March 18, 2025
Screwfix to Launch 35 New Stores Across UK and Ireland

Screwfix to Launch 35 New Stores Across UK and Ireland

Screwfix has announced plans to open 35 new stores across the UK and Ireland by the end of January 2026, reinforcing its commitment to expanding its retail network and improving accessibility for tradespeople. A significant number of the new locations will feature the retailer’s compact ‘Screwfix City’ format, designed for

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Midland Heart Pledges £300m to Upgrade and Modernise Housing Stock

Midland Heart Pledges £300m to Upgrade and Modernise Housing Stock

Birmingham-based housing association Midland Heart has announced a £300 million investment to upgrade and modernise its housing stock over the next five years, aiming to enhance energy efficiency and improve living conditions for tenants. The initiative, named the ‘Homes Fit for Modern Living’ programme, will focus on upgrading around 6,000

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Omega West Unit 4 scheme is progressing well in Warrington

Omega West Unit 4 scheme is progressing well in Warrington

Works for Omega West Unit 4, a £28million major industrial and logistics (I&L) development within the Omega Business Park in Warrington, are on track for completion. Led by McLaren Construction Midlands and North, Unit 4 is due to finish in June 2025 and follows the successful completion of Units 2

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Planning on Pause: Planning approvals dip 21% as industry awaits bill

Planning on Pause: Planning approvals dip 21% as industry awaits bill

Glenigan’s March 2025 Construction Review reveals project pipeline pressure, with hopes pinned on the newly enacted Planning and Infrastructure Bill to spark a turnaround Today, Glenigan, Powered by Hubexo (Glenigan), one of the construction industry’s leading insight and intelligence experts, releases the March 2025 edition of its Construction Review. The

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HS2 beam lift progress for Brackley’s A43 bridge

HS2 beam lift progress for Brackley’s A43 bridge

The construction of a bridge that will allow high speed trains to pass under the busy A43 near Brackley has taken a major step forward with the structure’s enormous steel beams lifted into position during a series of three weekend closures. The A43 – which links Oxford, Brackley and Northampton

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European construction continues to choke on harmful emissions, MILWAUKEE survey finds

European construction continues to choke on harmful emissions, MILWAUKEE survey finds

A new MILWAUKEE® study finds the construction sector remains reliant on petrol-powered tools and equipment, despite worker calls to move to battery-powered alternatives. Almost all European construction workers say they’d feel safer working on-site if their employer replaced petrol-powered equipment with battery-powered alternatives. A new report, commissioned by industry-leading manufacturer

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Latest Issue
Issue 326 : Mar 2025

March 18, 2025

Landmark moment as Etex opens 200 million euros plasterboard manufacturing facility in Bristol

Landmark moment as Etex opens 200 million euros plasterboard manufacturing facility in Bristol

