Following the completion of a brand-new national fulfilment centre for leading British pet supplies retailer, Pets at Home by McLaren Construction Midlands and North, the company is now relocating employees from its current Stoke and Northampton facilities. The site, which is centrally located at Stafford North Business Park on the
MURPHY Geospatial, a specialist in geospatial data, surveys and digital construction, celebrated its 40th year at Digital Construction Week by joining the AECO (Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations) metaverse. Murphy Geospatial launched its new XR (Extended Reality) technology at the event. The immersive system is the latest in a 40-year
During the second week of May, Railtex, the International Exhibition of Railway Equipment, Systems and Services, ended after three days of flourishing business. From 9 – 11 May 2023, over 2,600 trade visitors came to Birmingham to discover the latest innovations, products, and services from all areas of railway technology.
This year W.B. Simpson & Sons celebrates 190 years as a London and Midlands-based tiling contractor – and has introduced a new section on its website to celebrate a vast portfolio of tiling projects. With a heritage in the manufacturing of hand-painted tile panels and stained glass, craftsmanship has been
Are you a plumbing business owner looking to expand your reach and attract more customers in 2023? With the right strategies in place, you can effectively grow your plumbing business and stay ahead of the competition. In this article, we will explore seven key strategies to help you achieve more
The rise of automation in supply chain management reflects the increasing complexity and scale of modern business operations. As companies strive to meet the growing demands of customers, the need for greater speed, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness has become paramount. In this context, industrial automation has proven to be a game-changing
As a country that experiences some extreme weather, Australia’s architects are heavily invested in finding cladding solutions that are durable, affordable and stunning. There are thousands of architectural cladding options on the market, but the same categories remain popular for their beauty and longevity. We’re going to discuss some of
Following the completion of a brand-new national fulfilment centre for leading British pet supplies retailer, Pets at Home by McLaren Construction Midlands and North, the company is now relocating employees from its current Stoke and Northampton facilities. The site, which is centrally located at Stafford North Business Park on the A34, is the new main fulfilment centre for the UK retailer, and the transition of employees from the current Stoke and Northampton facilities is ongoing and will complete in early 2024. Once the site is fully operational, the national fulfilment centre will be able to house 600 employees per shift, with three shifts running per day. This is the first time McLaren Construction’s Midlands and North division has completed a landmark build for client, Pets at Home, working alongside Stoford to deliver groundworks including the cut and fill of the greenfield site, which was previously disused farmland. The contractor completed the base build before constructing the 670,000 sq. ft. steel framed warehouse, complete with roof cladding, a photovoltaic roof, associated dock levellers, level access doors, two hub offices, a three-storey main office and category B works. A concrete service yard, recycling store and tote store were also constructed independently, alongside a prefabricated gatehouse and 592-space car park. Catering to future business expansion, the site can also facilitate a 10,000 sq. ft extension to the main warehouse, should the need arise in the future. Rated BREEAM ‘Excellent’, with the environment at the core of its design, cladding colours for the fulfilment centre were chosen to blend in with the natural surroundings, and the car park was built as a floating feature on gravel, to prevent flooding to the area when it rains. The entire build took 72 weeks to complete, during which time the construction team had regular consultations with the local neighbourhood and sent monthly newsletters and information bulletins to residents. Andrew Howard, Operations Director at McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “We are delighted to have delivered this landmark national fulfilment centre for such a renowned client, alongside Stoford. “The new site will facilitate the next phase of growth for the British pet supplies retailer, with increased capacity for employees and a base for further expansion of the site. It is ideally placed on the A34 by Stafford, with close links to the M6.” Daniel Gallagher, Stoford Joint Managing Director, said: “We have worked closely with Pets at Home, Tesco Pension Fund and McLaren to develop this exciting new scheme that will sustain local jobs in Staffordshire. We have delivered a modern national storage and distribution centre, with a first-class design that has sustainability at its core.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MURPHY Geospatial, a specialist in geospatial data, surveys and digital construction, celebrated its 40th year at Digital Construction Week by joining the AECO (Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations) metaverse. Murphy Geospatial launched its new XR (Extended Reality) technology at the event. The immersive system is the latest in a 40-year history of innovation for the Irish-founded company, which is still owned and run by the sons of Peter Murphy, its original founder. The team will be offering limited demonstrations to showcase the new technology at the event, as well as an online session in June to explore the technology. The XR technology will give the wearer of the headset an immersive experience of geospatial data and 3D digital workflows. The tech allows multiple operatives on projects to collaborate in real-time, something which Murphy Geospatial says will support new and efficient ways of working as well as spotting and stopping costly errors which can appear at different stages in a project. Ray Murphy, co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer said: “It feels fitting to mark the anniversary by unveiling a new technology for the architecture, engineering, construction and operations (AECO) sector. My brothers and I remember growing up with one piece of the latest kit or another in our family home, which also doubled as our original headquarters. Our dad was not one to shy away from making use of technology and we’re proud to carry on that tradition at every stage in the business. The announcement couldn’t come at a better time as we’re sitting on the cusp of the next digital revolution, whilst being very aware that many of our clients are dealing with unprecedented economic pressure. There’s a drive to innovate and find new ways of working but also a need to drive efficiencies as there are no margins for costly errors. For that, we need to offer absolute certainty when it comes to geospatial data with precision detail and analysis.” From humble beginnings 40 years ago, Murphy Geospatial now has six offices across the UK and Ireland, employing over 350 people and has completed more than 27,000 projects, including HS2 and Luas Cross City extensions and famous landmarks and developments such as the Old War Office, RIBA headquarters, King’s Cross station, and Regent’s Crescent. Murphy Geospatial will also be hosting a talk at Digital Construction Week delivered by Director of Construction, Michael Durnin. Michael will focus on the importance of measurement in an increasingly digital world, covering Modern Methods of Construction, automation and digital delivery. To find out more about Murphy Geospatial and Digital Construction week or visit www.murphygs.com/digital-construction-week-2023. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
During the second week of May, Railtex, the International Exhibition of Railway Equipment, Systems and Services, ended after three days of flourishing business. From 9 – 11 May 2023, over 2,600 trade visitors came to Birmingham to discover the latest innovations, products, and services from all areas of railway technology. This is a 17 % increase in visitor numbers compared to the previous event in 2022. As the showcase event for the rail industry, Railtex 2023 welcomed 160 exhibitors from 19 countries representing the complete spectrum of the railway industry, from railway civil engineering to rolling stock manufacturing, plant machinery, monitoring and testing systems, safety, and security systems, signalling and communications, track and infrastructure, passenger technology and many other products and services. “It was a very good and valuable three-day event filled with innovative product showcases, learning opportunities and plenty of business conversations. We would like to thank all our partners, exhibitors and visitors who helped make this show possible,” stated Nicola Hamann, the Managing Director, on behalf of RX. “We are delighted to see such a positive turnout of the show! Both exhibitors and visitors were highly satisfied, as they either reconnected with existing contacts or established new business relations.” Key topics of the rail industry explored in supporting programme Key topics included decarbonisation to international growth, innovation, and sustainability, which currently move and influence the industry. These topics were covered via the exhibitors’ products and services and the show elements, such as panel discussions, presentations, and Innovation Village at Railtex 2023. “Another rich supporting programme, organised by our main show partner, the Railway Industry Association (RIA), reflected the key challenges and opportunities that the UK rail industry will face in the years to come. In addition to the great speaker line-up, it was also such a pleasure to welcome Dame Nia Griffith, the Shadow Minister for Exports, and Iain Stewart, Chair of the Transport Select Committee at Railtex,” mentioned Nicola Hamann, on behalf of RX. A detailed overview on the full programme and keynote speakers is available on the show’s Conferences page. Innovation in the spotlight at Railtex RIA’s Innovation Village welcomed a different railway client each day, who showcased their innovative solutions, and Innovation Village’s mayors included High-Speed Two (HS2), Transport for Wales and Train Operating Companies (TOC) Innovation Community. Dates of the next show Existing and new exhibitors have already expressed their interest in participating in the upcoming show edition in 2025. Railtex 2025 will take place from 13 – 15 May 2025 at the NEC, Birmingham. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
This year W.B. Simpson & Sons celebrates 190 years as a London and Midlands-based tiling contractor – and has introduced a new section on its website to celebrate a vast portfolio of tiling projects. With a heritage in the manufacturing of hand-painted tile panels and stained glass, craftsmanship has been at the heart of what W.B. Simpson & Sons have done since the company’s founding by William Butler Simpson in 1833. The range of projects it has been involved in is enormous, including London Underground projects, shopping centres, airports, hospitals, hotels, leisure centres and stadiums, as well as residential. Working in partnership with some of the UK’s largest main contractors, its high profile projects have included stations on the Jubilee Line Extension, Heathrow Terminal 2, Gatwick South Terminal, Canary Wharf, Athletes’ Village for 2012 Olympic Games. With a portfolio this strong, it is not surprising that W.B. Simpson often achieves Category 1 or Preferred Contractor status. The company’s unbroken record of service to the construction sector in and around London and the Midlands is unique in the industry, and its 190th anniversary is truly an event that needs celebrating! During the year, the company will be rolling out a number of activities to mark its historic achievement – details to be revealed in due course! To kick off the commemoration it has added a new section to its website at https://wbsimpsonsons.co.uk, which features information and imagery from a huge range of heritage projects that the company has been involved in since 1833. These include London Underground projects, churches, castles, hospitals, theatres, public houses and art galleries. The company has worked on projects around the country such as Cardiff Castle, York Art Gallery and the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading. The common thread that links all these projects is their craft-based, artisanal attention to detail which historically has formed the basis for the reputation for quality and excellence which the company is known for today. “The importance of our heritage as a business is not just that we can look back with pride at what the company has achieved 50, 100 or 150 years ago – although that is important too,” says Managing Director Billy Valler. “But the main thing is the way in which it is a living heritage which still informs the way that the company works today. Our aim, as it always has been, is to translate our customers’ aspirations as accurately as possible into what they see in the finished tiled project, whether it is a large area of plain tiles in a railway station or a detailed artwork in a traditional London public house. It is the diversity of work that we are involved in which gives our heritage its variety and dynamism, and which keeps us at the leading edge of our business, as we seek to delight today’s customers, as we have been doing for 190 years.” Watch this space for details of events during the year to commemorate W.B. Simpson & Sons’ 190 years in business! Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Are you a plumbing business owner looking to expand your reach and attract more customers in 2023? With the right strategies in place, you can effectively grow your plumbing business and stay ahead of the competition. In this article, we will explore seven key strategies to help you achieve more plumbing leads. 1. Enhance Your Online Presence In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for any business. To attract more customers, optimize your website and ensure it is mobile-friendly. Use relevant keywords such as “emergency plumber in London” or “unblock drains in Dartford” to improve your search engine rankings and target local customers. Consider creating informative blog posts on plumbing tips and tricks to establish yourself as an authority in the field. Another important aspect to consider is managing your digital footprint. Every online interaction, from customer reviews to social media posts, contributes to the overall image of your business. By actively monitoring and managing your digital footprint, you can ensure that your online reputation remains positive, while also identifying areas for improvement. This proactive approach can help build trust with potential customers and reinforce your brand’s credibility in the competitive market. 2. Invest in Local SEO To target customers in specific areas, invest in local search engine optimization (SEO). Optimize your website with location-specific keywords, such as “plumbing services in Birmingham” or “unblock drains in Dartford.” Register your business on online directories, like Google My Business, and encourage customers to leave reviews. This will improve your visibility in local search results and attract customers in your target demographic. 3. Provide Exceptional Customer Service Word-of-mouth referrals can significantly impact the growth of your plumbing business. Ensure that your customers receive exceptional service at every interaction. Be prompt in responding to inquiries, provide transparent pricing, and deliver high-quality workmanship. Happy customers are more likely to recommend your services to their friends, family, and colleagues. 4. Establish Partnerships Building strategic partnerships with other local businesses can be mutually beneficial. Partner with home renovation companies, real estate agents, or property management firms to tap into their customer base. Offer exclusive discounts or incentives for referrals, and consider cross-promotion through shared marketing efforts. This way, you can expand your reach and attract new customers. 5. Utilize Social Media Marketing Harness the power of social media platforms to connect with potential customers. Create engaging content related to plumbing tips, maintenance advice, and common problems faced by homeowners. Share before-and-after photos of your projects and encourage satisfied customers to leave testimonials. Engage with your audience by responding to comments and messages promptly. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can help you build brand awareness and generate more plumbing leads. 6. Offer Specialized Services Differentiate your plumbing business by offering specialized services that cater to specific customer needs. For example, you could provide eco-friendly plumbing solutions, boiler repairs, or bathroom renovations. By positioning yourself as an expert in these areas, you can attract customers who require these specialized services. Remember to optimize your website and content with relevant keywords to attract the right audience. 7. Focus on Customer Education Educating your customers is a powerful way to establish trust and build credibility. Create informative content, such as how-to guides and video tutorials, addressing common plumbing issues. Use keywords like “unclog drains in Dartford” or “prevent pipe leaks in Bristol” to target specific customer queries. By providing valuable information, you position yourself as a reliable resource and increase the likelihood of customers choosing your services. In conclusion, growing your plumbing business in 2023 requires a multifaceted approach. Enhance your online presence, invest in local SEO, provide exceptional customer service, establish partnerships, leverage social media marketing, offer specialized services, and focus on customer education. By implementing these strategies, you can attract more plumbing leads and achieve sustainable growth for your plumbing business in the United Kingdom.
The rise of automation in supply chain management reflects the increasing complexity and scale of modern business operations. As companies strive to meet the growing demands of customers, the need for greater speed, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness has become paramount. In this context, industrial automation has proven to be a game-changing force, transforming the landscape of smart warehousing and logistics and redefining the entire supply chain process. The Era of Smart Warehousing Smart warehousing is the embodiment of technology-driven logistics, where goods are stored, sorted, packed, and tracked using advanced automation systems. This is a far cry from traditional warehousing, where manual labor was the primary force behind operations. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS), robotics, drones, and wearable technology are now integral components of a smart warehouse. These tools work in conjunction to enhance productivity and accuracy, ensuring goods are handled and transported safely and efficiently. Beyond simply replacing manual labor, these technologies amplify human capabilities. Workers can manage and oversee operations from a centralized command center, leveraging technology to maintain real-time visibility of inventory, conduct error-free operations, utilize space efficiently, and ensure quick turnaround times. The outcome is a significant boost to the overall efficiency of the supply chain, with an elevated level of precision and control that was once thought impossible. Logistics Revolutionized by Automation Logistics—the act of moving goods from one place to another—is another area that has undergone a seismic transformation due to automation. Today, sophisticated algorithms, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning are used to predict demand, plan routes, and manage fleets. These advanced tools lead to reduced delivery times and improved customer satisfaction by ensuring goods reach their intended destinations on time and in optimal condition. Moreover, automation enables real-time tracking of goods, providing unparalleled transparency and minimizing the chances of loss or theft. This increased visibility across the supply chain allows for more effective risk management and faster decision making, enabling companies to respond swiftly to any unforeseen issues or changes in demand. Industrial Automation: A Paradigm Shift in Supply Chain Management Supply chain management, encompassing everything from sourcing raw materials to delivering the end product, has been revolutionized by industrial automation. The integration and streamlining of supply chain processes through automation technologies have led to remarkable gains in efficiency and significant cost reductions. Consider the role of advanced data analytics in predicting future trends and enabling proactive inventory management. Or the Internet of Things (IoT) devices that can monitor the condition of goods in real-time, ensuring top-notch quality control. Challenges and Opportunities in the Face of Automation The adoption of industrial automation comes with its own set of challenges, despite the numerous opportunities it presents. The implementation of new technologies can be costly, and companies need a skilled workforce to manage and maintain these systems. With the increase in dependency on digital platforms, cybersecurity threats also become a pressing concern that requires meticulous attention. On the upside, the benefits of automation far outweigh its challenges. The potential for significant cost savings is considerable, given the reduction in labor costs, minimization of errors, and optimization of resource use. Moreover, businesses that embrace automation are better equipped to adapt to market changes, meet customer expectations, and outpace competition, positioning them for long-term success. Human-Machine Symbiosis in Future Supply Chains The future of supply chain management is set to be shaped further by the increased integration of automation technologies. Innovations such as autonomous vehicles, smart contracts, and advanced AI systems are expected to continue streamlining processes, driving up efficiency, and facilitating growth. In this future, the role of humans will not be rendered obsolete but will undergo a significant transformation. Instead of manual tasks, human focus will shift towards designing, implementing, and managing these intricate automated systems. The human workforce will thus be in a position to handle more complex tasks, while repetitive and mundane tasks will be automated, leading to higher job satisfaction and productivity. A symbiotic relationship will emerge between humans and machines, fundamental to the success of automated supply chains. Machines will offer speed, precision, and the ability to handle high-volume tasks. Simultaneously, humans will contribute critical thinking, decision-making, and creative problem-solving skills, which are currently irreplaceable by artificial intelligence. Advent of Predictive Analytics and Advanced Technologies It’s anticipated that the manufacturing industry will experience an increase in the use of predictive analytics and AI, which will allow companies to anticipate market trends and customer demands, thus optimizing their supply chain process for maximum efficiency. Technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain will increase the visibility and traceability of goods, further enhancing transparency in the supply chain. The rise of advanced technologies such as 5G and edge computing will also significantly impact the future of supply chain management. These technologies will facilitate real-time data analysis and decision-making, allowing companies to respond to changes in the supply chain more quickly and effectively. Sourcing for Supply Chains In the broader scope of supply chain automation, the need of automation equipment and supplies for plants cannot be overstated. These refer to the array of machinery, equipment, and software used to automate various processes in manufacturing plants, warehouses, and distribution centers, often referred to as Industry 4.0 technologies. In a manufacturing plant, automation equipment such as robotics, conveyor systems, sorting systems, and packing machines eliminate repetitive, time-consuming tasks traditionally performed by humans. These automation systems can work around the clock, without fatigue, thereby increasing efficiency and reducing the chances of human error. Navigating Challenges and Embracing Opportunities However, to successfully navigate this future landscape, organizations will need to invest in training their employees to manage these new technologies. It is also essential that businesses develop robust cybersecurity measures to protect their digital infrastructure from potential threats. The Role of Automation in Sustainable Practices As organizations adopt sustainable practices, automation can also play a significant role in reducing the environmental impact of supply chain operations. For instance, automated systems can optimize routes in real-time for fuel efficiency, while smart
As a country that experiences some extreme weather, Australia’s architects are heavily invested in finding cladding solutions that are durable, affordable and stunning. There are thousands of architectural cladding options on the market, but the same categories remain popular for their beauty and longevity. We’re going to discuss some of the most common cladding solutions and how they’re being put to use in Australia’s modern architecture scene. 1. Bricks and Brick Veneer Bricks have long been one of Australia’s most popular cladding options. Affordable, attractive and highly durable, bricks make for some of the best exterior finishes on the market. These days bricks come in thousands of different shapes, sizes and formats, making them the perfect solution for architects that want to make their projects stand out. As an added bonus, bricks also offer natural thermal efficiency, making them ideal for Australia’s harsh climates. But bricks aren’t always the correct solution, and brick veneer may be more appropriate in some settings. Brick veneer is designed to look and feel just like real brick. In reality, brick veneer is an imitation product that’s made up of thin slivers of bricks and mortar. These types of veneers have all the warmth and durability of real brick, but they’re a fraction of the cost and much lower weight, making them suitable for decoration, high rise buildings or budget-conscious projects. 2. Weatherboard Cladding Weatherboard cladding is an ever-popular solution, known for its affordability and durability. Weatherboards are available in a huge range of sizes, styles and materials, making them perfect for any aesthetic. Traditional weatherboard products were made from timber. These days, weatherboards are made of all types of timber, vinyl and fibre cement. This allows them to be moulded and shaped into a variety of formats and profiles. These can then be used to create stunning, textured exteriors that boast all the beauty of the natural timbers that inspired the trend. 3. Timber Cladding Timber is an all-time favourite cladding material all over the world. Originally used as simple weatherboards, timber cladding products have come a long way in recent years, and the stunning natural material is now the perfect architectural choice. The major benefit of timber is that it’s a living material. It changes over time, allowing your home to blend into its surroundings. This effect is highly prized in natural settings where homes sit among Australia’s iconic bushland. If you need more convincing, timber remains a popular solution thanks to the sheer amount of choice available. Timber cladding manufacturers supply panels in a huge array of colours, sizes, shapes and profiles. These panels can be used to lend an unparalleled sense of texture and depth to your project. 4. Fibre Cement Cladding Fibre cement is often viewed as a budget option, and it arguably doesn’t lend as much character or variety to a home as the alternatives. But fibre cement is one of the most environmentally friendly materials on this list, and it’s available in a huge range of colours and finishes, so it can be used to achieve anything you have in mind. 5. Stone Cladding Stone remains one of the most characterful cladding options on the market today. Australia’s natural stone deposits mean we have fantastic access to cladding systems that include granite, limestone and quartzite. These natural stones not only look fantastic, they’re highly weather-resistant and an attractive option for all internal and external spaces. Natural stone cladding typically requires very little upkeep. Like brick, it’s capable of withstanding Australia’s harsh sun and weather without the need for coating or repainting. It’s also highly thermal efficient, making it ideal for our hotter climates. 6. Metal Cladding Metal cladding products such as Colorbond have always been considered a budget alternative to alternatives like timber. But metalworking has evolved, and steel cladding options are now more versatile than ever. From flat-panel products that provide a sleek and minimal aesthetic, to textured and ribbed panels that offer unrivalled depth, metal cladding can achieve it all. The majority of metal cladding systems are produced in either steel, aluminium or a combination of the two. This provides the most design flexibility and allows cladding styles to be mixed and matched for maximum visual impact. 7. Aerated Concrete Cladding Finally, aerated concrete cladding has been gaining popularity for its affordability and industrial aesthetic. While aerated concrete sheets were once exclusively used for commercial and industrial buildings, the material has become increasingly common in residential projects. The sharp lines of concrete lends itself to brutalistic and minimalistic design languages, and it also pairs perfectly with natural materials like timber.
