Union GMB says Corbyn’s energy and environmental policy will not keep the lights on Published: 12 September, 2016 Wishful thinking doesn’t generate the power we need to heat homes, keep the lights on and the economy functioning says the union for energy workers, GMB. The Union was commenting on Jeremy Corbyn’s energy
The damage that plastic is doing to our environment has started to receive more coverage. A study at the Plymouth University reported that plastic was found in a third of UK caught fish, while another study at Ghent University in Belgium stated that people who eat seafood ingest up to
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has released data showing that the construction industry in the UK has had three consecutive quarters of negative growth. Despite construction output falling in the second, third, and fourth quarters of 2017, there was sufficient growth in the first quarter to make 2017 a
Barratt Homes is set to launch a new development in North Lanarkshire’s Drumpellier area of Bargeddie. The Fairways, the award-winning housebuilder’s new site, will feature a range of three and four bedroom homes. There will be terraced, semi-detached and detached options for homebuyers to choose from. Househunters with their eye
The Duke of York has recently visited the latest construction project at the University of Huddersfield, which captures his imagination. The £30 million Barbara Hepworth Building is due for completion in 2019 and the design includes what His Royal Highness described as a “wonderful cantilever”. “The University of Huddersfield prides
The UK’s largest specialist cold roll-forming company, voestalpine Metsec plc, has been awarded the BSI Kitemark BS8541 for library objects for architecture, engineering and construction from the British Standards Institution (BSI). The Kitemark relates to the management and production of BIM objects and associated product data in accordance with BS
January saw the lowest temperatures in the UK since February 2016, and with the potential for more cold snaps on the way, it’s a good time to review the procedures for placing concrete in cold weather. If young concrete is allowed to cool to below freezing temperature, it is very
As a major supplier of stainless steel strip, coil, blanks and strapping, the diversity in its processing capabilities has enabled Stainless Band to establish its self as a leading supplier in the construction industry. The high strength and corrosion resistance properties of stainless steel make it ideal for high
The power tool specialist Starrett has been visiting colleges and apprenticeship training centres over the past few years, in order to demonstrate its range of hand tools. Now, Laura Neish, the HR manager, wants to take the time and explain how businesses in the building, construction, electrical, and plumbing industries
SGB provided a scaffolding solution that made a demolition project on the banks of the River Thames a success. The demolition was completed safely due to the highly unusual scaffolding system created by the company, which had part of it covered by the river water during the process. “This was
Union GMB says Corbyn’s energy and environmental policy will not keep the lights on Published: 12 September, 2016 Wishful thinking doesn’t generate the power we need to heat homes, keep the lights on and the economy functioning says the union for energy workers, GMB. The Union was commenting on Jeremy Corbyn’s energy and environment manifesto launched on 7 September outlining his target of generating 65% of UK energy from renewable sources by 2030. Justin Bowden, GMB national secretary for energy, said: “GMB looks forward to examining the details of how this policy will actually meet the UK’s energy needs. “Everyone gets how – over time – renewable energy sources have an important role to play in a sensibly conceived mixed energy policy. However wishful thinking doesn’t generate the power we need to heat homes, keep the lights on and the economy functioning; this means that until there are technological breakthroughs in carbon capture or solar storage then gas and nuclear power are the only reliable, low-carbon shows in town for all those days when the sun doesn’t shine and the wind doesn’t blow. “Limiting the UK’s options on achieving energy self-sufficiency by proposing an outright ban on fracking is naive and short-sighted. Gas is four times cheaper than electricity, the main reason why over 80% of homes use gas for heating, and access to gas is a key part of every fuel poverty strategy. “While we are waiting with our fingers crossed for the technology to arrive, or quadrupling the size of the electricity infrastructure and asking everyone with a gas boiler to rip it out and replace it with an electric one, we should not be having to depend on Russia, Qatar, Kuwait or some combination of these regimes to supply us with gas to heat our homes and supply the gas for our crucial chemicals industry.” Image courtesy of Shutterstock/Ollie Taylor Source link
The damage that plastic is doing to our environment has started to receive more coverage. A study at the Plymouth University reported that plastic was found in a third of UK caught fish, while another study at Ghent University in Belgium stated that people who eat seafood ingest up to 11,000 tiny pieces of plastic every year. These issues have started to change the public’s opinion on plastic and how they shop. For example, a Populus poll in 2017 showed that four in five people are concerned about the amount of plastic packaging thrown away in the UK. However, as Miguel Campos, export sales manager at leading European packaging manufacturer, Advanta, states – manufacturers, particularly those in the food sector, must move away from using plastic packaging and stop this problem at its source. “Regardless of how much is invested in Britain’s recycling infrastructure, virtually all plastic packaging will reach landfill or the bottom of the ocean sooner or later. Once there, it will remain on the earth for centuries,” said Andy Clarke, former CEO of ASDA. Instead of investing billions into increasing the amount of recycled plastic supermarkets use, a better idea would be to take all plastic off the shelves. Clarke and many campaigners, like those behind A Plastic Planet, are campaigning for supermarkets to create plastic-free aisles to cater for customer demand. There are plenty of alternatives to plastic, including plant-based bio-plastics, glass, and aluminium. Recycling aluminium actually takes 95% less energy than producing it from its raw materials. It also offers storage and cooking benefits, including being heat resistant to over 400oC and not being affected by extreme freezing. “Despite more than a decade of concerted supermarket action on this issue, globally we are still dumping in excess of eight million tonnes of plastic in the ocean each year,” said Clarke. It is hoped that shows like The Blue Planet II will make consumers demand more from their food manufacturers to change the way they package their food. However, the ownership to this issues sits firmly with manufacturers who should eliminate plastic packaging.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has released data showing that the construction industry in the UK has had three consecutive quarters of negative growth. Despite construction output falling in the second, third, and fourth quarters of 2017, there was sufficient growth in the first quarter to make 2017 a year of growth. Construction output fell by 0.7% or £283 million in the fourth quarter of 2017, while the value of private commercial work, compared to Q3, fell by £324 million. However, private housing increased by £403 million, reaching its highest level on record. Despite three quarterly declines, the construction output in the UK still managed to grow by 5.1% in 2017 as a while due to the strong end of 2016 and the first quarter of 2017. March 2017 saw the pick output, reaching a level that was 31% higher than the lowest point of the last five years registered in January 2013. Rebecca Larkin, senior economist at the Construction Products Association, offers more insight into this matter, saying that the “overall growth in construction activity slowed significantly over the course of 2017, with output falling since Q2 and rising only 0.9% in annual terms in Q4. The quarter saw continued growth in private housing driven by five years of the Help to Buy equity loan, and early work on major projects such as the Thames Tideway Tunnel driving a 0.7% rise in infrastructure. However, even with the government’s £7.4bn equity loan outlay so far and a further £10bn set aside, house-building activity could not offset the broad downturn in R&M, commercial and industrial.” “Underscoring the supportive effects of the government’s Help to Buy policy, private housing output is now 28.8% higher than its pre-recession peak. By contrast, commercial output is 26.4% below its historic high, whilst industrial output is 28.5% lower,” she added. The new figures for January will hopefully look better than the ones in 2017, although that is slightly unlikely after what happened with the Carillion.
Barratt Homes is set to launch a new development in North Lanarkshire’s Drumpellier area of Bargeddie. The Fairways, the award-winning housebuilder’s new site, will feature a range of three and four bedroom homes. There will be terraced, semi-detached and detached options for homebuyers to choose from. Househunters with their eye on the Drumpellier area are being urged to sign up to the pre-launch mailing list ahead of the anticipated February launch date. Estelle Sykes, sales director, Barratt West Developments said: “Locally, there has been a huge amount of interest; we anticipate our first release of homes will be very popular indeed. “The last thing we want is potential buyers to miss out on the first phase so I would encourage people to get in touch and note their interest in the site. This means they will be first to hear of any sales launches and eventual showhome openings. “Buying new removes the inevitable bidding process and therefore the uncertainty of buying a home – there are no upfront maintenance or renovation costs and you choose your own brand new kitchen including worktops, handles, units as well as your bathroom tiling which is all installed and ready for your move in date.” The development in Drumpellier is perfectly located for both Glasgow and Edinburgh commuters – the motorway is easily accessible as well as being on the cusp of the popular leisure park ‘Showcase Leisure Park’ which boasts a cinema, bowling alley and a selection of shops. To find out more about the homes visit https://www.barratthomes.co.uk/new-homes/united-kingdom/H559901-The-Fairways/
The Duke of York has recently visited the latest construction project at the University of Huddersfield, which captures his imagination. The £30 million Barbara Hepworth Building is due for completion in 2019 and the design includes what His Royal Highness described as a “wonderful cantilever”. “The University of Huddersfield prides itself in its buildings, its care for buildings and the care it has for its students,” said The Duke. “The Barbara Hepworth Building will be a marvellous addition to the facilities that the University can offer its students,” he added. The same team that built the University of Huddersfield’s Oastler Building opened in 2017 will be working on this new one. Architects AHR, construction firm Morgan Sindall, and structural engineers Tim Stower and Partners will be responsible for designing and constructing the Barbara Hepworth Building. The new 7,500 square metres building will be six-storey tall and will overlook the Huddersfield Narrow Canal. The location is on a Queen Street South site, which was formerly occupied by engineering firm Broadbent. “The distinctive element is that the new building fits the landscape as it cascades down towards the canal, making full use of the site by following its contours,” said Tim Hosker, the University’s Assistant Director of Estates and Facilities. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Tim Thornton, introduced the ceremony and explained the University’s policy of naming its buildings after inspirational figures who originated in the region. “Now we have the opportunity to name a fine new building after a truly great and influential figure who achieved global eminence in the visual arts,” he explained. Barbara Hepworth was a sculptor that spent most of her life and career in London and Cornwall, but she was born in Wakefield and represented a product of the educational; system and the landscape of the West Riding.
The UK’s largest specialist cold roll-forming company, voestalpine Metsec plc, has been awarded the BSI Kitemark BS8541 for library objects for architecture, engineering and construction from the British Standards Institution (BSI). The Kitemark relates to the management and production of BIM objects and associated product data in accordance with BS 8541-1, BS 8541-3 and BS 8451-4. After becoming the first tier two organisation globally to receive Kitemark PAS 1192-2 for BIM in late 2016, the certification now makes Metsec the first cold roll-forming company globally to be awarded both Kitemarks, proving the company’s commitment to helping customers deliver projects at the design and construction phase, saving time and costs. An audit of Metsec’s complete range of models was carried out by the BSI to achieve the certification and ensure all the data and files within the BIM models are correct and a true representation of its product range. The audit also included assessing Metsec’s processes when creating new BIM models to validate the functionality of the information. The models are able to be downloaded from both the Metsec website and BIM Store as Revit files, meaning they are able to be added straight into a BIM design model easily and quickly. To date, all models for Metsec’s Purlins and Framing divisions are complete and able to be downloaded with the Cable Management models to follow in 2018. Altogether this represents around 13,200 models that Metsec has created. The certification gives customers complete confidence during design, construction and asset management stages whilst also reducing risk and the required number of checks as the processes and products have been endorsed as reliable and robust. As a result, costs for expensive rework to rectify mistakes made at the design stage can be avoided. Alan Harris, quality manager at Metsec, said: “BIM is becoming increasingly important throughout the global construction landscape and we’re committed to going above and beyond with our BIM offering, as this accreditation highlights. “The Kitemark for our BIM models acts as a seal of approval and highlights our objective to adopt the highest industry standards and use cutting-edge technology to further strengthen our position as market leader.”
January saw the lowest temperatures in the UK since February 2016, and with the potential for more cold snaps on the way, it’s a good time to review the procedures for placing concrete in cold weather. If young concrete is allowed to cool to below freezing temperature, it is very likely that it will be damaged to the point of being entirely unfit for use. Should freshly-placed concrete be allowed to reach temperatures lower than 0°C, the water in the mix will freeze and expand; maintaining a temperature above zero degrees will help to ensure the intended strength of your concrete is reached- even if it is at a slower rate than was anticipated. However, if the concrete is able to reach a strength of approximately 2N/mm2 it is likely to be able to resist the expansion and damage. It is important to note that even if temperatures don’t reach freezing point, low temperatures will cause the concrete’s strength to develop significantly slower than in warmer ambient temperatures. This strength is typically reached within 48 hours for most mixes, should the concrete be kept above 5°C. So how, during cold weather, should you keep concrete sufficiently warm for the first 48 hours to ensure that this strength is able to develop? Concrete should never be poured onto frozen ground, snow or ice. You can use heaters to thaw the ground prior to pouring concrete. If you plan to use heated enclosures, make certain they are both windproof and weatherproof. Your concrete should include a maximum water to cement ratio, to limit bleeding. Additionally, you should not begin your final finishing operations whenever bleed water is still present. It is important that formwork is not removed early, or else there is a risk that concrete in suspended slabs or beams could be too weak to carry its own weight due to the slower rate of strengthening the slow rate of strength development needs to be taken into account when calculating times for formwork removal. Strength gain can be increased by minimising the amount of cement replacements or using admixtures- always seek the advice of your suppliers If temperatures are low enough that frost is expected, useful protection measures include insulated or heated frost blankets and insulated formwork. Timber formwork often offers sufficient insulation by itself. Steel formwork is a poor insulator, and exposed surfaces should be covered with insulating material or temporary covers heated with space heaters. For severe frost, it is best to heat the concrete (10°C) for delivery. If heated concrete is not available, it is better to delay your concreting until the ambient temperature rises to above 2°C. When planning your concreting, you can obtain information on the likely temperatures from the Met Office, and should use this to plan your approach so you are never caught short or forced to delay your work. Armed with this information, you will be able to place your concrete perfectly, first time, whatever the weather.
As a major supplier of stainless steel strip, coil, blanks and strapping, the diversity in its processing capabilities has enabled Stainless Band to establish its self as a leading supplier in the construction industry. The high strength and corrosion resistance properties of stainless steel make it ideal for high demand environments such a building sites and areas of development. The quality and testing processes adhered to at Stainless Band make it a preferred supplier for many manufacturing companies who supply to the building and construction industry. Stainless Band has been growing its customer base since inception by providing a knowledgeable multi-lingual sales team combined with quality products and a fast turnaround on deliveries. To exceed and maintain the Stainless Band service offering, it has recently invested £320,000, which includes a 1600 sq. ft. warehouse extension for dispatching materials equipped with some £45,000 of racking throughout the facility and two new forklift trucks. The extra space created has allowed the company to fit a new Fred Cam line, which allows for the production of coil up to 650mm wide and to 4mm in thickness, with a minimum width of 10mm. The overall capacity of the facility is set to increase by 30% over the next 3 months, and significant improvements to the flow of material throughout the facility promise to further reduce turnaround times on all orders. Stainless Band has also employed an additional 10 staff members in both office and production roles, which not only supports the company’s expansion but also works to improve the local economy. Stainless Band’s facilities are currently equipped to produce slit coil ranging from 0.10 to 4.0mm in thickness, widths from 2.50mm to 1500mm and standard grades including 1.4016 (430), 1.4301(304) and 1.4404(316L). Blanks are available ranging from 0.40-3.0mm in thickness and up to 3 metres in length, as well as standard sheet sizes. With various other products available and options for oscillate wound, bobbin wound, plastic coating and edge dressings/round edging, Stainless Band products are suitable for an extremely diverse range of end-user products and production methods. This includes products that are at prototype stage, as the industry is continually developing new products and tools to aid ease of work, safety, storage and final project finishes. Following a recent audit, Stainless Band’s ISO 9001:2008 certification has been reissued until September 2018. The certification is a quality management system framework, ensuring efficiency, accountability, and environmental management. Stainless Band has retained this certification for many years by continually reviewing and improving manufacturing processes, product quality and service to its customers, and work is now underway to attain the new ISO 9001:2015. End-use items commonly using Stainless Band strip and coil include hinges, restraint straps, one-piece joist hangers, timber truss, stop beads, wall plates, window hinge, and even tools such as stainless steel trowels. With such a diverse range of finished items using Stainless Band’s products it is no surprise that the company has a reputation of knowledge, dependability and quality throughout the construction industry. For more information on Stainless Band, please call +44 (0) 1274 566 831 or visit www.stainlessband.co.uk.
The power tool specialist Starrett has been visiting colleges and apprenticeship training centres over the past few years, in order to demonstrate its range of hand tools. Now, Laura Neish, the HR manager, wants to take the time and explain how businesses in the building, construction, electrical, and plumbing industries can make the most out of the process of hiring apprentices. The Financial Times reported in October 2017 that the number of people starting an apprenticeship in the UK had dropped by 61% year on year since the introduction of the Government’s apprenticeship levy. The levy has been set at 0.5% of a company’s pay bill for all employers with a wage bill higher than £3 million per year. This introduction has also caused problems for smaller companies and has called for more financial support for employers creating roles for apprentices. “Small businesses have a key role in providing apprenticeships across the whole of England and particularly for younger workers, with 70% of those firms that have an apprentice taking on 16 to 19-year-olds,” said Mike Cherry, national chairman of the FSB, speaking to The Financial Times. “Government should reconsider the current funding arrangements and incentives for taking on younger apprentices, recognising that this group needs more support as they move into the workplace for the first time.” Laura urges businesses to look into these three things and decide whether or not they can support an apprentice. 1. Long-term investment Taking an apprentice on board is a long-term investment, meaning that your business needs to make sure that it can provide the right resources to support, train, and offer them a role by the time they have finished. Make sure you have enough work to give to the apprentice, you have a suitable mentor to guide the trainee, and most importantly, your apprentice fits into your company’s growth strategy. 2. Do the research Once you’ve completed the first task, find the best training providers. The best bet is usually the industry specific providers, as they will have a selection of candidates from which you can choose. The schemes on offer are also different; some may be more vocational, some may put more emphasis on classroom learning; some may last 12 months, some may last four years. Lastly, don’t forget to ask about the kind of training offered by the provider. 3. Choose your apprentice The way you want to advertise your apprenticeship is strictly up to you. It can be directly through training providers, on standard job sites, or on The National Apprenticeship Portal. Once you have your candidates, organise assessment days that allow you to see their competency, personality, and learning agility. Other members of your staff could also help you with some feedback on your applicants. Apprenticeships are important for the nation’s trade industry and small business can benefit from the energy and drive of a new employee, while contributing to the continuation of skilled work. However, make sure you do your research before offering an apprenticeship to avoid a negative reputation.
SGB provided a scaffolding solution that made a demolition project on the banks of the River Thames a success. The demolition was completed safely due to the highly unusual scaffolding system created by the company, which had part of it covered by the river water during the process. “This was a challenging project due to the location of the building, which was built out into the river, from a site close to Blackfriars Bridge,” explained SGB’s Southern Design Manager, Brendan Fox. “Fortunately, Tideway knew that we have experience in designing this type of structure for other demolition and construction projects on the banks of the Thames. That experience was a key point in allowing us to create a successful scaffolding solution.” The system created by SGB included large steel brackets being attached to the concrete columns on which the building stood, later on used to support a series of beams which provided a solid base on which the scaffolding could sit. Because the system was going to be regularly covered by water, it had to be strong enough to be able to accommodate the force of the water flow and adapt on a daily basis. The team on site had to remove and reinstall the toe-boards every few hours to make sure they were not going to get damaged by the flow. “The scaffolding had to be constructed in such a way that it could be reduced in height, as the demolition work gradually lowered the height of the building,” explained Brendan. “The demolition materials had to be removed from the site via the river, so our design had to include various protection and containment features, which would prevent those materials from falling into the water. We also had to allow for the presence of a large barge carrying an 80-tonne crane which was floated in alongside the building.” Brendan concluded by saying that no matter how challenging a project is, safety always has to come first. Therefore, the system was subjected to a BS5975 Category 2 internal approval procedure and a client approval, before being used on the demolition work.
