Construction National Autumn 2021

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COVER STORY

Safari park visitors can bed down among the animals

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April saw the unveiling of a bold new facility at West Midland Safari Park in Bewdley. A clutch of eight luxury lodges will enable visitors to enjoy overnight accommodation in unprecedented proximity to the park’s elephants and cheetahs. They form the first phase of what is planned to be a substantial development that will enable visitors to enjoy breaks among rhinos, giraffes and even tigers.

Work is underway on the second phase of the project, with plans in the pipeline for a third.

Read the story of this daring venture on page 30

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NEWS

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Infrastructure plan draws comment from across industry

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Shortages set to continue into New Year: CLC

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NHBC’s MMC accreditation celebrates 1st anniversary

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Discounted tool hire is latest add-on to CHAS membership

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Lord Foster to chair Stirling Prize jury in double first for RIBA and Coventry

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New technology addresses the scourge of late payment

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A rEVAlution in safety footwear wins awards and is turning heads

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Risk assessing of glass as a construction product

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Basement and sewerage idea takes first step towards Lego reality

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Improved concrete repair product offers significant CO2 reductions

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Audit office reports on Green Homes Voucher fiasco

LONDON BUILD 2021

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Remember, remember – the 17-18 November: it’s London Build!

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London’s construction supplier returns to the capital

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New platform fulfills customer aspirations as never before

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Not all lifts fit a standard size, as these experts know

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Expo pushes the boundaries in discussing diversity and inclusion

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New outsourcing firm offers more than just HR – and it specialises in construction issues

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New practice produces architectural visualisations as works of art

ZOOS AND SAFARI PARKS 30

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Construction progresses to allow safari park visitors to bed down among the animals

For all other enquiries: Tel: 0161 710 3880 Fax: 0161 710 3879 Email: editorial@dmmonline.co.uk Suite 2, 61 Lower Hillgate, Stockport SK1 3AW Editor: Chris Stokes Copyright Construction National.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced or transmitted in any form without prior permission of Construction National. Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher.

Printed in the UK by The Magazine Printing Company Plc www.magprint.co.uk

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CONTENTS TRAINING, APPRENTICESHIPS AND EDUCATION 31

CITB gets support for its Levy proposals

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New centre has the resources to MET industry challenges

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T Level providers get boost to upgrade buildings

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Top construction trainees named for 2021 SkillBuild finals

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Partnership working is the driver for training in Somerset

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WORKING AT HEIGHT 34

100 not out: NASC reaches guidance milestone

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Appointing a scaffolding contractor

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Incentive for Forces personnel

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CISRS appoints compliance manager

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Access the latest scaffolding information

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Scaffolding fall leads to fine for shopfitting firm

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MODULAR BUILDINGS 37

Association looks to promote modular at education expo

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North’s largest modular homes scheme sees £19.5m investment

VACANT PROPERTY PROTECTION 38

Choose crime prevention over crime cure for your vacant site, security body urges

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Securing empty properties is more important than ever

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Vacant asset security: how to get it right

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Remote system reduces costs while improving security

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HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE 45

New surgery unit makes best use of MMCs

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First of two Northern care homes nears opening

STREET FURNITURE 49

The ‘unseen amenity’ of our streets has evolved with our design tastes

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LEDs help modern street furniture to preserve the environment

HEAT PUMPS 50

Minister commends heat pump installer course

Looking for a product or service? Try our...

Website A to Z........46

Construction Supplies........51 www.constructionnational.co.uk

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Constructive

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AT THE TIME of writing one of the main stories on the news bulletins is that of the shortage of fuel in the country’s service stations. The army is on standby and ministers are being grilled – metaphorically, not literally, for obvious reasons.

For the construction industry, however, materials scarcity is not a new thing. There have been problems in the supply line for cement and bricks, among other things, since the industry emerged from lockdown and began to build again.

The problems, caused by a lack of HGV drivers among other factors linked to Brexit, look set to continue into the New Year, according to trade bodies.

• The emergence from lockdown restrictions has meant that trade shows and other face-to-face gatherings have recommenced. One of the big events that has been missed by many in the industry has been London Build, the flagship annual event in the Oliver Kinross stable of construction industry expos. This year’s event at Olympia in November has taken a bold stance in promoting diversity in construction and can boast a 50/50 male/female split among its seminar speakers. As with previous shows, Construction National is proud to act as a media partner and we will be reporting at length on proceedings in the next issue.

• Building Back Better was the government’s slogan as we emerged from the pandemic, together with a programme of ‘levelling up’ across the country. A major infrastructure programme was the means of doing that and the funding stream for that programme has now been revealed. It is an ambitious plan and one that offers huge opportunities across the construction sector over the next 10 years or so.

• At the forefront of the construction industry’s Herculean effort to rebuild the country’s infrastructure – and its housing stock – is the off-site revolution, spearheaded by the modular building sector. Its trade body, the MPBA, is a long-time campaigner for the industry and will be promoting its benefits to the education sector at a forthcoming trade show.

Modular building has a long history in education and is set to take the lead in the building boom we have been promised.

• At the other end of the scale from the bonanza of new builds is the growing number of vacant properties. They are a playing field for the devil to make work for idle hands and need protecting from the attentions of those with ill intent.

Similarly, sites left unattended overnight are the target of a growing cohort of organised criminals dealing in stolen plant and machinery.

These days the site security industry has developed sophisticated ways of keeping an eye on properties that are vacant for whatever reason. They involve up-to-date technologies that can detect intruders and deter theft and vandalism. Plus, they can’t catch Covid!

• The emergence of the leisure industry from lockdown coincided in one instance with an imaginative development at West Midland Safari Park. That facility’s reopening marked the launch of a clutch of lodges offering overnight accommodation alongside some of the park’s animals – in that instance elephants and cheetahs – as can be seen on this issue’s front cover. It was the first phase in a fascinating project that is now seeing the luxury lodges extended to sit alongside giraffes and rhinos. There are even plans lodged with the local authority to offer animal enthusiasts the opportunity to sleep alongside the park’s tigers!

• With the prospect of so much activity in the industry, the future skillset is more crucial than ever. That is why the resumption of the national Skillbuild competition is of so much importance. November will see 54 young hopefuls battle to be recognised as the best young ambassadors of their respective trades in the National Final. We offer them our best wishes in the competition. q

Chris Stokes Editor, Construction National

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Infrastructure plan draws comment from across industry [

THE ANNOUNCEMENT on 13 September of the government’s much-anticipated policy paper, Transforming Infrastructure Performance: Roadmap to 2030, led to comment by both the construction and design communities. The document encapsulates the manifold strings of the government’s vision for infrastructure development in the next – in effect – 10 years. It also sets out bold ways in which modern methods of construction are to be used to create infrastructure.

In his introduction to the document, the chief executive of the Infrastructure and Projects Authority, Nick Smallwood, writes: “At the heart of the TIP Programme lies the need for a step change in productivity and efficiency in the ways we plan, design, manufacture, construct and operate infrastructure. It will require data from all parts of the system to inform decision making, from improved information management in delivery to the creation of digital twins for asset maintenance and optimisation.”

The TIP Action Plan sets out five themes for the changes that are needed to address cross-cutting issues and opportunities, and which will be managed through the TIP Programme.

Those five themes are: • Delivering new economic infrastructure to drive improved outcomes for • people and nature • Place-based regeneration and delivery • Addressing the need for social infrastructure using a platform • approach • Retrofitting existing buildings to achieve net zero greenhouse gas • emissions by 2050 • Optimising the performance of our existing built environment The five themes tie together aspirations already expressed separately in government policy statements.

The involvement of the construction industry in the framing of the Roadmap was central to its adoption. The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) added its endorsement in a statement within the document.

The statement reads: “On behalf of the construction industry, the CLC welcomes the publication of the TIP: Roadmap to 2030. The industry has worked in partnership with the government to produce the Roadmap, building on the partnership that delivered the Construction Playbook and our Vision for the Built Environment. These publications set out a shared intent to improve the performance of the infrastructure and buildings the industry delivers, and also how these are delivered: by a world-class industry that leaves a legacy of economic, social and environmental improvement.”

The need for the industry to join with other stakeholders to adopt new ways of working was emphasised by Nick Smallwood: “Successful delivery will require clients and suppliers to develop and adopt new ways of working across the board; to share information and embrace new technologies that deliver better performance and more balanced outcomes across the asset lifecycle. Project leaders will need to steer innovative delivery in line with the government’s complex policy objectives, and embrace responsibility for the delivery of outcomes as well as outputs.”

He continued: “In the UK we have already advanced the use of building information modelling in the creation and care of our built environment, incorporating more categories of data and integration across the different elements. However, we need to push this faster and further to apply available technology to government sponsored projects and encourage new developments. Fifth generation communications networks and artificial intelligence can increasingly support far greater use of digital solutions – from sensor and wireless technologies to the use of robotics and augmented reality – and significantly improve productivity.”

Welcoming the emphasis on MMCs and their application to the benefit of the population at large, Keith Waller, programme director of the Construction Innovation Hub, commented: “The TIP Roadmap puts

societal outcomes, the use of data and digital technology and innovation, and improved delivery models at the heart of government infrastructure investment and delivery, which closely aligns with the priorities and focus of the Construction Innovation Hub to drive sector innovation and deliver greater benefits for citizens.

“We will work with government departments to embed platform construction systems, information management and the Value Toolkit into the pipeline to help to make infrastructure in the UK the best in the world.” q Image: Hinkley Point C/Instagram

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Shortages set to continue into New Year: CLC [LONG DELIVERY TIMES for some

construction products will continue until the end of the year, according to projections from the CLC’s Product Availability working group.

A joint statement in September from John Newcomb, CEO of the Builders Merchants Federation, and Peter Caplehorn, CEO of the Construction Products Association, who are co-chairs of the group, gave the group’s latest view of the on-going problems of shortages.

According to the statement, transport issues continue to be the most common and pressing concern across the supply chain.

Global shipping capacity has been reduced by 25% since the start of the pandemic, leading to delays and high container prices, and there is little sign of relief as we head into the Christmas season. The British Ports Association expects challenges to continue until at least the second quarter of 2022.

The statement says: “Within the UK the shortage of HGV drivers is affecting every sector and will take many months to resolve, despite government action to increase driver testing. This is a major contributor to delayed deliveries in all construction product areas: one manufacturer reported ‘factories piled with product that we cannot get out’.”

The main concerns are around bricks and blocks – with some regions experiencing increased delays in securing supplies – concrete roof tiles, where lead times are averaging 24-30 weeks, and bagged cement.

There was some easing in the shortages of bulk and bagged cement in August, with additional cement brought from abroad; however, delivery has been particularly constrained by the lack of

domestic haulage capacity.

On the widely-reported issue of energy prices – particularly the doubling of the wholesale cost of gas – the group says

problems are likely to be exacerbated by a fire at a power facility in Kent, which led to the shutting down of a crucial link between the British and French power grids. q

NHBC’s MMC accreditation celebrates 1st anniversary [

IN JULY NHBC marked the first anniversary of its service for innovative products and systems – NHBC Accepts. Since its launch the service has accepted a range of products and systems which over the course of the year have helped in the delivery of more than 5,000 innovative high-quality new homes across the UK. NHBC Accepts – endorsed by the government’s MMC Champion Mark Farmer and recognised

by Homes England and UK Finance – enables quicker assessment of a home for warranty and reduces the risk to the builder of delays in their project. Any product or system with the NHBC Accepts logo will have been rigorously assessed to ensure it can meet NHBC’s robust standards, giving confidence to developers, investors, lenders and homeowners.

NHBC innovation manager Richard Lankshear said: “We know from feedback that once a product or system is given the NHBC Accepts green light it creates confidence in quality, longterm durability and traceability. We actively assess construction quality both on site and off site to verify that each product is suitable and acceptable to meet the standards set to obtain our 10-year NHBC Buildmark warranty.

“With the demands on the industry to increase the volume of new homes and the simultaneous challenges around materials and skills, we are at a critical stage in the development of MMC. We are proud to be using our scale, expertise and knowledge of housebuilding to work with manufacturers to provide the confidence that innovative products and systems can meet and sometimes exceed the same high standards of quality and durability as traditionally-built homes.”

Even once accepted, NHBC’s innovation team continue to review quality through factory and site inspections and seek feedback from those working with the product on site. It shares that knowledge with the system’s owners to help continually improve their product. q

Discounted tool hire is latest add-on to CHAS membership [

MEMBERS OF CHAS are set to receive a 20% discount on Speedy Hire tools and equipment, thanks to a two-year partnership between the supply chain risk management expert and the UK’s largest hire provider.

The new agreement will enable CHAS contractors to hire products from Speedy Hire’s 2,250-plus product lines – which includes everything from everyday tools and equipment through to more specialist lifting, survey, powered access, rail and power generation equipment – at the discounted price.

