The UK’s slow-to-change-its-ways construction industry needs to harness the power of technology to flourish in a post-Brexit world, according to one industry specialist. Dan Grimshaw says unless the majority of future new homes are constructed off-site, the government is unlikely to achieve its pledge to reach net zero carbon by
SatSense Ltd, one of few satellite-derived ground movement data providers in Europe has developed an autonomous self-service based transactional portal for its users. SatShop allows users to log into a website and download InSAR ground movement data over their area of interest. InSAR, or Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar, is a
Lengthy stints of lockdown restrictions have caused many homebuyers to reevaluate what they want from their bricks and mortar investment. The conclusion? A bigger home, more outdoor space and a move away from the city. While this has been a trend that has intensified over the last year, the latest
Every industry is facing an uncertain few years. Changes to the way we live our lives are driving fundamental changes in our society. As is digital transformation. The wholesale uptake of digital technologies, robotics, automated systems and electronics is moving us further and further away from traditional modes of work.
Westcountry homebuilder Cavanna Homes has once again been awarded the maximum five-star rating from the Home Builders Federation (HBF) following the annual prestigious customer satisfaction survey. The family-owned firm, with its headquarters in Torquay, is one of just 42 homebuilders nationwide to be awarded the top five-star rating after achieving
Honda of the UK Manufacturing (Honda) has announced it has entered into a contract for sale of its Swindon site. Originally purchased by the Japanese car manufacturer in 1985, the site will be sold to Panattoni, Europe’s largest developer of new build industrial and logistics facilities. In 2019, Honda Motor announced
If your building makes employees experience sick building syndrome (SBS), it’s time for you to take this matter seriously. SBS is a condition where people get sick because of the building’s condition. Many factors contribute to this, like poor indoor air quality and other subfactors that weren’t considered beforehand. Since
The construction industry has always been ranked as among the most dangerous sectors to work in. The combination of safety and health risks that involve heavy-duty equipment, vehicles, and manual tasks makes the industry notoriously dangerous. In fact, statistics from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) shows that 20%
The UK’s slow-to-change-its-ways construction industry needs to harness the power of technology to flourish in a post-Brexit world, according to one industry specialist. Dan Grimshaw says unless the majority of future new homes are constructed off-site, the government is unlikely to achieve its pledge to reach net zero carbon by 2050. “Brexit was hailed as a means of transforming the UK into a technology superpower and that same ethos needs to carry on through into home building,” said Dan, from Beam Development. “To meet the government’s net zero carbon promise and 300,000-homes-a-year target, the focus needs to be more on prefabrication and factory-based methods. “The construction industry still has an old-fashioned way of doing things with practices leftover from the past. It’s going to have to keep up or we’ll get left behind. “Building onsite means juggling with challenging time schedules and so many variables: the weather, the quality of the people, the different materials, to name but a few. “And what’s more, you couldn’t even get a mortgage on a timber framed house until quite recently, which has also slowed down the pace of modernisation. “By contrast, off-site construction is about quality control, and being able to build things in a managed environment rather than being out on a building site. “Ultimately the big players in the industry will have to move to off-site construction and there will then be a sea change – as was the case with electric cars – then it will all become normal.” Earlier this month’s the Government announced it is set to establish a Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) taskforce to accelerate the delivery of MMC homes in the UK. Dan says the advantages of MMCs can be seen across the spectrum of specification. “Where homes are constructed along a production line in a factory setting – rather than on a building site – makes sense and creates huge carbon savings,” he added. “Modular homes can be installed within days and are high-tech, hard-wearing and provide a contemporary solution to traditional construction problems. “A streamlined process that can be repeated time and again for each project means costs are saved through economies of scale and lowered design costs. “The buildings are designed in panels, so simple designs can be achieved easily, while more complex ones which involve more work, take a little longer. “Houses or sections of a house will come on a lorry from the factory, pre-assembled, and with