THE UK’s leading national procurement organisation Pagabo has issued a prior information notice (PIN) for the renewal of one of its biggest construction frameworks, the Professional Services framework. Valued at £750m, this will be the third iteration of the Professional Services framework, which is one of Pagabo’s most popular and
NEW developments in Preston and Salford have been named among a shortlist of sites in England and Wales to win an award for high standards of construction and site management. Miller Roadand Blandford Road are being built by Seddon and have both been awarded The Bricks Site Recognition Award by
Burnt Faith, the British Isle’s first dedicated brandy house has opened in Walthamstow following the comprehensive refurbishment of a 250 sq m industrial unit which stands on the site of a former Pentecostal church. Work on the building’s transformation was carried out by BRAC Contracts and follows a series of
Pounds Park, the new city centre park situated in Sheffield’s Heart of the City, has enjoyed a successful opening period since being launched on Monday 3 April. Thousands of visitors have headed to the park to see the latest public space to open in the Outdoor City. Within the first
Doosan Bobcat is showcasing a range of new material handling equipment at the LogiMAT 2023 Exhibition from 25-27 April 2023 at the Stuttgart Trade Fair Centre in Germany, on Stand No B57 in Hall 9, hosted by Doosan Industrial Vehicle (DIV). The LogiMAT stand is split into three areas: “As
As the largest dedicated exhibition of its kind, OFFSITE EXPO is leading the way in promoting the technologies that are transforming the built environment – and the show is getting bigger for 2023. Targeting 4,000 plus visitors, OFFSITE EXPO will be taking place on 19 – 20 September 2023 at
Proposed planning fee increases could help local planning services address capacity, recruitment, and performance challenges, which the RTPI says threaten the Government’s goals to boost home ownership and level up. However, these increases may not come soon enough for councils with scheduled staffing cuts, according to Royal Town Planning Institute
One hundred electricans have benefitted from free Level 3 ‘18th Edition Wiring Regulations’ training at Leeds College of Building thanks to funding from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA). Delivered through the West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges, re[boot] and subsequent Skills Connect training is designed for adult learners looking to upskill, re-skill, and gain sector-specific qualifications within regional
Every April 22nd, stakeholders of all backgrounds come together to advance sustainability and climate action in commemoration of Earth Day. The construction sector is unfortunately one of the largest contributors to waste and is responsible for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, making sustainability a high priority for the industry.
Cruden Building, part of the Cruden Group, has secured a position on a £500 million construction framework for the next four years. The Wheatley Group has appointed Cruden Building, together with seven other contractors to deliver the provision of housing construction work. The framework covers the central belt and Dumfries
THE UK’s leading national procurement organisation Pagabo has issued a prior information notice (PIN) for the renewal of one of its biggest construction frameworks, the Professional Services framework. Valued at £750m, this will be the third iteration of the Professional Services framework, which is one of Pagabo’s most popular and active offerings. The new framework will take over from the current iteration when it expires in April 2024 and, like its predecessors, will run for four years. Pagabo will be holding a webinar on 10 May, where interested bidders can find out more about the framework and Pagabo. Jason Stapley, chief procurement officer at Pagabo and its parent organisation The 55 Group, said: “The Professional Services framework is a crucial part of our ecosystem, so it’s really fitting it will come to market around the time the business celebrates its 10th anniversary. “Looking at the way this framework has grown over time really reflects the growth journey we have been on as a business. The current version of the framework is valued at £500m and has already delivered 826 procurements for clients across the UK – and we expect this to grow even further with the renewal. “We know that responding to tenders on tight timescales can be a huge stress, so with our focus on how we can improve mental health and wellbeing in the industry we’ve examined how we can adapt our processes. With the tender period for this framework expected to fall across the school holidays, we have increased the tender period to 10 weeks to make sure bidding doesn’t interfere with people’s home lives or increase stress unnecessarily.” As part an ongoing commitment to supporting SMEs and generating the maximum positive social impact from projects, a proportion of slots will be reserved for SMEs, which currently account for just over half of the suppliers on the framework. With the renewal, Pagabo aims to at least match the proportion of SMEs across all services, making sure that all clients have access to the best suppliers for each and every scheme. Jason said: “SME inclusion goes a long way to ensuring the best social value for communities possible. We know that procurement needs to be social value led, placing the positive outcomes at the heart of the whole procurement process. “That’s why client organisations and appointed suppliers are able to access Loop’s social value software for all schemes procured through our frameworks – making sure that this social value led approach is embedded every step along the way, accompanied by a tool that makes forecasting, monitoring and reporting as easy as possible.” Pagabo will continue to manage this framework on behalf of The Education Alliance Trust, which remain as the contracting authority for the new framework agreement having held the same role on the current version. To sign up for the webinar on 10 May, visit: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UN5hPLVkSSuP2GGThMnl1Q#/registration For more information, please visit https://www.pagabo.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
NEW developments in Preston and Salford have been named among a shortlist of sites in England and Wales to win an award for high standards of construction and site management. Miller Roadand Blandford Road are being built by Seddon and have both been awarded The Bricks Site Recognition Award by LABC Warranty, for their standards of workmanship and overall management of the site, including health and safety matters and general tidiness. The Bricks Site Recognition Award winners are chosen every month and are then further shortlisted at the end of the year, where only the best of those sites will be rewarded with The Bricks annual award trophy, one of the construction industry’s most prestigious awards given to outstanding sites from England and Wales. LABC Warranty is one of the largest providers of structural warranties in the UK. Working in partnership with Local Authority Building Control (LABC), its combined team of more than 3,700 surveyors work with house builders, contractors and housing associations. Sites are scored by LABC Warranty risk management surveyors during their inspection visits, which take place regularly through construction. Those sites that score consistently high for general co-operation with inspectors, health and safety, site tidiness, standard of site management and standard of workmanship are nominated for a Site Recognition Award. Miller Road’s Extra Care side comprises 61 apartments. Offsite production methods have been maximised on this scheme, with the use of a PCC driven piling solution, PCC floor planks, a light gauge steel frame and timer trussed roof. The site at Blandford Road, Salford has 45 units comprising 21 houses. These houses are two and three story, ranging from two to four bedrooms. Blandford Road also offers 24 one and two-bedroom apartments. The whole development is designed to Passivhaus standard with MVHR units (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery), making the dwellings extremely energy efficient and sustainable. Peter Jackson, Managing Director, from Seddon Housing Partnerships said: “We’re delighted to receive The Bricks Site Recognition Award from LABC Warranty. I’m especially pleased for our staff working on the site as this reward is a recognition of their hard work, professionalism and expertise.” Stephen Galbraith, Development manager at Community Gateway, added: “We are thrilled that Seddon Construction has been recognised for this prestigious award. The Atrium is our new Extra Care Facility for over 55’s on Miller Road, Preston, which will include 61 one and two-bed apartments, plus a bistro, hairdressers, beauty salon, wellness room, activity room, communal lounge, and landscaped garden areas open to both residents and the community. Each apartment benefits from either outdoor garden space or a balcony. The site is currently forecast to complete in December 2023.” Sarah Sheppard, Technical Director at LABC Warranty, said: “It takes skill, commitment and a dedication to quality of construction for a site to receive The Bricks Site Recognition Award. Nothing pleases my team and I more than to see developments meet and maintain such high standards.” For more information about the awards, visit: www.labcwarranty.co.uk/awards Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Burnt Faith, the British Isle’s first dedicated brandy house has opened in Walthamstow following the comprehensive refurbishment of a 250 sq m industrial unit which stands on the site of a former Pentecostal church. Work on the building’s transformation was carried out by BRAC Contracts and follows a series of work they carried out on the nearby Lockwood Way industrial estate. Simon Wright, founder of Burnt Faith, is a serial entrepreneur in the drinks space and known for breathing fresh life into staid categories. Walthamstow proved to be the perfect home for the new urban distillery given its vibrancy and creativity, as Simon comments: “This three-year journey was inspired by a trip to Cognac which triggered the seed of the idea for Burnt Faith. I left inspired, not by what Cognac brands are but more by what they could never be. With a vision to push the boundaries of what brandy could be, we were keen to establish Burnt Faith in an area that is buzzing with creativity. Walthamstow is already home to several breweries and a winery, so it felt like the perfect fit. “The BRAC team had worked on several of the breweries nearby so seeing the quality of those buildings and their creative aesthetic, made them the perfect choice for our project.” The £150k scheme of work on Burnt Faith’s two-storey distillery included full re-wiring and plumbing, lighting throughout, new bathroom facilities, a comprehensive re-paint both inside and out, and most notably the cutting of a 3x8m hole in the ceiling to accommodate the pot still which was imported from France. Commenting on the work carried out by BRAC, Simon continues: “There was a strong vision for the aesthetic of Burnt Faith painted onto a relatively blank canvas. It’s been a journey creatively and the BRAC team was very responsive to the adaptations we’ve made as we’ve gone along – the quality of their work is absolutely clear in the finish we’ve achieved here.” Concluding, Adam Clark, MD at BRAC Contracts, comments: “Having worked on the nearby Lockwood Way industrial estate where there are so many entrepreneurial drinks businesses, it was an honour to be approached by Simon and the team at Burnt Faith to bring their vision to life. Dealing with the nuances of accommodating a pot still isn’t a challenge we face every day at BRAC, but it’s one that the team dealt with admirably and the distillery is now a truly beautiful and contemporary space. “Walthamstow is enjoying a huge amount of investment and we’d be delighted to work on further projects in the area.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Pounds Park, the new city centre park situated in Sheffield’s Heart of the City, has enjoyed a successful opening period since being launched on Monday 3 April. Thousands of visitors have headed to the park to see the latest public space to open in the Outdoor City. Within the first week, there have been an estimated several hundred people flocking to the park to enjoy the early spring sunshine, with young children enjoying the slides and other facilities in the dedicated play area. Pounds Park sits within the centre of the Heart of the City scheme surrounded by key developments including 38 Carver Street and soon-to-be-completed Kangaroo Works and Elshaw House, the city’s first net-zero carbon office building. Adopting its name from John Charles Pound, the first Chief Fire Officer of the former fire station that previously occupied the site, the park signals another milestone reached in the £470 million Heart of the City scheme undertaken by Queensberry as Strategic Development Partner to Sheffield City Council and contractors Henry Boot Construction. Andrew Davison, Project Director at Queensberry said: “It’s fantastic to see just how many people have made the journey to see Pounds Park this past week. “We were confident that the park would be well received by the people of Sheffield, but seeing the number of people enjoying the space has been overwhelming. From children running around the play area to city centre workers enjoying their lunch in the sun, it’s great to see that we are making spaces that add real value to the local community.” Pounds Park is open from 08:00 – 20:00 and is currently accessible to the public from Rockingham Street and Carver Steet. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Doosan Bobcat is showcasing a range of new material handling equipment at the LogiMAT 2023 Exhibition from 25-27 April 2023 at the Stuttgart Trade Fair Centre in Germany, on Stand No B57 in Hall 9, hosted by Doosan Industrial Vehicle (DIV). The LogiMAT stand is split into three areas: “As a company, we are evolving in bold ways to meet our customers’ toughest challenges by offering innovative solutions for a more sustainable future,” said Scott Park, Doosan Bobcat CEO and Vice Chairman. “Alternative-energy products—such as hydrogen—give customers options, while also leading the way towards a more sustainable future and greener tomorrow.” The presence of multiple machines displayed in Bobcat colours is in line with the recent announcement from Doosan Bobcat that the company’s Forklift and Portable Power product lines will transition to become part of the Bobcat product portfolio. Highlights of the Doosan Bobcat stand: Preview of 3-Wheel Electric Forklift with Lithium Battery Doosan is presenting the prototype B18NT 3-wheel electric forklift delivered from the factory with a lithium battery only. The B18NT forklift will be an economy model, to compete with a growing demand in the market for lithium powered electric forklifts in this typical eco segment. The truck being shown at LogiMAT is a preview machine, looking for feedback from the market to see if adjustments need to be made to the final model. New High Capacity Electric Counterbalance Forklifts Also in the second area, Doosan is showing the new B100NS forklift, part of two new ranges of high capacity electric counterbalance forklift trucks recently launched by the company. These new products from 6-10 tonne provide industrial users with a wide choice of zero-emission, low-noise level, environmentally friendly trucks capable of tackling heavy duty tasks. The newly launched B80NS and B100NS heavy-lifting electric trucks with capacities of 8.0 and 10.0 tonne, respectively, offer improved capability, power and performance for businesses across a broad spectrum of industry – from manufacturing, engineering and foundries, to building supplies, transport and warehousing. Hydrogen Fuel Cell-Powered Forklift Concept Another of the highlights of the LogiMAT stand is DIV’s newest B30X-7 Plus hydrogen fuel cell-powered forklift concept. Included in the area dedicated to the Bobcat branded products at LogiMAT, the B30X-7 Plus forklift will be developed under the Bobcat product portfolio as part of the transition of Doosan products into the Bobcat trade dress. Hydrogen fuel cell forklifts offer longer operating times and faster refuelling, making them ideal for applications that require extended use and quick refuelling turnaround. For warehouses operating multiple shifts, the hydrogen fuel cell forklift is a viable option to reduce their carbon footprint while still meeting the operational needs to run longer hours with no charging required. The other Bobcat branded forklifts in this area are the D30S-9 and B20X-7 Plus models. Full Liner Offer from Doosan (Forklifts, Warehouse Trucks, Premium and Economy Products) With the models being shown in this area, Doosan is demonstrating the company’s ability to offer a full line of models for the material handling market. Not only the counterbalanced forklifts the company is known for, but also warehouse equipment products such as pallet trucks, stackers and reach trucks. As another aspect of being a full liner, Doosan is also offering economy models in certain product categories, expanding the company’s portfolio in another direction as well. Models showcased in this area: About Doosan Industrial Vehicle Doosan Industrial Vehicle is a company within the Doosan Group. Since the production of the first forklift in Korea in 1968, the Forklifts Division has been determined to meet customers’ needs for quality material handling supplies and services. All machines are designed to offer simple, powerful and high performance as well as operator comfort and environmental friendliness, that help customers to get the most from their investment. Doosan Industrial Vehicle now supplies forklifts to over 90 countries and has become a preferred supplier to many of the world’s leading fleet users. Doosan is a major new force in materials handling. For more information on Doosan Industrial Vehicle, visit https://doosaniv.com/eu/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As the largest dedicated exhibition of its kind, OFFSITE EXPO is leading the way in promoting the technologies that are transforming the built environment – and the show is getting bigger for 2023. Targeting 4,000 plus visitors, OFFSITE EXPO will be taking place on 19 – 20 September 2023 at the Coventry Building Society Arena. Providing the ideal setting for exhibitors, this centrally located venue with ample free parking and a hotel on site, is within two hours’ drive of 75% of the UK’s population. Maximise Offsite Exposure “This will be our third year at OFFSITE EXPO, and we keep coming back as we get such a good response,” said Paul Cashman, BDM from British Offsite. “We find the organisation in terms of logistics and installing our feature builds is absolutely superb. This event provides access to potential clients from all over Europe. Last year we met developers, architects, designers and housing associations – so it is excellent exposure to the wider offsite world.” Come September the arena will be totally transformed. Two-storey feature builds and full size modules will rise above the exhibition floor alongside an array of panelised light steel frame, precast and timber structures together with pod and prefabricated MEP solutions from leading UK and international offsite manufacturers. Pioneering technology forms a major part of the event. Presenting promotional opportunities to align your latest innovations with a highly targeted and receptive audience, OFFSITE EXPO is also the preferred exhibition platform for those involved in augmented and virtual reality together with the latest digital design and construction technologies. Offsite Connect Buyers & Specifiers Forum Exhibiting companies will have an exclusive opportunity to participate in the unique Offsite Connect Buyers & Specifiers Forum. Offering major business development prospects, those with the ‘power to procure products and systems’ will gather in the forum and exhibitors will be able to book one-to-one meetings with major contractors, developers, architects, specifiers and purchasing managers. Leading the Debate The OFFSITE EXPO Masterclass Theatre will feature presentations and panel debates focusing on the technologies that redefine the way buildings are designed and constructed. In partnership with the Offsite Alliance, the Spotlight on Offsite Theatre is the place to gain valuable insight and get to grips with emerging trends from a host of industry pioneers who are leading the debate in the offsite arena. Promote Your Presence Exhibitors are advised to secure stand space early in 2023 to maximise the promotional opportunities that the extensive PR and marketing campaign surrounding OFFSITE EXPO brings. Enhance your company profile through pre and post event brand placement, advertising, digital marketing, social media, speaker opportunities and much more. Buyers taking part in the Offsite Connect Forum will be announced in July and the diary will be opened the following month to allow exhibitors exclusive access to book meetings with those who have a procurement remit. OFFSITE EXPO has a range of exhibition and sponsorship packages available. These have been designed to be flexible and offer a wide range of promotional opportunities to suit any marketing aims, resources and budgets. To find out more go to: www.offsite-expo.co.uk/exhibit Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Proposed planning fee increases could help local planning services address capacity, recruitment, and performance challenges, which the RTPI says threaten the Government’s goals to boost home ownership and level up. However, these increases may not come soon enough for councils with scheduled staffing cuts, according to Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) evidence released today. Heads of planning services within the RTPI’s consultation response believe the fee increase coming in 2024 to be too late. Some councils have already scheduled staffing cuts for the 2023-24 financial year. The RTPI states that a 35% fee increase for major applications and a 25% increase for all other applications would constitute an above-inflation rise. RTPI members expect these increases to help local planning services overcome capacity, recruitment and performance challenges. To avoid future financial cliff edges, the RTPI has urged the Government to safeguard these potential gains by annually adjusting fees in line with inflation and allowing councils to “ring fence” this additional income for planning service provision. Richard Blyth, Head of Policy Practice and Research at the RTPI said, “Our members have previously warned that capacity, recruitment and performance are threats to the government’s ambitions to strengthen our plan-led system, boost home ownership and level up. We believe that increased planning fees will provide crucial assistance to local planning authorities in urgent need of support. “However, while increased fees are an important first step, we do not see them as a silver bullet to meeting the capacity requirements. We’ve also encouraged Government to address the fundamental questions on how our planning system will ensure good – not just fast – decisions in the public interest. “Proposals to collect better data on local planning authority performance in England are a positive step. The RTPI will continue to advise Government on how improvements in ‘customer experience’ should help the entire community, not just developers.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
One hundred electricans have benefitted from free Level 3 ‘18th Edition Wiring Regulations’ training at Leeds College of Building thanks to funding from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA). Delivered through the West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges, re[boot] and subsequent Skills Connect training is designed for adult learners looking to upskill, re-skill, and gain sector-specific qualifications within regional skill shortage areas. Since July 2020, one hundred employed and self-employed electricians have completed the specialist training at Leeds College of Building. Re[boot] funding from July 2020 – March 2022 helped to upskill 70 electricians; a further 30 qualified through Skills Connect funding from January – March this year, with the latest cohort completing in Spring. The 18th Edition Wiring Regulations programme is aimed at practicing electricians with relevant experience and allied professionals needing to update and enhance their understanding of current wiring regulations. This is an essential qualification for anyone looking to certify that their installation work meets current building and wiring regulation guidelines. Colleges from the West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges, including Leeds College of Building, have delivered training to over 700 people in the region so far, and provided a springboard for careers in priority areas such as Digital, Engineering, Manufacturing, Green Skills, and Construction sectors. Yasmin Ali, Business Engagement Manager at Leeds College of Building, said: “We’re delighted that 100 individuals have gained sought-after qualifications through our partnership with the West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges and West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA). “Tutor Adrian Holland has been exceptional in delivering training on the latest electrical industry standards, helping students attain excellent pass marks. As a result, uptake for the training has been superb. This work is essential to help sustain in-demand professions such as these.” Georgia Williams, Project Manager at West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges, said: “It’s great to see that the work of our colleges, in partnership with WYCA, has made such an impact on the region. Leeds College of Building has worked hard to deliver the 18th Edition to electricians and through the Skills Connect and [re]boot projects, we’ve been able to allocate funding to make the course accessible and remove some of the barriers to learning for those wanting to progress within the sector. “We are continuing to work with WYCA, local employers, and our colleges to offer more opportunities to people who want to progress in their careers through Skills Connect and Skills Bootcamps programmes whilst addressing skills gaps for employers in the region.” To find out more about construction and built environment training for adults (18+), visit the Leeds College of Building website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Every April 22nd, stakeholders of all backgrounds come together to advance sustainability and climate action in commemoration of Earth Day. The construction sector is unfortunately one of the largest contributors to waste and is responsible for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, making sustainability a high priority for the industry. Fit-out and refurbishment contractor Pexhurst reflects on the importance of proactive sustainability across the built environment and discusses the benefits of being Planet Mark certified with Steve Malkin, CEO and Founder of Planet Mark and Giuseppe Lo Bue, Buyer at Pexhurst. As a provider of professional fit-out and refurbishment services to the industrial, commercial and specialist sectors, Pexhurst is dedicated to minimising the environmental impact of its business operations, reducing waste and investing in green technologies. One way Pexhurst does this is through its association with sustainability certification Planet Mark. CEO and Founder Steve Malkin began Planet Mark as a truly effective people-driven sustainability certification for any organisation of any size in any sector, anywhere in the world. As of March 2023, Planet Mark works with circa 700 different organisations across a broad spectrum of industries. Planet Mark is an internationally recognised sustainability certification which recognises continuous progress, encourages action, and builds an empowered community of like-minded individuals who make a world of difference. In 2023, Planet Mark is proud to be celebrating its 10-year anniversary of helping organisations cut carbon year-on-year and have a positive impact on society for current and future generations. Commenting, Steve Malkin said, “The next 7 years, as we edge towards the Paris Agreement’s checkpoint of 2030, are pivotal to the success of a more sustainable future. Organisations like Planet Mark, who certify not just on measurement but on continuous improvement, are integral in the drive towards a net zero society. At Planet Mark, we often say – ‘You can’t manage what you don’t measure.’” The theme for Earth Day 2023 is ‘Invest in our Planet’. Planet Mark encourages businesses to begin assessing their carbon footprints as a first step to investing in the planet. Holders of Planet Mark Certification deliver results that go beyond data compliance, reaching new levels of sustainability and engaging their people in the process. Steve Malkin reflected, “We’ve seen that smart, forward-planning companies are discovering that it is no longer a choice between going green and growing long-term profits. They are inextricably linked. Collectively, organisations like Pexhurst are helping to shape a brighter future for our planet and society. Regardless of size or sector, businesses are at the heart of our transition to a more sustainable future. Transformational change, however, won’t happen until we all work together to invest in our planet.” He continued, “This Earth Day we are calling on every organisation to do one thing: cut your carbon emissions so you can invest in both the planet and your business. Not only will you be saving money, your people will also enjoy the challenge and you’ll be joining millions around the world who are tackling climate change.” How Pexhurst are going the extra mile for the planet After compiling all their data for the specific reporting period, Pexhurst proudly received their certification in October 2022, and continues to report their social and carbon data. Giuseppe Lo Bue, Buyer at Pexhurst, discusses the significance of his role as Planet Mark champion at Pexhurst. What does your role as Planet Mark Champion entail? “My role as Pexhurst’s Planet Mark Champion is to report our carbon and social data. This is vital as it gives us a starting point every year on how we can further reduce our carbon footprint. With help and suggestions from Planet Mark, we are achieving this. I collate Pexhurst’s data every year using documentation such as utility bills, fleet, and waste and submit this to Planet Mark. Planet Mark then assesses this information and certifies us for another year if we have achieved the standards. Another part of this role is continually finding ways to reduce our carbon footprint.” Why was Pexhurst inspired to gain its Planet Mark certification? “When you see a company with this certification it shows that they are committed to reducing their carbon footprint. Pexhurst is a sustainable and forward-thinking business, making this an important accreditation for us to achieve. We want to demonstrate to all of our existing and potential clients that we are committed to the betterment of our planet.” What initiatives does Pexhurst practise to create a more sustainable and equitable world? “As well as environmental impact, the social value side of sustainability is important to Pexhurst. Therefore, we believe measuring our positive influence on the economy, communities and society is imperative. We have apprenticeship schemes here at Pexhurst to encourage future generations to join the industry, where they can gain great experience and develop professionally and personally. Along with the apprenticeship schemes, we fundraised in excess of £16,000 for various charities last year which was a great achievement to all those involved!” In summary, why does sustainability matter to Pexhurst? “From energy usage to emissions, the construction industry is having a big impact on the environment. This is why it’s important, as a company, to do our bit to improve the quality of our lives, our children’s lives and the lives of future generations. By doing what we can, we will be contributing to a better world. Our ambition is to reduce our carbon footprint by 5% this year, and to be Net Zero by 2030.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cruden Building, part of the Cruden Group, has secured a position on a £500 million construction framework for the next four years. The Wheatley Group has appointed Cruden Building, together with seven other contractors to deliver the provision of housing construction work. The framework covers the central belt and Dumfries and Galloway, and the contract will deliver a range of new build homes at affordable lease terms for the housing provider. It is expected that up to 1,000 units per year could be delivered under the new agreement, with a firm focus on providing low-carbon housing solutions. Steven Simpson, Managing Director of the Cruden Group said: “We are pleased to be appointed to this major housing framework which could deliver a number of opportunities over the next four years. We work very successfully with The Wheatley Group, and this framework will allow us to continue our positive relationship and supports our combined ambitions to delivering more sustainable and zero carbon homes throughout Scotland.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals