Warringtonfire has appointed Rob Axe as the General Manager of its fire testing laboratory in High Wycombe. Rob, who began his career as a Technical Officer at the High Wycombe laboratory, most recently held the role of Technical Manager for Warringtonfire – a global leader in Fire Testing, Inspection and
LABC has showcased projects that demonstrate high quality, and exemplary standards in construction at an industry event in London attended by more than 900 leading industry figures. A panel of industry experts at the LABC Building Excellence Awards Grand Finals judged the highest quality projects, professionals, and teams from around
Launching a construction company is an adventure filled with opportunities and challenges. This industry, known for its lucrative potential, requires comprehensive and precise planning, particularly in financial matters. Establishing a robust financial foundation is more than essential; it’s the bedrock of your start-up’s success and longevity. In construction, where investments
Top 10 UK housebuilder Keepmoat has invested more than £25million into a housing regeneration scheme at Preston Road in Hull, now named Liberty Rise, as part of Hull City Council’s ‘city wide’ regeneration project. The scheme, being delivered by the housebuilder, is part of a long established partnership with the
Major funding bids will help build 3,380 new homes in Manchester – including 1,761 genuinely affordable homes – following successful submissions to GMCA’s Brownfield Housing Fund. Manchester City Council has been awarded £51.6m that will allow the development of 31 long-term underused sites over the next two years – and
The Office for Nuclear Regulation, along with the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales, has started a two-step Generic Design Assessment (GDA) for GE Hitachi’s BWRX300 reactor. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero made the request to the regulators following its readiness review of the GE Hitachi application. This review concluded that
Zutec, leading construction and quality management software provider, today announces a partnership with the developer, Litchford and its Housebuilder brand, Heatherbrook Homes. The luxury housebuilder has selected Zutec’s Quality Management solutions to digitise manual processes in support of its strategy to prioritise excellence. Established more than 20 years ago, Litchford
International formwork and scaffolding specialist, Doka, has been rewarded for its commitment to service and design excellence in its UK business with the recent award of BS EN ISO 19650-2:2018 certification for Building Information Modelling (BIM) processes and management. Compliance with the standard demonstrates that Doka provides information in accordance
Bespoke joinery manufacturer, JSJ UK, has unveiled its new skills investment strategy, prioritising apprenticeships, traditional and niche trades, and developing current and future colleagues. Buoyed by the success of its partnership with North Lancs Training Group (NLTG), managing director – and former apprentice – Jack Smith, has pledged to futureproof
RED Construction Group, the specialist main contractor, has announced its results for the 2022/23 financial year. Alongside stabilising its revenue, the Group has used the year – and subsequent months – to set the company up for more than 60% growth in 2023/24. Across the financial period, from 1st April
Warringtonfire has appointed Rob Axe as the General Manager of its fire testing laboratory in High Wycombe. Rob, who began his career as a Technical Officer at the High Wycombe laboratory, most recently held the role of Technical Manager for Warringtonfire – a global leader in Fire Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC). With over 15 years’ experience in the field of fire resistance testing and passive fire protection systems, Rob is one of the industry’s leading authorities on testing timber fire doors, penetration seals, cavity barriers, load bearing and non-load bearing wall systems and glazed screens. In his new role, Rob will assume responsibility for Warringtonfire’s testing team in High Wycombe, including recruitment, training and management; as well as developing the laboratory’s on-site testing capabilities. Since his appointment, Rob has already recruited several new team members into varied roles and is currently scoping out the expansion of the laboratory’s mid-scale furnace to accommodate penetration seal testing and increase overall testing capacity at the site. Rob commented: “Having spent the majority of my career working at the High Wycombe laboratory, it is a real privilege to be appointed General Manager for testing at the High Wycombe site. It is an incredibly dynamic time for the industry, as building product manufacturers adapt to the ever-evolving legislative landscape. I am looking forward to working closely with our customers to deliver best-in-class fire resistance testing, while also collaborating with our management team to evolve our own testing capabilities and capacity here in High Wycombe.” Leigh Hill, Director – Built Environment at Element Materials Technology, added: “Rob brings with him a wealth of technical expertise alongside a deep understanding of our testing facilities here in High Wycombe. Our fire testing laboratory is set to play a pivotal role in our wider strategy for the built environment throughout 2024 and beyond, and we are delighted to have an individual of Rob’s calibre at the helm.” Warringtonfire is part of the Element Materials Technology group. Both UKAS and ISO/IEC 17025-accredited, it undertakes testing for fire resistance, smoke leakage, structural integrity and performance, as well as acoustic and mechanical testing for construction products. For more information Warringtonfire’s fire resistance testing offering, please visit: https://www.warringtonfire.com/testing-services/fire-resistance-testing. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