McLaughlin & Harvey have completed construction of Etex’s plasterboard manufacturing facility in Bristol. Etex has officially opened its 200 million euros expansion of its plasterboard production facility in Bristol. It is Etex’s largest production investment ever and a commitment to UK manufacturing as the industry grows. Delivered by McLaughlin & Harvey, the new autonomous plasterboard production line and warehouse facility comprises of a 53,000m2 GIA. The 0.5km long facility consists of a board line calcination plant and storage facility with first floor office accommodation spanning the board line.  The expansion has doubled the sites capacity near the Port of Bristol and has a core focus on sustainability, utilising a rainwater harvesting system, installation points for solar PV and electric car charging stations, and a fully electric forklift fleet. The extra space also supports post-consumer gypsum recycling. The facility produces plasterboard for the Siniat brand and is Etex’s most efficient plasterboard production line in Europe when considering its line size, speed and complexity. The capacity installed allows Etex, a global lightweight construction materials manufacturer, to produce over 98% of its portfolio of boards for the UK and Ireland in the new state-of-the-art facility. The plant leverages new technologies to bring efficiency but also sustainability to the forefront of operations. Increasing local production gives Etex greater flexibility and allows for significant carbon savings by decreasing the need to transport boards from other countries. Robbie Clark, Operations Director at McLaughlin & Harvey, commented: “We are proud to have completed the construction of Etex’s new plasterboard production facility in Bristol. Our experienced delivery team maintained a strong focus on quality and sustainability in managing the building and civil engineering works, and coordinating the client’s direct equipment installers.  The high degree of integration of the state-of-the-art process equipment within our construction works was achieved seamlessly through our ‘one team’ approach with Etex and their consultants. This approach ensured the plant was fully commissioned and ready for setting to work ahead of the planned completion date. This accomplishment is a testament to teamwork, commitment and collaboration, demonstrating what we can achieve when a project team works together towards a common goal.” The new site is a zero waste to landfill plant – and part of Etex’s Road to Sustainability 2030 ambitions – which, in the UK, includes rainwater harvesting and increasing its product recycled content year-on-year. Etex is the first manufacturer in the UK to have recycled content certified in new products (through SCS certification), with recycled content in UK products ranging from 23% up to 45% in plasterboards. Bernard Delvaux, CEO of Etex:  “Etex is a pioneer in the construction sector globally, and in the UK. In Europe, we hold important market positions for our portfolio of products and solutions; plasterboards, fibre cement, insulation, fire protection and modular construction. But at the core of our business is our partnerships with customers. Through our complementary portfolio of brands, we are able to take our relationships with customers beyond simply being a supplier and instead work in true collaboration. This is thanks to our solution-first approach, focusing more and more on delivering full solutions and technical expertise to customers, rather than simply supplying individual products.” John Sinfield, UK and Ireland Country Manager: “The new Bristol plant expansion is proof of Etex’s strong footprint in Europe and its commitment to continually investing in innovation. As a pioneer in lightweight construction, we strive to deliver better products and construction methods. Through a solutions-first approach within our key brands, we can offer trusted design solutions that are fully tested whenever our customers need them, ultimately making construction time and processes easier, cheaper and more sustainable.” Etex operates more than 160 sites across 45 countries and employs 13,500 people worldwide. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Landsec Submits Plans for 880 New Homes in Manchester’s Mayfield Park

Landsec Submits Plans for 880 New Homes in Manchester’s Mayfield Park

Landsec has submitted a planning application for the first phase of its £1.4 billion Mayfield Park masterplan in Manchester, proposing 879 new homes as part of a major regeneration project. Designed in collaboration with architects Studio Egret West and shedkm, the new homes will include a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. The development will also feature shops, restaurants, cafés, a health and wellbeing club, and community spaces, creating a vibrant urban hub. If approved, the first phase will also deliver 325,000 sq ft of office space across two buildings, alongside a multi-modal transport hub, which will include Manchester’s largest cycle park with hundreds of spaces. The office and transport hub received initial consent in 2020, with revisions made in 2023 to align with current market conditions. The residential buildings will be arranged across four blocks, each containing both low-rise and taller tower elements. Streets will connect the development from the Mancunian Way in the south to Mayfield Park in the north, integrating the new homes into the wider cityscape. Landsec has committed to providing 20% affordable housing across the district, with an independent viability appraisal set to determine the final levels for the site. The company, in partnership with the Mayfield Partnership, is also looking to expand and enhance the existing public green space in the area. Mike Hood, chief executive at LandsecU+I, commented:“Our ambition for Mayfield is to create a diverse, green, world-class place where everyone feels welcome, whether to live, work, or visit. Since opening the park in 2022, we’ve been on a mission to grow it across the 24-acre masterplan. Expanding the green space and introducing the first homes alongside workplaces at Mayfield is an exciting milestone. It’s incredible to think that just a few years ago, much of this area was disused and derelict land. “We look forward to continuing to shape Mayfield’s future alongside our partners and local residents.” Construction timelines for the project have yet to be announced. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Screwfix to Launch 35 New Stores Across UK and Ireland

