With skills shortages in the sector still a key concern for businesses, the Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) has introduced a new workforce census questionnaire to take a snapshot of the current status of the workforce and skills activities and move further towards a solution. The construction industry is currently
The latest insight into the new-build sector from Alliance Fund, the end to end real estate fund, has revealed that homebuyer demand for new homes dropped during the closing stages of 2022, whilst the level of new-build stock available to buyers increased. Alliance Fund analysed new-build buyer demand based on
The winners of NHBC’s Pride in the Job 2022 Supreme Awards have been announced following a ceremony in London last week. Organised by NHBC, the UK’s leading new homes warranty and insurance provider, Pride in the Job celebrates site managers who have achieved the very highest standards in house building.
Polypipe Building Services has announced the launch of Terrain FUZE Stax. The latest addition to the Terrain FUZE HDPE drainage system, this new range of two-part fabricated stack configurations is designed to make installing the most common low to high-rise applications simpler and quicker. Because many large-scale drainage stack projects
FOLLOWING a highly successful 2022, one of the UK’s leading multi-disciplinary property consultancy firms, EDGE, has revealed its London office expansion with an exciting new senior hire, Jay Dahyabhai, who joins the firm as associate director. Challenged with driving further sustained growth in the capital, Jay brings a wealth of
Johnson Controls , the global leader for smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, has promoted Sarah Dixon to Enterprise Sales Director, UK&I, effective immediately. As the former General Manager, Fire Suppression at Johnson Controls, Dixon brings a wealth of leadership experience and industry expertise to the wider business. In her new role,
Launched in January 2023 The Offsite Guide is the first B2B marketplace in the UK and Europe for MMC – a platform for businesses to explore options for using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and interact with specialist manufacturers. As a marketplace TOG facilitates engagement between key market participants and
Three-quarters of Local Planning Authority officers in Wales felt overstretched in their work, according to a Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) survey of 209 planners in Wales. The age of social media has worsened the issue, creating an environment of insults and misinformation. 58% of respondents said social media had
Plans to create a version of New York’s High Line park as part of an ambitious regeneration project in a North London borough have been given the green light. Camden council’s planning committee has unanimously approved the first phase of the ‘Camden Highline’ scheme in a move that’s set to
Funding has been secured through the Levelling Up fund for eco-friendly projects in Oldham; including a learning centre at Northern Roots; a new “Green Shoots” business centre, and an “Oldham Greenway” to link areas together by bike or on foot. The bid, for £20m in funding, was one of only
With skills shortages in the sector still a key concern for businesses, the Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) has introduced a new workforce census questionnaire to take a snapshot of the current status of the workforce and skills activities and move further towards a solution. The construction industry is currently experiencing an alarming shortage of skilled workers entering their workforce, with 20.7% of businesses reporting shortfalls in workers in November 2022. The finishes and interiors sector employs around 280,000 people in the UK and is required to recruit more than 5,000 workers annually to sustain its workforce. But in the post-Brexit climate and with an ageing workforce, companies are struggling to meet increased demand with effective staffing levels. FIS is no exception, with 61% of its members reporting shortages of skilled workers, particularly in drylining, ceiling fixing, carpentry and joinery, and plastering. FIS is committed to finding a solution and a better future for the industry. As a result, they are appealing to their membership to take part in their workforce census, The Skills Pulse Survey. It is essential that a substantial number of members complete the survey, as this will allow greater integrity to be placed upon the data collected. Once FIS has retrieved the data, they aim to use it to inform and influence the English and devolved Governments, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and Local Authorities, in the hope it will open the door to increased training opportunities for people entering the workforce. The census is an important step towards bridging the skills gap, as the results will allow FIS to establish where the current shortages fall and provide a framework for organisations to work towards. FIS hope their findings can encourage authorities to think further about the delivery of training and qualifications through the FIS Approved Training Provider Network, as well as stimulate financial support for employers.Organisations taking part in the census remain completely confidential and will not be named in any reports. Organisations taking part in the census remain completely confidential and will not be named in any reports. The survey takes 10-15 minutes and can be found here https://survey.alchemer.eu/s3/90443183/FIS-Skills-Pulse-Survey-2022 For further information or for any questions and comments, please contact FIS at info@thefis.org or call 0121 707 0077. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The latest insight into the new-build sector from Alliance Fund, the end to end real estate fund, has revealed that homebuyer demand for new homes dropped during the closing stages of 2022, whilst the level of new-build stock available to buyers increased. Alliance Fund analysed new-build buyer demand based on the number of new homes listed for sale that have already been sold as a proportion of all stock available. The latest figures show that during the final quarter of 2022, demand for new homes sat at 18.5%, meaning almost a fifth of all available new-build homes listed for sale had been snapped up by homebuyers. However, it’s clear that buyer appetites have been dented by a heightened degree of market turbulence, with the new-build buyer demand falling by -10.6% on the previous quarter and -15.3% on an annual basis. In fact, just one of the top 20 major cities analysed by Alliance Fund has avoided a drop in demand for new homes. In Aberdeen, demand has remained flat between the third and fourth quarter of 2022, climbing marginally on an annual basis (+0.1%). Cardiff has seen the largest decline in demand on a quarterly basis at -27%, followed by Portsmouth (-21.5%) and Nottingham (-16.3%). Annually, the most notable drop in demand has been recorded in Bristol and Plymouth, with both cities seeing a decline of -28.2%, followed by Sheffield (-23.4%). During Q4 of last year, new-build for sale stock accounted for 8.2% of total homes listed for sale, up +1.6% quarterly and a +0.6% increase versus the same period the previous year. Manchester is home to the highest current level of new-build stock, accounting for 15.5% of total homes listed. Liverpool (+4.5%), Glasgow (+7.9%) and Edinburgh (+3.7%) saw the largest increase in new-build market stock as a percentage of total listings versus the previous quarter, while Manchester (+9.8%), Liverpool (+4.6%) and Newport (3.9%) saw the largest annual increase. CEO of Alliance Fund, Iain Crawford, commented: “The closing stages of 2022 presented a far more challenging landscape for the nation’s homebuyers, with increasing mortgage costs and fears of a market downturn causing many to delay or postpone their purchase. Much like the wider market, the new-build sector has felt the pinch in this respect, with demand for new homes declining pretty much across the board both on a quarterly and annual basis. This presents a challenge for developers who have spent considerable time and money bringing homes to market and now face the prospect of either sitting on their stock until such time the market rebounds, or marketing them at a lower price point to the detriment of their profit margins. However, those who have been anticipating a change in market sentiment should already have a contingency plan in place to prevent any notable, long-term impact. At Alliance Fund, we see a cooling sales market as an opportunity to pivot, by deploying developments originally intended for sale within the Build to Rent market. This ensures that we can maintain a revenue stream for both our investors and ourselves without a loss of momentum with respect to current and future projects. The good news is that with buyer confidence starting to return, coupled with an influx of new-build stock reaching the market, we should see a lift in buyer demand in 2023.” Data tables – Data tables and sources can be viewed online, here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The winners of NHBC’s Pride in the Job 2022 Supreme Awards have been announced following a ceremony in London last week. Organised by NHBC, the UK’s leading new homes warranty and insurance provider, Pride in the Job celebrates site managers who have achieved the very highest standards in house building. It is the most highly regarded competition in the house building industry and a prestigious benchmark for exceptional site managers. A series of regional events took place throughout the autumn, to announce the Seal of Excellence and Regional Award winners and celebrate the achievements of the Quality Award recipients. Last week’s final ceremony saw the best of the best crowned the Supreme winners of the Pride in the Job Awards 2022. Now in its 42nd year, judging for the awards is rigorous, with each site manager assessed across six key areas: consistency, attention to detail, leadership, interpretation of drawings and specifications, technical expertise and health and safety. The competition is split between three categories: small, medium and large house builders, plus a multi-storey category for site managers working on projects of five storeys or more for multiple occupancy. The 2022 Supreme Award winners are: Small Builder Category winner: Sam Sayers from S & DS Construction Limited for Mount Bernard Rise, Dungannon in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. Medium Builder Category winner: Steve Walker from C G Fry & Son Limited for Poundbury Northern Quadrant in Dorchester, Dorset. Large Builder Category winner: Kirk Raine from David Wilson Homes Mercia for Doseley Park in Solihull in the West Midlands. Multi-storey Builder Category winner: Matt Smurthwaite from Berkeley Homes North East London for 250 City Road, London. The Small Builder Category runner up was Craig Wilson of J J Lattimer. The Medium Builder Category runner up was Mark Follos of Lioncourt Homes Limited. Large Builder Category runner up was Craig Thomas from Redrow Homes South Wales and the Multi-storey Builder Category runner up wasMartin Norris of St Edward Homes. Over more than four decades, Pride in the Job has underpinned NHBC’s core purpose of raising standards in house building by championing high-quality homes and protecting homeowners. By recognising the very best site managers across the UK, showcasing best practice and rewarding excellence, the competition celebrates the vital role that site managers play in ensuring new homes are delivered on time, on safe sites and to exacting construction quality standards. Commenting on the Awards, NHBC Chief Executive Steve Wood said: “At NHBC we believe that the calibre of the site manager and the way they inspire their site team has the greatest influence on the quality of the finished home. By promoting friendly rivalry, showcasing best practice and rewarding excellence, Pride in the Job supports the delivery of homes of the highest quality. “Congratulations to all the 2022 Pride in the Job Award winners. The role of the site manager is more demanding than ever, with new methods of construction, new technologies and an increased pace of regulatory change. They are an inspiration to us all and should be very proud of the quality of new homes they are creating.” For further information and the full list of Pride in the Job winners and runners up, please visit: Pride in the Job 2022 | NHBC Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Polypipe Building Services has announced the launch of Terrain FUZE Stax. The latest addition to the Terrain FUZE HDPE drainage system, this new range of two-part fabricated stack configurations is designed to make installing the most common low to high-rise applications simpler and quicker. Because many large-scale drainage stack projects involve repeating very similar configurations of loose components across floors, significant time is spent on the same cutting and welding jobs. Using data gathered by its Advantage service, Polypipe Building Services has produced a range of stacks that reflect the most common of these standard configurations to help reduce installation time needed on site. Chris Goodwin, Product Manager at Polypipe Building Services explains: “Contractors who work on projects that require a large volume of loose components will recognise that much of the time on these jobs is spent doing the same sizing, cutting, and welding over and over again. “We have developed Terrain FUZE Stax as the perfect solution to sit between the current options of ordering loose Terrain FUZE components or using our Advantage service for more unique, complex projects. “These can then be installed on site quicker with minimal adaptation work which means a big reduction in waste generated by offcuts.” Available from Polypipe Building Services stockists, the range covers three standard applications – kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms. Within these are a broad range of options including different top and bottom sections, stack diameters, vents and more to ensure maximum flexibility in meeting on site demands. This latest addition means there is now a comprehensive range of ways to buy the Terrain FUZE system for different project demands. Loose components can still be bought as usual from distributors, whilst for larger scale but standardised, repetitive projects Terrain FUZE Stax can also be obtained from distributors and integrate with loose Terrain FUZE components if needed. Where project requirements are too complex to be met efficiently through Terrain loose or Terrain FUZE Stax, the Polypipe Advantage service is on hand to offer bespoke design and fabrication. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
FOLLOWING a highly successful 2022, one of the UK’s leading multi-disciplinary property consultancy firms, EDGE, has revealed its London office expansion with an exciting new senior hire, Jay Dahyabhai, who joins the firm as associate director. Challenged with driving further sustained growth in the capital, Jay brings a wealth of experience in project management within the construction industry. During his time with a global consultancy, Jay delivered a portfolio of projects across central London including 21 Moorfields and 52 Lime Street (The Scalpel). Operating out of the company’s prestigious new premises 1 Poultry, Bank, City of London, Jay brings extensive experience within the commercial and residential sectors to further strengthen the capability and expertise across the business. Jay will support EDGE’s continued drive in providing high-quality services to both new and established clients, the latter of which includes the University of Greenwich, Godwin Developments, Telereal Trillium, Lambeth and Harrow Councils, and University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Jay said: “I’m really excited to join EDGE during a period of significant business growth in London with the opportunity to build on our already established client relationships, attracting the best talent and working on key projects that will help shape the future of the built environment in the capital” “The structure and culture of the business really appealed to me together with the chance to work with over 100 high quality professionals operating nationally out of five regional office bases that drive a professional and collaborative culture. It’s such a fantastic opportunity to further grow an innovative business” “Although we are encountering a number of global challenges the UK, the property and construction market continues to deliver vital infrastructure and construction projects. Despite these challenges, EDGE’s diversity, quality of people, placement on both national and regional frameworks together with our broad sector profile with regional and national clients will enable EDGE to further grow and develop strategic business activities” Jay’s appointment builds on the company’s continued business growth in its already established offices in London, Leeds, Sheffield, Nottingham and Birmingham, with the company having surpassed the significant milestone of 100 employees in 2022. Nick Phelan, director at EDGE, added: “London is a major target for EDGE, and Jay’s appointment, along with the relocation to our new office is an exciting milestone and signifies the next stage of the company’s development. We are continuing to expand our cost management, project management, building and digital surveying offerings to the London market. The growing London office will enable EDGE to build upon its existing client base within the city and the wider South East region in the business’ focus areas of healthcare, schools and higher education, infrastructure, aviation, residential, retail, commercial and manufacturing sectors, food and drink, logistics and distribution, through both the public and private sectors over the coming years. For more information on EDGE and its services, follow the link for more information: https://www.edgeps.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Johnson Controls , the global leader for smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, has promoted Sarah Dixon to Enterprise Sales Director, UK&I, effective immediately. As the former General Manager, Fire Suppression at Johnson Controls, Dixon brings a wealth of leadership experience and industry expertise to the wider business. In her new role, Dixon will continue to bring the team from strength to strength, driving sustainable growth, digital & sustainable outcomes for Johnson Controls customers and positioning the business to thrive in an ever-evolving world. “I am thrilled to announce Sarah’s new role in the business. Having been with Johnson Controls for two years now, Sarah has shown herself to be a proven leader in fire suppression, applying her experience and insights to some of the most complex fire suppression challenges,” shared Richard Lek, VP and GM, Building Technologies and Solutions, UK&I at Johnson Controls. “She is an asset to the team and I am excited to see her thrive in our enterprise sales function.” “I’m honoured to have progressed in my role at Johnson Controls and am eager to work among some of the best in the business,” said Sarah Dixon. “I look forward to drawing on my experience to help drive Johnson Controls toward continued industry leadership and global success.” During her time with Johnson Controls, Sarah has led her team in driving the return of sales for Fire Suppression. Alongside her fantastic work in improving their financial results, Sarah has spent time speaking both internally and externally to encourage diversity and inclusion within the industry. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Launched in January 2023 The Offsite Guide is the first B2B marketplace in the UK and Europe for MMC – a platform for businesses to explore options for using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and interact with specialist manufacturers. As a marketplace TOG facilitates engagement between key market participants and drives awareness of the many benefits of MMC including more efficient production, economies of scale and repeatability. In doing so it provides a central point of reference for product variety, availability, & pricing specification. Crucially, it provides a platform for direct communication between a wide range of providers and their potential customers in this fragmented market. “At The Offsite Guide we attract and facilitate early interaction with customers, allowing manufacturers of commercial and domestic modular buildings and offsite solutions to showcase a range of their products & help educate potential customers. We provide a trusted platform not only for showcasing offsite construction, but also to facilitate initial dialogue and ongoing interaction between customers, manufacturers and MMC suppliers.” Ingrid Orbie – Director For TOG Partners, listing MMC case studies & solutions on the Offsite Guide marketplace is a cost-effective method for manufacturers to bring in targeted traffic. Partners listings can easily be found under various search categories that can subtlety hand off and complement other marketing channels in the marketeer’s toolbox. Listing as a partner will also assist the partner company’s own website SEO ranking in an effective and cost-efficient way. For companies offering products and services complementary to MMC, creating an entry in the TOG Directory is an effective way to promote to the sector. These offsite system & product suppliers include companies offering panellised systems, sub-assemblies & components, as well as site based MMC structural components. This also includes offsite main contractors & other professionals including main & general contractors, offsite/modular solutions, offsite consultants & engineers, offsite designers, and digital designers and architects. A wider group of offsite trades people are also included in the Directory such as groundwork companies, electricians, carpenters, plumbers, landscape & external works contractors, flooring installers, painters & decorators, and all associated construction products like road signs, PPE, damage protection products, health & safety products. Whether listing as a TOG Partner on the marketplace or as Advertiser in the Directory, TOG offers an opportunity to raise brand awareness, increase a company’s visibility and gain access to new customers. Through TOG’s marketing and launch promotion campaigns TOG is striving to elevate MMC sales channels and engage with the market in a more efficient and effective way. Until now, there has been a lack of any resource for either private and commercial buyers to search & compare modular buildings and offsite solutions and engage directly with suppliers. The Offsite Guide provides this much needed resource in this fast-developing market. Online marketplaces are prevalent in many different B2B and B2C markets and are globally recognised as efficient methods of delivering fast, efficient and timely market interaction. By bringing proven marketplace technology to the MMC market TOG is strengthening the ecosystem of the MMC construction sector. Housing associations (HAs), developers, builders, self-builders, schools and universities, suppliers, central and local governments are all seeking more sustainable and efficient ways of construction. The TOG marketplace facilitates that search for proven solutions and gives examples and case studies that show ways that organisations and developers can break tradition and drive efficiency using MMC. Ultimately this is a wayto share information and experience, as well as to educate the market. To find out more and to benefit from TOG’s marketing expertise in the built environment and the construction sector go to www.theoffsiteguide.com. Partner and Advertiser eBooks can be downloaded from the site that give more detail of the services on offer. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Three-quarters of Local Planning Authority officers in Wales felt overstretched in their work, according to a Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) survey of 209 planners in Wales. The age of social media has worsened the issue, creating an environment of insults and misinformation. 58% of respondents said social media had an effect on their well-being. Respondents described hostile and aggressive phone calls and emails from the public. The survey found that the ‘relentless’ complaints and criticism are often vitriolic and personal. Working within these conditions is taking its toll on the profession, which is struggling to recruit and retain staff. Around 10% of respondents said they were looking to move out of planning. That figure jumped to 15% when respondents were working for Local Planning Authorities. The RTPI has launched a well-being helpline across the UK as the first step in responding to this desperate situation. The Planner, the Institute’s official magazine, will broaden this research out to the UK through its annual careers survey. Susan Bridge, President of the RTPI in 2023, said: “We don’t believe this issue is limited to Wales, as we are hearing the same concerns across the UK. “Our helpline will be the first step to assisting our members, however, it is widely recognised that Local Planning Authorities and the wider public sector are struggling to meet expectations. More must be done to provide adequate resourcing to the planning system, alleviating the pressure on planners.” Roisin Willmott, Director of RTPI Cymru said: “We launched our survey last summer out of concern for the well-being of planners in Wales. Our findings are troubling but expected. Continued budget reductions are leading to unmanageable workloads, insufficient staff, and overstretched workers, which will ultimately leave an indelible mark on our planning system. “We’re encouraging all those involved to consider the report and take action to ensure the planning system and profession are able to do the vital work asked of it.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans to create a version of New York’s High Line park as part of an ambitious regeneration project in a North London borough have been given the green light. Camden council’s planning committee has unanimously approved the first phase of the ‘Camden Highline’ scheme in a move that’s set to transform a 260m section of viaduct between Camden Gardens and the crossroad between Royal College Street and Camden Road into a public park. The ‘Camden Highline’ route will run eight metres above the ground, providing a biodiversity boost for one of London’s most popular tourism centres as it weaves its way through local communities and housing estates, connecting 20,000 people to new green space. Gardens and walkways, seating areas, cafes, arts and crafts stalls, children’s play areas and space for charitable activities are all set to feature in a ground-breaking design, which is inspired by woodlands, meadows, hedgerows and gardens to ‘celebrate and amplify the unique characteristics of the railway viaduct’. Alongside delivering health and social benefits, the developers and architects vPPR are working with urban space reimaginers Street Space to ensure the local community plays a central role in project design and has a voice in decision-making. The mayor of London Sadiq Khan has previously backed the scheme, which he says epitomises London’s creativity and ingenuity. An expected two million people a year could visit and use the Highline, pumping an additional £16m in tourism revenue into the local economy annually. Upwards of 200 jobs could also be delivered during construction operations, while land and property values will see a strong uplift with almost £100m worth of existing and future development anticipated. Planning approval for Phase 1 has been secured by planning and development consultancy Lichfields. Senior director Michael Lowndes and planner Sophie Bisby said the project will revitalise a vitally important part of London. Michael Lowndes added: “Planning approval is great news and will bring benefits to local people and the thousands of visitors who come to the area every year. It reflects a fresh approach to rejuvenating urban public spaces that deliver long term, impactful and sustainable benefits for local communities. We have drawn extensively on our experience and expertise to deliver a solution to secure planning permission. “Camden Highline will undoubtedly have a big impact and contribute to a positive change to this part of North London. The design is intended to celebrate and amplify the unique characteristics of the railway viaduct, dramatising movement and discovery, set within a sequence of woodlands, meadows, and gardens.” Camden Highline, the charity behind the project, is currently focused on fundraising for construction. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Funding has been secured through the Levelling Up fund for eco-friendly projects in Oldham; including a learning centre at Northern Roots; a new “Green Shoots” business centre, and an “Oldham Greenway” to link areas together by bike or on foot. The bid, for £20m in funding, was one of only three successful bids from across Greater Manchester. The aim of the funding is to boost opportunities for residents and businesses through better connectivity, sustainability, culture, innovation and job opportunities. Oldham Council Leader Amanda Chadderton said: “Oldham has so much potential and as a Council we continue to do everything in our power to help our communities and our borough thrive. “We welcome the £20 million we’ve secured for our Greener Oldham projects in the borough. This proves Government has confidence in our regeneration plans and the work we are doing throughout our Creating a Better Place programme – creating an town where people want to live, work and visit. “Towns like ours have been hit hardest by austerity, the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis. But despite this we remain one of the most entrepreneurial towns in the UK. “We have a clear direction for Oldham and have worked with partners to identify exciting projects as part of our Levelling Up bids, which will help us to build a better borough and future. So much work has gone into this successful bid, and it’s great to see that our ambition has been recognised and invested in.” The successful bid was for the Oldham East and Saddleworth constituency and includes three key project areas to help us build back greener. It also backs our Greener Oldham commitment to being carbon neutral as a borough by 2030, as part of Oldham’s Green New Deal. The three projects are: The Levelling Up bids follow Oldham Council’s successful applications to secure Towns Fund and Future High Streets Fund grants of £24.4m and £10.75m respectively. A second bid to the Levelling Up fund for a Creative Improvement District in Oldham West and Royton was unfortunately unsuccessful. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals