February 13, 2025
Landmark low-carbon, timber-framed pavilion for Robotics Living Lab completes

Landmark low-carbon, timber-framed pavilion for Robotics Living Lab completes

The UK’s first fashion manufacturing lab the ‘Work in Progress Pavilion’ for Robotics Living Lab (RoLL) has completed. The pioneering pavilion, designed by Bennetts Associates for Manchester Fashion Institute at Manchester Metropolitan University, provides fashion designers and manufacturers a base from which to create and produce more sustainable fashion manufacturing

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New towns must come with well resourced planning system, highlights RTPI

New towns must come with well resourced planning system, highlights RTPI

As the government announces its plans for the next generation of news towns, the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) emphasises the critical role of a well-resourced planning system in delivering this vision. Research from the RTPI shows that public spending on planning dropped 16% from 2009 to 2022. Reforming planning without

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Staycity Secures £77m Loan from OakNorth to Fuel Ambitious Expansion

Staycity Secures £77m Loan from OakNorth to Fuel Ambitious Expansion

OakNorth, the digital bank for entrepreneurs, has provided a £77 million loan to Staycity Group as the aparthotel giant sets its sights on tripling in size by 2029. Founded in Dublin in 2004, Staycity has grown into a leading pan-European aparthotel operator with two brands—Staycity Aparthotels and the premium Wilde

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NBS and BSI’s Product Certification Division announce strategic partnership

NBS and BSI’s Product Certification Division announce strategic partnership

Today, NBS (powered by Hubexo), a leading specification and product platform for the construction industry, has announced plans to strengthen ties with the product certification division of BSI, a global organisation defining and certifying standards for quality, safety, and efficiency. Both companies are synonymous with excellence in the construction industry. BSI,

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FIS appoints Damian Hill as technical projects manager

FIS appoints Damian Hill as  technical projects manager

Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) is delighted to announce the appointment of Damian Hill to the newly created role of Technical Projects Manager, following the retirement of its Technical Director Joe Cilia.  A seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in the interiors sector, Damian brings a wealth of

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Latest Issue
Issue 325 : Feb 2025

February 13, 2025

Landmark low-carbon, timber-framed pavilion for Robotics Living Lab completes

Landmark low-carbon, timber-framed pavilion for Robotics Living Lab completes

The UK’s first fashion manufacturing lab the ‘Work in Progress Pavilion’ for Robotics Living Lab (RoLL) has completed. The pioneering pavilion, designed by Bennetts Associates for Manchester Fashion Institute at Manchester Metropolitan University, provides fashion designers and manufacturers a base from which to create and produce more sustainable fashion manufacturing with the aid of robotic technology. The pavilion design champions UK materials and construction methods that help reduce the upfront embodied carbon of the building in conjunction with passive environmental controls to reduce energy consumption for ventilation and cooling. This includes a UK Douglas fir timber frame, which is a native material, and UK straw insulated wall panels that lock away carbon captured within a much shorter timescale than traditional sequestering materials. The exterior is clad in a larch tree charred timber panelling which protects the straw cassette panels beneath.  The simple, elegant pavilion occupies and enlivens an under used courtyard tucked away behind the listed Righton Building in central Manchester. The pavilion’s black shou sugi ban clad form and new landscaping give the previously unassuming courtyard a characterful, new sense of place. The timber frame forms and expressive waffle soffit structure, left exposed, with contrasting light this provides a calm backdrop to the changing roster of research outcomes on display. Bennetts Associates’ approach to the design has resulted in an upfront carbon figure of 468 kgCO2e/m2 GIA (A1-A5), the full breakdown of which is available to download here. A further -340 kgCO2e/m2 GIA biogenic carbon is captured in the building. This is expected to align with the Net Zero Carbon Building Standard new-build Higher Education target up to 2030. The project has now been submitted to the NZCBS Pilot Scheme, and a Post Occupancy Evaluation exercise is now underway. Bennetts Associates has also ensured that many of the materials and components can be reused in the future, adopting principles of the circular economy in line with the University’s Leadership in Sustainability strategy working towards a zero-carbon future, and Greater Manchester’s Zero Carbon Manchester 2038 plan. Adrian Lonsdale, Studio Director at Bennetts Associates, said: “The Work in Progress Pavilion is a pioneering space that not only represents a milestone in resource-conscious design and challenging conventional building techniques, but also marks a significant first for the university and the UK fashion industry. As a practice known for our commitment to sustainability, we are proud to deliver an exemplary project that highlights the potential of biogenic and regenerative low-carbon materials. It’s been fantastic to work with a client whose ambition for a low-carbon future aligns so well with our own. This has enabled us to develop a multifunctional space that is lean, elegant and minimises upfront carbon using low-carbon and biogenic materials.” Susan Postlethwaite, Professor of Fashion Technologies at MFI and Director of RoLL, said: “This launch is the culmination of years of planning, collaboration and research, and I’m delighted to showcase the important work of the lab inside this beautiful structure designed by Bennetts Associates to meet our climate commitments.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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New Vision for Chorlton: Plans to Transform Former Shopping Centre Submitted

New Vision for Chorlton: Plans to Transform Former Shopping Centre Submitted

Exciting plans to revitalise the former Chorlton Cross Shopping Centre are set to be submitted to Manchester City Council, paving the way for a vibrant new neighbourhood in the heart of the community. The ambitious regeneration project is being led by Manchester-based developer PJ Livesey in partnership with the Greater Manchester Pension Fund. The proposal aims to deliver a diverse mix of homes and revitalised retail spaces, breathing new life into the area. Following extensive public consultation throughout 2023, the plans have been refined to reflect local feedback, with several key improvements: Georgina Lynch, Managing Director at PJ Livesey, commented: “Engaging with the local community has been vital in shaping our plans. We’ve had strong interest from people keen to live here and others who wanted to see more shops included. “We’re particularly excited about introducing the Makers Yard, which will offer space for independent retailers. We believe our final plans strike the right balance—delivering much-needed new homes, including affordable options, while also creating inviting green spaces and a thriving retail scene.” With a prior notice for demolition submitted in December 2024, work to clear the site is expected to begin soon, lasting approximately six months. The redevelopment will only proceed once the council grants approval. The submitted plans outline: PJ Livesey, a family-run company with over 45 years of experience, is known for its expertise in transforming historic properties and regenerating brownfield sites. The firm has recently been selected as one of Homes England’s preferred delivery partners, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in innovative and sustainable urban development. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Hurstwood Holdings submits planning application for £15 million industrial park near Aberdeen Airport

Hurstwood Holdings submits planning application for £15 million industrial park near Aberdeen Airport

Arrowmere Capital, part of the Hurstwood Holdings Group, has submitted a planning application for a new £15 million industrial park in Dyce, Aberdeen. The proposed scheme, designed by RGP Architects, will deliver 80,000 sq ft of high-quality industrial and warehouse space across five modern units, ranging in size from 10,000 sq ft to 18,000 sq ft. Situated on a 12-acre site within the well-established Kirkhill Industrial Estate in Dyce, near Aberdeen Airport, the development will bring much-needed, state-of-the-art industrial accommodation to the area. Hurstwood Holdings acquired the site formerly home to The Quad and previously known as Craigievar House in 2023. The office building had remained vacant for several years before being demolished last year to make way for the new scheme. Sam Ashworth, Project Director at Hurstwood Holdings, comments: “There is a continuing demand for high quality industrial, innovation and science hubs in the area. This project will breathe new life into a derelict site, significantly enhancing the landscape while delivering substantial economic benefits to Dyce. There is a continuing demand for high-quality industrial and warehouse space in Aberdeen, and this scheme directly responds to that need. Ashworth continues: “Hurstwood Holdings has a strong track record of delivering exceptional industrial parks, having most recently completed the comprehensive redevelopment of Lune Industrial Estate in Lancaster. We are committed to creating a best-in-class working environment that will not only attract businesses but also generate new employment opportunities for the local community. Following a positive public consultation, we carefully considered all feedback to produce a scheme that will be hugely beneficial for the area. As responsible developers and investors, we are focused on long-term investment, ensuring this site reaches its full potential while supporting the local economy.” The proposed development underscores Hurstwood Holdings commitment to delivering high-quality industrial schemes and supporting economic growth in key regional locations.  The Group, which has a national portfolio valued in excess of £300 million and looks after more than 1,200 occupiers in England, Scotland and Wales, already has a substantial presence in Aberdeen totalling more than 1 million sq ft including the two Aberdeen Innovation and Energy Parks. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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New towns must come with well resourced planning system, highlights RTPI

New towns must come with well resourced planning system, highlights RTPI

As the government announces its plans for the next generation of news towns, the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) emphasises the critical role of a well-resourced planning system in delivering this vision. Research from the RTPI shows that public spending on planning dropped 16% from 2009 to 2022. Reforming planning without investing in its capacity risks missing out on over £70 billion in potential value. Dr Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the RTPI, said: “Historically, new towns have proven that a well-resourced planning system can drive housing delivery, and offer us a model for solving the housing crisis today while delivering on the Government’s growth agenda. “But with the Planning and Infrastructure Bill on the horizon, we’re urging essential reforms to ensure the planning system can meet the government’s housing targets and support economic growth. To do this, planning departments need long-term effective solutions to resourcing issues and an enhanced corporate presence in local authorities through a statutory role for Chief Planning Officers, ensuring they have a seat at the top table. “The next generation of new towns needs to be flexible, and able to adapt and evolve as communities grow. The RTPI is commissioning extensive international case study-based research on how new towns can be designed with this in mind.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Hathaway and Building Systems UK deliver a sustainable external envelope solution at Arc 500, Birkenhead

Hathaway and Building Systems UK deliver a sustainable external envelope solution at Arc 500, Birkenhead

Hathaway are delighted to collaborate with Building Systems UK to design, supply and install, the external envelope package for the new speculative logistics and distribution facility on behalf of Tungsten Properties on the banks of the River Mersey, Birkenhead, Merseyside. Hathaway is a leading company in the UK specialising in the design, manufacturing, and installation of roof and wall cladding systems, with a shared commitment to shaping the future of sustainable building practices. Building Systems UK, a Tata Steel enterprise, offers comprehensive building envelope solutions for the construction industry. Their services include the provision of insulated roof and wall panels and site assembled systems, profiles, structural roof and floor decking, as well as market leading steel processing services. ARC 500, the largest distribution and production unit in Merseyside, is a new 494,750 square foot facility designed to accommodate large-scale logistics operations. Its strategic location offers excellent access to the M53 motorway and the Port of Liverpool, making it an ideal choice for businesses seeking a well-connected hub. Appointed by Winvic Construction Ltd as part of the delivery team, Hathaway and Building Systems UK are committed to ensuring ARC 500 is constructed as a net-zero carbon facility. The project aims to achieve significant environmental, social, and governance (ESG) credentials, including a BREEAM Excellent rating and an EPC A+ target, adding a valuable economic asset to the ARC 500 Birkenhead Freeport. Hathaway have successfully collaborated with Winvic to deliver a number of Net Zero and low carbon projects. These projects have been assessed in line with the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Whole Life Carbon Assessment for the Built Environment (Edition 1) and the UK Green Building Council’s (UKGBC) 2019 Net Zero Carbon Framework Definition. As an original founding member of Winvic’s Green Supply Chain, Hathaway takes pride in contributing to sustainable building practices. As part of the Green Supply Chain, Hathaway works closely with Winvic to develop innovative and sustainable product solutions, through engagement with our valued supply chain, with a focus on carbon reduction and energy-efficient materials. The primary objective is to minimise the embodied carbon emissions across the entire lifecycle of projects. The sustainable choice in Building Systems UK As the key supplier for the ARC 500 project, Building Systems UK, provided a complete building envelope solution.  This included Trisobuild® site assembled roof and wall systems featuring a newly developed profile specifically designed for the office areas of the building. The core mission of Building Systems UK is to “shape the future of sustainable buildings,” and they achieve this by prioritising transparency and thorough environmental reporting. The company operates an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) program, allowing the generation of project-specific EPDs that are tailored to meet unique project specifications and requirements. This capability sets Building Systems UK apart, providing them with unmatched product environmental reporting. In addition to their comprehensive EPD program, Building Systems UK holds Responsible Sourcing certification under the BES 6001 standard. This certification, combined with their ability to produce customised EPDs, solidifies Building Systems UK as a sustainable supplier of choice for construction projects. Their commitment to environmental transparency and responsible sourcing significantly contributes to achieving sustainability goals, such as obtaining credits for a BREEAM Excellent rating, which was targeted for the ARC 500 project. This highlights how Building Systems UK’s practices not only align with, but actively support, high sustainability standards in modern construction. Driving Down Emissions Building Systems UK’s manufacturing facility in Shotton, North Wales, is located just 15 miles from the ARC 500 project site, showcasing commitment to local procurement and material supply. This proximity not only bolsters the local economy but also significantly reduces delivery emissions, aligning with the project sustainability goals. To further decrease carbon emissions and support the transition to net zero construction, freight deliveries for the project were conducted using bio-fuelled vehicles. Switching to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel for these deliveries resulted in a significant reduction in CO2 emissions compared to traditional fossil fuel diesel. Additionally, Hathaway supplied HVO fuel for on-site plant and machinery, which can help reduce associated emissions by up to 90%. Hathaway’s commitment extends to minimising their carbon footprint and reducing associated scope emissions. They work collaboratively with supply chain partners to ensure that the project’s sustainability targets are met, demonstrating a proactive approach in advancing the construction industry towards more environmentally responsible practices. Preserve Our Timber – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Hathaway and Building Systems UK are committed to minimising the environmental impact of their business operations. Recognising wood as a valuable natural resource, we understand that the current rate of deforestation is unsustainable. To address this issue, it is crucial to adhere to the principles of the waste hierarchy, focusing on reducing, reusing, and recycling materials throughout operations. In collaboration with their supply chain partners, Hathaway has implemented several wood reuse initiatives to reduce waste sent to landfills and preserve timber resources. Examples of these initiatives include a wooden bearer take-back scheme in partnership with Building Systems UK and a pallet return service. These programs aim to extend the life cycle of wood products, promoting sustainability and supporting efforts to conserve natural resources. For any remaining waste wood or timber that cannot be reused, Hathaway has partnered with Community Wood Recycling, a UK-wide social enterprise that has been in operation since 1998. Community Wood Recycling collects waste wood from companies, creating reclaimed timber stores. These stores support the sale of bespoke wooden products and provide training and development opportunities for unemployed and disadvantaged individuals. Hathaway is pleased with its proactive collaboration with its valued supply chain partners to ensure that wood is diverted from landfills and instead reused or repurposed. The exceptional work carried out by Community Wood Recycling not only helps reduce waste and conserve natural resources but also has a positive social impact by offering skills development and employment opportunities. Hathaway is proud to support and promote this initiative, recognising its significant environmental and social benefits. Promoting and Leading on New Innovations New innovations and technologies are essential in

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Vistry completes sale of 256 affordable homes to MTVH at Finchwood Park in Wokingham

Vistry completes sale of 256 affordable homes to MTVH at Finchwood Park in Wokingham

Vistry Group, the UK’s leading provider of mixed-tenure homes, has extended its partnership with housing association Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing (MTVH) to deliver 256 homes at Finchwood Park in Wokingham. Having now completed the land purchase of parcel 10 at Finchwood Park from Cala Homes, the 256 homes to be built on the site have been forward sold to MTVH. Reserved matters planning permission has already been granted for these 256 homes, of which 35% will be affordable housing, delivered in a variety of tenures.  Vistry will deliver these new homes for MTVH in a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments and two, three and four-bedroom houses. Construction on Parcel 10 will commence in early 2025. This deal follows the exchange of contracts with Cala Homes in September 2024 on five parcels of land at Finchwood Park in Finchampstead, near Wokingham. In total, these five parcels of land will deliver over 600 new homes, as part of the wider development of 1,500 homes being brought forward by Cala Homes. With outline permission already granted, Vistry will submit detailed planning applications for the remaining parcels of land in early 2025, with construction on those phases then expected to begin in the latter part of 2025. Trevor Wicks, Managing Director for Vistry Thames Valley, said: “We’re excited to extend Vistry’s strong relationship with MTVH through these 256 homes at Finchwood Park, which will make a significant improvement to the provision of affordable housing and the availability of green open spaces in the area. With detailed planning permission already granted, our team is looking forward to starting construction on these high-quality new homes imminently.” Guy Burnett, Executive Director of Development at MTVH, commented: “MTVH is pleased to be involved in this partnership with the Vistry Group for the delivery of 256 homes at Finchwood Park in Wokingham. This development is an exciting project which will deliver a variety of mixed housing, many of which will be affordable homes, and continues our long-standing relationship with Vistry. “This is also a crucial step in helping to alleviate the housing pressures facing the local community in the Southeast. As the new homes are of a mix of sizes, these benefits will be felt by families and single people alike. Continuing these partnerships is crucial as we work to deliver the homes which ensure everyone has the chance to live in a safe, warm, and affordable home and to live well.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Staycity Secures £77m Loan from OakNorth to Fuel Ambitious Expansion

Staycity Secures £77m Loan from OakNorth to Fuel Ambitious Expansion

OakNorth, the digital bank for entrepreneurs, has provided a £77 million loan to Staycity Group as the aparthotel giant sets its sights on tripling in size by 2029. Founded in Dublin in 2004, Staycity has grown into a leading pan-European aparthotel operator with two brands—Staycity Aparthotels and the premium Wilde brand. The group currently operates 6,000 keys across 36 locations in France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and the UK. The business is expanding rapidly, recently acquiring a 74.9% stake in Germany’s Felix Group, adding properties in Leipzig and Dresden, with another site under construction in Vienna. Staycity’s latest openings include Wilde aparthotels in Amsterdam, Cambridge, Lisbon, Porto, and Vienna, with additional locations in London, Bordeaux, and Oxford in development. Meanwhile, Staycity Aparthotels has expanded in East London’s Dalston with 124 new apartments and secured a 98-apartment site in central Belfast. As part of its growth strategy, the company has strengthened its senior leadership team, hiring Andrew Fowler as Chief Development Officer and expanding its acquisitions team to enhance its presence across northern, southern, and eastern Europe. A Key Partnership in Growth Tom Walsh, CEO and co-founder of Staycity Group, expressed his appreciation for OakNorth’s continued support: “Staycity has been operating for 20 years, and while we’ve grown and evolved, our commitment to providing a great experience for our guests has remained constant. OakNorth has been instrumental in helping us accelerate our expansion, and we’re incredibly grateful for the partnership we’ve built.” Deepesh Thakrar, Senior Director of Debt Finance at OakNorth, praised Staycity’s remarkable trajectory: “Staycity is one of OakNorth’s standout success stories. Since first securing funding from us in 2020, it has demonstrated impressive, well-managed growth, with a rigorous site selection process and a strategic acquisition pipeline. We’re excited to see what the future holds for the business.” With this latest funding boost, Staycity is on track to achieve its ambitious target, further cementing its position as a leader in the aparthotel sector across Europe. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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NBS and BSI’s Product Certification Division announce strategic partnership

NBS and BSI’s Product Certification Division announce strategic partnership

Today, NBS (powered by Hubexo), a leading specification and product platform for the construction industry, has announced plans to strengthen ties with the product certification division of BSI, a global organisation defining and certifying standards for quality, safety, and efficiency. Both companies are synonymous with excellence in the construction industry. BSI, the business standards and improvement company, provides guidelines and frameworks that organisations and professionals in the construction sector can follow to meet industry requirements and regulatory obligations. BSI is also recognised for the Kitemark in the construction sector, a quality mark that indicates that a product, service, or system has been rigorously tested and meets a certain standard of quality or performance. NBS (powered by Hubexo), is a firm driving industry compliance through the adoption of digital processes and trusted data. Building on its collaborative history, NBS users will be given deeper guidance on BSI-accredited products, in a move that will further expand the platform’s compliance offering. Specifiers and construction professionals will also gain further assistance in the decision-making process, with NBS providing consistent third-party assessment details at the point of specification. Dr Stephen Hamil, Innovation Director at Hubexo, said: “Our mission is to use the power of connected data to add value and enable a safe, efficient, high-quality construction sector. We’re always looking to improve the level of information supplied to end-users so that specifiers can be confident in the integrity of crucial product data. “Expanding our partnership with BSI gives specifiers easier access to reliable, verified product data, boosting confidence in their design decisions. Greater collaboration is key to improving standards and compliance. By strengthening our partnership with BSI, we’re enhancing our service to our customers, giving them the tools they need to make the best choices possible.” Rob Hine, Global Head of Market Engagement, BSI Product Certification said: “Enhancing safety, efficiency and quality in the construction sector can help strengthen the sector, improve the lives of those working in it, and ultimately ensure buildings being developed meet society’s needs. “BSI is committed to supporting the construction industry in this way, and we recognise that our impact can be much greater if we work collaboratively with the entire construction market. That’s why we are delighted to partner with NBS, which is driving quality and helping clients mitigate risk throughout the entire construction supply chain.” Further collaboration between the two industry powerhouses will also help reduce the risk of misspecification, delivering clearer, unambiguous product information to the fingertips of architects and designers working on construction projects. New functionality in NBS Source helps specifiers easily identify and select those products and systems that are BSI-certified. Darryl Holloway, Architectural Sales Manager (UK) at manufacturer Q-railing said: “Increasingly we’ve seen specifiers request third-party assessment of the product information and marketing associated with our products. The BSI Kitemark is a mark of trust, and. crucially, having this integrated into specification information via NBS Source makes it even easier for specifiers to find our assessed systems and products and specify them with greater confidence.” To find out more about BSI on NBS Source, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Dandara Helps Plug The Skills Gap To ‘Get Britain Building’ Through Management Training Scheme

Dandara Helps Plug The Skills Gap To ‘Get Britain Building’ Through Management Training Scheme

As National Apprenticeship Week (10–16 February) approaches, independent housebuilder Dandara is highlighting a range of trainee schemes for those interested in a career in the housebuilding industry. This initiative is part of Dandara’s ongoing commitment to helping the UK close its skills gap and inspire the next generation. While the UK government has planned to build 1.5 million new homes over the next five years[1], the latest Construction Skills Network report forecasts that there is a need for 251,500 extra construction workers by 2028 to meet the anticipated levels of work[2]. Amid concerns regarding a lack of trained professionals to help reach the target, Dandara has established a trainee programme to guarantee newcomers the proper training and qualifications needed for the future. Dandara’s trainee scheme include an initial three-year programme designed to deliver skills and qualification-based experience, rotating between all departments.  Provided a trainee stays with Dandara two years after completing their traineeship, their tuition and qualifications costs will be taken care of as they continue to study and work on the job. Alison Murphy, Learning & Development Manager at Dandara, commented: “The skills gap is a major challenge we face as a housebuilder. The boom for housing and Government ambition to build 1.5 million homes is there, but the most crucial element driving the whole project is missing – the workforce to deliver these ambitions. “As National Apprenticeship Week beckons, we want to support those trying to plug this skills gap by offering schemes such as our management programme. The scheme is designed for anyone looking to leave education right through to those looking to change careers. Investment into people and training the next generation is the key to unlocking the UK’s housing targets and we are here to help anyone who is passionate to kickstart their career. Creating opportunities for people to bring their skills, enthusiasm and passion to the industry encompasses the ethos behind our trainee schemes, and we equip all our newcomers with quality training for a career at Dandara.” Harry Collins, an apprentice on Dandara’s trainee management scheme, adds: “Each department has a designated mentor overseeing my activities, and Dandara has structured the programme exceptionally well. Although moving between departments might seem stressful, the process has been seamless so far, and the apprenticeship has provided me with valuable experience and a deeper understanding of the company. The range of experience and the opportunity to fully immerse myself in different departments have given me a much clearer idea of the housebuilding industry, and I am looking forward to seeing what the next few years have in store.” To find out more about Dandara’s trainee schemes, please visit https://careers.dandara.com/page/traineeschemes or call 01908 036 284 [1] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-homes-fact-sheet-1-the-need-for-homes/fact-sheet-1-the-need-for-homes [2] https://www.citb.co.uk/about-citb/construction-industry-research-reports/construction-skills-network-csn/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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FIS appoints Damian Hill as technical projects manager

FIS appoints Damian Hill as  technical projects manager

Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) is delighted to announce the appointment of Damian Hill to the newly created role of Technical Projects Manager, following the retirement of its Technical Director Joe Cilia.  A seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in the interiors sector, Damian brings a wealth of technical knowledge and leadership to FIS during an exciting time of transformation. As part of this transition, Jim Parlour has been promoted to Head of Technical, progressing from his previous position as Technical and Vetting Manager. These changes form part of FIS’s commitment to evolve and expand its technical support services for the £10 billion finishes and interiors sector. In his new role, Damian will play a pivotal role in supporting FIS as the leading technical authority for the finishes and interiors sector.  His primary responsibilities will include managing technical projects, collaborating with the FIS team, members, and external stakeholders to enhance and update technical resources, and ensuring that FIS continues to deliver high-quality technical guidance, training, and support for the sector. “I am absolutely delighted to be joining FIS and look forward to working with the exceptionally talented team and all members of this amazing sector,” said Damian Hill. “Having spent 30 years within the interiors industry, I am excited to bring my knowledge, experience, and passion to continue the great work FIS does for its members in promoting quality, collaboration, innovation, safety, and best practice.” Hill’s extensive background in the interiors industry includes 24 years at SIG, where he held various roles across sales, business development, and training in core interior products. Most recently, as Ocula Partitions Technical and Training Manager since 2018, he has overseen product development, performance testing and certification, compliance, and systems training. Hill has also been an active member of the FIS Partitions and Pods Working Group, staying up-to-date on the latest developments and providing valuable insights to help shape the future of the sector. Commenting on the new role, Jim Parlour, Head of Technical at FIS, said: “Damian brings a wealth of experience as a technical communicator, having provided functional training to hundreds of staff in all interior construction product disciplines. We are looking forward to accelerating our development of the FIS e-learning platform, advancing competence standards for estimating, procurement, and design functions, as well as receiving project management support for all our technical activities and membership vetting efforts.” The addition of Damian Hill to the FIS leadership team, alongside Jim Parlour’s promotion, marks a key step in FIS’s efforts to enhance its technical support and resources for the finishes and interiors sector. For further information or for any questions please contact FIS at info@thefis.org or call 0121 707 0077. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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