The contract to build the new 195,840 sq ft building was awarded to GMI by urban regeneration specialists Muse Developments and part of a joint venture with Rolls Royce. GMI Construction Group has announced the completion of a 195,840 sq ft national headquarters at Harrier Park in Hucknall for leading
HIGH RISE RESIDENTS in north Solihull are set to benefit from a £20million investment in their homes. NFA member Solihull Community Housing (SCH), which manages 37 high rise buildings in the borough on behalf of Solihull Council, has announced the installation of sprinklers throughout the entire high-rise housing stock. In
Property manager James Livesey-Clarke shares his knowledge on solving site issues through collaborative work with the local council, police and residents, helped make one of his developments safer. Concerns Manchester’s Chatsworth House development was suffering from a spike in antisocial behaviour in the area, which quickly spread to the site. A nearby
Plans to create a major business park with the potential to create thousands of new jobs and boost County Durham’s economy by £400 million have been approved by councillors. Our planning committee today (Tuesday 1 December) voted in favour of developing the site at Aykley Heads, but, given the significant scale
Building works have started on ‘Forest Park’; an exclusive 45-home development in Nottinghamshire, by property developer Taggart Homes. Located in the sought-after village of Annesley, in the Ashfield district of Nottinghamshire, the development has a prime position on Derby Road in the heart of the village and only a five-minute
The benefits of using aluminium in residential modular builds Equivalent to the height of the London Eye, 101 George Street is home to the world’s tallest modular towers. Located in Croydon, UK and scaling 135 meters, the towers house 546 ‘build to rent’ properties. Residential builds like these are leaving
Södra, one of the UK’s foremost suppliers of sustainable timber, has diversified its range of flame retardant treated timber products available to the UK market, with its C260 and C260 Xterior. For centuries, timber has been used in countless construction products, both indoors and outdoors, but today’s rigorous fire
Aberdeen Standard Investments and development partner Graftongate are toasting the success of a multi-let urban logistics development in north London, where a new craft brewery is fully operational. Independent British brewer, Beavertown Brewery, has launched its state-of-the-art Beaverworld facility at Enfield Distribution Park (ENDP), having signed a 25-year lease on
Marco Verdonkschot, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect, the UK’s largest supplier of specialist ironmongery, reviews the construction industry in 2020 and looks ahead to next year: “2020 has been a year like no other, with every area of life facing incredible challenges and disruption. The construction industry is certainly no exception to that and
How we can transform the construction industry According to a report by Atkins, 95 per cent of senior decision makers in infrastructure businesses believe that digital innovation will be increasingly important after the current COVID crisis. Here Martin Hurn, event director at built environment event Futurebuild, explores the changes in
The contract to build the new 195,840 sq ft building was awarded to GMI by urban regeneration specialists Muse Developments and part of a joint venture with Rolls Royce. GMI Construction Group has announced the completion of a 195,840 sq ft national headquarters at Harrier Park in Hucknall for leading educational resource provider RM Resources. The 70-acre, Harrier Park, is part of a long-term joint venture between Rolls-Royce and urban regeneration specialist, Muse Developments, that will bring nearly one million sq ft of employment space, alongside hundreds of new homes and community facilities built on surplus land alongside the Rolls-Royce Aerospace supply chain plant off Watnall Road. RM Resources is part of RM plc, a leading supplier of technology and resources to the education sector, supporting schools, teachers and pupils across the globe – from pre-school to higher education – including examination boards, central governments and other professional institutions. Speaking about the project Lee Powell, Divisional Managing Director at GMI Construction, said: “It has been great to work on this exciting project at Harrier Park, we’re proud to have played a part in such an innovative development. Working with such illustrious clients as Muse Developments, RM Resources and Rolls-Royce to successfully and efficiently produce a business HQ of such high-quality is something we at GMI are very proud of.” Also commenting Dan Needham, development director at Muse Developments, said: “We’re delighted to hand over the keys to one of our latest distribution hubs to RM Resources, and we hope they’re happy in their new home. “We’ve been working hard with partners behind the scenes to deliver this and our residential schemes at Harrier Park safely and in line with government guidelines. What we’re looking at achieving here is to drive economic growth and prosperity, while creating job opportunities to benefit the Hucknall community and in light of the unprecedented situation we’re all in, this will be a welcome addition to benefit the town.” Monique Louis, managing director at RM Resources, said: “We are excited to be taking ownership of our new home for RM Resources which will see us consolidate multiple distribution centres into a solo, modernised and automated site. At the same time, the new location will enable us to bring together our office and operational teams into a single HQ that meets our longer-term business needs and objectives. “The modernisation and consolidation of our distributions facilities is part of a wider transformation programme at RM which includes the delivery of a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution. These investments will support our strategic imperatives of delivering excellence in customer service and digitalising our sales channels and wider organisational operations. They also reflect our confidence in the long-term future of RM and our commitment to the Nottinghamshire area. “We very much look forward to moving into our energising and invigorating new working environment in April 2021.”
HIGH RISE RESIDENTS in north Solihull are set to benefit from a £20million investment in their homes. NFA member Solihull Community Housing (SCH), which manages 37 high rise buildings in the borough on behalf of Solihull Council, has announced the installation of sprinklers throughout the entire high-rise housing stock. In addition to this, almost half the buildings will be having external works to replace spandrel panels in a further move to bring them into line with the very latest building standards. SCH chief executive Fiona Hughes, said: “We are delighted to be able to share this great news with all our high-rise customers. Their safety and wellbeing is our number one priority. “Since the Grenfell fire tragedy in 2017, all landlords of high-rise buildings have had to evaluate the best course of action to ensure the safety of customers. Following extensive meetings with our colleagues at Solihull Council, further supported by West Midlands Fire Service, the unanimous decision has now been taken to install sprinklers throughout all our high rises.” While it is now law for new buildings over 30 metres to be fitted with sprinklers, landlords are not legally obliged to retrofit sprinklers in older buildings. However, an extensive programme of investigative research has led all involved parties to agree that this is the right thing to do in Solihull. Councillor Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council, said: “The safety of our tenants and residents is paramount. Following advice from fire safety experts we have decided as a Council to equip all our high rises with sprinklers to increase fire safety. Although none of our high rises were affected by the problems associated with the Grenfell tragedy, we still feel the installation of sprinklers will provide the reassurance and protection our tenants and residents deserve.” This work will support SCH’s ongoing commitment to fire safety and complements other key safety protective measures such as fire doors. Sprinklers are now seen as the single most effective method of improving fire safety in high rise buildings. They will detect a fire, suppress it and raise the alarm. Sprinklers also assist firefighters in carrying out search and rescue operations. Fire safety advisors, and technical and professional experts, are unanimous in supporting the installation of sprinklers in high rises. They are especially important where there are vulnerable residents who would find it difficult to escape in the event of a fire, such as those with mobility problems. SCH has set up a comprehensive plan for engaging with residents and keeping them informed throughout. They will be kept up to date through the publication of regular special newsletters, social media, website posts and customer liaison officers who will host socially distanced drop-in sessions where it is safe to do so. “This is exciting news which I’m sure our high-rise residents will welcome,” added the SCH chief executive, Fiona Hughes. “We look forward to working closely with residents as we start this important piece of work that reaffirms our commitment to their safety and wellbeing.”
Property manager James Livesey-Clarke shares his knowledge on solving site issues through collaborative work with the local council, police and residents, helped make one of his developments safer. Concerns Manchester’s Chatsworth House development was suffering from a spike in antisocial behaviour in the area, which quickly spread to the site. A nearby alleyway had become a favourite haunt for rough sleepers, drug dealers and users forced to relocate from another area following a local police crackdown. Residents were understandably concerned about the situation, which was worsened by the drug dealers taking refuge in the site’s underground car park in the colder weather. James explains: ‘The drug users and rough sleepers were also creating unsanitary conditions in the car park, making the area very unpleasant, as well as potentially dangerous. None of the residents were harmed, but at its peak, Mainstay was receiving at least two to three reports a day. ‘There are no 24-hour staff on site, so an urgent solution was needed, we organised a residents’ meeting for them to voice their concerns and for us to get a feel of the extent of the issue. ‘We immediately secured the car park, replaced a wooden door, which had been damaged by rough sleepers, and installed additional lighting. We also made sure that any faults with the electric gates to the car park were attended to the same day as reported. Previously, if the gates became inoperative, they would be left open, sometimes overnight. We also reminded residents to close the gates after use.’ James adds: ‘You can make somewhere as secure as possible, but if someone wants to get in, they’re going to do it by any means possible. We spoke to the City Council and Greater Manchester Police, who were unaware of the problem, so we ensured residents knew the correct channels to use to report any antisocial behaviour around the site. We also held a meeting with the council, police, and residents to discuss concerns and understand how the residents could play an active role in helping to combat the issue.’ A safer environment for our residents While reducing the issues of antisocial behaviour ultimately required action from residents, as well as the police and local council, Mainstay’s proactive approach meant that residents understood what actions they needed to take. Meanwhile, the police and council could work with the community to understand the problem and take appropriate action. All of this ensured that residents could use the facilities at the property knowing that they were safe and that their property management company took an active part in ensuring that safety.
