A major government office complex bringing 7,000 civil service jobs to Manchester alongside a new urban park have been given planning consent to be built in Ancoats. Manchester Digital Campus The campus will be a state-of-the-art hub constructed on the former Central Retail Park in Ancoats after the city’s planning
Sage, the leader in accounting, financial, HR, and payroll technology for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), today announced the UK launch of Sage Intacct Construction, a cloud-native financial management and operations solution designed specifically for the construction industry. This expansion builds on the success of Sage Intacct Construction in the
SafeSite Facilities and sister company SafeSite Security Solutions are building on their growth and sector leadership with a key promotion and strategic new hire. Paul Goossens has been promoted from operations manager to operations director at SafeSite Facilities. With a strong track record of driving operational improvements and mentoring staff,
The Institution of Fire Engineers’ Engineering Council register has now surpassed 1,000 registrants, showcasing the commitment to competence and ethical practice from IFE members. As part of the registration process, applicants must demonstrate their competence and commitment via peer review against the UK Standard for Engineering Competence and Commitment (UK-SPEC).
NHBC has announced renowned broadcaster, journalist and author Louise Minchin as its host for its upcoming BEYOND ‘25 LIVE event in March, with entrepreneur Deborah Meaden as a keynote speaker. With 20 years of presenting BBC Breakfast, Minchin will guide over 1,200 delegates through an action-packed agenda of expert speakers,
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,
Midlands Connect is refreshing its strategic outline business case (SOBC) for its Coventry-Leicester-Nottingham rail improvement scheme. Current rail provisions between Coventry and Leicester mean passengers must change at Nuneaton, making for a longer and more frustrating journey. Midlands Connect plans to reinstate a direct service between the two cities. Political
Sustainability on construction sites is a major talking point in the industry – and many businesses share a resolve to take measures that reduce carbon emissions and help protect the planet. However, it can also be a confusing and sometimes overwhelming space, especially for those just beginning the journey. Avril
Simply Certification, a leading certification body for the construction and decarbonisation industry, has announced that it has joined Normec, a specialist in the testing, inspection, certification and compliancy industry. Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Jarrow, South Tyneside, Simply Certification provides certification for the construction industry across a range of
Hire Association Europe & Event Hire Association (HAE EHA) is publicly backing the Lithium-ion Battery Safety Bill, calling for increased awareness and education to save lives and reduce risk of fires, as it launches a vital safety initiative for the hire industry, targeting those handling lithium-ion batteries. The Lithium-ion Battery
A major government office complex bringing 7,000 civil service jobs to Manchester alongside a new urban park have been given planning consent to be built in Ancoats. Manchester Digital Campus The campus will be a state-of-the-art hub constructed on the former Central Retail Park in Ancoats after the city’s planning committee approved the Government Property Agency’s (GPA) scheme at Manchester City Council planning committee yesterday (Thursday 20 February) The campus will bring together a number of Civil Service departments with a focus around digital skills and create significant employment opportunities and economic benefits in the region. The state-of-the-art campus will bolster Manchester’s digital and tech sector, driving economic growth and new employment opportunities for the city. New City Centre Park Alongside the new campus, the new park will improve access to quality green space in Manchester city centre, creating a connection to the existing Cotton Field Park behind and through to Ancoats and New Islington. The park space has been designed in collaboration with landscape architects Planit-IE following public consultation. A central lawn and plaza will create a green buffer to Great Ancoats Street, with various tiered gardens navigating the different level changes across the site, alongside play areas, paths and tranquil areas to escape the noise of the city. The park has been designed to make sure that it is fully accessible. The site will accommodate new walking and cycling routes, helping to link to other city centre active travel investment in Ancoats, Northern Quarter and out towards the Etihad Campus. Mark Bourgeois, CEO at the GPA, said: “We are delighted with the decision and are grateful for the support of the many stakeholders in Manchester. The GPA team is proud to be working on this exciting project in support of the Government’s growth mission.” The GPA exchanged contracts to acquire five-and-a-half acres of the former Central Retail Park in Ancoats from the city council in May last year with a view to constructing a state-of-the-art digital campus. Both the agency and Manchester City Council have been working together on the plans for Ancoats, culminating in a parallel proposal for the digital campus and an adjacent public park. The council and the GPA held a joint consultation around emerging plans for the former retail site in August and September last year, inviting local residents, businesses and other stakeholders to help guide proposals to create the new government digital campus – delivered by the GPA – and a new city centre park space, delivered by the council. Mark added: “We are pleased to be working with Manchester City Council on these regeneration plans, and look forward to creating fantastic and sustainable workplaces to support the transformation of the Civil Service. “This proposed development, builds on the work MCC and the GPA undertook last year in putting in place an updated Strategic Regeneration Framework, and the shared ambition to regenerate the Ancoats former retail site, creating employment and wider business opportunities, supported by the digital campus.” Leader of the Council Bev Craig said: “Gaining planning approval for both the GPA’s digital campus and the latest city centre park is the launchpad for the transformation of this site. “Our ambition has long been to bring the former retail park back into active use and working in partnership with the GPA we are delivering a quality, low carbon development that will bring 7,000 civil service jobs to Manchester in the coming years. “The new digital campus plays to Manchester’s strengths. We have fostered one of the fastest growing tech and digital communities in the UK, with a growing international reputation. The transformation of this brownfield site supports our ongoing growth in the sector, which translates into quality employment and development opportunities for our residents. “We stand ready to work with this Government to bring forward other ambitious investments in Manchester that can continue our path of sustainable economic growth, supporting our residents to thrive. “At the same time, the new park is a welcome addition to our city centre green spaces and a reimagining of the former retail site that has for many years acted only as a barrier to the community behind – and an eyesore in one of the most exciting parts of our city.” Find out more about the redevelopment of the former retail site. Read the planning applications here Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sage, the leader in accounting, financial, HR, and payroll technology for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), today announced the UK launch of Sage Intacct Construction, a cloud-native financial management and operations solution designed specifically for the construction industry. This expansion builds on the success of Sage Intacct Construction in the United States, Canada and Australia and marks a significant step in Sage’s strategy to deliver industry-specific solutions to new verticals. Built on the foundation of 50 years of experience in the construction sector, Sage Intacct Construction brings a cloud-native solution to the UK market. This provides developers, builders, main contractors, residential builders, and specialty contractors with an advanced financial management and operations system tailored to their needs. Addressing an unmet need in the UK construction industry The UK construction industry has great potential to grow but it has faced important headwinds in recent years. For example, workforce shortages, supply chain issues and an aging workforce is driving demand for increased automation, increased visibility of data, and changing expectations for how technology is used. Yet, the sector has long lacked a robust cloud-native financial management solution. Sage Intacct Construction fills this gap by offering a purpose-built solution that enables construction businesses to: “Sage Intacct Construction is a significant development for the UK market,” said Julie Adams, Senior Vice President, Construction & Real Estate, Sage: “We are building on a heritage of 50 years of trust and innovation that has helped tens of thousands of customers in other regions. This expertise will empower construction businesses in the UK with real-time insights, automation, and financial management tools to drive profitability and efficiency and position themselves for sustainable growth.” Supporting the future of construction with cloud technology Sage’s construction cloud solutions extend beyond financials to include operations and preconstruction software. Integration with Sage Construction Management delivers a seamless end-to-end cloud solution that covers all aspects of project management. This connectivity enhances collaboration across field, office, and external teams, streamlining budgeting, staffing, and subcontractor management. With real-time reporting and visibility, businesses can track performance, compare historical data, and make informed decisions quickly. Sage Business Partners will play a crucial role in bringing this offering to market. Steve Masters, Managing Director, Accord Consulting: ” We’re excited for the introduction of Sage Intacct Construction to UK businesses. The construction industry has long needed a cloud-native financial management solution tailored to its challenges. While specialised solutions and mobile apps have helped address some of the industry’s connectivity needs, many businesses still struggle with a lack of integration that results in data silos and double data entry. Having an end-to-end cloud system helps construction firms improve efficiency and profitability in an increasingly complex market.” Debbie Mitchell-Ball, Group Finance Manager, 3R Group said: “We chose Sage Intacct Construction because it was the only technology that could meet our needs – from managing leads and quotations to project completion in one system. It streamlines spend and can track profit and loss per project, it consolidates documents and eliminates the need for multiple spreadsheets. We also have real-time, integrated data at our fingertips, which means we can now generate reports in minutes instead of hours.” Sage Intacct Construction is now available for UK construction businesses. To learn more, visit link. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SafeSite Facilities and sister company SafeSite Security Solutions are building on their growth and sector leadership with a key promotion and strategic new hire. Paul Goossens has been promoted from operations manager to operations director at SafeSite Facilities. With a strong track record of driving operational improvements and mentoring staff, Paul has been instrumental in shaping the company’s strategic direction. Paul said: “My focus will be on streamlining processes, enhancing operational efficiency and creating a culture of continuous improvement,” said Paul. “I’m also looking forward to mentoring future leaders within the company, so we have a strong foundation for future success.” As operations director, Paul will lead efforts to refine operational structures, identify skills gaps and implement targeted training programmes. He will also take an overview of the company’s financial performance, overseeing cost-saving initiatives while enhancing productivity. In addition to Paul’s promotion, SafeSite Security Solutions is welcoming Shane Hall as its new business development manager. Shane brings a decade of sales experience, with a strong background in commercial cleaning, pest control and security services. He specialises in guarding, CCTV, temporary alarm systems and physical security solutions. His appointment will strengthen SafeSite Security Solutions’ relationships within the social housing sector in particular, and his expertise in client relations and problem-solving will support the company’s expanding reach. “My goal is to drive business growth by building strong client relationships,” said Shane. “Coming from a large organisation, I’m looking forward to working in a close-knit team where collaboration and innovation thrive. I’m eager to bring my industry knowledge and experience to SafeSite Security Solutions to help support it’s ambitious growth plans.” For further information please visit: https://www.safesitefacilities.co.uk/ and https://www.safesitesecuritysolutions.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Institution of Fire Engineers’ Engineering Council register has now surpassed 1,000 registrants, showcasing the commitment to competence and ethical practice from IFE members. As part of the registration process, applicants must demonstrate their competence and commitment via peer review against the UK Standard for Engineering Competence and Commitment (UK-SPEC). The commitment to continuous professional development (CPD) ensures ethical practice is being maintained and a continuing dedication to public safety. Professional registration with the Engineering Council demonstrates to employers, clients, and peers that an individual’s competency has been independently assessed and verified, supporting personal career progression and elevating the profession. It also assures the public and stakeholders that the registered professionals have met the high standards of practice and ethical conduct required by the Engineering Council, the regulatory body for engineering in the UK. Over 1,000 IFE Engineering Council registrants now carry globally recognised post-nominals, symbolising their commitment to excellence, competence, and ethical standards across the fire sector. This milestone also underscores the growing recognition of fire engineering as a critical and dynamic field that plays a vital role in public safety, infrastructure, and resilience. “This reflects the dedication of our members in upholding the highest standards of professional competence and ethical conduct,” said Steve Hamm, CEO of the IFE. “Fire engineers are not only highly skilled but also committed to the ongoing development and ensuring that they remain at the forefront of the profession.” The IFE is licensed by the Engineering Council, the regulatory body for the UK engineering profession who set and maintain internationally recognised standards of professional competence and commitment. Fire engineering continues to evolve, and it’s apparent that IFE members are enhancing their skills and contributing to the new phase in fire safety. CEO of the Engineering Council, Paul Bailey said: “Ensuring competence and safe, ethical practice isvital throughout the whole engineering profession. It is encouraging to see the increasing number offire engineers choosing to become professionally registered and demonstrating their commitmentto develop and apply their skills to protect people and planet at this time of rapid social andtechnological change. “We welcome this announcement as we prepare to join the IFE and other engineering institutions inmarking Chartered Week, running from 24 to 28 February, which will be celebrating theachievements of professionals and organisations that inspire public trust in engineering andbeyond.” For further information on Engineering Council registration please visit: Engineering Council registration. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
NHBC has announced renowned broadcaster, journalist and author Louise Minchin as its host for its upcoming BEYOND ‘25 LIVE event in March, with entrepreneur Deborah Meaden as a keynote speaker. With 20 years of presenting BBC Breakfast, Minchin will guide over 1,200 delegates through an action-packed agenda of expert speakers, industry insights and cutting-edge discussions on the future of house building, as NHBC takes over the CBS Arena in Coventry. The brand new construction industry event will see Minchin joined by celebrated entrepreneur Deborah Meaden in a fireside chat diving into a host of hot topics including sustainability, innovation, resilience, leadership, adapting to change, the environment and women in construction – advancing opportunities across the industry. Boasting a full exhibition, dedicated networking space and a variety of workshops and training sessions, the event will also bring over 50 guest speakers covering best practice, skills, innovation, regulation, housing regeneration and customer care. The must-attend, future-focused event will reflect the ever-changing nature of the house-building industry, issues affecting the sector and explore the opportunities and challenges the construction industry faces in everything from innovation to sustainability. Paul Edwards, NHBC senior regional director said “We are delighted to announce both Louise Minchin and Deborah Meaden to BEYOND ‘25 LIVE and see them bring their energy, passion and insights to our delegates in a packed agenda. It’s an event not be to missed for those in the industry and attendees can expect fresh ideas and new insights from some of the leading voices in housebuilding. I am immensely proud that we have been able to cover so many topics at this event and I am confident there will be a wealth of information, presentations and discussions relevant to everyone involved in the building of new homes.” Speakers at the event include: The Rt Hon. Lord Gavin Barwell -Former MP and Housing Minister, and Chairman of the NHBC Foundation and NHBC Foundation’s Expert Panel, Gavin will cover ‘The public policy and geo-political trends impacting UK house building’. Ian Workman, Chief Customer Officer from Homes England – With over 30 years’ experience in the banking industry, including roles at Barclays, Recognise Bank and the Yorkshire Building Society, Ian will discuss Homes England’s role in delivering key initiatives that will drive innovation across the sector as part of his keynote address ‘Accelerating housing growth – building the future together’. Nigel Cates, Chief Ombudsman at the New Homes Ombudsman – Nigel will take an in-depth look at the Buildmark policy in his session, ‘Understanding NHBC Buildmark warranty and insurance: obligations, dispute resolution, effective claims management’. Breaking down the key stages and providing practical insights into how to navigate its requirements. For more information, to exhibit, view the full agenda and to book your tickets visit nhbc.co.uk/beyond Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
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
Midlands Connect is refreshing its strategic outline business case (SOBC) for its Coventry-Leicester-Nottingham rail improvement scheme. Current rail provisions between Coventry and Leicester mean passengers must change at Nuneaton, making for a longer and more frustrating journey. Midlands Connect plans to reinstate a direct service between the two cities. Political representatives including Mary Creagh MP, Jodie Gosling MP and Rachel Taylor MP will be joined by business leaders such as Corin Crane (Coventry and Warwickshire Chambers) and Richard Blackmore (East Midlands Chamber). Friday 28th February, Coventry Transport Museum Contact: ciarajagger@midlandsconnect.uk 0781 218 1872 Agenda 09:30-10:00 | Arrival, coffee and networking. 10:00-10:20 | Opening remarks from Maria Machancoses and introduction to the scheme from Andy Clark. 10:20-10:30 | Keynote speech from Mary Creagh, MP for Coventry East 10:30-11:15 | Panel: Connecting communities – uniting the East and West Midlands. 11:15-11:30 | Break. 11:30-12:20 | Panel: Bringing together business – the case for productivity. 12:20-12:30 | Closing remarks. 12:30 | Lunch. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sustainability on construction sites is a major talking point in the industry – and many businesses share a resolve to take measures that reduce carbon emissions and help protect the planet. However, it can also be a confusing and sometimes overwhelming space, especially for those just beginning the journey. Avril Coleman, Business Administration Director at SafeSite Facilities, a UK leader in site safety and security, outlines the ‘quick wins’ that can get you started. 1 Look for opportunities to encourage ‘circularity’ – including hiring instead of buying Circularity, a sustainable model which focuses on re-use and the elimination of waste, should be a key focus for businesses starting their sustainability journey. One solution for construction sites is to consider hiring equipment rather than buying it outright. This might apply to CCTV but also to safety barriers – in fact anything which is not required permanently. 2 Look for suppliers that offer buy-back on products For businesses that prefer to buy, choosing a supply partner that offers buy-back options when the products are no longer required is an alternative way to support circularity, Extending the lifecycle of products is particularly relevant to construction sites, because when a job is complete the temptation is to simply send unwanted products to landfill. At SafeSite Facilities, we offer to buy back products that are still intact, such as fence sets and barriers, to extend the life cycle of these products. It’s something that suppliers in other industries could look at, too. Equipment that is bought back is either re-sold or sent to scrap metal experts who re-use it. Plastic materials often go back to the manufacturer to be re-used or turned into new products. It’s about extending the lifecycle of a product. 3 Choose recyclable products made from natural materials Products that are recyclable, or made from recycled material, create a circular economy. This might include aluminium, which is 100 per cent recyclable, steel, bamboo, wood and cork. Plastics, including plastic barriers, still have an important part to play in the market, too, but look out for plastics that are recyclable. 4 Make the switch to electric vehicles wherever possible Removing petrol and diesel vehicles from a company fleet is a long-term ambition for many businesses in the construction sector. There are still some significant challenges in this arena as we wait for technology to catch up. Electric delivery vehicles, for instance, remain a challenge because of range anxiety and inefficient charging stations. But switching to electric cars for executives and the sales team is more achievable in the short term. 5 Choose suppliers that calculate optimal routes for delivery drivers One way to reduce emissions in a petrol or diesel fleet is to work harder to reduce journey times. AI software is now available that can calculate route planning to deliver more efficient journeys. Upgrading vehicles, putting limiters on vehicles so they can’t go above a certain speed can also have an impact. That’s important because transport is such a huge contributor to the scope of any business’ carbon footprint. 6 Work with other businesses that hold recognised environmental and sustainability certification It’s always good to work with suppliers and partners who share your values, especially when it comes to sustainability. There are a range of environmental and sustainability certifications to look out for, including ISO 14001. This is a global standard that provides a framework for organisations to design and implement an Environmental Management System, created by the International Organization for Standardisation (ISO). 7 Go paperless Removing paper from your operation, and choosing suppliers who have done the same, is an important early step. Long gone are the days when deliveries required a pile of paperwork. Most transactions and documents can now be handled on a screen. There are plenty of software options available now which can facilitate this. 8 Train your team in sustainable practices For a business to be truly sustainable it needs buy-in from all its people. Everyone can play a part. The best way to create a culture of sustainability is to train your people and make reducing emissions part of everyday business. There’s no point in having environmental and sustainability policies if nobody in the company actions them. 9 Consider products that use solar power Reducing energy usage on site is a challenge, but solar power can help. CCTV cameras and lighting can now be powered effectively by solar panels, for instance, and technology is improving all the time. 10 Take measures on site that support and protect wildlife There’s more to sustainability than using less energy and reducing waste. Protecting wildlife should also be a consideration for construction sites, especially those in rural areas. SafeSite Facilities offers a range of newt and reptile wildlife fencing, designed for protected species mitigation projects and managing wildlife movement. These are perfect for applications such as construction sites, power stations, highways, rail networks, utility pipelines, and ecologically sensitive areas. They serve as an effective barrier to keep newts and other amphibians out of your site as well as conforming to the guidelines laid out in the Great Crested Newts Guidelines. There are even fences available to protect snakes. By embracing all ten of these tips, construction sites can make a positive start on the journey towards a more sustainable industry in which carbon emissions are reduced. About the author: Avril Coleman has worked at SafeSite Facilities for nearly a decade and is passionate about creating environments where people feel valued and empowered in the construction industry and beyond. As Business Administration Director, she leads on administrative functions and sustainability at SafeSite Facilities, which sells and hires non-mechanical safety and security products to construction sites, major highways projects, events and festivals nationwide. Avril was named one of the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction for 2024 as a Local Hero for the South East, by the National Federation of Builders, for her continued commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion within the construction industry in the UK. Building, Design &
