UK ground engineering specialist Mainmark has been shortlisted for a major industry accolade. Mainmark has been shortlisted for the “UK Project with a Geotechnical Value of up to £500K’’ category which recognises leading projects with a focus on innovation, quality, sustainability, health and safety and value engineering. The annual Ground
Following the announcement of the General Election for July 2024, the Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) has launched their manifesto, A Blueprint for Better Construction. The document focuses on how policy can support better procurement and contracting, and help to improve investment in skills, innovation and net zero. Throughout the
Following an extensive and thorough tender process, Rutland County Council has awarded their Highways Term Maintenance Contract (HTMC) to the highest scoring bidder, Thomas Bow Ltd. Rutland County Council’s current HTMC ended on 31st May 2024. Thomas Bow Ltd then commenced with their contract on 1st June 2024 and this
Muse, the nationwide placemaker, has grown its team in the North West with the addition of two regeneration experts, Alex Vogel and Sam Wilson. Alex has been appointed Senior Development Manager, bringing almost 10 years’ experience in residential and mixed-used regeneration. Joining from Greystar, Alex actively managed the delivery of
New data released today shows the number of people in work has dropped. The number of people unemployed in the UK rose by 138,000 in the three months to April amid growing signs of a weaker jobs market and the unemployment rate rose to 4.4%. Rosalind Gill, Head of Policy
Metrolink has hit another milestone with the UK’s largest light-rail network enjoying its busiest month ever in its 32-year history. Millions of people got on board in May which proved to be a bumper month for events including the Great Manchester Run, Manchester City’s Premier League title-winning parade and high-profile
The UK construction industry is set to experience a shift in thinking with the September launch of Offsite Construction Week (OCW) – an unprecedented collaboration amongst leading industry pioneers and associations. Organisers of the influential Offsite Expo and Offsite Awards have partnered with industry leaders with the specific goal of
NAVTOR has taken another step forward on its ambitious growth path with the acquisition of specialist software development company Masterloop. With a proven track record within IoT (Internet of Things), AI and web solutions, Masterloop’s arrival boosts NAVTOR’s innovation and development team, already strengthened by the acquisition of Voyager Worldwide
Network Space Developments (NSD) has submitted a planning application for four new industrial units on its 2.8-acre site on Welcomb Street, Openshaw. The former Manchester College site, accessed from the Ashton Old Road (A635), currently comprises several redundant buildings of varying ages and sizes which were previously used as classrooms
Balfour Beatty has today been awarded the first phase of the c. £690 million Skye 132kV reinforcement project for Scottish and Southern Electricity Network (SSEN) Transmission. On completion the project will ensure the supply of secure, clean electricity to thousands of homes and businesses across the Hebrides and West Highlands. The
UK ground engineering specialist Mainmark has been shortlisted for a major industry accolade. Mainmark has been shortlisted for the “UK Project with a Geotechnical Value of up to £500K’’ category which recognises leading projects with a focus on innovation, quality, sustainability, health and safety and value engineering. The annual Ground Engineering Awards brings together leaders in the industry to celebrate major achievements. This year’s awards will be held at a prestigious event on 19 June at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London. Mainmark’s shortlisted project highlights its work on the construction of the 43-storey tower, Arena Point in Leeds, set to be the world’s tallest purpose-built student accommodation. The £95m project on Merrion Way features over 700 bedrooms, with a mix of studio apartments and shared cluster flats, replacing a previously underutilised office block. The construction was halted due to unstable ground, and was only able to progress thanks to the expertise of Mainmark who successfully strengthened the ground prior to excavation using its innovative Teretek® geopolymer resin injection technology. Mainmark’s Teretek engineered resin injection technology solution was chosen to strengthen the ground in a controlled and timely manner. With the proximity of nearby buildings, infrastructure and the restricted site traditional piling and ground anchor techniques were unsuitable for the specific challenge. Teretek® technology, developed by Mainmark, was injected at high-density levels to fill any voids, compact the ground and bind together large cobbles and brick fragments. It was completed in just 10 days, without the need for heavy plant, allowing the construction to