The Speedy Hire concession is the latest in an ever-growing bank of membership benefits offered to CHAS members, designed to help their businesses thrive and save thousands of pounds a year. Other benefits include Trade Point cards that give 10% off at B&Q, special offers on fuel card services, free business insurance and discounted training.

CHAS’s managing director Ian McKinnon explained: “Speedy Hire is a

respected industry leader in the hire field, so we are very happy to be joining forces with them to provide this exclusive offer to our members. It is the latest discount in a wide range of benefits on offer to CHAS contractors and strongly reinforces the great value of becoming a CHAS member.”

Jeremy Gerken, managing director for retail at Speedy Hire, added: “The partnership with CHAS will provide their members with first-class customer service, including access to our 350 most popular products through Speedy’s fourhour delivery promise, at a preferential rate.

“The safety of our customers and employees sits at the heart of our business and all of our tools and equipment are tested to the highest standard. We are proud that CHAS has recognised this by selecting Speedy as their supplier of choice for members.” q • For further information visit www.chas.co.uk or call 0345 521 9111 www.constructionnational.co.uk

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Lord Foster to chair Stirling Prize jury in double first for RIBA and Coventry [

THE RIBA has announced that Lord Norman Foster will chair the jury of the 2021 Stirling Prize. The announcement marks a coup for both the RIBA and the city of Coventry. Lord Foster is a three-time winner of the prize and this year’s prize-winning project will be announced at the city’s iconic cathedral – itself designed by celebrated architect Sir Basil Spence after the medieval cathedral was destroyed during World War Two – as part of Coventry’s City of Culture celebrations.

Lord Foster will be joined on the jury by RIBA president Simon Allford, architect Annalie Riches – herself a Stirling Prize winner, in 2019 – and artist Dame Phyllida Barlow. The jury will be advised by architect Mina Hasman.

Simon Allford commented: “Lord Foster’s reputation as an architecture pioneer is demonstrated by an extraordinary array of exceptional projects – uniquely including three Stirling Prizes – so we are delighted that he will chair this year’s RIBA Stirling Prize jury.

“Our 2021 shortlist illustrates the ideas, innovation and ambition that underpin great architecture, and there is no doubt that with Lord Foster’s steer there will be engaging

debate and deliberation as we decide the winner.”

The jury will visit each of the six projects on the shortlist and together select a winner, which will be announced on 14 October 2021 at Coventry Cathedral.

There are six projects on the shortlist for the award. They are: 15 Clerkenwell Close by Groupwork for 15CC – winner of RIBA London Award 2018 and RIBA National Award 2018.

Cambridge Central Mosque by Marks Barfield Architects for Cambridge Mosque Trust – winner of RIBA East Award 2021, RIBA East Project Architect of the Year 2021, RIBA East Client of the Year 2021, RIBA East Building of the Year

2021 and RIBA National Award 2021.

Key Worker Housing in Eddington, Cambridge by Stanton Williams for University of Cambridge, North West Cambridge Development – winner of RIBA East Award 2021 and nominated for the 2021 Neave Brown Award for Housing.

Kingston University London, Town House

by Grafton Architects for Kingston University – winner of RIBA London Award 2021, RIBA London Client of the Year 2021 and RIBA National Award 2021.

Tintagel Castle Footbridge by Ney & Partners and William Matthews Associates for English Heritage – winner of RIBA South West Award 2021 and RIBA National Award 2021.

Windermere Jetty Museum by Carmody Groarke for Lakeland Arts – winner of RIBA North West Award 2021, RIBA North West Building of the Year Award 2021, RIBA North West Client of the Year Award 2021 and RIBA National Award 2021.

There was no Stirling Prize winner last year because of the pandemic: the last prize was awarded in 2019 for Goldsmith Street in Norwich by Mikhail Riches with Cathy Hawley for Norwich City Council (pictured). q

New technology addresses the scourge of late payment [A NEW START-UP ‘fintech’

business is set to solve the growing issue of late payment in the construction industry, as it aims to get businesses paid within seven days – potentially helping up to 75% of firms.

Debt Register has been developed as a purpose-built digital platform to resolve debts anything up to 10 times faster than traditional legal action – and for a fraction of the cost. That’s a welcome change for an industry that sees three out of four firms being forced to wait on average a month past agreed-upon terms for payment.

Two years in the making, the new business sought a digitised solution to the growing problem of late payment, which often leads to unnecessary write-offs or costly legal action – but only when the debt is of sufficient value – with little likelihood of success.

Debt Register is first and foremost a global payment accelerator that enables a business to identify late invoices on their ledger and allow the platform to do the rest. Debt Register contacts the debtor automatically and in the appropriate language, requesting that the payment is settled and ensuring the invoice is correct and not in dispute.

By leveraging its relationships with leading credit reference agencies to report unpaid and overdue debts, it encourages debtors to settle any overdues promptly to avoid their credit scores being negatively impacted.

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The age of the debt appears not to be a barrier to its collectability: in one trial with an international client payment was received for a 890-day-old debt within just 27 hours. In another trial with a different client, 99% of all debts were settled within the trial period.

Debt Register’s founder Gary Brown said the product and platform were created out of necessity within the industry.

“Overdues continue to be an issue,” he explained, “and whereas some resort to the courts, legal action is time-consuming and costly, and outcomes are difficult to predict.

“Debt Register not only accelerates the payment of outstanding invoices, but also avoids the unpleasantness of legal action and brings greater certainty and predictability to a company’s cash flow.”

For smaller businesses Debt Register provides a lifetime free credit service, allowing them to load and collect up to five debts a year free.

The platform has also been designed to streamline the payment process for the debtor. A specially-designed portal provides three points of payment resolution, as well as a series of tools that include messaging services and payment acknowledgement tools. q • For more information or to set up a free demonstration, visit the website at debtregister.com

A rEVAlution in safety footwear wins awards and is turning heads [ONE OF THE STARS of the 2019

Health and Safety Expo – the last in-person manifestation of the leading health and safety exhibition – was Kevin Burgess, director of Leon Boots Co, manufacturers of innovative safety boots for the construction industry, as well as the agricultural and leisure markets.

Safety footwear is the unseen protector on the construction site – an essential item of kit, yet often hidden behind mud and dirty overalls: unlike the glamorous high-viz jacket and hard hat sported with glee by politicians.

And hitherto safety boots have been heavy and uncomfortable to wear. The company has changed all that.

Leon Boots Co grew out of a longestablished distributor of Wellington boots made from EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate).

Then, in 2016, the directors of the company – Kevin and his son Charlie – identified a need in the safety footwear market for a lighter and more comfortable safety boot: EVA is 65% lighter than traditional rubber or PVC. So the Leon Boots brand was established near Dublin – moving into the UK market two years later.

The essence of the Leon Boots brand is its

lightness and comfort for the wearer, coupled with the tear resistance of the combination of EVA and a polymer formulated by TRC, the Technology Research Centre. The company markets its innovation in light and serviceable boots as a ‘rEVAlution’.

Interviewed on site at Health and Safety Expo, Kevin explained the qualities of their latest product: “It’s the lightest safety boot on the market: steel toe cap, Kevlar mid-sole and TRC non-stick sole unit.”

The company’s Safety 1st boot won the award for Most Outstanding in Construction Footwear in the BUILD magazine 2019 Design and Build Awards.

The boots are made by a direct injection moulding process without gluing or vulcanising processes, which makes them resistant to splits and cracks.

The boot also incorporates a removable sock, which is machine-washable. The boot can be slipped off when the worker returns from site

and the sock can be worn as a slipper.

Kevin explained: “They also contain a removable and washable sock liner for extra comfort and warmth, should you need it, even though EVA is a great insulator down to -30º, making them a truly unique product.”

And unique products are what the company is all about. Speaking in 2019, Kevin went on to describe a unique feature of one of their models – a cover preventing material from seeping down the top of the boot.

“Innovation-wise,” said Kevin, “we’ve always got new products. We did the UK Concrete Show in Birmingham back in February and customers were asking us to have something with a collar on the top – so we have the ability as a manufacturer to come up with innovative products.” q • To find out more about the innovations currently in train from Leon Boots Co, visit www.lbcboots.com

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Risk assessing of glass as a construction product What should we consider when applying glass into our construction projects?

Cobuilder asked James Allen (right), Glass Safety & Security Risk Consultant at AITCo Consulting, who is leading the Glass Safety Working Group at the Institute of Construction Management (ICM) in the UK.

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SINCE MARCH 2021, Cobuilder and ICM have been collaborating to deliver a structured approach to identifying, assessing and eliminating hazard risks related to the use of glass in construction projects.

The goal of the project is to enable actors to prevent hazardous instances already in the design phase and secure a positive outcome of the hazard audit of the built asset. Through structured digital data, stakeholders will be able to gain access and take full advantage of essential product information, which allows them to adopt a more comprehensive approach to hazard management.

In a special interview for Cobuilder, Mr. Allen shares insights into glass technology, explains why some of today’s practices can put people’s safety at risk and discusses the role of better information management to address such issues.

Glass as a crucial building component Float glass! Pilkington Brothers’ 1950’s float glass development fuelled a UK and worldwide glazing revolution. This industry-changing process guaranteed a continuous flow of annealed glass with flat and parallel surfaces, vastly reduced imperfections and improved clarity.

Float glass, combining with new silicone sealant, spawned construction glazing dispensing with traditional framing systems. Buildings could be cloaked, internally and externally, with glass units bonded to each other.

In London, commercial premises were always restricted in height by weight considerations in respect of the local clay substrate. Fully glazed highrise premises now span the range of governmental, local authority, commercial, industrial, educational, recreational and housing sectors.

Cobuilder: Glass as a construction material is everywhere around us. Are there cases when it is not safe to use?

James Allen: Annealed glass remains the base material for producing toughened and laminated grades. Despite its versatility, all glass is fragile to a greater or lesser degree and must always be seen as a potential risk for security or physical safety.

Each glass type must be fitted in the right place to ensure personal safety.

Competent risk assessment is indispensable for selection of the best glass, or for recommending use of alternative materials.

The recent horrific Grenfell Tower tragedy has pulled the issue of fire safety to the forefront of public awareness. But we ignore inherent danger from accelerating glass installation, so often undertaken without adequate control or close supervision.

The emotive sight of shattered glass heaped in the streets after a bomb blast might be daunting, but UK blast casualties cannot match the daily toll of unreported injury inflicted by breaking or falling glass.

Based on years of observation, glass without consistent supervision should be classed as an unsafe construction material. Concern for a building’s safety and security must be paramount – for employees, visitors, maintenance staff and even those just walking past outside.

Cobuilder: Has the United Kingdom government taken steps to improve glass safety?

James Allen: Unprotected or unmodified annealed flat glass panes, whether used as windows and/or as construction cladding, need to be regarded as a potential risk to personal and public safety.

There has been much regulation since 1981 and a rash of non-mandatory British Standards. These only attempt to ensure flat glass safety from manufacture through to installation.

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BS6262:1982 Code of Practice for Glazing for Buildings, together with a separate BS impact testing schedule, was elevated to full UK legal status following a decision within the 1981 Rimmer v Liverpool City Council Appeal Court judgement.

Glass protection is eroded by loose wording, which allows glass suppliers or installers too much latitude over interpreting ‘safety’.

Building Regulations can be vague and are sometimes said to leak like a sieve. Happily, for public safety, Building Regulation 7 does have clear safety requirements where glass is the material used and can’t be ignored. On top of this, there are mandatory Health and Safety requirements in the form of Regulations 13 &14 of The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.

British Standards are useful guides, albeit with high commercial industry input. Such standards must still pursue strictly objective goals if vital public confidence is to be maintained.

Following the Grenfell fiasco, root and branch reassessment of both regulation and industry standards should be undertaken.

Cobuilder: Tell us how you foresee Data Templates resolving those issues related to glass safety.

James Allen: It all comes down to competent information and data. Improving information management means improving decision making. It all needs to be linked closely together and available.

Manufacturers control their product information for everybody’s safety. This should be made available to all construction actors working with the materials.

Architects, designers, installers and even the client must have access to fully competent product data – this is just what Data Templates aim to achieve.

Additionally, designers and specifiers will become more aware of those materials they intend to use, which will lead to better decisions.

Responsibility should not be passed on to building control or to the next actors within the chain.

This negative culture of passing responsibility on to somebody else must be rooted out. Total transparency is of key importance.

It’s a domino effect. If manufacturers fail to share fully all of their product information, then installation of their materials might well be compromised.

Using Data Templates, processes throughout a construction supply chain are improved and performance maximised.

Manufacturers will structure product information consistently and clearly.

Properties of the different types of glass may be easily evaluated. Only glass possessing the right properties will be selected by specifiers, designers and even the client. This process of continuous planned control will improve safety throughout the construction project. It is pivotal that product information can be tracked fully and accurately at any point in the construction processes. If necessary, we should be capable of jumping back to the start of the material’s production process.

If you are curious to read the full interview, please follow this link. q • Learn more about Cobuilder’s Data Template methodology and how we apply it in our software solutions, by contacting our team.

Basement and sewerage idea takes first step towards Lego reality [

THOUSANDS OF VOTES have helped an idea for a Lego set featuring a basement and sewerage project to enter the review stage of the brand's new product creation process – the first stage to becoming an official Lego set. The set, constructed by long-term Lego fan MOCingbird, hit the 10,000 votes milestone needed to move to the review stage of the production process.

In an official comment on the company’s idea page on 9 August, Lego wrote: “We now officially advance this project to the review phase.

“A Lego Review Board, composed of designers, product managers and other key team members, will examine the idea. We’ll build concept models and determine if the concept meets our high standards for what it takes to be a Lego product. This includes factors such as playability, safety, and fit with the Lego brand.

“When finished, we make a ‘go/no go’ decision to develop and sell a product based on ‘Basement & Sewerage’!”

The Institution of Civil Engineers quoted the set’s designer, MOCingbird. He said: “Selecting Basement & Sewerage as the winner would raise awareness and recognition for all the professionals working in jobs related to planning, designing, building, running and maintaining the infrastructure of our cities.

“Adults and kids alike would get to know much more about their crucial work in a playful way. It remains to be seen what the review board will decide. Everything is possible.”

Other than the sewerage section, the design (pictured) features a complete basement at the back, a mechanical room, a janitor’s room, a secret ‘safe room’, and much more.

Lego has long been recognised as an inspiration for many of today’s civil engineers. q

Improved concrete repair product offers significant CO2 reductions [

GLOBAL BUILDING PRODUCTS manufacturer Sika has launched a new concrete repair solution that provides greater long-term protection for buildings and sets a new standard for low environmental impact concrete by significantly reducing CO2 emissions.

Sika has made significant investment in its MonoTop® brand, which rewrites the rule book in terms of low-carbon concrete repair. With 45 million buildings in the UK alone thought to be in need of refurbishment in order to comply with new regulations on energy performance, Sika’s sustainable MonoTop® range is the ideal repair solution for addressing such an issue. Its sustainable, reliable performance follows years of research by Sika’s technical teams, resulting in a proven, premier solution that produces up to one tonne less CO2 carbon emissions per 100m2 compared to other concrete repair solutions.

The company’s John Baron declared: “We are extremely excited to be launching this new system – an evolution of Sika’s trusted MonoTop® brand. MonoTop® is a key part of Sika’s long-term policy to create solutions which are as renowned for their sustainable performance as for their excellent repair performance. We are very proud of this product. It will serve our buildings and the construction industry as a whole very well.”

To provide a clearer picture of how the new, sustainable MonoTop® system’s performance compares to other concrete repair solutions, the amount of CO2 it saves – based on a ratio of one tonne of CO2 per 100m2 of material – is the equivalent of: • An average petrol car driving for six months • One car on electricity driving for one year • Electricity consumption by 0.65 households in one year • 72 trips by train between Amsterdam and Paris • 2.6 economy flights between Amsterdam and Rome That is according to figures supplied by Climate Neutral Group.

Moreover, the MonoTop® system’s user-friendly benefits are enhanced by its dust-reducing properties, which limit particle emissions by up to 70% during application to create safer, less polluted, more comfortable

on-site working conditions for operatives. The sustainable composition of MonoTop® is also noteworthy, with each British Standard-approved product within the system – including the bonding binder and the concrete and levelling mortars – containing recycled waste materials.

The quality of the MonoTop® system is supported by Sika’s premier customer service, with technical teams available to offer client support from specification to installation – to guarantee any building or repair project is a concrete success.

John Baron added: “As a leading manufacturer we feel a great responsibility to innovate products which raise standards in building and repair. MonoTop® sustainable mortars are the fruition of that aim.

Following its launch, we believe its rightful position will be at the forefront of the marketplace for concrete repair.”

For more information on the benefits of the new MonoTop® sustainable range and how its specification can ensure the success of your next building or repair project, call 01707 363804 or visit www.sika.co.uk/sika-monotop. q www.constructionnational.co.uk

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Audit office reports on Green Homes Voucher fiasco [

THE Green Homes Grant Voucher Scheme was delivered to an overambitious timetable and was not executed to an acceptable standard, significantly limiting its impact on job creation and carbon reduction: that was the conclusion of an investigation by the National Audit Office (NAO).

The scheme was scrapped in March after only six months in operation.

According to a report by the NAO, the government has identified decarbonising home heating as a key part of its plan to deliver net zero by 2050. Between September 2020 and March 2021, as part of government’s ‘green recovery’ from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) ran the Green Homes Grant Voucher Scheme. The scheme offered homeowners up to £5,000 funding, or £10,000 for low-income households, for the installation of energy efficient improvements.

The department originally expected the scheme to support up to 82,500 jobs over six months, and enable up to 600,000 households to save up to £600 on their energy bills. The scheme did not deliver the expected number of energy efficiency home installations, or support the expected number of jobs.

According to the NAO, BEIS estimates that it will spend £314m of the £1.5bn funding available, of which £50.5m – more than £1,000 per home upgraded – will be on administration. It forecasts that the scheme will eventually support efficiency measures in 47,500 homes, and create up to 5,600 jobs over 12 months.

HM Treasury gave BEIS an overambitious 12-week timescale to design the scheme, consult with stakeholders and procure an administrator. That came at a time when the department was supporting vaccine procurement and undertaking activities related to EU exit.

The department accepted that delivering the scheme within that timescale posed a high risk, but judged it was justified by the need to support businesses in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

BEIS did not sufficiently understand the challenges facing installers, the NAO concludes, failing to learn from its own previous energy schemes. It only consulted with installers after the scheme was announced, which limited the opportunities to include installer views in the scheme design.

The department chose to proceed to its timetable, even though none of the firms that bid for the grant administration contract thought it was possible to fully implement the required digital voucher application system in the time available.

BEIS decided to close the scheme in March 2021, reasoning that insufficient improvement had been made, and that existing voucher applications would fully use the £320m provided by HM Treasury for the next financial year.

The NAO has recommended that the department should engage properly with the supplier market for future decarbonisation schemes, and base its planning on a realistic assessment of how long it will take the market to mobilise. The requirements placed on homeowners and installers for such schemes should be tested from the start, with the aim of simplifying administration.

Gareth Davies, head of the NAO, commented: “The aim to achieve immediate economic stimulus through the Green Homes Grant Voucher Scheme meant that it was rushed. As a result, its benefits for carbon reduction were significantly reduced and ultimately it did not create the number of jobs government had hoped for.

“Decarbonising our homes is a key element of the government’s net zero strategy. It is vital that future schemes learn from this experience.” q

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Remember, remember – the 17-18 November:

it’s London Build!

[THE COUNTDOWN IS ON to the UK’s leading construction show.

London Build returns to Olympia London’s Grand Hall for the in-person live expo on 17 and 18 November.

Everyone involved in the construction industry in the capital and throughout the UK are invited to come and meet, network and do business with thousands of the UK’s top contractors, developers, architects, civil engineers and more.

This year the show will feature more than 500 speakers across six stages, hundreds of exhibitors, over 200 CPD sessions and exclusive, free-to-attend networking events, including Meet the Buyer, Women in Construction and Diversity in Construction, plus the Festival of Construction, with plenty of entertainment, live performances and music, surprise celebrity guests and much, much more.

As organisers Oliver Kinross explain: “London Build is the ultimate platform for networking and connecting with thousands of senior-level decision-makers, buyers and influencers from across the UK's entire built environment. Discover how you can get involved with major construction projects in the UK as you connect with industry experts and senior representatives from government, architects, major developers, housing builders, and Tier 1 contractors.”

Winner of Best Brand Expansion at the Exhibition News Awards and finalist of Best Trade Show in the UK at the AEO Awards, London Build draws superlatives from across the range of exhibitors, while feedback from exhibitors and those attending alike speaks for itself.

Last time the show attracted over 27,500 visitors from across the UK’s entire construction industry, making it a one-stop show to network with key buyers, learn of the latest project opportunities and acquire thousands of new business leads.

The show’s unrivalled seminar and CPD programme takes place across six stages hosting a number of summits: • The Future of Construction Stage attracts thousands of construction professionals across the UK to learn of the latest developments, innovations and project opportunities the industry has to offer.

• The Sustainability Summit will offer Lessons Learned from COP26 – with speakers hot-footing from Glasgow to address the conference – together with sessions on Building Back Healthier and Greener, the Circular Economy in Construction and tackling modern slavery

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• The BIM & Digital Construction Stage sees BIM and digital construction professionals coming together to learn about the latest technology, innovation and case studies of digital transformations from leading industry experts.

• The Fire Safety Summit will reflect on-going concerns. Among the sessions, two will be led by leading lights in the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP).

• The Future of Marketing will address the latest challenge for the marketeer: social media.

• The Diversity and Inclusion Stage will host many notable figures who are driving change towards a more diverse construction industry.

For a more relaxed environment, what better way to expand connections than to head over to the Built Environment Hub to network with other visitors at free-to-attend networking events.

Visitors can exchange business cards and connect with the UK construction industry's most influential figures. Building connections has never been easier.

The wide range of networking events taking place include Women in Construction Networking, Diversity in Construction, London Constructing Excellence Breakfast and many more.

Raj Kumar Suresh, senior urban designer at Atkins, described his experience of the last London Build Expo: “The breath of themes addressed, the opportunity to meet a lot of very interesting people in the industry and the buzzing atmosphere it was all done in…made the London Build show one of the most enjoyable events this year.” q

London’s construction supplier returns to the capital [STAND G72 at London Build Expo 2021

in November will see Fosroc International on hand to provide expert advice and an integrated approach on everything from product specification to installation.

It will be the fourth time Fosroc has exhibited at the show, which attracts many of the UK’s leading contractors, structural engineers, developers, architects and councils.

As one of the most well regarded and established British manufacturing brands for construction, Fosroc products have been used since the 1940s in the building and repair of landmark London structures. Fosroc’s Conbextra HF grout was used for the Palace of Westminster in 1980, and more recently in the 2000s Fosroc joint sealant was used for Wembley stadium, while Conbextra UW grout was used for the supporting columns of the Emirates Air Line cable car.

Today, Fosroc are involved in several major new build and refurbishment projects across London, providing waterproofing solutions,

concrete repair and joint sealants. While the majority of products are sold through Fosroc’s distributor network, the team at Fosroc engage specifiers, engineers and architects early in the project stages to ensure full product support is readily available from the outset.

Mount Pleasant sorting office – as well as the remediation of defective new construction.

Joint sealants

Concrete repair

The capital city’s airports are being supplied by Fosroc’s industry-leading runway joint sealant Thioflex 555, in addition to a range of Proofex waterproofing solutions for hangar facilities. Several of London sporting venues, including Spurs FC’s White Hart Lane and Lord’s cricket ground have been sealed using Fosroc’s trusted Nitoseal and Thioflex joint sealants.

Boasting an exceptionally broad range of innovative, specialist products, Fosroc offers tailored multi-system choices that are designed to work in harmony from both composition and practical application perspectives. Advanced products and technical expertise combine to provide a winning solution for London’s construction projects. q

The Renderoc repair range is widely used for highways and car park repairs and the refurbishment of heritage buildings such as

• To find out more visit www.fosroc.com or see them at London Build on Stand G72

Waterproofing Fosroc provided a comprehensive waterproofing solution for the new stations at Battersea and Nine Elms on the Northern Line. The Northern Line extension required a fully dry internal environment for a fully buried deep basement structure in a location with a high water table. The project presented some serious technical challenges and is a great example of Fosroc’s ability to problem-solve and adapt, while improving buildability for contractors.

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New platform fulfills customer aspirations as never before

[

WHETHER THEY REALISE IT or not, construction companies and developers offer homebuyers a customer journey. That journey used to be filled with Excel files, emails, faxes, phone calls, papers and notes: large amounts of manual work. With manual work come mistakes and mistakes create uncertainty, whereas digitalisation can improve efficiency and help eliminate mistakes. Work that used to be done manually can now be automated and digitalised. Data can be shared in real-time with all stakeholders, including the customer.

Digital Customer Journey – an online portal from GBuilder, the BIMbased customer journey management platform for property developers – takes homebuyers from the sales process to material configuration, then onto the building process and warranty period.

Although software can never replace good customer service, it can help customer service allocate their resources better and allows them to focus on their true mission: serving customers and making sure that their customer journey can reach perfection.

Customer service should work with a digital customer journey solution that helps serve homebuyers better on one of the most challenging of customer journeys. Today’s consumer expects to play a more active role in the purchase choices that they make. A home is probably one of the biggest decisions of a lifetime on both financial and emotional levels.

That explains why buyers expect that what they buy should be on their own terms.

With modern software the buyer can be presented with a variety of customisation options that the developer can offer: a choice of colours, materials and finishes for various areas of the property. They can test those different options within the 3D visualisation or through a VR headset, settling on their preferred choices which are then fed through to the construction team for integrating into the build. That’s good for the buyer and great for the sales team, who are given the opportunity to upsell on each unit of the development. Once the buyer has decided on their options and ordered their custom upgrades, they are able to share the visualisation of their new home with friends and family.

