New research unveils 18% of Brits are seeking a career in the trades as a result of the pandemic 18% of Brits agree that after COVID, have found employment within a trade sector to pick up additional work or to commence a new career path 15% of tradespeople have seen their client
Strengthening its status as one the most sustainable manufacturers of building products in the UK, Ibstock plc has been named as a CO2nstructZero Business Champion. Selected by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) as part of its CO2nstructZero campaign, the initiative enables companies to be role models in the industry change
PwC’s new Merchant Square offices will ‘transform city into a global centre of innovation’ Leading construction and fit-out company, Gilbert-Ash, has handed over one of the most ground-breaking projects to be completed in Northern Ireland in recent years. The award-winning company was the fit-out contractor for PwC at Merchant Square,
James Jones & Sons Timber Systems Division has recently announced its latest release of its JJI Design Software. The new software is the most advanced release to date with a number of significant improvements and enhanced design features. General Manager, Angus Macfarlane, said “Our software department has developed this new
Civil engineering specialist GRAHAM has reached a major milestone on the new M11 Junction 7a project at Harlow, Essex, following the installation of the structural steel beams to create a new overbridge at the junction. The new Mores Overbridge will form an integral part of the infrastructure project, which has
Ground source heat pumps manufactured and installed by market-leader, the Kensa Group, will deliver the lowest carbon heating solution for the UK’s first net-zero carbon retirement community, creating a sustainable future for older generations. The Millfield Green site in Caddington, Central Bedfordshire, will provide 200 sustainable new-build homes specifically designed
When two parties begin talking about a contract, the general assumption is that the client has already found the right contractor for their project or vice versa. But depending on the details exchanged during the preceding meetings, it may not always be the case. Sometimes, both parties don’t get a
Innovation is the main driver of modern progress. The world does not stand still every year. Many companies offer new technological gadgets or options that can improve the lives of many people. Innovation parks are intermediary platforms that help universities and institutes to promote new technologies. Here companies can find
New research unveils 18% of Brits are seeking a career in the trades as a result of the pandemic 18% of Brits agree that after COVID, have found employment within a trade sector to pick up additional work or to commence a new career path 15% of tradespeople have seen their client demand increase post-COVID to their highest levels ever Ben Dyer, CEO of Powered Now discusses the UK’s vocational skills gap Research by the Office for National Statistics states that the employment rate in the construction sector for the UK fell from 2.3 million in 2017, to 2.1 million at the end of 2020. This demonstrates a 4% decrease in UK-born workers, and a 42% fall in EU workers. In London, employment fell from 311,124 workers in 2017, to 261,271 at the end of 2020, representing a 54% fall in EU workers, which has only led to further difficulties considering the construction industry was relied on heavily during the pandemic. Whilst an array of challenges for the skilled workforce has come to the surface by the pandemic, the trade sectors has seen exponential growth, proving to be the only retail sector to have grown throughout the pandemic, alongside groceries. Fuelled by the home improvement boom in the UK, the market research provider Kantar has indicated that £4.94 billion was spent on home improvements last year, £552 million than the previous 12 months, ensuring many tradespeople have been inundated with work, creating employment opportunities throughout lockdown for those who have changed their career path. However, with such a large number of EU workers from the UK has left the industry, this is leaving the construction sector suffering from a further employment drought. New national research from Powered Now, a field service management software that specialises in trades, has unveiled that 18% of Brits have sought a new career path in the trades as a result of the pandemic. Furthermore, the research has indicated that the pandemic has been a catalyst for diversifying the UK’s trade workforce, with 15% of those considering the trades as a career being female. Key Statistics 18% of Brits agree that after COVID, have found employment within a trade sector to pick up additional work or to commence a new career path 15% of tradespeople have seen their client demand increase post-COVID 17% of tradespeople regularly work over 10 hours a day 16% of tradespeople agree that they lose out on business due to extensive administrative tasks, such as chasing invoices 16% of tradespeople agree that sequential waves of COVID has made them more motivated to work The UK Skills Drought The UK construction workforce is an ageing one, with over 20% of tradespeople being over fifty and 15% being in their sixties. The problem was a simple one, as these electricians, builders and plumbers retire, the same percentage of young people were not entering these professions. Although there are many opportunities in the trade industry, many young people were simply not choosing it as a career. This is despite that 74% of parents in a recent YouGov survey would encourage their child to learn the skilled trades. However only 3% of young people aged between 18-24 have searched for a job in the trade industry. Now however, the tide is turning in favour of the labour market, and Brits are seeking new career paths in the trades at record rates, and for good reason. Powered Now’s research had further unveiled that 15% of the UK’s skilled trade workforce were experiencing their highest levels of client demand during the pandemic. Ben Dyer, CEO of Powered Now, has commented on the research and how this revival in business has caused a welcome increase in productivity and growth for the sector. “Withshortagesof supplies and labour, the whole industry is still in catch up mode and the various projects that were delayed by sequential lockdowns, are now taking priority. This has helped to spike demand and we expect it to continue in the short term. Our research has entirely confirmed that tradespeople and consumers alike are very much eager to sustain this growth. “Our SME customers are also talking about the pressure to complete jobs as they don’t have enough boots on the ground. As we have seen from the sentiments established in this research, a new wave of tradespeople are more motivated to work and are commencing their work on home improvements even sooner. These concerns are also sure to help the sector bounce back even quicker as people will rush to hire a tradesperson for their desired work.”
Strengthening its status as one the most sustainable manufacturers of building products in the UK, Ibstock plc has been named as a CO2nstructZero Business Champion. Selected by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) as part of its CO2nstructZero campaign, the initiative enables companies to be role models in the industry change programme. Being named as a CO2nstructZero Business Champion recognises the commitment Ibstock has made to reduce carbon emissions in the delivery and operation of the built environment. Investment in decarbonisation measures and production efficiencies at its facilities, thus accelerating its journey to Net Zero carbon emissions, was a key factor in Ibstock’s inclusion in the scheme. Recent examples of this include; constructing a 4.9MW solar farm at its Leicestershire headquarters, procuring 100% of its electricity from renewable sources and confirming investment in a pathfinder project to achieve world’s first Net Zero brick factory in the West Midlands. The news comes shortly after Ibstock launched its latest Sustainability Report for 2020. It’s most in-depth to date, the report outlines the decarbonisation initiatives the Group is making across its clay and concrete businesses to reduce the carbon intensity of the manufacturing process as well as providing an open and transparent overview of the progress it is making against its Sustainability Roadmap 2025 targets. Ibstock plc’s Chief Executive Officer Joe Hudson comments; “We are honoured to be named as a CO2nstructZero Business Champion. There is no doubt that climate change is one of the greatest challenges we face globally. It is part of our DNA to steward our resources and ensure we have a sustainable and positive impact on the world around us. As a leading building products manufacturer, we recognise that we have to adapt and respond – and this is reflected in the targets we have set ourselves in our Sustainability Roadmap to 2025. “We have seen a transformational shift in attitudes from all of our key stakeholders, and there is a ‘sea-change’ in how our customers, and, in turn, their customers, view environmental issues. Collaboration is a linchpin of achieving carbon reduction targets across the construction sector and we look forward to working alongside the CLC to share best practice, supporting the industry’s move to Net Zero.”
PwC’s new Merchant Square offices will ‘transform city into a global centre of innovation’ Leading construction and fit-out company, Gilbert-Ash, has handed over one of the most ground-breaking projects to be completed in Northern Ireland in recent years. The award-winning company was the fit-out contractor for PwC at Merchant Square, a £14million project which has created 200,000 sq ft of Grade A office space over nine floors in Belfast city centre. The offices will accommodate up to 3,000 employees at the former Oyster and Royston buildings, in the heart of the business district and adjacent to the City Hall. Gilbert-Ash Managing Director, Ray Hutchinson said the new offices are one of the most digitally advanced spaces in the city and will cement Belfast’s position as a global centre of innovation. He said: “We are always very proud to work on landmark buildings, but this project in our home city is one we are particularly proud of as Merchant Square has the power to be truly transformative for Belfast. “While the building boasts an array of technology, the design features include elements of the industries which Belfast has been built upon. It is a celebration of our past while looking to the future with great confidence. “The interiors within PwC’s offices incorporates the city’s industrial and linen heritage as well as a number of Northern Ireland’s high-profile landmarks, such as the internationally iconic Harland & Wolff cranes. Themes running throughout the building have also been inspired by the city’s ship building and aviation industries. “The building also reflects the geography of Belfast with the River Lagan and Botanic Gardens incorporated into intricately crafted bespoke interiors.” The landmark building incorporates technology-enabled client collaboration and event spaces. It also includes a state-of-the-art digital hub that will provide the infrastructure and environment to inspire and support innovation. Ray Hutchinson said: “We have worked with excellent local partners to bring this fit-out project to life, with advanced logistical planning and management during what has been a challenging year for many industries, including construction. “This is a building which will help foster an excellent working environment and help inspire and attract the best people to work in Belfast. We are very proud to be handing it over to PwC now.” PwC in Northern Ireland is PwC UK’s fastest-growing UK region and Merchant Square represents its largest regional office outside London. Kevin MacAllister, PwC’s Regional Market Leader, Northern Ireland said: “This is an exciting time for PwC, and we are very proud to be moving into our stand-out new home at Merchant Square delivered by the excellent team at Gilbert-Ash. “Belfast is PwC’s recognised global centre for technology, digital advisory services and research and is a major exporter of technology and regulatory advisory services. “This move underlines the PwC Executive Board’s confidence in Northern Ireland, and we have already begun a major recruitment drive with 771 jobs being created over the next five years. “Merchant Square will enable PwC to continue to grow in local, national and international markets from Belfast.” Gilbert-Ash attributes its continued success to its ‘As One’ approach and its unique working culture and family environment as an employee-owned company. It continues to complete a broad portfolio of successful construction projects across sectors including arts and culture, workplace, hotels and leisure, science and technology, retail and residential. To find out more about Gilbert-Ash visit www.gilbert-ash.com.
James Jones & Sons Timber Systems Division has recently announced its latest release of its JJI Design Software. The new software is the most advanced release to date with a number of significant improvements and enhanced design features. General Manager, Angus Macfarlane, said “Our software department has developed this new release over the past six months to reflect customer and industry feedback. The new features include a number of design efficiencies in addition to a 3D model export. The continual investment in the JJI Design software has been part of our Group innovation strategy and the latest release is one of several innovations to be developed recently”. James Jones & Sons Timber Systems Division has a dedicated technical support team and will be conducting training sessions with key users of the software over the summer.
Civil engineering specialist GRAHAM has reached a major milestone on the new M11 Junction 7a project at Harlow, Essex, following the installation of the structural steel beams to create a new overbridge at the junction. The new Mores Overbridge will form an integral part of the infrastructure project, which has been funded through Highways England and Essex County Council to create a new junction between the existing junctions 7 at Harlow and 8 at Stansted on the M11, providing a new east-west link through the Essex town. Along with a new link road and upgrade to Gilden Way in Harlow, the junction will improve access to the area’s busy road network, helping facilitate growth and creating better connectivity for residents, businesses and visitors. The new Mores Overbridge links the eastern and western sides of the new M11 Junction 7a which, via a ‘dumbbell roundabout’ arrangement, will provide full connectivity with new northbound and southbound on-slips and off-slips. GRAHAM’s project team completed the beam installation over a two-week period to include offline rigging and de-rigging of the main lifting crane. Four overnight closures of the M11 were utilised to allow the safe lifting and installation of the beams. The closures also allowed for the installation of all the permanent formwork panels to the deck and the installation of the permanent bracing between the pairs of beams. Working in collaboration with Highways England the closures were further used for other maintenance works on the M11 preventing the need for numerous other closures and therefore minimising the impact on the road users. David Slevin, Project Manager for GRAHAM, said: “We are really pleased to have completed this significant milestone of the M11 Junction 7a scheme. The scale of the overall operation to complete these works was huge. With a 600t capacity crawler crane being deployed for the main lifts the establishment of the crane platforms, crane assembly area and beam assembly and delivery areas proved highly challenging tasks. “Thankfully, we were able to call on the vast engineering experience of our team and the teams of our supply chain partners to complete the delivery, lifting and installations without any issues arising. We now shift our focus onto the next phase of works in this important infrastructure project which will provide major benefits for Harlow and its surrounding areas.” The major earthworks operations and drainage installation works on the scheme are also underway on the junction and link road into Harlow. With these due for completion in autumn 2021 the surfacing, fencing, landscaping and other finishing works will then continue into 2022. Significant surfacing works to the widened existing Gilden Way carriageway are also due to commence in June with a strategic series of planned weekend closures being utilised to allow the works to be completed safely and efficiently. The £39.5m M11 Junction 7a scheme has been funded through Highways England, the Department for Transport, Essex County Council and the South East Local Enterprise Partnership and is scheduled for opening next year.
Ground source heat pumps manufactured and installed by market-leader, the Kensa Group, will deliver the lowest carbon heating solution for the UK’s first net-zero carbon retirement community, creating a sustainable future for older generations. The Millfield Green site in Caddington, Central Bedfordshire, will provide 200 sustainable new-build homes specifically designed to accommodate older people’s needs. The development will use renewable energy generation throughout, including Kensa Heat Pumps’ ground source heat pumps, which will give the senior residents ample heating and hot water whilst helping to combat climate change. The heat pump system, containing a mix of residential and commercial properties, will be the largest of its kind to have been installed by Kensa to date. Kensa Contracting was enlisted for the project by Inspired Villages, a developer and operator of later living homes, owned by Legal and General, which has a 35% stake in the Kensa Group. Inspired Villages carefully considered several different renewable heating systems before concluding that ground source heat pumps would provide the lowest carbon and lowest cost heating solution for the development. Dr Stuart Gadsden, Director of Sales for Kensa Contracting, said: “Retired communities deserve safe heating systems that are low cost, low air pollution and low carbon. Once installed, the ground source heat pumps will provide plentiful heating and hot water for the senior residents at Millfield Green, improving their quality of living and tackling two serious national emergencies: climate change and fuel poverty. Many older people face tough choices each winter about how to cover the cost of keeping warm, and poorly heated homes result in health problems and can even contribute to loss of life. By investing in ground source heating systems, Inspired Villages have ensured optimum comfort and low running costs for residents who can enjoy their retirement without worrying about whether they can afford to run their heating, as well as knowing that they are having a positive environmental impact.” Ground source heat pumps extract heat energy from the ground and convert this for use in space heating and hot water inside a home. They are electrically-powered devices with no point-of-use emissions, meaning they help maintain local air quality and combat global warming. They are also highly efficient compared to other heating systems, typically delivering between three and four units of heat for every one unit of energy consumed to power the system. As the electricity grid further decarbonises with more renewable generation from wind and solar, the carbon footprint of the heat pumps will decrease even further. The government recognises that renewable technologies, such as the ground source heat pumps being installed at Millfield Green, are a vital part of the UK’s decarbonisation plan – this is reflected in their target to install 600,000 heat pump a year by 2028. Following advice from the Climate Change Committee on the Sixth Carbon Budget, prime minister Boris Johnson has recently agreed to legislate a new target to slash national emissions by 78% by 2035, to move the country three-quarters of the way towards its 2050 net-zero ambition. Developers like Inspired Villages are leading the way by creating a sustainable retirement community for the future utilising technologies with as minimal environmental impact as possible.
When two parties begin talking about a contract, the general assumption is that the client has already found the right contractor for their project or vice versa. But depending on the details exchanged during the preceding meetings, it may not always be the case. Sometimes, both parties don’t get a full grasp of what they’re getting into until they’re presented with a detailed contract. But if a contract appears to be too simple, there may be something lacking. Contracts should serve as legal protection for both parties in case something unexpected happens such as disputes or disagreements. But more importantly, it should make the terms of services crystal clear for both parties. If you’re working with a construction service provider for a project, your contract should have the following vital provisions to make sure it will serve its purpose well when issues arise. 1. The Scope Of Work Aside from the job description, the construction contract should also indicate in detail the service provider’s job responsibilities and their extent. Because of the amount of detail it usually entails, the scope of work sometimes has an entire page on its own, attached as a part of the contract. It should include Work stages Task descriptions Timeframes Periodic deliverables A detailed scope of work will reduce future discrepancies especially when it comes to what the service provider should or shouldn’t do. It should be error-free, accurate, and complete. Otherwise, a time-consuming amendment will have to be done later. To be more precise, it may also include an exclusions clause, which will specify in detail the tasks that are not part of the service provider’s responsibilities. 2. The Contract Duration Often called the ‘time is of the essence’ or TOE clause, this emphasizes the importance of the timeframe both parties agreed to in a project. This usually contains an enforceable commencement date and completion date, which is the best solution to prevent project delays and added costs. This also means that delays, in case they occur, may be used by clients as grounds to cancel the service or the contract. 3. Terms of Payment Another provision in a construction contract that requires as many details as possible is the terms of payment. It should include the total amount payable once the services are completed, including the breakdown and schedule of payments. This clause should also indicate the actions that both parties may take when payment issues occur such as delays, incomplete payments, or failure to pay. These terms should be clear in the contract, including any percentage that the client can hold until the successful completion of the contracted work. 4. Limitation Of Liability When issues that can cause disagreement between the contracting parties arise, the limitation of liability (LOL) clause will help avoid further disputes. It acts as a waiver in the event of consequential damages and losses, helps avoid litigations, and puts a cap on the extent of compensation that either party may be liable to in such events. However, both parties will usually have to negotiate this part of the contract, especially for larger scale projects. If you’re not certain about what’s reasonable and what’s not, it’s best to contact a business law attorney Miami to make sure you won’t be getting the short end of the stick. 5. The Indemnity Clause Similar to the limitation of liability, an indemnity clause or hold harmless clause addresses the issue of losses and damages throughout the contract period. However, unlike the LOL clause that protects the service provider more, the indemnity clause protects both parties. Essentially, indemnity clauses are a form of risk management that transfers liabilities. When one party commits an action that poses risks to the other party, the party that committed the act cannot involve the other party in their legal responsibilities. This clause may be written with the limitation of liability and should include the trigger events, the responsible parties, and the extent or limit of coverage. 6. Dispute Resolution Clause It’s essential for a contract to stipulate how parties will resolve disputes if and when they arise. It reduces the chances of the project stalling when parties can’t seem to agree on how to go about an issue or conflict. The standard dispute resolution methods include arbitration, mediation, litigation, and adjudication. Even though the contracting parties aren’t anticipating anything to go wrong during the contract period, it’s always best to be prepared. A dispute may arise years after the project is complete, especially if the contract failed to include a vital provision. With the dispute resolution clause in place, when issues arise, both parties will be able to resolve them faster. It may also help salvage work relationships that may have been affected by disputes. 7. Termination Clause Having to terminate a service provided for a project is often complex, especially when a contract lacks this clause. The termination clause indicates the situations under which either party may end the contract, including their obligations. This allows the contracting parties to terminate their agreement mutually when the other party is in breach. It should briefly discuss the process that leads to termination, such as issuing a notice, a warning, and even a short period that provides an opportunity for the other party to rectify their violation. This section of the contract must be specific to ensure that each party understands the circumstances that may warrant the contract to end. Takeaway A construction contract should be as detailed as possible and should have provisions that are fair for both parties. When drafted properly, this contract is what will help you facilitate a smooth project with realistic and enforceable timeframes. It will minimise disputes, help resolve issues promptly, and create a better sense of responsibility from both parties when it comes to their obligations. More importantly, it will help protect you against potential legal entanglements in the future. To make sure your construction contract is legally binding, you can seek the assistance of a legal professional in your jurisdiction.
Innovation is the main driver of modern progress. The world does not stand still every year. Many companies offer new technological gadgets or options that can improve the lives of many people. Innovation parks are intermediary platforms that help universities and institutes to promote new technologies. Here companies can find interesting technological solutions or receive funding from large investors. Why are innovation parks so special, and who Is attracted to them? Let’s find this out. High Concentration of Technology and Genius People Any innovation park is a place where you can see new technologies in their infancy or at the stage of prototyping. Many scientists, engineers, and designers are genius enough to create something special, but it all comes down to insufficient funding. Innovation parks allow you to find funding and continue the development of the project. Many people got a second chance just because they decided to make their designs and future goals public. It is worth noting that even students can take part in events held in innovation parks. You need to delegate some of the papers to prepare for the presentation of your project. Open the scamfighter.net website and find out which writing services are trusted. Then you will not take risks and can become part of the innovation by presenting your developments. A Large Number of Potentially Beneficial Ideas Let’s say you are looking for a specific technology to automate your business processes or reduce costs. Sometimes independent research can take decades, especially if you don’t have your research team. But what if you visit an innovation park and see a prototype that can fundamentally change the way you do business or organize certain processes? This will be the beginning of a new stage in your life. Typically, innovation parks are a key foothold for your business to find new ways to grow and improve your products. Moreover, new technologies are a modern trend. What seems unobvious today may become an international trend in a year. That is why many companies visit such parks to see a potentially profitable area for investment. Why Are Innovation Parks So Special? To answer this question, let’s take a look at Silicon Valley. This is a Stanford University project that appeared to be stillborn in its early stages. However, now this innovation park is where famous companies create and present unique technologies and products. Imagine 32 square kilometers where the offices of innovative companies are located. Business investors can look forward to a steady flow of highly qualified graduates. Thanks to this, companies get the opportunity to grow and generate new ideas constantly. In addition to annual exhibitions and innovation forums, Silicon Valley has become one of the first innovation parks where a full-fledged infrastructure has been created to implement all ideas and concepts. Any student can get a chance to become famous here, provided they showcase a worthwhile technology or product. Read an honest 99papers review to delegate some papers. Then you will have more time to prepare your project and presentation. The Symbiosis of Knowledge and Investment It would be illogical to deny that innovation parks are an opportunity to bring something new to this world. Many university graduates have an unclouded mind and a real ambition to achieve success in the shortest possible time. They are the best employees or partners for business people. That is why many business structures are concentrated in innovation parks, and more and more investment projects are being implemented. Many companies are becoming part of innovation parks as new technologies and advances in the semiconductor industry allow the development of innovative products to meet the population’s growing needs. An excellent symbiosis of knowledge and investment allows everyone to implement many daring projects. Many students dream of becoming part of Silicon Valley and other parks. Why Are Innovation Parks Our Future? Any business needs new ideas, technologies, and a fresh look at old problems. That is why innovative parks are so relevant in our time. This is the easiest way to bring knowledge and money together in one place to create something truly great. Many companies like Google, Facebook, or Adobe have offices in Silicon Valley and other innovation parks. This is the best way to get a stream of graduates and develop new products. Final Words Innovation parks will remain relevant for many decades to come, as this model is the perfect symbiosis of funding and the search for new ideas. Humanity needs a foothold where business structures gather the most talented people to create new products and improve existing technologies. Every year the number of companies in such parks is growing steadily. It is an indicator of unrelenting progress and technology race. The world needs new ideas and developments, and it is innovative parks that can fully meet existing needs.
