March 25, 2022

GLP acquires nine-acre site at Trafford Park

GLP, a leading investor and developer of logistics warehouses and distribution parks, recently announces that it has acquired a site in Trafford Park, south-west of Manchester city centre, totalling nine acres. The site is currently occupied by Tenmat, a leading manufacturer of advanced materials and components who is subsequently relocating

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West Midlands Mayor welcomes HS2 jobs and skills boost

West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street, visited the Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV) Skills Academy at South and City College Birmingham’s Bordesley Green campus yesterday and welcomed the news that 3,000 more local people are set to benefit from employment opportunities on HS2. The Balfour Beatty VINCI Skills Academy, which sits within

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Edinburgh scales up housing with £128 million investment plan

The Council is set to spend around £128 million over the next 12 months as it continues to invest in improving Council homes and building new affordable homes in Edinburgh.  At a meeting of the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work committee on Thursday (24 March), Councillors agreed a comprehensive spending

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Peter Sharpe Rejoins Bouygues for Pentre Awel Project

Peter Sharpe Rejoins Bouygues for Pentre Awel Project

Peter Sharpe has joined Bouygues UK as Project Director, starting work on Zone One of the innovative Pentre Awel development in Llanelli. Peter joins Bouygues UK from Laing O’Rourke and Balfour Beatty where he held Senior Project Leader positions. His new appointment sees him returning to Bouygues UK, following his

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MHM Group’s Eco Alternatives Hit the Mark at the Executive Show

MHM Group’s Eco Alternatives Hit the Mark at the Executive Show

Developing eco-friendly equipment alternatives for the construction and plant hire sectors has paid off in spades for innovative Sales & Rehire company MHM Group, as it achieved a record number of enquiries at the Executive Hire Show. MHM Eco, part of the MHM Group, made its first-ever appearance at the

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Metal Warehouse Buildings: 4 Factors to Check Before Getting Them

Pre-engineered metal warehouses are a popular choice for many businesses because they offer a variety of benefits. The structural steel market size exceeded $285 billion globally in 2019. There are four essential factors to check before purchasing when you are in the market for a pre-engineered metal building. A good

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Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

March 25, 2022

GLP acquires nine-acre site at Trafford Park

GLP, a leading investor and developer of logistics warehouses and distribution parks, recently announces that it has acquired a site in Trafford Park, south-west of Manchester city centre, totalling nine acres. The site is currently occupied by Tenmat, a leading manufacturer of advanced materials and components who is subsequently relocating to a site in Irlam at the end of 2022, and has significant redevelopment potential. Cushman & Wakefield advised Tenmat on the sale of the site and the relocation to Irlam. Trafford Park is the premier industrial estate in the North West, covering approximately 1,940 acres and employing 40,000 people. Trafford Park was the first purpose-built industrial park in the world and remains one of the largest industrial parks in Europe, accommodating over 1,300 businesses including Amazon, Unilever, P&G and DHL. Manchester is also one of the UK’s most thriving cities for business and commerce, with the Greater Manchester economy having doubled in size since 2000. The park has excellent connectivity by road, rail and air, strategically located within five miles of Manchester city centre and benefitting from good access to the national motorways network, Metrolink tram and light railway system, and airports including Manchester Airport (11 miles away) and Liverpool John Lennon Airport (27 miles away). The site is within a five-minute drive of junctions nine and ten of the M60 motorway, and the Manchester Freightliner Terminal also provides approximately 20 daily services to the UK’s deep seaports.  Adrienne Howells, Development Director at GLP, comments: “This is an exciting opportunity to acquire an attractive site in one of the largest, most well-connected logistics parks in the UK and Europe. The site lends itself to multiple redevelopment opportunities, including reformatting as a large single unit of around 200,000 SQ FT or splitting into an arrangement of smaller units. GLP has been extremely active in the UK recently and this latest acquisition and development intention indicates our confidence in the North West region.” Rob Taylor, Partner at Cushman & Wakefield, comments: “This site represents one of the best opportunities to secure development land in a prime location in the region.  There was strong interest in the site and we are delighted to have completed the sale on behalf of our client Tenmat and to achieve the result we have. We look forward to working with Tenmat and GLP over the coming months, as Tenmat starts the process of relocating to its new site in Irlam and a new future beckons for the Trafford Park site, with one of the most active developers in the UK at present.”

