June 20, 2017

Manchester Occupational Health and Safety Group (MOHSG) – ‘Ten years after…the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005’ – Manchester, 28 Sept 2016

How well are we managing noise risks in the workplace? Date and location Manchester Occupational Health and Safety Group (MOSHG) event Wednesday 28 September 2016, from 13.45 St Antony’s Centre for Church & Industry, Eleventh Street, Trafford Park, Manchester M17 1JF Event overview Afternoon meeting of Manchester Occupational Health and

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Persimmon still confident on dividends

©Bloomberg Persimmon, the UK’s second-largest housebuilder by output, said it remained confident in its ability to deliver a long-term dividend programme even as Britain’s vote to leave the EU has sparked broad worries about the sector. But its shares sold off by 7.2 per cent on Tuesday, in line with

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ABB and Fluor partner to deliver power substation projects globally

ABB and Fluor have formed a global strategic partnership for the execution of large turnkey engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) projects for electrical substations. By combining ABB’s world-leading technology and its market leadership position in power transmission and distribution with Fluor’s expertise and experience in delivering large EPC projects, the

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Poor plumbing cause of drinking water standard failures

Poor plumbing is a major cause behind drinking water failing to meet quality standards in customers’ homes. A report has revealed that nearly a third of water that fails is as a result of poor plumbing practices and sub-standard fittings in private pipes and properties after it

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GPH gets set to showcase garden and patio display at open day

A leading North-east builders’ merchant is hosting an open day to unveil a new hard-landscaping feature at its Inverurie premises. GPH Builders Merchants, which also has branches in Westhill and Stonehaven, will showcase the impressive new display at the event taking place on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 June. GPH

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Offsite Awards Recognise Outstanding Projects

The team at B & K Structures are celebrating award-winning success, with their projects picking up no less than two trophies and three highly commended certificates, at the Offsite Awards which were held in London this week. As one of the UK’s leading offsite specialist contractors, involved in the design,

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Success At The 2017 South West Construction Summit

The South West Construction Summit was hailed as a great success. The attendee profile at the South West Construction Summit included some highly influential professionals, creating a rare opportunity to connect with the hardest to reach decision makers within the South West built environment. The Summit took the form of

Read More »

The art of contrast in kitchen design

Clever kitchen design pays attention to tone and texture as much as overall style and functional excellence. Adding in spots of colour or creating interesting contrasts of tone within today’s modern kitchen can really make the difference between ordinary and exceptional. It’s an easy option to go all-white with kitchen

Read More »
Latest Issue
Issue 333 : Oct 2025

June 20, 2017

Manchester Occupational Health and Safety Group (MOHSG) – ‘Ten years after…the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005’ – Manchester, 28 Sept 2016

How well are we managing noise risks in the workplace? Date and location Manchester Occupational Health and Safety Group (MOSHG) event Wednesday 28 September 2016, from 13.45 St Antony’s Centre for Church & Industry, Eleventh Street, Trafford Park, Manchester M17 1JF Event overview Afternoon meeting of Manchester Occupational Health and Safety Group that includes the above talk on ‘Ten years after…the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005’ – How well are we managing noise risks in the workplace? by Stephen Barnes, Chartered occupational Hygienist, Director & principal Consultant at Oak Environmental Solutions Ltd. A Workplace officer from the Health and Safety Executive is likely to be in attendance. Anybody is welcome to attend. Booking and information No booking required. Further information is available from cathy.nixon@mohsg.org.uk or visit the Manchester Occupational Health and Safety Group website. Source link

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Persimmon still confident on dividends

©Bloomberg Persimmon, the UK’s second-largest housebuilder by output, said it remained confident in its ability to deliver a long-term dividend programme even as Britain’s vote to leave the EU has sparked broad worries about the sector. But its shares sold off by 7.2 per cent on Tuesday, in line with its peers, as investors became increasingly pessimistic about the future of UK property. More On this topic IN Construction “We remain confident in our ability to deliver the capital return plan to our shareholders,” the group said in a trading update, referring to a planned £2.76bn payout plan over 10 years, as it reported a 12 per cent boost to earnings in the six months to the end of June. The company offered little formal guidance on trading since the referendum, but Jeff Fairburn, chief executive, said: “The market is still there — people are still buying. Our net sales were in line with the previous few weeks’ trading.” He said the group had not reduced its rates of construction, despite an index showing on Wednesday that overall UK construction dropped in June to its lowest level in seven years, partly due to a decline in housebuilding. Persimmon said its private sales were 1 per cent higher than a year earlier in May and June, again defying a broader slowdown in the housing market in the period leading up to the referendum. Revenues were up 12 per cent to £1.5bn, while completions of new homes increased 6 per cent from a year earlier to 7,238 and selling prices rose by 6 per cent to £205,500. The group said it expected its operating margin to be even higher than the 23 per cent reported a year earlier. Its share price had outperformed rivals this year until the referendum partly due to a big increase in its dividend payout plan announced in February. But the sector has since sold off, along with real estate investment trusts, on fears of a drop in property values. Persimmon said £462m of cash holdings gave it the “balance sheet strength to navigate future changes in trading conditions”. Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2016. You may share using our article tools. Please don’t cut articles from FT.com and redistribute by email or post to the web. Source link

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ABB and Fluor partner to deliver power substation projects globally

ABB and Fluor have formed a global strategic partnership for the execution of large turnkey engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) projects for electrical substations. By combining ABB’s world-leading technology and its market leadership position in power transmission and distribution with Fluor’s expertise and experience in delivering large EPC projects, the partnership will help meet the evolving need of power grids across the globe for safe, reliable and state-of-the-art electrical substations.   “We are proud to partner with Fluor to tap the vast opportunities of the ongoing Energy Revolution and related power infrastructure investments. Together, we intend to grow our businesses by complementing each other’s strengths in customer services for substation projects,” said ABB CEO Ulrich Spiesshofer. “Strategic partnerships like this are a core pillar of our Next Level strategy and help us to drive growth while mitigating risk.” Substations are key elements in power grid infrastructure that facilitate the efficient transmission and distribution of electricity. They control and protect power flows, connect power stations to the grid and link transmission and distribution networks as well as end consumers. “Fluor’s new global strategic partnership with ABB targeting the substation market is expected to bring unique synergies to our power clients,” said David Seaton, chairman and CEO of Fluor. “This approach exemplifies our focus on addressing client needs with our unique integrated solutions offering.” ABB is a leader in air-insulated, gas-insulated and hybrid substations with voltage levels up to 1,200 kV. These substations facilitate the efficient and reliable transmission and distribution of electricity with minimum environmental impact. They serve utility, industry and commercial customers as well as sectors including railways, urban transportation and renewables. “This global partnership with Fluor reinforces our strategic focus on developing new business models as we continue to transform our business to generate enhanced customer value,” said Claudio Facchin, president of the Power Grids division. Source link

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Poor plumbing cause of drinking water standard failures

Poor plumbing is a major cause behind drinking water failing to meet quality standards in customers’ homes. A report has revealed that nearly a third of water that fails is as a result of poor plumbing practices and sub-standard fittings in private pipes and properties after it has been transferred from public water mains. The Drinking Water Inspectorate for England and Wales’ (DWI) annual report found that lead, nickel, taste and odour are some of the problems deteriorating the quality of drinking water. These are caused by wrong materials and fittings or inadequate protection from water ‘flowing back’ into internal pipework from household appliances. DWI chief inspector Marcus Rink said: “A skilled and competent plumber using approved materials provides confidence in water remaining wholesome right up to the tap.” WaterSafe, the national register for plumbers, is urging homeowners to use approved plumbers to help keep their drinking water supply safe. WaterSafe director Julie Spinks said: ²Water supplies in the UK are among the best in the world and we want to ensure that drinking water is as healthy when it comes out of customers¢ taps as it is when it leaves the water companies¢ treatment works and water mains. “The use of a nationally registered plumber such as the WaterSafe scheme goes towards securing safe clean water for all, delivering the high quality of water we have come to expect.” Each year, samples of water are taken from reservoirs, water treatment works, pumping stations, water mains and customers¢ taps to be tested for a range of substances and measured against standards set by the World Health Organisation. The overall pass rate for drinking water in England and Wales was 99.96 per cent. Source link

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GPH gets set to showcase garden and patio display at open day

A leading North-east builders’ merchant is hosting an open day to unveil a new hard-landscaping feature at its Inverurie premises. GPH Builders Merchants, which also has branches in Westhill and Stonehaven, will showcase the impressive new display at the event taking place on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 June. GPH has been serving the North-east’s building and DIY markets with a complete range of materials for 35 years, and customers are invited to view its vast range of garden and patio products during the event from 9am to 3pm on Friday 23 and from 9am to 2pm on Saturday 24 June. Each branch has different product offerings, and revamp their hard landscaping displays every four years to demonstrate new supplier ranges. The latest display in Inverurie features a mixture of traditional and modern paving, walling and driveway products from landscape suppliers Marshalls and Stonemarket, along with Grange Fencing in various fashionable shades, and Millboard decking. Eva Connell, GPH Westhill branch manager who is responsible for the design of both the display at GPH Inverurie and the new display currently under construction at GPH Stonehaven said: “Knowing where to start when planning a garden facelift can be difficult, so it is important to plan your new space before setting to work. “Our displays demonstrate the range of styles and colours available to suit all tastes and budgets.  They also show how different products wear onsite, and highlight the importance of having them laid properly. “By spending time at our new display, and speaking to staff in our dedicated landscaping team, you will be able to create beautiful, practical, outdoor spaces to enhance your home.” The Inverurie branch, situated in Highclere Business Park, will be running a number of promotions throughout both days, with competitions for young and old, meet the supplier sessions, and refreshments for all.

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CONSTRUCTION EXPERTS FIRST TO MARKET WITH TRIP ADVISOR STYLE RECRUITMENT TECHNOLOGY

Peace Recruitment Group, expert recruiters for the built environment, has just launched new recruitment technology which will pass control of the recruitment process over to both employers and candidates alike. Peace’s new bespoke website, which will include the first ever ‘Trip Advisor-like service for the recruitment industry’, and the first ever JobCast service, has been specifically designed to ensure that all clients receive gold standard customer service. Peace enlisted the help of its strategic digital partner Bold Identities to design and build this new technology. Bold Identities is a recruitment specific digital agency run by co-founders Richard Evans and Tom Wilde, who combined have more than 20 years of experience in both the recruitment and digital sectors.   “From our initial discussions with the Peace Recruitment Group it was agreed that we wanted to come up with something completely bespoke and brand new,” explains Richard Evans.   “Having worked closely with Peace to transform its digital brand and online presence it was immediately evident that one of the USPs of the business is its emphasis on customer service. Chris was very keen to build on this value and also incentivise his Consultant’s to deliver the highest possible levels of customer service. To help Chris deliver this goal, we have developed a unique state of the art online platform that works on real-time information, making the feedback process simple, interactive and effective. This allows both clients and candidates alike to record feedback specifically on the Consultant’s performance based on customer service level.   “The project also includes various other bespoke technology and systems to help Peace stand out online and deliver a better experience to their customers. Taking into consideration the rise of mobile recruitment and the dominance of smartphones we have worked with Chris to develop “JobCasts” – an audio-based job adverts system. This allows candidates to listen to audio job adverts while on the move and apply directly from their mobile device.”   Evans adds: “It’s been a pleasure to work with a recruitment business who are not only forward-thinking, but also put their customers at the core of their digital strategy.”   Peace’s unique customer feedback platform, likened to Trip Advisor for recruitment consultants, will see its consultants ranked in real time on their performance. Clients will be asked to provide feedback at key intervals via text message or email, and the results will automatically be loaded up onto Peace’s new website. This technology has been specifically designed to ensure all consultants are prioritising service over sales.   Chris Peace, Managing Director of Peace Recruitment, comments: “We believe it is in our best interests to give clients an outstanding service every time, and our new bespoke customer feedback platform will ensure that this happens. We want to achieve our business goals by listening to clients and giving them what they need. I have always said to my team ‘if you get the service right the sales will look after themselves.’ I hope I am proved correct, as if we do not make the grade there will be nowhere to hide at the results are real time and published on our new website automatically. The consultants in the office seem to be up for the challenge.”   “Our JobCast service is again something completely bespoke and brand new. Time is money these days, and most of us are constantly on the go. This service will let people keep up-to-date via their smart device with what relevant jobs are available no matter where they are, whether they are on a train, in a car, wherever. Also it’s so much more personal, and less time consuming, hearing about the job directly from the consultant rather than taking the time to read another generic job specification. I know personally, if I was looking for a job, this is a service I would find extremely useful.”   The launch of Peace Recruitment’s new bespoke website; alongside its re-branding; the double in staff numbers in trades and labour; and the launch of its London operation and new temp division; are all seen as key developments in the recruiters quest to become the recruitment company of choice for the built environment by 2020. Peace Recruitment is still the only recruitment company in the UK to be a member of the Institute of Customer Service. For more information please visit www.peacerecruitment.co.uk<http://www.peacerecruitment.co.uk/>.

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Offsite Awards Recognise Outstanding Projects

The team at B & K Structures are celebrating award-winning success, with their projects picking up no less than two trophies and three highly commended certificates, at the Offsite Awards which were held in London this week. As one of the UK’s leading offsite specialist contractors, involved in the design, manufacture and delivery of some of the UK’s most renowned buildings – B & K Structures have proven experience in understanding complex engineering structures incorporating glulam, cross laminated timber, steel and timber cassettes. Managing Director Andy Goodwin said of the company’s success: “The resurgence of offsite construction has played to our strengths, being innovators in offsite manufactured hybrid structures since 1974. It is gratifying to be recognised for our achievements by such eminent judges as Mark Farmer, the author of the government commissioned report Modernise or Die.” With over 200 outstanding submissions, the Offsite Awards were hotly contested. B & K Structures came out on top of two of the award categories picking up the trophy for Best Hybrid Construction Project for The University Centre Farnborough and Commercial Project of the Year for Nando’s Cambridge. In addition, the Sky Control Centre was Highly Commended by the judges for the Best Use of Timber and another of the company’s projects, Daltons Lane – the world’s largest cross laminated timber building – was Highly Commended in both the Best Use of Timber and the Housing Project of the Year categories. Best Hybrid Construction Project – The University Centre Farnborough Farnborough College of Technology offers a wide range of education programmes accredited by the University of Surrey. Designed to be the College’s flagship building, the University Centre Farnborough, is a major step towards the College reaching its objective of becoming a community university. As the main entrance to the college, the new two-storey hybrid structure incorporates the benefits of cross laminated timber panels, glulam beams & timber cassettes – combined to create a modern teaching & learning facility. Commercial Project of the Year – Nando’s Cambridge Nando’s, Cambridge is the company’s first ‘Next Generation’ restaurant in the country and forms a sustainable construction prototype which will be rolled-out across the wider Nando’s estate. The high-quality design incorporates a number of sustainability measures, which will contribute positively to the commercial future of the restaurant as well as being eco-friendly to the surrounding area. The sustainable structural form, erected in just three weeks, includes timber cassette walls, with glulam roof beams and a visual cross laminated timber soffit. Best Use of Timber – Highly Commended: The Sky Control Centre The Sky Campus, located in Osterley, West London – has been undergoing an extensive redevelopment to consolidate the company’s operations. The second phase of the development, the Sky Control Centre – is a mixed-use scheme with a combined total of circa 41,000m² – encompassing office space, studios and production facilities together with research and development zones. The site is also home to an energy centre, servicing facilities, plant and equipment, as well as bicycle parking. B & K Structures supplied and installed over 7,500 linear metres of glulam beams and just under 16,000m2 of large timber roof cassettes. The Sky Control Centre building is the largest timber roof cassette project in the UK. Best Use of Timber & Housing Project of the Year – Highly Commended: Dalston Lane Standing at 33.3 metres, at the time of construction, Dalston Lane is the tallest timber structure in the world with the largest cross laminated timber panels measuring 12 metres long by 2.8 metres high. Ranging from five to 10 storeys – Dalston Lane incorporates 121 residential units comprising contemporary style one to three bedroom apartments, which are spread across nine floors totalling 10,850m2. The development has been constructed from approximately 4,400m3 of cross laminated timber with only seven tonnes of steel beams. Optimised Offsite Solutions Offering a complete package of structural solutions, across a comprehensive product portfolio including glulam, cross laminated timber, timber cassettes and steel frame, as part of their hybrid structural solutions – B & K Structures has an outstanding, award winning track record across all commercial sectors. Through careful design detailing and value engineering, B & K Structures is able to offer the best possible construction solution, ensuring a smooth integration for follow-on trades – delivering environmentally sustainable projects on time and to budget.

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Success At The 2017 South West Construction Summit

The South West Construction Summit was hailed as a great success. The attendee profile at the South West Construction Summit included some highly influential professionals, creating a rare opportunity to connect with the hardest to reach decision makers within the South West built environment. The Summit took the form of a combined Conference and Exhibition with significant opportunity for networking. The Summit brings together key contributors of the regional construction industry and its supply chain to support and underpin the progress already being made. The event explores opportunities, major projects, client commitments and procurement best practice, including; skills, image, sustainability and productivity in construction. The South West Construction Summit opened with introductions from Andrew Carpenter & Emma Osmundsen from event hosts Constructing Excellence South West. This was swiftly followed by: Mike Borkowski – Southern Construction Framework: “The Skills Gap and whether it is just someone else’s problem.” Leif Tarry – CITB: “CITB Projected Skills need and construction as a career of choice.” Rachel Bell – Stride Treglown and Chairman of Women in Property: “Image of Construction and Gender Diversity” Shortly after a Q&A, Refreshments and networking opportunities. Nathan Waller – Natwest Bank: “Development finance and the early collaboration between funders and property developers, optimising supply chain relationships.” John Boughton – Willmott Dixon: “Achieving Value through Efficiencies.” Dominic Thasarathar – Autodesk: “Constructing the Future: Possibilities, probabilities and opportunities.” Shortly after a Q&A, Lunch and networking opportunities. Emma Osmundsen – Exeter Council: “Delivering Sustainable Energy Efficient public buildings.” David Sutton – EDF Energy: “A Case Study on Hinkley Point” Cllr Paul Smith – Bristol City Council: “How to tackle Bristol’s Housing Crisis” Andrew Carpenter then returned back to the stage with a summary of the day. All the speakers raised some very valuable points in their discussions which made the attendees extremely engaged and involved when it got to the Q&A. It was a very busy day for the South West construction sector as the summit was swiftly followed that evening by the South West Built Environment Awards 2017 at the same venue.

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The art of contrast in kitchen design

Clever kitchen design pays attention to tone and texture as much as overall style and functional excellence. Adding in spots of colour or creating interesting contrasts of tone within today’s modern kitchen can really make the difference between ordinary and exceptional. It’s an easy option to go all-white with kitchen design, and white high-gloss kitchens definitely look great. But if you really want your kitchen to stand out from the crowd, you’ll need to push the boundaries a little bit further. Using contrast in the kitchen is a great trick for creating a visually stunning space. It is understandable most people feel compelled to play it safe when it comes to a kitchen remodel. It is after all one of the most expensive home improvement projects you are likely to undertake (unless of course you are extending your home). If you don’t feel confident making decisions about using contrast in your kitchen redesign, you could consult a kitchen design expert, such as The Brighton Kitchen Company. If you are brave enough to go it alone, read on. We’ve put together some great design ideas to help you make the most of contrast in your kitchen remodel. Countertop sectioning It’s easy to assume that all of your countertops should be the same to create a sense of flow and continuity in your kitchen space. But demarking your kitchen into different spaces by dividing up your countertops and using contrasting materials can really bring a sense of interest to your kitchen. This is a great design idea for the larger kitchen, especially if it involves an element of living space. Carefully crafted, countertop sectioning can divide spaces and create a visually stunning look. Play with dark and light and different materials. A white countertop with a dark section to match base units looks very effective. Equally a stylish wooden breakfast bar is a wonderful addition to sleek high-gloss countertops. For a quirky twist, try adding in a section of reclaimed wood. The stand-alone island Why not make your kitchen island the centrepiece of your kitchen? In a contrasting colour to the rest of your kitchen cabinetry, your kitchen island can become a cool standout feature and the hub of your kitchen workspace.  Vibrant small cubby holes If you are looking to add a pop of colour to your new kitchen, using colour in a few of the on-show small cubby holes is a great way to stylishly brighten up your design. Bright colours such as yellow or orange look fabulous against a white kitchen and will give your nearly all-white kitchen a unique twist.  Mixing up the tones – base units and wall cabinetry Your kitchen cabinetry doesn’t all have to be uniform. Even a section in a slightly different tone can make all the difference. Dark muted brown can work with lighter beige tones and black works brilliantly with white and dark wood. Bringing some different textures in also helps to create interest in your kitchen design. It’s worth heeding a little constraint. Don’t go mad and introduce too many colours and textures as that will distract from the overall style you are trying to create. Wooden elements Wood is often left out of modern kitchen designs unless there’s a desire for a Scandinavian element. But, wood can add a really stylish element to any kitchen design. Wood grain can warm up a dark colour scheme, and can prevent a white kitchen looking too stark and unwelcoming. Modern wooden kitchen cabinetry creates a great contrast against neutral or dark colour schemes.  The statement floor If your heart is set on a single colour for your kitchen, using the floor as a springboard for some contrast is a great idea. Dark floors look great with white cabinetry and white walls, or patterned tiles can add an interesting vibe. The type of flooring you choose can make all the difference to the look you are trying to achieve. Black and white: the ultimate contrast Monochrome kitchen designs are popular and work surprisingly well, especially with classic black and white. Pitch black and white against each other, and you can create a stylish contemporary kitchen or more of a retro look. A great tip for using black and white is to make one shade dominant, rather than give both black and white equal prominence. Graphic patterned wallpapers look great too if used in moderation. Curves and sharp corners Using form to create contrast is another interesting design feature to play with. Curved countertops sitting proudly on sharp-edged cabinets create a real sense of opposites. Kitchens can feel very boxy with lots of square edges, so adding some curves cleverly softens the kitchen design. Good luck with your kitchen redesign. Use contrast cleverly and you’ll have the wow-factor kitchen you are hoping for.

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National Energy Foundation Chief Executive awarded OBE in Queen’s Birthday Honours

Dr Kerry Mashford, Chief Executive of the Milton Keynes-based National Energy Foundation, has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, for services to the Energy Industry. The National Energy Foundation has been at the forefront of improving the use of energy in buildings for more than 25 years. Since her appointment as its Chief Executive in December, 2012, Kerry Mashford has helped pioneer the Foundation’s work advising and delivering more comfortable energy-efficient homes and workplaces, including wining a number of national awards. Kerry has increasingly focused her work on bringing together the forces of engineering, technical and business innovation to address the challenges associated with developing a more sustainable future. She believes that we must change the way we generate, distribute and use energy as quickly as possible, and that addressing the demand side of the energy equation is equally as important as generation in making the transition to a low-carbon, low-energy future. It’s estimated that buildings account for around 40% of the EU’s total energy consumption and 43% of the UK’s total carbon dioxide emissions. These figures could be easily and dramatically reduced by improving the energy performance of existing buildings and making sure new buildings are built to the standards of energy performance that are fit for a sustainable future. This requires a focus on high quality retrofit and refurbishment, an Assured Performance Process for new buildings and a widespread improvement in energy literacy.  Kerry’s work with her colleagues at the National Energy Foundation aims to inspire action, advance knowledge and deliver practical projects to lead the way. After hearing the news of her award, Kerry Mashford commented: “I am both delighted and humbled to receive this honour as my individual efforts seem tiny in comparison with the challenges that face us all in creating a more sustainable future. I hope that it will help raise awareness of the important work the National Energy Foundation does to help improve the energy performance of new and existing buildings, and enable more communities and organisations to benefit from working with us. “This award also recognises the hard work and dedication of everyone at the National Energy Foundation. I’d like to pay tribute to their tireless support, and the guidance and encouragement of our Trustees, President and Patron.” Andrew Pakes, Chair of the National Energy Foundation, congratulated Kerry on her award, saying: “This is a great honour for Kerry and a tribute to her leadership on greener, more energy-efficient homes and workplaces. Better buildings, smarter homes and tackling the legacy of fuel poverty and poor energy efficiency have always been at the heart of the National Energy Foundation. With Kerry’s leadership the team has really been driving this message home nationally and through delivering innovative solutions and partnerships at all levels.” In December, 2015, Kerry’s achievements in improving the use of energy in buildings were recognised with the Environment category award at the inaugural Women Leaders MK Awards, and in December last year, she was recognised by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers for her contribution towards engineering a sustainable future by being the first recipient of a new award. Kerry’s passion for energy efficiency and excellent building design extends into her personal life. Over the years, she and her husband have commissioned three bespoke homes of their own, combining practical design, innovative materials and intelligent building controls to significantly reduce and better manage energy usage. Kerry holds a first degree in mechanical engineering, masters qualifications in Interdisciplinary Design of the Built Environment from the University of Cambridge and in Applied Mechanics from Cranfield University, and a doctorate in Design Theory and Methodology from Brunel University. Kerry is also a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, the Institution of Civil Engineers, the Institution of Engineering Technology and of the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce.

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