everything installed including a boiler, and delivered to the site. “All of the electric components just need to be clipped and connected together by a house assembly team and the whole thing can be ready in days. “There will still be specific skills needed in the design and in manufacturing of course, but these will be done in the factory under more controlled conditions.” In Europe Estonia-based Kodasema is the world’s fourth-largest exporter of MMC houses, with Germany’s Huff Haus the high-spec market leaders, and BoKlok, meanwhile, a joint venture between Scandinavian giants Skanska and Ikea, caters for the mass market. As part of the Future Homes Standard, the government has outlined plans to reduce carbon emissions from homes by almost a third. Dan Grimshaw is a design and construction specialist who has worked on premium residential projects for more than 15 years. Dan believes in the importance of nurturing talent and is a mentor to the British Library’s prestigious Innovating for Growth programme. For further information visit: www.beamdevelopment.co.uk
SatSense Ltd, one of few satellite-derived ground movement data providers in Europe has developed an autonomous self-service based transactional portal for its users. SatShop allows users to log into a website and download InSAR ground movement data over their area of interest. InSAR, or Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar, is a technique used in remote sensing. Satellite radar images are used to generate insight into surface deformation. SatSense Ltd. uses this data to help people understand historic and ongoing ground and structure movements, accurate down to millimetres. Traditionally, SatSense compile a detailed report with expert analysis to aid customers but now, select users will be able to select and download the data for themselves. The Leeds-based scale-up understands that time and accessibility are often key pain points for their userbase, who are often geotechnical engineers. The CEO, Matthew Bray has been quick to note that the traditional way of obtaining InSAR data can be laboured and unnecessarily time consuming. The self-service portal is their answer to this, and in doing so, they aim to integrate their solution more effectively into engineers’ workflow processes. The CEO Matthew Bray commented that “Our next generation solution is one that will continue to give value to our customers; the self-service portal, SatShop, is our way of helping to drive efficiency and reduce costs for geotechnical engineers. The easy to use, step-by-step process will only boost our rapidly increasing adoption – we look forward to continuing to develop our products with customers and maintain this upward trajectory.” This is a strong statement of intent from SatSense Ltd. as they move towards a frictionless transaction system, one that will be seen more and more in the coming years. The portal interface is set up to allow complete autonomy by allowing users to interact entirely with the digital process, and have data sent directly to them, in their preferred format, when they want it. SatSense Ltd. Have gone from strength to strength since receiving significant investment from local investment house Mercia Asset Management. Investment Manager at Mercia, William Schaffer issued a statement welcoming the move to an autonomous digital platform. “SatSense is a promising investment for the Northern Powerhouse investment Fund. In bringing their solution forward and offering a seamless user experience, they are commercialising and democratising an incredibly valuable data set in a truly unique way. We anticipate their efforts will deliver substantial value to their customers and markets.”
Lengthy stints of lockdown restrictions have caused many homebuyers to reevaluate what they want from their bricks and mortar investment. The conclusion? A bigger home, more outdoor space and a move away from the city. While this has been a trend that has intensified over the last year, the latest research from Warwick Estates has revealed that demand for apartment living remains strong in a number of the UK’s major cities. Warwick Estates analysed homebuyer demand based on the number of apartments and flats in each city that were already sold subject to contract (SSTC) or under offer, attributing a demand score based on this level of stock as a percentage of all flats listed for sale. So if 100 flats are listed and 50 are already SSTC or under offer, buyer demand in that particular city would sit at 50%. UK demand for flat living When looking at overall demand across the UK’s top 20 major cities, an average of 40% of all flats listed for sale have already been snapped up by buyers. However, in some major cities, the demand for flat living is far higher. Glasgow ranks as the flattest place in the UK property market at present, with buyer demand at 71%. Nearby Edinburgh is also a flat homebuyer hotspot, with 60% of all flat and apartments listed for sale already SSTC or under offer. Outside of Scotland, Bristol ranks top for flat demand in England at 55%, while Plymouth (53%), Bournemouth (47%), Portsmouth (45%), Leeds (42%), Southampton (42%), Nottingham (42%) and Sheffield (41%) also rank high. Most in-demand flat property features When looking at what features of a flat are most sought after amongst buyers, the availability of garden space within a development is the hottest requirement in the current market. 44% of all flats with garden space listed for sale on the market are already sold or under offer. Parking and garage space ranked as the second most sought after feature of an apartment property (42%), with a balcony and terrace (36%) placing ahead of a porter or concierge (27%). COO of Warwick Estates, Emma Power, commented: “There’s no doubting that the monotony of lockdown has caused many to look to greener, larger, pastures, that allow them the space to escape the confines of their four walls even under lockdown restrictions. However, this certainly doesn’t mean that flats and apartments have become redundant in today’s market and in many cities, this is quite the opposite. For some, it’s simply a lifestyle choice, others will be looking to downsize and for many more, the generally more affordable price of apartments allows them to get a foot on the ladder with a place to call their own. With a lockdown escape plan now in place, we expect demand for flat living to strengthen as our major cities once again become the hub for our professional and social lives. Of course, with the pandemic and memories of lockdown still very fresh in our minds, homebuyers of all property types will continue to prioritise size and outdoor space when searching for their perfect home. ” Table shows overall buyer demand for flats listed in each city, as well as individual demand for flats based on each property feature City Overall demand Garden Parking or Garage Balcony or Terrace Porter or Concierge Glasgow 71% 74% 69% 64% 71% Edinburgh 60% 61% 60% 51% 45% Bristol 55% 56% 54% 45% 44% Plymouth 53% 58% 56% 45% 43% Bournemouth 47% 45% 48% 45% 28% Portsmouth 45% 47% 45% 46% 34% Leeds 42% 51% 49% 36% 32% Southampton 42% 47% 43% 39% 20% Nottingham 42% 48% 43% 39% 28% Sheffield 41% 52% 51% 41% 33% Cardiff 39% 46% 41% 30% 21% Belfast 36% 42% 39% 40% 0% Bradford 34% 38% 38% 39% 26% Newcastle 31% 37% 29% 19% 7% Leicester 28% 26% 33% 25% 27% London 27% 31% 29% 23% 14% Birmingham 25% 31% 31% 27% 15% Liverpool 25% 32% 32% 26% 21% Swansea 24% 25% 26% 20% 13% Manchester 22% 23% 26% 22% 13% Average of all 20 UK Cities 40% 44% 42% 36% 27% Data sourced from Zoopla (18/03/2021). Demand based on the number of properties sold subject to contract or under offer as a percentage of all properties listed.
Every industry is facing an uncertain few years. Changes to the way we live our lives are driving fundamental changes in our society. As is digital transformation. The wholesale uptake of digital technologies, robotics, automated systems and electronics is moving us further and further away from traditional modes of work. The construction industry is facing the same reckoning. With new innovations for building materials and methods hitting the trade market more often, some industry insiders worry that the demand for skilled tradesmen withing the building industry will decrease. Traditional tradesmen, highly skilled workers who have learned their trade, have been at the epicentre of construction for hundreds of years. Their knowledge and expertise have helped to complete some of the greatest construction projects on earth. Developments in building methods and technology are starting to undermine the traditional trades. Hoping to make construction more efficient, modern building technologies and methods could see demand for skilled trades decrease in the years to come. For example, a dry hip system removes the need for sand and mortar when installing a roof, making the installation process much simpler. How the demand for skilled labour will be impacted is still unclear. However, the Chancellor’s announcement of financial incentives for apprenticeships will further boost the numbers of young people looking to move into trades. If the industry gets on top of learning and teaching these new building methods, we could see a boom of more efficient building projects across the country. This could improve the living conditions for thousands of people across the UK, while also providing secure jobs for generations of seasoned and new tradespeople up and down the country. It will hopefully fill the gap of highly skilled European workers who are no longer coming to Britain after Brexit. As fears of decreased demand for skilled workers in the construction industry continue, there are areas of construction where jobs opportunities look set to improve over the next few years. Project management demand within the industry is still high and looks set to remain that way. While the demand for tradesmen and skilled workers may fluctuate over the next few years, the industry as a whole looks set for a boom decade. Learning new building methods, how to maintain and run automated systems, and adapting to new work environments will make the difference between employment or not over the next few years.
Westcountry homebuilder Cavanna Homes has once again been awarded the maximum five-star rating from the Home Builders Federation (HBF) following the annual prestigious customer satisfaction survey. The family-owned firm, with its headquarters in Torquay, is one of just 42 homebuilders nationwide to be awarded the top five-star rating after achieving over the 90 percent benchmark for recommendations from homebuyers. The annual customer satisfaction survey asks new-build homeowners across the country for their feedback on their homebuilder’s build quality, customer service, and whether they would recommend them to family or friends. Over 90 percent of Cavanna’s homeowners who completed the survey said they would recommend the firm as well as endorsing the build quality and the standard of finish. “We are thrilled to once again be recognised as a five-star homebuilder by the HBF. To achieve such a high degree of customer satisfaction, even during a challenging year, is fantastic and we are very grateful to our homebuyers and very proud of the result. Knowing that over 90 percent of homeowners would recommend us as a trusted builder is testament to our ongoing commitment to deliver the highest standards year on year,” said Kerry Hamer, Head of Customer Services at Cavanna Homes. The scores given by new homebuyers to their homebuilder are the highest in 15 years, since the HBF survey was first launched in 2006. They also show a fourth consecutive year of improved customer satisfaction. “The survey demonstrates that the industry is delivering an excellent level of service in the opinion of over 90% of its customers. The fact that we have seen four successive years of improved satisfaction levels shows the clear focus builders have been putting on the customer. That this level of satisfaction has been delivered during a pandemic that saw sites closed and builders unable to access homes for a period makes it even more of an achievement,” added Executive Chairman at the HBF, Stewart Baseley. “To achieve a five-star rating, meaning that at least 90% of your customers would recommend you, is a fantastic achievement that requires commitment from everyone within the organisation.” Last year Cavanna Homes also celebrated being crowned Housebuilder of the Year for the second year running in the national Housebuilder Awards 2020 in the 0-300 units category.
Honda of the UK Manufacturing (Honda) has announced it has entered into a contract for sale of its Swindon site. Originally purchased by the Japanese car manufacturer in 1985, the site will be sold to Panattoni, Europe’s largest developer of new build industrial and logistics facilities. In 2019, Honda Motor announced a restructuring of its global automobile manufacturing operations, which included the cessation of production at the UK plant in July 2021, at the end of the current model cycle of the Civic Hatchback. Following the closure announcement, Honda committed to leaving the site in a responsible way, with a sustainable legacy for Swindon. “We are pleased to have identified a capable new owner of the site. From our engagement with Panattoni and initial discussions with Swindon Borough Council, we are confident that the new owner can bring the development forward in a commercially timely fashion and generate exciting prospects for Swindon and the wider community,” said Jason Smith, Director at Honda of the UK Manufacturing. Following the end of production on 30 July 2021, Honda will immediately commence the decommissioning of the Swindon site. The site is anticipated to be legally handed over in Spring 2022, once the necessary consents have been obtained, and Panattoni will start regeneration and redevelopment shortly thereafter. James Watson, Development Director for Panattoni, said: “Panattoni is committing to invest over £700 million into the site to attract new employers and provide for existing businesses looking to expand in Swindon. We will be working very closely with Honda and Swindon Borough Council, along with the community and its representatives to regenerate the site.” Matthew Byrom, Managing Director of Panattoni in the UK, said: “The acquisition of the 370-acre Honda facility demonstrates our capabilities to work at scale. The re development of this strategic employment site will deliver thousands of new opportunities in roles which underpin the operation of the local and regional economy.” Susie Kemp, Chief Executive of Swindon Borough Council, said: “The new opportunities outlined by Panattoni will be a major step in Swindon’s rejuvenation following Honda’s exit. Their investment offers a significant boost to the local economy and we are excited by the prospect of this redevelopment creating thousands of jobs for Swindon and the surrounding area. We already have a strong working relationship with Panattoni following their recent development of the adjacent site, Symmetry Park, and look forward to working with them over the next year. We understand that Honda’s key aim was to identify a responsible new owner and I believe today’s announcement demonstrates that.” As part of its continued efforts to leave a positive legacy in the local community, Honda will assess opportunities for small sections at the edge of the site that are not required for Panattoni’s development to be utilised by the neighbouring communities. Panattoni will now commence all necessary planning work with Swindon Borough Council, with support from Honda.
