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January 26, 2021

Cladding chief welcomes new regulatory powers to remove dangerous materials and prosecute rogue companies

Kenneth Booth January 26, 2021

Peter Johnson, chairman of Vivalda Group, the UK’s largest independent distributor of non-combustible facade products, has welcomed additional powers granted to the safety body charged with maintaining cladding standards in the wake of Grenfell Tower. It was confirmed this month (January 2021) that the new regulator for construction products, will

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Winvic and Mechan Collaborate on New Logistics Hub

Kenneth Booth January 26, 2021

DIRFT III Features Specialist Rail Traverser Mechan is supplying a multidisciplinary main contractor, Winvic Construction, with a bespoke rail traverser for a new £29 million Intermodal Rail Freight Terminal that is being constructed for Prologis at its DIRFT intermodal logistics park in Northamptonshire. The rail depot equipment specialist is one

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GGF ISSUES REVISED GUIDANCE ON IN HOUSE SELLING DURING LOCKDOWN IN ENGLAND

Kenneth Booth January 26, 2021

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has issued revised guidance for Home Improvement companies and sub-contractors operating in England during the current National Lockdown, following confirmation from Government officials of a new interpretation of the guidance for in-house selling during the pandemic. The general Guidance on the subject of sales,

Read More »

Solar panels help Brickfab build a greener future

Kenneth Booth January 26, 2021

Brickfab, a leading manufacturer of prefabricated products for the UK House Building industry, is building itself a greener future. The innovative business, based in Pontypool, which employs sixty people designs, manufactures and supplies prefabricated arches, brick specials, chimneys, GRP canopies and panels to the major house builders throughout the UK. Brickfab Managing Director, Nigel

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Maynards Europe to bring entire assets of Severnside’s 100-acre former Avara Pharmaceutical Facility to market in 5,000-lot plus sale in 2021

Kenneth Booth January 26, 2021

Maynards Europe will oversee the initial stages in one of the most important regeneration projects in the UK from 2021 onwards. Work is set to begin in January following the acquisition of the 100-acre Avlon Works pharmaceutical processing site in the heart of Avonmouth Severnside by the Vancouver-based Epta Development

Read More »

MTC PROJECTS SHORTLISTED IN PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS

Kenneth Booth January 26, 2021

Collaborative projects being undertaken at the Manufacturing Technology Centre have been shortlisted for the prestigious Collaborate to Innovate awards. The awards, organised by The Engineer, celebrate UK-led engineering projects with genuine innovation at their core. MTC projects have been shortlisted in several categories including Aerospace and Defence, Manufacturing Technology and

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MCI Developments Delivers Affordable Housing Project

MCI Developments Delivers Affordable Housing Project

Cristina Diaconu January 26, 2021

MCI Developments, part of national homebuilder Keepmoat Homes, has partnered with social housing provider, Together Housing, to bring forward a £13 million affordable housing scheme in Nelson, Lancashire. Having completed the purchase of the land off Priory Chase from private owners, the site will be transformed into a housing development

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Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

January 26, 2021

Cladding chief welcomes new regulatory powers to remove dangerous materials and prosecute rogue companies

Kenneth Booth January 26, 2021

Peter Johnson, chairman of Vivalda Group, the UK’s largest independent distributor of non-combustible facade products, has welcomed additional powers granted to the safety body charged with maintaining cladding standards in the wake of Grenfell Tower. It was confirmed this month (January 2021) that the new regulator for construction products, will operate within the Office for Product Safety and Standards department. Granted an additional £10m of funding, this will give the new watchdog more responsibility to conduct its own independent product-testing when investigating cases of suspected malpractice. Cladding firms must now ensure that their products are safe before being sold – which includes testing cladding and associated products such as insulation against new, tougher safety standards. Reacting to the latest announcement from Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick, Peter Johnson said: “This is definitely a step in the right direction for the cladding industry. Damning evidence heard from the Grenfell enquiry is liable to cast a long shadow of suspicion across the entire construction sector and so any additional quality assurances must be fully supported. Without independent and transparent testing and quality checks, nobody wins. “Indeed, my own company has lost several competitive contract pitches over the years to products where the fire test performance of a cheaper material is highly questionable owing to gaps in the certification. I would like to believe that such fast and loose practice is now a thing of the past. Certainly, this measure goes some way to stamping it out for good, thus providing what the industry and wider society demands – proven safety.”

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WHY APPROVED ELECTRIC VEHICLE CABLES ARE VITAL FOR SMART CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURES

Kenneth Booth January 26, 2021

Learn about the importance of specifying and sourcing third party approved cables to implement effective electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructures. As demand for electric vehicles and charging systems becomes greater than ever, safeguarding the longevity of the cable is vital to ensuring safety once installed. Read on to find out more about how you can be confident of quality. Driven by the launch of the UK government’s ‘10 Point Plan’, a new date of 2030 has been set to phase out the use of petrol and diesel automobiles. Even greater reliance is now being put on installing safe and efficient electric vehicle charging points and nationwide systems, within is reduced time frame. Removing all greenhouse gas emissions in the UK by 2050 is an overarching target that is critical to the plans. This in turn drives the requirement for more environmentally friendly, effective infrastructures. As fossil fuel energy production continues to be phased out there is a significant need for electrification, particularly concerning transport networks. The imminent surge in demand for electrified systems require high quality cable products that can perform efficiently to satisfy operating demands. Market installation drivers and priorities The transportation sector is experiencing significant challenges, which are set to continue over the next decade. The race now, is focused on integrating EVs as a primary choice for road users, as opposed to their existing petrol and diesel counterparts. Policy is driving the requirement for charging facilities to become more accessible, whilst also offering a reliable and efficient service. As more EVs hit the road, users demand charging services that match their usability expectations against the speed of today’s traditional refueling stations. Reliance on electric power to operate many EVs means that the demand for charging points needs to rapidly increase, to make facilities accessible within both public and private settings. In order to meet demand, it is estimated that 2.8 million charging points are planned to be required across the United Kingdom by 2030. Charging cable specific impacts EV cables themselves can also be impacted by several factors including installation, component failure, weather conditions, and even user damage. These are key challenges to ensuring that the cable products installed are safe and efficient for long term use within their infrastructure and can function as expected within demanding conditions. Testing and certification of cable products is vital to minimising the risk of failure, resulting from the above factors. Worldwide, there are two standards in existence in relation to EV charging cables, they work to reduce risk to safety. Within Europe EN 50620 is most prevalent and specifies design, dimension, and test requirements for halogen free cables with voltage ratings up to 450/470 V. From a broad international perspective, the IEC 62893 series exists, which is comprised of several different parts and also specifies the construction, dimensions, and test requirements of EV charging cables. Independent, third party testing and approval bodies, such as BASEC, undertake rigorous checks to assess an EV charging cable product’s ability to meet the requirements of safety and quality in line with the standards. Smart connection integration of charging units Smart charging systems are a relatively new technology developed to maximise efficiency within electric vehicle charging units. Commonly referred to as intelligent charging, they include a data connection which is shared between an electric vehicle and a charging device, allowing them to communicate with each other and the wider systems. The smart system provides the charging station owner the ability to closely manage how much energy to input into the EV. This helps to optimise energy consumption, ensuring the grid is not overloaded at peak times. Safe, reliable cables that have gained third party approval are vital to installed smart charging systems, confirming they are powered by high quality products. The use of substandard cables can lead to electric current loading, based on the power output of the EV device or overall load requirements, and higher levels of conductor resistance. Generating excess heat which could lead to problems, accelerating the deterioration of cables and impacting the EV system’s ability to perform efficiently. EV charging point accessibility The accessibility of EV charging infrastructures on a nationwide scale to meet net zero targets is one of the biggest challenges the industry currently faces. There is a huge risk of cable products entering the market that have not been properly approved. Cables that have gained independent, third party approval are able to prove that the cable performs sufficiently. This in turn helps to provide confidence to specifiers and installers that the cable  has met the relevant quality, safety and performance requirements. Acting to verify that the claims of conformity made about a cable product, by the manufacturer, are valid. Considerations for EV charging cables and their supporting infrastructures Rapid developments around the globe are underway to launch new technologies in support of the widespread implementation of EVs and their charging infrastructures. Power is being generated in new and sustainable ways to reduce impact on the environment. Smart technologies are also being integrated, as they allow devices and multiple data systems to communicate with each other. Offering greater control over the transfer of power and maximising renewable energy generation efficiency. There are many benefits to smart monitoring such as avoiding peak charging times and minimising charging costs. To safeguard the implementation of EV charging infrastructures it is crucial that cables are thoroughly tested for quality and safety, whilst also ensuring they will be reliable and efficient once in operation. Comprehensive testing as part of an EV certification programme is designed to assess pressure, heat shock, ultraviolet resistance, water immersion, and flame retardance. Each of these factors are closely monitored to determine a cable product’s performance under different circumstances, and in turn minimising the risks to those installing and using the cables in the end charging application. Summary There are substantial efforts required to ensure the required number of charging points are installed in time to meet the UK’s ban on petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030. With rapid

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Winvic and Mechan Collaborate on New Logistics Hub

Kenneth Booth January 26, 2021

DIRFT III Features Specialist Rail Traverser Mechan is supplying a multidisciplinary main contractor, Winvic Construction, with a bespoke rail traverser for a new £29 million Intermodal Rail Freight Terminal that is being constructed for Prologis at its DIRFT intermodal logistics park in Northamptonshire. The rail depot equipment specialist is one of few UK firms with the ability to design and build traversers, holding the record for the largest installation in the country at the Port of Felixstowe. Known as DIRFT III, the project comprises a 344-hectare logistics site, which will include a state-of-the-art rail freight terminal. Mechan’s traverser will be situated outside the terminal building, at the end of 9km of new lines, being constructed by Winvic, who is also responsible for installing three new bridges and a 79,000m² terminal slab. The traverser will be used to move Class 66 locomotives in a perpendicular direction to the tracks, so they can return to service after loading/unloading. This has allowed the terminal length to be shorter, as a head shunt isn’t required. Working closely with the Winvic team, Mechan has designed the multi-rail traverser to suit the specific conditions at DIRFT III. It spans 28 metres, has a capacity of 140 tonnes and comprises an access platform, plus loco buffer to prevent trains overrunning. Lindsey Mills, Mechan’s sales manager, said: “We are really pleased to secure a contract for the DIRFT III traverser, after successfully completing a competitive tendering process and we look forward to working with Winvic on this key project. Although the sheer size of a traverser makes each installation a challenge, they are actually a great space saving device, allowing trains to be transferred between tracks easily and efficiently.” Once the design process is complete, Mechan will begin construction of the traverser at its headquarters. It will be dismantled for delivery to site and is due to be installed and commissioned in April 2021, before training is provided to end user, Prologis. Winvic’s Rob Cook, Civils and Infrastructure Director, added: “As rail traversers aren’t that common in the UK, this is a particularly exciting element of an already significant and complex scheme. Mechan’s reputation is second to none and our design teams have been working very well together to get to the stage where the firm is almost ready to begin the manufacturing process. Installation is planned for the end of April and we are looking forward to seeing this specialist piece of equipment – that is central to the compact nature of the terminal’s design – being installed on site.” Winvic commenced construction of DIRFT III in June this year and it is expected to be completed next summer. The intermodal rail terminal will enable 24, 775-metre trains to carry freight in and out of the logistics park, while the concrete yard will provide space for the storage of approximately 460 containers. Each Mechan traverser is built to order and incorporates the latest technology, ensuring it is adaptable enough to handle future trains that are expected to be longer than they are today. For more information, telephone (0114) 257 0563, visit www.mechan.co.uk or follow the firm on Twitter, @mechanuk. For more information on Winvic, the company’s latest project news and job vacancies please visit www.winvic.co.uk. Join Winvic on social media – visit Twitter @WinvicLtd – and LinkedIn.  

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SO RESI TO LAUNCH SHARED OWNERSHIP REPORT WITH CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY IN VIRTUAL ROUNDTABLE

Kenneth Booth January 26, 2021

SO Resi, the shared ownership brand of leading housing association Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing (MTVH), will release its first annual report to unveil new research into shared ownership. The research has been undertaken together with Cambridge University and the findings will be discussed during a virtual roundtable on Wednesday 3rd February at 10am. The virtual roundtable will be chaired by property writer and editor Stacey Meadwell, and the panel will consist of Kush Rawal, Director of Residential Investment at MTVH; Dr Gemma Burgess, Professor at Cambridge University; Jon Lord, Managing Director at Metro Finance; and Ben Fry, Head of Housing Investment at Gresham House. The discussion will focus on the key findings from the report, offering an overview of the shared ownership sector in 2020 and covering topics such as a more in depth look at the supply side of the market; management issues such as arrears; responses to the pandemic; and upcoming changes to shared ownership. Attendees will be invited to submit their questions to the panel on the day, and encouraged to give feedback throughout the roundtable in a series of polls. Kush Rawal, Director of Residential Investment at Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing, comments: “Despite the challenges of the pandemic last year, we saw our highest level of interest from customers hoping to use shared ownership in 2020, demonstrating a clear demand from consumers for an affordable route onto the property ladder. Yet there is an obvious gap in the market in terms of accurate, recent data surrounding shared ownership and the issues faced in the sector. “Our inaugural report looks at the shared ownership sector over the past year, allowing both us and external organisations to draw conclusions that will help to improve shared ownership not only for customers, but for lenders and investors. This is the first report in recent history that evaluates data from all perspectives in the industry, which we feel will not only be hugely beneficial to us, but to all affordable housing providers. I am looking forward to discussing the findings of the report with the panel, which will offer a varied insight into shared ownership and contribute to our understanding of  the affordable homes sector.” Dr Gemma Burgess, Acting Director Cambridge Centre for Housing and Planning Research at Cambridge University, comments: “This research underpins many existing beliefs within the affordable homes sector, with respondents agreeing that shared ownership is a positive offering for homebuyers and an attractive prospect for investors and lenders. However, there are some concerns highlighted by those who took part in the research surrounding the upcoming changes that the government will introduce this year. The virtual roundtable discussion will bring together different perspectives, reflecting the range of respondents surveyed, and will allow the audience to offer their opinions on the research results.” SO Resi’s virtual roundtable discussion will take place via Zoom on Wednesday 3rd February from 10am-11am. Those interested in attending the roundtable or receiving a copy of the report can register here www.shorturl.at/hknuV or email matt@building-relations.co.uk. To find out more about SO Resi call 0208 607 0550 or visit www.soresi.co.uk.

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GGF ISSUES REVISED GUIDANCE ON IN HOUSE SELLING DURING LOCKDOWN IN ENGLAND

Kenneth Booth January 26, 2021

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has issued revised guidance for Home Improvement companies and sub-contractors operating in England during the current National Lockdown, following confirmation from Government officials of a new interpretation of the guidance for in-house selling during the pandemic. The general Guidance on the subject of sales, published on the Government’s website, as detailed below remains the same and is unlikely to change for the next few weeks. “Door-to-door sales should not take place, and sales activities should be conducted remotely (such as by phone, online, or mail).” The slightly more relaxed interpretation of the rules around the restrictions may allow for sales people to enter the home, if necessary but it is vital for all individuals who are entering a property to ensure they are following the Safe Guidance and social distancing guidelines. John Agnew, GGF Managing Director commented on the change, “Government officials have recently confirmed directly to the GGF that if selling and surveying in England cannot be done remotely, then companies and their sub-contractors can conduct pre-booked in-house sales and surveys, if carried out within the Safe Guidance.” The GGF recommends that consumers are offered a remote appointment in the first instance and that advises companies, who cannot sell or survey remotely to ensure they do so, in a controlled and measured manner. John Agnew added, “The GGF recommends that any in-house selling activity should start in February to ensure a responsible and gradual industry approach.” The GGF also advises that all individuals entering a home to carry out work should use the NHS Test and Trace App which can be downloaded from the NHIS website https://covid19.nhs.uk/.   On the subject of door to door canvassing, the Government is clear that this activity should not be undertaken at present and this has been underlined by the GGF. In a statement issued to its Membership, the GGF highlights that local authorities in England can issue a prohibition notice on businesses. The GGF’s Primary Authority Partnership confirmed “the (current) level of risk to public health met the requirements for local authorities to be able to issue prohibition notices to businesses as allowed by the regulations”. Companies should be mindful of this possible sanction if they ignore the advice and continue to canvass. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is responsible for enforcing COVID secure guidance in terms of how you are working. The HSE has the power to issue an enforcement notice on any business that is not operating in accordance with COVID secure guidance creating a potential risk to public health and safety. With the restriction on in-house selling slightly relaxed, and if the pandemic health statistics show the situation is improving, the GGF expects the Government to ease the restrictions gradually over the coming weeks and months. In the meantime, the GGF has urged companies who can continue to operate, to do so responsibly and within the spirit of the guidance. John Agnew summarised, “The published GGF and Government Safe Guidance has not changed, all companies who can continue to operate should ensure they follow the safe guidance to safeguard their employees and customers, and to protect the NHS and save lives.” To access the very latest GGF and Government guidance please click on the links below: GGF COVID Latest News Page   GGF COVID Guidance Table GGF COVID Guide for Manufacturers and the Supply Chain   GGF COVID Guide for Installers GGF COVID Guide for Homeowners

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Solar panels help Brickfab build a greener future

Kenneth Booth January 26, 2021

Brickfab, a leading manufacturer of prefabricated products for the UK House Building industry, is building itself a greener future. The innovative business, based in Pontypool, which employs sixty people designs, manufactures and supplies prefabricated arches, brick specials, chimneys, GRP canopies and panels to the major house builders throughout the UK. Brickfab Managing Director, Nigel Watkins, says the firm recognises the role it must play in reducing its carbon footprint by putting the environment at the forefront of its business. It has added to its green credentials by installing 170 solar panels at its factory in Pontypool. Mr Watkins said: “We take a proactive approach to dealing with all matters relating to Brickfab’s environmental impact. To that end and to reduce our carbon footprint even further, we have installed a total of 170, 290v solar modules which will give us an installed capacity of 49kWP. We expect to make savings of 25 tonnes of CO2e per year. It helps everyone at Brickfab to have a greater awareness of the importance of looking after the planet and climate.” The business expects to recover the costs of installing the solar panels over the next few years through the energy produced by the equipment.  Brickfab received an interest free loan from The Carbon Trust for the installation which had made the project financially viable. The system was installed by Hereford-based Caplor Energy. The installation comes in the wake of Brickfab’s other green initiatives which include the use of cutting-edge delivery vehicles to help reduce fuel use, streaming and segregation of factory waste with significantly less going to land fill and the recycling of plastic and cardboard. Mr Watkins said: “We have a focus on reducing energy use across the business and working towards ISO 14001 environmental standard. We could well see further solar panels installed on our other factories, in the future.”

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Maynards Europe to bring entire assets of Severnside’s 100-acre former Avara Pharmaceutical Facility to market in 5,000-lot plus sale in 2021

Kenneth Booth January 26, 2021

Maynards Europe will oversee the initial stages in one of the most important regeneration projects in the UK from 2021 onwards. Work is set to begin in January following the acquisition of the 100-acre Avlon Works pharmaceutical processing site in the heart of Avonmouth Severnside by the Vancouver-based Epta Development Corporation (EDC) in December. Maynards, a global leader in industrial auctions and liquidations, is to manage the asset recovery and demolition of the former pharmaceutical plant. The project is so vast that the asset list runs to 144 pages and Maynards expects to put together a sales catalogue of more than 5,000 lots, to include “everything above ground”. Once the site has been cleared, EDC propose creating a modern, master-planned warehousing and logistics park comprising c.1,850,000 square, a project that is set to be a major contributor to economic development, job creation and regeneration for the region centred on South Gloucestershire. The Avlon Works were operational for 50 years from 1969 to 2019. In 2016 AstraZeneca sold the site to Avara Pharmaceutical in the hope of securing the operation’s future, but Avara fell into administration and the entire site was put up for sale. “With the complete contents of the 100-acre facility for sale, Maynards is offering a unique opportunity to purchase complete pharmaceutical production lines or individual assets,” says UK Managing Director Daniel Gray. “The spares inventory alone is valued at more than £2.5 million, but add to that site support equipment, site infrastructure, offices, labs, warehouse equipment, workshops, data centres, building structures and much more, and it is easy to see just how substantial and significant this offer is.” All the equipment has been professionally cleaned and purged, and Avara staff have been retained to assist in answering technical questions, providing data and assisting with sales and equipment removal from site. Full data sheets of the complete inventory are available to interested parties. Among the equipment and facilities to be disposed of are: five Large-Scale cGMP API Plants, with 6-10m3 reactors, pressure filter, conical and centrifuge drying two Large-Scale Milling Facilities with Hosakawa mills cGMP Kilo Scale facility with 20-100L reactors four quality, two environmental, six chemistry and one analytical laboratories IMS Solvent Recovery Unit (Koch Modular Process) a biological wastewater treatment facility a combined heat and power plant extensive warehousing including cold storage offices, workshops, site services, facilities and internal transport throughout “The Avonmouth site has long been a major national distribution hub for its products, and so is perfectly situated for effective asset disposal, with additional nearby port connections,” said Mr Gray. Maynards Europe is part of the Maynards group of companies, a global enterprise launched in 1902 which pioneered the Industrial and Retail auction industry from the early 1950s. A formidable  track record in asset disposal includes numerous blue-chip partnerships in the automotive, pharmaceutical, energy supply and other industries that have enabled the repurposing of highly specialised machinery and equipment. One of the company’s main focuses has been the pharmaceutical industry. Most recently that has included the dispersal of the complete contents of Recipharm’s Ashton-under-Lyne pharmaceutical manufacturing facility. As with that project, Maynards Europe will work with logistics partners offering turnkey solutions to relocate and recommission equipment from the Avlon Works site globally.

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MTC PROJECTS SHORTLISTED IN PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS

Kenneth Booth January 26, 2021

Collaborative projects being undertaken at the Manufacturing Technology Centre have been shortlisted for the prestigious Collaborate to Innovate awards. The awards, organised by The Engineer, celebrate UK-led engineering projects with genuine innovation at their core. MTC projects have been shortlisted in several categories including Aerospace and Defence, Manufacturing Technology and a wild card entry. Projects shortlisted include the £15 million DRAMA project (Digital Reconfigurable Additive Manufacturing facilities for Aerospace). DRAMA is a supply chain programme to accelerate the uptake of additive manufacturing in the UK aerospace sector, giving supply chain companies access to facilities and know-how that can support the development or their own products, processes and facilities. The programme has supported 22 supply chain companies so far and has expanded the footprint of the National Centre for Additive Manufacturing by building a new open access facility with state-of-the-art digital infrastructure developed with project partners. DRAMA was shortlisted in both the Aerospace and Defence and Manufacturing Technology categories of the Collaborate to Innovate Awards. Also shortlisted in the Manufacturing Technology category, the Concrete Reinforcement of the Future project, undertaken as part of the Construction Innovation Hub, identified opportunities to innovate standard rebar by laser cutting each piece, substantially reducing injury, labour time and costs. This collaborative project, in conjunction with MetLase, shows how even the most traditional process has potential for innovation. Based on current rebar use in the UK, this innovative project has identified potential savings of £1.35bn in labour time and 54,000,000 hours. Also shortlisted is the National Centre for Additive Manufacturing’s PowderCleanse project which demonstrates the benefits of a newly developed sieving and recycling process for metal powder used in additive manufacturing production, particularly with safety critical, high value components. The PowderCleanse process was created in collaboration with Carpenter Technology Corporation, Farleygreene, Malvern Panalytical and Aegleteq and can be integrated into the AM production process. The shortlisted Platform Construction System, also part of the Construction Innovation Hub, is developing a standardised kit of parts that can be deployed in multiple building types and sectors, offering significant benefits in quality, cost, delivery time and whole-life value. Shortlisted in the Wild Card category, the Platform Construction System blurs the boundaries between the once distinct manufacturing and construction sectors and is working collaboratively with more than 40 industry partners to develop solutions which can deployed at scale in the construction sector.  Winning projects will be announced in Collaborate to Innovate Week which runs from February 1 to February 5. The MTC aims to provide a competitive environment to bridge the gap between university-based research and the development of innovative manufacturing solutions, in line with the Government’s manufacturing strategy. The MTC is part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, supported by Innovate UK. The MTC was founded by the University of Birmingham, Loughborough University, the University of Nottingham and TWI Ltd. The MTC’s industrial members include some of the UK’s major global manufacturers.

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MCI Developments Delivers Affordable Housing Project

MCI Developments Delivers Affordable Housing Project

Cristina Diaconu January 26, 2021

MCI Developments, part of national homebuilder Keepmoat Homes, has partnered with social housing provider, Together Housing, to bring forward a £13 million affordable housing scheme in Nelson, Lancashire. Having completed the purchase of the land off Priory Chase from private owners, the site will be transformed into a housing development of 114 new homes, comprising of a mix of one and two bed apartments, two bed bungalows and two-, three-, and four- bedroomed houses. All the properties will be available for affordable rent which will be managed by Together Housing. “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Together Housing for the first time to deliver this residential scheme at Priory Chase. We were keen to work with a partner who had the same vision to transform the site into a thriving inclusive community, providing local people and local families with the opportunity to live in a new energy efficient new home at an affordable rent level. With 100% of the development being available for affordable rent, we’re excited to commence construction on site, and we look forward to delivering these much-needed new homes,” said Alex Wood, Regional Managing Director at MCI Developments. The development marks the first time MCI Developments and Together Housing have partnered to deliver an affordable housing project. “Together Housing are delighted to have partnered with MCI on this new development in Nelson, Lancashire. The residential housing scheme will provide excellent new homes and help to meet the demand for quality, affordable housing in the North West. We are very much looking forward to working with the team from MCI on this project,” added Russell Gallagher, Development Project Manager at Together Housing. Construction is due to commence in February 2021 and is expected to take approximately 3 years to complete.

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Kensa Welcomes Government Response to Future Homes Standard Consultation

Kensa Welcomes Government Response to Future Homes Standard Consultation

Cristina Diaconu January 26, 2021

Kensa Group CEO, Simon Lomax, has welcomed the Government’s long-awaited response to the recent Part L Future Homes Consultation, which states that from 2025, no new homes will be built with fossil fuel heating such as a natural gas boiler. Mr Lomax said: “Although we would always ask the Government to be prompter and more ambitious, we generally support the response which makes clear that heat pumps are expected to become the default heating choice at new build dwellings from 2025. We also welcome the continued opportunity for local authorities to specify planning conditions which mandate energy efficiency upgrades which are more demanding than mere compliance with the emerging regulations.” Based in Cornwall, Kensa has developed some unique solutions for the residential new build sector based upon the ultra-small Shoebox ground source heat pump which can be paired with a traditional cylinder or a heat battery. In most cases, the Shoebox is served by a shared ground array, thereby mimicking the system architecture in a traditional gas boiler arrangement. “A ground source heat pump provides the lowest carbon solution as the technology is far more efficient than an air source heat pump, particularly on the coldest days. The Achilles heel has always been the added cost of the array. Thankfully, we can now remove that cost from the housebuilder as there are many entities who will fund the underground architecture in return for a standing charge paid by the householder. A ground source heat pump now costs no more than an air source heat pump,” added Mr Lomax. The technology has been installed at a new build development in Bristol to help the city achieve its carbon-neutral pledge. 133 homes at Ashton Rise are being heated by individual Kensa ground source heat pumps connected to a shared ground loop array of boreholes. The installation will see each home making lifetime carbon savings of 30 tonnes compared to individual gas boilers, whilst also protecting local air quality from the harmful NOx emissions associated with fossil fuel heating systems.

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