2 building includes a mixture of classrooms, lecture theatres, recording studios, practice rooms and a radio station, completely transforming the former office building, which had lain empty for eight years.

The state-of-the-art facilities were designed to provide each Pictured (l to r) are Resonance chairman Chris Conin room wall with 80dB sound and co-directors David Barnard and Rick Benton, project attenuation. The studios boast manager at Turner & Townsend Harmesh Gangar and Hayden 600mm-thick walls, glass Whitehead, project manager at Overbury which is angled to deflect sound and ‘jacked-up’ concrete slabs. Studio design was by Glenn Howells Architects.

Students will be working towards careers as performers, producers, songwriters, composers, engineers, entrepreneurs or teachers – or a combination of all of them. The curriculum, teaching and learning model is directly shaped by industry professionals who know what it takes to make it in the business.

Resonance’s co-director David Barnard commented: “The building looks fantastic. Overbury has done a wonderful job. The project was completed on time and to budget.

“Now comes the fun part; breathing life and music into this amazing institute.”

The Overbury team used 25 miles of electrical cables and a further 25 miles of data cabling in the project. Managing director Andrew Wood said: “Resonance has been a fantastic project for us to work on, and we’re proud to have been part of this remarkable transformation. We wish Resonance all the best in the future and hope its students enjoy the facilities.”

Overbury specialises in fit out and refurbishment on a national scale, with projects ranging from a few thousand pounds to over £100m. The company has teams operating in the commercial office, higher education and retail banking sectors. It is part of Morgan Sindall Group Plc. Resonance is due to open this September and will offer degrees validated by Solent University. q

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Fit out skills resonate with contractors and clients alike [ WORKING WITH Overbury on the Resonance music institute

project was T&T Internal Fit Outs Ltd, who delivered the high-quality soundproof walls and ceilings in a safe working environment and to a high standard and specification.

T&T Internal Fit Outs Ltd have always worked together with other trades on site – including electrical and mechanical companies – to enable the contract to run as smooth as possible and on schedule.

Said managing director Drew Talbot: “Any problems are resolved by our site managers and high-quality workers, which is something we pride ourselves on. We aim to deliver the highest quality work at the lowest cost to all our clients.”

Based in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, T&T offers a service that covers the whole of the UK. Drew continued: “We are specialists in retail, commercial and office fit outs – including Metsec structural partitions. We also offer a taping and jointing service, along with plastering, joinery, plumbing, electrics, flooring and painting.”

With over 30 years’ experience in the industry, T&T are a leading provider of partitioned walls and ceilings. Their quality service, combined with competitive pricing, ensures they have an extensive portfolio of satisfied clients.

They are also open to offers of international work and are happy to discuss any type of project with potential clients.

Drew is always available to discuss and advise on any concerns and needs. q

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Extension of planning approval will help preserve developments [

THE Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has warmly welcomed the announcement by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Robert Jenrick (pictured) to extend planning permissions that have been granted to ensure that development already planned can be built.

Victoria Hills, CEO of the RTPI, says: “The RTPI has been calling on this Government to extend planning permissions granted since the beginning of lockdown so we are delighted that the Minister has agreed with us and has taken these measures. Planners have been at the forefront of flexible approaches and innovative thinking in responding quickly to the pandemic and now we need to shape a fairer and more sustainable recovery.

“The measures announced today should mean that developers can get on and start on the housing developments we need without having to apply for extensions. We also warmly welcome the greater flexibility allowed to the Planning Inspectorate announced today to use more than one procedure at a time to speed up the appeals process.”

The move was one of a number of measures

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announced by Robert Jenrick in June.

The Minister said: “Building the homes the country needs is central to the mission of this Government and is an important part of our plans to recover from the impact of the coronavirus.

“New laws will enable us to speed up the pace of planning appeals and save hundreds of construction sites from being cancelled before they have a chance to get spades in the ground, helping to protect hundreds of thousands of jobs and create many others.”

Planning permission usually expires after three years if work has not started on site. Sites

with consent that have an expiry date between the start of lockdown and the end of this year will now see their consent extended to 1 April next year. That will prevent work that has been temporarily disrupted by the pandemic from stopping altogether.

The government estimates that, by the end of June, more than 400 residential permissions providing more than 24,000 new homes would have expired. The new measures will help these developments and more resume as the economy recovers.

New measures will also permanently grant the Planning Inspectorate the ability to use more than one procedure – written representations, hearings and inquiries – at the same time when dealing with a planning appeal, enabling appeals to happen much faster.

That will also help builders to quickly agree more flexible construction site working hours with their local council for a temporary period.

That in turn will make it easier to follow public health guidance on site and by staggering builders’ arrival times, public transport will be less busy and the risk of infection will be reduced. q

Forum signs the safe way forward [

AS THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY geared up for the next stage of its restart plan, the Construction Industry Coronavirus Forum stepped up to the plate by producing a pack of free signage to help with the safe return to work.

Designed for sites, depots and offices, the 20 open-source documents include essential posters, checklists and fact sheets for on and offsite use, outlining in comprehensive detail how to manage the restart while keeping staff safe.

The resource also features a downloadable PowerPoint Toolbox Talk which takes employers and employees through the new restrictions and workplace etiquette that must be observed.

The documents can be downloaded and printed off in A3 or A4 size, and can also be adapted for individual use, with space left for company logos and contact details to be added.

Rebecca Crosland, health and safety advisor at Forum member the Building Engineering

Services Association, said: “The Forum’s Health and Safety Sub-Committee is aware that many people will be unsure about exactly what actions they need to take to ensure they are up to date with the guidance.

“This return to work pack spells out, stepby-step, the new rules and the new ways of working which everyone will have to adopt in order to get the industry back on its feet and delivering a service for its clients and the country.” q

Scottish government backs certification [ AS THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY in Scotland continues

its increasingly proactive return to work, influential bodies across the sector have welcomed a ministerial intervention in support of certification schemes.

Kevin Stewart MSP, Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning, has written to Scotland’s 32 local authorities to highlight the potential for certification by approved scheme providers to facilitate early approval of building warrants, as well as their positive impact on verification capacity.

His letter has received the backing of major industry scheme providers, including SELECT – the trade body for the electrical industry in Scotland – certification body BRE Global, Structural Engineers Registration, RIAS Services – the architects’ professional body in Scotland – Certsure, trading as NICEIC, and SNIPEF, the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation.

Mr Stewart said in his letter to local authority chief executives: “Although certification is an optional method for compliance, certificates of design support the earliest approval of warrants by removing the need for verifiers to check compliance in these areas.

“The use of certificates of construction would also have significant value at this time, where there is a need and requirement to actively manage the number of people on site to reduce the transmission of COVID-19.

“As electrical, drainage, heating and plumbing work can be certified by qualified building professionals, their increased use

will reduce the need for building standards inspection visits.”

Dave Forrester, director of technical services at SELECT, welcomed the intervention.

“As we begin the construction restart process,” he said, “it’s vital that we work together as an industry to provide support to firms looking to complete projects as efficiently as possible, while ensuring we all continue to protect the health and safety of those people involved.

“I welcome this statement from the Minister and hope it helps to raise awareness of the benefits certification provides towards achieving those objectives.”

Fiona Hodgson, chief executive of SNIPEF, added that body’s support: “In a phased return, there is a need to keep the number of people on site to a minimum. As certifiers would likely be on site anyway, this would reduce the need for inspection, and also travel to and from site.

“As sites will not be working to full capacity it will be essential that as much work can be done as is possible on site without having to delay progress by, for example, waiting for a building inspector.

Certification helps this issue and increases productivity.”

Richard Atkins, of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, added: “By using Approved Certifiers of Construction and Design, the building owner has an insurance-backed guarantee that the electrical, drainage, heating and plumbing systems and the structural and energy performance designs are compliant.” q www.constructionnational.co.uk

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Professional institutes welcome new rules on sprinklers

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THREE LEADING professional bodies in the built environment – the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) – have jointly welcomed new measures from the Government which will ensure many more high-rise blocks will be fitted with sprinkler systems and safety signs.

The three institutes have been calling for a change in government policy on high-rise blocks for over a year. In March 2019 – ahead of a Westminster Hall debate on fire safety and sprinkler systems – CIOB, RICS and RIBA issued a joint statement calling on the Government to require the installation of sprinklers in all new and converted residential buildings, hotels, hospitals, student accommodation, schools and care home buildings of 11m in height or above, as well as the retrofitting of sprinklers in buildings when relevant refurbishment takes place. They also provided evidence to the Government's consultation on changes to the statutory guidance on building safety regulations.

The response to the consultation proposes lowering the height threshold for sprinklers in new blocks of flats and introduces new guidance on wayfinding signage and evacuation alert systems. The amendments reduce the height threshold for sprinklers in blocks of flats from 30m to 11m, and introduce new guidance on consistent wayfinding signage in blocks of flats over 11m to assist firefighters.

The Government has noted that the evidence submitted by CIOB, RICS, RIBA and others clearly demonstrated ‘the benefits to life, safety and in reducing the degree of damage by installing sprinklers in blocks of flats’.

It noted that 11m – the new minimum height for buildings in which sprinklers must be installed – is the upper limit for most external firefighting capacity.

Eddie Tuttle, director of policy, research and public affairs at the CIOB, said: “It is a very welcome move by the Government to lower the height threshold for the installation of sprinklers. The CIOB and our sister professional bodies have long believed it is a necessary change and will go a long way to improving the fire safety of buildings in the UK. This measure will finally provide the clarity that is needed, not just within our industry, but also for the public and the fire service.”

The announcement came as the Government published the prospectus for the Building Safety Fund, which will meet the cost for remediation of unsafe non-ACM cladding systems on residential buildings in the private and social sector that are 18m and over and do not comply with building regulations.

The fund is predominately targeted at supporting leaseholders in the private sector facing significant bills. However, the Government is clear that for leaseholders living in buildings owned by providers in the social sector, it will provide funding to meet the provider’s costs which would otherwise have been borne by leaseholders. The Government expects landlords to cover those costs without increasing rent for their tenants.

The Government is already providing £600m for the replacement of ACM cladding systems, bringing total funding for remediation up to £1.6bn. q

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Giant test chamber arrives at satellite centre [

MACE HAS FACILITATED the installation of a 16m-long space test chamber at the National Satellite Test Facility in Harwell, Oxford. The enormous chamber will be used by the space industry to test spacecraft up to 7 tonnes for the harsh conditions of space.

The chamber can be heated and cooled using nitrogen-cooled shroud panels to achieve a temperature range of 95 to 373 Kelvin (minus 180º to plus 100º Celsius), so that satellites can be tested for missions into the chill of deep space or near to the Sun. It will be operated by the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s (STFC) RAL Space, and alongside other test equipment at the National Satellite Test Facility will enable UK businesses to bid competitively for new contracts and remain a world leader in space technologies.

Weighing more than 98 tonnes in total, the chamber was transported in sections on six lorries, accompanied by six police outriders and five support vehicles. The convoy from Portsmouth Harbour to Harwell Campus was one of the largest single road movements the UK has ever seen.

Each of the 8m diameter sections then had to be lifted into place and carefully positioned in order to be sealed perfectly later in the year. The final walls of the building will now be constructed around the chamber.

Professor Chris Mutlow, director of RAL Space, said: “This has been an incredible feat of engineering and logistics. The installation of a

facility of this scale is at the best of times fraught with complexities but this has been made even more challenging because of coronavirus. I am delighted that the chamber has completed its epic 5,800km journey and is now safely in position in the National Satellite Test Facility, where it will offer a new capability to the space community as part of the only set of co-located space test facilities at this large scale in the UK.” Alongside the space test chamber, the National Satellite Test Facility will also offer vibration and pyro-shock equipment, electromagnetic compatibility and antenna measurement systems and acoustic testing. Construction is due to be completed next year and operational from 2022.