continue as scheduled. Tom Kavanagh, General Manager at Mainmark UK, comments: “We’re thrilled to have been shortlisted for this award, it showcases the passion, skill and expertise that our team puts into developing new solutions, allowing the sector to better tackle site specific challenges. “We take great pride in not just meeting but exceeding our clients’ expectations and enabling the Arena Point construction to progress as planned is just one great example of where are dedication to formulating new solutions has been a success.” Mainmark has previously been recognised for its work with the post-earthquake resurrection of the Christchurch Art Gallery which won International Project of the Year. Chosen from seven high calibre of finalists, the re-levelling of the gallery was a landmark project for Mainmark and the industry, setting a new benchmark in the earthquake remediation for large scale buildings. Mainmark Ground Engineering (UK) Ltd is a subsidiary of the Mainmark group of companies established in 2016, with its headquarters located in Milton Keynes. For over three decades, Mainmark has established itself as a pioneering force in the industry, leading the way in developing and delivering cutting-edge ground improvement solutions. With an impressive track record of over 200,000 successful projects across Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the UK, Mainmark has earned international recognition as an award-winning and leading ground engineer. https://mainmark.com/uk/ @mainmark(UnitedKingdom) Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Following the announcement of the General Election for July 2024, the Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) has launched their manifesto, A Blueprint for Better Construction. The document focuses on how policy can support better procurement and contracting, and help to improve investment in skills, innovation and net zero. Throughout the manifesto’s development, FIS leaned heavily into research completed with Professor Stuart Green of Reading University and AMA Research in 2023. It has also consulted with its membership and externally to help further refine and ensure it does not cut across and is consistent with other construction lobby groups. FIS CEO, Iain McIlwee emphasised the manifesto’s goals, stating it presents “well-reasoned practical, targeted and specific” recommendations building on previous industry work. He added that the FIS has shared this document with other representative groups in construction to support their efforts, inviting further comments to refine and develop the proposals. “Beyond this we’ll be using our network and opportunities to ensure as FIS we carry forward the message that construction is a key enabling industry, but there are key policy levers that can be pulled to unleash the full potential of the sector,” he said. FIS will be taking this message forward with Ministers, MPs, Regulators and Civil Servants and at the same time is recommending its members use the document to target their candidates locally. “Consistency is key to change,” he added. “It is important to remember that the election deadline isn’t the critical one, it is being ready in the Autumn to deliver a consistent message from construction to the new Government (whatever colour) and give them a plan to ensure construction is well placed to support their vision for our future.” FIS is urging all members to contact their local candidates (you can find their details here) and challenge them on how their party will support a sector that enables growth, delivers sustainability and provides employment for one in 10 people in the UK. You can download a copy of the FIS Manifesto, A Blueprint for Better Construction here Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Following an extensive and thorough tender process, Rutland County Council has awarded their Highways Term Maintenance Contract (HTMC) to the highest scoring bidder, Thomas Bow Ltd. Rutland County Council’s current HTMC ended on 31st May 2024. Thomas Bow Ltd then commenced with their contract on 1st June 2024 and this will run for a period of ten years to 31st May 2034. There will be an option to further extend the contract by a further 2 x 5 year periods if a number of Key Performance Indicators are met. Rutland County Council’s Strategic Director for Places, said: ‘Thomas Bow Ltd have a breadth of industry experience and have a significant number of highway contracts around the country. ‘We are pleased to be able to shape the new contract to ensure it has an emphasis on social value and positive benefits to the local community, ranging from employment to community engagement. There is also a focus on carbon reduction, innovation, an opportunity for potential income generation and a cost reduction on the depot lease. ‘We are looking forward to working with Thomas Bow Ltd to deliver proactive maintenance measures, ensuring the highway network is kept safe and maintained in a sustainable manner for all residents and visitors to the County.’ Thomas Bow Ltd Managing Director Alistair Bow commented ‘This is an exciting contract for Thomas Bow and demonstrates our in-house capability to deliver multi discipline contracts for clients. We are extremely happy to secure this long term contract and we look forward to working with Rutland County Council to deliver improvements identified in the recent survey and also having a positive impact on the local community.’ In 2023 Rutland County Council scored well in The National Highways and Transport (NHT) Public satisfaction survey results. The survey was carried out in June 2023 and Rutland County Council was ranked joint 5th in the country along with Manchester and Solihull out of a total of 111 authorities that took part. The NHT Public Satisfaction Survey collects public perspectives on, and satisfaction with, Highway and Transport Services in Local Authority areas. It is a unique, standardised, collaboration between Highway Authorities across the UK enabling comparison, knowledge sharing, and the potential to improve efficiencies by the sharing of good practice. Over four million households have been sent a copy of the NHT Survey since it was first launched in 2008 and over a million members of the public have responded to date. For further information about the NHT Survey please visit www.nhtnetwork.co.uk/home Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Muse, the nationwide placemaker, has grown its team in the North West with the addition of two regeneration experts, Alex Vogel and Sam Wilson. Alex has been appointed Senior Development Manager, bringing almost 10 years’ experience in residential and mixed-used regeneration. Joining from Greystar, Alex actively managed the delivery of Greenford Quay, a regeneration masterplan which delivered 2,000 new homes, commercial space, and public realm as part of a new waterfront neighbourhood in London. Joining the Muse team in the North West, Alex will support the delivery of the Oldham Town Centre Regeneration Masterplan. A partnership between Oldham Council and Muse, the masterplan is set to deliver a new neighbourhood, complete with 2,000 new homes across a mix of tenures. Also joining the team is Sam Wilson as Project Manager. Sam joins from AtkinsRéalis, where he supported the delivery of the £240m arts venue ‘Factory International’, working in partnership with Manchester City Council. Sam has also supported the delivery of Tower Works, a 245-bed mixed-use build to rent scheme in Leeds, and the design of Nikal’s Blackpool Central regeneration. As part of the Muse team, Sam will help deliver a pipeline of new places in Blackpool, Wirral, and Warrington. Phil Marsden, Managing Director at Muse – North West, said: “Alex and Sam join Muse with extensive placemaking experience. Their knowledge and insight, gained from supporting significant and large-scale regeneration, will be invaluable to our team. “As we deliver on our exciting pipeline of new places across the North West, alongside our local partners, it’s our people who will unlock the opportunity, long-term benefit, and social value of regeneration. Alex and Sam will be critical to our ambition. “We have seen strong growth in our business over the last 12 months. Expanding our team allows us to create additional capacity and bolster our knowledge and skills. Alex and Sam will be critical to our long-term vision and achieving our targets.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New data released today shows the number of people in work has dropped. The number of people unemployed in the UK rose by 138,000 in the three months to April amid growing signs of a weaker jobs market and the unemployment rate rose to 4.4%. Rosalind Gill, Head of Policy and Engagement at the National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB), “Today’s newly released labour market statistics paints a very worrying picture and hammers home the uphill battle that the new Government will face. New data reveals that 3.2 million people are out of work but want a job, and that the unemployment rate rose to 4.4%.” Gill concluded: “As the new government takes office, it’s vital that they implement a cohesive plan that involves educational institutions, businesses, and policymakers to equip our workforce with the skills needed for today’s economy. As technology quickly advances, the labour market is transforming at pace and the skills gaps will only become more acute. Failure to address these issues now risks further economic stagnation and missed opportunities for growth.