Plans to create a major business park with the potential to create thousands of new jobs and boost County Durham’s economy by £400 million have been approved by councillors. Our planning committee today (Tuesday 1 December) voted in favour of developing the site at Aykley Heads, but, given the significant scale of the scheme, we are required to refer the application to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. This means, subject to the minister’s approval, work will begin on the first phase of Aykley Heads Business Park in early 2021. The first phase will see the creation of 3,500 square metres of flexible office space within a three-storey building and 60 car parking spaces to the north of the site. We are investing £6 million towards the cost of the project, with the remaining £6 million allocated from the Government’s Getting Building Fund, which aims to deliver jobs, skills and infrastructure across the country. This will create up to 300 jobs, while acting as a catalyst for the wider masterplan for the site and putting County Durham firmly on the map as a location for office space. Maximising economic growth As well as the detailed plans for the first phase, the hybrid application approved by councillors also includes outline plans for developing the remainder of the site, which incorporates land currently occupied by our headquarters, County Hall. In January 2018, our Cabinet agreed to create a new smaller headquarters at the Sands car park in Durham city to pave the way for the business park. The new headquarters build is now well advanced, with external works largely finished. Once complete, it will provide a base for 1,000 council staff, boosting footfall and trade in Durham city centre, as well as in Crook and Seaham where other employees will be relocated. The vision for Aykley Heads is to create a new and unique business location for the North East that maximises economic growth in County Durham and delivers jobs in new and growing sectors. It is one of five designated strategic employment sites across the county and part of our longstanding mission to bring more and better jobs to the area, bridging the gap in its economic performance with other parts of the region. The scheme’s first two phases have the potential to create 4,000 jobs and it is estimated a further 1,800 jobs will be supported in the construction of the park. Keeping major projects on track Today’s milestone reflects our commitment to keeping major projects on track during the pandemic in recognition of the important role they will play in ensuring the county’s long-term economic resilience. It follows further good news from the county’s other strategic employment sites, with Jade Business Park near Seaham, Integra 61 at Bowburn, and Forrest Park at Newton Aycliffe all welcoming their first tenants this year. The £5 million expansion of NETPark at Sedgefield, meanwhile, is also underway and set to create up to 1,400 jobs. In total, the five strategic employment sites are set to bring 15,000 jobs to the county. Bold vision Cllr Simon Henig, our Leader, said: “Aykley Heads Business Park is a major part of the bold economic vision we set out when we became a unitary authority in 2009. Creating and maintaining better jobs and attracting investment into our county remain key priorities, and by transforming this prime site into a business park, we can unlock its true potential. “Not only will it create up to 1,800 jobs during the construction phase, but it will create thousands more as the site develops. This will boost our economy by £400 million and provide exciting employment opportunities for County Durham residents for generations to come. “The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the UK’s economy has made the need for developments such as these all the greater, and so I am delighted the committee has approved this application today. “We know it is a challenging time to launch such a project, however our conversations with developers and investors in respect of the future of the office market have been overwhelmingly positive. They have all told us that business parks like Aykley Heads, with its mature landscaping, sustainable location and access to our world-renowned city centre, are the future.” Prime location When the first two phases are complete, Aykley Heads Business Park will provide up to 38,468sq m of floorspace and be divided into six plots, with each plot providing office buildings and car parking spaces. ‘Character zoning’ will be used to create distinctiveness, while green spaces and paths will provide a pleasant environment for workers, residents and visitors alike. The site also benefits from close links to the East Coast Main Line and other public transport, as well as cycling routes. Welcome news It is already home to a number of businesses, including the business and IT consultancy Waterstons. Susan Bell, chief executive of Waterstons, said:“I very much welcome the good news that the plans for Aykley Heads Business Park have been approved. It is a truly stunning location and the promise of high-quality office space will be desirable to many businesses looking to relocate and provide a beautiful working environment for their employees. “I’m personally excited at the prospect of expanding our current business community and further developing our region as a destination for quality jobs and careers.” A commitment to the future James Ramsbotham, chief executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce, has also welcomed the planning committee’s decision. He said “This is an important step forward for this transformational development that comes at a moment when positivity and investment is sorely needed. Aykley Heads offers a unique location for dynamic businesses to establish operations in the heart of this World Heritage Site City, which enjoys excellent connections by road and rail to the rest of the UK. “It demonstrates a real commitment to our economic future, and we look forward to seeing it flourish in the years to come.”
Building works have started on ‘Forest Park’; an exclusive 45-home development in Nottinghamshire, by property developer Taggart Homes. Located in the sought-after village of Annesley, in the Ashfield district of Nottinghamshire, the development has a prime position on Derby Road in the heart of the village and only a five-minute drive to junction 27 on the M1. Previously the site of a welfare club which has been vacant since 2009, the development will inject new life into the disused land and is due for completion by winter 2021. Forest Park will feature seven different property types including semi-detached and detached homes. The homes will have a sale value starting at £245,000, going up to £260,000 – all finished to the finest quality with high-spec fixtures and fittings and landscaped gardens, as expected from leading home builder, Taggart Homes. The much-needed homes will appeal to a varied demographic with all properties to fall within the Help to Buy Scheme. The development site is prominently situated towards the east of Derby Road which runs north to south through the village, giving easy access to both Mansfield, just four miles away, and Nottingham, 11 miles away. It is also within easy reach of Sherwood Park Enterprise Zone; home to over 70 established businesses. Annesley is a vibrant village with many amenities including primary schools, a supermarket, a library, sports fields and historic sites such as Annesley Hall. Chief executive officer of Taggart Homes, Michael Taggart, said: “Forest Park is an exciting new development that will bring forward sought-after homes in an excellent location. “We build beautifully designed and well-planned developments for the ultimate in modern living and go the extra mile to include high-quality features that home owners desire as standard. “We are pleased to be progressing with Forest Park which will reinvigorate and breathe new life into an unused area in Annesley, in a wonderful, central location in the village.” Sole marketing agent of Forest Park, Tim Downing, director at Pygott & Crone in Nottingham, said: “Our Nottingham office is really looking forward to marketing this fantastic new development of much needed houses in the area. The quality of Taggart Homes’ offering will set a new benchmark in the region of how new homes should be built. We already have a large number of interested parties looking to reserve. Taggart Homes is working alongside Core Architects and Ashfield District Council to deliver this scheme. Interested homebuyers can now register their interest with Pygott & Crone on 0115 896 5072 and the Forest Park brochure will be launched on the 2nd December, with reservations now being taken.
The benefits of using aluminium in residential modular builds Equivalent to the height of the London Eye, 101 George Street is home to the world’s tallest modular towers. Located in Croydon, UK and scaling 135 meters, the towers house 546 ‘build to rent’ properties. Residential builds like these are leaving a significant impression on the UK cityscape, but the industry must assess how buildings can stand tall while delivering quality. Nick Cowley, managing director at aluminium building product supplier Endurawood, explains why architects should turn to aluminium. Standing at 38 and 44 stories, 101 George Street represents a future for modular builds, one that reaches heights far greater than the cabins and temporary constructions commonly associated with offsite construction. The onsite construction team consisted of around 150 workers, far less than the 450 builders and contractors you’d find on a traditional site for a building of this size. Yet, despite there being less men on the ground, 101 George Street’s completion averaged roughly 1.3 floors each week — with the entire project delivered in just 26 months. For modular projects of this scale to become an industry norm, material choice must play a key role in delivering attractive, safe and efficient buildings. Design capabilities High rise buildings can have an undeserved reputation for appearing run down and dated. A culprit for this assumption is often corrosion and surface damage that occurs in difficult to maintain areas, with material choice at the heart of the issue. Most of us will be familiar with corrosion in the form of rust, which specifically affects iron-based materials that can be used for cladding and balcony railings. This formation of oxide occurs when the iron reacts with oxygen or sulphates. Rust damages the physical and mechanical properties of the material and requires maintenance to restore it. When corrosion sets in, the surface of the metal begins to change colour, although the base metal remains unaffected. This rust can run and drip, leaving large and undesirable stains on a building’s cement. In later stages of corrosion, holes can begin to appear and pitting can cause large holes in the affected area, which will require a complete replacement. While maintenance can fix these issues, selecting a durable material like aluminium can prevent them from happening altogether. Aluminium resists corrosion from environmental factors such as pollution and harsh weather conditions because of the natural layer of aluminium oxide that forms on its surface. This means it requires less work to maintain its appearance, helping it to look newer for longer. In addition, aluminium is strong and ductile enough to be used for numerous design features including cladding, decorative facades and soffits. These features can be used to accentuate a specific part of the building, adding an eye-catching twist to the building’s design. As a result, architects can fulfil their modular design requirements with a material that’s built to last. Assuring safety Like all buildings, safety is a crucial feature that must be guaranteed when planning, designing and constructing a modular build. Particularly for residential buildings that could house hundreds of people, using safe materials is more important than ever. Aluminium is a non-combustible material and is classified by European regulations as Class A1, signifying “no contribution to fire”, the highest reaction to fire rating for construction products. Although it is not fireproof when exposed to extreme temperatures, aluminium acts as a flame retardant when it starts to melt. This reduces the potential of further damage to the building and to occupants in the event of a fire. Using aluminium can also increase safety on the modular build assembly site. As aluminium is lighter than traditional building materials such as timber and steel, it’s easier to install and manage on site. This helps to improve the safety of those working on the project, while ensuring the faster completion time that modular builds are renowned for. Greater thermal efficiency The quality-controlled environment that modular builds are manufactured in makes them more thermally efficient compared to traditionally built structures. This is because the modules are quality checked at each stage of the production line, eliminating inefficiencies before they’re sent to the assembly site. Modular builds are also bolted together, making them more airtight and reducing heat loss. The thermal efficiency of a modular build can be elevated with aluminium, which retains heat. Besides improving living conditions and energy efficiency for the occupant, it will also keep running costs down. Aluminium can be applied to the internal structure and exterior of a modular build to enhance its thermal efficiency. Endurawood is made from 100 per cent marine grade aluminium and can be used for multiple applications to improve the thermal efficiency of residential modular projects, from small scale refurbishments to new build developments. These include battens, railings and exterior cladding, which acts as a barrier to prevent cold air from entering. While 101 George Street demonstrates the rising potential of the modular construction industry, it’s important that all residential modular builds are optimised to consider safety, comfort and costs for the occupants. Using a multi-beneficial material such as aluminium can ensure builders go above and beyond for those living in the modular build. For more information about how Endurawood can be used in residential applications, visit www.endurawood.co.uk/residential-construction/.
Södra, one of the UK’s foremost suppliers of sustainable timber, has diversified its range of flame retardant treated timber products available to the UK market, with its C260 and C260 Xterior. For centuries, timber has been used in countless construction products, both indoors and outdoors, but today’s rigorous fire protection requirements run the risk of limiting creative expression. This is the view of Lars Broström, Sales Manager for Special Products at Södra, who believes that Södra’s new C260 and C260 Xterior products offer a much-needed solution to this problem. Lars further comments: “Whether you’re an architect, developer or contractor, Södra’s C260 and C260 Xterior timber makes meeting fire safety regulations straightforward.” Södra’s C260 and C260 Xterior are treated in Sweden by Woodsafe, one of Scandinavia’s leading companies in flame retardant treated timber products. The name C260 is a reference to the ignition temperature of wood. Both products are CE-certified in accordance with EN 14915: 2013 and Construction Products Regulation (EU) 305: 2011. When using C260 Xterior, there are no requirements for surface treatments, creating optimal conditions for timber’s natural ageing process. “For C260, the flame retardant treatment chemical is applied using a high-pressure vacuum process,” explains Lars. “When this fluid is exposed to fire it releases carbon dioxide, which suffocates flames much like a fire extinguisher. This is what makes C260 the best choice for both safety and aesthetics. What’s more, C260 Xterior also requires very little maintenance.” C260 Xterior provides the same level of flame retardant protection as C260, but the timber is given an additional weatherproofing according to EN16755, making it ideal for outdoor use without any further treatments. The flame retardant treatment fluid is embedded into timber fibres at a cellular level, so it can’t be washed away by rain or harsh weather conditions. “The C260 Xterior flame retardant treatment can be applied to a wide range of different timber types without the need to apply topcoat,” continues Lars. “Now you can use timbers such as cedar, larch or heat-treated pine to build flame retardant protected structures while preserving the natural grain of the timber.” Both C260 and C260 Xterior can be used for a wide range of applications; a benefit Lars describes as offering “freedom to be creative with your building projects.” Applications include: Cladding for walls and ceilings Sound-absorbing cladding Arenas and sports facilities Lecture halls and auditoriums Music venues and concert halls It can also be applied to a number of attractive timber types, such as Western Red Cedar, heat-treated timber and larch. Södra’s flame retardant treated timber panels can be painted in any solid colour, remaining compliant with fire regulations for: façade cladding, decorative elements, roofs and walls, balconies, and construction work, as long as it meets reaction to fire properties. For UK customers interested in our flame retardant timber products treated with C260 and C260 Xterior, visit https://www.sodra.com/en-gb/gb/building-systems/components/facades/ or contact Lars Broström, lars.brostrom@sodra.com, +46(0)7258 18228 or Elin Bäckfalk, elin.backfalk@sodra.com, +46(0)7258 34644. Our production and sales managers are based in Sweden.
Aberdeen Standard Investments and development partner Graftongate are toasting the success of a multi-let urban logistics development in north London, where a new craft brewery is fully operational. Independent British brewer, Beavertown Brewery, has launched its state-of-the-art Beaverworld facility at Enfield Distribution Park (ENDP), having signed a 25-year lease on a 126,595 sq ft warehouse/production unit last year. The brewery was delivered on a pre-let basis with a tight delivery programme enabling brewing to commence within 12 months of the start of construction. Now up and running, Beaverworld comprises a bespoke five vessel Krones Steinecker Brewhouse, packaging space, warehouse, logistics hub and offices. It is expected to produce 90 million pints of beer every year and will eventually incorporate a 20,000 sq ft visitor centre with bars, tours and a restaurant, creating up to 150 new jobs. The brewery, founded by Logan Plant, the son of Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant, has been funded using a £40 million minority investment in the business by Heineken in 2018. It is the latest success at ENDP for ASI and Graftongate, where five of the six new warehouse/production units are already occupied. The joint venture partners recently announced the letting of a speculative 85,000 sq ft building to two-person home delivery specialist, ArrowXL, who join a strong list of occupiers including Cook’s Delights, Farmdrop and DFS. A planning application has been submitted for the final remaining plot at ENDP on a 2.5-acre site fronting A1055 Mollison Avenue, that can accommodate a unit of up to 50,000 sq ft on a design and build basis. Colin Beasley, Director at Graftongate, said: “We’re thrilled that Beaverworld is now fully operational. It has been a real pleasure working with Logan and his team to develop this exceptional facility, which promises to deliver one of the world’s best brewery experiences just a short distance from north London. Beavertown’s arrival secures another excellent company to ENDP, where we have concluded over 375,000 sq ft of lettings in six units over the last few years. We are expecting strong demand for the final unit of 50,000 sq ft which we intend to start building once planning consent in received.’’
Marco Verdonkschot, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect, the UK’s largest supplier of specialist ironmongery, reviews the construction industry in 2020 and looks ahead to next year: “2020 has been a year like no other, with every area of life facing incredible challenges and disruption. The construction industry is certainly no exception to that and has had to deal with unprecedented levels of cuts and job losses. However, it is ending the year strongly, so there is certainly hope for a full recovery in 2021. “The pandemic has hit the industry hard, with the lockdown causing construction output to plummet. In April, it fell by a staggering 40.2% – the highest monthly fall since such records began in 2010. However, since that drastic fall, output has increased every month. Between May and June, it grew by 23.5%, which was also a record. “While output remains down year-on-year, in September, it was only 1.8% below that in March, when restrictions were first put in place. In fact, output in certain sectors, such as Repair and Maintenance, Private Housing and Infrastructure, have already recovered to March levels, which is great to see. “As the situation has improved, the average number of hours worked has risen, which is a really healthy sign. Between July and September, the typical construction employee worked 30.7 hours a week. Since the start of lockdown, when this figure dropped as low as 26.6, it has risen continuously. This has led to rises in weekly earnings, from a low of £577 in April, to £642 in September. “With increases in the amount of new work, it’s not surprising that construction firms are starting to hire again. Between August and October, there were 27,000 job vacancies across the UK, which is nearly 240% more than between April and June, when there were just 8,000 spots available. “During the more difficult months, lots of construction companies took advantage of the government’s Job Retention Scheme. The latest data shows that £3.5 billion of claims have been made so far. With the Chancellor extending the scheme until March 2021, many will continue to rely on it, but the number has been falling rapidly since April, when over 720,000 construction workers were furloughed. In August, there were just over 185,000 people being supported by the government, which is 74% less than when it peaked. “One interesting result of the pandemic is a slight increase in the number of self-employed workers in the industry. Many people decided to set up on their own after being made redundant or realising they wanted a fresh start. The number of individuals registered as self-employed in both the construction of buildings sector and specialised construction activities rose between March and June this year, by 1,000 and 6,000 respectively. “The vast majority of these new self-employed workers are women, with an increase of 10,000 across these two areas. In contrast, there were 2,000 fewer men registered as self-employed in these sectors in June than in March, so it is definitely female construction workers leading the charge in this space.” “Overall, after a really difficult year, there are definite signs of recovery, with output and job vacancies increasing, and the number of furloughed workers dropping considerably. While the rate of recovery will inevitably slow after record growth, hopefully it won’t be long before we are back at pre-lockdown levels.” For more information about IronmongeryDirect, visit: https://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/
How we can transform the construction industry According to a report by Atkins, 95 per cent of senior decision makers in infrastructure businesses believe that digital innovation will be increasingly important after the current COVID crisis. Here Martin Hurn, event director at built environment event Futurebuild, explores the changes in mindset, skills and systems we need before we can fully embrace digital innovation and navigate a transformation in the sector. There is no question that technology has transformed, and will continue to transform, businesses across a variety of industry sectors. The construction industry, in particular, has witnessed rapid upheaval over the past decade and digital technologies, such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), have unlocked unprecedented opportunities for growth. In 2020, the industry faced new challenges and many businesses had to implement new technologies and processes, from platforms such as Microsoft Teams to Augmented Reality (AR) technology, quickly to continue collaborating. As we explore what the world beyond the pandemic will look like, we have an opportunity to start making more changes — ones that will completely transform the industry. Mindset Company culture and skills are as important as tools when planning a journey to digitalisation. Everyone in the industry has a responsibility to transform and embrace change — unless we adopt a new digital mindset, we won’t be able to fully transform. “Transformation is not just about digitising existing processes — we need to disrupt and find better ways of doing things,” explains David Philp, Impact Director for Digital at the Construction Innovation Hub. “Businesses need to ask themselves about how to deliver better value, make a bigger impact and create better experiences for end users and society.” People Digital transformation isn’t just about technology — we also need the skills to use it to its full potential. The construction sector can level up in digital skills and knowledge by attracting new skilled workers, such as data scientists, to the industry as well as upskilling the current workforce. “The construction industry requires T-shaped people,” continues Philp. “The horizontal represents the breadth of knowledge we need to use data and technology across an asset’s lifecycle. The vertical represents the expertise someone has in a particular discipline. The adaptability of T-shaped people can help lay the foundations for a more resilient and technologically advanced industry.” Data management Over the past few years, the introduction of a national BIM framework and standards such as ISO 19650-3 have allowed businesses to improve the information management and operational management of assets. Now that we’ve got the basics right, we should use the data we collect to drive projects further. “Linking data from different sources, such as BIM, geospatial data, building control systems, sensors and project management data, can help us to better understand the performance of an asset throughout its life,” explains Philp. “Properly integrating tools and data, keeping them up to date can help improve data insight so that we can make better decisions during operational management of assets or projects. Taking care to integrate these tools also ensures accurate data collection without duplication that can be easily shared and interpreted.” The coronavirus pandemic did not start a digital transformation in the built environment — we were already innovating our processes. However, it did give some businesses the nudge needed to embrace change, as 76 per cent of respondents to the Atkins survey believe that the sector will not emerge from COVID-19 the same. So, let’s use what we’ve learnt during this time as an opportunity to change our mindset, skills and systems to start a digital transformation. Do you want to find out more about the digital innovations that could transform the industry? In December we’re hosting Game Changers Live — a digital event where we’ll showcase eight digital innovations in the industry. For more information about attending, visit www.futurebuild.co.uk.