Appointed through the Southern Construction Framework, Mace is also working with the STFC on a number of projects at Harwell Campus, including the Extreme Photonics Applications Centre, pushing the boundaries of science and discovery.

The company’s frameworks director Nick Abbey commented: “Enabling the installation of the large space test chamber has been one of the most challenging technical and logistical steps in delivering the National Satellite Test Facility. The teams successfully managed to transport and lift all the sections into place, fitting together the 98-tonne chamber. We look forward to completing this complex science project, which has required the multi-disciplinary expertise and tireless work of all our teams.” q

Infrastructure pipeline will help construction industry to flow again [THE Construction Leadership Council

(CLC) has welcomed the publication of the Infrastructure and Projects Authority’s (IPA) procurement pipeline which identifies procurements planned to go out to tender throughout the 2020-21 financial year.

The procurement pipeline includes over 340 procurement contracts across 269 projects, programmes and other investments.

It also sets out a projection of infrastructure procurement over the next year of up to £37bn.

The pipeline will provide much needed confidence and certainty to the market during the COVID-19 pandemic – and as such is a key part of the CLC’s ‘Road to Recovery’.

CLC co-chair Andy Mitchell said: “The construction sector is facing an unprecedented challenge as a result of COVID-19. As the largest single client of economic and social infrastructure, a strong and clear pipeline of work from government is vital to generating confidence and certainty.

“I am therefore delighted that the

Government has today responded to one of the proposals in the CLC Industry Recovery Plan and look forward to working with government to deliver these projects over the months and years to come.”

In his Executive Summary to the document, IPA chief executive Nick Smallwood noted: “This year has already brought unprecedented challenges for the construction sector.

COVID-19 has had a global impact in ways we could not have foreseen and the construction sector is no exception.

“Government is committed to working collaboratively with industry to ensure that it emerges from this crisis with the capability and capacity required to support the economic rebuilding that will be necessary. This collaboration has already been demonstrated in the initial response to COVID-19, which saw government and industry working together on a number of initiatives including issuing guidance on responsible and fair contractual behaviours.

“As we move into recovery and renewal, we

must take forward this way of working if we are to be successful in our ambition to ensure the construction industry not just survives but thrives.” q www.constructionnational.co.uk

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Natural Zinc – now in stock for next day delivery [ RAINCLEAR SYSTEMS, the UK’s leading stockist and online

retailer of metal rainwater systems, has once again responded to the demand for its Natural Zinc Rainwater System by adding it to the huge ranges it stocks in its two warehouses in Swindon, for next day delivery to mainland UK addresses.

The Natural Zinc was only added to the website, originally with a 15-day leadtime, in April. The response has been such a success that they recognised the value to customers of having a shorter leadtime and so have now begun stocking the range, in 115mm half-round profile gutter and 80mm diameter round downpipe.

Natural Zinc – the eco option Zinc is a durable material with a lifespan of 30-100 years making it cost effective, both from an initial outlay and from a life-cycle perspective.

Everyone wants to lower their carbon footprint and reduce their impact on the planet and zinc is the perfect choice for this as it is 100% recyclable.

It is a very common resource, mined globally and one of the most sustainable metals used in construction because of its low melting point, requiring less energy to convert it into recyclable material. This is just one of the reasons why zinc has grown in popularity compared to other types of rainwater system metals and materials.

Natural Zinc – the aesthetic option Zinc guttering is perfect for making a statement. With a very shiny surface initially, once installed on a building natural zinc will weather and form a beautifully textured grey patina.

The development of the patina can take several years depending on the environmental and geographic location of the installation. The aesthetically pleasing patina also provides a protective top layer to the material, making zinc a durable solution that requires minimal maintenance. The patina also means it is self-healing so any surface scratches will not require a ‘touch up’.

This transformation of the zinc surface allows for dynamic and striking results. Marks can occasionally appear on zinc surfaces that are unexposed to rain or are not regularly rinsed, so if a uniform finish is desired, a different zinc option, such as pre-weathered quartz zinc, should be selected.

Initially a bright silver, the metal slowly turns into a darker shade similar to lead, making it a great choice for period properties, but also adds character to more contemporary buildings.

Natural Zinc – the sensible option Another property of zinc that makes it a great choice for guttering is that it is poisonous to moss and algae. This means that it prevents the growth of moss, mould or algae, and there will not be a buildup of plant materials over time. This will reduce the need for maintenance and gutter clearing.

Its cost effectiveness over the life-cycle of a building makes zinc one of the most competitive building materials available. It is unaffected by corrosion and extreme or long term weather conditions.

The Natural Zinc system from Rainclear is simple to install, with innovatively designed rubber sealed unions and push-fit stopends so gutter lengths will not require any sealant, soldering or riveting. The brackets, available in the ‘rise-and-fall’ versions illustrated in these in-situ images, in ‘rafter’ side and top-fix versions, or versions for attaching to fascia boards, are from the galvanised steel range which is coated with zinc and will gradually patina in the same way. q • Visit www.rainclear.co.uk to browse the different metal rainwater system ranges on offer online, and if you have questions or need any help call 0800 644 44 26 or email sales@rainclear.co.uk. The friendly, knowledgeable team at Rainclear Systems are always happy to offer technical advice and quotations.

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Roofers call on Education Secretary to release repair funds [

WHILE PM BORIS JOHNSON was planning the big announcements to help ‘build our way back to health’, the UK roofing industry identified a more modest but instantly practicable way forward.

Leaders of 10 trade associations representing different parts of the roofing and cladding industry wrote to Secretary of State for Education Gavin Williamson, urging him to announce the outcome of applications to the 2020/21 Condition Improvement Fund, worth more than £400m, ‘as a matter of urgency’.

The trade bodies represented are the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), National Association of Rooflight Manufacturers (NARM), Single Ply Roofing Association (SPRA), Roof Tile Association (RTA), Federation of Traditional Metal Roofing Contractors (FTMRC), Lead Contractors Association (LCA), Metal Cladding and Roofing Manufacturers’ Association (MCRMA), Metal Gutter Manufacturers’ Association (MGMA), Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) and the Institute of Roofing (IoR).

The fund, which is used by thousands of schools, colleges and academies each year to pay for essential repair and maintenance work, was expected to be announced in April, but was delayed due to the impact of COVID-19. Schools are still waiting to hear the outcome of their applications.

The roofing industry is calling on the Secretary of State to announce the funding now, to provide enough time to set up for the start of the summer holidays and give a ‘quick and easy’ way to stimulate demand in the construction industry, as we come out of lockdown.

The letter states: “The UK roofing industry is worth £6bn, and the repair, maintenance and improvement of our school and college buildings forms a crucial element of work for many roofing contractors across the country, as well as the wider roofing supply chain. The delay to this crucial announcement is already having a detrimental impact on their workloads and confidence, at the worst possible time.”

The group claims that if the Secretary of State makes the announcement now, he could help save many firms and jobs in the sector.

One of the signatories, NFRC chief executive James Talman, commented: “The government is looking for ‘shovel ready’ projects to help boost the construction industry, but they are missing a trick right under their nose – the delayed Condition Improvement Fund. This would provide a government stimulus of over £400m on thousands of school, college and academy repair and maintenance projects, yet we are still waiting to hear who has been successful, months later.

“We are not asking for extra funding, or even fast-tracking of funding, but simply for the announcement to be made so our industry can get to work.” q

Get guttering knowledge online, the safe way [ IN THESE DIFFERENT TIMES much

training and learning is being undertaken online. For those looking to develop their knowledge and skills of metal rainwater systems the Metal Gutter Manufacturers’ Association (MGMA) offers an online CPD programme. The modules also offer members of professional institutions an opportunity to earn credit towards their annual CPD requirement.

The MGMA provides informative self-study training, delivering good learning value with an online assessment to check knowledge.

The course material is studied offline with an online assessment component to verify knowledge. Its CPD value is accredited by the CPD Certification Service There are two modules available: GD16 Eaves Gutter Installation Recommendations – this CPD provides the user with best practice advice in eaves gutter installation. The CPD examines the factors that need to be taken into account when installing eaves gutters and outlines the advantages and disadvantages of each option to help specifiers make an informed decision on the best choice for their application/project. The CPD also looks at how to implement the recommendations of BS EN 12056:3-2000.

GD21 Guidance on Selecting the Correct Rainfall Intensity – this CPD provides the user with best practice advice in the selection of the correct rainfall intensity when specifying metal rainwater systems.

After blockage by debris, poorly selected rainfall intensity is the leading cause of water ingress into buildings from gutter systems. Therefore, rainfall intensity design is the critical first step in any roof drainage

design. The CPD offers advice on UK standards, the assessment of risk categories and the use of rainfall graphs.

Each of the modules carries a CPD value of 60 minutes or equivalent. They can be accessed via the MGMA website at www.mgma.co.uk. q

Roofing Awards are carried over to next year [ WITH NO CLEAR GOVERNMENT guidance yet available regarding future large gatherings,

the UK Roofing Awards have been delayed until 28 May next year. The venue will remain the same – the InterContinental at the O2. It is, unfortunately, the second time the event has had to be postponed: the original date of 1 May was changed to 2 October, but even that has proved to be premature.

All shortlisted entries will carry over for the 2021 awards and nominations for 2021 project submissions will re-open later this year. All tickets and room bookings will be automatically carried over. For those unable to attend the rescheduled date, refunds can be obtained by emailing events@nfrc.co.uk.

Commenting on the announcement, NFRC chief executive James Talan said: “We have taken the decision to delay the awards with a heavy heart. The UK Roofing Awards are the highlight of the year for many in the roofing community. However, the threat posed by COVID-19 is still very much present. Social distancing guidelines are likely to be in place for at least the short-to-medium term, and avoiding a second peak is very much on everyone’s mind.

The safety of the attendees must come first. We, therefore, hope the industry understand why we had to take the decision we did.

“All is not lost, however. We are planning a bigger and better awards for 2021. We urge roofing contractors to put themselves forward, if they have not done so already, for an award.

Coming out of this pandemic we will need all the good news we can get, and what better way to do that than celebrate the successes of our industry?” q www.constructionnational.co.uk

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College’s success is reflected in students’ achievements

[

SITUATED IN THE HEART of Stafford and with excellent transport Final in November, people would expect that I would win this. It was links, Stafford College – part of Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group a really hard competition against some excellent bricklayers. I would (NSCG) – is in the top 10% of general further education colleges in like to thank the staff at the college for their support throughout my the country for learners aged 16-18. It was also ranked in joint second apprenticeship and particularly with these competitions. I would position nationally in FE Week’s 2018 NICDEX league table and recommend the college to anyone wanting to work in bricklaying and has recently become the first further education provider in England general construction.” to achieve the top grades in every area of Ofsted’s recently-reformed Julian Harrison, curriculum leader in construction and the built Education Inspection Framework (EIF). environment at the college, commented: “Sam’s achievements are just a Stafford College is home to an award-winning Construction and snapshot of the Construction and Engineering Department’s success and Engineering Department, which offers a number of vocational courses – we are very proud of what our students have achieved.” including engineering, electrical installation, bricklaying and carpentry Since its merger with Newcastle College, Stafford College has invested and joinery – and aims to prepare learners with the best skills for a over £13m to transform the campus’s learning facilities and resources successful career in the highly valued construction sector. It has an to create a modernised and inspiring environment for its students, excellent track record in working with a variety of regional and national with plans for further expansion in 2022. The new £23m Skills and employers, enabling students to benefit Innovation Hub, which received full from real world connections and work planning approval from Stafford Borough experience placements.

Council in October last year, will replace Students studying at the college have the existing Earl Street and Broad Street had success at numerous regional and corner of the campus with a 7,500ft2, national competitions, including the three-storey building equipped with local Guild of Bricklayers competition leading-edge equipment and state-of– which aims to promote and maintain the-art skills, construction, engineering the highest standards of craftsmanship and motor vehicle facilities, along with a in brickwork – and Skillbuild, the largest four-court sports hall, gym and 300-seat multi-trade competition in the UK for auditorium. construction trainees and apprentices.

