Speedy Hire, the UK’s leading tools and equipment hire company, is proud to have partnered with WellChild’s Helping Hands programme to complete a life-changing garden transformation for 14-year-old Daisy in Huddersfield. Daisy has a chromosome disorder and epilepsy, which affects her mobility, meaning she requires specialist care. The new outdoor
Modular construction has been a game-changer because it allows professionals to create the major parts of a structure in controlled conditions instead of building them directly on sites. This approach prevents challenges caused by inclement weather. It also can improve quality control because a single company fabricates the components rather
Cardo Group has stepped in to acquire the roofing division of Breyer Group following the contractor’s collapse into administration earlier this month, securing close to 100 jobs and ensuring continuity of key public services. The housing maintenance specialist has entered into an asset purchase agreement to take over Breyer Roofing,
HS2’s construction partner for the West Midlands, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), has welcomed its 500th apprentice, Kordell Carty. The 26-year-old Aston resident started his early career on house-building sites and supporting loft and garage conversion projects. Now, Kordell is helping to deliver Britain’s new high-speed railway as an apprentice formworker.
CBRE has announced that Ciaran Bird, Chief Executive of its UK & Ireland advisory business, will be stepping down from his role. The global real estate services firm has begun the process of identifying his successor. Bird, who has led the advisory division through a period of strong growth and
The forklift serves as an essential equipment which goes beyond being a machine for companies executing material handling tasks in warehousing operations or industrial activities. Your organization’s operational efficiency depends heavily on forklift equipment reliability together with availability regardless of warehouse scale or construction business or retail distribution. Companies normally
One of the biggest challenges when choosing a generator is to size it appropriately for your business needs. Nowadays, businesses prefer to go for diesel generators because they’ve proven themselves to be reliable, durable, and more fuel-efficient than other alternatives. However, they are a considerable investment, so you need to
Speedy Hire, the UK’s leading tools and equipment hire company, is proud to have partnered with WellChild’s Helping Hands programme to complete a life-changing garden transformation for 14-year-old Daisy in Huddersfield. Daisy has a chromosome disorder and epilepsy, which affects her mobility, meaning she requires specialist care. The new outdoor space created is designed to be safe, accessible, and stimulating, allowing her to enjoy the outdoors and spend quality time with her family and friends. Daisy loves being outside, but her garden was previously inaccessible. Over the course of the project, a dedicated team of Speedy Hire volunteers from Huddersfield and the surrounding areas worked alongside WellChild to level the ground, install secure fencing, and introduce sensory-friendly features such as artificial grass, sensory lighting, and accessible play equipment. In addition to volunteering their time and expertise for Daisy’s garden renovation, Speedy Hire also provided free tool hire to support the successful completion of the project, as they do for all WellChild Helping Hands projects across the UK. The WellChild Helping Hands programme enriches the lives of children with complex medical needs across the UK by creating safe, sensory and accessible environments for them and their families to truly thrive at home. Daisy’s Mum Jenny said: “This garden has transformed Daisy’s experience of being outdoors. She now has a safe and enjoyable space where she can relax, play, and interact with nature. We can’t thank Speedy Hire and WellChild enough for making this possible.” Amelia Woodley, ESG Director at Speedy Hire, commented: “We are delighted to support WellChild’s Helping Hands initiative. At Speedy Hire, we believe in making a positive impact in our communities, and this project is a perfect example of how we can use our resources to create meaningful change. Seeing Daisy enjoy her new outdoor space is truly rewarding.” Kieran Cullen, Helping Hands Programme Manager at WellChild, added: “The success of projects like this relies on the generosity and dedication of corporate partners like Speedy Hire. Their commitment to helping children and families across the UK is invaluable, and we are incredibly grateful for their support.” This initiative reflects Speedy Hire’s dedication to corporate social responsibility and community support, aligning with the company’s commitment to sustainability and social impact. For more information about WellChild and the Helping Hands programme, visit www.wellchild.org.uk. Watch video now Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Modular construction has been a game-changer because it allows professionals to create the major parts of a structure in controlled conditions instead of building them directly on sites. This approach prevents challenges caused by inclement weather. It also can improve quality control because a single company fabricates the components rather than the numerous teams usually responsible for various construction site processes. They can also achieve higher efficiency, which is especially