Suppliers to the building and construction industry are set to go from strength to strength in 2024, according to a new report. Small and medium-sized firms in the sector achieved a score of 82 out of 100 in the latest Manufacturers’ Health Index, compiled quarterly by inventory software brand Unleashed. The index is
hyperTunnel has been successful in winning UK government funding for standout railway innovations at the Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE). hyperTunnel’s underpass is one of 16 schemes that will be demonstrated at GCRE’s Dulais Valley site in South Wales in 2024. The underpass will demonstrate hyperTunnel’s swarm construction technique,
Polypipe Building Services has appointed Sean Norris as Advantage Services Manager to drive the company’s focus on offsite prefabrication. Sean’s move across from his role as Product Manager within the Polypipe Civils & Green Urbanisation business follows a series of other senior appointments within Polypipe Building Services, as it increases
In a pioneering initiative, the Association of Brickwork Contractors (ABC) has committed to a bricklaying training and rehabilitation programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice. This groundbreaking endeavour aims to provide employment opportunities and support for individuals transitioning out of prison. The Association of Brickwork Contractors received approval to
Dandara Living is pleased to welcome Sam Smith back to its senior leadership team, as Operations Director, with responsibility for the company’s current portfolio of almost 3,000 units under management. Sam joins following an extremely busy last 12 months for the business. This included the completion and launch of Dandara
Zentia, the UK’s market leader in complete ceiling solutions, is excited to announce the grand opening of its Innovation Centre in Gateshead, created to contribute to the growing vibrancy of the North East as a national hub for architects and specifiers seeking inspiration and industry networking. Zentia, previously part of
Thompsons of Prudhoe, a leading name in demolition and dismantling, proudly marks 75 years in style with increased turnover and profit for a consecutive year. One of Northumberland’s most established businesses, 2023 also saw the company make some significant investments, positioning itself for sustained success. “There’s no denying we’ve had
A major project to transform Ancoats Green in Manchester has begun. The work is to develop a much-improved city centre park space as part of the closing chapter of the regeneration of Ancoats that commenced more than 20 years ago. The Green will act as a new focal point for
Finning, the world’s largest dealer of Cat® machines, is urging operators and owners to make sure their machines are fit for the winter to continue to operate at full capacity by minimising unexpected downtime. Frost, muddy conditions and plummeting temperatures can all take a toll on machinery through excess wear
Cambridgeshire County Council has allocated £500,000 to redevelop East Barnwell Library on Newmarket Road. Councillors on the Assets & Procurement Committee agreed to sell the land where the dated single storey library is based and the community centre space to the city council in support of the community redevelopment scheme.
Suppliers to the building and construction industry are set to go from strength to strength in 2024, according to a new report. Small and medium-sized firms in the sector achieved a score of 82 out of 100 in the latest Manufacturers’ Health Index, compiled quarterly by inventory software brand Unleashed. The index is calculated from a number of key performance metrics including sales, purchasing, and internal efficiencies that impact stocking levels and lead times across 16 manufacturing categories. A score of 50 points or more indicates that a sector is performing well against these metrics. Jarrod Adam, Head of Product at Unleashed, said: “Manufacturers in every industry category were hit by challenges from all directions in 2023 – including high inflation and rising borrowing costs. “The UK is home to over 98,000 construction companies, many of which are SMEs that make a critical contribution to both the industry and the UK economy. “It’s clear from our index that firms have recovered well from the supply chain disruption – and high cost of materials – seen during the pandemic and its aftermath. The tough economic climate doesn’t appear to have dampened homeowners’ appetite for renovations because they recognise the long-term value they can have. “Our index also shows that lead times have dropped for building and construction, down to 17 days – below the national average of 20. However, the industry is facing high overstock levels at £364,502 – the highest of any industry, and well over double the average level of £141,397. This reflects the slowdown in bigger house building projects due to high borrowing costs and economic uncertainty.” Looking ahead to the coming year, he added: “While the building and construction sector work to overcome costs and reduce their overstock levels, our analysis suggests that they are in a strong position to meet this demand because they have finely-tuned their inventory management processes. Of course, any improvements they make would put them on an even stronger footing in this highly-competitive and fast-moving sector.” Bigger picture: the haves and have-nots of UK manufacturing Overall, the UK manufacturing industry rebounded at the end of 2023, with 11 of the 16 categories studied scoring more than 50 health points in the Manufacturers’ Health Index – contributing to the average of 77. Top of the table were cosmetics and personal care, and industrial machinery, raw material and equipment, which both achieved a near-perfect score of 98. Office equipment and supplies was bottom of the table at just 18 points, followed by food at 30 and electronics and communication at 38. Lead times have also more than halved from the 43 day average of 2022 to 20 at the end of 2023. However, the legacy of the pandemic is still clear, with ‘just in case’ overstocking now a fixture for many businesses. In the latter part of the year, excess inventory levels grew to £141,397 compared to £119,183 for the same period in 2022. Retail and consumer-centric manufacturers appear to have a better handle of their inventory compared to heavier industries like building and construction or metal and fabrication where longer lead times are already more typical. For more information and for the full research, visit: https://www.unleashedsoftware.com/blog/manufacturing-health-index Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
hyperTunnel has been successful in winning UK government funding for standout railway innovations at the Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE). hyperTunnel’s underpass is one of 16 schemes that will be demonstrated at GCRE’s Dulais Valley site in South Wales in 2024. The underpass will demonstrate hyperTunnel’s swarm construction technique, which uses AI, digital surveying and swarm robotics to effectively 3D print a structure in the ground before any excavation takes place. The result is designed to be an underground construction project that is faster and less expensive to deliver, and which carries less risk, less disruption, less waste and a lower carbon footprint than current cut-and-cover construction techniques. The project aims to provide an economically viable alternative to hazardous level crossings, while improving safety, increasing rail capacity and avoiding inconvenience to road and rail users. hyperTunnel will build a 20-metre-long pedestrian-sized tunnel under a GCRE’s test track, designed to allow the track above to remain open throughout the construction process. “We are delighted that the GCRE sees the same potential in the hyperTunnel method as our partners in the construction industry,” said hyperTunnel co-founder Steve Jordan. “Having spent many hundreds of hours developing our robot fleet in the lab in Basingstoke, the system is now ripe for being proven on a real site, in accelerated test conditions, and which can be visited by interested parties. The GCRE facility is going to be a huge opportunity for us and we can’t wait to get started and to present a feasible technological solution to the longstanding level-crossing issue.” Currently under construction in South Wales, The Global Centre of Rail Excellence is a world class facility for rail research, testing and certification of rolling stock, infrastructure and cutting-edge new technologies currently being developed in South Wales. Located on a 700-hectare site, GCRE will become Europe’s premier site for rail and mobility innovation. It aims to undertake world-class research, testing and certification of innovative new rail technologies, acting as an incubator for pioneering projects. This project is funded by the Department for Business and Trade through the competition ‘GCRE: Railway Construction Innovation Phase 2’ delivered by InnovateUK in collaboration with GCRE. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Polypipe Building Services has appointed Sean Norris as Advantage Services Manager to drive the company’s focus on offsite prefabrication. Sean’s move across from his role as Product Manager within the Polypipe Civils & Green Urbanisation business follows a series of other senior appointments within Polypipe Building Services, as it increases its focus on providing sustainable solutions for customers. Having joined Polypipe in 2010 as a Business Development Representative, Sean brings with him extensive knowledge of the building services sector and strategic projects. In his new role he will oversee an ambitious growth plan for the company’s Advantage Service, which provides a bespoke fully fabricated drainage and supply systems solution for specifiers and contractors. Sean said: “Everyone is talking about the importance of offsite and modular construction which is our biggest challenge and the largest opportunity for us. “As a business we want to work more closely with developers and contractors to consider the challenges they face and how we can support – for example by implementing product development such as pre-insulating pipework to make installation easier. “Because we can offer bespoke fabrication in-house at Polypipe Building Services the opportunities are endless, with offsite fabrication frequently being chosen as a preferred construction method by hotel chains and pub groups. The challenge for us is to understand how we need to evolve our products and processes to meet their needs. “We’re aiming to expand the Advantage Service into next year and beyond, growing our 30-strong technical and fabrication teams. Additionally, I’ll be looking to simplify our processes to align with our customer’s needs.” Ian Crickmore, Technical Director of Polypipe Building Services, commented: “Sean is a very welcome addition to the Advantage team and will play a key role in shaping the direction of our prefabricated service. “Offsite construction will play a vital part within the construction sector as specifiers are being challenged to do more with less, while still delivering on quality and sustainability standards. “It’s also a more environmentally friendly option because it minimises waste, which ties into our commitment as part of the Genuit Group to become a sustainable, low-carbon business, and to deliver sustainable solutions.” For more information about all the latest products at Polypipe Building Services go to www.polypipe.com/commercial-building-services Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In a pioneering initiative, the Association of Brickwork Contractors (ABC) has committed to a bricklaying training and rehabilitation programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice. This groundbreaking endeavour aims to provide employment opportunities and support for individuals transitioning out of prison. The Association of Brickwork Contractors received approval to deliver a comprehensive training programme designed specifically for those soon to be leaving prison and seeking employment. This programme at Thorn Cross Prison near Warrington not only offers vocational training but also serves as a platform for rehabilitation and reintegration into society. The social value of this initiative is immeasurable, benefiting both the individuals seeking a fresh start and the employers involved. By equipping prison leavers with marketable skills and fostering their successful re-entry into the workforce, the programme contributes to reducing recidivism rates and promoting positive change in the community. To facilitate this transformative initiative, the ABC Assessment Centre is bringing its state-of-the-art training rigs into Thorn Cross prison and, in partnership with Cara Brickwork, is delivering a 16-week training programme to Level 2 Diploma students. This intensive course provides learners with the additional skills necessary to work on sites managed by ABC Members, ensuring they are equipped to sustain employment upon release. The training programme follows a model similar to that employed in partnership with Further Education (FE) colleges. However, what sets this programme apart is that the candidates are already linked to an employer before their release, ensuring a smooth transition and a greater chance of securing stable employment. Crucially, the scheme has garnered the support of eight member companies located in close proximity to the prison. These companies have committed to employing the students who successfully complete the training and rehabilitation programme, providing them with tangible job opportunities and a pathway towards a better future. The partnership between the ABC and the Ministry of Justice exemplifies a progressive and inclusive approach to rehabilitation and workforce development. By providing individuals with the necessary skills and employment prospects, this programme lays a solid foundation for successful reintegration and a brighter future. CEO of the Association of Brickwork Contractors, Eve Livett, says: “We are incredibly proud to have launched this training and rehabilitation programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice. By extending opportunities for education and employment to those leaving prison, we aim to break the cycle of reoffending and empower individuals to rebuild their lives. We believe in the transformative power of second chances and the importance of offering support and opportunities for those who seek a fresh start.” Neil Allen, Managing Director at Cara Brickwork, comments: “Cara Group has been involved with Thorn Cross for many years, offering guidance and advice to the brickwork department with the aim of enhancing the prospects for prisoners when they are released. Through this established relationship, I was able to introduce the ABC to the team at Thorn Cross who have now got the contract to deliver the training courses within the prison. “The prisoners that I have spoken with and interviewed seem like genuine people who have taken the wrong path in life and need a second chance. We hope that by educating them while they are in prison will pave the path for a brighter future upon release. We want them to re-enter society with useful skills and a renewed sense of purpose. “We are soon to be taking our first prisoner out on ROTL (Release on Temporary License) and are excited about helping to advance his career towards becoming a bricklayer. We hope that when he can see the possibilities of the career that could be ahead for him, that it will discourage any future involvement in crime.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Dandara Living is pleased to welcome Sam Smith back to its senior leadership team, as Operations Director, with responsibility for the company’s current portfolio of almost 3,000 units under management. Sam joins following an extremely busy last 12 months for the business. This included the completion and launch of Dandara Living’s second Build to Rent development in Birmingham, and the forward sale and funding of the 391-unit Renshaw’s Yard development in Staines, to Greystar Real Estate Partners. The company, which has a growing portfolio of almost 8,000 home and student beds across the UK, also recently secured a five-year renewal instruction from ECE Real Estate Partners to continue to manage their BtR portfolio in the UK. Speaking about his appointment, Sam Smith said: “In spite of the challenging economic and regulatory environment, Dandara Living has ambitious plans for the future. “Having successfully launched a further development in Birmingham and secured the forward sale of Renshaw’s Yard to Greystar at a time when year-on-year transaction volumes were significantly lower, is further recognition of Dandara Living’s ability to attract major industry players and the confidence in our brand, quality and offering. This a very exciting time to be part of the team.” In addition to heading up Dandara Living Management, Sam will also work with Dandara Living’s business development unit to explore opportunities to expand the management arm of the company through offering services to other development partners. Jim Davies, CEO of Dandara Living, comments: “This is a pivotal time for the business as we continue to develop our pipeline and opportunities to further evolve our operational management platform and offering. Sam has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the sector, and I am very pleased to have him on board.” Dandara Living currently operates six BTR developments in the UK and has a further 17 sites in the pipeline. Its next development of 342 BTR units plus 5,597sqft of resident amenity at Granary Quay on the Clyde waterfront in Glasgow is now nearing completion. In addition, Stafford Yard, the company’s first development in Bristol comprising 295 apartments and 5,164sqft resident amenity, is set to complete later this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Zentia, the UK’s market leader in complete ceiling solutions, is excited to announce the grand opening of its Innovation Centre in Gateshead, created to contribute to the growing vibrancy of the North East as a national hub for architects and specifiers seeking inspiration and industry networking. Zentia, previously part of Armstrong Ceiling Solutions, faced a significant rebranding in 2020 to separate itself as an innovative, quality brand. Zentia continues to offer the same high-quality products, but builds on its digital approach, and works to continually strengthen partnerships, connections and communication. As a part of Zentia’s mission for strengthening connections, it has created an Innovation Centre at its grid plant on the Team Valley site. It features a large conference space that can accommodate up to 60 people and is equipped with AV facilities for presentations, as well as a thoughtfully designed ceiling grid that displays Zentia’s latest product innovations. The centre also has two smaller meeting spaces that can accommodate six and 10 people. The Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Eileen McMaster, will be officially opening the Innovation Centre in early December, signifying its importance as a regional and national milestone. Graham Taylor, Sales and Marketing Director at Zentia said “We are excited to open our new innovation centre and provide architects and specifiers with a space to experience our products in a real-world setting. We believe that this centre will provide a space where architects and specifiers can come to learn about our products and how they can be used to create acoustically comfortable and visually appealing spaces.” Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Eileen McMaster, said: “Zentia’s new Innovation Centre is a fantastic facility and a testament to the company’s significant investment in the Gateshead area. It’s amazing to see a UK manufacturer creating local job opportunities for our communities and I’m confident that this will open up lots more opportunities for Zentia.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Thompsons of Prudhoe, a leading name in demolition and dismantling, proudly marks 75 years in style with increased turnover and profit for a consecutive year. One of Northumberland’s most established businesses, 2023 also saw the company make some significant investments, positioning itself for sustained success. “There’s no denying we’ve had an incredible 24 months within our business, which is testament to the achievements of our team and the support of our clients and wider supply chain – we can’t thank you all enough,” said Managing Director, Nick Shilling. “Whilst we recognise and celebrate this achievement, what we remain focused on is ensuring our business is set up for success for the next 75 years and beyond. “The same ambition and passion that our workforce have shown over the last seven decades is what we take forward into our next phase of growth which is why the reinvestment of profit back into the business through various investments is incredibly significant to help us achieve our goals and continue to innovate within our industry.” The family-run business is forecasting an increase in turnover from £69.7m to £82.7m in its newly published annual report and accounts for the financial year ending March 2023. The company’s strategic, multi-million-pound investments, include two washing plants for quarries at Springwell, Gateshead and Anick Grange, Northumberland (£10m), the acquisition of Lakeland Minerals Ltd, Brampton a sand and gravel quarry and a continued investment updating its 86-strong fleet of wagons and 160-strong plant and machinery. Work is underway at the Anick Grange with investment to carry out bunding, road widening works and create a new welfare unit. Boosting long-term biodiversity, the team are extracting sand and gravel from the site which is situated alongside the Tyne near Hexham. Once complete, it will create a new lake and wildlife sanctuary, and improve public access to the river. Playing an active role within the community is something Thompsons of Prudhoe remain committed to with various activities ran throughout the year to support charities including St Oswald’s Hospice and Tiny Lives as well as the sponsorship of grass roots sports clubs and attending local school and college career fairs. 2023 also saw the team receive international acclaim at the World Demolition Awards in Toronto for its successful demolition of the former Redcar Steelworks site. Completing the project ahead of schedule, under budget and with no incidents, the project included one of the largest single explosions in the past 75 years. Looking ahead, the group remain committed to its core services in demolition, dismantling, earthmoving, quarrying, waste management, recycling and haulage, asbestos and its offshore decommissioning facilities – a joint venture with Port of Blyth. Founded in 1948, the business retains its Prudhoe Head Office and continues to go from strength to strength as one of the UK’s trusted specialist demolition contractors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major project to transform Ancoats Green in Manchester has begun. The work is to develop a much-improved city centre park space as part of the closing chapter of the regeneration of Ancoats that commenced more than 20 years ago. The Green will act as a new focal point for the area as part of a wider public realm investment in Ancoats that will celebrate the industrial and manufacturing heritage of this part of the city centre. The funds are provided through Homes England and Greater Manchester Combined Authority to create the necessary infrastructure within which 1,500 new homes will be brought forward. The project will include new walking and cycling routes to encourage active travel through the neighbourhood, significant new planting – including new wildflower areas and wetland planting – and a range of new tress that will add colour throughout the year. Community is a central tenet of the investment creating high quality multi-functional green space for existing and future generations, including new play areas with accessible equipment, open grassed areas, generous footpaths and space for hosting small events. As a nod to the history of the site, once central to the flint glass works district of Ancoats, the entrances to the space will include design features that reference its industrial past. The Green will also create a seamless route from the Council’s This City affordable housing scheme on Rodney Street (One Ancoats Green) from north Manchester through to the new Mobility Hub and city centre beyond. Supporting wildlife has also been a key consideration and so increasing biodiversity to encourage new species to the Green through planting of native and fruit trees – including an avenue of cherry trees – as well as the wildflower and wetland areas. The majority of the existing trees will be retained and any that do need to be removed due to age or disease will be replaced 2:1.The wider investment in the green spaces and public realm is part of the third and final phase of the regeneration of Ancoats, which will also see investment at Jersey Green (to commence 2025) and public realm on Prussia Street (to commence in 2027). The aim is to create high quality public green spaces that create a strong sense of place and help create a low-traffic, pedestrian first neighbourhood and underpin the development of 1,500 new homes in this part of Ancoats, as well as the creation of a new Mobility Hub. Homes England has committed £28.1m to the overall project – along with the Mobility Hub – which, combined with the £4.7m allocated by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority through the Brownfield Housing Fund, brings the total budget to £32.7m. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Finning, the world’s largest dealer of Cat® machines, is urging operators and owners to make sure their machines are fit for the winter to continue to operate at full capacity by minimising unexpected downtime. Frost, muddy conditions and plummeting temperatures can all take a toll on machinery through excess wear and tear, which makes winter maintenance essential. While construction machinery is designed to withstand tough conditions, adverse weather can still have an impact and lead to issues such as damage to the undercarriage, freezing and corrosion. Cheryl Griffith, Wear Parts Product Manager at Finning UK & Ireland, shares some expert advice on how to keep winter wear and tear to a minimum: Check your levels Fluids are essential to the operation of a machine and are one of the areas that winter weather can really have an impact on as the cold can affect the viscosity of engine and hydraulic fluids. Check the oil is the right type for use in winter conditions too, while low temperature grease or coolant additives can also improve performance. Using a high-quality anti-freeze to protect cooling systems ensures the engine operates at the right temperature – and always allow the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system to fully purge to remove any excess moisture. This is also a good time to look at replacing oil and filters – and to book a basic maintenance service to check for any issues. Daily checks are essential The undercarriage is particularly vulnerable to worsening wear and tear, if you don’t carry out regular checks. With additional pressure being placed on tracks, tyres, suspension and the frame of the machine in negotiating muddy and wet conditions, regularly checking for loose parts, cracks and signs of damage can flag up an issue before it becomes a real and costly problem. Also take time to check wipers and lights as well to ensure operators can work safely in rain, wind and darker conditions. Battery power Cold weather will not affect the life of a battery, but it can highlight if it is weak. Winter conditions place additional stress on uncharged components. If the battery is showing signs of weakness, then be sure to choose a good quality, heavy duty battery that will offer year-round performance. Take your time and extra care Giving machines time to warm up properly is essential in the winter to allow them to operate at capacity – and to avoid costly and unnecessary damage to components and hoses. Where machines are not going to be used for a while, move them to a covered area if possible and disconnect the battery. Servicing is everything If you have a service agreement in place, make sure to book in at regular service intervals based on machine operating hours and guidance from the manufacturer or dealer. Not having regular services throughout the year can really take its toll on a machine in the winter when the working conditions mean the equipment and all its components have to work harder. Preventative maintenance is by far the best solution to avoid unexpected downtime during the winter months. Regular servicing and maintenance is proven to keep machines up and running. At Finning we offer a range of service options for all levels from delivering parts for a maintenance schedule to planned repairs, and tailored solutions to give customers the support that is right for them. Find out more about our servicing capabilities here at Finning online. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cambridgeshire County Council has allocated £500,000 to redevelop East Barnwell Library on Newmarket Road. Councillors on the Assets & Procurement Committee agreed to sell the land where the dated single storey library is based and the community centre space to the city council in support of the community redevelopment scheme. It is anticipated that the project will deliver significant social and economic benefits to the area in line with the county council ambition to ensure places and communities prosper. In return, the county council will be given a 125 year peppercorn lease on space in the new building to create a new library. Depending on planning permission, which has already been applied for by the city council, the new library could open as soon as 2026. Under the proposals, the library site would move across the road to a more prominent position next to Newmarket Road, with a new shared entrance for the community centre and library next to a pocket park. As well as providing a greener, more attractive setting, the shared space will mean key library functions like book collection and returns can remain open for longer. The area, known as Site 1 in the plans, will also be home to a new pre-school, which will be leased to the county council. The location is allocated as a mixed-use development in the city’s Local Plan and will also include 59 new homes. The community centre will be owned by the city council who will choose an operator to run the facility. The bowls club currently on the site, will be relocated to the Abbey Leisure Complex where a new green, pavilion and multi-use games area will be created. Across the first two sites, which will be developed in phases, the city council proposes 120 new affordable homes for social or intermediate rent, with four new homes purpose built for people with disabilities. The redevelopment programme is subject to funding from Homes England. The relocation means the community centre and library can remain open throughout the building works, minimising the time the library service will be unavailable to the time needed to transfer books, computers and materials to the new building. Detailed plans for the location of the existing community centre will be outlined in a separate planning application. The existing library is single-glazed with a flat roof and static shelfing. The new building, built to modern building regulations, will be much more sustainable, benefiting from greater energy efficiency and heated via an air source heat pump. It is anticipated that the new library facilities will include flexible shelving units, which can be moved to create space for events like Storytime and Rhymetime and will offer more meeting spaces and study bays than currently available at the existing library. There will also be accessible public toilets and changing facilities provided on site. The details of the library layout will be subject to engagement with the local community closer to the time. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