Craig Hodgson, vice principal for finance Ex-Stafford College student Sam and corporate developments at NSCG, Yeomans won a number of awards while said: “It’s fantastic news for the town as studying an Advanced Apprenticeship a whole and will bring positive benefits to at the college. Having won Gold in the the local economy and the future students three-day bricklaying competition at and families who will become part of the SkillBuild 2017 UK National Finals our community. The feedback from our back in November 2017, Sam went on stakeholders has been extremely positive to further success at the UK WorldSkills throughout the whole process and we will competition, gaining a place in the squad continue our dialogue with staff, students to represent the UK at Kazan in Russia and external stakeholders as the project last year. progresses.” q Commenting on his most recent achievement, Sam said: “It is an • For more information on amazing feeling to have won both Construction and Engineering courses national finals. It was very tough and at Stafford College visit nscg.ac.uk, I was particularly nervous as having call 01785 223800 or email already won the SkillBuild National info.stafford@nscg.ac.uk.

Artist’s impressions of the new £23m Skills & Innovation Hub

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Williamson announces expanded T-Levels for 2022 [

ON 11 JUNE Education Secretary Gavin Williamson (pictured) announced a major expansion of the number of providers of the new T-Level qualification.

T-Levels offer a technical alternative to A-Levels or apprenticeships.

They are equivalent to three A-Levels and include a 45-day industry placement alongside classroom teaching. The first courses are due to begin in September and include building services engineering for construction, design, surveying and planning for construction, and onsite construction among the first tranche of subjects available.

Now a further 88 education providers have been included in the list of those offering T-Levels from 2022, bringing the total to over 180.

The new qualifications will play a key part in rebuilding the economy after the coronavirus outbreak, boosting access to highquality technical education for thousands of young people so they can progress to the next level, whether that is getting a job, going on to further study or an apprenticeship.

This is the third wave of education providers to be selected to deliver the pioneering new qualification. The first three T-Levels will be taught from this September, with a further 22 being rolled out gradually between 2021 and 2023.

Announcing the expansion, Gavin Williamson said: “Now, more than ever, it’s vital that young people across the country have access to highquality technical education to provide them with the skills they need to succeed and employers with the workforce they need for the future.

“This third wave of further education providers will help us

supercharge the roll-out of these new and pioneering qualifications and it’s fantastic to have them all on board. They will play a part in a unique opportunity to shape the lives of thousands of young people.”

Dawn Ward CBE, chief executive and principal of Burton and South Derbyshire College, which already has an established construction faculty, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen to deliver T-Levels in 2022. We recognise the real benefits these qualifications will give our learners and see T-Levels as an important addition to our already employer focussed, technical and vocational curriculum offer.”

A unique part of T-Levels will be the completion of a high-quality industry placement – lasting at least 315 hours, or approximately 45 days – in which students will build the vital knowledge and skills they need to get ahead in the workplace.

The Government is committed to investing significantly in technical education and training, including T-Levels. It builds on an additional £400m boost for 16-19 education in 2020-21, including funding to support the first T-Level providers to deliver high-quality courses. A further £133m is being invested to ensure students have access to industry-standard equipment and high-quality facilities. q

HS2 beckons for West Midlands students [YOUNG PEOPLE IN the West Midlands

have the opportunity to play a part in the delivery of HS2, the new high speed railway, thanks to an innovative partnership between Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV) and local education provider Walsall College.

Students who enrol on the new T-Level qualification in construction – design, surveying and planning at the college this September will get to spend 20% of their studies on an industry placement, and BBV – HS2’s joint venture construction partner for the West Midlands section of the railway – has confirmed that the students it hosts will get to work on Europe’s biggest infrastructure project.

BBV expects the students it hosts will play an active role on HS2, learning how major infrastructure schemes are developed and project management techniques, as well as developing an understanding of environmental design engineering, BIM and geospatial surveying.

Kate Myers, HS2’s head of skills and employment, said: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime project that presents a genuine opportunity to make a difference. This innovative partnership between BBV and Walsall College will ensure that local people are at the heart of delivering HS2, which is already revitalising the West Midlands and supporting jobs, local businesses and economic growth.”

A workforce of over 8,000 will be employed

by BBV to deliver its £5bn main civil engineering contracts on HS2, and around 400 of those roles will be filled by apprentices and graduates.

Michael Dyke, Balfour Beatty VINCI managing director for HS2, explained: “Balfour Beatty VINCI is taking an active role to encourage new

entrants to the industry; providing a wide range of work-experience opportunities and apprenticeship and graduate positions. Through our innovative partnership with HS2 and Walsall College, students will not only have the opportunity to work on one of Europe’s largest infrastructure projects, but will see their work realised and enjoyed for many years.” q www.constructionnational.co.uk

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CITB levy and Consensus plans get mixed reception [ PROPOSALS FROM THE CITB to extend

the levy payment holiday to September, and reduce the amount of levy collected over the next two years have been welcomed by the construction industry. The changes were outlined in its Skills Stability Plan 2020-21 which, said CITB, aims to protect apprenticeships and provide direct funding to employers to adopt new ways of working needed in the wake of COVID-19.

As well as the payment holiday, the proposals allow for employers to have up to a full year from September to pay the 2020/21 levy. In addition, CITB proposes a 50% discount on the 2021/22 levy rate.

That means employers will pay 18 months’ levy out of 24, making an overall saving of 25% across two years, providing help when it is most needed.

The CITB accepts that the changes will see its forecast levy income drop by £166m across two financial years.

Its chief executive Sarah Beale said: “This represents a radical plan of action that balances the need for a reduction in the levy at this time, alongside vital investment in the skills needed by employers now and in the future.”

At the same time as it published its Skills Stability Plan CITB revealed it had confirmed with the Department for Education that it will not run its usual biennial ‘Consensus’ process and instead will ‘speak to employers and industry groups to seek their views on our plans for next year’.

That move drew criticism from some quarters, in particular the National Federation of Builders (NFB), which expressed

‘significant concern’ at the proposals.

According to the NFB: “The proposals suggest that the construction sector, which is taxed by CITB to support the delivery of training, will not hold its key consultation programme this year or next, despite major changes to its approach that the NFB is concerned do not sufficiently support the industry at arguably the most crucial time in its history.”

The NFB welcomed the part-reduction in the levy, which it had been calling for since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, as it ‘will undoubtedly help businesses with cashflow during the fragile recovery period’.

“However,” the federation says, “the plan also raises significant governance and oversight questions, as the CITB is set to spend almost £60m in reserves by the end of the financial year, leaving them perilously low at £8m despite cutting numerous funded programmes and projects.”

Its national chair Nick Sangwin commented: “The CITB has announced a major shake-up in its approach to delivering skills and training, cutting swathes of projects and programmes without giving industry any say in its approach, either this year or next.

While the temporary cut in levy is warmly welcomed and will be helpful, CITB’s plans for its future support of industry will be critical and must be put to industry.

“We cannot have a situation whereby the CITB avoids accountability at the most crucial time in our industry’s fragile recovery. Two years is too long to wait and we will be making that representation to the Government.”

Other players in the industry were more sanguine about the proposal.

Mark Reynolds, Mace Group chief executive and skills workstream lead at the Construction Leadership Council, said: “We very much support efforts made by the CITB to substantially reduce the levy. It is right that Consensus is delayed so we can work together to make sure that our recovery, still in its early stages, is as strong as possible.”

Other proposals in the plan involve CITB working with other industry partners to support workers who have lost their jobs or seen their apprenticeship disrupted by matching them with a new employer, including through exploring a talent retention scheme.

The plan has also prioritised direct funding for employers through the Skills and Training Funds, with £8m earmarked for small and micro-businesses, £3.5m for medium-sized businesses and a £3m Leadership and Management Fund for large firms. That will help employers train to adapt to the new working environment and update the skills of their workforce.

Sarah Beale concluded: “This represents a radical plan of action that balances the need for a reduction in the levy at this time, alongside vital investment in the skills needed by employers now and in the future. It is the result of hundreds of conversations with employers across the length and breadth of Britain and I’m confident it meets the sector’s immediate needs. We are committed to making the levy work hard to protect apprenticeships and support hard-pressed employers as they equip themselves for the challenges and opportunities ahead.” q

Scottish trade bodies welcome new SVQs [

APPRENTICES IN SCOTLAND have six new routes to specialist qualifications thanks to the work of the building engineering sector's leading skills organisation. The new qualifications are the result of a two-year collaboration between members of the trade bodies Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation and SELECT through their joint venture BSE Skills Ltd, which was created to replace the sector skills body SummitSkills.

The six new pathways have now received approval from the Scottish Qualifications Authority and comprise: • SVQ in Heating and Ventilating: Ductwork Installation • SVQ in Heating and Ventilating: Ductwork Planning and Installation • SVQ in Heating and Ventilating: Industrial and Commercial Installation • SVQ in Install, Commission and Maintain Air Conditioning Systems

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• SVQ in Install, Commission and Maintain Refrigeration Systems • SVQ in Service, Maintain and Commission Building Engineering Services BSE Skills manages and develops apprenticeships, qualifications and National Occupational Standards for the building services engineering sector across the UK. “These are exactly the kind of innovative approaches to training a new generation of building engineers that employers have been calling for,” said head of BESA Scotland and Northern Ireland Iain McCaskey, who is also a director of BSE Skills Ltd. “We are delighted to have gained approval for the qualifications, which will provide a welcome shot in the arm for skills development in Scotland. I look forward to the new qualifications being ready for the new intake of apprentices starting on the 28 September.” q

Get builders training more builders, says FMB [CONSTRUCTION APPRENTICESHIPS are needed to turbocharge

The national president of the FMB is Arthur McArdle, director of Woodfield Building Services. He commented: “Master Builders are passionate about creating high-quality apprenticeship opportunities for the next generation. For the most part this is because builders start out as apprentices themselves. I am calling on my fellow members of the FMB to commit to training where they can.”

The report makes a series of recommendations, which include: • The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education should scaleup construction SME-targeted advertising as part of the Fire it Up campaign • The Department for Education should ring fence funding for colleges to recruit an industry liaison officer who will create and foster relationships with local employers • The CITB should focus on improving communication with SMEs and other stakeholders on a local level and upgrade the financial and administrative support that is available to them.

ONE OF THE organisations that has adapted its training offer to support the industry Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, during the COVID-19 crisis is the National Housebuilding Council (NHBC). Nearly all of said: “Putting local builders at the heart of NHBC’s usual courses are available online, delivered virtually by experienced and highlyapprenticeship development and training will knowledgeable trainers. unlock additional high-quality opportunities The programme covers key industry topics such as fire safety, cladding, timber frame, for young people and help Britain get back interpretation of different Approved Documents, the NHBC Standards, defects prevention, on its feet. We need an army of builders to effective snagging and more. Students can choose from a short webinar or a more in-depth help deliver the new homes that this country course – typically half-a-day to a full day or even three days. The technical courses can be desperately needs. They will also upgrade our delivered on an in-company basis for a number of staff or on an open basis where learners existing homes to make them more energy just book an individual place. efficient and fit for purpose in the years To find out more visit the website at www.nhbc.co.uk q ahead.” q

economic recovery, according to research published by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) on 23 June.

The FMB’s report Trading Up looked at the barriers SME employers face to delivering apprenticeships and upskilling. It presents a blueprint for collaboration to unlock additional training opportunities.

Key findings of the report reveal that 68% of Master Builders are either currently training an apprentice or have done so in the past and of those, 85% train and recruit 16 to 18-year olds. Moreover, 40% of completed apprentices will stay working for the SME company who trained them for at least three years.

NHBC training goes online [

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

Kirklees College

Accrington and Rossendale College

New College Durham

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

Tel: 01484 437000 E: info@kirkleescollege.ac.uk W: www.kirkleescollege.ac.uk Brunel Construction Centre, Old Fieldhouse Ln, Leeds Rd, Huddersfield HD2 1AG

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

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

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

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

City Campus, Granville Road, Sheffield S2 2RL

Fife College

Stafford College

Pittsburgh Road, Dunfermline, Fife KY11 8DY

Victoria Square, Stafford ST16 2QR

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

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

www.constructionnational.co.uk

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atoz construction national website

Welcome to our A to Z guide of the websites of some of the industry’s leading players.

If you are one of our many online readers simply click on any of the logos listed below and you will be automatically directed to that company’s website.

To get your company’s website listed on this page just give us a call on 0161 710 3880 or email ian@dmmonline.co.uk

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

Suppliers and Distributors of Scaffolding and Access Equipment

Construction finance from Aldermore offers fast access to working capital

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

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.

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

General and bespoke metal fabrications.

Specialist secondary steel manufacturers and installers.

Cable Management Systems

Helping the timber industries to come to the right decision!

Online Tradesman Search Facility & Directory

www.alanbishopthemeworks.co.uk

www.aldermore.co.uk/constructionfinance

capsure-pure.com

www.clmltd.co.uk

www.ghanatimber.org

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www.scaffoldingsales.co.uk

www.sootysweep.co.uk

www.nimrod-training.co.uk

www.skyhook-gb.com

www.stockporttradesmen.com

Children’s museum project finds its way through lockdown [EUREKA! MERSEY – the latest site for the

National Children’s Museum – has been busy during the COVID-19 lockdown developing plans and appointing project build partners remotely to enable the project to progress towards its planned opening in 2022.

The new national attraction on The Wirral is designed to inspire children and young people to be curious about the science of themselves, their communities and the wider world in which we all live.

Construction work is now expected to begin early next year.

As a sister site of Eureka! – the National Children’s Museum in Halifax, Yorkshire – Eureka! Mersey is rooted in an innovative process of co-creating its exhibits, visitor experience and programmes with local young people to ensure it is as relevant and fun as possible.

The 2,700m2 interactive centre will occupy the old Spaceport on Wirral waterfront, with part of the attraction also housed within the existing Seacombe ferry terminal. Eight key project partners have been selected to help build, design and landscape its facilities and exhibition space.

Chief executive Leigh-Anne Stradeski explained: “We have been working hard during the current crisis to ensure the timeline for Eureka! Mersey stays on track. Giving young people the opportunity to explore, discover and think again about their futures seems ever more crucial now as the country looks for new

New facility boosts heritage motoring industry

ways to rebuild in the years and decades after this current pandemic.

“Eureka! Mersey was always due to be a space where young people can engage with and learn about science and technology in a hands-on, fun and educational way. At a time when science is so important and with major global challenges ahead from both COVID-19 and climate change, science centres across the UK provide our regional cities and towns with crucial opportunities to access science in an approachable and engaging way, helping to inspire our next generation of scientists and engineers.

“The team at Eureka! are determined that Eureka! Mersey, alongside all the other exciting cultural attractions already in the area, will play a vital part in rebuilding the region’s visitor economy and future community resilience.”

The key partners chosen to help bring Eureka! Mersey to life are: • Seddon Construction Ltd – main contractor responsible for building • refurbishment • K2 Architects – responsible for internal architecture planning and design • Urban Green – landscape architects redesigning the outdoor spaces • Real Studios – creating specific designs for the exhibition spaces • TACE Building Services Engineers – responsible for utilities and • building services • Sutcliffe – structural engineers for large-scale building alterations such as • the adding of a new mezzanine floor • Playmaker Studio – brand and design consultants • Walker Sime – employer’s agent and quantity surveyor Eureka! Mersey has now received 95% of its £11.75m total funding with a further £575,000 to be raised between now and its opening from a range of grants, as well as corporate and private donations. q

[

BICESTER HERITAGE has announced the completion of its flagship Building 141 at The Command Works. It is the latest development within the former RAF Technical Site to be completed by the centre of excellence for the historic motoring industry in the UK. Firmly established as the UK’s premier hub for the classic automotive industry, Bicester Heritage has 42 specialist businesses located within its 1920s and 1930s red brick buildings. The Command Works represents a significant expansion of business accommodation, designed and constructed to the highest standards using local specialists Ridge & Partners LLP and Buckingham Group Contracting.

The unique ecosystem of businesses based at the 444-acre former World War Two RAF Bomber training station acts as a ‘marina-like’ cluster, promoting skills and expertise, employment, qualified customer footfall, shared business incubation and aggregate growth. Collectively, Bicester Heritage helps to deliver more than £40m annually in turnover for the businesses gathered there.

Being the largest and most significant building within The Command Works, Building 141 drew inspiration from the stand-out architectural features which characterise the other prominent buildings at Bicester Heritage, such as The Station Headquarters, The Powerhouse and The Parachute Store. Architectural details such as those, coupled with the beautiful setting at Bicester Heritage, create a tangible atmosphere and quality of surroundings which offer a working environment unlike any other.

Chief executive Dan Geoghegan commented: “Building 141 encapsulates several features from the most iconic of the Grade Two-listed buildings from 1926 and, set in the RAF Bicester Conservation Area amidst World War Two air-raid shelters, stands out as a very positive contribution to this beautiful place. Moreover, the low density, parkland environment makes it a great place to work as well as engendering a sense of pride and community.” q www.constructionnational.co.uk

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NASC 2020 Safety Report shows record low accidents [ THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS

and injuries recorded by NASC members fell to an all-time low in 2019, with just 74 incidents to operatives throughout the year.

This figure is revealed in the NASC 2020 Safety Report, which documents and analyses accident and injury statistics for its full contracting members – representing more than 17,000 scaffolding operatives across the UK – in the previous calendar year.

The 74 incidents equate to one injury for every 230 operatives, a significant improvement on last year’s one injury for every 150 operatives.

Furthermore, this figure means that 99% of NASC memberemployed operatives went through 2019 accident and injury free.

There were also no operative fatalities last year, for the seventh consecutive year.

Of the 74 incidents, 13 were recorded as major, requiring hospital treatment, with the remaining 61 recorded as ‘over 7-days’. These figures are both the lowest on record.

Slips, trips and falls (STFs) on the same level account for the largest number of the reported incidents (28). This is 15th consecutive year that STFs have been the predominant cause of injury to operatives, accounting for 21% of all injuries reported in 2019.

Operative falls from height decreased from 22 in 2018 to 12 in 2019, with only one operative falling a distance over 4m, however material falls from height rose from 4 to 9 year-on-year.

NASC president Lynn Way said: “The top-line figures make for great

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reading; with record low accidents recorded despite a record high number of NASC members and NASC operatives, and year-on-year reductions in most accident categories.

“These achievements are only made possible by the commitment of the NASC and its members to put in place the highest standards of safety procedures and practices and make improvements whenever and wherever possible.

“The 2020 Safety Report demonstrates in no uncertain terms that NASC members are incredibly safe, and justifies the decision taken by an increasing number of main contractors to specify NASC-only for their scaffolding requirements.”

Robin James, NASC managing director, added: “We are delighted to have recorded such encouraging figures. This sends out a clear message to the wider construction industry that the NASC and its members place safety at the heart of its working practices and endeavour to make further improvements whenever possible.

“This report is much more than just a record of last year’s achievements.

It’s also an opportunity to analyse the causes behind each and every one of the 74 incidents recorded and see what can be done to stop these types of accidents from happening again.

“A number of key findings and next steps have already been identified and included in the report. I am sure the NASC and its various standing committees, including the Health & Safety and Current Affairs committees, will be exploring ways to drive these incidents down further.” q

Confederation announces new appointments [

THE National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has announced a number of changes to its personnel, including the movement of key figures.

The confederation has named Interlink Scaffolding Ltd managing director Darren Maratty (right) as the new chair of its Northern and North Wales Region. Mr Maratty, who previously held the role of regional vice chair, replaces Wayne Connolly of Connolly Scaffolding Ltd. Speaking about the step up, which includes a place on the NASC council, Mr Maratty said: “I would like to thank the NASC for giving me the opportunity to chair the Northern Region and serve on the NASC council. I am looking forward to helping the confederation and its members across the region.”

NASC managing director Robin James commented: “Darren’s appointment ensures the Northern and North Wales Region continues to be chaired by a proactive and progressive individual. I’d like to thank Wayne Connolly for his service in the region, and look forward to welcoming Darren to full council.”

Wayne Connolly (left) has moved seats to become the NASC’s new Audit Committee chair. Wayne replaces Mel Archer of Archway Services Ltd. Speaking about his new role, Wayne said: “I’m looking forward to taking on this position, having gained valuable experience working with the Northern and North Wales regional members, as well as the NASC council, officers and directors.

“The role of chairperson for the NASC Audit Committee is an imperative one: to maintain and uphold the integrity of the membership, to act impartially and actively encourage new membership while maintaining the high standards the confederation has laid down.

“I want to actively encourage members to lobby for change where change is required and engage all of the membership in the confederation’s quest for continual improvement.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed serving as regional chair and I look forward to supporting my successor in the future.”

Robin James added: “I am delighted Wayne has agreed to become the NASC Audit Committee’s new chair and am sure he will help deliver improvements that will benefit all and play a part in further raising safety standards.

“I’d like to thank Mel Archer for his years of excellent service, and for representing the Audit Committee at full council meetings. His dedication and commitment to making the NASC audit process as stringent as it is has played a pivotal role in the NASC’s excellent standing in the wider construction industry, which rightly associates scaffolding quality and safety with NASC membership.”

The NASC has further strengthened its audit team through the addition of experienced access instructor Alastair O’May (below).

Alastair will conduct member audits in Scotland – ensuring new and current members achieve the high standards required to attain and retain NASC full contracting membership.

He has a solid understanding of the NASC auditor role, having received audits as a former NASC full contracting member.

“I was always appreciative of what being a full contracting member of the NASC did for me and my fledgling firm, AOM Scaffolding Ltd,” he said. “I was aware of the high standards required for membership but I was unsure if I could reach those standards.

“The auditor at the time was always clear that complete compliance was required, but he did it in a supportive manner and was always excellent at offering advice on how to ensure I did not allow standards to drop.”

Speaking about his new position, Alastair added: “I'm really looking forward to getting more involved in the industry that's served me so well and playing my part in ensuring NASC members continue to provide a higher standard for their customers and employees alike.

“It gives me enormous pride to join the NASC team as the confederation has long been the benchmark for safety standards throughout the UK and instrumental in producing guidance that has been adopted by all in the scaffolding industry and embedded in every access risk assessment in the country.”

New Audit Committee chair Wayne Connolly said: “I’d like to welcome Alastair to the NASC auditor team. He is extremely well placed to carry out his duties and I’m sure he’ll be a fantastic asset to the NASC and its members in Scotland.”

Alastair entered the scaffolding industry in 1989, completing his Part 1 accreditation while working for Mowlem (Scotland) Ltd. After six years he moved into the oil and gas sector before setting up AOM Scaffolding Ltd. In 2014 he took up the role of CITB senior instructor for access in Scotland and will continue to train alongside his NASC auditing work. q

NASC launches Design Membership category [ THE NASC has launched a new NASC Design

Membership category focused exclusively on scaffolding design.

NASC Design Membership is open to UK-based scaffolding design consultants. As with all NASC membership categories, there is a set of minimum requirements businesses must meet in order to attain membership.

For NASC Design Members, these requirements relate to competence – a combination of qualifications and experience.

Many UK scaffolding design businesses are currently NASC Information Members. These members have been given the opportunity to complete the new NASC Design Membership application form with a view to transferring over to NASC Design Membership in July.

NASC managing director Robin James said: “The new NASC Design Membership category provides greater recognition for scaffolding designers than was previously provided through the general NASC Information Membership category.

“By setting design-specific criteria we have also ensured that NASC Design Membership is valued by the scaffolding industry and seen as a mark of quality and expertise, in the same way that NASC Full Contracting and NASC Full Non-Contracting membership is.”

James Attridge, NASC Technical Committee chair, added: “By appointing an NASC approved Design Member, scaffolding contractors can be confident that these companies have the relevant experience, qualifications and professional indemnity insurance cover to carry out the project in hand.” q www.constructionnational.co.uk

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How to keep your distance while working at height [

ONE OF THE concerns that has been raised regarding work at height during the COVID-19 pandemic is the difficulty of maintaining social distancing rules on scaffolding or while erecting scaffolds.

The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has issued a Toolbox Talk on the subject which stresses the importance of carrying out risk assessments before any job is started.

The guidance states: “Where it is not possible to follow social distancing guidelines in full it should be considered whether that activity needs to continue for the site to continue to operate, and if so, all the mitigating actions possible should be taken to reduce the risk of transmission.”

The guide then lists a number of actions that can be taken to minimise risk. In particular that involves: “Ensuring that you are made aware of all risks and controls, especially those relating to social distancing, which may vary from scaffold to scaffold.”

The document also addresses the issues of unloading of materials and social distancing in yards and other areas.

The NASC has also recommenced its programme of site audits.

Wayne Connolly, new NASC Audit Committee chair, said: “It was important that we restart the auditing of our members, as well as auditing prospective members as soon as possible. We temporarily suspended all site audits whilst the industry adopted the necessary changes in order to operate safely during the COVID-19 pandemic and we feel this new document shows how site and premises audits can be carried out safely.” q

International Information Membership moves into double figures [FALCK PRIME ATLANTIC has become the tenth company to secure

NASC International Information Membership.

The leading training provider – which delivers CISRS Overseas Scaffolder Training Scheme (OSTS) programmes in partnership with Simian International and also services the Nigerian oil and gas industry with a

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wide range of courses including Offshore survival, rope access, fire and emergency procedures – joins a growing list of overseas companies that have aligned with the confederation.

Members receive relevant NASC literature, up to 50% discount on NASC publications and inclusion of company details in NASC publications and the NASC website, among other benefits.

Robin James, NASC managing director, said: “We’re pleased that Falck Prime Atlantic has chosen to join the NASC International Information Member fold. Since launching this membership category last year, we have received enquiries from around the globe, all looking to forge closer relationships with the NASC and enjoy the wide range of benefits already afforded to their UK-based counterparts through the NASC Information Membership.”

Membership is open to any noncontracting scaffolding industry organisation trading outside of the UK. This includes training providers, health and safety consultants, scaffold designers, insurers and other service providers to the access and scaffolding industry.

Subscription is £800 plus VAT per calendar year. For more information visit https://nasc.org.uk/membership/ international-information-membership/. q

Ladder Association offers guidance on keeping safe during the pandemic [ “KEEPING LADDER USERS safe now means protecting them

from coronavirus as well as falls.” That was the message from the Ladder Association.

The association has issued new guidance for health and safety managers to help them keep ladder users safe during the coronavirus outbreak, whether they’re attending a ladder training course or using ladders in the workplace.

The lead industry body has offered its advice on the challenges being faced by those responsible for the health and safety of ladder users as they plan a return to work. In the new guidance document, released free-of-charge to the industry, the Ladder Association delves into issues such as how long the virus lasts on ladders, how rescue plans will be affected and how workers can minimise the risk of the virus spreading through proper cleaning of equipment and materials, particularly if they have been handled by a number of people.

Importantly, it includes advice on how workers can maintain physical distancing while using ladders, with a focus on two activities that need to be considered carefully: stabilising a ladder and raising a ladder.

The guidance states: “Footing is the least effective means of stabilising a ladder, so it should only ever be used as a last resort. It involves workers being closer than 2m apart, so the current situation provides another reason to avoid it. Instead, if you can, tie the ladder to a secure point to prevent it slipping. This is the most effective method and it also allows social distancing to be maintained.

“Working with heavy and large ladders sometimes requires two people. That’s not so much a problem when carrying the ladder as you will be positioned at each end, so automatically distanced. But when it comes to raising the ladder, think of alternative strategies and positioning that avoids face-to-face contact in close proximity.

Maintaining physical distancing during ladder training

“But the solution is not just using fewer people! You may find that rope operated ladders are a useful alternative. The height of these ladders can be adjusted using a rope pulley system.”

As Ladder Association training starts to resume in some areas, they have also addressed the need for people to be protected from coronavirus during their course. They remind us of the importance of the right training and reassure managers of the protective measures they can expect to be in place during a course: from e-learning options designed to minimise time spent at the training centre to increased hygiene and cleaning. They also explain how Ladder Association cardholders can get an extension if their qualification is due to expire before it’s safe for them to visit a training centre.

Gail Hounslea, Ladder Association chairman and managing director of Ladderstore, commented: “Keeping ladder users safe now means protecting them from coronavirus as well as falls and other injuries.

Businesses are facing the unprecedented challenge of getting people safely back to work during a pandemic. Ladders are only a small part of what they’ve got to consider, but we realised we could use our expertise to support all those whose workers will be heading back up ladders and need to ensure every safety aspect is covered.”

The guidance is available on the website at ladderassociation.org.uk. q www.constructionnational.co.uk

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Prefabricated access standard EN 1004: old version extended and user instructions to be included [

THE WITHDRAWAL DATE for the old, 2004 edition of EN 1004 has been extended, following a vote by the CEN standards committee, it has been reported by the Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ & Manufacturers’ Association (PASMA).

The new revised standard, EN 1004:2020, was expected to be published in the UK by BSI on 17 June, meaning the 2004 version would become ‘obsolete’. That is now superseded by a more up-todate standard but not yet withdrawn. The result of the vote on 4 June means the 2004 version will continue to exist alongside the 2020 version until 17 May 2021, when it will be withdrawn.

The months leading up to the withdrawal date are effectively a transition period during which designers, manufacturers and suppliers will switch to providing mobile access towers which comply with, and are certified to, the new standard, EN 1004:2020.

What’s changing?

The new standard includes numerous technical and editorial adjustments, such as clarification that EN 1004 only applies to mobile towers on wheels, not towers on baseplates which are covered

by BS 1139-6.

There is also a significant change affecting low-level access. Lowlevel towers with the working platform below 2.5m will fall within the scope of EN 1004 for the first time, as it's set to cover towers from the ground up – rather than from 2.5m. For towers with the working platform below 2m, it will be possible for manufacturers to develop products that allow easier means of access.

PASMA reports that it will be updating its EN 1004 page regularly

in the lead-up to the withdrawal date and will communicate with its members to ensure they have everything needed for a smooth transition to EN1004:2020.

PASMA will also be releasing a free guide to the revised EN 1004 to the wider industry, with practical guidance and useful information tailored to those who are responsible for the health and safety of tower users.

What’s next?

The CEN working group responsible for the standard – which is chaired

by PASMA’s technical director Don Aers – is now updating EN 1298, the design standard for user instructions for EN 1004 mobile towers.

The working group has agreed that it would be sensible for EN 1298 to become part of EN 1004, the standard for the towers themselves.

The move was approved by a vote in June, so the revised EN 1298 will be published as EN 1004 Part 2.

The group has already completed a first draft of the new standard, which will now be put to a vote by members of CEN, the European body responsible for standardisation. q

Fall injury leads to million-pound fine [A LONDON-BASED relocation and refurbishment company has

been fined £1.1m after a worker was seriously injured when he fell from height.

Luton Crown Court heard that, on 5 September 2016, an engineer was testing a sprinkler system for leaks at a site in Hemel Hempstead.

He climbed onto an internal roof and was inspecting the leak from an extension ladder. The ladder slipped away from him and he fell almost three metres into the gap between the internal roof and the external wall. The worker suffered severe blood loss, amounting to around half of his bloodstream. He required a blood transfusion and needed 14 stiches to his head. He also sustained a fractured vertebra and suffered soft tissue damage.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Modus Workspace Ltd, the principal contractor, had failed to discharge its duty to ensure those not in their employment were not exposed to risks, in particular that of falling from height.

The company was found guilty after a five-week trial of breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

After the sentencing, HSE inspector John Berezansky commented: “The engineer’s injuries were life changing and he could have easily been killed. This serious incident and devastation could have been avoided if basic safety measures had been put in place.” q

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Machine safety testing: IPAF lobbying leads to clarification [

NEW GUIDANCE HAS BEEN issued by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) to clarify what should happen to powered access machines that require the renewal of their safety testing certificates while the country is still in partial lockdown. The move follows sustained lobbying from the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF).

A Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) inspection must be carried out at specified intervals by a recognised inspector to check equipment is safe for use. Similar certifications are required for other plant equipment, and the latest guidance issued by the HSE also covers these.

IPAF worked alongside partner organisations, including the Hire Association of Europe and Build UK, to express member firms’ concerns about how to renew or extend expiring LOLER certificates, with regards to equipment movements and a possible shortage of inspection capability while the UK is under lockdown and in the period during which lockdown is being lifted.

Following lobbying of the HSE by IPAF directly and a letter from its CEO and MD Peter Douglas to Thérèse Coffey, Secretary of State at the Department for Work and Pensions – under whose remit the HSE falls – the new guidance has now been issued.

IPAF has also produced its own document and checklist tailored to those in the powered access industry.

The HSE reiterates the importance of maintaining thorough examination and testing of equipment within the required time period, and outlines new recommendations for maintaining safe access or movement of equipment to comply with the requirements.

If the requirements cannot be met, the HSE will adopt a pragmatic and proportionate approach for equipment used beyond its specified time period, as long as the reasons for being unable to comply are coronavirus-related or the resulting backlog in testing. Operators are expected to mitigate any such extensions, for example via enhanced regular inspections and maintenance by qualified persons until such time as certification can be renewed.

Peter Douglas of IPAF commented: “During lockdown and while the country seeks to restart key sections of the economy, concerns were expressed to us by our members that the HSE should issue clear guidance and/or a temporary exemption from the regular schedule of LOLER certification to minimise disruption and onerous movement of plant and machines.

“Our members remained committed to compliance with the HSE’s requirements – and safety is always paramount – but felt that,

due to the exceptional circumstances of the coronavirus outbreak, a safe compromise or update to the regulations should be found.

“Members are worried that service, inspection and certification providers may be closed or working to reduced capacity.

They point out that moving equipment long distances to find a suitable location for a qualified engineer to carry out thorough examination and testing might cause machine shortages to carry out work at height and this in turn could force standstills or lead to the wrong type of equipment being used, jeopardising safety.

“Furthermore, a shortage of inspectors available or willing to enter a premises owing to concerns about COVID-19 might also hamper efforts to maintain thorough examination and testing within required time limits, and at very least could lead to a backlog of tests needing to be carried out.

“After several weeks of discussions with the UK Government, Build UK and the HSE, IPAF and our fellow trade organisations have succeeded in expressing the collective concerns of our members, and new guidance has now been issued that should ensure safety through enhanced on-site inspections during the hopefully temporary period as the UK transitions out of lockdown and the country gets back to work.”

The document is available to view online at the HSE website. It re-emphasises the

requirements to maintain safety inspections and testing within required timeframes, but gives advice about how best to safely prepare and extend access to equipment to facilitate this.

IPAF has now also published specific guidance on continuing to meet inspection and thorough examination requirements for powered access operators during on-going coronavirus restrictions, along with a stringent pre-use inspection checklist. Both documents are available at www.ipaf.org/resources. The HSE also references IPAF’s recently-issued guidance for safe operation of MEWPs, MCWPs, construction lifts and hoists to minimise risk during the coronavirus outbreak.

It also sets out the conditions under which equipment owners may continue to allow a machine to operate outside the inspection time period, providing the reasons why the requirements cannot be met and efforts to comply are fully documented, and allowing for mitigation in the form of enhanced regular inspection regimes and/or restricted use until such time that the certification can be renewed.

In addition to the new HSE guidance, IPAF has published its own coronavirus safety documents and checklist for machine operators, as well as a free webinar to explain the key principles and measures, hosted by health and safety professional and IPAF UK council member Chris Wraith.

Both are available from the IPAF website at www.ipaf.org. q www.constructionnational.co.uk

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Charity welcomes plans to open up construction sites: but developers must keep in mind workers’ wellbeing [ MEASURES TO ENABLE the return to work of

more construction workers as the coronavirus lockdown recedes have been welcomed by Mates in Mind, the mental health charity set up within the construction industry.

Under a new plan to boost the industry after weeks of stagnation, it is reported that councils will be asked to extend the working day for building sites and extend planning permission deadlines. Longer working days will help stagger arrival times and reduce the need for workers to travel to and from sites at rush hour.

Construction work has continued throughout the lockdown, although social distancing measures and other effects of the lockdown have caused it to slow down dramatically.

Speaking from his home, James Rudoni, managing director of Mates in Mind, commented: "The construction industry will have a vital role to play in the recovery and I am pleased that by expanding the working day and extending planning permissions more people will be able to travel to work safely and developers will not be under undue pressure to complete work in a hurry. But we must bear in mind the impact of this crisis on workers’ overall mental wellbeing. Although mental health in construction is far better understood than it used to be, it is all too easily overlooked.”

A recent survey carried out by the Chartered Institute of Building found

that over the past year 87% of construction workers experienced anxiety and 26% had suicidal thoughts. Despite that, 71% responded they had no formal training over the past three years for mental health.

James Rudoni went on to say: “It is clear that the government sees investment in infrastructure as vital to the economic recovery and I am sure the construction companies want to play their part in building our way out of the recession. As we ramp up construction, increase the training pipeline for construction apprentices and see more people returning to work we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to embed good health and wellbeing practices in how we work. I hope that employers in all sectors will be putting the wellbeing of their workforce front and centre as we see the lockdown recede.” q • Mates in Mind is a registered charity that aims to provide clear information to employers on available support and guidance on mental health, mental illness and mental wellbeing, and how they can address this within their organisations. It is a collaboration of founding partners, Health in Construction Leadership Group and the British Safety Council. It is also supported by construction industry charities and bodies and has various companies acting as Mates in Mind business champions.

Webinar addresses mental health of ‘returners’ [ THE PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT on

workers returning to their workplace was the theme of the latest free COVID-19 webinar from the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), which featured among its contributors Tricia O’Neill, UK head of occupational health and H&S education and competence for major contractor Skanska.

The webinar, Covid-19: Managing mental wellbeing when returning to work, explored how to tackle the many psychosocial impacts now affecting employees as organisations begin encouraging people to go back to their workplaces. Other contributors came from the British Psychological Society, the Health and Safety Executive, the mental health charity Mind, and IOSH itself.

Presenters examined how mental ill-health challenges are increasing again as people battle anxieties linked to ongoing fears of coronavirus, plus new anxieties associated with returning to work.

They explained situational and psychological factors influencing this

and recommended ways to mitigate risks and help people.

Over 700 delegates from around the world gained insights into these effects from complementary perspectives with recommended sources of information and advice as well as examples of what Skanska has already designed and implemented for its workforce.

Host Duncan Spencer, IOSH’s head of advice and practice, referred to evidence collected by King’s College London and pollsters Ipsos MORI that more than half the UK population have been struggling with sleep during the lockdown – a sign of stress related to many factors and something that will only add to the psychological burden impacting employees and their families.

Tricia O’Neill capped off the expert contributions by outlining the programmes she put in place to prepare the business, managers and HR – including their use of WrAP, the Workplace Adjustment Plan, and preparing people – to help give them coping strategies. q www.constructionnational.co.uk

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Safety & Health Expo moves to next year

[THE UK’S LARGEST dedicated event for health and safety

Campbell, Amy Williams MBE and astronaut Major Tim Peake CMG, professionals – Safety & Health Expo, together with its co-located whose enthralling and entertaining speeches will change the way events – has been rescheduled for a second time. The show had been visitors think about mental health, risk management and teamwork. moved from May to September when the organisers Informa Markets There will also be over 250 leading exhibitors, allowing visitors to made an early decision to shelve the show. source the perfect health and safety solutions for their needs, and with The latest decision, taken as a result of consultation with exhibitors over 14,000 visitors, Safety & Health Expo is the perfect platform from and other stakeholders, comes as a result of the continuing disruption which to grow professional networks. caused by the COVID-19 pandemic Chris Edwards added: “It remains – in particular social distancing a time of uncertainty, so our events regulations and restrictions to team will be contacting exhibitors international travel. The show will and partners to answer questions now be held at ExCeL London on and provide some clarity regarding 18-20 May next year. the rescheduled dates and ensure In addition to Safety & Health we can deliver the same event Expo, the rescheduling covers the experience we have planned. following Informa events: “We know how important our • IFSEC International events are as a forum where our • FIREX International communities come together to learn, network and meet suppliers.

• Facilities Show We have a proud track record of hosting the largest gatherings • Intelligent Building Europe of any event in our industry in the UK, and often beyond, and no • Workplace Wellbeing Show one is more disappointed in this decision than us; but after much Four events run by Clarion will also be rescheduled to coincide. deliberation we are sure that this is absolutely the right thing to do in They are Counter Terror Expo, Ambition, Forensics Expo Europe and the circumstances.

World Counter Terror Congress.

“As each of our communities look to rebuild and recover in 2021 our Chris Edwards, group director of Informa Markets, said: “We’ve team will also be working hard to ensure we return next year with an always been mindful of the potential impact of the COVID-19 event that brings people back together for the reunion everyone will be pandemic on events like ours. We’ve been working closely with our crying out for. Details on how our events will continue to evolve and partners to provide not just a safe and secure event environment, but develop for next year will be forthcoming over the summer. also a platform for our exhibitors and visitors to network, do business “I’d like to thank our exhibitors and partners for their understanding and secure a return on investment. during this time.” q “We’re confident the new date will give the market time to recover, and ensure we can offer an event that meets the high standards our customers expect. We hope the rescheduled event will be a chance for the industry to come together after a challenging period.”

ALTHOUGH NOT AT the top of the priorities list for most people, the COVID-19 crisis has Over the coming months, Safety & Health caused the total devastation of the health and safety awards season. A number have simply Expo will offer alternative solutions to keep been abandoned altogether, such as the NHBC Health and Safety Awards, while others have the health and safety profession connected. found themselves at the mercy of the reopening schedule of the venues.

In May thousands of colleagues joined Digital That is the position of the Safety and Health Excellence Awards, which were originally Week – a series of webinars led by experts scheduled for the VOX venue in Birmingham in April and rescheduled for this September. The and thought leaders. enduring crisis has resulted in that date being in the air, pending the reopening of the venue.

The rescheduled show will offer the familiar The RoSPA Health and Safety Awards have fallen victim to the complex nature of their packed schedule of events. Visitors will be awards ceremonies. There are three ceremonies: held in Birmingham, Glasgow and London. able to hear from high-profile speakers, The Birmingham ceremony has been cancelled indefinitely, while the London event is scheduled inspirational celebrities and leading safety alongside the Safety and Health Expo, which has been postponed to next May. The Glasgow professionals. The Keynote Theatre will event is still scheduled for September. q feature three inspirational speakers: Alastair

H and S awards: still up in the air [

www.constructionnational.co.uk

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Scottish regeneration programme hailed as a ‘Green Swan’

[

THE RIVER LEVEN PROGRAMME, a regional regeneration partnership pioneered by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), has been singled out by global think tank and strategic advisory firm Volans as a potential model for global economic recovery.

The programme, which aims to transform an area once at the centre of Scotland’s industrial revolution by locking in sustainable, inclusive growth, is the first case study in Volans’s Green Swan Observatory model, propelling the project to the global ‘one to watch’ list for innovative approaches.

“The alignment of environment and economic agencies with private partners to accelerate regeneration in Leven can be a model for Scotland’s green recovery,” says Volans founder John Elkington, the originator of the ‘triple-bottom-line’ of profit, people and planet.

The move comes as five new partners – Network Rail, The Coal Authority, Zero Waste Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland

and Fife Coast & Countryside Trust – joined another 10 private and public partners on the first anniversary of the partnership.

The programme was the subject of a Sustainable Growth Agreement in 2019 between 11 public and private sector partners including SEPA, Scottish Enterprise, Fife Council and global spirits manufacturer Diageo. It focuses on six aims to realise a 2030 vision for a ‘living, breathing example of inclusive growth’.

Volans’s Green Swan Observatory spotlights and analyses examples that encapsulate activities needed for a regenerative future, sharing the ‘Green Swan’ innovations that can drive forward positively exponential change with the wider world. Its aim is to accelerate the move from a ‘responsibility’ agenda to one of resilience and ultimately regeneration for businesses and other organisations.

The company’s chief executive Louise Roper explained: “The on-going global pandemic has brought into sharp focus the

need for structural change in our society and economies. Scotland’s leadership on low-carbon innovation is well known and we’ve been watching the transformation of its Environment Protection Agency for some time. The alignment of environment and economic agencies with private partners to accelerate regeneration in Leven can be a model for Scotland’s green recovery.”

Ross Martin, chair of the River Leven Partnership, agreed: “This is an exceptionally bold place-based intervention being led by our national environmental regulator into one of Scotland’s regional economies,” he said. “The partnership recognises that the environment and economy are not competing interests, but two sides of the same coin – the currency of sustainable, inclusive growth.

“The COVID-19 crisis has demonstrated beyond all doubt the importance of reconnecting people and place, and I predict that all other EPAs will follow the Leven lead.” q

Flood defence work completes during lockdown [MAJOR NEW COASTAL DEFENCES have

been completed at Elmer in West Sussex by the Environment Agency, in partnership with Arun District Council and Elmer Sands Ltd. The new flood scheme will afford better flood protection to 325 properties. It has cost £5m and a further £3m will be spent on maintenance over the next 50 years. Funding for the scheme is from the UK Government, Arun District Council and Elmer Sands Ltd. During construction 20,000 tonnes of rock were used to improve the existing rock revetment and 12,500m3 of shingle were recharged across the defences.

A new boat ramp for Elmer Boat Club was also constructed.

To mark the occasion the Environment Agency hosted a virtual opening ceremony on 22 June using Microsoft Teams.

Environment Agency chair Emma Howard Boyd commented: “While the coronavirus has changed so much this year, flooding and coastal

erosion have not gone away. Throughout the recent lockdown, the Environment Agency continued working on flood schemes while following government guidance and safe working measures. This new £5m flood scheme will better protect 325 properties in Elmer, and is an example of how we work with partners to make communities more resilient to the escalating impacts of the climate emergency.”

Operation manager John O’Flynn added: “We realise the inconvenience that this work may have caused our local neighbours, especially during this lockdown period. We would like to thank them for their cooperation and understanding throughout the work.

“In carrying out this critical construction during the coronavirus outbreak, our contractors followed guidance from Public Health England to work safely on construction sites. The safety of our staff, partners and the communities we work with is always our priority.” q www.constructionnational.co.uk

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Standard helps match heat pumps to water cylinders [

THE Hot Water Association (HWA) has published a new technical standard, Hot water storage vessels for Domestic Purposes for use with Heat Pumps. The standard outlines requirements, test methods and labelling for hot water storage vessels designed primarily for indirect water heating using heat pumps.

The standard will sit alongside EN 12897 for boiler-heated indirect cylinders and will ensure that achieving the UK carbon footprint reduction by a transition to heat pump use will be maximised by matching them with correctly designed hot water cylinders. Previously no standard existed for the specification and manufacture of heat pump indirect cylinders.

HWA’s commercial chair Stuart Elsy commented: “This future standard – developed in collaboration with HWA members, industry experts and government – will fill a gaping hole that could have opened in the standards landscape. Heat pumps will become central to the way that new homes are heated and it is essential that their efficiency is optimised by use with compatible cylinders.

“Heat pumps vary in their method of operation. This standard will identify the correct specification of cylinder to link with a particular heat pump.”

HWA is a division of the Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA). It is the trade association for hot water cylinder manufacturers and members are responsible for over 95% of all hot water cylinders fitted in the UK. q

Industry bodies consult on low-temperature heating training criteria [A COALITION OF heating industry bodies with a particular interest

in low-carbon heating systems has been running two consultations on the qualification criteria for low-carbon heating system training courses.

The first consultation was for the criteria that should apply to training courses for all forms of low-temperature heating systems – widely regarded as necessary both to allow a future market transformation into systems such as heat pumps, and also to ensure the most efficient performance is obtained for modern gas condensing boilers.

The second consultation was for the specific criteria that should apply to training courses for heat pumps – which operate at greater efficiencies when able to heat customers’ homes at lower system operating temperatures.

The criteria consulted on for the generic low-temperature heating course were developed by the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE), and for the heat pump course by the Heat Pump Association (HPA), both in wide consultation with manufacturers and other industry bodies. Both consultations closed on 30 June.

The CIPHE and the HPA are collating the responses for each set of criteria respectively, and will finalise the criteria before submitting them to Ofqual for approval and inclusion in the relevant Competent Persons Schemes. It is expected the first training courses run to the criteria will be available by the end of this year. q

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Heat pump industry welcomes consultation on grants [THE HEAT PUMP INDUSTRY has warmly welcomed the Government

consultation on Future Support for Low Carbon Heat, published on 28 April and updated in May. In particular, the proposal to make grants of £4,000 available for consumers wishing to replace fossil fuel boilers with heat pumps was greeted with pleasure.

The consultation paper, issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, says: “Heating of homes, businesses and industry is responsible for a third of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, and decarbonisation of heat is one of the biggest challenges we face in meeting our climate targets.”

Speaking after the publication of the document, the chairman of the Heat Pump Association (HPA), Graham Wright, said: “We are pleased the Government is proposing this important step to decarbonise the way we heat our homes, and thank the Minister, the Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng MP, and his civil servants for their constructive engagement with the HPA, and for developing these policy proposals on the basis of sound evidence and economic analysis. We are particularly pleased that the government has quoted our recent Industry Roadmap, published last November, within the consultation, and has adopted our proposal for a £4,000 grant per customer, to support heat pump uptake.

“The Committee on Climate Change has made it clear that the most cost-effective way for the heat sector to deliver the country’s legallybinding carbon targets is to ensure all new heating systems from 2035 are low carbon. Yesterday’s publication is an important first step in delivering that critical market transformation.

“Although there is further dialogue to be had during and after the consultation period, particularly on whether the overall levels of funding are sufficient to deliver the required growth, and ensuring that alternative policy support is developed for larger heat pump installations, the announcement is a most welcome step in the right direction.”

The consultation closes on 7 July and is available to view and respond to at https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/future-support-for-lowcarbon-heat. q

BIM interoperability: consultation shows massive support [

THE Centre for Digital Built Britain (CDBB) at Cambridge University – a partner of the Construction Innovation Hub responsible for delivering the Government’s Building Information Modelling (BIM) programme and facilitating collaboration with industry – has published a summary report following the public consultation on the CDBB’s BIM Interoperability Expert Group (BIEG) report, launched back in April.

The latest publication presents the summary of public responses to the BIEG’s report, which was launched for consultation on 17 April. The report was the result of an extensive review, led by BIEG’s committee, in which they met with 21 representative organisations to gather evidence, and make considered recommendations to Government from industry, on how best to support and develop the existing ‘BIM Mandate’ in such a way as to make it accessible and beneficial to all. The recommendations, referred to as ‘recommended enablers’ were then opened to public consultation, by the CDBB, and the responses compiled into a summary report.

The public consultation responses included input from academia, industry, non-governmental or representative professional bodies and nondepartmental public bodies.

Keith Waller, programme director of the Construction Innovation Hub, said: “We were very pleased by the level of response, and obvious interest and support in the topic of BIM interoperability and its potential for positive impact on the future of the built environment. Our aim is to deliver an interoperability programme that addresses the issues and challenges raised as a result of the public consultation and we remain committed to broad collaboration and industry engagement as a means of delivering a solution that benefits all.”

The majority of responses showed positive support for the recommended enablers set out in the BIEG’s Report, with 100% of respondents agreeing with the recommended approach to support the further development of

Industry Foundation Classes, and also agreeing the importance of Asset Information Model Common Data Environment to achieving the beneficial outcomes of interoperability.

For the purposes of the report, the BIEG adopted the following definition of interoperability: ‘the ability of two or more systems to exchange information and to use the information that has been exchanged.’ That definition is adapted from the one contained in ISO/TS 27790:2009: Health informatics— Document registry framework.

All of the respondents also agreed with the BIEG that there is a need for a greater understanding by owners and operators, in order to drive procurement of interoperable data as a strategic asset.

Overwhelming support (ranging from 74%-94%) was expressed for the BIEG’s further recommended enablers.

BIEG chair Fiona Moore commented: “The support for the recommended enablers set out in the BIM Interoperability Expert Group report has been extremely encouraging – not only that there was overwhelming agreement with our proposed approach, but that there is such interest in the programme and willingness to collaborate on it. We would like to thank those who responded to the call for public consultation for their input and look forward to further collaboration in the future.” q

Construction takes a leaf from manufacturing’s book [

DEVELOPING ADVANCED, digitally enabled, manufacturing processes and products that can be used in new schools, hospitals and homes forms a core part of the Construction Innovation Hub’s £72m Government-backed transformative programme. The Hub is now inviting clients and businesses to input into the first of a series of new processes which could spark a gamechange in the sector’s approach to quality planning.

The Hub’s Construction Quality Planning (CQP) is inspired by Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), a process already used widely across leading manufacturing sectors like aerospace and automotive. CQP defines an approach for those firms which supply the construction sector with new products and assemblies that form part of tomorrow’s offsite manufactured buildings.

The CQP process will also play a vital role in guiding the Hub’s flagship Platform Design Programme which was launched last year and seeks to enable new buildings like schools and hospitals to be designed and configured using a pre-defined ‘kit of parts’. This CQP will form part of a wider family of quality management approaches from onsite assembly to whole life management, which will be rolled out at later stages of the Hub’s programme. Together they will help

assure quality, providing a golden thread to demonstrate safety and compliance of manufactured and assembled buildings.

Construction Innovation Hub programme director Keith Waller explained: “It is vitally important that the post COVID-19 recovery is rooted firmly in new and better ways of doing things and not simply a return to business as usual. As we get Britain building again, we must grasp the opportunity to lay the groundwork for some transformative changes in construction, including a fundamental shift in our approach to quality.

“In developing Construction Quality Planning, we are not looking to reinvent the wheel. Rather, we are taking a tried and tested process which is already commonplace amongst cutting-edge manufacturing firms and tailoring it to suit the unique needs of UK construction.

“Manufactured solutions will have a direct role in supporting a sector-led recovery – reducing the demand for on-site labour and creating new skilled jobs into manufacturing and assembly facilities throughout the UK. Moreover, with greater levels of offsite manufactured solutions, we can help to mitigate both the safety risks of labour-intensive sites placing demands on public transport, and the productivity and output of the sector on site at a time when social distancing looks set to continue for some time to come.” q www.constructionnational.co.uk

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Modular industry joins housing associations to campaign for Homes for Heroes [

THE G15 GROUP of London’s largest housing associations, Legal & General’s modular homes business, modern methods of construction champion Mark Farmer and other industry figures are calling for offsite methods to be used to deliver low-cost ‘Homes for Heroes’, to thank the heroic essential workers who’ve kept Britain going during the coronavirus outbreak.

Inspired by the ‘Homes Fit for Heroes’ programme after the First World War, the alliance has set out a broad outline of how 100,000 new affordable homes for these workers could be built throughout the country.

As well as building affordable housing for sale and rent, such an initiative would prompt major private investment in offsite factories because it would ensure certainty of future demand.

Precision manufactured homes would be faster, greener, cheaper and better quality and give an economic boost to the parts of the country that need it most. As well as providing good quality places for essential workers to live, a sustained Homes for Heroes building programme would support economic and social recovery.

Mark Farmer, CEO of Cast Consultancy and UK Government Modern Methods of Construction Champion for Homebuilding, said: “This initiative sits well with the heightened mood of public gratitude towards the nation’s key workers. At the same time this initiative can unleash the full potential of the emerging advanced manufacturing modular housing market, delivering quickly at scale a new generation of homes that are of high design quality, fire safety assured, sustainable and affordable.”

From NHS staff to care workers, teachers, refuse collectors, delivery workers and many more, Homes for Heroes would see the construction of good quality affordable homes which are well designed, energy efficient and digitally connected. The homes should be equipped with private outside areas and access to high-quality green spaces. They should be affordable to heroes on the lowest incomes and include options for essential

workers to buy an affordable home of their own – something that is out of reach in many of our cities.

Rosie Toogood, CEO of Legal and General Modular Homes, explained: “Modular construction will enable the delivery of highquality homes at a much faster rate than through traditional construction. In a post COVID-19 crisis environment, the speed of delivery will be more important than ever before. The modular construction industry is still very much in its infancy, but pockets of developments and innovative designs are

starting to come to fruition. Momentum is building in government and local councils to make modular construction a success and grasp the opportunities that lie ahead.

“As the reputation of the sector grows, the desire to work in this progressive and disruptive industry will be enhanced. The Homes for Heroes campaign unites several great causes: creating quality homes for genuine heroes, powering innovation and skills right at the time we need to create jobs, and pushing the bar upwards when it comes to quality and sustainability. We’re delighted to support this initiative.” q

MMC champion appoints new chair [THE Advanced Industrialised Methods for the Construction of Homes (AIMCH) project has

announced that Simon Dudley, interim chair of Homes England, will be chair of its stakeholder group. The project aims to tackle the UK housing crisis by using cost-effective modern methods of construction (MMC), delivered using industrialised offsite panelised solutions, and the stakeholder group provides vital two-way engagement to disseminate project learnings and outcomes among industry stakeholder organisations.

Simon Dudley brings a wealth of experience to the role, having been involved in major construction projects – including those as part of Maidenhead Borough’s regeneration during his three-and-a-half year tenure as council leader.

He commented: “I’m delighted to join as chair of the AIMCH project. The stakeholder group draws together key interests and views, to share learning and concerns, providing a collective approach and wider market impact to drive the uptake of MMC systems.

“AIMCH is forward thinking and committed to delivering high-quality cost-effective housing.

The AIMCH project will have an even greater role to play as the construction sector resets from COVID-19. The clear benefits from modern methods of construction will address the challenges faced in a post-pandemic economy made more complex with Brexit and net zero carbon goals. Industrialised offsite panelised solutions will act as a catalyst for a step change in the industry. Capturing all these benefits through this project are key insights for industry going forward.”

The three-year AIMCH project, which has been live since early 2019, has been trialling new digital design tools, manufacturing advancements, improved near-to-market offsite systems and lean site processes on live housing projects over the past 18 months.

Its ultimate goal is to support the sector by delivering its 120,000 target for the same or less cost than traditional methods, 30% quicker and with 50% fewer defects. q

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Work on care homes continues despite COVID crisis [TWO MUCH-NEEDED care homes

providing varied facilities for both elderly care and dementia patients have reached significant milestones despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis.

In Derbyshire, contractor Robertson’s rigid social distancing measures enabled the construction of the Belper Integrated Scheme to continue during the lockdown period, in line with Public Health England guidelines. The new facility (below) comprises 40 dementia-friendly residential bedrooms with associated ancillary spaces, a domestic lounge and dining area, private support spaces and a public library.

The care centre, which is part of a £10m

development, is currently being prepared to be used by Derbyshire County Council to exclusively accept patients who have recently been discharged from hospital and need to recuperate in isolation after suffering from COVID-19, but are not yet ready to go home.

