Industry leader AEI Cables is issuing a reminder to the electrical cables supply chain to keep safety at the front of mind when it comes to Category 3 Control fire performance cables. The systems powered by these cables – including smoke and heat extraction systems – assist fire services in
Scott Black, Chief Operating Officer for Places for People. “Today’s statement from the Chancellor has our unequivocal support, we need more new homes and there is no time to waste. This is one of the most pressing issues for the UK, for economic growth, for families across the UK, and
You will have to excuse the flowery copy on this one, but we’re buzzing to announce that the ACC Liverpool Group marked this year’s annual World Bee Day by welcoming some new and very exciting VIPs…that’s ‘Very Important Pollinators’, to its waterfront site with support from Hard FM partner, Kimpton.
MRI Software, a global leader in real estate solutions and services, announces that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Capita One, a leading provider of software solutions across the UK public sector. Upon close, MRI expects that the acquisition will expand and complement its existing offering and accelerate
Loughborough, UK: Energy engineering solutions provider BRUSH Group has opened a multi-million-pound world-class transformer test cell facility at its transformer manufacturing facility in Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK. The facility, housed in a huge former workshop at the firm’s iconic Falcon Works in the Leicestershire town, will put newly built power transformers
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has written an open letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, emphasising the potential value to the UK economy that could be lost without investments into planning, and outlined the importance of planning to kickstart economic growth and address the UK’s housing crisis. Victoria
Clowes Developments have successfully purchased a 35-acre site at Pleasley Hill in Mansfield. Pleasley Hill was initially presented to the land and planning team at Clowes Developments in 2017 by land promotor, David Winterbotham. Since then, extensive due diligence and research into the sites potential has been happening behind the
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is delighted to announce the shortlist for the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction Awards 2024. Now in their third year, the awards showcase the influential women that work in construction, making female and non-binary role models more visible and accessible to inspire
A Bellway site manager from Newcastle who returned to the construction industry after a spell in the Royal Navy has won a prestigious national award. Darren Best received a Quality Award in the National House Building Council’s (NHBC) annual Pride in the Job competition for his work at The View
OryxAlign wins Managed Services Project of the Year at the IT Europa Awards 2024 London-based managed IT services provider (MSP), OryxAlign has won Managed Services Project of the Year at the prestigious IT Europa Channel Awards, which took place at the London Marriott Grosvenor Square on June 26, 2024. The
Industry leader AEI Cables is issuing a reminder to the electrical cables supply chain to keep safety at the front of mind when it comes to Category 3 Control fire performance cables. The systems powered by these cables – including smoke and heat extraction systems – assist fire services in firefighting and enabling safe evacuation in the case of life safety. Category 3 Control fire performance cables reduce harmful smoke, toxic gases and flame spread in the event of a real fire. Stuart Dover, general manager of AEI Cables, said: “We’re advising those in the supply chain to check guidance on Category 3 Control fire performance cables and ensure safety is the priority. The latest guidance was issued in 2020 but is still entirely relevant for these important cables. “Indeed, these cables also help fire and rescue services to fight a fire and evacuate people in the event of an incident. By incorporating this guidance into the selection of cabling for these critical systems, those people using these striking new buildings can move about in the knowledge that they are safe.” The Code of Practice for Category 3 Control fire performance cables under BS 8519: 2020.which covers how to select and install fire-resistant power and control cable systems that, in the event of a fire, will maintain their circuit integrity for life safety and firefighting. The new Code is intended to inform and guide designers, contractors, fire engineers, regulators and enforcers including building control bodies, fire authorities, Health and Safety inspectors and equipment suppliers and manufacturers. It is primarily intended for use in buildings which, due to their size, height, form or use, require the installation of life safety and fire-fighting systems, e.g. sprinkler pumps, wet riser pumps, smoke control systems, fire-fighting and evacuation lifts or other systems as required by a fire engineering strategy. BS 8519:2020 makes reference to the recommendations of BS 9999and BS 9991, with