G&H Group has secured a multi-million pound contract to deliver a complete mechanical, electrical and public health (MEP) design and build to Manchester’s original skyscraper, Sunlight House. Appointed by main contractor MYCO and developer Karrev, G&H Group will support the refurbishment of the iconic Grade II listed building, improving its
Carter Jonas to analyse the Green Belt’s composition, purpose and potential to address future housing need Throughout the general election campaign, the Green Belt was central to the debate about the housing crisis. The new Labour government has committed to building 1.5 million homes during the next parliament and has
As one of the UK’s leading MEP consultancy firms, Whitecode Consulting has ensured student housing providers Scape achieved a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ for its new student accommodation in Leeds. Having worked with them in the past, Scape relied on Whitecode Consulting’s guidance and expertise for achieving the desired BREEAM
Willmott Dixon Interiors is set to commence works on the next stage of an £11 million project to expand and refresh A&E facilities at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton. The fit-out and refurbishment specialist contractor will revamp facilities at the hospital’s Millennium Wing on behalf of University Hospitals
Infopro Digital, a leading business information services company, has acquired Built Environment Networking Ltd which runs UKREiiF (The UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum), a must-attend event for the real estate, property and infrastructure communities. The acquisition will strengthen Infopro Digital’s position as a leading international business-to-business trade show
New nuclear capacity may not be ready in time to provide the required increase in baseload electricity, according to a recent report from the National Engineering Policy Centre. As a result, the UK may need to approve new gas-fired power stations to decarbonise its electricity systems by 2030, presenting a
One of the largest privately-owned contractors in the North of England has posted a 50 per cent increase in pre-tax profit for 2023 as its robust business model continues to yield results. While the construction industry continued to wrestle with a range of challenges during the year, Esh Group reported
One of Scotland’s pioneering suppliers of EV infrastructure, FOR EV, has further expanded its team with the appointment of Graham Neill as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Supporting businesses in their transition to electric fleets through its bespoke ‘FOR Fleets’ proposition, FOR EV is paving the way for sustainable change
E3P, a leading multidisciplinary environmental consultancy supporting the built environment, has opened its second UK office in Birmingham. The new site, located on Lifford Lane in Stirchley, is the first regional office for the Manchester-headquartered firm and offers an array of services. The Midlands office will house a new team
Groundforce Shorco has supplied a space and time-saving solution to a project at a wastewater treatment works in Kent. Main contractor Clancy is installing a new storm tank for Southern Water at its Westbere wastewater treatment works near Canterbury. The new storm tank will accommodate surface water surcharges during periods
G&H Group has secured a multi-million pound contract to deliver a complete mechanical, electrical and public health (MEP) design and build to Manchester’s original skyscraper, Sunlight House. Appointed by main contractor MYCO and developer Karrev, G&H Group will support the refurbishment of the iconic Grade II listed building, improving its energy performance and helping it achieve a net-zero carbon footprint. A 40-strong team including apprentices will deliver a full MEP design and build which will transform the 14 storey Grade A office, ensuring it achieves four star NABERS* and BREEM** sustainability ratings. As part of the contract G&H Group will install a solar PV system, new energy saving lighting, fire, access control and CCTV systems, heating and cooling systems, and upgrade the power services. Andrew Dunkin, project manager, MYCO said: “To be a part of the team which brings Sunlight House back to its original glory is very exciting for me as a project manager and I look forward to working with G&H Group to make this happen.” David Davis, director, G&H Group said: “We’re excited to be collaborating with MYCO on the restoration of Sunlight House, a building rich in heritage and of the finest architecture. Sustainability is at the heart of the project and G&H Group will, through every aspect of design and installation, ensure Karrev’s environment targets are achieved.” Work will commence on Sunlight House, which was designed by Manchester-based architect Joseph Sunlight, in July with planned completion for Phase one, April 2025. Established in 1998, G&H Group is a market leading MEP provider. Its 180-strong experienced team design, manage, deliver and maintain every aspect of MEP schemes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Carter Jonas to analyse the Green Belt’s composition, purpose and potential to address future housing need Throughout the general election campaign, the Green Belt was central to the debate about the housing crisis. The new Labour government has committed to building 1.5 million homes during the next parliament and has pledged to adopt a strategic approach to the use of Green Belt land as part of the delivery solution, including building on poor quality so-called ‘grey belt’ land. In a new report, Rethinking the Green Belt, national property consultancy Carter Jonas has moved the debate on a stage, by considering what land might be used and how it will be released. The analysis by takes an in-depth look at the subject, determining to what extent land within the Green Belt differs from land outside it; how much of the Green Belt is protected by other (and perhaps more appropriate) designations, and exploring options for using Green Belt land in order to achieve more sustainable patterns of development. The composition of the Green Belt The amount of land designated as Green Belt has recently increased: in the two years to April 2023, it rose by 25,443 ha (1.6%), returning Green Belt coverage to 2004 levels. A closer look reveals that there is not a huge difference in land use when a comparison is made between Green Belt and non-Green Belt areas, suggesting that Green Belt land is not especially unique, as is commonly assumed. 6.8% of Green Belt land has been developed, compared to 9.0% for non-Green Belt land. Of that, the majority is used for transport and hardstanding, such as car parks, paved or tarmacked areas, accounting for 5.2% and 6.1% of Green Belt and non-Green Belt land, respectively. Land developed for buildings accounts for just 1.2% of Green Belt land, and 2.5% of non-Green Belt land. Furthermore, while 18.9% of the Green Belt is in the form of forest, open land and water, the proportion of land outside the Green Belt within this classification is only slightly greater, at 20.3%. These statistics emphasise that the Green Belt is no more than a planning policy tool to be deployed for specific purposes rather that a landscape or ecological designation as some might incorrectly assume, and which might result in markedly different land use data. The purpose of the Green Belt The original purposes of the Green Belt were numerous: to check the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas; prevent neighbouring towns from merging into one another; assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment; preserve the setting and special character of historic towns; and assist in urban regeneration by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land. Although commonly seen as a means of preserving ‘green’ land, the Green Belt was not created with the primary purpose of protecting the natural environment: that role is fulfilled by environmental designations including National Parks, National Landscapes (previously AONBs), SSSIs and Ramsar Sites. Only 21% of all Green Belt land is covered by an environmental designation. This percentage ranges from 38.7% of London’s Green Belt, 33.6% for Bournemouth / Poole and 26.3% for Bristol / Bath, to just 3.8% for Cambridge, 3.6% for York and 2.8% for Stoke on Trent. Just as environmental protection is not an objective of the Green Belt, neither is recreational use. Land used for outdoor recreation accounts for 5.5% of Green Belt land, ranging from 21.9% of London’s Green Belt to just 3.3% in the North East. There would seem to be clear scope to improve on this. So, as the Green Belt is increasingly a feature of planning debate and discussion, should its original objectives be reviewed? David Churchill, Partner at Carter Jonas comments, “The Green Belt is primarily a planning policy tool with the original objective of preventing urban sprawl. “Priorities for green open spaces are changing. Unsurprisingly, there is mounting pressure to allow more development on Green Belt land in response to the housing crisis. In most cases such developments can generate considerable new recreational space. Consequently, new communities may be better provided for by addressing today’s priorities for open spaces, such as providing for health and wellbeing and biodiversity net gain, as opposed to leaving the land in its current unbuilt state.” Meeting housing demand The Labour government has committed to building 1.5 million homes, or 300,000 per annum over five years. Assuming an average plot size of 0.033 hectares (Carter Jonas research), and on the (doubtless erroneous) assumption that all of these homes would be built in the Green Belt, this would only equate to 3.0% of the current extent of Green Belt. The reality is that any Green Belt ‘land take’ will be far lower, with brownfield and non-Green Belt locations being prioritised. Hence the quantum of land to be removed from the Green Belt is likely to be pretty modest in the overall scheme of things. David Churchill comments, “Our research shows that housing need can be met without substantial loss to the Green Belt. We are not advocating all new homes being located on the Green Belt but are suggesting that there are strategic benefits in releasing some Green Belt land for housing. For example, it could reduce the number of ‘leapfrogging’ developments – those located further from urban areas than is desirable, which increase residents’ carbon footprints through extensive commutes and impacts on both businesses’ and residents’ proximity to urban centres.” Carter Jonas’ research shows the extent of Green Belt release required by region if housing stock was increased by 6% (to align with Labour’s 1.5m housebuilding target over the next 5 years, and again provided solely on the Green Belt): in London, a 6% increase in housing stock would require 21.1% of Green Belt land. In contrast, in five regions (South East, North West, North East, East of England, West Midlands, and Yorkshire and the Humber), a 6% increase in housing would equate to less than 3% of Green Belt land being released. David Churchill continues, “While
As one of the UK’s leading MEP consultancy firms, Whitecode Consulting has ensured student housing providers Scape achieved a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ for its new student accommodation in Leeds. Having worked with them in the past, Scape relied on Whitecode Consulting’s guidance and expertise for achieving the desired BREEAM rating. In fact, the MEP consultancy specialists are completing BREEAM In Use assessments for all Scape’s current PBSA buildings across the UK. The project began in 2019, so when Whitecode Consulting was entrusted with supporting the BREEAM assessment earlier this year, it was already post-Stage 2. This meant that some of the early credits had not been achieved, while some awarded credits were not typically targeted by Scape. Therefore, Whitecode Consulting needed to undertake a full review and investigate alternative credits to ensure that the client achieved the BREEAM ‘Excellent’ target. As accredited BREEAM Advisory Professionals, our experienced assessors provided a comprehensive BREEAM consultancy and AP service. With Whitecode Consulting having recently opened a second office, in Birmingham, to expand their service area to include more of the UK, the assessors were ideally located to provide ongoing advice and be available whenever the client needed. The project, due for completion in August 2024, involved the construction of a crystalline tower, featuring 660 bed spaces and a ground floor retail space. Located within the heart of Leeds city centre’s Arena Quarter, the stylish tower offers luxurious student accommodation and comprehensive on-site amenities, such as a fitness studio, and multimedia and cinema rooms. Keen to meet sustainability targets and standards, the client also incorporated low carbon heating and PV panels into the design of the building. Ellen Huelin, Sustainability Director at Whitecode Consulting, highlighted the importance of close collaboration between all involved in the project. She said: “With the client wanting to achieve an ‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating, it was essential that everyone worked cohesively to ensure this target was possible. “Providing ongoing advice and support, the experienced and incredibly talented consultancy team played a vital role in the success of what was a monumental and significant project.” For more information about Sustainability Services at Whitecode Consulting visit www.whitecode.co.uk/services/sustainability Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Willmott Dixon Interiors is set to commence works on the next stage of an £11 million project to expand and refresh A&E facilities at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton. The fit-out and refurbishment specialist contractor will revamp facilities at the hospital’s Millennium Wing on behalf of University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (UHSussex). The project is an acute floor expansion, which will provide modern healthcare facilities and significantly increase capacity to support critical patients in the Emergency Department. Willmott Dixon Interiors will manage the removal of all existing internal walls, ceilings and flooring within the building, and a full MEP strip out and replacement. The scope of the works also include furniture, fixtures and equipment, and decoration. The Royal Sussex County Hospital project was awarded through SCAPE, one of theUK’s leading public sector procurement framework providers. As part of its delivery of the project, Willmott Dixon Interiors has committed to a programme of social value activities which will benefit the hospital and local community. Roger Forsdyke, chief operations officer at Willmott Dixon Interiors, said: “Over recent years, we’ve enhanced multiple healthcare environments on behalf of UHSussex. We’re proud to continue our successful partnership with the Trust and to deliver facilities at Royal Sussex County Hospital that will improve services, increase capacity and enhance the experience for staff and patients.” James Millar, deputy director of capital development and property at UHSussex, said: “We’re pleased to progress to the next stage of a project that will greatly enhance the Emergency Department at the Royal Sussex County Hospital. The Trust’s investment in the Millennium Wing is part of a much broader commitment to improve standards and deliver a better hospital environment for patients and staff. It will enable patients to access emergency care as quickly as possible.” Mark Robinson, group chief executive at SCAPE, said: “The refurbishment works atthe Royal Sussex County Hospital will prove invaluable in supporting the need forgreater capacity in the A&E department, while also enabling better patient outcomes. “We are, therefore, pleased to be working on such an important and significant project with our partner, Willmott Dixon Interiors helping to accelerate this project forward, and provide improved NHS services for the community.” Willmott Dixon Interiors has successfully delivered several construction projects on behalf of UHSussex. Recent examples include a £7.5m modular refurbishment at Princess Royal Hospital, and a state-of-the-art children’s audiology testing centre at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital, Brighton. For more information, visit: www.willmottdixoninteriors.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Infopro Digital, a leading business information services company, has acquired Built Environment Networking Ltd which runs UKREiiF (The UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum), a must-attend event for the real estate, property and infrastructure communities. The acquisition will strengthen Infopro Digital’s position as a leading international business-to-business trade show and event provider in the construction, built environment and public sector verticals. Infopro Digital’s portfolio includes SIMI, a French trade show that attracts 26,000 attendees, and is similar to UKREiiF as both events are heavily attended by investors, developers and the public sector. UKREiiF enhances Infopro Digital’s presence in the UK, where it runs leading brands in their fields such as Risk.net (risk management), Haynes (automotive) and Barbour ABI (construction). Infopro Digital operates five offices with more than 450 staff in the UK, while employing more than 4,000 worldwide. The announcement sees Keith and Amanda Griffiths, the founders of Built Environment Networking Ltd leave the business. Keith said of the acquisition: “Infopro Digital is the ideal partner to continue the development of UKREiiF, ensuring that the values and quality of UKREiiF are preserved. I’m confident that under their stewardship UKREiiF will reach new heights and continue to serve our community with excellence.” Nathan Spencer has been promoted to Managing Director and will head up the UKREiiF business unit within the Infopro Digital portfolio. He added: “We have a long serving team who’ve worked on UKREiiF, all of whom have been instrumental in creating, delivering and growing UKREiiF to what it is today – and we cannot wait to kickstart the next phase of our journey alongside Infopro Digital.” Built Environment Networking Ltd announced in 2023 that the business had moved to an employee ownership model. Founder and Executive Chairman of Infopro Digital, Christophe Czajka, said: “UKREiiF has become a key event for the real estate, property and infrastructure communities in a short time. We admired how it achieved this by offering relevant content, high-quality networking and a great delegate experience. We also recognise the huge efforts it made to support equality, diversity and inclusion.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New nuclear capacity may not be ready in time to provide the required increase in baseload electricity, according to a recent report from the National Engineering Policy Centre. As a result, the UK may need to approve new gas-fired power stations to decarbonise its electricity systems by 2030, presenting a challenging decision for the Labour government. The report indicates that maintaining the electricity supply for the rest of the decade and beyond will necessitate additional baseload power, which new nuclear power stations will not be able to provide in time. While the UK’s existing gas-fired power stations are expected to continue operating as long as possible, more will likely be needed. Although wind and solar generation are poised for significant expansion, the country’s nuclear reactors are ageing, and coal is nearly phased out. Nilay Shah, a professor of process systems engineering at Imperial College London and a co-author of the report, stated: “There is a reasonable chance that we will need new gas-fired power stations.” However, he emphasised the importance of ensuring these stations are genuinely ready for the attachment of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, potentially by locating them near underground carbon storage sites. The number of new stations required will depend on factors such as the construction of new interconnectors between the UK and overseas electricity grids. Simon Harrison, head of strategy at the engineering company Mott MacDonald and co-chair of the committee that authored the report, added that having a small number of gas-fired power stations would enhance the UK’s resilience, even if they produce some carbon emissions. “We have to not be purist about unabated gas,” he remarked. This situation presents a tough decision for Ed Miliband, the energy and net zero secretary, as he strives to meet the ambitious target of decarbonising electricity generation by 2030. Jess Ralston, head of energy at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit think tank, noted: “Keeping a supply of unabated gas plants in 2030 – some new as older ones are planned to go offline before then – in reality would probably mean they are only on for short, infrequent periods of time. These plants will probably be expensive to run, and gas prices are predicted to remain volatile, so it is in consumer interests to keep their usage low as well as in the interests of our energy security and, of course, climate change.” Labour acknowledged in its manifesto the likely need to maintain some “unabated gas” – that is, without CCS – for supply security. The Committee on Climate Change has also stated that some gas-fired electricity could be necessary even as the UK aims for net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Miliband will also face significant challenges in updating the UK’s ageing electricity grid and constructing new pylons required for power transmission from new onshore and offshore wind and solar farms. The report highlights the need for substantial work on transmission infrastructure, including new pylons. Although local objections are expected, the upgrade promises nationwide benefits, such as job creation, regional economic revitalisation, cleaner air, better health, and reduced climate crisis impacts. Protests against new pylons have been organised by local groups and supported by Green and Liberal Democrat politicians. While the Conservative party manifesto promised to bury pylons, this method is more expensive than using overhead cables. “We need to show people the benefits,” Harrison said, calling for a robust public debate on the plan. He urged Labour to engage more effectively than previous administrations: “There needs to be a different level of engagement than we have seen in recent times.” The report also advises caution regarding the future of biomass power in the UK, recommending that ministers make “stop-go decisions on future support” for it. Ministers face pressure to approve substantial new subsidies for large biomass-burning power stations like Drax, which provide baseload power but are controversial due to their reliance on wood burning. “Biomass generation is only worth supporting if the emissions savings are genuine and based on sustainable feedstocks, which is contested for biomass pellet imports to the UK,” the report said. A spokesperson for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero stated: “We are taking immediate action implementing our long-term plan to make Britain a clean energy superpower. This is the only way to guarantee our energy security and protect bill-payers permanently, which is why we will double onshore wind, treble solar, and quadruple offshore wind by 2030. We will also maintain a strategic reserve of gas power stations to guarantee supply security.”
One of the largest privately-owned contractors in the North of England has posted a 50 per cent increase in pre-tax profit for 2023 as its robust business model continues to yield results. While the construction industry continued to wrestle with a range of challenges during the year, Esh Group reported pre-tax profits of £3.1 million, up from £2 million the previous year. The firm’s portfolio centres on work for local authorities, utility and environmental companies, registered affordable housing providers, as well as the private housing sector, and Chief Executive Andy Radcliffe is looking to the future with the largest forward order book in its 25-year history on the horizon. He said: “Our strategically designed business model stands out for its inbuilt resilience. At its core is the ability to even out the peaks and troughs of the construction industry’s demand profile over the economic cycle – this design has proven a success and seen us through the challenging times that the industry has experienced over the last few years. “Our headline order book figure is substantial, and crucially it provides over 10 years of pipeline visibility for the group. Having invested heavily in capacity, resources and technology, we are equipped to execute our strategic growth plans and are actively seeking further opportunities within our core markets, and so expect to see both turnover growth and margin expansion over the coming years. Despite the broader economic picture demonstrating a degree of volatility, we remain optimistic about the future.” Esh Group continued its focus on driving capital efficiency across all operations, leading to an increase in liquidity to £23 million, up £4 million from the previous year, whilst remaining debt free with nothing drawn on its £6 million credit line. Whilst turnover remained at £261 million, improvements in both its contracting and development performance resulted in the reported increase in pre-tax profits. Radcliffe added: “During the year, we concluded a wide range of projects that were heavily impacted by post-pandemic supply chain and inflationary pressures, which was no mean feat and a major milestone which gives rise to a more favourable back drop for 2024. These negative factors were more than offset by stronger performances on newer contracts, which were supported by considerable improvements in operational execution. “Coupled with the inflationary environment remaining relatively benign, we are continuing to see buoyancy in our target sectors. The desire to rebalance economic prosperity across the country is driving funding for major infrastructure and regeneration schemes, whilst the ongoing demand for new social housing stock and retrofitting of existing stock in line with decarbonisation targets has continued to fuel growth. “We are also confident that the core policy agendas for the new Government will provide a favourable back drop for our chosen market segments, and therefore see only positives for our business on the back of the election result.” Esh Group’s forward order book across its civil engineering, affordable housing, commercial build, and private housebuilding divisions has seen a remarkable increase in the year. The investment programmes for improving wastewater and flood management infrastructure have skyrocketed – the AMP 8 period will be the biggest programme of work the sector has seen – and Esh has secured its place on five capital delivery frameworks with Northumbrian Water Group and the Environment Agency. The 750-strong contractor has seen considerable market share growth within the affordable housing sector, most notably the Seaham Garden Village development where work has begun on the first phase of 750 affordable homes in partnership with Karbon Homes. The pivot towards increasing land led developments is also paying dividends, with Esh having the largest pipeline of this route-to-market since embarking on the strategy. In the private housing market, Esh’s private housebuilding division, Homes by Esh, is on course to nearly double its number of live developments in the North East before the end of 2024. Flagship schemes including the landmark restoration of the Tyne Bridge – one of the most complex and challenging engineering projects the North East has seen in recent years – and the ‘transformational’ Stockton Waterfront Urban Park feature in Esh’s civil engineering major projects portfolio. Radcliffe concluded: “We will strive to become the trusted expert for our clients, with a laser focus on quality, health and safety, dependability, and innovation, whilst continuing to deliver one of the most comprehensive social value offerings in the industry. “In April this year, we held an event which brought the whole group together to learn about our overarching strategy and divisional business plans. We did this because we are a business of many parts, specialities and expertise, and a key factor in delivering the next stage of our strategy is our team of highly skilled and dedicated colleagues, each of whom have a part to play in this exciting journey – and as always, we are enormously grateful to our valued clients and our loyal supply chains for their continued support.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
One of Scotland’s pioneering suppliers of EV infrastructure, FOR EV, has further expanded its team with the appointment of Graham Neill as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Supporting businesses in their transition to electric fleets through its bespoke ‘FOR Fleets’ proposition, FOR EV is paving the way for sustainable change across the country. In addition to its innovative fleet solution, the company is soon to launch its 30th public charging hub in Scotland, supporting both Government’s net zero ambitions and the drive to shift the UK to electric vehicles as standard. Graham joins FOR EV from his previous role as Investment Director at N4 Partners. With a background in professional services, debt finance and private equity, Graham has exceptional expertise across strategy and finance, having worked with several global businesses spanning sectors including oil and gas, renewables and financial services. His appointment marks another step in FOR EV’s successful journey, three years on from the Scottish National Investment Bank’s initial equity investment in 2021. The Bank has since provided additional funding to FOR EV, with the latest £10m investment announced in June. The funding supercharges the company’s plans to scale up its fleet offering and further grow its network of accessible charging destinations across the UK. To boost its ambitions to bring reliable, high-quality EV charge points to even more locations, the company plans to go to market later this year for its next round of scale-up investment. Discussing his appointment, Graham Neill, CFO at FOR EV said: “Making this move into the EV sector is a very exciting next step in my career. The EV world has grown significantly over the past decade, and this is only set to continue at pace as more fleets and drivers embrace electric vehicles. It’s a fast-moving industry, and one that supports Government ambition both in Scotland and the UK. “As a company that puts all of its effort into positively impacting both people and the planet, FOR EV has established a leading market position within the EV sector and is perfectly positioned to lead the pack. I look forward to contributing to its growth journey.” FOR EV’s CEO, Steve Dunlop, said: “Graham joins our team with fantastic knowledge of the financial landscape. After several years of growth, we’re now at a pivotal point in FOR EV’s success as we venture the wider market for funding to underpin our next growth stage. “Graham will be pivotal to realising our aspirations to help even more businesses in their transition towards sustainable EV fleets.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
E3P, a leading multidisciplinary environmental consultancy supporting the built environment, has opened its second UK office in Birmingham. The new site, located on Lifford Lane in Stirchley, is the first regional office for the Manchester-headquartered firm and offers an array of services. The Midlands office will house a new team of specialist consultants offering several multidisciplinary services including environmental, ecological, acoustics and geotechnical work. Existing company director, Stephanie Cox, has been appointed as Managing Director of the Midlands. She joined E3P more than a decade ago and will oversee the opening of the new site. In her new role, Cox will manage the day-to-day operations of the Birmingham office and will drive new business across the region through new and existing clients. Cox will split her time between the North West and Midlands, remaining a key presence in Manchester through her role as a director. E3P, which currently employs more than 70 people, will use the new base to increase its presence nationally and open up opportunities in the region, as well as in the South of England. The Birmingham-based team will also support the senior management team in Manchester, enabling them to better support existing clients. The additional expertise across the UK will help to ensure a greater depth of knowledge, which can be shared and drawn upon to deliver even the most challenging projects. The expansion is set to create several new jobs in Birmingham and the surrounding areas, with E3P aiming to build a team of 20 in the next two years. Medium to long term ambitions include creating a centre of excellence that will employ between 75 and 100 professionals. The move follows a strong decade of organic growth for E3P, which has gone from strength to strength since its inception, and will enable its team of experts to better serve its growing client base. Stephanie Cox, Director at E3P said: “It’s been an incredible decade for E3P. Expanding our presence to the Midlands and the South with a new office was a natural next step, and I’m thrilled to be at the helm of it. “With such significant regeneration ongoing in the Midlands, as well as strong levels of house building planned, Birmingham was an easy choice for our expansion. I’m confident that, in my new role, I can build strong relationships and a solid foundation for a hugely successful office. “We have an incredibly ambitious and talented team, including 15 chartered professionals, who can draw on expertise nationally to ensure the delivery of all projects to the highest standard. Meanwhile, having a local team in place also enables us to maintain personal client relationships and deliver projects in a sustainable way. The new office is a win-win for our business and our clients.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Groundforce Shorco has supplied a space and time-saving solution to a project at a wastewater treatment works in Kent. Main contractor Clancy is installing a new storm tank for Southern Water at its Westbere wastewater treatment works near Canterbury. The new storm tank will accommodate surface water surcharges during periods of heavy rainfall, helping to prevent the discharge of raw sewage into the nearby River Stour. The tank comprises six precast concrete rings of 15m diameter installed one on top of the other to a depth of 6.5m. Each ring is made up of 16 interlocking caisson segments. The concrete segments are made by FP McCann and supplied through heavy-side materials distributor Keyline. To accommodate this tank, Clancy will dig an octagonal excavation to a depth of 7m. To support this, Groundforce Shorco is supplying 120 interlocking 6m GFI steel sheet piles driven to a depth of 6m using an excavator-mounted vibrating hammer Mueller MS4 supplied by Groundforce’s Piletec division. Once Clancy has installed the sheet piled cofferdam, it will excavate to a depth of about 1m at which point the top of the cofferdam will be braced using Groundforce Shorco’s modular hydraulic Mega Brace system. Clancy will then continue to excavate to formation layer before casting the base slab for the storm tank. “The excavation is octagonal because it makes no sense to dig a rectangular hole for a circular tank,” explains Clancy project manager Oliver Smart. “The octagonal excavation reduces the amount of muck away and requires less kit and less materials,” he adds. The excavation can follow the perimeter of the concrete tank closely while providing sufficient space to accommodate the bracing. “It’s a challenging design and excavation but the Mega Brace adaptability made it easier,” explains Groundforce Shorco area sales manager Arpad Nagy. “The Mega Brace is a modular bracing system and is very adaptable. It’s easy to install whatever the shape of the excavation and in this case, an octagonal excavation requires less equipment than a square one would. With the octagonal shape the muck away has been reduced by 20%, in this case 200m3. The excavation has been reduced with 10lm worth of sheet piling and 30lm worth of bracing. On this case we’ve managed to reduce the carbon footprint which helps reduce the environmental affect.” Groundforce is one of Clancy’s preferred suppliers of temporary works equipment. “I’ve worked with them on several projects,” says Oliver Smart. “The kit is great and Groundforce has a good design capability. They are providing on-going support and technical advice on this project.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