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Metrolink has hit another milestone with the UK’s largest light-rail network enjoying its busiest month ever in its 32-year history. Millions of people got on board in May which proved to be a bumper month for events including the Great Manchester Run, Manchester City’s Premier League title-winning parade and high-profile concerts at the Co-Op Live. During the month 4.1 million people travelled on Metrolink across Greater Manchester, setting a new record for monthly patronage since the network opened in 1992. The previous record of 4 million was set in November 2019. Danny Vaughan, TfGM’s Chief Network Officer, said: “This is a historic achievement for Metrolink and is the result of a huge team effort between TfGM and the operator KeolisAmey Metrolink over the last few years. “It shows just how important Metrolink is for Greater Manchester, as well as demonstrating Metrolink’s integral role as part of the Bee Network. It is also a testament to the staff on the frontlines and behind the scenes who keep the network running reliably. “This growth in passenger numbers, together with our renewed focus on tackling fare evasion is helping to get Metrolink back on track following the decline in passengers during the pandemic. “This is just one of many milestones that Metrolink has hit since 6th April 1992, and with work under way to improve the network and make it quicker, smoother and more reliable for passengers, I am confident that Metrolink will continue to go from strength to strength.” Damien Chabas, Managing Director of KeolisAmey Metrolink, said: “Metrolink plays a vital role in delivering a safe, reliable, and accessible public transport services for the around 900,000 people who choose to travel with us every week. “We are delighted with the record-breaking patronage in May, with the continued dedication and pride of our brilliant employees, KeolisAmey Metrolink will continue to build on our commitment to providing a highly-performing network in partnership with TfGM that adds value to the communities of Greater Manchester.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK construction industry is set to experience a shift in thinking with the September launch of Offsite Construction Week (OCW) – an unprecedented collaboration amongst leading industry pioneers and associations. Organisers of the influential Offsite Expo and Offsite Awards have partnered with industry leaders with the specific goal of inspiring strategic collaboration across the offsite construction sector. A UK first, Offsite Construction Week will bring together clients, manufacturers, developers, architects, specifiers, project managers, legislative and accrediting bodies for a week-long series of events, debates, and discussions on how to accelerate sector growth by removing current barriers to MMC implementation. Uniting industry leaders from different construction and material sectors, the newly-formed Advisory Group will create a set of objectives for successfully expanding the application of offsite construction methods and technologies, ensuring that every stakeholder’s perspective is reflected in the resulting strategy. The Advisory Group comprises 20 of the most well-informed and respected industry figures at the forefront of offsite innovation from pioneering companies and industry bodies. For full details of the Advisory Group, go to: www.offsiteconstructionweek.co.uk/advisory-group Together, these industry leaders will curate the Offsite Expo Masterclasses, roundtable debates and events that take place throughout the five days of Offsite Construction Week. Through a series of practical seminars that share insider knowledge of projects success factors and learnings – speakers will offer solutions to legislative, procurement, procedural, and financial roadblocks to accelerating the pace of implementing offsite methods and products in construction. Key topics to be addressed will include but are not limited to, creating industrialised construction ecosystems, enhancing building safety, increasing productivity, closing the performance gap, driving innovation, digital delivery for tomorrow, creating a zero-snag culture and delivering against net zero carbon targets. On behalf of the Advisory Group, spokesperson Tudi Sully said, “We will act as industry ambassadors for delivering a better built environment, chairing roundtable debates and connecting decision makers from various client organisations, industry bodies, government stakeholders and the supply chain. “By engaging in an open, unbiased and critical debate of current roadblocks to the implementation of approaches such as DfMA, offsite, MMC and industrialisation; showcasing past project challenges and successes; and offering insights from different vertical sectors, the Advisory Group will demonstrate a roadmap for the wider adoption of these innovative solutions. “With the ambitious goal to help accelerate the UK government’s agenda for a safer, more sustainable and faster-growing built environment, the Advisory Group will not only connect top decision makers but will also oversee an educational outreach to young professionals, apprentices and students in construction programmes – all of which will start at Offsite Construction Week.” The Advisory Group’s involvement during Offsite Construction Week will include curating the programme and leading the Masterclass seminars, sharing insights from the organisations they represent and presenting a highly focused, factual overview of the sector and the challenges it faces. Whilst the discussions in the Masterclass Theatre will equip attendees with a well-balanced view of the industry’s roadmap for the future, the Advisory Group will set the tone for a series of live webinars on some of the most pressing issues in the industry. About Offsite Construction Week Taking place from 16-20 September 2024, Offsite Construction Week will showcase the most comprehensive series of offsite technology events ever seen in the UK. The aim of the curated selection of seminars, industry awards ceremony, site tours and features exhibition, is to highlight the benefits and advancements in offsite construction, driving innovation and collaboration across the sector. Unilateral Support Offsite Construction Week is supported by a robust lineup of industry associations, including BUILDOFFSITE (BOS), Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT,) Light Steel Frame Association (LSFA), MMC Ireland, Modular and Portable Building Association (MPBA), Offsite Alliance, Steel Construction Institute (SCI), Structural Timber Association (STA) and others have come together to support the most comprehensive series of offsite events the country has ever seen. To keep informed go to: www.offsiteconstructionweek.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
NAVTOR has taken another step forward on its ambitious growth path with the acquisition of specialist software development company Masterloop. With a proven track record within IoT (Internet of Things), AI and web solutions, Masterloop’s arrival boosts NAVTOR’s innovation and development team, already strengthened by the acquisition of Voyager Worldwide in December. The Norwegian-headquartered business will now focus resources on the continued push for data-driven efficiency, performance and decarbonisation for customers, integrating further solutions into its connected digital ecosystem. Fresh perspectives “Masterloop provides another piece of the digital puzzle as we continue our mission to make life easier, safer and more profitable for shipping companies worldwide,” comments Tor Svanes, NAVTOR Founder and CEO. “The team’s industrial IoT strength and maritime understanding, highlighted by their Bluekey vessel efficiency application, will feed into our drive to enhance our portfolio with intelligent, data-based, AI solutions that simplify the increasingly complex operational reality faced by today’s maritime businesses. “Masterloop brings something new to the table, with fresh perspectives and broad experience gained from outside of shipping too. We believe they can help accelerate our innovation, as we push to deliver transformational technology for an evolving industry. It’s great to have them on board.” Shared visions NAVTOR is the world leader in e-Navigation and performance solutions, with products and services aboard over 18,000 vessels in the world fleet. Masterloop, meanwhile, has made a name for itself with a proprietary IoT platform, Bluekey and a smart bike-sharing application CityBike Cloud. Its client history includes names such as Easee, Zaptec, Kolumbus and Kverneland Group. Jan Helge Skailand, Masterloop’s Founder and CEO, has a long history of collaboration with NAVTOR. He was originally one of the founding team in 2011, taking the role of CTO, before leaving to form Masterloop in 2013. The two companies have collaborated on numerous projects since that point. Deep-dive expertise “In many ways this feels like ‘coming home’,” says Skailand. “I know NAVTOR very well and the two companies share the same values, innovation culture, and commitment to developing new solutions that unlock powerful benefits for users. However, we also have a deep-dive domain specialization within IoT and have gained experience from working alongside a unique mix of customers. So, I think we have something to offer a team that is already at the vanguard of maritime technology. I can’t wait to see what comes of this.” Masterloop’s team of ten, based in Norway and Sri Lanka, will now join NAVTOR’s global network of approximately 400 specialists. A key task will see them feeding competence into the Green AI for Sustainable Shipping (GASS) project, which is now tailoring digital twin and AI-based tech to introduce ‘dynamic voyage optimisation’ for vessels, aiming to cut emissions by up to 20%. Purpose driven development “We want to lead from the front and help change the industry with smart technology,” comments NAVTOR CTO Anders Holme. “Optimising performance and energy efficiency is one of our main focuses, helping our customers comply with stricter regulations, dramatically reduce fuel costs, and, of course, work towards ambitious decarbonisation goals. “We have a strong sense of purpose and an important role to play. It’s great to see a talented team like Masterloop buying into that, enhancing our capacity as we seek to ‘make a real difference’ for the industry we serve.” NAVTOR offers a comprehensive range of integrated smart shipping solutions, including advanced planning platform NavStation, fleet performance software NavFleet, and unique digital logbooks, amongst other products and services. To discover more please see www.navtor.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Network Space Developments (NSD) has submitted a planning application for four new industrial units on its 2.8-acre site on Welcomb Street, Openshaw. The former Manchester College site, accessed from the Ashton Old Road (A635), currently comprises several redundant buildings of varying ages and sizes which were previously used as classrooms and workshops by the Manchester School of Building. The full planning application submitted to Manchester City Council is for the demolition of existing buildings and delivery of up to 75,175 sq. ft of multi-let industrial accommodation for Class E(g)(ii)(iii), B2 and B8 uses. The scheme, designed by AEW Architects, includes four highly sustainable commercial units ranging from 7,674 sq. ft to 29,439 sq. ft, all with ancillary office space at first floor, generous external service yards, dedicated car parking and EV charging points. Joe Burnett, Development Director for NSD, commented: “We are delighted to have submitted our planning application for the site, which represents the final piece of the jigsaw for the wider City Works Business Park. “The site is strategically located in a highly desirable area of Greater Manchester which is ideal for both industrial and last-mile logistics uses. Its accessibility to a skilled local workforce provides a wealth of opportunities for commercial operators who are looking for market leading, high quality, sustainable, industrial units. The proposed development will have its own distinct identity but has been designed to complement the highly successful existing City Works Business Park, which we delivered several years ago and is still owned and managed by Network Space Investments. “This scheme will also further bolster our pipeline of circa 700,000 sq. ft of multi-let industrial schemes that are already consented across the North West and Yorkshire.” NSD initially acquired the site in 2022 and work is expected to start in 2025, subject to planning. Spawforths is advising NSD on planning. Agents for the proposed scheme are Cushman & Wakefield and JLL. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Balfour Beatty has today been awarded the first phase of the c. £690 million Skye 132kV reinforcement project for Scottish and Southern Electricity Network (SSEN) Transmission. On completion the project will ensure the supply of secure, clean electricity to thousands of homes and businesses across the Hebrides and West Highlands. The detailed design and development phase, valued at £32 million, will see Balfour Beatty provide technical solutions for a new 137km, 132kV double circuit overhead line between the existing Fort Augustus and Edinbane substations, as well as new sealing end compounds to link the overhead line to the underground electricity network, ultimately joining the Isle of Skye and Western Isles to mainland Scotland. Subject to planning approval, the full construction contract award is expected later in 2024. Due to the expansive and unique terrain, Balfour Beatty will engage its in-house environmental and sustainability team to consider ecological and environmental requirements, from peat management to wildlife translocation, contributing to SSEN Transmission’s biodiversity net gain targets. In addition, the Company will work closely and collaboratively with local communities to minimise disruption wherever possible, including introducing a ‘Skye workers village’ to provide the construction workforce with dedicated site accommodation. Tony Wilson, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s Power Transmission and Distribution business said: “We have a long and proud history of working with SSEN Transmission. This most recent award is testament to our expertise and capability in delivering overhead lines and underground cabling works in complex and challenging environments.” Paul Higginbotham, SSEN Transmission’s Deputy Project Director for the Skye 132kV Reinforcement Project, said: “We’re pleased to strengthen our relationship with Balfour Beatty as a supply chain partner for the Skye 132kV Reinforcement Project, helping us deliver security of supply to homes and businesses along its route from Skye to Fort Augustus, as well as to the Western Isles.” This latest award follows the Company’s appointment to SSEN Transmission’s Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) framework in August 2023 for which it commenced detailed development and design in early 2024. Main construction work for the Isle of Skye Reinforcement Project is expected to begin in early 2025. At project peak, Balfour Beatty will employ 650 people including 32 apprenticeship and graduate positions as part of the Company’s commitment to The 5% Club. Balfour Beatty has unrivalled end-to-end capability in the UK energy market. Find out more here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