Elliot Robertson, CEO of Robertson, said: “On behalf of our team who delivered the project and the wider Robertson business working behind the scenes to ensure delivery of the Belper Integrated Scheme, I want to thank Derbyshire County Council and Glancy Nicholls Architects for choosing to work with us. By implementing new safe working regulations, we were able to ensure project completion.”

At the same time, work on a £10m home in Hertfordshire, being delivered by principal contractor Clegg Construction, has continued on site throughout the pandemic to reach its first major milestone, with the steel structure now in place (above right).

The development in Wormley is a 77-bed purpose-built care home. It will be run by established operator GoldCare on behalf of Hertfordshire County Council, with the facility providing much-needed accommodation

for flexible elderly care, including specialist dementia care.

The contemporary two-storey building has been sustainably designed to ensure it is energy efficient, but more importantly that it creates an environment that is sensitive to the end user.

It will therefore have a number of communal facilities, including shops, a café, hairdressers, children’s play area and landscaped gardens.

Nick Jude, senior contracts manager at Clegg Construction, said: “We’re really pleased with how works are progressing on site and completing the steelwork is a real milestone in the build as you begin to get a sense of the building, which really brings it to life.” q

Green Belt planning achieved for dementia care centres [

TWO LANDMARK dementia care facilities located within the Green Belt in Nottingham, which would constitute ‘inappropriate development’ unless very special circumstances can be identified, have received planning permission after neither application was ‘called in’ by the Secretary of State.

Planning consultants GraceMachin Planning & Property put forward a strong case which identified the ‘very special circumstances’ why the two schemes, designed by Leonard Design Architects and owned by Church Farm Care Ltd, must go ahead.

The Church Farm at Rusticus site in Cotgrave has received planning permission for an expansion and the Church Farm at Skylarks in West Bridgford is awaiting its formal decision notice following the completion of a Section 106 agreement. Both plans include space allowing for more bedrooms – 30 at the Cotgrave site and 32 at the Skylarks home – and independent living pods for assisted living or carer respite.

The approved application is for the fifth phase of development at the Rusticus site, following previous upgrades to the site including the reception and staff facilities, as well as the addition of balconies to the accommodation.

To secure planning permission for two ‘inappropriate developments’ within 12 months of one another is significant, as they are just over five miles apart and fall within Rushcliffe Borough Council.

Speaking after the decision to grant planning permission for the Rusticus site, Church Farm Care Ltd owner Patrick Atkinson said: “This development is something residents should be incredibly proud of and Rushcliffe Borough Council should be applauded for supporting the applications. An entirely Nottingham-based team – and one that shares my passion for delivering a higher standard of dementia care and facilities – delivered this project which I’m equally thrilled about.”

GraceMachin Planning & Property identified six ‘very special circumstances’

which attested to the value and importance of both applications. They were: the undeniable UK requirement for specialised dementia accommodation, the innovative facilities and extremely high-stand of care being created, the scheme’s sensitivity to the environment and the ideal nature of the currently underutilised location, the employment and training opportunities, the flood risk factors that the design addresses and solves, and the intelligent application of architecture.

Nick Grace, partner at GraceMachin Planning & Property, said: “This rare pair of planning decisions speak not only to the work of our team, but to the strength of the design, as well as the quality and reputation of Church Farm Care. This was a true collaboration; without any of the three elements, I don’t think we would have achieved such a positive result in such a short space of time.

“For us, the special circumstances were clear as both Skylarks and Rusticus offer so much to the community as well as promising a high quality of care to those with dementia.” q www.constructionnational.co.uk

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PiJ winners announced as competition turns 40 [

ON 19 JUNE the NHBC announced the winners of the first stage of this year’s Pride in the Job Awards – the Quality Awards. The competition is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, giving an added significance to this year’s winners.

The competition is dedicated to recognising site managers who achieve the very highest standards in housebuilding.

From a field of more than 11,000, a total of 450 UK site managers have won a Quality Award, representing the top 4% of those who entered. Being selected as one of the UK’s top site managers is a testament to their commitment to delivering quality homes for their customers.

Pride in the Job is the most highly regarded competition in the housebuilding industry and judging is rigorous. The current competition began last July, with each site manager assessed across six key areas: consistency, attention to detail, leadership, interpretation of drawings and specifications, technical expertise, and health and safety.

By recognising the very best site managers across the UK, showcasing best practice and rewarding excellence, the competition celebrates the vital role that site managers play in ensuring new homes are delivered on time, on safe sites and to exacting construction quality standards.

Commenting on the awards, NHBC chief executive Steve Wood said: “Pride in the Job has been pivotal in improving the quality of new homes, so it’s fantastic to be able to celebrate its 40th anniversary.

Despite the numerous challenges the industry has faced in recent times, the very best site managers of 2020 have kept their focus on delivering high-quality new homes for their customers.

“At NHBC we are very proud of Pride in the Job, what it stands for and the impact it has had and continues to have across the sector.”

Recent research has revealed a direct link between homeowner satisfaction on Pride in the Job award-winning sites compared to non award-winning sites. The Home Builders Federation Customer Satisfaction Survey results from 2015 to 2019 show that over 92% of homeowners on winning sites would recommend their builder,

compared with 85% on non award-winning sites. That increases to 95% on sites where the manager scooped a Regional Award.

Steve Wood continued: “As our new research shows, it’s no surprise that Pride in the Job winning sites have higher levels of homeowner satisfaction as these homes are without doubt among the best the country has to offer. Congratulations to all the 2020 Quality Award winners – be proud of your incredible achievements!”

Subject to the NHBC’s team of judges being able to visit sites over the next two months, the Quality Award winners will now go on to compete for Seal of Excellence and Regional Awards that are planned to be announced at a series of virtual events in the autumn.

The Supreme Award winners will be unveiled in January. Last year’s Supreme Winners are pictured with Steve Wood and comedian Rob Brydon, who hosted the event.

Andrew Tait was NHBC’s director general at the time the competition began. Describing its origins, he explained: “We were looking for an effective way to encourage NHBC-registered builders to improve the quality of the homes they were building. We knew we had to get buy-in from the major builders from the start and introducing a competitive element seemed a good way to do that.

“I had a really good feeling about it from the beginning, but no idea just how important Pride in the Job would become. It wasn’t very long before all our registered builders were raising their standards in the hope that one of their managers would win an award.” q

Appointments mark step on road to reform [NATALIE ELPHICKE MP has been

announced as the interim chair of the New Homes Quality Board, a new independent body that will have responsibility for the quality of new build homes and consumer redress. The move is seen as the first step towards the creation of a New Homes Ombudsman scheme.

Ms Elphicke (pictured) said: “This is a welcome move, and a much needed step in the right direction. I am committed to ensuring that the new arrangements will deliver a step change in the quality of new homes and customer experience. They will be based in the principles of independence, transparency and integrity, values I know this Government – and the industry – are determined to instil. I look forward to working with all parties to finalise and implement these changes as quickly as possible.”

The ambition is that a permanent chair and board will be in place by the autumn, with a

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view to the new code and ombudsman service being in place by the start of next year. There will then be a transition period for builders to sign up to the new arrangements. It is anticipated the Government will ultimately legislate to improve consumer redress as soon as possible and these new proposals aim to complement those Government reforms.

Commenting on the appointment, Home

Builders Federation executive chairman Stewart Baseley said: “This is the next step in what has been a long and strenuous journey involving a broad range of stakeholders. The move demonstrates the commitment of the industry to providing buyers with absolute confidence in their builder and the quality of their new home.

“The new body will help ensure that the steady improvement in the quality of new build homes we have seen in recent years continues. Customers will be reassured that in the instances where they do have issues with their new home, they will have recourse to a fast, effective independent dispute resolution service via an ombudsman. The new robust arrangements will provide a huge challenge for builders, but the industry fully recognises the need to deliver – and we will.”

The interim board includes representatives from across the housebuilding industry, together with independent members. q

Sale will lead to two major developments [ TWO SITES FORMERLY in the remit

of Homes England are set to be developed with 935 new homes, following their sale to developer Vistry Partnerships. The sites are at Sandymoor in Halton, Cheshire, and at a former hospital site near Kidderminster in the West Midlands.

At the Sandymoor site in Halton (pictured) the government’s housing agency has concluded a deal with Vistry Partnerships to develop 11 hectares of land for delivery of 335 homes.

Vistry Partnerships announced last year that they would be delivering the scheme alongside their Joint Venture partner, Together Housing. Under the deal, the two partners will deliver a mix of 235 homes, split between two, three, and fourbed properties which will be available for open market sale via Vistry Partnership’s housebuilding arm, Linden Homes.

In addition, Vistry Partnerships will build a 100-apartment extra care facility which will be owned and managed by areas, habitat creation and a woodland management plan.

Halton Housing. The retirement scheme will include one and twoStephen Teagle, Vistry Partnerships CEO, commented: “We are very bedroom properties, while a bistro and multi-use room will be open pleased to once again be working in partnership with Homes England to the public as well as residents. to transform these two important sites. These vital developments The development also includes play areas, a bridleway and will provide a range of new affordable homes, enhance the existing cycling routes, and construction is due to start on site later in the landscape and boost economic growth. They also increase the year with the residential properties delivered in phases. The entire number of homes that we are currently delivering on Homes project is expected to be complete in 2024. As well as using its land England’s sites to over 3,000, exemplifying our reputation as a capabilities to bring the site forward for development, the agency also leading partnerships organisation.” flexed its investment muscles and utilised a grant from the Affordable Housing Minister Rt Hon Chris Pincher MP added: “Building the Housing programme to support the delivery of affordable housing in homes we need is central to the mission of this Government, which is excess of what is required by the planning authority. why we have safely reopened the housing market.

The wider 50-hectare Sandymoor site has capacity for up to 1,500 “This announcement is a real statement of intent for Halton and homes, where the agency has invested in infrastructure to bring the Kidderminster, delivering nearly 1,000 homes and new neighbourhoods to site forward for development in phases. be proud of – including plans for community centres and a new school.” q Alongside new homes the site already accommodates a new secondary school, and work is anticipated to start next year on the development of a new local centre to meet the needs of residents.

In another recent deal with Vistry Partnerships, 600 homes will be built at the former Lea Castle hospital site near Kidderminster, with work set to start on site immediately. The scheme will be delivered THE GOVERNMENT MUST remove barriers to small housebuilders to ensure that the

by Lea Castle JV LLP, a joint venture market can make a resilient recovery over the next six months, the Federation of Master between Vistry and Citizen Housing, and will Builders (FMB) says. The assertion came in response to ONS data which shows construction consist of one, two, three and four-bedroom output fell by 40.1% in April, driven by a fall in private new housing of 59.2%. homes in a range of tenures.

The FMB’s chief executive Brian Berry said: “Construction output has plummeted during the Detailed planning consent has recently lockdown.

Restrictions on the housing market led to a significant drop in private new housing been secured by Vistry Partnerships for in April. The fact that one in three SME housebuilders left the sector in 2008 demonstrates the the 49-hectare site via a virtual planning acute need to support them over the next six months. Having a housing sector which includes committee, and the scheme will also deliver an army of SME builders will help to ensure it is more resilient, diverse and of a high quality as affordable housing in excess of what is we reshape and re-imagine the sector. required by the local planning authority.

“We must do this in order to build the homes we need as the country recovers from the As part of Homes England’s commitment coronavirus.

The Government must look at how they can ease the structural barriers that SMEs to placemaking, the agency is promoting face when it comes to bringing forward new homes. The FMB is calling for a more manageable adjacent land for employment opportunities, planning system, and greater availability of affordable land for small-scale development. These such as a community hub, flexible office are two areas which could make all the difference in terms of having a more sustainable space and a café and shop. The planning housing market.” q application is supported by landscape proposals which include open spaces, play

FMB: SME builders crucial to housing recovery [

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