February 24, 2023
Blueprint for truly affordable homes could slash 1.2 million council waiting lists

Blueprint for truly affordable homes could slash 1.2 million council waiting lists

The Housing Finance Institute (HFI) and Localis published a 30-page blueprint designed to stimulate a new generation of council homes. ‘Public Rental Homes – fresh perspectives’ provides a solution to the challenge that just 6,000 of the 52,000 new homes listed as ‘affordable’ in 2020/21 by local councils were truly affordable by 1.2 million households on

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New video captures Maker & Faber vision

New video captures Maker & Faber vision

A STUNNING video showcasing Sunderland’s two new city icons has been unveiled.  A promotional video has been created to tell the story of Maker & Faber – two new distinctive office buildings rising from the ground at Riverside Sunderland – and how the new developments shape the future of the

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RIBA delegation to tell MIPIM how architects can address climate crisis

RIBA delegation to tell MIPIM how architects can address climate crisis

RIBA is preparing to showcase British architecture on a global stage at MIPIM, the renowned leading real estate, exhibition, conference and networking event for international property professionals.  Nineteen small and medium RIBA Chartered Practices from across the country will benefit from a presence at the RIBA Space at the London Stand, at MIPIM 2023 in the Palais des Festivals in Cannes,

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Chetwoods: Multi-level logistics – an idea whose time has come

Chetwoods: Multi-level logistics – an idea whose time has come

Leading property industry figures anticipate an imminent breakthrough moment for multi-level logistics in the UK, according to new research by Chetwoods – one of the country’s leading architecture practices working in the industrial logistic sector. Almost 80% of the property professionals surveyed by Chetwoods said that they expect to see

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Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

February 24, 2023

Blueprint for truly affordable homes could slash 1.2 million council waiting lists

Blueprint for truly affordable homes could slash 1.2 million council waiting lists

The Housing Finance Institute (HFI) and Localis published a 30-page blueprint designed to stimulate a new generation of council homes. ‘Public Rental Homes – fresh perspectives’ provides a solution to the challenge that just 6,000 of the 52,000 new homes listed as ‘affordable’ in 2020/21 by local councils were truly affordable by 1.2 million households on waiting lists. Local authorities would have the opportunity to develop plans to slash council waiting lists and galvanise local housebuilding by partnering with private developers to build homes by adopting this new-generation PRH model, that flips the traditional approach to negotiations on ‘affordable’ provision. Currently councils negotiate with developers to determine the percentage of affordable homes a scheme can provide, based on the total private unit sales. ‘Affordable’ rents can vary from 50% of local market rents up to 90%. Subsidised sales are included in the percentages. The PRH model flips the question to ‘what percentage of private homes are needed to produce sufficient PRH homes? Under the PRH model – which deals in ‘bottom up’ plans, not top-down targets – local authorities would be responsible for identifying sites that might meet PRH criteria and initiate discussion with developers. For their part, developers would assume 100% of the risk and a 20% margin on both the PRH homes as well as their own private units. Report author, Peter Bill, said: “Families on council waiting lists are squeezed to the bottom of pile by financial pressures on councils and developers trying to agree the percentage of affordable homes. A new perspective is needed to ensure the needs of these families become the top priority on sites where PRH is viable. “The PRH approach addresses that need and provides fresh impetus to councils looking to house those on their waiting list and to developers looking for better, simpler, ways to build. Site by site viability is the key. Developers take 100% of the risk and therefore deserve a 20% profit margin.” Co-author, Jackie Sadek, said: “We need to get on and deliver. Stop arguing about the whys and the wherefores. Delivery only happens on the ground, not from Whitehall. Let’s try to crack this massive crisis, not top down, but bottom up. Every council should be supported in drawing up a 10 year Plan to deliver Public Rental Homes.” Chair of The Housing and Finance Institute Board, Sir Steve Bullock, said: “Thousands of families and individuals, both young and old, are caught in the trap of being unable to afford to buy or rent privately but finding no alternative that they can possibly afford either. More people are falling into this trap each month yet the supply of new affordable homes is actually diminishing. “The impact of the cost-of-living crisis makes finding a response ever more urgent and the HFI has commissioned this research to offer a way forward that can attract support on a cross party basis. “Putting the emphasis on building new social homes has the potential to be a win–win with homeless people having a better chance of moving to decent properties that they can afford and make into homes while the economic impact of the construction will have wider benefits. “Doing this at pace will need a different mindset at all levels of government and the HFI will press for that and work with councils, government and developers in the coming weeks to make this happen.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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New video captures Maker & Faber vision

New video captures Maker & Faber vision

A STUNNING video showcasing Sunderland’s two new city icons has been unveiled.  A promotional video has been created to tell the story of Maker & Faber – two new distinctive office buildings rising from the ground at Riverside Sunderland – and how the new developments shape the future of the city centre.  Funder and developer Legal & General and development partner Landid commissioned the film to bring to life how the sustainable Grade A office developments will fit into the cityscape once their doors open next year, creating an attractive new base for ambitious companies big and small.  Maker & Faber will attract more businesses to Riverside Sunderland, between them creating thousands of jobs that will boost the heart of the city.  The video features stunning panoramas of the city’s natural assets including its beautiful coastline, parkland, and the River Wear; as well as attractions and leisure destinations such as Keel Square, STACK Seaburn, Fausto, and the Sunderland Empire.  The video showcases Maker & Faber’s close proximity to other developments at Riverside Sunderland, such as City Hall, The Beam, and Vaux Housing, as well as highlighting other key amenities near to the scheme. The film’s release follows a ceremony to mark the official topping out of the buildings last month, attended by Legal & General chief executive, Sir Nigel Wilson; Sir Andrew McAlpine, partner of Sir Robert McAlpine and Patrick Melia, chief executive of Sunderland City Council, along with James Silver, managing director of Landid. Mr Silver said: “We are delighted with this really inspiring video, which captures not just the essence of Maker & Faber, but also the increasing sense of vibrancy in Sunderland, a place that is undergoing a once-in-a-generation transformation. “The video provides a taste of the unique amenities and features these two developments boast, including the stunning river views and landscaped areas which will bring a really unique proposition to the city.” The fast-paced animated video also provides an insight into the ‘new kind of office’ offered by Maker & Faber, with their stylish interior designs, beautiful outdoor spaces, and elegant external facades.  Maker & Faber are being developed as part of Legal & General’s £100m commitment to Riverside Sunderland, representing 150,000 sq ft of space to add to the city’s growing office portfolio. The developments within the Riverside site will create a vibrant, mixed-use site that will comprise 1,000 new homes for up to 2,500 new residents, as well as new places to enjoy such as Culture House. These developments will boost the number of people living and working within the heart of the city, creating 18,000 new jobs.  The new buildings will be home to businesses of all sizes, including the first tenant, RSA, which has signed a deal to relocate its customer services team to Faber, bringing 400 new jobs. James Silver added: “It’s been amazing to be part of such a huge project for Sunderland’s changing landscape and we cannot wait for the doors to open to showcase two incredible developments in the heart of the city.” To watch the full promotional video, visit the Maker & Faber website: https://www.makerfaber.co.uk/  To stay up to date with Maker and Faber’s development and watch the video visit www.makerfaber.co.uk or follow @makerandfaber on social media.  To enquire about space within the buildings, contact Richard Thorton from JLL at Richard.Thornton@eu.jll.com or on 07966 532 251 or contact Patrick Matheson at Knight Frank at Patrick.matheson@knightfrank.com or on 0191 594 5001. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Canvas Offices unveils plans to transform 321 Oxford Street into flexible office space

Canvas Offices unveils plans to transform 321 Oxford Street into flexible office space

Fast-growing flexible office space provider, Canvas Offices, has unveiled plans to transform 321 Oxford Street into a creative and inspiring work environment, after agreeing a long-term 25-year lease for the building. Soon to be the 13th in the Canvas Offices portfolio, 321 Oxford Street stretches across five floors, and – until now – has been utilised as a retail unit with accompanying storage space. The building boasts an extensive history, having been the trading address of oil and colourman artist, John Sherbor, between 1820-1848 – aptly affirming its creative roots. Committed to providing authentic and modern work environments in sought-after locations across the Capital, the Canvas team will now embark on an extensive refurbishment programme for 321 Oxford Street, culminating in creative and inspiring spaces that provide businesses with true value for money and effectively blur the lines between home and work. This latest development follows a series of positive announcements for the Canvas brand, having secured £2.5 million in debt investment in October 2022 to utilise towards tripling the size of the business, followed by the completion of its 12th building in St John’s Lane, Farringdon. Discussing the new lease for 321 Oxford Street, Yaron Rosenblum, co-founder and CEO of Canvas Offices, said: “Since launching Canvas in 2018, we have successfully developed a model that benefits Landlords and businesses alike in sourcing vacant or underperforming buildings across the Capital and transforming them into really engaging work environments, which have been carefully designed to enable businesses to grow and thrive. We are incredibly excited to have secured the long-term lease for 321 Oxford Street and are now working hard to refurbish the building in a 5-6 month timeframe. As part of this process, we always invite potential clients to visit the building and discuss their needs, so the space is right for them and their business, making it their own bespoke office they can call home. Since finalising our debt investment in October 2022, the Canvas team have taken great strides in delivering our growth strategy, with 10 additional buildings forecast to open within the next 18-months, including 321 Oxford Street – watch this space.” Headquartered in Shoreditch with buildings in Mayfair, Clerkenwell, Farringdon and Old Street, Canvas boasts an average 98.4% occupancy rate across its entire portfolio, with growing waiting lists and strong occupier demand. The strength of its demand is highlighted by the success of its 12th building in St John’s Lane, Farringdon, where Canvas had sent contracts out to complete 100% occupancy ahead of officially opening its doors. Underpinned by a growing team of industry experts, Canvas buildings are home to ever expanding businesses from start-ups to Global HQs, including influential brands like Rough Trade, Patchwork, Malin+Goetz, and Augustinus Bader. For more information about Canvas, visit: https://canvasoffices.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Wrenbridge & Bridges – backed by GLP – commence works on 'Net Zero Target Build' logistics unit

Wrenbridge & Bridges – backed by GLP – commence works on ‘Net Zero Target Build’ logistics unit

Wrenbridge and Bridges Fund Management, backed by GLP,  have appointed Glencar to deliver a highly sustainable logistics scheme in Basingstoke, with construction of a 209,461 sq. ft warehouse now underway. The scheme, which will be named G-Park Basingstoke, is being forward-funded by GLP, a leading global builder, owner, developer and operator of logistics real estate, data centres, renewable energy and related technologies. The development will be built to the highest sustainability specifications, targeting an EPC A+ and BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, together with a ‘Net Zero Target Build’. It is expected to be available for occupation by Q1 2024. The site, on Priestley Road, is part of the established Houndmills Industrial Area, which is home to major occupiers including Sainsburys, Royal Mail, XPO Logistics, Leverton Clarke and GAME. It benefits from excellent infrastructure links and offers an unrivalled opportunity to service the London and wider South-East markets. To celebrate the commencement of works, a ground-breaking ceremony was held on site and attended by executives from Glencar, GLP, specialist investor Bridges and Wrenbridge, the leading property company. Glencar is demolishing the existing office building, which was previously owned by pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, while also undertaking site clearance and enabling works. Steelwork is expected to begin by the end of May this year. Letting agents on the Basingstoke scheme are Hollis Hockley, Cushman & Wakefield, Savills and CBRE. Commenting on the appointment, Glencar Managing Director, London and South, Roy Jones said: “We are very happy to once again be working for Wrenbridge and its partners on this impressive new modern logistics development. “The development will provide a best-in-class working environment with a number of highly sustainable initiatives built in to align with the needs of a modern occupier. We are targeting a BREEAM Excellent scheme with Net Zero Target Build. “This project serves as our second development to date for our longstanding and highly valued customer Wrenbridge and we look forward to working with the full project team. Adrienne Howells, Senior Development Director at GLP, said: “We’re excited to be working on such a key development for Basingstoke, delivering a modern, high-specification logistics facility. G-Park Basingstoke will fill a gap for first-class logistics space in this region of the UK and we expect to see strong demand from customers. We look forward to working in partnership with the project team and local stakeholders to deliver a unique facility which meets the occupier’s needs”. Ben Coles, Chief Executive of Wrenbridge, commented: “Working with our partners, Bridges, we are excited about delivering this scheme and working with GLP to deliver best-in-class product in a key location  to meet the occupier demands.” Henry Pepper, Partner of Bridges Fund Management, commented: “Across the Bridges platform, we’re developing some of the UK’s most sustainable industrial buildings. We intend this site in Basingstoke to be another great example of that, and we’re looking forward to working with Glencar to make these plans a reality.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Two in five UK tradespeople working extra shifts due to the cost of living

Two in five UK tradespeople working extra shifts due to the cost of living

Tradespeople are working longer hours and extra shifts because of the cost of living crisis, with almost a quarter (23%) saying they can’t afford to take any time off.  The new research by ElectricalDirect, a specialist retailer of electrical products, surveyed workers across the nation to reveal how many are at risk of burnout, and found that almost two in five (39%) have upped their hours in recent months.  A similar number (43%) now regularly work more than eight-hour days, nearly a fifth (18%) do more than five days a week, and over a quarter (26%) even work while feeling unwell.  Furthermore, tradespeople are taking very few days of annual leave, largely for financial reasons. On average, they take just 11 days off a year, but almost a third (32%) take less than a week of holiday every 12 months.  In fact, a staggering 92% take less than 28 days off a year, which is the statutory annual leave requirement.  Broken down by trade, roofers take the fewest days off, averaging just four days of leave a year. In contrast, painter and decorators take the most holiday, but still take less than two weeks off (12).  The trades which take the most and least annual leave are:  #  Trade  Mean  1  Painter Decorator  13  2  Landscaper  12  3  Plumber  12  4  Joiner  12  5  Builder  11  6  Electrician  11  7  Caretaker/Maintenance  11  8  Window Fabricator  11  9  Locksmith  11  10  Carpenter  10  11  Building Surveyor  9  12  Plasterer  9  13  Bricklayer  9  14  Scaffolder  8  15  Roofer  4  Self-employed tradespeople are the most overworked. They are considerably more likely than employed individuals to work long days (51% vs 40%), work while ill (34% vs 23%) and work at weekends (38% vs 18%). They are also nearly twice as likely to work over five days a week (27% vs 14%).  To help tradespeople avoid or deal with burnout, ElectricalDirect has partnered with Liz Sebag-Montefiore, director and co-founder of HR consultancy 10Eighty, to share some expert advice.  Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect, said: “With the country still fighting the cost of living crisis, it’s completely understandable that many tradespeople feel the need to put in extra hours to increase their level of income.  “However, overworking can have serious consequences, physically, mentally and professionally, and that’s why we’ve partnered with Liz to share some expert advice. Hopefully her tips can help tradespeople deal with the recent increase in workload, so that they can avoid or manage any burnout.”  For more expert advice on how to deal with burnout, visit: https://www.electricaldirect.co.uk/blog/how-to-avoid-burnout   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Inflation pushes construction bosses to tighten purse strings, according to new report

Inflation pushes construction bosses to tighten purse strings, according to new report

AS INFLATION rates continue to make headlines, a new report has revealed that construction firms are not awarding pay increases to staff beyond the current rate of UK inflation, suggesting that a wage-price spiral is unlikely to add to inflationary pressures in the construction market.   Focusing on the final quarter of 2022, the survey has been conducted by leading independent property, construction, and infrastructure consultancy Pick Everard. Using its multi-disciplinary connections, it questioned consultants, clients and contractors from across the industry, with no respondents confirming pay rises ahead of inflation.  Two thirds confirmed that company pay rises have been lower than the nine per cent headline inflation rate. However, the survey also showed that 62% of those polled did not believe this will affect staff turnover, with the findings indicating that job security was being prioritised over income growth.  Elsewhere, the Market Intelligence Report revealed that 60% of consultants do not expect turnover to increase in 2023, with just 15% of the belief that gross margins would improve.   Gavin Mason, director at Pick Everard, said: “This report provides independent research into supply and demand within the construction industry. Our general view is that the industry appears to be in a position of equilibrium, and we do not find evidence of inflationary pressure from within the sector.  “From a commercial perspective, it is an optimistic start to the year. Inflation is not showing signs of converting into a wage-price spiral, which gives us confidence that interest rate increases have peaked and that there will be scope to start reducing rates by the middle of 2023. We expect the annual rate of inflation to reduce after April 2023, giving positive signs that investment in construction will look more enticing by the summer.”  Regional business confidence and project commissions were also scoped out, following nationwide industry peaks experienced during Q1 2022. Respondents in the North, London and the South appeared to have greater expectations for 2023, when compared with the Midlands and Wales.  Nearly 70% of those polled in the South revealed they were more optimistic in supply chain expectations this year than during Q4 2022. Increased workloads were noted in London and the South East from Q2 to Q4 last year, with decreases in Scotland cited over the same period.   Last month, the CITB published its CSN Industry Outlook – 2023-2027 report, revealing that 225,000 construction workers will be needed to fix employment gaps by 2027. In response, Pick Everard asked its respondents to identify the main causes of skills shortages. The key finding was that pay conditions and lack of training opportunities were considered 85% more relevant than the ability to access non-UK workers, suggesting that Brexit hasn’t been a big detriment to labour shortages in the UK.  The report highlighted ways in which the skills shortage can be tackled, and the measures and opportunities being offered across the UK to address the problem.  Gavin added: “Industry wide labour shortages and the skills gap have a direct impact on clients’ ability to deliver projects of all scales efficiently. This negatively affects time, cost and quality metrics, while limiting the ability to employ internal delivery teams such as project leaders and project managers at all levels. At Pick Everard, we seek to overcome these challenges, with 7.6% of our workforce working at apprentice, sponsored student or graduate level, operating above industry benchmarks.  “Collaboration is key to overcoming our joint future challenges, by providing a workforce that can effectively deliver better together and meet future industry demands.”  The report concluded with an analysis of the Passivhaus standard, with its adoption into future projects backed as key a way of delivering energy savings and build towards construction’s net zero future.  Pick Everard employs more than 650 staff across its 15 offices, providing a range of project, cost, and design consultancy services. To read the Q1 2023 Market Intelligence Report in full, visit https://landing.pickeverard.co.uk/Downloads/Pick-Everard-Q1-Report.pdf.  Further details on Pick Everard can be found at: http://www.pickeverard.co.uk  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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RIBA delegation to tell MIPIM how architects can address climate crisis

RIBA delegation to tell MIPIM how architects can address climate crisis

RIBA is preparing to showcase British architecture on a global stage at MIPIM, the renowned leading real estate, exhibition, conference and networking event for international property professionals.  Nineteen small and medium RIBA Chartered Practices from across the country will benefit from a presence at the RIBA Space at the London Stand, at MIPIM 2023 in the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France, from 14-17 March 2023.   RIBA’s delegation will be led by President Simon Allford, Chair of the RIBA Board of Trustees Jack Pringle, and RIBA Chief Executive Dr Valerie Vaughan-Dick MBE, who will give a keynote speech. RIBA representatives will be on hand to support practices networking with colleagues and clients.  During this key event in the industry’s calendar, the RIBA delegation will promote the value of working with architects, particularly in the context of climate crisis, and the importance of diversity and inclusion in architecture and the built environment. They will discuss the benefits to clients of working with RIBA Chartered Practices, as well as promoting the value of chartered practice membership.   RIBA President Simon Allford said:  “We’re heading to MIPIM to make a difference, discussing our leading work on sustainability, including the 2030 Climate Challenge, the Built Environment Carbon Database, and the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard. We cannot tackle global climate and biodiversity emergencies without changing how we design and construct buildings, and architects need the support of the wider industry to do so. Sharing expertise, breaking down silos, and increasing standards and competence are cornerstones in creating a safer and more sustainable built environment.”  RIBA Chief Executive Dr Valerie Vaughan-Dick MBE said:  “It’s an honour to attend MIPIM to promote the value of architects, and I hope to see many of our members there. I look forward to accompanying our Chartered Practices and spreading the word about the vital work RIBA and our members deliver, and why, in these challenging times for the climate and the economy, architects have never been more important. I’ll focus on how we can move our conversations and connections from MIPIM forward to effect real change.” Chair of the RIBA Board of Trustees Jack Pringle said:  “Our industry has a crucial role to play in tackling social inequality, the climate crisis, and building safety, so I look forward to joining colleagues at MIPIM to represent the RIBA and exchange knowledge with people from across the industry.”  What we’re getting up to at MIPIM 2023  We are hosting an array of activities at our RIBA Space, including slots for attendees to meet our Chartered Practices, and client-targeted briefings about the value of working with an architect.  On Tuesday 14 March at 11.15am (CET), Chair of the RIBA Board of Trustees Jack Pringle will feature on the panel discussion ‘15-minute cities, 20-minute neighbourhoods and the future of placemaking’ at the Newcastle stand.  On Wednesday 15 March at 11.30am (CET), RIBA Chief Executive Valerie Vaughan-Dick will give a keynote speech on the importance of collaboration for a safer, more equitable and sustainable built environment on the Leaders’ Perspective Stage, Hi5 Studio.  On Thursday 16 March at 2pm (CET), RIBA President Simon Allford will feature on the panel discussion ‘How can retrofitting ensure the avoidance of stranded assets?’ at the London Stage Stand C14.  The RIBA at MIPIM 2023 stand is sponsored by T2 Design Solutions.   See more of the RIBA at MIPIM 2023 programme. Meet our Chartered Practices at MIPIM 2023  About MIPIM 2023   MIPIM 2023 will take place from 14-17 March 2023 at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France.   Established in 1990, MIPIM is a four-day real estate event where practices can meet the most influential players from all international real estate industry sectors. It is attended by over 20,000 participants from 80 countries.  MIPIM connects and inspires the global real estate community to create more sustainable, liveable, and prosperous places for all.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Where did Halogen free flame retardant cables come from and why is it important?

Where did Halogen free flame retardant cables come from and why is it important?

Often overlooked, the electric cable is a fundamental ingredient in any Infrastructure project globally. The greater need for more power, more data transmission and more of everything, in general, has driven significant development of cable technology over the years, as illustrated here: Material developmentsIn the 1880s, the first cables were insulated with gutta percha, a natural latex material produced from the sap of trees of the same name. In the late 19th century, paper cables were becoming more popular and could operate at Voltages up to 10KV. However, in the 1930s in Germany, the evolution of the numerous polymeric insulation materials in use today started to gather pace, and by the 1950s, PVC cables were more commonplace. Other materials, such as chlorosulphonated polyethylene (CSP), were developed. From this time onwards, the development and progression of cable technology to fulfil the ever-growing requirements of power and a data-hungry world have continued. In the 1970s, using XLPE as an insulating material significantly developed in the power transmission and distribution sector, replacing paper-insulated cables with a much-improved dielectric property. At this time, the use of PVC and XLPE was widespread; though, in the growing uses of cables in a wide range of applications with high power requirements, the suitability of some of these materials was brought under scrutiny. Tragedy driving changeFollowing several high-profile tragedies, such as HMS Sheffield going down in flames during the Falkland war (1982), the Kings Cross station disaster in 1987 resulted in the loss of 31 lives, along with the Dusseldorf airport fire in 1996. In all these instances, the presence of choking black smoke and acidic gases were deemed to be a significant contributor to the loss of life due to the inability to evacuate and respiratory issues caused by the smoke and fumes, with burning PVC cabling cited as one of the contributory factors in the smoke and fume production.    The Evolution of Halogen Free, Flame RetardantThe detrimental effects of PVC and other halogenated materials in the form of the evolution of acidic, choking, dense smoke-producing fumes and gas in the event of fire have led to the development of materials which offer a much cleaner burn. This is particularly important in areas where public evacuation in the event of a fire is of the utmost importance, and hence there has become greater regulation and de-facto regulation in airports, high-rise buildings, and hospitals, to name a few. This material evolution has been a journey, though, with several advances. The primary reason for this is that halogenated flame retardant materials chemically disrupt the production of free radicals and effectively shut down the combustion process. Halogen free materials rely on inorganic materials (such as aluminium trihydrate ATH or magnesium dihydrate MDH) which works by withdrawing heat from the plastic during its decomposition into metal oxide and water. The Water vapour propagates and reduces the fuel supply to the flame.  This creates formulation problems in that the polymer is required to accept a large amount of mineral filler and maintain some mechanical and electrical properties – mutually exclusive, as adding the filler inherently reduces both. In particular, with the maintenance of electrical properties, the inorganic materials significantly reduce the dielectric properties of materials such as polyethylene, considered the best polymeric insulator available. This makes using halogen free low smoke compounds as insulators more difficult, as the primary function of the insulator is compromised. The current state of playOver the years, there have been many advances in the properties of halogen free materials in cables. The dichotomy between electrical/mechanical performance and flame retardancy has been addressed in a number of ways, with chemical additives allowing increased use of mineral fillers, polymer composition and the development of “thermoplastic elastomers” such as Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymer (EVA) – these materials allow significantly higher amounts of mineral filler to be incorporated into the compound to give a higher flame retardant performance. This does, however, reduce the dielectric properties. Due to this, the usual mechanism for reduced flammability in halogen free cables adopts the approach that the cable is protected from fire from the outside. High-performance,  low-flammability cable sheaths are employed to prevent the interior of the cable from becoming compromised by the fire. In this way, better dielectric materials such as polyethylene and cross-linked polyethylene can be used as insulation – allowing for better data transmission in data cables (where data speed and integrity are becoming more and more prominent in a data-driven world). Likewise, smaller wall cables for medium voltage cables are used in buildings – which is becoming increasingly popular. So why BASECHigh-performance flame-retardant materials allow an improved reaction to fire performance, although it is critical to the cable performance that these are used in suitable applications. The fact that the technology employed in these materials comes at a higher cost means that the manufacturer must use more expensive materials in their cable designs. In today’s ultra-competitive world, this leads to the typical discussion around “golden samples,” where high-end materials are used for type approval tests, and a cheaper, less effective material is used for ongoing production. This potential risk can be mitigated with a BASEC product approval, where all cable designs are tested annually and materials are fingerprinted to ensure that the approved materials are used on an ongoing basis. This type of product approval, along with the CPR/UKCA approach to product selection, means that building designers and specifiers can have peace of mind when it comes to cable selection of BASEC approved products. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Chetwoods: Multi-level logistics – an idea whose time has come

Chetwoods: Multi-level logistics – an idea whose time has come

Leading property industry figures anticipate an imminent breakthrough moment for multi-level logistics in the UK, according to new research by Chetwoods – one of the country’s leading architecture practices working in the industrial logistic sector. Almost 80% of the property professionals surveyed by Chetwoods said that they expect to see an HGV multi-level logistics unit built within two years in the UK. Multi-level logistics are a key element in industrial intensification, which until recently has been viewed with caution by the property profession. However, advances in design and technology, coupled with strong policy support from key public sector organisations, are shifting perceptions around the future of logistics design. Industrial intensification – defined by the Mayor of London as a mixed-use, co-location scheme where over 65% of the floorspace capacity is being used for warehousing or industrial space – offers a way of delivering better logistics facilities while also resolving tensions between industrial and other land uses. There has also been further interesting discussion across the industry about how the definition of the term could evolve as interest grows in the sector. For example, job intensification and sustainability intensification could also be analysed going forward. Critically, industrial intensification always offers ways to reduce industry’s physical footprint to free up land for other purposes: a win-win outcome for operators, supply networks and communities. However, Chetwoods’ research demonstrates that the property industry has until now been wary of industrial intensification: a scepticism and reluctance to change that risks the UK falling behind international competitors in terms of logistics design. In Asia, the US and a handful of urban centres in Europe, multi-level logistics are more established than in the UK, despite similar pressures on available space and land costs. In London, the Mayor of London and the GLA are demonstrating real leadership and an ability to respond to the needs of both industry and London’s economy with the innovative Bugsby’s Way development in Greenwich, where a 1.3ha brownfield site near the Greenwich Peninsula has been earmarked for industrial intensification. Here, the Mayor and GLA worked with Chetwoods to develop an initial concept design for a multi-use scheme to support a range of businesses from logistics operators to SMEs, and to shift the perceptions of industrial buildings from traditional single-storey sheds to innovative, multi-faceted buildings. Tim Ward, CEO at Chetwoods, believes that these advances in terms of design and technology will be game-changers for the UK logistics industry. He said: “For years land use in the UK has often been contested, with industrial use in particular often perceived as unattractive and disruptive. This has held back progress in the UK’s urban logistics industry, and has meant that industrial intensification – despite its many positives – remains something of a novelty in the UK while other countries reap the benefits. Thanks to progress in terms of planning policy, design and technology, it now seems that multi-level logistics is an idea whose time has come in the UK. Due to the far-sightedness of bodies such as the GLA and a number of ambitious and innovative developers, we’re beginning to see the first shoots of a multi-level logistics revolution in the UK. Shifts in industry perception can only hasten this progress, and deliver the enormous benefits that 21st century logistics design can bring.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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CITB’s employer network pilot to offer construction sector specific support

CITB’s employer network pilot to offer construction sector specific support

Employers can now receive expert advice and support from sector specific networks, as part of the Construction Industry Training Board’s (CITB) employer network pilot. As well as the local training networks, selected sectors will also be supported making it even easier to find and fund appropriate construction training.   Hire Association Europe (HAE) is among the first of the sector specific networks to be introduced, supporting plant, tool and equipment hire employers with queries directly related to their field. Through the network’s technical expertise, and with a budget of more than £300,000, they can help ensure employers receive the right training for skills needed now or in the future. The model aims to create a more simplified process and has therefore removed the need to access the grant scheme, with HAE helping to organise and fund the training on behalf of employers. The CITB pilot launched its local training networks in August 2022 with an initial £800,000 investment. With a focus on connecting employers to established and experienced delivery partners, the aim is to help employers recognise their training priorities and the best routes to achieving them. This transformative way of working provides a huge opportunity for employers to not only voice their training requirements, but also play a fundamental role in deciding how funds are used in their local area. The 12-month local initiative is available to 3,800 levy-registered construction businesses and offered across five locations in England, Scotland, and Wales. One business already reaping the rewards is Aspect Group Services Ltd. The East Anglian business provides various services across roofing, scaffolding, property refurbishment and development, and was informed about the employer network pilot through the Norfolk Construction Training Group (NCTG). Katie Laws-Chapman, Aspect Group Services Office Manager, said: “Initially we were hesitant, as we were accustomed to claiming training back from CITB through the usual process. However, through discussions with our contacts at NCTG, we were assured the process would be simple and we would have greater benefits due to the wide scope the employer network covered. “As we are a mix of site-based operatives and office-based staff, we were able to request support for a wider variety of courses than previously possible. It was very beneficial to be able to combine both sets of training requirements for our staff through the employer network.” Stacey Felmingham, Office Coordinator for Aspect Group Services, added: “With the support from the NCTG we have been able to navigate the employer network process effectively and efficiently. The simplicity and broad scope of the initiative has allowed us to offer training to more employees than we initially budgeted for over the year, which is fantastic news as a business and for the individual!” Tim Balcon, CITB Chief Executive, said: “I’m thrilled to see the great results this pilot is already achieving in such a short space of time! We’re really excited to join forces with Hire Association Europe and believe their support will have an invaluable impact on the plant, tool and equipment hire sector. The real drive behind this project is ensuring employers get the support they need to train and develop their workforces. By expanding the networks to include niche technical expertise, this should simplify the process and make it even easier for employers to get the most out of their training budgets.” Paul Gaze, CEO, Hire Association Europe, said: “Hire Association Europe is delighted to be working with CITB on the Sector Employer Network Programme. It is vital that we invest in the plant, tool and equipment workforce to develop the required skills and competencies, as the sector underpins the wider construction industry. Nothing gets built, maintained or repaired without the professional hire and rental workforce. We commend CITB for its investment in developing the skills to drive forward construction.” There’s still time to get involved if you are based within one of the five pilot areas or work in the plant, tool and equipment hire sector. Find out more and sign up here. Your voice can help shape the future of training provision. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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