Marks & Spencer is set to invest in its £1bn convenience business, with the retailer planning to open 10 new stores in 2024. The retailer will also ‘renew’ a further 50 convenience stores this year. M&S stated that by the end of the year, it will have a presence in
Glenigan, one of the construction industry’s leading insight and intelligence experts, releases its widely anticipated UK Construction Industry Forecast 2024-2026. The key takeaway from this Forecast, which focuses on the next three years (2024-2026), is that the construction industry will face near-term challenges including slow economic growth and persistently high
Clowes Developments have successfully purchased a 31-acre site at Harrier Park, Hucknall from Rolls-Royce via their Development manager Muse. The business park has been fully serviced by Muse and has the benefit of planning permission for circa 500,000 sq ft of warehouse/industrial space across six buildings. The site is located
ACS Stainless Steel Fixings (ACS) has collaborated with Tenmat – a leading manufacturer of passive fire protection materials and components – to set a new standard for masonry support. In a bid to help developers, contractors, architects and specifiers create safer and more sustainable buildings, the pair have formed a
Osprey Charging, the UK’s leading and fastest-growing EV rapid-charging network, has released research confirming that nearly nine in ten UK commercial landlords (87%) surveyed feel that installing public EV charging at their sites is important for attracting new; and retaining existing customers (86%). After polling 500 commercial landlords across the
Persimmon South West has received approval for detailed planning for a new scheme for 40 homes in Exeter. Exeter City Council gave the green light for 40 high-quality homes, on land adjacent to Blakeslee Drive in Newcourt. This follows the outline planning consent that had previously been granted in March
Apollo Fire is the second occupier to take up home at the development’s first phase XLB and the Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo), on behalf of some of its clients, advised by Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH), have let the second of four units at the first phase of Langstone Park
Currys has announced a significant investment in its store portfolio, with 50 of the retailer’s stores set to undergo a revamp this year. The electronics retailer stated that a blended in-store and online omnichannel model remains crucial to its customers, with two-thirds using stores to make their purchases. Under the
Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA’s construction of HS2’s new super-hub station in west London, Old Oak Common, has moved into a new phase as workers on the project completed the excavation of the huge underground box structure where high speed trains will stop. The excavation has taken three years, after permanent
Carrier has officially opened a new training academy at its Bracknell service and rentals depot. The new state-of-the-art facility reinforces Carrier’s dedication to training and inspiring the next generation of engineers and technicians while helping to address the skills gap in the HVAC sector. Carrier is part of Carrier Global
Marks & Spencer is set to invest in its £1bn convenience business, with the retailer planning to open 10 new stores in 2024. The retailer will also ‘renew’ a further 50 convenience stores this year. M&S stated that by the end of the year, it will have a presence in over 40 UK train stations, including Ealing Broadway, where it opened last month, and in Belfast, where it will open in October. This development follows the reopening of its Liverpool Street Station Mezzanine store, the first ever M&S convenience store at a mainline railway station, which has been updated in partnership with SSP. The store has been enhanced with an additional entrance, revamped chilled and floral sections, as well as the inclusion of freshly baked bakery products. New payment points have also been introduced, with additional self-service tills installed to reduce customer waiting times. First opened in November 2001, the Liverpool Street Mezzanine store remains a testament to M&S’s partnership with SSP. The group specialises in running travel food and drink outlets and currently operates 55 franchised M&S convenience stores across rail and air locations, as well as in some hospitals. Alex Freudmann, Managing Director of M&S Food, said: “Our renewal programme is all about making sure we have the right stores in the right place and with the right space, and this applies to our convenience stores as well. These stores offer the perfect range for customers on the move looking for sandwiches, salads, and snacks to eat now, as well as meals for dinner, such as our renowned Dine In offers. “The convenience channel complements our wider business and provides a halo effect, so it’s important that customers have the same fantastic shopping experience. The new renewal format for our convenience stores maximises these small spaces to deliver the M&S Foodhall experience for the missions our customers are shopping for as they travel. By renewing and growing our convenience estate, we’ll continue to deliver for our customers however, whenever, and wherever they want to shop with us.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Glenigan, one of the construction industry’s leading insight and intelligence experts, releases its widely anticipated UK Construction Industry Forecast 2024-2026. The key takeaway from this Forecast, which focuses on the next three years (2024-2026), is that the construction industry will face near-term challenges including slow economic growth and persistently high interest rates. These factors are expected to further constrain private-sector investment and delay public-sector projects. However, the outlook brightens as the forecast period progresses. The new Government, which has a substantial majority, is already reducing political uncertainty and rallying markets. Policy decisions around construction projects will likely be made at a faster pace, boosting performance. This points to a strengthening economy expected to boost consumer spending and investor confidence in the back-end of 2024. This signals recovery in the not-so-distant future, with a modest increase in project-starts predicted in the latter half of 2024 lifting starts by 3% this year. As the economy picks up further in 2025, Glenigan forecasts 7% growth, and 6% in 2026. Disruption stifles short-term growth Construction starts have remained sluggish during the first six months of 2024, as high interest rates and a weak economic outlook dented investor and consumer confidence. The General Election has also affected the pipeline of public-sector construction projects. The purdah period has disrupted the progress of public-funded projects, while decisions will also be delayed post-election as the new Labour government reviews existing programmes such as the Lower Thames Crossing. Starts on the up However, an easing in borrowing costs and improved economic conditions – with the UK economy forecast to grow around 0.8% in 2024 – together with greater political certainty, should help to lift investor confidence from the second half of 2024 and into next year. Despite a tough start, renewed growth in project-starts is forecast for H2 2024. The gradual easing of interest rates is also expected to feed through to lift housing market activity from the second half of this year. Further, the Spending Review will set out the new government’s funding commitments and priorities and is expected to strengthen public sector construction activity during the second half of the forecast period. Commenting on the Forecast, Glenigan’s Economic Director Allan Wilen says, “There are signs of growth, signalling a gradual recovery. For example, in the private housing sector, we anticipate starts will pick up in the latter half of this year, driven by improved affordability and brighter economic prospects. Similarly, we’re forecasting improved activity in consumer-related verticals such as retail and hotel & leisure, as a gradual easing in price inflation is set to provide a boost to households’ spending power. Elsewhere, structural changes are expected to create new opportunities in office refurb and fit-out, while logistics is poised for renewed investment fuelled by online retail growth. However, he acknowledges the seismic results of the recent General Election will have a significant upfront impact on industry performance, particularly in the public sector, “No one could have predicted a landslide of such large proportions and, whilst the uncertainty during the pre-Election period hinted at a slower pace of recovery, we could easily see an acceleration as the Labour Government removes barriers to getting shovels in the ground from easing planning restrictions to embarking on major capital projects. It will be interesting to return to our predications in November, when the new administration has had time to make its mark, announce its autumn budget and publish its keenly anticipated Spending Review. To find out more about Glenigan and its construction intelligence services, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Clowes Developments have successfully purchased a 31-acre site at Harrier Park, Hucknall from Rolls-Royce via their Development manager Muse. The business park has been fully serviced by Muse and has the benefit of planning permission for circa 500,000 sq ft of warehouse/industrial space across six buildings. The site is located just on the edge of Hucknall being within a 10-minute drive between junction 26 and 27 of the M1 Via the A611. East Midlands Airport, East Midlands Parkway Train Station and the cities of Derby and Nottingham are all accessible within a half an hour drive from the business park. Harrier Park sits outside the Nottingham workplace parking levy. The site, aptly named Harrier Park, has a wealth of industrial history and a legacy of innovative engineering. The land was formerly used as an aerodrome associated with the development of the famous Rolls-Royce Merlin engine during World War II followed by the world’s first successful vertical take-off in the 1950’s with technology which in turn led to the Harrier ‘Jump Jet’ being developed. Hence the name, Harrier Park. Sarah Day, Senior Land Manager at Clowes Developments commented on the deal, “There are a considerable number of off-market opportunities being presented to Clowes currently, we are running appraisals daily, occasionally we find a site that ticks all our boxes and Harrier Park certainly does that. The site has the potential to develop just over 500,000sq ft of industrial use facilities in a prime location with great connections across the East Midlands. We look forward to working with the local planning authority, Ashfield District Council, to bring forward a business park which will enhance the economy and provide employment opportunities locally.” Clowes Developments have been heavily developing existing land banks across England and Scotland, more recently, the group have been driving the purchase of development sites. The announcement of the purchase of Harrier Park comes less than a week after the group shared the news that they purchased a 35-acre, mixed use site at Pleasley Hill in Mansfield. The groups ongoing investment demonstrates Clowes’ commitment to growth, ensuring a healthy pipeline of future developments for years to come. Clowes Developments is one of the UK’s largest and strongest privately-owned property investment and development organisations, dedicated to a simple aim: to build a legacy of strong, sustainable places that will enable future generations to prosper. James Richards, Development Director at Clowes Developments will now look to firm up the site’s masterplan with their newly appointed design team. Fisher German represented Clowes on the purchase of the site and together with FHP Property Consultants have been appointed to market the site’s ‘design and build’ opportunities for occupiers to buy or rent premises at Harrier Park. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
ACS Stainless Steel Fixings (ACS) has collaborated with Tenmat – a leading manufacturer of passive fire protection materials and components – to set a new standard for masonry support. In a bid to help developers, contractors, architects and specifiers create safer and more sustainable buildings, the pair have formed a joint venture to create a new iteration of Intex™ 4-in-1 Masonry Support system – the first combined masonry support system combining four critical components in one easy-to-fit design. Ahead of launch – and in a bid to give the industry confidence in the product – ACS invested £65,000 in advanced testing of Intex™ something that recently culminated in certification from Kiwa, a renowned global leader in Testing, Inspection, and Certification. The Kiwa mark solidifies the product’s credentials and will help developers secure warranties in the future as ACS managing director David Flannery explained: “Intex™ is a game-changing product for the sector; combining masonry support, cavity tray and wall ties, in one, with an added intumescent cavity fire barrier mechanically fixed to the cavity tray for exceptional fire protection. “It has been created to overcome challenges around cavity congestion, incompatible parts and incorrect installation. Intex™4-in-1 Masonry Support is over 40% faster to install than traditional methods such as masonry support, cavity tray, cavity fire barrier and wall ties which means significant labour cost savings – with projections of 29% cost savings on labour and 4% overall. The product is ergonomically designed, making it easy for installers to handle and fit, with the added bonus of reducing deliveries and storage space onsite by up to 32% as well as reducing congestion by up to 60%. This gives complete peace of mind that components are compatible and every one of them is doing its job.” The news comes a year after Intex™ was first launched to market and specified on several schemes, including residential projects in London. ACS has since invested £350,000 across R&D, now collaborating with Tenmat to evolve the product and share best practice. Each business has a longstanding track record, with ACS celebrating its 40th year in business and Tenmat bringing 100 years’ experience in working with advanced composite materials for safety critical applications. Mark Davies, Sales Director of Tenmat added: “Unlike many new product development projects, where there are often challenges and setbacks to overcome, the two teams came together and maintained open and honest communication to keep a focus on the end goal. “Intex™ 4-in-1 Masonry Support system represents an industry first of utilising compact, low profile intumescent materials to provide an integrated cavity barrier solution to a masonry support bracket and cavity tray. “We are delighted to partner with ACS to bring this product to market having both identified an acute need for something new and innovative. Intex™ 4-in-1 Masonry Support system and its Kiwa certification will help the industry and represents a market-first for utilising compact, low profile intumescent materials to provide a pioneering solution.” David concluded: “This partnership was born not just out of respect and shared expertise, but of a real desire to assimilate our collective experience to take the industry forward. “We each bring different skills, experience and strengths to the partnership which makes for a great synergy; our two teams are united by a shared focus on innovation and developing solutions that simplify complex industry challenges with advanced composite materials for safety critical applications.” Find out more about Intex™ 4-in-1 Masonry Support System here: https://acsstainless.co.uk/products/4-in-1-masonry-support-system/intex-4-in-1-masonry-support/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Osprey Charging, the UK’s leading and fastest-growing EV rapid-charging network, has released research confirming that nearly nine in ten UK commercial landlords (87%) surveyed feel that installing public EV charging at their sites is important for attracting new; and retaining existing customers (86%). After polling 500 commercial landlords across the UK, Osprey found that the vast majority think that providing public EV chargers brings numerous commercial benefits. An overwhelming 86% said that it is important for retaining customers, while over four fifths (84%) said that it increases their chances of being able to rent their space out to businesses, decreasing void rates. Similarly, 85% believe that EV charging is important for ensuring their site is an in-demand space in the future whilst three-quarters (75%) said that it leads to longer dwell times from visitors, and 72% think that it leads to increased total customer footfall. The survey also found that commercial landlords agree on the environmental and health benefits of EV charging. Four in five (80%) believe it supports local decarbonisation efforts, with 78% agreeing it leads to better air quality, and three-quarters (75%) saying it reduces noise pollution on site. With the roll-out of public EV chargers continuing at a rapid rate, installing EV charging at commercial spaces continues to remain a priority for UK commercial landlords. Nearly three-quarters (72.4%) currently offer public EV charging at up to half of their spaces. Jake Goldby, Head of Acquisitions at Osprey Charging, said: “Installing public EV charging is becoming an essential requirement for UK commercial landlords who want to stay competitive and meet customer demands. From the financial benefits of higher customer footfall and greater future renting opportunities to the environmental benefits, this research has provided us with fascinating insights into why more and more are offering EV charging on their sites. “Partnering with commercial landlords has been integral for Osprey in allowing us to increase the roll-out of our charging infrastructure, which now has over 1,000 public high-powered EV chargers in rural and urban locations across the UK. We’re delighted to see that this research shows that they remain committed to supporting the roll-out of public charging infrastructure across the UK.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Persimmon South West has received approval for detailed planning for a new scheme for 40 homes in Exeter. Exeter City Council gave the green light for 40 high-quality homes, on land adjacent to Blakeslee Drive in Newcourt. This follows the outline planning consent that had previously been granted in March for up to 50 new homes. The 3.2-hectare site will feature family housing, comprising about a third of the area, with the remaining space dedicated to open areas. To the south, the open space will extend an existing pond to support the new development, incorporating additional planting to enhance biodiversity. Existing quality trees, including a significant Oak tree, will be preserved as part of the enhanced open space within the development. The five-star developer has collaborated closely with the Local Newcourt Community Association throughout the process and will undertake road works to widen the bend on Omaha Drive adjoining River Plate Road. Persimmon has a presence in Exeter and its East Devon outskirts. Currently, it has two sites at Tithebarn – Ashworth Place and Cherrywood Grange, where homes are available for purchase from £259,995 – and is one of the developers contributing to the expansion of Cranbrook. The builder’s Community Champions initiative – which donates over £700,000 annually to good causes and organisations across Britain – has recently supported local groups such as Hospiscare, Stoke Hill AFC U9s, and Ladysmith Infant & Junior School. Persimmon Homes South West Managing Director Dan Heathcote said: “This achievement is a testament to our planning team and the collaborative efforts with residents, officers, and stakeholders. Together, we have brought 40 new homes to Exeter, providing much-needed affordable housing in the South West, as recognised by Exeter City Council. “Alongside the S106 commitments and green initiatives associated with the site to enhance the area, this project exemplifies the high standards at Persimmon and our commitment to supporting sustainable communities through collaboration. “As a responsible partner, Persimmon looks forward to continuing its engagement with the Council and the local community as we progress with delivering quality new homes for local people.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Apollo Fire is the second occupier to take up home at the development’s first phase XLB and the Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo), on behalf of some of its clients, advised by Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH), have let the second of four units at the first phase of Langstone Park in Havant, Hampshire. This success was achieved in the same week as the scheme won ‘Commercial Development of the Year’ at this year’s South Coast Property Awards. Apollo Fire, a specialist manufacturer of fire detection and alarm devices, has taken the 40,429 sq ft Unit 3 on a 10-year lease. This acquisition forms part of Apollo’s expansion strategy and will be home to multiple business operations. Apollo is part of Halma PLC, a global group of life-saving technology companies that provide innovative products and services. Halma is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 100. The first phase comprising four purpose-built units for R&D and industrial & logistics occupiers is complete and future phases will see the park comprehensively redeveloped, providing new, sustainable and high-quality business units and industrial floorspace aimed at accommodating a range of uses – all within highly energy efficient buildings, which will be capable of operating as net zero carbon. The buildings have achieved BREEAM Excellent and EPC A+. Stephen Wormald, partner at XLB comments: “We are aware of the depth of demand for quality R&D, manufacturing and logistics accommodation within the region and have responded with a contemporary new scheme offering best in class, sustainable buildings alongside best-in-class amenities. We look forward to welcoming Apollo Fire on site and they will be a vital part of the growing and thriving community at Langstone Park”. Dan Rawlings, Director – Industrial & Logistics at LSH said: “Langstone Park is meeting a clear and urgent need from occupiers in the South Coast market. This recent deal adds to the goring momentum and reinforces its status as a leading cluster for life sciences, manufacturing and light industrial businesses within the region”. Langstone Park is a 40-acre site, which is a former IBM manufacturing facility, and is now subject to a major redevelopment that will see it become the largest concentration of commercial floorspace within the borough. The park is home to a thriving community of office, laboratory, data centre and R&D community. The site is fully managed with 24/7 security, an on-site café, gym, cycle and shower facilities. In addition to the exciting letting and award for Commercial Development of the Year on phase I, XLB and AIMCo are nearing conclusion of the main contractor tender process on phase II of the 680,000 sq. ft masterplan, a 3-unit new sustainable scheme ranging from 26,113 to 56,456 sq ft. The industrial warehouses will benefit from the same ESG specification benefits as phase I with the addition of green roofs which will further enhance the property benefits to occupiers. LSH and JLL are the joint agents on the scheme. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Currys has announced a significant investment in its store portfolio, with 50 of the retailer’s stores set to undergo a revamp this year. The electronics retailer stated that a blended in-store and online omnichannel model remains crucial to its customers, with two-thirds using stores to make their purchases. Under the new changes, the stores will introduce new categories and seasonal showcases, as well as an enhanced focus on revitalising entrance spaces. New categories will include health and beauty, pet technology, portable power, and fitness – which the retailer said aligns with current consumer trends. Seasonal ranges will encompass categories such as BBQs and gardening equipment in summer, back-to-school tech and supplies in autumn, and new gifting ranges and services in winter. Currys’ investment in its ‘megastores’ has already commenced, with its branches in Swindon, Merry Hill, Brentford, and Solihull recently relaunching. The retailer – which operates 301 stores in the UK and Ireland – recently announced that it would be reimagining the layouts of 65 of its medium-sized stores. Overall, this brings the total number of stores that Currys plans to transform this year to 115. Matthew Speight, Director of Stores at Currys, said: “The investment in these 50 megastores builds on what we’ve already achieved this year so far, and I can’t wait to hear the feedback from inside and outside of the business on the new categories and seasonal items. “I continue to be blown away by the incredible teams around the business who work tirelessly to make such milestones a reality for our customers. Yet again, kudos to the colleagues – let’s keep building on the UK’s leading omnichannel retailer position and pushing to provide a best-in-class, easy-to-shop experience for our amazing customers.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA’s construction of HS2’s new super-hub station in west London, Old Oak Common, has moved into a new phase as workers on the project completed the excavation of the huge underground box structure where high speed trains will stop. The excavation has taken three years, after permanent construction to form the walls of the box began in June 2021. The vast underground box has a 1.12 mile fibre-reinforced concrete diaphragm wall around it, and 1.3million tonnes of London Clay has been removed from inside – enough to fill over 300 Olympic sized swimming pools. Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA joint venture (BBVS JV), working with their specialist structures contractor Expanded, completed the excavation with apprentice Miguel Jardim removing the last of the London clay from the box. In a further breakthrough, more than 1,500 apprentices have now started work on HS2 – putting the project firmly on track to meet its target to generate 2,000 apprenticeships. Miguel, 19, a civil engineering apprentice from Surrey Quays, south east London, joined in the landmark excavation at Old Oak Common as the 1,500th apprentice to start a role helping to build HS2. Miguel said: “It is quite an honour to be part of celebrating such a massive excavation milestone – the opportunity came along very unexpectedly! “The best thing about my job here at Old Oak Common is all the experience I’m gaining from going out onsite daily, seeing progress coming along. I would 100% encourage others to start working on HS2, as it’s a massive project where you get to work with lots of people with similar goals. There is also a great network of people that you can learn from and connect with.” Steve O’Sullivan, Project Director, Balfour Beatty VINCI SYTRA joint venture, said: “This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team, and in particular the valuable contributions of our apprentices like Miguel. “The progress here at Old Oak Common moves us one step closer to completing this key transport hub, which will enhance connectivity and drive regeneration in the area. We are excited to move forward to the next phase of construction and continue delivering this transformative project.” The excavation was completed section by section within the box starting from the west and the east of the structure and meeting in the middle. The box is 20m in depth and a reinforced concrete base slab up to 2m in depth is being poured throughout. 32,000 tonnes of steel rebar, assembled by hand on site, has been used in the box alongside 160 reinforced concrete columns which have been installed inside the outer wall to help support the structure. All steel used was 100% responsibly sourced and most of the concrete used is produced by the London Concrete batching plant on site, which reuses rainwater in its mixes. Now the box has been full excavated, the team will be working to pour the final sections of base slab to fully complete the box. Six 450m platforms will be constructed in the underground box for HS2 services. Above ground, eight further platforms are being built, and will be served by the Elizabeth Line, Great Western Mainline services and the Heathrow Express. Old Oak Common station will become one of the country’s most vital transport hubs which will be directly connected on the UK’s railway network to more than 170 destinations. Sam Clark, Head of Delivery for HS2 Ltd, said: “The tremendous progress made by our construction team to complete the excavation of the box is an exciting milestone for the project as it signals the next phase of construction where high speed platforms will be built, as well as the station building itself. “HS2’s Old Oak Common station will be transformational for local and regional connectivity and attract huge investment, development and regeneration to the surrounding area.” The huge amount of London Clay removed in the excavation has been taken away from site by conveyor, reducing lorry movements on local roads. The conveyor, run by the Subcontractor Fairport, took the spoil to the nearby London Logistics Hub, managed by Skanska Costain STRABAG (SCS JV), from where it has been transported by rail to beneficial reuse sites in Kent, Warwickshire and Cambridgeshire. Coinciding with the excavation of the box, HS2 has decommissioned the Old Oak Common station conveyor which has removed over 75,000 lorries from the road since it’s operation in November 2022. Further spurs of the conveyor being used for HS2’s tunnelling operation in the area remain in use. HS2 has also been working with local artists on projects to reuse the London Clay. Absolute Beginners is an arts project led artist Tom James, where local young people are learning to use the clay to make objects. The group began using the clay to make a simple plate, learning how to process, manipulate and fire the clay. The group are now making a dinner service of 100 plates and 100 bowls from some of the excavated materials. The east end of the underground box has been handed over to HS2’s London Tunnels contractor, SCS JV, who are preparing to construct HS2’s running tunnel to Euston. Two giant tunnel boring machines will be lowered into the underground box later this year, before the station team commencing building the roof structure of the super-hub station. Timings and funding for the construction of the Euston Tunnel are being confirmed with government. When HS2 opens, Old Oak Common will be the temporary terminus in the capital. Plans to transform the wider area around the station, a former railway and industrial site, are being led by the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC). Plans are in place to deliver 25,000 new homes and 56,000 new jobs in the area surrounding the station, transforming London’s biggest brownfield site into a thriving community for businesses and residents alike Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Carrier has officially opened a new training academy at its Bracknell service and rentals depot. The new state-of-the-art facility reinforces Carrier’s dedication to training and inspiring the next generation of engineers and technicians while helping to address the skills gap in the HVAC sector. Carrier is part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions. The training academy offers trainee engineers and technicians hands-on experience with Carrier’s commercial product portfolio, including heat pumps, chillers, and air handling units. To enhance their learning and understanding of total life cycle asset management, trainees can also gain skills in service repairs and upgrades, such as VFD (Variable Frequency Drives), refrigerant, compressor overhauls and controls, as well as modernisation and preventative and predictive maintenance. Opening the academy is an important step towards Carrier’s Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) goal to support its customers’ shift towards sustainable solutions and avoid more than 1 gigaton of greenhouse gas emissions from their carbon footprint by 2030. “The grand opening of our new training academy marks a significant milestone for Carrier and stands as a testament to our commitment to building a skilled workforce capable of leading the way in intelligent climate and energy solutions,” said Andrew Paddock, Managing Director Carrier Commercial HVAC UK and Nordics. “We recognise that a future without new talent and continual skill enhancement makes it difficult to fully embrace the electrification of heating systems and to meet net zero targets.” During the grand opening, guests were able to tour the new facilities and see learning come to life with equipment demonstrations. Attendees also celebrated the achievements of its graduating apprentices who have progressed through Carrier’s Apprenticeship programme. Shortly after, guests then heard more about how Carrier is actively growing its apprenticeship programme with the recent appointment of a dedicated apprenticeship programme leader, Adele Watson, along with plans to recruit 20 new apprentices in the coming months. “With the skills gap growing and the industry at risk of losing a wealth of knowledge when our experienced technicians retire, it is crucial that we invest in training new talent,” said Adele Watson, Apprenticeship Programme Lead UK. “Our apprenticeship programme, supported by our new training academy, is designed to help young people master skills for the future so we can achieve sustainability and decarbonisation goals.” Over the coming months, Carrier will develop a training programme focused on educating its engineers about the adoption of new refrigerants, including R290, and invite customers and contract partners to experience exclusive training days at the new facility, further enhancing their awareness and understanding of Carrier’s HVAC solutions. Additionally, the training academy will also be utilised for Carrier’s CIBSE-approved CPD training courses to support HVAC professional’s ongoing professional growth. For more information, visit www.carrier.com/commercial/en/uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
