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January 29, 2024
Ministry of Defence appoints Laing O’Rourke to deliver new Army Basic Training facilities at Pirbright as part of £5.1BN Defence Estate Optimisation

Ministry of Defence appoints Laing O’Rourke to deliver new Army Basic Training facilities at Pirbright as part of £5.1BN Defence Estate Optimisation

BDC News Team January 29, 2024

Laing O’Rourke has signed a contract to deliver new facilities for the Ministry of Defence (MOD) at Alexander Barracks in Pirbright, Surrey. The project will deliver the infrastructure required to create a ‘centre of excellence’ for non-infantry Basic Training for the British Army, which is being co-located at Pirbright under

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Time is Money: Why Construction Needs Real-Time Data

Time is Money: Why Construction Needs Real-Time Data

BDC News Team January 29, 2024

All construction projects are highly detailed and complex processes, from the design and planning stage, through to the build and project close, but there are multiple people involved at every stage. With so many tasks to be completed to ensure the project is delivered on time and on budget, there

Read More »
Consultation exercise launched as young people and communities urged to shape new blueprint at heart of first ever Birmingham Housing Week

Consultation exercise launched as young people and communities urged to shape new blueprint at heart of first ever Birmingham Housing Week

BDC News Team January 29, 2024

An online poll giving young people and communities a chance to shape a blueprint to bring forward future housing and regeneration schemes and embrace the raft of exciting career opportunities available went live today ahead of next month’s first-ever Birmingham Housing Week. Running from February 5th-9th  Birmingham Housing Week will

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Drop-in to hear about new homes on Liberton Hospital site

Drop-in to hear about new homes on Liberton Hospital site

BDC News Team January 29, 2024

A trio of community consultation events will take place next week in Liberton ahead of the council’s major transformation of the site into much needed homes.  In partnership with Anderson Bell + Christie, HTA landscape architects, G3 Consulting Engineers and arts organisation WAVEparticle, the pop-up events will give those living in

Read More »
Experience building business

Experience building business

BDC News Team January 29, 2024

A North East developer is marking a decade in business by targeting ambitious plans to deliver 200 homes per annum by 2025 and promoting its Development Director to Managing Director. With over 30 years in the industry, Richard Bass (54) and from (Whitley Bay), takes on the role at Consett

Read More »
Octavius Infrastructure secures contract for Norfolk bypass

Octavius Infrastructure secures contract for Norfolk bypass

Cristina Diaconu January 29, 2024

Octavius Infrastructure has signed with Norfolk County Council to build the long-awaited £47M Long Stratton Bypass. The Long Stratton Bypass is a proposed 3.9km single-carriageway highway scheme which will allow drivers to reach the A140 without having to pass through the village. The job includes construction of three new roundabouts,

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LABC spotlight exemplary construction projects at industry awards

LABC spotlight exemplary construction projects at industry awards

BDC News Team January 29, 2024

LABC has showcased projects that demonstrate high quality, and exemplary standards in construction at an industry event in London attended by more than 900 leading industry figures. A panel of industry experts at the LABC Building Excellence Awards Grand Finals judged the highest quality projects, professionals, and teams from around

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Financial Planning For Construction Startups: An Essential Guide

Financial Planning For Construction Startups: An Essential Guide

BDC News Team January 29, 2024

Launching a construction company is an adventure filled with opportunities and challenges. This industry, known for its lucrative potential, requires comprehensive and precise planning, particularly in financial matters. Establishing a robust financial foundation is more than essential; it’s the bedrock of your start-up’s success and longevity. In construction, where investments

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Latest Issue
Issue 324 : Jan 2025

January 29, 2024

Ministry of Defence appoints Laing O’Rourke to deliver new Army Basic Training facilities at Pirbright as part of £5.1BN Defence Estate Optimisation

Ministry of Defence appoints Laing O’Rourke to deliver new Army Basic Training facilities at Pirbright as part of £5.1BN Defence Estate Optimisation