The benefits of such software go beyond the buyer and the sales suite.

The real-time use of BIM-based information benefits all stakeholders within the development, from the builder and subcontractors to the worksite and beyond. The builder, for example, is offered real-time access to the actual material configurations that go into the building process, as well as punch lists, room cards, orders and quantities. Correct and up-todate information is always available in one, centralised location, accessible on numerous devices simultaneously – even from a mobile.

Prospective buyers can now see exactly how a property will look before it has been built: a boon for marketers and developers as it facilitates the movement of the buyer into the sales funnel. For buyers, it raises enthusiasm and gives them a feeling of security in their choice of property that may otherwise have been lacking.

Customer experience, when buying property off-plan, should be a delight. When selling a product that is not tangibly available to view at the point of sale – in this case a property – it is crucial that developers explore ways to excite and capture the buyer’s imagination. Customisation, as a concept alone, is a very persuasive strategy – and where you can go above and beyond, not only to suggest what could be done with a property but actually make the buyer’s dreams come true, they place themselves at front and centre of the industry.

Delivering a valuable customer experience begins on the building site; and with a cohesive platform that’s updated in real-time for all stakeholders to use, the building process is facilitated beyond any level previously possible. Accuracy, speed and efficiency are optimised, allowing completion to be achieved to a higher level, faster – ultimately maximising customer satisfaction with their finished home.

One cannot overestimate the value of delivering an ideal customer experience, and in a world where buyers want their own way more than ever, we must be ready and waiting to give it to them.

It is up to those working within the industry to step up to the plate, to use new technological developments and strategies and deliver unique, quality homes bespoke to each individual buyer. q • Visit GBuilder in November at London Build on Stand D60 www.constructionnational.co.uk

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Not all lifts fit a standard size, as these experts know [IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES a building may need to

incorporate a lift that requires reduced headroom or pit depth, or non-standard shaft sizes. Redditch-based iKONIC Lifts specialises in bespoke lifts which fit those circumstances. Being certified to Schedule 18 of the Lift Regulations, they are qualified to explore safe solutions outside the norm, with the correct approvals in place.

Some examples include a famous listed building in Cambridge, where iKONIC provided five lifts in total. Due to the age of the building, low headroom conditions applied. Planners would not allow roof extensions for the headroom, so a full derogation process was necessary. iKONIC had to design and install the lifts to meet the full criteria safely.

In a second example, after working on a prestigious project in Saville Row, London, iKONIC were invited to join the design team and participated in developing both the design and specification of six lifts required in a listed building in Manchester. The iconic building has a large lightwell that the developers wished to utilise and preserve. The client was looking for an impressive passenger lift, as well as additional lifts for goods circulation, along with disabled access solutions.

When building or renovating a new or existing building, with so many regulations, policies and standards to follow, the team at iKONIC are there to handle all your vertical transportation requirements with a complete turnkey solution. When it comes to meeting the Equality Act or the latest New London Plan regarding lifts, they have you covered.

The company’s experienced team have the knowledge and proven solutions to meet your budgets and timescales successfully; they can offer

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you both VT engineers and lift consultants, so you can ensure you have the right fit form and function first time!”

The team from iKONIC are looking forward to welcoming visitors to Stand C42 at London Build in November, where they can design their own lift and walk away with an actual bespoke lift drawing.

Mark Hastings, managing director and founder of iKONIC Lifts, commented: “Very few lift suppliers have the experience and expertise to provide a truly tailored installation – and fewer still have the correct accreditation to endorse it as safe and compliant to the relevant standards.” q • To find out more visit www.ikoniclifts.co.uk

Expo pushes the boundaries in discussing diversity and inclusion

[

LONDON BUILD is not just another construction expo. It is the mission of organisers Oliver Kinross to address pressing issues in the industry – and they don’t come any more pressing than diversity and the role of women in construction. To that end those issues are brought to the fore at London Build.

New to this year’s show is the dedicated Diversity and Inclusion stage.

Visitors can hear from leaders who are driving change across the industry, as they explore what can be done to make the UK’s built environment more diverse and inclusive, with two days of interactive panel discussions and an open Q&A. Topics include Improving the Image of Construction – Challenging Stereotypes; Hear from Leaders Driving Change in LGBTQ+; The Future Workforce – Fast Forward to a Completely Diverse Industry; The Importance of Mentoring and Leadership; and Attracting and Retaining Diverse Talent.

The organisers asked Building People founder Rebecca Lovelace: What do you think is the most important thing when it comes to bringing about change?

She replied: “We need to move out of silos and adopt a holistic approach that is founded upon collaboration. Enough of talking, round tables, reports and promises that focus on only one part of industry, or – even worse – on only one trade or profession; now is the time to come together and to share knowledge, events and vacancies in a way that enables equality of opportunity for all. To bring about effective and long-lasting change we have to look at the bigger picture and take a joined-up and truly collaborative approach – together.”

Another speaker at the summit, Angela Brady OBE, director of Brady Mallalieu Architects, explained what excites her about the industry and the positive changes made.

“As architects we appreciate and listen to all voices, from everyone who makes up our teams,” she said. “I have championed diversity all of my professional career, including when we started the Architects for Change group at RIBA, and I continued this as president of RIBA. The BLM [Black Lives Matter] has showcased the importance of more diversity in our profession and our gender balance has improved over the years – but it needs monitoring, with more role models and ambassadors standing up to challenges and promoting what a great profession architecture is.”

London Build is also very proud to announce that this year’s show will have a 50/50 split of men and women across the conference agenda – a first-ever for any construction show.

A diverse and wide range of industry leaders from across the sector includes speakers from major contractors, clients and professional institutes.

According to organisers Oliver Kinross: “Take part in the UK’s largest networking event for women in construction. Talk to and feel inspired by fellow architects, contractors, engineers, designers and other diversity champions from all sectors that make up the construction industry.

“In partnership with NAWIC, this event is free-to-attend and gives visitors the chance to share their experiences with a group of like-minded people.

From graduates to heads of departments and CEOs to government officials, this is the place to build connections and hear about what is being done to make lasting change.”

When asked how far the industry has come and how much further it has to go, Sally Sudworth, Global Head for Sustainability and Climate Change at Mott MacDonald, said: “The esteemed Women’s Engineering Society was formed in 1919 with the aim of supporting women in engineering and increasing their number. I wonder what they would think about the progress that we’ve made in the last 100 years?”

Once again this year, London Build is working with a large team of inspiring Diversity and Women in Construction Ambassadors. They are passionate about driving equality, diversity and change and have helped shape discussions at the show. Visitors can also network with them at the event to exchange ideas and milestones. q

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New outsourcing firm offers more than just HR – and it specialises in construction issues [RESPONDING TO AN observed customer

demand, Construction Industry HR (CIHR) was established in 2020 as a separate division of Lanes Employment Solutions Ltd, which was itself founded by Dawn Simpson Lane (pictured second left opposite) in 2018.

Although there was no specific targeted marketing, it soon became apparent that 85% of the client base were in some way connected to the construction industry. So the company set about separating and expanding to specifically support the construction industry, which has very few dedicated, outsourced HR and business consultants in the UK providing expert advice explicitly to the industry.

The two owners of the company have over 55 years of knowledge working across a variety of businesses across the industry – from oneman-bands to international, multi-billion-pound market leaders.

In addition to creating the new Construction HR division, the managing director has now expanded the business further to include a broader service portfolio by acquiring additional construction industry expertise in payroll, accountancy, health and safety, environment and quality, construction learning and development, and rescue and growth experts. In effect, the company has become the ‘one-stop’ service provider for the industry.

With their in-depth knowledge and expertise within the construction sector, the team at CIHR fully understand the need for businesses to be able to access support services with the flexibility to adapt to the daily changes and challenges that are faced in this increasingly demanding and challenging industry.

Dawn Simpson Lane, who is a Women In Construction Ambassador, explained: “In an industry where skills are diminishing with each new generation, implementing good HR engagement in construction now will give businesses that much-needed competitive edge in securing their business success for the future.

“HR isn’t just for office workers or large companies; it’s vitally important for any company that has employees, and as the war for talent continues to grow at an unbelievable pace, alongside it being an employee’s market, it will be the companies that look after their human assets by implementing good management now

that are going to be the winners in the end.”

With people being a company’s biggest asset, HR has a huge role to play and even more so when considering some facts about employment in the construction industry: • Construction is one of our major employers, • with around 3.1 million or 9% of the • workforce employed in the industry • Of the current UK construction workforce, • 32% are aged over 50 – which provokes • issues surrounding retirement and health • and the future succession of their skills • Despite the overall size of the construction • industry, the workforce remains one of the • least diverse, with 86% of construction • workers being male and 94% of white origin Non-executive director Mike Simpson Lane (pictured below left with Dawn) says that the company took the decision to broaden the service portfolio as the challenges within construction are wider than just the shortage of talent at an operational and skill level. There are numerous critical challenges facing the industry which need to be managed by highlyskilled and experienced strong managers and business owners.

Management now have to be able to navigate their way successfully through a myriad of issues impacting the construction industry which today include having to battle the way out of a pandemic, having a severely disrupted supply chain and a substantial shortage of materials and drivers, alongside trying to circumnavigate the enormous challenges and changes to paperwork and processes for export post-Brexit.

fabrication, installation, building material suppliers, engineers, modular builds, fire and acoustic conversions, carpenters, bricklayers, interior finishers, metal suppliers, main contractors and large-scale developers, among others.

With their extensive experience in the construction industry they understand the many challenges that come into play when delivering effective HR services for companies in this sector.

Dawn says: “We ask our clients why they chose us to be their partners and the resounding feedback is because we are just not like any other HR provider. We know the industry; we know the tone; we know the problems the industry faces and the manner in which some issues are dealt with.

“HR can be a serious subject, but our clients tell us that they value our relaxed and engaging approach; however, we aren’t afraid to ask challenging questions or be straight-talking in our advice. But we also pride ourselves on being really friendly, down to earth and fun to work with. We offer completely bespoke packages, but our experienced teams will always know the best solution for each respective part of the sector and advise accordingly.

“We look forward to meeting you at Stand F40 of the London Build exhibition – where fun will be guaranteed.” q

Why choose CIHR? CIHR supports the entire construction industry from vision to completion across the UK. Their current clients range from new start-ups through to multi-national organisations and include architects, scaffolders, fenestration systems, www.constructionnational.co.uk

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New practice produces architectural visualisations as works of art [

IN 2018, after years of working for various top-tier architectural visualisation studios in central London, two partners – Mihail and Juliana – established Wyrd Tree, their own creative studio to provide a premium artistic service for architects, landscape and urban designers.

What they found is that architecture firms who invest in their brand and would like to separate themselves from the pack are looking for much better quality renders than those the standard market can offer.

At the same time, limited budgets usually don't allow them to work with the large studios and they are also looking for a more personalised service with consistent quality and good communication that the big studios simply can't provide.

They decided to combine the best of both worlds and go even further: their quality standards genuinely compete with the best that the market has to offer and they also focus on creating fruitful partnerships through close collaboration and premium communication, instead of the hit-and-run attitude seen so much of in the ‘archvis’ industry.

The aspects many architects wish to evoke, which most outsourced 3D renderers fail to convey, are intangible: an iconic atmosphere, the poetics of light and shadow, a strong sense of character which grounds the project in its particular site. Mihail and Juliana believe that 3D visuals deserve to be treated as works of art, conveying more than the limitations of CAD and BIM software at any given date or release. Wyrd Tree's approach to image making is therefore highly interdisciplinary, drawing inspiration from fields as varied as architectural illustration, classical painting, scenography, mattepainting and even video game concept art.

In their work so far they have been fortunate to assist many architectural studios – several of which are members of the AJ100 – with bespoke imagery for architectural competitions, pitch work, marketing CGI and planning applications. They are experienced in working on a variety of scales and programmes, from residential and commercial to landscape and large-scale urban plans.

In May 2019 Wyrd Tree's visuals accompanied CF Møller's proposal for the extension of the Garden City in Letchworth, nominated one of the four finalists in a competition by RIBA and winner of a World Landscape Award a year later. In 2020 their visuals accompanied AHR's proposal for the Langarth Garden Village, shortlisted in the Construction Excellence South West Awards.

This year they have been involved in producing stunning aerial views for several landscape

and urban developments in the UK and internationally – most notably for the winning entry of the Re-Imagining Railways design competition by 7N Architects.

The core team is currently based in Leighton Buzzard in Bedfordshire and consists of four members, three of which are trained and practiced architects. They also collaborate with a number of freelancers. With a focus on effective communication, the team members are quite flexible in terms of workflow and turnaround times, often combining the strategies of stand-alone architectural studios with those of project-based in-house 3D visualisation.

The technical expertise employed in producing still or animated imagery includes 3D modelling, texturing and rendering, as well as extensive post-production. They work closely with expert drone photographers and can assist with eye-level site photography themselves.

They like to try out different lighting settings, compositions and camera angles, allowing the client to choose the most impactful option.

They also offer a number of fully-rendered drafts before issuing the final high-resolution imagery, allowing space for comments and suggestions of improvement.

When focusing on the atmospheric qualities of a CGI they allocate time for thinking about the scenographic composition of the images: soft transitions between areas in sunlight vs shade, colour grading, the sense of scale given by people, textures and interior activities, the sense of depth given by a subtle haze or fog, as well as the sense of concrete time and place, given by weathered materials, time of the year consistency etc. All those elements combined give the images a haptic, tangible quality, which differentiates them from standard 3D renders. In achieving that character they like to experiment with several software tools or graphic tablets, combining various 2D and 3D techniques.

Wyrd Tree's goal with each project is to escape the routines and mental shortcuts imposed by the limitations of software and look at the architectural design from a new perspective – to capture its essence, understand the particularities of the place and its surroundings, experiencing those to the full and representing that fresh perspective as a standalone digital art piece that will celebrate the new and the existing, hopefully appealing to a wider audience. q • Visit Wyrd Tree at London Build on Stand A54 www.constructionnational.co.uk

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Construction progresses to allow safari park visitors to bed down among the animals WEST MIDLAND SAFARI PARK

[WORK IS PROGRESSING at speed at West Midland Safari Park in

Bewdley to develop a collection of lodges, offering luxury accomodation within a number of areas of the park. The latest phase began on site at the end of September, to provide overnight stays with giraffes and white rhinos.

The eight two-storey lodges will be integrated into the white rhino and giraffe habitats, giving guests a truly unforgettable and immersive experience.

The safari park’s managing director Chris Kelly said: “Alongside new animal facilities we will be installing eight new lodges, four of which will offer spectacular views of the white rhinos, with the other half bringing you face-to-face with our beautiful giraffes, from the second-storey balconies.”

The commencement of the second phase follows the opening of an initial development – again of eight lodges – in April, coinciding with the reopening of the park following COVID restrictions. Those lodges are integrated into newlyupdated animal habitats overlooking cheetahs and African elephants, designed to give guests an immersive and unforgettable overnight wildlife experience.

Six of the lodges offer the only overnight accommodation experience with elephants in the UK, while the other two offer incredible views of the park’s cheetahs – also the only experience of its kind in the country.

The double-storey elephant lodges are authentically themed with

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thatched roofs, accommodating up to five people. They have large, openplan living spaces with lounge, dining area and kitchenette. The spacious balconies with outdoor seating offer spectacular opportunities to watch the park’s two African elephants approach the pool in front of the lodges.

The two single-storey, detached cheetah lodges sleep up to six guests.

The living spaces feature large windows, spanning one side of the building and offering panoramic views of the cheetahs in their new habitat. A floorto-ceiling window offers similarly incredible views in the bedrooms where guests can watch cheetahs Azrael and Bappe run and play.

Project manager Neil James said: “It’s been thrilling to watch this amazing project grow into something so spectacular, and to have done it with conservation at the forefront of our minds when it came to the design and build throughout has been hugely important.

“This development will leave an incredible legacy; not only for the guests who come to stay, but also in the form of the long-lasting support it will provide for our amazing animals through revenue to continue to improve their facilities here at the park.”

West Midland Safari Park is not standing still with its plans for luxury lodges, however: there are plans for further lodges alongside the park’s Sumatran tigers. q

CITB gets support for its Levy proposals [THE CITB has gained the backing of its membership for its Levy

process and to the employers, other members and reps for your proposals to support skills and training across England, Scotland and active participation.

Wales. It follows the Consensus process, postponed from last year.

“These last 18 months have been unusually challenging for the Overall, 66% of the total number of Levy-paying employers agreed to construction sector and that is why the CITB decided to delay the the proposals, with 63% agreeing when measured by the total amount Consensus process from 2020 to 2021. I recognise that COVID-19, one of Levy paid. That figure was down from the 77% who voted in favour of the key factors for the postponement, has not gone away. Therefore the last time the Consensus process was carried out in 2017. the sector’s willingness to engage with the CITB is even more valuable.

The result was based on submissions from the 14 Prescribed “I know that the CITB will relish returning its entire focus to delivering Organisations (POs) – trade bodies representing employers across the skills provision for the construction sector at a time when it is more industry – and an independent survey of 4,000 crucial than ever. I also want to welcome Tim employers who were not members of POs. Of Balcon in his new role as CITB CEO and thank the Prescribed Organisations, 11 supported Sarah Beale for the great work she has done the Levy proposals and three voted against, for many years in leading the CITB.” compared to four voting against in 2017.

Brian Berry, chief executive of the Tim Balcon, CITB’s new chief executive, Federation of Master Builders (FMB), which commented: “It’s good that so much of what represents SME firms and voted in favour, employers are asking for is already in the welcomed the approval, but said the results Business Plan, so we need to make support demonstrated the CITB needed to work harder easier to access and understand and to keep to engage smaller businesses. the sector better informed.

He said: “The FMB is passionate about “CITB is committed to maximising the value of supporting its members to attract new people the Levy for employers, providing practical and into the industry, from all backgrounds, and financial support for everyday training needs as train existing workers in the skills they will well as tackling long-term skills needs.” need for the future. It recognises the role His predecessor Sarah Beale added: “At an of the CITB as a co-ordinating body to help extremely tough time construction employers the industry deliver on its skills needs, and have demonstrated that they still believe while I welcome the Consensus outcome, that the Levy and grant system is critical in my members expect better results from their Gillian Keegan, addressing the industry’s skill needs and their training body.

Apprenticeships and Skills Minister support for the Levy proposals.”

“It is concerning that the perception of The provisional result will now be taken to CITB’s performance and value of the Levy is the Secretary of State for Education to make the final decision on the poorest amongst the smallest firms. I welcome the CITB’s commitment issue of a new, three-year Levy Order which, if approved, will be issued to work with the FMB to address our fundamental worries about the for 2022-2025. It will see the Levy continue at 0.35% for PAYE and way CITB communicates, making access to CITB support easier and 1.25% for Net paid (Taxable) CIS sub-contractors. more transparent for micro firms, bringing greater benefits to small Apprenticeships and Skills Minister Gillian Keegan said: “My employers and ensuring fairness of process so that everyone who thanks go out to both the staff at the CITB for facilitating a complex should pay the Levy does so.” q

“

My thanks go out to both the staff at the CITB for facilitating a complex process and to the employers, other members and reps for your active participation.

”

New centre has the resources to MET industry challenges [ THE £9M, state-of-the-art Construction and Trades Centre at Greater Brighton Metropolitan College – known locally as the MET – is purpose-built to support professional learning.

Opened in late 2017, the newly-refurbished workshops are equipped with industry-grade equipment, tools and materials for the area’s construction and trades learners.

Students from a range of vocations are supported by highly-qualified tutors in large reallife workshop environments, developing the skills that will help them thrive in their future careers.

The UK construction industry is worth over £110bn per annum and is constantly changing and developing, making it an exciting industry in which to grow a career. To meet that challenge, the MET offers a range of accredited

qualifications and apprenticeships in many construction-based disciplines, including: • Carpentry and joinery • Plumbing • Electrical installation • Painting and decorating • Motor vehicle and aircraft maintenance • Engineering The courses contain both practical and academic elements and are taught by expert tutors who understand the knowledge and skills required by industry. One of them, Ronnie, commented: “We encourage our learners to prove they have what it takes to be successful in their chosen career path. It’s not simply about turning spanners and replacing parts, but involves problem-solving. It is our privilege to

pass on our years of knowledge and experience to those who will later become the new generation of technicians.”

The engineering department boasts state-ofthe-art technology and software in high-tech workshops and classrooms. Recent students worked on a range of projects in fields as varied as medical equipment, offshore renewable energy, oil and gas systems, aerospace, engine design and development, and general production manufacturing. q • Anyone interested in studying a construction qualification at Greater Brighton MET can visit the website at www.gbmc.ac.uk, or contact the admissions team on 01273 667788; email admissions@gbmc.ac.uk www.constructionnational.co.uk

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Construction training courses and/or apprenticeships are available at the following colleges: Abingdon & Witney College

Tel: 01235 555 585 E: apprenticeships@abingdon-witney.ac.uk W: www.abingdon-witney.ac.uk

Greater Brighton Metropolitan College

Tel: 01273 667788 E: admissions@gbmc.ac.uk W: www.gbmc.ac.uk

Wootton Road, Abingdon OX14 1GG

Central Brighton Campus Pelham Street, Brighton BN1 4FA

Bath College T: 01225 312 191

Kirklees College

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

City Centre Campus, Avon Street, Bath BA1 1UP

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

Somer Valley Campus, Wells Road, Radstock BA3 3RW

Brunel Construction Centre, Old Fieldhouse Ln, Leeds Rd, Huddersfield HD2 1AG

Bradford College

Leeds College of Building

Great Horton Road, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD7 1AY

North Street, Leeds LS2 7QT

Bridgwater & Taunton College

Accrington and Rossendale College Nelson & Colne College Group

Tel: 01274 088088 E: information@bradfordcollege.ac.uk W: www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk

T: 0113 222 6041 E: info@lcb.ac.uk W: www.lcb.ac.uk

T: 01278 655111 E: business@btc.ac.uk W: www.btc.ac.uk

T: 01282 440319 E: apprenticeships@nelsongroup.ac.uk W: www.accross.ac.uk and www.nelsongroup.ac.uk

Bath Road, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 4PZ

Accrington and Rossendale College, Sandy Lane, Accrington BB5 2AR

City College Southampton

T: 0330 135 9000

Tel: 023 8048 4848 E: enquiries@southampton-city.ac.uk W: www.southampton-city.ac.uk

E: info@ncclondon.ac.uk

St Mary Street, Southampton SO14 1AR

Epping Forest | Hackney | Havering | Redbridge | Tower Hamlets

W: www.ncclondon.ac.uk

New College Durham CCG Training Apprenticeships ccgtraining.ac.uk

crawley.ac.uk 01293 442333

chichester.ac.uk 01293 812948

Dundee & Angus College

T: 0191 375 4000 E: help@newdur.ac.uk W: www.newcollegedurham.ac.uk New College Durham, Framwellgate Moor Campus, Durham DH1 5ES

UCSA

Arbroath Campus, Keptie Road, Arbroath DD11 3EA

University Campus St Albans T: 01727 737000 E: Celeste.jones@oaklands.ac.uk W: www.uc-sa.co.uk

Kingsway Campus, Old Glamis Road, Dundee DD3 8LE

Oaklands College, Hatfield Road Oaklands, St Albans AL4 0JA

Tel: 0300 123 1036 W: www.dundeeandangus.ac.uk E: heretohelp@dundeeandangus.ac.uk

Fife College

Tel: 0344 248 0132 E: sales@fife.ac.uk W: www.fife.ac.uk Pittsburgh Road, Dunfermline, Fife KY11 8DY

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T Level providers get boost to upgrade buildings [

THE DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION has announced a £50m investment package for colleges, schools and sixth forms delivering the new T Levels across England from 2022, to allow them to improve and expand teaching spaces and facilities.

The new T Levels are equivalent to three A Levels and combine classroom study with industry placements, so students gain the skills businesses need allowing them to go straight into the workplace, onto an apprenticeship or further study. Among new subjects being added from September is an Onsite Construction course. It will join the existing courses in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction and Design and Development.

The new funding will ensure students have

world-class facilities when studying for T Levels, helping to transform the provision of technical education to help fill local skills gaps and level up opportunities across the country. It will be used to refurbish buildings and facilities, including upgrading classrooms and creating specialist spaces such as teaching wards, and building or improving laboratories for health and science students.

Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills, Gillian Keegan, said: “T Levels are a game changer for young people, providing a highquality technical equivalent to A Levels that have been designed hand-in-hand with leading employers, so students and businesses can be sure they will get the skills they need to thrive in a high-tech economy.

“This multi-million-pound investment will mean even more students will benefit from world-class facilities, giving them access to brilliant new buildings that will help them get ready for the world of work.”

David Hughes, chief executive of the Association of Colleges, spoke on behalf of the many colleges who will benefit.

He said: “I welcome the fact that the government is continuing to invest in up-todate buildings and facilities for these courses and students. T Levels form a key part of the government’s reforms to revolutionise skills and technical education, providing students with the skills and experience they need to progress into well-paid jobs, further study or an apprenticeship.” q

Top construction trainees named for 2021 SkillBuild finals [

TOP CONSTRUCTION TRAINEES from across the UK have been named as competitors at CITB’s SkillBuild National Finals 2021. In total, 54 finalists made it through qualifying rounds held remotely at their colleges during the summer.

