The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) uses a model, MCPIPIN (Monte Carlo PIPeline INtegrity), to determine failure frequencies for major hazard pipelines. MCPIPIN uses two models to calculate the failure rates: a model based on operational experience data which estimates failure frequencies for the four main failure modes (mechanical failures,
22 July 2016 | Jamie Harris Construction firm Skanska UK has reported a 24 per cent increase in revenue for the first half of 2016, compared with the same period last year. Skanska UK’s revenues of £836 million was partly down to the extension of its facilities management
16 March 2016 | Jamie Harris The biggest threat to security is believing that no threat exists, according to a counter-terrorism expert speaking at a recent BIFM regional event. Kenneth Upham, counter-terrorism security adviser for Greater Manchester Police, was speaking at a seminar organised by the BIFM
Darlington Civic Theatre is set to reopen in autumn 2017 as the Darlington Hippodrome after a £13m refurbishment by contractor Willmott Dixon. Above: Darlington Civic Theatre Darlington Borough Council appointed Willmott Dixon under Scape’s major works framework to overhaul the Grade II listed Edwardian theatre Improvements include more seating capacity,
Mears chairman Bob Holt has taken over day-to-day control at troubled support services contractor Lakehouse. Above: Bob Holt OBE Bob Holt, 61, has been appointed executive chairman of Lakehouse, taking on the role previously filled by Stuart Black until his resignation in April. The company’s remuneration policy is beiong re-written
A team of engineers from Cardiff University are looking into microscopic bacteria that could help create ‘self-healing’ buildings, offering the perfect protection against cracks and other deterioration. The two-year study has been exploring how damage could trigger the release of bacteria and a few other helping chemicals that will allow
As the Irish Government sets out its strategy for Building Information Modelling (BIM) to be used in the design, construction and operation of all public building projects, BIM software developer Graphisoft is boosting its presence in the country with the announcement of a new channel partnership. Graphisoft has signed a
Building and civil engineering business, Britcon, has appointed Heath Williamson as Regional Manager at its base in Wakefield. The appointment follows strong performance from the Yorkshire team which has doubled in size to 12 members in the last 12 months. Heath, who is a Chartered Construction Manager, brings particular expertise
As we welcome this year’s International Women’s Day, graduate Surveyor Charlotte Williams would like to urge schools to do more to make young women aware of the existence of surveying as a career path. “The only careers advice I was given at school was to be a plumber,” said Charlotte,
AEI Cables has committed to a further prestige standard as it continues to fight against non-approved cables, proving its commitment to quality and service delivery across its markets. The cable leader is demonstrating its dedication in all aspects of the ISO 9001-2015 standard for management systems, which addresses customer focus,
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) uses a model, MCPIPIN (Monte Carlo PIPeline INtegrity), to determine failure frequencies for major hazard pipelines. MCPIPIN uses two models to calculate the failure rates: a model based on operational experience data which estimates failure frequencies for the four main failure modes (mechanical failures, ground movement and other events, corrosion, and third party activity); and a predictive model that uses structural reliability techniques to predict the failure frequency due to third party activity only. The historical failure rates used in the operational model are over 10 years old. HSE asked the Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL) to review and update the failure rates using more up-to-date fault and failure data. Data from CONCAWE (CONservation of Clean Air and Water in Europe) for crude oil and products has been analysed, as well as that from UKOPA (UK Onshore Pipeline Operators Association). EGIG (European Gas pipeline Incident Group) data was requested but was not made available. Failure rates by the four different failure modes have been derived from each of the datasets. In addition, substance specific failure rates have been derived, based on earlier analyses of appropriate combinations of UKOPA, CONCAWE or EGIG data. Assistance in the use of Adobe Acrobat PDF files is available on our FAQs page. Source link
22 July 2016 | Jamie Harris Construction firm Skanska UK has reported a 24 per cent increase in revenue for the first half of 2016, compared with the same period last year. Skanska UK’s revenues of £836 million was partly down to the extension of its facilities management contract at Barts Health NHS Trust, where it is to continue its provision of waste management services until 2021. The waste management service was awarded with the BIFM New Product or Service of the Year in 2015. The award was given for its improved control of waste disposal methods, cost reduction and an increased internal waste segregation. The firm also landed highways maintenance contracts in North Somerset, Hampshire, and West Sussex. Skanska UK also reported a number of construction contract wins that attributed to the latest figures, including work with the National Grid and Network Rail. Mike Putnam, Skanska UK president and CEO, said: “Despite a tough contracting environment and with an uncertain future caused by the EU referendum, we have a strong order book and pipeline of work. “The financial crisis and recession showed that Skanska has a well-honed capability to manage through external change. We will continue to take a measured and calm leadership approach to our business as the picture following Britain’s decision to leave the EU becomes clearer.” Source link
16 March 2016 | Jamie Harris The biggest threat to security is believing that no threat exists, according to a counter-terrorism expert speaking at a recent BIFM regional event. Kenneth Upham, counter-terrorism security adviser for Greater Manchester Police, was speaking at a seminar organised by the BIFM North Region. He said: “The threat to British interests in the UK from international terrorism is severe.” Although Upham noted that the threat is unlikely to disappear in the near future, he called on event delegates to proactively understand and prepare for a threat, rather than panic. He said that crowded places, such as sports and leisure venues, retail centres, transport networks and educational establishments, are key targets for a potential attack, but premises with high-risk neighbours, hazardous sites, organisations with hazardous substances, or those holding important information, could also be a target. Upham urged organisations to identify any potential threats and to build resistance to create resilience for business continuity. He also explained that although facilities managers have a right to be suspicious, they should try to identify suspicious behaviour rather than stereotyping and judging on appearance. Upham gave examples relevant to facilities managers, such as the employee whose reference does not materialise, or the person who suspiciously asks for detailed information that is not relevant to their job. Upham said each police authority has its counter-terrorism units and advisers and any suspicious activity should be reported immediately, as this could be the missing link in an enquiry. Mark Whittaker, BIFM North Region deputy chair, encouraged the FM audience to take back the messages from the seminar to create awareness, rather than fear. Source link
Darlington Civic Theatre is set to reopen in autumn 2017 as the Darlington Hippodrome after a £13m refurbishment by contractor Willmott Dixon. Above: Darlington Civic Theatre Darlington Borough Council appointed Willmott Dixon under Scape’s major works framework to overhaul the Grade II listed Edwardian theatre Improvements include more seating capacity, better backstage facilities, a new restaurant area and a grander entrance. The project also includes transforming a neighbouring former fire station into a children’s theatre, called The Hullaballoon. Further Images This article was published on 2 Sep 2016 (last updated on 2 Sep 2016). Source link
Mears chairman Bob Holt has taken over day-to-day control at troubled support services contractor Lakehouse. Above: Bob Holt OBE Bob Holt, 61, has been appointed executive chairman of Lakehouse, taking on the role previously filled by Stuart Black until his resignation in April. The company’s remuneration policy is beiong re-written to meet Mr Holt’s salary demands. Ric Piper, the former WS Atkins finance director who has been non-executive chairman since April’s boardroom coup, is now vacating the chair but will stay on the board as a non-executive until the end of November to help Mr Holt bed in. Bob Holt, 61, bought Mears in 1996 for £50,000 and then floated it on the stock exchange. He remains chairman of Mears, as well as social housing contractor Forrest. According to his LinkedIn page, Bob Holt is also currently chairman of Totally plc, DX Group and Inspired Energy. Before taking over Mears, he had previously been involved with building up Mitie. In a statement, Lakehouse said: “The board of Lakehouse believes that Mr Holt’s expertise and background in the support services industry, in particular his knowledge, considerable experience of and reputation in the sector in which the company’s principal business operates and his track record of turning around underperforming companies, will be invaluable to the group going forward. It makes him a highly qualified candidate for the position of executive chairman of the company as the board seeks to restore value for Lakehouse shareholders. So that they can afford Mr Holt, Lakehouse is having to re-write its directors’ remuneration policy. Shareholder approval is being sought for this. If the shareholders do not agree to My Holt’s terms, he will walk away, the board said. Robert Legget, senior independent non-executive director and acting chairman of the remuneration committee of Lakehouse, said: “We are delighted that we have attracted a very senior candidate of the calibre of Bob Holt. He is a sector specialist, has a proven track record of operational expertise and is expected to be key to helping Lakehouse restore value to our shareholders. We are confident shareholders will recognise his potential positive contribution and support his appointment.” Bob Holt said: “I’m delighted to be joining the board of Lakehouse and believe that my experience in the areas in which the group operates will be of benefit. The board is committed to return significant shareholder value and I look forward to working with the team to deliver that strategy.” This article was published on 22 Jul 2016 (last updated on 22 Jul 2016). Source link
A team of engineers from Cardiff University are looking into microscopic bacteria that could help create ‘self-healing’ buildings, offering the perfect protection against cracks and other deterioration. The two-year study has been exploring how damage could trigger the release of bacteria and a few other helping chemicals that will allow buildings to repair themselves freely. When mixed with precursor chemicals, these microorganisms can produce mineral deposits such as calcium carbonate, which is a key component in rocks and other masonry materials. The study’s principal investigator, Dr Mike Harbottle, said bacteria could be “entombed” within spores of the mineral, alongside the precursor chemical. “When damage occurs to the masonry, the deposits within the mineral are also damaged, exposing both the bacteria and the chemicals, which react with each other again to produce even more mineral, thus healing the damage.” Buildings are constantly damaged by weathering. “These could be physical, chemical or biological changes which can all slowly attack the masonry structure,” said research fellow Magdalini Theodoridou. “Over time, usually many years, this damage builds up until fractures arise. Whilst these may not compromise the integrity of a structure immediately, if allowed to develop then damage may become critical.” During the study, the team will be developing ways of introducing the substances into the masonry either during the material production or after the buildings have gone up. A possible solution is thought to be the spraying of the building with a liquid containing the bacteria and other chemicals. The research is funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship scheme.
As the Irish Government sets out its strategy for Building Information Modelling (BIM) to be used in the design, construction and operation of all public building projects, BIM software developer Graphisoft is boosting its presence in the country with the announcement of a new channel partnership. Graphisoft has signed a new reseller agreement with Irish software licensing specialist AxonWare, to meet increased demand for BIM software in the Irish design and construction industry. Dan McGovern, managing director of AxonWare said that they are expanding their portfolio and adding much-needed BIM capability to their product range. “With the addition of Graphisoft’s intuitive BIM software, ARCHICAD, we will be able to offer better service and more choice for architects, architectural technicians and BIM managers in Ireland,” McGovern said. “Given the Government’s announcement of new BIM requirements for public buildings and infrastructure projects in Ireland, we are now ideally placed to help our customers deliver projects that meet the new standards,” he added. Adrian Girling, managing director of Graphisoft UK, said: “The Irish construction market continues to post positive results and Graphisoft is increasing its investments and activities in the local market. “Ireland is a key element to our UK and Ireland business and we are committed to mirroring our success in the UK and expanding our customer base in Ireland.” On 21 November 2017, the Irish Government announced that as part of its digital technology strategy, BIM will be required for the design, construction and operation of all public buildings and infrastructure on a phased basis over the next four years. http://www.graphisoft.com
Building and civil engineering business, Britcon, has appointed Heath Williamson as Regional Manager at its base in Wakefield. The appointment follows strong performance from the Yorkshire team which has doubled in size to 12 members in the last 12 months. Heath, who is a Chartered Construction Manager, brings particular expertise in heavy engineering with over 27 years’ experience working in senior management roles for a number of leading regional and national building and civil engineering operators. He was most recently responsible for overseeing pre-construction activities for a £65 million biomass import terminal for Lynemouth Power Limited, at the Port of Tyne. The appointment reflects continuous growth in Yorkshire for Britcon with major client instructions from York University, BASF, Eddie Stobart, Cepac and Vickers Oils. It is also on the contractors’ framework for Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Trust with a project underway. Paul Clarkson, Managing Director at Britcon said, “We are delighted to bring Heath on board to lead the team at Wakefield. A substantial amount of our business is now managed from this office and Heath has the depth of expertise in procurement and management to lead our growth strategy. Established for more than 26 years, Britcon is £50 million turnover business headquartered in Scunthorpe and directly employs over 100 people on its project sites across the UK. Key contracts secured in the last 12 month includes a £13.5 million contract to deliver a new anaerobic digestion (AD) plant in Dagenham for food waste recycler ReFood (UK) Ltd, a series of new developments, extensions and refurbishment projects valued over £10 million for Lidl, and contracts worth over £4 million for global chemicals business Kemira. Britcon is listed by the London Stock Exchange in its report of ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Europe’.
As we welcome this year’s International Women’s Day, graduate Surveyor Charlotte Williams would like to urge schools to do more to make young women aware of the existence of surveying as a career path. “The only careers advice I was given at school was to be a plumber,” said Charlotte, who is completing her training at national property consultancy Bruton Knowles in Guildford. “I’d like to see more schools inviting surveyors to careers sessions. Engaging with young people, especially girls, during their A-Level years would help them make informed decisions about their future. We also need to be more vocal about the profession ourselves as it isn’t well understood by those outside of the industry.” Surveyors Irene Martin and Evelyn Perry became pioneers of their profession in the 1920s when women were first permitted to qualify as surveyors. Currently, 26% of women enrol as trainee surveyors and make up 14% of the membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. “People would be surprised just how often a surveyor is involved in things they engage with in everyday life,” added Charlotte. “Surveying is a wide-ranging profession covering a large number of different areas from land and property to national infrastructure projects. Housing and assets always need to be valued, business parks don’t manage themselves, pipelines and roads need to be built.” Charlotte is a University of York Environmental Sciences alumnus who has worked over the past 18 months with key clients such as Surrey Police, Morrison Utility Services, Southern Water, Network Rail, Kent County Council and private management clients. Her goal is to qualify as a commercial surveyor this autumn and move further into Compulsory Purchase Order surveying, access and rights work and rural valuations. If you are interested in finding out more about what a career in surveying involves, please visit this website: https://www.rics.org/uk/.
AEI Cables has committed to a further prestige standard as it continues to fight against non-approved cables, proving its commitment to quality and service delivery across its markets. The cable leader is demonstrating its dedication in all aspects of the ISO 9001-2015 standard for management systems, which addresses customer focus, motivation of senior management, processes and continual improvement awarded by the cable industry body, the British Approvals Service Cables (BASEC). This accreditation is complemented further by AEI Cables’ approvals from organisations such as Lloyds, the MoD, Network Rail and LUL, as well as American and Canadian approval systems and others worldwide. The management system ISO 9001-2015 scheme assesses a company’s ability to produce and supply goods and services constantly to specification and customer requirements in a safe manner and taking into consideration the environmental needs. “AEI Cables stands for quality across all of its business dealings and this is another sign of our commitment to it. We have a proven track record but we will not rest on our laurels,” said Stuart Dover, commercial manager for AEI Cables. “With the rising issue of non-approved cabling, we bring reassurance and peace of when it comes to product performance, and we look forward to supporting our customers in the UK and worldwide.” The markets that AEI Cables operates in include construction, industrial, fire protection, defence, mining, and rail. All of the company’s products for these markets are supplied with approvals from independent industry bodies such as BASEC and LPCB covering design, manufacture and supply. AEI Cables is one of the most respected cable experts worldwide, being committed to quality, safety and service with no compromise. The company has been in use for more than 170 years and it has delivered cables for prestige projects such as Manchester Airport, the White City complex, and Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.