advantageous when clients need homes and other structures as soon as possible. What has modular construction enabled so far? Meeting Urgent Needs Faster Modular construction allows parties to bypass many aspects that can make projects last for months or years. However, such timelines are insufficient when the goal is to assist people without housing. These homes can address their immediate needs more efficiently than conventional building methods, whether they have been homeless for years or have recently lost property due to events such as wildfires. When an 83-year-old widow lost the home she had lived in for nearly five decades because of California wildfires, she decided to bypass the conventional approach that would mean competing with thousands of other displaced residents for contractors and materials. The woman opted for a modular home, viewing it as a streamlined and safe alternative to meet her housing needs. As of late March 2025, she hoped to begin living in it by summer. Many in similar situations see the appeal of modular construction because it will give them the ease they crave while navigating unsettling and unfamiliar situations. Although some did not originally plan to order modular homes, they realized these offerings would help them return to relative normalcy the fastest. However, others feel concerned that an influx of modular houses could erase architectural legacy in areas such as Altadena. Additionally, an effort in Newquay, Cornwall, relies on modular homes to accommodate those in emergency accommodation in hotels. Council authorities said one project would assist approximately 20% of the 100 residents in emergency or temporary facilities. Factors such as severe weather and rising rent costs increase the risks of people losing their homes and needing urgent support. Housing nonprofits and other concerned parties can consider modular structures among the many potential solutions. Combining Efficiency With Sustainability Although some individuals are interested in living in eco-friendly homes, they may believe the only option is to choose between those offerings and structures built faster than usual. However, some modular manufacturers have prioritized both ideals. Plus, off-site processes typically generate less waste than their counterparts and have fewer associated emissions because of less ongoing traffic to and from the property during assembly. Consumers interested in eco-friendliness should consider which features to focus on within their new residences. They should also ask for estimated total time frames to have accurate expectations. Modular techniques may complete homes 30%-50% faster than traditional methods can. One company that uses them sells solar-ready residences, catering to those who want the convenience and speed of this construction option without sacrificing their sustainability goals. These products also have energy-efficient appliances, lights and windows, programmable thermostats, high-performance insulation, and low-emission building materials. Since these homes help occupants reduce resource consumption, they may also help them lower their average living costs, making their sustainable choices provide long-term financial benefits. While commenting on this type of modular home, a representative said customers rank energy efficiency highly when prioritizing their desired characteristics. Additionally, the solar-ready features include dedicated spots for components such as inverters and breakers, making it easy for solar installers to do their work later. Responding to Current Challenges The modular construction industry is well-positioned to address obstacles faced by those who need affordable, efficiently produced homes. As they become more widespread, decision-makers will realize that these options are appealing, practical possibilities.
Cardo Group has stepped in to acquire the roofing division of Breyer Group following the contractor’s collapse into administration earlier this month, securing close to 100 jobs and ensuring continuity of key public services. The housing maintenance specialist has entered into an asset purchase agreement to take over Breyer Roofing, and in a separate deal, has assumed responsibility for Breyer’s responsive repairs and maintenance contract with the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames. The acquisition follows Breyer Group’s move into administration on 1st April 2025, affecting its three divisions: Breyer Roofing, Breyer Repair, and Breyer Renew. Glen Carter, partner at RSM UK and joint administrator, commented: “We are pleased to have secured a sale of Breyer Group’s roofing division and, in a separate transaction, the continuity of the company’s contract with the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames to Cardo. These transactions have preserved a significant number of jobs and allow vital services to continue for clients.” Cardo Group’s CEO, Liam Bevan, said the company acted swiftly to stabilise the situation: “We are deeply aware of the impact a sudden collapse can have—on residents, local authorities, and the dedicated people delivering frontline services. “Our focus has been on reassurance, continuity, and a seamless transition. Acquiring Breyer Roofing and key contracts like Kingston means we’re not only keeping homes maintained but also preserving the skills and livelihoods that underpin the sector.” Bevan added that Cardo is working closely with local authorities and partners to support both clients and the new team members joining the business. The rescue arrives as both firms reported near-equal revenues in their most recent accounts: Breyer with £83m to May 2023, and Cardo with £84m to February 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HS2’s construction partner for the West Midlands, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), has welcomed its 500th apprentice, Kordell Carty. The 26-year-old Aston resident started his early career on house-building sites and supporting loft and garage conversion projects. Now, Kordell is helping to deliver Britain’s new high-speed railway as an apprentice formworker. When work slowed down during and after Covid-19, Kordell began to explore new career opportunities. He learned about the formworking apprenticeship through a friend, who had applied for a steel fixing apprenticeship on HS2, and was keen to work on a large-scale project that would contrast with his house-building experience. Although the profession of formworking – creating the foundation elements used to make temporary and permanent concrete structures – was not an area of work he was familiar with, Kordell was drawn by the fact that he would be working on the prestigious HS2 project. With a level 2 apprenticeship qualification now underway, Kordell is currently based at the site of HS2’s River Blythe bypass bridge, working for Galldris as part of the BBV supply chain. Here, he is part of a 35-strong team building a structure that will allow the high-speed line to pass above a brook and a bypass channel of the River Blythe in Warwickshire. Kordell said: “The highlight of working on HS2 is being able to see first-hand the progress of the project. I’m taking in as much as possible – I’ve never worked on a construction site of this scale, and I was intrigued to see what it would be like! “My colleagues are great, and I really enjoy working onsite. In the future, I’m looking forward to seeing the finished railway and being able to say that I helped to build it.” As well as learning on the job, Kordell studies at BBV’s Warwickshire-based apprenticeship training hub. The dedicated hub was developed in direct response to a skills gap in the project, and the wider industry, and plays a pivotal role in ensuring workers are accredited and job-ready to support the construction programme. The facility opened its doors in 2023 to deliver steel fixing and formwork apprenticeship training. It has supported over 30 local jobseekers so far. BBV’s 100th apprentice, Benjamin Richards-Moss, who is based at the joint-venture’s Skills Academy in North Warwickshire, has gone on to secure a permanent job on HS2 following completion of his apprenticeship in business administration. Promoted to the role of Training Coordinator, Benjamin plays a key role in the administration function supporting the Skills Academy. He said: “Working for HS2 is one of the best things anyone can do. My advice would be to talk to people around you, get to know what the project is about and this way you will build a great support network. “The project is very exciting, and I believe it will transform the local economy and enhance social mobility between Birmingham and London.” HS2 will underpin the construction industry for years to come, bringing thousands of newly skilled people into the workforce. To date, 1,865 apprentices have joined HS2 and its supply chain – putting the project firmly on track to meet a target of generating at least 2,000 apprenticeships over the lifetime of the programme. Julie Venn-Morton, Senior Skills and Inclusion Manager at HS2 said: “Apprenticeships are crucial in helping us to deliver HS2 and integral to our drive to leave a lasting skills legacy for people in the West Midlands and beyond. “We are very proud to see BBV reach this milestone, which supports our mission to upskill the next generation of construction workers. We wish Kordell a very warm welcome to the project and congratulate Benjamin on successfully securing a permanent role on HS2.” HS2’s construction is now supporting more than 31,000 jobs – including apprenticeships, graduate trainees and through dedicated skills and employment programmes that support unemployed people back into work. Once operational, HS2 will improve connections between London and the West Midlands, with trains running further north on existing lines. The new high-speed railway will create quicker and more reliable journeys, driving economic growth while freeing up space for more local trains on the most congested part of the existing West Coast Main Line. For details about career and employment opportunities available with HS2 and its supply chain partners, visit hs2.org.uk/careers Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
CBRE has announced that Ciaran Bird, Chief Executive of its UK & Ireland advisory business, will be stepping down from his role. The global real estate services firm has begun the process of identifying his successor. Bird, who has led the advisory division through a period of strong growth and transformation, will continue to oversee the business alongside the UK Advisory Executive Committee until a new leader is appointed. Having joined CBRE in 2005 following its acquisition of retail specialist Dalgleish—where he spent 16 years—Bird has become a central figure in shaping the company’s strategy and expanding its presence across the UK and Ireland. Reflecting on his tenure, Bird said: “Our business has grown and prospered in ways I could never have imagined back in 2005. As I prepare to hand over the leadership reins, I do so knowing that the next chapter looks just as promising.” CBRE has a significant footprint in the UK and Ireland, with offices in major cities including London, Dublin, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and Belfast, among others. The company’s UK advisory team currently comprises over 3,000 professionals. Chris Kirk, Global Chief Operating Officer of Advisory Services at CBRE, praised Bird’s impact on the firm: “CBRE holds a market-leading position in the UK advisory sector, thanks in large part to the leadership of Ciaran and the calibre of our team. We are grateful for his many contributions. The business is in a strong position for the future.” He added: “Ciaran and the UK Executive Committee will remain fully focused on driving the business forward, ensuring a smooth leadership transition as we search for the right person to build on our momentum.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The forklift serves as an essential equipment which goes beyond being a machine for companies executing material handling tasks in warehousing operations or industrial activities. Your organization’s operational efficiency depends heavily on forklift equipment reliability together with availability regardless of warehouse scale or construction business or retail distribution. Companies normally default to new purchases yet acquiring a used forklift through sale leads to substantial financial and operational and logistical benefits. Follow this page for more. Purchasing a used forklift delivers considerable financial savings at acquisition yet provides much more than initial expense benefits. The smart purchase provides essential details to current requirements while delivering results equivalent to new items. Let’s learn about the advantages of used forklift acquisition which benefits businesses of different sizes. Cost Savings Without Compromising Quality The main benefit of Used Forklifts For Sale in Houston TX are the affordable prices. Industrial forklifts remain expensive during new purchase phases to the extent that small and medium-sized organizations cannot afford them within their constrained financial capabilities. The total price of a fresh model ranges between $20,000 and $50,000 to $50,000 or higher based on its technical capabilities. The prices of used forklifts typically sit between their new versions at 30% to 50% less expensive. Many companies ensure excellent maintenance which leads them to sell used forklifts from their well-preserved fleets. Large corporations together with rental entities periodically replace their machinery by offering ready-to-use equipment which maintains superior operational state. The used equipment market enables greater purchasing efficiency so you obtain better performance from top-tier equipment instead of obtaining similar machinery from new equipment sales. A used forklift purchase enables your budget to reach further length so you can fund essential business needs or even buy multiple machines that would cost as much as one new forklift. Faster Availability and Reduced Lead Times Lead times for new forklifts are often very long, especially if you want to order unique features or a certain model. In a fast-paced business, having to wait weeks or even months for equipment to arrive can stop work, put projects on hold, or cause expensive downtime. On the other hand, used trucks are usually ready to be sent right away. Once you’ve chosen the right model, the deal can be quickly finished, and you can get your forklift and start using it right away. This keeps things running smoothly and helps your business stay flexible and ready for change. There is no better way for businesses to quickly grow or fix broken equipment than to buy used forklifts. Lower Depreciation and Higher ROI A lot of the worth of a forklift is lost as soon as it is used, just like with cars. Even if it’s only used a little, a new truck may lose a lot of value in the first year or two. This means that if you buy something brand new and then need to sell it later, you might get much less than what you paid for it. The slope for used forklifts’ depreciation is much smoother. The value has dropped mostly already, so what you’re paying is more like what it’s really worth on the market. If you plan to use the forklift for a number of years, this gives you a better return on investment (ROI). A lot of the time, used forklifts keep their value well, and if you take good care of them, you can sell them again with little to no extra loss in value. Proven Reliability and Performance When people buy used tools, one of their main worries is whether it will work properly. Forklifts are made to last, which is good news. Most types are made to be used for thousands of hours, and if you take care of a used forklift, it can still last for years. Many used forklifts that you buy from a good dealer have already been inspected, serviced, and certified, and any repairs or part replacements that needed to be done have already been done. To give buyers even more peace of mind, some sellers offer warranties or service agreements. If you buy a machine that has already been used in the field, you can usually get a better idea of how it works in our real world. You might feel better about the forklift’s abilities after doing this than after getting a brand-new one that hasn’t been used yet. Discover more here https://science.howstuffworks.com/transport/engines-equipment/forklift.htm. Wide Selection and Variety You