Lennox announces the launch of Evio, the latest generation of air-cooled rooftop units at Mostra Convegno in Milan. Excellent flexibility, high seasonal efficiency, low CO2 footprint and intuitive control, means that managers of commercial buildings will enjoy notable gains in their climate control projects with the new Lennox Evio rooftop
Cancellation of over 200 repair jobs from initial industrial action set to worsen as more strikes set Pay strikes by London Sanctuary Housing repair workers are to intensify, Unite, the UK’s leading union, said yesterday. Three days of strike action in late February and early March led to more than 200 repair jobs on Sanctuary Housing’s
The Fire Protection Association will once again be attending the Fire Safety Event taking place in Birmingham this spring to assist fire safety professionals with achieving and maintaining the highest standards of fire safety management. We look forward to welcoming you to our stand (5/A131), where will be showcasing some
Kirklees Council’s Cabinet have just formally accepted funding injections totalling more than £100million for regeneration projects across the borough. As well as formal acceptance of the funding, the Cabinet discussed how funding will then be drawn down and allocated. Discussions also covered putting the necessary resources in place to support
Specialist specification packs have been introduced by FSi Promat to help architects, fire engineers and specifiers select the correct fire stopping solutions for building projects at the earliest stage in the design, which is vital to help ensure they are delivered on time and on budget. The packs offer fast
MALVERN Hills District Council and Malvern Theatres Trust Board (MTT) have appointed construction consultancy EDGE to provide project management and cost management services for its £20m Malvern Theatres expansion scheme. Levelling Up funding was granted to the scheme in 2023 by the UK Government to significantly widen access to the
Negative stigma and a lack of proper training opportunities are blocking many people with criminal records from earning a second chance at life within the construction industry, a Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) report has revealed. The report, called Building Opportunity: Employing People with Criminal Convictions in Construction, shows individuals
The construction sector is falling behind in gender diversity, with slow progress in appointing women to key decision-making positions on company boards, according to a new report by Creditsafe. While numerous industries are making significant strides towards achieving gender equality, implementing various initiatives and programs to enhance diversity in senior
CIE Group, a leading provider of security and audiovisual solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with VOLO, a leading innovator in cloud-based access control systems. Through this agreement, CIE Group will become an authorized distributor of VOLO’s access control platform, offering a comprehensive solution for businesses and organisations seeking to
Increased use of GIS helps one of UK’s largest environmental consultancies deliver sustainability projects RSK Group, a global leader in the delivery of sustainable solutions, has awarded a new enterprise GIS contract to Esri UK, to increase the use of geospatial technology across the business and support its ambitious growth
Lennox announces the launch of Evio, the latest generation of air-cooled rooftop units at Mostra Convegno in Milan. Excellent flexibility, high seasonal efficiency, low CO2 footprint and intuitive control, means that managers of commercial buildings will enjoy notable gains in their climate control projects with the new Lennox Evio rooftop platform. A rooftop climate control system is an easy and simple way of providing air-conditioning: an all-in-one unit with plug-and-play installation. As an economic, environmental-friendly, and highly adaptable system, the exciting new Lennox Evio takes this concept to new levels. It represents a sustainable and responsible rooftop solution that will provide years of energy-efficient performance in buildings that include shopping malls, food retail premises, restaurants, and logistics and storage facilities. Modularity and flexibility As visitors to Stand 9 U29 at MCE 2024 will discover, central to the advantages of this modular product is its great flexibility between airflow range and power capacity, providing the optimal solution for a wide range of building types and applications. All the air flow configuration a customer could want – regarding supply, return, exhaust and fresh air – is available. In fact, the new Lennox Evio offers improved supply air flow up to 49,500 m3/h. Further improvements include wider outdoor operating limits from -19°C to +48°C, and better thermal and acoustic insulation via a 50 mm thick double-skin panel of injected PU foam. Seasonal efficiency exceeds Ecodesign Directive requirements. With ⴄsH up to 168% and ⴄsC up to 207%, the new Evio rooftop systems exceed by far the seasonal efficiency requirements (SCOP 125%/ SEER 138%) of the Ecodesign Directive. A major benefit of the high-performance Lennox Evio is energy-efficiency, driven by several advances that include a new electronic expansion valve, a multi-scroll tandem compressor and full EC fan motor technology for variable airflow control. As a result, this high-capability rooftop system offers eye-catching seasonal efficiencies in both cooling and heating (up to A+). For cooling, a new hydrophilic coil helps ensure an impressive 27% rise in SEER (average across the range) compared with the existing Lennox eBaltic rooftop system, while for heating SCOP is up 18%. “We have performed TCO [total cost of ownership] calculations comparing models of the same thermal capacity,” says Aurélie Pages, Marketing Senior Manager at Lennox EMEA. “Operating 24/7 for 15 years in a climate such as France, users of the Evio can expect to save up to €35,800 [model dependent] in energy costs” , she continues. Reduced CO2 footprint Reduced energy consumption of course contributes to low CO2 footprint, with further support arriving from the use of R32 refrigerant. This low-charge (30% less), low-GWP (Global Warming Potential), Pfas-free refrigerant is safe for both the environment and people. In combination, Lennox EMEA proprietary coil technology and R32 refrigerant means the new rooftop range has a very limited CO2 footprint, with validation provided by environmental protection organisation PEP Eco passport. Intuitive Control To ensure ultimate comfort at the touch of a button, the Lennox Evio features a modern user interface for total control of the building’s climate. Newly available options for the eCLIMATIC controller include an attractive 7” touchscreen multi-unit display and a service web HMI (human-machine interface) in support of easier commissioning and maintenance. Available in improved cooling and heating capacities of 25-250 kW, the Lennox Evio comes in various circuit/coil concepts based on a different combination of compressors and indoor/outdoor fans to suit the application. Lennox EMEA will have a team of experts available at MCE 2024 to discuss any applications or challenges. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cancellation of over 200 repair jobs from initial industrial action set to worsen as more strikes set Pay strikes by London Sanctuary Housing repair workers are to intensify, Unite, the UK’s leading union, said yesterday. Three days of strike action in late February and early March led to more than 200 repair jobs on Sanctuary Housing’s stock in London being cancelled, Unite understands. A further five days of strike action in March will cause increased delays to Sanctuary’s repair schedule. Around 50 repair workers, who are based in Hackney but carry out repairs across London, are striking over a four per cent pay rise imposed in 2023. This was a significant pay cut, as the real rate of inflation, RPI, at the time was 11.4 per cent. Meanwhile, Sanctuary Housing revenues for last year stood at £943 million, with its surplus increasing by 73 per cent to £101.3 million. Sanctuary Housing’s CEO, Craig Moule, is paid £380,000 a year. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Sanctuary effectively slashed the wages of its workers in one of the most expensive cities on earth during the worst cost of living crisis in living memory. Making matters worse, Sanctuary is refusing to even speak to the workers’ union, Unite. “It is disgusting that an organisation with such a massive surplus and that pays its chief executive such a huge salary treats its workers in this way. Our members are absolutely right to strike and they have Unite’s complete backing for as long as it takes.” Adding to tensions, is the fact that Sanctuary Housing has completely ignored the workers’ requests for their union, Unite, to be recognised and has locked them out of collective pay negotiations. Currently, Sanctuary Housing does not engage in pay negotiations with any union. The workers will strike again on 20, 21, 22, 25 and 26 March. Industrial action will further escalate if the dispute is not resolved. The strikes will impact scheduled and emergency repairs to Sanctuary Housing’s stock in London. Unite regional officer Matt Freeman said: “Sanctuary has needlessly escalated this dispute and caused disruption to its tenants by its appalling behaviour towards these workers. Our members’ resolve is rock solid – Sanctuary cannot keep burying its head in the sand. It needs to enter negotiations with Unite and put forward an acceptable offer.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Fire Protection Association will once again be attending the Fire Safety Event taking place in Birmingham this spring to assist fire safety professionals with achieving and maintaining the highest standards of fire safety management. We look forward to welcoming you to our stand (5/A131), where will be showcasing some of the FPA’s most recent developments including our newly launched E-learning training courses, the new fire test and assessment method for external cladding systems (RISC 501), and the updated LPC Sprinkler Rules and related Technical Bulletins which are now available via a subscription. We are also pleased to confirm that global testing leader, UL Solutions will be co-located next to the FPA stand to support you with any enquiries you may have for our fire resistance testing collaboration. Hear from the FPA’s Deputy Managing Director, Howard Passey Arson: what can your business do about deliberate fire raising?Wednesday 1 May 12:30 – 13:00Fire Safety Leaders Summit All businesses are potential targets for deliberate fire raising. This talk aims to raise awareness of the issue and present a range of measures that may be considered to assist business and property owners to reduce their arson risk. The measures outlined will be generic in nature and may be adapted for application in a wide spectrum of residential, commercial and industrial occupied premises. Howard will also explore the relation of arson to your fire strategy and fire risk assessment. Many practical actions and measures can be taken to deter fire raising at little cost to a business so if you would like to learn more about this serious threat then, join this CPD-accredited talk. Attendees will be able to access a complimentary digital copy of the FPA’s RC48 Risk Control Guide: Arson prevention – the protection of premises from deliberate fire raising. We look forward to seeing you there. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kirklees Council’s Cabinet have just formally accepted funding injections totalling more than £100million for regeneration projects across the borough. As well as formal acceptance of the funding, the Cabinet discussed how funding will then be drawn down and allocated. Discussions also covered putting the necessary resources in place to support delivery of each of these programmes of work. The government’s Levelling Up Fund approaches regeneration from multiple angles – an approach echoed by Kirklees Council’s large-scale regeneration projects across local town centres – and the projects which have received funding are very diverse. The funding allocation includes more than £16.5million for Huddersfield Market, nearly £48million for major improvements to the Penistone railway line, a further £20million towards the Dewsbury Blueprint, and an initial £17million towards development of the West Yorkshire Life Sciences Investment Zone which will focus on the council’s Station to Stadium Enterprise Corridor. For each of these projects, the council submitted a bid for funding to the government’s Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities (DLUHC) which included plans for delivery and details of the benefits for Kirklees’ residents, businesses and environment. So far, DLUHC has announced three rounds of Levelling Up Funding. Further funding has also been allocated to the council’s Batley and Marsden Blueprints. Now that plans for the progression of each of these projects have been approved, the council will work closely with local businesses and communities, DLUHC and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to facilitate delivery over the coming years. Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance & Regeneration, says: “I’m overjoyed with these proposals, because combined they mean more than £100million of investment in the future of Kirklees. “We’re talking about a huge range of projects here – large-scale building redevelopments, improvements to public transport infrastructure, investment in local industries… and areas benefitting from this investment stretch right across Kirklees, from north to south and east to west. “With all the issues faced by local authorities in today’s economic climate, funding injections like this are crucial to keep us moving forward. We’re continuing to put all we can into developing our local town centres, with a similarly wide-ranging and location-specific approach to our investment. This is all about the bigger picture, and about looking past these current difficulties to the future we want for Kirklees – we want to be creating springboards for our local economy, which will mean we’re not just surviving but thriving in years to come. “I see this investment as a massive vote of confidence from the government in Kirklees’ potential for the future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Specialist specification packs have been introduced by FSi Promat to help architects, fire engineers and specifiers select the correct fire stopping solutions for building projects at the earliest stage in the design, which is vital to help ensure they are delivered on time and on budget. The packs offer fast access to the in-depth information that is needed to accurately specify fire stopping products and systems during the design stage of the building. The FSi Promat specification packs bring together all the information that would be required when specifying fire stopping systems, including technical guidance, support documents, typical details for a project of the same scope, diagrams explaining installations and the configuration for tested solutions. The technical documents will contain spacing guidance, to ensure the correct distance is maintained between services and apertures in walls and ceilings, covering the demands of single service and multi-service penetrations. The specification packs will also include documents about movement accommodation at the deflection head, if required, which is vital to maintain compartment integrity. By introducing the specification packs, FSi Promat aims to increase the level of support for projects at the earliest stage, providing a full breakdown of the application of passive fire protection needed and the testing that supports that use. John Gardner, National Specification Manager at FSi Promat, works with developers, architects, and contractors to support them in meeting the passive fire protection requirements of projects, and has worked alongside the technical team to develop the specification packs. Under the new scheme, John will collate the details, guidance and information that apply to a specific project and work alongside the specifier or fire engineer to ensure that tested solutions are considered, and included, from the earliest stage, avoiding delays caused by the need for evaluations to be done at the installation point. This level of early engagement means that developers can save a significant amount of time by installing tested solutions and avoid issues such as incorrect service spacing, which would mean that an evaluation needs to be carried out to ensure compliance with regulations. The specification packs will also help to identify where bespoke evaluations and judgements could be needed and anything that falls outside of the guidance. This can then be referred to the technical team at FSi Promat for extra support. John said: “Access to detailed information is more important than ever before with the introduction of the Building Safety Act and the golden thread. By introducing specification packs, FSi Promat has two objectives: To support the early specification of passive fire protection, but also to provide the information needed for the golden thread at an early stage, ensuring our customers have everything they need at their fingertips. “Specifying passive fire protection can be complex, especially where there is an additional challenge, such as an unusual application, and giving as much information and guidance as possible is the best way to support accurate specification to ensure projects run on time and are compliant. “FSi Promat is known for its technical support and that will continue – but the specification packs will enable us to provide an additional level of depth to the support we offer, covering all bases and helping customers to apply our specialist knowledge to their project easily.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MALVERN Hills District Council and Malvern Theatres Trust Board (MTT) have appointed construction consultancy EDGE to provide project management and cost management services for its £20m Malvern Theatres expansion scheme. Levelling Up funding was granted to the scheme in 2023 by the UK Government to significantly widen access to the creative arts by extending the leading cultural hub and its community services. The project consists of over 2,000sqm extension comprising a new studio theatre, flexible workshop spaces, teaching spaces, editing rooms, and commercial events spaces, and will be delivered in partnership with architects Burrell Foley Fischer. Attracting roughly 300,000 visitors each year, the aim of the project is to deliver a world-class cultural facility increasing footfall by around 135,000 more attendees per year, which would in turn boost the local Great Malvern economy by £11m annually. Josh Barber, senior project manager at EDGE, said: “We’re really pleased to have been appointed to help bring the new state-of-the-art theatre to life, which will widen access to both culture and opportunity, broadening scope to offer the local population training and experiences in performing arts, digital media and hospitality. “The project is strongly focused on community benefit and social value, and that aligns perfectly to our values at EDGE. Our culture sector team is an agile but growing one renowned for high-quality service, and we’re proud to add a Levelling Up project of this scale to our wider portfolio.” The newly accessible facility will enable increased participation by physically and mentally disabled people, by improving access to the theatre’s main commercial offer as well as its ‘Take Part’ programme of tailored events. Malvern Theatres will also be able to accommodate an extra 105 local schools with its new facilities, be that for theatre performances or specific workshops. The project is predicted to create 45 jobs and a further 120 indirect employment opportunities, with Malvern Theatres aiming to offer 10% of these to apprentices and work experience opportunities for school-aged children. Fred Moroni, marketing director at Malvern Theatres, said: “We’re delighted that EDGE has been appointed as a key partner in the delivery of this exciting and transformative project for Malvern. Levelling-up means increasing opportunities for everyone in our community and we look forward to working with EDGE to create spaces in which this shared vision can be realised.” Cllr John Gallagher, portfolio holder for resources at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “We are pleased to have appointed EDGE as part of the development at Malvern Theatres. This is such an exciting time and we can’t wait to see progress being made on this monumental project.” Helen Grassly, director at Burrell Foley Fischer, added: “We are delighted to have been selected, by Malvern Theatres and Malvern Hills District Council, as their architects to remodel and extend the theatre. It is already an incredibly successful venue, in a magnificent setting, and we are excited to be working with them on designs to support their future ambitions. We look forward to sharing our initial ideas with the community in due course and asking for their input to the evolving proposals.” The new Malvern Theatres project is planned to be completed in 2026. For more information on EDGE and its services, follow the link below:https://www.edgeps.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Negative stigma and a lack of proper training opportunities are blocking many people with criminal records from earning a second chance at life within the construction industry, a Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) report has revealed. The report, called Building Opportunity: Employing People with Criminal Convictions in Construction, shows individuals with a criminal record face significant barriers to gaining employment within the industry including perceived risk to the business by employers and fears about business reputation. It urges the Government to break down barriers and provide more accessible training opportunities to improve individual’s employability and ease the skills shortage in the construction industry. Statistics show nearly 75 per cent of people leaving prison are still without work six months after their release. CIOB says breaking down barriers would lower unemployment amongst people with criminal convictions. Meanwhile, the Government estimates the current cost of re-offending is approximately £18 billion per year. Niamh Evans, Policy and Public Affairs Officer North at CIOB, said more people within the industry should consider an open-minded approach to hiring people looking for a fresh start, adding: “Construction companies across the UK are facing a labour shortage and there is an untapped market of potential candidates waiting to be unearthed. “However, negative stigma and a lack of access to proper training for people in prison means there are many people missing out on a second chance at life. “Companies can proactively show they are willing to consider applicants with a criminal record by making this known on their website and teaming up with organisations that support people with criminal convictions to find work. “While there are some training opportunities available for people with criminal convictions, we would like to see improved access to give more candidates a chance to develop their skills ahead of a rewarding career within construction.” CIOB’s research shows just 25 per cent of construction managers surveyed* would consider hiring a person with an unspent criminal conviction – despite the sector facing a significant labour crisis. Thirty-two per cent of respondents said they would not consider hiring someone with an unspent criminal conviction while 43 per cent said they might. More than 12 million people in the UK currently have a criminal record with hundreds of thousands of convictions remaining unspent – so candidates must declare their convictions when applying for a job. Some survey respondents said they would not hire people with criminal convictions due to the lack of trust in an individual’s behaviour and concerns over existing employees’ safety, particularly in a high-risk environment like a construction site. Despite this CIOB’s report highlights how some construction companies have already enjoyed success through hiring people with criminal convictions and specifically showcases how one large construction company and one much smaller one, are being proactive in this area. They include Williams Homes, based in Bala, Wales, which has taken on several recruits through its work with HMP Berwyn. Owain Williams, joint managing director, added: “Our initiative to provide work experience and training to individuals in our local prison has been incredibly successful. We have gained loyal workers and we have been able to tailor our supply chain to meet the company’s needs, whilst giving back to the community. “Everyone working in the prison academy and on site through temporary release receives a high standard of training. Our colleagues and clients have all supported and embraced the project as it allows us to make an immense difference to the lives of people leaving custody by broadening their career opportunities. “As we have had such a positive experience with this initiative, we are now exploring how to scale up this work and employ more people following their release from prison.” It is estimated 225,000 additional construction workers will be needed to meet demand by 2027, according to data from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). Demand for construction work is likely to increase in the years ahead with significant plans for the regeneration of the built environment in the UK, particularly with the Government’s flagship levelling up agenda and political focus on delivering a faster rate of housebuilding. CIOB obtained its data through a survey of more than 130 construction companies across the UK. To read the report in full, visit: www.ciob.org/industry/research/criminal-convictions-employment Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The construction sector is falling behind in gender diversity, with slow progress in appointing women to key decision-making positions on company boards, according to a new report by Creditsafe. While numerous industries are making significant strides towards achieving gender equality, implementing various initiatives and programs to enhance diversity in senior management, the construction sector is still lagging. According to the Women in Business report, of the over 458,761 firms operating within the construction sector, only twenty-one percent boast female representation at the directorial level, marking the lowest figure across all sectors in the UK. The data, which analysed the highest proportion of female entrepreneurs revealed that industries such as Households as Employers (encompassing cleaners, tutors, and secretaries) lead the way, with sixty percent representation at the directorial level. Following closely behind are sectors like Education (56%) and Health and Social Work (54%). In stark contrast, sectors like Construction, Transport and Storage, and Electricity & Gas remain heavily male-dominated, with less than thirty percent of companies in these sectors featuring female representation at the directorial level. Geographically, the South West emerges as the frontrunner, with forty-four percent of its directorial positions held by women. The South East follows closely behind at forty percent, with the East Midlands and Scotland jointly securing third place at thirty-nine percent. The North East and Wales combined authority rank fourth, also at thirty-eight percent. The report also sheds light on the concerning trend that male-owned businesses faced a higher risk of insolvency in 2023 compared to those run by females, with a staggering thirty-nine percent of companies being more likely to become insolvent if their boards were predominantly male. Expressing disappointment with the sluggish pace of progress, Drew Fahiya, Creditsafe’s data director said, “Although some women work within construction and building companies in the UK, very few occupy management or leadership roles. With women representing only twenty-one percent of board directors, it stands as the lowest representation across all key sectors in the UK.” Fahiya added, “Despite the construction industry attracting women, and with women pursuing studies in engineering and project management at tertiary levels, there’s a significant gap in their progression within the workforce. This isn’t due to a lack of desire or motivation but rather organisational barriers that need to be addressed promptly.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
CIE Group, a leading provider of security and audiovisual solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with VOLO, a leading innovator in cloud-based access control systems. Through this agreement, CIE Group will become an authorized distributor of VOLO’s access control platform, offering a comprehensive solution for businesses and organisations seeking to enhance security, streamline access management, and gain valuable insights into their physical spaces. VOLO’s cloud-based platform offers a user-friendly and scalable access control solution that eliminates the need for on-premise hardware and software. Key features of the VOLO platform include mobile-first access control which offers excellent personal security by replacing physical keys or key cards, with secure mobile credentials. The system also streamlines access management by allowing system administrators to remotely manage permissions and settings from any device, while also providing real-time insights on who is accessing a facility. Additionally, and importantly, the system is easily scalable, allowing organisations to effortlessly add or remove users and locations as business needs evolve. “Working with CIE is a really exciting proposition for us,” says Dean Kernot of VOLO. “Both VOLO and CIE are forward-thinking companies that value innovation. I see this collaboration as an opportunity to develop new and creative ways to bring cutting-edge access control systems to market. Together we can push boundaries and achieve something beyond what either company could achieve alone. “We are very excited to be partnering with VOLO to offer our customers a truly innovative and cost-effective cloud-based access control solution,” commented Chris Edwards, Marketing Director at CIE Group. “VOLO’s cloud-based platform is ideal for organisations of all sizes and aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing the CIE client base with the latest and best security technology solutions.” This strategic partnership offers an opportunity for organisations to achieve a significant security and efficiency boost. By leveraging the combined expertise of CIE and VOLO, organisations can look forward to an improved user experience for both employees and visitors through this user-friendly system. In particular, the elimination of expensive on-premise hardware and software translates into substantial cost savings allowing organisations to reinvest financial resources into their core areas of operation. Availability VOLO access control solutions are now available direct from CIE Group. To learn more about VOLO and how it can benefit your business, please watch this video, contact CIE Group, or visit cie-group.com About CIE-Group CIE-Group is one of the UK’s leading Audio Visual & Security distributors, supplying installers and integrators with professional AV, intercom & access control products from key brands including 2N, Akuvox, InterM, CYP, Axis and many more. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Increased use of GIS helps one of UK’s largest environmental consultancies deliver sustainability projects RSK Group, a global leader in the delivery of sustainable solutions, has awarded a new enterprise GIS contract to Esri UK, to increase the use of geospatial technology across the business and support its ambitious growth plans. The 3-year agreement spanning 14 countries will allow RSK to deploy online geospatial technology more easily and meet a growing demand for its services. This includes environmental impact and biodiversity net gain surveys for the water, renewable energy, property and construction industries. The new agreement will improve access to online GIS for employees, accelerate the development of geospatial business tools and allow teams to collaborate more easily using a central hub. Additional benefits include access to new types of Esri software, providing seamless workflows between drone data capture and GIS, advanced image analysis using machine learning and 3D visualisation of spatial data. Around 80% of users will be based in the UK, with others mainly located in the Netherlands, China, India, UAE, Uganda and Kenya. RSK is a UK environmental and sustainability specialist with 15,000 employees in 40 countries and uses GIS to assess the impact of client projects by analysing spatial data. The group wanted to increase the use of GIS to support its 2030 global growth strategy, which will quadruple revenue from this year’s £1.2bn to more than £5bn in 2030 and double its number of environmental and engineering businesses to 400. In 2023 the company acquired 34 businesses. RSK Group Technical Director, Mike Mason, said: “RSK was looking for a smarter and more cost-effective way to create new geospatial capabilities as it continues to expand. The new agreement with Esri UK supports our global growth strategy by increasing access to a more robust and advanced GIS. It’s an important part of our geospatial strategy and is a catalyst for innovation in our sector, allowing us to continue to help clients around the world minimise their impact on the planet.” Previously, the company made use of separate licences from Esri UK which had grown organically over the last 20 years. This meant licences were not shareable between business teams which hampered collaborative working. The consolidation of software licences has also removed a significant administration burden. RSK Principal GIS Consultant Anthony Jones said: “The new agreement allows us to meet the increasing demand for our environmental and engineering services and more staff will be able to undertake surveys and spatial data analysis. It opens up GIS to a much larger audience within RSK Group so more teams can reap the benefits. Now when a new tool is created, it can be made available to everyone in the group.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