regard to the design and installation of the electrical distribution systems for life safety and fire-fighting equipment. The applications of Category 3 Control fire performance cables also apply to evacuation alarms for the disabled in care homes, emergency voice communications systems and voice alarm systems in relevant buildings including tall buildings, office spaces, hospitals, shopping malls and stadia. Using the very latest in technology and science, the Firetec Total Fire Solutions range offers Mineral Insulated Cabling (MIC), Firetec Enhanced fire performance cabling, accessories and technical support from the AEI Cables distribution facility at Washington, Tyne and Wear. All AEI Cables’ products are supplied with approvals from independent bodies including BASEC and LPCB. It also holds approvals from organisations including Lloyds, the MoD, Network Rail and LUL and works to international standards around the world. For more information see the AEI Cables website, tel 0191 410 3111 or email sales@aeicables.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Scott Black, Chief Operating Officer for Places for People. “Today’s statement from the Chancellor has our unequivocal support, we need more new homes and there is no time to waste. This is one of the most pressing issues for the UK, for economic growth, for families across the UK, and for us all at Place for People, whose mission is to build, help, and support communities across the UK. “The measures Rachel Reeves has announced today are a positive first step for housing of all tenures including much-needed new affordable homes. As well as bringing forward the delivery of new homes, our own ‘Time to Build’ research illustrated that approximately three-quarters of people also want greater investment in local infrastructure to support new housebuilding, which must not be forgotten. “Building must be scaled up now and we are ready to do our part to help. On top of mandatory housebuilding targets and a taskforce to accelerate stalled housing sites, we think more can be done to get Britain building again. “If we are to maximise investment into the sector and tackle the current housing crisis for those most in need, we need certainty and more specifically, confirmation on rent at CPI plus 1% while the financial settlement between Government and housing associations is reviewed. This would provide housing associations nationwide with the stability to invest in the homes they own and to accelerate building new homes. “This is an exciting time, and we look forward to further details of the Government’s strategy, including the greenbelt review and recruitment of 300 more people into planning which will help to get things moving again. For too long we haven’t done what is necessary to meet the nation’s supply and demand challenges, and it is great to hear the new Chancellor address some of the key barriers that have held us back for too long, so early in her tenure, a clear framework that unlocks more land for new homes and delivers planning consents quickly and efficiently is needed if we are to meet the needs of the nation. At PFP we are here to help the government get Britain Building at scale and for everyone across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
You will have to excuse the flowery copy on this one, but we’re buzzing to announce that the ACC Liverpool Group marked this year’s annual World Bee Day by welcoming some new and very exciting VIPs…that’s ‘Very Important Pollinators’, to its waterfront site with support from Hard FM partner, Kimpton. The project was made possible by the support and sponsorship of a number of supply partners, co-ordinated by experts in bee husbandry. These included Sunlight Bees, Kimpton, Sodexo Live! and members of Kimpton’s supply chain Ultra Civils, Metro Rod, ADC, North West MEWPS, AHS, AWS, and Service Graphics who all donated towards the cost. World Bee Day was marked by a community of more than 140,000 honeybees, who were officially welcomed to Liverpool’s event campus in two brand new beehives, each with its own queen bee. Supported by Wirral beekeepers Sunlight Bees, the hives have been installed in a newly planted wildflower garden on the site and following a competition on ACC Liverpool Group’s social media channels, the hives were named Oh BeeHive! and Let it Beehive! The introduction of beehives and wildflowers to the site is an important development in ACC Liverpool Group’s sustainability journey. This initiative aims to increase the biodiversity on Liverpool’s event campus and showcases their commitment to environmental sustainability. Habitats in urban areas that include wildflowers, grasses, and flowering plants attract insects and other invertebrates like butterflies, spiders, and millipedes, as well as birds and mammals. Bees pollinate our wild trees and wildflowers, which support other insects, and in turn support birds, bats, and other mammals by creating bee-friendly environments. Members of the ACCL staff, some of the Kimpton team, and other sponsors of the project enjoyed bee-themed refreshments at the launch, and sunflower seedlings were handed out for people to take home and nurture before bringing them back to be planted in the wildflower garden in the summer. Eddie dos Santos, Director of Operations at ACC Liverpool, said: “We know how important it is that we minimise the environmental impact of our operations to do our bit to tackle the climate crisis. The arrival of these beehives on-site marks a key milestone in our sustainability journey. They have captured the imagination of our colleagues, and we hope the public will be equally excited by the development. We’re grateful to Sunlight Bees for their advice and guidance and to our ever-supportive suppliers who have made the project happen.” Matt Breakwell, Business Development Manager from Kimpton said “A crucial part of our ongoing relationship with ACC Liverpool is working in partnership to support their Sustainability Strategy. Having already completed a number of decarbonisation projects, we were delighted to be able to deliver the bees’ new home with the help of the specialist suppliers that support us to deliver the FM contract.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MRI Software, a global leader in real estate solutions and services, announces that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Capita One, a leading provider of software solutions across the UK public sector. Upon close, MRI expects that the acquisition will expand and complement its existing offering and accelerate future technology innovation for local authorities and local education. Founded in 1994, Capita One is a subsidiary of UK-listed Capita plc, a modern outsourcer supporting primarily UK and European clients with people-based services underpinned by market-leading technology. “The acquisition of Capita One significantly enhances our ability to serve the UK public sector with flexible solutions that meet its evolving needs,” said Patrick Ghilani, Chief Executive Officer of MRI Software. “MRI’s AI-first approach and platform are designed to empower clients to break down information siloes, unify data across systems and deliver the best outcomes for their communities. Today’s announcement ushers in new possibilities for the industry, and our teams are excited about what’s ahead.” The combination of MRI and Capita One is expected to create a broad suite of solutions that help local authorities optimise the asset lifespan, reduce team workload through self-service tools, drive data-informed decisions, and manage educational touchpoints to deliver optimal outcomes. The public sector has been subject to continuous regulatory change, driving an increased need for software solutions that enable compliance. MRI’s offerings are designed to improve the living experiences for millions of residents worldwide through specialised technology that automates processes, streamlines operations, and adapts to changes in legislation. Capita One brings additional capabilities to expand MRI’s solutions for public sector customers in the UK and Northern Ireland, including: “This acquisition will give Capita One’s clients access to a wider range of complementary technology to address the complexities of a highly regulated sector, while clients who use our other products will benefit from our new scale and pace of innovation in the future,” said Jon Peart, Managing Director, Capita One. “The combined expertise of MRI and Capita One will build a bright future for the industry.” The acquisition has been unanimously approved by the boards of MRI and Capita and is expected to close by the end of August 2024, subject to regulatory approval and approval by Capita’s shareholders. Capita One will continue to serve its clients as usual, without interruption. For full details of the transaction, please see Capita Plc’s market announcement here: https://www.londonstockexchange.com/news-article/CPI/disposal/16558237 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Loughborough, UK: Energy engineering solutions provider BRUSH Group has opened a multi-million-pound world-class transformer test cell facility at its transformer manufacturing facility in Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK. The facility, housed in a huge former workshop at the firm’s iconic Falcon Works in the Leicestershire town, will put newly built power transformers through their paces before being shipped out to BRUSH customers. Key customer representatives joined BRUSH employees for the official opening of the test cell which features a high-voltage acoustic test area with 12-metre-high doors. From this new testing facility, BRUSH has the capability to conduct a comprehensive range of tests on its transformers, ensuring they surpass the high standards of performance the company’s customers have come to expect. With dedicated storage for up to four of BRUSH’s biggest transformer units, the facility allows the company to significantly increase its production capacity to meet the UK’s fast-growing demand for power transformers as the country gears up for decarbonisation. The test cell also enables BRUSH to offer the most comprehensive suite of routine and type tests for transformers up to 170kV, both new builds and retrofit units. Energy efficient by design, with a whole raft of health and safety features, the purpose-built, high-capacity space is both IEC (BSEN) and ENA compliant. Nicolas Pitrat, CEO of BRUSH Group said: “We’re seeing rapidly increasing demand for power transformers from all segments of our customer base in the UK, from power networks operators and renewable energy producers to public infrastructure providers and commercial developers. “Opening of our new world-class test cell here in Loughborough allows us to keep pace with that demand and play our part in the domestic supply chain, enabling energy producers and consumers to connect to the grid and accelerate towards net zero. “I’m really proud of what the team at BRUSH has achieved with this latest investment, and especially pleased with our team of new engineering apprentices who have come on board to support our growth including operating the new test cell.” The range of tests offered includes winding resistance, CT tests, core and frame insulation, capacitance and insulation power factor, short-circuit impedance, load loss / no-load loss, applied voltage, NVD bushing capacitance, impulse test, temperature rise test, hot spot measurement, SFRA, RSO, tank vibrations and sound levels. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has written an open letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, emphasising the potential value to the UK economy that could be lost without investments into planning, and outlined the importance of planning to kickstart economic growth and address the UK’s housing crisis. Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the Royal Town Planning Institute, said: “The Labour Party has made the UK’s housing crisis a top priority during their campaign and has shown a strong understanding of the importance of planning. This change in government presents a unique opportunity for planners to demonstrate their value to the economy. “I have written to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to discuss how planning can be a part of the solution, rather than the problem. I’ve outlined clear steps his government can take to help implement planning reforms that will help to ‘Get Britain Building’ quickly. This includes fast progress to restore funding for planning services, kick-starting stalled local plans, and ensuring the involvement of strategic direction at a mayoral level from day one. ”We enlisted the services of economic experts at Public First to demonstrate the economic impact of well-resourced, proactive planning. Our letter outlines their findings, demonstrating how our profession has the potential to kickstart economic growth and generate over £70 billion in additional value over the next 10 years. This would be achieved by stimulating local economic activity and creating well-planned communities where people can thrive. “We are at the beginning of Sir Keir Starmer’s first 100 days in government, and there is significant work ahead to address the key issues facing Britain today. Starmer’s party has emphasised the need for swift action on planning reform and the revision of the national planning policy framework. They will need to collaborate with planners to achieve their ambitions.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Clowes Developments have successfully purchased a 35-acre site at Pleasley Hill in Mansfield. Pleasley Hill was initially presented to the land and planning team at Clowes Developments in 2017 by land promotor, David Winterbotham. Since then, extensive due diligence and research into the sites potential has been happening behind the scenes and resulted in an off-market deal and outlined planning consent to develop the site. At a time when the group have been heavily developing existing land banks across England and Scotland, the purchase of Pleasley Hill demonstrates Clowes’ commitment to growth, ensuring a healthy pipeline of future development remains in place for years to come, Thomas Clowes, Managing Director at Clowes Developments commented on the deal, “The length of time this has taken highlights the need for strategic land when immediate opportunities are hampered by planning restrictions or heavily fluctuating markets. Fortunately, this is something Clowes has in abundance, and I’m delighted to be able to add another active site to our portfolio. Remarkably I’ve been working with David Winterbotham on this since I was a graduate surveyor, luckily for myself and the group it’s been a pleasure to do so. We’re very excited to get this one out of the ground in the coming months”. Clowes Developments is one of the UK’s largest and strongest privately-owned property investment and development organisations, dedicated to a simple aim: to build a legacy of strong, sustainable places that will enable future generations to prosper. Clowes and their team of professional advisors have been working with the local authority, Mansfield District Council who allocated the site for development in their ‘adopted local plan 2013-2033’, to create a masterplan that meets the need of the community and surrounding areas. The site at Pleasley Hill achieved outlined planning consent for a mixed-use development in 2023. In line with the adopted local plan, Pleasley Hill will benefit from 320,000sq ft of employment opportunities ranging from industrial, manufacture and logistical use to convenience, filing station, retail and leisure facilities. The site also has outlined consent for 850 homes with housing developers lined up to deliver the residential arm of this development. Clowes Developments are currently working with Avant and David Wilson Homes to bring forward the residential element of the development. It is expected that agents marketing Pleasley Hill will be announced in due course, in the meantime, enquiries are directed to tom.morley@clowes.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is delighted to announce the shortlist for the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction Awards 2024. Now in their third year, the awards showcase the influential women that work in construction, making female and non-binary role models more visible and accessible to inspire others, and demonstrating that the sector is open to everyone. The shortlist features women across each of five categories, with the final Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction being unveiled at the Awards later this year hosted by National Federation of Builders in Birmingham. The award ceremony and Top 100 shortlist celebrate the women that work at every level within the sector and their phenomenal achievements, while also highlighting how the industry supports and values equality. Deborah Madden, Executive Director, Nations Engagement at CITB, said: “We are thrilled to recognise the incredible women and allies who are driving real change in the construction industry. Celebrating their achievements with the Top 100 Women in Construction honours not only their hard work but also inspires others and future generations. Together, we’re showcasing what’s possible for women in construction today and encouraging the next generation to pursue careers in this field. The Women in Construction awards highlight those leading our industry and those actively supporting a more diverse sector through their dedication and advocacy.” Richard Beresford, Chief Executive Officer at National Federation of Builders (NFB), said: “This is the third year of these Awards and our first collaboration with CITB, which has led to a surge in nominations. The independent judges have worked tirelessly to create this competitive shortlist. Many of our previous winners highlight the significant impact these awards have had on their careers, emphasising their importance. It’s crucial that we continue to see them grow from strength to strength. This year’s awards promise to be bigger and better than ever, bringing together an impressive line-up of past winners and future leaders in construction to share the stage and accolades.” The Top 100 categories and shortlisted candidates are: Taking place on the 30 September at the Burlington Hotel prior to UK Construction Week, tables and seats at the awards can now be booked to celebrate and honour the outstanding individuals. CITB is committed to delivering a series of fully funded workshops as part of its agenda to support women and allies to thrive in the construction industry. The initial workshop, “Owning your success”, on 31 July 2024, is designed to help people to recognise and celebrate their achievements, providing practical tools and a community of support. The programme series continues 29 October 2024 with a session focused on the value and importance of allyship. You can find out more about the workshop on Eventbrite. Read the full shortlist of the 2024 Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction here: https://www.citb.co.uk/about-citb/top-100-most-influential-women-in-construction-2024/shortlist/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A Bellway site manager from Newcastle who returned to the construction industry after a spell in the Royal Navy has won a prestigious national award. Darren Best received a Quality Award in the National House Building Council’s (NHBC) annual Pride in the Job competition for his work at The View at Abbey Heights development in Callerton. The 33-year-old is one of just 449 site managers from across the UK to receive the accolade. Ten per cent of the winners in the annual competition were from Bellway. The father-of-two was selected from a pool of more than 8,000 site managers whose developments have been inspected by the NHBC over the past year, placing them among an elite group within the industry. Darren said: “It is a huge honour to win this prestigious award from such a respected organisation as the NHBC. It may sound like a cliché but this really is an accolade which has been earned by the whole team, with a special mention for my assistant site manager Craig Carter, whose help has been vital. “This is the first Pride in the Job award I have won and Craig and myself are determined that it won’t be my last. My motto in life is that if something is worth doing, it’s worth doing well and it is great that everyone in the team buys into that philosophy.” Darren first went into the construction industry when he started work at a building company as a joinery apprentice at the age of 17. “I went in straight from school and qualified as a joiner after three years but suddenly fancied a career change, so I joined the Royal Navy,” he said. “After five years, I wanted to get married, settle down and have a family so I decided it would be better to leave the Navy and get back into the building industry. “I went for a job as a joiner but the management team thought that with my experience in the Services I should start as a trainee assistant site manager. Within a year I was promoted to assistant site manager and three years after that I was made site manager. “I joined Bellway in 2021 as a site manager and have never looked back. I was delighted to be given the job of being in charge of the second phase of The View at Abbey Heights, where we have completed building 24 four and five-bedroom houses. It was really satisfying to be working on a collection of executive homes, which look incredible now that we have finished.” As a Quality Award winner, Darren, who is now in charge at Bellway’s neighbouring Abbey Heights development, is automatically entered into the next stage of the competition – the NHBC’s Seal of Excellence and Regional Awards, which will be awarded later in the year. The NHBC runs the Pride in the Job awards annually and every site registered with them is automatically entered into the competition. Each site manager is judged on a wide range of aspects of their work including attention to detail, leadership, technical expertise and health and safety. Dan Walker, Construction Director for Bellway North East, said: “The Pride in the Job Quality Awards are rightly held in high regard nationally as everyone in the industry knows just how hard it is to win this accolade. “The judging is incredibly rigorous, which means that winning the award is testament to the quality of the homes being built at The View at Abbey Heights. “I would like to congratulate Darren and every member of the fabulous site team for their achievement and wish them all the best for the next stage of the competition in the autumn.” For more information Bellway developments in the North East, visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/north-east. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
OryxAlign wins Managed Services Project of the Year at the IT Europa Awards 2024 London-based managed IT services provider (MSP), OryxAlign has won Managed Services Project of the Year at the prestigious IT Europa Channel Awards, which took place at the London Marriott Grosvenor Square on June 26, 2024. The award recognises the firms successful work in improving cybersecurity for its clients in the property and construction sectors. Now in its 16th year, the IT Europa Channel Awards recognises excellence from across the European IT channel ecosystem. It encompasses managed service providers, solution providers, vendors, distributors and other channel partners who deliver exceptional results for their clients. All submissions are judged by an expert industry panel that assess criteria such as clarity, quality, uniqueness and value. OryxAlign was awarded The Managed Services Project of the Year prize for its work with one of the UK’s largest commercial property development companies. For this project, OryxAlign bolstered the customer’s cyber security posture across a portfolio of 32 buildings, aligning its infrastructure with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) framework. OryxAlign resolved over 400 critical issues across the customer’s portfolio of buildings, significantly reducing the cyber security risks. “Vulnerability scanning across the client’s network revealed inherent problems that had to be addressed systematically in line with NIST frameworks,” explained Peter Schwartz, senior technology consultant at OryxAlign. “We updated the client’s systems, networks, critical devices and firmware, and also performed hundreds of network infrastructure and firewall changes, including on OT devices such as CCTV and access controls. “We provided training for the client’s technical and operational staff, equipping them with the skills to effectively manage the new processes on an ongoing basis. We were also invited to conduct additional cybersecurity awareness sessions for all its staff beyond those linked to the project,” concluded Schwartz. Post-implementation, all new devices were added to OryxAlign’s managed IT services framework, including the new cyber security platforms. Ultimately, OryxAlign’s work gives the client better control and visibility over its network, leading to a more secure, stable and manageable IT environment. “In recent years, cybersecurity has become an increasingly pressing concern for businesses operating in key industries like property and construction,” added Carl Henriksen, CEO of OryxAlign. “This latest award win demonstrates that we are well placed to help businesses in these sectors and more overcome challenges relating to cyber security. Our approach goes beyond a simple transactional relationship with customers, we are trusted advisors they can count on to support them throughout their IT journey.” To find out more about how OryxAlign can support your managed services project needs and its cyber security training programmes, visit https://www.oryxalign.com
