The CSA (the Commissions Specialists Association) now in it’s 25th year have launched an industry-wide awards programme in support of its 25th Anniversary, configured to bring together the entire commissioning sector in a celebration of the business, innovations and people that are achieving the highest professional standards and helping drive
The National BIM Survey is now in its 6th year has just been published by the NBS. The 2016 survey shows that the construction industry is BIM positive but not quite BIM ready. The BIM Survey was published before the government mandate required of all BIM at Level 2 on
Libraries are now bright, well lit open spaces where users can enjoy a connection to their community and new technologies, connecting the old and the new. The 7 winners of the AIA (American Institute of Architects) 2016 Library Building Awards display this perfectly. The winners all very different all make
Planning the construction of a swimming pool takes various elements into consideration including the size, style, purpose and, of course, the aspects that are required to keep swimmers safe. Whether it’s the construction for a personal or public pool, this step is a crucial one, and there are many pool
Mears Group – The Face of Equality (The Following is a Promoted Article) The construction industry continues to be dominated by males at both the top and bottom rungs of business, and females are desperately under-represented across all sub-sectors. That’s something which Jane Nelson, Executive Director of Mears Group is
Cheshire East Council has handed Wates Construction a contract to build a waste recycling centre in Middlewich. The contract with Wates will see the construction and refurbishment of new and existing buildings as part of scheduled works for the development on Cledford Lane. The 10-month project begins on 23rd May
The CSA (the Commissions Specialists Association) now in it’s 25th year have launched an industry-wide awards programme in support of its 25th Anniversary, configured to bring together the entire commissioning sector in a celebration of the business, innovations and people that are achieving the highest professional standards and helping drive the industry forward. The 2016 Finalists were selected by the 2016 judging panel who believe that the candidates selected encompass the full scope of success and professionalism needed in the commissioning industry. The awards were designed to promote companies best practice in several key areas of commissioning, energy saving, sales growth, innovation and achievement, customer care and service provision. The awards last year proved to be a success in which the company celebrated business, professionalism and excellence. The feedback from all those involved was positive including those nominated, finalists, sponsors and winners, The programme saw an excellent incentive for excellence and recognition across the board the awards served an interest in healthy entries, and an incredible standard of submissions. 2016 Finalists were picked because of their conduct in the commissioning industry, and the CSA programme hopes that it has captured the full scope of success and professionalism in the industry today. After the success of last years inaugural award the company were pleased to offer the same opportunities this year. The Gala Award Ceremony will be held on the 17th of June 2016 in Copthorne Effinham Park. The evening will provide a celebration of the excellent work and achievements of the commissioning specialists. All CSA members have been encouraged to put an entry forward for one of more of the 7 categories. The entries were provided by corporate, associate and individuals and even eligible companies outside of the CSA Membership. After the panel reviewed the applications over April and created a list of finalists for each categories. The awards up for grabs include; Innovation in Commissioning (sponsored by SAV Systems), Project of the Year (sponsored by Marflow Hydronics), Product Innovation of the Year (sponsored by CSA), Commissioning Provider of the Year (sponsored by Modern Building Services), Investment in Training Award (sponsored by BSRIA Instrument Solutions), Student of the Year (sponsored by CSA), Engineer of the Year (sponsored by Ashford Environmental Services) The full list of finalists can be found on the CSA website.
The National BIM Survey is now in its 6th year has just been published by the NBS. The 2016 survey shows that the construction industry is BIM positive but not quite BIM ready. The BIM Survey was published before the government mandate required of all BIM at Level 2 on all of the centrally procured public sector projects on the 4th of April. The 2016 NBS National BIM Survey shows the construction industry’s current adoption of BIM is up at 54%, which is a huge increase from 48% last year. Over four fifths of respondents are aware of the BIM expect to be using it by April next year and 97% within five years. In a further boost to the Government BIM strategy out of those surveyed 73% agreed that the future of project information in construction was with BIM and 75% agreed that they details were clear that they would be needed to use BIM public-sector work. However on terms of being BIM ready over 40% said that they were not clear on thje details of what they would have to do to start complying with the BIM mandate. Nearly 30% said they felt that lacked the skills and knowledge necessary to comply with the rules describing themselves as ‘not very’ or ‘not at all’ confident when it comes to BIM. There was a widespread agreement (over 60%) that BIM is not yet standardised or similar enough, with fewer people overall using the set standards that have been created than have actually adopted BIM. 64% of those surveyed agreed that adopting BIM had given them a significant competitive advantage. The survey has shown positive significant changes to the standard use and adoption of the government pushed scheme. The hopes are that the BIM system will be used by all within the next 5 years.
Libraries are now bright, well lit open spaces where users can enjoy a connection to their community and new technologies, connecting the old and the new. The 7 winners of the AIA (American Institute of Architects) 2016 Library Building Awards display this perfectly. The winners all very different all make a purposeful choice in from planning and design to consider how architecture affects the mood of users. Architecture can use elements such as lighting and space, shapes, materials and textures. Dr Sergio Altomonte associate professor in the department of architecture and built environment at the Nottingham university stated that urban spaces and buildings should be primarily designed with their users in mind, now architecture’s understands the significance of physical, physiological and psychological well-being and know how to implement and trigger such important elements in the mind of the users. With citizens of modern society spending 90% of their time indoors this is now more important than ever. Sensory stimulation has become an area of particular interest for designers who are now asked to consider the social, safety and space necessary for a healthy environment. For example, Natural light, can play a vital part in hospital patients recovering and school pupils performing better. Natural light helps regulate body clocks, sleeping patterns and digestion it helps to develop the hormone melatonin and the production of neurotransmitter serotonin, which can help to reduce the symptoms of depression. A well designed space will allow the user to discover and navigate the building for themselves. The range of different needs that people can have include the needs of being alone of being with others. The environmental psychology of a building has become even more important to designers who understand the people-environment fit and flexible spaces with a balance between form and function. The new fundamentals of architecture are not always about how a building looks but how it makes the user feel, the way it allows users to behave, reflect and act.
Planning the construction of a swimming pool takes various elements into consideration including the size, style, purpose and, of course, the aspects that are required to keep swimmers safe. Whether it’s the construction for a personal or public pool, this step is a crucial one, and there are many pool safety designs that can be implemented. Use Anti-slip Tiles One of the biggest causes of accidents at a poolside is due to slippery surfaces. Although signs are used to deter people from running around the edge of a pool, there are preventatives that can be used such as anti-slip tiles which can be utilised in the construction. Used both in and around the pool, especially on steps, the selection of anti-slip tiles are available in well known brands as well as colours, to match the style of the pool you’re looking to create. Install Safety Fencing One of the ways to prevent any issues with others utilising a pool without supervision, is by installing fencing during the build of your swimming pool. There are various fences available that don’t have to be entirely closed off, but are actually aesthetically pleasing as well as practical. Not only does this prevent the pool being used without permission but means you can actually see everyone that is using the pool clearly due to the materials used. Choose Pool Covers In addition to installing fencing, the next best safety feature is a pool cover that can be installed to any pool of any size. This offers peace of mind that there are additional safety features that can be prepared post-construction to keep non-swimmers safe. The great thing with pool covers is the fact that they are a safety accessory, and can fit in with the style and colours of the pool you’ve already designed, making them the simplest and easiest safety feature to include. Check Your Pool’s Heating In the UK, heating is something that is required for both indoor and outdoor pools however the safety of maintaining these is vital to prevent disasters from occurring such as fires, carbon monoxide and gas leaks. Without the right safety precautions in place, you put yourself and others at risk so maintaining your pool heater is crucial. Ensuring that leaves and other debris are removed regularly, gas pipes are always connected and ventilation is provided when installing the heater, will all help to reduce the risk. There have been serious issues caused by the lack of maintenance of pool heaters so this is an important factor to consider during the construction. For more information on what safety aspects are considered when constructing a swimming pool, get in touch with The Swimming Pool Store.
Mears Group – The Face of Equality (The Following is a Promoted Article) The construction industry continues to be dominated by males at both the top and bottom rungs of business, and females are desperately under-represented across all sub-sectors. That’s something which Jane Nelson, Executive Director of Mears Group is actively looking to challenge and, as a prime example of just how successful women can be within the sector herself, she’s well positioned to do so. Founded in 1988, Mears Group has gone from being a small, local contractor to one the UK’s most competent and respected firms across areas of maintenance, development, facilities and estate management. Following a succession of domiciliary care acquisitions, including Care UK Homecare just last year, the company also boasts a further strand dedicated to providing high quality and integrated support for those who need it most. With such extensive services, Mears Group currently employs over 20,000 peoples in every region of the UK, and works across hundreds of thousands of properties each year. With responsibility at the heart of the company’s every day operations, Nelson has also pushed the importance of maintaining accountability within the business, particularly as it relates to women. With a construction career spanning decades, Jane Nelson has considerably shaken up the industry; her prominence, itself, is a triumph amongst stories which, by and large, centre on male achievements. Beginning as a trainee painter and decorator, Nelson went on to attain a Master of Science degree in Construction Refurbishment Management at University College London, climbing the ranks until leading the operations of large local authority director labour organisation (DLO) in East London. From knowing the industry inside-out also comes a knowledge of the hardships, prejudices and difficulties faced by women in the sector, as well as the fact that females make up as little as 11% of the sector’s workforce and just 1% when it comes to on site works. “Girls are told from a young age that construction isn’t a good career for women,” Nelson asserts. “But I want to show them that it absolutely can be. When I began my career, tradeswomen were commonplace but interest in the profession has waned and fewer young woman are undertaking training or apprenticeships in manual trades. Recent figures calculated by the Office of National Statistics highlight that just 1.76% of trade apprentices are women, the lowest number of women to commence formal training in a manual trade for a decade. Going into schools and enthusing girls about construction is one thing but that level of support and understanding has to endure throughout their schooling and beyond.” Nelson calls upon employers, in particular, to do more in the way of inspiring young women. As well as visiting and delivering talks at schools on a regular basis, Mears Group has established a strong presence at the National Housing Maintenance Forum (NHMF) – largely thanks to Jane’s continued efforts. This year’s conference saw her, alongside Christine Townley, Executive Director for Construction Youth Trust and Billy Park, Head of Major Investment for Guinness Property, address the skills shortages ravaging the sector and propose wider female participation as a critical solution. In fact, the firm held its very own conference dedicated to showcasing both the achievements and future potential of women in the sector at the end of last year which Nelson describes as a major success. “Mears Group is determined to recruit and retain a diverse workforce, so to hear the ideas of nearly 40 of our tradeswomen on how we can do that was brilliant,” says Nelson. “We welcomed a host of female representatives, from apprentices to experienced operations manager, and gave voice to things that mattered most to women in the industry.” In witness to her determined efforts raising the profile of women in construction and encouraging young girls to seek a career in the sector, Jane was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at last month’s 10th anniversary of the Women in Construction Awards. Thanking the hard work of colleagues and drawing attention to the continually undervalued sector of planned maintenance, Nelson stressed that, despite the accolade, her career is far from over and she is to continue to champion both best practice and women for years to come. And Mears Group has given the sector pause for thought in the sheer number of success histories amongst the females within its workforce. Whilst Nelson might exemplify that trend, she’s by no means the only woman to attract the merit of the wider sector; Michaela Walsh, a gas engineer from Manchester Working, part of Mears Group was shortlisted for the Best Female Apprentice at last year’s Women in Housing Awards. The annual awards ceremony is a staple of the calendar year for women and the industry alike, and aims to celebrate the achievements of both. The evening was hosted by Olympian, Diane Modahl and also featured an inspirational talk by philanthropist and TV presenter, Katie Piper. Whilst women are surely a valuable resource on which to draw in order to fill the current skills gaps pervading the sector, they also have much more to offer the sector in the way of difference. Women have an inherently different biological make-up and their drive, compassion and analytic-thinking are strengths without which Mears Group wouldn’t be the same. The company currently provides rapid response and planned maintenance services to local authorities and registered social landlords nationwide, delivering 6,000 quality repairs to over a million homes every day. With an additional arm in domiciliary care, Mears Group is defined by the level of care is able to offer within its portfolio of services. In recognition of the importance of service, as well as end result, the firm prides itself on a highly customer-oriented approach with which it identifies exactly what the client needs and, crucially, delivers. Furthermore, Mears Group has developed a specialist contact centre dedicated to serving the housing maintenance, care and support sectors – the firm’s three core markets. The facility makes use of the
Cheshire East Council has handed Wates Construction a contract to build a waste recycling centre in Middlewich. The contract with Wates will see the construction and refurbishment of new and existing buildings as part of scheduled works for the development on Cledford Lane. The 10-month project begins on 23rd May 2016. The value of the contract was not disclosed. The council is also investing £1m into constructing an air treatment system to minimise the impact of odour from the site. Councillor Don Stockton said: “This project will put our residents first by maximising recycling efforts and reducing landfill to an absolute minimum. Residents local to the site will benefit from the fact that Cheshire East Council has chosen a construction partner that understands the vital role that local community involvement can have.”
