Construction National Autumn 2022

Protection and containment netting is a technical affair

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ACCREDITATION

BUILD 2022

TRAINING, APPRENTICESHIPS AND EDUCATION

WORKING AT HEIGHT

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

THE ROAD

HOMES

HOUSING

Constructive

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[ONE OF THE BIG ISSUES in the construction industry is the availability of a suitably trained workforce for the future.

It is an issue this publication addresses on a regular basis and this issue has a number of exciting stories to tell in that respect. Colleges across the country – from Scotland to Norfolk and from Lancashire to Devon – are modernising their construction training capabilities, while in Wales the entire Level 3 construction training system has been upgraded.

An initiative by the scaffolding industry has seen more than 70 ex-young offenders return to the world of work in that industry with the appropriate training – to the benefit of just about everybody.

In Scotland attention has turned to training the trainers. A major recruitment campaign has been running these past two years to attract suitably experienced and qualified tradespeople to become assessors, ensuring training in the industry is carried out to a satisfactory standard.

Meanwhile, apprentices across the country are to be offered access to mental health awareness training as part of an initiative by CITB, which describes a particular event where such awareness on the part of two apprentices helped to avert a disaster for one vulnerable person.

• Another big issue is the stuttering advance of the UK – and most other countries, to be fair – towards reducing reliance on carbon fuels. Again, the question of training looms large, a question posed forcefully and often by the heat pump industry.

The appointment of Liz Truss as PM was seized upon by those championing the technology to point out that the decarbonising of fuel fits in with her stated vision of Britain as a high-tech, high wage economy.

Alongside the emphasis by the previous PM on heat pumps, other non-fossil fuel sources are forcing their way on to the agenda. We hear from an industry leader how attitudes to direct electric heating have evolved over recent years to the point where the method is seen as the preferred alternative for smaller homes and apartments.

At the other end of the scale, the government has announced the site for its experimental fusion reactor – STEM. It is to be built in Nottinghamshire.

• A shining example of how the carbon footprint of a major building can be minimised is the extension and refurbishment of the remarkable building housing an equally remarkable collection: The Burrell Collection in Glasgow. The transformation is a wonder in itself, and it is home to some wondrous artefacts. The refurbishment has achieved a BREEAM rating of Excellent and crucially is future-proofed, in that plant and systems can evolve to take advantage of future developments.

• Cutting-edge design and excellence in workmanship are the qualities demanded by today’s care home operators. The best of new homes, which we have been showcasing for the past six years, provide outstanding facilities.

The industry’s own ‘Oscars’ are the Pinders Healthcare Design Awards, which celebrate not only the projects themselves, but also the manifold sectors involved in delivering these sometimes stunning buildings.

• The Pinders awards are one of three award schemes we highlight in this issue. The Chartered Institute of Building held its annual awards ceremony in September, which culminated in the highly-prestigious Construction Manager of the Year Award. Also in September, the London Construction Awards showcased the best in the industry in the capital.

• The London Construction Awards form part of London Build. But don’t worry: London Build itself doesn’t happen until November, when the great and the good from the capital’s construction industry will once more descend on Olympia London. Copies of Construction National will be on display for visitors to collect.

• Those who have followed our series of features on zoos and safari parks over the years will recognise the work of Huck Tek on our front cover. They can gain an insight into the firm’s full range of netting solutions from our cover story. q

Chris Stokes Editor, Construction National

Protection and containment netting

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HUCK TEK is a Trading Division of Huck Nets (UK) Ltd – the UK’s leading netting manufacturer.

Based in the East Midlands they are Huck’s Specialist Technical Division, offering support to the entire product range, providing solutions in high-profile steel netting, traditional textile nets and colourful steel reinforced play ropes. They develop bespoke containment systems that satisfy each individual customer’s specific needs throughout the industrial, environmental, sports and leisure markets.

containment

Catch netting

Sports netting Litter control netting

Full play park schemes

is

Fusion power: former coal station chosen for pioneer plant

[ THE GOVERNMENT has announced that the West Burton Power Station site in Nottinghamshire has been selected as the home for STEP (spherical tokamak for energy production): the UK’s prototype fusion energy plant which is scheduled to be built by 2040.

The government-backed STEP programme is expected to create thousands of highly-skilled jobs during construction and operations, as well as attracting other high-tech industries to the region, and furthering the development of science and technology capabilities nationally.

Fusion is based on the same physical reactions that power the sun and stars: the process by which two light atomic nuclei combine – releasing large amounts of energy.

The ambitious STEP programme will also commit immediately to the development of apprenticeship schemes in the region, building on the success of the UK Atomic Energy Authority’s Advanced Skills centre in Culham, Oxfordshire. Conversations with local providers and employers have already begun, with schemes to start as soon as possible.

The UK government is providing £220m of funding for the first phase of STEP, which will see the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) produce a concept design by 2024.

The STEP plant will be designed and constructed to demonstrate the ability to put net electricity into the grid. It will also pave the way to enable future commercial fusion energy plants to be commissioned and constructed.

Business and Energy Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg said: “Fusion offers unparalleled potential for clean power production, promising a future of inexhaustible energy that could unshackle us from fossil fuels and make us truly self-sufficient and secure.

“Over the decades we have established ourselves as pioneers in fusion

Waterloo Masterplan architects named

[ GRIMSHAW HAS BEEN

commissioned by Lambeth Council and Network Rail to develop the Waterloo Station Masterplan in London. The plan will set the vision for the transformation of Waterloo Station – the busiest transport hub in the UK – and the surrounding area.

The masterplan will develop a cohesive programme to enhance the experience of the 100 million passengers that pass through the Station each year, while the regeneration of the surrounding public realm will benefit local businesses and workers, stakeholders and the local community.

Kirsten Lees, managing partner and project lead for Grimshaw, said: “The Waterloo Masterplan comes at a critical moment in the future of London. Infrastructure not only needs to connect people and communities economically and socially, but also has a greater responsibility to create a more equitable, mobile and sustainable future. We are incredibly excited to work with Lambeth and Network Rail to bring this to the wider plans for Waterloo and transform the area into a truly civic hub.” q

science and I am delighted to announce an important step in that mission, replacing the West Burton coal-fired power station with a beacon of bountiful green energy. The plant will be the first of its kind, proving the commercial viability of fusion energy to the world.

“It could be an industry worth billions of pounds to the UK economy, positioning the UK to design, manufacture and export the first fleet of fusion plants, and putting us at the vanguard of a future market.”

Professor Ian Chapman, UKAEA chief executive, added: “Selecting the location of the STEP prototype plant is a huge, visible moment in the challenging and long-term endeavour of bringing fusion energy to the grid. West Burton is a natural fit for the STEP programme, with a rich industrial heritage now being developed and repurposed for a low carbon future. It really is ‘from fossil fuels to fusion’.

“We look forward to working with people in the region to develop our ambitious plans and realising broader social and economic benefits.” q

UK’s top construction managers recognised at CIOB Awards

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ON 28 SEPTEMBER the annual Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Awards were held at London’s Grosvenor Hotel, celebrating the achievements of construction leaders from across the UK. Around 600 guests gathered to celebrate the awards, which were presented to more than 20 individuals and organisations responsible for some of the most challenging construction projects – ranging from new schools and leisure centres to offices and homes.

For the first time awards were also given specifically for sustainability, together with equality, diversity and inclusion, reflecting two of the biggest challenges currently faced by the construction industry.

The most coveted award of the night, Construction Manager of the Year, was presented to Joe O’Connell for his work on Exeter’s St Sidwell’s Point Leisure Centre.

Joe was chosen following his management of the £44m project, which opened in April this year and was the first ultra-low carbon leisure centre in the UK. Its design means its energy costs are around 70% less than a more traditional leisure centre. The CIOB judges singled out Joe for his management of the large-scale project in a challenging city centre location.

He, and all the other winners, were presented with their awards by TV and radio presenter Anita Rani, pictured with Joe (centre) showing off his award and CIOB president Michael Yam.

Joe said: “It’s a privilege to have been shortlisted for the award – let alone winning it – and it’s all very unexpected. To have your professionalism recognised by other professionals from within your industry means a great deal and an award from CIOB is something to be really proud of.”

The CIOB Awards, formerly the Construction Manager of the Year Awards, first started in 1978 and celebrate the individuals behind construction projects of all sizes including residential buildings as well as those used for education, business, healthcare and leisure. They have provided a springboard for many careers, with winners having gone on to work on iconic landmarks such as Canary Wharf and The Shard.

CIOB CEO Caroline Gumble commented: “The range of talent on display at this year’s awards has been truly inspirational and it’s wonderful to see so many examples of leadership and a focus on delivering a high-quality built environment. Our congratulations go to all our winners, who are making a difference to others within the built environment sector and the communities they build for.”

Use of copper typifies modern approach to educational design

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THE ARCHITECTURAL CLARITY of a new teaching facility at Gresham’s School in Norfolk – incorporating panels of Nordic Brown Light pre-oxidised copper alongside full-height glazing – typifies an innovative approach to education.

Enabled by former Gresham’s pupil Sir James Dyson, the centre for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) education is a state-of-the-art structure at the heart of the school campus. WilkinsonEyre’s design develops and refines the evolving STEAM building typology and follows a modern aesthetic, integrating industrial components with landscaping and low energy systems.

The two-storey exposed steel frame envelopes a mixture of large panels: some glass and others Nordic Brown Light pre-oxidised copper – either opaque or with square perforations adding transparency while screening glazing behind. Some of the panels are set back within the structure, introducing landscaped open areas which can be used for outdoor teaching. Integrated planting blurs the boundaries between outside and in.

The thoroughly modern building remains sympathetic to its historic context and its scale reflects that of the 1916 school chapel across the lawn. Meanwhile, the patterns in the oxidised copper panels mirror the decorative flint details on the chapel elevation.

Yasmin Al-Ani Spence, director of WilkinsonEyre, explained: “This building will provide contemporary teaching spaces for the investigation of the sciences and the arts simultaneously, enhancing critical thinking and promoting innovation. The building itself – through the clarity and honesty of design and construction – becomes a teaching tool in its own right.”

With an area totalling 4,000m², teaching spaces are generous and filled with light. They include classrooms, laboratories, workshops, an auditorium and open-plan common spaces able to host a variety of teaching and learning uses. An inviting and interactive internal courtyard, doubling up as circulation, features an arts hub, seating area and IT point and facilities, further reinforcing the integration of art, design and science.

The building is equipped with the latest technology to ensure the highest levels of teaching, from robotics and artificial intelligence to programming and machine learning. The building will also provide greatly improved opportunities for the outreach programme which Gresham’s runs with local schools.

A growing series of building studies exemplify the best in contemporary architecture with Nordic Copper. q

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Photo: Peter Landers

St Helens transformation gets go-ahead

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A ONCE-IN-A-GENERATION transformation plan for St Helens town centre in Merseyside has been approved by the borough council’s Planning Committee.

The English Cities Fund (ECF) – a joint venture between nationwide master developer Muse, Legal & General and Homes England – will now advance detailed designs for Phase One of the exciting St Helens town centre masterplan.

It will include sustainable office space, an internationally branded hotel, new family homes, a new market hall, shops and landscaped public spaces. It is part of ECF’s 20-year strategic partnership with St Helens Borough Council.

The approved planning application includes for some demolition of existing property and outline consent for new buildings, which will allow for flexibility in further phases depending on market conditions. The proposals are aligned with the St Helens Town Centre Masterplan Development Framework, which was adopted by the council’s cabinet in February following extensive and positive community engagement.

Sustainability, along with creating a positive community legacy, is at the heart of the masterplan. The regeneration in St Helens town centre

will help address the climate crisis through the creation of sustainable buildings and transport infrastructure within carefully curated public spaces, in line with the council's net zero aspirations.

Cllr David Baines, leader of St Helens Borough Council, said: “Less than a year ago we asked the public what they thought of our plans for St Helens town centre and their overwhelming support for this project shows that this is the right plan. Gaining planning permission for this exciting first phase of development shows that, with thanks to our partnership with ECF, we are delivering on residents wishes to see our town centre revitalised at the very earliest opportunity.

“We’re now in the process of seeking to finalise the last few property purchases and we're moving as fast as we can to deliver this ambitious transformation that will once again make St Helens town centre a place to be proud of.”

Stuart Rogers, projects director at ECF, added: “Now we’ve received approval on our plans, we can continue our collective mission to bring forward new places and opportunities in the borough that will deliver real, positive benefits to communities for the long term. Our work in partnership with St Helens Borough Council will be a shining example of place-based, community-focused regeneration and we’re excited for a bright future.” q

Access 360 sets its sights on the future with new UK headquarters

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ACCESS 360, one of the UK’s leading access solutions manufacturers, will open a new headquarters in autumn in the West Midlands to significantly increase its manufacturing capabilities, facilitate greater bespoke engineering opportunities and reduce lead times.

Part of Tyman UK & Ireland, a division of Tyman Group, Access 360 provides construction professionals throughout the UK and Europe with roof, ceiling, wall and floor access products through its market-leading brands Bilco UK, Profab Access and Howe Green.

The significant investment is integral to Access 360’s long-term growth strategy, accelerating its expansion throughout the residential and

commercial markets for a diverse range of construction projects including infrastructure, healthcare and education.

Situated on the i54 Business Park, the state-of-the-art manufacturing site spans over 67,000ft2 and features the very latest in automated engineering technology to deliver the highest repeatable product quality, whilst simultaneously ensuring first-class safety for employees.

The opening of the new UK headquarters also marks a significant step forward in Access 360’s dedicated sustainability strategy as part of its continued commitment to improving the environmental efficiency of both its operations and products.

Rob Glen, managing director of Access 360, said: “This is an extremely exciting time for Access 360 as we embark on a significant new chapter in our history with the support and investment of Tyman Group.

