In total, Network Rail spent £377m on Costain, more than five per cent of the client’s overall spend for the year ending March 2016. This is significant jump up the ranks for Costain, which has risen six places from last year after Network Rail spent £215m on the firm, whose deals
Balfour Beatty has been chosen as contractor to build a £21m hospice in Glasgow. Above: The new hospice is designed by Ryder Architecture The new Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice is being built at Bellahouston Park on land gifted by Glasgow City Council. It will be the first hospice
Lifting Gear Hire (LGH) has become a full member of LEEA and received ISO 9001 accreditation, just weeks after marking a year back in the UK marketplace. Recognition from the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association, the world’s leading representative body for all those involved in the industry, and the International Organization
Innovative product design will be recognised in a new category at the next GAI/RIBA Architectural Ironmongery Specification Awards. Organised by the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) in conjunction with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the awards are designed to identify and reward excellence in the specification of architectural
Since its inception in 1957, virtual reality (VR) has been used for a multitude of purposes, from computer gaming and music videos to training simulations and product prototyping. Manufacturing is the latest industry to take the plunge as it incorporates virtual worlds into building information modelling (BIM). Here, Glyn Shawcross,
A food manufacturing firm was sentenced today for safety breaches after a worker suffered partial de-gloving of his hand. The worker had several fingers broken in an incident that happened in February 2015, when his hand was pulled into a pastry lid maker that had been modified to improve its
An insulation company has come up with a new modular roofing system for pitched roofs that could help speed construction. Above: Recticel Insulation’s self-supporting room-in-a-roof system Recticel Insulation’s L-Ments system comprises cable gap, breather membrane, counter battens and integral structural timber in one polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulation panel as a single
Manchester property market remains resilient Manchester continues to lead the Northern Powerhouse as the strength of its housing market builds. As one of the UK’s thriving second cities, Manchester has become an investment honeypot for more and more domestic buyers and those from overseas. Demand for high quality property stock
You’ll be forgiven for thinking that giving your bathroom a makeover requires a complete remodel with a new bathroom suite, a change of tiles and a lot of expense. It’s the reason why so many household bathrooms gradually fall into a sorry state. If your bathroom is looking like it
Catering trade association ceda have offered their support to foodservice sector companies affected by the liquidation of construction giant Carillion, announced on Monday. The news sent shockwaves through the construction industry, its supply chain and the nation. Build UK, the leading representative organisation for the UK construction industry, has thrown
In total, Network Rail spent £377m on Costain, more than five per cent of the client’s overall spend for the year ending March 2016. This is significant jump up the ranks for Costain, which has risen six places from last year after Network Rail spent £215m on the firm, whose deals included work on the London Bridge revamp. The list also saw ABC Electrification, a joint venture between Alstom, Babcock and Costain, break into the top 20 suppliers with Network Rail spending £112m on the JV. For 2015/16, Network Rail’s five top suppliers were Carillion (£352m), Balfour Beatty Rail (£241m), Amalgamated Construction (£211m), Colas Rail (£175m) and Murphy (£174m). Bam Nuttall is the biggest faller in terms of money spent, with Network Rail spending £149m on the firm for 2015/16, down on last year’s £250m figure. After Costain, Colas Rail is the biggest riser in terms of money spent, with Network Rail spending £175m on the firm, up from last year’s £94m figure. This year has also seen Morgan Sindall become one of Network Rail’s top 20 suppliers, after the firm picked up £88m of work with the client. Network Rail spent £7.32bn on external contractors this year, up from last year’s figure of £6.97bn. The top 20 contractors made up 47 per cent of Network Rail’s total spend, which was up from 44 per cent last year. Network Rail’s top 20 suppliers year ending March 2016 Supplier name Spend Description of goods, services or product % of total Cumulative % Costain Ltd £377,283,039.88 Infrastructure contracting 5.16% 5.16% Carillion Construction Ltd £352,186,130.38 Infrastructure contracting 4.82% 9.97% EDF Energy Customers Plc £307,373,575.10 Utilities Supply 4.20% 14.17% Siemens Rail Automation Ltd £306,415,735.87 Signalling infrastructure contracting 4.19% 18.36% Balfour Beatty Rail Ltd £241,270,517.08 Track infrastructure contracting 3.30% 21.66% Amalgamated Construction Ltd £211,058,100.12 Infrastructure contracting 2.89% 24.55% Colas Rail Ltd £175,358,149.00 Infrastructure contracting 2.40% 26.94% J Murphy & Sons Ltd £174,552,837.77 Infrastructure contracting 2.39% 29.33% Amey Rail £173,702,758.27 Infrastructure contracting 2.37% 31.70% BAM Nuttall Ltd £149,440,211.23 Infrastructure contracting 2.04% 33.74% Atkins Ltd £124,214,485.04 Signalling infrastructure contracting, consultancy services 1.70% 35.44% Babcock Rail Ltd £118,756,030.67 Track infrastructure contracting 1.62% 37.07% ABC Electrification Ltd £112,946,518.73 Infrastructure contracting 1.54% 38.61% Signalling Solutions Ltd £104,891,664.13 Signalling infrastructure contracting 1.43% 40.04% Morgan Sindall Plc £88,813,553.02 Infrastructure contracting 1.21% 41.26% VolkerFitzpatrick Ltd £85,479,324.20 Infrastructure contracting 1.17% 42.43% CSC Computer Sciences Ltd £85,095,955.40 IT contracting 1.16% 43.59% Geoffrey Osborne Ltd £84,746,327.57 Infrastructure contracting 1.16% 44.75% SAIP Alliance £84,493,438.00 Infrastructure contracting 1.16% 45.90% DB Cargo (UK) Ltd £82,407,065.32 Track infrastructure contracting 1.13% 47.03% Total 3,440,485,417 Network Rail’s top 20 suppliers year ending March 2015 Supplier name Spend Description of goods, services or product % of total Cumulative % Carillion Construction Ltd £360,847,939 Infrastructure contracting 4.82% 4.82% Siemens Rail Automation Ltd £268,610,824 Signalling infrastructure contracting 3.59% 8.42% BAM Nuttall Ltd £250,109,845 Infrastructure contracting 3.34% 11.76% Balfour Beatty Rail Ltd £241,292,785 Track infrastructure contracting 3.23% 14.99% Eversheds LLP £230,563,258* Business Consultancy 3.08% 18.07% Costain Ltd £215,153,825 Infrastructure contracting 2.88% 20.94% British Energy Direct Ltd £189,339,207 Utilities Supply 2.53% 23.48% Atkins Ltd £176,429,852 Signalling infrastructure contracting, consultancy services 2.36% 25.83% Amalgamated Construction Ltd £158,536,779 Infrastructure contracting 2.12% 27.95% J Murphy & Sons Ltd £154,818,005 Infrastructure contracting 2.07% 30.02% Amey-Colas £150,671,655 Track infrastructure contracting 2.01% 32.04% Babcock Rail Ltd £148,982,569 Track infrastructure contracting 1.99% 34.03% EDF Energy Customers Plc £133,243,059 Utilities Supply 1.78% 35.81% Signalling Solutions Ltd £121,641,617 Signalling infrastructure contracting 1.63% 37.44% Tata Steel UK Ltd £98,022,077 Steel manufacturer 1.31% 38.75% Amey Rail £96,024,814 Infrastructure contracting 1.28% 40.03% Colas Rail Ltd £93,878,273 Infrastructure contracting 1.26% 41.29% Geoffrey Osborne Ltd £89,610,525 Infrastructure contracting 1.20% 42.49% DB Schenker Rail (UK) Ltd £86,709,778 Rail logistics 1.16% 43.64% VolkerFitzpatrick Ltd £75,798,516 Infrastructure contracting 1.01% 44.66% Total £3,109,721,946 Source link
Balfour Beatty has been chosen as contractor to build a £21m hospice in Glasgow. Above: The new hospice is designed by Ryder Architecture The new Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice is being built at Bellahouston Park on land gifted by Glasgow City Council. It will be the first hospice in the UK to follow the Scandinavian Sengetun model of care, which has placemaking at the centre of its approach, providing space for privacy, dignity and compassionate care for all ages. It is on course to open in 2018. Chief executive Rhona Baillie said: “I am delighted to announce that Balfour Beatty will help us realise our dream to build a 21st-century healthcare facility for the people of Glasgow. This is a major step forward as work now starts at the site.” Balfour Beatty regional managing director Hector Macaulay added: “The way the community has pulled together over the last four years has been really impressive, raising vast sums of money to bring this state-of-the-art facility to fruition. “We’re pleased to have got construction underway, and to be working closely with The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice to deliver a facility which will provide high quality care for patients and their families.” The Glasgow office of law firm Pinsent Masons has provided pro bono work on the building project. Alastair Forbes of Ryder Architecture is leading the team of architects. He said: “We are delighted to see construction works commence and the realisation of this unique new hospice building. The project team have worked closely with The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice over a long period of time to reach this moment and we look forward to working with Balfour Beatty Construction Services in this exciting next stage.” The hospice still has to raise £2.7m of the £21m needed to finish the build. To donate, visit www.ppwh.org.uk/donate or text BRICK to 70660. This article was published on 16 Sep 2016 (last updated on 16 Sep 2016). Source link
Lifting Gear Hire (LGH) has become a full member of LEEA and received ISO 9001 accreditation, just weeks after marking a year back in the UK marketplace. Recognition from the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association, the world’s leading representative body for all those involved in the industry, and the International Organization for Standardization, is a double endorsement of LGH’s ever-growing stature in the industry. LEEA offers four categories of membership—provisional, associate, development, and full. LGH initially became a development member, which essentially served as an application for full status, which was granted upon completion of 12 months of trading and a stringent audit. Membership is only awarded to companies that, in the opinion of the association’s directors, is competent and can give an adequate service. Phil Smith, commercial manager at LGH, said: “If you want to be regarded as a serious player in the lifting market, being a fully-fledged LEEA member is vital. The organisation provides all members with advice and support on virtually any related topic concerning lifting, which is simply not available elsewhere. LEEA works closely with the HSE [UK Health and Safety Executive] and is widely regarded as the lifting standard—not only in the UK but worldwide.” LEEA has been providing specialist training services to its members for over 50 years and has its own dedicated training centre in Huntingdon, UK. LGH personnel are expected to undertake varying levels of these courses depending on the extent of their exposure to product and the requirement of an individual to understand best practice in advising customers on what products to use. ISO 9001:2015, meanwhile, is based on a number of quality management principles including a strong customer focus, the motivation and implication of top management, and continual improvement. Smith called it the “pinnacle of standards” and a “minimum benchmark” for any business dealing with safety-critical products. He added: “Given the nature of our product range, existing and prospective customers expect us to have the latest 2015 specification of ISO 9001. Further, accreditation offers them peace of mind that they are sourcing lifting and rigging equipment from a highly disciplined organisation. Achieving it involved a complete review of our processes and systems, and documentation of findings in a quality management system.” Colin Naylor, managing director at LGH, said: “LGH continues to grow and as we enter our second full year of trading our employee count has reached 25 with an additional five recruits scheduled to join in the next few months. Additional commercial vehicles have also been acquired amid ongoing investment in our rental fleet.” Naylor also pointed to the company’s expansion into the Wienold equipment range with the acquisition of a wide range of SLK and GML counterbalanced Genie units, including the new, fully adjustable MFC 750/k mini floor crane. l LGH will host this year’s LEEA Golf Day, which takes place at Wychwood Park, Crewe, UK on Thursday 14 June. Visit the website at www.leeagolfday.co.uk
Innovative product design will be recognised in a new category at the next GAI/RIBA Architectural Ironmongery Specification Awards. Organised by the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) in conjunction with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the awards are designed to identify and reward excellence in the specification of architectural ironmongery. The ‘Best new product: design and innovation’ category has been created to celebrate new door and window hardware product, allowing advancing technologies to be fully showcased and recognised. Products using new methods of manufacture, a new design concept or displaying originality of thought would be eligible. They could also show a unique way of using a material, a new solution or a new design. This category is not limited to mechanical products. New innovations or technologies in access control, door automation or any field allied to architectural ironmongery could also be submitted. In addition to the new ‘Best new product: design and innovation’ category, projects can be nominated for the following categories: residential; commercial and hospitality; public sector health and education buildings; and international projects outside the UK and Ireland. Architects, specifiers, building contractors, clients and their architectural ironmongery advisers and suppliers across the world can nominate projects for the 2018/19 awards from August 2018. The projects or products must be either completed or released on to the market between 1 October 2016 and 30 September 2018 to be eligible for entry. David Stacey, president of the GAI, says: “The Specification Awards ceremony is one of the Guild’s most highly anticipated events. The calibre of entries is always incredibly high and shows architectural ironmongery at its best. The GAI is always proud to see its member companies involved in so many complex projects. “These awards are unique because they reward the whole specification team, highlighting the importance of the professional partnership between architects and architectural ironmongers.” For each category in the awards there will be a winner, second and third place. The judges will also decide on an overall ‘winner of winners’. At the 2016/17 Specification Awards, this accolade went to Kings Gate, a residential project by architectural ironmongers izé and architect Lynch Architects. A brochure showing all the 2016/17 winning projects can be downloaded from the GAI website. There is no limit to the number of entries to the 2018/19 awards. The first entry from a GAI or RIBA member is free of charge. Follow the GAI on Twitter (@gai_UK) and LinkedIn to find out when the Specification Awards is open for entries. www.gai.org.uk
Since its inception in 1957, virtual reality (VR) has been used for a multitude of purposes, from computer gaming and music videos to training simulations and product prototyping. Manufacturing is the latest industry to take the plunge as it incorporates virtual worlds into building information modelling (BIM). Here, Glyn Shawcross, group design manager at engineering solutions provider Boulting Group, explains the practicalities and benefits of VR and BIM. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a collaborative way of working underpinned by digital technologies (3D modelling) which allows for more efficient methods of designing, delivering and maintaining physical built assets throughout their entire life cycle. In 2011, the Government Construction Strategy (GCS) outlined a new mandate, stating that all centrally procured Government projects would need to include BIM as part of the documentation process. Since the deadline of 2016, other sectors have adopted the same mandate as a way of changing behaviours in the industry. Once the 3D model has been generated this can be exported and converted to VR friendly software. Boulting Group has been incorporating BIM into the design and build of its projects for a number of years. But what’s next? Contractors are now looking to take BIM one step further by incorporating VR into the modelling process, bringing with it a host of new possibilities. The briefing stage While line drawings and 3D diagrams help the client to visualise the finished project, VR creates a truly immersive experience, allowing them to explore their new working environment before work even begins. By doing so, any necessary changes to design can be implemented much earlier, saving both time and money. With high-precision infrared sensors that allow for enhanced tracking and rotation, VR can accurately replicate an entire building, providing both contractors and clients with a far greater perspective of the project than any computer screen or print-out. Safer project delivery and completion The ability to create simulated site scenarios can improve project safety significantly. By virtually walking round a site before work commences contractors can see exactly how the various elements of the build connect, ensuring they do not create hazards, avoiding possible expensive mistakes. Following the completion of a project, the VR environment still has its uses. By being incorporated into the client’s training programme, VR can allow employees to explore their new workplace and be trained on equipment and processes before starting work. This is another time and money saving exercise that ensures staff are ready to start work straight away. Industry 4.0 has led the manufacturing sector to great strides forward as new technologies continue to create endless possibilities for the industry. As VR becomes more accessible, we’re positive we will see more projects adopt the technology. While BIM benefits greatly from its application, this is just the tip of the iceberg.
A food manufacturing firm was sentenced today for safety breaches after a worker suffered partial de-gloving of his hand. The worker had several fingers broken in an incident that happened in February 2015, when his hand was pulled into a pastry lid maker that had been modified to improve its operation, including removing parts of the guarding system. When the modification was removed because it was ineffective the guards were not replaced. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigated the incident and took action against Thomas of York Ltd. Thomas of York Ltd in Helmsley, York pleaded guilty to breaching the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations, regulations 11 and 14, and was fined £6,500 with £691.45 costs at Northallerton Magistrates’ Court. After the hearing, HSE inspector Julian Franklin commented: “Modifying machines should always involve a reassessment of the safety of that machine. Guard checking routines should be periodically audited to ensure they remain effective.” Notes to Editors: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. It aims to reduce work-related death, injury and ill health. It does so through research, information and advice, promoting training; new or revised regulations and codes of practice, and working with local authority partners by inspection, investigation and enforcement. www.hse.gov.uk More about the legislation referred to in this case can be found at: www.legislation.gov.uk/ HSE news releases are available at http://press.hse.gov.uk Journalists should approach HSE press office with any queries on regional press releases. Source link
An insulation company has come up with a new modular roofing system for pitched roofs that could help speed construction. Above: Recticel Insulation’s self-supporting room-in-a-roof system Recticel Insulation’s L-Ments system comprises cable gap, breather membrane, counter battens and integral structural timber in one polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulation panel as a single lightweight roofing element. The underlay felt is pre-glued and vapour permeable with self-adhesive overlaps. The counter battens are already fixed to the panel, the multi-layered facings act as a vapour and air barrier on the inside, the PIR insulation core performs thermally to 0.023 W/mK, and the timber stiffeners incorporated within the PIR core provide sufficient strength for self-support, Recticel says The system has been designed with U-values of between 0.13 and 0.19, as well as fast installation and reduced construction costs, with maximum savings on space and energy usage, the manufacturer claims. The panels have shiplap joints and are available in four thicknesses and five lengths. This article was published on 17 Jun 2016 (last updated on 17 Jun 2016). Source link
Manchester property market remains resilient Manchester continues to lead the Northern Powerhouse as the strength of its housing market builds. As one of the UK’s thriving second cities, Manchester has become an investment honeypot for more and more domestic buyers and those from overseas. Demand for high quality property stock in Manchester is rising rapidly and competition is fierce, with online estate agent Purplebricks revealing that properties in the city have been on the market for only 60 minutes before being let. And this fast-paced market promises to advance on a positive trajectory, with the Greater Manchester Housing Investment Fund announcing plans this month for more than £20 million in loans to support the development of new housing in the city. Combine this with a significant slump in the value of sterling over the last few days and Manchester’s market quickly becomes the picture-perfect environment for foreign investors looking to the UK Jonathan Stephens, Managing Director of property consultancy Surrenden Invest, has certainly witnessed this growth in overseas buyers looking to Manchester for their ideal investment: “Here at Surrenden Invest we have already seen an influx of overseas buyers over the last nine months, with enquiry levels going through the roof when the pound falters, a perfect example being last Friday’s ‘flash crash’. Overseas buyers who may have been sitting on the fence are presented with a window of opportunity to exploit a volatile sterling. Our international investors are especially prevalent in Northern UK cities such as Manchester, where rental yields far exceed that of their South Eastern counterparts. And that, combined with a lower entry point and strong market fundamentals, will further drive the sales of new build developments in the North as the market opens itself not just to portfolio buyers but one-time investors looking to cash in on the current exchange rate.” Join our mailing list: Source link
You’ll be forgiven for thinking that giving your bathroom a makeover requires a complete remodel with a new bathroom suite, a change of tiles and a lot of expense. It’s the reason why so many household bathrooms gradually fall into a sorry state. If your bathroom is looking like it could do with freshening up, but you can’t afford the luxury of a complete remodel with an expensive bathroom designer on board, read on for some brilliant tips. With just a few simple changes, you could breathe new life into your bathroom for years to come. Here are 11 little extras that will give your bathroom a new look: The deep clean The bathroom, along with the kitchen, is probably one of the few rooms in the home that gets more than its fair share of cleaning. As a result of regular cleaning, a deep clean in the bathroom often gets overlooked. It’s easy for limescale to build slowly around the base of taps, for grouting to become blighted by unsightly mould, and for blinds to become tainted with grubby marks. Begin your bathroom refresh with a deep clean. It’s a great way to make some small but effective changes. Here are a few tips to get you started: Use a limescale remover or try a natural alternative if you prefer to get your basin, bath, tiles and taps shining like new. Use a fabric cleaner to give your blinds a new lease of life. Soak your showerhead in white vinegar overnight. Wash your shower curtain in the washing machine. Clean grout with bleach and a grout brush (an old toothbrush will do, but dispose of afterwards!), or if you want to avoid using bleach try a natural alternative. Wipe down paintwork, tiles and woodwork with anti-bacterial cleaner. Thoroughly clean windows. Wash floor with gusto. Vigorously clean the toilet; use a cup of baking soda to remove stains. A lick of paint Most bathrooms aren’t particularly large in size so can easily be redecorated in a short space of time. Be sure to prep wood carefully. With a little bit of effort, a coat of paint can lift your bathroom from tired to fresh in little more than a day or two. A treat for the windows If cleaning hasn’t breathed new life into your bathroom blind, consider a replacement. You can change up the colour scheme for a modern funky splash, or stay neutral if you’re going for a more elegant theme. New fluffy towels and a sumptuous bath mat This is such an easy trick. Tired, threadbare, washed-out towels make any bathroom look sad. Whether you go for luxury towels exuding understated elegance, or you choose bright towels to match your colour scheme, new bath linens are an easy and relatively inexpensive way to change the bathroom’s landscape. Indulgent spa-style bath and body products It’s time to splash out and upgrade your bathroom products. Invest in a luxury handwash and handcream set, a refined French soap and an expensive scented candle. Whatever luxury brand is your favourite, go for it. A modern sleek shower curtain If your bathroom has an over-the-bath shower or a separate shower cubicle with a shower curtain, a new curtain is a great way to shake up the the style of your bathroom. Whether you want to make an artistic statement, or just bring simple, clean style to your bathroom, replacing your old shower curtain will transform your bathroom space in an instant. Re-grout the bathroom tiles It’s a job most of us shy away from, but regrouting your bathroom tiles really can lift your bathroom from ‘uncared for’ to ‘clean and fresh.’ New taps You will be surprised at how much difference new bath taps can make to the look and feel of your bath and basin, and to the overall ambience of the bathroom. Modernising taps or adding a vintage twist can really lift your bathroom and change the style of the room. A new piece of art It goes without saying that a new piece of art can add interest to your bathroom. Pick something that makes you smile and you’ll love your new-look bathroom all the more. Upgrade your towel rail and toilet roll holder Fixed accessories are something we rarely get around to changing. If your towel rail and toilet roll holder look out of date, upgrade them to bring a more modern feel to your bathroom. Add or update your bathroom storage When we lose sight of the bathroom aesthetic, and our eye for detail slips, we let half used bathroom products pile up on every vacant surface. Use up or get rid of old products and give your bathroom storage a revamp. Add a bathroom cabinet or a storage tower, and replace tired accessories. Your uncluttered bathroom will look all the better for it.
Catering trade association ceda have offered their support to foodservice sector companies affected by the liquidation of construction giant Carillion, announced on Monday. The news sent shockwaves through the construction industry, its supply chain and the nation. Build UK, the leading representative organisation for the UK construction industry, has thrown its weight behind the Carillion supply chain and is representing their needs in on-going talks directly with Government, attending a meeting with the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on Monday. As a founding member of Build UK, and the only Association member specific to the foodservice industry, ceda are able to feed into these discussions and represent those companies in the foodservice sector affected by Carillion’s collapse. In pledging his organisation’s assistance, ceda Director General Adam Mason said, “As the fallout from the Carillion collapse dominates the political agenda, our unique position within the Build UK membership, places us at the forefront for any foodservice business now facing uncertain times. We are a direct route to help and support and this week to date we have been in regular communication with Members, but we call on any business in the sector, ceda Members or not, who are, or feel they may be, affected by the Carillion crisis, to get in touch. “The immediate concerns and actions are with those businesses in our sector directly affected by the Carillion liquidation, but beyond that we will continue to work with Build UK to highlight that the construction business model needs to change as current conditions, payment terms and operating margins are not sustainable.”