As the global wind industry prepares for GWEC’s Wind Energy Summit in South Korea later this week, Principle Power and Shoreline Wind demonstrate how Floating Offshore Wind (FOW) has moved forward as a result of its almost ten-year partnership and collaboration, ready for FOW developers to take advantage of the
Henry Boot Construction, part of Henry Boot, has completed work on a major innovation facility at the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC). 1Located next to the AMRC’s flagship Factory 2050 at the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District, the new 29,700 sq ft building delivers a state-of-the-art research and
LEADING construction consultancy Bentley has been appointed to Procure Partnerships’ Professional Services Framework, covering six regions throughout the country. The public sector specialist has been placed on two separate national frameworks, Project Management and Quantity Surveying, covering the North West, Yorkshire, West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England and South East. Mark Collins,
New research reveals the most popular buildings and infrastructures you should know about and their societal benefits, with Burj Khalifa taking the top spot. From soaring heights to cutting-edge technology, the Burj Khalifa, DXB International Airport and Toronto’s CN Tower have captivated global attention to become the top 3 most
Betfred, one of the UK’s leading bookmakers, has officially re-opened its Head Office in Warrington after a multimillion-pound investment, underscoring a new era of innovation, employee collaboration and commitment to the region. The plaque was officially unveiled on Friday 22 November, by Betfred boss Fred Done, and the Speaker of
Prologis UK, a leading investor, owner and developer of logistics property, announces a new lease with Pro Tiler Tools, part of Topps Group, a leading supplier of high-quality tiles and tiling equipment, for DC2 at Prologis Park Pineham, in Northampton, bringing the park to full occupancy. Following a comprehensive refurbishment, the
A much-needed £11.9m ‘Extra Care’ development in Shropshire has been completed and handed over to The Wrekin Housing Group – eight months ahead of schedule. Keon Homes, which is working on similar schemes at William Farr House in Shrewsbury and Streethay in Lichfield, highlighted the unprecedented achievement at a special
BUILT environment professionals have led the calls for depoliticising the planning system during a roundtable hosted by SLR Consulting. The event, held in Birmingham, saw attendees from disciplines across the sector, discuss reforms to the planning system, and the need for clear process and policy to ensure that sustainable development
Leading national builders’ merchant Jewson has agreed a three-year sponsorship deal with Shetland Girls & Women’s Football Club, providing new kits for more than 140 players and donations to fund the Club’s place at the 2025 Orkney Island Games. As the first club in Shetland to achieve the Scottish Football
Managing a construction crew is no small feat. It’s a complex landscape filled with dynamic teams working on diverse projects, each with its unique requirements. Construction employee management involves various tasks, from assigning roles to ensuring that everyone is on the same page. When you combine these challenges with the
As the global wind industry prepares for GWEC’s Wind Energy Summit in South Korea later this week, Principle Power and Shoreline Wind demonstrate how Floating Offshore Wind (FOW) has moved forward as a result of its almost ten-year partnership and collaboration, ready for FOW developers to take advantage of the opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region and globally. The Global Wind Energy Council expects the Asian offshore market to have installed nearly 100 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030, of which the floating category will be a substantial percentage. FOW enables harvesting the strongest wind resources closest to demand centers in the Asia-Pacific region, presenting an opportunity for countries such as South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines. The predicted growth of FOW in places like Asia-Pacific is, to a large degree, enabled by the proven experience gained through the deployment of floating wind projects in Europe, where Principle Power has 75 MW operating and another 30 MW under construction. Principle Power has pioneered the development of floating wind technology since 2007. In 2016, Principle Power selected Shoreline’s simulation solutions, recognizing that planning commercial scale wind farms requires the ability to accurately represent the many inherent complexities and dependencies that go into the logistics to build and operate projects in different geographies. Principle Power was already equipped with five years of operational data from the first pilot project WindFloat 1 off the coast of Portugal, as well as the processes and method statements for projects like WindFloat Atlantic. Shoreline brought its expertise acquired from providing advanced simulations for traditional (fixed) offshore wind from around the world and had already developed a solution (Shoreline Design) that could simulate the design, construction and ongoing operations and maintenance of offshore wind projects. Together, Shoreline and Principle Power collaborated to extend Shoreline’s Construction DesignTM and Operations