Creative Build Magazine - December Issue by Ryan Leon Media

December Issue Kensington’s most significant development in years

One in five construction employees have suffered from bullying

One of London’s most sustainable, all-electric office buildings

Pages 44-45

Pages 50-51

Pages 56-57

creativebuildmagazine.com

Contents 5

Brownfield regeneration sorely needed

Exquisite lighting design integrated in South Kensington Penthouse

Government must outlaw ‘cowboy builders’, says FMB

5 Power Questions to ask your kitchen designer

Helping the construction industry to help the environment

COP26: the good, the bad, and the colossal missed opportunity

5 Tips to avoid construction delays

‘Construction shortages threaten housebuilding target’

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Materials shortage affects the below ground drainage, sewer and surface water management products market As with other sectors of the construction industry, the pandemic has had a major impact on drainage, sewer and surface water management works, more so for housebuilding rather than civils works, where most work is undertaken outdoors where it has been easier to apply social distancing measures.

as economies return to some semblance of normality after the lockdowns of 2020. In the UK this has been compounded by the impact of ‘Brexit’ on the implementation of new documentation processes at containers ports and Dover, where most shipping from the EU comes into the UK, and the return home of many EU construction workers.

This has led to a decrease in sales of below ground drainage sewer and surface water management products in 2020.

The main polymer use in the manufacture of below ground drainage, sewers and surface water drainage is PVC-u, with PE and PP also being important particularly in the production of large diameter pipes and surface water / stormwater management products. However, ProdCom data shows that UK manufacturers sales for rigid tubes and pipes of all three polymer types were down sharply in 2020.

For 2021, it is forecast there will be a modest return to growth as the construction industry has returned working at almost full capacity. However, several factors will have constrained growth, most notably the impact of the pandemic across global supply chains, including in the UK construction industry where there is a shortage of many types of products and materials. This has been due to a combination of the dislocation of containers around the world and the surge in global demand for materials such as timber, steel and polymers

Abdul Tantouch, Research Manager at AMA Research, comments on the materials shortage “Shortages of materials due to the global dislocation of containers and surge in global demand for timber, steel and polymers will likely last throughout 2021 and well into 2022. Long term issues influencing growth in the

market include the shortages of tradesmen and construction professionals which was partly due to lower levels of activity in the industry thereby masking a systemic shortage of construction trades, but the UK has been compounded by the impact of new post-Brexit processes at ports and the return home of many EU construction workers.” However, over the course of 2021, as economies around the world have been recovering from the impact of the pandemic, demand for plastic products has soared. Europe is a net importer for polymer and so is particularly vulnerable to market disruptions. Since Q1 there have been severe shortages of polymers – particularly PVC, PE and PP -and additives for plastics converting leading to huge price increases in Europe. Over the next five years and into the longer term, it is forecast that demand will grow for below ground drainage, sewers and surface water management products and systems. The key drivers behind this are the anticipated growth in population and ‘urban creep’ and forecasts for increases in major flooding.

Brownfield regeneration sorely needed as vacant land plots account for just 1.4% of residential listings Real estate debt advisory specialists, Sirius Property Finance, has revealed that land plots account for just 1.4% of current for sale stock listed on the market and demand is high, with 55% of these already being snapped up by developers. As part of the most recent Budget statement, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced £1.8 billion of government money to help fund the regeneration of brownfield land up and down the country as part of a mission to satisfy the everintensifying need for new homes. The research by Sirius Property Finance shows that the need for these additional land plots is clear, as current levels account for a very small proportion of overall residential sales listings. The research shows that across Britain there are some 677,533 residential

property opportunities listed on the current market, with just shy of 10,000 of these coming in the form of land plots available for development - just 1.4% of the total market.

sold subject to contract, while Bristol (68%), Newcastle (67%), Cardiff (60%), Edinburgh (57%) and Nottingham (57%), are also home to above average levels of demand.

What’s more, 55% of these plots have already gone under offer or sold subject to contract.

Managing Director of Sirius Property Finance, Nicholas Christofi, commented:

Swansea is home to the highest level of land plot availability, accounting for 1.9% of current residential listings. Aberdeen (1%) and Bradford (1%) are the only other major cities where land plots account for at least one per cent of the current market. While land plot availability may be scarce, demand is high. In Bournemouth, 77% of all land plots listed on the market have already been marked as under offer or

“Land plots currently account for a minute proportion of available property purchasing opportunities but the appetite for these plots is clear, with more than half of those listed already being snapped up across the nation. We need more homes and we need them quickly. Opening up the nation’s brownfield is just one step in addressing this shortage and while it will utilise land that has otherwise been overlooked for quite some time, it certainly won’t solve the problem in its entirety.”

Ladder Association embarks on Ladder Surveillance Survey The Ladder Association, in partnership with Trading Standards departments across the East of England, are getting ready to undertake a significant Ladder Surveillance Survey, to investigate the conformity of ladders with product standard EN 131 in the supply chain and address ongoing concerns with the availability and use of substandard and potentially dangerous ladders on the UK market. Focussing initially on Telescopic Ladders, the Ladder Association will be working with the UK-based Certification Body and Test Laboratory, the Test and Research

Centre, to test a sample of telescopic ladders, from various sources, against a range of key strength tests. The Surveillance Survey is the result of a growing and hugely successful relationship between the Test and Research Centre and Suffolk County Council Trading Standards Imports Team, who together, have stopped over 800 dangerous ladders from entering the UK market through the Port of Felixstowe, in the last 18 months alone. Not only was there an issue with the quality of those ladders tested (they failed numerous

dimension, strength and deflection tests), but even more worryingly, the ladders all appeared to have ‘official’ labelling, making it extremely difficult for ladder users to know what ‘good’ looks like. Comments Gail Hounslea, Chairman of the Ladder Association, “It is clear from the work already done with Trading Standards, there is a real problem with sub-standard ladders making their way into the homes and workplaces of unsuspecting ladder users. These ladders are dangerous, liable to cause injury and need to be stopped. “We also know from accident statistics* that a significant number of injuries in the home and for leisure activities involve work at height equipment (one every 10 minutes requiring a trip to A&E). That’s a frightening statistic. This Surveillance Survey will not only root out dangerous ladders, but the findings will also help us develop clearer guidance for consumers and businesses to give them the added confidence to make smarter and safer ladder buying decisions. “Let’s not forget though, the role retailers have to play here too. It doesn’t matter if they’re an independent high street store or a major online retailer, they must take responsibility for due diligence when offering ladders for sale. Yes, we can educate consumers, but the reality is the products shouldn’t be there for sale in the first place.” John Darby, Test and Research Centre General Manager said, “Our work with Local Authority Trading Standards in the East of England, and particularly Suffolk’s surveillance activities at the Port of Felixstowe, have found some truly dangerous ladders, it would only be a matter of time before they caused a serious injury or a fatality. Consumers in the UK have a legal right to assume a product is safe if it is placed on the market for them to buy – and we will do everything we can to highlight the unsafe ones.”

Jacqueline O’Donovan Honoured at the National Courier Awards 2021 The 25th annual National Courier Awards was held last week in London at a ceremony celebrating excellence in the logistics and delivery sector and saw Jacqueline O’Donovan honoured with a prestigious award on the night. The event was a landmark occasion organised by the Institute of Couriers (IoC) and took place at the stately Institute of Directors building in Pall Mall. The glittering event, celebrating the silver anniversary, hosted a very special guest with Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal in attendance to congratulate the winners in person recognising the key worker and critical infrastructure status of the sector.

Jacqueline O’Donovan, managing director of O’Donovan Waste, a sustainable business operating 100 lorries in London, was honoured with a special award recognising her continuous work during the pandemic in prioritising staff wellbeing and promoting covid safety within the workforce and the wider business sector. The ‘David Jamieson’ award was presented to her by DEFRA minister Jo Churchill MP. The awards are arbitrated by an independent panel of judges who recognise the best of the industry and the ‘David Jamieson’ Award is inspired by the IoC Vice President, former Transport minister and former police commissioner, David Jamieson. Speaking of Jacqueline’s selection of the Covid Safety and Wellbeing Award, IoC President, Lord Falkland commented: “Jacqui is an inspirational leader for her initiatives that assist workers in our sector and for road safety.” Jacqueline has previously been honoured by the IoC with the respected hood of fellowship in recognition of her vision for freight in the final mile environment. Jacqueline said, “It is a tremendous privilege to receive this award and I am delighted to accept it on behalf of all business leaders in transport and logistics that have had to change, adapt and modify in order to lead our teams through such an unprecedented time.” 7

Government must outlaw ‘cowboy builders’, says FMB The Government’s failure to back legislation to tackle the scourge of cowboy builders is disappointing, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to a Private Members Bill debated last Friday by Conservative MP, Mark Garnier, calling for the licensing of domestic building companies. Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “While the Government’s failure to back the Domestic Building Works (Consumer Protection) Bill is disappointing, its commitment to work with stakeholders and industry and find a solution to stamp out cowboy builders is at least welcome news.” Berry continued: “With almost one third of homeowners having been put off undertaking major home improvement works due to the fear of hiring a dodgy

builder, it’s clear we need to licence UK construction companies. It simply can’t be right in a modern economy that anyone can call themselves a builder without any form of licensing or registration to check they are competent. This is not only a serious question of consumer protection, but also one of promoting economic growth in the building industry.”

Berry concluded: “77% of small, local construction firms back the principle of a licensing scheme so it is encouraging that many Conservative and Labour MPs are joining forces in support of tidying up the building industry. A licence to build would protect not only consumers but also quality builders from being undercut by unscrupulous and, all too often, dangerous cowboy builders.”

Helping the construction industry to help the environment Simon Woods, European Sales, Marketing and Logistics Director explains how West Fraser is helping the construction industry to help the environment As the world becomes more and more aware of the effect we have on the planet, it is important for the construction industry to realise how it affects the world in ways it doesn’t intend to. At West Fraser, our products are net carbon negative. This means that we lock up more carbon in the products than we emit in the end-to-end production and distribution of them (delivery to our customers’ gates). Attaining net carbon negativity, as we have done, is a significant step and demonstrates the company’s determination to be a market leader in sustainable, climatefriendly products. As wood is the main component of West Fraser’s products, carbon is sequestered and locked up for the board’s lifetime.

Particleboard products have the added advantage of containing 70-80% postconsumer recycled wood; this is also used in OSB. As a result, the company’s four European sites and three product ranges lock up a total of 1.18 million tonnes of CO2e per year, equivalent to the CO2 from 200,265 homes’ electricity. West Fraser’s net carbon negative products’ status benefits specifiers and users of the company’s engineered wood panel products. When used in construction, these products can move a project’s carbon count in the right direction assisting companies to meet net zero targets, which is good for reputation, compliance and the planet. In every SterlingOSB Zero board more carbon from the atmosphere is locked up than is emitted during manufacture, locking it up into long term storage. Per cubic metre, SterlingOSB Zero has sequestered 828kg of CO2e.

The vast majority of the wood used is homegrown, minimising carbon emissions from transport while ensuring it is always available and offers a cost-effective building solution. West Fraser is a diversified wood products company with more than 60 facilities in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe. From responsibly sourced and sustainably managed forest resources, West Fraser produces lumber, engineered wood (OSB, LVL, MDF, plywood, particleboard), and other products including pulp, newsprint, wood chips and renewable energy. West Fraser’s products are used in construction, repair and remodelling, industrial applications, papers, tissue and box materials. For further information call 01786 812 921 or visit Uk.westfraser.com

Schöck Isokorb for Passivhaus Large Project of the Year Winner of the Large Projects category of the UK Passivhaus Awards 2021, Agar Grove, in Camden, is designed to tackle occupant wellbeing, climate action pledges and fuel poverty. The avoidance of thermal bridging is therefore a key element in the design detailing and to ensure optimum performance, the balconies and parapets incorporate Schöck Isokorb technology. Claimed to be the largest Passivhaus development in the UK and certainly Camden Council’s largest community investment project, Agar Grove, in North West London, is undergoing a six-phase major regeneration. It is due for completion in 2025, with a masterplan that will provide 493 affordable homes. This is very much a community-oriented project, with the new homes planned around the the traditional concept of ‘streets and squares’, allowing mobility through and within the site. The buildings will feature predominantly brick and reconstituted stone façade materials, with natural light and open spaces that will make the

ho-mes feel welcoming and spacious. There will be one, two, three and four bedroom apartments, with maisonettes and gardens on the ground floor and those on the higher floors with full width balconies.

relatively low on buildings that are not well insulated, with buildings to the performance standard of Passivhaus the impact of thermal bridging is very significant. Technically advanced solutions

The highest levels of sustainability By achieving Passivhaus standard energy performance, the development will meet the highest levels of sustainability and energy efficiency, addressing issues such as occupant wellbeing, climate action pledges and fuel poverty. A key element in meeting these standards is the avoidance of thermal bridging; and one of the most effective countermeasures has been incorporated – Isokorb technology from Schöck. Thermal bridging is not only a frequent cause of increased heat and energy loss, but condensation too. Leading to damp walls and the likelihood of mould formation, with its consequent health implications for tenants. Thermal bridges in the building envelope therefore have a measurable effect on energy efficiency and thermal comfort. Although their impact can be

With the Agar Grove development the risk of thermal bridging is primarily at the connectivity points involving balconies and parapets. Balconies are always likely to pose a risk when it comes to thermal bridging and it is here that the design detailing involves the first of the Schöck load-bearing structural therrmal break types used on the development – the XT type K. This transfers both negative moments and positive shear forces and has been awarded the “low thermal bridge construction” certificate by the Passivhaus Institute in Darmstadt, verifying its suitability for Passivhaus construction. A major reason for the superior performance of the product is the thickness of the insulation body, which is increased from the standard 80mm thick to 120mm. High quality. stainless steel bars with improved tensile strength are an integral part of the unit.

Although there is a smaller rod diameter and therefore a reduction in the thermally conducting cross-section, the same loadbearing capacity is maintained, resulting in a further increase in the heat insulation performance More thermally efficient than wrapped parapets Where the parapets are concerned, the conventional method commonly used is to wrap the perimeter of the wall with an insulation barrier. However, by using the Schöck Isokorb XT type A, the solution is more cost-effective and offers a higher thermal efficiency than conventional wrapped parapets. Its 120mm insulation thickness results in low psi-values and therefore significantly reduces heat loss – and there is no wrapping required. It permits a more sophisticated construction opportunity for greater freedom of design and allows flexible distance between elements according to load requirements An added benefit being there is no risk of any additional thermal bridging through balustrade fixings. Other key factors are durability and water impermeability, as the Isokorb solution used does not require maintenance and there is no risk of expensive restoration due to waterproofing problems. Unquestionable environmental performance Not only does the Isokorb range provide a number of solutions to meet Passivhaus standards, it also exceeds the requirements of the Future Homes Standard, helping the industry move towards the Governments 2050 net zero carbon targets. In addition to concrete-to concrete and maintenance free parapets, the-re are solutions too for concrete-to-steel, steelto-steel – and innovative techno-logy from Schöck even enables the retrofitting or renovation of balconies. Pro-ducts meet full compliance with the relevant UK building regulations and there is also the security of independent BBA Certification, which provides NHBC appro-val. The requirement that the temperature factor used to indicate condensation risk (fRSI) must be greater than, or equal to, 0.75 for residential buildings, is ea-sily met by incorporating the Isokorb. Contact Schöck on 01865 290 890; or visit the website at www.schoeck.com for a full introduction to the extensive range of product solutions. 13

5 Tips to avoid construction delays In the construction business, completing projects on time is the biggest challenge.

Here are our five tips for avoiding delays on any project: 1. Plan Everything in Advance

Delayed construction projects are a nightmare for everyone involved. Project managers can only plan so much—with so many moving parts to coordinate, it’s easy for unexpected problems to arise. These can be small, even minute things, but they stack up quicker than you think. The next thing you know, the project is running late and you’re losing even more time and money just to catch up. Many different things can delay construction projects, but it’s important to know where the biggest holes in your process lie so you can get past them and finish strong.

If you’re not sure what your contingency plan is when something goes wrong, it’s best to put one together before the time comes. But make sure you also have a backup contingency plan if the first one doesn’t work out... and a backup for that! If you don’t, the chances of a construction delay skyrocket, and all because you didn’t want to do a little extra planning beforehand. 2. Start Preparing for Problems Early Problems lurk behind every step of your process. The last thing you want is to get

halfway through a project before realizing that your contractor mixed up your steel beams or that you have a problem with the foundation of your building. Create backups for each step from start to finish, whether it’s having enough material on hand or lining up subcontractors who can take over if necessary. Contingency plans are great but they’re not meant to be permanent— if you don’t need them after all, that’s fine! But it’s better to have them just in case. After all, you don’t want to be the only one who knows what should happen when something goes wrong. Your whole team needs to know so that no time is wasted making decisions or figuring things out on the fly.

3. Constant Communication is Key

5. Shore Up Your Site’s Security

You can’t have too much communication during a project. Make sure you and your team are always on the same page and that everyone is following the agreedupon gameplan.

Safety is a vital part of every construction project. Having an injury or fatality on a construction site can be catastrophic to the project’s timeline and overall progress. Moreover, if your workers don’t feel safe on the site, they won’t dive into their work with 100% of themselves like you need them to.

Don’t stop communicating when things are running smoothly, either! Your team members will appreciate knowing where they stand even if nothing goes wrong; it gives them a sense of security that they’re doing their part to help the project along. When your team is on board and knows what’s going on, it gives everyone a shared goal to work towards together. It also helps keep everyone accountable, making it easier to spot issues that could otherwise cause delays.

Data tools empowered by AI are emerging as the leading solution for site safety. Many construction software suites already have built-in features that allow engineers to monitor workflows, track weather patterns, and forecast productivity rates on their sites with ease. These can work with AI-driven robots and drones to survey for potential safety risks in real-time, allowing project managers to deploy countermeasures early.

The power of AI in construction lies primarily in its ability to see, hear, and analyze troves of data no one human could ever hope to. Accidents can happen anytime. Using AI to monitor site safety is a proactive way to minimize such risks without requiring additional manpower. Delays are all too common in construction. A lost hour here and there might not seem like a big deal, but multiply that by the number of people on your site for each day of work and you’ll get an idea why even small delays are important to avoid. Following the tips we outlined above will help you and your team avoid construction delays and get the job done right on time.

4. Don’t Assume Anything One of the easiest ways to avoid construction delays is not assuming that your subcontractors will know what you want them to do. Leaving a detailed project plan behind for each subcontractor to follow along with your vision of what needs to happen onsite can make everything go much more smoothly in the long run. It may cost a bit extra upfront but it’ll save time and headaches down the road when you don’t have to worry about missing or incorrect parts arriving onsite. A detailed plan will also help your subcontractors know how much time they need, allowing them to estimate their own timelines and give you a more accurate estimated completion date in the process. Your team’s productivity is only as strong as its weakest link, so make sure you know what you’re working with to avoid construction delays. Not assuming anything goes hand-inhand with the previous tip. Instead of assuming that your team knows what to do, make sure everyone is on the same page before a project begins.

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Wood flooring in the kitchen At Havwoods we are often asked if wood flooring is suitable for a kitchen. As a rule, we wouldn’t recommend wood flooring for some of the most wet or humid environments, but as the moisture levels in the kitchen areas tend to be lower than for example in a bathroom, it can work. By installing wood floor in the kitchen be it someone’s home, office or a café, is a great design solution achieving a continuous flow between spaces, which in turn can make spaces appear lighter, brighter and larger. Wood flooring type When selecting the type of wood flooring for a kitchen we recommend an engineered option over a solid wood option. This is because the multi-layered construction of an engineered wood flooring means that it is far less prone to warping in areas where moisture is present, for example around the sink. The stability of engineered planks also allows for installation over underfloor heating,

which is ideal for restaurants, communal workspaces as well as the modern home. A timeless choice With its unique natural beauty and inherent character, wood flooring will add effortless style to any kitchen space. From warm wooden hues to dark and moody shades, there are many finishes to choose from when it comes to selecting the perfect floor. Comfort underfoot is also essential and unlike other surface options wood flooring is a much softer and more comfortable choice. This is especially key in environments where the user needs to spend a long period of time on their feet. Care and maintenance Unlike the bathroom, excess water levels are much lower in the kitchen. Aside from the tap, the other main appliances aren’t regular sources of moisture and therefore will not damage the floor. In the

unfortunate event of a spillage, if cleaned up quickly the floor is unlikely to split or warp. If the floor has been sealed it will remain protected from the occasional spillage, however for the more serious water damage, for example a burst pipe or leak, the whole floor may need replacing. These events are of course rare, and damage would happen regardless of the material choice. Remember that it is also essential to use the right maintenance products in accordance with Havwoods’ guidelines. Whilst UV oiled floors are an excellent and very popular choice for kitchens, we tend to recommend they are overcoated after installation to ensure they are given the best protection and maximum durability for this high-wear environment. To find the perfect wood flooring for your kitchen, explore our extensive range! Go to: www.havwoods.com/uk or call us on 01524 737000.

Exquisite lighting design integrated in South Kensington Penthouse Working closely with established interior designers dkinteriors, Diana Blanchard and Anastasia Antonova Design, Detail Lighting specified the lighting for this impressive South Kensington residential property. Elevating the ambience of each and every room - from the bathroom suites and an open-plan kitchen to an atrium and walk-in wine cellar, Detail Lighting provided technical back-up and developed bespoke lighting solutions that were strongly guided by the client’s likes and dislikes. Incorporating numerous special finishes and modifications to standard products to ensure the lighting effect was just right, Detail Lighting carefully worked to pair suitable products with the function of each space. In the beautifully designed contemporary kitchen, where the lighting was especially important to create a bright environment with no shadows, the Corona Pro

product was installed alongside discreet undercabinet LED strips to deliver an impeccably lit space. A best-selling product in Detail Lighting’s expansive portfolio, Corona Pro was used throughout the property in various wattages depending on the ceiling height, whilst bespoke finishes and colours were provided to complement the interior scheme and paints used. Statement wall finishes meant carefully positioned and planned lighting was required to minimise the impact of the light products themselves, meaning the eye is drawn to the décor and detailing of the interior. A perfect example of this intelligently planned lighting, a hidden LED was integrated into the staircase to accentuate the handrail, accompanied by trimless cu-blok lights on each step acting as discreet orientation lighting. Illuminating the walk-in wardrobe and dressing area, linear LEDs were carefully

added to joinery and combined with overhead lighting to create a functional and appealing lighting scheme. Careful consideration was required for this project to ensure a seamless lighting and controls package, to achieve this Detail Lighting worked closely with the AV integration firm and conducted various testing to ensure that the dimming and scene setting would work perfectly and achieve the client’s desired aesthetic. Established in 2000, Detail Lighting offers beautiful, functional lighting design that separates projects from the ordinary. Supplying the commercial, hospitality and residential sector, Detail Lighting combines unparalleled expertise with a comprehensive portfolio of stylish, technical and well-designed products to deliver the very best in LED lighting solutions.

Bathroom trends 2022 What can we look forward to? As winter approaches UK Bathrooms, the UK’s leading online retailer of premium branded bathrooms, takes a look at the exciting bathroom trends we can look forward to in 2022. Let’s Go Green Green will be seen in our 2022 bathrooms. From pastels to sage green, emerald green to forest green – it’s a great colour to ensure your space looks fresh and encourages your positive wellbeing. Try green tiling to your walls and floor, or a bold wallpaper with green hues to bring your bathroom completely up to date.

Farrow and Ball recently unveiled their top 5 colours for 2022 – Breakfast Room Green, Babouche, School House White, Stone Blue and Incarnadine being named. These wonderful hues offer a great mix of form, function and comfort and evoke the warmth of living. Breakfast Room Green is most definitely the cheeriest of all the F & B greens to date. Use on all 4 walls in your bathroom to make the space look bigger.

Biophilia Says Graeme Borchard, MD of UK Bathrooms ‘I’ve been an avid fan of

biophilia for some time now and I’m pleased to say that the trend for biophilic bathrooms is going to continue in 2022. Our bathrooms are busy places, we start and end each day in the room but whilst busy there is also a growing need for our bathroom to be a safe haven, a place to relax and reduce our stress levels.” A biophilic bathroom uses plants to introduce nature, not only do they help to de-stress they also help to purify the air. Continues Graeme “It’s not all about plants though, look to introduce natural materials into your new bathroom design, wood, stone, cork and bamboo can all be used on floors and furniture. Or just add wooden accessories to add a pure, simple and natural aesthetic.” Wooden Floor Tiles Beautiful natural wooden floors as a finish for the bathroom is definitely a growing trend. Wood effect tiles are practical yet bring the instant warmth and coziness of a wooden floor. Black Bathroom We’ve seen a huge trend for black in our bathrooms over the last few years and it will dominate in 2022. Use black furniture or accessories or even make a real statement with a freestanding black bath. Add black tiles to your shower wall to create a stunning contrast. Leading traditional bathroom brands such as Burlington and Imperial have recently launched their black bathroom collections which includes bathroom basins, wc’s and furniture. These pair exceptionally well with gold finished brassware and accessories – if you’re aiming for an opulent, luxurious style. Overall In 2022 we will definitely see a trend for earthy natural colours and finishes, stick to one hue and create that natureinspired zone where you and your loved ones can relax and de-stress.