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West Midlands Mayor welcomes HS2 jobs and skills boost

West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street, visited the Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV) Skills Academy at South and City College Birmingham’s Bordesley Green campus yesterday and welcomed the news that 3,000 more local people are set to benefit from employment opportunities on HS2. The Balfour Beatty VINCI Skills Academy, which sits within one of Birmingham’s most deprived wards, first opened its doors in November 2021, as part of a dedicated drive to upskill local people ready for work on HS2. Since it opened with £1.1m backing from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), the Skills Academy has supported local people who were out of work into a job or onto further training in readiness for their chosen career path supporting HS2’s construction. Today, the Mayor and Cllr Ian Courts, Chair of the HS2 Regional Enterprise Board, and leader of Solihull Council, welcomed the news that the Skills Academy is gearing up to train more people, ready to transition into 3,000 jobs over the next four years with Balfour Beatty VINCI’s labour supply chain partners. The Mayor said: “One of the main reasons I fought so hard to secure HS2 for the West Midlands was the local jobs it would create, and so it is brilliant to see that coming to fruition now. “This exciting collaboration between Balfour Beatty VINCI and South and City College Birmingham, supported by our funding, is helping to give thousands of local people the opportunity to find high-quality and well-paid jobs as part of this once-in-a-generation infrastructure project. This Skills Academy is exactly the kind of initiative that helps those who have fallen out of work find employment as part of my 100k jobs plan.” HS2 Minister, Andrew Stephenson said: “HS2 is about boosting transport, driving business and creating thousands of long lasting jobs that will level up the nation.  “Balfour Beatty Skills Academy embodies all of this, not only supporting local jobs but giving workers the opportunity to upskill for free and gain valuable experience working on Europe’s biggest infrastructure project.” The BBV Skills Academy is the first of its kind in the region, but plans are in place to open more centres across the Midlands, making it easier for local people to gain the free training, accreditation and support they need to begin a career on HS2. BBV estimates it will support circa 7,000 jobs to deliver its programme of work on HS2, and in the West Midlands, it is estimated that the construction of HS2 will generate a constant labour demand of around 10,000 jobs from now until 2027/28. Shilpi Akbar, Balfour Beatty VINCI’s Head of Skills, Employment and Education, said: “At Balfour Beatty VINCI, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing employment opportunities for people across the region. It is one of our top priorities and a core reason we launched our Skills Academy at South and City College last year.   “We want everyone – particularly those who are currently unemployed – to join us and realise the wide range of benefits that can be derived from a career in the construction and infrastructure industry; careers that will take shape and flourish while working to deliver Britain’s new high-speed railway.” At the Bordesley Green campus, thanks to BBV’s partnership venture with South and City College Birmingham, students can gain hands on experience in plant machinery operation, traffic and fire marshalling, alongside nationally recognised accreditation from the Construction Skills Certification Scheme. With no previous experience or skills required, students typically complete BBV’s specialist general operatives training programme in four to six weeks, enabling them to progress onto a paid work trial in their preferred construction career field. On successful completion of the trial, candidates are job matched to roles with BBV’s local labour providers, where they begin their career on HS2. In a short space of time, the programme has supported people of all ages and backgrounds who were formerly unemployed into work. René Nunes from Birmingham was unemployed for two years and was eager to find a job that provided long term security. Through HS2’s job brokerage partner model, which sees its contractors work closely with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and National Careers Service to support local people who are out of work into a job on HS2, René was referred to the Skills Academy and onto the general operatives training programme. He is now working full time at HS2’s construction site in Water Orton and is a vital part of the facilities and maintenance team.   René said: “I feel really privileged to have secured this job and to be working on a project of this scale. The sheer size of HS2’s construction programme is phenomenal and it’s great that I get to work at different sites and see it all coming together. “No two days are the same, which is what I really enjoy about my job, and I genuinely feel part of the team that is bringing HS2 to the region.” During the visit, guests were invited to meet with former trainees who have transitioned into employment, as well as students who have an expressed an interest in joining the next general operatives training programme.  35-year-old Imran from Sparkbrook in Birmingham lost his job during the pandemic. He’d always been interested in construction, particularly engineering and design. When he was given a flyer advertising the Skills Academy, and its free construction training programme, he jumped at the chance and registered for an induction. Imran completed his training in just six weeks and  is now working with BBV’s surveying team at the Washwood Heath construction site which will be home to HS2’s train depot and control centre. Imran said: “I am passionate and proud to be contributing to HS2’s construction. As a member of the surveying team, I play a vital role in ensuring that designs are delivered to the exact specification and with precision. I work closely with the designers and engineers and really take pride in my job. Knowing that I am playing a part in

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Edinburgh scales up housing with £128 million investment plan

The Council is set to spend around £128 million over the next 12 months as it continues to invest in improving Council homes and building new affordable homes in Edinburgh.  At a meeting of the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work committee on Thursday (24 March), Councillors agreed a comprehensive spending programme for the year ahead. Under the plans, improvements will be carried out to more than 3,000 Council homes – making them greener, safer, and more accessible for generations to come. The investment plan will also drive forward the Council’s ambitious house building strategy, supporting the development, build and supply of even more sustainable and affordable new homes to address the city’s housing pressures and tackle the cost-of-living crisis. The Council aims to be one of the first local authorities in Scotland to pilot a ‘whole house retrofit’ approach to support the Council’s net zero carbon commitment. Councillor Kate Campbell, Convener of the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee said: We’re really scaling up our efforts to improve the condition of people’s homes and driving forward our housebuilding programme, so that residents can have permanent homes that are energy efficient, safe and affordable. Our ambition has been to deliver 20,000 affordable new homes by 2027 and we’re well on the way to achieving that despite the pandemic and Brexit, which have been really challenging for construction. And now we’re having to navigate a cost of living crisis, so we have set a rent freeze for our tenants to support them through this. But, longer term, all the work we’re doing now to make homes much more sustainable will also help us to drive down fuel bills. The steps we’re taking to make better use of shared greenspaces is also important for tenants’ wellbeing. Our investment plan for the year ahead will make a big difference to our tenants, both their quality of life in their homes, and to their cost of living. Councillor Mandy Watt, Vice Convener of the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee said: There are huge pressures on housing in Edinburgh and those on low incomes continue to be the most affected by high rents and high bills. Housebuilding has a role to play in providing more affordable and energy efficient homes, and to help us meet the city’s growing demand for accommodation. While funding and land supply remain two key challenges, we’re doing a lot of work to maximise the number of homes we can deliver. But we’re also investing in existing homes and revolutionising housing to provide safer, warmer, and more enjoyable places to live. As we carry out this work, there is a real opportunity to work with staff and Trade Unions to grow our in-house team and further strengthen our repairs service, to provide the very best customer service and value for money we can. This is a complex piece of work but we’re committed to exploring opportunities for upskilling and apprenticeships in the years ahead. I’m pleased officers are looking into a plan, particularly as we scale up our housing investment as we emerge from the pandemic and move forward with innovative ways of working to make people’s homes energy efficient. A report will be brought forward in three months’ time to explore this in more detail. The Capital housing priorities for the year ahead were agreed by members of the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee on Thursday (24 March) and are outlined in the 2022/23 Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Capital Programme report.

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Chancellor’s Spring Statement : VAT on Energy Saving Materials, including Heat Pumps

The Heat Pump Federation and its members welcome the Chancellor’s decision to reduce VAT to zero rate on energy savings materials, including heat pumps. Bean Beanland, the HPF’s Director of Growth & External Affairs said: “We, in concert with others in the sector, have long argued that the tax regime in the UK has favoured the burning of fossil fuels, so this is a particularly welcome measure. We also understand that all materials and services are included. This level of simplicity is essential for the installer community, many of which are micro-businesses that struggle with overly complex tax rules.” “Setting the intervention for five years gives future visibility which will encourage investment in both skills and capacity, by the whole sector in the UK. When taken in conjunction with the new Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which also starts on 1st April, domestic scale heat pumps are going to be that much more affordable for both homeowners and landlords. “ “Capital costs are only one half of the equation, operational costs for heat pumps do still have to be addressed through the rebalancing of taxation on electricity and fossil fuels that reflects the relative carbon and other emissions. But for today, the VAT outcome is to be celebrated and the Government commended for the message that this sends to consumers and to the industry alike.” For interviews/information, please contact Bean Beanland: 07393 399685 / bean.beanland@hpf.org.uk / www.hpf.org.uk

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Build for the Future; East Midlands; Connecting the construction, heritage, property & sustainability businesses.

Build for the Future; East Midlands is back! The annual event is returning for its third year on Tuesday 17th May at the Lincolnshire Showground, following the successful event in September 2021. The event welcomed over 60 exhibitors from across the industry, and hundreds of delegates on the day. Hosted by Heritage Lincolnshire and Archaeological Project Services, sponsored by Arion & Arion Shop UK and working in partnership with the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce this event has already grown from the successful event of February 2020.  The annual event is directly marketed and aimed at those within the Construction, Property, Heritage, Sustainability and Trade Industries across the East Midlands and its goal is to become the biggest in this UK region for supporting and connecting businesses. 2021’s event will showcase four zones; Heritage, Construction, Property Services and Adaption to Climate Change, where industry professionals will be exhibiting throughout the day for you to connect and network. Event Organiser and Business Manager for Heritage Lincolnshire, Hannah Thompson says, ‘Connecting businesses is so important following the past two years we have all been through.  To be able to bring together local businesses and enable them to network, exhibit and learn all under one roof is just amazing.  We wanted to make sure this event was accessible to all sizes of businesses which is why the prices are lower than average for an exhibition and we want to continue that ethos as we grow. We are really looking forward to bringing this event back to the Showground, bigger and better for 2021 and post Covid.’ Everyone is welcome to attend the day with over 60 exhibitors, a full talks programme and The Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their monthly Construction and Property Network event free of charge which last year welcomed over 70 businesses. For the full list of exhibitors and information about the event, please go to www.buildforthefuture.co.uk To register to be a delegate please go to www.buildforthefuture.co.uk

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Powerful and innovative fire safety system from Hochiki installed at one of Italy’s leading food production sites

In 1959, eight dairies in the Parmigiano Reggiano area founded the CCS Consorzio Caseifici Sociali. Over the years, the has business expanded to include the production and maturing of Parmigiano Reggiano. In 1995, the Granterre Consortium was established, bringing together the entire Parmigiano Reggiano dairy chain, and then almost ten years later, in 2004, control of Parmareggio Spa was acquired. In 2019 Bonterre Spa, the holding company under which the control of Parmareggio Spa and Grandi Salumifici Italiani Spa (controlled by UNIBON) was established. Then in 2021, Agriform Sca (leader in the production of Grana Padano PDO and the main Veneto PDOs such as Asiago, Piave, Montasio and Monte Veronese) merged with Parmareggio Spa to create the first Italian company in the world of PDO cheeses and cemented this new company as the leader in the Italian food industry. New company requires fire safety upgrade In 2021, the site at Sommacampagna required an upgrade of the fire detection system. Hochiki were the appointed manufacturers to supply the life safety system and devices due to their experience and expertise in the Italian fire safety market. Within food production sites, the temperature and humidity inside the environment must be carefully controlled to comply with food hygiene laws, and because of this, these sites can be notoriously complex buildings to design and install fire safety systems for. The customer was looking for a high-performance fire detection system that would not be affected by these environmental factors, and most importantly avoid false alarms which can halt production and cost the company thousands of Euros for every minute the site is not fully operational. The installation team also needed to pay particular attention to the installation of cables and piping. As a specialist in aged cheese production, it was imperative that the delicate work of the cheese wheels and the hot marking of the upper layer of the Parmesan rind was not affected during the installation project. One of the benefits to Hochiki products to this project was the ease of install and ease of use of the devices which had minimal impact on the business. To meet the requirements of the project, the installer NET Technologies Srl chose Hochiki’s market leading system L@titude to be the brain of the life safety system. This innovative fire detection technology combines the very latest hardware and software to produce a control and indication system which is powerful and sophisticated, yet simple to use and understand via a graphical interface. Mirko Corsini, project manager at Hochiki Italia, said: “The installer chose Hochiki’s L@titude panel together with our SPC-ET beam smoke detectors, which are characterised by low power consumption at rest and incorporate a sophisticated algorithm of automatic compensation to environmental changes. The technical features of these products make them perfect for meeting the needs of this type of food processing environment. The flexibility of the Hochiki ESP protocol made it possible, through the CHQ-SZM2/SCI Zone Modules, to integrate conventional detectors (SPC-ET) as if they were addressable devices, without having to use auxiliary power supplies that would have required additional cables and batteries.” Detectors with short circuit isolators were installed to ensure the system complied with the requirements of UNI EN 9795, which states that a short-circuit isolator must be installed for each room/compartment. Intelligent Photoelectric Smoke detector with SCI incorporates Hochiki’s newest High Performance Chamber Technology. This detector removes the need to use Ionisation Smoke Sensors in many applications. This also allows the sensor threshold level to be increased, thereby improving the signal to noise ratio, and reducing the likelihood of false alarms. Throughout the site Intelligent Loop-Powered Wall Sounder Beacons and Visual Alarm Devices were installed to ensure a fully compliant and state of the art fire safety system. Commenting on the project, Fabrizio Bergamin, Technical Coordinator at the installer company NET Technologies srl, said: “We chose Hochiki devices and system because of the technical characteristics and reliability that this brand offers, as well as a wide range of products that fully meet market demands. Post commissioning of the project, the operating conditions envisaged in the design phase have been amply met. Over the course of the next year, there will be further implementations of the fire detection system at the Parmareggio production site, with distributed intelligence solutions or with several autonomous and networked L@titude control panels. During the project we have had to deal with several technical design studios to solve various kinds of system problems; a fundamental role, together with the products they offer, is played by the Hochiki Italia technical support. They have responded competently to regulatory and design aspects, as well as proposed solutions for particular applications“.

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Peter Sharpe Rejoins Bouygues for Pentre Awel Project

Peter Sharpe Rejoins Bouygues for Pentre Awel Project

Peter Sharpe has joined Bouygues UK as Project Director, starting work on Zone One of the innovative Pentre Awel development in Llanelli. Peter joins Bouygues UK from Laing O’Rourke and Balfour Beatty where he held Senior Project Leader positions. His new appointment sees him returning to Bouygues UK, following his role as Project Director for Pembrokeshire Learning College in 2016. “These are exciting times returning to Bouygues UK as Project Director to deliver the prestigious Pentre Awel Wellbeing and Life Sciences Village at Machynys,” said Peter of his appointment. “The multi-disciplined project provides the environment to share my skills with the project team and stakeholders, as well as interact with the local community, identifying opportunities to deliver community benefits from this great project. I’m looking forward to working with the Senior Leadership team to further grow and develop Bouygues UK’s aspirations in this region.” He is now leading the build of the prestigious £87 million Pentre Awel development which will bring together life science and business innovation, community healthcare and modern leisure facilities at the 83-acre Delta Lakes site on the Llanelli coastline. Pentre Awel is the largest regeneration project in south West Wales. It aims to create around 1,800 jobs over 15 years, boosting the local economy by more than £450 million. The project is being delivered by Carmarthenshire County Council, in partnership with Hywel Dda University Health Board, Universities and Colleges. Bouygues UK’s construction of the development will include business and innovation, integrated care and physical rehabilitation facilities, a well-being skills centre, and a new state-of-the-art leisure centre, along with landscaped outdoor public spaces for walking and cycling. “It is great to welcome Peter back to the Bouygues UK fold, and it is particularly gratifying to have a Project Director of his experience and calibre on a project such as Pentre Awel. This is such an exciting project for us, as well as for the client Carmarthenshire Council, and we are really looking forward to starting this amazing build, with Peter at the helm,” added John Boughton, Bouygues UK Managing Director in Wales. Bouygues UK is holding a Meet the Buyer event at Parc y Scarlets on 30th March, where local sub-contractors are invited to come along and discuss the opportunities available on the build of Pentre Awel Zone One. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction Industry News

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MHM Group’s Eco Alternatives Hit the Mark at the Executive Show

MHM Group’s Eco Alternatives Hit the Mark at the Executive Show

Developing eco-friendly equipment alternatives for the construction and plant hire sectors has paid off in spades for innovative Sales & Rehire company MHM Group, as it achieved a record number of enquiries at the Executive Hire Show. MHM Eco, part of the MHM Group, made its first-ever appearance at the Executive Hire Show after its launch in January 2022. Its eco range offers low emission and innovative products that emit zero or reduced carbon and can be powered by renewable fuel sources. After a two-year break, the Executive Hire Show returned in early February at the Coventry Building Society Arena. A total of 2,751 visitors from the hire sector attended the event, looking to expand their fleets with new products and discover the latest innovations and launches from the diverse range of exhibitors at the show. One of the many products MHM exhibited at the show was the solar hybrid gen MGTP 20 SHG-5 – a 20 kVA combined solar, battery and diesel generator with a user-friendly, complete automatic self-charging hybrid system. In addition, MHM launched two new products in Coventry including the Ultra-Silent Event Ready range and the Pressure Washer Water Bowser which were showcased before their official launch in Spring 2022. MHM Group Managing Director Matt Llewellyn said: “The Executive Hire Show was a rewarding experience for the MHM Group. It was great to be back and interacting with people following the postponement of the show in 2021. “We were able to showcase our Eco brand and demonstrate MHM’s commitment to pushing the hire industry to become greener, as well as look to alternative methods of energy to power plant equipment across the UK. We have and will continue to increase our sustainable hire fleet and promote products that improve energy efficiency and lower emissions as part of a drive towards a cleaner, more sustainable future. Which are available to purchase or rehire from MHM Group” Matt added: “We were thrilled to sponsor the ‘Innovation Trail: ECO Live’ stage which was presented by construction industry specialist Peter Haddock. The stage explored new power options and introduced technologies that improved safety, security and productivity in the workplace. Boasting a unique design working with zero CO2 emissions, noise levels and fuel consumption, MHM’s Street-Lite model also featured at the Innovation Trail and continues to be a popular choice among clients. “We are delighted with the success of the show and the number of enquiries we had from the event. The whole MHM Group team have done themselves proud from start to finish, set up to breakdown.” Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction Industry News

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Challenges Construction Companies May Need To Endure In The Future   

If you are running a construction business, then you always need to be aware of the storms that could be just over the horizon. There are countless examples of challenges that you could face running your construction company in the future. Here are some key possibilities you should consider. Low Levels Of Productivity It is possible that one of the problems you could face with your construction business in the future is a low level of productivity. There are countless reasons why productivity levels might be low. For instance, you may find that it’s due to issues with your team. If so, it could be worth thinking about refreshing your team and recruiting a new group of workers. Alternatively, it could be because you have fallen behind in terms of the technology you should be using. A lot of construction businesses now have a cloud server integrated into their company model.  Equipment Shortage Another factor that you should consider is whether you might struggle to source certain equipment you need for projects. Particularly, if you are working to a tight deadline. Some equipment like block paving extractor tools are easy to find from the best suppliers. However, there are others which are going to be more difficult to get because they use complex technology. Certain microchips are currently not being made at the level to match the demand due to the backlog from COVID-19. As such, it’s likely that you may struggle to get at least some forms of equipment. You may need to improvise here.  Skill Shortage  Due to an aging workforce as well as other mitigating factors, it’s likely that the construction industry will face a skill shortage over the next few years. One of the ways that you can deal with this is by ensuring that your business is accessible and exciting for young team members. You need to ensure that there are structures in place which will allow them to grow and thrive in their roles. It’s also important to make sure that you are investing in training for your team. Particularly as technology becomes more integrated into the construction process.  Heavy Costs Finally, due to problems including inflation and the rising price of fuel, construction businesses could face significant costs in the future that they will need to handle. It will be more important than ever before to ensure that companies do get costs under control and manage them more effectively. One of the ways that they can do this is by hiring an accounting solution. The right service will mean that construction companies can keep track of their costs in real time. This will mean that they can avoid a disaster with mounting expenses that aren’t even noticed.  We hope this helps you understand some of the common challenges that you may struggle with when running your construction company over the next few years. By taking the right steps here, you can guarantee that your business is on the right track and does not fall behind the competition. 

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Metal Warehouse Buildings: 4 Factors to Check Before Getting Them

Pre-engineered metal warehouses are a popular choice for many businesses because they offer a variety of benefits. The structural steel market size exceeded $285 billion globally in 2019. There are four essential factors to check before purchasing when you are in the market for a pre-engineered metal building. A good steel building company will ensure that the customers have all the information they need to decide about their new building. So, what should you be looking for when shopping for metal warehouse buildings? Read on to know more. 1) Zoning and Building Codes When looking for a metal warehouse, zoning and building codes are two of the most critical factors. If you don’t check these before getting to your metal warehouse, you could be in for some serious problems down the road. That’s why it is vital to have an expert walk through this with you beforehand. By checking these codes first and then finding a dealer that can work within those parameters, you will avoid breaking laws or violating any agreements made during your purchase. Zoning refers to how much land is available for construction on a property. It also measures what kinds of activities are allowed on each piece of property. For example, one parcel may allow storage buildings while another may not. Building codes are standards that dictate how a building must be constructed. These codes are in place to ensure the safety of the occupants and the structure itself. 2) Size The size of the metal warehouse is also an important consideration. You need to make sure that your chosen structure can comfortably accommodate everything you store. Calculate the dimensions of your inventory and compare it to the available space inside the warehouse. It’s important to leave extra room for maneuverability and future expansion. Another factor to consider is the height of the ceilings. If you plan on storing tall items, you need a warehouse with high ceilings. Otherwise, you might have to settle for a smaller space. 3) Location When finding a location for your new warehouse, you’ll want to consider proximity. You’ll want to be situated as close to the businesses you work with. It will minimize shipping costs and time spent transporting goods. Another important factor is access. Can large trucks quickly get in and out? Are there any height restrictions? You’ll need to have a loading dock or an area where deliveries can be made. It’s also essential to think about future expansion when choosing a location. You’ll want a site with room to grow, so you don’t have to move again in a few years. Take the time to do your research and find the perfect location for your new warehouse. It will save money and headaches in the long run. 4) Price Metal warehouse buildings vary widely in price. You can get a basic model for $20 per square foot, while a more elaborate one might cost $100. Prices will also be affected by the size and complexity of the build and any special features you want to be included. It’s essential to estimate the total cost accurately before committing to a purchase, so factor in all potential expenses. These will include the cost of the land, permits, and any site preparation that needs to be done. You should also consider the long-term costs of owning a metal warehouse building. Things like insurance, maintenance, and repairs can add up over time, so it’s important to factor those into your budget beforehand. Final Thoughts When choosing the suitable metal warehouse buildings for your needs, these are a few key factors to consider. By taking the time to consider each of these factors, you can be sure that you’ll end up with a building that will serve your business well for years to come.

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