Screwfix to Launch 35 New Stores Across UK and Ireland

Screwfix has announced plans to open 35 new stores across the UK and Ireland by the end of January 2026, reinforcing its commitment to expanding its retail network and improving accessibility for tradespeople. A significant number of the new locations will feature the retailer’s compact ‘Screwfix City’ format, designed for high-footfall urban areas. This follows the successful launch of seven ‘City’ stores in the year leading up to January 2025, catering to the needs of busy tradespeople who require quick and convenient access to supplies. The new stores will also offer Screwfix Sprint, a rapid delivery service that enables customers to receive products at home or on-site in under an hour. John Mewett, chief executive of Screwfix, said:“We’re proud to continue Screwfix’s amazing growth with our plans to open up to 35 new stores within the next twelve months. “Despite the challenges facing the retail industry, investing in our store network remains central to how we can best support tradespeople to get their jobs done quickly, affordably, and right first time. “Our customers continue to be busy, and we know how important it is to be near a Screwfix store. We are driving forward with our store openings and continuing to focus on providing the ultimate convenience for our customers through our ultra-compact store format, Screwfix City, and rapid delivery service, Screwfix Sprint.” The expansion highlights Screwfix’s commitment to supporting the trade industry by providing faster access to tools and materials, ensuring professionals can work efficiently and effectively. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Midland Heart Pledges £300m to Upgrade and Modernise Housing Stock

Midland Heart Pledges £300m to Upgrade and Modernise Housing Stock

Birmingham-based housing association Midland Heart has announced a £300 million investment to upgrade and modernise its housing stock over the next five years, aiming to enhance energy efficiency and improve living conditions for tenants. The initiative, named the ‘Homes Fit for Modern Living’ programme, will focus on upgrading around 6,000 homes. A significant 75% of these—approximately 4,500 properties—were built before the Second World War and are considered the least energy-efficient within Midland Heart’s portfolio. The project aims to make these homes more affordable to maintain, enhance thermal comfort, and help combat fuel poverty. The association is targeting an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least C for all upgraded properties. This investment is a key part of Midland Heart’s corporate plan to 2030, which has been shaped in collaboration with tenants. The plan also includes delivering 2,250 new affordable homes by the end of the decade, which would bring the total number of properties under its management to around 6,000. In addition to modernisation, Midland Heart is set to halve the time required to complete repairs, reducing it from 28 days to just 14. This will be achieved through a strengthened in-house maintenance team, a reliable supply chain, and strong partnerships with top-tier contractors. Chief executive Glenn Harris commented:“After spending the past few years simplifying our organisation and refocusing on our core social purpose as a landlord, I am confident that we now fully understand the priorities of our tenants and have the financial resilience to address them. “Tenants at Heart is our promise to put residents at the centre of everything we do over the next five years. We will empower our colleagues to make decisions on behalf of tenants, invest in their homes like never before, and build new homes to ensure more people in our region have access to quality, affordable housing.” As part of its long-term strategy, Midland Heart also plans to streamline its property portfolio through strategic disposals, ensuring all homes remain fit for purpose and deliver value for money. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Omega West Unit 4 scheme is progressing well in Warrington

Omega West Unit 4 scheme is progressing well in Warrington

Works for Omega West Unit 4, a £28million major industrial and logistics (I&L) development within the Omega Business Park in Warrington, are on track for completion. Led by McLaren Construction Midlands and North, Unit 4 is due to finish in June 2025 and follows the successful completion of Units 2 and 3, also on behalf of Omega St Helens Limited, but with a fund managed by Blackstone as the purchaser. Once complete, the unit will be a 420,000 sq. ft. development featuring state-of-the-art facilities, including two-story offices, extensive warehouse space, a hub office, car park facilities, and comprehensive external works and landscaping. Currently, the stage 3 commissioning of the intake substation on plot is progressing well, alongside the offsite manufacture and delivery of the enhanced photovoltaic panels, which are being readied to commence installation along with the internal SRC slabs to the warehouse. Externally, the SRC Yard Slabs are anticipated to be substantially completed by mid- to late March, with the office fit-out to the main office block final finishes due to commence late March 2025. The team has worked to tackle challenging elements of the site, including the diversion of an existing watercourse along its southern and western boundaries, which required an eight-meter buffer zone to maintain construction safety. Additionally, a 132kVA cable diversion below ground on the northern boundary helped careful planning to ensure safe excavation and groundwork activities. The development will incorporate 10% natural roof light implementation, future capacity for EV charging, and a full cut and fill balance of the existing ground to reuse all on-site cohesive materials in line with McLaren Construction’s sustainability commitment. A wild meadow planting arrangement and increased green space areas will also be distributed through the extensive landscaping and all generators and plant machinery have run on alternative fuels, with waste managed through an online data system, Smartwaste, and recycling targets monitored monthly during construction. Upon completion, the development is expected to achieve a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ and an EPC rating of A+. Throughout the project, locally sourced materials and suppliers have been utilised, wherever possible, to support the local economy. With careful consideration of the local community at its heart, throughout the project, McLaren Construction Midlands and North has regularly engaged with local schools and colleges, providing job fairs and mock interview sessions to promote industry opportunities for young people. The team also attended the Cowley College: Futures Fair last year alongside the Your Futures Careers Fair at De La Salle School. Students were able to discuss industry career opportunities with the team, to expand their knowledge and inform them of future job options. Monthly meetings with the local council and planning teams have been hosted with stakeholders in attendance, alongside newsletters being regularly distributed to keep the community informed. Gary Cramp, Managing Director of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “Pivotal works are progressing to schedule at Unit 4, and we are proud of our team for continuing to deliver a high-quality sustainable product, as part of the latest phase in our successful track record at Omega Business Park. “We’ve been working closely with the community to regularly engage with local educational establishments and stakeholders, to ensure a seamless construction process with sustainability at the heart of the scheme.” David Milloy, Managing Director of M2 Group (owner of Omega St Helens), added: “We are very pleased to continue our partnership with McLaren Construction on this pivotal development. Their commitment to quality and community engagement aligns with our values and vision for Omega Business Park.” The commencement of Omega West Unit 4 underscores McLaren Construction Midlands and North’s ongoing dedication to fostering sustainable growth and innovation in industrial and logistics infrastructure. With a steadfast commitment to quality, environmental responsibility, and community engagement, the contractor is poised to deliver a project that not only meets the highest standards of construction excellence but also contributes positively to the Warrington community and beyond. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Network Space Developments secures planning for 30-acre commercial site near Wakefield

Network Space Developments secures planning for 30-acre commercial site near Wakefield

Network Space Developments (NSD) has secured Reserved Matters (detailed) planning permission for warehousing and distribution units on a 30-acre site on Newmarket Lane, Wakefield, just off Junction 30 of the M62. The 152,000 sq. ft scheme, comprising of 12 commercial units of varying sizes of flexible storage space with offices, will be a welcome addition to Newmarket Lane which has become an established and sought after industrial and logistics hub. The latest planning approval also covers a new access road onto Newmarket Lane along with car parking, service yards, landscaping, and ancillary road and drainage infrastructure. Network Space Developments’ Managing Director Ste Barnes said: “This is a prime commercial and industrial site that is just a few minutes away from Junction 30 of the M62 and the M1 interchange, making it an ideal location for national and international operators. “The Newmarket Lane area has become established as one of Yorkshire’s most attractive logistic hubs and we are delighted to have secured planning that will help promote this prime location even further .” The wider Newmarket Lane commercial area – once home to Newmarket Silkstone Colliery which closed in 1983 – covers approximately 200 acres, with potential development of up to 1million sq. ft. With Amazon, Newcold and Phoenix Healthcare already established on site, there are currently circa 1,500 people employed with a further 1,500 jobs anticipated once the area is fully developed out. Spawforths were planning consultants to NSD for this scheme. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Planning on Pause: Planning approvals dip 21% as industry awaits bill

Planning on Pause: Planning approvals dip 21% as industry awaits bill

Glenigan’s March 2025 Construction Review reveals project pipeline pressure, with hopes pinned on the newly enacted Planning and Infrastructure Bill to spark a turnaround Today, Glenigan, Powered by Hubexo (Glenigan), one of the construction industry’s leading insight and intelligence experts, releases the March 2025 edition of its Construction Review. The Review focuses on the three months to the end of February 2025, covering all major (>£100m) and underlying (<£100m) projects, with all underlying figures seasonally adjusted. It’s a report which provides a detailed and comprehensive analysis of year-on-year construction data, giving built environment professionals a unique insight into sector performance over the last 12 months. Major projects dry up, stifling pipeline growth The construction sector is facing a 32% year-on-year drop in project-start values, driven by a decline in major projects and weak activity in underlying ones. Despite a 35% increase in major contract awards, the overall downturn continues due to a drop in smaller awards and planning approvals, signalling a continued decline in both major and smaller starts in the near term. The freeze on major project starts, with only a few £100M+ developments getting underway, has led to a 39% decline in project starts. This slowdown is due to delays in planning approvals, higher borrowing costs, and weaker business confidence, prompting developers to delay investment until the economic outlook improves. The impact of these challenges is also evident in smaller projects, with a 17% year-on-year decrease in underlying project-starts. Meanwhile, main contract awards have fallen by 14% annually, indicating that even approved projects are struggling to move forward to construction. The UK economy saw minimal growth of 0.1% in Q4 2024, impacted by weak industrial production and a stagnant service sector. Early 2025 reflects the same trends, with ongoing manufacturing decline and sluggish services. Industrial Sector: Short-term gains, long-term uncertainty Industrial construction stands out as a rare bright spot, with project starts rising 16% year-on-year and warehousing/logistics soaring 70% to £872M, now accounting for 48% of all starts. However, this growth may not be sustainable, as detailed planning approvals for industrial projects have fallen 20% compared to last year. Without a consistent pipeline of approved projects, the sector’s momentum could swiftly fade in 2025. The Planning and Infrastructure Bill: A potential turning point? The recently introduced Planning and Infrastructure Bill aims to address the industry’s challenges by streamlining planning approvals and fast-tracking key infrastructure projects. With detailed planning approvals down 21% annually, the bill seeks to boost housing delivery and accelerate decision-making at the local council level. “The sharp drop in project starts reflects the ongoing struggles within the industry,” says Allan Wilen, Economics Director at Glenigan. “While the surge in major contract awards suggests future activity, real sustained growth hinges on improved approvals. The proposed Planning and Infrastructure Bill has the potential to be transformative, yet its impact will be determined by how swiftly and effectively it is implemented. A key challenge lies in uncertainty over local authorities’ capacity to deliver reforms at the pace needed to unlock stalled projects.” To find out more about Glenigan and its construction intelligence services click here.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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HS2 beam lift progress for Brackley’s A43 bridge

HS2 beam lift progress for Brackley’s A43 bridge

The construction of a bridge that will allow high speed trains to pass under the busy A43 near Brackley has taken a major step forward with the structure’s enormous steel beams lifted into position during a series of three weekend closures. The A43 – which links Oxford, Brackley and Northampton – is a vital route, providing access to Silverstone and connections between the M40 and M1. It was reopened just before midnight on Saturday night after the last of three weekend road closures. Preparation for the work began in 2023 when HS2 engineers, working closely with National Highways, realigned the road to create an ‘island’ between the two carriageways big enough for the construction of the new bridge deck. Using a ‘top-down’ approach, they sank 52m deep piled foundations and then built the pile caps and piers that will support the 66-metre-long bridge deck carrying the road. This weekend, they lifted the last parts of the seven steel beams that will support the bridge deck using a 750-tonne crane. With the beams now in position, the team will focus on the concrete deck and parapets. Once the bridge has been built, the road will be moved back onto the new bridge and excavation can begin to create space for the railway to pass underneath. This multi-stage approach was designed to keep traffic flowing and disruption to a minimum. HS2 Ltd’s Senior Project Manager Elizabeth Longinotti said: “The A43 is a busy route between Brackley and Northampton and I’d like to thank drivers for their patience over the last three weekends, allowing us to safely lift the enormous steel beams into position while the road was closed. “With the beams now in place, we can focus on the next part of this complex multi-stage project – pouring the concrete deck ready for the road to be moved onto the new bridge early next year.” National Highways Route Manager, Bill Freeman, said: “This is an enormous project which will inevitably impact on people using our roads but we have worked very hard for a long time now to keep that disruption to a minimum. “For a number of years we have been liaising with HS2 and their partners to develop a plan which would reduce the disturbance to road users during the construction of this huge structure. “We have also taken advantage of the road closures to expedite our own works improving drainage and repairing the slope along the A43, between Brackley and Syresham, reducing the need for further disruption.” The 80km stretch of railway that passes Brackley – including the A43 bridge – is being delivered by HS2’s main works contractor EKFB, a team made up of Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction and BAM Nuttall working with ASC (a joint venture between Arcadis, Setec and COWI). They worked with National Highways and EKFS’s sub-contractor, Kier Transportation, to construct the temporary realignment, to keep traffic flowing during the work. EKFB Deputy Project Director Timothée Scherer, said: “The successful execution of the beam lift represents a crucial milestone in our project. This accomplishment underscores the diligent efforts and unwavering commitment of our team, who have meticulously worked to ensure the safe and efficient installation of the beams. This progress brings us significantly closer to the realisation of this essential infrastructure project, which is destined to substantially enhance regional connectivity and transportation”. Tim Boardman, Senior Project Manager at Kier Transportation, added: “It’s fantastic to see the beam lift take effect, and we’re now starting to see the bridge really take shape. Putting this solution into place has required a huge amount of expertise and collaboration with our partners, and we’re proud of the impact it will have. We look forward to moving onto the next stages of the project, while continuing to work hard to minimise disruption for road users and the local community.” The last few weeks have also seen significant progress for the nearby Turweston viaduct near Brackley, with the 80m long deck beam now slid fully into position. The 591-tonne steel structure was assembled to one side and slid out on special pads covered in PTFE – a Teflon-like material usually found on the surface of a non-stick frying pan – used to minimise friction between the deck and the temporary steel bearings on top of each of the piers. Turweston is one of five viaducts on the project which use an innovative ‘double composite’ structure, with layers of reinforced concrete on the top and bottom to create a much more structurally efficient box-like span which dramatically cuts the amount of embedded carbon in the design. In total there are more than 500 bridging structures on the HS2 project – which is designed to improve connections between London, Birmingham and the North while freeing up space for more local trains on the most congested southern end of the existing West Coast Main Line into London Euston. These range from small footbridges and underpasses, to innovative ‘green bridges’ designed to help wildlife cross the railway, massive motorway bridges and the record-breaking Colne Valley viaduct. The last few months has also seen significant progress at HS2’s other major viaducts, with the first completed viaduct deck at the complex Delta Junction outside Birmingham and the Small Dean and Wendover Dean deck slides in Buckinghamshire. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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European construction continues to choke on harmful emissions, MILWAUKEE survey finds

European construction continues to choke on harmful emissions, MILWAUKEE survey finds

