Passive fire protection specialist Promat, as part of the Etex group, has signed up to the Science-Based Targets initiative to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability. The pledge will see the company work towards cutting carbon emissions across its operations to support a net zero economy in line with the 2015
The inaugural Planning Portal Market Index has found that more than a million homes granted planning permission since 2015 have not yet been built, equating to around a third of the total given the green light over the period. The figures cast doubt on the near-exclusive focus of the major
Commenting on the latest Health and Safety Executive data, showing a rise in work-related deaths in Great Britain for the second consecutive year, Dr Julie Riggs, Director of Education and Membership, British Safety Council, said: “The rise in work-related fatalities, as reported by the Health and Safety Executive, serves as a
A brand new £10m care home in Haxby, approximately four miles north of York city centre, is now open and has welcomed its first residents after Yorkshire construction firm, Hobson & Porter, completed work on the development. Haxby Hall offers 63 en-suite bedrooms alongside first-class amenities and has been developed
Derek Horrocks is chair of the National Home Decarbonisation Group (NHDG) and owner of Sustainable Building Services (UK) Ltd (SBS). “Despite a change in political power, the task at hand when it comes to housing decarbonisation is one that spans party borders, so the NHDG is looking forward to continuing
CBRE Southampton has advised CooperVision, a global leader in contact lens manufacturing, on the acquisition of a new technical, commercial and business hub. The investment plans the delivery of a new 107,000 sq ft building at Adanac Park, in Southampton, and enables CooperVision to create a state-of-the art facility, reinforcing
Organisers of UK Construction Week (UKCW), the UK’s biggest event for the built environment, have sent their congratulations to Sir Keir Starmer on last night’s General Election victory – along with an open invitation to this autumn’s show. UKCW Birmingham (NEC, 1-3 October) has invited the new Prime Minister to
GMI Construction Group has completed the topping out of the £42m innovative lab and workspace offering Citylabs 4.0, located within Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust’s (MFT) Oxford Road Campus. To celebrate the milestone, Bruntwood SciTech, a joint venture between Bruntwood, Legal & General and Greater Manchester Pension Fund, hosted a
PRO-DEVELOPMENT policy must take precedence if the construction industry is to achieve its full investment potential into the future, according to the results of a new survey of construction professionals conducted by multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard and planning and development consultancy Lichfields. With just one week to go until the UK goes
Following continued success, fire safety specialist and leading installer of passive fire barriers, Injecta Fire Barrier, has appointed a new Managing Director to lead their operations. Shaun Tasker joins Injecta Fire Barrier as the patented Injectaclad installers pursue new strategies for long-term growth and sustainable profits. With over 20 years
Passive fire protection specialist Promat, as part of the Etex group, has signed up to the Science-Based Targets initiative to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability. The pledge will see the company work towards cutting carbon emissions across its operations to support a net zero economy in line with the 2015 Paris Agreement. To support this the group will develop a target-driven action plan setting out its aims to cut scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon emissions. Promat has already set a target of reducing its scope 1 and 2 ‘direct’ emissions by 35 per cent by 2030. The SBTi is a global scheme set up to support companies worldwide to establish clear, evidenced targets to demonstrate a commitment to change to work towards a net-zero economy. The commitment will build on initiatives and targets set out in Promat’s ClearChange sustainability strategy, which focuses on six key pillars: Product design, decarbonisation, delivery and assembly, energy savings, durability and recycling. Within this the company outlines its commitment to cutting carbon emissions in its operations, lower embodied carbon in its products through the use of alternative energy, creating recyclable packaging, ensuring long product lifecycles, supporting sustainable building design, and reducing waste. Duncan Gardiner, Promat Platform Sustainability and Communications Manager, said: “Promat is dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting a more circular economy by running our operations and designing products with sustainability in mind. “While we recognise the challenges in prioritising safety and the journey to adapting to more sustainable solutions, Promat is committed to making changes to support sustainability wherever we can. “Thermal processes are integral to the creation of many of our products, so decarbonisation is a key target for Promat. Setting clear targets to make operational changes demonstrates the company’s commitment to supporting a better future and making changes wherever we can. Promat is keen to build a future that is both safe and sustainable. “Signing up to the letter of commitment to the SBTi, marks a pivotal moment in our sustainability journey, furthering our efforts outlined in our Road to Sustainability 2030 strategy.” For more information on Promat’s ClearChange strategy, visit: https://www.promat.com/en/sustainability/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The inaugural Planning Portal Market Index has found that more than a million homes granted planning permission since 2015 have not yet been built, equating to around a third of the total given the green light over the period. The figures cast doubt on the near-exclusive focus of the major parties on boosting housebuilding numbers by tweaking the planning system. At the same time, planning applications over the first five months of 2024 are at the lowest level since 2020, calling into question the scope for housebuilding numbers to recover in the coming years to meet ambitious manifesto targets. The Planning Portal Market Index report offers the most up to date statistics on planning applications in England and Wales, with data reflecting the state of play as recently as 31 May – two months later than the period covered by the most recent official statistics. The statistics are drawn from planning applications submitted to local authorities in England and Wales – more than 90% of which are made through the Planning Portal. Had all homes granted planning permission ultimately been built, the government’s target of building 300,000 new homes a year would have been achieved in eight of the last 10 years. Geoff Keal, CEO at TerraQuest, the operator of Planning Portal, said: “These figures suggest that the near-exclusive focus on the planning system in the political debate around housing is misplaced. Until recently, planning permission was being granted for enough new homes to meet the government’s targets. “While the planning system is by no means perfect, and those homes granted permission could be in the wrong places, this data strongly suggests that policymakers need to look more widely at the factors stifling the completion of homes for which planning permission has been granted.” The Planning Portal Market Index report highlighted the impact of high interest rates, skills shortages in the construction industry and materials shortages as possible culprits. Geoff added: “High interest rates have a double impact on the completion of new homes. By dampening the housing market in the short term, they limit the potential commercial rewards available to housebuilders for proceeding with projects. At the same time, the high cost of borrowing to finance projects in the first place pushes up costs and eats into developer profits. “This is compounded by the well-publicised challenges facing the construction sector in overcoming skills shortages that have left its headcount more than a quarter of million short of the number needed to meet projected demand. Meanwhile, the supply of fundamental construction supplies of bricks and blocks are down by 4.3% and 9.8% over the year to April, according to official statistics. “Our analysis shows just how profound the challenges are for policymakers in ensuring enough new homes are built to meet the needs of a growing population. Rosalind Andrews, Partner, Head of Planning, Highways and Environment at HCR Law, added: “The findings from the Planning Portal Application Index June 2024 report highlight the multifaceted challenges faced by the housebuilding sector. Increasing the delivery of much-needed homes across the UK is incredibly complex, with the number of residential planning permissions granted being only one aspect of the issue. “Project viability is also a concern, given the increases in material costs and lending rates, as well as the new expenses associated with BNG requirements. Housebuilders are eager to commence construction and break ground. “To meet the ambitious target of delivering 300,000 homes a year, it is crucial to address the industry’s capacity in terms of skilled labour. With the right support and training initiatives, the housebuilding sector can rise to this challenge and achieve these goals.” The first Planning Portal Market Index report is available to download here: https://blog.planningportal.co.uk/2024/06/26/gain-early-market-insight-direct-from-the-application-source/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Commenting on the latest Health and Safety Executive data, showing a rise in work-related deaths in Great Britain for the second consecutive year, Dr Julie Riggs, Director of Education and Membership, British Safety Council, said: “The rise in work-related fatalities, as reported by the Health and Safety Executive, serves as a stark reminder that we cannot become complacent about the health and safety of workers. Put simply, the consequences of poor health and safety are too great a price to pay. “For 50 years, the general direction of travel has seen safer workplaces with falling numbers of workplace deaths and non-fatal injuries; that for a second year this trend has reversed is cause for concern. It sends a message that we need to prioritise worker health and safety, understand the causes of rising fatalities, and take targeted action to return to falling figures and safer workplaces for all.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A brand new £10m care home in Haxby, approximately four miles north of York city centre, is now open and has welcomed its first residents after Yorkshire construction firm, Hobson & Porter, completed work on the development. Haxby Hall offers 63 en-suite bedrooms alongside first-class amenities and has been developed by Brough headquartered Yorkare, which now has 12 homes in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, with five more currently under construction. This latest development was the eighth project that Hobson & Porter has completed for Yorkare since 2015. Located in the heart of Haxby, close to all the town’s amenities, facilities at Haxby Hall include an in-house bar, restaurant standard dining rooms, full beauty salon and hairdressing suite, cinema and outdoor terraces on each floor. There are also large gardens and a bowling green for residents to enjoy. Nicola Anderson, marketing and community engagement manager from Yorkare, said: “We’re delighted to welcome our first residents into their new homes at Haxby Hall and everyone has been blown away by the facilities and overall quality that flows through the entire development. “Every bedroom is designed to be spacious with superb décor and exceptional interiors. All the ground-floor bedrooms have doors leading out to private patio areas and our premium suites have their own lounge areas and these are already proving popular with both couples and individuals. “Yorkare’s whole ethos is about combining safe and luxurious living environments alongside engaging social activities that are delivered by our dedicated care teams, activity co-ordinators and highly skilled chefs. Haxby Hall ticks all these boxes and more, and anyone wanting to find out about everything on offer should contact us now.” Mark Smee, from Hobson & Porter, said: “We’re very proud to complete our eighth project for Yorkare in less than 10 years. Every detail at Haxby Hall, from the grand water fountains in the landscaped gardens to the magnificent communal areas, has been impeccably designed and speaks volumes about the standard of the whole development. “It’s more akin to a five-star hotel than a care home and there’s no doubt it’s going to be a very special place for residents to live as they start the next chapter of their lives.” Haxby Hall sits next door to a local playground and is a short walk from a good range of amenities including a Co-op supermarket, Costa Coffee and Haxby Bakehouse. For more information about the development visit www.yorkarehomes.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Derek Horrocks is chair of the National Home Decarbonisation Group (NHDG) and owner of Sustainable Building Services (UK) Ltd (SBS). “Despite a change in political power, the task at hand when it comes to housing decarbonisation is one that spans party borders, so the NHDG is looking forward to continuing our work with key government departments including DESNZ under the new Labour government. Our core aim will be to significantly build on the momentum developed over recent years in the retrofit decarbonisation sector, taking learnings and action forward from ongoing funding programmes and policies and applying them to the large-scale growth for the sector promised in Labours’ manifesto. “There is a huge number of homes in the UK that still require decarbonisation urgently to make a real difference to people up and down the country, so the power of partnerships will help ensure the journey stays on track. The Labour government will no doubt also have energy, cost of living, health and the climate on its agenda, and this sector has the impressive ability to support millions of people with all of the aforementioned challenges. “From our perspective, our mission remains the same, that is to ensure nobody is left behind. We are sure the new government matches our ambition and we will provide them with the insight and opportunities to create a stronger supply chain – which is required to make a widespread impact. We can’t take our foot off the pedal and are driven by helping the housing sector with its transition into a greener future.” To learn more about the NHDG, visit: www.nhdg.org Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
CBRE Southampton has advised CooperVision, a global leader in contact lens manufacturing, on the acquisition of a new technical, commercial and business hub. The investment plans the delivery of a new 107,000 sq ft building at Adanac Park, in Southampton, and enables CooperVision to create a state-of-the art facility, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and employee well-being. Following an extensive property search CooperVision focused on Adanac Park, which provides a strategic location with excellent road communications. CooperVision’s new facility plans to include technical innovation areas, as well as high-quality office space. CooperVision has designed a bespoke facility and it is intended that CBRE will coordinate with the developers and project manage the substantial fit-out works, with occupation planned for 2026. James Brounger, Head of CBRE Southampton, said: “This agreement is the culmination of several years of hard work on all sides, in a very complex transaction. CooperVision needed a new facility with specific requirements, which weren’t available in the area. We’re delighted to have found a location and developer that has been able to meet those needs. CooperVision is a key employer in the south and we are proud to continue to partner with them in their plans to develop a best-in-class facility.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Organisers of UK Construction Week (UKCW), the UK’s biggest event for the built environment, have sent their congratulations to Sir Keir Starmer on last night’s General Election victory – along with an open invitation to this autumn’s show. UKCW Birmingham (NEC, 1-3 October) has invited the new Prime Minister to not only speak at the three-day event, but hear first-hand from industry leaders on the issues they are currently facing, and how the new Labour government can best support a sector that employs over 1.5 million people and contributes more than £130 billion to the UK economy. At UKCW Birmingham, Sir Keir will have the opportunity to speak to a wide range of professionals from the industry, including architects, contractors, designers, planners, surveyors, and key national house builders, including Berkeley Group, Barratt Developments, Persimmon Homes and Bellway. Sam Patel, Divisional Director – Construction, commented: “We would like to congratulate Sir Keir and his party on last night’s victory, and would like to extend an invitation for him and his new Cabinet to come to the NEC in October and hear how they can help our sector over the next five years and beyond. “The theme for UKCW Birmingham 2024 is ‘Growth’, and we hope the new Labour government will quickly set to work on delivering on its manifesto promises on homebuilding, fast track approvals of urban brownfield sites and updating the National Policy Planning Framework.” With its reputation for networking and knowledge sharing, organisers of UKCW Birmingham asked its 2024 Role Models nominees what they would do if they became prime minister. Insightful responses included: Paula McMahon – Honorary Professor of Teesside University (Icon nominee) Kevin Pratt – Director, Purehaus (Pioneer nominee) Rekiya Shodunke, Apprentice Technical Coordinator, Berkeley Group (Rising Star nominee) UKCW Birmingham’s own election wishlist addresses three core topics – mental health, skills and planning: Opened by architect and Channel 4 presenter George Clarke, UKCW Birmingham attracts visitors and exhibitors from across the globe, and will showcase a host of international exhibitors from the likes of Turkey, China and India. The multi award-winning show will feature over 200 exhibitors. 300-plus seminars, CPD sessions and workshops, and over 300 thought leaders and keynote speakers. To find out more and register for UKCW Birmingham for free, visit https://ukcw-birmingham-2024.reg.buzz/cabpr Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GMI Construction Group has completed the topping out of the £42m innovative lab and workspace offering Citylabs 4.0, located within Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust’s (MFT) Oxford Road Campus. To celebrate the milestone, Bruntwood SciTech, a joint venture between Bruntwood, Legal & General and Greater Manchester Pension Fund, hosted a morning interactive session with patients at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, followed by the official afternoon ceremony with local partners. Citylabs 4.0 is expected to achieve net zero carbon in construction and operation in its shared spaces and will be 100% electric. As a highly energy efficient building, it is targeted to be EPC A and include 208m2 of solar panels, enough to charge an average electric car approximately 1235 times. The building’s cladding system will be made from 75% recycled end-of-life aluminium (post-consumer scrap), meaning its content will have one of the smallest carbon dioxide footprints worldwide; seven times less than the global average for aluminium production. It is expected to be complete in Spring 2025. Once complete, the 125,000 sq ft, seven storey lab and workspace will offer world-leading, highly specialist space specifically designed to support companies working in precision medicine, including those in diagnostic, genomics, biotech, medtech, health-related AI and digital health. It will also bolster the existing Citylabs cluster, strengthening the internationally significant health innovation campus – a joint venture partnership between Bruntwood SciTech and MFT. GMI Construction Group is leading the build of the Sheppard Robson-designed development and local teams also working on the development include Arup, Hilson Moran, Gardiner and Theobald, and Layers. The development of Citylabs 4.0 is supported by a £32m senior loan from the North West Evergreen Fund, managed by CBRE’s Investment Advisory team, part of CBRE Capital Advisors. Citylabs 4.0, the third phase in the Citylabs masterplan, already home to more than 20 life science and healthcare businesses, and takes the campus from 192,000 sq. ft to 327,000 sq. ft, The topping out ceremony began at Citylabs 1.0, with guests walking through the MFT campus to the Citylabs 4.0 site, to get a true understanding of the scale and vibrancy of the existing cluster which sits at the heart of the largest clinical academic campus in Europe. Bruntwood SciTech also worked with Manchester Foundation Trust Charity to host a ‘skills sharing’ session with their Youth Zone situated within Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital which neighbours both Citylabs 2.0 and 4.0. Children and young people between 11 and 25, were given the opportunity to learn about the Citylabs campus and what a career in science or construction could look like. Dr Kath Mackay, Chief Scientific Officer for Bruntwood SciTech, said: “To date, the Citylabs campus has helped to support hundreds of specialist healthcare businesses that are changing the face of medical science across the UK and beyond. By creating a cluster of like-minded businesses all centred around one of the country’s most eminent teaching hospital Trusts, we have seen first-hand how the ability to collaborate and knowledge-share will drive forward innovations in medicine and healthcare.” Citylabs 4.0 incorporates infrastructure to accommodate containment level 2 (CL2) biology and chemistry labs and specialist equipment, including increased floor loading, enhanced cooling systems and ventilation provisions, and a large platform lift. Businesses that locate here will also benefit from 100GB superfast connectivity, shared breakout spaces, an internally secure cycle storage with showers and kit drying room and have access to the campus’ 150-person event space, multiple meeting rooms, cafes and supermarket. Anthony Judge, GMI Construction Group’s Regional Director, North West, said: “The topping out of Citylabs 4.0 marks a significant achievement for GMI and our delivery partners. This state-of-the-art facility is set to become a hub for innovation in precision medicine and life sciences and we are extremely proud to be part of a project that will drive advancements in healthcare diagnostics and treatments and foster collaboration between businesses and leading research institutions. “GMI has a considerable track record in delivering much needed workspace for the research, science and technology sectors throughout the North and the Midlands and Citylabs 4.0 demonstrates our ability to deliver these in-demand developments.” Mark Cubbon, MFT Group Chief Executive, said: “Today’s ceremony marks a significant milestone in the Citylabs 4.0 development which will present new and *exciting opportunities for us to co-design the future of healthcare with industry partners and transform scientific breakthroughs into a reality for our patients across Greater Manchester and beyond.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
PRO-DEVELOPMENT policy must take precedence if the construction industry is to achieve its full investment potential into the future, according to the results of a new survey of construction professionals conducted by multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard and planning and development consultancy Lichfields. With just one week to go until the UK goes to the polls, respondents have identified policy changes the next government can enact immediately to kickstart growth ambitions and counter key barriers to growth. Indeed, 83% of respondents identified policy or economic uncertainty as major investment stumbling blocks. Among the key aims across the sector was the need for a pro-development policy platform to increase investment activity. 55% of respondents stated the need for achieving comprehensive local plan coverage as a priority, while separate Lichfields research found just 22% of plans are currently projected to be fit for purpose by the end of 2025. Also emphasised is the need for a long-term industrial strategy, with 40% advocating for clear investment paths, while public investment decisions on housing (38%), clean energy investments (39%), and national grid capacity improvements (38%) also topped contractor, developer, and consultant wish lists. Gavin Mason, operations director at Pick Everard, said: “Our survey has been carried out against a backdrop of political and economic uncertainty, and in a market which is challenged by inflated construction costs, decreased public-led investment, increasing complexity in securing planning permission, continued shortages of skilled labour and a sector that is recording 4,000+ insolvencies a year – the highest of any sector in the UK. “All of these issues will need to be addressed by the next government, which is going to have a key role to play in improving sector output. “It is also clear from the results of the survey that the industry is calling for constructive reform of existing legislation to deliver the construction investments the country desperately needs.” Ciaran Gunne‑Jones, senior director, head of economics at Lichfields, said: “We need to see more local plans adopted, unlocking more homes and economic opportunities. The next government has the opportunity to work with the development industry to turbo-charge the UK economy, and to do it quickly.” Further results within the survey reveal that 96% of respondents expect tender prices to rise in the next year, with 76% predicting increases between 1% and 6%. Contributing factors include the impact of government legislation (26%), construction industry capacity (20%), and geopolitical volatility (19%). Taking stock of current industry issues, 24% of respondents asked for a review of current legislation on Biodiversity Net Gain, which only came into force earlier this year, alongside Gateway 2 of the Building Safety Act and Part L building regulations (2022), each of which have been widely debated among construction circles over the past year. Finally, reducing interest rates (36%) and increasing investment in training grants (24%) were also seen as vital for industry growth, with the latter being especially important to help plug the widening skills gap in construction. For more information on Pick Everard and the services it provides, visit https://www.pickeverard.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Following continued success, fire safety specialist and leading installer of passive fire barriers, Injecta Fire Barrier, has appointed a new Managing Director to lead their operations. Shaun Tasker joins Injecta Fire Barrier as the patented Injectaclad installers pursue new strategies for long-term growth and sustainable profits. With over 20 years of experience in commercial management, sales and operations, Shaun has successfully overseen multiple high-revenue businesses, as well as co-managing his own facilities management company. “After four years as Operations Director at a fitness and well-being charity organisation, I was keen to put my skills and experience to use in another industry. I am thrilled to be starting as the new Managing Director and I’m looking forward to working collaboratively alongside our fantastic team to strengthen the Injecta Fire Barrier brand” says Shaun. Shaun’s extensive experience spans all areas of business, including project management, sales, marketing, finance and construction. As managing director at Injecta Fire Barrier, Shaun Tasker will be responsible for the overall success of the business by executing strategies, implementing changes in operations, identifying potential leads and targeting long-term goals. Using his expertise, Shaun aims to expand Injecta Fire Barrier’s operational reach and focus on growing and converting the order pipeline. Injecta Fire Barrier has experienced significant growth within the last year, in part due to the acquisition by Light Science Technologies Holdings PLC in 2023. As a result, the Derbyshire-based trading subsidiary is now developing its team and seeking new business opportunities. “With our current forward order book and impressive pipeline of quoted sales, there is so much potential for Injecta Fire Barrier to expand. As the new Managing Director, I hope to introduce new strategies that continue our abilities to apply our life-saving fire safety products to high-rise buildings across the UK” adds Shaun. Injecta Fire Barrier are the UK’s first independent approved installer of the patented Injectaclad system. With years of experience in passive fire protection, the company can help property managers and building owners seamlessly install cost-effective cavity fire barriers that protect their buildings and occupants. With an expanding team and new project prospects on the horizon, Injecta Fire Barrier and the Light Science Technologies Holdings group are confident about the business’ success in 2024 and beyond. More information about Injecta Fire Barrier can be found at: https://injectafirebarrier.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