Aqualisa introduces Midas 220 mixer shower range in black metal finish Midas 220 in Black follows a growing trend for black bathroom products Bathroom specialist Aqualisa has announced an additional series within its premium Midas 220 mixer shower collection, featuring an elegant black metal finish. The Midas 220 in Black makes a bold, contemporary statement, and satisfies the growing consumer demand for black bathroom products and accessories. Manufactured to exceptional standards, the Midas 220 in Black series is equipped with a thermostatic brass body and brass handles, and each model complies with Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) criteria for quality. Three options are available in the Midas 220 in Black line-up: - MD220S.MB - Single outlet bar mixer shower with adjustable shower head

- MD220SC.MB - Dual outlet shower column mixer with 245mm drencher and adjustable head - MD220BSM.MB - Bath shower mixer with adjustable shower head

shower from a generous 245mm fixed deluge head. This model incorporates a telescopic rail for extra installation flexibility, making it suitable for a variety of showering spaces. Midas 220 in Black: Bath Shower Mixer

Midas 220 in Black: Single Outlet The high-performance single outlet Midas 220 in Black provides a consistently safe and satisfying shower experience. Built from brass, this fully thermostatic valve with cool touch surface technology offers a five spray mode handset that can be easily adjusted to numerous heights and angles. Midas 220 in Black: Dual Outlet A versatile choice, this brass, wallmounted exposed bar valve with cool touch surface technology includes an integrated diverter for a conventional adjustable handset shower, or an exhilarating overhead drencher

This space-saving option provides the perfect combination of shower and bath fill for a flexible family bathroom experience. The quality engineered, brass deck-mounted valve delivers excellent flow rates to fill the bath quickly, as well as ensuring a powerful and invigorating shower – all with the safety assurance of thermostatically-controlled temperature and cool touch surface technology. The 24mm five mode handset included with each shower has been designed to be effortless to maintain, with rub-clean jets. An easy fit bracket is included with each product. Tim Creedon, sales director at Aqualisa, commented, “The black brassware colourway has never been as popular as it is now. Offering high-calibre performance combined with bold and distinctive styling, the Midas 220 in Black blends an iconic and trusted design with refined, on-trend styling for the modern home environment. With three stunning choices, this new collection makes an immediate impact, as well as offering the versatility to accommodate an array of different bathroom spaces, configurations and sizes.” The Aqualisa Midas 220 in Black range is backed by the Aqualisa five year guarantee. For further details on the Aqualisa Midas 220 in Black collection, please visit: www.aqualisa.co.uk/midas-220-black Pricing and availability The Aqualisa Midas 220 in Black range is available now. For pricing and more information, please call the Aqualisa Customer Support Team on 01959 560020 or 01 864 3363 (Republic of Ireland).

Plana collection by Scarabeo wins the Archiproducts Design Award 2021 Now in their sixth edition, the Archiproducts Design Awards celebrate the excellence of international design. At the center is the synergy between producers and designers who relate means and talent to give shape to the creative process. With their debut in 2016 and now internationally recognized, the ADAs are confirmed as a true tribute to creativity, research and innovation. The new edition of the ADA has seen, even more than in the past, contemporary design in close relationship with the needs of the community. The jurors evaluated the fundamental aspects oriented towards an innovative, ethical and sustainable design. Objects that make you feel protected, celebrate diversity and go beyond the usual stereotypes. PLANA, Scarabeo’s rational and very versatile furnishing system, wins this prestigious award. PLANA is a folded metal sheet, available in three sizes (60, 80 and 100 cm) and in the matt black, gray and dove gray finishes, on which to place any variant of countertop washbasin. Small footprint for a sustainable and cutting-edge design. The storage area leaves a wide choice of drawers and wooden shelves of various sizes and finishes, which can be positioned with absolute ease to create personalized creative combinations based on your tastes or needs, ranging from woods such as Alpaca, Cesio Verde, Macassar, Brizzo Oak up to the Nodato Oak.

2022 UK Kitchen Trends Rotpunkt, award-winning zero carbon manufacturer of premium German kitchen furniture offer its expert knowhow on the latest kitchen trends to hit the UK marketplace in 2022. Head of UK Operations at Rotpunkt, Matt Phillips explains, “2022 is going to be a landmark year for the blendedkitchen space, as the market is primed to bring the very best in life-enhancing kitchen design to the contemporary home. Our research shows that the modern kitchen will be reinvented next year with industrial-style spaces becoming more visually quiet and gender neutral in terms of colours, materials and finishes. Presenting a true democracy for today’s lifestyle, the kitchen of tomorrow will be contemporary in style and spatially

ergonomic with the very best sustainable furniture forming the basis of each scheme.” Rotpunkt is proud to present a new collection of high concept kitchen designs and solutions in 2022, which are sustainably manufactured and rigorously product-tested to meet the highest eco-design standards. Here are some of the key trends the company feels you should look out for next year: Style: Calm industrial - The iconic industrial design style is set to be reinvented next year, with a softer colourpalette helping to place new emphasis on timber finishes and iconic features, which move away from the slab doorto welcome modern in-frame and vertical fin design options. Calm industrial

kitchen schemes will also be space sensitive, providing a wealth of open and closed furniture solutions in 2022 with canopy-style storage and wall panelling systems creating lifestyle-friendly kitchen spaces that support individual needs and living habits. Palette: Natural – Indoor outdoor living is going to be big in 2022 and so botanical greys and greens will be met with raw timber finishes ranging from light oak to rich, dark black. Design integrity will be achieved through a well-considered balance of block colours and natural design effects, offset by matt black hardware and accessories like appliances and storage systems through to lighting and essential fixtures and fittings. Layout: Modular - Industry forecasts indicate that versatile pieces of furniture that create a more flexible home environment will top the charts in 2022, with integrated wall and ceiling storage systems through to all-inclusive islands with space to cook, dine and do business. Broken-plan, modular arrangements will be the layout of choice, able to accommodate dedicated kitchen, living and utility areas with designed-in storage to ensure minimal disruption to the ground floor. Modular furniture will add to the overall flexibility in the space, with statement furniture solutions developing around the traditional cook zone and becoming the building blocks of the contemporary kitchen. Manufacture: Eco friendly – Mindful consumerism continues to be a priority for anyone seeking to make a difference and address climate change in the home. Recognising the ‘power of the purchase’ will be crucial in 2022, with big ticket items like the kitchen helping to reduce environmental impact and promote a greener way of life. In this way, the latest furniture trends are embracing all of the new design possibilities being achieved when using recycled materials and so renewable wood alternatives will prove their worth next year as an eco-friendly option that does not sacrifice on style or quality. For further information on Rotpunkt UK, please email matt.phillips@rotpunktuk.com or visit www.rotpunktkuechen.de/en/

5 Power Questions to ask your kitchen designer ‘Daval kitchen, your way’ with these must-know design tips from leading fitted kitchen specialists, Daval British designer and manufacturer of quality fitted furniture, Daval, shares its expertise by giving its five best power questions to ask your kitchen designer in order to empower you and your home… Managing Director, at Daval, Simon Bodsworth says, “As the kitchen living space is such a key part of today’s home and family lifestyle, it is crucial for consumers to have confidence in their design team and understand every aspect of the process. By facilitating open and transparent conversations between designers and clients, the KBB industry as a whole can provide exemplary service and help homeowners to find the right kitchen to suit their property as well as their daily routine.” 1: How sustainable is this kitchen? As the UK adjusts to life after Brexit and looks to support British manufacturing as well adopting more sustainable strategies when building, it is increasingly important to ask about sustainability when it comes to kitchen manufacture. Ask your designer about the provenance and longevity of materials and factory processes so you can build up a picture of how many ‘design miles’ your kitchen will need to travel and how eco-conscious the manufacturer is. It is also important to ask about various kitchen elements can be recycled when they reach the end of their lifespan so you can make an informed decision as a responsible homeowner. A reputable manufacturer will be keen to mention its awards and credentials for ethical product sourcing and processes so it pays to do your research online as well as in the showroom to be sure that you are buying from a brand which inspires your trust. 2: How hygienic is this kitchen? With health and hygiene is a new 28

cornerstone of family kitchen design, especially as the ‘worried well’ are taking a keen interest in optimising wellness. This is increasingly important in an open plan kitchen which is ‘the nerve centre of the home’ and experiences more foot traffic. With this in mind, look out for antibacterial adding extra protection to kitchen surfaces. These coatings are more resistant to the growth of bacteria and help minimise the risk of cross-contamination when prepping food. Anti-bacterial coating brings another level of protection to kitchen surfaces, especially if members of your household suffer from allergies, have low immunity or there are pets in the house. Stainless steel drawers, presentation-style glass panels and anti-fingerprint surface treatments also serve as a barrier and will protect you and your family against harmful substances so your kitchen furniture remains durable and non-toxic to your health and home environment.

that he or she can explore made-tomeasure, made-to-order furniture which will fit your space perfectly. Always be honest about your practical needs too, especially if you are looking for a designated utility room or want to accommodate a pet bed. Do not edit yourself when it comes to talking about your favourite colours and textures in the kitchen as your designer needs to know what you like and how your prefer to use your space. Make sure that you can refer to a manufacturer’s website and social media for design inspiration so you can have a better idea of the how it will look in real life in different colours and finishes.

3: Can this furniture be tailored to my needs? Custom-made kitchens that enhance both work and social life continue to grow in popularity, and this is inspiring open-plan spaces that are family-friendly and encompass kitchen, dining and living areas in one. With this in mind, ask your designer about flexible features such as banquette seating, integral breakfast bars and extra power points which should be considered at an early stage of planning to ensure the ‘fundamentals’ are planned-in so that you can conveniently charge your laptop, smart phone or other electronic device in a dedicated area of the kitchen: great when working from home or enjoying some down time with friends and family.

5: What are the storage possibilities? As the kitchen living dynamic has expanded to include home office and home entertainment elements, you need to be sure that everything from recycling bins to bar ware and paperwork can be stored safely when not in use. Careful thought needs to be applied to the layout of the kitchen as for instance, a larder will inevitably store food, groceries and other provisions and so it needs to always remain close to hand and be protected against adverse conditions like direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. In fact, you are best served positioning any larder storage next to the fridge as it will ensure the pantry goods are right next to the fresh foods for optimum convenience. It also pays to enquire about high volume food storage so that you have peace of mind knowing your essentials can always be housed. For example, small mezzanine racks provide additional storage space in cupboards with pull-out rack systems and combination shelving is a way to create one complete area, which caters to multiple needs.

4: Will this kitchen complement my house and lifestyle? The days of ‘offthe-peg’ kitchens are long gone as we all embrace our own personal style and individualism at home. If you are looking to create a particular look that you wish to carry through into the kitchen then flag it to your kitchen designer so

Daval is an award-winning furniture manufacturer which proudly makes custom furniture from sustainable sources. For further information on Daval, its kitchen living furniture and interiors storage solutions, please contact: Daval Furniture t 01484 848500 or visit www.daval-furniture.co.uk

2022 Heating Trends The UK’s largest British designer and manufacturer of premium radiators and towel warmers, Vogue (UK), shareits expert heating and bathroom trends predictions for 2022 and beyond … Steve Birch, Sales Director at Vogue (UK) begins with saying, “We are finding new appetite for heating solutions that provide homeowners with all the advantages of warmth and style without the environmental impact and so this needs to be factored in to the overall ‘design picture’ from the outset. I believe this new desire has stemmed from the abundance of sustainable materials now available, for instance, aluminium heating designs which are now being considered as an eco-luxe choice for the modern bathroom. Given its water efficiency, flexible installation and lightweight material, aluminium is a great example of a sustainable material which can be endlessly recycled as an end product = designer radiators and towel warmers!”

So what else is predicted to shake-up the heating market in 2022? Steve explains: Lifestyle heating: When looking ahead to 2022, it will be a case of ‘anything goes’ as many of us now have more confidence to take charge when updating our homes and so selecting the right heating design will be critical when designing in line with specific lifestyle preferences. We are now in an era where you really can ‘be your own home stylist’ and meet your every need. With this in mind, robust materials and finishes on the darker spectrum like anthracite and black, will be just as desirable as vintage metallics and timeless white finishes as we move into next year. In addition, hidden heating solutions which are designed as singular floating bars that can also come together in a range of styles and formations, are on the rise in the modern bathroom.

With property experts indicating that house prices will continue to rise in 2022, personalisation in interiors is going to be fundamental moving forwards. Creative products like single bar heating will therefore answer demand from homeowners who appreciate traditional craftsmanship, coupled with the latest technology. Added value: The 2022 home is about adding value where there is none, offering easy living and high comfort that is both beautiful and practical. In light of this, en-suite bathrooms and cloakrooms continue to be a popular way to enhance convenience and add value to your home and research proves that over three quarters of home buyers are likely to offer more money for a house if these are on offer. It therefore makes sense to consider the virtues of wall-hung heating solutions next year, whether looking to upgrade an existing model or working on a new bathroom project, it is the extra

features that will elevate the space. Foldaway heated shelves, integrated robe hooks, optional towel bars and even a built-in aroma oil dish so you can bring your favourite scents to the bathroom, are just some of the added-value features your radiator or towel warmer can benefit from so make sure to ask what extras are available: as standard and made to order. Eco-design compliant: As energy prices rise, so too does market demand for heating solutions that can give homeowners all the advantages of warmth and style, whilst being kind to the pocket and environment. As a result, ‘doing the right thing’ has now become an essential part of the design and manufacturing process and to answer demand, you can now choose from a range of green heating solutions that will become a market mainstay moving forwards. Be it material or a specific eco design element, products which are environmentally compliant are set to make a name for themselves next year with no signs of abating. For more information please visit: www.vogueuk.co.uk

COP26: the good, the bad, and the colossal missed opportunity Rod Davies and Nick Gander of green heating pioneers Energy Carbon give their take on COP26. Heating accounts for nearly half the world’s energy consumption, and a third of UK carbon emissions. There’s no route to a net zero future that doesn’t involve rapidly decarbonising the way we heat billions of homes. And yet, at the most critical climate conference in history, it barely got a mention. Frankly, we weren’t expecting it to get much of a look-in at COP26 – we’re still at the stage when governments are agreeing the speed they’re going to cut carbon, rather than how they’re actually going to do it.

But if we’ve got any chance of meeting the increasingly ambitious targets world leaders are setting, we need to very quickly shift to the practicalities of how we drastically cut carbon emissions. The good – sort of But while it’s always very tempting to write off conferences like COP as meaningless talking shops, progress was made. On construction and the built environment, that progress was virtually non-existent, which we’ll get into more later. But more generally, decisions were taken that will have a definite impact on cutting carbon emissions - if they’re followed through.

Forty countries, including major energy consumers like Poland, Vietnam and Ukraine, promised to begin phasing out their use of coal. Another forty, including America, India, China and the EU, agreed to British proposals to accelerate investment in green tech across the power, transport and agricultural sectors. Meanwhile, the EU teamed up with billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates to launch a major initiative intended to accelerate green innovation across Europe. More than a hundred nations, representing 85% of the world’s rainforests, signed a pledge to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030. And a hundred countries promised to cut emissions of methane, a greenhouse gas that’s 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide, by 30% in the next nine years – something many scientists suggest could significantly slow rising temperatures in the short-to-medium term. The bad But the biggest outcome of the lot – the headline-grabbing Glasgow Climate Pact, that world leaders spent most of the two-week conference debating – left a lot ofwiggle room for polluters to carry on as normal. In the closing hours of the summit, negotiators were trying to push through a more stringently-worded agreement, that would commit countries to “accelerate the phasing out of coal and subsidies for fossil fuels”. In the end, they could only get sign off on a much softer statement of intent: countries would agree to “phase down unabated coal” and “inefficient” subsidies. There’s an argument to be made that even getting the word “coal” in at all was an achievement – this is the 26th COP summit, and, remarkably, the first to

produce an agreement that mentioned fossil fuels by name at all. But to us, it’s quite clear – “phase out” means “stop using”, while “phase down” means “use less”, which is an extremely important distinction when you’re talking about the dirtiest fossil fuel of all. And surely, if countries thought their multibillion-dollar fossil fuel subsidies were “inefficient”, they wouldn’t spend the money on them in the first place! Given that the EU chose the second week of COP to authorise €13bn in new gas projects, Boris Johnson is poised to give the green light to a new coal mine in Cumbria and a new oil field in the North Sea, and that there were more COP delegates from the fossil fuel industry than any one country, perhaps we shouldn’t be all that surprised. The missed opportunity And any of us in construction who’d been eagerly awaiting radical, joined-up international action to decarbonise the built environment would’ve been left bitterly disappointed. COP organisers clearly know this is an enormously important issue – Day 12 of the conference was supposedly dedicated to it. But world leaders were silent on the issue. That day would’ve been a perfect opportunity to announce huge investments in new green heating technologies like far-infrared, to reject the use of gas boilers across the developed world, and to signal a global shift away from fossil fuel heating in favour of heat provided by green electricity. We saw none of that. Without governments around the world seriously engaging with the critical importance of green building, and green heating in particular, our chances of preventing climate crisis are slim. For more information, visit www.energycarbon.co.uk. 33

The UK garden buildings market increased in demand despite Covid-19 pandemic Rather than curbing market growth, the Covid-19 pandemic has led to an increase in demand for garden buildings and structures, as more people are working from home and require additional space. Additionally, with overseas travel restricted in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, some households have had additional disposable income to spend on big ticket home improvement projects, including garden renovations as many UK citizens also enjoyed staycations at home, given spells of good weather. There has been greater demand for more premium materials and for detached buildings which can be used all year

round. The unpredictability of the UK’s weather, coupled with people spending more time at home due to Covid-19 lockdowns, has led to increased demand for insulated buildings. This includes garden pods and some log cabins and summerhouses.

arbours, as well as structures to provide practical cover for outdoor kitchens, hot tubs/spas and garden bars, amongst other innovative uses. A key feature of this market has been the trend towards higher value products and a more differentiated structure.

The garden is now perceived as an extension of the inside of the home, reflecting the homeowner’s tastes. With people spending more time relaxing and entertaining in their gardens, demand for garden shelters has also increased. The latter provide shading, screening and decoration and can also be used to delineate separate zones within the garden. The sector includes the more traditional gazebos, pergolas, arches and

Ozge Celik Russell, Research Manager at AMA Research and editor of the Residential Garden Buildings and Structures Market Report comments “There are estimated 22 million gardens in Great Britain and over 90 percent of these are attached to houses, with regional and generational differences in garden sizes and homeownership. This provides a large consumer base for garden products, buildings and structures’

The 7th edition of the Residential Garden Buildings and Structures Market report is extended to include glazed extensions attached to the main building and covers the changes the sub-sectors have undergone during the Covid-19 pandemic. While 2020 was a difficult year for many sectors, the residential garden buildings and structures market value remained stable as the increased demand for detached garden buildings and structures balanced the decreased demand for attached glazed extensions. A key trend to watch is consumer demand for insulated garden buildings to use all year round. Manufacturers have already started to respond through new product

development and upgrade options. This trend will drive growth in traded value in garden buildings for all year round use and also impact how the product mix for detached garden buildings will evolve in the short-to-medium term as insulation options are added to log cabins and summerhouses. The market as a whole has grown strongly since 2016, primarily reflecting sustained investment by consumers in their gardens. The trend for ‘outdoor living’ has led to greater use of gardens for socialising and dining, with garden buildings and structures providing an opportunity to increase the amount of living space for the homeowner and to add greater comfort and style. The most significant contemporary social influence on the garden buildings and structures market is the homeworking trend following the Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic has led to an increased number of people working from home, given the enforced lockdown restrictions. Despite the easing of these measures, it is expected that employers will continue to allow some employees to work remotely and flexibly, for part of their working hours. Demand for home offices is forecast to continue in the wake of Covid-19, as workers adopt a more blended approach to working in the office or remotely. This is expected to positively influence sustained growth in the garden pods sector. The garden buildings and structures market has remained comparatively robust, despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, with a relatively strong order book. Throughput of sales has however been impacted by lockdown restrictions, disruption to supply chains and in some cases labour shortages due to furloughing or self-isolation of staff with symptoms of the virus.

Delivering 90 new-build affordable homes for Sandwell Council An additional 90 new-build social homes are being added to Sandwell Council’s housing stock on two sites in the West Midlands. Construction has started on 27 new-build social homes on a brownfield site off Reservoir Road, Rowley Regis, which was formerly occupied by two high-rise tower blocks. The £5.1m development will comprise 19 two-bedroom homes and eight fourbedroom homes, including a mix of two-storey, semi-detached and detached housing. In Tipton, 63 new social homes have been handed over to Sandwell Council. The £8.2 million development, located on Strathmore Road, makes 46 twobedroom, eight three-bedroom, and

nine four-bedroom houses available for affordable rent. Seddon worked closely with Sandwell Council throughout the build stages of each development to design energy efficient, affordable homes for the two sites. Both schemes make use of uPVC doors and windows, as well as insulated floors, walls, and lofts to help meet the council’s goals to lower energy costs for tenants. The new homes in the two locations will go to those who need them most on Sandwell Council’s housing register. Councillor Zahoor Ahmed, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “We’ve invested around £70 million in the last three years as part of our ongoing programme to build hundreds of

new council homes for local people. “So far we’ve handed over the keys to around 370 new homes with more schemes in the pipeline. “During the Covid-19 pandemic, we’ve continued to work closely with our construction partners – following strict Covid-safe guidelines – to continue building.” Councillor Iqbal Padda, Sandwell’s cabinet member for regeneration and economy, added: “This is another great example of the council working with a partner such as Seddon to increase the quality and choice of council homes for Sandwell residents. “Schemes like these are part of our wider housing development programme to increase the number of council-owned

homes for rent. We have a continuing demand especially for family homes and bungalows.” Rob Moore, business unit director at Seddon, said: “We have built a close partnership with Sandwell Council throughout the planning and delivery of both developments. “It’s great to work alongside a forwardthinking organisation that is committed to increasing the quality and quantity of affordable homes, so they are available to the people who need them most. “We can’t wait to reveal the finished scheme in Rowley Regis once it is ready for new tenants to move in.” The scheme is set to be completed in summer 2022.

‘Construction shortages threaten housebuilding target’ Government housebuilding plans risk being derailed by chronic shortages of skills and labour, a senior construction industry expert has warned. Ryan Gilluley, managing director of cost and claim consultants GCM Ltd, said several projects have already been hampered by supply chain disruption, leading to delays and increased costs. While some problems are short-term and caused by disruption to global logistics following the Covid pandemic, others, particularly with the training and supply of skilled labour, are structural and longterm, Mr Gilluley warned. In 2017 the UK Government set an ambitious target of increasing the housing

stock by 300,000 units a year in England by the mid-2020s. Last year prime minister Boris Johnson promised to simplify planning and weaken locals’ rights to object to development. The Scottish Government has set a longterm housing strategy, with plans to build 100,000 affordable homes over the next two decades. Mr Gilluley, whose Lanarkshire-based company provides a series of bespoke Quantity Surveying services for the building and engineering sectors, warned that many large development projects could grind to a halt because clients, developers and contractors can’t agree on a price or programme.

In the year to August, average material costs increased by more than 23%, according to the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). Supplies of steel and timber were particularly hard hit with imported sawn or planed wood up by 74% and fabricated stainless steel by 75%. With the construction industry heavily reliant on materials imported from Europe and on migrant labour, Brexit has also had an impact, according to Mr Giluley. While a trade deal agreed between the UK and the EU has eased some of the problems, the requirement for all goods imported from the continent to receiveUK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) certification from January 1, 2022, threatens to generate an industry crisis.

being dug, solely on account of increased labour and material costs.” The UK is also suffering from a shortage of skilled tradespeople, particularly bricklayers, joiners, plasterers, electricians, and plumbers, as well as hauliers needed to deliver materials to construction sites. Mr Gilluley said: “Many migrants who returned to Europe following Brexit and at the start of the pandemic have not returned.

more than five years’ experience, we don’t have enough young people coming through which means there is no solution in sight for this problem.” “While some businesses have been agile enough to cope with the shortages, others have not and the long-term effects on the construction of commercial and residential properties could be devastating.

“Not only did they provide many of the skills needed for our industry to function effectively, but they were also employed in the construction supply chain

“Governments at Westminster and Holyrood have set ambitious targets for building new homes but, without the necessary labour and dependable supply routes for materials, it’s difficult to see how it can be achieved.

“As well as having a shortage of experienced, skilled tradesmen with

For more information visit: www.gilluleycmltd.com

There are only 45 testing facilities across the UK and none are currently qualified to certify certain specialised materials, including some types of glass and adhesives. Mr Gilluley said: “Everyone in the process is doing their best to identify pinch-points in the supply of materials and labour and, where possible, to alleviate these pressures “But there are so many different factors at work that it’s difficult to predict where costs will be in several months’ time.” He added: “As a result, companies are now trying to procure their supply chain earlier in each project on a fixed price to transfer the material cost risk downstream to their suppliers. “Everyone wants the organisation down the supply chain to assume the risk but fixing material prices beyond the next six months is incredibly difficult “The cost of a recent school-building project increased by £5million between it being signed off and the first hole 39

First-Time Buyers: 8 Top House-Buying Questions Answered Buying your first house is an exciting process. You get to choose a community to settle into, find design inspiration, and organise your belongings ready for moving day. But with the excitement also comes a lot of questions. After all, buying a house is a big leap forward in life. Are your queries and concerns holding you back from taking this significant step? Now, new research has revealed our most asked questions on Google, digging deep into the topics that homebuyers are searching for the most. The data reveals key concerns that new homebuyers have and how important they are. Reviewing the searches, here, we reveal homebuyers’ most frequently asked questions.

7. Is renting cheaper than buying?

4. Do I need a good credit score?

If you’re renting your home or apartment, buying a house can be a big change. It takes financial organisation, and you’ll become liable for your own repairs and utilities. In 2020, 4.44 million households were occupied by private renters in England. But is renting your home cheaper than buying one? Every month, 300 people in the UK ask this question on Google.

The higher your credit score, the better. There are 1,290 searches per month asking this question. Buyers should aim to have a good credit score before they apply for their mortgage, as it suggests that they are reliable. It can also help reduce interest rates on the loan.

The answer, according to a recent report, is no. Homeowners are better off than renters by more than £800 per year, according to Halifax. Buying your home should be an investment, and with £800 savings per year, the financial benefits are clear. 6. Do I need an estate agent?

8. Should I get a fixer-upper? 200 people ask Google every month whether a fixer-upper is worth it. The answer, of course, depends on your tastes. However, you have more options than just a fixerupper – there’s no reason that you can’t put your own spin on a new-build home. According to Checkatrade, the average price for renovating a three-bedroom house is about £38,000 to £74,000. So, if you buy an older house, you can expect to pay a little more on top of the purchase price. Costs may include new gas supplies, rewiring, or getting your house up to good EPC standards. New-build homes, on the other hand, are a complete blank canvas and also offer the ability to upgrade and change aspects of the house. From the kitchen to the garden and everything in between, you can choose certain design aspects and products for your home. Sustainable options, such as electric car charging ports, UV panels, and wastewater heat recovery systems, can also boost your environmental standing. These are upgrades that may be difficult to add toan older fixer-upper.

Every month, 690 people ask if they need an estate agent to buy a house. However, you don’t need an estate agent to buy a house. Homebuyers do not pay estate agent fees, but sellers do. So, if you’re just buying your home, whether it’s a new-build or older, you will not need to find an estate agent. 5. When should I apply for a mortgage? Preparation is key when applying for a mortgage. You need to get your finances in good order and understand the type of mortgage you need. As with any preparation you do, the sooner you start this, the better. There are 1,090 searches asking when to apply for a mortgage every month. You can’t complete a mortgage application until you’ve found the house you are buying, but you may be able to get a mortgage in principle. This is a written estimate from a mortgage lender giving you an indication of how much money you can borrow. In turn, it can make the mortgage process quicker when you do find a house.

3. Is now the time to buy? If you’re wondering if, now is the right time to buy, you’re not alone. Every month there are 3,240 searches for the topic. The answer can depend on individual circumstances; the real question is whether you are ready to buy. While interest rates are currently low, now could be the best time to complete the purchase of your new home. However, jumping into a mortgage too quickly can be not so beneficial. Low deposits can lead to high interest rates that cost you in the long run. Ultimately, if you’re financially ready and prepared to buy a house, then now may be the best time for you. If not, there’s no harm in waiting a little longer. Aim to save as much money as possible, as it will only save you more in the future. 2. How much should I spend? Following up on the question ‘How much do I need?’, Googlers asked ‘How much should I spend?’ 4,970 times per month. Understanding the value of the house you can afford is essential when applying for a mortgage. A deposit alone is not enough to get a mortgage. Banks will consider a range of factors, including credit score and salary. Banks may lend up to about four times your annual salary. However, you should also consider what you can afford to repay on your mortgage. Using a mortgage calculator is a good way to see if you can afford to buy your first home.

1. How much do I need? There’s more to buying a house than getting a mortgage. How much you need before you buy your home is the number one topic asked by prospective homebuyers in the UK, with 22,270 monthly searches. While the total upfront cost can vary from home to home and buyer to buyer, we can help set your expectations for upfront costs. The average house price for a first-time buyer in the UK for 2021 is £256,057. So, if you’re the average first-time buyer, we can make a small prediction of costs. Let’s say you’re buying a home for £200,000. As a first-time buyer, you could apply for a 95 per cent LTV mortgage, meaning that you only need a £10,000 deposit. Alternatively, the Help to Buy: Equity Loan is another option. First-time buyers can purchase a new home with just a five per cent deposit when using this scheme. You’ll then be able to borrow up to 20 per cent (or 40 per cent in London) of the purchase price from the government through an equity loan. Even better, there’s no interest on that loan for the first five years. You can work out how much you’ll need to save and how much you can potentially borrow by using a Help to Buy: Equity Loan calculator. There may also be other costs, including mortgage fees and moving costs. You may want to set aside up to £3,000 for these. These are just the minimum figures involved in buying a house. However, it’s always best to save as much as possible, as increasing your deposit helps reduce costs in the long run. Buying a new house or your first home doesn’t have to be complicated. Of course, the experience can be daunting and there are big questions that need answering. But preparedness is key when purchasing a property and recognising that other people are searching for these topics means that you’re thinking about the right things. The key thing to remember: never be afraid to ask questions. Mortgage advisors, homebuilders, friends, and family will always be on hand to help.

How our homes and cars are driving the green transition Electric vehicles are driving the UK’s green transition, helping the nation on its journey towards sustainability and net zero emissions by 2050. To achieve this goal, the sale of new petrol and diesel cars will be banned after 2030, meaning that the future roads are guaranteed to look more electric. But with the increase of electric vehicles comes the issue of charging. Of course, it makes sense that we should all be able to charge our cars at home. Nipping to the petrol station during the rush hour commute will be no more, as recharging will be done on our doorsteps. But do you have an electric vehicle charger at your home yet? The answer is most likely no. After all, we’ve not had much use for them up until now. At some point, we’ll all need to upgrade our homes to be compatible with new electric cars. But with a rapid increase in

the use of electric vehicles, how can our homes sustain the electricity demand? It’s clear that our homes will become central to the green revolution, even on the roads. As the government announces that new homes and buildings in England will be required to install electric vehicle charging points from next year, we explore how homes will navigate the electric vehicle revolution and help our national environmental ambitions. What’s the charge? There are over 35,000 charge points across 13,000 locations in the UK. This means that there are now more public places to charge than there are petrol stations. However, the time it takes to charge can vary between 30 minutes and 12 hours, depending on the size of the car battery and the efficiency of the charging point.

It’s clear that the solution for electric vehicle charging lies at home. Leaving your car on charge overnight while it sits parked on the driveway or in the garage means that you’ll never fall on an empty tank again. But how much will your electric car contribute to your home electricity expenses? The answer: less than your petrol or diesel costs and with the added benefit of being more environmentally friendly. In fact, on average, electric cars cost 4p per mile while petrol cars cost 9p per mile to run. This means that petrol cars cost over twice as much to run in comparison to electric cars. So, shifting your petrol costs to your home energy costs may boost your home bills, but you’ll be saving in the long run. Even better, charging your car from your home has additional environmental benefits. The ban on new non-electrified

cars aligns itself with the target to power all UK homes with wind by 2030. So, we. can rest happy knowing that our cars will be charged with renewable energy at home Steering homes towards sustainability It’s not only our roads that are becoming more sustainable. Our homes are quickly becoming leaders in the green transition, finding more sustainable ways to improve energy efficiency, use more renewable electricity, and lowering our home expenses. Charging your electric car could instantly become an act of environmental proactivity when you install solar PV panels on your roof. In fact, PV panels are quickly becoming a popular option for homeowners to lower their home energy costs and reduce their environmental impact. Estimates suggest that you could save around £270 a year on your energy bill when using a PV system. The average UK driver had a mileage of 7,090 miles in 2019. If your electric car costs 4p per mile, this means your annual electricity cost would be £283.60. This is close to the annual savings on your

energy from a PV system. Of course, to charge your electric car at your existing property, you will need to install an electric vehicle charging port. The average cost of which is £450 after financial assistance from the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme. Even then, the long-term savings are worth the investment. So how will our homes of the future be designed for the future of electric vehicles? Ready for the future It’s expected that 80 per cent of electric vehicle charging will take place at home. As such, the government has introduced proposals to change building regulations in England to require all new-build homes to be fitted with an electric car charging point. These changes are set to come into force within the next year. However, some housebuilders already offer the opportunity to install electric vehicle charging ports on your new home. St. Modwen Homes believes that electric vehicle charging points don’t just offer convenience to homeowners, but helps their customers be more environmentally friendly. Joanne Winston from St. Modwen

Homes says: “It’s never been easier to make your new home eco-friendly, and now we can help people choose more sustainable options in their life. Installing an electric vehicle charging point in your home can help you save money, reduce your environmental impact, and ensure that your home is prepared for the future. “We offer a variety of eco-friendly home upgrades for customers. The use of PV panels, air-source heat pumps, and wastewater heat recovery units can further help us to lower our costs and boost sustainable lifestyles. That’s why we allow customers to personalise their home, whether that’s a new house for sale in Burslem or new builds in Wantage, to suit their lifestyle.”

Future roads belong to electric vehicles, but our homes will spearhead the route through the green transition, making their use viable for the next generation of homeowners. As we continue our sustainable journeys, the purpose of our homes and vehicles will change. From simple transport and accommodation, new cars and new homes are allowing us to lead sustainable lifestyles in ways which have previously been impossible.

Lancer Square, Kensington’s most significant development in years Nestled in the heart of West London’s affluent urban village of Kensington, Lancer Square sets a new residential standard for the area. The 212,000 sq ft development, completed in July 2021, draws inspiration from the site’s palatial and horticultural past as the original Kensington Palace grounds and kitchen garden. Lancer Square combines state-of-the-art contemporary low-rise living with access to unparalleled wellness amenities, architecture and interior design by renowned British firm Squire & Partners, a secluded garden with mature landscaping and contemporary art installation, close proximity to London’s best retail destinations and cultural landmarks, and all within the fabric of a community rich in history. Behind the project are Bellworth - International award-winning developer, a subsidiary of LGB Group and specialists in niche developments of world-classproperties and development manager CIT.

The newly built mixed-use scheme offers an exclusive collection of ultra-prime residential, office and retail units to create a new and elegant enclave which enhances and enlivens the Kensington community. Comprising three blocks ranging from six to seven storeys, including two residential buildings containing 36 private one to four-bed residential apartments and three penthouses with rooftop views, and a highspec office block, all of which have been finished to the highest standards. One of the few new-builds in the area, the development also houses 7,000 sq ft of world class amenities including a gym, spa, 20m swimming pool, sauna and treatment rooms, discreet entry and private parking for the residences, and an exceptional concierge service led by Rhodium. Early Autumn 2021 will see the first residents arriving, and to date, over 60% has been sold. “Our commitment to creating best in class properties is realised in full at our first ever

development in London, Lancer Square. The prestigious project in London’s iconic Kensington neighbourhood establishes our international expansion. As the newest addition to the historic Kensington community, we hope to bring a new vibrancy to the area through exceptional residential, retail and commercial spaces. The contemporary residences and lifestyle amenities make Lancer Square one of the most desirable new developments in the area for a decade.” Kevin Kuok, CEO Bellworth “We believe Lancer Square represents the very best of London living. The historic location combined with the stateof-the-art contemporary residences, and easy access to London’s cultural life and local community, make this a truly unique offering. We’ve brought together the best in British architecture, design and craftsmanship to create a legacy property. The street level retail and restaurant spaces will be the new heart of Kensington, and an internationally recognised prestige destination.” Chris Richmond, CIT Lancer Square’s vision includes a curated and elevated retail and dining offering within its 14,000 sq ft of retail space spread amongst six ground floor and basement units. As a result, a new destination will emerge in the heart of Kensington marking a return to its former vibrancy. In addition, the 48,000 sq ft Grade A office space adjacent to the residential and retail spaces will bring a significant influx of professionals into the community and will offer 3,500 sq ft of terraces including a rooftop for the exclusive use of tenants. Belllworth appointed the award-winning British architecture and design practice Squire & Partners for their international reputation for architecture informed by the site’s history and culture. Drawing inspiration from the site’s horticultural past and its royal neighbours, Squire & Partners has delivered a contemporary interpretation of the architectural character found within the Kensington Palace Conservation area. The textured two-tone brick façades and vertical

window proportions create connections with Kensington Palace whilst celebrating traditional and contemporary craftsmanship. The Squire & Partners team led the design process not only for the developments’ Masterplan but the interiors scheme which includes the residences, amenities, public spaces, garden and courtyard, retail and office space. Tim Gledstone, Squire and Partners comments, “Lancer Square represents a rare opportunity to extend the urban village of Kensington with a development steeped in the area’s history. Originally home to Kensington Palace kitchen garden, the site later became Kensington Barracks housing cavalry and infantry including the Royal Lancers. Squire & Partners’ design organises the site with a cluster of elegantly proportioned buildings set around a landscaped public courtyard, taking influences from the Palace’s courtyards, Orangery and Sunken Garden. Three distinct buildings - housing apartments, workspace, shops and cafes – enclose the square with an architectural language drawn from Kensington Palace and the surrounding Conservation Area. Two different tones of handmade brick combine with crisp limestone and delicate metalwork to create elevations which celebrate contemporary and traditional craftsmanship, and establish a new destination for living, working and dining in Kensington.” Located on the doorstep of London’s cultural institutions, magnificent parks and leading schools, Lancer Square introduces a new landscaped pocket garden, visible from Kensington Church Street, continuing the tradition of west London garden squares and paying homage to the former use of the site. Recognised for its site specific commissions, artist Based Upon has created ‘Wonder’ - a sculptural installation which draws inspiration from nearby Kensington Gardens. The Marketing Suite is open at Three Lancer Square, and appointments are now being taken to view the show flat, with interiors designed by London based studio 1508 London. 45

Studio City Phase 2 construction reaches full height Celebrating the construction of Studio City Phase 2 reaching its full height, Lawrence Ho, Chairman and CEO of Melco Resorts & Entertainment hosted the topping out ceremony in Macau. Melco Resorts & Entertainment is a leading global developer, owner and operator of integrated resort facilities. Located in the Cotai district of Macau adjacent to the Lotus Bridge crossing with mainland China, the Hollywood-inspired Studio City resort has welcomed guests and visitors to the city since 2015. Appointed in 2017 to expand the resort, Zaha Hadid Architects designed Studio City Phase 2 with new leisure, entertainment and hospitality facilities including one of Asia’s largest indoor & outdoor water parks and a six-screen Cineplex together with extensive conference and exhibition spaces.

Comprising two hotel towers with 900 rooms and suites, 21,000 sq. m of shopping and dining, as well as 2,300 sq. m of gaming space, the 250,000 sq. m Studio City Phase 2 design is informed by the existing resort’s cinematic references with a contemporary reinterpretation of the rich detailing, bold geometries and craftsmanship of the Art Deco period.

Mr. David Sisk, Chief Operating Officer of Macau Resorts, Melco, said, “Since opening in 2015, Studio City has become a destination landmark in Macau with its unique entertainment theme and experience. The extension project will complement our existing offering of ‘next-generation’ worldclass entertainment and further enhance the distinctive Studio City experience.”

Mr. Lawrence Ho, Chairman and CEO of Melco Resorts & Entertainment, said, “Melco has a strong track record of contributing to Macau’s ongoing development as a world center of leisure tourism. Studio City Phase 2 reaffirms our ongoing commitment to the city and contributes to reinforcing Macau’s non-gaming proposition in Asia and internationally. We are grateful for the support of the Central and Macau governments during the project construction.”

Viviana Muscettola, Director at Zaha Hadid Architects, said, “Zaha Hadid Architects and Melco share the same vision and determination to push boundaries. Studio City Phase 2 continues our ten year collaboration with Melco that includes the Morpheus Hotel at the City of Dreams in Macau. Extending the thriving Studio City resort, the highly adaptable spaces of Phase 2 have been developed by a truly global team of professionals.” Composed of three different gradations of glass with external fins that delineate the verticality of the towers, the insulated glazing units and shading fins will reduce solar heat gain and glare while maintaining thermal comfort for hotel guests. The highperformance building envelope together with highly efficient services and systems will reduce energy demand. All timber and timber-based products specified within the design have been harvested, traded and sourced in accordance with Forestry Stewardship Council certification. Environmental site assessments determined the composition of Studio City Phase 2’s development away from the 15-hectare protected wetland of the adjacent Macau Cotai Ecological Zone. The orientation and configuration of the elliptical towers have been calculated to facilitate natural ventilation within and around the resort. The project’s ecologist developed preservation measures for the site’s existing flora together with compensatory planting of species compatible with the landscape and habitat. Scheduled to complete in December 2022, the Studio City Phase 2 development was named winner of the ‘Regional Award Asia’ at the BREEAM Awards 2021.

Optivo announces partnership with Sage Housing to unlock new affordable homes Housing association Optivo has signed a landmark £106.5m deal with Sage Housing, the UK’s largest provider of newly built affordable housing, to unlock vital funds for new affordable homes. Through the partnership, Sage Housing will purchase 420 new homes from Optivo’s development pipeline. Optivo will manage the homes and receive funds to invest in building additional affordable homes. Sage Housing is a registered provider and as such, all of the homes will remain in the regulated social housing sector. The homes, a mixture of rented and shared ownership properties, are

spread across six sites in London and the South East.

investing the proceeds in high quality, land-led affordable housing schemes.

The partnership is the first of its kind to involve grant-funded new homes. The deal has been approved by Homes England and City Hall, London.

At a time when housing associations are facing major financial pressures, partnerships like this allow us to keep delivering on our mission of building much needed affordable homes.”

Paul Hackett CBE, Chief Executive of Optivo, said: “Our innovative partnership with Sage brings significant additional funding into the social housing sector. By combining Optivo’s housing management expertise and Sage’s investment capacity, we can provide more high-quality affordable homes for people in housing need. We’ll be re-

Mark Sater, Chief Executive of Sage Housing, said: “We are delighted to be working with Optivo on this landmark deal. At Sage our mission is to drive forward the delivery of high-quality affordable homes to those most in need. Partnering with like minded organisations such as Optivo will help us achieve this.”

One in five construction employees have suffered from bullying in the last year The findings, from a nationwide survey for Anti-Bullying Week (Monday 15th to Friday 19th November), come as poor mental health in the construction industry reaches an all-time high, with over half of UK construction workers reporting mental health issues in the last year. Despite the construction industry’s continued efforts to tackle the rising issue and promote awareness of the problems, reports of bullying are increasing with 1 in 5 construction workers impacted by bullying alone in the last year. The Mental Health in the Construction Industry survey, found that only 7% of workers raised feelings of poor mental health with their HR team. Shockingly, when issues were raised, only 6% said they had sufficient mental health support. The data was collected by London plant hire specialists Herts Tools, who surveyed employees from 88 construction companies in the UK, to highlight the impacts of poor mental health in the industry. With the construction and trades industries traditionally leaning towards ‘manning up’ or ‘cracking on’ as solutions to mental health issues, the findings suggest this attitude is still very much present. 50% of workers between the ages 21-24 were found to be the worst affected by bullying labelled as ‘banter’. Workers surveyed also noted that the industry could improve its approach to confidentiality, with 56% of bullied employees wanting more privacy on issues raised. Even those who hadn’t personally been subject to bullying felt more could be done to improve confidentiality around sensitive, personal issues (36%). Stefano Lobban, Director at Herts Tools, said: “The UK construction industry is still experiencing a mental health crisis: workers continue to demonstrate a ‘suckit up and deal with it’ approach to poor mental health.

“The findings from our survey highlight that workplaces could be doing more. They could encourage workers suffering to come forward and share their experiences of poor mental health issues and/or bullying by having more confidentiality measures in place. Companies could look at investing in workplace surveys, private spaces and more wellbeing measures, to give workers the opportunity to share any personal issues in a safe and supportive environment.

it is enjoyed by both parties. Banter can be a way of creating bonds by sharing experiences and exchanging thoughts and feelings in a way that is mutually accepted. Bullying starts when boundaries of respect are crossed and certain behaviour is harmful, causing negative feelings such as emotional pain, sorrow, guilt or shame.

“We just hope that companies take these new figures as a warning and address their own workplace culture so that these difficult and sensitive issues can be discussed.”

“To tackle any mental health issue, we need to know what exactly we are dealing with. Therefore the first step should be learning and discovering what the specific issues are. Communicating with employees is crucial to this. Creating a culture of openness and support is necessary in order for the employees to start sharing.

Kasia Richter, Founder at Wellbeing Strategist, said: “Harmless joking is when

“In addition, access to confidential information should be controlled and

people who are handling confidential information should be properly selected, trained and supported/supervised. Company culture should include a code of ethics, which should be made clear from the start.” Ian Hurst, Co-founder at We are Hummingbird, said: “With regard to bullying, I believe it is essential to take the individual’s feelings into account. Ultimately, it comes down to the person. If the person feels they’ve been put in a difficult situation, or embarrassed, or emotionally aggrieved or affected by what’s been said to them, then that must be taken seriously by the organisation and classed as bullying. Steps should then be taken in a formal process, through HR, to deal with what has occurred, with the process formally logged and recorded. “If workplaces want to tackle bullying, they need to foster a company culture where complaints of bullying are taken seriously. Any complaints should be treated with a structured, formal approach and no excuses can be made for individuals. Comments such as ‘Oh, that’s just how he is’ are not helpful, and harmful behaviour should not be tolerated, no matter how senior the individual concerned is. “There should be a point of contact within any organisation who is the individual to go to with any concerns, complaints or worries about bullying. They should be open and approachable, so employees feel they can discuss things that are bothering them, in confidence.” Where can construction workers seek professional support? Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity: www.constructionindustryhelpline.com Mates in Mind: www.matesinmind.org

Safety tech startup Tended receives £2.4m funding boost to accelerate growth Safety technology startup Tended has secured £2.4m in investment to further propel its growth, bringing the company’s total funding to £4.4m. The funding was led by existing investor Blackfinch Ventures, with participation from earlystage European venture capital firm Basinghall Partners, UKRI, and a number of industry-specific angel investors. Founded in 2017 by Leo Scott Smith, Tended creates wearable safety solutions that are used across industries, including construction, manufacturing, utilities, and logistics to improve employee safety and site efficiency. The start-up already counts industry leaders, such as Siemens, Rolls-Royce, Network Rail, Unilever and Babcock, as its customers, helping them to improve their occupational safety. The investment comes as Tended bolsters its offering with a new safety culture solution. It combines their wearable technology with behavioural psychology to transform safety across working environments.

This new product uncovers indepth insights into an organisation’s safety culture and offers valuable recommendations and resources to drive positive behavioural changes. The wearables act as reinforcement, helping to promote safer behaviours by alerting employees before entering a hazardous area or unsafe zone. By addressing the underlying influences of human behaviour and making safety culture improvements, Tended aims to prevent 95% of workplace accidents. According to HSE, this figure represents the total number of occupational injuries that are caused by human error. The seven-figure investment will help support growth and facilitate further research and development of their safety culture solution. Tended’s CEO and founder, Leo Scott Smith, commented: “Every company has its own unique set of safety challenges. Interventions such as training and

processes only go so far to improve safety. We’re helping companies uncover and understand the underlying influences of unsafe actions and provide the resources to help them change those behaviours. “We aim to help companies achieve sustainable change to promote a safer workplace and positive employee experience. The team has been working hard on product development and thanks to investors like Basinghall, we’re one step closer to making sure loved ones return home from dangerous working environments at the end of the day.” Ginette Oebel, Founding Partner at Basinghall Partners said: “Tended is an inspiring company with a vision to significantly improve safety in workplaces using precision and science-based tools. Basinghall is delighted to support Tended on its journey and also to make Tended’s solutions accessible to our Industry Partners.”

Which drug tests work best? A guide for workplace testing Drugs testing. It can enhance safety in any workplace, but in safety-critical industries it is absolutely essential. Safety-critical industries are defined as those which must ensure the highest levels of safety integrity. Failure to do so could lead to the most serious consequences – loss of life, property or plant damage and even environmental destruction.

immediately apparent which drug testing method will best meet the requirements for companies. Therefore, having a good understanding of the pros and cons of each process before reaching any conclusions on future test policy should be any company’s first port of call before making a commitment to using a specific test method.

Anyone operating machinery, handling vehicles or working in chemical or power plants while under the influence of drugs could pose a threat to themselves as well as other employees and members of the public.

Suzannah Robin is a drug safety expert at AlcoDigital. She works with dozens of corporate and governmental organisations addressing their drug testing needs. For more than 15 years she has helped numerous businesses to implement drug testing policies for their staff through certified training programmes. These include the correct use of safety equipment, accurately interpreting results and spotting the different signs and symptoms of drug misuse. She said:

Alcohol and drugs testing protects staff and ensures that an employer’s duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act are adhered to. However, with numerous options available it is not always

“We find that many companies may already have an idea of the type of drug test they would like to implement. However, when we start getting into the details of the benefits and restrictions of each version, we soon establish that the first choice isn’t always the best for their particular requirements.” So what should employers be looking out for when comparison shopping for drug testing kits? Suzannah suggests that the first question to ask is, what type of information does the kit provide? “In safety-critical industries, look out for tests which tell you if the subject is currently under the influence of drugs.” For this, saliva testing is the most reliable method for drugs testing. Drug testing with saliva has the following benefits: - It confirms if the person being testing is currently under the influence of drugs - It is less likely to become contaminated with other substances Suzannah also states the importance of looking at the test’s cut-off level for each drug. The cut-off level determines how much of a drug can be present in the system before it is detected by the test. The lower the cut-off level, the more sensitive the kit. “If the cut-off level for THC (cannabis) is 10 ng/ml of saliva, then if there is less than 10ng/ml of saliva the kit won’t detect it. This means that a device that cuts off at 10ng will be more accurate than a device at 50ng. It’s essentially five times as sensitive.” One of the most popular and widespread methods used for workplace testing is carried out via obtaining urine samples. For many years these have been a

reliable and cost-effective form of drug testing providing instant results that can be undertaken in-house. Whilst urine tests are ideal for implementing random testing policies, and can help to prevent incidents from happening in the first place, this form of testing is not without its limitations. Suzannah explains: “Urine tests will not reveal if an individual has consumed drugs in the last two hours. Therefore, in the event any incident did take place a urine sample will not confirm if the employee was impaired by drugs at the time it occurred.” In 2015, the UK police force introduced roadside saliva tests for detecting drugs in drivers. Suzannah explains why saliva tests are a natural choice for the police when determining cause. “The police will be looking to establish if an incident was as a result of the driver being impaired by drugs. In order to determine this, they will need a method of testing that indicates a higher probability that the drugs detected were taken recently. “Aside from taking a blood test, a saliva sample is the only other method of drug testing that will produce a positive result if the individual had taken drugs in the last two hours but, more importantly, unlike urine testing, which detects drugs taken weeks ago, it will not reveal a positive result for any drugs that may have been taken more than 48 hours ago, which makes it the most reliable method for determining the cause of an incident. This is why we would recommend that companies with employees operating heavy machinery or driving vehicles adopt this testing method as part of their best practice policy.” AlcoDigital provides free reviews for companies looking to implement drug and alcohol policies. For more information please visit www.alcodigital.co.uk 55

HDR is providing engineering expertise on one of London’s most sustainable, all-electric office buildings Holbein Gardens, located at 7 Holbein Place in the heart of London’s Belgravia, will lead the way for future schemes on the road to achieving net zero carbon

Gold and Wired Score Gold certifications, with aspirations for Platinum and Platinum ratings respectively. The scheme is also a NABERS pioneer project.

