Balfour Beatty today announces that it has been appointed by Hub South East to deliver two new primary schools, valued at £43 million, in East Lothian, Scotland. Balfour Beatty will be responsible for the design and construction of the two new primary schools, located in Craighall and Blindwells, which will
SCAPE, one of the UK’s leading public sector procurement specialists, has launched its new Utilities Works and Services frameworks, designed to empower utility sector organisations to shape their utilities projects and programmes through an accelerated, direct award model. A £3bn framework covers England, Wales and Northern Ireland and a separate
Mckay Training is proud to officially launch its expertise into the UK marketplace as a training and consultancy business offering standard as well as bespoke courses and certifications in critical areas such as Health and Safety, Management, and Business Administration for any size of business through a variety of industries.
National property consultancy Carter Jonas has secured outline planning consent on behalf of property developer St Modwen for a further component of the residential development at Kingsgrove, north east Wantage. Consent was granted by Vale of White Horse District Council on 5 November. The site lies to the north of
The LPC Rules for Automatic Sprinkler Installations 2015 is the UK’s most significant sprinkler installation standard which incorporates the full BS EN 12845:2015+A1:2019 standard and related Technical Bulletins. Published by the Fire Protection Association, this document is regularly updated to incorporate new Technical Bulletins and update existing ones, thereby providing
Leading paving and building manufacturer, AG Paving & Building Products, has reinforced its position as a market leader in sustainable construction by achieving Platinum status, the highest accolade available, in the 2023 Northern Ireland Environmental Benchmarking Survey, organised by Business in the Community (BITC). Recognising companies that go above and
Ian rejoins Currie & Brown’s growing Healthcare group Currie & Brown, provider of cost management, project management and advisory services has recruited Ian Mitchell to head up cost management for the Healthcare sector in London and South East England. Ian’s appointment will add to Currie & Brown’s expertise in healthcare
Balfour Beatty today announces that it has been appointed by Hub South East to deliver two new primary schools, valued at £43 million, in East Lothian, Scotland. Balfour Beatty will be responsible for the design and construction of the two new primary schools, located in Craighall and Blindwells, which will house state-of-the-art, modern teaching facilities and learning spaces for over 840 students. The primary schools are required to meet demand from ongoing and planned house building in the local area, and on completion, will support East Lothian Council’s vision to develop a modern, safe, sustainable learning estate that enhances and supports communities whilst improving the lives of families. The primary schools will be constructed using Passivhaus principles – a quality assurance process for the design and construction of low energy buildings – and will utilise high-performance windows and doors as well as mechanical ventilation with heat recovery to reduce carbon emissions, improve indoor air quality and reduce energy demand and heating bills. In addition, as part of its commitment to leaving a lasting, positive legacy in the communities in which it operates, Balfour Beatty has committed to provide at least 20 employment opportunities for local people, as well as deliver a number of employability workshops, including drone and virtual reality sessions, at nearby schools and colleges. Hector MacAulay MBE, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s regional construction business in Scotland, said: “This latest contract award is testament to our expertise and experience in delivering high-quality, sustainable educational facilities in Scotland and our proven track record of giving back to local communities. “We look forward to working closely and collaboratively alongside Hub South East and East Lothian Council, to successfully deliver these new schools which will provide an exciting and inspirational learning environment for hundreds of children.” Construction is due to commence next month with completion expected in 2025. At construction peak, Balfour Beatty will employ 200 people with 5% of its workforce made up of apprentices, graduates and trainees to support its commitment to The 5% Club. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SCAPE, one of the UK’s leading public sector procurement specialists, has launched its new Utilities Works and Services frameworks, designed to empower utility sector organisations to shape their utilities projects and programmes through an accelerated, direct award model. A £3bn framework covers England, Wales and Northern Ireland and a separate dedicated £1bn framework will serve Scotland. Following a rigorous evaluation process, SCAPE has appointed Kier and McLaughlin & Harvey to deliver projects in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and McLaughlin & Harvey and RJ McLeod to lead the Scotland framework. All appointments were made on the basis of compliance with the UK Utilities Contract Regulations and Scottish Utilities Contracts Regulations. The frameworks have been created to provide clients with access to specialist contractors capable of helping them to deliver the low carbon energy, transport and water infrastructure needed to meet sustainability targets and serve community needs in the years ahead. The frameworks will enable the delivery of projects across a variety of sectors including docks, ports and harbours, rail and metro’s, aviation, water, renewables, energy (gas and electricity, including maintenance), and telecommunications. Each sector has an important role to play in the UK’s green transition, from enabling new grid connections that facilitate the integration of renewables and protect the country’s energy supply for the future, to connecting communities and unlocking growth through new rail projects and enhanced coastal infrastructure, such as ports and harbours. The delivery partners appointed to the new frameworks share SCAPE’s commitment to sustainability and social value, which will underpin each project delivered through the new frameworks. With a framework duration of four years and an option to extend for a further four, this represents a significant opportunity to create a long-term, positive impact. The direct award Utilities frameworks operate a parallel lotting structure, which gives clients a choice of industry-leading contractors, ensuring efficient procurement that demonstrates value for money. SCAPE is a member of, and actively seeking verification through, Constructing the Gold Standard pilot scheme, an integrated and collaborative scheme facilitated by Constructing Excellence, designed to improve value, reduce risk and improve sustainability through public sector frameworks. SCAPE is also accredited with Carbon Code Champion status; the highest level of compliance to the Carbon Reduction Code for the Built Environment. The new utilities frameworks complement SCAPE’s suite of consultancy, civil engineering and construction frameworks. Mark Robinson, SCAPE Group, Chief Executive said: “The SCAPE Utilities frameworks have been created to support better-connected communities, future-proof national infrastructure and scale-up green energy projects that support the use of renewables. These new frameworks will help clients accelerate the works and services needed to support a low-carbon economy in the years to come. As with all our frameworks, enhanced social value will underpin every project, ensuring we leave a positive, sustainable legacy within each community.” John Simons, group procurement director at SCAPE, added: “We are excited to welcome our new partners, who have all demonstrated their ability to deliver efficient and effective best-in-class projects for clients. The quality of these new frameworks is a testament to the research and development applied across all of SCAPE’s procurement services.” Andrew Bradshaw, Group managing director for Kier Natural Resources, Nuclear & Networks “We’re thrilled to have been appointed to the SCAPE Utilities Works and Services framework for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We have a proven track record of delivering successful projects and we’re looking forward to working with SCAPE to bring our capabilities to new clients.” Chris Boyle, Framework Director at McLaughlin & Harvey “McLaughlin & Harvey is delighted to be awarded a place on the SCAPE Utilities Works and Services Frameworks for Scotland and England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We look forward to working with SCAPE and the utility providers to deliver exceptional projects. “This framework offers the opportunity to provide utility companies and their customers real value for money in project delivery whilst also providing economic and social benefits for local communities across the United Kingdom.” The SCAPE Utilities Works and Services frameworks will now enter the mobilisation phase, with clients anticipated to be able to begin using these from the end of February 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mckay Training is proud to officially launch its expertise into the UK marketplace as a training and consultancy business offering standard as well as bespoke courses and certifications in critical areas such as Health and Safety, Management, and Business Administration for any size of business through a variety of industries. With an experienced team of trainers and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Mckay Training empowers individuals and businesses with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. Mckay Business, Safety, and Risk Training also offer a comprehensive consultancy service to ensure your business and workplace are fully compliant with current legislation. Our expert consultants provide valuable health and safety advice, including customised risk assessments to address your specific needs. Stephen Mckay, the founder of Mckay Training, brings over 35 years of invaluable experience in the construction industry, having worked in various roles from mid to senior management. Recognising the need to support businesses of all sizes, Stephen established Mckay Training with the vision of advising and guiding each company, ensuring their policies and procedures align with current Government guidelines. Stephen said: “Drawing from my senior positions in companies, I understand the significance of training and supporting every employee to contribute towards increased productivity, morale, and protection against potential costs that insurance may not cover. Mckay Training aims to empower businesses, and by leveraging my expertise and industry insights, I can help mitigate risks and drive success”. Mckay Training will be working closely with Oaks Training & Development Ltd to deliver a whole range of group, 1-2-1 and bespoke courses. Heather Worsdale of Oaks Training said: “We are thrilled to be working in association with Mckay Training, who align perfectly with our strong ethos towards focusing on staff development. Both of our organisations share a common goal of delivering the highest standard of training to empower a highly skilled, supported workforce, which serves as the ultimate foundation for any organisation. We believe that success in today’s fast-paced environment can only be achieved by working with individuals or entities that possess the skill sets required to take your organisation to the next level. By partnering with Mckay Training, we can proudly demonstrate that we practice what we preach.” For more information about the courses, certifications, and consultancy services offered by Mckay Business, Safety, and Risk Training, please visit https://Mckaytraining.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
National property consultancy Carter Jonas has secured outline planning consent on behalf of property developer St Modwen for a further component of the residential development at Kingsgrove, north east Wantage. Consent was granted by Vale of White Horse District Council on 5 November. The site lies to the north of A417 and east of the of A338 in attractive market town of Wantage, approximately 15 miles south of Oxford. Kingsgrove is an already-established new community spanning approximately 227 acres. When complete, it will provide up to 1,534 homes, central park, sports facilities, public open spaces, community allotments, a new primary school, retail uses. This new outline consent follows the expiry of the original outline consent and allows for the development of up to 669 residential units and a neighbourhood centre, along with associated infrastructure and open spaces. Approximately 243 of the new homes will be allocated as affordable housing. Within weeks of this planning consent, Carter Jonas also secured reserved matters planning consent on behalf of LSP Developments Limited for a local centre, which will form an integral part of the new development. The local centre is located at the heart of the new community. It will serve a variety of purposes and will include a nursery, and retail units including convenience retail as well as parking. Additional street furniture, EV charging, cycle parking and landscaping, including new trees and shrubs also forms part of the latest planning consent. Nicky Brock, Partner at Carter Jonas in Oxford commented, ‘We are extremely pleased to have helped St Modwen achieve planning consent for what is undoubtedly a very popular, sustainable new development and go some way to addressing the concerning shortage of homes in Oxfordshire.’ William Bayston, Development Director at St Modwen commented, ‘We are delighted to have worked closely with Carter Jonas to secure the latest planning consents for our Kingsgrove development in Wantage. We look forward to continuing to work with them, and the wider community, as we move forward with the delivery of the Kingsgrove community. In achieving planning success, Carter Jonas worked alongside master planners OPEN and engineers Atkins. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The LPC Rules for Automatic Sprinkler Installations 2015 is the UK’s most significant sprinkler installation standard which incorporates the full BS EN 12845:2015+A1:2019 standard and related Technical Bulletins. Published by the Fire Protection Association, this document is regularly updated to incorporate new Technical Bulletins and update existing ones, thereby providing a specification designed to ensure the highest practical levels of resilience to fire can be achieved. To improve the distribution of new and updated Technical Bulletins for our customers in a cost-effective way, the FPA is pleased to launch a subscription model which means you will automatically receive updates to the LPC Sprinkler Rules (including new and revised Technical Bulletins) throughout the year for an annual fee, ensuring you remain at the forefront of changes for life safety and property protection purposes. With the BS EN 12845:2015 standard published by BSI currently under major review, which could result in significant changes to the Technical Bulletins, the subscription model will support the timely release of updates. New and updated Technical Bulletins The FPA is also pleased to announce the release of several new and updated Technical Bulletins which are now available via the subscription service: The following Technical Bulletins are in progress and will therefore be released via the subscription model once finalised: You can find out more about the updates here. How to subscribe To access the latest LPC Sprinkler Rules and related Technical Bulletins, new customers will pay an initial fee which includes the first year’s subscription fee. The subscription fee will then be due on an annual basis thereafter for updates to the Technical Bulletins. If you have already purchased the LPC Rules for Automatic Sprinkler Installations 2015 incorporating the full BS EN 12845:2015+A1:2019 standard and related Technical Bulletins from the FPA, you will only need to pay the annual subscription fee. You can choose to receive updates in print or digitally. Purchasing the online version enables access to the LPC Sprinkler Rules App so you can view the document on a mobile phone or tablet, as well as via the FPA website. Pricing Print Version Initial fee for access to the LPC Rules for Automatic Sprinkler Installations 2015 including 1 year’s subscription for updates: £695.00 (£625.50 for FPA Members) Annual subscription fee: £250.00 (£225.00 for FPA Members) Digital Version Initial fee for access to the LPC Rules for Automatic Sprinkler Installations 2015 including 1 year’s subscription for updates: £595.00 (£535.50 for FPA Members) Annual subscription fee: £190.00 (£171.00 for FPA Members) Please note that the initial subscription fee is for the 2015 standard only and does not include the upcoming standard due to be released in 2025/26. To receive the latest Technical Bulletins, you can subscribe to the LPC Sprinkler Rules here or contact us at shop@thefpa.co.uk or on 01608 812 500 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading paving and building manufacturer, AG Paving & Building Products, has reinforced its position as a market leader in sustainable construction by achieving Platinum status, the highest accolade available, in the 2023 Northern Ireland Environmental Benchmarking Survey, organised by Business in the Community (BITC). Recognising companies that go above and beyond to reduce their environmental impact, the survey benchmarks companies that drive change through integrating sustainable practices into corporate strategies. The firm, who has recently released their Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy, was one of 125 organisations from a range of sectors in Northern Ireland to participate in the survey. AG was also awarded ‘Most Improved Performer’ at the awards ceremony recognising its continuous improvement commitment. AG previously reported a reduction in its Scope 1 & 2 emissions from its baseline of 2019 to 2022 by 53% – despite an increase in production volumes as the company faced unprecedented demand for its products. As well as this, the firm reduced its scope 3 emissions from 2022 by 10% – reinforcing its commitment to a greener future in construction. AG are continuously working to reduce the environmental impact of both its operations and the end product, which includes a recent investment of £5m into its operations enabling the firm to modernise its plant, equipment, and technology, driving the firm’s sustainability agenda. In addition to this the company have recently gained level 3 in the “Take 5” workplace wellbeing accreditation, recognition for their longstanding commitment improving both physical and psychological safety. Stephen Acheson AG’s CEO AG commented: “Sustainability is one of AG’s core values, we were delighted to achieve Platinum Status in this year’s Environmental Benchmarking Survey. As part of our commitment to a sustainable business, we strive to continuously reduce our environmental impact, whilst holding our people and local community at the centre of everything we do. These results further demonstrate our commitment to making long lasting and impactful changes.” To find out more about AG, visit www.ag.uk.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ian rejoins Currie & Brown’s growing Healthcare group Currie & Brown, provider of cost management, project management and advisory services has recruited Ian Mitchell to head up cost management for the Healthcare sector in London and South East England. Ian’s appointment will add to Currie & Brown’s expertise in healthcare cost management, and experience ensuring that complex healthcare projects are delivered within budget. The firm has provided cost management services on a number of New Hospital Programme (NHP) schemes, and for NHS clients including Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, University College London Hospitals, Barts Health, James Paget and Lewisham & Greenwich. Ian rejoins Currie & Brown following a seven-year period. He brings with him extensive experience in whole life costing, business case development and benchmarking, along with a deep knowledge of technical standards. Alongside adding value to Currie & Brown’ clients, he will also play an important role in implementing the firm’s growth strategy, drawing on his experience in senior leadership teams at top-tier construction consultancies. David Keith, Senior Director, London, comments: “We’re entering a pivotal period for NHS estates. The Government is investing heavily in our healthcare infrastructure to future-proof facilities and deliver high standards of care. Ian’s specialist experience in healthcare cost management means he is ideally placed to support our clients through this period and ensure their investments deliver on expectations.” Ian Mitchell, Director, comments: “I’m hugely excited to be rejoining Currie & Brown. The firm has maintained its excellent reputation for cost management and long-standing client relationships within the NHS and public sector. I look forward to working with team members old and new, and applying my 25 years plus experience to add even greater value to our clients in the sector.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