DesignTM software to be able to realistically simulate the operations required to deliver utility-scale floating wind projects. Principle Power uses Shoreline’s simulations, in combination with internal databases, to help developers plan operations for many different projects across the world, including the 30 MW Fukushima Forward project in Japan, the 1.2 GW Korea Floating Wind project in Korea, and several projects in Taiwan. The analysis and simulation of each project helped to identify requirements and bottlenecks for robust planning and are used to optimize costs and performance. They can also stress test project execution plans to understand the potential impact of sensitivity scenarios and mitigating contingency plans. The results, which are based on real-world experience, help to build confidence in scaling up floating offshore wind projects to commercial scale in new markets around the world. Michael Bjerrum, Co-founder and COO at Shoreline said: “There are many features in Shoreline’s product today, dedicated to FOW, which have come because of input from users like Principle Power, and other such pioneers. The dependencies for FOW are unique and very different to traditional fixed offshore wind projects. For example, project developers are faced with the decision about whether to perform wind turbine major component repairs in-situ or by towing platforms to a local port. The appropriate type of intervention depends on the component to be exchanged and trade-offs such as weather sensitivity, port availability, vessel and crane mobilization times, etc. need to be analysed to characterize the costs and risks. Our software delivers the requirements specified by companies like Principle Power for simulating floating wind projects, giving us a competitive edge and helping us to support the industry advance more confidently to commercial scale.” Inês Serras Pereira, LCoE and Business Intelligence Lead at Principle Power said: “Combining our real-world data from deployment and operations of floating offshore wind projects with Shoreline’s advanced simulation technology, helps us deliver feasible execution and O&M planning to our clients. By accounting for the complex interdependencies between quayside and offshore operations, and considering the inherent variability of weather offshore, we ensure that we provide best case schedules for commercial-scale projects that are deliverable. This provides an excellent starting point for optimization and contingency planning, helping our clients to prioritize the most cost and revenue effective approaches throughout the lifetime of wind projects.” Ocean Winds contracted Shoreline Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS) solution (CMMS) for its deployment at WindFloat Atlantic, where Principle Power is providing platform inspection, maintenance, and repair services. Thanks to its contract through WindFloat Atlantic, Shoreline and Principle Power will continue to collaborate to make sure that the simulation capabilities keep pace with the many developments in floating offshore wind such as the in-situ repair that was recently completed at Kincardine. FOW developers across the world should look to adopt the wealth of expertise gained from pioneering projects already operational across Europe. Real-world experiences from partners, combined with bespoke FOW simulation technologies, are instrumental to unlock the full potential of the GWs of deepwater wind resources that are necessary for APAC nations to meet global renewable energy targets. [1] Report published October 2024, entitled – Floating Wind: Anchoring the next Generation Offshore. Offshore Wind industry is expected to reach £1 Trillion / $1.2 Trillion by 2050 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Henry Boot Construction, part of Henry Boot, has completed work on a major innovation facility at the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC). 1Located next to the AMRC’s flagship Factory 2050 at the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District, the new 29,700 sq ft building delivers a state-of-the-art research and development hub which will be home to Composites at Speed and Scale (COMPASS). The open-access facility will house cutting-edge research programmes aimed at meeting the growing demand for lighter commercial aircraft and supporting the aviation industry’s ultimate goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The building itself has been awarded an impressive BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating, with notable sustainable features including the installation of solar PV panels on both the lower and upper roofs, and air source heat pumps – combining to reduce the building’s overall carbon footprint. A high-performing building for the future, the facility has also been constructed to enable seamless integration with Sheffield’s district heating network by Veolia. As part of its commitment to regional growth, lead contractor Henry Boot Construction has worked closely with local supply chain partners on the project, including Sheffield-based firm Elecomm, who was selected as the principal Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) partner for the project. Tony Shaw, Managing Director from Henry Boot Construction, said: “We are pleased to have successfully delivered this world-class facility in partnership with the University of Sheffield and our regional supply chain. Our work on the AMRC further