November 14, 2023
Thomas Sinden to deliver Rotherhithe housing development

Thomas Sinden to deliver Rotherhithe housing development

Thomas Sinden has been awarded an £18 million contract for the delivery of an ‘all-affordable-home project’ on behalf of not-for-profit housing association, Peabody. Thomas Sinden will transform the site of a former workhouse, infirmary and hospital dating back to 1746 into 62 sustainable and affordable new homes. Peabody generated more

Read More »
WJ Group selected as Road Marking & Stud supplier for Barnet Council

WJ Group selected as Road Marking & Stud supplier for Barnet Council

WJ Group has successfully secured a place on Barnet Council’s Highways Maintenance Works Framework Agreement (HMWFA). The road safety and marking specialist has been announced as the sole supplier for Lot 9, which covers road studs and markings, further cementing WJ’s position as a key delivery partner to local authorities

Read More »
Efficient Fire Starting: Harnessing Nature's Power

Efficient Fire Starting: Harnessing Nature’s Power

The importance of an efficient and sustainable fire-starting method cannot be overstated in the realm of heating, energy, and the art of starting fires. While many individuals still rely on old-fashioned firelighters, a more natural and eco-friendly alternative exists that not only simplifies the process but also contributes to environmental

Read More »
8 Professionals Your Small Business Needs

8 Professionals Your Small Business Needs

Small business owners usually have a lot of things to do: managing the company and overseeing growth is a full-time job. Additionally, you may find yourself working on finances, handling technology issues, coordinating marketing teams, and training employees, which can be challenging. Therefore, make it a point to seek help

Read More »
Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

November 14, 2023

Glenigan Forecasts Gradual Construction Sector Growth from 2024, following a tough year

Glenigan Forecasts Gradual Construction Sector Growth from 2024, following a tough year

Today, Glenigan, one of the construction industry’s leading insight and intelligence experts, releases its widely anticipated UK Construction Industry Forecast 2023-2025. The key takeaway from the November Forecast, which focuses on the three years 2023-2025, is the construction industry will continue to struggle in the face of a challenging economic climate. Particularly, restrained private sector investment, a housing market slowdown, weak UK economic growth, and high interest rates will continue to suppress sector activity for the remainder of the year. Despite short-term woes, renewed construction growth is forecast for 2024 (+8%) and 2025 (+7%) as the prospect of a recovering economy and market certainty lifts consumer and business confidence, boosting the industry. This report is predominantly focused on underlying starts (< £100m in value), unless otherwise stated, and contains a comprehensive overview of the current state of the construction industry. Sluggish economic conditions set to stall short-term growth Construction starts have remained weak throughout 2023, with a poor economic outlook putting the brakes on work starting on-site. The fallout from last Autumn’s mini-budget has weighed heavily on private sector activity, made worse by sharp interest rate rises in recent months. The persistent economic disruption has prompted clients and developers to scale back on planned investments, causing detailed planning consents to fall back 10% during the first nine months of 2023. Main contract awards have also dipped, standing 11% lower during Q.3 2023 than the same time a year ago. Glenigan predicts a decline across most non-residential sectors during the rest of 2023, with project-starts falling 20%. Recovery on the horizon It’s not all bad news, with public sector construction providing a relative bright spot during 2023 as Government underspend was rolled forward to the current financial year, boosting departmental capital programmes. Despite conditions remaining tough for the rest of 2023, gradual recovery is forecast for 2024 and 2025, with firm development pipelines already pulling through to support a rise in industrial and office starts. Improved consumer confidence and household spending are also expected to feed through to lift activity in consumer-related verticals, including private housing and retail. This is anticipated to have a knock-on effect on investment in logistics facilities from 2024 to meet demand for online retailing. However, these positive predictions will likely be offset by declines in public sector investment in education and health as government-funded projects are reviewed post-election. Commenting on the Forecast, Glenigan’s Economic Director Allan Wilen says, “After sharp falls in starts and a challenging set of economic circumstances in 2023, construction can expect gradual improvement in market conditions over the next two years. Interest rates now appear to be at their peak, and a gradual easing in rates from 2024 should help to rebuild private investors’ and homebuyers’ confidence and lift private sector activity. “As the industry emerges from the current downturn, structural changes are also providing opportunities in non-residential verticals such as warehousing and logistics, office refurbishment and fit-out, and the repurposing of redundant commercial premises. Near term, increased government funding is expected to drive education, health, and community & amenity starts, although budgets are likely to be reviewed post-election, potentially tempering activity during 2025. “Going forward, the industry will need to target these new areas of opportunity but be adaptable to shifting conditions and moving targets, ensuring they have the expertise and resources to increase their exposure to growing markets and locations wherever they arise.” Taking a deeper dive into sector verticals… Tentative growth for private residential construction Private housing market activity fell sharply during Q.1 2023 as starts on-site softened thanks to economic uncertainty and inflated mortgage costs. Retrenched starts have continued throughout the year alongside further increases to the base interest rate. Faced with a slowdown in housing market activity and low house prices, the development pipeline has also been constricted by developers opting to build out existing sites over new projects. While weak private housing starts are expected to continue throughout the rest of 2023, with Glenigan forecasting a 23% decline, housing market conditions will gradually improve. Better household incomes may cause buyers to take advantage of reasonable house prices, helping to support a partial recovery during 2024 (+4%) and 2025 (+11%) as housebuilders respond to improved consumer confidence and strengthening property transactions. Social housing slowdown High construction costs over the past two years have constrained development activity into 2023, with housing associations forced to reappraise the viability of new projects. Coupled with this, the slowdown in the private housing market has had a knock-on effect on social housing starts, resulting in fewer opportunities to take forward mixed tenure developments. This has caused an estimated fallback in project-starts of 13% this year. However, greater cost stability is anticipated to increase development activity over the next two years, lifting starts, with a 7% growth forecast for 2024, and 5% for 2025. Online retailing to boost industrial sector Having enjoyed a strong rebound post-pandemic, industrial starts have fallen back sharply in 2023. Last year’s growth was largely driven by significant growth in logistics and light industrial projects, fuelled by increased demand from online retailers. However, spiralling interest rates have dented the capital value of industrial property and have knocked investor confidence, while slowing domestic and overseas demand has tempered manufacturing investment in facilities, resulting in stifled sector output. As such, Glenigan is forecasting a massive 44% drop in 2023. Nevertheless, industrial starts are forecast to return to growth over the next two years. A stronger economic outlook is expected to drive online retail, encouraging a demand revival for premises next year with a 17% predicted growth in 2024, and 21% in 2025. Retail recovery The sector is forecast to experience sharp falls in project-starts, slipping back 28% in 2023 as stalled UK economic growth and consumer spending deter investment. An overhang of empty retail premises, as well as the growth in online sales’ market share, are also predicted to constrain retail construction starts in the short term. Despite this, improving consumer spending is expected to support a partial recovery in

Read More »
Henry Boot Construction completes Sheffield's new 14-storey residential development

Henry Boot Construction completes Sheffield’s new 14-storey residential development

Henry Boot Construction has officially completed work on the impressive Kangaroo Works, Sheffield City Centre’s new 14-storey build-to-rent development. The development on Rockingham Street, which brings 365 high-quality and contemporary homes to the city centre, forms part of Sheffield City Council’s Heart of the City masterplan – delivering a significant influx of new residents in the city centre. Delivered for build-to-rent developer Ridgeback Group and designed by Whittam Cox Architects, the 14-storey block comprises a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with five commercial units incorporated into the ground floor. The development’s design focuses on traditional brick buildings, reflecting the typology and heritage of the traditional little mesters works seen in the original ‘Kangaroo Works’ on the same site. This timeless aesthetic is further complemented by attractive outdoor spaces, including a landscaped central courtyard and rain garden for residents. The development also directly connects to Pound’s Park – the major new outdoor public park in the city centre, which was also successfully delivered by Henry Boot Construction. Tony Shaw, Managing Director for Henry Boot Construction, said: “We’re thrilled to see Kangaroo Works reach completion. It’s very rewarding to see people moving in and calling the development home. “At Henry Boot, we really understand the changing trends of our urban centres and the important role of new homes in creating vibrant and active cities. “Kangaroo Works is another important piece of the jigsaw and will provide a permanent community to support and complement our other projects in the Heart of the City masterplan, including Pound’s Park, the Cambridge Street Collection food hall and net-zero carbon office Elshaw House. “We are proud to be helping private and public developers, like Ridgeback Group and Sheffield City Council, transform our hometown and provide a sustainable and well-balanced city centre.”   Christopher Allen, Development Director at Ridgeback Group, said: “It has been a pleasure to work with the Henry Boot team over the past four years to deliver Kangaroo Works. This scheme was Ridgeback’s first acquisition and established the high standard for our growing portfolio. The quality of the workmanship has been impressive, and we are grateful to receive such a fantastic looking building.” Ian Lowson, Director at Whittam Cox Architects, added: “It’s incredibly rewarding to witness the final realisation of this scheme. Our approach has been guided by an unwavering commitment to delivering a best-in-class, Build to Rent offering in the heart of one of Yorkshire’s great cities, Sheffield.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Read More »
New study reveals stagnation of retrofit rates and building emissions amongst leading G20 Nations

New study reveals stagnation of retrofit rates and building emissions amongst leading G20 Nations

Reductions in carbon emissions from buildings are stalling in several G20 countries in Europe (UK, France, and Germany) and emissions are now rising in the USA, warns a major new study from sustainability consultancy 3Keel for Kingspan, Kingspan is the global leader in high-performance insulation and energy-efficient building solutions. The Global Retrofit Index interim report – a follow on to the inaugural 2022 study -examines historical buildings emission trends and retrofitting rates to identify the gaps between current action and what is required to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement*. The publication includes a deep dive analysis of building emissions data of some of the highest performing countries in last year’s inaugural study, with the addition of Ireland’s relatively young building stock this year as an interesting EU-based case study. Whilst progress has been made amongst EU economies – namely, the Netherlands, France, Ireland, and Germany – the analysis finds emission reductions in these countries are now stalling, whilst the UK’s emissions are also beginning to plateau, and concerningly, in the USA, GHG emissions from buildings are increasing. ***(Global Retrofit Index Release) Analysis by 3Keel has revealed the reductions in building emissions over the past decade, and the additional cuts in building emissions required to align with the national net zero scenario of each country [see Table 1 below]. If each of the six countries continue with their current GHG emissions reduction trajectory and retrofitting rates over the past ten years, by 2040 these major global economies will be some distance from achieving their respective net zero pathways. Table 1: Country Reduction in building emissions between 2010 – 2020 (%) Additional reduction in building emissions required between 2020- 2040 to align with national net zero scenario (%) US +3%  -73% UK -6% -71% Germany  -19%  -81% Ireland  -25%  -99% France  -31% -77% Netherlands  -36%  -64% [See appendix A for individual country net zero scenario charts] Furthermore, detailed analysis of Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) data shows buildings in the UK, France, and Ireland have seen relatively little improvement in the past decade with the vast majority still rated C, D or below. This means they are not energy efficient enough to deliver the decarbonisation required by the Paris Agreement. Meanwhile, Germany’s residential building stock continues to be over-reliant on fossil-fuel heating. Though retrofitting solutions already exist, the study identifies sizeable barriers preventing rapid and widespread implementation including insufficient private investment, an inadequately sized and skilled workforce, and limited awareness amongst citizens and building owners. Despite retrofitting remaining a significant challenge, its importance in decarbonising the built environment has never been more evident – 80 per cent of the buildings that will be standing in 2050 have already been built[1]. Recognising the barriers to decarbonisation, the report also identifies five key elements that are central to delivering a successful retrofitting framework: Each of these elements is crucial to enabling effective, affordable, and at scale retrofitting of national building stocks. Retrofitting building stocks also offers significant opportunities and benefits beyond meeting climate targets, including job creation, reductions in social inequality, and improved health and quality of living. Report author Olwen Smith of 3Keel said, “With over a quarter of total global emissions stemming from the operation of our buildings, retrofitting is a pivotal lever for decarbonising the global economy. However, this study shows a concerning stagnation of progress. Our analysis of six countries with old building stocks reveals that reductions in building emissions are now stalling and retrofitting rates are lagging far behind what is required to meet net-zero goals.  The tools and technologies required to improve energy performance in buildings already exist. Coordinated efforts between governments and the private sector are now needed to overcome implementation barriers and rapidly scale retrofitting to drive down building emissions globally.” Bianca Wong, Global Head of Sustainability at Kingspan said, “This analysis again demonstrates the importance of retrofitting as a lever in decarbonising the built environment if we’re to limit global warming to 1.5˚C and meet the objectives set out by the Paris Agreement.With this report, we encourage policymakers and the construction industry to continue to work together to facilitate change, through innovation and regulation, to bring forward workable ideas to support retrofit solutions and reduce global building emissions.” APPENDIX A: [1] World Economic Forum – Net Zero Carbon Cities https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/11/net-zero-cities-retrofit-older-buildings-cop27/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Read More »
Leading materials scientists call for wider adoption of low carbon cement technology to slash emissions by 2030

Leading materials scientists call for wider adoption of low carbon cement technology to slash emissions by 2030

A group of leading materials scientists has called for the cement and construction sectors to urgently adopt low carbon cement technologies to radically reduce CO2 emissions. Cement is responsible for almost 8% of global CO2 emissions – more than shipping, aviation and long-haul trucking combined. Convening at a symposium in Paris hosted by Ecocem, Europe’s leading low carbon cement technology business, the scientists shared latest research papers on low carbon cement technologies and focused on ideas and materials which can accelerate decarbonisation of the sector. Global demand for cement is expected to grow in the coming decades. The WEF (World Economic Forum) amongst others, predicts that demand for cement could increase by up to 45% by 2050. The scientists said that “effective solutions are needed urgently if the construction sector as a whole is to decarbonise in line with a 1.5°C trajectory.” The scientists concluded that adopting the latest developments in low carbon cement technology is the quickest and most scalable way to make substantial emission reductions across the cement and construction industries by the end of 2030. The cement industry has long been considered hard-to-abate due to the use of clinker, the primary ingredient in cement, which is produced by heating limestone at extremely high temperatures. While low carbon cements already exist, the challenge to date has been to scale them. During the two-day event, the scientists reviewed new evidence on the use of alternative materials that reduce the volume of clinker, replacing it with a wide variety of locally sourced filler materials and natural Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs). In a call to action, the eleven scientists, representing a range of institutions from around the world (a full list of the academics and their institutions can be found in the editors’ notes), said that “it is no longer possible to say that we lack the technology or that the costs are prohibitive.” Materials science has advanced to a point where rapid decarbonisation of cement without excessive cost is now a reality. At the forefront of these advances is ACT, Ecocem’s latest technology which can reduce emissions from cement by 70% while ensuring that the concrete produced retains its workability, strength and durability, with the added benefit of using substantially less water and energy. ACT is globally scalable due to its compatibility with a wide variety of locally sourced filler materials and natural SCMs and can be produced in existing cement plants with minimal additional investment. Mohend Chaouche, CNRS Research Director, ENS Paris-Saclay, Laboratoire Mécanique de Paris-Saclay, and Director of the CNRS-Ecocem joint laboratory MC²E, said: “The urgency of developing and deploying low-carbon cements is no longer up for debate. ENS Paris-Saclay is very proud to have contributed to the birth of the ACT technology, which reduces the carbon footprint of cement by 70%. The intense years of R&D have paid off.” Martin Cyr, University Professor at University of Toulouse, Laboratory of Materials and Sustainability of Constructions and Director of the joint LMDC-Ecocem ORISON laboratory, added: “Low-clinker technologies developed and validated in the laboratory can now be deployed without scientific or technical barriers. These technologies represent a significant step towards reducing CO2 emissions, ahead of the industry’s 2030 roadmap.” Donal O’Riain, Founder and Managing Director of Ecocem, concluded: “The widespread adoption of ACT technology will enable the cement industry to drastically reduce its global emissions rapidly and cost effectively. Policymakers must speed up regulatory enablement to ensure low carbon cement technologies can be used more widely and that the investment made available to accelerate industrial deployment of these new technologies. I urge the cement sector to move quickly. We have opportunity to be the first industrial sector to comply with a 50% reduction in emissions by the end of 2030. The technology is available to decarbonise the whole cement sector in line with limiting global warming to 1.5°C. It is now our responsibility to ensure this happens.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Read More »
Trimble Luckins and NG15 Collaborate to Provide PIM Capabilities to MEP Manufacturers

Trimble Luckins and NG15 Collaborate to Provide PIM Capabilities to MEP Manufacturers

Trimble Luckins is excited to introduce its new digital product data management solution for MEP manufacturers. ePim4Luckins is available from today and offers existing and new customers an easy-to-use portal for viewing, updating, and publishing product data directly to the LUCKINSlive network, including over 14,000 wholesalers, specifiers, and contractors across the UK. ePim4Luckins software was developed in collaboration with NG15 Ltd., developers of e-Pim and leading ‘product data information management’ provider to the construction industry. Bringing together the UK’s leading PIM software and the extensive reach of LuckinsLive product data syndication, provides manufacturers with a unique digital solution to control, edit, enrich, maintain, and quickly release product data directly to the end user.  ePim4Luckins includes self-service templates that are pre-populated with Trimble Luckins data, with access to the dynamic delivery platform. It’s further enhanced by a unique ROI dashboard which shows analytics for a manufacturer’s product information, highlighting usage statistics and product information gaps. ePim4Luckins also offers an award-winning datasheet tool, which generates dynamic product information on-the-fly into a single sell sheet for customers. “We’re really excited about the benefits this collaboration offers our manufacturer customers. The construction industry in general is calling on manufacturers to make their product information completely transparent and ePim4Luckins will help them on this digitalisation journey. It provides them with the tools they need to take complete ownership of keeping their product data up-to-date and start managing their data in a structured, compliant way,” says Kevin Gutteridge, Director at Trimble Luckins. Shaun Cranstone from NG15 Ltd. adds, “We know that investing in getting product information correct and complete will lead to increased sales. When you provide accurate information you provide a better buying experience, enhancing customer loyalty and growth. The ePim4Luckins analytics dashboard proves this, and manufacturers will have total visibility of how their product data is being consumed, and what they can do to improve it.” For more information on ePim4Luckins, visit go.trimble.com/epim4luckins.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Read More »
Thomas Sinden to deliver Rotherhithe housing development

Thomas Sinden to deliver Rotherhithe housing development

Thomas Sinden has been awarded an £18 million contract for the delivery of an ‘all-affordable-home project’ on behalf of not-for-profit housing association, Peabody. Thomas Sinden will transform the site of a former workhouse, infirmary and hospital dating back to 1746 into 62 sustainable and affordable new homes. Peabody generated more than £8m for the NHS by purchasing the former St Olave’s Hospital in Rotherhithe in 2018. A traditional groundbreaking event to mark the start of construction saw Southwark Councillor Kath Whittam and the community join with Peabody and Thomas Sinden to celebrate this historic area being brought back to life. The development will bring 14 homes for social rent and 48 for shared ownership, with one-, two- and three-bedroom homes for families close to the greenery of Southwark Park. All the flats will have either a balcony or terrace, and the duplexes will have their own gardens. One of the blocks will have a communal roof terrace, and there will be new outdoor areas and play spaces for residents to enjoy. The project will generate additional social value and community benefits, with Thomas Sinden offering job, training, and apprenticeship opportunities for local people. It will include eleven construction jobs for residents who are currently unemployed.  Local charity Bermondsey Community Kitchen (BCK) joined the event, providing refreshments and accepting a £1,000 donation from Thomas Sinden’s Managing Director to support volunteers’ work locally. BCK is a non-profit training facility, run by volunteers, that provides Level 1 and 2 City and Guilds Professional Cookery qualifications for long-term unemployed 16 to 24-year-olds. Angela Wood, Deputy Executive Director of Development at Peabody, said: “The positive impact of new affordable homes cannot be underestimated. Peabody already works closely with many communities in Southwark, and we’re pleased to have started delivering more new homes for people locally. “St Olave’s will give those on Southwark’s housing waiting list the opportunity of living in a new affordable rented home, while providing budding homeowners the chance to get on the property ladder in Zone 2 through shared ownership. Building an entirely affordable scheme is challenging in the current climate and it was fantastic to mark this major milestone with our partners and the council. We look forward to welcoming residents in 2025.”   Councillor Kath Whittam at Southwark Council said: “As a ward councillor I am very glad to see the site go ahead, and it is particularly nice when the scheme is 100 percent affordable. I’d like to thank Peabody and Thomas Sinden for putting such a strong scheme together, which will give our residents the chance of a fabulous new home.” Matt Ayers, Head of Construction at Thomas Sinden, said: “We’re pleased to be working with Peabody on this historic site to create a clean, safe and sustainable development that will make a difference in the community for generations to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Fordway Launches New Managed Archiving Service to Support Construction Companies

Fordway Launches New Managed Archiving Service to Support Construction Companies

Fordway, a UK Managed Service Provider and Microsoft Partner is pleased to announce the launch of a new Managed Archiving Service, which will help to transform the way construction companies handle their data archiving needs. The service is built on the success of Fordway delivering the managed archiving service for Fusion and BFK’s joint venture project. In today’s data-driven, digital world, the secure management of sensitive information and data has become more vital than ever before. Businesses across industries are finding themselves faced with the challenges of having a growing volume of data whilst ensuring compliance and regulatory requirements are met. Fordway’s new service has been created to address these challenges and help construction companies manage projects more efficiently. The Managed Archiving Service provides businesses with a long-term data storage solution essential for legal compliance, risk management, customer protection, dispute resolution and informed decision making. This can be particularly helpful for construction companies who are often on the road – travelling from site to site while communicating with developers as well as handling remote employees and a network of third-party vendors which will typically share data, files and information to keep the project running smoothly. Any errors occurred that stop construction workers from being able to access the data can delay projects significantly as well as rack up costs. Here are some of the reasons why data archiving is important for construction companies: At its core, Fordway’s data archiving service involves transferring inactive data to Microsoft Azure for long-term retention that is both efficient and secure, whilst also providing the ability for the customer to retrieve data as and when needed, with Fordway managing both the archive and the data recovery and retention. By investing in managed archiving services, construction companies can effectively manage their data and save money in the long run. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Read More »
WJ Group selected as Road Marking & Stud supplier for Barnet Council

WJ Group selected as Road Marking & Stud supplier for Barnet Council

WJ Group has successfully secured a place on Barnet Council’s Highways Maintenance Works Framework Agreement (HMWFA). The road safety and marking specialist has been announced as the sole supplier for Lot 9, which covers road studs and markings, further cementing WJ’s position as a key delivery partner to local authorities across the UK. This latest success increases the number of contracts WJ holds with local authorities to 68. The four-year framework will enable Barnet Council to effectively provide business resilience that supports the management and maintenance of its highways network. It will be used for works covering both carriageway and footway maintenance, drainage, signs and markings, and traffic safety. Cllr Alan Schneiderman, Barnet Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said: “Well-maintained roads and pavements are safer for everyone. That’s why we have agreed to invest an additional £8 million in our highways over the next two years. “We’re delighted to have agreed the Highways Maintenance Works Framework Agreement as part of our commitment to maintaining the quality of our roads and footways and tackling potholes and other issues for our residents. We care for people, our places and the planet, and we will continue investing towards our longer-term plans of making Barnet a safer and more sustainable place for all.” WJ’s appointment to the framework aligns with its continued commitment to evolve its road marking and studs provision. The company recently unveiled Weatherline Ultra at Highways UK as a new addition to its award-winning Weatherline product portfolio. Weatherline Ultra offers even greater levels of performance and durability, achieving over 500 mcd/m²/lx (> R5) and 75 mcd/m²/lx (RW4), and has been designed to ensure visibility in any weather thanks to its dotted profile, raising the marking above surface water for enhanced wet night visibility. Earlier this year, the company also invested over £500,000 to install its Accelerated Product Tester. An advanced piece of equipment, the technology assesses the durability and performance of its highway maintenance and improvement products. The system is the first of its kind in Europe to be able to test road studs, enabling the rapid testing of road studs without the need for extensive and lengthy road trials to assess initial results. Dave Clarke, General Manager (Croydon & Braintree) at WJ Group, said: “Our appointment to Barnet Council’s HMWFA is further evidence that we are a trusted supplier for local authorities. Our commitment to innovation and sustainability ensures that we can provide the very best support to local authorities, like Barnet Council, to achieve a better and safer road network, and we look forward to developing our partnership.” For more information, please visit www.wj.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Read More »
Efficient Fire Starting: Harnessing Nature's Power

Efficient Fire Starting: Harnessing Nature’s Power

The importance of an efficient and sustainable fire-starting method cannot be overstated in the realm of heating, energy, and the art of starting fires. While many individuals still rely on old-fashioned firelighters, a more natural and eco-friendly alternative exists that not only simplifies the process but also contributes to environmental conservation. This article explores the use of wood for starting fires and how it aligns with our goals for a sustainable future. The Power of Nature Wood, a timeless and readily available resource, is an excellent fire-starting material. Its unique qualities make it an ideal option for quickly and easily lighting fires. The process of kindling wood relies on harnessing the natural power of combustion, a key principle that firefighters understand well. A 100% Natural Solution Unlike traditional firelighters that often contain chemicals and additives, wood is a pure, 100% natural solution. It burns cleanly and doesn’t release harmful toxins into the environment. This makes it a fantastic alternative for ecologically aware folks seeking to reduce their carbon footprint. The Efficiency of Wood Wood’s efficiency as a fire-starting source must be considered. It is easy to light and sustains a steady, controlled flame. Firefighters and seasoned wood-burning enthusiasts understand the significance of using wood for starting fires, given its ability to produce consistent heat. Wood is a reliable choice whether you’re heating your home, cooking a meal, or enjoying a campfire. Sustainability and Wood One critical aspect that makes wood an eco-friendly option is its renewability. When sourced responsibly, using wood for fires doesn’t deplete forests. Many regions promote sustainable forestry practices, ensuring that a new one is planted for every tree cut down. This sustainable approach provides a continuous wood supply for future generations, aligning with the broader goal of conserving our natural resources. Firefighters and Wood as a Resource Firefighters, as experts in handling fires, appreciate the effectiveness of wood as a fire-starting resource. They often use wood in controlled burn exercises and emergencies where a reliable fire source is needed. Wood’s predictability and natural properties make it a valuable tool for firefighters. The Role of Firefighters Firefighters play a crucial role in our society when safeguarding people and property from fire. Their dedication and expertise in managing fires are second to none. When it comes to fire starting, they understand the importance of using a source that’s both reliable and eco-friendly. In their training and operations, firefighters often rely on wood as a trusted resource. Wood’s ease of ignition and controlled burn characteristics make it invaluable for their exercises and emergency scenarios. By using wood as a primary fire-starting material, firefighters ensure the safety of the communities they serve and set an example of responsible resource usage. Revolutionizing Fire Starting with Natural and Sustainable Solutions Lekto’s Natural Firelighters are a game-changer in heating and fire starting. Crafted from compressed wood shavings, these cylindrical briquettes offer an eco-friendly and efficient solution for igniting fires.  Their easy lighting capability, extended burn time of up to 10 minutes, and the promise of a robust and reliable flame make them a perfect fit for various applications, from home hearths and wood stoves to fire pits, chimineas, BBQs, grills, pizza ovens, and even campfires. Regarding heating, energy, wood, and fire starting, Lekto’s Natural Firelighters are the firefighter’s best friend. Conclusion Wood is an obvious choice for a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to starting fires. Its purity, ease of use, and sustainability make it an attractive option for everyone, from the avid camper to the responsible homeowner. By returning to this time-honored practice, we can help the earth while still benefiting from fire’s warmth and versatility.  So, why waste time with old-fashioned firelighters when you can harness the power of nature through wood? Make the switch today for a greener and more sustainable tomorrow.

Read More »
8 Professionals Your Small Business Needs

8 Professionals Your Small Business Needs

Small business owners usually have a lot of things to do: managing the company and overseeing growth is a full-time job. Additionally, you may find yourself working on finances, handling technology issues, coordinating marketing teams, and training employees, which can be challenging. Therefore, make it a point to seek help to avoid burnout. As a tip, hire these five professionals and build a great team to grow your small business. Small businesses may hire experienced financial leaders to manage their cash flow and secure appropriate insurance coverage. In large enterprises, chief financial officers handle these roles. However, if your small business cannot afford a CFO, you can still work with a qualified financial leader to manage your accounting. Outsourcing your bookkeeping to independent accounting firms may also be a great idea. With time, you may need to recruit an in-house accounting manager to manage your payroll; a controller can offer professional assistance if you need help with financial reporting. Many small businesses start without an HR leader, but you don’t have to overlook a human resources leader when your business grows. A human resources manager (HRM) can come in handy when you need to answer employee questions, review performance, and mediate conflicts. Additionally, HR professionals may provide legal assistance. You may want to hire those who understand employee regulatory responsibilities inside out to ensure compliance. Your business website makes the first impression on prospective buyers and business partners. Therefore, work with a skillful web developer to build a great site. Small businesses don’t have to spend several thousands of dollars to create one. There are several affordable web design services to create a mobile-friendly, responsive, and professional website. Hire freelancers on Fiverr, LinkedIn, and other platforms to do the job on a budget. Many small businesses partner with technology leaders before setting up an in-house IT department. The slightest downtime can result in revenue losses for your business. These professionals can deliver effective and affordable IT support for your small business to increase productivity. This will help your business grow by minimising disruptions and improving uptime. Availability is vital for boosting customer satisfaction, so get technology support to ensure your systems are up and running 24/7.  Partner with a marketing agency to promote your company with effective strategies. Marketing professionals can offer incredible services to help your business sell more products and services. This is because they target audiences faster, generate new leads, and increase customer loyalty. Different marketing services exist for small businesses, so choose the right option to achieve your business goals, whether you want to boost your social media presence, increase online visibility, or conduct market research. For example, a local tree service marketing agency can help your tree service business target specific demographics and geographic areas to attract more customers Small business consulting firms can play key roles in increasing your business performance by identifying existing problems and developing effective solutions. Seasoned business consultants can serve as your organisation’s advocates in the public domain. In some cases, your business may lack the expertise required to tackle big issues, so seeking these professionals becomes non-negotiable. Hiring a consulting firm is even more important when your business plans to undergo a major restructuring or expansion.  Small business operations usually involve development, manufacturing, and product/service delivery. That said, an operations leader may handle functions like logistics, order fulfillment,  customer service, and data management, which may be central to your business. Although small business owners may handle operations by themselves in the early years, this may not be sustainable when the business starts to grow.  So get an operationally-inclined business partner to lead crucial functions. An expert with good organisational skills and project management will help solve problems and streamline the business, so feel free to consider this. Financial teams at your bank can assist your small business with services like checking accounts, credit card issues, and payment processing. A trusted banker may be a great resource when you need professional help to assess working capital, including business loans. The Small Business Administration advises you to work closely with your bank throughout the lending process, have a solid business plan, and show proof of success in past ventures. Your banker may improve your understanding of your company’s financial metrics like cash flow and creditworthiness. First-hand knowledge of your business’s financial standing can influence the decision process. It’s pretty easy to stay on top of many business tasks when you are now starting. But as your company grows, this strategy may become obsolete, and you will need all the help you can get. Fortunately, you can work with these professionals to take your business to the next level.

Read More »