BUSINESSES have a significant impact on the economy, society and the environment, meaning that focusing on to ensure this impact is positive is central to many business strategies. Here, Jason Stapley, chief procurement officer at national framework provider Pagabo, discusses the unique position framework providers have when ‘giving back’ to society,
By Simon Blackham, Senior Technical Manager at Recticel Here at Recticel, we know what it takes to deliver products to a consistently high standard. We are also aware of our responsibility in terms of industry standards, particularly in relation to health, safety and the environment. It’s why, with each of
Poole based Wyatt Homes has appointed Shaun Pettitt as its first ever external Managing Director, whilst founder, David Wyatt, transitions to Chief Executive. Shaun, 40, from Purbeck, Dorset joined the regional housebuilder last month (May) as it enters into a new phase of growth, marked also by the construction of
Market leader in the construction of solar plants expands its range of services. This year’s Intersolar Europe marks a new chapter for SUNOTEC: The company will present itself for the first time as Your General Contractor showcasing its full scope of services. From 14 to 16 June 2023, SUNOTEC invites
Spitfire Homes has opened the doors to a statement new show apartment at The Jephson Portfolio, a distinguished collection of 11 houses and nine apartments in Royal Leamington Spa, demonstrating its commitment to meet demand for a range of buyers in the region. The Midlands-based homebuilder has carefully restored the
Severe labour and skills shortages in the construction industry could seriously affect the delivery of the UK’s national infrastructure pipeline, according to a new report published today by leading consultant, Currie & Brown. The UK Construction market outlook report – which tracks construction activity from the start of 2023 to
Building materials supplier Aggregate Industries, a member of the Holcim Group, has further bolstered its operations with the acquisition of Besblock Ltd., a leading supplier of precast materials to the Midlands construction industry. The acquisition of Telford-based Besblock will see Aggregate Industries expand upon its existing products with the introduction
Caterpillar, in collaboration with Finning UK & Ireland, will exhibit its latest machines, engines and solutions on stand C-ND1/ND2 at Plantworx in Peterborough, 13-15th June 2023. Compact Equipment Four next generation of Cat® compact radius mini hydraulic excavators will be showcased, all delivering increased performance, higher breakout forces, longer service
Powerday has set out the company’s latest sustainability targets in our new ambitious Sustainability and Wellness Manifesto for 2023. The Manifesto sets out clear objectives under all five pillars – our employees, communities, carbon management, clients, and procurement. As well as these challenging targets, the Manifesto plots our roadmap to
Exeter’s £44m energy-efficient St Sidwell’s Point is the UK’s first Passivhaus leisure centre, designed to use up to 70 per cent less energy than a conventional pool and leisure centre. The centre features: a main swimming pool and learners pool with moveable floors; a confidence water pool; and a 100-seat
BUSINESSES have a significant impact on the economy, society and the environment, meaning that focusing on to ensure this impact is positive is central to many business strategies. Here, Jason Stapley, chief procurement officer at national framework provider Pagabo, discusses the unique position framework providers have when ‘giving back’ to society, driven by an outward-facing attitude and meaningful connections across the industry. ‘Giving back’ is a common phrase, but what does it mean in relation to businesses? In essence, it means demonstrating impact; however, ‘giving back’ also means evaluating and measuring that impact to truly demonstrate it in real terms. Every business can demonstrate its positive impact, but truly integrating social value into business culture must be the priority, with the tools and methods available to make this process slicker. Procurement providers, on the other hand, have a unique opportunity to contribute to broader society by addressing significant social and environmental challenges through extensive supplier networks and the onward supply chain. While some money that goes back into the public sector is swallowed up by other services and priorities, our approach is one that is based on going above and beyond to make a tangible impact. Generating social value Construction has advanced its understanding of social value beyond the simple checkbox exercise of the past. And it still has a growing role in the procurement process, especially following the publication of the Construction Playbook. Demonstrable value is crucial, and already plays a prominent role in the procurement function. Indeed, tender submissions for appointment to our frameworks are weighted to place a greater emphasis on the social value that potential suppliers generate – and the same is true for project tenders. That is why, at Pagabo, we work with all 700+ organisations in our ecosystem to ensure social value is at the heart of their business culture and decision-making. We take pride in our ability to add and demonstrate real social value to the projects we work on. It’s at the heart of what we do, and we understand that it must be felt in the community where any project is taking place too. In comparison to regional framework providers, our significant national reach and influence is something that makes us unique. We take this responsibility very seriously and are constantly reviewing ways to make positive impact more accessible and sophisticated. We provide free access to social value software to our ecosystem members through our partner Loop, embedding targeted forecasting, measurement, and evaluation at every stage – for every project. And it’s also why we report on the social value enabled through our frameworks. To date, the works procured through our frameworks have tangible and measurable social impact for communities, including safeguarding 25,114 jobs, creating 6,278 new jobs, 1,974 work placements and 1,652 apprenticeships. As the industry and wider economy continues to deal with the long-term consequences of numerous global events in recent years, understanding the real-world impact of actions will be more important than ever. Every penny invested must have a tangible purpose. Returning the value and seeing what good it does Part of social value is what is returned to the local area in terms of monetary spend. Many businesses will do this through local supply chain spend or what has traditionally been called CSR, but procurement providers can set up agreements to funnel their profits back into good causes – and be able to ringfence these funds for specific use. Pagabo has ongoing agreements for framework hosting and management under which a percentage of usage income is returned directly to the framework’s contracting authority. We expect to return more than £884,000 to our contracting authorities this fiscal year, increasing to more than £1 million next year. This helps to fund these organisations, which support good causes, activities, and interventions in their local or national areas, allowing us to see the real-life tangible changes that this ‘giving back’ action has. For example, The Education Alliance’s Be Well programme has been able to fund specialised support in primary and secondary schools, along with mental health support for nurses, thanks to rebate payments in the most recent full fiscal year (21/22). Additionally, it has been able to provide energy efficiency upgrades across its estates, incorporate more sustainability into its curriculum, provide £20,000 to supplement free school meal vouchers, and fund a travel hardship fund to assist those on low income. We know we haven’t just ‘given back’ with this rebate model. We have ensured that students from low-income families can get to school and eat, allowing them to focus on their studies and passions. We know that their parents will be less financially stressed as well, and that the larger school ecosystem will have the necessary support mechanisms for modern life, resulting in improved wellbeing for all. Promoting better health and wellbeing in the industry The well-known mental health problem in the construction industry is only getting worse. The most recent ONS data, there were 507 suicides in the industry in 2021, up 24 from the previous year and equating to two people per working day. We used to say that male suicides in the industry were three times higher than the national average, but this new data shows that those working in the industry are now nearly four times more likely to take their own lives. These statistics show the gender split too, with four females among the 507 total – which is worryingly more than in previous year This is a collective issue that requires a collective effort – both in construction and beyond. However, the extensive network of organisations that procurement providers work with allows them to amplify any impact they can have. For example, last year we committed to incorporating mental health safeguards into our procurement processes, so that the entire supply chain demonstrates how people will be cared for during projects. Especially with different pressures and stresses affecting different parts of the supply chain at different points, incorporating mental health considerations into documentation and contracts will move mental health consideration beyond words
By Simon Blackham, Senior Technical Manager at Recticel Here at Recticel, we know what it takes to deliver products to a consistently high standard. We are also aware of our responsibility in terms of industry standards, particularly in relation to health, safety and the environment. It’s why, with each of our high-performance PIR solutions, we assure their ability to enhance levels of comfort and sustainability in buildings of all types. We are also committed to securing the highest grade of certification as an industry-approved hallmark of their quality. To achieve this, we subject each of our products to rigorous, regular testing and evaluation to uphold their quality and safety. In this respect, it’s not enough for our products’ performance to meet the approval of our expert internal auditors. Hence, we enlist the service of external parties for their guidance whilst working alongside industry-renowned certification bodies. These include: BBA – expert-led assessment The British Board of Agrément (BBA) is a UKAS-accredited certification body. BBA certification is recognised throughout the construction industry as a symbol of quality and reassurance that the associated product has passed a series of rigorous, comprehensive assessments. To gain this prestigious hallmark of approval laboratory tests, on-site evaluations, quality management checks and inspections of production are among methods carried out during the expert-led assessment process. Recticel products that carry BBA certification include, but are not restricted to, Eurothane® Eurodeck, Eurothane® PL, Eurowall®+, Eurowall® Cavity, Powerdeck® F, Eurothane® GP, and Powerdeck® U. PEFC – promoting environmentally-friendly forest management Three products from our high-performance thermal insulation range have been awarded the revered PEFC (the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) label. Based in Switzerland, PEFC is a leading alliance of national forest certification systems. The non-profit organisation is committed to promoting environmentally-friendly forest management that is socially beneficial and economically viable through independent third-party certification. Its award of the PEFC label to the three Recticel products – Recticel Eurothane® GP, Eurothane® Eurodeck and Eurowall® Cavity – signifies that each product’s multilayer paper facings are made from wood fibres sourced from PEFC-certified and sustainably-managed forests. We are the first PIR manufacturer authorised to use this environmental label. Transparent and reliable through ISO certificate International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) is an international organisation that develops standards. For example, the ISO 9001 standard is an international quality management system and evaluates the company-wide quality system, such as the vision, staff training and procedures. Our production facilities are all ISO 9001 certified. In addition, many production facilities have ISO 14001 certification. The ISO 14001 standard looks at environmental aspects and the related objectives, and is therefore an environmental management system. Recticel has implemented an environmental management system for this purpose, and we regularly undergo audits to revalidate the ISO certificates. Environmental impact with EPD label Recticel communicate transparently about sustainability aspects, opting for Environmental Product Declarations (EPDS) on some of our insulation products. Containing information about the ecological impact of construction products, these voluntary declarations take the form of a report. The content of an EPD is based on the results of a lifecycle assessment (LCA). An LCA calculates the impact of the raw materials, the production process and the transport during the different life phases of the product – production, installation, use phase and end of life. A third party verifies the declarations to ensure they are correct. No compromise on performance The various industry accreditations afforded to Recticel products are proof of their all-round quality – there is no compromise with any aspect of their performance. With our PIR solutions, the highest levels of safety, usability and thermal capability are assured. This dedication to innovating solutions that are built with the installer and end-user in mind will be crucial to delivering energy-smart homes and a healthier environment for future generations to enjoy.
Poole based Wyatt Homes has appointed Shaun Pettitt as its first ever external Managing Director, whilst founder, David Wyatt, transitions to Chief Executive. Shaun, 40, from Purbeck, Dorset joined the regional housebuilder last month (May) as it enters into a new phase of growth, marked also by the construction of its own, purpose built office at its prestigious Rivers Edge development in nearby Wimborne Minster. With a background in town planning, immediate and strategic land acquisition, and more latterly as Managing Director for a national developer, Shaun is ideally placed to see operations through to the next chapter. He said, “I see it as a huge privilege to have been appointed as Wyatt’s first external Managing Director. “This is a key moment for the business as we look to further invest in scaling up our output over the next few years, whilst still maintaining the quality and high standards that the Wyatt brand is known for and that David has worked so hard to cultivate over the years. “With a shared ambition to build high quality new homes, I’m looking forward to being part of the next exciting chapter in our journey.” David Wyatt added, “This change in management reflects our plans to significantly grow the business and raise our profile. I’m confident that Shaun will be integral to helping us deliver our goals with the support of our exceptional team here at Wyatt Homes.” Wyatt Homes currently has new homes developments in Wimborne, Puddletown and Charminster in Dorset, Yeovil in Somerset and North Baddesley in Hampshire. The company has three new schemes to bring to market this year and is looking to expand its operational area further across the south coast. Its new head office will be ready by the summer of 2024 when the business will move from its current head office in Poole town centre to Wimborne. Shaun is married with four children and enjoys making the most of the Dorset coastline with his family whilst also coaching two junior football teams. For more information visit www.wyatthomes.co.uk.
Market leader in the construction of solar plants expands its range of services. This year’s Intersolar Europe marks a new chapter for SUNOTEC: The company will present itself for the first time as Your General Contractor showcasing its full scope of services. From 14 to 16 June 2023, SUNOTEC invites visitors to take a look behind the scenes of the company as Europe’s market leader in the construction of utility solar PV parks. Visitors can find SUNOTEC’s booth in hall A5.260. “The Intersolar Europe is an excellent platform to showcase our latest developments and the new positioning as Your General Contractor,” said Kaloyan Velichkov, Founder and CEO of SUNOTEC. YOUR GENERAL CONTRACTOR: FULL SPECTRUM OF SERVICES FROM A SINGLE SOURCE As general contractor, SUNOTEC is proud to be able to offer the full spectrum of services to its customers: From the preliminary drawing to engineering, procurement, construction and final handover, including operations and maintenance – everything comes from a single source. Through the expansion into turnkey operations, the company is now able to cover the entire value chain. Numerous additional services complement the new portfolio, such as the expertise of an acclaimed geologist. “Our development to grow into a general contractor has been a team effort,” says Bernhard Suchland, CEO of SUNOTEC. “We work and think like a family,” adds Kaloyan Velichkov, Founder & CEO of SUNOTEC. EMPOWERING TEAMS: LARGE PROJECTS BROUGHT TO LIFE BY SUNOTEC “It has long been said that the photovoltaic sector is an industry characterized by change and growth. We want to shine the spotlight on those whose everyday work revolves around achieving the PV expansion goals within the green energy revolution,” says Bernhard Suchland. This year, SUNOTEC therefore focuses on the expertise and experience of its employees. The booth takes its guests to construction sites across Europe as well as to its headquarters. Numerous episodes tell the story of SUNOTEC from the eyes of its over 1,400 employees. “It is thanks to their efforts that we have established ourselves as the European market leader in the construction of utility photovoltaic plants,” says Kaloyan Velichkov. With its new magazine “COMPANION”, SUNOTEC pays homage to its employees, highlights the room for creativity and personal development, and invites the next generation of experts.
Spitfire Homes has opened the doors to a statement new show apartment at The Jephson Portfolio, a distinguished collection of 11 houses and nine apartments in Royal Leamington Spa, demonstrating its commitment to meet demand for a range of buyers in the region. The Midlands-based homebuilder has carefully restored the original Victorian country house to form nine exclusive apartments, showcasing a sympathetic and creative approach to the refurbishment of the building. To reflect the period architecture, the new homes are embellished with stone detailing, hanging tiles and finials, creating a characterful and cohesive collection. Accessed via a private driveway secured with automatic gates, The Portfolio comprises 7.5 acres of communal woodland and green space exclusively for residents. Forming part of the Spitfire Homes Bespoke Collection, No. 1 Jephson Apartments is a two-bedroom apartment located on the ground floor, showcasing an open plan interior layout suited to contemporary lifestyles. As is the case throughout the Jephson Apartments, No.1 features an individually designed kitchen from a range bespoke to Spitfire Homes and benefits from a premium quartz worktop and integrated appliances. The two well-appointed bedrooms in No.1 enjoy bespoke fitted wardrobes with sliding mirrored doors, with the primary bedroom also featuring a stylish en suite. All bathrooms within the Jephson Apartments boast a premium specification, including contemporary white Villeroy & Boch sanitaryware, bespoke fitted mirrored cabinets and full height ceramic tiling. All properties also benefit from allocated basement storage and private car parking provision, including electric car charging points. Matt Vincent, Sales Director at Spitfire Homes, said: “We’re really excited to launch this stunning show apartment and we expect to see strong interest as the collection continues to prove popular with a range of prospective buyers. “Each property at The Jephson Portfolio enjoys our bespoke specification comprising a blend of bespoke detailing, finishes and brand names, with individually designed kitchens and sleek, contemporary bathrooms. The development also sits within 7.5 acres of private grounds, accessed by its own private driveway, and is set in an enviable location just a couple of miles from Royal Leamington Spa. “Being positioned on the rural edge of this elegant and vibrant Regency town, we’re able to meet the demands of modern buyers by offering a balanced lifestyle, something we’re seeing a lot more of from our customers.” Spitfire Homes worked closely with Warwickshire-based interior design company, Open Door Interiors, to showcase the characterful features and a premium specification at No. 1 Jephson Apartments. Tracy Baker, Managing Director at Open Door Interiors, said: “The interior of this apartment has been heavily influenced by the luscious Victorian style of the building. We’ve used some gorgeous high-end fabrics and wallpapers such as Casamance & Zoffany to represent the luxury of this property, whilst also complementing the traditional feel with a modern twist that the restoration showcases perfectly. “The deep purple colour palette has a restful and soothing quality, and teamed with the gold it adds a premium feel, making it even more desirable and a perfect space for low maintenance apartment living.” Building on its historic reputation as a fashionable destination, Royal Leamington Spa is located just a stone’s throw away and offers an unrivalled selection of high street brands alongside independent shops and boutiques. In addition, the thriving cities of Warwick and Oxford are close by, along with shopping capital Birmingham and the designer shopping outlet Bicester Village. To find out more about Spitfire Homes, please visit: https://spitfirehomes.co.uk/find-your-home/the-jephson-portfolio/
Severe labour and skills shortages in the construction industry could seriously affect the delivery of the UK’s national infrastructure pipeline, according to a new report published today by leading consultant, Currie & Brown. The UK Construction market outlook report – which tracks construction activity from the start of 2023 to date – indicates that 225,000 extra construction workers will be needed by 2027 to meet demand. This shortfall is likely to have severe repercussions for infrastructure projects across key sectors. Skills shortage pushes up costs Skills shortages have overtaken material costs as the primary challenge facing the construction sector. But while headline inflation is easing, an acute construction skills shortage is predicted to drive an 8.3% increase in labour costs over 2023. This could extend lead times by up to 50%, forcing contractors to re-scope projects. The report also highlights that the combination of labour-driven and material cost increases could add £900 million to the cost of the UK’s infrastructure pipeline in 2023. This is equivalent to the cost of a major new hospital. Timing is a key factor Typically, major infrastructure projects are talent intensive, which means that demand will quickly outstrip supply. The report identifies that this situation will be exacerbated over the medium term as construction activity intensifies with new projects set to come online between 2025 and 2030. To help address the issue, the report advises project teams to engage early with their contractors to ring-fence skilled labour and expand their pool of supply partners. It also suggests that part of the solution to the problem could be delivered through the use of advanced technologies, such as AI, which will provide benefits through design, cost and risk management, safety and off-site construction innovations. Nick Gray, Chief Operating Officer UK and Europe at Currie & Brown, said: “The national infrastructure pipeline is crucial to both the economic health of the UK, and improving the entire population’s quality of living through increased access to key services. Therefore, the predicted skills shortage revealed in this report should be seen as a wake-up call for the construction industry. Avoiding a cliff-edge that threatens the delivery of key projects such as the Transpennine Route Upgrade Programme, works at the Port of Liverpool, and the National Hospitals Programme will demand a collaborative effort on training from players across the industry. It will also need robust project management and continuous, close control of cost and risk.”
Building materials supplier Aggregate Industries, a member of the Holcim Group, has further bolstered its operations with the acquisition of Besblock Ltd., a leading supplier of precast materials to the Midlands construction industry. The acquisition of Telford-based Besblock will see Aggregate Industries expand upon its existing products with the introduction of a range of technically niche and sustainable building blocks, and enable closer working relationships with large and medium sized housebuilders across the Midlands. The acquisition will also provide further growth opportunities outside of the region. Through its two manufacturing facilities in Telford, Besblock currently produces around 1.7 million m² building blocks per year, equating to approximately 250kT. Its products include the industry-leading Star Performer block, a sustainable and multi-purpose on-site solution, with recycled aggregates and 24 % less material than a solid block. The business has strong sustainability credentials, with its fleet of lorries one of the most efficient in the country and with the recent installation of a new 1.65MW biomass boiler and renewable energy system, which will see the business become carbon neutral when operational. Dragan Maksimovic, CEO of Aggregate Industries UK, said: “The acquisition of Besblock Ltd is an important milestone in our journey as we strive to become the UK’s leading supplier of sustainable construction materials and solutions. Besblock has invested heavily in sustainability in recent years and its market-leading product range has strong synergies with our own. We’re delighted to be able to enhance our products and capabilities with the acquisition of this progressive and market-leading business.” Andrew Huxley, Managing Director at Besblock Ltd., said: “We’re incredibly proud of what we have achieved as a business in the last 50 years; particularly of the investments we have made in sustainable solutions, both in terms of products and practices. We’re excited to continue to expand the business and continue our sustainability journey with the support of Aggregate Industries.”
Caterpillar, in collaboration with Finning UK & Ireland, will exhibit its latest machines, engines and solutions on stand C-ND1/ND2 at Plantworx in Peterborough, 13-15th June 2023. Compact Equipment Four next generation of Cat® compact radius mini hydraulic excavators will be showcased, all delivering increased performance, higher breakout forces, longer service intervals and lower owner and operating costs compared to prior models. These mini excavators offer common features and consistent control layout to simplify training and operator adaptation. The exhibited Cat 308 CR with Ease of Use technologies – Indicate and E-Fence – allows operators of all experience levels to work more efficiently and consistently. Qualified operators will be able to try out the technology throughout the show, and these features will be showcased in daily 20-minute demonstrations scheduled at 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00. The Cat 306 CR with TRS6 tiltrotator gives 360 degrees of rotation and 40 degrees of tilt to enable complex digging and grading without the need to reposition the machine. Daily 15-minute demonstrations will take place at 9:30, 11:30, 13:30, 15:00. The Cat 301.7 CR and Cat 302.7 CR on display offer big performance in a compact design. Both cab and canopy versions can be tilted back in minutes by using a couple of simple tools. The joysticks and travel levers tilt up with the cab, allowing unobstructed access to components for larger service and maintenance tasks. The tilt cab along with ground-level access to all the regular touchpoints for service helps reduce maintenance time and costs. Cabs are sealed and pressurised and offer a clean and quiet environment for the operator and can be equipped with heating and/or air conditioning for all-weather climate control. To support customers during the energy transition to a lower-carbon future, Caterpillar will display the battery electric Cat 906 compact wheel loader prototype powered by a Caterpillar battery prototype, which includes an onboard AC charger. Engines The Cat C3.6 industrial engine offers the perfect balance of compact size, reliability and performance. Offered in ratings ranging up to 100 kW (134 hp) @ 2200 rpm, the C3.6 meets EU Stage V / U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final emissions standards and is designed to meet the needs of many industries and applications, including earthmoving and paving equipment, pumps, compactors/rollers and compressors, among other machines. Smaller in size than its predecessor and delivering 5% more power density and 12% more torque, the C3.6 is a powerful yet compact engine, with flexible aftertreatment mounting options. It is compatible with biodiesel up to B20 and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) to EN15940, to help customers power a better, more sustainable world. Caterpillar is also promoting its remanufactured Cat engines, with a C6.6 that displays the engine both before and after the rigorous remanufacturing process. Reman engines are an efficient, cost-effective solution to optimise uptime as they come fully assembled and ready to run. Remanufactured to like-new standards, Cat Reman engines are backed with the same-as-new Caterpillar warranty. Used equipment Used equipment experts from Finning will support customers who seek an alternative to buying new or are looking to sell their Cat equipment. Cat Financial Team members from Cat Financial will be available to discuss the latest leasing and financing programs as well as extended protection packages to help secure customers’ investments. Whether looking for new or used Cat machines or for repair/rebuild options to keep current machines operational, Cat Financial experts will help customers make the right decision to support their business – no matter how large or small. Recruitment The Caterpillar Talent Acquisition team will be at Plantworx to showcase the diverse careers available within the company and will be available to answer questions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Powerday has set out the company’s latest sustainability targets in our new ambitious Sustainability and Wellness Manifesto for 2023. The Manifesto sets out clear objectives under all five pillars – our employees, communities, carbon management, clients, and procurement. As well as these challenging targets, the Manifesto plots our roadmap to net zero in line with our recently announced net zero target for Scopes 1 and 2 and shares this and our other successes for 2022. We are particularly delighted with our progress against our carbon management pillar, not only in the setting of our net zero target but in the carbon reduction measures we have taken to date. We are also proud of our initial steps on the journey to improve gender equality at Powerday, and the big wins delivered through Powerday Foundation. With the support of our many partners, we delivered activities to over 3,000 young Londoners last year, exceeding our target by 20% in the second year of our five-year strategy. You can read more about all these achievements in the report. Michael Crossan, Chairman says: “I am hugely proud of what Powerday has achieved in 2022 in collaboration with our employees, clients, suppliers, communities and other partners. I am confident that together our continued efforts will enable us to deliver against our new sustainability commitments and have a positive impact on both people and the planet.” Edward Crossan, CEO says: “There remains much to do to meet our sustainability goals, so we are excited to continue our journey with challenging targets across all our five pillars for 2023. We have a particular focus on fairness in the workplace and community, training and development, net zero carbon, and the health and wellbeing of young Londoners, and look forward to updating you on all our progress in the year ahead.” Powerday published its first Manifesto in 2020 and we have continued to do so annually since then to help us achieve our ambitions and track our progress. The freely available report addresses our sustainability priorities under our five pillars, sharing our progress against the previous year’s plan and setting out new objectives for the coming year. Download Powerday’s Sustainability and Wellness Manifesto 2023 here.
Exeter’s £44m energy-efficient St Sidwell’s Point is the UK’s first Passivhaus leisure centre, designed to use up to 70 per cent less energy than a conventional pool and leisure centre. The centre features: a main swimming pool and learners pool with moveable floors; a confidence water pool; and a 100-seat spectator seated area. In addition, there is: a 150-station fitness gym and two fitness studios; a health suite and spa facility; a children’s soft play area; and a 50-seater café. “St Sidwell’s Point officially opened one year ago, and I worked with the contractors to ensure we got everything right from an operational point of view,” says Jonathan Brown, Centre Manager. “Since opening, footfall through the centre has exceeded all expectations, so keeping the premises clean, particularly as it is so busy, is an ongoing challenge. “Due to the mixed nature of the site, with so many wet areas, we have the highest anti-slip tiles throughout. The flooring needs to be kept scrupulously clean for the safety of centre users, while also needing to be maintained to look good. “From day one, we needed the best possible equipment, but the first-floor cleaning machines we tried simply were not reliable or robust enough. We were therefore delighted when our janitorial supplies contractor H.D.Adcock Nelson Ltd recommended floorcare machinery from Truvox International. “At the in-house demonstration we were extremely impressed with the ease-of-use and efficiency of both the Orbital 1500 and the Multiwash™ PRO 340.” Efficiency and reliability “It’s quite unusual for a service business based in South Wales to be a preferred supplier for a site in Devon, but maybe that says a lot about us,” says H.D.Adcock Nelson Ltd Business Development Manager Kirsty Wallis. “I already knew the Partnership Manager at Exeter Council Leisure Services, so had the opportunity to offer some advice on the particular janitorial requirement for their new St Sidwell’s Point Leisure Centre. “One advantage we offer is that Adcock is part of the Jangro buying group, which means that all our customers receive free access to an online learning portal, and that certainly appealed to Exeter Council’s health and safety team. “As far as our relationship with Truvox International is concerned, it’s all about efficiency and reliability. One area that people always forget is the floor, and that’s where savings can be made. It’s also where all the hidden problems often are. St Sidwell’s Point Leisure Centre is an incredible looking facility with numerous different flooring types which creates huge challenges. “After reviewing a number of suppliers and equipment, it became clear that these were the only machines that could solve the wide range of problems at the site. The demonstration was so convincing that the order was placed only a couple of hours later! “Truvox International is a very hands-on business, and they are very supportive of us and our customers. When we recommend, specify or deliver cleaning equipment, such as Truvox’s Multiwash™ PRO, or Orbital machines, we also provide training for management and operatives. Both machines are so easy to use and maintain that the training is actually fun.” Two machines solve all the complex floorcare issues The Orbital 1500 combines orbital and rotary motions into one, providing a constant vibration that increases cleaning efficiency. The roto-orbital movement gives the machine great stability, which enhances the performance compared with a regular single disc machine. It is easy to use and manoeuvre and the low vibration levels provide excellent operator comfort. Meanwhile, the Multiwash™ PRO 340 is a scrubber-dryer, which gives excellent scrubbing power and pick up, leaving the floor clean and dry as well as adding a finishing touch to the floors. “Both the machines look good and highly professional, which is extremely important as since Covid, regular cleaning has become a front of house and highly visible activity, providing reassurance for centre visitors,” says Jonathan Brown. “To continue in the spirit of the Passivhaus philosophy, for floorcare we use only environmentally friendly BioHygiene solutions. They are highly concentrated biotechnology based all-purpose cleaning products offering superior cleaning and odour control using renewable and sustainable ingredients. “With the two machines from Truvox International we can guarantee perfect cleanliness and hygiene across the flooring throughout the site as they solve all of our complex floorcare issues.” https://www.truvox.com/our-products/scrubber-dryers