If your building makes employees experience sick building syndrome (SBS), it’s time for you to take this matter seriously. SBS is a condition where people get sick because of the building’s condition. Many factors contribute to this, like poor indoor air quality and other subfactors that weren’t considered beforehand. Since the sick building syndrome includes many symptoms, it’s difficult to tell if one is only experiencing a common cold. One thing to tell things apart is when the symptoms continue to reoccur when someone visits or returns to the exact location. If you want to know more about this specific disorder, you can get more information here. It’s imperative for buildings to be constructed with one’s health concern in mind. Thus, if you’re on your way to construct or renovate, here are some ways to prevent health problems from your building: 1. Improve Air Ventilation Doubling the air ventilation system in your building will also double the output for your workers’ cognitive function. This will impact productivity and performance, resulting in decreased sick leaves by employees. Although investing in double ventilation may cost a bit higher initially, this will create a better atmosphere and working environment on your office floors. Inadequate ventilation will lead to high humidity and increase carbon dioxide concentrations, which will cause people to feel stuffy and suffocated. Proper ventilation controls odors and dilutes gases, as well as hampers the spread of respiratory diseases. Invest in a good quality HVAC system for all offices and floors of your building. Also, consider your structure’s demographic location as summer and winter season often requires your air conditioner and heater to function perfectly. 2. Allow More Natural Light Even in the old times, many building occupants usually complain about the lighting. It may be too dark and dim or some buildings are blasted with harsh fluorescents. The good thing about technological advancement is that many building construction projects have now utilized more natural lighting and techniques, like task lighting, dimmers, and timers. Such methods are suitable for the environment, as well as result in happier and more productive employees and building occupants. Another good news in the field of natural lighting in buildings is that more scientific research is being conducted on how some lighting designs can influence the body’s daily cycles and circadian rhythms. By using specific bulb designs that are blue-enriched and are naturally mimicking daylight, employees can now have improved sleep quality at night. 3. Go Green Incorporating nature into the workplace is one of the ways for buildings to become more work-friendly to everyone. Placing indoor plants and having a rooftop garden are some strategies for facilities to ensure an environment that helps maintain people’s mental health. Indoor plants are said to reduce stress levels and sharpen people’s attention. Many companies and organizations have been keenly aware of this advantage, which is why most commercial buildings have gone green with their interiors. 4. Design Your Building Appropriately The blueprint and architectural design of your building play a vital role in maintaining the occupants’ health condition. Also, encouraging mobility and interaction between colleagues are dependent on how the building is designed. The interior design and placements of furniture and equipment should be properly planned out. Your building should have locations for cluster printers, water coolers, and designate communal trash and recycling bins. As for the outer part of your building, you should have streetscapes that encourage occupants and employees to take a walk, ride bicycles, or make it accessible to commute via public transportation, so occupants have a space for some physical exercises. 5. Apply Healthy Building Strategies Another way to boost your building’s defenses against disease is to enact healthy building strategies. Know which areas and corners in the building need to be more ventilated. Use portable air purifiers on each floor and consider different innovative gadgets like touchless entryways, elevators, and automatic systems for sinks and toilet flushes. Furthermore, using enhanced disinfection and sanitization protocols will meet everyone’s demands for maintaining a clean and healthy space. Thus, invest in hygiene systems and proper training for the cleaning staff. Ensuring a clean workspace will inspire everyone in the building to stay organized and healthy. Conclusion Ensuring that your building is in its best condition for your occupants and employees is very important, which is why it’s important to apply these different ways to prevent health problems. Keep in mind that your building should have good ventilation, more natural light, designed with some greeneries, and should have a productive interior and exterior design. All these factors and more will ensure everyone in the building will stay healthy and happy.
The construction industry has always been ranked as among the most dangerous sectors to work in. The combination of safety and health risks that involve heavy-duty equipment, vehicles, and manual tasks makes the industry notoriously dangerous. In fact, statistics from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) shows that 20% of workplace deaths occurred in construction sites. The 2020 pandemic made safety in construction sites even more of a concern. Protocols would have to be implemented, and local laws regarding COVID 19 safety would have to be followed diligently. Cutting corners to save costs may be tempting for employers, but workplace-related injuries would be more costly in the long run; around 1.6 million workdays are lost annually due to work accidents and injuries. Besides, ignoring safety rules would be gambling with workers’ safety, not to mention the lawsuits that could result if safety protocols are ignored. In any case, safety should always be a priority as it’s in everybody’s interest. All stakeholders involved in the job should be able to work without worrying about unsafe workplaces. There are many ways to improve safety in the job, and the cost doesn’t have to be prohibitive. Below are a few tips for staying safe in the construction industry. Tips For Staying Safe In the US, an average of two construction workers die every day due to work-related injuries. One in five workplace deaths, in fact, happens in the construction industry. The most common causes of fatalities in construction sites are being struck by or caught between objects, falls, and electrocution. An employee typically cannot sue the employer for any injuries suffered on the job. What the employee can do is make use of the workers’ compensation system. There are instances, however, when the contractors and the owners of the premises could be held liable if any injuries happened to workers on-site. Furthermore, laws and regulations can apply differently to non-union employees who weren’t eligible for safety training. Here are the findings regarding cases like these. 1. Workers Should Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) If you’re an employer, provide your workers with the appropriate personal protective equipment. A proper PPE worn correctly can protect people from injuries of all sorts—minor, serious, or the fatal kind. A properly-appointed PPE can consist of a helmet, safety goggles, ear protection, knee pads, safety shoes, safety belt, and hi-visibility jackets. If any of the pieces are worn out or broken, have them replaced immediately. Also, ensure that PPEs are worn by the workers at all times while on-site. 2. Scaffolding Should Be Up To Standard Scaffoldings can be dangerous, that’s why neither shortcuts nor improvisations should be involved when erecting one. Scaffoldings shouldn’t have any risk of collapsing; they should be erected on stable ground and with a solid foundation. Scaffoldings should also be well-maintained. If any damage or inconsistencies appear, it should be immediately repaired. Make sure also that workers are trained adequately in scaffolding safety. Keep in mind that 47% of construction workers’ injuries result from falls. 3. Health And Safety Training Sufficient health and safety training is required for construction workers, especially those who work in high- and medium-risk environments. They should also be made aware of COVID-19 health protocols for the job site and the community, and ensure that they follow these to the letter. Workers should also be aware of the risks involved with their jobs, like when working at a height, in confined spaces, or with machinery. Basic knowledge of first aid and know-how to give life-saving techniques like CPR are also advised. 4. Display Signs Prominently Construction sites are inherently hazardous, not only for the workers, but for the public too. That’s why putting up signs and posters prominently to warn everyone to be careful is important. Signs could alert everyone of the presence of dangers, such as falling debris or objects, the presence of chemicals or gas, or large vehicles. Putting up signs can be a cost-effective method of lessening accidents. 5. Regular Inspection of Tools and Equipment Workers depend on their tools—to get the job done and to do the job efficiently. Broken tools are unsafe and could result in serious accidents. Almost 3% of construction workers suffered injuries for the year 2019-2020, which is higher statistically than the rate in all other industries. For the rate to be reduced, a thorough and regular inspection of equipment should be conducted to prevent any malfunction that could cause harm. Any issues stemming from defective equipment or subpar tools should be highlighted by both the employer and the workers. The responsibility falls on everybody involved. Conclusion Construction sites are one of the most dangerous places to work in. Injury and workplace fatality rates in the construction industry are among the highest. Employers, contractors, and workers should be made aware that safety is everybody’s concern. Ignoring safety protocols can be costly, in more ways than one.
