Today Glenigan, one of the construction industry’s leading insight experts, releases the February 2024 edition of its Construction Index. The Index focuses on the three months to the end of January 2024, covering all underlying projects, with a total value of £100m or less (unless otherwise indicated), with all figures
Phase 1A and 1B of industrial and distribution hub, Horizon 29, in Bolsover, Derbyshire are now finished. Horizon 29 is a new landmark distribution development located one mile from Junction 29A of the M1, and once fully complete, it will span 1,150,256 sq. ft and have a total of eight
Timber import volumes in 2023 continued to improve as the year progressed, with total volumes for the full year likely to be only slightly behind 2022’s figures, according to the latest TDUK statistics. Timber import statistics for November 2023 show the market continued to improve in 2023, relative to 2022,
Work is underway to deliver Amethyst Homes second development in Newcastle city centre, following the success of its previous development located at Northbourne Street, for Home Group, five years ago. The joint development, in partnership with Bellway, will create 124 new homes, 45 built by Amethyst, comprising two, three and
Barhale has secured two further contracts under Thames Water’s AMP7 Conditional Allowance Trunk Main Schemes both adjacent to major London railway terminuses. The awards bringing the total value of works Barhale has been awarded under the scheme to £24.8M. The Victoria Station Trunk Main Replacement and the Eversholt Street Mains
Millcroft Scaffolding has started work on the contract to provide an essential logistics gantry for the major works project at Blashford Tower on the Chalcots Estate in Camden. Situated on Adelaide Road in northwest London, Blashford Tower comprises 72 flats over 19 storeys and is one of five high rise
Leading investor, developer and operator of rental communities Moda Group has announced its Fitwel Champion status. This prestigious grading has been given to Moda as it continues to lead change by committing to use Fitwel for its vast and growing portfolio, applying exceptionally high standards from the world’s leading certification
This week is National Apprenticeship Week, a celebration that brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the the positive impact that apprenticeships make them and the wider economy. We met two on a building site at Barratt Homes Bristol Two years ago, Alex Biruls
Prolec Safety Systems Unveils: Game-changer “One Screen” Solution Redefining Safety and Productivity (2D) in Construction. Meeting Industry Demands: In response to the time-sensitive nature of the construction sector, Prolec, Europe’s largest manufacturer of plant safety equipment, is set to make waves once again. Just over a year ago, Kinshofer’s acquisition
A host of charities and organisations supporting communities across Scotland have been awarded funding from SP Energy Networks’ Net Zero Fund to introduce innovative net zero technology. The groups will receive grants to help them decarbonise and reach their net zero targets sooner – through the installation of solar panels
Today Glenigan, one of the construction industry’s leading insight experts, releases the February 2024 edition of its Construction Index. The Index focuses on the three months to the end of January 2024, covering all underlying projects, with a total value of £100m or less (unless otherwise indicated), with all figures seasonally adjusted. It’s a report which provides a detailed and comprehensive analysis of year-on-year construction data, giving built environment professionals a unique insight into sector performance over the last 12 months. Overall, project-starts nose-dived compared to 2023 figures, plummeting 36%. This included residential construction which, having rallied in the previous edition of the Index, weakened 34% on the year before. All other vertical performance was weak, with non-residential project-starts finishing 37% lower than the same period last year. This downhill trajectory is unsurprising given persistently high interest rates and intense economic uncertainty, keeping public and private investors cautious about committing to new projects. Commenting on the Index findings, Glenigan’s Economic Director, Allan Wilen says, “The February Index shows project-start performance remaining frustratingly slow across the sector, amid eye-watering economic conditions. This protracted period of depression is evident in sharp declines across the private residential, industrial, and commercial sectors. On a more positive note, civil engineering starts remain slightly more stable, posting a modest decline against the preceding three months. However, they remain sharply lower than this time last year.” Taking a closer look at the sector verticals and regional outlook… Sector Analysis – Residential Residential construction starts decreased 16% on the preceding three-month period to stand 34% lower than a year ago. Private housing similarly decreased 18% against the preceding three months, with starts 36% weaker than 2023 levels. Social housing performed poorly on both counts, with work starting on-site falling 9% against the previous three months, standing 28% down on the previous year. Sector Analysis – Non-Residential The value of starts across non-residential sectors fell 12% during the three months to January, finishing 37% lower than 2023 figures. All verticals experienced a decline against last year. Industrial project-start performance was especially poor, with project-starts weakening 11% during the three months to the end of January to stand 45% lower than a year ago. Offices also fared poorly, with the value of project-starts falling back 19% against the preceding three months and 39% against the previous year. It was a similar story for education, which saw the value of underlying project-starts fall back 17% against the preceding three months to stand 37% down on a year ago. Retail project-starts also slipped back abruptly, declining 18% against the preceding three months to stand 27% down on the year before. Health and community & amenity also decreased 10% and 14% against the preceding three months, to stand 33% and 11% down on the previous year, respectively. Hotel & leisure starts dropped by 45% compared with last year but increased a modest 3% on the preceding three-month period. Civils work starting on-site dropped 4% against the preceding three months to stand 39% down on a year ago. Infrastructure starts dropped 38% on the previous year’s figures, despite increasing 3% on the preceding three months. Civils general decline was also influenced by utilities activity, which declined 13% against the preceding three month-period, finishing 41% down on 2023. Regional Analysis Regional performance was poor, with project-starts weakening across most areas of the UK during the three months to January. The South East suffered the heaviest fall, declining 25% during the three months to the end of January to stand 54% down on a year ago. It was a similar story in the Scotland, with the value of project-starts decreasing 30% against the preceding three months and remaining significantly down (-38%) on the previous year. Project-starts in Wales experienced a sharp fall against both the preceding three months (-30%) and previous year (-50%). The North East was a mixed bag, with the value of starts increasing 1% against the preceding three months but falling back 18% on the year before. The East Midlands, on the other hand, experienced a 42% increase against the preceding three-month period, although starts in the region remained 30% behind last year’s figures. Northern Ireland and the West Midlands weakened against the preceding three months, falling back 9% and 12%, respectively. Both regions were down on the previous year, remaining 33% and 16% lower than a year ago. This was also the case in Yorkshire & the Humber and the North West, which both crashed compared to both the preceding three months and the previous year. To find out more about Glenigan and its construction intelligence services click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Phase 1A and 1B of industrial and distribution hub, Horizon 29, in Bolsover, Derbyshire are now finished. Horizon 29 is a new landmark distribution development located one mile from Junction 29A of the M1, and once fully complete, it will span 1,150,256 sq. ft and have a total of eight warehouses, delivered over three phases by McLaren Construction (Midlands and North). Phase 1A comprises two single-storey distribution warehouses (units 1 and 2) and sustainable features including solar PVs, air source heat pumps, enhanced cladding, responsibly sourced sustainable materials, LED lighting and electric vehicle charging points. The units have been constructed to a BREEAM Rating of ‘Excellent,’ with an EPC ‘A’ Rating. Phase 1A comprises two single-storey distribution warehouses (units 1 and 2) and sustainable features including solar PVs, air source heat pumps, enhanced cladding, responsibly sourced sustainable materials, LED lighting and electric vehicle charging points. The units have been constructed to a BREEAM Rating of ‘Excellent,’ with an EPC ‘A’ Rating. Phase 1B, involved the construction of units 4 and 5, alongside all subsequent mechanical and electrical works, office fit outs and external works to ongoing conference laboratory car parks. The contractor also delivered earthworks, CMC and VSC piling, concrete foundations, steel framing, lift shaft and stair installations, nets for roofing works and office elevation cladding. Gary Cramp, managing director of McLaren Construction (Midlands and North), said: “We are delighted that works for both Phase 1A and 1B are finally complete. “Once all phases are finished, Horizon 29 will be a premier distribution centre for the region, and an ideal hub for quality tenants looking for direct and easy access to the M1 north and south. “We were pleased to be working alongside BentallGreenOak and Equation Properties for the second phase of this landmark scheme.” Dick Smallman, Equation Properties, said: “Despite a challenging site and weather, we are very impressed with the superb quality of the units and works that McLaren Construction has delivered to date. “The speed with which they’ve carried out particular elements of the work, the seamless design which blends into the countryside and the innovative techniques used have been fantastic.” McLaren Construction serves both the public and private sectors in core areas including commercial offices, residential, education, retail, distribution and logistics, hotels, and leisure. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Timber import volumes in 2023 continued to improve as the year progressed, with total volumes for the full year likely to be only slightly behind 2022’s figures, according to the latest TDUK statistics. Timber import statistics for November 2023 show the market continued to improve in 2023, relative to 2022, with total import volumes for the full year likely to be only slightly behind 2022’s figures. Import volumes in the month of November 2023 were 0.9% higher than in November 2022. The deficit in the cumulative annual volume of the UK’s timber and panel imports after 11 months of 2023, compared to the same period in 2022, reduced once again to stand at around 117,000m3 – down from 123,000m3 last month. This cumulative reduction in volume of all imports in 2023 to November over 2022 was 1.3%. This is a significant improvement on earlier in the year, as during the spring import volumes were on track to be the lowest since 2013, but imports during the second half of the year allayed any fear of this being the case. The loss in volume peaked at 384.000m3 in May 2023 and has reduced each month since to stand at 117,000m3, or just 1.3%, below 2022. The 0.9% growth in the month of November completed six months of consecutive growth of the combined volume of the main timber, panels and engineered wood products imported by the UK. This better second-half performance has been realised largely through higher softwood, hardwood plywood, OSB and MDF imports. Solid wood imports over the first 11 months of 2023 remain less than 1% lower than over the same period in 2022, with imports of panel products around 3% lower. TDUK Head of Technical and Trade, Nick Boulton, said: “It’s encouraging to see main timber import volumes have now seen six months of consecutive growth in the second half of 2023, with statistics for the year just 1.3% below 2022 levels. “This supports our belief – and the CPA forecasts – that while the market may be challenging for the coming months, particularly in the core newbuild housing and RMI sectors, better times lie ahead. “It’s important to remember that while 2024 may have started slowly, this is likely to be an election year and the political parties will soon begin to set out their manifestos and plans for the construction and housebuilding sectors. The industry is expected to see recovery begin in 2025 post-General Election, and we look forward to learning how the different political parties plan to support the move towards timber as a core low-carbon building material, as has already been set out in the Government’s Timber in Construction Roadmap.” This month’s statistics also contain a summary of the latest Construction Products Association’s forecasts for 2024 and beyond, with a focus on newbuild and private housing RMI. TDUK members can read the full report here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work is underway to deliver Amethyst Homes second development in Newcastle city centre, following the success of its previous development located at Northbourne Street, for Home Group, five years ago. The joint development, in partnership with Bellway, will create 124 new homes, 45 built by Amethyst, comprising two, three and four bedroomed houses. The project has been facilitated by Tynexe, a joint venture company comprising Newcastle City Council and Consett based Dysart Developments, which carried out the necessary reclamation works to prepare the land for development. Richard Bass, Managing Director at Amethyst Homes, said: “This is an exciting development for Amethyst, located just off Westmorland Road in the heart of Newcastle’s West end. “We are confident that this site will help address local housing need and will prove popular, due to its location and the variety of homes on offer. It is rewarding to see work finally starting on site, as it has taken a true partnership approach to unlock this brownfield land.” The properties at Amethyst Homes’ Vallum Heights will be built using modern methods of construction, with the use of timber frame, which is a first for Amethyst. Working in partnership with Aberdeen based, Kirkwood Timber Frame, this method of construction will enable each home’s structural frame to be erected on site within a day. In addition, benefits to the buyer include highly efficient insulation – in line with latest industry Building Regulations – and cost savings on energy bills. Andy Lewis, Business Development Manager at Kirkwood Timber Frame, added: “It is great to help Amethyst Homes deliver its first timber frame properties. The benefits are far reaching for the developer and the home buyer. “By using timber frame a housebuilder can reduce its carbon footprint by up to 40%* and it offers efficiencies during the construction process. For the homebuyer, timber frame offers a greater level of insulation. Timber is a natural thermal insulator stores and offers low energy consumption, which in turn saves homeowners money on their bills. “Scotland are leading the way in timber frame construction with over 90% of all new homes using this build method, far less in England with just 23% across the UK overall. It is great to see Amethyst embrace this technology, which we know is growing in popularity in the region.” The timber frame panels are made in Kirkwood’s state of the art manufacturing facility using the latest machinery in a semi-automated process. This means that external and internal walls are made to precision, reducing time and labour required on site. Whole houses are delivered to the site where a crane lifts the panels, floor and roof into place usually within a single day, allowing following on trades to complete the build in double quick time. 68 homes on the joint 12-acre site will be fitted with solar panels to generate renewable energy and further reduce carbon emissions. As part of the regeneration of the area over 25 jobs will be safeguarded and a new homes sales executive recruited. Through the lifetime of the project there will be investment in training and employment, parks and recreation and local community initiatives, which will include allotments and open space developed at the south of the site, next to Wolsingham Street. Among the new trees and shrubs will be butterfly bank features to encourage biodiversity in the area. For more information about Vallum Heights, please visit https://amethysthomes.co.uk/our-developments/future-developments/vallum-heights/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Barhale has secured two further contracts under Thames Water’s AMP7 Conditional Allowance Trunk Main Schemes both adjacent to major London railway terminuses. The awards bringing the total value of works Barhale has been awarded under the scheme to £24.8M. The Victoria Station Trunk Main Replacement and the Eversholt Street Mains Replacement join the recently announced Fortis Green Trunk Main Replacement in the programme of AMP7 upgrades to essential water assets across London. At Victoria Station, civil engineering, infrastructure and tunnelling specialist Barhale will rehabilitate more than a kilometre of a 30” cast iron water main. Work is divided into two sections: 609 metres between Eaton Square and Victoria Street and a further 412 metres at Wilton Road to a point immediately south of its crossing with Warwick Way. The majority of the existing main will be sliplined with 710mm SDR17 Polyethylene pipe. Short open cut sections will be required at launch and reception pits and connection locations. At these points the original pipe will be replaced with 600mm nominal bore ductile iron pipework. At Eversholt Street near Euston Station, Barhale will rehabilitate a 660 metre length of 16” cast iron water main also using a combination of opencut and slip lining using 355mm SDR17 Polyethylene pipe. Shane Gorman, Barhale’s Water Director – Southern Region explained that the extremely busy nature of both locations had a significant influence on the engineering solution. “These are two of the most important rail gateways to the capital with thousands of passengers travelling through every hour,” he said. “Also, around each site, the roads are very busy so it has been important to develop an approach that would not only protect future water supply in each area, but one which also minimises the impact to the local communities, businesses and rail and road users. “Our engineers will use a number of launch and reception pits to slipline the existing water main. This means we will be able to avoid the large-scale disruption that can be caused by continuous trenches and deliver a faster, better result. We will also reduce environmental impact in comparison with traditional open-cut methods. “We are very pleased that Thames Water has demonstrated its confidence in Barhale with these awards for schemes at such sensitive locations and we look forward to working closely with the Thames Water team to deliver this innovative solution.” Esther Sharples, Operations Director for London said: “We’re committed to keeping the taps flowing for Londoners and this multi-million-pound investment will further future-proof our network. “By working with Barhale and investing in innovative technology to upgrade our ageing Victorian pipes, we’re also able to reduce disruption for our customers in a busy central London location.” Handover and commissioning is expected at Eversholt Street in Spring of 2024 and at Victoria Station towards the end of 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Millcroft Scaffolding has started work on the contract to provide an essential logistics gantry for the major works project at Blashford Tower on the Chalcots Estate in Camden. Situated on Adelaide Road in northwest London, Blashford Tower comprises 72 flats over 19 storeys and is one of five high rise towers that form the Chalcots Estate. The £22m design and build recladding and fire safety works contract is part of Camden Council’s commitment to deliver a new standard of safety for residents. GRAHAM, awarded the Blashford Tower contract in September 2021, is delivering the project in two stages. The first stage involved extensive design work and tests to determine how the safety improvements would be implemented. The ongoing second phase includes setting up the site and installing an A1-rated cladding system, a curtain wall, new windows, and the replacement of brickwork to the underground level. Millcroft’s integral role in the project is to provide scaffolding, which will form a logistics gantry and distribution route and provide safe access to the site accommodation for workers. This entails the erection of a heavy-duty gantry extending from the face of Blashford Tower towards the site welfare facility, with scaffolding spreading to the Adelaide Medical Centre adjacent to Blashford Tower. The tower’s location and tight site constraints, including limited storage, have presented several challenges for Millcroft’s team. This is a live site with residents remaining in the tower until work on their respective floor level starts, when they will be moved to temporary accommodation. Further complications arise from the need to always keep the pedestrian ramps along the tower’s east and west sides clear, as it serves as vital access to the medical centre. The tower’s location has also required careful consideration. The site runs adjacent to Network Rail tracks at the bottom of a densely vegetated slope. A ground investigation was conducted to assess the slope’s stability and confirm its capacity to withstand the additional force and loads imposed by the gantry and scaffolding. Additionally, as the scaffolding is being erected on Network Rail land, the design of the scaffold had to be submitted to Network Rail for approval. Billy Jones, Managing Director at Millcroft, said, “GRAHAM is a long-term strategic partner and valued client of ours, and our Pre-Commencement team has been working with them on this project for around three years to ensure all aspects of our scaffolding meet the required standards and design for this complex site. We started on site at the beginning of November and expect to complete our part of the contract installation works by February 2024.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading investor, developer and operator of rental communities Moda Group has announced its Fitwel Champion status. This prestigious grading has been given to Moda as it continues to lead change by committing to use Fitwel for its vast and growing portfolio, applying exceptionally high standards from the world’s leading certification system for healthy buildings and communities. Fitwel has already awarded the highest accreditation of 3-star to four of Moda’s neighbourhoods, making Moda a world leader in certifications. The Fitwel Champion news comes as Moda releases its new ESG report looking back on 2023 as part of its Next Generation Futures strategy, first announced in 2022, and looks ahead to initiatives planned for 2024. Moda is the first developer and operator to have all its operational neighbourhoods achieve some of the highest sustainability targets in the sector, working to industry standards set by LETI, the Royal Institute of British Architects and the UK Green Building Council, as well as achieving: Moda has also worked closely with councils across the UK to add social value through employment and skills, culture and placemaking with a number of landmark ESG projects. In the West Midlands, Moda worked with contractor John Sisk & Sons and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to launch the second WMCA-funded on-site Skills Hub at Moda’s Great Charles Street site in Birmingham. The hub offers free training and employment opportunities for local people with a guaranteed job interview. It continues the work carried out by the group at Moda, The Mercian, which exceeded all its targets and supported 140 new employment opportunities at the site during construction, including seven apprenticeships. The new hub at Great Charles Street is targeting a further 240,000 work hours specifically for local people. In Brighton & Hove, Moda worked closely with the city council and a dedicated Community Liaison Group (CLG) to plan a £10m investment in public realm in its forthcoming Moda, Hove Central neighbourhood. The CLG, made up of community representatives and local MP Peter Kyle, developed an ambitious £450,000 public art strategy which has already resulted in on-site murals painted by local artists and the funding of the Flight of the Langoustine sculpture of Hove Plinth on the city’s seafront. Following a national call, several artists have been selected to co-produce a range of sculptures and installations across the site’s public realm. Moda has also been a major sponsor of the Brighton Festival for two years running, which welcomed 53,000 attendees in 2023. In Leeds, Moda worked in collaboration with creative agency New Citizens and Leeds City Council to create the biggest outdoor event space in Leeds with Canvas Yard, based in an area which Moda is in the process of developing. Canvas Yard welcomed 14,000 attendees to its range of music, sports, cultural and arts events in 2023 with a series of events lined up again for summer 2024. Other key highlights from the new ESG report include: Tarry Depledge, ESG Manager, Moda Group, said: “Our ‘Next Generation Futures’ ESG strategy set out a bold and ambitious roadmap for Moda, and this report is a summary of everything we have been doing to create positive change to our environment, our communities, and our business governance for the last financial year. There has been a large focus on reducing our embodied and operational carbon levels, doing the right thing for our communities, hiring locally and offering skills and training while promoting physical, mental and social wellbeing for both our residents and our team. “Apart from continuing to roll out innovative ESG initiatives, we remain focussed on keeping our culture, purpose and resident vision aligned with our ESG Strategy while achieving our 2025 targets. “There is however still a long way to go, and being welcomed as a Fitwel Champion is just one way we can commit ourselves to making sure that we have a positive impact on the communities we operate in for generations to come.” The Fitwel Standard translates the global public health evidence base into practical, implementable design and operational strategies and guidelines to be used at the building level, community level, and at scale. Joanna Frank, President & CEO of the Center for Active Design, the sole operator of Fitwel, said: “We’re thrilled that Moda has committed to becoming a Fitwel Champion. It is commendable to see Moda commit to Fitwel as part of their ‘Next Generation Futures’ ESG strategy to create positive change by focusing on developing healthier spaces and communities. In today’s real estate landscape, prioritizing the health of our planet and people is no longer a trend; it’s a business imperative, representing both risk and opportunity. By embracing an evidence-based health-focused approach, Moda is not only responding to stakeholder demand but also leading the way in shaping a healthier future in the UK. We applaud their trailblazing efforts and welcome them as Champions in the healthy building movement.” Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Beyond reshaping the Birmingham skyline, Moda, The Mercian – thanks to its on-site Skills Hub – created training and employment opportunities for hundreds of local people. The West Midlands Combined Authority proudly played its part in funding that important initiative. “It’s good news that Moda and Sisk are continuing this work at their Great Charles Street site in the Jewellery Quarter, so familiar to Brummies as ‘The Bomb Site’. This is testament to the power of partnership – where we see what can happen when people right across our region work together. “I look forward to Moda continuing to make a positive impact – as set out in their new ESG report – in the months and years ahead.” Peter Kyle MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, said: “It has been a pleasure to work in partnership with Moda on the delivery of their Hove Central neighbourhood and on a range of social value initiatives including the public art strategy for Hove. Their new ESG report demonstrates the boldness and ambition of Moda’s commitment
This week is National Apprenticeship Week, a celebration that brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the the positive impact that apprenticeships make them and the wider economy. We met two on a building site at Barratt Homes Bristol Two years ago, Alex Biruls was selling cars. He’d left school not really knowing what he wanted for his future and spent the next three years taking roles in a supermarket and then the motor trade. But, while he was at it, he discovered and developed skills and confidence that shaped a desire to ‘go back to school and learn more’, an interest in surveying and a pathway into the construction industry, in his case with Barratt Homes in Bristol. Today, at just 26, he’s picked up a Level 4 HNC and is studying (part time) for a degree at Sheffield University to become a Quantity Surveyor. Both courses are fully funded. Ambassadors of apprenticeships have long fought to see them on an equal footing with other qualifications and recognised as a prestigious option that meets the skills needs of employers across the country. Crucially, they’ve advocated the pathway for students who don’t want or aren’t suited to full time academic study so they can enjoy an alternative route into their chosen career. This week – National Apprenticeship Week [ed note hyperlink if required at https://naw.appawards.co.uk/] – is celebrating and showcasing their success in doing that, with stories across the sectors – from accounting to agriculture, the creative industries to construction – looking at how the schemes deliver skills for life. “We’ve seen and celebrated so many of our team training and taking on key roles in Barratt thanks to apprenticeship training,” says Andrea Pilgrim, sales director at Barratt Homes Bristol. “At the moment we have both Construction Graduate Apprentices (a five year programme) and Trade Apprentices (in areas like Bricklaying and Carpentry) and we know, like the organisers of this awareness week, that the opportunity to learn while you earn, to combine study with skills training on the job among a team of trained professionals, is absolutely the best route for some people and never a ‘second best’ option. It brings so many benefits, not least allowing people to learn while they earn with colleagues established in the industry.” “I think I was lucky,” says Alex Biruls today. “My parents were ambitious for me but there was no pressure – they wanted me to find something that was right for my future. But nothing was wasted during those early exploratory jobs – they showed me what I was good at (skills like negotiation, customer service) and gave me chance to explore careers and find one that was right for me. “Now it all seems like a no brainer,” adds Alex. “The surveyors I work with are fantastic, and this role allows me to be part of a bigger team building something special for communities. Learning while doing a job makes me more enthusiastic about my study, and the study is absolutely relevant to my day-to-day work.” Alex’s degree course is delivered in residential blocks up in Sheffield. “So I can be in a technical lecture one week learning about, say, timber frame construction and the materials involved, and then I am back on site the next with a real understanding of what I am seeing and the methods we’re using,” he says. “And I have a mentor to monitor and support me all the way. I was a chatterbox at school, but now I am a bit of a bookworm. I am really invested in this role and know what the outcome and future might look like. And, while I study, I am part of a team building these new, more efficient than ever houses and communities and I find it really fascinating. Even developing the playgrounds on the developments is special. The attention to detail – the landscaping, flooring and more – to deliver a positive experience for families is really exciting to see and be a part of.” Finn Tucker, 16, will be one of the apprentices working on those timber framed houses Alex describes. Growing up in a household with a dad who is a self-employed plumber and a brother who is a bricklayer, he knew he wanted a physical, hands on, out-in-the-fresh-air practical job and says learning while he earns is brilliant. “It was the practical stuff I’d loved at school – design, technology, sports – and because I was doing okay there was some pressure to go onto A Levels and there were several options presented to me, like mechanics or sport. But I really wanted to be a carpenter, was focused on and loved woodwork, and I am so glad I made this choice. “The role I am in and the course I am taking feels so different from learning in a classroom or even doing practical projects in a college workshop. Carpentry here covers everything you can imagine – the doors, the floors, the roof – and I am part of a team who are teaching me every day while I work with them. It’s hard work, but none of it – the work or the study (via two-week college placements) ever feels like a chore. I have a mentor based at the college who visits me on site. And, crucially, I am learning fast that when you enjoy something you feel like you can achieve anything. It makes you hungry to learn more.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Prolec Safety Systems Unveils: Game-changer “One Screen” Solution Redefining Safety and Productivity (2D) in Construction. Meeting Industry Demands: In response to the time-sensitive nature of the construction sector, Prolec, Europe’s largest manufacturer of plant safety equipment, is set to make waves once again. Just over a year ago, Kinshofer’s acquisition of Prolec marked a significant move in the industry. Today, 06th of February, Prolec is poised to take the construction industry by surprise once again. In a remarkable initiative, Prolec will become the first in the industry to seamlessly combine Safety and 2D Guidance on a single screen. Overview of Prolec Safety Systems: For the past 40 years, Prolec Safety Systems has been dedicated to engineering cutting-edge solutions that prioritise safety without compromising on productivity. Our unwavering commitment to innovation, reliability, and customer satisfaction has led us to become a trusted leader in the industry. Prolec Safety Systems integrates Height and Slew Limiters with RCI (Rated Capacity Indicators) for comprehensive safety control. Our safety systems are designed to ensure operators maintain control within defined parameters, setting the standard for reliable and precise plant safety solutions. A Shift in Dynamics: Prolec Safety Systems brings forth a transformative shift, replacing the complexities of dual screens with an all-encompassing solution. Imagine seamlessly integrating safety and productivity with automatic stops to prevent costly damages and cutting-edge 2D guidance. Overview of Prolec 2D Guidance: Prolec 2D Guidance, a state-of-the-art technology, enhances construction productivity with unparalleled precision. The system provides real-time 2D guidance, empowering operators to achieve optimal digging accuracy. Prolec 2D Guidance minimises errors and enhances efficiency, reducing project timelines and costs, making it an indispensable tool for construction professionals aiming for unmatched precision. Global Debut: Prolec 2D Guidance Options for PME400 and PME500 We are thrilled to announce the global debut of our groundbreaking integration, set to take place on the 6th of February. Kinshofer Prolec will become the first in the industry to seamlessly combine Safety and 2D Guidance on a single screen. This revolutionary system will be available for firsthand experience at INTERMAT in Paris. Prolec 2D Guidance options include: Unparalleled Advantages: Why Prolec Stands Out: Prolec PME Safety and 2D add-in solution removes the need for moving hardware between machines. It utilises existing, securely anchored hardware for safety across all tasks, offering a cost-effective choice. This shift ensures safety and productivity seamlessly integrate, going beyond a checkbox approach. The system halts the machine automatically when hazard thresholds are reached, ensuring an unprecedented level of safety for both personnel and infrastructure. Endorsement from CTA Training Academy: Upgrade in the Field Option: For those already benefiting from Prolec safety, our upgrade in the field option maximises cost-effectiveness, utilising current hardware and preparing the machine for diverse projects. Trusted Distribution Network: Prolec Safety Systems has collaborated with trusted distributors across the UK who are well-equipped to support with new sales and existing customer upgrade inquiries. For their contact details, please reach out to Prolec directly. Prolec – Where Safety Meets Efficiency: This isn’t just a product; it’s a game-changing advancement. Prolec offers a dedicated safety ECU. There is a clean separation between safety and guidance functions. Lead the industry in combined efficiency and safety on a singular screen, making it not just a smart investment but a commercial triumph. Prolec – Elevating Safety to Priority #1: Experience an all-in-one-screen solution, encompassing Height & Slew limiters, RCI, and 2D Digging Guidance in a single, user-friendly interface. Prolec Safety Systems is setting a new benchmark for safety and productivity in the construction domain. For enquiries, please contact: Marketing@prolec.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A host of charities and organisations supporting communities across Scotland have been awarded funding from SP Energy Networks’ Net Zero Fund to introduce innovative net zero technology. The groups will receive grants to help them decarbonise and reach their net zero targets sooner – through the installation of solar panels and heat pumps, to the purchase of electric vehicles and retrofitting listed buildings to increase energy efficiency. The £5million Net Zero Fund was launched in 2022 by SP Energy Networks, part of the ScottishPower group, to support vulnerable communities and ensure no one is left behind on the country’s journey to net zero emissions. It directly supports organisations within SP Energy Networks’ transmission areas who have green ambitions and are looking to decarbonise their communities across Central and Southern Scotland. The next round of the Net Zero Fund is now open and is welcoming applications from eligible charities and community organisations. Alongside financial support, the fund also offers guidance and support to community organisations and charities looking to take the next step on their decarbonisation journey. Scott Mathieson, Network Planning and Regulation Director at SP Energy Networks, said: “SP Energy Networks takes pride in serving all of the communities of Central and Southern Scotland. “Our staff and networks are part of the fabric of the central belt and it’s right therefore that we play our part in ensuring the most vulnerable customers in our areas also obtain access to the benefits that zero emission energy can bring in transport, heat and jobs. “The projects awarded in our first round of our Net Zero Fund are diverse, they range from addressing renewable heat challenges in Victorian buildings in Govan in the heart of Glasgow through to enabling a smart energy community hub and Scout hall in Ardrossan. The ingenuity of these community led schemes is inspiring and we feel privileged to help them realise their net zero future. “Our next funding round is now open, and we’re welcoming applications from eligible charities and community groups looking to accelerate their net zero plans.” Among the recipients of the first round of funding is Govan Heritage Trust – a group dedicated to preserving and promoting Govan’s cultural heritage. Following the closure of Govan Old Church in 2007, the community Trust rescued the A-listed building and its contents which included the internationally renowned Govan Stones, one of the most impressive collections of early medieval sculpture in Europe. Now in community ownership, the property is being developed into a museum to showcase the site’s heritage. The renovations will also offer a meeting space for local organisations and charities such as those catering for elderly and isolated members of the community; groups welcoming and supporting refugees; organisations working with Govan’s youth; and local schools looking to learn about heritage. To support the Trust in its efforts to lower emissions, the Net Zero Fund is providing a grant of £150,000 to install a River Source Heat Pump, an initiative ran in partnership with the Clyde Mission Fund. The renewable plant will deliver a 93% reduction in carbon emissions and 20% saving in energy costs. Speaking on the support, Pat Cassidy, a Trustee of Govan Heritage Trust said: “Govan Old church and the Govan Stones are our community’s greatest architectural and cultural assets and we’re using them to benefit local people. “Achieving net zero has always been at the forefront of our redevelopment plans, but there are particular challenges when it comes to making sustainable improvements to such a historic site. We are very grateful for the generous support of the Net Zero Fund which helps us overcome these obstacles and complete the installation of a Heat Pump that will generate energy from the Clyde – resulting in a dramatic reduction on both our carbon emissions and outgoings. “We know that times are tough for many of the groups who use our community hub, and this investment will help us provide a more flexible and affordable space and increase our visitor numbers.” Food Train’s Stewartry branch has also been awarded over £100,000 in funding to replace two of its current vehicles with new electric models and install a charging point at the Dumfries and Galloway base. The charity makes life easier for older people by providing vital services to those who are no longer able to manage independently. Its team of volunteers make hundreds of grocery deliveries every week – making access to reliable and efficient transport an essential part of its operation. Gaynor Grant, Business Development Manager at Food Train, said: “Our volunteers are out on the road most days of the week, and while the service they are providing is absolutely crucial to the older people in the community, we have always been conscious of the miles on the road we clock up and the impact this has on our carbon footprint. “The support of SP Energy Network’s Net Zero Fund will allow us to electrify our fleet and make a significant reduction to our current emissions output. For our customers, our volunteer visits are a key part of their life; having the onsite charging point will be essential in ensuring we always have reliable transport to reach them.” 1st Ardrossan 15th Ayrshire Scout Group has also been awarded funding, receiving a grant of £93,000 to support extensive renovations of their current Scout hall, including the installation of an air source heat pump, insulation, and replacement glazing. The hall is currently used by a host of different community organisations – from mental health support groups to those working with people with additional support needs. The sustainable improvements are predicted to allow the hall to increase weekly visitors by as much as 50 people, providing a vital community space for more local groups. To involve young people in their net zero transition and help them learn about the importance of reducing carbon emissions, the Scouts are also planning on incorporating the learnings from the project into the current Global Issues and Community Impact Scout badges. Alan Donaldson, Trustee
