Timber Development UK (TDUK) has just published the first set of its huge new library of Timber Knowledge Sheets – with 50+ now available for download. The new knowledge sheets introduce and answer common questions about every aspect of working with wood, from the difference between hardwood and softwood, through
A builder has avoided an immediate spell behind bars after being convicted of carrying out gas work at a property in Berkshire when he was not qualified to do so. Thomas Murray, who traded as Kerbgold Design and Construction Ltd, was given an eight-month prison sentence which was suspended for
Grafton Group plc (“Grafton, the Company”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Mark Robson as Non-Executive Director and Chair Designate of the Audit and Risk Committee with effect from 1 December 2023; and of Mrs. Susan Murray as Senior Independent Director with effect from the conclusion of the
Bouygues UK has welcomed representatives of Swansea Council, the UK Government and other project partners on site at 71/72 The Kingsway to mark the official ‘topping out’ for the major five-storey office development in Swansea city centre. Located at the former Oceana nightclub site, when finished the building will house
Award-winning contractor Beard has started work on a trailblazing Design, Technology & Engineering (DTE) building at Stowe School in Buckinghamshire. The £5.9 million project will see Beard’s Oxford office build a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility at the school’s campus in the grounds of the historic Stowe House. The two-storey building will
The Construction Leadership Forum (CLF) is inviting voices from across the industry and public sector to have their say on its draft Transformation Action Plan. The collaboration between Government and industry is urging fellow industry figures and businesses to help shape the future of the sector by taking part in its
Eurocell fabricator, Rapid PVCu has secured the first triple glazed site for Taylor Wimpey in Sunderland. National housebuilder Taylor Wimpey will use Eurocell’s Modus windows system at its Herrington View residential scheme in Penshaw, Sunderland. Doncaster-based Rapid PVCu is a new-build specialist and has worked with Eurocell, the UK’s leading
Leading quality management software provider for housebuilders and developers named as NHQB Accredited Supplier Today, leading construction and quality management software provider, Zutec, announces it has been officially selected by the New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) as an Accredited Supplier. Zutec is one of the first suppliers to offer a
North View, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH)’s new state-of-the-art mental health unit currently under construction in North Manchester, will be the first all-electric mental health unit in the country when it opens its doors in 2024. This major step forward will support NHS England’s national agenda
After more than 1,000 registrations and 17 regional heats, the top construction trainees from across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have been named as competitors at the SkillBuild National Final 2023. SkillBuild is delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and showcases some of the brightest talent in
Timber Development UK (TDUK) has just published the first set of its huge new library of Timber Knowledge Sheets – with 50+ now available for download. The new knowledge sheets introduce and answer common questions about every aspect of working with wood, from the difference between hardwood and softwood, through to acoustic regulations, Eurocode 5 principles, embodied carbon, and sourcing timber sustainably. Developed with experts from Edinburgh Napier University, and TDUK’s unrivalled membership network of supply, manufacture and design professionals, these 50+ knowledge sheets are the first batch of a planned 140 to help support the industry to build better with wood. TDUK chief executive, David Hopkins says: “Following the merger between the Timber Trade Federation and TRADA last year, we promised to connect the timber supply chain, lead best practice, and accelerate a low-carbon future. “Our Timber Knowledge Sheets are another example of us doing exactly that – and represent a big step towards our vision of the UK as a country where timber is the number one material choice for all construction projects. “Amidst a climate emergency, changing how we build is crucial – as it represents a major portion of our carbon footprint. The material and design choices we make today will shape the future we have tomorrow. “Timber is an existing, proven solution to how we construct a low-carbon future, with independent studies showing that methods such as timber frame have up to 20% lower embodied carbon than traditional masonry.