Transport Scotland has appointed a joint venture of UK engineer Mott MacDonald and Swedish planning firm Sweco as consultant for dualling a 29-mile stretch of the A96. Above: A96 between Aberdeen and Inverness The Mott MacDonald Sweco joint venture (MMS JV) will explore options for dualling of the A96 between
Construction employers have awarded the sector a score of only 4.5 out of 10 for its overall performance in managing workplace stress, according to a recent CITB ‘stress test’ survey. Released to coincide with Mental Health Awareness week (16 -22 May), the telephone survey of over 100 construction employers found
Wheatcroft Land was initially established by Clinton Bourke in 1989 after he worked as a civil engineer and managing director at Wilson Bowden Plc. Unfortunately, recently ill health has meant that Clinton has been unable to continue running the development company. Coming forward to take over is his daughter Catherine
The man, who was working for one of the scheme’s subcontractors, was taken to hospital on Wednesday and was released over the weekend. This is the second worker to have been hospitalised, following an incident at the major commercial site near Victoria. In April, a subcontractor was taken to a major
The ultimate guide to ceiling and wall solutions is now available from leading UK manufacturer Armstrong. The company’s new Main Line Brochure makes it even easier for architects and designers to specify ceiling and wall solutions thanks to a simplified but inspiring layout. The new catalogue illustrates with stunning architectural
BoSS, the market-leading brand for access solutions, has launched a new range of configured access equipment, designed to make working over obstacles easier and safer. Manufactured using high-grade construction aluminium, the BoSS End-Linked Tower is ideal when working across obstacles such as buildings and large machinery. The BoSS End-Linked Tower
A report looking at the role that technology will play in the construction industry in the future, has revealed that 3D printed walls, drones and a roof made from recycled plastic bottles from the Ocean will all be possible by 2025, thanks to advancements in technology. The report, written by
Fulcrum, the UK’s leading independent utility infrastructure and services provider, has partnered up with ChargePoint, the world’s leading electric vehicle (EV) charging network, to support the Government’s ambitions to grow Britain’s network of EV charging stations. Both companies will deliver an end-to-end service for commercial and residential development customers, while
McPhee Bros Ltd, which is trading as McPhee Mixers, has been purchased by private equity firm Elaghmore Partners, which will provide financial backing to support the company’s growth plans. Part of these plans are the expansion of its existing sites, a new product development, the addition of sales and marketing
QTS Group Limited has been acquired by Leeds-based engineering services group Renew Holdings plc in an £80 million deal. This acquisition will add complementary services to Renew’s existing rail offering and increase its market share, footprint and positioning in the rail market. “We are delighted to welcome the management and
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Transport Scotland has appointed a joint venture of UK engineer Mott MacDonald and Swedish planning firm Sweco as consultant for dualling a 29-mile stretch of the A96. Above: A96 between Aberdeen and Inverness The Mott MacDonald Sweco joint venture (MMS JV) will explore options for dualling of the A96 between Hardmuir and Fochabers and then take on detailed design work. Transport Scotland said that the value of the contract was up to £50m. The upgrade is expected to cut driving times between Inverness and Aberdeen. The entire 86 miles of the A96 between Inverness and Aberdeen is planned for improvement by 2030. The Hardmuir to Fochabers section consists mainly of single lane carriageway which passes through or close to various towns and villages. Regular bottlenecks occur which leads to traffic congestion and disruption. MMS JV will begin design and assessment work this summer with the route options assessment process expected to take up to two years to complete. There will be a number of grade separated junctions along the length of the new road where bypasses are created for a number of communities, such as Forres and Elgin. There will also be crossings of the River Findhorn, the River Lossie and the River Spey as well as the Aberdeen to Inverness rail line. Details of the A96 dualling programme can be found at: http://www.transport.gov.scot/project/a96-dualling-inverness-aberdeen This article was published on 15 Jun 2016 (last updated on 15 Jun 2016). Source link
Construction employers have awarded the sector a score of only 4.5 out of 10 for its overall performance in managing workplace stress, according to a recent CITB ‘stress test’ survey. Released to coincide with Mental Health Awareness week (16 -22 May), the telephone survey of over 100 construction employers found that more than a third (36%) described their workplace as a ‘high’ or ‘very high’ stress environment. One in five (20%) however, were unsure how they would support an employee suffering from work-related stress. While most respondents (71%) were able to suggest a personal response that they would make to help a workmate, less than half (47%) were inclined to suggest formal solutions to tackle the problem. The top three likely reactions from employers were: to offer informal support or friendship (34%) suggesting counselling or where to find it (23%) paid time off work (20%). When asked how they would know an employee was suffering from stress, about half (53%) said that they would probably detect a problem by just chatting to an employee. However, about a third (33%) thought they would only hear about it when a problem on the job occurred. The HSE Stress Management Standards describe stress as an adverse reaction to excessive pressure. While pressure can create a “buzz” and be a motivating factor, stress can lead to depression, anxiety and an increased risk of suicide. Kevin Fear, Head of Environment and Health & Safety, CITB said: “While it’s good news that many construction employers recognise stress in the workplace, we need to do more to support individual colleagues. Mental health has been a taboo subject that’s been brushed under the carpet for far too long. “We need to put an end to the culture of ‘silently coping’, which can be damaging to both worker health and business performance. Encouragingly, some contractors are starting to develop policies and great initiatives to promote good mental health and wellbeing. We’d like to see the organisations that are making good inroads in this area share their experiences widely so that others across the industry can learn from them. We want others to pick this mantle, and Mental Health Awareness Week is a great time to start.” For more information on how to support employees visit: http://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/standards/ For stress management tools and templates go to: http://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/standards/downloads.htm Source link
Wheatcroft Land was initially established by Clinton Bourke in 1989 after he worked as a civil engineer and managing director at Wilson Bowden Plc. Unfortunately, recently ill health has meant that Clinton has been unable to continue running the development company. Coming forward to take over is his daughter Catherine Haward, who will be following her father’s footsteps and ensuring that his legacy is maintained. Catherine is currently in her final year of a degree in real estate alongside running Wheatcroft Land by herself and being a mum to two teenage children. Catherine wanted to make sure that her father’s legacy continued but also wanted to take over the Leicester-based development company and ensure that it thrives going forward. Before making this decision, Catherine was working as a member of the Leicestershire Police force as an Inspector. Her diverse knowledge base will no doubt allow Catherine to drive the company forward, supported by her incredible work ethic which is demonstrated with her wide ranging responsibilities. While in charge of Wheatcroft Land, Catherine intends on building the company and expanding into new markets. At the moment people are finding themselves priced out of the housing market in and close to London, which means more people are looking to commute. Also on top of this the Midlands has a range of development opportunities as the north/south divide narrows. Catherine is looking to expand Wheatcroft’s commercial property portfolio while also entering new markets such as residential property. The company’s new projects have been progressing well and Catherine is sure that she will be able to re-establish and expand the business in order to meet her own ambitions as well as contribute to the development of the region and make sure that her father’s hard work and commitment to the company is continued.
The man, who was working for one of the scheme’s subcontractors, was taken to hospital on Wednesday and was released over the weekend. This is the second worker to have been hospitalised, following an incident at the major commercial site near Victoria. In April, a subcontractor was taken to a major trauma centre after a fall from height. Land Securities and Mace issued a joint statement today confirming there had been an incident. A spokeswoman said: “A subcontractor was involved in a fall at the site. We are fully cooperating with all the relevant authorities.” An HSE investigation is now underway. Mace started work on site in June 2013. The £380m project is due to complete in September. Project: Nova VictoriaClient: Land SecuritiesMain contractor: MaceArchitect (Nova North and Nova South): PLP ArchitectureArchitect (Nova Building): Flanagan LawrenceValue:£380mProject start date: 2012Mace start date: June 2013Completion date: September 2016 Source link
The ultimate guide to ceiling and wall solutions is now available from leading UK manufacturer Armstrong. The company’s new Main Line Brochure makes it even easier for architects and designers to specify ceiling and wall solutions thanks to a simplified but inspiring layout. The new catalogue illustrates with stunning architectural photography and technical drawings the interior solutions that help to enhance comfort, save time, improve building efficiency and overall performance, and create beautiful spaces for office, education, health, retail and transport applications. Available in 14 languages to reflect the company’s recently launched global website, the brochure guides specifiers through the myriad of design solutions available, from floating ceilings and suspension systems (including perimeter detailing and accessories), through materials such as mineral, metal, mesh and wood, to wall and special solutions for acoustic, healthcare and highly humid applications. A product selector by performance helps specifiers to select the right systems for acoustics, light reflectance, fire reaction, humidity and recycled content, with Armstrong’s pioneering recycling programmes and best in class Cradle to Cradle credentials featuring in their own section of infographics. The new comprehensive catalogue also advises on installation and maintenance, including a cleaning matrix, and offers a technical acoustical glossary as well as a route to Armstrong’s BIM files available through the new global website and BIMobject portal. It is available to download via https://www.armstrongceilings.com/commercial/en-gb/commercial-ceilings-walls/product-catalogue.html#catViewer. More information is accessible via the Armstrong Ceilings website https://www.armstrongceilings.com/commercial/en-gb/.
BoSS, the market-leading brand for access solutions, has launched a new range of configured access equipment, designed to make working over obstacles easier and safer. Manufactured using high-grade construction aluminium, the BoSS End-Linked Tower is ideal when working across obstacles such as buildings and large machinery. The BoSS End-Linked Tower can be used to provide a large continuous working area by joining two BoSS access towers with the use of a new Step-Through Ladder Frame. With a 3.2m fixed deck, the uninterrupted area provides a bigger working platform with minimum components. Ideal for overcoming obstacles such as porches, garages or stairways, the BoSS Extended-End Cantilever frame system can be used to convert a double width access tower, providing an additional platform area of up to 1.8m. Both systems are lightweight to allow easier handling and feature a step through frame that provides a multi-level walk through structure. Sturdy stabilisers with interlocking clips improve the overall stability of the towers and a new plan brace ensures a rigid structure for improved performance. Colour coded Boss claws ensure braces are easily identifiable when working on site and a link brace system on the Extended-End Cantilever also prevents frame separation for added safety. Sophie Ellam, Product Manager for BoSS, said: “The Boss End-Linked Tower and Extended-End Cantilever have been designed with ease of use in mind. We identified that some job sites have restricted access and a usual access tower isn’t enough to ensure a safe working environment. Each product is a convenient solution as both use existing access towers that are then configured, meaning the system can save time and is more convenient. “Our Do More With BoSS philosophy ensures that our products are as efficient as possible while meeting more tailored requirements. By being able to make modifications to the standard towers that are already in a fleet it means more complex structures can be achieved as and when required. The Boss End-Linked Tower has a load capacity of up to 275kg per platform level and the expansive deck area can be erected at varying heights allowing for several people to work at once. The Boss Extended-End Cantilever has a platform height up to 6.2m providing a working height of 8.2m. Both systems come with an integrated ladder with anti slip rungs. Both configured towers conform to BS1139-6, which is the British standard for towers that fall outside EN1004 but utilise the same components to build more complex structures. To find out more about the Boss product range, visit www.bossaccesstowers.com
A report looking at the role that technology will play in the construction industry in the future, has revealed that 3D printed walls, drones and a roof made from recycled plastic bottles from the Ocean will all be possible by 2025, thanks to advancements in technology. The report, written by renowned future gazer, Dr. Ian Pearson BSc DSc(hc) and commissioned by Colmore Tang Construction and Virgin StartUp, also revealed that floating buildings or apartments will be possible by 2050 thanks to carbon foam, which is lighter than air. Renowned futurologist Dr. Ian Pearson has given an insight into how the future of the UK construction industry could look Drones that carry materials up building sites; 3D printed walls; and a roof made from recycled plastic bottles from the ocean will all be mainstream by 2025 Future-gazer Dr. Pearson was commissioned by Colmore Tang Construction, who has partnered with Virgin StartUp to deliver a £10m innovation fund ‘ConstrucTech’ which is open to entrepreneurial companies By 2025, drones will be able to carry large materials up construction sites and even more remarkably, plastic bottles recovered from the world’s oceans will be recycled to create a roof. Over the next decade, artificial intelligence (AI) will be commonplace, linking to sensors and cameras around construction sites, ensuring that buildings are being developed according to the architect’s plans. Humans will work alongside AIs and will not only see these robots as clever tools, but also colleagues and even friends as they start to develop unique relationships. Looking more than 50 years into the future, by 2075 Dr. Pearson suggests that self-assembling buildings under AI control will allow a new form of structure – kinetic architecture – where a structure is literally thrown into the sky and assembled while gravity forms the materials into beautiful designs. However, it is 3D printing that will steal most of the construction headlines in the immediate future, according to the future-gazer. Cheap homes, built quickly using 3D printing, will essentially put an end to the housing crisis. The report was launched by Colmore Tang Construction, who has partnered with Virgin StartUp to deliver a £10m innovation fund that is open to entrepreneurial companies in a construction industry-first technology accelerator programme called ‘ConstrucTech’. The fund will be provided to those companies that can successfully show how their innovation and technology could improve the sector’s productivity, sustainability and skills issues. Futurologist, Dr Ian Pearson BSc DSc(hc), said: “By 2025 we will already see huge changes in the construction industry thanks to technology with drones, AI and 3D printing all becoming commonplace. By 2050, we could see floating buildings or apartments that could save the housing crisis using carbon foam that’s lighter than air – the possibilities for this really are endless.” Andy Robinson – Group CEO, Colmore Tang, said: “The forward-thinking report has shown that technology can have a positive impact on the construction industry, however, we need to discover those exciting and innovative start-ups, whose products and services could deliver the technologies and innovations that will be the key to future success. “We are hopeful that our partnership with Virgin StartUp to create the ConstrucTech programme and £10m innovation fund will be the start of a new dawn within the industry, where the future innovations predicted become a reality.” Virgin StartUp is a leading business support organisation which has run a number of successful accelerators and supported 11,000 entrepreneurs across the UK. Construction in the UK has been slow to embrace innovation and adopt new technology and Colmore Tang has identified a number of key areas within its business, and the industry as a whole, which it believes could benefit from the contribution of enterprising start-ups. Colmore Tang and Virgin StartUp are calling for businesses to apply to the ConstrucTech programme to address the following problems: – People: improving analysis of performance, sharing best practice across building projects, measurement of quality and also implementation of health and safety. – Data: using data to pre-empt potential delays, more efficient material ordering, more effective use of labour along with use of performance data to improve cost, timescales and estimates of new projects for future clients. – Smart Materials: design and implementation of materials to improve sustainability; improve safety and finding materials which are digitally connected. Colmore Tang is providing start-ups with the opportunity to use the programme as a test bed and development platform to bring products and ideas to the construction sector. It’s hoped the £10m innovation behind ConstrucTech will be the spark to improve lacklustre productivity levels and also begin addressing the need to re-skill over half a million construction workers to suit the industry’s future Mace Report – Moving Construction 4.0. Interested start-ups can apply to be part of ConstrucTech here: http://virginstartup.org/constructech
Fulcrum, the UK’s leading independent utility infrastructure and services provider, has partnered up with ChargePoint, the world’s leading electric vehicle (EV) charging network, to support the Government’s ambitions to grow Britain’s network of EV charging stations. Both companies will deliver an end-to-end service for commercial and residential development customers, while expanding their capabilities. Fulcrum will actively market its holistic EV infrastructure service, including the supply and installation of EV charging stations, with Fulcrum designing, installing and owning the necessary electrical infrastructure. In addition, the company will become a ChargePoint recommended infrastructure provider to support ChargePoint’s operations in the UK. “We are at the beginning of what is a rapid expansion in the uptake of electric vehicles, with car manufacturers and governments across the world placing an emphasis on developing the technology and associated infrastructure,” said Martin Harrison, CEO of Fulcrum. “The installation and management of EV charging points is a natural development for Fulcrum, building on our utility infrastructure expertise to enter this exciting new market that has the potential to change the face of transport. Thanks to our partnership with ChargePoint, Fulcrum will be at the forefront of this growing technology,” he continued. The partnership will also help overcome the existing challenges of installing EV charging stations, such as dealing with multiple parties. ChargePoint’s decade of industry expertise, combined with Fulcrum’s capabilities and licence to own and adopt electrical infrastructure will also speed up the installation process. “With more than a decade of experience in the electric vehicle space and a quickly expanding presence in Europe, we are excited to partner with a forward-thinking company like Fulcrum to help accelerate the adoption of EV’s in the UK and beyond,” said Christopher Burghardt, Managing Director for Europe, ChargePoint, Inc. The electric vehicle market, and the associated supply chain, is expected to grow rapidly over the coming years as the UK Government and public continue to embrace the quickly developing technology. In the 2017 Budget, the Chancellor, Phillip Hammond, pledged to create a £400m fund for a national charging network and subsidies for vehicle purchases.
McPhee Bros Ltd, which is trading as McPhee Mixers, has been purchased by private equity firm Elaghmore Partners, which will provide financial backing to support the company’s growth plans. Part of these plans are the expansion of its existing sites, a new product development, the addition of sales and marketing capability and a geographic expansions that will capitalise on the company’s intellectual property. “McPhee Mixers is a strong, profitable company with a growing order book, a track record of innovation and long-term relationships with some of the biggest names in the UK construction industry. It is a valuable addition to our Total Vehicle Solutions Group and expands its capability to offer even more products to its industrial client base from a growing number of sites across the UK. We are excited about working with the management team at McPhee Mixers to build on their success including growing its existing sites, developing new products and securing a foothold in other geographies to exploit its intellectual property,” said Andy Ducker, founding partner at Elaghmore. McPhee Mixers will continue to operate autonomously, but will become part of Elaghmore’s Total Vehicle Solution (TVS) Group, which currently includes SB Components and Priden Engineering. The company designs, manufactures and supplies mixers from its headquarters in Blantyre, Glasgow, while also offering services and repairs from a site in Chesterfield. “McPhee Mixers has a long and enviable record of success within the engineering industry, and we have ambitious plans for the future. Working with Elaghmore will help us deliver these, which is demonstrated by their track record in backing companies like SB Components. It is an exciting day for our skilled and dedicated workforce as well as our customers as we look to build on our success so far as part of the TVS Group,” said McPhee Mixers managing director, Brinsley McFarlane.
QTS Group Limited has been acquired by Leeds-based engineering services group Renew Holdings plc in an £80 million deal. This acquisition will add complementary services to Renew’s existing rail offering and increase its market share, footprint and positioning in the rail market. “We are delighted to welcome the management and staff of QTS to the Renew group. This is a very complementary and earnings enhancing acquisition that aligns with our established and proven strategy, strengthening our position in the UK infrastructure market,” said Paul Scott, CEO of Renew. “QTS has grown to become a leading and well respected brand in the Rail sector and we very much look forward to supporting its ambition for continued growth including opportunities via collaboration across our expanded range of services in this sector,” he continued. On behalf of Renew, Numis has placed 12,676,056 new ordinary shares of 10 pence each at a price of 355 pence per share with new and existing investors, raising £45 million and representing approximately 20% of the company’s existing issued share capital. The net will be then used to fund part of the deal, along with a £35 million four year term loan, £20 million revolving capital facility and £10 million overdraft facility provided by Renew’s existing lending bank HSBC. “QTS is delighted to be joining the Renew Group and we very much look forward to the future as part of a larger group. The transaction will provide opportunities to expand our market share and benefit from the synergies with their existing successful brands working in highly regulated sectors,” said Alan McLeish, managing director of QTS. Walker Morris advised Renew on the proposed acquisition of QTS and the placing. The law firm’s team of multidisciplinary specialist lawyers included Debbie Jackson, Richard Naish, Laura Cavell and Sonia Lonsdale (Corporate), Peter Considine and Laura Lister (Banking & Finance), Andrew Rayment and Charlotte Smith (Employment) and Sarah Bruce (Tax). The deal is expected to be completed on the 10th of May 2018, following the completion of the placing.