will find numerous choices within the used forklift market because it provides many different models with diverse capacities along with fuel options from different brands. Used equipment proponents can access both small electric indoor equipment as well as powerful diesel outdoor equipment through their selection options. When purchasing used forklifts there are no restrictions to modern models. The selection of used forklifts includes older models that maintain features and designs suitable for particular operational needs. New equipment might require you to learn evolved technologies and also require payments for unnecessary system updates. You obtain flexibility through the used forklift market to select based on functionality and fit rather than trends. Environmentally Friendly Choice Becoming a used forklift owner allows you to make an eco-friendly purchasing choice. Your decision to prolong the operational lives of current equipment serves two goals: it minimizes waste production and prevents increased demand for new product manufacturing which creates environmental challenges. The reusing and repurposing of forklifts reduces both carbon emissions and uses fewer natural resources that come from the production process. Organizations that want to minimize their carbon output while meeting sustainability targets should select used equipment because it represents an effective solution for their needs. Ideal for Short-Term or Seasonal Needs Every business lacks a permanent requirement for a forklift throughout the entire year. Banning the procurement of new fork lifts does not produce financial benefits in situations with seasonal and project-based requirements. A used forklift represents an ideal solution when operating it for a brief period without warranting the expense of a
One of the biggest challenges when choosing a generator is to size it appropriately for your business needs. Nowadays, businesses prefer to go for diesel generators because they’ve proven themselves to be reliable, durable, and more fuel-efficient than other alternatives. However, they are a considerable investment, so you need to make sure you choose the right size generator when you purchase. Below is a guide to help you size a generator. 1. What do you need it for? Before discussing how to find the right size generator, we first want to look at why you need to get a generator and its purpose. Usually, businesses get generators for one of two reasons: they get them as standby generators to provide backup power to the business during an unplanned power outage. For businesses that rely on electricity to operate, one or two hours without it can be detrimental to the business. In this case, investing in a generator is wise because it ensures that business can continue uninterrupted. Secondly, businesses get an industrial generator as their primary source of power. This is usually the case when a business operates in an area without access to the power grid or if the power supplied to the area is unreliable. These generators are built to handle a consistent load for long periods. So, before we move on, consider the power needs of your business. Do you need a generator as a backup or as your primary source of power? 2. How much power do you need? Now that you know what purpose your generator will function in, you need to figure out what your power requirements are. Usually, this involves calculating the amount of power you use to run the business, like the power requirements for your equipment, HVAC systems, computers, machinery, or anything else your business needs to operate. You may also need to consider the types of loads your generator will be handling, for example: 3. Understand the motor-starting methods The starting method you choose for your generator can also impact what generator you choose in the end. There are three common starting methods for generators: 4. Consider the environmental factors Suppose you’re a business owner in Australia, and you’re looking to install a large generator. In that case, there are regulations about what generator you can install, the emissions it can release, and where it should be installed. Likewise, other factors influence the size of the generator you might need. For instance, high altitudes, extreme weather conditions, and high humidity can all impact the generator’s performance and may require you to buy a larger generator. 5. Choose the right fuel system Lastly, modern generators run off various fuel systems, such as petrol, diesel, and natural gas. However, most businesses tend to favour diesel generators because of their durability, longevity, and fuel efficiency, making them a better investment option. Diesel generally burns slower than petrol and is less flammable, making it more economical to run and safer for your business. Buying an industrial generator Now that you know more or less how to size a generator, you need to find the right one. When it comes to industrial generators, we recommend getting in touch with Renteca. As professionals in the industry with years of experience, Renteca specialises in industrial generators so they’ll be able to set you up with the right one. Final thoughts Let’s recap. The first step in sizing a generator is working out what you need it for and how much power it needs to provide. From there, you can look at things like fuel type and other features that make the generator more convenient. Once you’ve figured these out, you can start the process of finding the right generator for the job.