strengthens our long-standing relationship with the university and demonstrates our commitment to delivering truly innovative projects. “We are particularly proud to have built a facility that will be used by some of the world’s largest manufacturing brands, helping to drive our economy forward and create more high-quality jobs in the region.” Emma Hutton, AMRC director of major projects, added: “This new facility represents a significant milestone in the UK’s aerospace and manufacturing sector, offering a unique opportunity for industry partners to access cutting-edge equipment and expertise. “This is a collaborative R&D environment which will foster innovation and accelerate technological advancements, contributing to the nation’s economic growth and global competitiveness.” The new innovation facility has been jointly funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, Sheffield City Council, the University of Sheffield and the High Value Manufacturing Catapult. It will house a raft of advanced-manufacturing equipment secured through a £29.5m grant from the UK Government’s Aerospace Technology Institute Programme. The first programme to be undertaken in the new space is the Isothermic High-Rate Sustainable Structures (IHSS) project, led by global aerospace leader Boeing in partnership with AMRC, Loop Technology and Spirit AeroSystems. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
LEADING construction consultancy Bentley has been appointed to Procure Partnerships’ Professional Services Framework, covering six regions throughout the country. The public sector specialist has been placed on two separate national frameworks, Project Management and Quantity Surveying, covering the North West, Yorkshire, West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England and South East. Mark Collins, executive director and framework lead for Bentley, said: “Our appointment to the Procure Partnerships Professional Services Framework is a reflection of our substantial recent growth and our expertise within the public sector. “Here at Bentley we specialise in the delivery of complex, strategic infrastructure and regeneration projects, and also have an extensive cost management team who are well versed with managing public spend. This framework will allow us to access projects where we can really make a difference and help the UK meet its crucial deadlines for housing and infrastructure. “The last few years have seen us expand our service offering across the UK and as such we have experience within the regions this framework covers. This experience and understanding will allow us to provide an industry-leading service to public sector organisations utilising the framework.” Faye Dolan, framework director at Procure Partnerships, said: “Procure Partnerships Framework is delighted to have Bentley join as a new consultant partner on the second iteration of the Procure Partnerships Professional Services Framework. Bentley has an impressive portfolio of public sector experience and we are really looking forward to working with the Bentley team over the next four years.” Bentley has offices in the East Midlands and North West of England. Established in 2013, it now boasts a team of more than 40 employees. The business has been part of some notable schemes including award-winning sustainable urban extension, New Lubbesthorpe, Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange, and the installation of a new viaduct at Etruria Valley in Staffordshire. Procure Partnerships is known for compliantly connecting public sector organisations with built environment specialists throughout the UK and ensuring social value delivery across all the projects procured through its frameworks. The company procures £1bn completed projects each year. For more information about Bentley please visit www.bentleyprojectmanagement.co.uk/. For more information about Procure Partnerships please head to www.procurepartnerships.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New research reveals the most popular buildings and infrastructures you should know about and their societal benefits, with Burj Khalifa taking the top spot. From soaring heights to cutting-edge technology, the Burj Khalifa, DXB International Airport and Toronto’s CN Tower have captivated global attention to become the top 3 most popular buildings and infrastructures everyone should know, in the latest study commissioned by the organisation behind Tomorrow.Building World Congress- The analysis of the top 10 most popular buildings and infrastructure over the past fifty years delved into Instagram data and Google search volumes. The methodology involved scoring each structure a rating between 1 – 10 across these data points, with an average score determining the final ranking.by looking at monthly Google searches and their Instagram popularity. Furthermore, the study also showcases the societal purpose of each building classifying them within the following categories: economic, social compromise, tourism, work/entrepreneurial, ecologic, architectural and mobility. These buildings and infrastructures not only represent the advancement and architecture of their respective regions but also the cultural, economic, social and technological achievements within their society. They form the foundation and basis of the development of smart cities, with their functionality and purpose being key to modern urban success. The top 5 buildings and