“The opening of our new UK headquarters will enable us to substantially increase our bespoke and standard manufacturing capabilities

across our entire portfolio of roof, ceiling, wall and floor access solutions in a sustained and secure way.

“It will also facilitate opportunities for new product development across all three brands, to ensure we consistently meet architect and contractors’ project specifications to the highest possible standard.”

Access 360 has over 80 years combined experience in manufacturing and supplying the highest quality access solutions to provide construction professionals with first class safety and functionality, without compromising on aesthetics. q

Why the Common Assessment Standard is becoming commonplace

Adoption of the Common Assessment Standard has gathered pace since its rollout began in 2019, with a number of major contractors now specifying the scheme. Here Ian McKinnon, managing director of leading accreditation body CHAS, explains why now is the time for contractors who haven't yet taken the assessment to embrace the scheme.

What is the Common Assessment Standard?

Developed by Build UK, the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) and other accreditation bodies and industry experts, the Common Assessment Standard is a leading accreditation programme that is recognised industry wide. It replaces several assessment schemes with one comprehensive industry-agreed questionnaire based on existing prequalification questionnaires, including PAS 91.

As well as streamlining what was a complex, costly and repetitive system, the Common Assessment Standard helps organisations demonstrate regulatory compliance across 13 key areas of risk management, including criteria such as sustainability, diversity, equality and inclusion, and modern slavery.

The Common Assessment Standard was launched in 2019, at which time CHAS became the first assessment body to offer the scheme. CHAS has now assessed thousands of contractors to the standard via CHAS Elite, the most well-recognised accreditation of the Common Assessment Standard.

Data sharing milestone

A key milestone in the rollout of the scheme that has accelerated its adoption was the introduction of a data sharing agreement in 2021. The agreement means the details of everyone who passes the assessment can be accessed via any of the providers, regardless of which assessment body carries out the audit. For CHAS contractors, that means they only need to complete the Common Assessment Standard once a year via CHAS's intuitive, easy-to-use, online contractor portal to qualify for a wide range of work, rather than having to sign up to numerous schemes: thus saving time and money.

Meanwhile, clients looking for pre-qualified contractors simply specify the Common Assessment Standard to find contractors accredited to a single, consistent industry-agreed standard. Clients can access a database of those contractors via the services of any of the assessment bodies –such as the free CHAS Client Portal.

Who specifies the Common Assessment Standard?

The Common Assessment Standard has rapidly become the elite standard for prequalification, with many major contractors now specifying the scheme.

Within the public sector, the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has for some time asked for contractors appointed to its seven-year framework to assess their supply chains using the Common Assessment Standard; meanwhile, expected updates to Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 08/16 are likely to encourage or even mandate that contracting authorities in the public sector assess their supply chains using the Common Assessment Standard.

An up-to-date list of who specifies the Common Assessment Standard can be found at builduk.org/priorities/increasing-productivity/pre-qualification/

Qualifying for the Common Assessment Standard with CHAS Elite

It’s no surprise that so many contractors have chosen to take the Common Assessment Standard with CHAS. As well as being the founder of third-party accreditation and a trusted authority on supply chain risk management, CHAS is renowned for providing a friendly and efficient service and high customer satisfaction levels.

CHAS contractors receive additional benefits, such as access to discounted e-learning resources and free legal advice, 20% discount with Speedy Hire, free-of-charge TradePoint cards and discounted membership of Checkatrade.com. CHAS is also committed to helping contractors who are not yet ready to complete the Common Assessment Standard to work towards higher levels of accreditation.

When should you take the Common Assessment Standard?

Now is the time to take the Common Assessment Standard for contractors of all sizes as we are rapidly moving towards a situation where you won’t be able to win work without it. There are two levels of certification: desktop and site-based. Companies apply to CHAS for the certification level appropriate for their business based on factors that include trade, size and the requirements of their clients. For companies that employ fewer than 10 employees and have a turnover below £1.8m or a balance sheet totalling less than £1.8m, the assessment standards will be applied proportionately.

To find out more about qualifying for – or specifying – the Common Assessment Standard, visit www.chas.co.uk or call 0345 521 9111. q

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CHAS is the leading provider of risk prevention, compliance and supply chain management services for clients and contractors. Its aims are to standardise and simplify health and safety assessment for contractors, support organisations in efficiently managing their supply chains and deliver a full suite of supply chain management tools.

London Build: the UK’s leading construction and design show returns to Olympia London

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THE UK’S LEADING construction and design show – London Build – will return to Olympia London’s Grand Hall on 16 and 17 November with more content, networking and entertainment than ever before.

This year London Build welcomes over 35,000 visitors, 350 exhibitors and 500 speakers from contractors, developers, architects, specifiers, house builders, housing associations, civil engineers, government, suppliers and construction professionals.

Visitors can learn the latest insights and updates on major upcoming construction projects and opportunities from across the UK, with eight conference stages exploring the Future of Construction, Architecture, Sustainability, Diversity and Inclusion, Fire

Safety, BIM & Digital Construction and Skills. Visitors will have the opportunity to build their training and education with over 200 hours of CPD-accredited sessions.

This year also sees the launch of two new stages. The Architecture stage will host speakers from the UK’s biggest architectural firms, including Foster and Partners, BDP, Zaha Hadid Architects and more. Held in partnership with Architecture Social, panellists will discuss everything from Inclusive Design to The Role of Architecture in Overcoming the Housing Crisis.

London Build will also be launching its Skills Hub, where visitors can learn about the latest insights and tools the industry has to offer. There will be numerous workshops held over the two days, including Creating the

Ultimate Marketing Plan, Developing Inclusive Employment Strategies, BRE and BIM, The World of TikTok Marketing and more.

London Build 2022 will also see the return of the Architect’s Hub, where visitors will have the chance to see projects from the UK’s top architects, including Scott Brownrigg, SOM and PLP Architecture. Visitors will come face-to-face with a wide range of 3D models and designs of the most exciting projects based in London and the UK. The Architect’s Hub will also host the inaugural Architecture Social Awards, hosted by founder Stephen Drew.

The ever-popular Meet the Buyer area will showcase the latest opportunities and tenders from procurement teams at Skanska, continued on p20

New products will add to established offer

[THIS NOVEMBER, at the iconic Olympia Grand building, London Build Expo 2022 will once again see Fosroc exhibiting – on Stand C18.

This year the Fosroc team will be showcasing brand new products and services, including Nitoflor PAFS low-odour and non-taint floor coating, high-performance resin anchor Lokfix E77 and WDS –Waterproofing Design Services Ltd for PI and design assurance.

Nitoflor PAFS

The Nitoflor PAFS System 1 is a fast-cure, low-odour, polyasparticbased high-build floor coating system for indoor environments. The system provides a highly resistant, trafficable, impervious surface on concrete and cementitious substrates.

New Lokfix E77

Part of the Lokfix E range, Lokfix E77 is Fosroc’s solution for large and heavy-duty anchoring into cracked and uncracked concrete. It has industryleading strength and low partial safety factors, with a 100-year design life for rebars and fixings. Fully tested and accredited in dry, damp and flooded conditions, E77 comes with even more Fosroc DesignFiX software modules.

WDS

WDS Ltd was established by Fosroc to meet the growing demand within the marketplace for formal appointment of a specialist designer. Design

work is undertaken by qualified consultants backed by professional indemnity insurance offering a full design service.

Fosroc products have been used in the construction and repair of landmark London structures for over 80 years. To name just a few projects: Conbextra HF grout was used for the Palace of Westminster in 1980, Fosroc joint sealant was used for Wembley Stadium in the 2000s and Conbextra UW underwater grout was used in 2012 for the supporting columns of the Emirates Airline cable car.

Today Fosroc are involved in numerous new build and refurbishment projects across London, providing waterproofing solutions, concrete repair and protection, specialist grouts and joint sealants. Products are supplied through Fosroc’s distributor network, with full specification and technical support available for specifiers, engineers and architects in the early project stages. Support continues throughout installation with a 48-hour on-site support service for contractors and applicators.

Fosroc offers tailored multi-system choices that are designed to work in harmony to deliver exceptional time and cost savings through ease of application, effectiveness and longevity. Advanced products and technical expertise provide a complete solution for London’s construction projects. q

What is Secured by Design; and who is it for?

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SECURED BY DESIGN (SBD) is the official police security initiative, owned by the UK Police Service with the specific aim to reduce crime and help people live more safely.

Part of the Police Crime Prevention Initiatives portfolio, SBD was created in 1989 following the housing boom of the 1960s to 1980s, when there was a huge and urgent demand for housing. Estates were being built quickly and often cheaply without any basic security, resulting in a significant rise in burglary. In response the police service set up SBD to combat that.

SBD seeks to improve the security of buildings and their immediate surroundings to provide safe places to live, work, shop and visit. SBD work closely with builders, developers, local authorities and registered housing associations to incorporate its police crime prevention standards into developments, from initial concept and design through to construction and completion. Police forces throughout the UK have specially-trained Designing Out Crime Officers (DOCOs), who offer police designing-out crime and SBD advice free of charge.

Over one million homes and commercial properties have been built to SBD standards, with reductions in crime of up to 87%. A number of local authorities have even gone so far as to introduce SBD standards as a planning requirement.

Developers around the UK can achieve SBD awards for incorporating crime prevention measures and techniques into their developments in all kinds of building sectors, such as residential, education, health, transport, commercial, retail, sport and leisure. Indeed, SBD can be used as evidence to discharge third-party obligations under Part Q of Schedule 1 (Security) of the English Building Regulations, the Scottish Building Standard 4.13 (Security) and Welsh Building Regulations Part Q (Security – Dwellings).

Those awards are gained by working with DOCOs, who advise architects, developers and local authority planners long before construction begins – and continue to provide advice and guidance until the development is complete.

SBD Design Guides

SBD has produced a series of authoritative Design Guides to assist the building, design and construction industry to incorporate security into developments, to comply with the Building Regulations in England, Scotland and Wales and meet the requirements of SBD.

The Design Guides, available to download for free at the SBD website, have been updated over the years to keep pace with changing patterns of criminal behaviour and advances in building design and new technology.

They are a valuable source of reference for architects, developers, self-builders, local authority planners and police officers and cover a range of building sectors, including residential, education, health, transport and commercial.

Interactive 3D Design Guide

SBD also has a 3D virtual toolkit for planners, architects, surveyors, and anyone involved with designing, building and commissioning developments. Located on the SBD website, it helps to build an understanding of security in developments and highlight best practice solutions. The interactive guides available in the toolkit are based on SBD’s residential, commercial and schools guides.

A series of scenarios, such as the layout of communal spaces, use of lighting, perimeter security and landscape planting, highlight the design decisions that could increase the risk of crime and anti-social behaviour. Each scene has an alternative solution detailing the relevant standards recommended by SBD and the police service.

Architects and town planners

Architects and town planners can request a professional development session on crime prevention and designing-out crime from SBD.

The presentation content includes relevant legislation, policy and guidance; an overview of property crime trends; an evaluation of why crime occurs; and an introduction to SBD.

Product-based accreditation scheme

SBD has worked with businesses, the construction industry and standards authorities at home and abroad for many years, leading SBD to develop a product-based police accreditation scheme over 20 years ago: the Police Preferred Specification.

Products that have met the Police Preferred Specification provide reassurance to the specifier, purchaser or user that the products have been independently tested to a relevant security standard and fully certified by an independent third-party certification body recognised by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), or tested and certified by an alternative approved body such as Sold Secure or Thatcham.

The SBD focus is on the critical factors that combine to deliver a product’s performance: design, use, quality control and the ability to deter or prevent crime. Better quality means those products last longer, too: making them more cost effective and leading to greater sustainability in crime prevention. q

Costain, Balfour Beatty, SMP Alliance, BAM UK and more. Visitors should not miss out on this opportunity to increase their brand profile to potential new clients.

London Build is home to the UK’s biggest Festival of Construction and this year it is bigger than ever! There are DJs, musicians, live performances, prize giveaways, and even celebrity guests – including England football legend Kevin Keegan. There’s also the London Build Food and Drink trail, where visitors can taste and try artisan food and drink products from around the UK.

A spokesperson for organisers Oliver Kinross urged: “Be sure to check out the Built Environment Networking Hub over the two days. This year we’re offering more free-to-attend networking events than ever before co-hosted with industryleading bodies: Urbano Build, Forum for the Built Environment, Building People, Let’s Build, Building Equality, LCEC, NAWIC, Construction Sport, Mates in Mind, Zero Construct, Women in BIM, BIM Open Mic, Architecture Social, The CIOB, Salesforce and Houzz Pro.”

The Built Environment Networking Hub is also home to the UK’s largest annual networking events for Women in Construction and Diversity in Construction, where visitors can learn from an inspiring panel of industry leaders as they celebrate the successes and discuss the challenges facing AEC professionals.

Oliver Kinross’s spokesperson continued: “Network with fellow professionals and feel inspired by the diverse stories that make up one of the most exciting industries. London Build works with an incredible team of Women in Construction and Diversity in Construction Ambassadors, who are

furthering equality in the built environment. This year’s Ambassador Programme also includes the launch of the London Build Mental Health Ambassadors.

“Working in partnership with Construction Sport and Mates in Mind, the London Build Mental Health Ambassadors are working to get the sector talking, to help challenge the perceptions around mental health. Join the Mental Health in Construction Networking event on 17 November, where

you can network with the London Build Ambassadors and learn how you can help challenge the stigma surrounding mental health in the UK’s built environment.

“Needless to say, London Build is a must-attend event for every construction professional in the UK.”

The show opening times are 9.30am - 5.30pm on 16 November and 9.30am - 4.30pm on the 17th. To register for free tickets visit www.londonbuildexpo.com. q

Awards whet the appetite of showgoers

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FOR THOSE who couldn’t wait until November to sample the thrills of London Build, the show’s companion event, the London Construction Awards announced its 2022 winners at the end of September.

The winners were announced at a glittering awards ceremony in London. Hosted by awardwinning comedian Simon Brodkin – known to millions for his persona Lee Nelson – over 350 guests from across the industry watched as winners were announced in 20 categories.

The London Construction Awards celebrate the achievements, developments and innovations of London’s construction industry over the past year. Each of the shortlisted finalists had to submit their entries to a panel of industry-leading experts. The range of companies that entered was incredibly diverse and reflected the strength of the London construction industry.

The London Construction Awards are the leading construction and design awards for London, and feature a wide range of categories for solution providers, suppliers, contractors, architects, civil engineers, developers, local authorities and more.

For the full list of winners visit www.londonconstructionawards.com/finalists.

The awards were sponsored by YardLink, Vantage Building Control, JN&F, Chandler Media and Space Photo. The Charity Partner was The Lighthouse Charity. q

Find out about new risk management standards at London Build

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VISITORS TO LONDON BUILD are invited to visit Stand E88, where they can meet the CHAS team and find out more about the construction industry’s latest risk management standards.

The supply chain risk management experts will be on hand at Olympia London to discuss how they can help you stay on top of ever changing risk management standards and grow your business.

The show is an opportunity to find out about CHAS’s very latest verification product, CHAS Verified Supplier, which is tailored to help material suppliers highlight their compliance with supply chain risk management practices. Whether you are interested in specifying Verified Supplier for your supply chain, or you are a materials vendor looking to gain verification for your products, the CHAS team can explain more about how this product will help strengthen your

supply chain risk management processes.

Visitors can also learn more about the latest risk management initiatives affecting the construction industry. This includes the industry’s elite standard for prequalification –the Common Assessment Standard – as well as CHAS’s brand new Fairness, Inclusion & Respect accreditation. In addition to helping you meet latest legislation and best practice guidance, staying up to date with these standards can give your business a significant competitive edge.

Whether you’re an existing CHAS Client or CHAS Contractor or you’re interested in joining the CHAS community, make sure you visit the CHAS team on Stand E88. q

• To find out more about how CHAS can help your business, call CHAS today on 0345 521 9111 or visit www.chas.co.uk

Leadership and management skills targeted by CITB

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ON 1 SEPTEMBER CITB announced a new development opportunity for employers wanting to improve leadership and management skills across their businesses. The launch of 11 short courses, developed following industry feedback and aligned to ILM qualification standards, will provide frontline construction supervisors and managers with the skills and increased confidence needed to carry out their roles.

Whether they are site or office based, employees can access the standardised leadership and management training and receive support in areas such as leading and organising their teams, handling difficult situations and problem solving. They will also be able to tailor the training to their specific needs, choosing to take one module as a short course or adopt a ’pick and mix’ approach to learning, opting to take several different courses within the framework to benefit their personal development.

The training aims to help all Levy-registered employers, enabling them to receive between £70-£120 for each module through short duration grant support. Additionally, for those wanting to further increase personal development, they can complete the Construction ILM Level 3 Award or Certificate in Leadership and Management Practice, which continues to be available through the CITB Grant Scheme.

Further benefits come from the new range of courses being solely available through CITB’s approved training organisations (ATOs).

Employers can rest assured in the knowledge that their provider has met CITB standards, as well as benefitting from the increased flexibility in the delivery of training. For businesses keen to minimise travel time, they can participate in training at a location convenient for them, through accessing a live learning session with a tutor online.

Dawn Hillier, head of standards and qualifications strategy at CITB, said: “The new leadership and management courses offer a fantastic opportunity – not just for employees already at that level but also for those with big career ambitions, keen to progress into a supervisory or managerial role. This training could make a big impact, providing the step up someone needs.

“I’m also delighted that we have been able to launch this highlyrequested training with the financial support of the short duration grant. With an estimated demand for an additional 50,000 workers every year, it’s becoming increasingly important to develop the behavioural skills of the construction managers of today and leaders of tomorrow.”

CITB’s recently-launched Business Plan for 2022/23 highlights the importance of supporting leadership and management training to help address future skills needs. CITB’s investment in that area will support talent retention by ensuring Britain’s existing construction workforce can progress through their career feeling positive and empowered to do their job. q

First female principal and CEO commences role at Leeds College of Building

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THE FIRST female Principal and CEO of Leeds College of Building has started in post.

Nikki Davis, the college’s former Vice Principal for Teaching, Learning & Quality, takes over from Derek Whitehead who announced his retirement in February. Nikki is the first female CEO and Principal in the college’s 60-year history.

Nikki began her career in hospitality after studying a Degree in Hospitality and Business Management at Leeds Metropolitan University (now Leeds Beckett University), before completing a PGCE at Leeds Trinity University and moving into teaching.

A placement at Park Lane College (now Leeds City College) opened up further education as a career route. Nikki’s first role was as Course Leader for Business and Economics at Calderdale College in 2002, before moving back to Park Lane College as Curriculum Manager for Business and Enterprise.

The position of Head of Department at Kirklees College followed, managing various departments from Hospitality to Business Development, before progressing to Assistant Principal at York College and leading the apprenticeship programme.

A subsequent promotion to Vice Principal for Technical and Professional programmes included leading the successful bid for the Yorkshire and Humber Institute of Technology.

Nikki moved to Leeds College of Building in May 2019, just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges, the college has grown and now holds a strong position with exciting plans ahead.

Nikki said: “I’m delighted to take up this role in preparation for the new academic term, and to build on the college’s previous successes and first-rate tradition of delivering exceptional training to learners from across the UK. This is an exciting time for the college, and I very much look forward to working with students,

staff, employers and partners to ensure that Leeds College of Building delivers on its potential.”

Leeds College of Building is focused on improving diversity under Nikki’s leadership, along with promoting inclusivity and access for all to the opportunities offered by the construction sector. The college is also engaged in green and sustainable skills training to help contribute to critical national net-zero targets.

Lancs college is building for the future today

[ CHANGE IS A CONSTANT at Burnley College: its £110m campus is permanently developing and evolving, powered by a passion and a commitment to providing unrivalled facilities, unequalled opportunities and expert training for the future of everyone in Lancashire and beyond.

With the £2.5m expansion of the award-winning Fitness Evolution, a new £4m cutting-edge four-storey block dedicated to education in health and the sciences and a transformation of the breathtaking multipurpose atrium into a brand new space, it really is an exciting time.

Sustainability solutions

The college has secured £2m of funding for its Low Carbon Corridor: a hub which will help businesses transition to a greener future. Filled with technology – from air source heat pumps and electric boilers to hydrogen and battery technology, much of which is already being used on site in the new Health and Science block – it is a building designed to have as little impact on the environment as possible.

The cutting-edge educational environment will be used to train local engineers, traders and employees how to retrofit their businesses with the latest low-carbon technology.

Burnley College has received funding from the government’s Skills Development Fund as part of the Lancashire Colleges’ SDF Pilot, which supports colleges and local employers to work together to create a skilled workforce for a future low-zero carbon economy. Partner colleges are Blackburn College, Lancaster & Morecambe College and West Lancashire College.

Fitness revolution

The college’s on-site, award-winning sport and fitness facility, Fitness Evolution, is used to being in the gold medal spot: now it’s leading a different race altogether. With the opening of the £2.5m expansion, Fitness Evolution took the next step to secure its position as one of the premier providers of strength and conditioning training in the UK.

Some of the industry-leading new facilities are:

• Environmental Chamber – simulates the diverse climates of the

• world, from 12 to 40 degrees Celsius, alongside humidity control

• and altitude simulation of up to 5,000m above sea level.

• Cryotherapy Chamber – reaches staggeringly cold temperatures

• of up to minus 80 degrees Celsius, which helps to reduce

• production of the stress hormones.

• Spa – incredible spa facilities include a plunge pool, hydrot herapy

• pool, sauna, steam room and two tranquil treatment rooms.

The next stage in development is the completion of the college’s new Industry Hub, which includes a new building alongside a multimillion-pound transformation of existing facilities to ensure the engineering department has the very latest cutting-edge technology for learners and local business to train with.

The future isn’t tomorrow at Burnley College: the future is something they’re building for today. q

• For further information visit the website at www.burnley.ac.uk or call 01282 733373

The Low Carbon Hub gives business access to train on the latest sustainability focused equipment and will exhibit the cutting edge of net-zero technology

Elite training from industry experts in Fitness Evolutions, strength and conditioning gym (left). Training in the environmental suite can simulate temperatures and air pressure from the top of Mount Everest to the middle of the Sahara (right)

Graduate engineers urged to become ambassadors

[ CIVIL ENGINEERING GRADUATES

looking for a chance to advance their professional development are being encouraged by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) to sign up to be an ICE Alumni Ambassador.

In the role, volunteers will support students enrolled in civil engineering degrees, offer insight into professional life and help to enhance the student’s career prospects.

There will be a range of opportunities to choose from. For example, ambassadors could:

• Act as a tutor for students on a virtual work package to aid their

• professional development.

• Be a speaker for an ICE Career Talk, delivering an online

• presentation to give students industry insight.

• Deliver a lecture or support at an event, open day or careers fair at

• a university.

The Alumni Ambassador role looks to build on the success of activities such as the ICE Summer Project, to help connect ICE student members with other members of the institution.

Boost professional development

Graduate members will benefit from opportunities to boost their own professional development. Alumni Ambassadors can build evidence towards the ICE attributes as part of the institution’s Initial Professional Development (IPD) process. ICE will certify the contribution as IPD.

The amount of time ambassadors can expect to offer is flexible, depending on the activities volunteers choose to support. It could be as little as a few hours.

To offer their support as an ICE Alumni Ambassador, graduates should complete a form on the ICE website. ICE will then be in touch with further details. q

Experiential learning programme is now grant funded

[ CONSTRUCTIONARIUM is a not-for-profit organisation based within a 19-acre bespoke training facility in Norfolk. Over the past 19 years its core business has been to provide essential practical programmes for built environment students in higher and further education who lack practical application by ‘turning theory Into practice’.

With over 26 institutions attending year-on-year from the UK and US, its success has seen over 14,000 students take part in this unique learning experience since 2003. Working as part of a team to construct a scaled replica of an iconic project from around the world, students have learnt technical, practical and employability skills in an environment that replicates the industry in which they are headed.

When the pandemic struck Constructionarium used the opportunity to diversify – offering net-zero webinars and short courses. It also achieved CITB accreditation as an Approved Training Organisation (ATO), which meant they can offer CITB-funded training to industry. Their grant-eligible short courses can be found on CITB’s Construction Training Directory

However, Constructionarium’s offering has got better: since August 2022, employers who are in scope for the CITB levy can benefit from receiving a Tier 3 grant of £120 per person when attending a Constructionarium

event. The training covers all aspects of personal development skills and is ideal for team building, as an introduction to construction for emerging talent and early careers programmes. It provides an appreciation of on-site practices irrespective of the delegate’s job role and supports skills training.

Constructionarium is proud to announce it is the only provider accredited by CITB to deliver grant-funded experiential learning in the UK. Chief executive Julia Stevens said: “We are delighted to shift the dial yet again in experiential learning. Being the first UK organisation able to offer CITB grant for this type of learning is fantastic. Having Constructionarium as a grant-eligible course will help organisations with the cost of learning and development for all its employees for many years to come.”

Jackie Ducker, executive director for customer and product at CITB, added: “CITB are delighted to recognise Constructionarium as a grant-eligible course. The wide range of learning and personal development opportunities that come from one event are unique and something which CITB is very pleased to support.” q

• For more information about Constructionarium visit www.constructionarium.uk

Constructionarium site at Bircham Newton (above) and delegates in action

Millau Cable Bridge with The Gherkin and Don Valley Stadium in the background

West Scotland’s students benefit from the latest technology – and thinking

Colleges play a huge role in supporting the success of their local construction sectors. West College Scotland supports hundreds of students, pre-apprentices and apprentices every year across campuses in Paisley, Greenock and Clydebank. The college’s assistant principal for technology and skills, Dr Lee Coutts, explains.

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IT’S CRITICAL that the courses we offer reflect in-demand skills, ensuring the students and apprentices leaving our college can meet the construction industry’s current and future needs. So, along with brickwork, roof slating and tiling, painting and decorating, carpentry and joinery, plumbing and electrical installation, we offer our students the opportunity to be at the cutting edge of renewable and green technologies, with courses in heat pump and solar photo voltaic installation, solar thermal, battery storage and electric vehicle charging. Drawing on local and national labour market intelligence to inform our provision, we also work closely with companies across our region to ensure we have the range of training programmes they need to upskill and empower their existing workforces: from asbestos and carbon monoxide awareness to gas safety, water bylaws, legionella and lead welding – to name but a few. We also deliver HNC Construction Management on a full and part-time basis, allowing people to continue working while studying for a new qualification.

Working with schools is also critical in encouraging a range of students to consider a career in construction; so we deliver a range of in-school programmes such as Foundation Apprenticeships, Skills for Work and short taster programmes.

But at the heart of it all lies the student experience. Colleges like ours need to be committed to ensuring we support students to flourish and grow both professionally and personally. Along with ensuring they have access to the most modern technologies, techniques and tools, our dedicated, industry-experienced teaching and support teams equip their students with the latest thinking and an ethos infused with excellence.

By working together colleges and the construction sector can be at the forefront of helping Britain face the challenges of economic recovery and the growing climate emergency. q

• For more information visit the website at www.westcollegescotland.ac.uk or email info@wcs.ac.uk

New City College is training the construction workforce of the future

[AS THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY recovers and grows after the challenges of the last two years, New City College has developed courses and training to ensure its students are highly skilled and work ready.

Offering a wide range of courses in construction and engineering, taught by industry experts, the college caters for school leavers and adults at four separate campuses – Epping Forest, Hackney, Rainham and Tower Hamlets.

As well as being awarded accreditation in the Mayor of London's Construction Academy Scheme, New City College has also been recognised with a VIP adult education Quality Mark – which is only given to those providers delivering high-quality courses, key to London’s economic recovery.

A £15m purpose-built campus has been opened at Rainham, in the East London borough of Havering, which is providing state-of-the-art facilities and top-class technology for learners – and has fantastic links to employers.

Part of New City College’s success is down to the close work, support and involvement from many employers. Together they are helping to nurture the next generation of highly-trained builders, plumbers,

electricians, engineers, carpenters, surveyors, painters and decorators that the industry desperately needs.

The college’s partnerships ensure students are offered relevant work placements, gain real life experience on site and benefit from amazing apprenticeship opportunities – providing a clear route to work for young people.

With practical, technical and academic qualifications at all levels –including T Levels, City & Guilds, BTECs and apprenticeships – New City College is bridging the skills gap to deliver a highly-trained workforce to a thriving industry.

Courses include Bricklaying, Carpentry, Painting & Decorating, Construction & The Built Environment, Electrical Installation, Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control, Engineering (Performing Operations), Engineering Technologies, Mastic Asphalting, Fabrication & Welding, Plumbing and 3D Computer Aided Design. q

Apprentices to benefit from mental health awareness training

[ CITB IS INVESTING £90,000 in a pilot scheme which will provide mental health support for apprentices from the start of their construction industry careers.

Optima UK Ltd will train further education construction tutors to be mental health first-aiders so they can support construction apprentices during their learning. Apprentices will also be given mental health awareness training in bite-size, four-hour sessions. There will also be one-to-one support.

The 29 courses of 16 participants each are being run by trainers accredited by Mental Health First Aid England.

The investment by CITB comes after a study compiled by itself and the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity highlighted the toll poor mental health is taking. The research showed that 26% of construction workers had experienced suicidal thoughts and 91% felt overwhelmed. Tragically, two construction workers take their own lives each day.

CITB’s CEO Tim Balcon said: “We need to make sure everyone is at ease talking about their mental health and this comes down to a culture of making it OK to speak up. Giving apprentices the confidence to do that from day one will hopefully make them feel supported

in the industry. When staff are supported and happy in their work they will stay in the industry longer.”

It has already been proven that having an open approach to mental health as a core value in a firm can save lives. At Barry-based scaffolding firm CASS UK a culture of mental health support played a major role in giving two young staff members the confidence to come to the aid of a vulnerable person they realised had climbed up on scaffolding on a

site they were working on in Exeter.

Karl and Kieran were quickly aware that something was not as it should be when they saw someone trying to climb the scaffold. They stopped what they were doing and took the time to speak to the individual who was obviously troubled. They managed to talk him down and stayed with him until help arrived.

Kieran said: “We knew that what we were seeing wasn’t normal, and there was no doubt that we wanted to help this young man. We didn’t see it as being an act of kindness or wanted any credit for what we did; we just didn’t want this person to do anything that we could stop or help with.”

Karl said: “We are aware of the rise in mental health especially in the construction industry and we wouldn’t hesitate to help anyone again in this situation.”

Larraine Boorman, CEO of Optima UK, commented: “The CITB is to be congratulated, first for its research into a major issue in the industry and secondly for then taking action by launching this pilot project. As we can see, the statistics show there is a real problem in the sector, but with the right training, education, and support, we can make a real difference to people’s lives.” q

Exeter College invests in the future of construction

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AS AN EARLY ADOPTER of the new T Levels, the Construction Centre at Exeter College in Devon has seen significant investment in the last couple of years, with more set to come.

The centre underwent a £1m extension in 2020 to create new learning spaces for the T Level in Construction. That included a new space for a computer suite, as well as an electrical workshop and testing area for students.

Following the transformation, Exeter College then welcomed its first cohort of Construction T Level students in September 2020, creating a bespoke learning area for the new qualification.

Freddy, one of the students studying the Construction – Design,

Surveying and Planning T Level, said: “I chose to study the T Level because it offered a good all round view of construction. I have found the industry placement a very effective way of learning how things are done.”

Exeter College is also developing a new centre of excellence to train and upskill people in retrofitting construction skills. By working in partnership with Taylor Lewis, APG, Exeter City Council, Devon County Council and other key partners in the construction industry, the collaboration will help ensure the region’s homes and buildings are suitable for a low-carbon future.

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

Abingdon & Witney College

Tel: 01235 541 111

E: apprenticeships@abingdon-witney.ac.uk

W: www.abingdon-witney.ac.uk

126 Churchill Road, Bicester OX26 4XD

Bath College T: 01225 312 191

W: www.bathcollege.ac.uk

E: apprenticeships@bathcollege.ac.uk

City Centre Campus, Avon Street, Bath BA1 1UP

Somer Valley Campus, Wells Road, Radstock BA3 3RW

Bradford College

Tel: 01274 088088

E: information@bradfordcollege.ac.uk

W: www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk

Great Horton Road, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD7 1AY

Bridgwater & Taunton College

T: 01278 655111

E: business@btc.ac.uk

W: www.btc.ac.uk

Bath Road, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 4PZ

Burnley College

T: 01282 733373

E: s.services@burnley.ac.uk

W: www.burnley.ac.uk

Princess Way, Burnley, Lancashire BB12 0AN

Dundee & Angus College

Tel: 0300 123 1036 W: www.dundeeandangus.ac.uk

E: heretohelp@dundeeandangus.ac.uk

Arbroath Campus, Keptie Road, Arbroath DD11 3EA

Kingsway Campus, Old Glamis Road, Dundee DD3 8LE

East Sussex College

T: 030 300 12345

E: traninghub@escg.ac.uk

W: esctraininghub.com

Hampden Retail Park Retail Center, Eastbourne, East Sussex

Exeter College

T: 01392 400500

E: info@exe-coll.ac.uk

W: exe-coll.ac.uk

Exeter College, Hele Road, Exeter, Devon EX4 4JS

Fife College

Tel: 0344 248 0132

E: sales@fife.ac.uk

W: www.fife.ac.uk

Pittsburgh Road, Dunfermline, Fife KY11 8DY

Grantham College & University Centre

T: 0800 052 1577

E: enquiry@grantham.ac.uk

W: www.grantham.ac.uk

Stonebridge Road, Grantham, Lincolnshire NG31 9AP

Greater Brighton

Metropolitan College

Tel: 01273 667788

E: admissions@gbmc.ac.uk W: www.gbmc.ac.uk

Central Brighton Campus Pelham Street, Brighton BN1 4FA

City College Southampton

Tel: 023 8048 4848

E: enquiries@southampton-city.ac.uk

W: www.southampton-city.ac.uk

St Mary Street, Southampton SO14 1AR

Croydon College

T: 020 8686 5700

E: info@croydon.ac.uk

W: www.croydon.ac.uk

College Road, Croydon CR9 1DX

Kirklees College

Tel: 01484 437000

E: info@kirkleescollege.ac.uk

W: www.kirkleescollege.ac.uk

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

Leeds College of Building

T: 0113 222 6041

E: info@lcb.ac.uk

W: www.lcb.ac.uk

North Street, Leeds LS2 7QT

Assessor training attracts candidates from across Scotland

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A RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN which set out to train high-quality assessors for the construction industry in Scotland has played a vital role in economic recovery. The two-year project, launched in early 2020, was targeted at experienced tradespeople working in the construction sector. It was driven by Energy Skills Partnership (ESP) in Scotland and CITB – in partnership with Scottish colleges, government agencies and private training providers.

Forth Valley College’s Communications and Marketing team played a crucial role in the planning and implementation of the overall marketing campaign, working closely with the College Development Marketing Network.

Pictured are John MacMillan of Forth Valley College (FVC), John Renwick of ESP, Jade Nelson of FVC, Juliet Mallace of ESP and Nic Tuck of CITB

Despite the pandemic the campaign has been deemed a massive success, with over 120 construction workers stepping forward to help support and train the industry’s future workforce. Individuals have already been matched to construction assessor roles across Scotland’s colleges.

The construction assessor role has offered a secure and rewarding opportunity for tradespeople, with a competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement and benefits package. They are responsible for carrying out a wide range of assessment and verification duties and ensuring apprentices have the skills and knowledge to pass their workplace assessments.

Additionally, 100 construction work-based assessors have also been able to tap into CPD training. West College Scotland developed a training package to help standardise the assessor role across Scotland. Assessors from 19 colleges across Scotland completed the training.

The final outcome was to develop an e-portfolio on behalf of the sector. It aimed to deliver an intuitive and interactive approach that will allow assessors to store on-site evidence for the assessment and moderation of work. The new approach will save students, assessors and

Accrington and Rossendale College

College Group

New College Durham

external verifiers time. It will also enhance and develop their current digital skills while aligning to the National Occupational Standards.

John Renwick from ESP said: “This project has highlighted the benefits of collaborating on a national project. We look forward to continuing our relationship with CITB, delivering on the skills and training required to ensure the future workforce is fit to meet the needs of industry.”

CITB’s engagement director for Scotland, Ian Hughes, added: “The project has been a real success, seeing 100 construction workers upskill on this course to become assessors. The need for assessors continues to be a priority in construction and for CITB. With the help and support of projects such as this, it can only serve to benefit industry and continue to meet the skills need and further individual’s career paths.” q

Wales completes overhaul of construction qualifications

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SAW the introduction of the new Level 3 qualifications in Construction and Building Services Engineering in Wales – completing the overhaul of the system of training

out by City & Guilds and EAL (Skills for Wales). The new Level 2 qualifications were introduced in September last year.

The new suite of qualifications

developed to meet the skills needs of the built environment sector in Wales better and was designed in conjunction with employers. The change aims to simplify the complex landscape of more than 400 qualifications that existed previously and provide clear progression routes and qualifications that will make learners more ready and confident for further study and progression to the workplace.

The overhaul followed a review by Qualifications Wales of qualifications in the construction and built environment sector, published in the Building the Future: Sector Review of the Qualification System in Construction and the Built Environment report. They found that simplifying the landscape of qualifications to make progression routes clearer is more aligned to what employers are looking for. q

North Hertfordshire College

West College Scotland

Burrell Collection refurb allows

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ON 29 MARCH the refurbished home of The Burrell Collection in Glasgow opened its doors again, having closed at the beginning of 2017.

The museum’s gallery space has increased by 35%, allowing important and unique objects from the collection which have not been seen for decades – or have never been on permanent display – to go on show.

New displays give visitors a better understanding of the international significance of The Burrell Collection’s artworks, the people who made them and some of the people who have owned them. In total 225 displays are spread across 24 galleries. The displays include innovative digital elements such as video walls, interactives and hybrid systems created to help people engage with the stories behind the collection.

A new central stairway allows visitors access to the lower floor of The

Burrell Collection for the first time, where they can watch items not on display being cared for. A new special exhibition space has also been created. Similarly, new galleries have been created on upper floors which will take visitors to spaces in the building they have never seen before.

The museum’s environmental performance has been enhanced by greatly improving the building’s exterior through a new roof, glazing and cladding, and by replacing power, heating and lighting systems with more efficient and sustainable technologies.

The changes made to the fabric of the building make it more airtight and watertight. New glazing means it is far less susceptible to changes in heat and the upgrades of plant and systems mean the building is far more efficient, and able to take advantage of new technologies in the future to

more treasures to be displayed

lessen its impact further. The building has achieved a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ – a major achievement for a refurbishment.

Nearly half of the funding for the £68.25m project was committed by Glasgow City Council, with more than a quarter coming from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and significant donations from the Scottish Government, the UK Government and from many generous trusts and private donors.

Sir William Burrell devoted more than 75 years of his life to amassing one of the world’s greatest personal art collections, along with his wife Constance, Lady Burrell. The collection is renowned for its quality of Chinese art, exquisite stained glass and intricate tapestries, as well as its breadth of fine art.

The donation of the collection to the city in 1944 was described at the time by Sir Hector Hetherington, Principal of Glasgow University, as “…one of the greatest gifts ever made to any city in the world.” It is now managed by a charity, Glasgow Life.

The collection is home to the Wagner garden carpet, which is one of the earliest surviving Persian garden carpets in the world, and has rarely been on public display since The Burrell Collection first opened in 1983. The museum’s refurbishment and redisplay means this priceless carpet will now be on long-term display, accompanied by new and innovative methods of interpretation.

Other highlights include Chinese pottery and porcelain produced over a 5,000-year period – making it one of the most significant collections of Chinese art in Europe – as well as paintings by renowned French artists including Manet, Cézanne and Degas. Its medieval treasures include stained glass, arms and armour and over 200 tapestries and 150 carpets, which are among the finest in the world.

In the first 50 days since it reopened the refurbished museum welcomed

124,034 visitors: as many as it did in the full year of 2016 before it closed for refurbishment.

Bailie Annette Christie, chair of Glasgow Life, commented: “The Burrell Collection is already realising its potential as a destination which will help our recovery from the pandemic by bringing local people and visitors to the south of Glasgow. It is clear that interest in The Burrell Collection is undiminished, which is reflected by the strong visitor figures since it reopened at the end of March.

“I have no doubt the exceptional quality, unique breadth and global significance of the Collection, housed in its beautiful and significantly improved home, will remain an irresistible draw in the years ahead, supporting local businesses and Glasgow’s tourism economy.” q

President re-elected onto Build UK board

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NASC PRESIDENT Lynn Way (pictured) has been re-elected as a trade association director of Build UK.

In this role, Lynn, financial director and company secretary at Chris Sedgeman Scaffolding Ltd and NASC president, will continue to provide strategic direction for the leading construction industry body and represent the scaffolding industry’s interests.

Speaking of her re-appointment, Lynn said: “I’m delighted to have been re-elected by Build UK trade association members. It gives me great pleasure to continue to serve on such a respected and influential group and ensure the needs and views of our industry are heard and contribute towards Build UK’s wider efforts in delivering for the construction industry as a whole. I look forward to continuing these efforts in 2023.”

Build UK is the leading representative organisation for the UK construction industry. By bringing together clients, main contractors, trade associations representing over 11,500 specialist contractors and other organisations committed to industry collaboration, Build UK represents in excess of 40% of UK construction. q

NASC appoints new H&S manager

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THE NASC has significantly strengthened its in-house scaffolding expertise through the appointment of Steve Kearney as H&S manager.

In this role, Steve (pictured) will be working closely with the NASC’s Health and Safety Committee to further improve safety standards across the industry. He will also be on hand to answer any H&S questions NASC information members might have.

Steve brings with him more than 40 years’ experience in the scaffolding industry and has held a variety of roles, including scaffolder, H&S manager and HSEQ director of TRAD Group.

Since 2012, Steve has served on the NASC’s Health and Safety Committee. Steve is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (CMIOSH), Member of the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (MIIRSM), Incorporated Member of the Chartered Institute of Building (ICIOB) and Associate Member of the Institute of Environmental Management (AIEMA).

Speaking about his new role within the NASC, Steve said: “I’m very excited to take on the role of NASC H&S manager and looking forward to joining the executive team and helping the NASC to further improve the quality of our H&S provision.

“I’ve seen how the NASC works –and the good it does for its members and the industry as a whole – from my time on the H&S Committee. It’s an absolute honour to join the UK’s premier scaffolding trade body.”

Robin James, NASC managing director, said: “We are delighted to welcome Steve into the NASC executive team fold. His experience and enthusiasm are unparalleled. Additionally, we have long admired his work ethic and commitment to pushing the industry forward.

“We’re sure he will be a great addition to the team.” q

New CISRS CAP609 Booklet released

[ THE POPULAR, user-friendly Construction Industry Scaffolders

Record Scheme (CISRS) CAP 609 General Information Booklet has been revised, reprinted and is ready for release.

It provides a very useful overview of the CISRS scheme and is a great reference document for those looking to complete CISRS training, scaffolders, employers and the wider Industry.

The 36-page A5 booklet is designed to provide a detailed overview

of the CISRS scheme and includes the full range and scope of courses including CISRS COTS, Part 1, Part 2, Advanced, CPD, Manager & Supervisor, Inspection and Scaffolding Awareness.

The CAP 609 booklet and the recently updated Have You Got The Right Card? poster are available free of charge by contacting CISRS at enquiries@cisrs.org.uk. A PDF version of the booklet will also be available to download at www.cisrs.org.uk. q

Temporary edge protection guidance published by NASC

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THE NASC has published comprehensive advice on how to provide safe and compliant temporary edge protection for flat and sloping roofs with an angle of up to 10°.

TG1:22 Temporary Edge Protection includes details of the requirements for Class A type edge protection, constructed with tube and fittings, in compliance with BS EN 13374:2013+A1:2018, together with the basic elements of construction.

The document provides updated guidance and now includes 15 generic design drawings, which may be used to construct edge protection without the need for a bespoke design, provided that environmental conditions and roof/floor structures are suitable.

Dennis Braithwaite, NASC technical advisor, said: “Working on roofs is a high-risk activity because it involves work at height. Where work is to be carried out from flat or sloping roofs or open floor levels, there is always a risk of persons or materials falling from the edge and therefore suitable edge protection is required.

“I’d like to thank the NASC Technical Committee for their efforts in developing this guidance, which will play a huge part in ensuring scaffolding contractors across the UK construct temporary edge protection that is safe and fit-for-purpose.”

James Attridge, director at JFE Attridge Scaffolding Services Co Ltd and chair of the NASC Technical Committee, added: “The re-introduction of TG1 has been a long drawn out and complex procedure as

all the Class A designs had to be CAT 3 checked and include wind loading that wasn’t taken into consideration in previous guidance.

“Now that the first set of designs have been completed and approved, the testing for Class B loadings (taken from BS EN 13374) on all the Class A configurations will begin. The official testing is due to start later this year.

“Some basic preliminary tests (Class B) on a couple of the designs have taken place and proved successful. When TG1:22 has been fully developed, and added to the NASC ePortal, it will enable a compliance sheet to be produced from the suite of edge protection types similar to how a TG20:21 compliance sheet is produced for basic scaffolds.

“We’re sure this will be widely used by NASC contractor members.”

TG1:22 is available to NASC members for free digital download via the NASC Shop and the NASC ePortal. It will be made available to non-NASC members in the coming months.

The NASC Technical Committee is in the process of producing a similar guidance for Class B type edge protection. This is expected to be published next year.

Now that TG1:22 is complete, the NASC’s Health and Safety Committee will update SG27:09 Temporary Edge Protection on Open Steelwork, which provides general advice on safe systems of work when planning the installation of edge protection systems.

Scaffolding project turns inmates into operatives

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YOUNG OFFENDERS are being given a second chance through a scaffolding initiative involving the Made Inside Britain project, a CISRS-approved training provider and NASC contractor members.

The scheme sees inmates at Thorn Cross, Lancaster Farm and Berwyn prisons undertake a five-day introductory scaffolding course delivered by Fulcrum Scaffold Safety & Training Ltd while awaiting release. Upon leaving prison suitable candidates are then matched with participating NASC contractor members for interviews, leading to full-time employment.

New Future Networks and Antz Junction offer support, guidance and mentoring to participating operatives and employers.

To date, more than 70 ex-offenders – or returning citizens – have passed through the scheme, taking up positions at NASC member companies including Abbi Access Services Ltd, Allied Scaffolding Ltd, BSL (Systems) Ltd, Connolly Scaffolding Ltd, Craven Scaffolding Ltd, Deva Scaffolding Ltd, Lyndon SGB and Summit Marine Scaffolding Ltd. Rose System Scaffolding Ltd and Lea Scaffolding & Access Ltd have also signed up to offer employment opportunities to returning citizens and have recently completed the relevant risk assessments required to take part in the project.

The NASC aims to achieve similar employment successes through its Returning Citizens Scheme, through which it has partnered with a number of key stakeholders including HMP institutions, several charities and thirdparty mentoring services to promote the scaffolding industry as a career path for ex-offenders and develop a pipeline of referrals.

Fulcrum managing director Dave Abraham said: “This scheme simply requires a will to succeed: firstly, the returning citizens’ willingness to learn new skills and grasp a fantastic new career opportunity, and secondly the scaffolding employers’ willingness to provide these learners with a chance to thrive.

“I’m delighted to say that there’s been no shortage of willingness from all parties so far. We’re immensely proud to play a part in this story, providing young inmates with a five-day, hands-on programme where they receive an introduction to scaffolding, constructing lowlevel structures such as towers, independents and birdcages, and complete COTS and Level 1 health and safety courses.”

NASC training officer Henry Annafi said: “We’re so pleased to see NASC members come together to give returning citizens both scaffolding skills and a chance of employment. I’d like to congratulate Fulcrum Scaffold Safety & Training Ltd and participating members on their success so far and also welcome the new trainee scaffolders into the industry.”

“We’re looking to build on this initial momentum and are highlighting this and other similar initiatives around the UK to NASC members during our current round of regional meetings. The response has been excellent, there’s much more to come from us in this space.”

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• For more on the NASC’s Returning Citizens Scheme visit scaffoldingcareers.nasc.org.uk/ returning-citizens/

Foresters’ show offers opportunity to update MEWP guidance

[ REPRESENTATIVES OF the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) were in attendance at the Association of Professional Foresters (APF) Show in Warwickshire in September, where they launched an updated leaflet: Safe Use of MEWPs to Manage Trees and Vegetation

Richard Whiting, IPAF’s UK market general manager, was among the delegation at the three-day event. He commented: “This is the first time IPAF has attended this show, which is aimed at those engaged in the tree care, arboriculture and forestry sectors.

“It is an ideal platform for us to reach out to regular users of MEWPs for tree and vegetation management – I’m sure anyone who picks up a copy of this new leaflet will appreciate the work that has gone into the updated guidance, which focuses specifically on the risks associated with such tasks.”

Falls from height continue to give rise to prosecution

The leaflet is an update of existing guidance and aims to reduce risk from a list of task-specific hazards ranging from inadequate planning, poor ground conditions and failing to wear appropriate PFPE to potentially fatal events such as contact with or arcing of powerlines, being struck by falling objects or being struck by passing traffic.

Richard Whiting added: “In addition to launching this updated guidance at APF, our team used the APF show to talk through all the work IPAF does to promote the safe and effective use of powered access, including certifying quality training, incident reporting – including via the ePAL app – and the IPAF Rental+ quality assurance scheme for MEWP hire members.

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IN THE LATEST in the continuing litany of prosecutions for falls from height, a construction company from Leicestershire has been fined £80,000 after an employee suffered serious injuries falling through a fragile roof.

An employee of Cairns Heritage Homes Ltd was carrying out a repair to the roof of Nottingham Recycling Limited on 1 August 2019 when he fell approximately 7m to the floor below. A scaffold tower had been constructed for access to the roof, but there were inadequate measures in place to ensure that the work would be completed safely.

The worker accessed the roof, attempting to devise his own ad-hoc working methods – which included constructing a makeshift ladder/ staging system from wooden planks.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Cairns Heritage Homes Ltd had been contracted to repair the roof of the recycling plant while a bailing machine was not being used.

Serious deficiencies in the planning and supervision of the work were identified, together with the absence of a safe system of work. There were insufficient measures to prevent a fall or minimise the distance or consequences of a fall, such as safety netting. The makeshift staging provided by the employee was insufficient and failed to prevent a fall through the fragile roof panels, resulting in them sustaining serious injuries.

The company pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. They were fined £80,000 and ordered to pay costs of £9,981.

Speaking after the hearing HSE Inspector Philip Gratton said: “Work on fragile roofs accounts for around a fifth of all fatal incidents that occur in the construction industry.

“Those in control of work on fragile roofs and other work at height have a responsibility to devise safe methods of work and to provide the necessary information, instruction, training and supervision of their workers.

“If a suitable safe system of work had been in place prior to this incident, the life-changing injuries sustained by the employee could have been prevented.” q

“We spoke to many users and operators of MEWPs for tasks in the tree care and related industries, and all those who visited our stand were very appreciative of the full suite of free resources we had to offer aimed at making work at height as safe as possible. I’m sure this event will help IPAF build engagement among this important category of powered access end-users, and we look forward to attending again in 2024.” q

CIRIA project looks to update guidance on invasive species

[ THE COST AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT associated with invasive species have been increasing dramatically in recent years. According to the latest update from CIRIA – the Construction Industry Research and Information Association – the annual cost to the GB economy is at least £1.7bn, with Japanese knotweed alone estimated to account for £166m of that total. Associated with the economic impact, there is the potential for significant disruption to habitats and ecosystems, coupled with social impacts in terms of human health and nuisance.

CIRIA cites nearly 2,000 invasive non-native species (INNS) established in GB. The great majority are terrestrial (around 1,800), with around 160 established in marine and freshwater environments. The number

establishing themselves in this country is around 10-12 annually. Wellknown animal INNS include American mink, signal crayfish and the grey squirrel, alongside plant species such as Japanese knotweed.

According to CIRIA: “Those established and establishing species provide a major driver for action not just at local, regional and national scales, but also at the international level; with bodies such as the Convention on Biological Diversity acknowledging this threat and calling through one of its guiding principles for national strategies to be established.”

CIRIA is currently engaging stakeholders to secure funding support for a new project to update its Invasive species management for infrastructure managers and the construction industry (C679, 2008), building on The Great Britain Invasive Non-Native Species Strategy (2015). The guidance will be complemented by a series of briefings describing individual invasive species and detailing the relevant techniques to manage them. q

New service extends environmental remediation offering

[ LEADING KNOTWEED CONTROL COMPANY Japanese Knotweed Ltd (JKL) has expanded its services and launched a new sister brand – Environment Controls (EC) – to help commercial businesses and developers take control of environmental nuisances.

Environment Controls, a trading name of JKL, provides specialist control services for invasive native and non-native species (INNS), aquatic and amenity weed management and the removal of asbestos contaminated soils: doing more to tackle the growing problem of invasive species in the UK and effectively eradicate contaminated ground.

Utilising existing in-house skills, equipment and specialist knowledge, the launch of EC is a natural evolution for JKL, whose core business of Japanese knotweed treatment and removal continues to grow and will remain its focus into the future. It is very much an expansion of the business based on natural synergies that will allow EC to target other invasives more effectively.

Ground contamination puts projects on hold

Contaminated ground causes issues for construction, putting projects on immediate hold while the problem is being resolved and causing delays to project completion. EC can remove soil contaminated with asbestos, petroleum hydrocarbons or heavy metals. Chemical soil analysis tests will be required to establish the levels of contaminants present before they can remove the waste to a landfill site.

Hazardous levels of contaminates will require a further waste acceptance criteria (WAC) test before agreement to dispose at landfill, to establish the leachate properties of the contamination. All waste is carefully excavated and handled on site before being taken via registered waste carriers to an appropriately licensed landfill facility.

Contaminated ground is found especially on brownfield sites. Disturbing the ground causes contaminants that may have been lying dormant deep within to be released either by air, water or particles in the soil. When that

happens it is important that all works stop immediately and the ground is not disturbed, as it could enable further spread, and warning signs must be erected to prevent entry onto the ground. EC can eradicate the problem via excavation to get the project back on track.

Financial incentive for landowners and investors

Land Remediation Relief (LRR) helps offset some of the cost of remediation services – which can include many man-hours on the project – through capital gains tax relief.

Originally, LRR was designed to encourage investment in land that was previously derelict or contaminated, so it can be made purposeful again. It can be claimed by property owners, investors and developers dealing with Japanese knotweed or contaminated ground. The claimant must be the owner (adopter) at the time of the works and pay capital gains tax. Successful claims can result in capital gains tax refunds on qualifying work values of up to 150% for the landowners and 50% for developers.

Many property owners are either not aware of the scheme, or not clear of the qualifying criteria for making a claim and could be missing out on this valuable cash-back incentive. Claims can be made that continue year-on-year for on-going treatments and can be claimed up to three years retrospectively.

EC has partnered with a leading firm of accountants and business advisors with a specialist Land Remediation Relief team consisting of qualified tax experts and RICS chartered surveyors, to provide the best advice and assistance with making an LRR claim. Their team will work in partnership with EC’s to help unlock the significant tax benefits a business may be entitled to. To find out more, email contact@knotweed.co.uk.

Taking environmental control

While Japanese knotweed is the most well-known non-native species to create havoc for businesses across the UK, there are many other invasives that can affect land planned for development. Some terrestrial species such as giant hogweed, common ragwort and horsetail are commonly found on open land or brownfield sites. If a site has a natural waterway running through it or nearby, aquatic species such as floating pennywort and azolla can cause issues that need to be resolved by experts in the field of aquatic weed management.

Specialist advisory manager Darren Greatbatch spoke about the launch of the new service, saying: “We have the tools, the expertise and the knowledge to tackle the growing problem of contaminated ground and invasive species.

“At Environment Controls we can utilise our existing and new learned knowledge to institute invasive weed works that will control unwanted species, excavate and remove contaminated ground and continue to help the construction industry, housebuilders and land investors keep their projects moving.”

ULEZ expansion is not delivering on emissions, TfL report admits

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ACCORDING TO A NEW REPORT from Transport for London (TfL), last year’s expansion of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) has failed to dramatically reduce the amount of emissions from vehicles across the capital. In October 2021 the ULEZ was increased to cover most of central London to cover the areas between the North and South Circular roads.

However, the report revealed that there has been no change in the levels of pollutants since the update to the zone. So is it too early to tell? Are other factors interfering? Or is the scheme adding cost and disruption to the lives of drivers without the promised benefits?

The ULEZ was launched in 2019 to help improve air quality in the

heart of the city by discouraging the most polluting vehicles through a levy system. All cars, motorcycles, and vans up to and including 3.5 tonnes that don’t meet the minimum emissions standards must pay a £12.50 daily charge. Following the increase in the size of the zone, the daily charge has expanded to cover an area 18 times the size of the original zone and home to 3.8 million people.

Despite the findings, London Mayor Sadiq Khan stated: “I’m proud of the progress we have made in making our city’s air cleaner for millions of Londoners. We must now capitalise on this success, which is why I’m consulting on expanding the ULEZ London-wide to extend the benefits of clean air to all Londoners.“

Truck drivers see all-round benefits from Durite safety systems

[A NEW VEHICLE CAMERA SYSTEM has given truck drivers more peace of mind while speeding up insurance claims and reducing vehicle downtime.

J.O’Doherty Haulage Ltd provides a range of services and vehicles for hire and reward in Greater London and the surrounding area, including tippers, grabs, hiabs, low-loaders and bulk haulage. The company, which specialises in the waste management sector and is part of the JOD Group, wanted to replace its existing vehicle cameras with a higher-definition system that provided more clarity and a better field of vision.

J.O’Doherty, which holds FORS Gold accreditation, turned to Durite after a supplier recommended the vehicle camera specialist. Durite, which is a FORS associate, supplied the haulage company with more than 100 of its eight-channel hard disk drive (HDD) DVR kits.

Matthew Tyler of J.O’Doherty Haulage said: “We wanted the new system to give both our drivers and fleet managers all-round vision of the vehicle and have the option to add on more cameras if needed.

“There were three main deciding factors that have led us to choose Durite. Firstly, they were highly recommended by our supplier - recommendation is normally a good start. Secondly, after speaking to their regional sales manager, we felt they understood what we were looking for and the fact they offered us a no-obligation demo was an added bonus. Lastly, after seeing the

demo and having a closer look at the products, it gave us the confidence that these systems are built to last.”

Durite’s eight-channel HDD DVR kits provide drivers with an excellent field of vision, making it ideal for hauliers working in waste management. Compared to a four-channel camera system, the eight-channel kit offers increased visibility, including monitoring vehicle operations such as tipping. The system supports up to eight cameras, with J.O’ Doherty choosing to mount one looking out from the cab and a dome camera monitoring the inside of the cab. A camera at the rear assists the driver when the vehicle is reversing, while more on each side of the vehicle provide full coverage when turning.

“Since the systems have been in place,” added Matt, “our drivers feel much more at ease as they know it’s now possible to capture and provide crystal clear footage to support them in the event of an accident – unlike the previous system we had. As for the operational side, it’s greatly helped us to speed up the insurance claiming process, which helps to reduce our vehicle down time.”

Durite offers a comprehensive range of FORS-compliant kits. It is also the UK’s leading brand in auto electrical parts for commercial vehicles, providing a one-stop-shop for fleet operators.

Transporter’s electric descendant goes into production

[AN ICON RETURNS! With the ID. Buzz and the ID. Buzz Cargo, Volkswagen is bringing its iconic T1 into the present – and taking it into the future. Like the first 1950 Bus, the new models are cleanly and functionally designed, while at the same time evoking a number of emotions.

“The T1 was an icon of the 1950s,” says Jozef Kaba, head of Volkswagen Design. “With the ID. Buzz we’re transferring its DNA into the age of electromobility. It’s conveying the icon’s genes and design elements into the digital age. The ID. Buzz is timeless, sustainable and extremely functional at the same time. These qualities make it unique. It draws a lot of sympathy and feeling of togetherness onto the road.”

With the ID. Buzz, Volkswagen is breaking into a new market segment and in doing so is picking up the pace of its electric campaign. By 2030, at least 70% of Volkswagen sales in Europe is expected to be purely electric cars.

With their unique lines, the ID. Buzz and the ID. Buzz Cargo – that is, the Bus and the Transporter – are following their ancestors. Roland Faller, head of exterior design at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, explained: “The ID. Buzz Cargo is not only a practical Transporter, it’s also a notable innovation, with its expressive design and high degree of functionality.”

The front section shows how much both new models are taking on the design DNA of the old model and thus are going to bring a smile to people’s faces. The V-shaped bonnet and large, prominent VW logo lend a charismatic look to the front, while a light strip links the headlamps. The side and rear continue the separation of the design into an upper and lower zone. That becomes especially striking with the optional two-tone paintwork, again reminiscent of the historic T1.

The ID. Buzz and the ID. Buzz Cargo are a good 40cm longer than their T1 ancestors. They are based on Volkswagen’s versatile modular electric drive matrix (MEB). Their 2.99m wheelbase is the longest in the MEB. Exterior designer Einar Castillo Aranda notes that “…the platform with its compact drive components allowed us to locate the front wheels far forward and place

the driver forward and relatively high in the car. The result is a monolithic silhouette with a harmoniously integrated hood.”

With its clarity, the design of the ID. Buzz and the ID. Buzz Cargo follows the genetics of the classic T1 – but in its very own modern way. That philosophy becomes apparent in the interior, for example in the linear dashboard – as in the T1 – with its quietly stacked elements, including the smart control concept with the multifunction steering wheel and both digital displays.

The compact electric drive and the battery integrated in the vehicle floor result in open space and a spatial concept with an abundance of room that puts the focus even more on people and their needs. It keeps plenty of room and numerous storage spaces and interfaces handy for the driver and passengers, and the sense of space is generous, light and airy.

Production gets underway

Following the start of production of the ID. Buzz, component locations in Germany have begun to produce key technology components for the new e-model. Plants in Braunschweig, Kassel, Salzgitter and Hannover are now supplying the battery system, the electric drive and the chassis. It marks the next step in a transformation process initiated in 2015 that is converting the company into an e-mobility system supplier. Volkswagen Group Components will invest €2.3bn in the electrification of its German locations through 2026 – well more than half of its overall investment.

Thomas Schmall, the member of the board of management of Volkswagen AG with responsibility for technology, and the CEO of Volkswagen Group Components, said: “As one of the pioneers, we have been a part of the transformation to e-mobility since 2015. Today, Volkswagen Group Components is developing and producing key components for virtually all e-models made by the group – from the CUPRA Born to the ID. Buzz. The German locations are pacesetters of the global roll-out at our locations in Europe, China and the United States. Our goal is to become a globally leading system provider for e-mobility.” q

Awards resume their role of driving care home improvement

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THE AWARDS EVENT that has helped to shape the huge improvement in care facilities since it was launched in 1991 is the Pinders Healthcare Design Awards.

The 2020 Awards event was the last outing before lockdown and therefore the 2022 event heralded the return to normality with a packed crowd eager to catch up and have fun.

The appropriate theme of the day was ‘Friends Reunited’ and the show opened with a moving montage of pictures celebrating friendships and remembering those absent from the day.

Magician and comedian Pete Firman was in sparkling form again as he entertained the capacity audience before host Jon Chapman took over with the awards and his now-famous quiz. That was won by John Storey of Porthaven, who generously donated his £500 prize to The Ambulance Staff Charity, who were the beneficiaries of the event.

Their trustee and former paramedic Carl Ledbury spoke about the physical and mental challenges faced by ambulance staff during the pandemic and then presented the winners with their trophies.

As well as The Ambulance Staff Charity, other good causes across the UK, including The Care Workers’ Charity and Alzheimer’s Society, benefited with more than £25,000 donated.

Explaining the various categories, Pinders said: “We appreciate that it takes a large team to create a winning project, involving the owners, architects, contractors and specialist designers of interiors, lighting and gardens, and judging will focus on these different aspects, rather than just the overall package.”

The categories in question were: Best Interior Design, Best Exterior Space, Innovation & Environmental, Best Architectural Design, Best Regeneration Project and Best Independent Living Scheme.

One of the winners was Upton Mill in Tetbury, in the Best Interior Design category. Kerry Southern-Reason, managing director at The Care Home Interiors Co, who were responsible for the interior design, said: “I am utterly speechless! We are overjoyed Upton Mill won this very prestigious award. I am so incredibly proud – especially given the high standard of the competition we were up against. I would like to say a special ‘thank you’ to our brilliant design and manufacturing team of skilled craftsmen and ladies who constantly go above and beyond to make the impossible possible. Well done! We’ve only gone and done it again: two years in a row winners.”

The 2023 Awards will take place on 15 March and entries need to be submitted before 30 November. q

New home brims with award-winning expertise

[A NEW LUXURY CARE HOME from operators

MACC Care is Blythe Rose in Solihull, which promises everything that specialist memory and high-quality, individualised residential, nursing and respite care should be.

Blythe Rose is an 80-bed care home, designed and built to provide the very best dementia support across the region.

The facility comprises six lodges which accommodate no more than 15 residents, where the wellbeing, safety and happiness of every resident is nurtured through compassion, community and enrichment. Respectful, individualised attention and kinship is delivered by a team of highly-qualified people who truly care and take immense pride in delivering ‘exceptional’ care.

Thoughtfully-designed communal areas include a ‘High Street’ with its own shop, hairdresser, cinema and terrace café – even a 1960s-style suite where families can spend time together with a loved one amid familiar surroundings of days gone by.

Similarly, for residents who require nursing and residential care – respite or longer term, as a comfortable home for life – the lodge communities offer close-knit and supportive communities, with a relaxed, family feel.

State-of-the-art Integrated technology is used unobtrusively throughout the home, so that everyone regardless of their specialist memory care, nursing or residential needs can be kept safe and well, while enjoying life.

With 122 acres as its backdrop and featuring landscaped gardens, residents and visitors can

enjoy the ever-calming and restorative effects of green space and nature.

Prior to the home’s opening in July, Sharen Guise, director of operations at MACC Care, told reporters: “We are delighted with the progress at Blythe Rose and can’t wait to officially welcome residents through its doors. We are confident this new home will offer an outstanding environment for both staff and residents and a place where we can provide safe and compassionate care.

“Specialist dementia care will be a key feature of this new project, with an overall ambition of becoming a recognised centre for excellence for dementia care. This is certainly achievable with our amazing team at MACC Care.”

In terms of its design, Blythe Rose has an impressive pedigree. The design was guided by the award-winning charity Hammond Care and the renowned Dementia Services Development Centre in Stirling, to create the best possible environment for those requiring professional memory care.

Hammond Care Dementia Support is a dementia consultancy service which supports carers and staff teams who are supporting a person living with dementia.

The architect was AP Architecture Ltd, a Pinders Design Award winning practice with many years of experience across a number of sectors within the industry. Main contractor DC Construction (Midlands) Ltd has a long history of building homes for MACC Care.

The interior design was carried out by Care Home Interiors Co, themselves Pinders award-winners.

The biggest accolade, however, rests with Blythe

Rose’s commissioning manager Cheryl Harbourne. Cheryl, who qualified as a nurse in 1987, has over 16 years of care home management experience. Awarded no less than an MBE for her services to veterans during the COVID-19 pandemic, Cheryl was also a finalist in the Good Morning Britain 1 Million Minutes Dame Barbara Windsor Award for her contribution to combating loneliness for elderly people with dementia.

When asked about her new role, Cheryl said: “It is the one thing I have never done before in my career and I felt ready for a new challenge. I am very excited about the opening of Blythe Rose.

“The home is going to be unique and the team I have put together is going to be fantastic. We all share the same vision for providing very high standards of care and a life full of meaning for the residents we are going to care for. We can’t wait to meet them all.”

Sharen Guise commented: “We are delighted to have Cheryl as commissioning manager at Blythe Rose. She is a real inspiration to the industry and her recent MBE is truly deserved. We look forward to seeing what she can achieve there and with a talented team around her, we have no doubt her first home commissioning will be a real success.

