St. Modwen’s dedicated housebuilding business plans to double in size over the next five years as it brings together internal capabilities in land buying, planning, pre-construction, and customer delivery. Experts within its previously standalone strategic land business, Strategic Land & Regeneration, will be combining with St. Modwen Homes to accelerate
Around 500 mobile generators will be supplied to keep lights on in Ukraine, enough to power around 20,000 homes or equivalent buildings. Responding to the UK Government’s announcement, David Smith, Chief Executive of Energy Networks Association, which represents the UK’s energy network businesses said: “We are deeply concerned and saddened by the
A Shropshire building contractor has secured the contract for a new £5.1m girls’ house at one of the UK’s top independent schools. The new facilities for day and boarding students at Shrewsbury School will be the 12th scheme Pave Aways has completed at the co-educational school for 13 to 18-year-olds. Other
Mace Dragados joint venture has appointed Barhale to a major supplier contract at London’s HS2 Euston station. The award will see civils and infrastructure specialist Barhale undertake an extensive schedule of utilities infrastructure works at the site of the new high speed rail terminus. The programme will include the installation
As organisations redesign their workplaces for the future, leading workplace services provider Sodexo Ireland has announced a new strategic alliance with Sensori Facilities Management, as it continues to build its Vital Spaces proposition. Sodexo’s Vital Spaces is the company’s approach to serving adults at work, wherever they work and brings
PROPERTY, construction, and infrastructure consultancy Perfect Circle has announced that director and sector specialist Richard Whitehead will return to the role of chair. Picking up the baton from fellow Perfect Circle senior management board representative, Duncan Green, Richard will be taking on the role throughout 2022, which marks the business’
HM Government recently announced their support for electric-vehicle battery pioneer Britishvolt. An in principle offer of funding has been made through the Automotive Transformation Fund which has enabled a long-term partnership with Tritax and abrdn that will deliver £1.7bn in private funding. This historic investment will help propel the UK’s
Training provider the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) has come to the aid of facilities hit with spiralling materials costs by providing £54,000 of additional financial assistance. The substantial funding to the electrical departments at 21 Approved Centres – which range from Stornoway and Thurso in the north to
The construction of new logistics parks has “turned green”, is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. According to GLP, one of the leading investors and developers of industrial, logistics and distribution parks, this is a key trend that will drive the world of logistics in the coming years. “There is a significant
NE & C Windows & Doors has secured exclusive access to state-of-the-art products and training after joining Reynaers Aluminium Ltd’s Fire Safety Partners Scheme. The Tyne and Wear based company joins a select group of members to qualify for the initiative which was launched in conjunction with Certifire and FIRAS.
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
St. Modwen’s dedicated housebuilding business plans to double in size over the next five years as it brings together internal capabilities in land buying, planning, pre-construction, and customer delivery. Experts within its previously standalone strategic land business, Strategic Land & Regeneration, will be combining with St. Modwen Homes to accelerate growth. St. Modwen’s residential and community focus will continue through St. Modwen Homes which last year delivered almost 1200 new homes. It has one of the highest customer satisfaction ratings for a housebuilder of its size in the UK (HBF), an award-winning track record in health and safety, and a progressive and sustainable approach to housebuilding. Acquired by Blackstone, the world’s largest alternative asset manager, in August 2021, St. Modwen’s strategic focus on the high growth sectors of logistics and housebuilding has attracted ongoing support and investment. St. Modwen Homes is selling homes across 24 sites and is making significant land acquisitions to support its ambitious growth plans. Meanwhile, St. Modwen Logistics delivered 1.4m sq ft of new warehouse space during 2021, with high levels of growth planned in 2022, backed by one of the UK’s largest pipelines at c. 19m sq ft. Sarwjit Sambhi, CEO of St. Modwen, commented: “Over recent years, St. Modwen has become one of the UK’s leading developers of new communities and high-quality homes. Bringing together our land capabilities is natural progression for St. Modwen Homes and we hope a catalyst to double the size of this business.”
Around 500 mobile generators will be supplied to keep lights on in Ukraine, enough to power around 20,000 homes or equivalent buildings. Responding to the UK Government’s announcement, David Smith, Chief Executive of Energy Networks Association, which represents the UK’s energy network businesses said: “We are deeply concerned and saddened by the war in Ukraine and the UK’s network operators have been working closely with the government to identify what help we can provide.“We hope these generators can offer civilians the very basic necessities of warmth and power, and we will continue to offer our support however we can.”
A Shropshire building contractor has secured the contract for a new £5.1m girls’ house at one of the UK’s top independent schools. The new facilities for day and boarding students at Shrewsbury School will be the 12th scheme Pave Aways has completed at the co-educational school for 13 to 18-year-olds. Other significant projects it has carried out at the school include the academic building Hodgson Hall, the Chatri Design Centre and the extension and refurbishment of the Barnes Theatre. The new house will be the fifth house for female students and has been designed by Adrian James Architects, which was responsible for Hogdson Hall. It will provide single and communal bedrooms for students and staff accommodation with shared facilities including a house hall, kitchen and TV room. Work will start in early April with completion in the summer term of 2023. Pave Aways will use its expertise in low carbon construction to deliver the highly sustainable blueprint, which includes a ‘fabric first’ highly insulated and airtight skin, plus a mechanical ventilation system, air source heat pumps and a photo voltaic panels to generate electricity. Managing Director Steven Owen said: “The new house is an exciting development in the evolution of Shrewsbury School and we’re delighted to have been trusted to build it. “Our experience in building low or zero carbon facilities for schools, coupled with our pedigree in the education sector, has been key to securing this contract. Having delivered a series of these schemes in the past two years, including the first ever Passivhaus school in Mid Wales, has given us a strong foundation in the skills required and a supply chain that is well equipped to support us.”
Mace Dragados joint venture has appointed Barhale to a major supplier contract at London’s HS2 Euston station. The award will see civils and infrastructure specialist Barhale undertake an extensive schedule of utilities infrastructure works at the site of the new high speed rail terminus. The programme will include the installation of 580 metres of 1.5m diameter combined sewer and 425 metres of 1-metre water main to move the path of two of the existing utilities in the area. The programme will also entail the installation of 380 metres of 355mm distribution water main and the diversion of more than seven further water mains plus gas mains and various multi-utilities along the route. Barhale contracts manager Mike Faherty welcomed the appointment and is looking forward to Barhale expanding its role in the HS2 programme. “The HS2 Euston Station terminus is a gateway to one of the most significant transport schemes to be undertaken in the UK for decades,” he said. “We are proud to be a part of the team at Euston that will take forward this landmark project. “The appointment reflects not just our experience and reputation for delivering on major capital projects but also the close working relationship we have fostered with the capital’s utility businesses – Thames Water in particular. “We are looking forward to working with Mace Dragados to achieve another important milestone in the HS2 programme.” Paul Leighton, Deputy Delivery Director for Mace Dragados, said: “As we build our team at Euston, having established industry names like Barhale among the ranks is going to bring invaluable experience and expertise. I’m excited to see that in action when Barhale starts its works on the ground.” These utility works are expected to start in 2022 and run through until 2024, taking place in a phased manner to minimise disruption to the local area.
As organisations redesign their workplaces for the future, leading workplace services provider Sodexo Ireland has announced a new strategic alliance with Sensori Facilities Management, as it continues to build its Vital Spaces proposition. Sodexo’s Vital Spaces is the company’s approach to serving adults at work, wherever they work and brings together a full suite of workplace and employee-focused services including workplace consultancy, workplace design, workplace management, worklife services and workplace technology and analytics. Sodexo’s expertise in workplace transformation combined with Sensori FM’s expertise in digital intelligent building solutions will appeal to companies seeking that single point of contact in the design and creation of more flexible, higher performing and sustainable workplaces. Clients can reap the benefits of real time data analytics, remote monitoring of assets, predictive maintenance, workspace and seating usage analytics, as well as air quality, occupancy and health and safety analytics, to better manage its workspace experiences. Sustainability and the decarbonisation of buildings are now key objectives for all businesses as research by the IFMA (International Facility Management Association) found that 73% of business leaders say that existing and potential employees are scrutinizing their sustainability policies and demanding more climate-positive action. As expert service providers, Sodexo and Sensori FM will collaborate with clients on the creation of strategies to enhance sustainability roadmaps and help reduce their carbon footprint, energy and water. This can include detailed energy audits, costings and design solutions, to ensure buildings and assets perform at their optimum level of efficiency with visibility of real time digital interface reports. David Fox, managing director, Sodexo Ireland, said: “The management of office space is central to a balanced flexible working strategy and organisations will continue to optimise technology to bridge digital and physical worlds, with a core focus on employee and environmental wellbeing. Our relationship with Sensori FM brings a single point of contact for organisations embarking on new workplace transformation programmes, from the initial consultation right through to the implementation of next generation FM solutions. We are with our clients every step on the journey towards optimising their business workplace.” Mark Cullen, managing director, Sensori Facilities Management, added: “Sensori is at the forefront of delivering high performance buildings and we are delighted to be partnering with Sodexo, creating innovative and bespoke solutions that support its key pillars of Vital Spaces. “There is a strong alignment of company culture and core values across our two businesses. Now operating as an integrated team, we are looking forward to offering a wider scope of services to both existing and new clients.” Sensori Facilities Management is a leading name in delivering complete FM packages, customised to suit the needs of its clients. It directly employs more than 350 multi-skilled personnel, including 70 mobile technicians who operate across Ireland 24-7. With offices in Dublin, Limerick, Clare and Cork, the Sensori Facilities Management team works with clients across a host of sectors including pharmaceutical and life sciences, healthcare, manufacturing, education, corporate, government, retail and public buildings. Sodexo Ireland employs 2,000 people at over 100 client locations in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
PROPERTY, construction, and infrastructure consultancy Perfect Circle has announced that director and sector specialist Richard Whitehead will return to the role of chair. Picking up the baton from fellow Perfect Circle senior management board representative, Duncan Green, Richard will be taking on the role throughout 2022, which marks the business’ sixth year and will see it grow to reach delivery of over £600m of public sector spend. Set up in 2016 by sector-leading firms Pick Everard, Gleeds and AECOM, the consultancy delivers the broadest range of consultancy services available to the public sector via SCAPE Consultancy, a single source direct award framework that drives collaboration, efficiency, time, and cost savings. Richard said: “Duncan has done an excellent job over the past year, ensuring that Perfect Circle retained a sharp focus on strategy and performance, through what has clearly been a turbulent time. I look forward to taking the business forward by increasing the scale and scope of the services we provide across the public sector and ensuring that we continually deliver best value.” Perfect Circle has been commissioned on more than 1,900 public sector projects during its term, with the business contributing significantly to the government’s levelling up agenda for the UK. In total, Perfect Circle has spent more than £120m through local supply chain on public sector projects, with many supporting the growth of communities at a regional level. Managing director of Perfect Circle Victoria Brambini said: “We are delighted that Richard will be returning as chair – his expertise and past experience on the senior management board at Perfect Circle will help to maintain our position as market leaders, delivering efficient partnering, integrated support and outstanding service performance.” Richard has extensive experience in the buildings and infrastructure professional services sector. He is Managing Director of AECOM’s Buildings + Places business in Europe, leading a team of over 2,500 people providing a diverse range of services for public and private sector clients in the UK and overseas. He is also a board member of the Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership and Chair of Hertfordshire Enterprise Zone. Victoria said: “We’re welcoming Richard into this role at a pivotal time, with consultancy in the construction sector facing a multitude of challenges – including a shortage of skilled staff, increased costs and supply chain issues. “As a result, efforts should be made to maximise local spend through the procurement of opportunities for SMEs within their local community. Richard will be a great addition to ensure long-term success and support the recent drive for levelling up in the UK. He joins at a time of great momentum on the new SCAPE Consultancy framework, with the inclusion of new preferred partners, such as Stantec, Jacobs and WT Partnership, signalling our strong intention to continue to better support the wide array of public sector projects across the UK. By doing so, we are setting the industry on the path to better and more consistent partnership, that achieves better outcomes for clients and the communities that our industry serves.” Mark Robinson, SCAPE Group chief executive, said: “Delivering quality support and advice to our public sector colleagues has never been more important. Therefore, the expertise that is made available by Richard and the rest of the Perfect Circle team will be critical in helping our clients to unlock the true potential of their assets and infrastructure. With this appointment, I look forward to continuing our work together to deliver the very best outcomes for the public sector.” For more information about Perfect Circle, visit www.perfectcircle.co.uk.
HM Government recently announced their support for electric-vehicle battery pioneer Britishvolt. An in principle offer of funding has been made through the Automotive Transformation Fund which has enabled a long-term partnership with Tritax and abrdn that will deliver £1.7bn in private funding. This historic investment will help propel the UK’s successful energy transition on the road to zero. Britishvolt is delighted to announce that its transformational plans for the company’s first full-scale Gigaplant are powering ahead, levelling up the Northeast and creating [c]3,000 high-value jobs. In addition to those directly employed on the Northumberland site, the project will also deliver a further [c]5,000+ indirect roles in the wider UK supply chain. The Gigaplant will build enough cells each year for over 300,000 electric vehicle battery packs, equivalent to [c]25% of current UK vehicle manufacture, securing Global Britain’s position on the sustainable battery production map. It very strongly supports the Prime Minister’s 10-point plan for a green industrial revolution, and to his ambition to level up the UK. Sales for electric vehicles continue to strengthen and domestic batteries are a vital ingredient in meeting this demand. British consumers bought more electric cars in 2021 than the previous five years combined, and the trajectory is set to only accelerate. EV battery pioneer, Britishvolt, the UK’s foremost investor in battery cell technologies and associated R&D to develop homegrown intellectual property, is powering ahead with its historic plans for its first full-scale electric-vehicle Gigaplant in Northumberland and is delighted that the project is receiving support from the Government through its Automotive Transformation Fund, delivered by the Advanced Propulsion Centre. At the same time BV announce that Tritax and abrdn are becoming its partner to fund the build of the project, shell and core, as well as to develop the associated supplier park. Tritax is the leading investor in UK and European logistics real estate and is joining BV in partnership with abrdn’s global real assets and investment capabilities. The ATF is a funding programme with the aim of creating a sustainable, zero emission automotive supply chain in the UK. The fund is an important mechanism to deliver the UK Government’s 10-point plan for a green industrial revolution and its recent Transport Decarbonisation Plan. Over the next few weeks BV will make a series of follow up announcements including customer MoUs and R&D collaborations, relationships with blue chip UK automotive sports car brands and technology releases. Peter Rolton, Britishvolt Executive Chairman: “This announcement is a major step in putting the UK at the forefront of the global energy transition, unlocking huge private sector investment that will develop the technology and skills required for Britain to play its part in the next industrial revolution. The news is the first step in creating a commercialised battery ecosystem, that perfectly aligns with the existing R&D ecosystem. Britishvolt will be the anchor for attracting further sections of the supply chain, be it refining or recycling, to co-locate on the Britishvolt site. This not only shortens supply chains but also allows for partners to access the abundance of renewable energy on site to truly power low carbon, sustainable battery production. It will also allow us to catapult our unique tailormade business proposition on a global scale, with sites already selected for development in other countries. I’m especially proud that this is such a major boost for Northumberland – the county of my birth – bringing around 3,000 direct highly-skilled jobs and another 5,000+ indirect wider supply chain roles into the region. This is a truly historic day and marks the start of a truly exciting move towards a low carbon future. One with Britishvolt batteries at the very centre of that strategy.” According to APC research, based on its unique relationships with vehicle manufacturers, by 2030 the UK will need over 90GWh per annum of batteries for cars and light commercials alone and represents over 11% of the total demand across Europe. Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, said: “Britishvolt’s plan to build a new Gigafactory in Northumberland is a strong testament to the skilled workers of the North East and the UK’s place at the helm of the global green industrial revolution. “Backed by government and private sector investment, this new battery factory will boost the production of electric vehicles in the UK, whilst levelling up opportunity and bringing thousands of new highly-skilled jobs to communities in our industrial heartlands.” The project will create [c]+3,000 direct high-skilled jobs and another 5,000+ indirect roles in the wider UK supply chain to build enough cells each year for over 300,000 electric vehicle battery packs. Kwasi Kwarteng, Business Secretary, said: “Today’s news is a major boost for Britain and a resounding vote of confidence in the North East economy. “Britishvolt’s planned Gigafactory will not only enable the UK to fully capture the benefits of a booming electric vehicle market, but will bring thousands of highly-skilled, well-paid jobs to the North East. “In this global race between countries to secure vital battery production, this Government is proud to make the investment necessary to ensure UK’s retains its place as one of the best locations in the world for auto manufacturing.” It also underscores the Government’s ambitions for the UK to be a world leader in the battery industry, having already established a unique and impressive ecosystem including WMG, University of Warwick, the Advanced Propulsion Centre, The Faraday Institution and UK Battery Industrialistion Centre. James Dunlop, CEO, Tritax Group, said: “Tritax and abrdn are delighted to have been chosen to partner with Britishvolt to fund and deliver this at Blyth. The £3.8bn scheme will create a sustainable and green powered ecosystem for UK battery and EV manufacturing. Blyth is mission critical infrastructure of national importance. The development will help realise the UK Government’s commitment to deliver British made batteries for the automotive sector in a world leading energy cluster in the Northeast. We have a strong track record of identifying operators and projects at the epicentre of structural change and as such are proud to
Training provider the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) has come to the aid of facilities hit with spiralling materials costs by providing £54,000 of additional financial assistance. The substantial funding to the electrical departments at 21 Approved Centres – which range from Stornoway and Thurso in the north to Dumfries in the south – was delivered after costs rose by approximately 30% in just a few months. SECTT says the extra money recognises the huge contribution that the 20 colleges and one private centre make to training as well as the vital importance of apprenticeships to the future of the electrical industry in Scotland. Anne Galbraith, CEO of SECTT, said: “The past two years have been extremely difficult for all the centres, which were closed for face-to-face learning for long periods. Working with SECTT, they responded magnificently with online learning, which certainly filled a gap until they were able to reopen. “However, now we are back to in-person learning again, the rising cost of materials that are essential for training courses has proved a challenge for all our colleges, so we were more than happy to assist. “Electrical apprentices require considerable practical training, so the centres were made a priority, with the money approved by the SECTT Board of Trustees at a recent meeting and allocated proportionately to the number of classes starting in the 2021 recruitment year.” Scott Foley, Regional Officer at Unite the Union, and Chair of the SECTT Trustees, added: “SECTT is pleased to be able to make this financial contribution to our college partners as we have been a consistent advocate of the practical encouragement of young people and of the value of meaningful training. “SECTT has achieved major success in recent years, not least in establishing a new perception of the next generation of electricians by emphasising their skill, dedication and professionalism as well as the competence, confidence and maturity required to achieve their qualified status. “This has been reflected in the 770 apprentices and adult trainees who enrolled on the electrical apprenticeship in 2021 – the highest figure for 12 years – and recruitment remains buoyant.” SECTT was established in 1990 by Unite the Union and Scotland’s largest construction trade association, SELECT and now manages the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) training scheme for electrical apprenticeships in Scotland. During the pandemic, it offered an employment lifeline to apprentices made redundant by the fallout from COVID-19 and loaned computers to electrical apprentices and trainees to allow them to continue their studies remotely.
The construction of new logistics parks has “turned green”, is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. According to GLP, one of the leading investors and developers of industrial, logistics and distribution parks, this is a key trend that will drive the world of logistics in the coming years. “There is a significant demand for modern, high-quality industrial and logistics facilities that offer more than just warehouse space. Companies are willing to pay for higher standards because they have a lot to gain. It also pays to integrate the development sensitively into the surrounding environment, offering more green space and also investing in the surrounding infrastructure. This helps build relationships with the municipalities and communities affected by the development,” says Jan Palek, GLP’s director for the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The emphasis on quality and the introduction of new technologies in the construction of logistics parks has meant a huge shift in the industry in recent years: companies using logistics developments are among the fastest growing, especially in ecommerce , distribution, but also light industrial production. For their further development and expansion, they need quality premises that can accommodate logistics or production facilities and also provide a friendly environment for employees. The demand for “smart” buildings is driven by new client requirements. They demand flexible spaces that adapt to their needs. “They want to monitor traffic and be able to control the costs associated with it. At the same time, they expect the developer to look to the future and offer innovative solutions. That’s why we are designing buildings with the possibility of installing photovoltaic panels and making technological and construction preparations for charging stations for electric vehicles. They may not be used immediately, but they will be available when it makes economic sense,” explains Filip Krzywoň, Technical Manager at GLP Czech Republic and Slovakia. GLP is building three current projects in Chrášt’any near Prague, Holubice near Brno and Ostrava-Hrušov according to these standards. Although some of them are just starting to be built, their capacity is already almost leased. Smart technologies reduce operating costs and make business easier Applying a sustainability and ESG approach to business is now also very important for investors. They consider not only how much to invest and what their return will be, but also what impact the investment will have on the surrounding environment. All of this increases the certainty of a long-term return on investment and is therefore becoming an integral part of new logistics projects. Investing in smart technology is one of the many ways we can meet our ESG commitments. “We are helping to create efficiencies by saving energy resources, time and money. The integration of various types of technologies including data analytics, robotics, automated clearance systems, digital loading docks, smart sorting, telematics, fleet management systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) are all designed to increase efficiency,” Jan Palek summarises. A practical example is technology for intelligent measurement and data collection, for example monitoring the frequency of loading gate openings. It increases gate clearance rates by 95% and loading dock utilisation by up to 50%. It also pays to improve working conditions for employees. “We are improving the quality of the environment in our buildings. We are installing technologies to improve air quality, acoustic comfort and also building rest areas. We avoid toxic or harmful materials and prefer environmentally friendly ones,” explains Jan Palek, GLP’s director. A related trend is the design of new buildings using an electronic building model using the BIM (Building Information Modeling) method. “The virtual building model contains information about all components. Maintenance can then be carried out quickly and easily. We offer a digital helpdesk linked to the BIM database, so that if, for example, a fault is reported in the air conditioning system, we immediately know where the problem is and have all the relevant documentation and information needed to solve it immediately,” explains Filip Krzywoň. Energy-efficient and environmentally friendly construction The trend towards sustainability is also supported by rising energy prices, which increase the demand for energy-efficient buildings with quality insulation and traffic management technologies. These make it possible to control energy, water, HVAC and lighting use. They also allow rainwater to be used for watering or flushing toilets. “Conventional warehouses will gradually lose popularity because their operating costs will be high,” adds Jan Palek. Sustainability is also reflected in energy management. “Our vision is that we will supply the renewable solar electricity we generate to the clients we lease our premises to. It has to be economically interesting for them, of course. Therefore, the specific installations will be decided only after the projects are completed and based on the current conditions,” adds Jan Palek. A responsible approach concerns not only the development of industrial real estate, including logistics parks, but also their immediate surroundings: the local environment and communities. “We build the complexes in such a way that they blend in with the surrounding environment. We pay attention to park landscaping that serves to relax employees and visitors. Our aim is for all our new buildings to be BREEAM Very Good or equivalent in terms of sustainability,” says Jan Palek. The broader concept of accountability also includes close cooperation with neighbouring communities, especially local governments or associations. This includes investment in the infrastructure of the municipalities. “We typically invest, for example, in increasing the capacity of water supply lines, upgrading wastewater treatment plants, building bio-corridors, contributing to the construction of schools, parks and other projects that would be difficult for municipalities to implement on their own,” concludes Jan Palek, GLP’s director.
NE & C Windows & Doors has secured exclusive access to state-of-the-art products and training after joining Reynaers Aluminium Ltd’s Fire Safety Partners Scheme. The Tyne and Wear based company joins a select group of members to qualify for the initiative which was launched in conjunction with Certifire and FIRAS. The scheme requires fabricators and installers to achieve stringent first safety standards, which then allows access to the Reynaers’ range of market leading fire-resistant aluminium windows, doors, and curtain walling. This, in turn, offers assurance to customers and building occupants that fire safety requirements in product performance and installation have been met. Members also benefit from access to Reynaers’ unrivalled supply chain and training in specific fire safety products at the company’s head office in Belgium. To apply, fabricators and installers must prove they are accredited by independent fire safety bodies Certifire or FIRAS, respectively, have been trading for at least a year, and demonstrate a history of supplying fire safety products. John McComb, Technical Director at Reynaers, said: “We are delighted to welcome NE & C Windows & Doors Ltd to the Fire Safe Partners Scheme which enables the company to offer a high level of fire safety assurance and choice to its customers. “Glazing is a crucial consideration for fire safety in modern buildings and one that is just as important as the aesthetics of the system installed. Through our scheme, we also ensure that our partners are equipped with the right training to successfully fabricate and install our products. “Partnering with Certifire and FIRAS means that our Fire Safety Partners Scheme is of the highest integrity.” Ed Ramshaw, Managing Director at NE & C Windows & Doors Ltd, added: “Achieving this certification was a great accolade and a major part of our vision for the future. Reynaers’ comprehensive range of fire safe products will be an excellent addition to our already abundant offering while the diversification will enable us to reach new markets with a quality of product that logically sits alongside our other high specification products and suppliers. “We have been manufacturing aluminium bi folds, windows, curtain walling, and commercial systems for the past 10 years, so the next stage for us was to bring on board a cutting-edge collection of fire-resistant products including smoke vents. I found that Reynaers’ ethos very much reflected our outlook in business, so the scheme seemed a great fit for both parties. We are looking forward to a long and prosperous partnership.” As the certification for fabricators, Certifire assures performance, quality, reliability, and traceability of products and systems, while FIRAS endorses the competency of installers to fit and maintain systems to the required safety standards. Fabricators and installers who want to learn more about Reynaers’ Fire Safe Partners Scheme or who would like to register their interest in becoming a partner should visit: https://www.reynaers.co.uk/en-UK/reynaers-fire-safe-partners-scheme