LABC has showcased projects that demonstrate high quality, and exemplary standards in construction at an industry event in London attended by more than 900 leading industry figures. A panel of industry experts at the LABC Building Excellence Awards Grand Finals judged the highest quality projects, professionals, and teams from around England and Wales to showcase solutions to complex technical or construction issues, site constraints and technical innovation. One of the unique aspects of the awards is their recognition of the vital contribution public sector building control teams make as part of the project team in all manner of projects, from individual housing extensions to large housing developments. To this end, winners in the ‘place’ categories included nationally significant projects such as the conversion of Battersea Power Station, as well as residential projects including the conversion of Smithy Cottage in Yorkshire, and the high-volume new housing development of The Green in Devon alongside the small social housing development of Hen Orsaf in Gwynedd. Further categories included Best Non-residential New Build, won by Lancaster Energy Centre and Best Purpose-Built Accommodation, won by Eign Gate in Herefordshire. Smaller Build Projects Within smaller build projects, Best Individual New Home was awarded to Above Town in Devon and Best Residential Extension was taken by Whin Hill Road in South Yorkshire. Black Pheasant Barn in Suffolk took Best Residential Conversion to a Single New Home and Best Non-Residential Extension, Alteration, or Conversation was taken by Ince Benet in Merseyside. This year’s awards are especially timely thanks to new measures coming into force as part of the Building Safety Act. This includes professional registration of Building Control Professionals backed by competency assessments. LABC’s chief executive, Lorna Stimpson commented: “These awards showcase the breadth of projects that building control is involved in, each with their own building regulations and standards, as well as the skills and expertise needed in our industry to support them. “When Dame Judith Hackitt threw down the gauntlet to the whole construction industry in 2017, the building control sector was the first to focus on improving skills, proving its competence and bringing in new generations of talented workers. “The winning projects at this year’s Building Excellence Awards are shining examples of quality, professionalism, and high standards expected of registered professionals. They clearly demonstrate the progress made since 2017, as well as setting a bar for future projects to aspire to.” Criteria used to choose the winners included employing creative solutions to improve sustainability and energy efficiency, as well as cooperative team working. The Best Small New Housing Development was taken by Chestnuts, Hertfordshire, whilst the Best Medium Volume New Housing Development was named as St Mary’s Vale in Leeds. The Best Large Social Housing Development was the Former George Gay Gardens in Swindon. Entries for the 2024 Building Excellence Awards are now open. Find out more on the LABC website: www.labc.co.uk/awards Winning projects www.labc.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Launching a construction company is an adventure filled with opportunities and challenges. This industry, known for its lucrative potential, requires comprehensive and precise planning, particularly in financial matters. Establishing a robust financial foundation is more than essential; it’s the bedrock of your start-up’s success and longevity. In construction, where investments are substantial, and the market dynamics are complex, understanding and managing your finances becomes a cornerstone of your business strategy. Whether grappling with start-up costs, navigating the nuances of budget management, or securing the right funding, every financial decision you make can impact your business. Read on to gain valuable insights and strategies for establishing a financially stable construction start-up. Understanding Start-up Costs Before launching your construction firm, ask yourself: How much does it cost to start a construction company? Understanding start-up costs is crucial. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about ensuring your business can weather any storm. Here are the essential areas to consider: Addressing these key areas provides a clear understanding of your financial landscape. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions, negotiate effectively, and secure the resources necessary for a thriving and stable future. Creating A Robust Business Plan While understanding start-up costs lays the financial groundwork, a robust business plan is your guiding star, charting the course for your construction company’s success. It’s not just a static document; it’s a living, breathing roadmap evolving alongside your business. Here are the key pillars that make up your strategic blueprint: Remember, your business plan is a dynamic tool, not a set-in-stone scripture. As you navigate the construction landscape and gain experience, be prepared to adapt and refine your plan. Regularly revisit your market analysis, update your financial projections, and adjust your operational strategies to ensure your blueprint remains relevant and your construction company thrives. Securing Funding Launching your construction company requires more than just blueprints and vision; it demands fuel for the engine that drives your goals. This fuel comes in the form of secure funding, the capital that transforms your plan into tangible reality. Here are some key funding avenues to consider: Choosing the right funding mix is crucial. Consider your business goals, financial capacity, and risk tolerance. Seek professional advice to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Remember, funding should be a strategic tool, not a burden. Effective Budget Management Starting your construction company is exciting, but remember that even the most impressive buildings need a strong foundation. In the case of your business, that foundation relies on effective budget management. It’s not about being overly frugal or hindering growth; it’s about ensuring that every dollar is used wisely, contributing to your company’s strength and stability. Here are some essential steps to effectively manage your finances: Efficient budget management is an ongoing and dynamic process that demands agility and discipline. By adopting these strategies, you’ll secure financial stability and equip yourself to make informed investment choices, seize opportunities, and witness your construction company achieve new heights. Conclusion Building a successful construction company starts with solid financial planning. This includes understanding start-up costs, creating a detailed business plan, securing proper funding, and managing your budget wisely. Each step is crucial for laying a solid foundation for your business. With the right insights and strategies, you’re constructing buildings and creating financial stability and growth in the future. Use these guidelines carefully and enthusiastically to turn your start-up into a thriving business.
Top 10 UK housebuilder Keepmoat has invested more than £25million into a housing regeneration scheme at Preston Road in Hull, now named Liberty Rise, as part of Hull City Council’s ‘city wide’ regeneration project. The scheme, being delivered by the housebuilder, is part of a long established partnership with the council to deliver new, energy-efficient homes that will replace 11 acres of brownfield scrubland that once formed part of the Preston Road Estate. The Liberty Rise development will form part of one of the largest housing-led regeneration programmes in the UK and 514 homes on the former council estate, that were no longer fit for purpose, have already been demolished. Following the final phase of the transformation, delivering up to 500 new mixed tenure homes, the housebuilder has created a modern, well-designed neighbourhood with a range of modern homes, including homes to rent from Hull City Council to meet the needs of the local community. The project has also created a raft of new local jobs, training and apprenticeship opportunities, further boosting the local economy. Daniel Crew, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat, Yorkshire East, said: “We’re thrilled to be continuing delivery under the Hull City Wide partnership to deliver quality, sustainable homes for the latest phase in this historic Hull regeneration project. “As the Liberty Rise project nears completion and our communities begin to flourish, it’s extremely rewarding to hear positive feedback from residents and breathe new life into the Preston Road area. We’re also working with the Environment Agency to create a nature trail near the site, where one of our urban nursery projects will grow plants, shrubs and trees – a further step in our mission to create sustainable communities for the future.” Councillor Paul Drake-Davis, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Housing at Hull City Council, added: “The council has enjoyed a longstanding and successful partnership with Keepmoat. Thanks to this, we can regenerate former rundown areas and build comfortable, affordable, modern and energy efficient new homes which our residents deserve.” Keepmoat is a top 10 UK partnership homebuilder with a track-record of delivering quality new homes across the UK at prices people can afford. To date, almost 70% of its current developments are on brownfield sites. To find out more about Liberty Rise, please visit: www.keepmoat.com/liberty-rise-hull Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Major funding bids will help build 3,380 new homes in Manchester – including 1,761 genuinely affordable homes – following successful submissions to GMCA’s Brownfield Housing Fund. Manchester City Council has been awarded £51.6m that will allow the development of 31 long-term underused sites over the next two years – and 52% of the homes built will be affordable to Manchester people. The funding is part of the trailblazer agreement between the Government and Greater Manchester over three years to unlock brownfield land to be used to build new housing. The total fund allocated to the region amounts to £128m in this phase of bidding (£150m overall). Some of the housing developments that will receive funding include: Manchester City Council has previously successfully bid for £3m the national Brownfield Land Release Fund (administered by One Public Estate), which was used to kickstart development at the Council’s inaugural This City site in Ancoats and a range of Project 500 housing sites. Find out more. These new homes are part of the ambitious target set in Council’s Housing Strategy up to 2032, which includes the target to help build 36,000 new homes across the city. 10,000 of these new homes will be affordable and 3,000 of those will be located in the city centre. Find the GMCA report here Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development, said: “We have been necessarily ambitious through our housing strategy, committing to helping to build 36,000 new homes up to 2032 – of which at least 10,000 will be genuinely affordable to Manchester people. “This is a challenge both in terms of available land and the funding necessary to build new housing at scale – but we are on course to meet these targets. However, we must be innovative and use the resources available to use. “As a post-industrial city, we have lots of brownfield sites that are sometimes difficult to develop, but this land represents a massive opportunity to deliver the homes – particularly the affordable housing our residents need. This funding is hugely welcome and we will help bring these unused areas of Manchester back into use.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Office for Nuclear Regulation, along with the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales, has started a two-step Generic Design Assessment (GDA) for GE Hitachi’s BWRX300 reactor. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero made the request to the regulators following its readiness review of the GE Hitachi application. This review concluded that the design is ready to enter the GDA process. The GDA will look to actively explore opportunities to maximise the value of international regulatory collaboration and identify efficiencies in processes. Two step GDA explained Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Zutec, leading construction and quality management software provider, today announces a partnership with the developer, Litchford and its Housebuilder brand, Heatherbrook Homes. The luxury housebuilder has selected Zutec’s Quality Management solutions to digitise manual processes in support of its strategy to prioritise excellence. Established more than 20 years ago, Litchford has recently launched its top-tier brand, Heatherbrook Homes, spearheaded by the dynamic duo of Eddie O’Connor and Leona Melia. The residential housebuilder has always been focused on offering homes of exceptional quality and distinction in Ireland and they wanted technology in place to differentiate themselves and demonstrate a framework of excellence. “People trust us to come out on top for each and every build and our existing manual processes of using paper forms didn’t give us enough oversight to confidently deliver the level of craftsmanship that is expected of us,” said Eddie O’Connor founder of Litchford. “Human error is the biggest obstacle in our business, and we need to make sure execution is predictable and reliable so we can build a culture of being best-in-class. We selected Zutec for Quality Management, as we want our homeowners to love our houses as much as we do, and this means using a system that ensures quality work is delivered to the highest standards the first time around.” By utilising its complete set of Quality Management tools, Zutec has integrated quality assurance inspections, checklists, and snagging registers to align seamlessly with Litchford’s internal processes. This will enable them to capture photographic evidence and raise any issues throughout the build to drive up higher standards. By adopting Zutec’s Quality Management Dashboard, they now have full visibility of projects and can monitor work and track progress. Zutec’s drawing manager solution also enables teams to upload drawings where they can drop pins to georeference work done. James Cannon, Chief Revenue Officer at Zutec, added: “Now Litchford’s subcontractors will have access to the Zutec Field app, they will be able to easily complete digitised quality inspection forms onsite from their phone or iPad. This involves capturing photographic evidence, signing off work and tying it back to a specific detail in a plot within the development. Before, they didn’t have a system in place to identify or eliminate quality issues as they surfaced. Having all that information in the cloud and workflows in place means that inspections can be tracked and approved or sent back for rework in real time. This both empowers site teams to deliver high-quality standards while giving project managers complete control and confidence over works completed.” To find out more about how Zutec is helping customers deliver quality work the first time around, please visit https://www.zutec.com/product/quality-management/. Alternatively, book a demo and experience Zutec’s QM solutions for yourself: https://www.zutec.com/quality-management-book-a-demo/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
International formwork and scaffolding specialist, Doka, has been rewarded for its commitment to service and design excellence in its UK business with the recent award of BS EN ISO 19650-2:2018 certification for Building Information Modelling (BIM) processes and management. Compliance with the standard demonstrates that Doka provides information in accordance with set processes and customer requirements using a structured format. This applies in particular respect to the company’s project work, product delivery and the management of data systems that ensure processes are carried out as efficiently as possible. Pieter Strydom, UK Senior Engineer and BIM Coordinator at Doka said: “Receiving a Certificate of Conformity to BS EN ISO 19650-2:2018 is hugely important for us as a business. It informs our customers of our dedication to providing the best service and of our understanding of processes set out within the standard.” To achieve the certification, Doka underwent intensive assessments under the guidance of the British Standards Institute (BSI), one of the world’s leading national standards bodies. The three-day process included an external audit of Doka’s procedures in respect of its project delivery. This determined that BS EN ISO 19650-2:2018 standards were upheld in terms of documentation and building information modelling (BIM) systems used. Pieter continued: “It took us about a year to obtain the Certificate of Conformity. During this time, a significant portion was spent developing and organising internal documentation for the process to be developed internally. It was time well spent, however, as conformity with the standard and achieving BSI’s much sought after stamp of approval puts Doka among the forerunners of the formwork industry.” For more information on Doka’s full range of formwork, and scaffold hire range and services, visit: doka.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bespoke joinery manufacturer, JSJ UK, has unveiled its new skills investment strategy, prioritising apprenticeships, traditional and niche trades, and developing current and future colleagues. Buoyed by the success of its partnership with North Lancs Training Group (NLTG), managing director – and former apprentice – Jack Smith, has pledged to futureproof his business through a continued commitment to employee training, having already invested hundreds of hours into staff development over recent years. Twelve months into a partnership with NLTG, JSJ UK has seen the benefits of partnering with a local training provider with a manufacturing specialism. With apprentices currently representing more than a sixth of the business’s workforce, JSJ UK’s training programme is in full swing, and due to get bigger. Recording record growth in 2023, the latest strategy pins continued expansion on employee development. Jack says: “I’ve always been a big believer in developing people and providing opportunities to upskill. I began my career as an apprentice, so I know how any investment of time and money pays dividends for both individuals and businesses. “As a business owner, I’ve learnt a lot. It’s not always easy to get it right, and over the last 12 months, in partnership with NLTG, the path ahead has become clearer than ever. Apprenticeships continue to be a priority – with new processes in place to boost success – and we’ll also be working to upskill current staff members and provide training for traditional trades. Our expert craftsmanship is what sets JSJ UK apart. We must invest in niche skills, such as the ability to understand detailed drawings, which creates innovative thinking, problem solving, and real attention to detail, as such skills set us apart when it comes to making our client’s vision a reality. “Over the years, our apprenticeship schemes have recorded numerous highlights. I’ve seen first-hand how an apprentice can become an invaluable member of our team, and how investing in an individual can really turn their life around.” Kane Maddran, trainee quantity surveyor, joined JSJ UK as a labourer at age 17. Over the last seven years, he completed an apprenticeship in site carpentry and site supervision and is commencing his final year of a quantity surveying degree. He says: “I’ve gained fantastic experience at JSJ UK. I’ve been on-site, in the office, and in the workshop. I’ve been supported through my career goals and am working towards ultimately becoming a chartered quantity surveyor. The benefits of investing in your own staff go both ways – my career has developed, but the business is able to develop talent in the areas it needs it most.” Meanwhile, Ross Gorman, bench hand assembler, is midway through a two-year bespoke furniture maker apprenticeship. He joined JSJ UK after moving to Preston, and through his apprenticeship has enhanced his skillset significantly. Ross said: “I’ve felt the benefit of skills investment first-hand. Before joining JSJ UK, I had been a frame builder, making beds. I’m now completing a bespoke cabinet making apprenticeship, which requires a much higher level of craftsmanship. I’ve been involved in client projects that I’m incredibly proud of – all while gaining expertise and of course, being paid to train. “I recently worked on a curved wall unit for a bespoke office fit out. It’s an impressive piece of craftsmanship that requires specialist skills to build. I enjoy the work, I’m well supported, and I know I’m always moving forward.” Elsewhere, JSJ UK has supported head of finance & procurement, Emma Stoddart, through accounting qualifications and invested in an array of other upskilling projects. Apprentice bench joiner, Nathen Rizza, who initially joined JSJ UK on an eight-week traineeship, is also underway with a two-year level 2 furniture manufacturer apprenticeship, which he is due to complete in November 2024. Jack says, “Under our new strategy, we’ll know exactly where we’re getting the talent to fuel every area of growth. We employ people that want to do a good job, and we’ll ensure they have every opportunity to do exactly that.” Andy Rae, furniture team assistant manager at NLTG, said: “Since we started working with JSJ UK in September 2022, it has been very clear that they are a company that really understands the need to invest in the future and the importance of developing their staff. “There has been good communication from them in all aspects of the apprenticeship journey and great support in helping apprentices achieve their goals. I know the apprentices have enjoyed attending our specialist training centre in Accrington and learning new skills, and I’ve no doubt that the relationship between JSJ UK and NLTG will continue to flourish.” For more information or to contact JSJ UK about a bespoke joinery project, call 01772 827173 or visit https://jsjuk.co Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
RED Construction Group, the specialist main contractor, has announced its results for the 2022/23 financial year. Alongside stabilising its revenue, the Group has used the year – and subsequent months – to set the company up for more than 60% growth in 2023/24. Across the financial period, from 1st April 2022 to 31st March 2023, RED Construction Group reported a turnover of £62.15m, maintaining a pre-tax profit of more than £1m, and growing the team by a third. This represents a stabilised income stream when comparing with the previous year, with the 12-month period solidifying RED Construction Group’s reputation for delivering quality developments throughout London and the South West. The last financial year, and the nine months that have since passed, has allowed RED Construction Group to implement the infrastructure required to expand the business. The Group has already secured £100m in contracts for the current financial year, with expectation of this rising further, and including significant growth for the South West division – which launched in late 2021 – going from returns of £12m in 2022/23 to a predicted £35m in 2023/24. RED Special Projects, created to deliver on schemes valued between £2m and £10m, will itself turnover more than £25m in the current financial year, while across the Group, staff numbers have risen from 132 in April 2023 to now just under 200. The evolved business structure, alongside investment in back-of-house processes, has given RED Construction Group the ability to scale to meet the needs of new and existing clients. Graham Sturge, CEO, RED Construction Group, commented: “The focus of the last financial year was to stabilise the business, while investing in key areas that would enable us to grow in the future. I’m delighted to say we have achieved both and are already seeing the benefits of it. The past two years have been challenging, with a volatile construction market and many businesses suffering along the way. In spite of this, we laid the foundations for growth, have doubled our team size and are contracted on projects that will guarantee us a more than 60% revenue uplift. With a record year already on the horizon, we’ll continue to push what RED Construction has built its reputation on: creating long-lasting relationships, channelling real enthusiasm for the work, and delivering great schemes our people and our clients are proud of.” Key project wins and completions in that timeframe include Phase One of the £35m LEGOLAND Woodland Village scheme in Windsor for Special Projects, the London team’s delivery of a £26m commercial scheme in the City of London, the appointment on landmark office projects with Grosvenor and Hines, and a £13.5m contract in the South West to construct extra-care apartments for the St Monica Trust. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