“We believe we are creating an environment that aims to provide local people with the benchmark for how care should be delivered. Above all, we want to create a warm, compassionate, safe and friendly environment for everyone living with us and for those that are important to the residents. Once the finishing touches are made, we are very excited to welcome people into this exciting new community.” q

Buckinghamshire home provides

‘much-needed’ facility

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LOCATED IN AYLESBURY, at the heart of Buckinghamshire, Chartwell Manor is a purpose-built care home that is newly opened, providing person-centred nursing, residential and dementia care. The home comprises 61 en suite rooms. With superior care at its heart and supported by five-star facilities, Chartwell Manor will not only provide the very best physical environment for those living there, but an opportunity for each person to live life to the fullest.

The new home is operated by Maria Mallaband Care Group (MMCG), which is one of the largest independent care home providers in the UK with more than 80 homes across the country. In the coming months and years, the new home will create dozens of new jobs for carers, nurses, chefs and administrators and other caring functions.

Bringing what’s termed as ‘much-needed’ care capacity to the heart of the community, Chartwell Manor is surrounded by attractively-landscaped gardens with the rooms on the ground floor enjoying access from private patio areas.

The new home has been constructed by Oxford-based Hopkins Construction Ltd, who list care home construction among their specialist activities.

Residents can choose to relax and socialise in the spacious modern facilities, enjoy freshly cooked cuisine, using the freshest seasonal local produce in one of the elegant restaurants or participate in any of the daily social activities or events on offer.

Facilities include an on-site concierge, laundry service, meals, bar and bistro and a stimulating and inspired Lifestyle programme and events to help residents maintain their hobbies and interests – or even try new ones.

Paul Walsh, chief operating officer at Maria Mallaband Care Group, told local press: “With Chartwell Manor we want to deliver everything those living there need and deserve – from luxury interiors and chef-created menus to dedicated compassionate care, and fantastic lifestyle activities that support their health and wellbeing.

“With our incredible More… Lifestyle programme we take our holistic, bespoke approach even further – providing a rich offer of activities and opportunities designed around each individual to be truly reflective of their interests and passions.

“This is not only about creating the very best physical environment but creating a community where each person can live life to the fullest; a place where individuality is celebrated.”

MMCG is currently investing more than £80m to develop nine new homes. The opening of Chartwell Manor follows that of another MMCG home in Buckinghamshire: Lace Hill Manor. q

JTM Service growth continues in 2022

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JTM SERVICE, the specialist commercial laundry and warewashing equipment company, have seen continued growth in their Architecture and Construction division during 2022.

With longstanding relationships with leading architecture and construction specialists – and 40 years’ experience designing and implementing laundry and warewashing facilities at sites such as care homes, NHS hospitals and prisons –JTM Service’s levels of advice, support, high-performance equipment and firstclass delivery is proving a successful combination.

Chartwell Manor, the new 61-bed care home in Aylesbury for Maria Mallaband Care Group (MMCG), is a recent example. JTM Service have worked closely with Lawrence Baker, the specialist care home construction company, for a number of years with their new care home builds for MMCG.

They worked together again to supply and install the commercial laundry facilities at Chartwell Manor. The new Miele Professional Benchmark range of professional laundry equipment was the perfect choice – with large loads and short cycle times, user friendly design, top-class performance and wash quality, hygiene and infection control credentials, and reduced water and energy consumption. The result has been a laundry which is ideal for the stunning new care home.

JTM Service understands the challenges involved in construction as well as knowing that each project has its own requirements. Managing Director Paul Wood said: “We are very proud of our reputation and successful track record with leading architecture and construction companies. We work in partnership, right from the design stage, to ensure the correct equipment is recommended and provided, and to ensure all applicable regulations are met.

“We help our customers avoid problems, and our specialist experienced team give support every step of the way, including pre-installation and post-installation.”

Talking about the recent growth in their construction division and the plans for 2023, he added: “This year we have successfully delivered projects such as the supply and install of 130 washing machines and tumble dryers into a new prison, as well as installing laundry facilities and dishwashers at new care homes across the country. We have a strong pipeline of orders and opportunities into 2023, and we’re looking forward to our continued growth as we support our construction partners now and in the future.” q

• To find out more about JTM Service please visit www.jtmservice.co.uk or call 0113 2572221.

Direct electric heating: a real low-carbon alternative for construction

A new report from ThermoSphere Working towards Net Zero sheds light on the attitudes toward direct electric heating in the construction industry, with many preferring it as a means of retrofitting small homes and apartments. ThermoSphere’s managing director Alistair Bell discusses the mood in construction, and the industry’s opportunity for growth.

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SINCE THE UK GOVERNMENT set its target of Net Zero by 2050, significant efforts have been made to reduce emissions across the economy. In the construction industry this means decarbonising supply chains, replacing non-renewable energy with renewables, and using low-carbon heating methods.

The most recent Climate Change Committee (CCC) parliamentary report highlighted that to meet the UK’s target of Net Zero, half of the current heat demand for buildings must be supplied by low-carbon sources by 2035.

While the need to change to low-carbon alternatives applies to all UK buildings, residential homes are by far the largest contributor to UK buildings emissions, making up almost 80% of the total.

Against that backdrop, a recent report commissioned by direct heating solutions provider ThermoSphere has revealed attitudes within the construction industry towards the decarbonisation of heat and direct electric solutions. The sector sees the need for change, that insulation and low carbon heating are essential, and that direct electric solutions paired with renewable tariffs are a low-carbon option.

Priorities first

Decarbonising heat in UK buildings is not a single solution problem. There are several means of reducing emissions that can be used in tandem to reach the UK government’s goals: one size doesn’t fit all. What the ThermoSphere report reveals is that installing low-carbon heating is ranked as the most or second-most important method for reducing carbon emissions by 48% of the construction industry. Above that, efficient insulation is considered to be the top priority by construction industry workers.

As the UK grid incorporates more renewable energy, direct electric heating has become a viable low-carbon heating method for the construction industry. Ultimately it is the electricity grid’s ‘generation mix’ that determines the carbon intensity of any form of electric heating. But, as renewables continue to replace fossil fuels, electricity is becoming a low-carbon source of energy. Pairing a direct electric heating method, such as underfloor heating or electric radiators, with a renewable electricity tariff, will prove to be one of the most effective ways of decarbonising heating in residential and non-residential settings.

There are 29 million homes that need to have low-carbon heating methods retrofitted by 2050, which is one of the main priorities for the CCC. That outlook is shared by the construction industry, with 62% reporting that retrofitting is the biggest challenge to decarbonisation.

The construction industry is prepared to tackle this challenge, and direct electric heating solutions are a preferred method. Direct electric heating is considered a better overall solution by almost half of the construction industry, second to the use of hydrogen boilers. But, importantly, 52% believe that

direct electric solutions are the right solution for modest properties and apartments, due to the fact they’re smaller, easy to install, and do not require external equipment that would be difficult to install on multi-storey buildings.

Prices are up – but so is demand

ThermoSphere’s report reveals an increase in consumer interest in low-carbon heating alternatives. But current energy prices are high, and electricity is often unfairly seen to be a more expensive form of energy than oil or gas. In fact, 79% of respondents in the construction industry believe that high running costs have deterred customers from installing direct electric heating.

What’s required is a change of image. Too many people have negative associations based on old, outmoded electric heating solutions like storage heaters, and 71% of the construction industry believe these older electric heating methods have a negative impact on how consumers perceive modern, low-carbon direct electric alternatives.

That need not be the case. Modern direct electric heating solutions are much more efficient than older solutions, and direct electric is 100% efficient at the point of usage, compared to gas heating where energy is lost throughout the system. They also require lower installation and maintenance costs and won’t be phased out by the UK government over the next 15 years.

Growth and gaps

The construction industry is keen to use low-carbon direct electric heating solutions, particularly in retrofitting older, less spacious buildings and in multistorey buildings. But the industry also sees the challenge of retrofitting as an opportunity for growth: 64% of those surveyed believe decarbonisation is an opportunity.

But, as with many areas in the UK economy, there is a skills gap between the currently available talent and the required talent. 69% of construction workers believe that while there’s an opportunity for growth, there isn’t sufficient workforce expertise to embrace that opportunity. What’s needed is a concerted effort to upskill the current workforce. If the industry can do this sooner rather than later, it won’t miss the chance for growth and it will more easily meet its own decarbonisation goals. As direct electric involves less paperwork and is significantly easier to install, the upskilling requirement will be less onerous for the industry.

Over the coming decades, the construction industry is on track to transform. Heating solution providers that offer viable, low-carbon alternatives can help to usher in that transformation. q

Mini-Budget draws two cheers from builders’ body

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THE CHANCELLOR’S ‘Mini-Budget’ is a gamble but offers hope to small builders, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Its chief executive Brian Berry commented: “The strong focus to ‘get Britain building’ by unlocking government surplus land and extending the stamp duty threshold to help prospective housebuyers is a welcome boost in a tough market. However, at a time when we are building fewer homes than needed, more action is required to boost delivery of more high quality homes from small, local builders.

“Although not announced by the Chancellor in his statement, we’re pleased to see a small step forward in improving the energy efficiency of homes in the Chancellor’s Growth Plan, which will incentivise energy

House completions returned to pre-pandemic levels in Q2

companies to help customers upgrade their homes. However, what’s really needed now to boost local growth and skills is a fully-fledged national retrofit strategy focusing on the UK’s 29 million leaky homes.”

The FMB’s solution to that problem in the short term is the abolition of VAT on repairs – a move the federation had called for ahead of the Chancellor’s statement.

Brian Berry said at the time: “In the immediate term, removing VAT on repair, maintenance and improvement work would help builders pass on savings to cash strapped customers who the latest FMB data tells us, are beginning to turn away from investing in home

Planning secured for homes in Birmingham

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DATA RELEASED by NHBC revealed that, in the second quarter of this year, new home completions returned to pre-pandemic levels, as housebuilders demonstrated their commitment to meet the high demand for new homes. A total of 40,289 were completed in the quarter – up 16% on the same quarter last year.

The quarter also saw an increase in the number of new home registrations: the process by which housebuilders register plots they intend to build with NHBC. They rose by 45% to 66,855.

The uplift is in part due to builders seeking to minimise the cost impact of energy efficiency regulations introduced in June, NHBC conceded.

Of the 12 NHBC UK regions, 11 saw growth in the number of new home completions, with the largest increases being in the North East (1,781 compared to 1,284 in Q2 last year) and East Midlands (4,117 compared to 3,071). Only Wales saw a slight decrease: 1,183 in Q2 2022 compared to 1,189 in Q2 2021.

Growth in new home completions was driven by the private sector, with 29,963 in the quarter: up 23% on last year. New home completions in the affordable and build-to-rent sector were level with the same period last year at 10,326.

Commenting on the latest data, NHBC chief executive Steve Wood said: “Our latest figures demonstrate that output from the new homes market has made a solid return to prepandemic levels.

“At this stage we are not seeing evidence that the cost-of-living crisis or risks of recession are affecting consumer demand, whilst registration levels reinforce continued confidence within the sector.”

[PLANNING PERMISSION has been granted for the conversion of an existing building into 25 flats and the construction of 25 new-build apartments in two Birmingham suburbs. Internal conversion works for Etna House in Coventry Road, Sheldon, will see the development of 11 one-bed units and 14 studio apartments, while the 25 new-builds at Swan Courtyard in Yardley make up phase two of a larger scheme which will see more than 100 units developed in total. Both applications were made with support from planning consultancy Marrons Planning.

Bhupinder Sandhu, director of Birmingham-based, family-owned property developer Charles Jordan Homes, which is leading both projects, said: “We are delighted planning permission has been granted for these schemes, which will bring 50 new homes to two desirable locations across Birmingham.”

Most of Etna House – an existing two-storey office building which was previously occupied by a construction firm, but has been vacant for more than three months – will be converted into new homes, while an existing area of the ground floor will be retained as functioning office space.

The development will also include 45 parking spaces, nine of which will have electric vehicle charging capability, and 40 cycle parking spaces to serve the apartments and office space.

Sachin Parmar, associate director at Marrons Planning, explained: “The internal renovation of Etna House will bring forward much-needed housing in a highly sustainable location. As only an internal conversion was required to transform Etna House, we opted for a Class MA application, which sped-up the approval process, while also ensuring the development is served by sufficient natural light, for example.

“Class MA rights were introduced last year and intend to make it easier for developers to convert commercial buildings into residential dwellings in order to boost housing supply. Essentially, it is a softer-touch planning application where the council assesses specific grounds.”

Swan Courtyard – which has been designed by Leicester-based architects DSA – is situated near to the Swan Shopping Centre, which houses household brands.

A three-storey, 25-unit apartment block and newly-created communal outdoor space will be constructed as part of the scheme, alongside 21 parking spaces including electric vehicle charge points and 20 secure and weatherproof cycle spaces.

Keshiv Sudera, managing director of DSA, added: “We are pleased to see planning approved on a tricky car parking site, where separation distances had to be considered due to our phase one conversion project. The scheme responds well to the site and local vernacular, and we feel it creates a great addition to the site.”

Gravesend’s new bus hub proves to be popular

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EARLIER THIS YEAR, Kent County Council unveiled their brandnew £2.5m bus hub which was brought to life as part of the Kent Thameside Local Sustainable Transport scheme package. The hub was introduced to upgrade and enhance the transport connection between buses, trains and bikes in Gravesend town centre.

The project includes four new bus stops, an enhanced pedestrianised area, better crossings, new public toilets and two Fastrack stops. The bus hub also features an electric bus charging point, up-to-date electric information screens, new seating and four canopies along Barrack Row and Garrick Street.

