Glenigan, one of the construction industry’s leading insight experts, releases the August 2024 edition of its Construction Index. The Index focuses on three months ending to July 2024, covering all underlying projects, with a total value of £100m or less (unless otherwise indicated, with all findings seasonally adjusted). It’s a
By Matt Clark, Managing Director, Cardium Law As a legal firm specialising in the construction sector, we are seeing an alarming rise in insolvencies and statutory demands linked to unpaid loans, breaches of facility agreements, personal guarantees, unpaid invoices and adjudications. This trend is not merely a reflection of current
Sentry Fire Safety Group, the UK’s leading manufacturer of bespoke, certified fire safety doorsets, is delighted to announce its selection as a finalist for two categories in the Growing Business Awards 2024. Sentry has been shortlisted for the Santander Growing Business of the Year (£25-£50m revenue) and Investor-backed Business of
One of the Midlands largest housing associations is a finalist in a leading awards scheme. Platform Housing Group has been shortlisted in the inaugural ACT Diversity and Sustainability Awards, in the Sustainability Award Large Corporate category. The awards – which are organised by The Association of Corporate Treasurers – recognise
Holtec Britain has announced the successful completion of the first part of the UK Generic Design Assessment process (GDA) for its SMR-300 nuclear reactor. The GDA process is intended to provide confidence to the UK government that the proposed reactor embodiment is capable of being constructed, operated and decommissioned by
Salto Systems, a global leader in smart access control solutions, proudly introduces its latest innovation – the Salto Glass XS Reader Series. This new product line sets a benchmark in access control technology, offering an unmatched blend of style, sophistication, and cutting-edge functionality. The Glass XS Reader Series is designed
GMI Construction Group has launched its Construction Cares programmes, bringing all its community, employability and wellbeing projects under one banner. Led by GMI’s Responsible Business Team, Construction Cares will deliver and support a range of activities in the North East, North West, Yorkshire and Midlands where the construction company operates.
Trowers & Hamlins is delighted to have acted for Malaysian developer Gamuda Land in relation to a £100 million joint venture with Singapore-based Q Investment Partners, to establish a platform for investment into the UK purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) sector. Alongside structuring and documenting the JV, we assisted with
Octopus Energy is now able to deploy website updates in five minutes, and has seen a two-thirds decrease in requests for support from developers Storyblok, the modern content management system (CMS) for all teams, today announced that Octopus Energy is using its CMS to manage content more efficiently and decrease dependence
Doka, one of the world’s leading experts in formwork and scaffolding, has been a reliable partner for years providing digital solutions for increasing efficiency and safety on construction sites. With the introduction of the new DokaXact Load & Pressure sensors, Doka now enables real-time monitoring of the pouring process. Choosing
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
Glenigan, one of the construction industry’s leading insight experts, releases the August 2024 edition of its Construction Index. The Index focuses on three months ending to July 2024, covering all underlying projects, with a total value of £100m or less (unless otherwise indicated, with all findings 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. August’s Index reveals that recent changes in the political landscape have had a modestly positive effect on sector performance. Whilst starts on site were still 11% down on 2023 figures, there has been a slight increase of 2% in the three months to the end of July 2024. The first industrywide lift in many months, this reversal of fortune for a sector battered by strong economic headwinds over the past few years can largely be attributed to a growth spurt in private housebuilding. There was also strong regional growth with a near-unprecedented number recording growth in the Index period, including East Midlands, South West, Wales, Northern Ireland, London, Yorkshire & the Humber and Scotland. It’s a strong indication of sector resurgence in the coming year, as indicated in Glenigan’s latest Forecast (June 2024). As Allan Wilen, Glenigan’s Economic Director says, “The industry should be buoyed by these results, a clear sign confidence is starting to return to the market. This is evidenced by the spike in private housing starts, a longstanding barometer of investor conviction and consumer appetite. Developers will no doubt see plenty of opportunity as this vertical continues to thaw over the next six months, hopefully having a positive, knock-on effect for other, associated built environment assets. “Social housing and non-residential sectors have remained relatively subdued, yet this is unsurprising. After all, the timing of planned projects has been disrupted by the general election and the new Government’s commencement of a wide-sweeping review of programmes. For example, the uptick in Civils should be taken as short-lived, especially in light of this week’s announcement to pause and scale back road and rail projects. Taking a closer look at the sector verticals and regional outlook… Sector Analysis – Residential Residential construction experienced a particularly healthy period, despite start performance finishing 17% lower than a year ago, it rose 12% during the three months to July 2024. This overall boost was attributed to a spike in private housing starts, which rose by 25% following a weak start to the year as developers’ sentiment toward the prospects for the housing market improved. Despite the upturn, starts were still 12% lower than a year ago. Social housing work starting on site remained depressed, dropping by 23% against the preceding three months and being 32% down against the previous year. Sector Analysis – Non-Residential Non-residential performance was sluggish, with a few bright spots here and there. Education starts held firm, with the value of underlying project starts slipping a mere 1% against the preceding three months but standing an impressive 24% up on 2023 levels. Hotel & Leisure increased 10% against the preceding three months and were 18% up against the previous year, with various schemes contributing to the increase. Retail starts slipped 2% against the preceding three months but stood 8% up against the previous year. Civils work starting on-site rose 9% against the preceding three months and was 14% up against the a year ago. This was boosted by a rebound in infrastructure starts which rose by 21% against the preceding three months and by 45% on a year ago. Tamping down these fires of growth, utility starts decreased 8% against the preceding three months to stand 16% down against the previous year. Elsewhere it was decline across the board. Industrial project starts experienced a poor period, with the value of starts decreasing 10% during the three months to July and were 34% lower than a year ago. Health starts have continued to weaken, decreasing 30% against the preceding three months and by 39% on the previous year. Office starts also performed poorly, decreasing 8% against the preceding three months to stand 9% down on the previous year. Community & Amenity also weakened, decreasing 44% against the preceding three months and standing 8% down on the previous year. Regional Outlook Refreshingly, regional performance was generally impressive, taking in the context of previous editions of the Index. Paragons of consistently good performance, the value of starts in Yorkshire and the Humber and Scotland rose by 10% and 4% during the three months to July and was 5% and 4% up respectively on a year earlier. Other strong performers included the East Midlands, which experienced a 33% rise in starts against the preceding three months but was still 11% lower than a year ago. The South West, Wales and Northern Ireland also experienced double-digit growth of 16%, 10% and 39% respectively against the preceding three months, but the value of starts remained down from a year ago. London experienced a 9% rise against the preceding three months but was 20% down against the previous year. By contrast starts in the East of England, the North East and the North West declined by 7%, 23% and 10% respectively against the previous three months. To find out more about Glenigan and its construction intelligence services click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
By Matt Clark, Managing Director, Cardium Law As a legal firm specialising in the construction sector, we are seeing an alarming rise in insolvencies and statutory demands linked to unpaid loans, breaches of facility agreements, personal guarantees, unpaid invoices and adjudications. This trend is not merely a reflection of current economic challenges but is also deeply intertwined with the lingering effects of the pandemic and the fallout from other global events. Bad reverberations Aftershocks from the Covid-19 pandemic have continued to ripple through the construction industry. Many businesses that managed to survive the initial lockdown and subsequent disruptions are now finding it difficult to stay afloat in the face of higher finance costs, labour costs, and the cost of construction materials. One poignant example are developers that used bridging loans to fund planning and acquire development land only to find that the rising construction and finance costs make the development unviable. Such developers are left with costly loans that are unaffordable and land that is undevelopable. Another is a client which operated a leisure centre and managed to sustain it through the pandemic’s peak, only to succumb to recent insolvency. To make matters worse, the industry is also seeing a surge in fraud involving misuse of loan funds and unmeritorious pre-action protocol claims targeting vulnerable individuals or businesses designed to destroy either creditworthiness or business reputation. This case underscores a broader trend. Many businesses are still grappling with the delayed financial repercussions of the pandemic three years later, as they struggle to survive in a tough market, weighed down by strains on profits and cashflow from the original Covid outbreak. Economic pressures Current economic conditions have exacerbated the struggles of the construction sector. High inflation rates have driven up costs for materials, labour and equipment. This surge in expenses is straining the budgets of construction projects across the board, from small-scale developments to large infrastructure projects. A recent CHAS report highlighted how these economic pressures have led to a significant downturn in the housing sector, particularly in new private housing work. This not only affects construction companies but also reverberates through the supply chain, impacting suppliers, contractors and ultimately clients. The construction industry is now at a critical juncture, trying to balance escalating costs while maintaining profitability. These financial strains are contributing to an increase in legal disputes, as companies find themselves unable to honour contracts and pay for services rendered. Labour shortages The financial pressures on the construction industry are exacerbated by significant labour shortages and a widening skills gap. This issue has been intensified by Brexit, which has reduced the availability of skilled workers from the EU, and an ageing workforce, which is leading to higher retirement rates. Government efforts to address these shortages include adding construction occupations to the Shortage Occupation List and increasing investments in apprenticeships and training programmes. The effectiveness of these measures remains to be fully seen. The lack of skilled labour not only drives up wages but also delays project timelines, adding another layer of financial strain to already overburdened companies. As projects become more costly and prolonged, the risk of insolvency increases, further contributing to the rising caseload of legal disputes. Rising caseload Our firm has seen a marked increase in the number of insolvencies and statutory demands related to unpaid loans, breaches of facility agreements, personal guarantees, unpaid invoices, and adjudications. Professional failures have also contributed to, or caused, failed developments. Businesses across the construction sector are facing cashflow challenges, making it difficult to meet their financial obligations. This situation often leads to the appointment of administrators or LPA Receivers shifting control over assets to lenders and, all too often, insolvency proceedings. Insolvencies in the construction sector not only affect the companies directly involved but also have a cascading effect on the wider economy. Subcontractors suppliers, and employees all feel the impact of a company’s financial distress, leading to further legal disputes and economic instability. Looking ahead As we navigate these troubled waters, we remain committed to supporting our clients through legal challenges arising from the current economic climate. We offer expert guidance on managing insolvencies, negotiating settlements, defeating unmeritorious claims, and reinstating assets where there have been professional failures. Our goal is to help clients navigate the legal complexities of the construction sector, ensuring they can focus on sustaining, protecting, and growing their businesses. The construction industry is undoubtedly facing significant challenges, but with the right legal support and strategic planning, companies can overcome these hurdles. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sentry Fire Safety Group, the UK’s leading manufacturer of bespoke, certified fire safety doorsets, is delighted to announce its selection as a finalist for two categories in the Growing Business Awards 2024. Sentry has been shortlisted for the Santander Growing Business of the Year (£25-£50m revenue) and Investor-backed Business of the Year awards, in recognition of its exceptional growth, industry contribution and innovative product range. The Growing Business Awards celebrate the achievements and economic impact of UK high-growth businesses and this year focus on the strength, vision and resilience of fast-growing SMEs. Nominations reflect the critical contribution that successful growing businesses make to the UK economy – driving innovation and creating jobs and wealth. The awards are based on sustainable growth, sector impact, product innovation, and customer engagement. The Investor-backed Business of the Year award also considers the alignment and execution of a company’s strategy with investor goals. Sentry is a trusted partner for fire safety compliance across a diverse range of sectors, including social housing, education, healthcare, leisure, and commercial. Its comprehensive range of fire safety and security doorsets meet the most stringent building regulations and as part of its programme of continuous improvement, Sentry develops new or bespoke solutions to support specialist market requirements. Ranked 3rd fastest growing manufacturer in Yorkshire earlier this year, Sentry has delivered a five-fold increase in revenue, EBITDA and production since 2019, driven by a £3 million investment in new facilities and state-of-the-art equipment. Ty Aziz, CEO of Sentry Fire Safety Group said, “We are incredibly proud of our growth story and excited by our potential so it’s fantastic to be recognised for our achievements. Importantly, we have achieved this while upholding our core values and principles. We have a sustainable approach to manufacturing, partnering with suppliers who share our environmental values; and our strong, long-standing customer relationships are key to our success. We are proud to have expanded our workforce and to use the same local supply chain, sharing the benefits of our growth with our suppliers and community.” Stuart Whiteford, Managing Director, who leads Cairngorm Capital’s investment in Sentry added, “Since our initial investment in 2019, Sentry has delivered a five-fold increase in revenue, EBITDA, and production but has the potential to achieve much more. The company has successfully entered new markets, extended its product range and contributed to local job creation. Committed to advancing fire safety standards, Sentry exemplifies the best of British manufacturing combined with world-leading testing for assured safety and compliance. We are delighted that Sentry’s outstanding performance has been recognised.” For further information, please contact Anna James on 07815 675987 or email anna.james@sentrydoors.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
One of the Midlands largest housing associations is a finalist in a leading awards scheme. Platform Housing Group has been shortlisted in the inaugural ACT Diversity and Sustainability Awards, in the Sustainability Award Large Corporate category. The awards – which are organised by The Association of Corporate Treasurers – recognise the outstanding organisations and individuals who have championed positive change in diversity and sustainability in the treasury profession. The winners will be unveiled at a ceremony on Wednesday 16 October at The View in Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London. Jessica Friend, Group Corporate Finance Director at Platform Housing Group said: “To be shortlisted at this year’s awards is extremely well deserved for the team. As an organisation we have gone above and beyond in embracing sustainability finance in various forms and implementing innovative initiatives that move us further forward in our sustainability journey. Our Treasury team has been instrumental in our commitment to addressing the challenges our people, places and business are facing in relation to climate change, ecological demands and social pressures. We wish them – and everyone at the awards – the very best of luck!” Platform Housing Group’s award entry focussed on its ambitious targets for improving the energy efficiencies of its homes; a series of social value initiatives including its Wellbeing Fund which targets those customers who are most in need with essentials such as food, clothing, beds and white goods; the Fund allocated £1.1m to help approximately 3,500 customers during the year. Jessica concluded: “During the year we issued our second sustainability bond which will fund development of new affordable housing that qualifies as ‘green buildings’, having one of the highest Energy Performance Certificate ratings of A or B. In doing so we are directly contributing towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The bond was a benchmark sized £250m deal issued from our EMTN programme, attracting the tightest credit spread for the sector in more than 4 years at 83bps. This complemented £275m sustainability linked revolving credit facilities arranged earlier in the year with international banks National Australia Bank and ABN Amro. Overall this means that just under half of Platform’s £2.2bn debt portfolio is now explicitly supporting our sustainability objectives. Our sustainability linked revolving credit facilities have KPIs linked to improvements in the energy efficiency of new build properties. In addition, further metrics are linked to improving the representation of black and minority ethnic colleagues, relative to the demographics of the operational areas of Platform and national averages. “These awards are an important opportunity to take a step back and review how far we have come and share inspiration for where we go next in our sustainability journey. This shortlisting acknowledges Platform’s strong commitment to deliver on these targets.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Holtec Britain has announced the successful completion of the first part of the UK Generic Design Assessment process (GDA) for its SMR-300 nuclear reactor. The GDA process is intended to provide confidence to the UK government that the proposed reactor embodiment is capable of being constructed, operated and decommissioned by the highest standards of safety, security and environmental protection required in Great Britain. In addition to the evaluation of Holtec’s SMR-300 technology, GDA ‘Step 1’ also made a positive assessment of the operational readiness of Holtec Britain. This regulatory assessment confirmed that Holtec Britain is a capable nuclear organisation fully qualified and resourced to deliver major nuclear power projects in the United Kingdom. Supported by a £60m investment, £30m of which was secured from the UK government’s Future Nuclear Enabling Fund award last year (HH38.18), the Holtec Britain team has now more than tripled in size and has relocated its UK HQ to Bristol in the southwest of the country. The company said that it was pleased by the UK regulators’ affirmative assessment of Holtec Britain, which is backed by its US parent – Holtec International (USA) – as well as Team Holtec members Hyundai Engineering and Construction Co. of Korea and Mitsubishi Electric Co. of Japan. Holtec’s plan for the UK includes the establishment of a heavy manufacturing plant in the country to build SMR-300 components mirroring the Company’s existing plants in the United States. Selection of the most suitable site for the manufacturing facility is underway. Dr Rick Springman, Holtec’s President of Global Clean Energy Opportunities responsible for Holtec Britain voiced his optimism for the Company’s SMR-300’s prospects in the UK: “We are proud of our Holtec Britain organization for securing regulatory Step 1 endorsement in record time. We are confident of our capability to deliver SMR-300 plants in numbers needed by the country. It helps that our SMR-300 plant is premised on the PWR technology with which Great Britain is well versed in its civilian as well as naval nuclear program.” Holtec’s SMR-300 is a 300 MWe small modular reactor that is ideally suited for distributed generation, which reduces dependence on heavy inter-regional transmission of electrical power thus improving the resilience and security of the power grid. It is uniquely qualified to reject its waste heat directly to air eliminating the need for time-consuming water use permits. The plant is quite compact requiring ~30 acres for two co-located units. Thanks to its low radiation accretion profile, even under the most severe postulated accident, the plant’s controlled area suffices to serve as its exclusion boundary. Holtec is on track to begin the licensing and construction of two SMR-300 units at the Company’s Palisades site. The shovel-to-startup life cycle of the first batch of SMR-300s is expected to be three years. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Salto Systems, a global leader in smart access control solutions, proudly introduces its latest innovation – the Salto Glass XS Reader Series. This new product line sets a benchmark in access control technology, offering an unmatched blend of style, sophistication, and cutting-edge functionality. The Glass XS Reader Series is designed to transform how we think about access control, seamlessly integrating security and aesthetics to create enriched and secure environments. Revolutionising Access Control The Glass XS Reader Series represents a significant leap forward in the field of smart access control. With its sleek design and advanced technology, it offers users and systems operators a superior access experience. The series is part of Salto’s renowned XS wall reader product portfolio, which is known for its innovative solutions that combine security with ease of use. The Glass XS Reader is more than just a piece of hardware; it’s a complete security solution designed for environments where real-time, online access control is essential. Whether it’s controlling access to barriers, lifts, sliding doors, or electronic gates, the Glass XS Reader ensures that security is both effective and stylish. Marc Handels, Chief Technology Innovation Officer and Co-Founder at Salto, expressed his excitement about the launch, stating: “We’re thrilled to introduce the Glass XS Reader Series, a product that embodies the future of access control technology. Its stunning design and advanced features provide users with a new level of control and security.” Unmatched Design and Durability One of the standout features of the Glass XS Reader Series is its minimalist and elegant design. At just 4mm thick, the extra-flat profile of the reader makes it a perfect fit for modern interiors, where aesthetics are as important as functionality. The reader’s front panel is made from high-quality, scratch-proof tempered glass, ensuring durability and longevity with minimal maintenance. Available in both black and white finishes, the design is customisable to suit different interior styles, making it ideal for flush mounting in indoor settings or universal junction boxes. The attention to detail in the Glass XS Reader’s design is matched by its technological prowess. The reader supports standardised RFID credentials and is equipped with NFC technology and Bluetooth Low Energy (LE), allowing users to utilise their smartphones as access cards. This feature not only enhances convenience but also aligns with the growing trend of mobile-first solutions in smart technology. Advanced Features for Enhanced Security The Glass XS Reader Series is packed with advanced features that make it a versatile and powerful tool for modern access control. Key features include: With the Glass XS Reader Series, Salto has redefined the access control experience. Users can simply hold their smartphone or credential close to the reader, and the door opens smoothly and securely. This intuitive interaction not only enhances the user experience but also ensures that access is granted only to authorised individuals. Elevating Spaces with Cutting-Edge Technology The launch of the Glass XS Reader Series underscores Salto’s commitment to innovation in access control technology. By combining elegant design with powerful features, Salto has created a product that not only enhances security but also adds a touch of sophistication to any space. As businesses and organisations continue to seek smarter, more efficient ways to manage access, the Glass XS Reader Series stands out as a premier choice, offering a seamless blend of style, security, and simplicity. Salto Systems invites you to experience the future of access control with the Glass XS Reader Series – where technology meets elegance, and security meets sophistication. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GMI Construction Group has launched its Construction Cares programmes, bringing all its community, employability and wellbeing projects under one banner. Led by GMI’s Responsible Business Team, Construction Cares will deliver and support a range of activities in the North East, North West, Yorkshire and Midlands where the construction company operates. It will also encompass its existing support for the Care Leaver Covenant and the 5% Club, which promotes ‘earn and learn’ opportunities. The Care Leaver Covenant, the second Government Covenant, is a national inclusion programme launched in 2018 that supports care leavers aged 16-25 to live independently by creating meaningful opportunities. GMI became a signatory of the Covenant in 2023, and, as part of Construction Cares, it is committed to advertising job roles to care leavers first and has established a guaranteed interview scheme. The company offers work experience, work trials, employability sessions, and one-to-one mentoring to help participants develop their skills and gain valuable experience in the sector. Recent programmes include DIY skills for care leavers, which have taken place, to date, in Yorkshire, North West and Midlands, with GMI supply chain partners leading sessions for students to gain valuable life skills for those transitioning into independent living and to give them a taster of career opportunities in construction. All attendees are provided with travel and lunch expenses and given a GMI home toolkit to take home with them upon completion of the three-day course. The sessions are already delivering positive outcomes with two participants gaining full-time construction apprenticeships and four have chosen to sign up to full-time constructions courses at college, which is getting them back into education. GMI also runs ‘Constructive Kickabouts’ sessions for care leavers, organising monthly football matches to provide a social and sporting setting and meet new people. This was launched in Manchester in 2023 and monthly sessions are now taking place in Birmingham. The 5% Club is a UK employer-led charity, which inspires and educates businesses and organisations to take positive action for increased, inclusive, and accessible workplace training for all. GMI currently holds Gold accredited membership of the club in recognition of the significant contribution it has made to the continued development of its employees through ‘earn and learn’ schemes. Community outreach forms a key element of Construction Cares with GMI regularly supporting causes and organisations local to its schemes. This has included the construction of an extension to a SEND school, a kitchen in a community centre and woodland play and learning area at primary school. Through ‘Constructing Communities’, GMI also supports the Daniel Baird Foundation charity, by installing bleed kits at its city centre sites, in locations such as Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, York and Bristol. The kits improve the survival chances of those who might have been stabbed or suffered traumatic injuries close to the sites. Claire Preston, Head of Responsible Business at GMI, said: “We believe in helping shape more than the built environment in the regions we operate, but having a positive impact on those communities. Construction Cares is an amalgamation of a variety of initiatives we have been running, bringing them under one banner that will allow us to give a greater focus to our CSR activities. “We have built strong partnerships with local authorities, charities, education establishments and organisations, like the Care Leavers Covenant, which is helping to create opportunities for people from all backgrounds. Through Construction Cares we will be making a positive difference to individuals and communities, supported by our dedicated team and supply chain partners.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Trowers & Hamlins is delighted to have acted for Malaysian developer Gamuda Land in relation to a £100 million joint venture with Singapore-based Q Investment Partners, to establish a platform for investment into the UK purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) sector. Alongside structuring and documenting the JV, we assisted with the acquisition of the JV’s first asset, a site in Woolwich to develop a 299-bed PBSA scheme alongside Hurlington Capital. When complete, the project will be one of the first PBSA schemes within the Woolwich Royal Arsenal regeneration area. Jonathan Ding, Head of International Land Acquisitions from Gamuda Land commented: “We are delighted to have secured our first PBSA development project in London together with our joint venture partners, Q Investment Partners and Hurlington Capital. The Trowers team were dedicated to the project, showing expertise, tenacity and tact to bring a complex transaction to a successful closing.” Partners Geoff Allen and Tom Reynolds, who led the Trowers & Hamlins team between our Malaysia and London offices, commented: “It is fantastic and a privilege to have been able to support Gamuda Land as it continues to expand its UK real estate footprint across a range of asset classes. As the first international law firm to open an office in Malaysia many years ago, and having opened an office in Singapore earlier this year, our unique regional presence allows us to provide an enhanced offering to support the flow of capital from these two important markets into the UK. Supported by experts who have worked across our international and UK businesses for many years, this project also strengthens our long-standing track record of advising Malaysian developers and investors in relation to their UK real estate assets.” Specialist support was provided across our Malaysia, Singapore and London teams, in particular by Ian Dobinson, Sean Donovan-Smith (London), Abdulhaq Mohammed and William Barakat (Singapore) on corporate, financial services and structuring, Neil Biswas (London) on real estate, and Nicol Ong (Malaysia) on debt financing. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Octopus Energy is now able to deploy website updates in five minutes, and has seen a two-thirds decrease in requests for support from developers Storyblok, the modern content management system (CMS) for all teams, today announced that Octopus Energy is using its CMS to manage content more efficiently and decrease dependence on developers. Octopus Energy is a global clean energy tech business, driving the affordable, green energy system of the future. Their previous CMS required significant developer involvement for every content task and was very limited in its flexibility and customization options. This led to a fragmented content management setup that was slow and prevented collaboration. Knowing that this wasn’t sustainable for their dynamic content needs, Octopus Energy made the switch to Storyblok. Now they use Storyblok to centralize content management and integrate all of their platforms through APIs, give content creators the components they need to create experiences without the help of developers, and closely manage user roles to improve collaboration. Storyblok is used by 19 teams across 6 business functions in 8 countries. With that combined teamwork, Octopus Energy is able to create a website from scratch within 2 weeks and deploy updates in 5 minutes. The typical creation and publishing time has been cut by 1-2 days, with smaller projects getting delivered on the same day. This smooth process led to a two-thirds decrease in requests for support from developers. Aaron Cawte, Senior Front-end Developer at Octopus Energy, said: “Storyblok’s Visual Editor empowers our content editors to click on the content they want to change and see the results in real-time. This enabled us to roll out Storyblok at speed with zero training, and our teams around the world have taken to it like ducks to water.” Based on this success, Octopus Energy plans to continue using Storyblok for various projects, including the migration of over 1,000 pages from a legacy CMS, and the expansion of their mobile app content. Sascha Ploebst, VP of Sales at Storyblok, said: “Storyblok makes it possible for everyone on the team to be a part of your content efforts. Octopus Energy has seen firsthand why using a CMS that can be adopted by multiple teams, departments, and regions is a smart business decision.” Dominik Angerer, CEO and Co-Founder of Storyblok, said: “Octopus Energy views energy in the same way we view content: it should be efficient and nothing should be wasted. By centralizing content with Storyblok, Octopus Energy is experiencing the benefits of reusable content across all of their platforms.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Doka, one of the world’s leading experts in formwork and scaffolding, has been a reliable partner for years providing digital solutions for increasing efficiency and safety on construction sites. With the introduction of the new DokaXact Load & Pressure sensors, Doka now enables real-time monitoring of the pouring process. Choosing the right concrete pouring speed depends on many external factors, such as the weather or the concrete mix. The real-time data from the new wireless DokaXact sensors ensure that concrete is poured as fast as possible while ensuring safety and the best possible concrete quality – even when using more climate friendly, CO2-reduced concrete mixes. DokaXact sensors are robust, waterproof, dustproof, and can be easily connected to the user’s smartphone via Bluetooth. “We aim to support our customers with digitalization in order to optimize construction projects. With data generation and real-time analysis, we are taking a further step towards smart formwork, ensuring greater efficiency and safety in concreting,” says Doka CEO Robert Hauser. Digital precision directly from the formwork DokaXact Load offers a solution for monitoring formwork loads. The sensors are designed for straightforward installation on standard tie systems, thus providing reliable data on tie loads for the first time. No special tools or major installation work are required. The DokaXact pressure sensor is designed for monitoring fresh concrete pressure. Installation is quick and easy, because it can be mounted directly on the plywood and requiring only a 26 mm hole. The data from both sensors is visualized in real time in the user-friendly DokaXact app directly on a smartphone. The intuitive user interface allows for simple and independent operation. The DokaXact web portal also provides detailed information and transparent documentation on the project. The new DokaXact sensors offer significant future applications, particularly for large-scale infrastructure projects such as tunnels. However, just as the reliable formwork systems from Doka are suitable for a wide range of concrete construction sites, so too are the DokaXact sensors. They can be used in the energy sector, in residential or commercial construction, and in projects with critical anchor loads or high, single-sided walls or pillars. As Hauser notes, “Wherever mission-critical data is required, projects can be optimized with DokaXact.” Achieving faster pouring times with DokaXact Thanks to data-based decisions, DokaXact sensors are already ensuring increased precision on the first construction sites in North America and Germany, as well as in other regions. For example, with the construction of sanitary sewer manholes in Mississauga, Ontario (Canada), where the use of DokaXact sensors reduced pouring time by five hours. “By monitoring the pressure with DokaXact, we were able to optimize the design and precisely control the load on the formwork, without having to produce expensive customized solutions,” says Michael Genz from Sales Doka USA. DokaXact will soon be launched in other countries and regions including the UK, Austria, Switzerland and Norway. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
