27 June 2016 | Herpreet Kaur Grewal Spie UK has won a maintenance contract with aircraft manufacturer Airbus. The assignment represents the first contract of its kind for Spie UK, the scope of which covers the maintenance and repairs at Airbus’s Broughton plant in Cheshire, which has responsibility for assembling
The Energy and Climate Change Committee (ECCC) has launched two inquiries into how the vote to leave the EU could hit UK policy. The first of the two will focus on the impacts on climate change policy, whilst the other will assess the implications on UK energy
The case of Leeds City Council v Waco UK Ltd provides a lesson for those engaged in exploiting loopholes, warns Sarah E Phillips. Above: Sarah E Phillips is a solicitor with Thomas Eggar LLP The Technology & Construction Courts appear to be seeing an increasing number of enforcement actions in
Aqualisa to increase prices from January 2017 Published: 01 September, 2016 Shower specialist Aqualisa has announced it is to increase its prices by an average of 7.9% from January 2017. Prices on selected product lines will increase by up to 10%. The company has said this decision is partly due to the increased cost
Head of Communications, Head of Internal Communications, Head of Media and Head of Strategic Engagement. Closing date for applications 4 September 2016. Source link
Following its purchase by leading managing agent Rendall & Rittner, Braemar Estates will become Rendall & Rittner creating one fully integrated business. Rendall & Rittner acquired Manchester-based managing agents, Braemar Estates, at the end of last year, bringing the group’s total portfolio of managed properties to more than 60,000 across
With the demise of Carillion, Government departments’ scrutiny over the progress of their major projects is increasing. One method being used to manage infrastructure projects is Earned Value Management. As well as being able to monitor costs and schedules, it also has a value add element that allows organisations to
With the UK Government mandating the use of building information modelling (BIM) on government projects since 2016, its perception has transformed from a useful tool into a necessity for delivering construction projects of all types including buildings, bridges and roads. Here, Glyn Shawcross, engineering and design director at engineering
Put it down to perfect timing, with the heightened interest in offsite technology, combined with the abundance of outstanding projects and product innovations it is easy to see why the 2018 Structural Timber Awards surpassed all previous events in terms of the calibre of entries and attendance. Construction professionals gathered
In a world first, a UK firm has launched a biodegradable, 92% plastic free glitter designed for use with the decorative, craft and interior design industry. Traditional glitter is a microplastic, and can be potentially harmful in the environment, as a result there has been a rising consumer pressure for
27 June 2016 | Herpreet Kaur Grewal Spie UK has won a maintenance contract with aircraft manufacturer Airbus. The assignment represents the first contract of its kind for Spie UK, the scope of which covers the maintenance and repairs at Airbus’s Broughton plant in Cheshire, which has responsibility for assembling the wings for all Airbus civil aircraft. The site is where such aviation classics as De Havilland’s Comet and Mosquito were produced. The contract began on 1 April and includes planned and reactive maintenance works for the manufacturing plant’s mechanical and electrical assets, such as paint booths, compressors, boilers, sealing machines and vacuum delivery systems. Spie Group has an existing 15-year relationship with Airbus in France, and has recently started delivering support in Germany. But this will be the first time that Spie has worked with Airbus in the UK. Source link
The Energy and Climate Change Committee (ECCC) has launched two inquiries into how the vote to leave the EU could hit UK policy. The first of the two will focus on the impacts on climate change policy, whilst the other will assess the implications on UK energy policy. In the climate change inquiry, the ECCC aims to understand the implications of the UK’s departure from the EU on the country’s climate-change commitments and ambitions, and determine which climate policy areas will need to be addressed during the UK’s exit negotiations. It seeks guidance on an appropriate timeline for these developments. The deadline for written submissions is Monday 22 August. In the energy policy inquiry, the committee aims to understand the implications of the UK’s departure from the EU on UK energy policy, and determine which policy areas will need to be addressed during the exit negotiations. The deadline for submissions for this inquiry is Wednesday 14 September. Source link
The case of Leeds City Council v Waco UK Ltd provides a lesson for those engaged in exploiting loopholes, warns Sarah E Phillips. Above: Sarah E Phillips is a solicitor with Thomas Eggar LLP The Technology & Construction Courts appear to be seeing an increasing number of enforcement actions in relation to what has become known as the ‘smash and grab’. No, these are not matters that you might expect to find in the criminal courts; rather this somewhat unattractive term has been coined to describe perfectly legitimate adjudications started when a payment that is due under a construction contract has not been paid by the final date for payment and no valid payless notice has been issued. The term has arisen because, provided that i) the claimant can demonstrate that the payment was properly applied for, ii) the final date for payment has passed and iii) there is no payless notice, the adjudicator will generally find for the claimant without inquiring into the amount being sought. The strict application of the payment terms of the Housing Grants & Regeneration Act 1996 (as amended) (the ‘Act’) does not require the amount applied for to be validated in any way. The application just has to state the sum due and how it has been calculated. If no payment notice or payless notice is served by the payer, the amount stated in the application must be paid regardless of how excessive or otherwise it may be. Just as adjudicators will generally award such payments, the court will generally enforce the award, provided the adjudication process is sound. While this is a perfectly valid way of getting paid, it has become what many consider to be the exploitation of a technicality – applying the letter of the law with little thought for the spirit that had intended to support the cashflow of the supply chain. In light of the above, the recent case of Leeds City Council v Waco UK Ltd [2015] EWHC 1400 (TCC) could be considered a moderate rebalancing of the scales towards the payers in ‘smash and grab’ cases. It is a timely reminder that technicalities can be worked both ways. Therefore it is worthy of careful note by all those who might at some time need the assistance of the Act to get paid. Waco UK Ltd (‘Waco’) won a ‘smash and grab’ adjudication against Leeds City Council (‘LCC’). LCC did not pay, so Waco started summary judgment proceedings. LCC resisted the action and applied to the Court for permission to challenge the adjudicator’s decision. Summary judgment was not given and LCC was awarded permission to challenge on the proviso that it paid the sum awarded by the adjudicator first, which it did. LCC applied to the court for a declaration that the payment application, which formed the basis of the adjudication, was invalid because it was submitted too early. For example, it was submitted before the contractual due date and that, because of this, the adjudicator’s decision was wrong and the money paid over should be re-paid (plus interest). It succeeded and got its declaration. In arriving at this decision, the details of all the payment application submissions made by Waco throughout the contract were scrutinised. The submission dates were compared to the contractual due dates to see if they complied with the contract provisions and, if they did not, evidence of any agreement between the parties to accept the non-compliance was sought. No contractual justification was found for interim applications to be made on any dates other than those stipulated in the contract. On the particular facts of the case, it was found that by their conduct (repeatedly accepting and paying interim applications that were submitted a few days after the contractual valuation date) the contract administrator and LCC had agreed that small degree of flexibility in the submission dates but no evidence was found to support a similar agreement to the early submission of applications. The relevant application was submitted six days early, it was not valid and could not therefore form the basis for an entitlement to payment. Even though the detailed findings are specific to the case, the message to be taken from it is that if you are going to try to enforce your rights on a technicality, you should make sure your own administration is bullet-proof first. Do not let the submission of applications drift and if there is going to be a delay, get specific agreement to any change from the Employer’s side and, as always, keep careful records. About the author: Sarah E Phillips is a solicitor with Thomas Eggar LLP This article was published on 29 Jun 2015 (last updated on 29 Jun 2015). Source link
Aqualisa to increase prices from January 2017 Published: 01 September, 2016 Shower specialist Aqualisa has announced it is to increase its prices by an average of 7.9% from January 2017. Prices on selected product lines will increase by up to 10%. The company has said this decision is partly due to the increased cost of imported components as a result of the exchange rate movement seen since the result of the EU Referendum. “We protected our customers from an unplanned increase by swallowing the currency loss in the second half of this year,” said Aqualisa’s chief executice officer, David Hollander. “However, with current expectations for component cost increases to be long term, we now have no option but to pass on some of the cost increase to customers.” The company’s most recently introduced product lines, such as Sassi Electric and Infinia (pictured) will not be affected by the increase. Source link
Head of Communications, Head of Internal Communications, Head of Media and Head of Strategic Engagement. Closing date for applications 4 September 2016. Source link
Following its purchase by leading managing agent Rendall & Rittner, Braemar Estates will become Rendall & Rittner creating one fully integrated business. Rendall & Rittner acquired Manchester-based managing agents, Braemar Estates, at the end of last year, bringing the group’s total portfolio of managed properties to more than 60,000 across the UK. Initially, the two companies were operating under their own names, but the move to unite them as Rendall & Rittner allows the company to grow nationally under one brand. The change is effective as of 24th September. Rendall & Rittner, an experienced operator in the residential block management sector, has been expanding rapidly in recent years and recently was awarded a Platinum accolade in the Investors in People (IIP) standard making the company third place, out of only 18 real estate companies in the UK to be awarded this level. Its acquisition of Braemar Estates has allowed it to increase its presence in the North West. Its portfolio ranges from traditional mansion blocks to substantial mixed-use developments. Richard Daver, Managing Director of Rendall & Rittner, comments: “By operating as one company with one team, under one brand, we can strengthen Rendall & Rittner’s foothold in the region and provide excellent service and value to our customers and clients. We all share the same values and commitment to quality, and we are excited about moving forward together as a truly national company at the forefront of our industry.” The integration of the businesses will utilise the strengths of both companies and will result in benefits to customers including an upgraded online portal, improved reporting, slicker communication through a new system for logging and tracking work and better value through group purchasing deals. The teams will continue to operate from their current offices in London, Manchester, Hale and the Midlands. Matt Kirk, the company’s North Area Director comments: “Following a strategic review of our position, it was evident that integrating the two businesses was the next logical step and a way to ensure that we continue to deliver the highest standards of service across Manchester and our region.” For further information about Rendall & Rittner, visit www.rendallandrittner.co.uk
With the demise of Carillion, Government departments’ scrutiny over the progress of their major projects is increasing. One method being used to manage infrastructure projects is Earned Value Management. As well as being able to monitor costs and schedules, it also has a value add element that allows organisations to track and measure the progress more effectively. Earned Value is not a new idea, it has been in use since the industrial revolution. However, it came to prominence first in the US when the government introduced earned value management as a requirement for their contracts, and has in the UK where Government Departments are keen to establish the value add of their major contracts. The concentration being applied to major suppliers in the wake of Carillion’s demise, means that effective tracking of progress throughout the project is increasing in importance. Earned value management offers opportunities beyond the simple adherence to contract requirements. It allows an organisation to have transparency around projects, programmes and portfolios of stand-alone and integrated works, and provides a clearer indication of progress on large-scale projects than other traditional monitoring techniques. In essence it allows organisations to keep projects on schedule and within budget. However it is far more than simply applying the three set formula of schedules, costs and completion to a project. There are often different variables to be considered with each project, as well as ensuring data is consistent and true. At the forthcoming APPS18 Oracle event, Nathan Morgan from Prōject (EU) Ltd will be showcasing how both Government Departments and major suppliers can benefit from adopting Earned Value Management. The presentation is being made on Wednesday 5th December 2018 at 3.20pm in the main hall.
With the UK Government mandating the use of building information modelling (BIM) on government projects since 2016, its perception has transformed from a useful tool into a necessity for delivering construction projects of all types including buildings, bridges and roads. Here, Glyn Shawcross, engineering and design director at engineering solutions provider Boulting Ltd, explains one of the key regulations essential for becoming BIM-enabled. BIM is a process of creating and managing information and data about a construction project, to produce a building information model that can contain a digital description of every asset. Building upon 3D modelling, BIM also includes the data behind the model. In addition to the benefits of a 3D model such as physical coordination, BIM can bring together data at the required level of detail, making it accessible to all involved parties. A collaborative process, the model’s production is likely to be partly automated and manually improved upon throughout the design and construction process. Growing in detail and accuracy as the project progresses, the final BIM asset is handed over to the client at the end of the project and is used throughout the building’s life span. The cost of operating and maintaining buildings and facilities can reach up to 85 per cent of the building’s total cost. An accurate virtual representation of a building and its asset data can provide scope for finding and realising possible cost-saving areas, even after the construction phase is over. Standards and principles The requirements for BIM Level 2 are set out by PAS1192-2:2013 and its partner, PAS1192-3:2014, which provide guidance to asset managers about the integration, information management, asset management and final construction of the build. Both standards apply to building and infrastructure assets and are based on the previously existing codes of practice, BS 1192:2007 and A2:2016, which encourage collaborative production of architectural, engineering and construction information. PAS1192-2:2013 and PAS1192-3:2014 provide guidance on how information is expressed in the models, as required by level two BIM and above. Expressed information must be logical, visible and available for analysis and use by the project team rather than difficult to extract and practically work with. Good quality models produced by level 2 BIM effectively promote sharing, analysis and reuse of information by providing a better visual representation of design and construction, which can be used to inform decision making. For example, layering software can superimpose multiple models on top of one another to see how they fit together, allowing any clashes to be identified and managed before construction, saving both time and money. Currently, most projects are supported by multiple models, although once BIM level three is reached, each involved party will use the same model, which should be fully accessible from the cloud. Cloud-stored data can raise intellectual property issues, which contributors must be aware of. The regulations also cover practical points to be aware of when choosing BIM as a project management tool. Models must hold the right amount of detail to support their purpose as models burdened with too much or unnecessary information are as unhelpful as those with too little. At the first stage of any BIM project, a BIM execution plan must be drawn up. Amongst other things, it specifies the software that will be used, clash detection responsibilities and crucially, the level of detail required. Ensuring the right level of detail means parties each have all the data required, without unnecessarily raising the overall cost of the BIM process. A BIM model should be progressive and fluid. An important principle set out by the PAS1192-2:2013 is that as a project progresses and information grows, the model will provide information fit for design, for construction and finally to represent what has been constructed. BIM’s use should be continually assessed, as the regulation stresses that models may not necessarily offer the best way to communicate information. If the project is simple, a schedule or other format may provide the same benefit with less expense. Management Because a model is an information source, governance and direction are as important when producing and managing a BIM asset, as when producing a report or compiling technical documentation or drawings. A BIM manager should be appointed, who will be responsible for the implementation of BIM and digital construction procedures throughout the entire project lifecycle. They will drive forward changes, ensuring the client, operator, contractors and suppliers will be able to get the most out of the available technology, people, processes and policies. An experienced BIM manager is essential for smooth running and outstanding results, both in terms of the final build and the BIM asset produced. Boulting has a wealth of experience and expertise, both in implementing and undertaking BIM projects, while ensuring the high standards that clients, engineers and suppliers benefit from. Primary documents such as the employer’s information requirements and the BIM execution plan are crucial to produce an efficient and effective product. In addition to the final model, one of the most important outputs is the accurate record of project information, which is then used to support the built structure during operation. Regardless of whether a current project mandates the use of BIM, ensuring your business is BIM-enabled and the correct regulations are identified and understood is essential in the modern climate. In addition to widening the scope of future work, a full understanding will ensure the best service is provided to each customer, contractor and manufacturer involved in any project.
Put it down to perfect timing, with the heightened interest in offsite technology, combined with the abundance of outstanding projects and product innovations it is easy to see why the 2018 Structural Timber Awards surpassed all previous events in terms of the calibre of entries and attendance. Construction professionals gathered at this prestigious award ceremony on October 10, at the National Conference Centre, Birmingham – to celebrate the great, the good and the simply outstanding. The Awards were hosted by compere Mark Durden-Smith and as anyone who has attended this event will know – his infectious humour is just one of the reasons this is a fantastic night out. With nearly 250 outstanding submissions, this year’s Structural Timber Award judges had an onerous job of selecting the winners. The big winner on the night was The Macallan Distillery project, which scooped the Winner of Winners plus two other categories. One of the judges commented: “The Macallan Distillery project and the precision installation of the engineered timber gridshell roof should be highlighted as a case study, par excellence, to the entire structural timber sector”. The head of the judging panel and Chief Executive of the Structural Timber Association, Andrew Carpenter said of the night: “The depth of expertise across all categories was impressive and the exceptional number of entries clearly demonstrates the upturn in the industry. The Structural Timber Awards is a high-point in the construction industry calendar and it is truly inspiring to see so much activity in the sector.” The full list of award winners are: Architect of the Year: Chadwick Dryer Clarke for The Stephen Perse Foundation Sports & Learning Building Client of the Year: Bloomberg LLP for Bloomberg European HQ Commercial Project of the Year: Heyne Tillett Steel & Studio RHE for The Import Building Contractor of the Year: Balfour Beatty for Abbey Wood Custom & Self-Build Project of the Year: STREIF UK for Skyfall Education Project of the Year: Eckersley O’Callaghan for Freemen’s School Engineer of the Year: Arup for The Macallan Distillery Installer of the Year: L&S Baucon GmbH for The Macallan Distillery Low Energy Project of the Year: Ruth Butler Architects for Hampshire Passivhaus Pioneer Award: Urban Splash for HoUSe Private Housing Project of the Year: Barratt Homes Yorkshire East Division for St Wilfrids Walk Development Product Innovation Award: Moduloft for Chippenham Bungalow Project of the Year: AKT II & Fosters & Partners for Bloomberg European HQ Project or Construction Manager of the Year: Barratt Homes Yorkshire East Division – Mark Greenley, Site Manager Retail & Leisure Project of the Year: METSÄ WOOD for Center Parcs, Elveden Forest Social Housing Project of the Year: CCG & Stora Enso for Ellerslie Road Development Best Use of SIPs: Innovaré Systems for Glasdir School Best Use of Solid Wood: METSÄ WOOD for Center Parcs, Elveden Forest Best Use of Timber Frame: Stewart Milne Timber Systems & Barratt Homes Yorkshire East Division for Barratt’s St Wilfrids Walk Development Winner of Winners: Arup, L&S Baucon GmbH, Robertson, Wiehag GmbH & Rogers Stirk Harbours + Partners for The Macallan Distillery There has already been a large amount of attention focused on next year’s awards, which will be returning October 2019. The Awards once again will reward excellence, celebrate expertise in timber technology and the ways it contributes to an attractive, energy efficient and sustainable built environment. For the hundreds of construction professionals who have attended the Structural Timber Awards, there is no need to explain the promotional opportunities that go hand in hand with this event. The Awards provide one of the most effective platforms to promote brands or companies alongside the best of the best. For details on sponsorship packages and promotional opportunities and to register interest to either sponsor the 2019 Structural Timber Awards or to enter your project into the awards, please contact Amy Pryce – amy.pryce@radar-communications.co.uk Please note that the Submission deadline for entries into the 2019 Structural Timber Awards is 31 May 2019.
In a world first, a UK firm has launched a biodegradable, 92% plastic free glitter designed for use with the decorative, craft and interior design industry. Traditional glitter is a microplastic, and can be potentially harmful in the environment, as a result there has been a rising consumer pressure for products to use eco friendly glitter alternatives. Deco Bioglitter®, manufactured by Ronald Britton Ltd, is the world’s first glitter proven to degrade in the natural environment, such as soil, rivers, and lakes. Based on a plant material, cellulose rather than plastic, the product has been specially formulated to perform in decorative coatings and printing applications. Stephen Cotton, commercial director at Ronald Britton Ltd, said: “The new Deco Bioglitter®, developed in particular for the decorative and coatings industry, replaces the plastic core used in traditional glitter, with a plant based product, a special form of cellulose unique to Bioglitter®, made primarily from Eucalyptus trees. The new plant glitter is completely durable on the shelf, but once it enters the environment, where microbes can act on it, it will degrade naturally, similar to a leaf.” The product has recently undergone testing by the independent testing organisation OWS Belgium, which revealed it has excellent biodegradability in fresh water environments, like streams, rivers and lakes, with the vast majority of the biodegradable content in Bioglitter®, biodegrading in just four weeks. Stephen said: “Tens of tonnes of plastic glitter are used in products for interiors, from use in wallpapers to paints to general coatings and even glues. It’s a major microplastic issue and one that has seen a backlash from consumers who would normally buy products using glitter. There’s political, retailer and consumer pressure to move to eco friendly options and Deco Bioglitter® has been developed to address the issue. It’s the first glitter in the world proven to biodegrade in the natural environment and offers businesses working in the industry an eco friendly option for interior decoration.” Deco Bioglitter® with its biodegradability credentials coupled with it being 92% plastic free represents a truly eco-friendly alternative to plastic glitter. However, the Ronald Britton team are still determined to drive on with the Bioglitter® journey, not only so it biodegrades in the natural environment but also to attain the ultimate 100% plastic free goal, therefore removing the plastic pollution issue from glitter for good. Stephen summed up: “The Bioglitter® journey is all about making our products both plastic free, so they are not microplastics and biodegradable in the natural environment, so they leave minimal or no trace. We are extremely pleased about the progress we have made so far, removing 92% of the plastic and obtaining independent proof of its ability to biodegrade in challenging natural environments. However, we are determined and excited about achieving our 100% plastic free goal and ensuring that glitter has minimal impact on the environment.” For more information on Deco Bioglitter® visit www.discoverBioglitter®.com and www.Bioglitter®.com