[1] “Fundamentally, trees absorb carbon, and when turned into long term construction products, can store it for decades if not millennia. Most other materials you find on building sites do the exact opposite – spewing tonnes of carbon into the atmosphere. “Taking on climate change requires collective action, so a big part of TDUK’s mission is to make sure that everyone in the timber supply chain has the opportunity, the tools, and the knowledge to succeed. “These sheets, released today, add considerable depth to our online library, which is already the largest, most comprehensive source of timber knowledge in the UK. This will support all to build better with wood.” These new Knowledge Sheets touch on all topics timber, so whether you are an architect, engineer, designer, builder, installer, contractor, or merchant, or any other member of the timber supply chain, you’ll find a wealth of information packed within. Between pages, you will find introductions to all kinds of timber components and methods of timber construction – all described in an accessible and easy to understand fashion – from Lightweight Timber Frame Construction to Modern Methods and Offsite Timber Construction. The Knowledge Sheets also contain plenty of regulatory guidance, ‘best practice’ information for working on site, as well as practical introductions to working with timber in challenging contexts such as flood-prone areas. Everything from the day-to-day (such as Loft Conversions or Timber Flooring) to the more specialised (Upgrading Doors for Fire Resistance) is covered, along with all aspects of sustainability – from Carbon Cycle and Storage through to Trees and Timber. These Timber Knowledge Sheets follow hot on the heels of the recently published Span Tables for C16 and C24 timber, which have already proven incredibly popular. TDUK members have access to our entire Knowledge Library, which along with these 50+ Timber Knowledge Sheets, includes briefs, case studies, research summaries and more. A further 90 Timber Knowledge Sheets are to be published imminently. While most Timber Knowledge Sheets are members only, anyone can access and download Timber Sizes & Tolerances, Timber and Embodied Carbon, or Construction Site Timber Best Practice with a free user account (register here) To get started on your new timber journey, simply go to www.timberdevelopment.uk, whether you are just beginning or a seasoned expert. If you work with wood, you already belong. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A builder has avoided an immediate spell behind bars after being convicted of carrying out gas work at a property in Berkshire when he was not qualified to do so. Thomas Murray, who traded as Kerbgold Design and Construction Ltd, was given an eight-month prison sentence which was suspended for 18 months. Reading Crown Court heard how Murray had been contracted to manage a large-scale renovation and extension of a property in Maidenhead in July 2018. The project involved significant gas work, including the installation of a gas boiler, relocation of a gas meter and the installation of associated pipework for both. Further information and guidance on domestic gas health and safety is available. However, the project over ran and the householders had to return to the property in January 2019, where they soon reported the smell of gas. Murray carried out a test which detected no gas leak. As their concerns persisted, the homeowners contacted a Gas Safe Registered engineer to inspect the installation. The engineer found a gas leak and other faults within the installation. In addition, Cadent Gas, the gas supplier to the property, had never been notified about the relocation of the meter and pipework. The pipework leading to the meter was found to have been laid to incorrect depth and fittings suitable only for water pipework had been found to have been used throughout the installation. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that although Murray arranged for a Gas Safe engineer to install the boiler, they had only connected the water plumbing and left the property due to concerns being raised. In a bid to allow the homeowners to access hot water and heating, Murray decided to undertake some of the gas work himself as a temporary fix. Murray, of Heath End Road, Flackwell Heath, Buckinghamshire, pleaded guilty to breaching section 3(2) of the Health Safety at Work Act 1974 and was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for 18 months. He was also ordered to complete 250 hours unpaid work. Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Karen Morris said: “In this case, Mr Murray was responsible for overseeing the gas work, which was not finished and had left householders and their neighbours at risk from the dangers and effects of leaking gas. “To make matters worse, he decided to try and finish the job himself, despite not being competent to do so. “His failures could have led to catastrophic and tragic consequences. “We will not hesitate to prosecute builders who fail to ensure that gas work under their control is conducted safely using Gas Safe Registered engineers.” Gas engineers and consumers can contact the Gas Safe Register in any of these ways: Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Grafton Group plc (“Grafton, the Company”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Mark Robson as Non-Executive Director and Chair Designate of the Audit and Risk Committee with effect from 1 December 2023; and of Mrs. Susan Murray as Senior Independent Director with effect from the conclusion of the 2024 Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) of the Company. Appointment of Non-Executive Director Mr. Robson will succeed Mr. Paul Hampden Smith as Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee when he steps down from the Board at the conclusion of the 2024 AGM after almost nine years as a Director. Mr. Robson is a highly experienced former Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) with