The canopies were supplied and installed by Able Canopies Ltd and they consist of three gull-wing canopies and a bespoke timber shelter with integrated seating.

These particular canopies were chosen for the project due to their contemporary and unobtrusive design as they feature centre posts rather than both front and rear posts. Also, the gull-wing design provides ample shelter from the elements.

The timber shelter complements the timber seating and bins and provides a waiting area with additional weather protection, mimicking that of an open building for passengers and drivers. It has a timber clad panel running along the back of the bench to block driving rain and features an opening at the end of the shelter for easy access from both sides and to allow an area for people to stand.

If you’re looking to add canopies or shelters to your projects, contact Able Canopies. With over 19 years designing, manufacturing, and installing canopies, they will be able to bring your design to life, leaving your clients with a practical, yet stylish all-weather area. q

• For further information call Able Canopies Ltd on 0800 389 9072, email sales@ablecanopies.co.uk or visit the website at

Passive fire awards: there’s still time to nominate

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THE ASSOCIATION FOR SPECIALIST FIRE PROTECTION is still seeking nominations for its range of Passive Fire Protection Industry Awards, which aim to highlight excellence in passive fire protection (PFP) and to reward those who contribute to the advancement of awareness, quality and education within the sector. Nominations opened on 8 August and will close on 4 November.

For 2022 the number of awards has been increased to nine, with the addition of new awards for Best Customer Service, Best Marketing Campaign and Highest Engagement of the Year. The association’s full range of awards for the year is:

• Passive Fire Protection Advocate: This award aims to reward a non

• member who can demonstrate that they are a major advocate for

• high-quality installed PFP.

• Passive Fire Innovation: Open to ASFP members only, this will be

• awarded to an ASFP member company who has an exceptional

• example of an innovative passive fire protection product or service.

• Best Installation Project: This will be awarded to an ASFP member

• who has undertaken the best installation project.

• Lifetime Contribution: Open to ASFP members only, this will be

• awarded to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional practice

• over a significant period of more than 20 years.

• Training and Development: This will be awarded to a member

• company or individual who has completed numerous courses or

• training, developing themselves or their team.

• Individual Rising Star: This recognises an individual who has shown • exceptional potential in a short period of time in the industry – less • than five years – showing promising signs at under 30 years of age.

• Best Customer Service: This will be awarded to a member company • or individual who best demonstrates the importance of customer • service.

• Marketing Campaign: This will be awarded to a member company of • the ASFP that has delivered an effective marketing campaign that • catches the eye of the industry and demonstrates passive fire • protection best practice.

• Highest Engagement: This will recognise a member company or • individual who has used the ASFP benefits and services to the • fullest extent.

The winners of the 2022 ASFP Passive Fire Protection Industry Awards will be announced at an awards dinner at the Park Regis Hotel, Birmingham, on 25 November. The event will feature special guest speaker Mandy Hickson, a former Royal Air Force pilot who was

one of the UK’s first female fast jet pilots. As author of An Officer Not a Gentleman, she will explain how she overcame many obstacles to succeed in such a demanding career and provide leadership and entrepreneurial anecdotes and advice. q

Mobile Mini offers pathway to a safer workplace

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WITH A NETWORK of 16 site locations nationwide, over 40,000 units and supplying over 17,000 customers, Mobile Mini offers the largest UK-wide provision of site accommodation and secure storage solutions.

Transporting and lifting containers, undertaking repair, fabrication and fittings, alongside welding and joinery all demand one thing – the highest possible standards of operational excellence.

Mobile Mini is committed – both to its employees and to be the safest in its industry – with a goal of sending staff home safe and engaging with their workforce through communication and leadership. To continually realise that aspiration, they can’t afford to ever become complacent.

The path to a safer workplace

Mobile Mini’s accident rates are amongst the best in the industry, and this isn’t just the result of a one-off exercise, it calls for continuous improvement.

Before iAuditor, health and safety checks were clunky and inefficient. Paper-based inspections and checks conducted on a daily, weekly and monthly basis required staff to manually write up email findings on return to the office. This meant there was no real-time visibility of what was happening on the ground, or the ability to respond and evolve accordingly.

After an internal recommendation, iAuditor posed the answer to many of Mobile Mini’s challenges.

The team started small, testing out just a couple of initial templates, iAuditor champion Andy Himsworth, SHEQ advisor and trainer on the safety team, discovered they could capture evidence and context –more than was previously possible.

Photos provided richer detail, and the ability to compile actions for noncompliance created a more fluid workflow. With iAuditor, senior management could now get a real-time overview of what branches were doing out in the field. From there, iAuditor began to gain traction.

Made for mobile businesses

Mobile Mini operates in a range of different environments: facing common site challenges including remoteness, weather issues, and lack of wifi. With iAuditor, the team now has the ability to conduct checks on any mobile device and even offline, syncing once they get connectivity.

With the power to capture and report on the go, other branches soon enabled sites to go out and begin using iAuditor. Identifying individuals who would be onsite using it and equipping them to be champions was the key to driving adoption. By getting peers to coach and help their colleagues, iAuditor gathered momentum.

Mobile Mini has now rapidly expanded its use cases to include:

• Spanning Display Screen Equipment

• (DSE) assessments to fire risk

• COVID-19 return to work checks

• Pre-lift risk assessments for trucks

With staff onsite capturing photos on their phone and providing context to hazards, near-misses or concerns on the ground, branch managers can identify issues faster and move to proactive prevention. addressing risk in real time –even across vastly dispersed operations.

Pioneering an accident-free vision

The majority of Mobile Mini staff now regularly use iAuditor, with monthly scheduling of vital checks alongside ad hoc issue reporting – creating true accountability and visibility in the organisation.

The team has seen a change in the level of compliance in its branches, with a direct correlation between more robust audits supported by iAuditor and a reduction in accidents.

Their tech and employee-led approach hasn’t gone unnoticed. The team was highly commended by the British Safety Council for its approach to conducting audits, with iAuditor cited as a vital driver. Mobile Mini also received a North East Business Award for it’s COVID-19 response plan, facilitated by its iAuditor COVID templates.

In recognition of his efforts as a pioneer for the use of technology in driving safety, Andy Himsworth was shortlisted for the SHE Awards as Health & Safety Manager of the Year.

Andy commented: “iAuditor helps make compliance easy for everyone. It’s at the heart of our continual commitment to a workplace where every employee goes home safe.” q

Construction firm goes elite

[A NORTH EAST CONSTRUCTION FIRM has achieved a top industry health and safety accreditation. Teesside-based WOODSmith Construction Group, which forms part of The SDDE Smith Group, has been awarded the highest level of CHAS accreditation – Elite – demonstrating its commitment to maintaining excellent standards.

CHAS – The Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme – is one of the most recognised safety schemes in the construction industry and allows businesses to show their compliance and commitment to health and safety.

Elite accreditation is the highest and most comprehensive level of the scheme, with a lengthy application process. To achieve accreditation, the firm had to report its practices in all elements of the business – from policies and finance to the likes of mental health – before these were signed off by CHAS.

WOODSmith managing director Gary Wood (pictured) said: “CHAS is a highly thought of accreditation, so we were delighted to be awarded the Elite level after just a year in business. It demonstrates that we are key players in the industry with the right policies and procedures in place from the beginning.

“It was a long and thorough process, but I’m a big believer in doing things right and so I was determined to achieve it. All the team pulled together to make it happen in just six weeks, and I’m really proud of our efforts.”

WOODSmith Construction Group was launched in 2021 and is already proving itself to be a key player in the industry, winning contracts with major-name firms such as British Steel within its first year of operating.

Gary continued: “Not many young companies would be able to achieve Elite level this early on, which I believe is a testament to our drive to improve the business and offer the best services. Having this accreditation makes us an attractive option for clients, and will help us to win more work in the future.”

The firm is now working to achieve other industry accreditations to strengthen its offering, including RISQS and ISO. q

• For more information about WOODSmith Construction Group visit www.woodsmithgroup.com, email info@woodsmithgroup.com or call 01287 221461.

Alcumus SafeContractor UKAS accreditation underlines independence and impartiality

[ ALCUMUS SAFECONTRACTOR, the UK’s leading pre-qualification scheme, is proud to be accredited by UKAS, the National Accreditation Body for the United Kingdom, against ISO/IEC 17020:2012 as a Type C Inspections Body.

The accreditation is testimony of Alcumus’s high standards and robust procedures of the audit process. It covers the inspection of health and safety documentation to determine compliance with the Safety Schemes in Procurement’s (SSIP) Core Criteria Assessment Standard. SafeContractor is the largest SSIP scheme to hold the accreditation. In accrediting Alcumus SafeContractor, UKAS affirms to its 35,000 customers its impartiality and independence.

Gemma Archibald, COO for membership at Alcumus, said: “We are thrilled to be awarded this accreditation. It re-affirms to our Alcumus SafeContractor customers the quality, competence, safety and reliability of our services. This is particularly important at a time where businesses care about costs and risks imposed through their supply chains more than ever. The accreditation is testimony to our robust processes and procedures and quality-centric approach that truly reflects our culture of quality and transparency.”

Accreditation to ISO/IEC 17020 is gaining momentum in industries around the globe. The standard places greater emphasis on organisational ability to manage impartiality and conflicts of interest as well as the

technical competence of people, inspection processes and equipment.

In reviewing industry standards, UKAS supports the delivery of quality assessment and conformity processes to the benefit of the businesses and organisations who stipulate or use accredited tests, measurements, inspections or certification schemes.

Gemma Archibald concluded: “Companies of all sizes are seeking a trusted partner to help them reduce risks in their supply chain. Alcumus SafeContractor members can now prove even more credibly that their business is safe, stable and ethical.” q

• For further information visit the website at www.safecontractor.com

Truss greeted with calls for prioritisation of heat pumps

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WHILE SPECULATION over the expected tenure of Prime Minister Truss dominated the airwaves, there was a parallel debate among the clean energy lobby as to the extent to which her energy and industrial policies align with encouraging the growth of the heat pump market – widely regarded as a necessity to bear down on the use of fossil fuels.

The lobbying body Electrify Heat quotes the Climate Change Committee’s averral that 900,000 heat pumps need to be installed in the UK per year by 2028 if we are to reach net-zero by 2050. That does not exclude other solutions such as heat networks or other technologies for households where they are best suited.

Welcoming the new Prime Minister to office in September, Electrify Heat asserts that ‘a focus on clean heat closely aligns with Liz Truss’s three priority areas’.

In a statement issued to mark Liz Truss’s appointment, the body says: “Heat pumps are a major growth and export opportunity. Underpinned by business-led growth and investment, they can help put Global Britain on the map as a clean tech powerhouse. The UK can turn to its boiler manufacturing capability to tap into the booming global market – with the EU targeting 60 million installations by 2030.

“Seizing this opportunity and getting on track for heat pump targets will require a significant boost to the number of skilled installers and engineers. A focus on quality jobs and high-standard training can secure positive benefits for families, workers and businesses, presenting opportunities to boost standards and gender diversity and support a highwage, high-skill economy.”

The statement compares the UK’s approach to the energy crisis with other countries, citing steps taken by the US, Germany and the Netherlands to ‘quickly get off Russian gas and insulate households from volatile international gas markets’.

“Now is time for the UK to take a hands-on approach, rolling out heat pumps to deal with energy bills and secure our energy independence,” Electrify Heat says.

The emphasis on retrofitting, and in particular heat pump installations, was echoed by the Energy Saving Trust. In response to Liz Truss’s appointment, its chief executive Mike Thornton said: “A nationwide retrofit programme would permanently reduce the energy bills of the UK’s most inefficient homes by an average of £1,000 a year. Championing the roll out of low carbon heating, such as heat pumps, and maintaining commitments to vital funding schemes, will also be key.”

Meanwhile, its head of policy Stew Horne called for more demand-side measures in response to Kwasi Kwarteng’s Growth Plan.

He commented: “Alongside the supply-side measures the UK Government has announced, we need a much clearer strategy for demand-side measures, including, crucially, energy efficiency. The extension of the ECO scheme and additional funds for the Public Sector Decarbonisation fund are welcome steps in the right direction, but more action is needed, including outstanding UK Government manifesto commitments on energy efficiency.”

Electrify Heat summarised the aspiration: “We have been calling, alongside industry, for a clear pathway to reduce household, business and public sector energy use and a concrete plan to ensure energy security and reduce reliance on gas imports. This should include a nationwide programme of retrofitting homes, supported by a comprehensive and impartial national energy advice service.

“In addition, the UK Government has made it clear that it wishes to stimulate investment across Britain to spur growth. Investing in businesses, technologies and sectors that will deliver energy security and are net zero-aligned is the surest way to achieve sustainable and sustained growth across the UK, while driving down carbon emissions.

“The new Prime Minister can build on positive steps already taken by the government to supercharge clean, efficient heating at scale.” q

Heat pump roll-out needs trained installers

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THE ISSUE OF TRAINING for heat pump installers has been a major concern of the Ground Source Heat Pump Association.

According to the GSHPA: “A focus on quality jobs and highstandard training opportunities will be critical for ensuring effective implementation; securing outcomes which are desirable for families, workers and businesses – supporting the Prime Minister’s vision for a high-wage, high-skill economy. It will also translate into a better experience for households: ensuring world-class installation and maintenance services.”

It reported on a workshop run by the TUC and E3G (which co-ordinates the Electrify Heat coalition) in the spring on good jobs in heat pumps – attended by unions, engineers, heat pump installers, energy companies, heat pump manufacturers, standards bodies and experts.

A subsequent review process, reaching out to wider industry stakeholders to gain further evidence and information, resulted in an overview of the key themes and recommendations, drawing out next steps. The overview made a number of key recommendations for government and for the industry.

A summary of the recommendations, together with a link to the report, can be found on the GSHPA website at gshp.org.uk.

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