Leading independent multidisciplinary engineering consultancy HDR has been commissioned by property business Grosvenor Britain & Ireland to provide engineering services on Holbein Gardens, a new office scheme located in the heart of Belgravia. Without compromising on aesthetics, the space is set to become one of London’s most sustainable office buildings and will achieve net zero carbon in line with UK Green Building Council’s (UKGBC) Net Zero Carbon Buildings Framework on completion. The all-electric building will become a best-in-class example of how to achieve a net zero carbon rating.

The all-electric building is an example of Grosvenor’s commitment to net zero and how innovative low carbon development can contribute to this goal, with 99.95% of strip out waste having been diverted from landfill and 98% of the full scheme. To further reduce waste, the scheme will use some of the industry’s most innovative sustainable products, challenging suppliers on recycled content and recyclability. The all-electric building will maximise heat pump technology lending itself to decarbonisation which, when compared to alternative options, will be beneficial for local air quality and help minimise air pollution.

The HDR team was originally involved in overseeing the strip out of the building before being appointed as Mechanical, Electrical and Public Health (MEP), Vertical Transportation and Energy consultants. The firm are also currently involved in ensuring that the project will be Smart Building-enabled. The scheme is ongoing, with practical completion due to be reached by December 2022. Originally dating back to the 1980s, the building, which is located between 1 Sloane Gardens and Tarnbrook Court in London’s Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, will be repurposed to provide a high quality, flexible and sustainable working environment. Alongside the restoration of the existing four levels, the project work will include an extension adding a fifth floor and roof terrace, bringing the size of the project to 25,000ft2. The need to incorporate clean and renewable energy is integral to the scheme and HDR’s expert team of MEP and Energy consultants have been instrumental in ensuring that the building will achieve BREEAM Outstanding, WELL

The 100% electric endeavour will incorporate in-use energy efficiency enhanced through high efficiency lighting and mechanical equipment, on-site renewable energy generation, blue roof and rainwater harvesting system. Adrian Gray, HDR’s Global Corporate (Office) & Commercial Director, said “Sustainability and biodiversity are at the heart of this project and a range of innovative materials and technologies have been used to guarantee the greatest positive impact. Cross laminated timber (CLT) has been used as an alternative to other less sustainable materials, helping to reduce carbon emissions, alongside the use of reclaimed steel work. New low embodied carbon products are also being trialled in the building, such as Thermalite aircrete blockwork and reclaimed access flooring.” Holbein Gardens further meets this biodiversity safeguarding pledge as it has incorporated the use of biophilia and greening to protect the biodiversity and resiliency of the site, while also making a positive contribution to the environment, and improving wellness and social elements for inhabitants of the surrounding areas. Another sustainable practice that has

been adopted for the project has been to retain existing materials, rejuvenating the building and therefore maintaining a positive environmental impact. The building’s retention and repurposing of its façade has ensured that the redevelopment will save 39% of embodied carbon compared to that of a new solution. Tenants will also enjoy an exciting addition to the exterior of the space; a new roof terrace will be constructed, providing spectacular views of the surrounding Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea to the west and Westminster to the east. To optimise usable space on the roof terrace, HDR’s team of engineers maximised basement plant and space planned roof plant to maximise functional roof terrace space. HDR has interfaced new windows with a roof-mounted weather station via the Building Management System to facilitate natural ventilation. Local displays will indicate optimal environmental conditions for office workers to open the windows, as well as reduce electricity consumption through reduced reliance on mechanical systems which will turn off to minimise energy consumption, all contributing to our client’s sustainability goals. Project team: Developer – Grosvenor Britain & Ireland M&E Engineer & Energy Consultant – HDR Architect – Barr Gazetas Main Contractor – Blenheim House Construction Structural Engineer – Heyne Tillett Steel Sustainability Consultant – Tuffin Ferraby Taylor LLP M&E Contractor – Briggs & Forrester Project Manager – Capital & Provincial Cost Consultant – Leslie Clark Planning Consultant – Gerald Eve Landscape Architect – Todd LongstaffeGowan

Bouygues UK signs contract to build carbon zero office development at Swansea’s Kingsway Bouygues UK has signed the contract with Swansea Council to build the city centre’s new high-tech, carbon zero office development that will provide space for 600 jobs. Bouygues UK will break ground in the coming weeks on the site of the former Oceana nightclub at 71/72 The Kingsway. Set for completion in the summer of 2023, the five-storey development will include 114,000 square feet of commercial floorspace, providing flexible co-working and office opportunities for innovative tech, digital and creative businesses. The development – led by Swansea council - will be worth £32.6 million a year to Swansea’s economy and will also feature state-of-the-art digital connectivity, a roof terrace, greenery and balconies overlooking the city centre and Swansea Bay. The developments will include

two underground levels with new links between The Kingsway and Oxford Street. John Boughton, regional Managing Director of Bouygues UK, said: “Bouygues UK is delighted to sign the contract on this landmark building situated in the centre of Swansea city.

local voluntary organisations, providing training, work placements and opportunities for local people, in addition to significant supply chain opportunities for local businesses.

“We also know that Kingsway is a key part of the history and infrastructure of the city centre, and that there is a need for high quality office accommodation, which this landmark building will certainly supply,” John added.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: “We know some businesses have had to leave Swansea in the past to find the kind of high-quality office accommodation they need, so the new development at 71/72 The Kingsway will tackle that trend while also meeting significant unmet demand. Our research shows this remains the case despite Covid having led to far more home working in recent times, with this development providing flexible space that’s fit for the modern office environment.

As part of its work on the build, Bouygues UK will be working with and supporting

“We’re delighted our main contractor for this scheme – Bouygues UK – will

“To work on such an innovative and environmentally-friendly building is going to be really rewarding for our team and we can’t wait to break ground and get going.”

soon be establishing a presence on site as we head towards the start of main construction work. Local training and supply chain opportunities also form part this project, with the development, once complete, due to generate more footfall and spending for our city centre businesses. “This development was always part of multi-million pound plans for our transformed Kingsway. A huge amount of work has already taken place there to considerably improve the look and feel of the area for local businesses, local people and visitors the city, while also helping attract private sector investment and more jobs.” Bouygues UK is currently building Cardiff University’s state-of-the-art Cardiff Innovation Campus, which will house two World-leading scientific research

establishments, The Institute for Compound Semiconductors and Cardiff Catalysis Institute, as well as SPARK, the World’s first social science research park. Bouygues UK is also working on Bristol’s tallest residential building at Castle Park View. The 26-storey building will provide 375 new homes and forms part of the city’s major regeneration plans. The 71/72 Kingsway development is being funded by Swansea Council and the Swansea Bay City Deal. It is also supported by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government. Other developments in Swansea being part-funded by the Swansea Bay City Deal include the Swansea Arena forming part of the city’s emerging Copr Bay phase one district.

Mayor of London and George Clarke challenge young people to design future London! The Mayor of London and renowned architect and TV presenter George Clarke are today launching a design challenge for young people to create homes and places of the future – Design Future London. The Mayor and the presenter of Channel 4 programmes Restoration Man, George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces and Old House, New Home, are launching a London-wide challenge for young people aged between 11 and 25. The challenge, created by George’s education charity MOBIE – Ministry of Building Innovation and Education – and the Mayor, is asking young people to let their imaginations run free by designing an innovative and

inspirational green home and urban neighbourhood in the Royal Docks, East London close to where City Hall will be moving in 2022. The home and neighbourhood designs should address four key priorities central to London’s recovery from COVID-19: making places, sustainable transport, building housing, addressing climate change and providing green energy for London. They should meet the changing needs of future generations of Londoners, including promoting wellbeing, quality of life and healthy living. The Mayor of London Sadiq Kahn said, “I hope this challenge will help young Londoners to develop new skills and

inspire more of them to join our worldleading built environment sector”. Deputy Mayor Jules Pipe said “The Mayor and I are committed to making sure that the people who plan and design our city are representative of London’s diversity. Unfortunately, that’s not currently the case, with too many communities underrepresented in the built environment industries. With this design challenge we hope to inspire more young Londoners to pursue the amazing career opportunities that there are in the built environment sector and play an important role in shaping our city’s future. George Clarke, MOBIE founder, said: “Home is the most important piece of

architecture in our lives. It crafts the way we live, and how we grow as families and communities. A well-designed home and neighbourhood can enhance the way we live and promote good health and wellbeing”. Clarke added: “The homes and neighbourhoods of the future will be lived in and created by today’s young people. That is why I am so excited to be launching the Design Future London young persons’ challenge with the Mayor. We are asking young people, aged between 11 and 25, to design a home and community of the future in the Royal Docks - sustainable, adaptable, green homes and places that promote wellbeing, quality of life and healthy living. I know from past experience the amazing design talent and imagination that young people have. I cannot wait to see the incredible and inspirational, future thinking designs and plans that young Londoners come up with and I really hope the challenge will inspire

them to pursue careers in the built environment that will help shape the future of London.” The free to enter challenge will inspire a new generation of Londoners to learn about the built environment and help bring learning in subjects like geography, people to the built environment sector and the variety of jobs – from planning and architecture to engineering and construction – that exist and employ nearly 10% of the UK workforce. The challenge is open to young people aged 11 to 25, including those in Further and Higher Education, and runs until Friday 6 May 2022. There are three age categories: 11-15, 16-18 and 19- 24. Students can enter as individuals or as part of a group. The challenge brief, launch video, resource library and more information about the design challenge can be found at www.consult.london.gov.uk and www.mobie.org.uk

Winvic reaches practical completion of DSV’s industrial warehouse, crossdock and office facilities at Mercia Park Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of multi-sector construction and civil engineering projects, has handed over a commemorative key to global transport and logistics company DSV, to celebrate the practical completion of a 522,000 sq ft industrial facility and offices. The scheme – designed, constructed and partially fitted out by Winvic during the pandemic – is located at the 238-acre Mercia Park in North West Leicestershire. Delegates from DSV travelled from the company’s global headquarters in Denmark to see the fully realised facility, which comprises three buildings – totalling 522,000 sq ft – and contains 104 dock levellers: - A 358,000 sq ft steel-framed warehouse containing three mezzanine floors and two single-storey hub offices totalling 4,360 sq ft - A 112,000 sq ft cross-dock terminal that contains a 7,050 sq ft single-storey hub office - A 35,660 sq ft three-storey office building The large stand-alone office building was designed and executed to meet DSV’s global standard and Winvic also fitted out the office spaces found within the warehouse buildings. Prominent design features to the main office include a glass lift, wood panelled walls in an oak finish and a feature staircase. The external works package included 381,700 sq ft yard space plus car parking for 406 vehicles, and the programme contained all drainage, retaining wall, and hard and soft landscaping works. The project’s progress has been streamed throughout construction and the full timelapse video can be viewed here. Winvic Construction Director, Rob Bull, said: “The DSV project bucks the industrial facility trend because it comprises separate

buildings for the main warehouse, cross dock and offices, but there was no doubt that we could carefully sequence the construction and fit out works to build them all simultaneously and within ten months. Additionally, our team led by Project Manager David Gilbert knew that the aesthetics, material quality and execution had to meet DSV’s high global design standards and we’re as thrilled as DSV are about the exceptional finish achieved. Without such a talented team who works as one and always has an eye on the joint, end-goal we wouldn’t be able to deliver schemes of this nature so swiftly, expertly and in the challenges presented by the pandemic, so thank you to them.”

again exceeded expectations and delivered a true flagship campus for our business.”

Brian Winther Almind, Executive Vice President, Group Property at DSV, added: “It has been a pleasure to work in partnership with Winvic over the past year on Mercia Park and the team’s skill and knowledge has driven the project to a successful completion, on time and to budget. It is an important site to DSV – as it will now become home to all three of our business units, DSV Roads, DSV Solutions and DSV Air and Sea – so we’re delighted that the high-quality design, construction and finish not only meets our global standards but that Winvic has once

Furthermore, the DSV project was selected as the first of two schemes where the Computer-Vision-SMART technology will be developed. The AI enabled cameras that were placed around the site have now been moved to the IMP Jaguar Land Rover site and development of the machine learning software will continue for another 12 months.

Winvic started works for IM Properties (IMP) to undertake the civils and infrastructure works at Mercia Park in June 2020 and in March 2021, Winvic was appointed once again by the developer to construct the largest ever single occupier logistics park for tenant Jaguar Land Rover. Winvic will remain on site for another year and just last week announced – in partnership with IMP – the launch of the first ‘Future of Construction’ Training Centre, located onsite at Mercia Park.

For more information on Winvic, the company’s latest project news and job vacancies please visit www.winvic.co.uk.

Winvic tops out 23-Storey BTR Project in Cardiff’s capital Quarter IM Properties Development will be handed over for Grainger plc’s Operations in Summer 2022 Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of multi-sector construction and civil engineering projects, has celebrated the topping out of a 23-storey, 307-home build-to-rent (BTR) scheme in Cardiff with its client, IM Properties (IMP) and Grainger plc, the residential landlord that will own and operate the building.

To date, Winvic has undertaken the groundworks, piling operations, completed the reinforced concrete frame and are progressing with the two-tone grey and white Glass Reinforced Concrete Cladding panels, including windows to the eighteenth floor. The complementary copper façade – one of the features which makes the building aesthetically unusual and striking – will be one of the final programme elements to be completed. The mechanical and electrical installation and fit out works are also well underway, with the benchmark rooms completed.

The project – located in the heart of the city on Tyndall Street and close to Cardiff Central railway station within Cardiff’s Capital Quarter development – is being constructed on a compact site, with just 1500mm space between the façade and boundary. In addition to the 307 one-bed, two-bed and studio apartments, the scheme will also deliver a range of communal spaces for residents, including a double height rooftop sky-lounge and terrace, and comprise commercial units on the ground floor.

Winvic’s Director of Multi-room, Mark Jones, commented: “This RC frame project – as with any scheme being constructed on a very compact site – has presented a significant number of challenges for our team. But our years of experience combined with the drive and tenacity to succeed has illustrated anything can be achieved. Having worked with IM Properties and Grainger plc previously, we’re working in partnership to be a solution and goal focused team and we’re proud to have reached the topping out milestone in Cardiff’s Capital Quarter.”

Majella Lynch, IM Properties’ project director for the building, said: “We are delighted to have reached this major new milestone. It is such a complex scheme to deliver, we have all had to apply a lot of thought and ingenuity to get it to this point, which really shows the strength of our in-house project delivery team working in partnership with Winvic.” Michael Keaveney, director of Land and Development at Grainger added: “It’s great to reach this milestone in our first Cardiff scheme. Upon completion this will be an excellent development, delivering professionally managed, high quality rental homes in a vibrant area of the city. We look forward to seeing the scheme progress and come to life in the coming months.” Furthermore, last week the site team welcomed a Considerate Constructors Scheme assessor, and the project was awarded an ‘Excellent’ score. Progress of the scheme can be followed on Winvic Live. For mor information please visit: www.winvic.co.uk.

Toyota Hilux wins International Pick-up Award (IPUA) At Solutrans Diner de Gala on 17 November 2021, the latest Toyota Hilux was announced as the winner of the 6th International Pick-up Award 2022/2023 (IPUA). The presentation of this prestigious award for medium-sized pick-up trucks was made during the Solutrans 2021 exhibition, attended by 900 guests at EuroExpo Hall 2.2. “Every other year since 2009, the International Pick-up Award (IPUA) is presented to the most efficient 1-tonne pick-up truck in business today. As a multi-functional vehicle produced and sold globally, both the product and marketplace continues to evolve with many brands setting high standards in performance, safety, driver and passenger comfort,” explained Jarlath

Sweeney, Chairman of the International Van of the Year Award jury, which organises the competition. Before electing the overall victor, the nominated trucks are assessed and analysed by the expert panel from the IVOTY jury at a specially organised group test. On this occasion, this event was held in Croatia in early October, near Zadar. It was close fought election, with the Toyota Hilux emerging victorious just ahead of the Isuzu D-Max with the Jeep Gladiator third. Commenting on the achievement, Didier Gambart, Vice President of Toyota Motor Europe Sales, Marketing & Customer Experience, said: “With more than 50 years heritage, the Hilux has always stood for outstanding Quality, Durability

and Reliability (QDR) as well as very capable off-road performance. Now with the new 2020 Hilux, we have expanded the engine line-up with a new 2.8 D that offers even more refinement and power capability, allowing us to meet the needs of customers willing not only a workhorse, but also a leisure vehicle. So this award is for us a recognition of all the inherent qualities of Hilux, with even more capabilities. And we would like to thank all the jury members for their recognition. Hilux is part of Toyota’s LCV line-up and despite of semi-conductor shortage, we will have achieve in Europe a new LCV absolute sales record with a 6-digit sales number.” Previous winners of the prestigious IPUA title included the Volkswagen Amarok and Ford Ranger (both twice) and the Nissan Navara.

All-new Renault Kangoo has been crowned International Van of the Year 2022 During the Solutrans trade fair in Lyon, Mr. Jarlath Sweeney, Chairman of the IVOTY jury, presented Mark Sutcliffe, SVP, LCV Business Unit, Renault Group, with the 2022 International Van of the Year award for All-new Kangoo Van. The Pan-European jury, of 24 leading journalists specialising in commercial, industrial, and transport vehicles, placed Renault’s latest van in front of the 14 light commercial vehicles from 11 different brands that have also been released in recent months. For the IVOTY jury, the main criteria for the International Van of the Year Award are the vehicles’ contribution to the efficiency, safety, sustainability, and environmental standards of the light commercial vehicle sector. This is the 4th time that a Renault commercial vehicle has won the IVOTY award: Master (1998), Trafic (2002), and Kangoo Z.E. (2012). Mark Sutcliffe, SVP, LCV Business Unit, Renault Group says, “I would like to thank the entire European jury for having elected the All-new Renault Kangoo Van as ‘International Van of the Year 2022’. This award, which Renault holds in high regard, is a great source of pride for our teams. It rewards their efforts in designing and manufacturing a van to the highest quality standards and whose innovations, unique on the market, have been designed to enhance the daily life of our professional customers. This prestigious award is the latest recognition of Renault’s 120 years of innovation and know-how in the Light Commercial Vehicle segment.“

- A ground-breaking innovation known as ‘Open Sesame by Renault’*; where the B-pillar is removed allowing for a large right-hand side door that spans 1.45 metres, the largest side access on the market. As well as the ‘Easy Inside Rack’, a retractable interior rack to safely store long objects high up for better use of the main storage space. - Best-in-class features with standard version boasting up to 3.9m3 of storage capacity, a maximum payload of 600kg that can be increased to 800kg as an optional extra, and a towing capacity of 1,500kg. - A modern, refined, and ergonomic interior with improved thermal and acoustic comfort, 60L of storage, and optional seats for up to three adults in the cockpit. This configuration means the cab can be turned into a mobile office by folding down the centre backrest. - State-of-the-art connectivity with the new Renault EASY LINK multimedia system with an 8-inch display, smart smartphone docking station, 15W wireless charger, Renault hands-free key-card for easy and secure access, as well as two USB and two 12-volt sockets. - 12 latest generation ADAS, including Permanent Rear-View Assist, Active Emergency Braking, Trailer Swing Assist, and the Motorway and Trafic Companion that brings together Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Keeping Assist. - A range of efficient 1.3 TCe petrol and 1.5 Blue dCi diesel engines, available in 6-speed manual or 7-speed EDC automatic gearboxes, as well as two

Ecoleader engines with fuel consumption capped at 4.8L/62 miles and 6.1L/162 miles on diesel and petrol respectively. Full UK specifications and pricing for the All-new Kangoo Van will be announced January 2022. An electric model of the All-new Kangoo Van will be available in spring 2022, with a long version coming later in the year. The Maubeuge Factory, a centre of excellence Since 1997, the Renault factory in Maubeuge, in the north of France, has been the flagship production site for the Kangoo. In an effort to industrialise production of the LCV and minivan models of the All-new Kangoo and to guarantee the highest-quality production possible, Renault invested €450 million to transform the factory. This included a new High Speed XXL press line designed for stamping very large parts, 630 new sheet metal robots, new application robots and a new paint quality control line, the modernisation of assembly facilities with full-kitting** parts supply and a new finishing line. The factory was also fitted with a new battery assembly workshop to prepare for the arrival of the All-new Kangoo Van’s electric model, which is set to be sold as of spring 2022. Renault Kangoo, a real success story Since its launch in 1997, Renault has produced 4.3 million Kangoo worldwide, in both passenger and utility vehicle versions, across three generations. With Maubeuge as its main production facility, Kangoo was also manufactured at the Santa Isabel factory in Córdoba, Argentina.

The innovative all-new Kangoo Van The All-new Kangoo Van is aimed mainly at corporate fleets, tradespeople, and business owners, looking for a tailormade vehicle that boasts the latest technology and innovation to suit their business needs. The innovative van, with an athletic and dynamic style, features:

Yanmar CE unveils its first electric mini excavator prototype: the new SV17e Yanmar Compact Equipment has a long and well-deserved reputation for delivering fuel efficient and sustainable engine technology. Now, the company brings its engine and mini excavator expertise into the field of electrification with its first electric mini excavator prototype: the new SV17e. This innovation represents an important strategic step for Yanmar Compact Equipment. “Our aim, together with our dealer partners, is to build stronger relationships and create even greater customer value,” said CEO Giuliano Parodi. “Our transformation will embrace our entire business and will encompass new products with alternative fuel technologies. The SV17e prototype is a clear demonstration of our intent to build

a sustainable business for our customers and dealer partners” The SV17e is a mini excavator aimed at customers in the European market and plays in the 1.5 to 2.0 tonnes segment. Powered by efficient electric drive and 48-volt batteries with fast charging capability, it’s a quiet, zero-emissions machine designed to meet the most demanding emissions restrictions. Inline with Yanmar Compact Equipment’s commitment to creating an exceptional customer experience, the appeal of the SV17e goes beyond simply being an electric machine. The design and engineering team have set out to build a machine which offers the highest levels of comfort, ergonomics and operational power, precision, and control.

“Our prototype is significant because it demonstrates our capability to bring the quality and reliability of our highly respected conventional engine technology into the arena of electrification,” explained Product Management Director EMEA, Cedric Durand. “But we have gone further. As always, the operator is at the heart of this machine, and we have challenged ourselves to deliver the comfort, power, control and precision which we believe will surpass the expectations of professional operators.” In preparation for its sales start at Bauma 2022, the prototype SV17e is currently undergoing Yanmar’s vigorous product testing regime. These tough field tests are uncompromising in their thoroughness to ensure an uncompromising level of durability and reliability in the design and engineering. According to Director Engineering EMEA, Sota Takami: “We are very pleased with the performance to date – as you would expect, we have a rigorous testing regime which pushes every aspect of the machine to its limit. The machine has performed very well in all these tests. We are particularly pleased with the power, and control of the machine. Of course, this is a quiet, zero emission machine but that, in itself, is not enough. We must create a great feeling for the operator. I am confident that professional operators will be very comfortable in this machine, they will certainly feel the power, control and the precision handling they will need to take on the big jobs as well as the small jobs.” For those who cannot wait until Bauma 2022 to see the new SV17e in action, Yanmar Compact Equipment has prepared a short teaser film. Emphasising the power, control and precision of the new machine, this short film proves that even the smallest jobs deserve Yanmar’s innovation. Video link : www.youtu.be/zqAxhGZT3Kg

Vauxhall is UK’s best-selling electric LCV manufacturer Vauxhall is the UK’s best-selling electric Light Commercial Vehicle (e-LCV) manufacturer, according to the latest sales and registrations figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Vauxhall has sold 2,158 e-LCVs year-todate. It is now one of the few manufacturers able to offer fleets and business customers an electric van across its entire LCV line-up, with the All -New Combo-e compact van completing the brand’s offering after going on sale in August. Sales success so far this year has been underpinned by the multiple award winning all-electric Vivaro-e, the best-selling model year-to-date in the e-LCV sector. The Vivaro-e continues to receive critical acclaim with multiple award wins, after taking home one of the most coveted accolades in the light commercial vehicle sector – International Van of the Year

2021. The Vivaro-e has a long list of awards under its belt, including the overall ‘Van of the Year’ and the ‘Electric Van of the Year’ titles at the annual What Van? 2021 awards, and was named ‘Best Electrified Commercial Vehicle’ at the 2021 DrivingElectric Awards. With a WLTP range of up to 205 miles and a maximum payload of up to 1,226kg, the new Vivaro-e is at the forefront of Vauxhall’s commitment to electrification, as the brand continues its electric vehicle expansion with the goal of offering an electrified variant across its model line-up by 2024, and to offer only fully electric cars and vans in the UK by 2028. Paul Willcox, Managing Director, Vauxhall, said: “As a British brand, I’m proud to see Vauxhall is leading the electrification of the UK van market with our multiple award-winning Vivaro-e. Vauxhall is all about democratising access to electrified vehicles and, with the All-New Combo-e

and All-New Movano-e now available to order, we offer an all-electric version of each of our vans, further helping to reduce in-use emissions and bring the lower running costs and user experience of driving electric to even more businesses.” Vauxhall will offer an electrified variant across its entire car and van range by 2024, and offer only fully electric cars and vans in the UK from 2028. In July, Stellantis announced a £100 million investment in Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port manufacturing plant to transform the site for a new era in electric vehicle manufacturing. Ellesmere Port will become the first Stellantis plant to produce a solely battery-electric model, in both commercial and passenger versions, by the end of next year, including the Combo-e and Combo-e Life, for both domestic and export markets. Vauxhall is also adding the Vivaro-e Hydrogen to its all-electric van range from early 2023.