They will battle it out from 16-18 November at SkillBuild, the UK’s largest multi-trade construction competition. The competition will take place at the National Construction College, Bircham Newton, Norfolk in partnership with WorldSkills UK. The finalists have been named in a full range of skills: Bricklaying, Carpentry, Furniture and Cabinetmaking, Joinery, Painting and Decorating,

Plastering, Plastering and Drywall Systems, Stonemasonry, and Wall and Floor Tiling.

Unlike typical SkillBuild National Finals, there will unfortunately be no audience participation this year; however, accompanying adults and a small selection of invited guests will be permitted to attend.

The international competition WorldSkills UK will not be running its multi-sector live event at the NEC this year, with individual competition organisers such as SkillBuild being asked to consider running their own events. WorldSkills takes place every two years and will hold its delayed 2020 event in Shanghai next year. q

Partnership working is the driver for training in Somerset [

WITHIN THE construction industry, colleges and other training providers have been pivotal in the training, upskilling, recruitment and retention of the skilled workers required to enable major projects to be undertaken – and Bridgwater & Taunton College (BTC) has an enviable track record of collaboration with partner organisations to address those requirements and fill skills gaps.

With strong evidence of quality and innovation in responding quickly and effectively to industry demand, together with its effective stakeholder partnerships, over the years BTC has attracted substantial private investment in its state-of-the-art, industry-led facilities for technical and professional skills training.

The Construction Skills and Innovation Centre (CSIC), located on the college’s Cannington campus, was built in partnership between the college, Heart of the South West LEP and EDF Energy. Built for the training and upskilling of the construction workforce and civil engineers, the centre replicates a real-life construction site, with industry-standard plant, machinery and equipment.

Construction site behaviours and standards are embedded into learning around specific technical knowledge and skills. The centre

provides critical skills training and apprenticeships for infrastructure construction, including nuclear new build – specialising in groundworks, steel fixing, formwork, water utilities, slinging and lifting, lifting supervision and Appointed Person, plus Site Supervision and Management courses and many CPCS plant categories.

CSIC is also home to Construction Live! – an exciting and unique experimental programme offering groups of delegates the opportunity to experience what it is like to work on a construction site.

BTC continues to respond to local, regional and national skills agendas in a positive way, maximising the response for businesses looking to upskill their staff or find highly-skilled new talent. Its unique model puts employers at the heart of its structure, ensuring courses and qualifications are based on industry need, to help fill skills shortages with highly-trained personnel to meet employer requirements, and is playing a pivotal role in shaping local, regional and even national policy. q • To talk about partnership working, contact the BTC Business Development team on 01278 655111; email business@btc.ac.uk www.constructionnational.co.uk

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100 not out: NASC reaches guidance milestone [

THERE ARE NOW more than 100 NASC titles available for purchase via the confederation’s online shop.

Guidance notes are split into a number of categories, including Health & Safety, Technical, Contractual, Asset Protection and Product Purchasing.

The comprehensive reference library is constantly reviewed and updated to ensure titles are up to date and fit for purpose.

Robin James, NASC managing director, said: “The NASC is proud to have reached this guidance milestone. The 100+ titles now available via the NASC shop provide invaluable assistance to scaffolding contractors on a wide variety of topics.

“These titles are produced and regularly updated by NASC members sitting on the various NASC committees, who give their time and experience free of charge to help create guidance that can be used by everyone working in the scaffolding industry.

“As the NASC is the UK’s trade body for access and scaffolding, much of the NASC’s guidance – including all Health & Safety titles – can be downloaded for free via the NASC website.”

For a free NASC Guidance Index visit www.nasc.org.uk q

Appointing a scaffolding contractor [PROCURING, APPOINTING AND MANAGING scaffolding contracts can be difficult at the best of times. That’s why the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation has published a new free guidance note aimed at making these tasks as clear as possible.

The simple, go-to guide, appropriately named SG39-21 Guidance on Appointing a Scaffolding Contractor, is intended to be used in conjunction with the NASC’s comprehensive scaffolding management guide, updated in December 2020. Both can be downloaded for free via the NASC website.

Lynn Way, NASC president, said: “For many

main contractors, specifying the criteria for a scaffolding contract at tender/pre-contract stage can be as onerous and uncertain a task as trying to manage the operations of an appointed scaffolding contractor.

“The information contained within this guidance will be of great assistance to those procuring, appointing and managing scaffolding contracts. It should help ensure that the correct and up-to-date scaffolding standards are incorporated into relevant contract documentation and further require that appointed scaffolding contractors adopt recognised scaffolding industry good practice on their site(s).”

Why do you need these guides?

Peace of mind is a good place to start. Under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations principal contractors and contractors have an important role in managing health and safety risks during the construction phase.

Among their duties, they are required to check that anyone they appoint has the skills, knowledge, experience and, where relevant, the organisational capability to carry out their work safely and without risk to health.

These guides have been prepared by the NASC to improve the quality of the scaffolding structures erected on construction sites and other works of engineering maintenance in accordance with current legislation, guidance and protocol and to minimise the risk of accident or injury to operatives working on or near the scaffold and the general public. q

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Incentive for Forces personnel [

EX-FORCES PERSONNEL now have another great reason to take up a career in scaffolding – free training through the NASC’s Armed Forces Training Fund.

This £150,000 pot is dedicated to the training and upskilling of former Armed Forces personnel. Former servicemen can receive the full cost of becoming a qualified scaffolder: undertaking the CISRS Scaffolder Training Scheme – COTS, Part1, Part2, VQ2 and Skills Tests.

Alternatively, they can receive up to £1,000 towards non-operative training. This can cover the cost or partial cost of one course or several shorter duration courses and can be used in full on one individual or smaller payments on several individuals.

Eligible candidates can either be in the process of leaving the Armed Forces or could have left in the past five years.

To gain the funding, all ex-Forces personnel need to do is take up a position at an NASC Contractor member company. Current vacancies can be found on the Scaffolding Careers website at www.scaffoldingcareers.nasc.org.uk.

Service leavers can also search for Contractor members in their area by visiting the NASC website at www.nasc.org.uk, clicking the Find a Member box at the top of the page and entering their postcode. q

CISRS appoints compliance manager [

THE Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) has strengthened its management team through the appointment of a hugely experienced scaffolding industry professional.

Tony Barry (pictured) has worked in the industry for 40 years – the most recent 20 of which have been with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). He takes up the position of CISRS compliance manager.

In his new role Tony will have the primary responsibility for the development and review of course content, scheme accreditation criteria, auditing procedure and scheme policy, ensuring that they remain high quality, cost effective and ‘fit for purpose’.

Tony will also be heavily involved with the Scaffolding Apprentice Trailblazer review due to take place later this year. Having delivered many apprenticeship programmes over the years he will no doubt offer a unique insight into the training and assessment process.

Talking about his CISRS role, he said: “I’m looking forward to promoting the scaffolding industry as an exciting opportunity for all to become competent, valued and skilled members of the construction industry workforce.

“I’m also relishing the opportunity to review CISRS scheme content.

Standardised training such as the CISRS Scheme helps ensure a safe working environment through continually looking to enhance the training requirements to mirror new industry innovations and development.”

Tony will work closely with CISRS managing director Dave Mosley in his new role.

Tony started working with NCC Midlands (CITB) around 20 years ago, about the same time Dave Mosley

began working with CISRS. They have worked together on several working parties over the years and already have a good working relationship Dave said: “Myself, the directors and the CISRS staff are really pleased to have Tony on the team. He has a wealth of industry knowledge and experience which will be a massive boost to CISRS. “He has really hit the ground running, currently revising the CISRS training modules to reflect the changes to TG20. There is plenty more to come with course content and scheme accreditation reviews in the pipeline.

“We know he will bring the same enthusiasm, professionalism and rigour to CISRS that he has shown in his various roles at CITB in the last 20 years.” q

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Access the latest scaffolding information [

BUSINESSES CAN SECURE a wide range of benefits, including access to scaffolding expertise and discounts on NASC guidance, through gaining NASC Information membership.

NASC Information members also receive regular updates on NASC activities and outputs, such as new and planned guidance, and are able to contact the NASC’s technical and health and safety advisors directly to receive support with any scaffolding-related enquiry.

Current members include BAM Construct UK Ltd, Kier Professional Services Ltd, Wates Construction Ltd and Willmott Dixon Holdings Ltd. Jamie McGuire, NASC membership manager, said: “Through NASC Information membership, businesses can gain a significant discount on all NASC guidance titles – including TG20:21 – and also keep informed of all NASC activities.

“We see membership as a starting point for a two-way conversation, enabling us to communicate directly with key construction industry decision makers and also respond quickly to any questions and requests they might have.

“We are focusing on adding more value to this category of membership. We want more service providers to join so we can provide them with important information and guidance, and should they wish they can offer our full members more incentives, which will increase the overall value of NASC membership for all.”

For more on Information membership please visit the NASC website at www.nasc.org.uk and click ‘join’. q

Scaffolding fall leads to fine for shopfitting firm [ A SHOPFITTING COMPANY has been fined after an employee

suffered numerous fractures after falling 15ft from scaffolding.

Manchester Magistrates Court heard how, on 24 October 2019, an employee of the shopfitters was working from a tower scaffold at the front of a shoe store in the Trafford Centre, Manchester, when the scaffold moved, throwing him off balance. He fell backwards against the safety rail of the scaffold, which gave way and he fell 15ft to the ground. The employee suffered 10 fractured ribs, a fractured shoulder and a collapsed lung.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the safety rail had not been fixed in place correctly, causing it to give way when the employee fell against it. It also found that the tower scaffold had not been erected by somebody with the appropriate skills, knowledge and training. If the edge protection had been suitable and sufficient and the tower constructed by somebody competent to erect tower scaffolds, the incident could have been prevented.

The company pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. They were fined £18,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4,623.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Seve Gomez-Aspron said: “Falls from height remain one of the most common causes of work-related fatalities and severe injuries in this country. The risks associated with work at height are well known. This incident could so easily have been avoided by ensuring that suitable and sufficient edge protection had been used and qualified people had been on site to erect a tower scaffold.” q

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Association looks to promote modular at education expo [

ONE OF THE eagerly-anticipated seminar sessions at October’s Education Estates show in Manchester will be on Modern Methods of Construction. The session will be chaired by Andy King, technical chair of the Modular and Portable Building Association (MPBA). And the MPBA will be out in force at what is recognised as the major annual gathering of the education community to explore new ways of shaping the educational environment.

The MPBA itself will be available in the Education Estates lounge area and a number of leading members will be exhibiting. The association is encouraging those involved in specifying, designing and constructing schools, colleges and universities to come along and meet the technical team to find out not only about the speed, quality and sustainability benefits but also how a modular approach can overcome many practical and financial constraints.

North’s largest modular homes scheme sees £19.5m investment

Chief executive of the MPBA Jackie Maginnis commented: “Modular approaches are now acknowledged as revolutionising the construction industry, particularly in the education sector. Making up 60-70% of the offsite market, modular solutions arguably form a modern method of construction that is experiencing an entirely different growth trend to that of panelised offsite approaches. The surge in demand for modular technology goes hand-in-hand with an increase in investment which in turn drives innovation.”

Education buildings are critically important. The physical and social environment in which students and staff spend a high proportion of their time has profound effects on their physical, emotional and mental health as well as affecting their attainment.

For most education providers, however, creating new spaces is not a straightforward task – there are many practical and financial constraints to consider.

Jackie Maginnis continued: “As the construction industry starts to emerge from this pandemic, it’s important we lay the foundations for a more rapid and sustainable building programme, where the focus is on quality and delivering education facilities that are fit for the future. To assist, the MPBA has launched a new Training Centre and education programmes where young and mature students can learn key skills relevant to the industry.”

The facility, which is located in Coventry, offers a comfortable environment for knowledge sharing, away from the pressures of the workplace. The Training Centre provides the MPBA with the ability to deliver a consistent high level of informative technical and best practice programmes for its members. q • Education Estates will be taking place from 12-13 October at Manchester Central.

[

SOCIAL HOUSING PROVIDER Beyond Housing is partnering with Harrogate-based Canvas Homes to construct 117 family-ready and ecofriendly modular homes in Stockton-on-Tees.

The £19.5m investment will deliver 51 homes for affordable rent, 34 for shared ownership and 32 for rent-to-buy on the Princeton Drive development site – the biggest modular homes scheme in the North of England. Each floor will be constructed off-site under controlled factory conditions then transported and craned into position. In addition to the high-quality materials with high thermal performance being used, the construction of the homes off-site will reduce waste, noise pollution and disruption, making it an environmentally friendly and efficient way to build homes.

Canvas Homes is using recycled steel piles from de-commissioned North Sea oil platforms and pioneering pre-cast foundations which are also made off-site.

Frances Barlow, development manager at Beyond Housing (pictured with members of the construction team), said: “We are committed to building quality homes in desirable neighbourhoods and we are sure that these new family homes in Stockton will be highly sought-after additions to the area.

“We are pleased to be working with Canvas Homes to deliver these eco-friendly modular homes, and as they are largely constructed offsite, we can minimise site disruption and reduce waste while keeping a focus on sustainability.”

James Mottram, CEO of Canvas Homes, said: “Britain is slowly becoming aware of the pioneering work being delivered by Stockton Borough Council and Mayor Ben Houchen to regenerate Stockton and the wider Tees Valley. We passionately believe this new development of highquality homes will complement the exceptional regeneration work being delivered in Stockton town centre.” q www.constructionnational.co.uk

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Choose crime prevention over crime cure for your vacant site, security body urges

[

IT IS NO SURPRISE THAT, as the pandemic hit and lockdowns were introduced, the numbers of vacant properties grew exponentially. In fact, even in April this year – a full year on from the first lockdown – the BBC reported that one in seven shops lies empty.

This crisis has not been simply down to changes in retail habits or government regulations. Without the bustle and daily business brought by office workers to the local sandwich bars, pubs, dry cleaners, hairdressers and a host of other small retail outlets in the business districts of our towns and cities, they have become redundant, and some streets seem creepily deserted – like a scene from some post-apocalypse movie.

These past 18 months have been both sad and very worrying, as everyone suffers: tenants and landlords, not to mention the neighbouring properties where businesses are trying to keep going and attract customers again.

Gideon Reichental, commercial sales manager of Clearway Services and chair of the Vacant Property Protection section of the British Security Industries Association (BSIA), remarked on the impact of large-scale vacant property left by the lockdowns: “We’ve seen premises vandalised, fly-tipped, squatted, metal fixtures and roof coverings stolen for scrap – just about everything. We’ve been hard put to keep up with demand to secure buildings for our clients, and unfortunately many have turned to us after the damage has been done…and of course that makes it even more expensive for them to get decent insurance cover.”

the-clock protection, the help of technology and monitoring stations is vital. For unoccupied properties, security presence can prove even more valuable. Prevention is better than cure, as the old saying goes.

And construction sites are witnessing an increase in criminal activity: even prior to the lockdowns and quieter streets the industry was suffering losses of £800m from tool thefts, vandalism, fly-tipping, metal theft and more.

So, what can be done?

It’s important to evaluate your security provider and what they can offer, especially as your insurance premiums can depend on it – not to mention the fact that each solution is bespoke based on your requirements.

Unoccupied properties require specialist security and maintenance in order to meet the requirements stipulated by specialist insurance providers.

Security posters can act as a great deterrent, as can basic physical security measures; but out-of-hours when no one is on site, or perhaps if someone won’t be on site for a while, vacant property protection solutions may come in handy.

So how does that impact the construction industry?

At a time when discussions are focused on moving forward and what should be built next – whether shops, offices or residential buildings – or querying if the demand for these is returning to normal levels pre-pandemic, there has never been a more important time to think about security measures.

Physical security has always been a broad term comprising a range of security products, including the basics: locks, gates, shutters and fencing, which have long been the backbone of security. But for businesses who need around-

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Vacant property services are designed to protect the integrity and value of commercial vacant properties in the UK, and give you the peace of mind that your buildings are secure at all times. Services can range from vacant property clearance, protection against intruders, waste removal and extreme cleaning, to vacant property security for insurance compliance.

Site inspections, temporary video surveillance

and CCTV help provide a presence when there otherwise wouldn’t be – and not always for the reasons you first think of. In a recent interview with one BSIA member’s alarm receiving centres, they reported that their camera operators noticed the incursion of a herd of cows onto a non-occupied parking lot.

On-site speakers and sirens provided enough noise to shift the herd onwards, with little to no disruption or damage to the property: definitely one of the lighter stories the association has come across.

According to the Construction Equipment Association (CEA), intruder incidents are said to have soared by 50% over some months in 2020.

The BSIA itself commented: “If there’s something we have learnt from the time watching the popular app TikTok boom over lockdown, it is that lighting and camera positioning matter – which goes for security equipment placing, too; just on a larger scale and not necessarily via a smartphone.

“Whatever solutions you choose, always remember to do your research first so you understand what your business needs. Don’t be afraid to ask a number of companies for case studies or query their accreditations – after all it’s those preventative measures which can help save time and finances later down the line.”

That sentiment was echoed by James Fee, managing director of BSIA member First Response Group’s risk management section.

“We always recommend a full site survey to assess your specific risks and vulnerabilities,” he explained, “but there are a number of key security measures we always recommend, to keep youths, thieves and vandals out of your construction site or vacant property.

“Firstly, ensure strong perimeter protection and secure all access points such as gates, doors and turnstiles. Detection in the grounds and within buildings is vital to quickly identify any trespassers on site and minimise damage or loss.

“Make sure you remove all internal and external combustibles to prevent arson. And finally, make sure you have prominent warning signage to deter criminal and antisocial behaviour.” q

Securing empty properties is more important than ever [

THE SAFETY AND SECURITY of a vacant commercial property is incredibly important as it can be an easy target for the four major threats to a void property: fire, theft, squatters and vandalism.

Property owners should ensure that appropriate safety measures are considered, together with regular void property inspections that may be required by their insurers.

Site security and barrier experts Maltaward provide a vacant property service that safeguards and protects commercial spaces 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week. They employ proven techniques to minimise the threat of invasion of premises by unauthorised intruders or squatters and can provide a clear-up service if the property requires it once they are removed.

Maltaward offers a range of different security services, including the hire of temporary fencing, the hire of concrete barriers and vehicle gates which protects the site from unauthorised vehicular access, the hire of metal window shutters, steel security doors, concrete bollards, wireless CCTV and alarm systems, dog handlers, abandoned vehicle removal and more – all contributing to keeping properties safe at all times.

Maltaward’s operations manager Jim Treacy explained: “When you are in possession of a vacant commercial property it can be difficult to check up on the property regularly, particularly if you have a busy day-

to-day schedule. It is extremely important to keep checking on a vacant property, or at the very least to impose a variety of security measures onto that property –­ otherwise you can face several issues when you eventually come to sell or use the property.

“If your commercial property falls victim to squatters or trespassers, we have both male and female bailiffs available and can serve notice from Monday to Friday – and even evict on a Saturday in extreme cases.

We provide a range of services to vacant properties throughout the UK.” For more information about Maltaward’s vacant property protection or any other services they provide, call 0800 043 2742 or email admin@maltaward.co.uk. q

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Vacant asset security: how to get it right JAMES FEE, managing director of FRG Risk Management, a division of one of the UK’s leading security providers First Response Group, guides us through the five essential steps of vacant property security.

[

WHEN ACQUIRING PROPERTIES or land for redevelopment or demolition there is an urgent requirement to secure the site, ensuring insurance cover is maintained and the market value preserved until the construction project begins.

Your security providers should take ownership of specific asset security insurance requirements, but it is essential for all developers to have an understanding of the core steps needed to ensure compliance obligations are met in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible.

1. Choose a respected and experienced security company The most important decision you will make when protecting a distressed asset is choosing the right security provider.

There is often a play off between choosing a large security company, which may prove the most cost-efficient but risks being ‘just a number’ when it comes to service, or going with a smaller, specialist provider who may not be able to self-deliver the range services you require on a national scale.

Here’s where FRG Risk Management comes in. As an insurerapproved security provider our clients receive the benefits of a dedicated division with genuine expertise delivering vacant property security and safety services, ensuring compliance with insurers’ risk improvement notices across residential and commercial assets while they await development.

In addition, by being part of a leading security provider, First Response Group, our clients also have the reassurance of a wellestablished national company that offers more than the standard vacant property protection provider.

2. Risk assessment After any immediate security cover is organised your security provider must perform a complete security risk assessment of the site and recommend risk reduction measures in line with insurance industry compliance requirements and to minimise the risk of theft or damage to the asset. FRG conduct detailed site risk assessments following industry best practice to deliver reliable and realistic risk mitigation advice – and it is all free with no obligation. Our customers find our thorough and responsive style drives value through their business.

3. Clear, clean and secure A vital step in the security process is ensuring the asset is clear of all rubbish, clean and locked up. This involves responsibly disposing of confidential waste, hazardous materials, disconnecting the utilities, draining down water systems, changing the locks and sealing the letterbox.

If the property is identified as high-risk during the risk assessment steel screens, steel doors and concrete barriers can be installed to add an additional layer of defence against criminals, unauthorised encampments and urban explorers.

4. Security personnel and surveillance Enhanced protection for your site can be provided by security officers and dog handler units or by using temporary CCTV surveillance technology – and often a combination of both is needed.

When security companies are new to the market or specialise in vacant property security they often sub-contract these services which raises costs and gives you less control over standards. Using a larger company, such as FRG, who self-deliver their technology and manned security services, helps manage cost and improves quality.

The importance of maintaining control of standards was highlighted when an unauthorised encampment breached a vacant unit in Liverpool and FRG received a late-night call from a stakeholder concerned about the ability of the incumbent security provider to handle the situation effectively. Within two hours our dog handler teams were on site and found the incumbent security provider’s dog handler using a lame dog not fit for duty and the handler was without a visible SIA licence or a uniform.

Not only was this a complete breach of professional standards but the client was paying 50p an hour more than FRG’s dog handler rate.

5. Ongoing inspections and maintenance Often a condition of insurance policies is regular inspections of the asset to ensure the right risk reduction requirements are in place throughout the cover. Inspections also flag up maintenance issues which if left unattended can affect the market value of the asset.

The added value of using a multi-disciplinary security provider like FRG means that when issues arise our dedicated Helpdesk proactively contacts the client with the condition report and a fully costed solution.

Once approved, our security teams or FM division then resolve the problem to an agreed timescale with minimal client involvement.

This time and cost-efficient approach has simplified vacant asset management for hundreds of our customers. q www.constructionnational.co.uk

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Remote system reduces costs while improving security

[

THEFT OF EQUIPMENT from construction sites has become a form of organised crime. In January this year a criminal gang was convicted in a Belgian court over a multimillion-euro series of crane, excavator and trailer thefts. The haul – including a €440,000 cement pumping truck and €50,000 worth of trailers – were stolen, then resprayed and sold to unsuspecting customers across the UK and Ireland. The Construction Equipment Association, which runs the CESAR scheme, reported a 50% rise in plant theft during COVID-19 lockdowns last year.

Specialist temporary security provider VPS Group, however, is witnessing an important trend to prevent such thefts, with a dramatic switch from human patrols to guardless systems. Sites that employed traditional security guards have started to switch to more modern technologies, and have not only found savings of over 60% on security budgets, but also an improved, more comprehensive security solution that protects sites 24/7.

“The pandemic has meant delays or temporary closure of some building projects; plus they have to operate in a COVID-secure environment,” says Mike Fitzgerald, sales director for construction and infrastructure at VPS UK. “Security guards have always been the conventional approach for the building sector, but latest technological solutions have really proven themselves, with a definite switch to systems comprising CCTV – like the VPS Smart Tower – as the preferred choice now.”

CCTV and video verification systems like the VPS Smart Tower and its smaller brother the Alert Tower provide many more ‘eyes’ than security guards. Combining the latest camera technologies with wireless networks, sensors and power sources, they mean that even remote sites can be monitored day and night. State-of-the-art features of the Smart Tower include rapid deployment CCTV with thermal cameras, sustainable power options such as hybrid solar and hydrogen fuel, CCTV ranges from 100m to 2km and robust wireless solutions.

“Guards and patrols may still be required, but are more efficient when deployed with the support of towers, as they help target potential

breaches,” Mike Fitzgerald explained. “High-definition videos can also provide safety audits, adding an extra layer of health and safety protection for construction workers, recording a potential danger that the site can act on before it becomes an incident.”

Construction projects have seen clusters of COVID-19 cases; but unlike when a worker catches the coronavirus, a CCTV Smart Tower can’t catch COVID, so doesn’t have to self-isolate for 14 days – and nor do the people working in close proximity to it.

Guards are only able to watch one area at one time, while VPS Smart Tower solutions can monitor a complete site, offering full protection at considerably less cost.

The Smart Towers can operate without an external power supply and they are highly flexible and modular in approach, so that as a building site changes they can be easily redeployed, adapting to the project’s development – from empty plot, demolition and construction through to fit out.

Mike Fitzgerald added: “This flexible, modular technology helps keep costs low without compromising security. It’s a great way to tailor your security requirements to each site: rapidly deployable and the weekly rental system is easy and simple to budget.”

• VPS secures more than 50,000 properties and employs over 1,200 staff in locations across the UK and mainland Europe. They specialise in both traffic management solutions and securing, maintaining and managing both occupied and temporarily vacant sites and property across a wide range of customer and industry sectors.

Core services cover the vacant, unoccupied and void property lifecycle, from an initial risk assessment to security, including guarding, monitoring, clearing, cleaning, maintenance and preparation. The services protect properties against unauthorised access and a variety of hazards such as arson, theft, squatting and unauthorised occupation. q • For more information email tellmemore@vpsgroup.com www.constructionnational.co.uk

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New surgery unit makes best use of MMCs [

A NEW SURGICAL CENTRE that is set to benefit thousands of patients a year is now open at Kent and Canterbury Hospital, part of the East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust.

