Tony Machin, CEO of TrustID, discusses how construction firms can help their subcontractors detect illegal workers and protect their reputations. Now that the deadline for workers to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme has officially passed, UK construction firms have been warned to expect a rise in the number of
Leading and award-winning build-to-rent provider Placefirst has had plans for an £11m residential development in Esh Winning approved by Durham County Council today. The development is located six miles west of Durham city centre, and will transform a two-hectare brownfield site that has been derelict for over a decade, including
A landmark stage was reached recently in the construction of student accommodation on Alscot Road in Bermondsey, celebrated in style by a topping out ceremony attended by developer Alumno, a range of stakeholders and the core design team. These included Greenaway Architects, project funder Barings and the headteacher of local
HS2’s latest performance data shows it has supported over 1400 people who were out of work into employment, demonstrating the project’s crucial role in the drive to Build Back Better and equip people with ‘Skills for Life’. HS2’s success in supporting unemployed people into work is largely driven by the
Award-winning British designer and manufacturer of quality fitted furniture, Daval, is a finalist at the Northern Design Awards 2021, shortlisted for Amazing Space in the residential category. The Northern Design Awards bring together designers, retailers and property developers in a celebration of Northern design and style, consisting of 22 prize categories across the commercial and
The final few homes remain for sale at a new development in Brampton as work on site reaches the last stages. Bellway is building 150 homes at Brampton Gate, off Laws Crescent, where construction is due to be complete next year. A total of 83 of the 90 properties for
Hiab, part of Cargotec, has launched the 110 tonne metre ™ super heavy loader crane HIAB iQ.1188 HiPro with the company’s new control system to deliver new productivity and safety benefits. The iQ range is HIAB’s new generation of loader cranes based on the new control system SPACEevo combined with
Tony Machin, CEO of TrustID, discusses how construction firms can help their subcontractors detect illegal workers and protect their reputations. Now that the deadline for workers to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme has officially passed, UK construction firms have been warned to expect a rise in the number of illegal documents being presented as evidence of right to work in the UK. Most large construction firms rely on subcontractors and, whilst they are not directly responsible for their Right to Work (RtW) checks, that doesn’t mean they have no cause for concern. Though constructors may not shoulder the financial burden of penalties, they might well suffer reputational damage and disruption if they are found to have illegal workers employed on their projects. In a competitive environment, your reputation can make or break a deal – especially as developers are becoming increasingly concerned about the ESG credentials of suppliers. For sensitive projects – such as public sector buildings – there is an even greater need to demonstrate compliance with illegal working checks. To mitigate the threat to their reputation, main contractors must therefore ensure that all staff accessing a site, including subcontractors, are robustly checked. However, monitoring this can be particularly challenging for project managers, if they are dealing with hundreds of staff at any one time or have a high turnover rate. Project managers also often need to get people on site quickly, and lengthy checks can cause delays. Processing RtW checks correctly can also be resource- and skills-intensive – and some subcontractors may be unwilling to shoulder the costs. Main contractors therefore need to be able to recommend a fast, reliable, and affordable way to support their subcontractors’ RtW checks. How to solve the problem UK construction specialists are increasingly keen to promote and support the highest levels of compliance among their supply chain and network of subcontractors. They recognise the risk that illegal working presents to both their business and to their supply chain, including the threat of modern slavery, as well as potential damage to their brand and reputation, which could exclude them from future opportunities, particularly in the public sector. One such way to drive compliance is by promoting the use of digital identity checks, and forward-thinking contractors are increasingly encouraging their strategic partners to deploy a reputable identity checking service. Such services support fast, compliant, straightforward Right to Work checks, confirm the authenticity of identity documents and build a higher level of protection against illegal working. A main contractor can then request to see proof of checks as sub-contracted workers arrive on site. What is the real risk? At TrustID, we keep a record of the number of fake documents submitted to our identity checking service. When we recently assessed the digital RtW checks made by one construction firm’s supply chain partners, we found that 11% of submissions would not have been accepted as evidence in a Home Office audit. Examples included submissions with ineligible or incomplete documentation, and even one fake British passport. At another major construction project, to refurbish a London shopping centre, all subcontractors were required to deploy TrustID digital identity checks to gain access to the site. In one year, we flagged 15 fake documents in the supply chain, which could have led to civil penalties of up to £300,000. The percentages of different document types identified almost mirrored the overall picture in construction (the most common being passport and ID cards) – adding supporting evidence to the effectiveness of the checks. How to choose a digital RtW service Look for a digital service that is cloud-based, so that you can access it online from any connected device. If your requirements are likely to vary from job to job, look for a RtW service that offers a pay-per-check basis, so that you don’t have to pay for more than you need. In terms of functionality, think about how you want receive documents to the digital service for verification. Some services enable employees to upload images of their identity documents themselves. Your service provider should then be able to quickly confirm document validity and provide an electronic report – sometimes within minutes. Look for a service that is backed by a SLA that meets your business needs. With the right provider, workers should be able to arrive on site the day after verification (or even the same day) with proof of Right to Work in the UK. Should your business promote digital RtW checks? Given the ongoing risk of identity fraud and potential tough penalties, there is a clear need for constructors to protect their sites from illegal workers, whether they are directly employed or operating through subcontractors. As digital checks are cost effective and quick to complete, they overcome the main objections that subcontractors may have to performing enhanced identity checks on staff. Indeed, many subcontractors introduce digital ID checks to meet compliance requirements for one project, then continue to run them voluntarily as they see the benefits. Because digital identity checks are proven to be reliable, they bring valued peace of mind. The answer is clear: if you want to protect your construction firm against the reputational loss, fraud risk, potential disruption to your site and significant fines that illegal documents can cause, digital identity and Right to Work checks are the foundation. Learn more about TrustID digital RtW check for the construction industry www.trustid.co.uk/construction
Leading and award-winning build-to-rent provider Placefirst has had plans for an £11m residential development in Esh Winning approved by Durham County Council today. The development is located six miles west of Durham city centre, and will transform a two-hectare brownfield site that has been derelict for over a decade, including the delivery of 54 bungalows – the largest delivery of bungalows in a generation. Placefirst, in partnership with architect POD Newcastle and landscape architect Southern Green, will deliver 89 high-quality homes in total, a mix of bungalows and three-bedroom properties, to create a multi-generational community. As regeneration specialists, Placefirst’s commitment to placemaking and sustainability is showcased through the creation of unique areas of open space and landscaping, which integrate existing high value trees and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS). The homes will also be modern and energy efficient, minimising fuel bills for residents. All Placefirst homes and neighbourhoods are specifically designed and built for quality private rental. Esh Winning is no different, and the development is also set to provide a boost to the village, benefiting local services, businesses and amenities. The site’s proximity to the open countryside and green space will be attractive to new residents, as well as being within short commuting distance to key areas of employment. The planned development represents Placefirst’s continued dedication to the single family housing BTR market, and builds on their strong track record of delivering other schemes including The Welsh Streets in Liverpool, and Sky Edge in Sheffield. Esh Winning will also follow in the footsteps of other successful Placefirst schemes in the region, such as The Green, a radical transformation of three streets of Victorian houses in Hartlepool, and the hugely popular Scholar’s View, a 116 home new build neighbourhood in Hetton-le-Hole in Sunderland, which is due to be completed in early 2022. Darran Lawless, development director at Placefirst commented: “We are delighted that Durham County Council has approved our plans to transform this previously derelict site into a high-quality sustainable neighbourhood, with much needed new homes for the local area. This exciting scheme will build on our success within the North East where we are establishing a stunning portfolio of developments. “Our track record of placemaking and building sustainable communities is reflected in our plans for Esh Winning, which will be a significant regeneration scheme, making a lasting and positive impact on the local community. We look forward to starting work onsite in 2022.” Ward Councillor Marion Wilson said: “This development will be a fantastic addition to Esh Winning. It’s great to see that 54 much needed bungalows will be brought to the village along with family housing. This development will help support and retain local businesses and bring economic benefit to the area.”
A landmark stage was reached recently in the construction of student accommodation on Alscot Road in Bermondsey, celebrated in style by a topping out ceremony attended by developer Alumno, a range of stakeholders and the core design team. These included Greenaway Architects, project funder Barings and the headteacher of local Kintore Way Nursery School and Children’s Centre, for which Alumno is aiming to help refurbish the external playground and develop an archive project to mark its long and fascinating history dating back to before the Second World War. Alumno’s fourth development in Southwark, Bermondsey, will deliver fully integrated student facilities for 143 students, including high-quality rooms with shared amenities, such as a basement cinema lounge, study room and community area. It will follow the aims of Alumno’s previous projects in delivering key local community benefits. Speaking at the topping out event, Alumno Managing Director David Campbell said: “We are delighted to have reached this landmark stage on schedule, and I’d like to thank everyone who has worked so hard in the current difficult circumstances, in particular Greenaway Architects for the building’s stunning design, praised by Southwark Council, our construction partners HG Construction, and funders Barings. “The development will not only provide much needed high-quality accommodation for the area’s student population but will also contribute to the vibrancy of this diverse neighbourhood and make a valuable contribution to the local community in line with our ethos of always giving something back.” Commenting on the project, which is due for completion for the start of the 2022 academic year, HG Construction Managing Director Conor Rice said: “It’s always a special feeling when we reach this stage, and this is all the more satisfying during these tough times, and also due to the benefits we know this development will bring to Bermondsey as a whole.” Rory Allan, Managing Director of Real Estate Fund Management at Barings, added: “We are pleased to celebrate this important milestone in the development of what will be a high-quality student accommodation. Barings has a strong conviction in the structural drivers behind investing in student housing in major undersupplied university markets and is committed to delivering projects that positively impact local environments and communities.”
HS2’s latest performance data shows it has supported over 1400 people who were out of work into employment, demonstrating the project’s crucial role in the drive to Build Back Better and equip people with ‘Skills for Life’. HS2’s success in supporting unemployed people into work is largely driven by the effectiveness of its job brokerage partnership model which launched earlier this year. By bringing together the Department for Work and Pensions, strategic regional and local stakeholders including local authorities, enterprise partnerships, charities and employment support services along the route of the new railway, the job brokerage model has enabled HS2 and its construction partners to engage local people who are looking for work. Referrals allow individuals, including those at risk of long-term unemployment, to access training and placement opportunities which provide them with the skills they need to transition into jobs supporting HS2’s construction. Bespoke initiatives led by HS2’s construction partner for the West Midlands, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), are already paying dividends and thanks to referrals from local partners, 150 people from the region who were out of work have now secured a career in construction in just six months. HS2 Minister Andrew Stephenson MP said: “It is heartening to hear real life stories of how HS2 is supporting unemployed people into work right across the country. It demonstrates not just the huge variety of skills and opportunities that the project offers to job seekers, but is also a great example of the Government’s Plan for Jobs in action.” Julie Venn-Morton, HS2’s Skills Manager for the West Midlands said: “The pace of construction across Warwickshire and the West Midlands is driving the creation of hundreds of new jobs. “Through our job brokerage model, we’re able to ensure that those most in need are benefiting from training and upskilling opportunities to get them job-ready for HS2.” BBV is investing heavily in training and work placement programmes which upskill candidates ready for their pipeline of career opportunities. Through a combination of training and paid work trials it has already recruited 9 Environmental Technicians and 10 General Operatives who were all previously out of work. A rolling programme of training sessions for the unemployed and those looking to boost their skills and experience is now underway, and those who successfully complete the programme will transition into general operative jobs within BBV’s supply chain. Among those to have secured a full-time role is 21-year-old Brady from Chelmsley Wood. Brady had never worked in construction before and recognised that his lack of skills and experience were holding him back. He successfully completed a 20-day customised training programme and gained a series of accreditations which enabled him to progress onto a site-based work trial. The passion and enthusiasm he showed during the trial led to him securing a full-time role as a general operative. He now works as part of a team supporting the construction of HS2 in North Warwickshire. Brady said: “I really love the job. It’s been great for my wellbeing, both mentally and physically. I’m out on site every day meeting new people and I’ve formed a great bond with the team, we’re like a family. “I’ve had so much personal support too. Transitioning out of social housing and off benefits hasn’t been easy, but the team has helped me all the way. They even helped me to find new accommodation, which is closer to site, and that saves me at least an hour’s travel time every day. “I’d encourage anyone who is out of work to seize this opportunity, it really has changed my life for the better.” Irfa from Birmingham has also benefitted from the free training and paid work trial programme. She’s now employed as an environmental technician and works as part of a team assisting with site inspections and audits to ensure that HS2’s construction works comply with environmental legislation and consents. Irfa said: “I love the variety that this job offers and the opportunity to work alongside experts in the field including arboriculturists and ecologists really does mean that every day is like a school day – I’m learning so much. “I had no idea just how much goes on behind the scenes to build HS2 and it’s really exciting to be part of it. The focus on sustainability of planting trees right across the project and reducing carbon impacts is fascinating. It’s something I knew nothing about before and it’s opened my eyes to what a career in this sector can offer.” The combination of tailored training programmes coupled with paid work placements is proving to be hugely successful, supporting BBV’s drive to ensure that it recruits local people, wherever possible, to drive forward its construction programme. Shilpi Akbar, Head of Stakeholders and Communities at Balfour Beatty VINCI said: “Our investment in on-the-job training and work with local partners is driving the creation of the highly skilled workforce we need to deliver HS2. And with a ten-year construction programme ahead of us, there will be hundreds more opportunities to come.” For more information about careers and opportunities working on HS2, visit hs2.org.uk/careers
Award-winning British designer and manufacturer of quality fitted furniture, Daval, is a finalist at the Northern Design Awards 2021, shortlisted for Amazing Space in the residential category. The Northern Design Awards bring together designers, retailers and property developers in a celebration of Northern design and style, consisting of 22 prize categories across the commercial and residential sectors, one of which Daval is a finalist in. Judged by the best in the business including Linda Barker and Wayne Hemingway, these awards serve to recognise excellence across the North of England and are sponsored by Haywoods International and The Cheshire Magazine. This bespoke garden room project is complete with outdoor kitchen living space in partnership with local oak building specialists, Paragon Oak. Both award-winning companies are based in West Yorkshire, a mere 11 miles apart, so it was easy for the lead designers to collaborate to create a Daval kitchen living space within a Paragon Oak oak-framed building for a manor house in West Yorkshire. This instantly added an extra dimension to the living and entertaining spaces available for family members and guests in the client’s rural property. The Mayfair kitchen in Talpa, a contemporary matt finish in taupe, is the ideal choice to complement the natural oak hues of the timber. “With an upsurge in investing in the home and garden predicted for 2022, the luxury kitchen market is willing and able to support property owners and developers who are keen to optimise their surroundings as home comforts continue to be of prime importance. Hybrid and home working has brought new options to the work/life balance equation and we have been finding that flexible spaces are increasingly important. We have been getting requests to assist with an increasing number of personalised garden rooms, which underlines the desire for versatility along with a determination to optimise indoor outdoor living all year around,” said Simon Bodsworth, Managing Director at Daval. Daval Furniture is a British designer and manufacturer of luxury fitted furniture, delivered to UK homes via a premium network of 100 independent Design Partners nationwide. Daval Furniture’s 100,000 sq. ft HQ is nestled in the heart of Yorkshire’s Colne Valley in the village of Slaithwaite. The company employs 70 staff with an annual turnover of £6m. It makes bespoke fitted furniture including kitchens, bedrooms and offices. The family-run business was founded by cabinet maker David Bodsworth and his wife Alyson in 1978.
The final few homes remain for sale at a new development in Brampton as work on site reaches the last stages. Bellway is building 150 homes at Brampton Gate, off Laws Crescent, where construction is due to be complete next year. A total of 83 of the 90 properties for private sale have already been reserved at the Brampton development, with just seven now available, while the remaining 60 homes on the development are being provided as affordable housing available for local people through rent or shared ownership. “With just seven properties remaining for sale at Brampton Gate, there are now only a few opportunities for homebuyers to purchase a new home here. We’ve now reached the final stages of construction and will be completing the last homes on site next year ready for their new owners to move into,” said Luke Southgate, Sales Director of Bellway Northern Home Counties. “The development has now really taken shape and a new community is beginning to form among those who’ve already settled into their new properties. Our showhomes are still open so I would advise anyone who is interested in finding out more to book an appointment to view them and get a taste of what we have to offer.” The final homes for sale include a mix of four and five-bedroom houses, with prices starting from £470,000. The properties still available to buy, include the five-bedroom Oakley and the four-bedroom Potton housetype, which was one of the showhomes at the development.
Hiab, part of Cargotec, has launched the 110 tonne metre ™ super heavy loader crane HIAB iQ.1188 HiPro with the company’s new control system to deliver new productivity and safety benefits. The iQ range is HIAB’s new generation of loader cranes based on the new control system SPACEevo combined with the CombiDrive 4 remote control that is used for the first time on the HIAB iQ.1188 HiPro. The HIAB iQ.1188 HiPro is the largest HIAB crane to date with a long reach and great lifting capacity, but still lightweight in a compact package. It delivers the performance of a 110tm loader crane but is similar in size to a 90tm range model. This means it can be installed easily on 4 axle vehicles and still leaves room for payload, as well as reducing costs and fuel consumption. The performance to weight ratio is achieved by the new V12-Power boom profiles. “Our customers want big cranes that are suited for a great variety of tasks in a smaller crane package to increase flexibility, reduce operating costs and improve fuel efficiency. We are proud to have launched our biggest HIAB crane to date with some amazing new technological features to deliver unrivalled performance and safety features,” says Marcel Boxem, Director, Product Management, Loader Cranes Heavy & Super Heavy, Hiab. He continues: “The HIAB iQ.1188 HiPro is the first in the iQ. range that will set a new standard for precise manoeuvres and high speeds, and personalised settings to improve productivity. At the same time, the new features we are introducing are also making crane operation safer than ever for the operator and the surroundings.” The new SPACEevo control system allows the crane to be operated precisely even at high speeds. It is built using an open technological platform that enables continuous updates. The crane is controlled by the new remote control CombiDrive 4 that provides more information, with bigger colour screens, haptic feedback (vibrations) and increased battery life. It is possible for the operator to personalise settings like speed and crane reaction. It features the new Confirm View that increases safety by identifying the position of the operator compared to the stabilisers, so they only open if the operator is positioned to see their movement properly. The crane features the DLC-S stabilisation program. Using the remote control operators can simulate the stabilisation capacity that the crane will have in a certain position and with the stabilisers opened. This is a great feature to plan the scheduled lifts. The HIAB iQ.1188 HiPro has in-built connectivity so that owners can access Hiab’s HiConnect™.