infrastructures you should know about In first position with an overall score of 7.79 out of ten is Burj Khalifa, standing tall at 828 metres is the tallest building in the world. Designed by firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, this architectural wonder is a clear testimony of Dubai’s rapid development and economic growth and attracts visitors from all over the world. It is Googled an average of 2,000,000 times a month and has been tagged on Instagram 7,984,897 times. Furthermore, Burj Khalifa has some outstanding sustainability features as it saves water from its air conditioning systems and redistributes it for land irrigation and the building’s fountain. Last but not least, the materials used for its construction were locally sourced and recycled. This helped to reduce the carbon footprint and supported local economies. In second position with an overall score of 5.6 out of ten and 15.6M Instagram hashtags is DXB Airport. The airport connects more than 240 destinations in over 90 countries but this airport is more than that; It’s also an example of sustainability with energy-efficient light systems, water-saving technologies and it is certified under the Airport Carbon Accreditation program. DXB is not just an airport but a key travel and business hub connecting the East and West. In bronze position is CN Tower with 1.6M Instagram hashtags and 673,000 monthly Google searches. CN Tower has been the world’s tallest freestanding structure for more than 30 years until Burj Khalifa was built in 2024. At 553.3 metres high, the structure was built so it can resist wind and earthquakes while its antenna can sway by 1.07 metres with heavy winds. If that is not enough the tower is struck by lightning 75 to 80 times per year on average. The CN Tower is not only a communications structure but also a symbol of Toronto’s identity and a major tourist attraction. In fourth position with a total of 823,000 monthly Google searches is the New Administrative Capital (NAC) in Egypt. This is a large-scale urban development to relieve pressure from Cairo’s growing population and pollution levels and exemplifies the smart city concept. Its iconic tower is the tallest building in Africa overtaking the Great Mosque of Algiers Tower in Algeria. NAC is part of a plan aimed to transform the economy, urbanisation and infrastructure of the country by promoting a sustainable development and quality of life. Rounding off the top 5 is Hong Kong’s Mass Transit Railway (MTR) with a total of 364,423 Instagram hashtags and 673,000 monthly Google searches. As one of the most modern, efficient, and heavily utilised transit systems in the world, the MTR carries around 4.4 million passengers daily. In regards to its sustainability, the MTR is energy efficient with LED lighting, regenerative braking systems and is focused on the use of renewable energy; while some of the newer stations are incorporating green roofs to improve urban air quality and reduce heat. The MTR is crucial to the daily lives of residents and the economic development of Hong Kong. To know more about the most popular buildings and infrastructure shaping our cities you can find the full research here: https://www.tomorrow-building.com/the-cities-with-the-infrastructures-and-buildings-you-should-know-about/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Betfred, one of the UK’s leading bookmakers, has officially re-opened its Head Office in Warrington after a multimillion-pound investment, underscoring a new era of innovation, employee collaboration and commitment to the region. The plaque was officially unveiled on Friday 22 November, by Betfred boss Fred Done, and the Speaker of the House of Commons the Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle. Sir Lindsay Hoyle is also the President of the Rugby Football League. Betfred is the sport’s biggest supporter and the headline sponsor of the Betfred Super League and the Challenge Cup for the men’s, women’s, and wheelchair game. Betfred first moved into the Spectrum arena from their Salford base in 2004 and decided to embark on this hugely ambitious refurbishment project in September 2021. The revamped 50,000-square-foot Spectrum building now stands as a vibrant workspace for over 450 Betfred employees. This modern transformation marks a departure from its roots as a former arena that famously hosted concerts by the likes of Status Quo, New Order and Atomic Kitten, and also hosted major snooker tournaments. Fred Done remarked, “Reopening our Spectrum HQ is a very proud moment for me and my family. We’ve come a long way since having one shop in Salford in 1967 and I’m delighted that because of our close association with Rugby League that Sir Lindsay Hoyle has kindly agreed to officially open the building.” Betfred CEO Joanne Whitaker added, “The reopening of the Spectrum marks a fresh chapter for us. This redesign is more than just a new look—it’s about building an inspiring, collaborative environment that reflects our bold ambitions. We’ve created a dynamic space where ideas can flourish, and our teams can come together. We’re excited about the possibilities this new headquarters will open up and are looking forward to the journey ahead. Although we are an international company, it was very important to us we remained in the Northwest and close to our roots.” A highlight of the newly revamped headquarters is the state-of-the-art “Nifty 50” studio, the new home of Betfred’s own numbers game offering a top prize of £5 million, hosted live by two brand new presenters. Another standout feature of the refurbishment is the “Immersion Tunnel,” a stadium-inspired space that is bold, high-tech, and designed to connect employees across the building. Spanning the tunnel is a striking, larger-than-life display showcasing Betfred’s sporting heritage and milestone moments. The tunnel delivers a powerful experience, bringing Betfred’s legacy very much to life. This ambitious refurbishment was project managed internally by Betfred’s Head of Asset Management Peter Buckles and Betfred’s Senior Project Manager Helen Haworth. Peter Buckles added, “The key to the project was understanding Betfred’s business requirements and that helped guide the delivery including elements which are unique to a betting business. With the support of the IT team, we also kept the data centre for over 1400 shops and our website still running during this major refurbishment. We are all very proud of what we have delivered for our colleagues.” The construction side of the redevelopment was supported by Domis Construction and their Managing Director Kingsley Thornton said, “It was fantastic to work on such a unique project and completely modernise and redevelop the Spectrum Arena to make an exciting headquarters for Betfred.” The interior design was completed by Jackson Downes, with their founder previously working with top brands such as JD Sports, Muse Developments and Accor Hotels. Kate Jackson, founder and director of Jackson Downes, said, “Spectrum has always been a special building, so when tasked with redesigning this space for Betfred, we made it our mission to honour its rich history in the design. We’ve crafted a bespoke environment that not only meets Betfred’s unique needs but also motivates and supports the next generation of growth.” Satellite offices around the world will compliment Betfred’s central hub, including bases in Manchester’s city centre, Media City in Salford, Gibraltar, the United States and South Africa. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Prologis UK, a leading investor, owner and developer of logistics property, announces a new lease with Pro Tiler Tools, part of Topps Group, a leading supplier of high-quality tiles and tiling equipment, for DC2 at Prologis Park Pineham, in Northampton, bringing the park to full occupancy. Following a comprehensive refurbishment, the nationwide brand has signed a 15-year lease to use the unit as a base for future growth plans. The refurbishment was designed with sustainability and operational efficiency in mind, raising the 138,192 sq ft, distribution centre to an EPC A rating. The finished space features LED lighting, a fully-electric office, EV parking, rainwater harvesting whilst the roof is already futureproofed for solar PV. The high-specification building is equipped with 12 dock doors, two level access doors and a clear internal height of 12.5 metres, and is due to be fitted-out with racking through the Prologis Essentials platform. Ash Patel, Head of Property at Topps Tiles, said: “Finding the right partner and location was key when looking to expand our operations, and Prologis and their Pineham Park was just that. Being close to our existing operation for our staff, whilst also having the prime distribution location by J15A M1 perfectly meets our logistical and operational needs. The Essentials platform that Prologis offers has also been of real benefit. We look forward to becoming part of the community at Pineham and can’t wait to see our partnership with Prologis grow and develop even further.” Situated within the Midlands’ ‘Golden Triangle’ of logistics, Prologis Park Pineham will serve as a crucial part of Pro Tiler Tools’ supply chain operations through its strategic location near Junction 15A of the M1, offering easy access across the UK. The Park is also home to a number of other leading brands, including Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, BMW and Wincanton. The Park also offers dedicated areas of open space with walking trails of up to 3km where Park employees can enjoy breaks, along with art installations through Prologis UK’s PARKlife initiative. Tom Price, Leasing Director at Prologis UK, said: “For many years we have incorporated sustainability into the designs of all our units, ensuring refurbishments can easily elevate existing facilities to match the industry-leading standards of our brand new properties, and DC2 is a perfect example of this. We look forward to welcoming Pro Tiler Tools to Prologis Park Pineham and seeing the business go from strength to strength.” Cushman and Wakefield, BNP Paribas and Knight Frank acted for Prologis and Colliers acted for Pro Tiler Tools. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A much-needed £11.9m ‘Extra Care’ development in Shropshire has been completed and handed over to The Wrekin Housing Group – eight months ahead of schedule. Keon Homes, which is working on similar schemes at William Farr House in Shrewsbury and Streethay in Lichfield, highlighted the unprecedented achievement at a special open day for existing and future clients. The affordable homes and social housing specialist has taken just twenty months to build the 70-strong mix of one and two-bed apartments, with private gardens and a communal café. Ideally situated just a ten-minute walk into the market town of Newport, Queenswood will provide high quality living space and wraparound care and support for people over the age of 55. Speaking at the event Matt Beckley, Partnerships Director at Keon Homes, said: “Although we have a team that are experienced in terms of Extra Care, this is our first foray into the market as a company. And what a success it has been, with the site handed over to the highest standards and eight months early…that’s unheard of in this sector. “Queenswood has been a remarkable story from the very start, where we worked together with a master developer to unlock a complex parcel of land for this type of development. In turn, it meant the entire site could be built out.” He continued: “This approach is something we are rolling out to other open market housebuilders. Many don’t want to construct Extra Care schemes as they aren’t their ‘bread and butter’, but increasingly the big masterplans call for older people’s accommodation to be present. In essence, we can work with them to get an operational partner in line and solve a problem.” More than 50 people were present at the special open day, enjoying a guided tour of the landscaped gardens and the new apartments and communal spaces at the Queenswood scheme. They heard how Keon Homes has used a mix of traditional and modern construction methods in the build, including concrete floor plans manufactured offsite and 200mm think hollow core floor plans throughout the building, all topped with an acoustic Isorubber layer. This approach achieved the dual benefit of reducing build time by eight months and providing an EPC ’A’ energy rating through the communal areas. IP-based assistive technology has also been incorporated throughout the building, including warden call systems, fall alarms, wandering alarms and door access controls. Matt went on to add: “The strength of our relationship with The Wrekin Housing Group was paramount to the speed of completion, with both parties working in partnership to build the highest quality Extra Care space for the people of Newport. “We also wanted the development to have a real ‘local’ impact, with 50% of the entire project spend directed to suppliers within a 20-mile radius. “Other notable achievements, include 16 apprentices being employed on site throughout the duration of the build and 162 work placement hours completed, giving young people the opportunity to gain valuable experience of a possible career working in construction.” Simon Thompson, Director of Development at Wrekin Housing Group, said: “We’re delighted that works have been completed at Queenswood, our new extra care scheme delivered in partnership with Keon Homes. “We have made a firm commitment to deliver quality homes that people can be proud of and there is a clear demand for affordable housing for the over 55s in Newport and the wider Telford and Wrekin area. “This has been a great project to work on, from initial planning to handover, and I’d like to thank our partners at Keon Homes for their hard work in helping us to bring it to fruition. We’re now looking forward to welcoming our new tenants over the coming weeks.” Queenswood was recognised earlier this year in the NHBC Pride in the Job Awards, with Keon Homes’ Matt Wilkes named as the overall Regional Winner for the West in the Multi-Storey Builder category, following earlier securing the Quality and Seal of Excellence titles. For further information, please visit www.keonhomes.co.uk or follow the company across its social media channels. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
BUILT environment professionals have led the calls for depoliticising the planning system during a roundtable hosted by SLR Consulting. The event, held in Birmingham, saw attendees from disciplines across the sector, discuss reforms to the planning system, and the need for clear process and policy to ensure that sustainable development is at the forefront of every local authority. Attendees included representatives from the housebuilding, ecology, logistics and minerals sectors, as well as representation from the Home Builders Federation. This first in a planned series of quarterly discussions focused on the challenges and opportunities presented by the evolving planning landscape. Elle Cass, head of strategic built environment growth and instigator of the roundtable said: “With development now a top priority following recent governmental changes, we wanted to bring together leading industry voices for a discussion that covered topics such as land release, the classification of ‘grey belt’ sites, and how these differ from the protected greenbelt. “While the consensus is largely positive, there remains significant work to be done, particularly in understanding deliverability challenges related to Biodiversity Net Gain, nutrient neutrality, and addressing the skills shortage in the labour market.” Sam Stafford, planning director at the Home Builders Federation added: “1.5 million new homes within the parliamentary term is a bold and ambitious target, but the government is taking steps in not only reversing the 2023 NPPF changes, but making changes too to the standard method and the way greenbelt is looked at is bending national policy towards meeting it. “The challenge will be matching that ambition locally and then dealing with development management challenges such that the hoped for uptick in planning applications can be processed quickly and efficiently.” The landscape is challenging on many levels, however, the initial assessments that have to be carried out to assess a sites viability are still required. Environmental management, permitting and compliance technical director at SLR Consulting, Chris Berryman, added: “Sustainable development requires early engagement with planning considerations, such as securing permits, conducting thorough assessments, and incorporating long-term masterplanning strategies. “Specific attention must be given to issues such as suspected land contamination, the risk posed by mineral sites, and the achievement of sustainability objectives. Earlier engagement must take place between developers and local authorities to optimise the speed of getting planning applications through to committee.” Though more will be revealed in the upcoming National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which is due to be released before the end of the year, Tamsin Almeida, senior planning manager at Hayfield Homes said: “More needs to be done to promote and deliver amenity-rich environments which genuinely cater for people’s needs – this includes offering a mix of houses and tenure types, supporting infrastructure, biodiverse rich environments that stimulate people’s well-being, and placemaking that puts legacy at the centre of developments for future generations to enjoy.” Richard Hickman, senior planning director at Indurent, specialising in logistics, added; “While addressing the housing shortfall is essential under the newly elected government, we must remember the wider type of development that is needed to make local communities a success – this includes providing employment land, which in turn provides work opportunities – something that can easily be overlooked when headlines call for more housing, but not employment.” Elle Cass concluded: “We are being heard. More progress has been made now than in the past 14 years, however, these expected changes will need to see overhaul to the current structures and systems that have previously let people down, adding to a housing crisis and in turn not supporting development for all. Now is the time to remove politics from planning to get Britain building.” The roundtable was hosted by Tom Snee of Cartwright Communications, and was attended by Elle Cass, Jonathan Salter, Andrea Wilcockson, Chris Berryman, Mike Reeve, Daniel Watson, Tim Colles, Nick Billington (all SLR Consulting), alongside Samuel Stafford (Home Builders Federation), Ellie Liggins-Hughes (St. Modwen Homes), Tamsin Almeida (Hayfield Homes), Richard Hickman (Indurent), Simon Wingate (Lovell Partnerships), Kirsten Cunningham (Aggregate Industries UK), and Nigel Simkin (Highgate Land and Development). If you’re interested in finding out more about SLR consulting, its services or how you could be involved in the next roundtable, visit www.slrconsulting.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading national builders’ merchant Jewson has agreed a three-year sponsorship deal with Shetland Girls & Women’s Football Club, providing new kits for more than 140 players and donations to fund the Club’s place at the 2025 Orkney Island Games. As the first club in Shetland to achieve the Scottish Football Association Quality Mark Bronze Award this year, Shetland Girls & Women’s FC has teams ranging from under nine years old up to the adult team, which recently secured a spot at the 2025 Orkney Island Games. Jewson’s sponsorship deal will help towards the cost of attending the Games, as well as ongoing running costs and a new kit for all players. Wayne Uren, Branch Manager at Jewson Lerwick, says: “As an active member of the Shetland community, we are always looking for new ways to give something back, ranging from product donations to lending our time and expertise to construction projects in the region. “We’ve been following the journey of Shetland Girls & Women’s FC for some time and we are all incredibly proud of their recent achievements, so it felt like the right time to step up our support and agree the sponsorship deal that will provide vital funds to the club over the next three years.” Kay Anderson, Club Chairperson at Shetland Girls & Women’s FC, said: “We are very grateful to Jewson Lerwick for their generous sponsorship deal, which will enable us to continue reaching our ambitious goals for the club and look ahead to the 2025 Orkney Island Games. “The club was formed in 2017 with just a handful of players and we now have more than 140 girls and women playing with us, as well as almost 50 volunteers. We recently appointed a new management team and feel confident that – with the support of our sponsors – we have a bright future ahead.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Managing a construction crew is no small feat. It’s a complex landscape filled with dynamic teams working on diverse projects, each with its unique requirements. Construction employee management involves various tasks, from assigning roles to ensuring that everyone is on the same page. When you combine these challenges with the traditional methods of managing employees, it can lead to confusion and inefficiencies. However, with advancements in technology, particularly in construction employee management software, you can simplify these processes dramatically. One standout solution is Connecteam’s construction employee management software, which helps keep your team engaged, connected, and aligned. In this article, we will explore how effective construction employee management can elevate your business and the myriad ways technology can facilitate this. Why Construction Employee Management Matters Properly managing your construction crew is vital for several reasons. Here are some of the most important aspects: Navigating Common Hurdles in Management Even with the importance of construction employee management in mind, many organizations encounter hurdles. These include high employee turnover, constantly shifting project requirements, and fraught scheduling situations. Many companies also continue to rely on outdated practices like paper logs, which can exacerbate problems. Despite its importance, construction employee management poses several challenges. The construction industry often faces issues related to high employee turnover rates, frequent changes in project scope, and scheduling conflicts. Additionally, many companies still rely on outdated methods such as paper logs and manual scheduling, which can lead to inefficiencies. The Impact of Technology on Employee Management Advancements in technology have made a world of difference when it comes to managing construction employees. Construction employee management software offers a plethora of features that can help streamline your workflow significantly. Connecteam’s Construction Crew Management Software is tailored to meet the unique demands of the construction industry. Here’s how it helps improve management processes: 1. Streamlined Communication One of the standout benefits of using construction employee management software is its ability to facilitate seamless communication. Connecteam allows team members to send messages and receive notifications quickly. This centralizes communication and ensures everyone stays informed, reducing the risk of miscommunication. 2. Smart Scheduling and Time Tracking With so many moving parts in construction projects, effective scheduling is essential. Connecteam makes it easy for managers to create and share work schedules in real-time. Employees can view their schedules anytime via the app, which minimizes confusion around shifts. The time-tracking feature makes payroll management smoother and helps keep labor costs in check. 3. Enhancing Task Management Being a construction manager means more than just assigning tasks; it’s about tracking progress and ensuring quality. The task management capabilities of construction employee management software allow managers to assign tasks directly and monitor their completion. This accountability helps keep projects on schedule. 4. Simplified Document Management Construction projects require lots of paperwork, from contracts to blueprints. Connecteam offers a secure space to store and share documents, which minimizes miscommunication regarding important project details. Your team can easily access all necessary documentation from their mobile devices, enabling smoother project execution. 5. Engaging Employees Keeping employees engaged is essential for high morale and productivity. Connecteam includes features like surveys, polls, and acknowledgment tools that boost employee participation and foster a culture of appreciation. When workers feel recognized, they are more invested in their jobs, which is a cornerstone of effective construction employee management. Getting Started with Construction Employee Management Software Integrating a robust employee management software like Connecteam into your business doesn’t have to be daunting. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you seamlessly adopt this technology: 1. Identify Your Needs Before selecting software, it’s crucial to assess your specific business requirements. Consider the challenges you currently face in managing your construction crew and what problems you want the software to solve. 2. Explore Available Features Each software solution comes with its set of functionalities. Investigate the features that different platforms offer and identify those that align with your needs—look for options like messaging, scheduling, time tracking, and document management. 3. Set Up the Platform After you’ve chosen the right construction employee management software, take the time to set it up according to your organizational needs. Customizing features for your specific crew dynamics will help streamline processes further. 4. Equip Your Team Training is crucial for smooth adoption. Ensure that all team members understand how to navigate and utilize the software effectively. With user-friendly interfaces, Connecteam also provides resources to help facilitate this training phase. 5. Evaluate and Enhance After you’ve implemented the software, continue evaluating its impact on your employee management processes. Collect feedback from your team and be open to making necessary adjustments to optimize its use. Final Thoughts The construction industry faces unique challenges in employee management that can be tackled effectively with the right tools. Effective management is not only vital for completing projects successfully but also crucial for employee satisfaction and safety. By leveraging construction employee management software like Connecteam, you have the potential to create a more efficient and engaging work environment for your team. This investment in technology will pay dividends as your construction crew becomes more productive, aligned, and committed to delivering high-quality work. Elevate your construction employee management strategy today and position your business for future success!
