St Andrews-based whisky and gin distillery, Eden Mill, has announced the appointment of a leading global construction specialist to oversee the extensive refurbishment of its multi-million-pound new distillery and visitor centre. ISG has been selected to lead the renovation of Eden Mill’s new investment, building on over two decades of
A major construction milestone has taken place at the £26.5 million new White Rose Rail Station in south Leeds. Rail infrastructure specialist Spencer Group has now installed two new link bridges from the main station buildings to platform level at the new station, which is being built next to the
Northern England the worst offender In a time when people are struggling to buy and rent homes, 676,000 of England’s stock worth £212 billion is sitting empty. The research comes from property purchasing specialist, House Buyer Bureau, which measures the number of vacant dwellings up and down England. Across the
Later living provider Anchor has recently announced the partners for its Development Consultancy framework helping to meet the not-for-profit provider’s ambitious plans to deliver 5,700 new homes over the next ten years. Anchor, England’s largest provider of specialist housing and care for people in later life, will deliver the schemes
Gordon Ingram to move to Chairman role and Sam Wallis promoted to CEO GIA, the leading surveying consultancy, today announces its new leadership structure and new investment from Lonsdale Capital Partners, in readiness for growth. With specialist teams covering rights to light, daylight and sunlight, wind analysis, as well as
Essentra, a leading provider of essential components and solutions, has furthered its commitment to making direct operations net zero by 2040 with its manufacturing site in Jiangxi, China, now being powered by solar panels. Supporting its emissions reduction targets, aligned with science-based thinking, the solar array installation is a significant
Contractor Morgan Sindall Construction has completed a new 964-space Multi-Storey Car Park (MSCP) at North Manchester General Hospital (NMGH). The firm has delivered £36.5 million of enabling works ahead of the wider rebuilding of the estate, including temporary car parking, asbestos removal, demolition and the new-build MSCP and Cycle Hub.
Getting your first job in the construction industry can be tricky, especially if you don’t have any experience. The good news is that construction jobs are in high demand right now, so if you do your best to prepare yourself to make a good impression, there’s a high chance you
St Andrews-based whisky and gin distillery, Eden Mill, has announced the appointment of a leading global construction specialist to oversee the extensive refurbishment of its multi-million-pound new distillery and visitor centre. ISG has been selected to lead the renovation of Eden Mill’s new investment, building on over two decades of experience delivering drinks manufacturing facilities across the country, including both the Scottish mainland and islands. ISG’s expertise delivering experiential visitor centre projects encompasses many projects requiring specialist fit out requirements, working alongside creative content writers tasked with developing rich audio-visual displays and exhibitions for visitors. The building – which is located on the banks of the Eden Estuary at the University of St Andrew’s Eden Campus in Guardbridge – has entered a renovation period of up to a year, following the completion of initial works on the building and an exterior renovation at the start of 2023. ISG’s remit sees the transformation of the building interior and a comprehensive fit out scheme of both the production areas and the visitor centre. The stunning new gin and whisky visitor experience will guide people through the spirit-making process and demonstrate how Eden Mill crafts its award-winning products. The project also includes the creation of a well-appointed retail space, café and premium bar overlooking the beautiful Eden Estuary. Eden Mill Distillery is progressing its ambition to achieve net zero status by partnering with ISG to undertake a renovation that is as sustainable as practicable – from the selection of bio-based materials and the re-use of components wherever possible, to using HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) fuel as a substitute for diesel. ISG’s on-site infrastructure will maximise energy efficiencies and reduce carbon emissions through smart metering and ethical procurement practices. The construction specialist’s use of the advanced ERICA monitoring system – a real-time power management system, provides data on actual energy usage and will enable ISG to deliver a minimum 30% reduction in demand over the lifespan of the project. Rennie Donaldson, chief executive officer at Eden Mill, said: “We’re really looking forward to seeing the next stage of this project commence and to have ISG on board to manage this as our construction partner is an exciting new collaboration for us. “It was key for us to bring on board a company that not only has exemplary credentials and is one of the best in their industry, but also shares Eden Mill’s values and ethos, and we believe ISG are a perfect fit to create what will be an iconic distillery in Scotland.” In a collaborative engagement, ISG will be working with Eden Mill directly to mobilise a localised supply chain throughout the project. ISG has also created three new job roles to complete the Eden Mill distillery renovation and is encouraging its subcontractors to employ apprentices as part of this project, with the view to also upskill people in the local community. Paul Beaton, regional director at ISG, said: “This is the start of an exciting and rewarding partnership and we are really looking forward to continuing with the renovation for Eden Mill and play our role in creating a world-class distillery and visitor centre. “We measure the success of our projects around the extra value that we create for our customers, teams and local communities, and work hard to maximise opportunities and outcomes that deliver genuine legacy. This purpose driven approach is instantly recognisable in Eden Mill’s values and vision for the distillery so we have core alignment in our ambitions to really drive transformational change with this project.” Following the refurbishment, the new Eden Mill Distillery is set to open in 2024 and will continue to produce its contemporary Scottish gins and restart distillation of its premium Single Malt Scotch Whiskies. Its unique selection of single malts includes the Art of St Andrews Collection and the recently released Cask Mastery Collection, and its extensive gin portfolio features its core range comprised of Golf Gin, Love Gin and Original Gin – the distinctive flavours of which are all inspired by the Fife coastline and St Andrews itself – alongside its Red and White Wine Cask Aged Gins. Established in 2012, Eden Mill was the first to make spirits in the region for over 150 years, resurrecting the distillation process on the banks of the Eden Estuary. The full range of premium gins and whiskies are available to purchase at: www.edenmill.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major construction milestone has taken place at the £26.5 million new White Rose Rail Station in south Leeds. Rail infrastructure specialist Spencer Group has now installed two new link bridges from the main station buildings to platform level at the new station, which is being built next to the White Rose Park between Morley and Cottingley on the main trans-Pennine route to Manchester via Huddersfield. The new station will make it easier to walk, cycle and use public transport, connecting more people with jobs, training, education and leisure activities. It will provide improved access to the White Rose Park, shopping centre and bus interchange. Alongside 80 cycle parking spaces, the scheme also includes better walking and cycling routes for local communities, including to the White Rose Shopping Centre and bus interchange. The scheme is being delivered in partnership by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Munroe K, Leeds City Council, Network Rail and the Department for Transport. Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “We’re determined to create a better-connected region where everyone has the same opportunity to get on in life. “Investing in transport schemes that support economic growth, like the White Rose Rail Station, has a key role to play in that. “This investment will bring new opportunities for people in nearby communities by boosting transport links, regeneration and jobs.” The two link bridges were installed overnight over the course of two weekends. A 1,200-tonne crane – about 200 times the weight of an elephant – was built on site. It had to be transported in sections and took a week to assemble with more than 25 lorry deliveries of components. The east link bridge, which had to be built in two halves and welded together on-site, is 40m long and weighed 84 tonnes. The west link bridge is 20m long and weighs 46 tonnes. The works follow the installation of platform canopy sections earlier this year. Leeds City Councillor Helen Hayden, Executive Member for Sustainable Development and Infrastructure, said: “It’s really pleasing to see a significant milestone achieved in the construction of Leeds newest Rail Station. The changes when complete will improve access to the city centre for residents in surrounding neighbourhoods, visitors to Leeds and thousands of young people who learn in the city’s schools and colleges each day. White Rose Station along with other improved transport links we’re working on provide more opportunities to reduce our city’s carbon impact and realise our economic potential.” David Aspin, CEO of Munroe K, said: “Seeing the two foot bridges installed marks a significant milestone in the project and is real testament to the workmanship of the whole team at Spencer Group. In the recent weeks the station buildings have come to life as the external cladding has been added and now the passenger walkways. We’re excited to see the progress continue as we head towards the new station opening next year.” Anna Weeks, Principal Programme Sponsor at Network Rail, said: “It’s always special to reach milestones such as this in the large-scale infrastructure projects that Network Rail supports alongside its partners. We’re proud to be playing our part in delivering a new accessible railway station for local residents and the wider public, offering them more sustainable ways to travel into Leeds city centre and beyond.” Joe Bennett, Operations Director at Spencer Group, said: “The installation of the two link bridges represents a major milestone in the project. “We had to work around external obstacles with the bridge lifts, including gas main renewals on the main road, but it went very well. The station is now really beginning to take shape. “We’re excited to be working closely with our partners to deliver this important project, which will provide a significant upgrade to the rail infrastructure in the North.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Northern England the worst offender In a time when people are struggling to buy and rent homes, 676,000 of England’s stock worth £212 billion is sitting empty. The research comes from property purchasing specialist, House Buyer Bureau, which measures the number of vacant dwellings up and down England. Across the country 2.7% of the nation’s stock isn’t utilised, a travesty at a time where supply is so lacking. North of England The North East is the worst region for vacant properties, where 3.3% of homes are empty, followed by the North West and Yorkshire and the Humber, where 3.0% isn’t used. Looking in more detail, Liverpool has the highest proportion of rental stock that’s lying vacant, with 10,769 vacant dwellings out of 229,863, amounting to 4.7% of all stock. The third and fourth worst areas are also in the North East, as 4.4% of properties are left empty in both Burnley and Blackpool. Is it time to bring back the Empty Home Programme? England used to have an Empty Homes Programme, which provided funds to social landlords and housing groups to bring empty homes back into use. This was established by the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government and ran between 2012 and 2015, as the Tories failed to continue with the scheme after winning an overall majority in parliament that year. Individual councils can penalise owners for leaving their properties empty, as the City of London gradually charges owners more council tax the longer they leave them empty. London Greater London makes use of the highest proportion of its stock, as just 2.4% of total dwellings are thought to be sat vacant. This puts the capital ahead of areas like the East of England, the South East and the South West, all of which leave 2.5% of their stock unused. There’s a different trend in Prime areas however, as in the City of London district a sizable 4.5% of homes are left empty, despite the efforts of the council. This amounts to 351 properties out of 7,775. The most valuable empty stock The region with the most valuable set of vacant dwellings is the Prime Kensington and Chelsea, where 3,196 dwellings are unused worth £4.3 billion. After that comes another area in the capital, as Camden’s 4,498 empty dwellings are worth £3.73 billion. Due to the sheer quantity of empty homes, the third and fourth highest regions are outside of London. In Birmingham there are 13,251 vacant dwellings worth £3.04 billion, while in Leeds 11,861 empty homes have an overall value of £2.85 billion. Managing Director of House Buyer Bureau, Chris Hodgkinson, commented: “The UK has long struggled to supply enough properties for renters and aspiring buyers, and one factor that doesn’t help is that hundreds of thousands of homes are left picking up dust. “The problem seems to be especially bad in the North, with Liverpool being one of the worst offenders, while some valuable areas of London are also not being properly utilised. “To improve the issue of vacant properties the government could sink money into another empty homes scheme, or do more to tax those owners who fail to rent out or use their homes. It’s also fair to assume that with the continued high cost of living and borrowing, coupled with a cooling property market where prices are concerned, we could well see more properties become vacant as the nation’s landlords continue to exit the sector in order to balance their books.” Data tables Data tables and sources can be viewed online, here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Later living provider Anchor has recently announced the partners for its Development Consultancy framework helping to meet the not-for-profit provider’s ambitious plans to deliver 5,700 new homes over the next ten years. Anchor, England’s largest provider of specialist housing and care for people in later life, will deliver the schemes across England, providing communities for people aged 55 and over with homes available for sale, shared ownership and to rent. The framework will run for 4 years from August 2023 to August 2027, with the partnerships involving a total of 43 consultants including architects, structural engineers, employer agents, cost consultants, principal designers and planning consultants. Steve Hogben, Director of Technical and Commercial services for Anchor, said: “With such a large framework stemming from our ambitious plans to further our provision for later living across the country, it was important we sourced the correct experience and expertise for our long term partnerships. We were very impressed by the submissions we received and are looking forward to working with our chosen partners to help deliver Anchor’s development strategy.” Oliver Boundy, Executive Director of Development at Anchor, said: “With housing, care and support for our older population needed more than ever, we are passionate about helping people enjoy later life.” “Anchor is proudly not-for-profit, which means every penny we make is reinvested into our properties and services, building more and innovating for the future so that people can have a home where they love living in later life. Our mission is to create communities that bring people together, encourage neighbourliness and reduce isolation while providing support services that give residents peace of mind.” “Anchor manages 54,000 homes for rent, sale and shared ownership to those aged 55 and over, operating across almost 1,700 sites and serving more than 65,000 residents. Our 10-year plan is to build on that success and help address the gap in service provision for older people in England.” To find out more about the company’s growth strategy and vision for the future, or if you are a landowner, developer or site agent with suitable land then visit: www.anchorhanover.org.uk/professionals/land-acquisition. The full list of all appointed suppliers to the framework include: Lots 1& 2 – Architects: Lot 1 – North: Lot 2 – South: Lots 3 & 4 – Structural Engineers Lot 3 – North: Lot 4 – South: Lots 5 & 6 – Employers Agent/Cost Consultant Lot 5 – North: Lot 6 – North: Lots 7 & 8 – M & E Consultants Lot 7 – North: Lot 8 – South Lot 9 – Principal Designers Lot 9 – National Lot 10 – Planning Consultants Lot 10 – National Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Gordon Ingram to move to Chairman role and Sam Wallis promoted to CEO GIA, the leading surveying consultancy, today announces its new leadership structure and new investment from Lonsdale Capital Partners, in readiness for growth. With specialist teams covering rights to light, daylight and sunlight, wind analysis, as well as building consultancy, measured survey and neighbourly matters, GIA aims to improve the planning and design of the built environment. Over its 30-year history, it has been involved in some of the UK’s most complex and significant projects, from The Shard, Chelsea Barracks, and 20 Fenchurch Street to Tottenham Hotspur stadium, Manchester’s Northern Gateway, Media City, and the Central Mental Hospital redevelopment in Dublin. The firm is supporting clients as they navigate the complexity of development in a fast-changing policy and technological environment, amid climate change and other global factors. The advisory work GIA does is integral to successful placemaking: daylight and sunlight, rights of light and wind are some of the issues that matter most to the public amid new development. Being able to provide greater clarity and certainty in these areas can also support engagement and consultation – as well as reduce the risk for the client. Gordon Ingram, who founded the business in 1993, becomes Chairman in the newly integrated business, following the incorporation of GIA and GIA North. Sam Wallis, formerly the managing partner of GIA North, has been promoted to CEO. Michael Beatty takes over from Sam to lead GIA’s Manchester office. Gordon remains central to the business and its future; his time will be focussed on strategic direction and technological development. Sam is now responsible for GIA’s growth across the UK and Ireland, as well as retaining its market leading position in London. The new leadership structure also sees promotions and new responsibilities for Equity Board Directors: Stephen Friel, Simone Pagani, Jerome Webb and Kevin Francis. The investment from Lonsdale Capital Partners will enable GIA to accelerate its growth across its offices in London, Bristol, Manchester, Belfast and Dublin. Expansion will focus on its existing services such as wind analysis, building consultancy, measured surveys, the expansion of GIA’s investment in technology, as well as continuing to be at the forefront of daylight, sunlight and rights of light. GIA’s vision is “Unlocking potential for a better Built Environment”. The company has been a pioneer of ‘PlanTech’, through its investment in the formation of smart cities platform VU.CITY and the development of ‘Phoenix’, an app which allows complex daylight, sunlight and overshadowing analysis to be undertaken within minutes. Sam Wallis, Chief Executive Officer, GIA, comments: “Our new leadership structure, substantial investment, and a fresh strategy enables our future-facing business to confidently step forward as our technology advances and capabilities evolve. “We are now in an exceptionally strong position to make the most of the leap in the quality of information that digitisation offers, and to support our clients to meet the challenges the property sector is set to face in the years ahead. The ability to integrate large amounts of data and make accurate, speedy assessments will bring huge benefits to our clients and the industry more widely.” Gordon Ingram, Chairman, GIA, adds: “It’s exciting to be turning the page to a new chapter. GIA’s digital capability enables our clients to best manage risk – it is a game-changer. This is in part because it can save client time and money, but also because we’re enabling greater transparency by democratising planning through data.” For more information see www.GIA.uk.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Essentra, a leading provider of essential components and solutions, has furthered its commitment to making direct operations net zero by 2040 with its manufacturing site in Jiangxi, China, now being powered by solar panels. Supporting its emissions reduction targets, aligned with science-based thinking, the solar array installation is a significant step towards realising Essentra’s sustainability goals. The site will generate up to 1,650,000 kWh of energy annually, reducing its reliance on fossil-fuel generated electricity and avoiding the unnecessary generation of an estimated 1000 tCO2e of emissions each year. The installation comes only three months after commissioning a 6000m2 solar array at Essentra’s manufacturing site in Rayong, Thailand, as part of a company-wide pledge to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 25% by 2025. Jennifer Spence, Head of Sustainability Strategy at Essentra PLC says the panels are a step forward in reducing direct emissions: “The solar array reflects our overarching aim to reduce carbon emissions and practice sustainability in manufacturing across all of our global sites,” she says. “With ESG targets in mind, and the rising costs of energy prices, being energy independent and efficient not only helps us positively impact the environment, but also saves money in the same process.” The installation of solar panels is just one part of a comprehensive programme of measures to reduce carbon emissions and make better use of energy, including the use of more efficient equipment and carrying out regular energy audits to identify where further improvements can be made. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Contractor Morgan Sindall Construction has completed a new 964-space Multi-Storey Car Park (MSCP) at North Manchester General Hospital (NMGH). The firm has delivered £36.5 million of enabling works ahead of the wider rebuilding of the estate, including temporary car parking, asbestos removal, demolition and the new-build MSCP and Cycle Hub. The MSCP is now open to NMGH staff and will be fully open to the public in the coming months following Morgan Sindall’s completion of further external hard landscaping, including the installation of 36 electric vehicle charging points. NMGH – located in Crumpsall, 3.5 miles outside Manchester city centre – is one of the hospitals to receive funding through the Government’s New Hospital Programme, backed by an initial £3.7bn to deliver 40 new hospitals across the country by 2030. NMGH is at the heart of an exciting vision to improve health and wellbeing for local people over the next 10 to 15 years. Alongside health and care services fit for the 21st century, the redevelopment will provide the employment, housing and economic opportunities that are key to generating long term growth and prosperity for North Manchester. The project, led by Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust with Manchester City Council and the GM Integrated Care Board, will not only provide essential redevelopment to an estate in critical need of investment, but also serve as a catalyst for the wider economic regeneration of North Manchester. In delivering this project, Morgan Sindall deployed its Intelligent Solutions approach to ensure minimal disruption to the hospital estate, ensuring departments could provide continuity in vital healthcare services for all patients and staff within the live hospital environment. Morgan Sindall also delivered a comprehensive social value plan that has provided a significant return on investment into the local community. The plan, as well as addressing the specific local requirements of North Manchester communities, has also supported the Greater Manchester Living with Covid Resilience Plan. This included the creation of a Knowledge Quad on site – a multi-purpose training and learning facility located within a live construction environment. It delivers value by undertaking activities focusing on the four key areas of skills, education, employment, and discovery. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Getting your first job in the construction industry can be tricky, especially if you don’t have any experience. The good news is that construction jobs are in high demand right now, so if you do your best to prepare yourself to make a good impression, there’s a high chance you can land that job. Assuming you are willing to put in the work – because construction is hard work – here are some essential steps to help you start a career in construction, whether you have industry experience or not. Obtain Relevant Education and Training While there is technically no formal education requirement to become a construction worker, many employees prefer working with people with a high school diploma, at the very least. If you want to increase your chances of landing your first job in construction, we highly recommend enrolling in relevant courses if possible. Certifications, like OSHA safety certifications, can also enhance your employability. Build Practical Skills Construction is, first and foremost, a hands-on industry, so building your practical skills is of utmost importance. Not sure how to go about this? Apply for internships and apprenticeships. You’ll be working alongside experienced professionals who can teach you essential skills (sometimes impossible to learn from simply reading books) and expose you to the realities of the job. As long as you remain eager to learn and not afraid to ask questions, you’ll gain valuable knowledge and, more importantly, real skills. Write a Professional Resume Your resume is your first impression on potential employers, so it’s extremely important to craft a professional resume that highlights your skills, education, and any relevant experience you’ve gained. Even if you don’t have any construction experience, it’s important to have a clear and concise resume. Just tailor it to the specific job you’re applying for and highlight the fact that you’re willing to learn, hard-working, and dependable. If you have any certifications or licenses, highlight them as well. Prepare for Interviews When you land an interview, make sure you’re prepared for it. Start by researching the company you’re interviewing with and be ready to discuss how your skills and experience align with their needs. Before you actually have an interview, take some time to practice common interview questions so you can feel more confident when the time comes. During the interview, emphasize your work ethic, commitment to safety, and willingness to learn and adapt to the demands of the job. Apply Strategically While it might be tempting to apply everywhere they look for construction workers, your best bet is to apply for jobs that actually match your skills and experience level. Sure, enthusiasm and confidence matter, but applying for positions that are beyond your current abilities may not yield the best results. It’s best to start with entry-level or apprentice roles, and as you gain experience, you can work your way up the ladder. Stay Persistent Securing your first job in the construction industry may take time and patience. It’s important to be realistic so you don’t get discouraged by rejection, which you’re sure to experience at least once in your professional life. Being rejected from a position you want is never pleasant, but as long as you stay optimistic and persistent, your determination will pay off. Continuously Learn Once you’ve landed your first job, your journey in the construction industry has just begun. To make sure you have a secure future in construction, commit to continuous learning. Attend workshops, pursue further certifications, and seek opportunities for advancement within your chosen career path. This is the recipe for success in a constantly changing environment, such as construction.