a board level career in listed companies spanning over two decades and experience, gained at a senior executive level, of the manufacture and distribution of materials to small builders through a national branch network. Mr. Robson joined the Board of Howden Joinery Group Plc (“Howdens”) as CFO in April 2005 and in addition served as Deputy Chief Executive Officer for his final six years on the Board and retired in December 2021. Prior to joining Howdens, Mr. Robson served for six years as CFO of Delta plc, the international industrials group. In his early career, he held progressively more senior financial positions over a period of thirteen years with Imperial Chemical Industries PLC, the global chemical group. Mr. Robson trained as a Chartered Accountant with PwC. Mr. Michael Roney, Non-Executive Chair of Grafton said: “On behalf of the Board, I am delighted to welcome Mark to Grafton. He brings considerable financial, listed company board and relevant sector experience to the role. Mark was a highly accomplished CFO with a proven track record of success from his strong focus on value creation and commitment to the interests of all stakeholders. Most notably, during his 15-year tenure as CFO of Howdens, he played a critical role in the dramatic growth in the scale and profitability of the business that was exceptionally value accretive for shareholders. ”Mr. Mark Robson said: “I am delighted to be joining the Board of Grafton, a Group with strong brands and market positions and an international outlook. I look forward to working with the Board and the management team over the coming years in developing the business to its full potential and continuing to deliver stakeholder value. ”This announcement includes the information required by Listing Rules 9.6.11 to 9.6.13, and there is no further information to report under Listing Rule 9.6.13. Appointment of Senior Independent Director Mrs. Susan Murray, who joined the Board in October 2016, will succeed Mr. Hampden Smith as Senior Independent Director at the conclusion of the 2024 AGM. For further information please contact: Charles Rinn Secretary Grafton Group plc Telephone: +353 1 216 0600 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bouygues UK has welcomed representatives of Swansea Council, the UK Government and other project partners on site at 71/72 The Kingsway to mark the official ‘topping out’ for the major five-storey office development in Swansea city centre. Located at the former Oceana nightclub site, when finished the building will house up to 600 workers, will be operationally carbon zero and is worth £32.6 million a year to Swansea’s economy. Bouygues UK’s Operations Director for Wales and the South West, Stephen Davies showed the client delegation which included Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales James Davies and Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart, around the construction site, where five floors and two basement levels have now been completed. Swansea Council is developing the project and it is being built by Bouygues UK. It is part-funded by the £1.3 billion Swansea Bay City Deal. The scheme, earmarked for completion in early 2024, will include 114,000 square feet of commercial floor space with flexible co-working and office opportunities for businesses in sectors like tech, digital and the creative industries. Other features of the new development include a roof terrace, a new link between The Kingsway and Oxford Street, and balconies overlooking the city centre and Swansea Bay. The building will include solar panels on top of the building, as well as heat recovery systems to minimise energy use. It will also include 69 bike spaces and electric bike charging as well as extensive shower and changing facilities. Stephen Davies said: “Bouygues UK is very proud to be working with Swansea Council on this landmark project for the city. It was a pleasure to welcome to the site so they could see the brilliant progress that is being made. “Sustainability is hugely important to Bouygues UK and it’s wonderful to work on such an innovative and environmentally-friendly building. The fact that the building, when finished, will operate at net zero is very important to us as a business, as it’s our ambition to achieve this on all of our sites and builds. “71/72 The Kingsway is a key part of the history and infrastructure of the city centre, and this landmark building certainly fills the need for high quality office accommodation. The mix of commercial and office space is going to be a great asset to Swansea, along with the other ongoing regeneration projects.” Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: “The topping-out event marks another milestone for the construction of this landmark scheme, which is needed due to the limited amount of high-quality office accommodation in Swansea. Visiting the site has enabled us not just to see for ourselves the progress that’s already been made, but also to learn from our main scheme contractor Bouygues UK about some of the exciting digital tools soon to be used as part of the project as the development gathers even more pace. “Once complete, this scheme will offer the kind of modern, flexible office space we know our businesses need to thrive, particularly in the digital, tech and creative industry sectors where an agile workspace with networking opportunities and high-quality digital connectivity is so important. The scheme has attracted significant attention from potential tenants, and it will also benefit other city centre businesses by generating more footfall and spending.” Wales Office Minister James Davies said: “I was delighted to attend this exciting milestone in the construction of 71/72 Kingsway in Swansea. The UK Government is proud of our investment in the Swansea Bay City Deal which, along with our partners, has built this brilliant new facility for the city. “The UK Government is focused on creating jobs and spreading prosperity in Wales and this development will do exactly that by providing space for 600 jobs in growing sectors.