Housebuilders north of the border are calling on Scotland’s new first minister, Humza Yousaf, to engage with business and remove obstacles hampering the delivery of new homes. The appeal coincides with government housing statistics reporting a 12 per cent fall in new starts, down by 2,580 to 19,227, in the
Award-winning bathroom supplier HiB has released two new ranges to enhance their illuminated mirror offering. Both designed in their own distinct style, with a range of practical features, the Arcane and Cassini mirrors are perfect for use above a bathroom vanity unit and across other areas of the home. Cassini’s
Leading fire engineering consultancy OFR Consultants, has been appointed on several high-profile projects throughout the UK, supporting clients in the custodial, aviation and healthcare sectors. Among the new projects is a body of work with the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), with OFR appointed to work on fire engineering strategies for
HS2 has set up a rebar threading facility to address materials shortages at its Copthall tunnel construction site in Hillingdon – creating jobs, cutting waste and reducing lorry movements. The new facility will make 92,000 rebar couplers, needed to construct the Copthall tunnel. The Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture (SCS
Colliers calls on Government to Provide Greater Support to Tech and Creative industries who will struggle as business rates rise in Revaluation 2023 The 2023 business rates revaluation will come into effect on 1st April 2023, the first of its kind for six years and according to business rates experts
Legrand UK & Ireland has announced the launch of Incara, a new product range of multi-functional, economic power devices for the modern workspace. With places of work continuing to evolve, the launch of Incara further emphasises Legrand’s dedication to making workspaces meet the needs of all users. Providing easy and
Respected independent developer Dandara has achieved five-star status in the latest Home Builders Federation (HBF) annual New Homes Survey. This marks the third consecutive year the company has achieved this, after entering for the first time in 2020. This news comes following a period of growth for the company, which
Digital transformation continues to open new doors for streamlining processes, innovating faster and improving the customer experience. And, it’s influencing how companies run their asset and facility maintenance operations. Digitising maintenance through computerised maintenance management system (CMMS) and computer-aided facilities management (CAFM) solutions positively impacts the maintenance workforce. Companies are
Commercial developer, Brackley Property Developments (BPD) has secured funding for the construction of a new industrial/warehouse building on a two-acre development site in Northamptonshire. The commercial developer has entered into a full forward funding agreement with specialist property investment firm, Leftfield for the speculative development of the new unit at
Following the creation of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, an industry expert is highlighting the need for increased supply of energy-efficient equipment to help lower emissions and ensure cost-effectiveness. The cabinet reshuffle, which saw Grant Shapps appointed as the UK’s first Secretary for Energy Security and Net
Housebuilders north of the border are calling on Scotland’s new first minister, Humza Yousaf, to engage with business and remove obstacles hampering the delivery of new homes. The appeal coincides with government housing statistics reporting a 12 per cent fall in new starts, down by 2,580 to 19,227, in the year to the end of September 2022. There was also a 27 per cent drop in housing association approvals to build new homes. Homes for Scotland, HFS, chief executive Jane Wood said: “His appointment presents the perfect opportunity to review the regulatory areas and other issues creating blockers to residential development across sectors to ensure that housing in Scotland meets the needs and aspirations of everyone living here.” The trade body, which represents 200 Scottish housebuilders, has warned the government’s target to build more than 110,000 affordable homes by 2032 will be difficult to hit. Recent planning guidance for new developments to comprise at least 25 per cent of social housing, and the introduction of Passivhaus energy standards by the end of 2024, have caused concern. Supply chain capacity fears over Passivhaus The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations said Passivhaus would result in higher building and maintenance costs and that supply chain capacity is insufficient to deliver these homes at scale. Scottish Property Federation director Robin Blacklock said: “There’s been a wider concern among the business community about the direction of policies and their relationship with businesses.” The Scottish building industry has said while it supports the country’s ambitious net-zero targets it’s worried about the practicalities of achieving them. Scotland has pledged to be net-zero by 2045 – five years earlier than England with both Edinburgh and Glasgow city councils aiming to be net-zero by 2030. It also hopes to take one million homes off the gas grid with alternative energy sources such as electric heat pumps by 2030. “There is a concern about meeting time scales as we’re still trying to recover performance after the Covid pandemic,” said Mr Blacklock. Blacklock added developers and housebuilders would be seeking to develop a positive relationship with Mr Yousaf where business is seen as a means for achieving new housing objectives. Brokers Hank Zarihs Associates said development finance lenders would like to see a speedier response to planning applications as this was one of the biggest hurdles facing SME housebuilders. Mr Yousaf has taken an active interest in housing in particular tackling the shortage of homes for key workers in remote parts of the country. He has also said he would increase council tax on second homes across the Highlands, islands and north-east to limit holiday homes. He narrowly beat Kate Forbes on the 27th of March to become the first minister. His Scottish National Party government is in a coalition with the Green party, which commentators predict will require careful handling. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Award-winning bathroom supplier HiB has released two new ranges to enhance their illuminated mirror offering. Both designed in their own distinct style, with a range of practical features, the Arcane and Cassini mirrors are perfect for use above a bathroom vanity unit and across other areas of the home. Cassini’s clean and modern design concept makes it a versatile mirror suitable for a variety of spaces. With no straight edges, a deep band of illumination around the mirror and a chamfered diffuser to create a gentle glow, the Cassini Curve and Round both offer soft styling that focuses on maximising illumination. The Cassini mirrors are operated using a touchless sensor and feature integrated colour temperature changing technology and a heated pad to reduce condensation on the mirror’s surface, greatly enhancing the user experience after a bath or shower. The Arcane range also includes a heated pad and touchless operation to operate the mirror’s colour-temperature changing-enabled illumination. Available in two finishes, black and brushed brass, with Curve, Round and Pill shapes in a variety of sizes, there is plenty of choice to suit every style of bathroom and requirements. Ash Chilver, HiB Sales Director, said: “Round and curved mirrors have a strong popularity among bathroom designers and these new ranges offer a plethora of options that maximise style, while also offering the features we know our customers love. “Each mirror has been designed to be hung portrait or landscape, opening up wider options for installation within a bathroom design. It’s fantastic to see Arcane and Cassini launched as our latest products to the market and I am looking forward to watching them flourish.” Also new for 2023 is the 100cm Bellus mirror, an expansion to the existing Bellus range in a larger dimension, perfect for offering extra drama and opulence to the space. To see the latest products, visit hib.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading fire engineering consultancy OFR Consultants, has been appointed on several high-profile projects throughout the UK, supporting clients in the custodial, aviation and healthcare sectors. Among the new projects is a body of work with the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), with OFR appointed to work on fire engineering strategies for new prisons in Yorkshire, Lancashire, Leicestershire and Buckinghamshire. The new prisons will be created as part of the Alliance 4 New Prisons (A4NP) programme, a project that will see the development of four new adult male prisons built by ISG, Kier, Laing O’Rourke and Wates – a group of Tier 1 contractors working together as part of the government’s Construction Playbook. The A4NP will develop a standardised design that will then be applied across each of the four prison sites, building on the approach of the MoJ pathfinder common design prisons at HMP Five Wells and Glen Parva. Speaking of the appointment OFR design director Richard Rankin said: “This is a unique sector, and we are proud to be a part of this ambitious new approach by the MoJ. “The custodial sector requires unique thinking, and my colleagues and I are preparing fire strategies that will consider the complexities and layout of prisons, evolving an idea that will accommodate each individual site, while also accounting for the standardised design approach. It is an exciting opportunity, and we are delighted to be involved.” OFR has also undertaken a new £330m project with the Royal Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust to refurbish an existing hospital and build a new facility, with the news coming just weeks after OFR announced the appointment of more new colleagues to its team; the consultancy now employs 115-colleagues across seven UK offices in Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Oxford, Bath and London. In Q4 2022, the company also welcomed new graduates, part of its commitment to investing in and nurturing future engineering talent. Rich concluded: “Since 2016, we have grown to become one of the UK’s leading fire engineering consultancies, developing our business and growing our team by nurturing a strong culture and investing in great people. The result is a motivated team working with clients across the world to deliver fire engineering strategies that protect people, place and planet. “I’m really proud of the new work we are delivering together and look forward to bringing these new projects to fruition.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HS2 has set up a rebar threading facility to address materials shortages at its Copthall tunnel construction site in Hillingdon – creating jobs, cutting waste and reducing lorry movements. The new facility will make 92,000 rebar couplers, needed to construct the Copthall tunnel. The Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture (SCS JV) team constructing the tunnel were faced with delays due to a shortfall of available prefabricated fatigue rated rebar couplers, after suppliers had exited the market. To address this, the team has constructed a threading facility on site to produce the required quantities of the materials themselves. As well as addressing supply shortfall, the threading facility has resulted in a significant financial saving on the project by reducing waste, costs and lorry movements, and overall creating a more efficient way of working. To construct the 880 metre long cut and cover Copthall tunnel, 92,000 fatigue rated couplers are required. A team of 14 will work at the facility six days a week, 8 hours a day for three years to meet the supply needs for the tunnel. The process to get the facility up and running took 20 weeks in total, with the team gaining CARES certification (assured certification for the constructional steels industry) for the work and securing the required equipment from Sheffield based company, Leviat. It is only the second time CARES certification has been given for this activity to happen onsite. The team purchase stock rebar and then complete processing operations on site, before taking it through the four-step threading process and delivering it to the Copthall tunnel construction area. All the work is taking place within the site boundary reducing unnecessary lorry movements, supporting HS2 Net Zero Carbon targets. The solution was devised by Ray Moloney, Senior Project Manager for SCS JV, who explains his approach: “Uncertainties in the market and the need to meet the requirements of the HS2 construction programme meant that we had to look at an innovative solution for supplying fatigue rated mechanical reinforcement connections. In mid-2022 we started engaging with partners including Leviat and CARES to develop an on-site processing scheme and within 20 weeks, we were processing our first order. “The solution has created new jobs, offered new training opportunities for engineers and means that we can remove the risk of any delays in construction due to supply shortages.” HS2’s Project Client, Malcolm Codling, said: “We are always looking at ways in which we can improve construction efficiency and are pleased to support our construction partners in developing solutions like this and getting them off the ground. Ray and the team have developed an approach that means we can stay on track, save money, and can be replicated elsewhere.” The model offers a new blueprint for how the manufacturing of materials can be done on site and can offer significant benefits to other construction projects. As well as supplying the Copthall tunnel works, the facility has also been able to provide fatigue rated couplers to other HS2 works being delivered by SCS JV to support overall delivery and de-risk supply chain delays. The team are now looking at how they can improve productivity in the manufacturing process to create additional capacity to support other supply requirements across HS2. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Colliers calls on Government to Provide Greater Support to Tech and Creative industries who will struggle as business rates rise in Revaluation 2023 The 2023 business rates revaluation will come into effect on 1st April 2023, the first of its kind for six years and according to business rates experts at Colliers could have a material impact on the provision of affordable workspace in the capital, historically located in the “fringe” locations. This is because rents and hence rateable values in fringe locations such as Hackney, Southwark and Hammersmith & Fulham have increased at a greater pace than in historic ‘core’ office locations such as the City, Islington and the West End, and those fringe locations have now become equally or in some cases more expensive locations than those in the Central London core. According to Colliers, this is pricing some office occupiers out, particularly those in the creative and tech industries. Colliers reports that the City core has seen rents increase 21% over the last ten years compared to a 50%-60% growth in the fringe areas. Subsequently the gap between core and fringe has been closing. Ten years ago, there was a 30% gap between average core and fringe rents, and by the first half of 2022, this gap was non-existent. Similarly since 2010, business rates in fringe areas have more than doubled. And in April’s 2023 revaluation we are looking at even further rises. Offices in Hammersmith & Fulham for example will see on average a 11.7% rise in their rateable value (and hence rate bills), in Southwark a 11.4% rise and in Hackney office rates are increasing 21.7%, much greater than the 2.1% rise in the City, the 8.2% rise in Westminster and even a drop of 3.4% in Islington. As Alex White, Director of Rating in Colliers London Team said, “The revaluation will therefore have a disproportionate impact on the fringe areas where occupational costs- rents and rates in particular are rising. Added to increased energy costs, one can see how some of the smaller business occupiers might struggle. These new business rates rises could very well create a barrier for affordable workspaces in these fringe locations.” And moving further out into Greater London will not solve the problem since as Colliers points out, the revaluation will also bring will be some substantial rises in business rates for suburban offices. Sutton will see a +24.5% rise, Kingston +27.2%, Brent +17.7% and Croydon +22.6%. London is not alone, Colliers points out that some UK cities office stock will also see substantial business rates rises with Oxford expected to see a 51.2% rise, Cambridge +31.6% and Manchester +26.1% – all areas associated with life science and high growth tech businesses. Alex White continued, “The London Plan gives greater significance to the importance of affordable workspaces and the need to provide for these in the planning process and many local authorities are including policy within their local plans, together with thresholds and requirements for developers. But it will all be meaningless if businesses aren’t able to afford to take on these new buildings, even with their rents reduced by the Plan. This is due to the sizeable cost associated with business rates. And it looks like this situation is going to get worse rather than better. Business rates could certainly impact the viability of such affordable schemes moving forward”. White also points out that the current business rates relief system also does little to support affordable workspace. Business rates relief is only available to ‘small businesses’ that occupy self-contained units capable of being separately valued and falling under a Rateable Value threshold of £15k. After the 2023 revaluation this will, in many central London areas, only benefit those occupying less than 205 sq. ft of self-contained space with no benefit for open-plan or shared areas. John Webber, Head of Business Rates at Colliers continued, “With the multiplier at current high levels, this really is something the Government should look at as a key part of its promise for ongoing reform. We believe there are wide benefits of supporting affordable workspace schemes in the city fringes both from an economic and social viewpoint. It is crucial that London remains at the forefront of the UK’s tech, creative and life science sectors. We have recently seen how vulnerable these industries are with the Government needing to step in to help facilitate the sale of Silicon Valley Bank UK to HSBC. As Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said, “ When you have very young companies, very promising companies, they’re also fragile.” Business rates could be another serious threat. We really must not price such businesses out of the market.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Legrand UK & Ireland has announced the launch of Incara, a new product range of multi-functional, economic power devices for the modern workspace. With places of work continuing to evolve, the launch of Incara further emphasises Legrand’s dedication to making workspaces meet the needs of all users. Providing easy and flexible access to power or data sockets, style is at the heart of Incara which presents a vast range of functions and style to suit any interior. Easy to install, Incara is Legrand’s most flexible range of power solutions to date. From flush, in-desk disk-shaped contemporary sockets through to on-desk power and data connections, Incara has been designed to fit within any workplace furniture requirement. The range offers wireless charging, USB Type-A and C inputs and multiple colour schemes, while it can be designed with a mix of international power sockets if required. Additionally, Incara allows companies the possibility to take control on the presentation of the product, with bespoke branding options available. Manufactured from high-quality materials, Incara can fit in with the latest trends to meet the most challenging workplace requirements. This is achieved thanks to its configuration with a vast range of Legrand’s Arteor™ modules, which ensures a stylish, reliable and versatile solution is supplied. Paul Martin, Lead Marketing Manager for Legrand UK & Ireland’s power distribution ranges, said: “We are always searching for ways to manufacture solutions that meet the modern day needs of post-pandemic ways of working. With Incara, we have created a unique proposition for spaces that have desires for a high-end and flexible power solution. Whether being designed for a modern office, library, university or an airport lounge, Incara provides our most stylish and flexible solution to date.” As with all Legrand products, Incara boasts robust and durable qualities, helping to contribute to a more sustainable world. All packaging is made from recycled materials wherever possible, while Product Environmental Profiles (PEP) are available, providing a reference tool to measure the environmental impact of the product. Incara is also CE and UKCA marked, ensuring quality and compliance with legislation. Paul Martin added: “We are confident that Incara not only meets the needs of today’s workers, but it is also futureproofed for ever-evolving technology changes. Our R&D team remain dedicated to manufacturing solutions as sustainably as possible, and with Incara, we have delivered. When you add our renowned customer service commitment to the mix, we are in a unique position to deliver an unrivalled solution to meet the needs of all – whether installers, designers or end users.” The full range boasts eight products, with multiple variations includes: For more information, visit https://www.legrand.co.uk/products/power-distribution/incara/.
Respected independent developer Dandara has achieved five-star status in the latest Home Builders Federation (HBF) annual New Homes Survey. This marks the third consecutive year the company has achieved this, after entering for the first time in 2020. This news comes following a period of growth for the company, which now has notable developments and a proven track record in the Central, Eastern and Southern areas of England, Jersey, Scotland, the Isle of Man and most recently South Wales. The survey is one of the largest of its type in the country with nearly 50,000 people who have recently bought a new build home completing it. It awards housebuilders with a ‘Star Rating’ based on responses to the question ‘would you recommend your builder to a friend?’. For Dandara to have been awarded the maximum 5 stars means that over 90% of its customers would recommend their homes to a friend. Established in 1988, Dandara is an expert at creating homes, which combine design with the highest standards of quality. Its high standards are reflected in its commitment to customers and the service they receive, with its own Customer Charter ensuring its customer ethos remains a key focus for the business and its dedicated, passionate team. Stewart Baseley, executive chairman of the Home Builders Federation said: “To have 90% of consumers recommending you is a fantastic achievement and demonstrates the industry’s overwhelming commitment to delivering high levels of customer service. “Despite hundreds of thousands of homes being built each year, this year’s survey shows the vast majority of customers are happy with their purchase and the service provided by their builder. “Homebuilders remain focused on driving improvements in this area and the creation of an independent New Homes Ombudsman and a more robust Consumer Code will support this drive and should lead to even higher levels of customer satisfaction moving forward.” Trevor Dempsey, CEO of Dandara, comments: “To retain our five-star rating for the third year in a row is testament to the customer experience, build product and quality, which has been part of Dandara’s DNA for three decades. “Following controlled expansion over the last couple of years, it is fantastic that our customers have once again recognised the company in this way as they ultimately sit at the heart of everything we do. We are proud to be building five-star calibre homes across the UK and are determined to maintain the first-rate quality that Dandara is known for as we continue to grow.” Dandara’s housebuilding arm of the business has achieved remarkable growth over the last couple of years, with offices now in Jersey, Isle of Man, Edinburgh, Tunbridge Wells, Milton Keynes, Braintree, Southampton, and Wales which are focused on delivering good quality family housing in desirable locations. To find out more about Dandara, please visit www.dandara.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Digital transformation continues to open new doors for streamlining processes, innovating faster and improving the customer experience. And, it’s influencing how companies run their asset and facility maintenance operations. Digitising maintenance through computerised maintenance management system (CMMS) and computer-aided facilities management (CAFM) solutions positively impacts the maintenance workforce. Companies are managing key assets differently to improve their operational and production effectiveness, and it’s delivering significant benefits to their bottom line. The digital transformation of maintenance using CMMS and CAFM technology is also helping companies to tackle some of their biggest business challenges in 2023. Let’s take a closer look at how they’re doing this… Driving efficiency in a difficult economic climate Most organisations are battling tough trading conditions. Economic instability, rising operational costs and increased material prices have affected profitability. UK companies have already reported higher goods and services costs, according to ONS research. And the British Chambers of Commerce estimates that three in four firms are likely to put up their prices in 2022 to 2023. In this climate, organisations are looking for ways to reduce costs and increase efficiency. And this improvement drive is pressurising maintenance teams to optimise asset performance and availability. Replacing equipment comes at a cost, which most businesses would prefer to defer until more predictable times. Maintenance teams are being told to prolong the lifespan of existing assets, which means ensuring those assets and their infrastructure are entirely reliable. This is where CMMS software plays a critical role. If an asset breaks down, it could have a cascading effect on the entire operation. Planning when to regularly check and/or maintain a piece of equipment will prolong its lifespan, as maintenance teams can spot issues before they occur. Monthly checks, quarterly maintenance and annual overhauls are reducing failures, increasing machine efficiency, improving productivity, and enhancing the effectiveness of maintenance teams. Of course, managing these programmes is complex work. As a result, forward-thinking companies have moved away from using a calendar or spreadsheet to plan preventative maintenance schedules. Instead, they use digital CMMS platforms like ShireSystem to manage their maintenance teams and regularly check assets. Using automation to address labour shortages Finding skilled people is a major challenge for many companies right now. Make UK (The Manufacturers’ Organisation) estimates that lost productivity due to staff shortages cost British companies more than £7 billion in 2022. In the USA, meanwhile, industry bodies predict 2.1 million manufacturing jobs could go unfilled by 2030. With talented people in short supply, many companies are automating processes to drive production with a reduced headcount. McKinsey research has found that 85% of companies have embarked on digital transformation to increase their operational efficiency. But more machinery increases the workload of maintenance teams. In light of a greater digital investment, operational leaders are looking for ways to better monitor and manage under-prioritised areas such as asset maintenance. Industry leaders are now using CMMS systems with business intelligence tools such as Microsoft Power BI to combine data from their maintenance systems with information from other production systems. This integrated approach allows them to monitor the effectiveness of production lines. CMMS software is also giving maintenance teams greater insight into their workforce, monitoring the effectiveness of shift teams week by week. Gathering this type of data will allow companies to further reduce skills and efficiency gaps, and ensure they are retaining the right employee levels in their maintenance operations. Improving sustainability using digital maintenance software While profitability is a priority in the current fluctuating market, it’s not the only target. Many companies are also focused on reducing their environmental footprint. 81% of consumers would prefer to buy from a sustainable brand, so focusing on green credentials makes good business sense. And maintenance plays an important role in helping firms to lower their carbon footprint. Slicker asset and facility maintenance enables companies to identify inefficiencies and other technical issues quicker. CMMS software solutions can empower maintenance teams to: Implementing CMMS software as part of an overall digital transformation strategy also helps to bring IT and OT closer together. Well-integrated solutions improve data visibility, which enhances sustainable decision-making. It’s an example of how applying technology to business goals delivers a better result. The merging of IT and OT We’ve touched on the close relationship between operational technology and information technology for data collection and analytics. But there are other ways IT can help companies improve asset maintenance. For example, the transfer of data and controls between a CMMS system and an ERP system helps businesses to manage stock and purchasing processes without manual intervention or double keying entries. CMMS software can use data from other digital assets to operate more efficiently, too. Many ShireSystem users tell us that close-coupling IT and OT systems using API technologies improves metrics and process automation. By establishing such connectivity, maintenance becomes a value-driving area rather than a cost centre. Operational teams can demonstrate and report on how CMMS software boosts efficiency, streamlines processes and reduces waste. Improve your asset maintenance with ShireSystem Market conditions and company goals have turned asset maintenance into much more than a routine process. Today, companies can digitally transform their operations to influence how well they run and grow their profits. And operational teams can now be accountable to upper management, shareholders and customers. Even well-established organisations with well-established plans are taking a fresh look at asset maintenance in 2023. Modern systems and processes can help them overcome economic pressures and future-proof their business. Even within our own customer base, a higher number of people are investing in ShireSystem to improve their asset maintenance. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Commercial developer, Brackley Property Developments (BPD) has secured funding for the construction of a new industrial/warehouse building on a two-acre development site in Northamptonshire. The commercial developer has entered into a full forward funding agreement with specialist property investment firm, Leftfield for the speculative development of the new unit at Cockerell Road in Corby. Work has commenced on the development, which gained planning consent from North Northamptonshire Council towards the end of last year. The new 43,000 sq ft unit will contain two dock loading doors, two level access sectional overhead doors and ancillary office space, as well as staff and visitor parking. It is programmed for completion in Q3 2023. Stephen Pedrick-Moyle, managing director of BPD, said: “This is an exciting mid-box development opportunity in a prominent, well located site. The new unit will offer occupiers the chance to secure high quality industrial/warehouse accommodation north of Corby town centre and within close proximity of a large local labour supply. “We are very pleased to further our relationship with Leftfield, following our development of 110,000 sq ft of new industrial accommodation at Leftfield Park in Walsall.” Nico Fourie, chief executive of Leftfield Advisors, said: “Leftfield Fund III continues to accumulate strategic assets in key locations. Our conviction to the sector requires quality buildings, which attract strong covenants. We are delighted to work closely again with BPD on this new project.”Cockerell Road is an established commercial location, with occupiers including Wickes and Andrews Building Supplies. The nearby A6003 provides direct access to junction 7 of the A14 dual carriageway and main arterial routes. TDB Real Estate acted on behalf of BPD and Bampton Satchwell Bull (BSB) acted on behalf of Leftfield. Prop-Search advised the vendor during the original site acquisition process. For all enquiries please contact retained letting agents, Christian Smith at Savills or Oliver Thompson of TDB Real Estate. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Following the creation of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, an industry expert is highlighting the need for increased supply of energy-efficient equipment to help lower emissions and ensure cost-effectiveness. The cabinet reshuffle, which saw Grant Shapps appointed as the UK’s first Secretary for Energy Security and Net Zero, indicates that the construction sector must be prepared for new developments in the UK’s wider industrial energy strategy. This news follows the recent publication of the Net Zero Review from former energy minister Chris Skidmore, which claims frequent shortages in both labour and skills means the UK is missing some net zero opportunities. With the report underlining the need for supply chains to “grow significantly to meet demand over the coming years” and change expected with Schapps’ appointment, Ian Ross, European Building Services & Construction Leader at temporary power and temperature control specialist, Aggreko, is highlighting the role of suppliers in easing the pressures of transitioning towards low-carbon construction. “As noted in the Net Zero report, construction projects are competing for limited labour and materials, which are creating supply chain bottlenecks and placing undue pressure on the sector. To minimise these difficulties while mitigating the impact of rising costs, the sectors supply chain must be bolstered with further energy-efficient equipment provisions,” said Ian. To improve accessibility to new technologies across the sector, Aggreko has invested £150 million in its Greener Upgrades fleet – including boilers, Stage V generators, batteries, chillers, and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO). The report also suggests the UK faces a “huge challenge” to meet the skill requirements needed to transition to net zero. Aggreko is therefore highlighting the need for suppliers to provide expert support for the implementation of greener solutions on-site. Ian told us: “Given the industry’s well-documented skills shortage, collaboration with partners to ensure equipment measures align with businesses’ long-term ambitions while tackling the immediate energy struggles, is becoming increasingly important. To support the adoption of greener practices, suppliers should therefore work to provide cost-effective solutions engineered to the individual complexities and needs of each project. “Aggreko’s Greener Upgrades initiative sets out to support the construction workforce navigate their journey to net zero reducing emissions whilst also recognising the cost benefits that can be achieved. Incorporating the right technology is key, but it’s also fundamental to monitor performance and with supplier support determine if and where improvements can be made. For instance, adding a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) or rightsizing generators can reduce operational costs and carbon emissions significantly. We have seen first-hand the impressive carbon and cost savings our customers have gained through switching to a Greener Upgrade solution and are confident these insights coupled with expert advice and proactive support will ensure construction professionals are well-placed to seize the opportunities of net zero.” For more information on Aggreko’s Greener Upgrades initiative, visit: https://www.aggreko.com/en-gb/sectors-and-services/greener-upgrades Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals