Leading construction and fit-out company, Gilbert-Ash, has embarked on a historic project which will frame the redevelopment of the National Portrait Gallery for future generations. The award-winning company has begun work onsite after being appointed as the main contractor on the £35.5 million project. Inspiring People, the Gallery’s biggest ever
Gleeds, the leading construction and property consultants, has appointed Justin Moore as its Project Director for Wales. Justin has worked in construction for nearly 25 years, initially with Carillion as an operations manager and then Bouygues UK, where he worked in numerous roles, including Wales regional operations director. In his
Laser technology is more varied and versatile than you might imagine, with different solutions developed to tackle a cavalcade of use cases across the manufacturing sector. The main choice faced by most businesses is that between CO2 laser cutters and fiber laser alternatives. If you are unfamiliar with either or
Choosing an architect designer is about the same as choosing a doctor. You will spend more than one month together (or even a couple of years if the object is large and not urgent), the designer learns a lot of facts about you, including very personal ones (from who you
Homeowners and prospective buyers looking for eco-friendly living ideas can look to a list of the latest sustainable home trends from property experts. Since the start of the first lockdown in 2020, many of us have found new meaning in our homes as a result of spending more time indoors
Top ten national and leading partnership housebuilder Keepmoat Homes is helping young people into employment following a difficult year due to the national pandemic, through a Government programme. Keepmoat Homes is supporting the Government’s Kickstart scheme, providing 42 work placements nationwide. The Kickstart scheme is designed to support those aged
Following the recent planning approval of a new mixed-use student accommodation development in central Brighton, developer McLaren Property reveals what the local community can expect from the scheme. Located on London Road, within Brighton’s regeneration area, the development will see an outdated building being replaced with new sustainable retail units
Global building materials solutions supplier CEMEX presents ReadyPave® Camden, a modern twist on traditional rumbled pavers, which uses a new manufacturing process that ensures a more sustainable and environmentally friendly product. ReadyPave® Camden retains the classic appearance of a traditional stone sett without a secondary manufacturing process to ‘rumble’ the
Eden Training Solutions has worked with Hargreaves Industrial Services, over the past two years to help the levy paying firm enhance the skills of its workforce with high-quality professional training. As a business that constantly strives to develop its teams, Hargreaves is always looking to maximise the effects of its
Construction might be the only sector of the economy that is growing, but its recovery is far from over. These are the words of Lesley McLeod, Chief Executive of Association for Project Safety (APS) who says members of the association are concerned about the impact of Brexit. Recent data published
Leading construction and fit-out company, Gilbert-Ash, has embarked on a historic project which will frame the redevelopment of the National Portrait Gallery for future generations. The award-winning company has begun work onsite after being appointed as the main contractor on the £35.5 million project. Inspiring People, the Gallery’s biggest ever development since the building opened in 1896 at St Martin’s Place London, will include extensive refurbishment of the existing Grade I listed galleries. The project, due to complete in 2023, will also include a new entrance and forecourt, which will transform the original building. The designs, by Jamie Fobert Architects working in partnership with Purcell, will also encompass a complete re-display and re-interpretation of the Gallery’s Collection across 40 refurbished galleries, presenting a wider and more diverse selection of portraits. Additionally, the works will create new retail and catering facilities and a new Learning Centre for visitors of all ages with studios, break-out spaces and high-quality practical facilities. Gilbert-Ash Managing Director, Ray Hutchinson said the company is proud to be working in collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery on this hugely prestigious and extremely high-profile project. “The redevelopment, which is in line with our track record of taking on projects which require innovation to succeed, presents a great opportunity for Gilbert-Ash to further cement our profile in delivering outstanding landmark buildings of international significance,” he said. “We look forward to working closely together, and indeed imaginatively, with the National Portrait Gallery, the architects and the other disciplines and our trusted supply chain to deliver this prestigious project. The National Portrait Gallery holds the most extensive collection of portraits in the world. Our team has the knowledge and experience to make a lasting difference to this iconic building for future generations and we are really excited to start works this month.” In addition, the Gallery’s Inspiring People project also incorporates its most extensive programme of activities nationwide with plans to engage audiences onsite, locally, regionally and online. Activity will include a UK-wide schools programme for teaching history and art through portraiture, new partnerships with museums and organisations throughout the country, and a national skills-sharing collaboration with other museums and galleries. “We are delighted to be working with Gilbert-Ash to help us realise our goal of transforming the National Portrait Gallery through our Inspiring People project. The renewed building will allow us to be more welcoming, engaging and accessible to all, with new and refurbished galleries for exhibitions and the permanent Collection and better quality learning facilities,” said Ros Lawler, Chief Operating Officer, National Portrait Gallery, London. Gilbert-Ash has a unique approach to construction, fit-out and refurbishment based on the belief that great buildings come about through hard work, inspired innovation and genuine collaboration. It continues to complete a broad portfolio of successful construction projects across sectors including arts and culture, workplace, hotels and leisure, science and technology, retail and residential.
Gleeds, the leading construction and property consultants, has appointed Justin Moore as its Project Director for Wales. Justin has worked in construction for nearly 25 years, initially with Carillion as an operations manager and then Bouygues UK, where he worked in numerous roles, including Wales regional operations director. In his role at Bouygues UK, Justin oversaw the building of many of Wales’ most innovative education buildings. These include the award-winning Penarth Learning Community in the Vale of Glamorgan and Cardiff University’s state of the art Innovation Campus, which will house the world’s first social science research park and start up hub, as well as two world-leading scientific research organisations – the Institute for Compound Semi-Conductors and the Cardiff Catalysis Institute. “Having worked with major contractors for most of my career, I am really looking forward to the challenge of working on the project management and consultancy side of construction projects,” said Justin. “Seeing education projects come to fruition has always been one of the parts of the job I have really enjoyed – being able to see the building come to life, handed over and be used day in day out by students and teachers. So, I am looking forward to the change of working on projects from day one, from scoping out a building to its design, managing costs and its construction, and then onto the completed, working building.” Justin, an active member of the CBI in Wales, has joined Gleeds to lead on all education projects in Wales, building on his expertise in the education field to further develop the company’s offering in this market. “One of my biggest passions is around social value and how construction companies can improve how they work within local communities. There’s such a huge opportunity for these businesses to integrate themselves into the communities where they operate and I am keen to take what I have learned in the past ten years around social value and bring it into my consultancy role,” added Justin. Gleeds’ Regional Director Simon Williams also commented on Justin’s appointment: “Getting Justin to join the Gleeds team is a real coup for us. His reputation in Wales is second to none and we are really pleased that he has decided to make the leap into construction consultancy with Gleeds. “His knowledge of the contractor landscape, particularly in education, is unparalleled as he has worked in this sector on some very challenging builds for many years, so we are looking forward to working with him to build our education client portfolio and make Gleeds the go-to consultant for education projects in the region.”
Laser technology is more varied and versatile than you might imagine, with different solutions developed to tackle a cavalcade of use cases across the manufacturing sector. The main choice faced by most businesses is that between CO2 laser cutters and fiber laser alternatives. If you are unfamiliar with either or both, making a decision can be tricky, so here is a quick rundown of the differences to bring you up to speed. The perks & pitfalls of CO2 laser cutters The main selling point of CO2 laser cutters, like those from Lotus Laser, is that they are well suited to use in conjunction with a wide variety of different materials, and so they can be put to use for a multitude of diverse applications. Cutting, marking and engraving can be carried out on everything from organic materials such as wood and stone to artificial counterparts such as plastics, PCBs and much more besides. Another advantage which they bring to the table, which further improves their versatility in a number of contexts, is that they are better equipped to take on thicker materials for cutting purposes, with this being carried out faster and with a smoother finish for anything over 5mm in thickness. Last but not least, a good motivator to making use of CO2 lasers is that they have been widely used for well over three decades at this point, so the availability of experienced operators to use them and support providers to keep them up and running is second to none. Of course CO2 laser cutters are not without their foibles, and the most significant sticking point which might give you pause is the energy costs involved in keeping them up and running. They can cost as much as 70% more than an equivalent fiber laser system to power, and that is before you even factor in the additional expenses that are necessitated by the maintenance requirements of such an assembly. The benefits & annoyances of fiber lasers Also known as solid state lasers, cutting with a fiber laser is sensible if you are looking for speed and precision when dealing with thin, metallic materials, whether for full on cutting or simply etching and engraving. They are significantly speedier in this particular scenario than CO2 laser systems, and also have the benefit of providing a tighter focal point and a much higher intensity of laser light over this area of focus. The result of this is that fiber lasers can cut and mark materials with accuracy and also without needing to generate any waste, or cause undue fatigue or damage to any of the material surrounding the targeted zone. Aside from these advantages, perhaps the primary reason to pick a fiber laser solution if you are working with metals is that it will be comparatively cheap to buy and maintain in the long term, since there are fewer parts and components involved in doing the lion’s share of the work, so repairs and replacements are infrequently needed. Another issue that users of fiber lasers will face is that while the technology is fairly well established, it is still relatively immature in terms of its development when set alongside the better known and understood CO2 laser solutions. This has an impact both on the ability to operate and deploy fiber lasers for different purposes effectively. Steps forward are being made all the time, but a CO2 laser cutter could be a better investment right now, even if fiber lasers eventually come to dominate years down the line. Final thoughts Any business that wants to invest in laser manufacturing equipment should weigh up their options, consider their budget and think carefully about whether CO2 or fiber laser systems make the most sense. The good news is that with enough forethought and planning, either one could make a good addition to your production line.
Choosing an architect designer is about the same as choosing a doctor. You will spend more than one month together (or even a couple of years if the object is large and not urgent), the designer learns a lot of facts about you, including very personal ones (from who you work to, and ending with how you sleep and take bathroom), and he will also be aware of your financial affairs. Therefore, it is so important to find not just a professional architect designer, but your person with whom you will be comfortable working and communicating. Where to Begin Therefore, before looking for an architect designer, leaf through magazines on interior themes, take a look at Pinterest, or at least search Google and save your favorite options in a separate folder. According to Building Guide, this step will help you understand what style of interior you prefer to see in your apartment in principle: minimalism, classics, hi-tech, Scandinavia, pop art, boho, or some other. This, in turn, will help narrow down your search for the right designer. After all, good designers tend to like to work within multiple styles. And those who perfectly succeed in, say, minimalism, may not be so good at creating an interior design in the Art Nouveau or Art Nouveau style. Determine the Budget Before you start looking for a designer, it is advisable to understand how much money you are willing to spend on paying for his services. Of course, the range of prices for interior design services on the market is great: you can order a design project from the “draw and sell” series for a fixed cost of “$ 99 per project”, or you can invest in developing the appearance of a future apartment for almost all the money of the world. But if we operate with averaged figures, then, in general, the development of a design in a basic format (stylistics, selection of colors, a set of drawings and explications) will cost about $500-600 per square meter, depending on the renown of the designer. A more complete package, including a plan of floors, ceilings, and walls with a layout of materials, will cost about $700-1000 per square meter, and if you ask the designer to also indicate the specification of finishing materials and equipment (model, article, store, cost), then the project will cost at least $1000-1500 per sq.m. A separate line will go to “field supervision” – this is when the architect-designer periodically visits the object and controls the correctness of the implementation of the project. The cost of such a service can be calculated based on the area of the premises, the finishing of which is to be “supervised.” Moreover, such prices may include infrastructure solutions. For a general understanding of the order of expenses for paying for the services of a designer, you can use the following proportion: 8-15% of the cost of repairs, which, in turn, make up about 20-30% of the cost of an apartment in a new building. That is, if your apartment is conventionally worth $ 50 thousand, then you can safely pledge at least $ 10 thousand for its renovation, and at least $ 1,000 for designer services. At the same time, a professional architect designer could help save budget on construction projects. Explore the Portfolio Specialists with a small portfolio have much less development experience. Besides, they do not have a large team, thanks to which any project can be done in the shortest possible time. Now let’s talk about how to choose an architect-designer designer using a portfolio. First of all, it is important to look not only at the quantity but also at the types of projects that the specialist does most often. So, if the portfolio is dominated by the interiors of cafes, fitness centers, and beauty salons, then the designer specializes in the development of public projects. If the portfolio contains many more residential buildings and apartments, then he is an expert in this particular area. There are situations when a designer’s portfolio is approximately equally filled with different types of interiors. This suggests that a person is open to everything and has a lot of experience and talent. It is better to choose either him or a specialist in the field of residential development. The best way to find a needed specialist is to appeal to architectural design companies & solutions at Engre.co. It is also important to pay attention to the completed objects. It will be great if you have the opportunity to see photos of finished projects or visit the facility during the renovation phase.
Homeowners and prospective buyers looking for eco-friendly living ideas can look to a list of the latest sustainable home trends from property experts. Since the start of the first lockdown in 2020, many of us have found new meaning in our homes as a result of spending more time indoors and adapting to new routines. This has influenced many of the property trends that are gaining popularity in 2021, including homeowners’ desire to introduce eco-friendly elements into their homes. “The trend towards sustainable and eco-friendly living continues to accelerate, and this is reflected in our eco-friendly living habits, what we are looking for during our property searches, and in the way we are building new homes in the UK. At North Sands, we are proud to design and build homes that use sustainable materials that have an extended life and are low maintenance, offering high quality features that look to the future, such as smart technology and electrical charging points,” said James Hartley, director of property developer North Sands Developments. “Staying at home a lot more in the last year has made many of us reconsider our homes and the way we live, and even as we plan to move away from lockdown restrictions over the coming months, many of us are still considering improving homes for the long-term. “For those looking to live more eco-friendly lifestyles this year, there are lots of sustainable home and living elements you can consider to achieve this. From utilising smart technology to energy-efficient features, we have compiled a list of ideas to inspire sustainable living.” Here is the list of eco-friendly home trends: 1.Smart technology Smart technology encompasses a broad category of home and lifestyle products that are designed to save time and improve the efficiency and smooth-running of your home. From smart speakers to lightbulbs, there are many products available on the market – but if you’re looking for something to increase the eco-friendly credentials of your home, some of the best features you can invest in are smart heating and lighting. These gadgets operate using an app on your smart phone, and allow you to control the heating and lighting in your home while you’re out of the house or sat comfortably on the sofa. Having the power to control these elements of your home from your fingertips means that you can switch the heating and lighting on and off as needed so they aren’t running unnecessarily, saving energy and money on your bills over time. Smart LED lightbulbs are also low energy – meaning they require less electricity than traditional bulbs, but offer the same brightness and light quality. For an all-encompassing approach, all-in-one security systems are available to purchase which allow control of interior and exterior cameras, and include smart doorbells, plugs, thermostats, alarms and much more – which can be easily monitored and controlled to maintain performance and energy usage. Some of these systems may be available to purchase through your home insurance provider for a discount, depending on whether they meet certain requirements, as set out in your policy. 2.Windows and doors For an easy upgrade to your home that is going to last for years to come, improving the insulation in your property is one of the best investments out there. A staggering amount of heat is lost through single glazed windows – up to 84% in a room – so double glazing dramatically improves heat retention, meaning you will rely on the central heating less. A well-functioning front door, and new doors throughout the house will also go a long way in retaining heat in each room, preventing draughts. 3.Go electric According to Rated People, investing in an electric car is among the top three eco improvements homeowners want to make by 2025. Electric cars offer less maintenance and lower running costs compared to petrol and diesel counterparts, and with no emissions they are much better for the environment. With electrical charging points popping up all over the country – as part of many new home developments, at retail parks, motorway services and petrol stations, it’s clear that the future of car travel is electric. 4.Recycling An instant way to become more eco-friendly, pledging to recycle as much as possible is one way to make a real impact on the environment. More of the consumable products that we buy today come in recyclable packaging, making them easier to separate into designated recycling bins at home. Your local recycling centre will be able to take larger items, such as electrical appliances, to be reused again in the manufacturing processes. You can start turning your bathroom into a plastic free space by choosing the products that are natural, conservative and eco-friendly. 5.Eco-friendly new builds As the government has pledged to transform the UK to net zero carbon emissions by 2050, many cities are already implementing plans to build more eco-friendly homes to reach their targets. If moving to a new home is your plan for 2021, then choosing a new build property that boasts excellent eco-friendly credentials is becoming easier, as the construction industry shifts towards using sustainable materials and practices as standard. Choosing a home that has been designed and built with sustainability in mind will ensure that the materials used have a long life and require less maintenance than traditional houses, offering excellent insulation and good quality for decades to come.
Top ten national and leading partnership housebuilder Keepmoat Homes is helping young people into employment following a difficult year due to the national pandemic, through a Government programme. Keepmoat Homes is supporting the Government’s Kickstart scheme, providing 42 work placements nationwide. The Kickstart scheme is designed to support those aged between 16 and 24 who are currently claiming Universal Credit and are at risk of long-term unemployment. Keepmoat Homes has supported the scheme for many years and this year has been successful in gaining approval for 42 placements so far, across a number of roles within the construction sector, from site labourer to office-based roles including sales, commercial, customer care, HR and finance. The scheme provides a paid six-month job for under 25s, supporting them to develop the skills and experience needed for permanent work afterwards. During the placement, participants will undertake on-the-job training, along with added support to help them forge a successful career such as computer applications, CV writing, presentation skills and time management, to help boost their confidence. Interviews are currently taking place at Keepmoat Homes for Quantity Surveyors, Architectural Technicians and Construction Trainees across their regional teams and on completion, the housebuilder aims to provide the Kickstart participants permanent employment within the company, supply chains or with key partners. Debbie Waddington, Group HR Director at Keepmoat Homes, said: “We appreciate it’s a very difficult time for young people to find employment due to the impact of the national pandemic, and we’re very pleased to be supporting this scheme and helping to open more doors into the construction industry. Our commitment to employing and supporting young people via the Kickstart scheme complements our own business commitment in generating social value in the areas which we serve. “As a company we’re driven to support the next generation within the construction industry and placements like these are a great way for people to learn new skills and gain practical hands-on experience which will be valuable for future employment, whilst also gaining an insight into a role that interests them along with the wide variety of career opportunities within the homebuilding sector.” Keepmoat Homes has long been committed to trainees and apprentices and this year launched its first ever graduate scheme, designed to attract and develop future leaders who are keen to follow in the footsteps of its CEO who started the industry as a graduate trainee.
Following the recent planning approval of a new mixed-use student accommodation development in central Brighton, developer McLaren Property reveals what the local community can expect from the scheme. Located on London Road, within Brighton’s regeneration area, the development will see an outdated building being replaced with new sustainable retail units and student apartments. McLaren Property is working alongside Morgan Carn Architects and engineering consultancy Howard Ward Associates (HWA) to deliver the five-storey build, which will feature 156 student bedrooms with a reception area and communal interior and exterior spaces. New retail units will make up the ground floor of the development, presenting an entirely refreshed shop frontage which holds a prominent position among London Road’s high street stores. Part of the New England Quarter and London Road Development Area, where regeneration is actively encouraged by Brighton & Hove City Council, the new scheme will see the former Marks and Spencer site completely transformed – complete with a 24/7 security presence to manage the building. As part of the environmentally friendly design, the building will achieve a BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) rating of ‘Excellent’ and will feature solar panels on a green roof. Further sustainable features include air source heat pumps as its primary heat source and planted outdoor spaces – including trees – which will be maintained using recycled rainwater. The development will also be car-free and have cycle route access and storage spaces. The demand for quality, affordable student accommodation in Brighton continues to be a pertinent issue, with only 25% of the city’s student community living in purpose-built student housing. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, students have a preference towards living in dedicated accommodation with larger living spaces, premium Wi-Fi, 24-hour security and communal areas, rather than living in HMOs (housing of multiple occupancy), McLaren Property says. The new purpose-built London Road development could also free up some of the many former family homes that have been converted into HMOs to house students, potentially allowing local residents to stay in Brighton and attracting new house hunters to the area. Midlands-based HWA has been appointed to provide structural engineering to the project, with construction due to begin in Mid 2022. “We are really pleased to be working with McLaren on the London Road development following planning approval – transforming what is currently an inefficient and underutilised site into much-needed student accommodation and fresh new retail units,” said Dan Bailey, director at HWA. “The site presents a great opportunity to enhance the local area and contribute dramatically to the ongoing regeneration efforts on both sides of the site. We have been involved with the planning and design for this build since the beginning, working with McLaren Property, to provide our civil and structural engineering expertise to this scheme through the pre purchase and pre planning project stages.” Brighton’s student population sits at almost 34,000, with the University of Brighton and the University of Sussex proving to be popular choices for studying. The new city centre London Road development lies just one mile away from the University of Brighton’s main city campus.
Global building materials solutions supplier CEMEX presents ReadyPave® Camden, a modern twist on traditional rumbled pavers, which uses a new manufacturing process that ensures a more sustainable and environmentally friendly product. ReadyPave® Camden retains the classic appearance of a traditional stone sett without a secondary manufacturing process to ‘rumble’ the pavers. This not only creates a more sustainable product by using less energy, but also reduces manual handling and eliminates dust and waste. ReadyPave® Camden’s rustic appearance is softer and more subtle than rumbled paving setts. The new ReadyPave® Camden is different to CEMEX’s previous multi-sett paving as it is available in a three-size multipack, which can be combined to form various patterns with consistent row widths, to suit any design. By combining all three sizes into one multipack this has reduced packaging and eliminated the potential for waste product on site. “We are always looking for ways to improve our manufacturing processes to provide our customers with more environmentally friendly building products, and ReadyPave® Camden is a prime example of this effort,” said Carl Platt, Director of Asphalt, Paving, and Building Products for Europe. “It offers the soft, rustic and highly desirable appearance of traditional rumbled pavers, while incorporating modern technology and equipment to reduce manual handling and energy usage in the production process and the elimination of dust and waste, all combining to create a greener and more sustainable paver. We are sure this product will prove popular with all those keen to make more sustainable choices in their building projects and improve their climate impact.” Readypave® Camden is the latest innovation from CEMEX Urbanisation Solutions, CEMEX’s strategic core business providing sustainable ways to solve urbanisation issues. “This innovative sustainable paving solution developed by our UK Urbanisation Solutions team demonstrates our relentless determination to build a better and more sustainable future for our customers and their clients,” added Marcelo Catalá, VP of Urbanisation Solutions for CEMEX EMEAA. ReadyPave® Camden is available in four different colours, with bespoke options available on request. It was named after the traditional cobbled streets of the iconic Camden market in London, with the name chosen by members of CEMEX’s team. This product is ideal for the domestic market, particularly for use on driveways and housing estates.
Eden Training Solutions has worked with Hargreaves Industrial Services, over the past two years to help the levy paying firm enhance the skills of its workforce with high-quality professional training. As a business that constantly strives to develop its teams, Hargreaves is always looking to maximise the effects of its programme with a strategic, yet agile and efficient approach. As such, in recent months, Eden has worked with the leading, UK-wide industrial operations, maintenance and engineering firm, to develop and deliver a bespoke programme to upskill its team leaders in line with the firm’s evolving business landscape and their personal development goals. Three-day upskill The tailor-made courses, which were developed and delivered by Eden’s experienced team of specialists, were created by working closely with Rebecca Drury, HR Advisor at Hargreaves, to pinpoint the exact skills required, and craft bespoke programmes to deliver these skills. With Eden’s tailor-made approach, expertise and knowledge of Hargreaves’ business, this comprehensive, custom-made ‘upskill’ training was delivered in just three days. Covering Relationship Building, Communication, Cross Departmental Working, Meetings, Operational Management, Project Management, Finance, HR and Decision Making, the bespoke programme was delivered from 3rd to 5th of February, on a face-to-face basis with six working team leaders from the business. Top grades and high morale As a result of the training, the six team leaders at Hargreaves all achieved additional skills, knowledge and confidence to deliver their roles. The benefits of this approach are significant. Not only does it provide a programme to suit a business’s specific needs, but the process of specifying the exact and relevant skills and knowledge required for the individuals taking part in the course, can save time, improve morale, and maximise a ROI for an organisation. Rebecca Drury, HR Advisor at Hargreaves’ Industrial Solutions division, which has over 500 employees at 22 contracts across the UK, comments on the benefits delivered by Eden: “Bespoke training is of great benefit to our business due to the diversity of our operations. As a business, our employees are our greatest asset, and we are committed to investing into their training and development for several reasons. “The bespoke courses that Eden creates allow us to offer relevant training to our teams which aids in development, improves employee engagement, supports staff retention and underpins health & safety within our business. What’s more, creating a diverse pool of skills helps us to deliver the most professional service to our clients.” A strategic approach to training Kirsty Duffield, Business Sector Specialist Trainer at Eden Training Solutions, who was instrumental in developing and delivering the bespoke programme adds: “The employees that experienced the training benefited hugely and I saw a significant leap in their confidence and knowledge during my time with them. “Hargreaves Industrial Services is a perfect example of a business that takes a strategic approach to training. Pairing a bespoke programme with apprenticeship training maximises the benefits for business, its customers and its teams. “By working in partnership with a professional training provider, in the way Hargreaves has, organisations, large and small, can easily enjoy a tailored training strategy to upskill their teams with tailor-made training in line with their business requirements.”
Construction might be the only sector of the economy that is growing, but its recovery is far from over. These are the words of Lesley McLeod, Chief Executive of Association for Project Safety (APS) who says members of the association are concerned about the impact of Brexit. Recent data published by the Office of National Statistics shows that new work has increased by 1.7% in January. Private commercial and infrastructure lifted the sector which increased by 4.5% and 3.1% respectively. However, with shortages in building supplies continuing to cause disruption, it will be some time before the construction industry returns to pre-pandemic new work levels. “It’s been nearly three months since the end of the Brexit transition period, and construction professionals are still very concerned that recovery is far from over,” comments Lesley McLeod, Chief Executive of Association for Project Safety. “Our members are still reporting difficulties in sourcing specialist materials and supplies. This is a worry as it’s both holding up projects in Northern Ireland it’s delaying the importing of materials from EU. They’re just stuck at ports. “In addition, there is concern over the reciprocal recognition of qualifications. Professionals across the industry are worried they will no longer be able to accept work in EU countries or attract personnel for projects in the UK. As an association representing 3,900 members across the UK, we urge the government to ensure the construction industry – a major driver in the UK’s economic recovery after Covid-19 – to relax immigration rules. In doing so, projects will not be delayed due to lack of properly qualified and skilled professionals plus the industry will be able to re-establish with EU colleagues a mutual recognition of professional qualifications.” Founded in 1995, the Association for Project Safety is a professional body dedicated to eliminating deaths, reducing injury and tackling ill-health associated with construction. It helps individuals and businesses achieve the highest professional standards in design and construction health and safety risk management. Members are across the UK and include those working in architecture, engineering, architectural technology, project management and surveying. The Association for Project Safety recently formed a partnership with Cardo Crew, which offers wireless communication technology to the construction industry, as part of efforts to support the construction industry during uncertain times. Shachar Harari, Chief Business Officer & Head of Cardo Crew, says: “The construction industry has had a hard time. Not only have workers had to adapt to social distancing and new ways of working, they have also been faced with shortages in both materials and skills. It’s been relentless, which is why we have partnered with the Association for Project Safety. We want to help its members in any way we can to ensure the construction industry is back on the road to recovery as quickly as possible.”