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Award-winning contractor Beard has started work on a trailblazing Design, Technology & Engineering (DTE) building at Stowe School in Buckinghamshire. The £5.9 million project will see Beard’s Oxford office build a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility at the school’s campus in the grounds of the historic Stowe House. The two-storey building will comprise of modern teaching spaces, studios and workshops, and will serve as its own educational resource. Instead of many of the internal finishes traditionally found in other buildings, the structure, joints, beams and bolted connections will be purposely left exposed. All services will be colour-coded and will remain uncovered, allowing students to observe the infrastructure of pipes through internal walls, right through to the plant room. Working alongside architects Design Engine, the project aims to minimise material use and be suitable for deconstruction, should the area ever need to be restored to woodland. With a clear emphasis on structural embodied carbon, the Beard team will be working with key supply chain partner B&K Hybrid Solutions on the timber frame construction consisting of glulam and CLT (cross-laminated timber). Beard has already begun work on the foundations, completing the installation of helical piles ahead of the steel framing and ground floor concrete slab. The project itself is set to complete next autumn. While the site is secured with fencing and hoardings, Beard is working closely with the school to minimise disruption and ensure students and staff remain safe. In addition to scheduling deliveries outside of high-traffic periods, the team are using a separate entrance for heavy goods, helping to protect the weak bridge at the main school entrance. Beard will also be engaging with students in the new year through talks and site visits, allowing pupils to not only experience the finished project, but to ask questions and follow along in its build. Dean Averies, Beard director for Oxford, said: “With our reputation in the education sector, Beard has had the privilege of being involved in a number of prestigious builds across the region. This innovative project is another fantastic example, and we’re incredibly proud to support Stowe School in delivering a state-of-the-art facility to truly bring these exciting subjects to life. “Beard is well known for delivering ambitious buildings to a high standard of quality. This project is a great opportunity for us to demonstrate this and our commitment to prompt and faultless delivery. Not only is there nowhere to hide with many elements of the building remaining exposed, but the entire build and installation must be exemplary, to provide an educational tool and benchmark for students.” Dr Anthony Wallersteiner, head of Stowe School, added: “We are delighted to see Beard start work on the new Design, Technology & Engineering building. Nestled in the grounds of historic Stowe and in the shadow of Silverstone and the UK’s engineering heartland, the cutting-edge DT&E Centre will complement its surroundings, all while providing an extraordinary educational resource for our future architects, designers and engineers. “We look forward to the project completing next autumn and working closely with Beard to share their insight and expertise throughout the build.” Lee Roberts, pre-construction director, B&K Hybrid Solutions, said: “We’re delighted to be delivering the innovative Stowe School alongside Beard and the local authority. BKHS have a great wealth of experience in the education sector, and are excited to add another premium, low-carbon building to our repertoire. The project shows a real commitment to low-carbon building solutions and we look forward to sharing the journey with the students and faculty at Stowe School.” Through its offices in Swindon, Oxford, Guildford and Bristol, Beard has completed education projects across primary, secondary, further education and SEND provisions. In addition to extensive work with Oxford University and its colleges, Beard has worked closely with the likes of Abingdon School, Marlborough College in Wiltshire and Mary Hare School in Newbury – the UK’s largest school for the deaf. For more information, please visit www.beardconstruction.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Construction Leadership Forum (CLF) is inviting voices from across the industry and public sector to have their say on its draft Transformation Action Plan. The collaboration between Government and industry is urging fellow industry figures and businesses to help shape the future of the sector by taking part in its consultation on the new plan. The CLF says the feedback will help them define action to deliver in key areas where transformation is needed most – including digital technology, net zero, modern methods of construction, fair work and procurement reform. Richard Lochhead, Minister for Small Business, Innovation, Tourism and Trade, said: “This Plan will accelerate change and drive continuous improvement across Scotland’s construction sector, which is at the forefront of our move to net zero. “It has been co-developed by industry and public sector representatives who have set ambitious goals in areas such as skills, fair work and procurement, while working towards the wider aims of growing the green economy. “My thanks to all partners for their work on the Plan. I encourage industry to engage with the consultation and have their say on shaping this vital sector for the future.” Elliot Robertson, Chief Executive Officer, Robertson Group and member of the CLF, said: “In addition to be being a vital contributor to the economy, the construction industry has always embraced new ways of working and adopted innovation as a way to increase and sustain productivity and efficiency. “For the industry to continue to evolve and meet the transition to net zero and a wellbeing economy, it is widely recognised that further progression is required. The Transformation Action Plan is a result of the work undertaken by the working sub groups within the CLF, and I would encourage all leaders across our sector to take the opportunity to have their say in defining what transformation looks like for them. There is great value to be added to the plan by those in our sector who are working hard to deliver transformation. “The consultation on the plan provides a great starting point for discussion and the combined participation of the public and private sectors in the process can result in a document that unites us to deliver real sustainable transformation across our complex and diverse industry.” Morag Angus, Head of Property and Construction and Chief Surveyor at Scottish Government and co-chair of the CLF’s Transformation Board, added: “Partnership and collaboration have been at the core of developing this Plan. 48 businesses and 39 public sector bodies have already contributed to its development. We want to be sure that we have robust plan that reflects the needs of industry and that is why this consultation is so important. The challenges we face require all of us to work together for the good of our industry and our country.” The Transformation Action Plan will deliver the commitments at the heart of the CLF’s Scottish Construction Accord, which was launched in October 2022 and is a shared vision between the industry and the public sector to create a thriving and high-performing construction sector. Once finalised, the Plan will be published on CLF’s website, with the programme project managed by the Scottish Futures Trust. The draft Transformation Action Plan can be viewed in full here with feedback to be provided by Friday 17 November. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Eurocell fabricator, Rapid PVCu has secured the first triple glazed site for Taylor Wimpey in Sunderland. National housebuilder Taylor Wimpey will use Eurocell’s Modus windows system at its Herrington View residential scheme in Penshaw, Sunderland. Doncaster-based Rapid PVCu is a new-build specialist and has worked with Eurocell, the UK’s leading manufacturer, distributor, and recycler of PVC-U building products for 14 years. Eurocell’s market-leading Future Homes Ready Modus window system is made from 50% average post-consumer recycled PVC-U and is manufactured using innovative dual material extrusion technology (DMET). The ultimate sustainable option, with a significantly lower carbon footprint than profiles made or recycled outside the UK. For the new homeowners that will move into the neighbourhood, with U-values as low as 0.86, the triple glazed windows will reduce carbon emissions, use less energy to heat and present higher levels of security. Eurocell has been working closely with national housebuilders to enable them to achieve energy efficiency and carbon reduction targets that meet the Future Homes Standard. Martin Benn, Head of New Build at Eurocell comments: “Working collaboratively with housebuilders is something we really value at Eurocell, and this project is another example of the demand for our market-leading Future Homes Ready Modus system that ensures housebuilders meet the requirements that will be introduced in two years’ time. We look forward to the scheme completing and for future projects with Taylor Wimpey.” John Duggan at Rapid PVCu adds: “This has been a fantastic project to work on collaborating with both the Eurocell and Taylor Wimpey teams to provide innovative, triple glazing windows which are the highest quality of their kind. Triple glazing really is the best option for lowering energy consumption and the fact that the Modus window system is made with recycled PVC-U makes them incredibly attractive for housebuilders. The windows will look really smart once the homes are finished and will provide longevity and energy efficiency for the new owners.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading quality management software provider for housebuilders and developers named as NHQB Accredited Supplier Today, leading construction and quality management software provider, Zutec, announces it has been officially selected by the New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) as an Accredited Supplier. Zutec is one of the first suppliers to offer a full suite of quality management (QM) solutions during the construction phase to housebuilders and developers registered with the NHQB in England, Scotland, and Wales. Zutec’s QM solutions include standardised digital templates for Quality Assurance Inspections, Snagging and Defect Management, Health & Safety Forms, Part L Photographic Evidence and Cladding Remediation. Established to develop and implement a framework that oversees the quality of new homes and customer service provided by developers, the NHQB works to ensure consistently high standards across the industry. Its framework works to improve developer performance and provides redress for buyers if these standards are not met. NHQB’s Accredited Suppliers are carefully selected to support developers in meeting the requirements of the New Homes Quality Code (NHQC), and the scheme accommodates a diverse mix of companies that can support different budgets and sizes by offering a wealth of home-building expertise. “To be recognised as an Accredited Supplier by this not-for-profit organisation overseeing the quality of new homes is a hugely important step for us. As we work with housebuilders and developers to digitise their quality management processes to deliver better-built homes, we can help them remain compliant with the NHQB’s framework while also meeting other building regulation requirements, removing manual processes, improving on-site efficiencies, and reducing human error,” commented Gustave Geisendorf, CEO at BuildData Group, holding company for Zutec. Housebuilders and developers using Zutec’s QM solutions during the construction phase can conduct Quality Assurance and Health & Safety inspections, monitor real-time project progress as well as contractor performance, and share information with inspectors and assessors — all by using its cloud-based platform and field app. Zutec’s QM solutions also provide dashboards for management visibility, insights and reporting, so teams can be reassured that homes are being built to meet quality requirements the first time, every time. Where issues may arise, these can be quickly identified, addressed, and remediated before plot completion, so quality homes can be built on-time and to budget, while reducing risk, and meeting NHQB’s requirements and the highest standards. Geisendorf continued: “Today, busy site managers spend an increasing amount of time using disconnected systems and paper-based QM processes, filling out paper forms and taking photos to meet regulatory requirements. This not only takes time but can mean mistakes are made along the way. By using Zutec, housebuilders and developers can take a consolidated approach to quality management, by using a single digital platform and field app, that standardises processes and templates, and provides consistency from site-to-site and plot-to-plot. Bringing everything together in one place, ensures all on and off-site teams have structure and can follow the same practice. As part of our NHQB Accredited Supplier status, we will work closely with NHQB’s Registered Developers to help improve the quality of their homes and customer services through digital processes.” To find out more about the NHQB and its framework, or how Zutec is helping customers with QM, please visit https://www.nhqb.org.uk/ or https://www.zutec.com/product/quality-management/. Alternatively book a demo and experience Zutec’s QM solutions for yourself HERE. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
North View, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH)’s new state-of-the-art mental health unit currently under construction in North Manchester, will be the first all-electric mental health unit in the country when it opens its doors in 2024. This major step forward will support NHS England’s national agenda to deliver a ‘Net Zero’ National Health Service, by reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and decarbonising the healthcare estate. GMMH is investing £105.9 million in modern facilities with the construction of the new adult mental health inpatient unit to replace Park House, the current mental health unit on the North Manchester General Hospital site. Work on North View started in August 2022 with the new unit anticipated to be built and operational by 2024. Once completed, the upgrade will see improvements to patient experience, with spacious single bedrooms, each with a private en-suite shower room, as well as a variety of indoor activity areas, meeting rooms for family visiting, multiple gardens, spaces for therapeutic artwork and a café. It will house a purpose-built Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), eight adult acute wards and a treatment suite. The building has been specifically designed to minimise its environmental impact, through renewable energy sources, innovative technology and sustainable materials to optimise energy efficiency. It will include the following: Marc Reed, Associate Director of Capital, Estates and Facilities at Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH) said:“We are incredibly proud to say that North View will be the first all-electric mental health unit in the country.Sustainability and the environment is a huge national agenda, and is something we have been striving to support through the delivery of this project, which can have a significant impact on the health of our communities. It’s extremely important that we do all we can to support this through the design, build and future operation of our new mental health unit for North Manchester.“Through renewable energy, innovative technology and sustainable materials, we will be able to manage and optimise energy usage and significantly reduce our carbon footprint; whilst maintaining a comfortable, therapeutic environment for our patients, visitors and staff.” This new development is part of an exciting vision for North Manchester General Hospital to improve health and wellbeing for local people over the next 10 to 15 years. GMMH is working with its Principal Supply Chain Partner, Integrated Health Projects (the alliance between VINCI Construction UK and Sir Robert McAlpine) to deliver the project. GMMH recently shared drone footage of North View under construction. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
After more than 1,000 registrations and 17 regional heats, the top construction trainees from across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have been named as competitors at the SkillBuild National Final 2023. SkillBuild is delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and showcases some of the brightest talent in construction. The prestigious competition brings together highly skilled learners and apprentices to battle it out to be crowned winner of their chosen trade. Following the regional heats, which took place this summer, the final will see the top eight highest scoring competitors from each category compete. For the first time, this year’s final will be held at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes, England on 21, 22 & 23 November 2023. The arena has previously played host to the National Badminton Championships, major darts tournaments and various music concerts, and will now see 80 of the best construction trainees demonstrate their expertise. Across the three days competitors will be tasked with constructing a project designed by an expert panel of judges, within an 18-hour timeframe. The project will test the individual’s knowledge and skills, as well as their ability to work under pressure, ensuring they adhere to health and safety protocols. Members of the public are invited to attend the competition to both observe and try their hand at a range of activities at the designated careers experience hub, the Construction Showcase. Visitors can test their hand-eye coordination skills at the decorating station, build their own bird box at the woodworking station, or even get involved with virtual reality games and simulators. There will also be an opportunity for visitors to attend Continual Professional Development sessions, which will be hosted by the expert panel of judges across all 10 trade categories. CITB’s latest Construction Skills Network (CSN) report states that almost 225,000 extra workers will be required to meet UK construction demand by 2027. It also highlights that construction is expected to remain a sector where there is demand for workers, despite the current economic uncertainty. SkillBuild is a fantastic opportunity to alter common misconceptions of the industry and promote the diverse range of roles available. Mike Burdett, SkillBuild bricklaying judge, said: “The competition is a fantastic way for young people to showcase their skills and talents, it never ceases to amaze me the commitment and dedication they show to their craft. “As a judge we are looking to find the best of the best, testing their knowledge and skill levels through the test project. Every millimetre of inaccuracy costs the competitors points, but this is also set against a time pressure, making it even more challenging for them. Not only do they need to be accurate, but they also need to plan and review their work constantly to meet the demanding deadlines.” Tim Balcon, CITB Chief Executive, said: “I’m delighted to be hosting this year’s SkillBuild National Final at the Marshall Arena, providing us with the opportunity to invite members of the public to observe the incredible talent coming through to industry. SkillBuild is a wonderful initiative which aims to attract a diverse range of recruits, and with the current skills gap, it places even greater importance on the competition and its ability to promote construction careers to a wider audience. “SkillBuild not only helps young people to grow personally, increasing their confidence and social skills, but it’s also proven to assist them professionally by developing their technical and employability skills. While a challenging experience, if you’re serious about a career in construction, SkillBuild is an excellent opportunity. I wish all our National Finalists the best of luck, and we look forward to seeing you in November!” CITB would like to thank all the fantastic sponsors of this year’s SkillBuild, which include: British Gypsum, Crown Paints, BAL Adhesives, NFRC, TARMAC, SPAX, Schluter, Weber, The Tile Association, Nicobond, Stabila, The Keystone Group, Forterra, tesa, Tilgear, Permavent, SR Timber, BMI Redland, Stone Restoration Services, Midland Lead, Hambleside Danelaw, NSITG, Rollins Group, Albion Stone, and Felder Group. See the full list of finalists on Go Construct, and visit the Eventbrite page to get tickets to attend SkillBuild. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals