RED Construction Group, the specialist main contractor, has announced its results for the 2022/23 financial year. Alongside stabilising its revenue, the Group has used the year – and subsequent months – to set the company up for more than 60% growth in 2023/24. Across the financial period, from 1st April
The Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF), delivered by Triple Point Heat Networks Investment Management on behalf of the Government, delivers an additional £80.6 million to heat networks in London, the South West and the North of England. Funding is being awarded to projects harnessing waste heat energy from industry and
A multimillion-pound scheme to transform the civic and cultural quarter of Crewe town centre is under way. The project involves: Salford-based MC Construction has completed the first phase of the scheme, which involved enabling works to strip out the former library next to Memorial Square where the history centre will
Association for Project Management (APM), the chartered membership organisation for the project profession, has today announced the appointment of Dr Yvonne Thompson CBE as its President-elect. Dr Thompson will commence in the role in July, taking over from outgoing APM President, Sue Kershaw, who has served in the role since
Architecture practice Holmes Miller has officially switched to a nine-day fortnight, following a successful trial. In an employee-led decision, Holmes Miller made the move to a 72-hour working fortnight – which is a small reduction in contracted hours with no loss of pay – to aid project collaboration, enhance office
Yesterday HS2 marked the start of construction on the landmark Birmingham Curzon Street Station – a new rail hub that will play a vital role in the long-term economic future of the West Midlands. Birmingham Curzon Street Station, which will be net zero carbon in operation, will be the first
When thinking of innovative spaces, the office may not be the first place that comes to mind. Traditionally, office interior design has reflected some of the mundane tasks that come with a 9-5 role. But as our relationship with the workplace has changed for the better, we are seeing more
The British Institute of KBB Installation (BiKBBI) today announced the itinerary for its highly anticipated annual conference, scheduled to take place at the QEII Conference Centre in Westminster on Tuesday 6 February 2024. The event is set to bring together professionals, industry leaders and experts from the kitchen, bedroom and
Tom Gorup, Vice President Security Services at Edgio “The NCSC report findings come as no surprise. The growth in ransomware attacks is driven by a change in technique. In the past, attackers targeted comprised IoT devices, but now hackers are better resourced and can even buy and utilise cloud providers.
Europump (the European Pump Association) which represents 15 National Associations across the continent of Europe is delighted to be staging its 2024 Annual Meeting in the UK. Hosted by the British Pump Manufacturers Association (BPMA) and sponsored by WEG, this three-day event will take place at the spectacular De Vere
RED Construction Group, the specialist main contractor, has announced its results for the 2022/23 financial year. Alongside stabilising its revenue, the Group has used the year – and subsequent months – to set the company up for more than 60% growth in 2023/24. Across the financial period, from 1st April 2022 to 31st March 2023, RED Construction Group reported a turnover of £62.15m, maintaining a pre-tax profit of more than £1m, and growing the team by a third. This represents a stabilised income stream when comparing with the previous year, with the 12-month period solidifying RED Construction Group’s reputation for delivering quality developments throughout London and the South West. The last financial year, and the nine months that have since passed, has allowed RED Construction Group to implement the infrastructure required to expand the business. The Group has already secured £100m in contracts for the current financial year, with expectation of this rising further, and including significant growth for the South West division – which launched in late 2021 – going from returns of £12m in 2022/23 to a predicted £35m in 2023/24. RED Special Projects, created to deliver on schemes valued between £2m and £10m, will itself turnover more than £25m in the current financial year, while across the Group, staff numbers have risen from 132 in April 2023 to now just under 200. The evolved business structure, alongside investment in back-of-house processes, has given RED Construction Group the ability to scale to meet the needs of new and existing clients. Graham Sturge, CEO, RED Construction Group, commented: “The focus of the last financial year was to stabilise the business, while investing in key areas that would enable us to grow in the future. I’m delighted to say we have achieved both and are already seeing the benefits of it. The past two years have been challenging, with a volatile construction market and many businesses suffering along the way. In spite of this, we laid the foundations for growth, have doubled our team size and are contracted on projects that will guarantee us a more than 60% revenue uplift. With a record year already on the horizon, we’ll continue to push what RED Construction has built its reputation on: creating long-lasting relationships, channelling real enthusiasm for the work, and delivering great schemes our people and our clients are proud of.” Key project wins and completions in that timeframe include Phase One of the £35m LEGOLAND Woodland Village scheme in Windsor for Special Projects, the London team’s delivery of a £26m commercial scheme in the City of London, the appointment on landmark office projects with Grosvenor and Hines, and a £13.5m contract in the South West to construct extra-care apartments for the St Monica Trust. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF), delivered by Triple Point Heat Networks Investment Management on behalf of the Government, delivers an additional £80.6 million to heat networks in London, the South West and the North of England. Funding is being awarded to projects harnessing waste heat energy from industry and sewerage works, whilst heat pumps will provide low carbon heating to buildings in Exeter and London’s Greenwich Peninsula. An abundance of waste energy is generated in various industrial processes as well as in our daily activities. Manufacturing and human waste disposal processes produce waste heat as a byproduct which can be harnessed to produce low-cost, low carbon heating. Today, funding from the Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF) continues to enable innovative solutions like these to be deployed. Projects across England aim to utilise waste heat from sewage works and industry processes, including Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council who will use heat pump technology to extract waste heat from the combined sewer running into the town centre. Other projects funded today will use heat pump technology to decarbonise existing developments, new build homes and one of London’s flagship new hubs for creativity – the Greenwich Peninsula development. In Exeter, funding from GHNF will support the installation of the UK’s largest high-temperature water source heat pump to distribute low carbon heat to buildings across the city. Ken Hunnisett, Programme Director for Triple Point Heat Networks Investment Management, said: “This latest cohort of successful GHNF applicants are proving that the potential for our homes and workplaces to be heated sustainably and affordably by renewable sources or from waste heat from existing infrastructure such as our sewerage works and industry is being realised today. The use of excess heat from local sewage plants is another exemplary heat network model that builds on and utilises existing infrastructure to deliver low carbon heating to local areas. These projects are expected to move quickly into construction, delivering significant immediate benefits to the communities they will serve while providing a blueprint for others to learn from and develop.” Lord Callanan, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, said: “These innovative projects will help drive down energy costs while also demonstrating why the UK has led the way in cutting carbon emissions. The funding we’ve announced today will help homes and business across the country – from Exeter to Hull – benefit from greener heating and lower energy bills.” Below is a summary of the projects that have received a share of over £80.6 million to support the commercialisation and construction of sewerage sourced and heat pump focused low carbon heat networks. Greenwich Peninsula ESCO District Heating Network Greenwich Peninsula ESCO Ltd, a Knight Dragon company, has been awarded £4.6 million worth of commercialisation and construction funding for the decarbonisation of the Greenwich Peninsula district heating network. Funding provided by GHNF will unlock low carbon heat for 2,300 existing homes and 7,115 new build homes. Low carbon heat will also be provided to 84,000m2 of existing commercial space, with an additional 10,400m2 new planned commercial space as the development expands. The project will be made possible by a 5MW Air Source Heat Pump installed on the rooftop of the existing Greenwich Peninsula Energy Centre. Steve Yewman, Chief of Staff at Knight Dragon, said: “As part of our ESG strategy, we are committed to investing in Greenwich Peninsula to create a sustainable and resilient community that is built on principles of equity, environmental protection and economic prosperity. We want to ensure the infrastructure that underpins our development supports the lives of the people that choose to live here whilst protecting the environment. We believe this investment will make a positive environmental and social impact and are looking forward to rolling this out as part of our strategy to transition into a net zero carbon business.” Hull East Heat Network Vital Energi Utilities Ltd has been awarded over £22 million for the commercialisation and construction of the Hull East District Heat Network. The heat network presents another innovative use of waste heat from industry, with Phase 1 utilising heat from the Saltend Chemicals Park. The heat network will provide low carbon heating to 14 public sector council buildings and a mixture of industrial customers, helping to decarbonise one of the UK’s industrial hotspots. As part of the network, Hull East are also hoping to secure green solar energy to help power the network whilst feeding energy into other customers across Yorkshire Energy Park, a next generation energy and technology business park currently in development. Construction of the heat network is expected to begin later in 2024, with the heat network capable of expanding to supply further connections and use using other renewable heat sources across the energy park once completed. Managing Director of Vital Energi, Mike Cooke, said: “We’re delighted with the award of the Green Heat Network Funding which will allow us to deliver the Hull East Heat Network. Taking waste heat from Saltend Chemicals Park situated on the Yorkshire Energy Park, we aim to decarbonise commercial and residential buildings across Hull, bringing them closer to a net zero future with low carbon heat and hot water.” Exeter Energy Network Exeter is set to benefit from £42.5 million of funding which has been awarded for a low-to-zero carbon district heat network project in the South West. The Exeter Energy Network will be developed by the 1Energy Group, which is investing an additional £70 million in the project. The heat network will incorporate the UK’s largest high-temperature water source heat pump and will potentially utilise other local sources of waste heat in the Exeter area. This will be installed alongside a minimum of 500m3 of thermal stores to provide additional efficiency and flexibility. Renewable heat will be distributed from an energy centre to buildings across the city via a 20km network of highly insulated underground pipes. The first phase of the project will provide 60GWh of low carbon heat demand annually, expanding to over 90GWh per year as the project develops.
A multimillion-pound scheme to transform the civic and cultural quarter of Crewe town centre is under way. The project involves: Salford-based MC Construction has completed the first phase of the scheme, which involved enabling works to strip out the former library next to Memorial Square where the history centre will be developed, clearing the structure over the existing Civic Centre car park and erecting a temporary entrance to the magistrates’ courts. MC Construction will begin the next phase in February when it dismantles the former library building and the existing concourse. This phase is expected to be completed by summer 2024. The works by MC Construction are being undertaken for Cheshire East Council. Russ Forshaw, managing director of MC Construction, said: “This scheme will transform the civic and cultural quarter of Crewe town centre by providing new and greatly improved facilities for the public. “Having successfully completed numerous other projects for Cheshire East Council, we are proud to be working with the authority once again and to further strengthen our relationship with this valued client.” The revamp is being supported by the government’s Towns Fund and Future High Streets Fund. The history centre, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, will co-host the regional’s written and pictorial history collections with a second history centre being built in Hoole, Chester. This scheme has been driven by Cheshire Archives and Local Studies, a shared service of Cheshire East and Cheshire West and Chester councils. The centres will replace the archive service’s current facility and open the collections to new audiences across Cheshire. The centres will have climate-controlled environments and will feature event and gallery areas to host performances, workshops and exhibitions, more space for people to conduct research and better spaces to make the collections more accessible to the public. Other professionals involved alongside MC Construction include Bowker Sadler Architecture, Davis Partnership and Wardell Armstrong. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Association for Project Management (APM), the chartered membership organisation for the project profession, has today announced the appointment of Dr Yvonne Thompson CBE as its President-elect. Dr Thompson will commence in the role in July, taking over from outgoing APM President, Sue Kershaw, who has served in the role since 2019. As President, Dr Thompson will advocate for the project profession, host APM’s high-profile events and facilitate discussions that will drive forwards project, programme and portfolio work around the world. Her professional background includes roles as Music Editor of Root magazine, Managing Director of marketing and PR company ASAP Communications, and President of the European Federation of Black Women Business Owners. In addition, she is a founding member of radio station Choice FM. She has four Fellowships including from Kings College London, along with honorary doctorates from London Metropolitan University and the University of Plymouth. She is also a Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London and a successful author, speaker and influencer. Commenting on the appointment, Milla Mazilu, Chair of APM’s Board of Trustees, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Yvonne Thompson as APM’s incoming President. She is a hugely respected leader, role model and campaigner. These qualities make her the ideal choice to represent APM, the chartered membership organisation for the project profession. “Yvonne joins APM at an exciting time for the project community, but also at a time when many face challenges in their work to deliver projects and programmes that will benefit society. Yvonne’s experience in spearheading innovative and groundbreaking projects will be invaluable in this role. I speak for everyone associated with APM when I say I am greatly looking forward to working with her. “I would also like to thank our outgoing President, Sue Kershaw, who has served APM, our members and the wider project profession with tireless dedication since 2019. With Sue’s support, APM has successfully navigated challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and introduced new innovations and offerings for our members. Her work has helped cement APM’s reputation as an outstanding professional body.” Dr Thompson said: “I am honoured to have been appointed into the prestigious role of APM’s President. I now look forward to getting started in the coming months, and to help promote APM’s vision, mission and strategy. I’m also keen to help shape the future of the sector and drive professionalism. “I look forward to working with APM’s Board of Trustees in helping to shape the project profession’s direction, along with Chief Executive Adam Boddison, and all those associated with APM and its work.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Architecture practice Holmes Miller has officially switched to a nine-day fortnight, following a successful trial. In an employee-led decision, Holmes Miller made the move to a 72-hour working fortnight – which is a small reduction in contracted hours with no loss of pay – to aid project collaboration, enhance office culture and improve work-life balance for its employees. Prior to formally adopting the nine-day-fortnight at the start of January, the firm – which has offices in Glasgow and St Albans – underwent a three-month trial period to test and refine the policy. This allowed them to ensure it had no negative impact on project delivery or reduction in client services, while also making sure employees felt satisfied with the new arrangements. Callum Houston, managing director at Holmes Miller said: “Our main aim with this change was to create an inclusive, welcoming, balanced work environment that maintains the wellbeing and job satisfaction of our high-calibre team. After considering several different flexible working pattern options, we took them to a staff vote, and the overwhelming winner was a nine-day fortnight. “The results we’ve seen from our initial trial have been positive, both in terms of employee satisfaction and overall service delivery. Implementing this new way of working has allowed our team to spend more time doing things they love – whether it be personal development, taking up a new hobby or just having the time for general ‘life admin’. Shazil Saleem, architectural assistant at Holmes Miller said: “Since the nine-day-fortnight was introduced, I’ve been able to attend Friday prayers, learn new skills outside of work, attend appointments that don’t disrupt or take time out of my working hours and achieve an overall better work-life balance.” A second employee, Rachel George, architectural assistant at Holmes Miller added“I’ve been able to get more rest which has positively affected by productivity during the week. It’s also allowed me to reconnect with old hobbies such as painting, sketching and clay modelling after five years.” In addition to having every tenth day off, core working hours and varying start and finishing times were also adopted to allow the team to take advantage of off-peak travel while supporting childcare responsibilities. Employees are also allocated flexible working credits which allow for occasional remote working. Callum Houston continued: “While hybrid working has become the post-pandemic norm, we felt the arrangement of our staff splitting their time between office and home wasn’t delivering the best outcome either for them or our clients. “As a creative business, it’s important our staff can work collaboratively – Teams calls can get you so far, but it can’t replace getting together with a roll of tracing paper and some thick pens to have a good old-fashioned brainstorm. “Recognising the personal benefits of hybrid working and weaving remote working credits into our new working model has ensured health and wellbeing are prioritised, while maintaining maximum business performance.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Yesterday HS2 marked the start of construction on the landmark Birmingham Curzon Street Station – a new rail hub that will play a vital role in the long-term economic future of the West Midlands. Birmingham Curzon Street Station, which will be net zero carbon in operation, will be the first brand new intercity terminus station built in Britain since the 19th Century. HS2’s contractor Mace Dragados Joint Venture (MDJV) have been in Stage One of the contract since 2021, working with HS2 Ltd to develop the detailed programme. Starting this January, they will deliver major earthworks to prepare the site for piling and foundations work in the Spring, with construction of the main station building due to start in the Summer. During construction itself, hundreds of jobs will be created, including an estimated 100 new entrant roles, new apprenticeship positions and Restart scheme opportunities for unemployed people. Rail Minister Huw Merriman said: “Curzon Street will become one of the most environmentally friendly stations in the world, and the gateway to Birmingham for future HS2 passengers. The start of construction represents significant progress for the UK’s largest infrastructure project, demonstrating real momentum in building the line that will transform rail travel for generations to come. “Birmingham is a hive of HS2 construction, with the project already supporting thousands of jobs and apprenticeships in and around the city. This next step at Curzon Steet Station will open up hundreds more opportunities for people across the region, providing a real boost to the economy.” Sir Jon Thompson, Executive Chair of HS2 Ltd said: “This is a major milestone for HS2 in the West Midlands, as work begins on this brand new iconic structure in the city. The connectivity created by Birmingham Curzon Street Station and its public realm will create far-reaching social and economic opportunities across Birmingham’s Eastside by linking together the learning and creative quarters, new residential developments and the city centre. “As work ramps up over the coming months, many jobs, apprenticeships and supply chain opportunities will be on offer – building on the economic benefits already making an impact in the region as a result of HS2.” Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Commencing construction on Curzon Street Station is a landmark moment for HS2, for our region and for the entire country. Building Curzon Street will create hundreds of jobs for local people and upgrade our rail infrastructure for the 21st Century. “This brand new station is a clear example of the tangible benefits HS2 can deliver in the months and years ahead.” Liz Clements, Cabinet Member for Transport, Birmingham City Council said: “This is a landmark moment for Birmingham as the construction of Curzon Street Station begins. The construction of the station will see the creation of hundreds of new jobs and provide an important boost for our city’s economy. “Curzon Street Station will be at the heart of our transformed city centre, with world class public realm linking the station with our metro and bus networks. “The arrival of high speed trains to Curzon Street will be a huge moment in our city’s history, and the construction of the station brings that moment ever-closer.” Jason Millett, Mace Dragados JV Board Director, said: “HS2 Curzon Street Station presents an unparalleled opportunity to generate positive change for Birmingham and the West Midlands. Aside from the benefits of improved rail travel for millions of people across the region, the station will drive urban regeneration, connect communities, create long-term employment, and proudly stand as a hive of activity in the heart of a booming city centre. “The benefits don’t begin with the completed station, though. Building on the excellent foundations laid by the early works and main works civils contractors, we are determined to enhance HS2’s legacy by identifying and implementing opportunities to drive sustainability and achieve social value at every step of the way. “We’re looking forward to bringing industry-leading ideas, innovations and expertise from across our international construction and consultancy teams to deliver this landmark station for the West Midlands.” Work on the station façade will begin in Summer 2025, with construction of concourse steelwork and the roof due to start in Autumn 2025. The internal fit-out of the station will start towards the end of 2025 and finish at the end of 2028. Operational testing and commissioning will run from Summer 2026 to Autumn 2028. The station will deliver excellent connectivity to Eastside and Digbeth to enable wider regeneration in the area. There will be seamless connections to the local transport network including buses and the Midland Metro with a tram line running alongside and under the station, connecting the city with Digbeth. HS2 worked with WSP and Grimshaw Architects LLP on the design for Curzon Street, which is inspired by the great arched roofs built by the Victorian railway pioneers. The design takes that inspiration into the 21st Century, ensuring accessibility and a focus on the open space and landscaping around it. Once complete, HS2 will almost halve the journey time between London Euston and Birmingham to just 49 minutes, with trains running north via the existing rail network to destinations such as Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow. Trains will approach Birmingham through a series of structures being delivered by HS2’s main works contractor for the West Midlands, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV). This includes the 3.5 mile Bromford Tunnel and a series of five connected viaducts from Washwood Heath, and over the existing Victorian railway line, Lawley Middleway and Digbeth Canal. The final approach to the station – Curzon Viaduct No.3, also being delivered by BBV, widens from a single deck to four separate decks, spanning 65 metres at the wideset point, to carry seven tracks to the platforms Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
When thinking of innovative spaces, the office may not be the first place that comes to mind. Traditionally, office interior design has reflected some of the mundane tasks that come with a 9-5 role. But as our relationship with the workplace has changed for the better, we are seeing more office spaces injected with life to give them more meaning and purpose than just functionality. If you’re planning an office refurb in 2024 and want to plan your space wisely, we at Diamond Interiors asked the world’s favourite chatbot ChatGPT, what it thought 2024 would bring for office design schemes – here is what it said: Biophilic Design Integrating natural elements into office spaces through the use of plants, natural materials, and large windows is a growing trend. Using greenery in the office not only brings a calming feel helping employees achieve well-being and productivity, but the clever placement of plants can also filter out background noise, and visually break up a room. Try grouping plants by odd numbers, and play around with different heights and sizes, colour shades and leaf shapes to make an eye-catching display. Warm and Inviting Palettes Warm and comforting colours such as soft yellows, peachy tones, and warm neutrals, could be popular in 2024. These shades can create a more inviting and home-like environment and can have an uplifting yet calming effect on your mood. Pastels and off-whites in particular are formulated with light-reflecting particles to brighten spaces well by reflecting light around the room, and when on walls, can act as a simple canvas for furniture and artwork. Accent Colors for Stimulation As your brain processes colours before any other signal or information, bright accent colours like energetic blues or vibrant yellows, can be used strategically to stimulate focus or energy in certain parts of any office. Pops of colour can be added by making bright feature walls contrasted by busy wallpaper or darker-toned colours. To go one step further add matching furniture. Personalisation and Individuality In 2024, offices might also embrace more neutral colour schemes, allowing departments to customise their spaces in a way that resonates with their work or personality. This potential trend could be realised by creating individual accent walls to mark different sections, pop-up furniture, movable desks, and interchangeable seating areas. Modular designs allow for unlimited possibilities, meaning you can structure a space making it as communal or as individual as you like. Soothing and Serene Palettes Soft and soothing shades, especially calming blues and greens, could continue to be popular, as these colours contribute to a tranquil environment and a more relaxed atmosphere. The colours and their similar shades can create a feeling of restfulness and restoration. The key to this design is keeping the space functional and flowing. Make sure the space is free of objects, and colours and furniture are subtle and understated. Experimentation with Textures Using textured elements like wallpapers, fabrics, and surfaces is a great way to add “visual weight” to an interior design scheme by adding depth and interest. You can then add opposing textures which will act as a contrast, making a space visually interesting without being overwhelming. For example, a rough texture can make a bold colour appear even more vibrant, while a smooth texture can provide a delicate backdrop for softer lighter shades. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The British Institute of KBB Installation (BiKBBI) today announced the itinerary for its highly anticipated annual conference, scheduled to take place at the QEII Conference Centre in Westminster on Tuesday 6 February 2024. The event is set to bring together professionals, industry leaders and experts from the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom sector for a day of insightful discussions, networking opportunities and knowledge-sharing. Themed “Driving industry change through collaboration“, the 2024 conference will explore the power of collaborative working in shaping the future of the KBB installation industry, recognising BiKBBI’s ambition to foster collaboration within the sector in order to drive positive change, innovation, and growth. Hannah Prevett (pictured), Deputy Editor of The Times Enterprise Network, will return for a second year as conference host, bringing a wealth of business insight, knowledge and experience to the role of facilitator for the event, which promises a programme of engaging discussions and thought-provoking presentations. Keynote speakers on the day include Fergus Harradence, Deputy Director of Infrastructure, Construction & Rail at the Department for Business & Trade (DBT) who will provide an update on the UK Government’s 2024 predictions on the home improvement sector, and Emily Wallace, CEO of the Trade Association Forum (TAF), will delve deeper into how collaborative industries unlock greater opportunity to thrive. The itinerary also includes panel discussions, presentations and workshops from a range of presenters and businesses including BiKBBI patron Stephen Metcalfe MP, AMA Research, eBay, Triton Showers, the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, the Ministry of Defence and BiKBBI Diversity Ambassador, Rt. Hon Stuart Lawrence. Attendees can expect to gain valuable insight into industry trends, technological advancements, and best practices, as well as participate in interactive sessions aimed at enhancing collaboration within the KBB installation community. Wing Commander Calvin Bailey MBE, Commanding Officer of 70 Squadron RAF will also share his knowledge on leadership and teamwork, as well as anecdotes of his life experiences as a Royal Air Force Detachment Commander. ‘We are excited to bring together professionals from across the KBB industry at the BiKBBI Annual Conference 2024’ commented BiKBBI Director of Marketing & Communications, Michelle Daniels. ‘This event provides a unique platform for collaboration, enabling attendees to exchange ideas, share experiences, and collectively contribute to the advancement of our industry. We are confident that the content of the conference will inspire meaningful partnerships and drive positive change within the sector.’ Registration for the BiKBBI Annual Conference 2024 is by invitation only, however limited delegate availability is available, with those interested advised to contact leon.rowland@bikbbi.org.uk for more information. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Tom Gorup, Vice President Security Services at Edgio “The NCSC report findings come as no surprise. The growth in ransomware attacks is driven by a change in technique. In the past, attackers targeted comprised IoT devices, but now hackers are better resourced and can even buy and utilise cloud providers. Cybercriminals are using servers to run layer 7 or HTTP layer DDoS attacks, using compromised web applications to get a foot in the door. Then, they can move laterally, taking over servers, hijacking machines, and planting malware that is getting even more devious. “Moving forward, businesses should continue to ramp up defences against ransomware attacks that don’t just lock up data, but exfiltrates it and holds it ransom. Reputations are on the line even for reporting these events. Attackers are weaponizing the SEC to file formal complaints should a victim fail to report the event. They should also look to upskill employees in social engineering and spotting phishing attacks to reduce points of entry. “But even with these effective programs, exploitation of public-facing applications remains the top entry point (21.2%) for attackers according the Mandiants M-Trends report. Even though the attackers may have less low-hanging fruit, they continue to get creative — and with the ability to scan source code with AI, these threats will only increase further. On the other side of this coin, in 2024, we will start to see defensive solutions that leverage AI to nearly automate the entire process, from identification to bug-fix enabling businesses to keep in step with these actors.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Europump (the European Pump Association) which represents 15 National Associations across the continent of Europe is delighted to be staging its 2024 Annual Meeting in the UK. Hosted by the British Pump Manufacturers Association (BPMA) and sponsored by WEG, this three-day event will take place at the spectacular De Vere Beaumont Estate near Windsor in the Royal County of Berkshire, from 22nd – 24th May. Reflecting the current Europe-wide legislative agenda, as well as numerous other topic areas of significant importance to the international pump sector, the BPMA, on behalf of Europump, has been working hard to deliver a comprehensive programme of meetings and presentations that will offer both intellectual and practical value to pump manufacturers. In addition to sessions dedicated to the activities of the various Europump Commissions – Technical, Standards, Marketing, SME, and Blueprint – several invited speakers will also share their thoughts and expertise on a range of topical issues including Digitisation and AI, Sustainability, the post Brexit political landscape and the economic standing of the worldwide pump market. The first of these invited speakers to be announced is Stephen Phipson CBE, Chief Executive at Make UK. Taking to the stage on the morning of Friday 24th May, immediately before the General Assembly, Stephen will provide an overview of the political arena in the UK and its impact on the manufacturing sector both at home and abroad. In a somewhat timely fashion, the implications of the impending General Election in the UK will also be considered. The second speaker to be announced is Kiran Ahmed, Lead Economist, Global Industry Services at Oxford Economics. Kiran will present the key findings from the 2024 World Pump report, including the macroeconomic and industrial backdrop and how it impacts upon the international pump market. This presentation will take place during the afternoon of 23rd May as part of the Marketing Commission session. Commenting on the engagement of these headline speakers, BPMA CEO, Wayne Rose, said: “We are delighted to be hosting the 2024 Annual Meeting on behalf of Europump and look forward to welcoming our international pump colleagues to this world-famous location. We have a superb business programme in place, supported by a complement of renowned expert speakers. I have no doubt our audience will be captivated by the political and economic overviews presented by Make UK and Oxford Economics, and I look forward to announcing further keynote speakers in due course, who will be addressing some of the other key topics currently affecting the pump industry.” Running in tandem with the business agenda across the three days, will be an equally engaging partner programme, which includes full use of the wonderful grounds and leisure facilities the venue has available, a visit to Windsor Castle, a river boat trip along the Thames, and two sumptuous gala dinners. Sponsored by WEG – a world leader in motor, drive, and asset management systems technology – the 2024 Annual Meeting will prove to be a must-attend event for those senior pump executives looking to successfully navigate their way through the complexities of pump manufacturing and distribution over the coming months and years. Full details on the event, including further information on the venue, its location and travel arrangements can be found on the dedicated website. The online booking system is now live, allowing delegates, and their partners, to secure their places. A promotional video, fully illustrating all aspects of the event is also available to view on the website – www.Europump2024.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