BDC News Team January 29, 2024

Laing O’Rourke has signed a contract to deliver new facilities for the Ministry of Defence (MOD) at Alexander Barracks in Pirbright, Surrey. The project will deliver the infrastructure required to create a ‘centre of excellence’ for non-infantry Basic Training for the British Army, which is being co-located at Pirbright under the Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Army Programme enabling the closure of Sir John Moore Barracks in Winchester and Prince William of Gloucester Barracks in Grantham. Last year, Laing O’Rourke was one of seven companies who signed the MOD’s Strategic Alliance contract that will see it deliver important infrastructure work across the DEO Portfolio. The DEO Army Programme makes up the largest share of the £5.1Bn DEO Portfolio which is focussed on delivering a better structured, modern and more sustainable estate that more effectively supports military capability and aims to enhance the lived experience of our military personnel. “The significant investment that has been announced at Alexander Barracks Pirbright will deliver critical infrastructure to support the British Army’s future capability and operational requirements, as set out in Future Soldier. “In addition, the project will enhance quality of life for soldiers embarking on their Army career, ensuring they have access to modern, high-quality facilities to support them throughout their initial training.” Major General Richard Clements CBE – DIRECTOR OF ARMY BASING & INFRASTRUCTURE The new facilities at Alexander Barracks will comprise: Permanent Staff and Recruit Single Living Accommodations; Combined Officer and Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Mess facilities; a combined training centre and two Headquarters offices; an improvement to the Medical and Dental facility with additional rehabilitation treatment facilities; a reception centre, guardhouse and tailors, and additional facilities for the Army Leadership Studies Centre. In addition to the new facilities within the Barracks, a new nursery situated outside the Barracks will be built to benefit Service Families and the local community. “Laing O’Rourke has a history of supporting military personnel and their families and we are proud signatories to the Armed Forces Covenant, and Gold Award holders of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. We are delighted to have been appointed to deliver Alexander Barracks and our team will harness its experience of modern methods of construction, to deliver world-class facilities for the Army.“ Rachael Cunningham – LAING O’ROURKE’S PRECONSTRUCTION LEADER FOR ALEXANDER BARRACKS “The DEO Army Programme is committed to delivering the highest quality infrastructure to meet the Army’s requirements and support service personnel to live, work and train. “The development of Alexander Barracks brings forward an exciting era for Army basic training, as we provide the facilities and infrastructure needed by future recruits and those who train them. I look forward to working with all partners to deliver our shared vision for this significant project.” Belinda Lunn – DEO ARMY PROGRAMME DIRECTOR Work is scheduled to start this month with phased delivery during coming years.… Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Time is Money: Why Construction Needs Real-Time Data

Time is Money: Why Construction Needs Real-Time Data

BDC News Team January 29, 2024

All construction projects are highly detailed and complex processes, from the design and planning stage, through to the build and project close, but there are multiple people involved at every stage. With so many tasks to be completed to ensure the project is delivered on time and on budget, there is also the potential for errors to be made. From delays and confusion in communication between the office and the construction site to materials arriving late to a shortage of labour, there’s a myriad of problems that could arise. So how can these issues be dealt with effectively? To avoid these potentially catastrophic issues happening, an increasing number of organisations are using real-time data to streamline projects and get ahead of their competitors. A recent Gartner survey discovered that 62% of the 1,200 companies it contacted reported greater efficiency after implementing real-time data systems, while a staggering 80% experienced a revenue uplift. This study would suggest, from the companies surveyed, real-time data assisted in providing these businesses with both financial and operational benefits. Going Digital is Opening Doors in Construction The acceleration in digital technology means that communication breakdown between offices and construction sites is a thing of the past. Instead of information being relayed over the phone or email which can cause delays and lost information, resulting in costly delays to projects and disgruntled customers. Information can now be uploaded via smartphone, tablet, or other devices using cloud-based construction ERP software and other real-time data and collaboration tools. For example, Rhodar, a provider of asbestos removal, demolition and land remediation services found that prior to using ERP software: “Issuing an asbestos survey report to a customer used to take up to a week. This task can now be achieved in a much shorter time frame – the surveyor completes a form at the customer’s house on a mobile device and the survey data is automatically uploaded into a report format at the office, ready to issue to the customer.” Control of every construction project at every milestone Construction software uses enhanced features to make projects easier to manage than ever before. That is no mean feat when each construction project involves so many people, from general contractors, subcontractors, architects, engineers, and consultants, to clients, and other outside agencies who must all be aligned. Real-time data reporting is a proven method for improving productivity on-site. The benefits include:  Because Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and other fully integrated construction software operates via the cloud, it allows people to access real-time data and information wherever they are. Whether they are present on the job site, in the office, or visiting a customer, the data they need is instantly available at their fingertips. As a result, project workers can avoid multiple phone calls and piles of printed job sheets so that nobody is left waiting and decisions can be made on the spot. Smarter Decision Making Thanks to Data The data gathered from construction software can also be used to enhance the delivery of real-time information so that organisations work smarter on future projects. Managers can learn what systems work best for them to streamline processes over time and therefore limit costs and time. Where construction software was once considered a niche collaboration tool, it has now become a necessity in the industry., with vital data and information shared at the touch of a button. One of the biggest advantages of user-friendly construction software is that it allows users to interact so that data-driven information, insights, and decisions can be exchanged in real-time which leads to further operational efficiencies, and greater productivity levels. What Has Construction ERP Software Achieved So Far? Rhodar needed a central system that could manage every aspect of their company and provide accurate, real-time information to drive decision-making. Using construction management software has united the company’s 500+ employees into a single system, allowing them to complete, document, and process jobs across the US. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Consultation exercise launched as young people and communities urged to shape new blueprint at heart of first ever Birmingham Housing Week

Consultation exercise launched as young people and communities urged to shape new blueprint at heart of first ever Birmingham Housing Week

BDC News Team January 29, 2024

An online poll giving young people and communities a chance to shape a blueprint to bring forward future housing and regeneration schemes and embrace the raft of exciting career opportunities available went live today ahead of next month’s first-ever Birmingham Housing Week. Running from February 5th-9th  Birmingham Housing Week will inform young people and communities on the scale of public and private investment in existing housing stock and large-scale housing regeneration schemes happening across the City and the vast amount of opportunities on offer to them; invite them to get involved in the conversation and have a voice and inspire them to join the movement. The week is a private sector initiative, powered by national housebuilder Lovell Partnerships, with support from Birmingham City Council, STEAMhouse, Howells, Platform Housing Group, Shakespeare Martineau, Marrons,  and Birmingham Social Housing Partnership, with more set to be announced in due course. Ahead of the event, an online poll  -which can be taken HERE – went live today giving people the chance to have their say on everything from whether they feel the housing sector talks to them enough about available career opportunities to how to involve more young people and communities in what’s happening across the city. Young people will also play a significant role in the week including taking part in interactive workshops from Howells and STEAMhouse highlighting the raft of exciting housing sector career options via fun activities ranging from virtual reality demonstrations to one-to-one careers talks with industry professionals. During Housing Week organisers will also be engaging with Community Groups to understand how they can better build trust between local communities and the public and private sector and understand the concerns existing communities have around estate regeneration and how we can ensure all voices and opinions in a community can be heard. Birmingham Housing Week will culminate with an industry round table event to listen to the feedback from housing week, agree key priorities to be taken forward and ways we can evolve Birmingham Housing Week to be a force to truly inform, involve and inspire people to get involved. Simon Wingate, Regional Partnerships Director at Lovell Partnerships said: “Birmingham Housing Week will showcase the opportunities the scale of investment happening in the city will bring and invite the communities they serve to get involved and have a voice and inspire them to join the movement. “What’s clear here is that Birmingham has a real opportunity to bring young people and communities together through Birmingham Housing Week, with a programme of activities that promotes inclusivity and collaboration. Lovell is proud to be part of Birmingham Housing Week and we’re looking forward to welcoming people to the various events. “Birmingham Housing Week Is brand for Birmingham, and all partners are behind this movement and making sure outcomes from the week are followed up and that it becomes a beacon for informing, involving and inspiring young people and communities to get involved.” Cllr. Jayne Francis, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness at Birmingham City Council, said: “We are proud to be involved in the first-ever Birmingham Housing Week in collaboration with industry-leading partners. “As we address a number of key issues facing the housing sector – investment, affordable housing, employment and skills in the sector, we will provide our young people and communities with a forward-looking perspective and a week-long of activities to get involved with. “Birmingham Housing Week is the perfect opportunity to showcase Birmingham’s regeneration and housing development projects – it’s going to be a brilliant, informative and exciting week of events and opportunities and I encourage everyone to be involved!” For more information or sponsorship opportunities, visit: https://www.birminghamhousingweek.co.uk/.    Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Drop-in to hear about new homes on Liberton Hospital site

Drop-in to hear about new homes on Liberton Hospital site

BDC News Team January 29, 2024

A trio of community consultation events will take place next week in Liberton ahead of the council’s major transformation of the site into much needed homes.  In partnership with Anderson Bell + Christie, HTA landscape architects, G3 Consulting Engineers and arts organisation WAVEparticle, the pop-up events will give those living in the local area the opportunity to hear about plans and share views. The events will take place throughout the day on Monday 29, Tuesday 30 and Wednesday 31 January in the Malbet, Ellen’s Glen and Carnbee areas of Liberton and an online survey is also available. This is the second community engagement activity for the sustainable neighbourhood project which will deliver around 400 new homes within the Liberton area, a significant number of which will be accessible and affordable for social or mid-market rent. These new homes will be built on the grounds of Liberton Hospital including the former Blood Transfusion Centre, as part of the Council’s direct purchase of the land from NHS Lothian, and the aim is to retain as many of the original features of the historic Victorian hospital as possible. NHS services will continue to occupy the premises until March 2025 once the hospital’s remaining services have been relocated. Councillor Jane Meagher, Edinburgh’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said:  “For over 100 years Edinburgh residents have been cared for under the roof of Liberton Hospital. I’m delighted that we’ll be able to pay that care forward as we tackle our housing emergency and convert the site into much needed new homes. “We’re committed to putting care-based housing at the centre of this redevelopment and I’d like to thank our partners at the NHS for working with us to secure the land. It has been many years in the making. “By demolishing the 1960s built extensions, including the disused Blood Transfusion Service, we’ll be able to design an accessible green neighbourhood of low-carbon housing from scratch. This should help lots of people with specialist needs particularly older residents to live comfortably and with independence. Plus, it will allow us support people who are in desperate housing need as we’re determined to make more than half of the homes on site affordable or social rent. “Tackling poverty and striving for net zero are two of the biggest priorities for the council and we must do everything within our power to work against the housing crisis. This project supports all of these aims. I’m really looking forward to seeing the plans take shape and for the community to have a real say.” Sarah Brown, Senior Architect at Anderson Bell + Christie, said: “Community consultation events such as this are extremely important as they give the local community a chance to share their opinions and help shape a future neighbourhood. “We’re hoping we will meet and talk with plenty of local residents on what they’d like to see from this project, so we can support on a range of housing needs and set them within a rich and beautiful greenspace.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Experience building business

Experience building business

BDC News Team January 29, 2024

A North East developer is marking a decade in business by targeting ambitious plans to deliver 200 homes per annum by 2025 and promoting its Development Director to Managing Director. With over 30 years in the industry, Richard Bass (54) and from (Whitley Bay), takes on the role at Consett based Amethyst Homes, having previous experience in similar regional roles for two other major housebuilders. He said: “I am delighted to take on this role and new challenge, having been with Amethyst Homes for the last three years, I have enjoyed contributing to the company’s continued success.  “Starting out in construction at 18, as a Junior Quantity Surveyor, I have been lucky to experience so many different aspects of the sector, as well as a number of outside challenges – recession, housing crashes, skills shortages and most recently, operating during a pandemic. “I think what makes Amethyst Homes different is its approach. As a small regional business, it is committed to recruiting and retaining good, highly skilled people, adaptable and well equipped for the job in hand.  Over the last three years we have been establishing a sound business model to deliver our future growth plans and are now looking forward to where we want to be in the next three to five years’ time.” “Vital to our success, our growth plans will be built around our core principles of health and safety, customer service and quality – which are embedded in our business.” Amethyst Homes started its journey in 2013 with just three members of staff. It has grown to now employ 25 and has delivered over 500 homes across five developments – two based in Consett and three further sites in South East Northumberland, Newcastle and at Stillington, Stockton on Tees. Coinciding with Richard’s promotion, Mark Short (57) and from (Consett) has moved across to the new role of Executive Director of Amethyst Homes and will continue to oversee the company’s strategic and operational development and relationship with external organisations/partners, land owners, clients and associate companies of the Dysart Group. Mark brings significant experience having worked as part of the Dysart Group of companies for over 15 years, and having been involved in the initial creation of Amethyst Homes Ltd. He said: “This is an exciting time for Amethyst Homes.  Through careful and considered Senior Management changes over the last three years, we have established and continue to develop what I now consider is an energetic, focused and dedicated team within the company. “We will continue to instil and adopt the positive ethic, professionalism, quality, health, safety and welfare and customer focus which were our key aspirations when our then small team established the business over 10 years ago now.” In its eleventh year of trading, Amethyst is projecting a turnover of £11 million this year and plans to invest £5 million in future development schemes. Richard added: “This year has been one of transition, with old schemes completing and new projects starting. We have started work on 48 homes at The Pastures, in East Sleekburn,– following success at our popular Sleekburn View development in the village. Meanwhile, in Newcastle, we will be building 45 properties on a key regeneration site in the west end of the city, to be known as Vallum Heights. “We also have a further three developments in various stages of planning – which if approved – could create a further 500 homes in the region.” Amethyst is committed to the communities in which it builds, having donated over £10,000 to local charities – including Willow Burn Hospice – and providing over £35,000 of sponsorship for North East sporting teams, including Consett Cricket Club, Blyth Town FC and Consett Rugby Club, that play at Amethyst Park. Amethyst’s live development – Regents Park, Consett and its completed site, The Meadows, Stillington – won Premier Guarantee, Quality Recognition Awards (QRA) in 2021, 2022 and 2023 for the high standard of homes delivered. Regents Park achieved further recognition, recently honoured with a coveted national Premier Guarantee Excellence Award for the Best Development of the Year (of over 101 plots) in the North. Last year, Amethyst recruited nine new members of staff, trained two apprentices, and invested over £3m into local jobs, training, and the supply chain. Testament to its commitment to customer service, Amethyst has also been awarded the Gold Standard by In-house Research (an independent analytics company) for its recent customer satisfaction surveys, with 94% of those surveyed saying they would recommend Amethyst Homes to friends and family. *For more information about Amethyst Homes, please visit: www.amethysthomes.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Ideal Heating & ACV join forces at Specifi Mechanical Services events in 2024

Ideal Heating & ACV join forces at Specifi Mechanical Services events in 2024

BDC News Team January 29, 2024

Groupe Atlantic companies Ideal Heating – Commercial Products and ACV UK will be joining forces again at this year’s Specifi Mechanical Services events being held across the breadth of Great Britain. Under their ‘Experts Together’ banner, Ideal Heating and ACV will be exhibiting at twelve of the Specifi shows, including Bristol, Birmingham, Nottingham, Liverpool, London, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, and Cardiff. In line with the more informal nature of the Specifi events, where networking and knowledge sharing are the focus, experienced Specification Managers from Ideal Heating and ACV will be providing visitors with invaluable advice to help them achieve their desired heating and hot water outcomes. With much focus on decarbonisation of commercial heating, Ideal Heating will be concentrating on low carbon technologies, including heat pumps and heat networks. The company launched ECOMOD – its first commercial monobloc air source heat pumps – in 2022 and is set to expand this range in 2024. Visitors to the events wishing to learn more about low carbon technologies can sign up for one or more of Ideal Heating’s CIBSE accredited CPD seminars, including the recently introduced ‘Heat Pumps – Technology and Principles’ and ‘Heat Networks and Heat Interface Units.’ Each CPD is an hour long and can be delivered online or in person at one of Ideal’s Centres of Excellence or at the person’s office. In keeping with the events’ focus on decarbonisation, ACV will be promoting its range of wall hung and floor standing electric boilers, the ‘E-Tech’ range, which can be used as a back up for heat pump heating systems. The team will also be on hand to discuss any hot water requirements. Commenting on the decision to return to the Specifi events in 2024, Richard Brown, Head of Specification Sales for Ideal Heating – Commercial Products, says: “I’m really pleased that Ideal Heating are supporting Specifi for another year, alongside ACV. These events give us a great opportunity to meet with specifiers and engineers from a variety of backgrounds and understand the design challenges they face; it’s very much a two way flow of information. Specifi provides the perfect opportunity to discuss our heating and hot water solutions further and how we can help overcome challenging system design.” Pre-registration for the Specifi events is essential. For more information on the location and times, plus to register for free attendance, go to https://www.specifi.co.uk/. For more information on Ideal Heating – Commercial Products, visit:  https://www.idealcommercialheating.co.uk/ and for ACV UK go to www.acv.com/gb Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Octavius Infrastructure secures contract for Norfolk bypass

Octavius Infrastructure secures contract for Norfolk bypass

Cristina Diaconu January 29, 2024

Octavius Infrastructure has signed with Norfolk County Council to build the long-awaited £47M Long Stratton Bypass. The Long Stratton Bypass is a proposed 3.9km single-carriageway highway scheme which will allow drivers to reach the A140 without having to pass through the village. The job includes construction of three new roundabouts, two new junctions and two overbridges. Plans for the village bypass in Norfolk were first discussed 70 years ago and have had a number of false starts since. In September last year, the long-awaited bypass was finally granted full planning permission by South Norfolk Council. Norfolk County Council secured £26.2M from the Department for Transport (DfT) for the project in summer 2021, but in September 2022 the scheme saw its projected costs rise to £46.2M from the original £37.4M. This 23.5% rise in cost was mainly due to the pandemic and the Ukraine war driving up material and labour prices across the globe. The full business case for the new road has now been submitted to government which estimates the overall cost of delivering the route at £46.9m. Following initial preparation works which will be taking place over the coming months, the target date for the main construction work to start on the bypass is Spring 2024 with the road planned to be open to traffic before the end of 2025 after an 18-month construction period. The project will now be mainly funded with a minimum of 70% from the DfT’s Major Road Network Fund and up to 30% from local contributions made up primarily of developer contributions and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) contributions. The Greater Norwich Growth Board have also agreed arrangements with South Norfolk Council for the forward funding of a £4.5M developer contribution, which is in addition to the £10M CIL supported contribution it has already pledged. Long Stratton residents have campaigned and lobbied government for a bypass for decades as they hope it will cut congestion through the village. As well as the bypass, plans for 1,800 new homes and a new primary school for the area were recently approved by South Norfolk Council. Norfolk County Council cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport Graham Plant said: “This is another welcome milestone we’ve reached in this vital infrastructure project. The 3.9km road will not only solve the transport issues caused by the bottleneck on the A140 – which is a major local route – but also open-up improvements for cycling and walking in and around the town. “Once in place the scheme will cut congestion, unlock economic growth, and improve journey times across the county.” Octavius Infrastructure managing director for highways Gavin Pritchard, said: “We are delighted to be working with Norfolk County Council on such a key project, bringing significant benefits to the Long Stratton community and the wider transport network. “Our carbon reduction measures, the protection and enhancement of the local environment, and the significant sourcing of local suppliers in this region reflects our strong commitment to our sustainability and social value goals for this project.” Norfolk County Council councillor for Long Stratton Alison Thomas said, “This is great news as seeing this project continue to push forward is very welcome – not only for those who live and work in Long Stratton but also for the thousands of people who use the route and experience first-hand the daily delays and frustrations brought by the current situation.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Rob Axe appointed General Manager for Warringtonfire’s Hire Wycombe Laboratory

Rob Axe appointed General Manager for Warringtonfire’s Hire Wycombe Laboratory

BDC News Team January 29, 2024

Warringtonfire has appointed Rob Axe as the General Manager of its fire testing laboratory in High Wycombe. Rob, who began his career as a Technical Officer at the High Wycombe laboratory, most recently held the role of Technical Manager for Warringtonfire – a global leader in Fire Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC). With over 15 years’ experience in the field of fire resistance testing and passive fire protection systems, Rob is one of the industry’s leading authorities on testing timber fire doors, penetration seals, cavity barriers, load bearing and non-load bearing wall systems and glazed screens. In his new role, Rob will assume responsibility for Warringtonfire’s testing team in High Wycombe, including recruitment, training and management; as well as developing the laboratory’s on-site testing capabilities. Since his appointment, Rob has already recruited several new team members into varied roles and is currently scoping out the expansion of the laboratory’s mid-scale furnace to accommodate penetration seal testing and increase overall testing capacity at the site. Rob commented: “Having spent the majority of my career working at the High Wycombe laboratory, it is a real privilege to be appointed General Manager for testing at the High Wycombe site. It is an incredibly dynamic time for the industry, as building product manufacturers adapt to the ever-evolving legislative landscape. I am looking forward to working closely with our customers to deliver best-in-class fire resistance testing, while also collaborating with our management team to evolve our own testing capabilities and capacity here in High Wycombe.” Leigh Hill, Director – Built Environment at Element Materials Technology, added: “Rob brings with him a wealth of technical expertise alongside a deep understanding of our testing facilities here in High Wycombe. Our fire testing laboratory is set to play a pivotal role in our wider strategy for the built environment throughout 2024 and beyond, and we are delighted to have an individual of Rob’s calibre at the helm.” Warringtonfire is part of the Element Materials Technology group. Both UKAS and ISO/IEC 17025-accredited, it undertakes testing for fire resistance, smoke leakage, structural integrity and performance, as well as acoustic and mechanical testing for construction products. For more information Warringtonfire’s fire resistance testing offering, please visit: https://www.warringtonfire.com/testing-services/fire-resistance-testing. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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LABC spotlight exemplary construction projects at industry awards

LABC spotlight exemplary construction projects at industry awards

BDC News Team January 29, 2024

LABC has showcased projects that demonstrate high quality, and exemplary standards in construction at an industry event in London attended by more than 900 leading industry figures. A panel of industry experts at the LABC Building Excellence Awards Grand Finals judged the highest quality projects, professionals, and teams from around England and Wales to showcase solutions to complex technical or construction issues, site constraints and technical innovation. One of the unique aspects of the awards is their recognition of the vital contribution public sector building control teams make as part of the project team in all manner of projects, from individual housing extensions to large housing developments. To this end, winners in the ‘place’ categories included nationally significant projects such as the conversion of Battersea Power Station, as well as residential projects including the conversion of Smithy Cottage in Yorkshire, and the high-volume new housing development of The Green in Devon alongside the small social housing development of Hen Orsaf in Gwynedd. Further categories included Best Non-residential New Build, won by Lancaster Energy Centre and Best Purpose-Built Accommodation, won by Eign Gate in Herefordshire. Smaller Build Projects Within smaller build projects, Best Individual New Home was awarded to Above Town in Devon and Best Residential Extension was taken by Whin Hill Road in South Yorkshire. Black Pheasant Barn in Suffolk took Best Residential Conversion to a Single New Home and Best Non-Residential Extension, Alteration, or Conversation was taken by Ince Benet in Merseyside. This year’s awards are especially timely thanks to new measures coming into force as part of the Building Safety Act. This includes professional registration of Building Control Professionals backed by competency assessments. LABC’s chief executive, Lorna Stimpson commented: “These awards showcase the breadth of projects that building control is involved in, each with their own building regulations and standards, as well as the skills and expertise needed in our industry to support them. “When Dame Judith Hackitt threw down the gauntlet to the whole construction industry in 2017, the building control sector was the first to focus on improving skills, proving its competence and bringing in new generations of talented workers. “The winning projects at this year’s Building Excellence Awards are shining examples of quality, professionalism, and high standards expected of registered professionals. They clearly demonstrate the progress made since 2017, as well as setting a bar for future projects to aspire to.” Criteria used to choose the winners included employing creative solutions to improve sustainability and energy efficiency, as well as cooperative team working. The Best Small New Housing Development was taken by Chestnuts, Hertfordshire, whilst the Best Medium Volume New Housing Development was named as St Mary’s Vale in Leeds. The Best Large Social Housing Development was the Former George Gay Gardens in Swindon. Entries for the 2024 Building Excellence Awards are now open. Find out more on the LABC website: www.labc.co.uk/awards Winning projects www.labc.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Financial Planning For Construction Startups: An Essential Guide

Financial Planning For Construction Startups: An Essential Guide

BDC News Team January 29, 2024

Launching a construction company is an adventure filled with opportunities and challenges. This industry, known for its lucrative potential, requires comprehensive and precise planning, particularly in financial matters. Establishing a robust financial foundation is more than essential; it’s the bedrock of your start-up’s success and longevity. In construction, where investments are substantial, and the market dynamics are complex, understanding and managing your finances becomes a cornerstone of your business strategy. Whether grappling with start-up costs, navigating the nuances of budget management, or securing the right funding, every financial decision you make can impact your business. Read on to gain valuable insights and strategies for establishing a financially stable construction start-up. Understanding Start-up Costs Before launching your construction firm, ask yourself: How much does it cost to start a construction company? Understanding start-up costs is crucial. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about ensuring your business can weather any storm. Here are the essential areas to consider: Addressing these key areas provides a clear understanding of your financial landscape. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions, negotiate effectively, and secure the resources necessary for a thriving and stable future. Creating A Robust Business Plan While understanding start-up costs lays the financial groundwork, a robust business plan is your guiding star, charting the course for your construction company’s success. It’s not just a static document; it’s a living, breathing roadmap evolving alongside your business. Here are the key pillars that make up your strategic blueprint: Remember, your business plan is a dynamic tool, not a set-in-stone scripture. As you navigate the construction landscape and gain experience, be prepared to adapt and refine your plan. Regularly revisit your market analysis, update your financial projections, and adjust your operational strategies to ensure your blueprint remains relevant and your construction company thrives. Securing Funding Launching your construction company requires more than just blueprints and vision; it demands fuel for the engine that drives your goals. This fuel comes in the form of secure funding, the capital that transforms your plan into tangible reality. Here are some key funding avenues to consider: Choosing the right funding mix is crucial. Consider your business goals, financial capacity, and risk tolerance. Seek professional advice to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Remember, funding should be a strategic tool, not a burden. Effective Budget Management Starting your construction company is exciting, but remember that even the most impressive buildings need a strong foundation. In the case of your business, that foundation relies on effective budget management. It’s not about being overly frugal or hindering growth; it’s about ensuring that every dollar is used wisely, contributing to your company’s strength and stability. Here are some essential steps to effectively manage your finances: Efficient budget management is an ongoing and dynamic process that demands agility and discipline. By adopting these strategies, you’ll secure financial stability and equip yourself to make informed investment choices, seize opportunities, and witness your construction company achieve new heights. Conclusion Building a successful construction company starts with solid financial planning. This includes understanding start-up costs, creating a detailed business plan, securing proper funding, and managing your budget wisely. Each step is crucial for laying a solid foundation for your business. With the right insights and strategies, you’re constructing buildings and creating financial stability and growth in the future. Use these guidelines carefully and enthusiastically to turn your start-up into a thriving business.  

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