Simply Certification, a leading certification body for the construction and decarbonisation industry, has announced that it has joined Normec, a specialist in the testing, inspection, certification and compliancy industry. Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Jarrow, South Tyneside, Simply Certification provides certification for the construction industry across a range of standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001 and ISO 45001. The business has also expanded its offering to include PAS2030, MCS and Flexi-Orb, supporting the industry to retrofit 24 million houses before the 2050 carbon net zero deadline laid out by the Government. This deal marks a significant milestone in Simply Certification’s 4-year journey and sets the stage for strengthening its market position, whilst enabling Normec to expand its built environment certification and compliance arm. Commenting on the deal, Alexandra Stobbs, Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to have secured this deal with Normec. They have a great reputation across the globe, and this will allow us to further consolidate our market position as a leading certification body in the UK, whilst giving them the opportunity to enter the market and grow the team and business here. Simply Certification has enjoyed rapid growth, due in part to the burgeoning need for retrofit installations ahead of carbon net zero. But it’s our commitment to customer service that we believe has given us the advantage in a traditional marketplace. This deal will allow us to continue to expand at an accelerated rate and provide huge growth potential for Normec.” Mariska van Schaik, Managing Director of Normec’s Sustainability division, added: “Simply Certification has very quickly secured an enviable position in the UK market by focusing on customers, technology and ways to improve the certification process. It has an experienced team, robust trading and a strong market presence. Under the umbrella of Normec, we look forward to growing operations in the UK.” The deal completed in January 2025 and Alexandra Stobbs (previously Gates), Managing Director of Simply Certification will continue to lead the business under the current brand. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hire Association Europe & Event Hire Association (HAE EHA) is publicly backing the Lithium-ion Battery Safety Bill, calling for increased awareness and education to save lives and reduce risk of fires, as it launches a vital safety initiative for the hire industry, targeting those handling lithium-ion batteries. The Lithium-ion Battery Safety Bill aims to make provision regarding the safe storage, use and disposal of lithium-ion batteries. It was introduced in July 2024 and is currently at Committee Stage in the House of Lords. HAE EHA will be sharing best practice videos and infographics on its website and social media to educate users on how to store and use these batteries correctly, as well as what to do should a fire break out. HAE EHA members will also be able to access a more detailed resource pack as part of their membership. Lithium-ion batteries are the most popular type of rechargeable battery provided for use in power tools and equipment, for example; cordless drills, grinders, saws, garden tools etc, as well as e-bikes and scooters, and mobile phones. These batteries have a high energy density, meaning they can store a large amount of energy in a small volume and support high power demands. Though generally safe, lithium-ion batteries can become fire risks due to improper use or damage, and enter a state called ‘thermal runaway’ where the battery enters an uncontrollable, self-heating state which can lead to a fire. It has been reported that UK fire services attended 921 fires linked to lithium-ion batteries in 2023, a 46 per cent increase on 2022’s figures, with almost three fires a day involving these batteries[1]. HAE EHA is an industry-leading trade association for the plant, tool, equipment and event hire sectors with membership representing businesses from new startups to some of Europe’s largest hire companies. It has over 700 member companies based in the UK, Europe and across other parts of the world. Carl Bartlett, director of certification services at HAE EHA, said: “We don’t want any more people to be hurt as a result of poor use or poor storage of lithium-ion batteries. There are too many avoidable instances where we believe better education about how to handle these batteries could save lives and livelihoods. “Companies in the hire industry hiring out these devices need to be able to properly inform their customers and teams about how to safely use, transport, store and report any issues about their lithium-ion batteries. If these new resources can help avoid even one fire, their job has been done.” HAE EHA’s advice for the safe handling of lithium-ion batteries includes: For full advice and best practice guidance, members can download resources via the HAE EHA member platform: https://www.hae.org.uk/members/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
