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December 5, 2018

Self-Healing Construction Materials Developed at Cambridge University

Cristina Diaconu December 5, 2018

Dolomite Microfluidics’ micro-encapsulation technologies are used by researchers at the University of Cambridge to develop self-healing construction materials. The University’s Department of Engineering’s Geotechnical and Environmental Research Group is developing microcapsules containing ‘healing’ agents – such as minerals, epoxy or polyurethane – which can be added to building materials to

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EU Migrants’ Impact in the Construction Industry

Cristina Diaconu December 5, 2018

The UK construction industry employs approximately 3 million people in the UK, making up 10% of UK employment. Significant skills shortages are restricting construction economic growth in the industry that employs 8% of EU workers, however in London this amounts to a staggering 28%. According to research by TowerEight, 35% of

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Innovative New Business Space Helps GetBusy to Stay Busy

Cristina Diaconu December 5, 2018

Collaboration is a key to success for today’s high growth innovative businesses. Research by the Institute for Corporate Productivity (i4cp) and Babson College 1 shows that companies which promote collaborative working are five times more likely to be high-performing. Although technological innovation has facilitated faster and more inclusive communication, fostering

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Issue 323 : Dec 2024

December 5, 2018

Self-Healing Construction Materials Developed at Cambridge University

Cristina Diaconu December 5, 2018

Dolomite Microfluidics’ micro-encapsulation technologies are used by researchers at the University of Cambridge to develop self-healing construction materials. The University’s Department of Engineering’s Geotechnical and Environmental Research Group is developing microcapsules containing ‘healing’ agents – such as minerals, epoxy or polyurethane – which can be added to building materials to allow self-repair of small cracks which develop over time. “Many composite building materials used in the construction industry – such as concrete – suffer fatigue over time, developing small cracks. We are hoping to overcome this problem by adding microcapsules filled with ‘healing’ agents to the concrete before it is used. The idea is that, as cracks begin to form, they rupture the microcapsules, releasing their payload and stabilising the material,” said Dr Livia Ribeiro de Souza, a postdoctoral researcher in the group. The Dolomite system has enabled the researchers to create functionalised microcapsules that bind more strongly to the cement matrix, while also having thinner shell walls and higher core retention, improving their self-healing properties. “This approach requires the formation and functionalisation of double emulsion microcapsules, which we have been producing with the help of microfluidics. We have been using a Dolomite Microfluidics system since 2014, and find that microfluidics offers much better control of particle size and composition than traditional emulsification polymerisation techniques, simplifying the investigation and optimisation of particle properties,” she said. “It is good to be able to discuss any issues we’re having with the experts at Dolomite Microfluidics, helping to accelerate our research and move us a step closer to real world applications,” Livia added. The research was recently highlighted in BBC News broadcasts.

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EU Migrants’ Impact in the Construction Industry

Cristina Diaconu December 5, 2018

The UK construction industry employs approximately 3 million people in the UK, making up 10% of UK employment. Significant skills shortages are restricting construction economic growth in the industry that employs 8% of EU workers, however in London this amounts to a staggering 28%. According to research by TowerEight, 35% of construction workers stated Brexit has created a shortage of EU migrant labour in the UK construction industry that has already increased project costs. Non-UK workers in the UK construction industry are mainly employed as general labourers (22%) and architects (15%). However, a high percentage of professional roles such as quantity surveyors (11%), project managers (11%), engineers (7%), have been placed within the last year by agencies as EU workers. Labour shortages appear to have increased rapidly since 2013 and a majority of surveyors have stated this is a significant hinderance on output. Skills’ shortages created more pressure on the delivery of projects with the triple constraints of time, cost and quality. A survey by Inside Housing revealed that the biggest skills shortages were for construction project managers (32%) and quantity surveyors (31%), followed by electricians (29%), plumbers (24%), carpenters/joiners (24%) and bricklayers (20%). However, only a fifth of those surveyed saw Brexit as the biggest problem, suggesting that skills shortages have been in existence for numerous years. This finding is supported by The MacFarlane who reports that 68% of construction SME’s are struggling to hire bricklayers and 63% are struggling to hire carpenters and joiners which have increased more than 10% in Q4 2017. The skills’ problem is an issue the sector has been facing for some time. RICS warns that “30% of construction professionals surveyed believe that hiring non-UK workers was critical to the success of their businesses”. The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), estimates that to meet current demand more than 36,000 new workers a year will be required. Both skilled and non-skilled in labour will decline rapidly in the coming years in the UK construction industry. Data by Build UK found that 43% of contractors reporting rising labour costs in the first quarter of 2016, with a lack of suitably qualified staff a key factor. This impending threat of reduced labour movement, coupled with already existent shortage of labour would appear to pose a major risk to the future performance of the UK construction industry. The ONS data suggests that on the date the UK voted to leave the EU, migration fell from 336,000 to 246,000.  A survey by Helm supports this as they had found 55% of skilled workers were either planning to leave or considering leaving the UK. However, could departing from the EU be beneficial? It could create a wider range of job opportunities within the UK that would become available and allow a growth of UK suppliers. Knight Frank reports that Brexit has done little to deter investors from London as purchases of assets increased from the previous year. The value of the pound is likely to go down which could create an upsurge of overseas investment in UK real estate. Brexit will reduce EU competition when tendering for work.  But there is also the likelihood that wage rises are likely to occur and restrictions on free movement could pose a problem for the UK construction industry which already faces a labour skills crisis. Under a soft Brexit the UK GDP would decline by 3.5% and a hard Brexit, the construction industry’s contribution would fall by 8.2%. Brexit will affect urban areas more than rural communities and if access to skilled EU workers is cut, projects such as HS2 and Crossrail will be undeliverable. In conclusion, James Morris, Director at Tower Eight explains why there is a real importance of immigration to the labour market, “It is critical that we have flexible access to labour from overseas as without this we would fail to deliver against the commitments for construction, such as housebuilding and infrastructure. The pound’s value has descended as a result of the UK voting to leave the EU. Costs are expected to climb for contractors and UK developers due to their heavy reliance on importing and exporting with a less favorable exchange rate. Once the UK has left the EU, the UK Government could potentially only allow UK-based firms to tender for government work, consequently meaning that the UK’s construction Industry would no longer have to compete with foreign firms. But until the exit plans are revealed we are left hoping that the Government recognises the dual challenges of an ageing workforce and a lack of skilled labour; both of Britain needs to meet housing targets and deliver the infrastructure required for growth.”

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Innovative New Business Space Helps GetBusy to Stay Busy

Cristina Diaconu December 5, 2018

Collaboration is a key to success for today’s high growth innovative businesses. Research by the Institute for Corporate Productivity (i4cp) and Babson College 1 shows that companies which promote collaborative working are five times more likely to be high-performing. Although technological innovation has facilitated faster and more inclusive communication, fostering a culture of effective collaboration in the workplace also requires a combination of personal interaction and flexible or dedicated work spaces. Well versed in the importance of collaboration, is Global tech company GetBusy, creators of innovative cloud-based document management solutions which help businesses to work together more securely, efficiently and effectively. When GetBusy completed its IPO last year, it began the search for a new space which reflected the company’s core values of collaboration, re-generation and, most importantly, fun. “The focus on and importance of the amenity and circulation spaces in The Works were key in our decision to move there. As Sawston natives, we were keen to stay in south Cambridge and this new development offers exactly the kind of dynamic workspace we were looking for. Signing up so far in advance allows us to plan for the future and to carefully consider how the space will work best for us once we make the move,” said Paul Haworth, Chief Financial Officer at GetBusy. GetBusy recognises that employees do their best, most creative work when they are relaxed and free to collaborate. So, to reflect its ethos, accommodate the growing team and prepare for its bright future, Get Busy is the first pre-let occupier to secure space at The Works; an innovative office space within a new campus style business park in South Cambridge. Designed by world-renowned architects NBBJ and developed by Howard Group, The Works building incorporates the pre-cast concrete frame of the original industrial warehouse which will be transformed into a two-storey contemporary office and R&D space. The entire building will be connected by a 100-metre-long, covered, central ‘street’ with amenity and break-out spaces, purposefully incorporated to promote engagement and collaboration among occupants. “GetBusy is exactly the type of exciting, high-growth business we hoped would buy into the vision for The Works. Our original plan was to develop The Works on a speculative basis, but this early stage pre-let agreement is evidence of the demand for unique and flexible business space in and around Cambridge. We are really looking forward to welcoming GetBusy to The Works and seeing them thrive in their new space,” concluded Colin Brown, Director at Howard Group.

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How Brits can prepare and recover from the force of Mother Nature

Kenneth Booth December 5, 2018

The havoc caused by Mother Nature can sometimes cause havoc on our nation. Thankfully, rural insurance providers, Lycetts, are here to provide us with advice on how we can prepare for, and then recover from, a number of problematic disasters. Drought We use a huge amount of water throughout the UK. In fact, Water UK states that over 17 billion litres of water is delivered to the nation’s mains water supply per day. This water will cater for more than 60 million consumers, with 150 litres used by each of us on a daily basis on average. Of course, this water will go into the UK’s mains water supply whether there is rain or not. Therefore, a drought will officially be declared in the country if we experience 15 days of minimal wet weather — under 0.2mm of rain. In the UK, we tend to witness a drought once every five to ten years. How to prepare A top tip to help us prepare for a drought is to regularly make water conservation practices a part of your everyday life. That way, you will be familiar with using less water in the scenario that water limitation measures are brought in across the country. This means that you should look to use any spare water you have on your indoor plants, or on a suitable outdoor area of your workplace instead of just putting it down the drain once you’ve used it. An instant hot water heater should be installed onto your sink too, while dripping faucets should be repaired by replacing the water — for this last point, bear in mind that a single drip per second will result in 2,700 gallons of water being wasted per year! You should also consider planting native and drought-tolerant shrubs, trees, grass and ground covers in different locations on your land. This is because they will adapt to the local climate and not need too much water once established; not to mention often surviving a sustained dry period without watering. Mulch should also be used to retain moisture in the soil, with the added benefit being that mulch controls weeds which compete with other plants for water. How to recover In most cases, your daily routine will sharply adjust back to normal following a drought. Any hosepipe bans which were enforced will be swiftly lifted, for instance, so that you can go back to cleaning the exterior of your business and watering plants as normal. Any restrictions on water use will be eased too, though it’s still best to keep up the water conservation practices advised above as a way of life moving forwards. However, it may take your lawn a longer period of time to recover. If it’s being subjected to a drought for a long period, turf grasses may have turned brown and stopped growing completely. While most of the lawn will often recover in time with renewed rainfall, you should look to carry out renovation and repair work in the autumn for particularly problematic areas. Over-seed areas which are sparsely-grassed — this guide by the RHS will help — and refrain from using lawn weed killers on turf that has been affected by drought throughout the autumn. The post-drought recovery in the UK is also monitored by the Environment Agency. In its Drought response: our framework for England report, the organisation states: “Once a drought recedes, it’s important to continue environmental monitoring to assess recovery of sites and identify any long-term environmental damage. Our area analysis and reporting teams are responsible for establishing and carrying out a drought recovery monitoring programme. Drought monitoring will normally continue until the ecology has recovered to normal conditions.” Flooding Flooding has been a major concern in recent years in the UK. Between November 2015 and January 2016, for instance, the UK experienced the most ever rainfall for that date period. Not too earlier than that, the wettest winter on record for the UK was recorded during the winter of 2013/14. How to prepare Thankfully, we should generally have a lot of time to prepare for floods due to the regular media updates. This page of GOV.UK should also be monitored, as it informs you if your area is either at an immediate risk of flooding, at risk anytime in the next five days or is seen to be a long-term risk area. If there’s a high risk that your area will be flooded, then you should make up an emergency kit. There are different ones for when you’re at a facility, on the move, or in your car, which Red Cross details here. You should also purchase some sand and sandbags in good time — these are likely to be in high demand once a flood strikes. If you have been advised to leave your property, be sure to turn off all mains power so there’s no risk of electrocution from floodwater. Also, shut and lock every window and door to protect your property and also to give an extra barrier from floodwater getting inside. Take up-to-date photographs around the interior of your workplace too, as they may prove very useful in the event you need to make an insurance claim. How to recover Dispose of any food products if you property has been flooded as floodwater is at risk of being contaminated with sewage. Until your water supplies company gives your tap water the all clear, you should only boil tap water or use bottled water. Your water supplies company should be contacted if your tap water’s colour, smell or taste has changed as well. Gas or electrical items should also not be switched on until they have been checked by a qualified technician, as they may have got wet during a flood. You should also contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Make sure to take photographs ahead of starting any cleaning up too — which can be coupled with the photos taken when preparing for a flood as a

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Pool maintenance for your Spanish villa – what you need to know

Kenneth Booth December 5, 2018

Surely one of the most enjoyable parts of living in Spain is that you can make the most of the Mediterranean sunshine. And whether you’re a permanent resident or have a holiday villa, this means enjoying a private outdoor pool. Swimming for fitness, fun or family entertainment is an activity everyone can get behind, particularly during hot Spanish summers. It’s not often that you find a villa on the Spanish Costas without a pool, but it does happen. If your property lacks this essential facility, you may want to think about installing one in your garden or on your terrace. Not only will a swimming pool add real value to your Spanish home, it will transform your enjoyment of the Spanish lifestyle. Consult an experienced pool construction company with a flair for design, and ideally one where English is spoken, such as this one in Marbella. If your villa does come with a private pool, regular pool maintenance  is key for keeping it in top condition. Looking after your pool isn’t rocket science but someone has to do it. With a bit of knowledge about how pools work, you can do it yourself, or you can outsource the task to your gardener, a regular ‘pool guy’ or a professional pool cleaning company. And don’t forget to schedule in an annual pool service once a year too, just to make sure there are no nasty surprises that could have been nipped in the bud earlier. Here are 7 essential tips to help you maintain your outdoor pool for longer: 1. Remove surface debris every other day In every outdoor pool, the water’s surface where most damage takes place. Falling leaves and other debris can fall into the pool and will sink to the bottom if not removed. The less attention you give your pool, the further down the dirt will sink. This can make it more difficult to remove and run the risk of clogging up the filtration system. Use a hand skimmer or net every second day to keep on top of pool detritus. 2. Schedule a weekly brush and vacuum clean Use a strong broom or brush to tackle the walls of the pool to remove any algae build-up. Invest in a dedicated pool vacuum cleaner and use it weekly to remove any debris that has sunk to the bottom of the pool. Swimming pool vacuums are now readily available to buy, and they’re easy to use, as can be seen here: 3. Ensure the proper pH balance of pool chemicals This is the science bit, so do pay attention. An incorrect balance of pool chemicals can turn the water a murky green, creating the perfect condition for algae and bacteria to thrive and multiply forth. Ask your pool builder to recommend the correct chemical composition and use a testing kit to check regularly; you are looking for a healthy pH value of 7.4-7.6. 4. Clean the filter regularly Your pool will have one of three types of filter: cartridge, sand or DE (diatomaceous earth). They all have different cleaning requirements and all of them can easily become blocked with debris if left unattended. When clogged, the flow of water circulation reduces, pushing up the pressure in the system. Check the pressure gauge to make sure it remains at or below 10psi. 5. Top tip: Use a tennis ball to help collect debris ere’s a genius little tip to help you mop up unwanted residue on the pool’s surface including oil from sun creams. Simply throw a tennis ball into the water and let it gradually soak up any residue. Without any effort required on your part, it will soak up the residue, get rid of any dirt and help keep your outdoor pool clean. 6. Shock the water Did you know that if there’s an overwhelming smell of chorine around your pool, it’s not because there’s too much chlorine in the water? On the contrary, contaminants including nitrogen and ammonia are mixing with the chlorine (hence the offensive smell) meaning you need to put more chlorine in. Shocking the water with a high dose of chlorine will clear the contamination and make the water crystal clear in a few days. 7. General poolside clean-up Finally, don’t forget that the area around the pool will also need regular cleaning and disinfecting. Surfaces such as wooden decking, or a tiled or paved sun terrace, can make the floor very slippery and dangerous. In addition, the constant moisture on the surface can be a perfect breeding ground for bacteria that are easily spreadable to the pool itself.

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