The new centre has four state-of-the-art operating theatres which, together with two 24-bed wards, are dedicated to patients needing planned inpatient orthopaedic surgery – such as hip and knee replacements – and will treat around 3,500 people a year.

Susan Acott, East Kent Hospitals chief executive, said: “The new surgical centre is a really exciting investment at the hospital that will help us ensure that every patient gets the highest quality care, is treated in state-of-the-art facilities and in a timely way.”

The new centre is the second phase of a national NHS Getting it Right First Time (GIRFT) pilot in East Kent that aims to demonstrate that separating planned inpatient orthopaedic operations from emergency care benefits both sets of patients. Where these changes have been introduced, both in East Kent and elsewhere, waiting times have been reduced and fewer operations cancelled.

In addition to the benefits that a dedicated centre of excellence brings to patients and staff, it will also free up theatres and beds at the trust’s Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother (QEQM) and William Harvey hospitals for trauma and cancer surgery.

The centre has been a number of years in the planning, involving many different teams across the trust and partners, including 2Gether Support Solutions and Wilmslow-based MMC (modern methods of construction) specialist MTX Contracts Ltd. MTX specialise in the use of innovative MMCs to deliver fast-track building solutions to the NHS and other private healthcare sectors throughout the UK. With more than 40 years of specialist healthcare experience, MTX’s fast-track construction methods reduce time on site by up to 60%, meaning faster installations with less noise and disruption, as well as a greener, more energy-efficient solution, with no compromise on quality.

Omar Yanni, East Kent Hospitals’ lead doctor for trauma and orthopaedics, enthused: “To see everybody’s hard work come to fruition is fantastic. There’s been so much passion for this project from the many teams involved, who have shown real dedication to getting the centre open for our patients.”

The new single-storey facility houses the four orthopaedic operating theatres, each with dedicated prep and anaesthetic areas, a bright and spacious reception and waiting area, an eight-bed recovery bay, offices, theatre store, staff rest and all necessary ancillary areas.

In order to proceed with the delivery of the four new orthopaedic operating theatres, MTX first had to carry out the construction of a new

medical physics building, together with the asbestos removal and full demolition works of an existing office block and the refurbishment of a full day-care surgery department.

The new theatre complex links directly into the hospital’s current ward department and is in close proximity to the recently completed day-care surgery.

A dedicated top-floor plant room has been created to support the whole scheme. Each of the four theatres is equipped with 3-metre MAT ultraclean canopies, with integrated multi-movement pendants. The integrated

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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

Construction finance from Aldermore offers fast access to working capital

www.aldermore.co.uk/constructionfinance

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

www.phoenixbrands.uk

• For more information about MTX Contracts Ltd visit www.mtxcontracts.co.uk

Helping the timber industries to come to the right decision!

www.ghanatimber.org

Suppliers and Distributors of Scaffolding and Access Equipment

www.scaffoldingsales.co.uk

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

www.nimrod-training.co.uk

Online Tradesman Search Facility & Directory

www.stockporttradesmen.com

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

pendants allowed MTX to maximise the size of the canopy, while ensuring that all four theatres fit within the site’s constraints.

To provide a high level of resilience, four dedicated duplex pumps were provided, as well as a triplex vacuum and triplex surgical air plant, with duplex filters.

The building was completely and mechanically ventilated and the design included five air handling units – one for each theatre and one for the recovery and ancillary space – and the modification of the existing system to refeed some of the refurbished areas. The project was accelerated by prefabricating elements of the build, including pump skids.

The modules for the scheme were constructed on top of a ground floor slab that was cast in situ, ensuring compliance with the structural response factor. The slab was power floated to the highest level of accuracy, to ensure a perfect finish.

The day surgery refurbishment works had to be carried out within a strict timescale when the building was free of patients and staff. Therefore works in that area were carried out after hours and at weekends.

The project team were also working to an extremely tight programme and in order to achieve the required handover date, MTX’s site remained operational seven days a week.

From the project MTX also learnt that integrating pendants within the canopies allows bigger canopies to be fitted into a small room – reducing the risk of clashes with other services when being installed on site.

The MTX project team built a strong relationship with the client and ensured that client satisfaction was achieved, both aesthetically and in terms of practicality.

Professor Tim Briggs CBE, National Director of Clinical Improvement for the NHS and orthopaedic surgeon, said: “It’s a joy to see this fantastic new orthopaedic centre open, to deliver the highest quality care and exemplar outcomes for local people. You should be very proud of what you have done to deliver this.” q

First of two Northern care homes nears opening [

ARLINGTON CARE GROUP, a care provider based in Co Durham in the North East, has embarked upon a project to construct a number of purpose-built facilities.

Currently nearing completion is the first of those, Hampton Manor in Consett – a 60-bed nursing home located on the main road from Consett to the city of Durham. Built across four storeys, it will offer the very best nursing, dementia and residential facilities. The custom-built facility also boasts a cinema screen, hair and nail salon, library and bar.

All bedrooms are generously sized and feature private en suite wet rooms, with movementtriggered lighting and adaptable lighting levels.

Together with the design input from M&E specialists, the design was to minimise the home’s impact on the environment by using low-energy installations throughout. In addition, the team has created assisted/passive perimeter stack ventilation in the corridors and heat stations in each bedroom – offering a complete solution for hot water and space heating, with efficient energy transfer. The building is fitted with underfloor heating for efficiency and the wellbeing of the residents.

Company director Vinny Sandhu explained: “We wanted Hampton Manor to be designed to be a lovely place to live and work in. I strongly believe in delivering outstanding care for the elderly 24-hours-a-day with five-star accommodation to match. I’m extremely excited for the home opening and the impact it will make in the local area.

“Not only will Hampton Manor deliver a considerable amount of investment to the Consett area, it will also serve to address a recognised shortage of care beds across the area. We believe that the development of the home reflects the changing needs and expectations of caring environments. Our aim was always for Hampton Manor to become an excellent example of a modern care home environment, and one which all others will look to in the future.”

Dedicated interior designers were appointed to ensure that residents feel relaxed and safe within a homely ambiance, while still providing an environment to facilitate first-class care. The internal planning of spaces allows generous, light-filled, communal areas on every floor.

The home has been designed to exude a welcoming and homely atmosphere, as well as providing the essential elements that enable staff to deliver the high standards of care required. A significant feature is the positioning of the staff areas in close proximity to one another – enabling carers to operate effectively with minimum impact and disruption to residents.

To enrich the lives of residents living with dementia, special consideration has been given to the collaboration of finishes, signage, artwork, furnishings and lighting.

The construction is of a traditional build method, with block-and-brick walls, man-made slate roof and block-and-beam flooring systems. Mr Sandhu appointed his own construction team to undertake the build as main contractor.

Hampton Manor is due to open towards the end of this year – ready for the start on site of the next care home Kensington House and their new purpose-built head office Arlington House. There are also plans for an assisted living development with 30-plus apartments in the pipeline. q

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The ‘unseen amenity’ of our streets has evolved with our design tastes [ STREET FURNITURE could be

described as the unseen amenity of our towns, cities and – increasingly – housing developments. They form a decorative and aesthetic way of providing objects that provide a service as we go about our lives. For the weary, benches provide rest; while for the studious they offer an outdoor reading room. Litter bins offer a receptacle for the refuse we inevitably generate – saving our streets from a deluge of detritus.

What makes street furniture special is that it is more than purely servicable – it offers an opportunity to make streets attractive places to move around in.

One local authority that has specific ideas on the contribution street furniture makes to our urban environment is Maidstone Borough Council in Kent.

In its online guide for developers it states: “Street furniture, well chosen and appropriately sited, can enhance and complement their location discreetly.

Carefully considered street furniture and materials can help strengthen character, improve the quality of the streetscape and provide people with the things they need to enjoy the town. Without careful consideration, street furniture can have the opposite effect.”

That last caveat illustrates the need for street furniture to be well designed and constructed. That need has led to the development of a whole sector within the construction industry, deploying design skills and high-quality materials sourced from trusted producers.

Design is not a static entity, however, and the way tastes have developed can also be tracked in our street furniture. A discerning eye can view the dichotomy between a mature streetscape and a modern development merely from its street furniture.

The growing desire to reimagine historic townscapes has also led to a new emphasis on heritage designs for street furniture.

Maidstone BC’s guidelines recognise the positive effects street furniture can have.

The aims of street furniture are to: “Respond positively to and, where possible, enhance the local, natural or historic character of the area. Particular regard will be paid to scale, height, materials, detailing, mass, bulk, articulation and site coverage – incorporating a high-quality, modern design approach and making use of vernacular materials where appropriate.”

As well as providing an amenity, street furniture can be used strategically to deter anti-social behaviour or act to protect

residents. Examples are the placing of bollards to restrict unwanted traffic or guardrails to prevent children from running onto main roads.

Maidstone’s guidance again: “Street furniture can facilitate or encourage positive activity within the streetscape, such as seating or cycle stands. It can also prevent behaviour from occurring, such as guardrails and bollards. As a general rule, only essential street furniture shall be introduced into the streetscape.”

This latter imperative allows imaginative design and use of street furniture, for example by siting waste bins in such a way as to prevent traffic ingress – thereby negating the need for a bollard.

In recent years the emphasis on green building has pervaded all areas of construction – and street furniture provision is no exception. New street furniture must be demonstrably environment-friendly and any energy used – for lighting, for example – must be carbon miserly. q

LEDs help modern street furniture to preserve the environment [AN EXAMPLE OF a street furniture scheme that was designed with environmental

considerations uppermost was that for the new Pamela Morris building at St Clare’s College, Oxford.

The benches in the existing courtyard area were installed by Hardscaping Solutions Ltd for main contractor Benfield & Loxley. They utilised the Urbastyle LED Line 3 bench – a contemporary design that uses low emission LED lighting.

Describing the project, HSL said: “The existing courtyard was outdated and no longer served its purpose; the idea was to rejuvenate the small courtyard space by incorporating modern furniture and the use of low energy lighting. The open design and use of the narrow Urbastyle LED Line 3 benches with the subtle under-lighting has produced an area conducive to relaxation and safety.

“Utilising the narrow L-shape bench with the LED under-lights provides adequate seating without appearing to impact on the overall space. The soft lighting provided by the benches’ LED strip lights produces a comfortable seating area; the low-energy lighting solution also having a positive impact on environmental concerns.” q www.constructionnational.co.uk

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Minister commends heat pump installer course [ THE Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial

Strategy (BEIS), the Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng MP, has welcomed the launch of a new training course that will overhaul the route to becoming a heat pump installer in the UK. The new training course, launched by the Heat Pump Association (HPA), aims to equip the heating industry with the additional skills needed to deliver on the government’s target to have 600,000 heat pumps installed per year by 2028 – thus delivering low-carbon heat to hundreds of thousands of British homes.

To deliver the mass rollout of heat pumps in line with that target through to 2035 and beyond, the number of trained heat pump installers must increase steeply. The HPA estimates that by 2035 the number of installers needed will be as high as 70,000, as illustrated by the graph opposite.

Kwasi Kwarteng said: “The government is absolutely committed to working with industry to drive down the costs of heat pumps over time so they are increasingly affordable for consumers.

“While heat pumps are fast becoming a natural option for households, we need to ensure we have enough skilled tradespeople to hit our target of 600,000 installations each year by 2028 – so the Heat Pump Association setting up this training scheme is absolutely critical in this endeavour.

“Today’s news is a great example of how government and industry can work together to accelerate progress and create the high-skilled jobs needed to make homes greener and more energy efficient.”

The new course will be available for bookings across 38 training centres spread across the UK, with the ability to train over 40,000 installers each year across the HPA membership alone at maximum capacity.

The simplified heat pump training pathway has been split into two parts. First, heating installers can gain the knowledge they need to install a heat pump by taking a two-day Heat Pump Foundation Course. That will provide an overview of heat pumps in addition to

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installation guidelines, commissioning and servicing, and end user training.

Following completion of the Heat Pump Foundation Course, installers can gain an understanding of each technology type through one-day courses offered in both air source and ground source heat pumps, including hybrids, with plans to extend to other heat pump technologies.

Chair of the Heat Pump Association, Phil Hurley, commented: “Today’s launch is a landmark achievement and the HPA is proud to have worked hard with others across industry to bring this new heat pump training pathway to life. When we laid out our vision to government last year, we recognised our role in delivering training and skills, and we have successfully achieved this while working in constructive partnership with the Secretary of State and his team.

“The heat pump industry is now fully equipped to lead the way in transforming the way homes are heated to reduce carbon and lower energy bills. Importantly, we are also supporting plans to build back better through upskilling existing heating installers so that they are equipped with the tools and skills they need to allow consumers to access heat pumps as a solution to decarbonise their homes.”

Courses are being offered by HPA executive members and must be booked directly with the course provider.

Details on how heating industry professionals can find and book a course can be found on the HPA website. q

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