A new MILWAUKEE® study finds the construction sector remains reliant on petrol-powered tools and equipment, despite worker calls to move to battery-powered alternatives. Almost all European construction workers say they’d feel safer working on-site if their employer replaced petrol-powered equipment with battery-powered alternatives. A new report, commissioned by industry-leading manufacturer of power tools, equipment, accessories and hand tools, MILWAUKEE®, has uncovered the persistent and widespread use of petrol-powered tools and equipment across European construction sites. This is despite the well-known operational and health risks these products carry, and the knowledge that safer alternatives are available on the mainstream market. The whitepaper, Building a Safer Future, draws on the findings of a Europewide survey of 3,200 construction professionals across 14 countries. It specifically asked them about their attitudes to working with petrol-powered equipment, conclusively revealing that most respondents want to see an end to fossil fuel use for on-site activities. Putting European construction in petrol-powered peril The level of constant exposure to petrol-related emissions was shocking. Almost two-thirds (60%) of respondents highlighted they were exposed to petrol-powered equipment and machinery for the majority of the working week, with more than a quarter (27%) for the whole of it. No wonder a similar number also flagged pollution as one of the most significant dangers to their health and wellbeing when working on site. With the long-term health risks well documented, from heart disease to various forms of cancer, the persistent use of petrol on sites is contributing to shorter life expectancies amongst construction professionals. It’s also an issue that concerns the majority of those surveyed (65%). However, more disturbing was the finding that the remaining (35%) appeared less concerned about the short and long-term impact of regularly inhaling toxic emissions. This worrying stat shows a distinct lack of awareness or ignorance of the considerable hazard posed by petrol-powered equipment and machinery, and that more education is needed around why this fuel type needs to be phased out as soon as possible. Workers want to make the switch There are mainstream alternatives, particularly high-performance, battery-powered equipment and the appetite for this solution is healthy. Almost all respondents (92%) felt they would feel safer if their employer switched to battery-powered tools, equipment and machinery. Around half (45%) also indicated that doing so would make them feel more secure on site, in conjunction with better tools and equipment (54%) and higher-quality, comfortable PPE (48%). Making the change This research serves to highlight that sticking with the petrol-prolific status quo is no longer acceptable and it’s up to construction employers to take the lead, protecting their workers by putting an end to the use of fossil fuels for powering tools and equipment. The good news is battery-powered alternatives are now prolific and the technology that underlies them has come on leaps and bounds in the past decade, particularly concerning run-time. MILWAUKEE understands many on-site workers are rightly concerned; however, it remains concerning that a significant minority appear indifferent or unphased about the serious health implications of constant exposure to petrol fumes. Upfront, it indicates site teams need to ensure that, if they are still relying on petrol, their workforce is adequately protected. However, it’s only a temporary measure as the safest approach is to swap this dangerous fuel source out for good. To find out about Milwaukee’s award-winning range of tools, equipment and PPE, including the groundbreaking MX Fuel and OPE ranges, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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DBR (London) Limited awarded prestigious Royal Warrant of Appointment to His Majesty the King

DBR (London) Limited awarded prestigious Royal Warrant of Appointment to His Majesty the King

DBR (London) Limited (DBR), one of the UK’s leading heritage contractors, announces it has been granted a Royal Warrant by Appointment to His Majesty the King, recognising its longstanding provision of historic building conservation services to the Royal Household. For centuries, Royal Warrants have been granted to companies that demonstrate outstanding service, quality, and craftsmanship. This achievement reflects DBR’s decades-long track record of excellence, during which it has delivered numerous historic building conservation projects for the Royal Household. DBR is among the first royal warrant holders announced by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. To qualify, companies must have provided regular, direct, and high-quality services to the Royal Household for at least five years while also meeting rigorous sustainability standards. DBR’s expert team of craftspeople and project managers have worked on some of the UK’s most significant heritage sites, including Buckingham Palace and the restoration of The Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben). Their exceptional skill, precision, and commitment to quality set them apart, not only in their craftsmanship but also in their dedication to public engagement and communication. As a Royal Warrant holder, DBR has the right to display the Royal Arms, symbolising its commitment to the highest standards of historic building conservation. Commenting on the appointment, DBR’s Executive Director, Chairman & Warrant Grantee Adrian Attwood ACR, says, “Receiving this Royal Warrant is more than an honour; it’s a testament to the unwavering dedication, craftsmanship, and expertise of our entire team. We take immense pride in our role in preserving the UK’s built heritage – whether for the Royal Household, the Palace of Westminster, Blenheim Palace, or any of the historic buildings we are privileged to work on. This recognition reinforces our commitment to excellence and our mission to protect and restore the nation’s landmark assets for future generations to cherish and enjoy.” To find out more about DBR and its work conserving and upgrading some of the UK’s most treasured heritage assets click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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