Lincoln-based Stirlin Construction, part of Stirlin Group, has reached 15 years of trading, with completed projects totalling over £70m and plans to deliver £10m worth of schemes in 2023. The milestone comes just months after Stirlin Group expanded its senior contracting team with the hire of Howard Griffith as head
Leading fire engineering consultancy, OFR Consultants has seen further expansion this year already with the appointment of two new colleagues in the capital. Joining the 115-strong London-based team, is fire engineer Milad Mansouri and graduate, Lizzie Pickup. Milad, a Fire CFD Engineer and Lizzie, whose university thesis focussed on fire safety in informal settlements and
Following the government’s announcement to make sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) mandatory across England, ACO Water Management is supporting urban planners, architects and civil engineers to embed sustainable drainage into their designs. SuDS will become a legal requirement in 2024 after a recent government review. Making SuDS a necessary obligation aims
The University of Reading, Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) and AMA Research (part of Barbour ABI) have today launched a new report Procurement in the Finishes, Fit-Out and Interiors Sector, aiming to better understand how procurement practices are affecting the £10 billion fit-out industry and most importantly, how they can
The campaign, which will run from 9th – 13th October 2023, will provide a much-needed platform on which to showcase the diverse range of career options available within the scaffolding and access industry. With the recent lack of uptake in roles within construction being well publicised, NSW aims to inspire
Cladding and façade contractors can now get aluminium window pods with super-fast delivery from Corrivo. After supplying some bespoke window pods for a number of high-profile projects, the Midlands based fabricator, has now expanded their product offering to meet the needs of architects, specifiers and façade contractors. Surrounding the window
The UK’s largest land promoter, Gladman, and leading commercial property developer, Stoford, are to deliver a new employment park as part of plans to revitalise Wellesbourne Mountford Airfield. Stoford will act as delivery partner for the employment development at the airfield, which is located near Stratford-upon-Avon. The deal could release
Despite some progress, 48% of buy-to-let investors in the UK are now women, still only 11% of the UK construction industry (made up of over 2.5 million people) are women. In light of International Women’s Day, it is important to explore how we can continue to improve and champion gender
The bridge connects new residential development Soho Wharf to the existing Eyre Street Basin bridge and provides pedestrians with a crossing point for direct access to the city centre along the canal. Heimstaden Bostad, owner of Soho Wharf, and development partner The Galliard Apsley Partnership, commissioned Shrewsbury-based bridge design company
The construction industry must continue to invest in protection against metal theft, says a site security expert. Nationally there were almost 20,000 cases of metal theft in 2020/21 which is 20% higher than the pre-pandemic reporting year (2018/19). SafeSite Facilities say although a new law ten years ago achieved a
Lincoln-based Stirlin Construction, part of Stirlin Group, has reached 15 years of trading, with completed projects totalling over £70m and plans to deliver £10m worth of schemes in 2023. The milestone comes just months after Stirlin Group expanded its senior contracting team with the hire of Howard Griffith as head of construction and Ryan Goddard as quantity surveyor. Stirlin Group is a development and construction company based in its purpose-built premises on Sadler Road in Lincoln. Since its first commercial project in 2007, Stirlin Construction has successfully delivered 30 commercial and residential schemes across Lincolnshire, for private clients and joint venture partners. The recent hire of Howard and Ryan takes the team to 20, and as the company increases its portfolio of projects, the team will expand further this year with the hire of a commercial manager and a number of other positions. Stirlin Group’s strategy for 2023 is to further build its presence and reputation for quality in its home county, along with expansion into the wider Midlands – with conversations already taking place with clients. Tony Lawton, managing director of Stirlin Group, said: “Our ambition has always been to be one of the leading residential and commercial developers and contractors in Lincoln and I believe we have achieved this. With the sustained demand for our services and approach, we are growing our team and widening the areas that we operate in to enable us to meet that demand and attain our aspirations for the future. “Stirlin Group is largely known as a property development company – which it certainly still is – but we have also been successfully managing the construction of our own developments and projects for a variety of clients, developing a strong reputation over the years. “It’s wonderful to have reached 15 years of contracting, and with a strong order book for this year, ambitious growth plans and our talented team, it’s a very exciting time for the business. I would like to thank the whole Stirlin Group team for their passion and commitment and to our valued clients who choose to work with us.” Active projects for the contractor include a 10,000 office development for Duncan & Toplis in Louth, an industrial/office development at the Food Enterprise Zone (FEZ) in Holbeach, and new phases added to commercial schemes at Kirk’s Yard in Branston and Leafbridge Business Park in Hykeham. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading fire engineering consultancy, OFR Consultants has seen further expansion this year already with the appointment of two new colleagues in the capital. Joining the 115-strong London-based team, is fire engineer Milad Mansouri and graduate, Lizzie Pickup. Milad, a Fire CFD Engineer and Lizzie, whose university thesis focussed on fire safety in informal settlements and refugee camps, have join OFR at an exciting time for the business. In London, the team has continued to be involved with some of the city’s most exciting developments including East London’s landmark Silvertown development, on behalf of developer, Lendlease. The masterplan for the 50 acre Silvertown site, will see a huge transformation for this underdeveloped area of East London, bringing homes, offices, leisure, cultural and community space here. The OFR team has been assisting with the fire strategy for the £3.5bn dockside regeneration development, where plans were submitted a few weeks ago, following consultation with the local residential and business community. OFR project manager, Matt Stallwoodexplained: “We have been appointed extensively across the site as it progresses through the development stages, prioritising sustainability by incorporating Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) to reduce construction time and have a positive effect on reducing carbon emissions, whilst also assessing the complexities relating to fire safety. “We are assisting with the Masterplan development for the entire development as well as on RIBA Stages 2 – 4 for Plots 6, 7, 8 Millennium Mills and 1D/2D. We have also been appointed for RIBA stage 2 of plot 1 plot 1J.” The OFR team is currently the sole fire engineering consultancy across the plots, where the scheme primarily comprises of new residential buildings. The landmark Millennium Mills, which will be transformed to a commercial purpose is a collection of listed buildings which presents the challenge of trying to retain as much as possible while still meeting the requirements of current standards. Milad spoke about joining the OFR team, which has grown to 115 people across seven UK offices since it was established in 2016, he said: “I am excited by the breadth of work that OFR is involved in both here in London, throughout the UK and overseas. I look forward to contributing my knowledge and experience – as an Aerospace Engineering graduate, I have since held roles at various consultancies and developed my career working on many major projects including the Sail Tower and Maad Towers in Saudi and Westfield London White City. 2023 is certainly a great time to be joining the business and embracing the opportunities of working within the sector at this time.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Following the government’s announcement to make sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) mandatory across England, ACO Water Management is supporting urban planners, architects and civil engineers to embed sustainable drainage into their designs. SuDS will become a legal requirement in 2024 after a recent government review. Making SuDS a necessary obligation aims to help further reduce surface water flooding and water pollution, and lower the pressure on sewerage systems that often get overwhelmed in heavy rainfall events. Regulations and processes are currently being established but SuDS are expected to be compulsory for any new development, building or structure over 100sqm. It is anticipated that SuDS plans will need to be submitted to SuDS Approvals Bodies (SABs), which will fall under the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA). However, ACO Water Management, a leading drainage and water management manufacturer, warns firms not to delay in acting. Instead, it advises to start planning ahead now for the incoming changes, especially given a knowledge and skills gap across the industry. Sam Hawkins, National Specification Manager at ACO, said: “This rule change by the government is a welcome one and will help to address the challenges we’ve seen recently with flooding. More importantly, mandatory SuDS will ensure we can start to mitigate the effects of climate change, biodiversity loss and habitat fragmentation. “While it seems far off, it’s vital that everybody within the construction industry pulls together now rather than ‘wait and see’, otherwise we could see residential and commercial projects being held up and exacerbating current issues we’re seeing in the sector. This is especially as we know from our own research that there are different levels of awareness around SuDS requirements, and how to implement SuDS that perform well. At ACO, we’re here to help overcome these challenges, and our team is ready to help with design and specification to ensure compliance.” The new regulations will come about through implementation of Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, which is already in force in Wales. However, as reported by Planning Resource, the. In a recent report by ACO, titled Highway Drainage: The Route to Surface Water Management, it found similar conclusions in a survey of 100 infrastructure and highways engineers, including: “It is great to see the government acknowledging the difference SuDS can make and taking the necessary steps to protect properties and natural habitats. There is much work to do, so it’s vital that water management suppliers assist in the journey,” said Sam. “We encourage all key stakeholders to come to us if they have questions in creating sustainable drainage systems, and at ACO, we have an entire portfolio of drainage and water management solutions to assist in any scheme. Alongside this, engineers can access our free-to-use tools like our QuAD design software, and our colleagues are on hand to ensure we can provide the support required.” To find out more about ACO Water Management and to read its highways drainage report, please visit https://www.aco.co.uk/the-route-to-surface-water-management-report Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The University of Reading, Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) and AMA Research (part of Barbour ABI) have today launched a new report Procurement in the Finishes, Fit-Out and Interiors Sector, aiming to better understand how procurement practices are affecting the £10 billion fit-out industry and most importantly, how they can be improved. FIS last year raised concerns that the push for modern methods of construction was being undermined by lack of focus on modern methods of procurement. To better understand the evolution of procurement practices, the organisation commissioned Professor Stuart Green of the University of Reading to explore procurement practices in the UK fit-out sector. FIS has a close working relationship with AMA Research, who were also keen to explore this topic and support this work and were able to offer assistance in developing the survey and extending the reach for participation. This result is a fascinating new report that benchmarks current practices from those contractors directly involved and explores how procurement impacts effective delivery. Through better understanding of the challenges facing the industry, the sector can deliver better value and improve supply chain relationships.The nature of the procurement process is often identified as a barrier to change. Dame Judith Hackitt’s statement from the 2018 ‘Building a Safer Future’ Report, confirmed that ‘Improving the procurement process will play a large part in setting the tone for any construction project. This is where the drive for quality and good outcomes, rather than lowest costs must start.’ FIS Chief Executive Iain Mcllwee stated: “The key to unlocking the potential of construction and unleashing the culture change that we need in the finishes and interiors sector sits squarely in procurement. That isn’t a revelation. Virtually every report written about the construction process has raised concerns about procurement practices that facilitate a race to the bottom and create adversarial relationships and it crops up in almost every conversation I have about improving the sector. This is felt most acutely in our sector which absolutely sits at the whip end of construction when programmes and budgets are stretched or there is huge pressure to get the work done to leverage the value of a building.”This new report furnishes the ongoing debate with concrete data and provides a voice to those who work in the fit-out sector. It is based on both a questionnaire conducted online during July and August 2022 that returned 269 responses with 100% quality rating on results and then supplemented with 20 in-depth interviews with selected practitioners representing contractors operating at all tiers of the supply chain. The research raised serious questions about time allocation in procurement and tendering processes, and worryingly how risks are routinely pushed down the supply chain. Professor Stuart Green, School of Construction Management and Engineering at the University of Reading said: “I have been hugely impressed with the leading-edge firms in the fit-out and interiors sector. They are crucially focused on delivering high-quality work to demanding deadlines. Such firms act as exemplars for collaborative working at its very best. “But many firms within the sector don’t get the chance to work collaboratively. This is especially true of the smaller firms who act as subcontractors. Procurement practices are too often focused on low-cost tendering with little consideration of other factors. Subcontractors are further obliged to accept highly onerous conditions of contract which undermine trust from the outset. The smaller firms are frequently pressurised to reduce their tender price retrospectively and to offer discounts in return for prompt payment. It seems that old-fashioned subbie bashing is alive and well in the fit-out sector. This cannot be the basis upon which to sustain a modern industry.” Laura Pardoe, Director at AMA Research said ‘Connecting with people working directly in the field helps understand the real issues they are dealing with daily. This is critical to being able to decipher what needs improving. It has been a pleasure to support FIS in reaching out to people across their sector to canvass views and gather thoughts and experiences. The objective perspective we can bring as an expert researcher provides robustness to our understanding across the array of issues uncovered.’ In conclusion, Iain Mcllwee said: “The regulatory, environmental, commercial and moral drivers for change have never been stronger and this research-based report has given a voice to all in the supply chain and is the start of a practical call to action for positive change.” To download a copy of the report click here Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The campaign, which will run from 9th – 13th October 2023, will provide a much-needed platform on which to showcase the diverse range of career options available within the scaffolding and access industry. With the recent lack of uptake in roles within construction being well publicised, NSW aims to inspire a new generation, be that school leavers or career changers, to take up a role within scaffolding. NSW promotes scaffolding as a viable and rewarding career option for everyone regardless of age, gender or background but it also provides the opportunity to celebrate some of the great achievements of organisations and individuals already operating within the sector and showcase best practices, innovation and the sheer dedication to quality and competence which already exists. There will be plenty of opportunities to get involved in NSW – regardless of your current circumstances. The website will host a range of resources to guide and support those looking to take up a role in scaffolding including a blog, useful links and insights into life in scaffolding. For those already working in the industry, NSW is a chance to celebrate your sector – a digital campaign toolkit will be available for download and will comprise a range of digital assets to help you show your support online. After the success of last year, NSW will once again open nominations to find the UK’s ‘Scaffolding Stars’ – an individual that has gone over and above in their role, demonstrating the determination and dedication of the scaffolding sector. Robert Candy, Chief Executive, Scaffolding Association said; “It was fantastic to see the support that last year’s National Scaffolding Week attracted – with organisations and individuals from across the sector coming together to stand in support of a common goal. This year we hope to build on last year’s success and establish NSW as the annual celebration flying the flag for the scaffolding and access industry.” To stay up-to-date with everything happening during National Scaffolding Week, visit: www.nationalscaffoldingweek.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cladding and façade contractors can now get aluminium window pods with super-fast delivery from Corrivo. After supplying some bespoke window pods for a number of high-profile projects, the Midlands based fabricator, has now expanded their product offering to meet the needs of architects, specifiers and façade contractors. Surrounding the window frame, aluminium window pods are a popular choice with contractors and specifiers looking to add an architectural statement to their façade. Corrivo can manufacture them in a wide selection of sizes as well as almost any RAL colour, making them the ideal choice to meet the design needs of any façade project. “We’re always reacting to the demands of our customers to adjust our product range, and after manufacturing some window pods for some recent projects, we’ve now added them to our product range,” says Scott Quig, National Sales Manager at Corrivo Building Products. “Available in almost any RAL colour and a huge range of designs, aluminium window pods are perfect for complementing various façade designs, such as brick slip or rainscreen systems. “This will take us into a new market and will help façade contractors, architects and specifiers, working on a range of projects, including new build housing developments and residential apartment blocks. “Not only will this mean we can help the design needs of new build construction projects, but it will also give even more customers access to our speedy and reliable service. “We house an experienced fabrication team coupled with state-of-the-art machinery, which allows us to offer rapid, nationwide delivery on all our products – and this new addition to our portfolio will be no different. “Our super-fast turnaround times are why our existing customers love working with us, and we look forward to showing a new sector how working with us will allow everything to go smoothly and help their project to stay on schedule.” For more information, visit www.corrivo.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK’s largest land promoter, Gladman, and leading commercial property developer, Stoford, are to deliver a new employment park as part of plans to revitalise Wellesbourne Mountford Airfield. Stoford will act as delivery partner for the employment development at the airfield, which is located near Stratford-upon-Avon. The deal could release up to 140 acres of much needed employment land along the M40 corridor and is part of a promotion strategy, led by Gladman, to provide a new runway and enhanced aviation facilities in order to secure the long-term future of the airfield. A memorandum of understanding was agreed last year between the owners of the airfield and Stratford-on-Avon District Council, which ensures that aviation will continue at Wellesbourne Mountford Airfield whilst plans for the future enhancement of the facility are developed and discussed. Best known for its role during World War II, Wellesbourne Mountford Airfield was formerly the Royal Air Force station RAF Wellesbourne Mountford. Stoford Land Director, Andy Hartwright, said: “We’re excited to be supporting the progression of this strategically important opportunity at Wellesbourne Mountford Airfield. We’ll be working closely with Gladman, the landowner and Stratford-on-Avon District Council, to assist with the site’s journey through the planning process to the delivery of a high quality employment park. It has the potential to deliver high-tech jobs and offer a significant employment stream for the region.” Chris Still, Senior Planning & Development Director at Gladman, said: “We look forward to sharing our proposals for the site over the coming months, and hope to be in position to submit a planning application by the summer.” Matt Pochin, Director of Legat Owen, said: “The evolution of the Wellesbourne Mountford Airfield into a modern facility, in conjunction with the release of much needed employment land, has needed Stoford’s market leading credentials as a developer to move to the next stage of the process. On behalf of the landowners, we undertook a rigorous interview process to establish that Stoford is the perfect party to bring the scheme to fruition and we now look forward to seeing real progress on site.” Wellesbourne Mountford Airfield is located in an established employment area near the University of Warwick’s Wellesbourne Campus, less than four miles east of Stratford-upon-Avon. The site benefits from excellent communication links and is just 4.6 miles from Jct 15 of the M40 motorway. Stoford was represented by Savills and Gateley Legal, with Smith Partnership and Legat Owen acting on behalf of the landowners and Gladman. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Despite some progress, 48% of buy-to-let investors in the UK are now women, still only 11% of the UK construction industry (made up of over 2.5 million people) are women. In light of International Women’s Day, it is important to explore how we can continue to improve and champion gender equality in the property industry in what still continues to be a male-dominated field. Andrea Fawell, Sales and Marketing Director at Kebbell, discusses 10 ways that gender equality progress can be made in the property and construction industry. Men need to be feminists. Men have a critical role to play and need to ensure equality. Things have improved hugely, wolf-whistling on building sites is now a thing of the past, but there is still some way to go and men need to be part of calling out the disparity in pay or opportunities, and unacceptable behaviour from colleagues. Unless it is pointed out, most people don’t know they are showing bias, or even being offensive. Stop unconscious bias from women towards other women. We need to call ourselves out on unconscious woman-to-woman bias by taking time for self-awareness and to reflect that we should do better to champion other women and to break down unhelpful female-constructed stereotypes. Debunk ‘women have to work 10 times harder to get half as far’. Leaders need to ensure this is neither true nor necessary. Women still feel pressure to work more than their contracted hours in order to prove their value and commitment and this doesn’t need to be the case. We need to value that we all bring different things to the table. Some of us are more emotionally intelligent than others, some of us are logical thinkers; we need to play to our strengths for real change. Pursuing equality in property does not mean women want to be seen as men, rather they simply want to be accepted as qualified, experienced and educated team players and listened to, respected, trusted, and recognised for what they do. Parity of Pay and Parity Fullstop. Women want equal pay, status, opportunities and roles in decision-making. Looking through a lens on pay alone, there is a considerable lack of women in the highest-paying roles across property and construction. 2018 saw the construction industry as the worst performing with regard to the pay gap, with a median difference of 30.1% between male and female workers. In many companies, employees don’t work to pay grades and don’t know what each other is paid. In order to ensure women are paid equally there still needs to be a change in culture about pay reviews and performance-related pay to ensure women are paid what they are worth not just what male colleagues are being paid. This is often best achieved by setting benchmarks for performance to ensure aligned remuneration. Flexibility of Hours. Leaders need to change how to get the best out of all workers whilst appreciating how both men and women are trying to balance their lives. One thing we have to thank the pandemic for is it definitely opened the door to more flexible working. Women are increasingly taking control of their needs. Women and men now make their hours work for them if, for example, they want to pick their child up from school. Equally its more possible for men to share more in those responsibilities with their partners. It is then on the individual to ensure any adjustment to working hours is seamless. It is a refreshing and healthy change to working conditions that has become normalised, in a way that before they may have felt it would somehow count against them. A hybrid workplace works well for blended work patterns. Unbiased Recruitment. I am a strong believer that we shouldn’t set quotas for equal representation, but the recruitment process must be unbiased, for example by having women on a recruitment panel. Women don’t want positive discrimination; they simply want to be chosen and recognised as the best person for that role. Ensuring progression despite career breaks to have children. Women are still penalised for having children and face glass ceilings. There are still assumptions being made that women may not be able to handle as much work as men because of family responsibilities, or because they are of a certain age, so men are given more opportunities. Challenging The Stereotypes. Stereotypes that women are too sensitive, overly emotional, or if they work in a male-dominated industry, not feminine enough, are a constant threat to equality. Some of us still have a narrative and are inadvertently telling our children, that property and construction jobs are still mostly for men. Talking to them about bias, prejudice, equality, inclusion and diversity from a young age will be the driver towards change for future generations. Women need to feel safe. There are improvements but women want a safe working environment without misogyny, microaggressions and harassment in and outside the workplace. Having transparent and effective policies to deal with these issues in the workplace is key. Work should not be about powerplay. www.kebbell.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The bridge connects new residential development Soho Wharf to the existing Eyre Street Basin bridge and provides pedestrians with a crossing point for direct access to the city centre along the canal. Heimstaden Bostad, owner of Soho Wharf, and development partner The Galliard Apsley Partnership, commissioned Shrewsbury-based bridge design company Beaver Bridges to complete the £1 million project. Jonathan Wilson, design manager at Galliard Homes, said: “This is a significant milestone for Soho Wharf. The bridge will provide an important link from the site to the city centre via the waterways. This will not only benefit residents of Soho Wharf but also the wider public, especially those working at or visiting the nearby City Hospital.” Beaver Bridges worked closely with the Canal & River Trust to develop the concept for the steel cantilever truss footbridge, which weighs 28 tonnes and measures 26 metres long. Richard Hinckley, sales director at Beaver Bridges, said: “We are delighted to have supported The Galliard Apsley Partnership with the design and installation of the new bridge, which will leave a lasting legacy on the Birmingham canal network. “There were several challenges with the project, including designing a bridge that could span the canal without bearing onto the existing canal wall. Working with the client and the Canal & River Trust, our solution was a lightweight yet stiff cantilever truss design. “We also had to transport the bridge as a single piece to site and negotiate it through an active construction site, which posed a number of challenges in itself.” Shomsur Khan, from Canal & River Trust, said: “Research shows that spending time amongst nature alongside our historic canals is good for physical and mental health. This new bridge will provide local communities easy access to our canals which they can use for leisurely walks, bike rides or as part of their daily commute into work or school.” Soho Wharf comprises 752 build-to-rent homes, including 650 apartments and 102 townhouses, providing affordable homes at discounted rents 20 per cent below market value. There will also be 10,000 sq ft of commercial space and 300 parking spaces. Almost 40 per cent of the site will be green space, including public realm, private communal areas for residents and private gardens to the townhouses. Amit Kumar, Heimstaden UK head of operations, said: “Soho Wharf has regenerated this area of the city, delivering a mix of houses and apartments, designed with our ‘Friendly Homes’ ethos in mind, and green spaces for our customers. “The bridge installation will be an important link to connect the two parts of the city, giving our 2,000 residents, the first of which are expected to move in early this year, a beautiful canal route commute.” The new bridge will be open to the public in September 2023. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The construction industry must continue to invest in protection against metal theft, says a site security expert. Nationally there were almost 20,000 cases of metal theft in 2020/21 which is 20% higher than the pre-pandemic reporting year (2018/19). SafeSite Facilities say although a new law ten years ago achieved a huge drop in metal theft, it continues to be a problem costing industry and society millions. The Scrap Metal Dealers Act was introduced in 2013 and fought metal theft by imposing stricter regulations on scrap dealers. Despite going a huge way to reducing crime which was estimated to cost the economy close to £1 billion each year, tens of thousands of incidents continue to be reported. Metal theft costs businesses dearly; in an incident over the New Year, copper cables worth £30,000 were stolen from a number of generators in West Berkshire. The cost of buying or hiring a CCTV solution is miniscule by comparison. Companies like SafeSite Facilities, who can provide rapid deployment site security options at a competitive rate, urge you to have vigilant measures in place and leave nothing left to chance. Defend your perimeter Hoarding is the first and foremost effective tool in preventing metal theft from construction sites because most people who steal metal are prevented from entering. Hoarding is a sturdy and time-tested form of temporary barrier, typically made of metal or wood, erected around the perimeter of a construction site to keep the public and unauthorised personnel out. This helps to reduce the risk of theft by limiting access to the site and restricting who can enter. By providing a physical barrier between the site and the outside world, hoarding creates a secure environment where materials, tools and equipment can be safely stored when not in use. Hoarding can also serve as a visual deterrent to potential thieves. A well-constructed hoarding system visible from a distance can help discourage theft by signalling to would-be thieves that the site is well protected. Caught in the act CCTV is another effective tool in preventing metal theft. By providing 24/7 surveillance of the site, cameras can deter potential thieves from attempting to steal metal as they know their actions will be captured on camera. Should a theft occur, the footage captured on camera can be used by authorities as evidence in identification and prosecution. A portable CCTV system, such as those sold by SafeSite Facilities, allows for greater flexibility in terms of placement, as it can be moved to different areas of the site as needed. This means that all site areas can be monitored, reducing the risk of theft and increasing overall security. Mobile systems can also be more cost-effective than a permanent installation, especially for construction sites that are only active for a limited period. A portable system can be quickly deployed and set up, providing immediate protection for construction sites. This is particularly useful for construction sites located in high-risk areas or temporarily vacant, as the system can be easily moved to a new location if needed. SafeSite Facilities’ high-definition mobile CCTV towers are connected to an Alarm Receiving Centre that provides total out-of-hours supervision. The team are alerted by the camera to any movement, and if this is deemed suspicious, the owner and the police are quickly notified. Tubular bells Scaffold alarms are a great addition to construction sites thanks to their round-the-clock wireless connection to a dedicated monitoring team. When triggered, SafeSite Facilities’ popular alarms send a wireless signal to the 24/7 monitoring station, alerting them to potential theft. The monitoring unit can then take appropriate action, such as contacting the police or dispatching security personnel to the site. The wireless link between the scaffold alarms and the monitoring station provides several benefits. It allows for rapid response in the event of a theft, as the monitoring station can take immediate action as soon as the alarm is triggered. The wireless link also eliminates the need for hardwired connections, making it easier to install the alarms and reducing the cost and disruption associated with traditional security systems. Some light relief Mobile lighting towers help by providing a well-lit environment that deters potential metal thieves and makes it easier to identify any suspicious activity. Lighting towers are mobile light units that can be simply taken to another part of the worksite as and when required. It provides bright, efficient lighting that illuminates the entire site, reducing the risk of theft by making it difficult for thieves to operate in the shadows. The bright lighting provided by the tower also makes it easier for construction workers and security personnel to see what is happening around the site, allowing them to identify any potential threats and take action, if necessary, quickly. Don’t forget that the presence of the lighting tower can serve as a visible deterrent to potential thieves, who are less likely to target a site that is well-lit and actively monitored. The tower can also be fitted with a generator, making it possible to provide lighting even in areas without electricity. Michael Knibbs, Managing Director at SafeSite Facilities, emphasised the need to safeguard sites: “Whether operating a small construction project or a large, multi-site operation, owners can take active steps to protect their construction sites against metal theft. We have many products to make a site safe and secure. Our Minder Wireless product, for example uses advanced AI to reduce false alarms and accurately detect intruders. “Whatever your project or budget, with the right security measures, you can rest easy knowing that your site is well protected, and your assets are secure.” https://www.safesitefacilities.co.uk/products/construction-site-security Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals