Merchants and Suppliers from across the building products sector are being urged to engage in meaningful conversations more frequently after a recent survey revealed potential disagreements over perceptions of service level quality. The survey, by National Buying Group (NBG) put questions to 165 of its affiliated Suppliers and 76 of
National construction equipment hire and services provider Speedy, has been awarded a Grade B on the Carbon Disclosure Programme accreditation. The programme assesses their ability to show real progress in operational practices and transparency in their environmental impact. Speedy’s success in their CDP accreditation is another step closer to their
Doka, one of the world’s leading suppliers of formwork with headquarters in Amstetten, Austria, completed the 100% acquisition of scaffolding manufacturer AT-PAC. Both companies initially partnered in 2020 to provide comprehensive global site solutions. The acquisition positions Doka as a single source for formwork and scaffolding for the global construction
Network Space Developments (NSD) has completed and sold Phase Two of the Tunstall Arrow Business Park, in Stoke-on-Trent. The second phase of this highly popular scheme provides an additional 111,400 sq. ft of industrial and logistics workspace on a 7-acre plot. Phase Two comprises five high-specification, highly sustainable, energy efficient
Solihull’s Urban Growth Company (UGC) is working with VINCI Building to promote a social inclusion programme to help deliver real change for communities around the £3.2 billion Arden Cross site. VINCI Building is the design and build contractor for the new Multi Storey Car Park (MSCP) for the HS2 Interchange
Planning permission was granted last month for the extensive retrofit of 21 St. Albans Grove into an exemplary new junior school for Thomas’s Day Schools within the De Vere Conservation Area in Kensington, West London. The design, by award-winning architect, Ackroyd Lowrie introduces sensitive, modern interventions to tie together the
One of the UK’s leading recycling and waste management companies has given Finning the green light to complete the UK’s first Certified Machine Rebuild (CMR) on a 15-year-old Cat 836 landfill compactor to give it a new lease of life ensuring that it can continue operating for another 15 years.
Building work has started on a sustainable tri-service station which will become home to officers from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS), Northumbria Police and North East Ambulance Service. The new station, which will be built by North of England contractor Esh Construction, is set to be the
Starting any company can be an exciting venture, and it’s always smart to start a business in an industry that you are passionate about, or that you have some prior knowledge about. Therefore, if you are interested in construction or this industry is something you have experience in, it can
National tool hire company Speedy who are based in Newton-le-Willows, have joined Warrington Youth Zone’s growing family of Founder Patrons. Seven months after opening, Warrington Youth Zone boasts an ever-growing membership of 7200 young people from across Warrington. The Youth Zone offers somewhere to go, something to do and someone
Merchants and Suppliers from across the building products sector are being urged to engage in meaningful conversations more frequently after a recent survey revealed potential disagreements over perceptions of service level quality. The survey, by National Buying Group (NBG) put questions to 165 of its affiliated Suppliers and 76 of the group’s Partners to identify key priorities and concerns among its members in the run-up to its annual Conference. With the theme of the event being ‘A Changing Landscape,’ the organisation wished to see how the industry had been impacted in the three-year COVID-induced delay since its 2019 Conference. As part of the survey, NBG asked Partners and Suppliers to rate the service they provided to merchants out of 10, with the former’s 5.0 result greatly contrasting with the latter’s 8.3. According to NBG Managing Director Nick Oates, this marked difference demonstrates a disconnect in perception between what constitutes good service, which must be addressed to ensure relationships and sales do not suffer. “We’re always keen to keep our finger on the industry’s pulse at NBG, and our hope was that this survey would generate healthy discussion and debate at our Conference and beyond about business changes and challenges,” he explains. “In that regard, we definitely haven’t been disappointed, as a clear dip in service levels has been identified by our Partners in comparison to pre-COVID times. “Yet what’s interesting here is that it hasn’t been mirrored in Supplier perceptions. We understand why this might have happened – as our survey later underlines, the increasing cost of raw materials and energy means these organisations are likely to have focused internally to mitigate these potential impacts. However, with a recession on the horizon, many material costs falling and demand slowing, more joined-up thinking and communication is required. This is especially the case for independent merchants, where sales are reliant on support in the form of training, product information and competitive pricing from Suppliers.” NBG’s survey also identified an opportunity between Suppliers and Partners on the development of sustainable products. Specifically, 66% of Suppliers said sustainable products initiatives had improved, compared to 30% of the group’s Partners. According to Nick, while this figure is undoubtedly encouraging, it underlines the need for Suppliers to provide better sales focus and product communications to merchants on the steps they are taking to improve the sustainability of their products. “The shift towards more sustainable practices has clearly been a success story for the sector post-COVID, and is definitely welcome news,” Nick concludes. “Though short-term concerns around the energy crisis and supply chain has undoubtedly dominated the news agenda, we cannot as an industry lose sight of long-term environmental goals. As such, being able to pass good news down the supply chain, from Supplier to Partner, and from merchant to customer, will be key to continuing a virtuous circle of increasingly greener practices.” For more information on National Buying Group, including how to join the premier buying group for independent merchants, visit https://www.nationalbuyinggroup.com/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
National construction equipment hire and services provider Speedy, has been awarded a Grade B on the Carbon Disclosure Programme accreditation. The programme assesses their ability to show real progress in operational practices and transparency in their environmental impact. Speedy’s success in their CDP accreditation is another step closer to their net zero commitments. In 2021, Speedy became the first plant hire company in the UK to publicly commit to net zero carbon emissions under science-based targets before 2050, and in 2022 accelerated that commitment to achieve the target by 2040. Speedy’s alignment to SBT targets are important in helping to keep global temperatures within a 1.5C temperature rise to prevent the catastrophic impacts of climate change, in line with 2015 Paris Agreement. Included in that commitment, the company have committed to: reducing its emissions from its vehicles and property estate by 50% by 2030; reducing emissions from its supply chain by 42% by 2030; and reducing its total emissions by 90% by 2040 to achieve Net Zero Carbon. Speedy launched it’s new ESG strategy at the Speedy expo in October last year. Speedy recently invested extensively in the latest low-emissions EV models for its commercial vehicle fleet, as well as in battery powered tools across their product range. They also launched the UK’s first Net Zero service centre which has now been awarded an A+ energy rating, creating a blueprint for its future new and refurbished service centres. Amelia Woodley, ESG Director at said, Our goal is to become an ‘A graded’ company, cementing our position as a leading agent of environmental transparency and action. We launched our ambitious ESG strategy ‘The Decade to Deliver’ at the Speedy Expo in October last year, which is an action-based plan that accelerates our drive to achieve net zero before the Government’s target of 2050. We’re working hard to make this decade a period of change focusing on the importance of reducing carbon emissions and finding new industry leading ways of working. Speedy’s latest CDP rating highlights the significant progress they have made in the last 12 months in committing to transparency and accountability in the targets they have set and report on being 1 of 1600 companies out of 18,700 globally to achieve a CDP B Rating. To find out more about our sustainability goals and strategies, please visit our website. https://www.speedyservices.com/sustainability Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Doka, one of the world’s leading suppliers of formwork with headquarters in Amstetten, Austria, completed the 100% acquisition of scaffolding manufacturer AT-PAC. Both companies initially partnered in 2020 to provide comprehensive global site solutions. The acquisition positions Doka as a single source for formwork and scaffolding for the global construction industry and strengthens the company’s new global business segment, “Industrial Scaffolding”. For AT-PAC this means full access to a global market. The potential for cooperation between the formwork expert and the US headquartered scaffolding specialist was already impressively demonstrated at bauma 2022 in Munich and generated significant interest from customers worldwide. Doka and AT-PAC highlighted their strong partnership and successful collaboration with a dual-branded stand that was visited by over 100,000 visitors. The impressive 30m-high Ringlock scaffolding landmark tower was climbed by 7,000 selfie-takers to enjoy the spectacular views of the show grounds from the 20m viewing platform. The opportunities presented by combining the world’s leading formwork company with the global scaffolding specialist are enormous. Opportunities for customers & employees Robert Hauser, CEO of Doka, says: “I am very enthusiastic about the opportunities that will be offered to existing and future customers, providing them with a wealth of knowledge, integrated products and turnkey solutions for formwork, shoring and scaffolding from a single source. This will allow us to continue to expand together and further strengthen our market position”. Josh Dundon, previously COO, has been announced as the new CEO of AT-PAC. Commenting on the acquisition, Dundon said: “It is an exciting milestone for AT-PAC to become 100% part of the Doka and thus the Umdasch Group family. It further strengthens and demonstrates the success of our partnership since its inception 3 years ago. The combination of Doka’s industry-leading formwork solutions and extensive global sales network with AT-PAC’s high quality products, services and talent will create incredible value for our customers and opportunities for our employees worldwide.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Network Space Developments (NSD) has completed and sold Phase Two of the Tunstall Arrow Business Park, in Stoke-on-Trent. The second phase of this highly popular scheme provides an additional 111,400 sq. ft of industrial and logistics workspace on a 7-acre plot. Phase Two comprises five high-specification, highly sustainable, energy efficient business premises for industrial or logistics uses, ranging from 13,500 sq. ft to 31,200 sq. ft. This second phase has been sold to 4th Industrial, the multi-let and light industrial investor, which also acquired the 127,100 sq. ft first phase in 2021. Together, both phases comprise 238,500 sq. ft across 10 units. The development is supported by Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Ceramic Valley Enterprise Zone (CVEZ) initiative, and is making a significant positive impact on the locality – regenerating a former brownfield site, attracting inward investment and providing space for around 400 jobs. Both phases have been built speculatively by NSD with rapid take up by occupiers demonstrating the quality of the scheme and strength of the local market. The scheme has attracted a host of international tenants including: DHL Express, Boels Rental, Q-railing, Pramac Generac and SG Fleet. Phase 1 was fully let within 3 months of completion and Phase 2 has already secured its first letting to Speedy Services, the UK’s leading tools and equipment hire services company which operates across the construction, infrastructure and industrial sectors, with other units now under offer. Speedy Services has leased Unit 5, a 21,000 sq. ft prominent self-contained, warehouse with office and staff amenities. This is all within its own secure gated compound that offers 30-space parking and four electric vehicle charging points. Acquired by NSD in 2013, the overall Tunstall Arrow scheme covers 28 acres of a former colliery site adjoining the A50 and the A527 (James Brindley Way) in Sandyford. The scheme is close to the A500 with access to Junction 16 of the M6 only minutes away. Stephen Barnes (Managing Director) at NSD, said: “We are very proud of the Tunstall Arrow development, now a well-established industrial and logistics location in the heart of the Ceramic Valley. We’ve successfully attracted new occupiers to the area, creating jobs and supply side opportunities with more to come as the final units are occupied. Stoke-on-Trent City Council had the foresight to support this scheme from the outset and is now enjoying the benefits of that ambition.” “It has been a pleasure to complete another transaction with 4th Industrial, who we have a strong investor/developer relationship with, and we look forward to working with them again in the future.” Sarah Lindsay, Head of Asset Management, 4th Industrial, said; “Having purchased Phase 1 in 2021 we were pleased to secure Phase 2, which increases our investment in this prime location. Tunstall Arrow is a quality industrial property, with strong ESG credentials, built to a high specification and excellent quality by Network Space and their contractor Caddick Construction. The pre let to Speedy Services shows the continued strength of demand for prime light industrial space across the UK, and with the interest already shown in the remaining units we hope to announce further lettings shortly.” Of the letting, David Nunn, Head of Estate Management for Speedy Services, added: “Unit 5 has everything we have been looking for in a significant North West site that will help us serve clients across the Stoke-on-Trent region. Becoming a carbon net zero business is core to our strategy, and the site’s excellent location and high-quality build that came with an EPC A rating will also help Speedy to recruit and retain the best staff for our new centre.” Letting agents for Tunstall Arrow North are Richard Mounsey at Mounsey Chartered Surveyors and Antony Mellor at B8RE. Selling agent was Simon Wood, also of B8RE. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Solihull’s Urban Growth Company (UGC) is working with VINCI Building to promote a social inclusion programme to help deliver real change for communities around the £3.2 billion Arden Cross site. VINCI Building is the design and build contractor for the new Multi Storey Car Park (MSCP) for the HS2 Interchange station at Arden Cross. It is an integral part of the UK Central Hub – an initiative that will support and protect 70,000 jobs, 8,000 new homes and a raft of infrastructure improvements right across Solihull. VINCI and its supply chain has already delivered an impressive £2,932,958.70 of social value across the project, as measured by the Social Value Portal, and will be working to deliver more as work on the car park progresses. Relevant outcomes from VINCI and their contractors so far include 10 new jobs created for local employees, and 38% of total full-time employees recruited from the local area. VINCI and its contractors’ staff have performed an on-going programme of outreach work that includes engagement with 100 students from nearby Arden Academy (a secondary school in Solihull) and running workshops with local students around the subjects of architecture, commercial and engineering. Workshops have also been undertaken at other secondary schools, namely Nishkam High School in central Birmingham, Tile Cross Academy in East Birmingham and Tudor Grange Kingshurst Academy in North Solihull. The UGC wants to ensure the contract awarded to VINCI is leveraged to deliver the most impact it can for communities in and around the UK Central Hub, including educational and training pathways. By working in partnership with the local community, VINCI is making a difference in neighbourhoods by employing local people, including trainees and apprentices. This helps ensure the socio-economic impact of its work is felt precisely where it can have most impact and within communities who will most benefit from the economic uptick of the wider development and its job creating potential. Jonathan Bretherton, managing director of the Urban Growth Company, said: ‘VINCI is the perfect partner to bring the plans for the MSCP forward for the benefit of our existing communities as well as the new communities being created as part of the wider UK Central Hub. ‘Their ability to engage with the local community and carry out a wide range of outreach work with local schools, colleges and their students, helps us to inspire students to join the construction, infrastructure and development sectors and also to drive interest in STEM subjects. ‘This holistic approach will bring benefits sooner for local people and create jobs and opportunities for the parts of Solihull and Birmingham that will benefit most from them. VINCI’s ability to measure and record the difference its work is making to both individuals and communities is invaluable.’ VINCI believes passionately in a world where a broader definition of value will change decision making and ultimately decrease social and economic inequality and environmental degradation. And in a world where the built environment accounts for up to 40% of carbon emissions, this framework is being rolled out to help maximise the environmental as well as social value of its work. Scott Marsh, Project Director at VINCI Building, said: ‘The most important part of any project is not the numbers at the end; but what is done in the first place with local communities and how designs affect efforts to create long term social impact. ‘Through ourselves and our contractors and partners, we are reaching out to people across the region and specifically in the North Solihull and East Birmingham area to find motivated workers as well as trainees and apprentices. ‘Crucially, the MSCP project itself frees up an additional 30 hectares of land for job creating development opportunities for the benefit of local people, and the design of the building itself is future proofed with e-charging and facilities for autonomous vehicles.’ Along with all private contractors involved in Arden Cross and the UK Central Hub, VINCI fully embraces its role as a private sector partner working in the public interest. The announcement of VINCI Building as the main contractor at the 4,000 space MSCP earlier in 2022 was followed by the award of planning permission by Solihull Council in November. The car park is part of plans to create a world-class opportunity for new homes and jobs at Arden Cross, alongside the new Interchange station and just minutes from the existing Birmingham International station and airport. The proposals also take account of current and emerging requirements relating to electric vehicle charging, as well as future connected-autonomous vehicles. Located at the 140-hectare, 346-acre Arden Cross development adjacent to the M42, NEC and Birmingham Airport, the UGC’s plans consolidate previous HS2 proposals for 7,500 surface car parking spaces associated with the Interchange station. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Planning permission was granted last month for the extensive retrofit of 21 St. Albans Grove into an exemplary new junior school for Thomas’s Day Schools within the De Vere Conservation Area in Kensington, West London. The design, by award-winning architect, Ackroyd Lowrie introduces sensitive, modern interventions to tie together the two historic buildings, one of which is Victorian, the other mid 20th Century, and revitalise the character of St Albans Grove with improved landscaping and boundary treatments. Ackroyd Lowrie, highly commended in the 2021 AJ Retrofit Awards, previously achieved planning consent for the conversion of the Royal Academy of Dance in Battersea to form a Secondary School for Thomas’s Day Schools. The firm’s managing director, Jon Ackroyd comments: “This project has been another opportunity to weave Thomas’s Schools ambitious brief into the fabric of two wonderful historic buildings that sit within a rich urban fabric. The challenge was to provide a modern and safe learning environment, whilst respecting the existing character, and upgrading the fabric to achieve ambitious energy targets. “The main move was to remove an insensitive extension that links the two historic buildings and introduce a light-filled central atrium that will be the heart of the school, including a new stair and lift to completely change the way the buildings are navigated. This atrium will also provide a new main entrance, and act as a welcoming, public face to the school. “The boundaries are also upgraded with extensive landscaping, and imaginative play spaces provide a range of different play atmospheres. We are extremely pleased with the positive outcome of this application and that our vision for this landmark school in such a prestigious neighbourhood is shared by the local authority.” Ackroyd Lowrie’s approved design will provide an exceptional, five storey school comprising 23 teaching classrooms for pupils from reception to year 6, sound proofed music rooms, libraries, dining halls, assembly hall, reception, head’s office, meeting/administration rooms, flexible community spaces and a planted biodiversity roof garden. Extensive consideration was given to landscaping to fulfil three criteria: minimising acoustic impact; creating privacy and safety; and improving the visual quality of Atlantic House’s front façade. A woodland-style quiet learning garden has been positioned nearest the neighbouring residential properties, while acoustic walls have been specified to surround free play/sports areas. On the façade facing St Albans Grove, a low brick plinth wall with natural stone coping will be built to delineate the school boundary and create a sense of security. It will also feature decorative railing incorporating the Thomas’s Day School logo to remain sympathetic with neighbouring properties. Existing listed trees are retained alongside the new roof garden, resulting in a biodiversity net gain of 21.73% over the current habitat value. Jon concludes: “Our overall approach follows passive design principles and seeks to refurb the majority (93%) of Atlantic House’s existing area and retain its shell and part of the frame. This includes upgrading the thermal fabric to above Building Regulation standards, which will significantly reduce associated heat losses from an old building and provide internal temperature control. Renewable energy technology including photovoltaic panels and air source heat pumps will ensure maximum energy efficiency, flow restrictors on taps and dual flush toilets will reduce water consumption, and rainwater collection butts are specified for landscape irrigation. Finally, materials have been specified for a long lifespan and future adaptability.” Ackroyd Lowrie has worked in partnership with property design and development firm, Finchatton; planning consultant, Savills and project managers, Silver to achieve planning consent. Andrew Dunn, co founder of Finchatton said: “We are so thrilled to be expanding into the educational sector with the Thomas’s project. The new building has been designed to create a best in class environment for learning today as well as to be sensitive to the local community and its neighbours.” Nick de Lotbiniere, head of London planning, Savills added: “Savills are delighted to have acted as agents for the planning application for the new Junior school on behalf of Thomas’s School. The permission will see the repurposing and reuse of Atlantic House which has been vacant for a long period. The consent will also ensure that the school will continue to serve the Borough’s residents and provide excellent education for pupils in a new and enhanced facility, through a well-designed scheme.” Ashley Coull, associate director for project management consultant, Silver spoke about the client and team ethos: “It has been a privilege to be one of the partners in this flagship project for Thomas’s, working in collaboration with Thomas’s and the professional team committed to creating an engaging and inspiring school environment. We are looking forward to restoring these beautiful heritage buildings for future generations to enjoy, learn and grow.” Work on Atlantic House is expected to begin later this year with the aim for staff and students to move in for the 2024/25 academic year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
One of the UK’s leading recycling and waste management companies has given Finning the green light to complete the UK’s first Certified Machine Rebuild (CMR) on a 15-year-old Cat 836 landfill compactor to give it a new lease of life ensuring that it can continue operating for another 15 years. FCC Environment owns and operates over 200 recycling, treatment, and disposal facilities across the UK, managing more than 8.5 million tonnes of waste for their customers, which include over 72 local authorities across North Yorkshire, Suffolk and Essex. FCC’s waste processing fleet alone comprises 500 machines including landfill compactors, wheeled excavators, track type loaders and articulated dump trucks, with Cat equipment making up almost half. One of these machines, a Cat 836 landfill compactor, was purchased from Finning in 2007 with a full repair and maintenance programme, which proved instrumental in keeping the machine operating effectively for around 15 years whilst minimising downtime. However, when the machine’s transmission failed in late 2022 FCC Group Plant Manager, Bill Stone, began discussions with the Finning team on the best solution for a replacement machine package. This included looking at buying another new machine as well as considering the option to carry out a full CMR, which is the highest-level Cat certified rebuild available. Adam Walker, engine and drivetrain product manager at Finning is overseeing the project. He said: “Sustainability is now at the forefront of the waste industry, so we’ve seen a shift in demand towards companies requesting remanufactured or reconditioned parts for their machines, or for the entire machine to be rebuilt. “This is the first machine rebuild that FCC has commissioned, but the company now plans for this approach to become an integral part of their fleet management succession plan because it enables them to demonstrate a clear commitment to improving the environmental impact of their operations and reducing emissions in the drive to net-zero. “Rebuilding a machine instead of buying new requires 85% less energy, uses 86% less water and generates around 61% fewer greenhouse gases. Plus, we recover and recycle over 65% of the original machine, so it’s ready to be used as a replacement part in another machine.” “Not only that, but customers choosing a rebuild machine option will typically save around 50-60% on the cost compared with buying a new machine. While remanufactured parts, of which there are around 8000+ Cat certified ones available, can be up to 60% less than the cost of a brand new one.” Bill Stone said: “We have a commitment to run our operation in an environmentally and socially responsible way, and by choosing to rebuild and give our assets a second life rather than buy new, we are helping to meet that commitment. “Our mobile plant fleet is key to our operation, so it is essential these assets are managed effectively, and Finning plays a vital part in that. “It is because of their record of strong aftermarket support and our collaborative relationship with the team at Finning that we have complete confidence in the effectiveness and efficiency of their rebuilds and they will play a crucial part in our succession planning moving forward.” Once complete, the Cat 836 will be ‘as new’ so will offer the same machine lifespan as a new machine. Machine rebuilds are fast becoming a recommended approach for firms’ fleet management, providing a sustainable and commercial option alongside investment in new machines. Finning has seen their number of machines rebuilds double year on year, with their specialist rebuild engineers completing hundreds over the last three years. For more information about the Finning UK & Ireland rebuild service and fleet performance optimisation solutions go to https://www.finning.com/en_GB/services/response-repair-rebuild/rebuilds.html Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Building work has started on a sustainable tri-service station which will become home to officers from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS), Northumbria Police and North East Ambulance Service. The new station, which will be built by North of England contractor Esh Construction, is set to be the first of its kind in the country to be carbon neutral. A breaking ground ceremony officially marked the start on site for the emergency services hub which is set to drive forward blue light services’ commitments to minimise carbon footprint. The hub is located on a vacant site between Marine Drive and Campbell Park Road in Hebburn and is expected to be operational by Spring 2024. It will include staff accommodation and appliance bays for emergency vehicles, as well as a free-standing training building. Externally, the site will feature charging ports, with a view to all three services having a fleet of electric vehicles. Modern sustainable technologies will be utilised throughout the hub, including solar photo voltaic roof panels, ground source heat pumps and a rainwater harvesting and re-use system. A wildflower meadow will feature among the landscaping of the grounds to help promote local biodiversity. “It was a pleasure to be part of the breaking ground ceremony and to experience how significant this development is for the local area. As we all work towards a carbon neutral future, this is a pioneering scheme which can lead the way for sustainable blue light buildings,” said Andy Radcliffe, Chief Executive of Esh Group. “At Esh we pride ourselves on creating a legacy in the communities surrounding our construction sites. As such, we will harness the benefits of our strong regional presence to deliver a wealth of social value initiatives which includes re-investing more than 65% of the project spend within Tyne and Wear by procuring local labour and supply.” Esh Construction will engage with local schools to deliver employability workshops, arrange presentations to promote safety around a live construction site, and provide volunteers and donations to support worthy causes throughout the project Procured via the North East Procurement Organisation (NEPO), Esh will work in partnership with TWFRS, Sunderland City Council’s Capital Projects Team, Desco and Todd Milburn to deliver the scheme. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Starting any company can be an exciting venture, and it’s always smart to start a business in an industry that you are passionate about, or that you have some prior knowledge about. Therefore, if you are interested in construction or this industry is something you have experience in, it can be a great move to start a construction business. That being said, there are some things you should know if you want to start your own construction business, and we’re here to share four of them. You need to understand the industry As mentioned, it’s always a good idea to have at least a basic idea of an industry if you plan on starting a business in that industry. Even if you have some experience in it, there’s likely still a lot to learn, especially if you will be looking at it from a business owner’s point of view. If possible, try to talk to people who already own businesses in the industry to see if they have any helpful advice for you. You may also need to learn the lingo. For example, you may be wondering, “What does RFI mean in construction?”, so you should look up phrases and terminology that you don’t understand. You need to be prepared for all the expenses Starting any business is bound to cost you a lot of money, and a construction company is no different. Of course, you will have all of the usual expenses such as insurance and licensing, but you will likely also have a few industry-related expenses you need to include in the budget. If you don’t have licensing or insurance, you will not be seen as a reliable construction business. Since it may take some time for your business to make a profit, it’s a good idea to have as much money saved up as possible to tide you over until the money starts coming in. There are lots of pros to starting a construction company . . . If you’re wondering why you should consider starting a construction company, you should keep in mind that there are loads of pros to having your own business. And having a construction business can be particularly rewarding since it’s an ever-growing industry. Therefore, if your business ends up being successful, you could stand to make a lot of money. However, you shouldn’t be blowing all of that money as soon as it comes in. You should save some of it for emergencies as well as taxes. . . . And there are also lots of cons As with most things, starting a construction company may have loads of benefits, but there are also loads of downsides. You likely won’t be able to function with a small team, so you may need to hire lots of employees. And the equipment you will need to invest in can set you back a lot in terms of your finances. Of course, starting any business is also risky, so you should be aware of any potential risks with starting a construction company, but you should also take steps to minimize your early-stage risk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
National tool hire company Speedy who are based in Newton-le-Willows, have joined Warrington Youth Zone’s growing family of Founder Patrons. Seven months after opening, Warrington Youth Zone boasts an ever-growing membership of 7200 young people from across Warrington. The Youth Zone offers somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to for young people aged 7-19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs. Young people pay just £5 per year to become a member and then 50p every time they visit, with our on-site café providing hot meals for £1. The 50p entry fee allows young people to take part in over 20 activities per session, as well as access to a state-of-the-art gym, climbing wall, recording studio, 3G football pitch and dance studio, which are available all year round. Speedy is the UK’s leading provider of tool and equipment hire, with the widest range of power tools, plant and specialist equipment. From opening their first depot in Wigan in 1977 to today, Speedy have supported hundreds of charities through valuable donations. Speedy support a number of charitable and community organisations which rely heavily upon donations from the UK business sector and are proud to support local projects that benefit the people and communities in which their employees live and work. Along with donations, Speedy employees are entitled to a volunteer leave allowance, where colleagues can devote time to give back to the communities in which they live without impacting their time at home. Speedy have fully immersed themselves in all things Warrington Youth Zone including hosting colleague away days at the Youth Zone, employee fundraising, collecting food and toys for their Christmas appeal and providing free equipment hire to the centre. All of which has benefited Youth Zone members and their families. Andy Johnson, Group HSSEQ Director at Speedy said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to get to know and understand the needs of WYZ and all it brings to the wider community in and around Warrington. We are happy to support such initiatives that give back to the local community and provide opportunities for the next generation to learn, explore and have fun. We are delighted to be involved now and for the foreseeable future in Warrington and future Youth Zone opportunities.” Dave McNicholl, Chief Executive of Warrington Youth Zone said: “We are extremely excited to welcome Speedy to our family of Founder Patrons. It has been a privilege to get to know the team at Speedy over the last few months whose enthusiasm for supporting our members is incredible. On behalf of the young people of Warrington, I’d like to say a huge thank you to Speedy for their generous support.” Warrington Youth Zone is being made possible thanks to the partnership between Warrington Council, young people, the community, and the generosity of businesses such as Speedy. Founder Patrons are the foundation of the charity and their commitment and endorsement provide a positive legacy for future generations. The Youth Zone was delivered by the national charity OnSide, who have created a network of Youth Zones across the country. For more information about the charity, please visit https://warringtonyouthzone.org Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
